Cautiously Optimistic

There is a God.

Just when I thought a bad situation could only get worse, there was a breakthrough.

A powerful, unexpected force that turned the situation around, and help arrived from an equally unexpected place.

I hope the temporary relief seen now, will in fact, become permanent.

That is my hope and my prayer.

Could I? Would I?

This is a story of forgiveness with a Sacramento connection.  It's long, but worth the read.

http://www.readability.com/read?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsportsillustrated.cnn.com%2Fvault%2Farticle%2Fmagazine%2FMAG1206007%2Findex.htm

Switch to the readability view for easier reading.  That link is at the top of the page.

Cooling Off

It was a cool 106 at 5:00pm today.

No really.  It felt much cooler.  Probably because of the breeze and the sprinkling of rain.  I hear when it rains the kids are so excited - like our kids are when it snows - because it is such a rare occurrence.  Typically, we get four days of rain a YEAR! I've seen it sprinkle three times.  I'm wondering if that counts as three of the four days.

Thankfully, the uprisings all around us seem to be cooling off and calming down, too.

Things are coming along nicely at work.

We have a new crop of Western teachers.  Most have arrived and are adjusting to the culture shock.  What's amazing is that in the short time I've been here (10 months), I've seen lots of changes and improvements in the systems.

Our perspectives are all relative to our experiences.

Still dealing with crazy kin folks, but even that is relative.

Isn't it funny - rich or poor, black or white - chances are we all have somebody who's crazy or a little off kilter, in our world.

Crazy knows no bounds.

Here's wishing you a wonderfully sane day!

Book Ban?

This is another interesting article.  It's about how the UAE is dealing with the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy.

http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/comment/a-book-ban-raises-the-requirement-of-cultural-sensitivity?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Daily%2BNewsletter%2B18-09-2012#full

Side note - I still haven't finished the first book in the series yet.  I'm seriously struggling with the bondage.  Maybe I should skip that part.  Then I could finish it really fast.

Forgot to Mention . . .

An interesting blog from an Arab perspective.  It's

http://www.arabist.net

Death Up Close

One of our students was killed in a traffic accident over the weekend. She was a 5th grader, probably 10 years old.  We found out about it when the teacher took roll.  A social worker was called in to talk to the girls, and did so for about 10 minutes.  That was it.  We weren't allowed to spend any more time discussing it.

The thinking is, it was God's will and it shouldn't be questioned.  Chances are very good, she was buried within 24 hours of her death, as is the custom.

If this happened in the US, we would have had grief counselors, and we would have spent a good part of the day remembering the student.  There would have been writing and/or drawing opportunities, to help the students deal with, and try to understand, what happened.

Not saying which one is right or wrong, but noting the distinct differences in the way death is handled.

Side note - Fatal accidents happen often here because it is rare to see folks wearing seat belts.  This student was ejected from the car on impact.  Her brother is also a student at our school and was thrown from the car and is in critical condition. The same thing happened to one of our teachers the day before school started.  She was hit and thrown from the vehicle.  She suffered serious injuries, but is expected to survive.

In other news -

I received an advisory from the US Embassy today, warning US citizens to be vigilant and mindful when traveling during these turbulent times.  They were not expecting any issues here in the UAE, but warned of travel outside the country.  I received this information because I registered with the embassy when I arrived.

As I end this -

Here's hoping your day is filled with good things.

And don't forget to . . . forgive.

I know.  I know.  I'm preaching to the choir, but mostly I'm preaching to myself.

All is Well . . . Thank God!

There is violent protesting all around us, but all is well here.  Thank God!

Questions -

Why create something, or say something, or do something, that you know will incite folks?  Isn't that the MO of bullies?

What did they hope to gain by doing this?

And to those who are offended - must the offense, whatever it is, be met with violence?  Is that the only way they believe their voices will be heard and the offense registered?

Just like this offensive video doesn't speak for the masses of Americans, I'm sure that these outbursts of violence don't speak for or represent the masses of Arabs.

And yet, we're all being touched by this.

Like in the segregated South when I was growing up, there were folks in white hoods wrecking all manner of havoc in many Black neighborhoods.  That was our introduction to terrorism.  There were many whites who stood against them, but there were also many who remained silent.  And because of their silence, they were with them by default.

Likewise, I'm guessing there are many Arabs who see these riots as wrong, but until they speak out against them, they appear to be with the rioters, and those folks are likely to continue this madness.

It takes courage to stand up in the face opposition, especially if that opposition is made up of family and friends fighting for a cause.

As much as I appreciate our First Amendment, the Freedom of Speech, the right to say anything you want to say should also come with some responsibilities to deal with any blowback this free speech might bring.

Personally, I'm not interested in protecting the fools who created this film that was the tipping point of these recent violent acts.  They should have to pay the piper themselves, and not drag the rest of us in the dirt with them.

Voting

Like an idiot, I was 40 before I cast my first vote . . . for anything.  I was one of those folks who didn't think my vote/voice counted in making a difference.

Never mind the multitude of folks who fought and died so that I could enjoy the right to vote.

I was so STUPID, STUPID, STUPID!!!

Thank God, I came to my senses, though late, and have voted every since.

However, once I arrived here, I realized that when I left California, I forgot to change my status to "absentee."  This meant I would have missed the opportunity to vote this fall.  I spent months waiting to get here, and could have taken care of it during that time, but I had tunnel vision . . . only thinking about when I would be leaving.

Anyway, I went online and figured out how to change my voting status, and I WILL be able to vote in this presidential election!

YES!  YES!  YES!

Let me encourage you all to step up and caste your ballot.  Don't be like me and live a lifetime before you exercise your right.  No matter who you support, let your voice be heard, by taking advantage of this right to vote that we as Americans so richly enjoy.

Calm in the Midst of the Storm

I'm grateful for two things tonight.

First, that I'm feeling better after spending most of the morning at the doctor's.  As I've mentioned several times before, we must have a doctor's note for all absences, or our pay will be docked.  More importantly, I want to document the fact that I am sick and not playing hooky.  I'm guessing some of the previous Western teaching staff took time off for fun things and got caught.  This is the system's way of preventing that.

Secondly, I'm grateful that the Libyan attack on the US Embassy was widely condemned in this area.  I've included a couple of links to headline stories in the paper today.

http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/africa/us-envoys-killing-causes-global-fallout?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Daily%2BNewsletter%2B13-09-2012

http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/us-ambassadors-death-first-blood-to-the-bigots-on-both-sides

It seems so cowardly to me that the folks responsible for the anti-Islam / anti-Muslim rhetoric, are now in hiding.  They are the ones who should be facing these angry mobs.

When we will learn to respect other people's right to believe what they want to believe?

When will we, as Americans, stop trying to impose our beliefs on others?

The violence in this area is the direct result of the stupidity of many, particularly the makers of this inflammatory film, to incite.  And of course, many of the folks on this end, who are looking for a reason to fight, think they are speaking for all of us.

It's a mess.

Don't worry about me though.  Things are fine here.  Inshalllah.

May God's peace surround those who have lost loved ones in this tragedy.

Another One Bites the Dust

Home sick.

More soon.

It's a Party!

The first day of school -

There was dancing and singing, popcorn and cotton candy.  There were archways made of festive balloons.  There were second grade students dressed in costumes to greet the first graders, who are new to the school.  They went from room to room along with music so loud the portable amplifier that was used could easily work in a stadium.

Loud doesn't begin to describe it.

Up and down the hallways, in classrooms and the lunchroom there was dancing and singing.

It was fascinating to witness the difference in the way we do things, particularly the first day of school.

I think the rationale for this party atmosphere is that they want the kids to see school as fun and social, so that is promoted to get them there.  Remember, just 40 years ago, they lived in the desert and there were no schools.  So really, they've come a long way.

Recently, I met someone on one of my flights who was an Emirati who was in college in Indiana.  His transition must have truly been an eye-opener.

In other news -

We needed twelve new Western teachers.  So far, six have arrived.  In addition, we have six local teachers who are out - car accident, surgery, babies, etc.  In other words, we have a serious shortage.  We're hopeful that this will be resolved soon.

Anyway, that's it from party central.

More soon.

Ready or Not . . . Here They Come!

Tomorrow is the first day of school with students.  I've got to get to bed early to be ready for them, so this post will be a quickie.

I'm guessing all the students will be there, but it might be a case of them trickling in. We'll see.

We needed twelve new teachers and six arrived.  It's my understanding that the support staff will help to cover those classes with missing teachers.  Here's hoping the other six arrive soon.

Side note -

The evil reference/circumstances in my last post hasn't changed, but I've let it go. There is nothing to do but ride it out and, hope for the best.

Side note 2 -

I just video chatted with little Zadie.  What a treat!  It's amazing how fast she's growing.  Ben and his wife are having a baby too, due in December, so we'll be starting the process all over again.  I can't wait!

OK.  It's bedtime.

To all you educators out there, here's wishing you the best school year . . . EVER!

Good morning to you.

Good night to me.

How Do You Deal With Evil?

How do you deal with people who go out of their way to hurt and inflict pain?

And who hurt the people you love?

Do you ignore them?

Strike back?

Turn the other cheek?

I know.  I know.

I've been preaching forgiveness no matter what, but . . .

This hurts.

I know what I should do, but I just want to pounce.

Then

Ask for forgiveness later.

Maybe.

Why is it so easy to give advice, and yet so hard to follow it yourself?

Post Script

I wished I'd watched Michelle's speech at the DNC before writing the last post.

She was simply . . . amazing!

Public Speaking

Some folks are great at public speaking.  Others not so much.

It's interesting to me how tone deaf some speakers can be.  That is, they are not in tune with their audience.

When you see people nodding off, that should be a great clue that you need to move things along or maybe change gears altogether.

Too often, that is not the case.

This is especially true if the speaker is someone of note.  It's as if those around him/her are careful not to offend, so they watch as if everything is OK.

I hope someone will always pull me aside and say, enough already.

And hopefully, I'll have sense enough to listen.

Back to School

Today was the first day back to school after our summer break.  This week the whole staff will be present getting ready for next week, when the students return.

We spent the abbreviated day greeting everyone and catching up with each other. Although there was lots to be done, and lots of decisions that needed to be made, not much happened.  This was in large part due to staff and visitors paying their respects to our principal, who lost her Mom a few weeks ago.  The decisions that needed to be made needed her approval.

Inshallah.

Everything that needs to happen will happen.

Tomorrow we have a state-wide meeting, so we're all trekking to Abu Dhabi for that.

In contrast, the administrative staff of schools in the US usually begins about four weeks before the kids return and about three weeks before the teaching and support staff.

By far, this has been the most stress-free summer I've had since I've been in education.  For once, I wasn't fixated on test scores.  Although standardized testing happens here, not nearly as much focus is put on the results.  Certainly, not like in the US.

Remarkably, most of my colleagues didn't sleep well last night.  There's something about the first day of school that causes excitement and anxiety, for the kids, teachers . . . everyone.

Teaching is one of those rare professions where we get to reboot every September, and to a lesser degree, every January.

Side note -

I purchased something yesterday that needed to be delivered.  I asked for same day delivery and it happened, at 11:00 at night!  I got the wakeup call at 10:30 asking to confirm my location.  I dared not suggest they come at a more convenient time. Heaven knows when that would have been.

Of course, it took a while to get back to sleep.

Surprisingly, and thankfully, I woke up refreshed and ready for the day and the year.

Here's wishing school staffs everywhere a wonderful year.

True Confession: I'm Looking for a "Louie"

What a guy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I4wNAmjkRY&feature=player_embedded

Lost & Found in Translation

I hope that you can access this article in The National.  It's in the Weekend section and it is about how English words and phrases mean different things depending on where you're from.

Click anywhere on the page to enlarge it.

http://thenational.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx

Back Home Again

My travels ended on a high note.  Bangkok was the best!

Now it's time to get back into the working frame of mind.

Interestingly, my sleep pattern is off.  I'm surprised because for some reason, it's been easier adjusting to a 12-hour time difference than to a 3-hour one.  I'm not sure why that is.

There was running around I needed to do yesterday that kept me busy, but today is our Sabbath, so I'll be tucked in tight at home.

One more thought about traveling.

I get questioned a lot about traveling alone.  Is is safe?  Am I lonely?

Yes.

No.

Mostly, it's a relief.

The only person I have to deal with, confer with, and ultimately please . . . is me.

The tour packages have been great because someone meets me at the airport, takes me to the hotel and plans the itinerary, with input from me if there's something I especially want to do.

Terrific deals can be found on Groupon and Living Social.

I waited almost twenty years to see the coast of California because I was waiting for someone to see it with.  That solo trip down the coast that I finally took was the confirmation and the catalyst to my traveling alone today.

Last thoughts -

Remember to regularly forgive yourself and others, from anything that might hold you back.

I know.  I know.

You wish I'd quit harping on this, but my goal is to help someone else to avoid the many mistakes I've made.

If I succeed in that, terrific.

If not, please forgive me for the repetition.

Your blogging buddy.

The Floating Market & Elephant Ride

What a day!

I was picked up from the hotel at 7:30, on our way south of Bangkok about 1.5 hours, headed to the famous Floating Markets.

On our way, we stopped by another market - there are thousands of these open air markets everywhere.  This one was unique because a train passes through it at 9:00 every morning.  Not sure why, but it didn't happen today.

This place went on forever and it was so crowded.  Just when you thought you'd reached the end, there was miles more to see.  

Outside of market

This is what the neighborhood looked like
outside the market.

All kinds of stuff for sale.

More stuff.

There was fresh, cleaned and ready-to-cook frogs - not just frog legs - but whole frogs.  Some were smoked.

Pan on the bottom right holds the fresh frogs.
Bon appetite!

There were chicken parts of all kind, including chicken feet.  Terry and I used to fight over these growing up.

Chicken parts. 

There were crabs and clams and pork.

The pan in the middle holds pig feet.  Yum!

There were fish of every kind - some big, some little, some with a stringy mouth.

I asked my guide what this was.  He said, "Fish."
That much I got.  I wanted to know what kind,
but the question was lost in translation.

There was every imaginable kind of spice and flowers.

Lots and lots of flowers.
Many are used in the make-shift altars seen everywhere.

There was fruit, fruit, and more fruit.  All of those exotic ones that I'd tried out since living in Abu Dhabi were all here.

Then there was just stuff - for the house, to wear, to use.  Stuff, stuff everywhere!

Next we stopped by a coconut farm.  The palm trees here grow coconuts.  In the UAE, they grow dates.  You see dried coconut shells along the side of the road by the thousands.  They are used to make beds and sofas - which sounds pretty lumpy to me, but I didn't see any, so I can't say for sure.

The man is holding a coconut flower.
Iside the stalk-like leaves, are the coconuts.

There were many other products of all kind made from the coconut shells - purses, balls, lamps, dishes, utensils . . .

There was a demonstration on how coconut sugar is made.

Coconut sugar drying.
It looks and tastes a lot like the brown sugar we're used to.

Fascinating.

I also learned how coconut milk is made when you squeeze the meat.  If you heat it, it makes oil used for cooking or for putting on your skin before sunbathing.  Sounds like you'd be cooking your skin, but I don't know much about sitting in the sun . . . on purpose.

Coconut meat.  Squeeze it to make juice.
Heat it to make oil.

After this enlightenment, we were off to the Floating Market.

What fun!

We drove to the dock were dozens of boats were awaiting passengers.  Each boat can carry about 6-8 I think, but ours just had two, the tour guide and me.  We had to sit in the middle of the boat, in the middle of the seats, to keep it balanced.

Boats used to ferry folks to and from the Floating Market.

We rode through a canal that was between 15-20 feet deep, for about a half hour. Some places it was narrow, others wide.  Mostly the shore was lined with homes. Some very, very modest and others very, very nice.

Picture from inside the boat.

Lovely dining area on the water.
This is the front porch of someone's home.

Beautiful home along the way.

Big, foreboding Buddha sitting next to a
magnificent temple on the water.

It's a windy body of water.  We slowed down to turn about a half dozen times, and there it is.  Scores and scores of boats with women selling their goods.  Some other women are lining the waterway and you have to shop by boat from them.

Picture I downloaded so that you could see a decent panoramic view.
Awesome!

The boat driver slowed down and we hopped off.  You could shop from the bank and there were lots of things for sale on the dock.

I'm watching the ladies cook on the boats.

You can't see it, but some of the women are cooking -
frying food, with piping hot grease - on the boats!  Yikes!

Another downloaded shot where if you look closely,
you can see some boats filled with colorful fruit.

So, so cool.

Yes, this Floating Market is probably mostly for tourists, but this one had a ball getting to it and shopping in it once we were there.

Yep.  Me again.

I found this video that does a great job of showing the highlights.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBqr2feVCeI

As we were leaving, the tour guide mentioned that we were close to a place where you can ride elephants and he asked if I was interested.

Absolutely!

What a treat!

I bought the ticket and climbed a two-story structure where there is an opening - it would be a gate, if there was a door - and climb onto the seat.  It's designed for two, but I sat in the middle to keep it balanced.  The kid who was guiding the elephant was riding on her head.

You can't see me, but I've just boarded the elephant.

Yes, it was a girl.

Old woman, really.

She was 60 years old!

Me and my buddy.

I'm sure the folks saw me coming and knew I needed an elephant that was old and s - l - o - w.

She was wonderful!

We travelled along a paved path.  At one point she stopped because she knew this is where there were good leaves located for her to eat.  she was encouraged to move along, and she did.

Smart girl.

The kid got off of her later to take pictures of me, and for a while, it was just she and I, plodding along.

Me and my buddy . . . again.

She was a good girl.

It was a hot day.  Humid, too.

As we were heading back, she dipped into a canal running parallel to the path.

My first comment was "WHOA GIRL."

My guide calmed me down and said the water wasn't deep.

Well, that's relative.  The elephant was up to her neck in water, but like the guide said, we were fine and dry throughout this cooling off dip for her.

So much fun!

Tonight I pack for my journey home, but it with a heart of gratitude for having the best summer of my life!

As always, thanks for taking this ride with me.