tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54159050700921022442024-03-05T12:57:36.514-05:00Adventures in the World"Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not."
Ralph Waldo EmersonJasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126538391759119553noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415905070092102244.post-69072002778448695392016-06-21T04:54:00.001-04:002016-06-21T04:54:03.803-04:00Cancellation and clearancesLeaving is just as complicated as arriving and knowing I get to do some of the same things again upon our return is actually rather frustrating.<div><br></div><div>To date, I've cancelled the girls' and my visas, closed and cleared our Internet account, closed and am waiting for clearance of our utilities, moved our belongings into a friend's for the summer and am waiting to get my housing clearance form.... </div><div><br></div><div>All while reporting to work, marking exams and entering final grades. Is it July 5th yet???</div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126538391759119553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415905070092102244.post-32477031063895646442016-06-09T04:51:00.001-04:002016-06-09T04:51:22.732-04:00Transition timeRight now everything is in transition. We are packing for the move, downsizing, packing for summer holidays, and trying to organize as much as possible for the changes that are coming. <div><br></div><div>I'm excited about our new schools and starting to receive the welcome information from both of them (Belle will be at a different school). We have information for our new flat. But I'm still waiting on information from my current employer on how to complete the exit process. The good news is that my resignation has been approved and now it's moved onto the paperwork dance. </div><div><br></div><div>At least Zofia is packed and ready. ;)<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCJbVPZaEMiKCQ2H_WtOftv51_Ba5u130JemnMW62ZhjtflATGdNAjaNoefo4qlwdE4AiKpsAct2mixWUYTAJrcfxVhMSxdxGZ87LgYd_FFWNxFCoVl7RPicAECUXpudqwo4uAjJ3Ijrz/s640/blogger-image-409165701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCJbVPZaEMiKCQ2H_WtOftv51_Ba5u130JemnMW62ZhjtflATGdNAjaNoefo4qlwdE4AiKpsAct2mixWUYTAJrcfxVhMSxdxGZ87LgYd_FFWNxFCoVl7RPicAECUXpudqwo4uAjJ3Ijrz/s640/blogger-image-409165701.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126538391759119553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415905070092102244.post-55199968306247639272016-05-06T03:27:00.002-04:002016-05-06T03:27:20.270-04:00Counting the days...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I've been counting down the days left working in my current job. It helps keep me focused on the upcoming transition and I think is helping the girls prepare too. The end of the school year is always rough in the expat world because even if you aren't moving yourself, people you know are. We've known the whole school year that it was our last year in our current home, schools, etc., but now we are looking around at the other people making changes too. Next year, our community of friends will be expanding their global reach as they move on to new places and positions. Some will be staying in country like us, but also transitioning to new positions or schools.<br />
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We are looking forward to spending a month in the US and catching up with friends and family. But, we are also looking forward to the opportunities that moving to Dubai will provide. We received some free passes to Bounce Dubai and had a fabulous time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5Rhs23SZVHMlMCNqwA1QkhFuZ1OZ63rMhyphenhyphenbxt9WfdZ6NaJV5xtW4shmfAK2MT55AgvZKdWdNzY70NURtCxd5YUNULMEVtLINQxXkW2qlLJbARixs2rDWer4PtNo7eW7WGcpd0F1lk4nZ/s640/blogger-image--110329190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5Rhs23SZVHMlMCNqwA1QkhFuZ1OZ63rMhyphenhyphenbxt9WfdZ6NaJV5xtW4shmfAK2MT55AgvZKdWdNzY70NURtCxd5YUNULMEVtLINQxXkW2qlLJbARixs2rDWer4PtNo7eW7WGcpd0F1lk4nZ/s200/blogger-image--110329190.jpg" width="200" /></a>I think it will be a nice place to visit more often! So for now, we are just going to keep downsizing and getting ready for our next jump. </div>
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Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126538391759119553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415905070092102244.post-83613811475493121462016-01-30T01:57:00.002-05:002016-01-30T01:57:24.439-05:00Destination: Dubai!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well, we thought we'd be leaving the UAE, and learned we are just switching Emirates.... In August, the girls and I will be returning to the UAE after a visit to the homeland, but living in the Emirate of Dubai. I've accepted a position at the Al Mizhar American Academy and am thrilled that the girls will be able to attend the same school.</div>
Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126538391759119553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415905070092102244.post-19677139322910627432015-12-05T00:32:00.000-05:002015-12-05T01:14:04.835-05:00Starting the sales...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGu8vGTyJ17oYIfkEtIRl7oeVwDrC1FYaCw515xM-nGXMqmZv1ft416m6HlJP0fxAEbRtL3TuKqqrnJ3Lqv2K4V5SFpCpEn2vztSfMWxNiJvGlhlDh1uKKHUgDuS9oot71Z3s2Gn_xFjY/s640/blogger-image--701443506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGu8vGTyJ17oYIfkEtIRl7oeVwDrC1FYaCw515xM-nGXMqmZv1ft416m6HlJP0fxAEbRtL3TuKqqrnJ3Lqv2K4V5SFpCpEn2vztSfMWxNiJvGlhlDh1uKKHUgDuS9oot71Z3s2Gn_xFjY/s200/blogger-image--701443506.jpg" width="150" /></a>Being an expat for five years and watching so many of my friends move and leave has been invaluable in teaching me that it is never too early to start selling.<br />
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In the last month or so, I've started to sell little things, and in the coming months, I'll be selling more. It is hard to know what we will need to bring with us, or want to bring with us, as right now we have no idea where we are headed next. I also have a bunch of ornaments and things that I put in storage five years ago, that I have not spent a lot of time thinking about, which tells me that things are not as important as the sentiment we attach. Blessedly, my whole life has taught me that things are not as important as people, so I don't attach much sentiment to things...<br />
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So, are you looking for a good buy? I may have something you are interested in....</div>
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Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126538391759119553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415905070092102244.post-7756719798582305492015-10-29T13:00:00.000-04:002015-10-29T13:00:38.357-04:00Lost in translation (or all about transportation)...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I come from Northern NH, where cars are a necessity and trucks are even better. When you move overseas, you learn about the transportation needs of new locations. </div>
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Moving to the UAE taught me that my family could survive with one car (we had always been a multi-car family - and usually also had a back-up third car/truck).... If we had been placed in Abu Dhabi city, depending on my school's location, we might not have needed a car at all because public transportation is so prevalent. Due to the location of our first flat in Al Ain, we learned that having a personal vehicle was the way to go, and after observing the driving here, we opted to purchase a new car. Many people chose to buy, but I also know many people who enjoy the conveniences of renting. </div>
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It took less than a week to find a buyer for the car, but due to some confusion with my registration (I really should have learned to read Arabic and be more fluent with speaking it), the sale took almost two weeks to close. After multiple visits to the traffic office, bank, and phone calls, as well as the assistance of a good friend, and her Arabic speaking husband, the registration issue was resolved and the sale could conclude with a final trip to the traffic office. </div>
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Thank heavens for a patient buyer and for being a woman, as each visit to the traffic office allowed me to skip the queue and jump to the front of the line - even before they started to recognize me upon arrival! Definitely a cultural perk I will miss.</div>
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After concluding the sale, I learned that there are no refunds on your Salik account (the UAE version of EZPass), so for future exiters, let your Salik run low before selling your vehicle to minimize the loss.</div>
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Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126538391759119553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415905070092102244.post-68121761302176970472015-10-25T00:41:00.002-04:002015-10-25T01:52:39.412-04:00Becoming a critical thinker...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This morning, Belle and I were talking about my Goodreads review of Rick Riordan's new book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Magnus-Chase-Gods-Asgard-Book/dp/1423160916/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1445747911&sr=8-1&keywords=the+sword+of+summer" target="_blank">The Sword of Summer.</a> Riordan is currently her all time favorite writer and started her on her journey of fandoms. As such, I will be forever grateful for him and his writing, but that doesn't make him infallible. She acknowledges issues with his later books, and she has yet to read the new Norse book, only my review and what other Riordan fans have been posting.</div>
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To give you context, here's my review: </div>
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"<i>I really wanted to like this book, but it is even less developed than the Kane Chronicles, and not as well done as the Percy Jackson series. The story lacked strong character development and after spending a whole book in Magnus Chase's head, I honestly couldn't tell you much about him. There is not enough time spent world building in both the regular world and the other eight worlds that make up the Nine Worlds of Norse mythology. It reads like an early draft rather than a developed story that is marking the beginning of a new series.</i><br />
<i>Also Riordan attempted to add some diversity to the story by the addition of some Muslim characters, including one of the leads. While this is admirable in thought, it is unfortunately not well researched. A Muslim can not serve Odin as a Valkyrie as that directly conflicts with the central tenet of Islam, that there is no God but Allah... it made the character ring false and grated whenever her hijab came up in the story. </i><br />
<i>I am unlikely to read anymore in the series which is sad because I've always enjoyed Riordan's work and how accessible he makes cultural mythology. It had such potential. "</i><br />
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Having spent the last years in a Muslim country, we have truly been lucky to learn more about the Islamic faith. We have many Muslim friends and have had many discussions to learn more about their religion and also examined how it relates to ours. Riordan never made any of his characters religious before, so it was an easy sell to have them recognize their demi-god status and acceptance of historic mythology. In making one of his character's religious, he's removed that part that is true faith, allowed her some of the trappings of her faith without the substance behind it, and made it more like a dress up experience. As a person of faith, it was upsetting and, and as a human being, I find it disrespectful and as Belle put it this morning, ignorant. She recognizes that our time abroad has allowed us to be thoughtful in this instance and to be aware of what many may miss. We have been blessed with the opportunity to learn and see faith in practice in both our home church community and while living in a Muslim country. </div>
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All faiths deserve true respect. Religion isn't about the trappings, but the beliefs and values. Adding diversity is great, but be educated about how you do it. Look at what G. Woodrow Wilson has done with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ms-Marvel-1-No-Normal/dp/078519021X/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1445747811&sr=8-4&keywords=ms+marvel" target="_blank">Ms. Marvel</a> - that's a better example of a Muslim girl standing by her beliefs in a fictional world. </div>
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Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126538391759119553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415905070092102244.post-23900590922914932082015-10-17T03:40:00.002-04:002015-10-17T04:22:54.529-04:00How things change while you are busy living life....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQKq8YckYKlTsrM6dICdx7batnvWOjdYwRx3VXt0i_Lnphybm2lV5XESJ24PDkX4P_uisRpitcefc9MfND23hCaCEkT6Ze-iWMzIXc7KH8tEct4j9sBIaLfW4lOHDscf-gTTwQzHWsP4T/s1600/IMG_0336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQKq8YckYKlTsrM6dICdx7batnvWOjdYwRx3VXt0i_Lnphybm2lV5XESJ24PDkX4P_uisRpitcefc9MfND23hCaCEkT6Ze-iWMzIXc7KH8tEct4j9sBIaLfW4lOHDscf-gTTwQzHWsP4T/s200/IMG_0336.jpg" width="150" /></a>I stopped blogging about our new adventures because, well, honestly, it stopped feeling so much like a new adventure and just felt like life. As we prepare to depart the UAE, it feels like it is time to blog again...<br />
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Since August 2011, this has become our home away from home. We attend regular community events, belong to a local church, developed traditions (yes, we will be doing our annual holiday cookie decorating), and we run into friends whenever we leave the house. <br />
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Our lives have changed a lot. Professionally, I have become the grade level coordinator for my school and helped further develop the curriculum for the Abu Dhabi School Model. I've become educated about different learning models and discovered that I was IB before that was really a thing (now onto getting some official training in it, so I can claim the qualification!). Socially, I've made some great friends and had some heart wrenching "see you laters." On the plus, that means we have friends all over the world (but that is also a negative too, as it means they aren't nearby)....Personally, our family make up has changed as well. I came with a family of three, and I'll be leaving as a different family of three... Birthing and divorcing in a foreign country was an experience, but not really something I want to write about at this time.<br />
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This July, it will be time to call some place else home, and currently, we have no idea where that will be - so strange for this NH girl who likes to live by a plan. It may be repatriation to the US, or it could be the continuation of our expat adventures. It's in God's hands at the moment. If you have any suggestions, we'd love to hear them.<br />
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The move is predicated by Zofia becoming school age - preschool next year! - and Belle's tuition continuing to increase (as well as other cost of living expenses) with no correlating income increase. We've started to sell off the non-essentials (like the dishwasher), and my car has been listed for sale, with a sale pending. I've rented what I believe will be our final UAE car, a Toyota Yaris, and we'll continue the reduction of things you accumulate, but won't go on to the next adventure with you. I think the next items on the block will be a gently used recliner and the two extra mattresses I've somehow accumulated (one day I will count the number of beds that were somehow collected by us during our UAE time....). <br />
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And so begins, our long goodbye to the UAE....<br />
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Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126538391759119553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415905070092102244.post-79245537362059014892014-03-18T05:15:00.000-04:002014-03-18T05:15:22.900-04:00Three years in the sand...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I used to try and blog at least once a month. It was easier to find the time when Belle was an only child, and Zofia hadn't gotten mobile. Plus, my work commitments were comfortable. The last six months have been a bit overwhelming in trying to balance the social lives of a toddler and preteen, my own needs, and my job. Something had to give, and sadly, it was the blog. Facebook friends have managed to stay up to date through occasional photo postings, but the blog was neglected. I'm hoping to rectify this now that my schedule has been changed for the 9th time this year.<br />
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Three years ago, I was told I would need to be flexible and the last two terms attempted to see how much I could stretch. In my contract, I am allowed a maximum of thirty hours for responsibilities during the school week, and since September, that was what I was assigned. It was exhausting and I was always on the go. For the first term, I had a colleague keeping me company at the maximum hours, but the second term, I was the only teacher in my school with that load. What kept me going was the support of two of my coworkers who made sure I always had the copies I needed, helped me develop resources, supplied me with resources and tools, and made sure I kept my sense of humor. With their help, I still managed to have a reserve of energy to keep up with my two busy girls. For this final term, I am back down to a more manageable timetable.<br />
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Winter in Al Ain (end of November to the beginning of March) is the absolute best time to be here. The weather is like a New Hampshire summer with warm days and mild nights. We spent a lot of time outdoors, taking walks, visiting the zoo, climbing sand dunes, going to parks, grilling, and enjoying the temperatures.<br />
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Belle has been enjoying school this year and made some really good friends. She was named Star of the Week for two weeks in February, and is adjusting well to the Cambridge Curriculum (British) and spellings. In the last few weeks, she has been learning how to play rounders (British version of baseball) and has even scored a run. Next term, she is joining the school choir and she has auditioned to be in a school play after spending a term doing drama as an extracurricular. <br />
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Rob's schedule doesn't leave him with much time at home, which has been hard for the girls. During the week, I have the help of Zofia's fabulous nanny, which makes the "single" parenting a little easier. But he is enjoying being part of the working force again after his stint as a stay at home parent. <br />
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Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126538391759119553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415905070092102244.post-31775862855646427972013-10-24T05:15:00.001-04:002013-10-26T13:09:22.379-04:00The rain in the homeland<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I haven't posted for a bit and find I've got a few posts to catch up on. Here goes...<br />
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The month of July was so green and lush. While most of our friends complained about the rain, we luxuriated in it. Buying umbrellas and needing to pay attention to a weather report were things we had missed about NH... What we did not miss and indeed had forgotten were the bugs (which were greatly increased in response to the damp). Belle elected to stand outside in a downpour while I completed <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">a visit</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> at the Social Security office to the confusion of onlookers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">While the rain was indeed lovely, it was even better that we were able to spend time with friends and family we had only seen online for two years. We are truly blessed with incredible people in our lives and it was a joy to see each and every person. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The flight home was a bit of a nightmare, due to flight delays and lost luggage, but our time in the US was a pleasant break from our desert lives. </span></div>
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Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126538391759119553noreply@blogger.com0Al Ain Al Ain24.208201 55.74792tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415905070092102244.post-12841911650556171382013-07-05T04:27:00.000-04:002013-07-05T04:27:03.681-04:00School's out for summer!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJLfBZqEedLgBJN81t9gaKPcU-ZTD8E6OxMHLMKfFA9P_fARHBfkw7DbySlBxbrehiD74HQUQ4pbgr0HEjlQHcmb1g3_NBEQGJSFBZAtAORhLB_O67s0FhJ6DsrVx1tePY2dvePTrO5sz/s1600/IMG_4059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">\</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJLfBZqEedLgBJN81t9gaKPcU-ZTD8E6OxMHLMKfFA9P_fARHBfkw7DbySlBxbrehiD74HQUQ4pbgr0HEjlQHcmb1g3_NBEQGJSFBZAtAORhLB_O67s0FhJ6DsrVx1tePY2dvePTrO5sz/s1600/IMG_4059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJLfBZqEedLgBJN81t9gaKPcU-ZTD8E6OxMHLMKfFA9P_fARHBfkw7DbySlBxbrehiD74HQUQ4pbgr0HEjlQHcmb1g3_NBEQGJSFBZAtAORhLB_O67s0FhJ6DsrVx1tePY2dvePTrO5sz/s200/IMG_4059.jpg" width="150" /></a>Yesterday was the last day of school for the 2012-2013 school year. The week was filled with professional development activities for our School Improvement Plan and preparation work for our Irtiqa'a review next year (sort of like the NEASC accreditation process but compressed into one year). We also had time to clean out our files, organize our office, and celebrate the school year. Our school had three EMT's complete their contracts and decide to repatriate to their home countries. We also had a teacher retire. Local female teachers can retire after 15 years if they have children. At the end of the year luncheon, one of the local teachers sat with a group of EMTs, and we complimented her on English. She told us how she had studied for three years to become a doctor, but a family member decided that it was not a good thing, so she became a teacher. She's been a teacher for a number of years now and would like to get a master's in curriculum and policy. She applied and was accepted to attend a university in the US. Her husband does not want her to leave for the two years, but said she could only he would not give her permission to take her children with her. It was hard for me to see how accepting she was of these challenges to her professional goals, attributing it to Allah's plan and will, and yet, I had to remind myself of some of my friends who were unable to come abroad with their spouses and stepchildren, or their own children because of similar circumstances. It is a different culture and people are protective of their children and their exposure to different cultures.<br />
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On a lighter note, we were able to celebrate the 4th of July with friends from different parts of the world (including some Brits). We had a lovely indoor barbeque because it was too uncomfortable to be outside. We even did an impromptu baby music class. Rob had a celebration at work, so he didn't completely miss out on the holiday. <br />
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In three days, the girls and I board a plane for the US, a day before the expected start to Ramadan. </div>
Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126538391759119553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415905070092102244.post-11347656904909106792013-06-26T04:13:00.001-04:002013-06-27T09:39:02.887-04:00Homeschooling ends...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last year, we decided that we were going to homeschool Belle. This decision was based on a multitude of factors, including the quality of education she had been receiving. The biggest issue was the bullying she had experienced throughout the year, and the lack of response from her inexperienced (it was her first year) classroom teacher and the school administration.<br />
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I spent weeks researching curriculum and programs before selecting <a href="http://movingbeyondthepage.com/" target="_blank">Moving Beyond the Page </a>(an integrated language arts, science, and social studies curriculum) with Everyday Mathematics. Moving Beyond the Page was a really solid program and literature rich. Belle moved away from textbooks to novels and activities. </div>
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The hard part was motivating a 9 year old who was distracted by her baby sister and a dad that was accustomed to sleeping in (replaced by naps with the baby). This led to a progression of later and later start times, and sometimes a lack of any work being completed. The positive side is Belle and Zofia truly adore one another. The negative was that I spent my time at home fighting with Belle to do schoolwork and neither one of us was getting a break as make up work consumed our weekends. </div>
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We decided this spring that Belle needed to go back to a brick and mortar school. We started casually asking friends about their schools and reading websites. We did drive-bys to establish locations, and researched the difference between British (many schools offer this) and American (limited offerings) curriculum. Based on our findings and what we knew about various schools, we arranged school visits. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnZA6aIS0Ewo1JdidbXv3pWgqvJAkNQ3J8nLrGjgsc8ulkzB6O13L7Je9W2NzaH9Kh-5LicRzpfN3k6m9k1OAJjXHyAua599evMG_uoL8oRtW53EWobHSIqMfsbwF7wDHMHhFOfZlJwzm/s640/blogger-image-1354170006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnZA6aIS0Ewo1JdidbXv3pWgqvJAkNQ3J8nLrGjgsc8ulkzB6O13L7Je9W2NzaH9Kh-5LicRzpfN3k6m9k1OAJjXHyAua599evMG_uoL8oRtW53EWobHSIqMfsbwF7wDHMHhFOfZlJwzm/s200/blogger-image-1354170006.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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On Monday, Belle took a placement test and on Tuesday, she was accepted into Year 6 at <a href="http://www.alaininternational.sch.ae/" target="_blank">Al Ain International School</a>. I just paid her registration deposit and by the time I arrived back to my school had received the first term invoice. So starting September 8th, this will be her new school:</div>
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Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126538391759119553noreply@blogger.com0Al Ain Al Ain24.208217 55.747872tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415905070092102244.post-21385603599529164482013-06-24T02:34:00.001-04:002013-06-24T03:33:46.789-04:00GraduationYesterday was graduation, and this year I embraced the spirit & dressed for the occasion. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmCrGsgmnPikiCjTKQfwBzTlfi4AG3RY-G2yeu-lLofNjFkVWh5M-NnnuazUEvbResJxKnxyipuS7RP1WJQnl9wtI4pmuvQldnDhxjGCcQAY77Qwn0y3STaU905x6fUxSzg2IGQ1GWAUW/s640/blogger-image--1667784473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmCrGsgmnPikiCjTKQfwBzTlfi4AG3RY-G2yeu-lLofNjFkVWh5M-NnnuazUEvbResJxKnxyipuS7RP1WJQnl9wtI4pmuvQldnDhxjGCcQAY77Qwn0y3STaU905x6fUxSzg2IGQ1GWAUW/s640/blogger-image--1667784473.jpg"></a>This is a picture of my gown, minus my wrap. It gives you a small idea of the gowns that our graduates wore and unlike those young ladies, I wore my hair up... They wear their hair up most days, so for special occasions they wear it down, curled, jeweled, and then have the make up to match. Sometimes it was hard to recognize my students that I've spent the last six months with because they were so transformed. Our graduation was also attended by the daughter of the current leader of the UAE, Sheikha Salama bint Khalifa!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On the home front, the girls and I are looking forward to flying home in two weeks! Rob is still waiting to start his job. We've been told inshallah this week... Fingers are crossed, as it is has been a long wait and he's missing out on the US visit because of it. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqy6UTbmIHqJsxPBsvG2aXBhPIk9pECowcwSRzenCNMvA19BmCT3cT0fRzwCj3Zi0YP4YhyrIW0lNKvWZYpGSYAU99rFsT68ePtEaTGZCaht8ZP0HpGskT5zrSe8ZZQMT8PBy9xGQCipEu/s640/blogger-image--124805072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqy6UTbmIHqJsxPBsvG2aXBhPIk9pECowcwSRzenCNMvA19BmCT3cT0fRzwCj3Zi0YP4YhyrIW0lNKvWZYpGSYAU99rFsT68ePtEaTGZCaht8ZP0HpGskT5zrSe8ZZQMT8PBy9xGQCipEu/s640/blogger-image--124805072.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Zofia has learned how to crawl, so we have been madly baby proofing our house. Belle is now 10 (seriously, where has the time gone!). We have been saying goodbye to many of our 2011 companions, the people we started this journey with, and some from earlier years as they return to the US or go on to other countries. We are also excited to attend a 4th of July party next week with American & British friends. It should be quite an experience celebrating Independence Day with them! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JQq7mxWRglmhemBDs18uafV48a6qivzlUlG6R-TOEPUcLo0XEy8y73SMpKrcgSzEh-Vhx72NzHmpH57NMbtXGZqdfPNtRITbF3foXao1upPKdhreMQuUuV4ajF2r-cfAFGcjmwEcenPX/s640/blogger-image-855826571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JQq7mxWRglmhemBDs18uafV48a6qivzlUlG6R-TOEPUcLo0XEy8y73SMpKrcgSzEh-Vhx72NzHmpH57NMbtXGZqdfPNtRITbF3foXao1upPKdhreMQuUuV4ajF2r-cfAFGcjmwEcenPX/s640/blogger-image-855826571.jpg"></a></div></div></div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126538391759119553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415905070092102244.post-43914822166283319852013-06-10T02:27:00.001-04:002013-06-10T02:27:01.507-04:00Making a list and checking it twice<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Truth be told, I haven't bought our plane tickets yet. I'm waiting on flight money to be deposited on the 25th. That does not mean I haven't been busy making lists: a list of things I need to bring, things I have to bring back, things we will need in the states, etc.<div><br></div><div>There are many things available in the UAE, after all it is a worldwide shopping destination, but there are also things you can only get at home. On that list, prescription strength antiperspirant (why isn't that available in a country that regularly sees 110+ degree weather?); saline solution for contact lenses (and for some reason my contact solution brand isn't sold here either), and Benadryl. That is just the pharmacy aisle. Then there are the snacks from home you didn't realize you'd miss: Triscuits, Cheez-its, Pirate Booty White Cheddar. Can you see a visit to Wal-mart in my future? Yes, you end up missing those big box stores and the convenience of one stop shopping...</div><div><br></div><div>While clothing is available here, sometimes the quality is not as good, and there are never the types of sales you'd find at home. We'll be stocking up on some of those items as well. Luckily it really is mostly one season (unlike my beautiful home state), so summer clothing with a couple cardigans & one or two pairs of pants is more than adequate. </div><div><br></div><div>Then there are the experiences I've been missing: the beach at Echo Lake, BBQs at our friends, church on Sunday mornings, the views of the White Mountains, and all the friends & family we haven't seen in two years. </div><div><br></div><div>So, after flights are finalized, I'll start finishing up the details of all we'll need on our visit: rental car, car seat, stroller, crib - oh my....it never ends - guess we'll visit some yard sales too! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126538391759119553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415905070092102244.post-90664002124331749412013-05-18T05:16:00.001-04:002016-08-16T12:23:52.284-04:00 Jumeriah<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Yesterday, I decided to try again, this time armed with the coordinates. The beach was clean. The water was clear and warm. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UuMkGKAhVTEEmdKDsgozbhkzV55r4BOJwrnvzDmEoc4rjLz6BGVUFxIZtevreYltW8B-N0XF7thh4MuNLBwItPFkzeqYe2r1eREg6wFPfbLD9-Odu7rFKyu43G5USeSb41_GvkEpFvY7/s640/blogger-image--1934053769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UuMkGKAhVTEEmdKDsgozbhkzV55r4BOJwrnvzDmEoc4rjLz6BGVUFxIZtevreYltW8B-N0XF7thh4MuNLBwItPFkzeqYe2r1eREg6wFPfbLD9-Odu7rFKyu43G5USeSb41_GvkEpFvY7/s320/blogger-image--1934053769.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jumeriah Beach</td></tr>
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Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126538391759119553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415905070092102244.post-38398992164542081812013-05-08T01:54:00.001-04:002013-05-08T09:32:26.714-04:00Springtime and other transitory things<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HKcYROdSfZ0543iVtNPN7cNlX0-dnl62Yv_wf0shQsBGspP92XZw32mm7r41BzvYnckZTg90oPwAvF_hUIaQbmkXcKoJJedWcx0kLlyeP6-aE9AO74ER9vi628g02PBmSCHe4QFIvivq/s640/blogger-image-1100591330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HKcYROdSfZ0543iVtNPN7cNlX0-dnl62Yv_wf0shQsBGspP92XZw32mm7r41BzvYnckZTg90oPwAvF_hUIaQbmkXcKoJJedWcx0kLlyeP6-aE9AO74ER9vi628g02PBmSCHe4QFIvivq/s200/blogger-image-1100591330.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Time goes quickly here. The school year seems so long at the beginning, and when people post days left until the end, those numbers make it seem even longer... This is true of school breaks as well, because suddenly you have all this time and then you wake up again and it is back to school. I haven't even written a word about our spring holiday and in three weeks, my grade 12 students will stop coming so they can prepare for exams. In about two months we will be headed to the US for our first visit since we moved to the UAE in 2011. I am sad that the last day of school is July 4th because it is one of my favorite holidays, but this year we can take comfort in knowing we'll be seeing family & friends for BBQs & picnics, even if we miss out on the fireworks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfCUBBbwy5eJA-0i7jJsKR6FFGR9YbXGoyLXjglSQ1q3ut7WiPfDgWYnN2gIxzK9upzC4Md3RBumkGdFZP7zi83F7cyJq9PQllCtZTDAmLD4seGINSpmyPv8sI_Tbm2NkHHCf6UC-oazn/s640/blogger-image-2019507948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfCUBBbwy5eJA-0i7jJsKR6FFGR9YbXGoyLXjglSQ1q3ut7WiPfDgWYnN2gIxzK9upzC4Md3RBumkGdFZP7zi83F7cyJq9PQllCtZTDAmLD4seGINSpmyPv8sI_Tbm2NkHHCf6UC-oazn/s200/blogger-image-2019507948.jpg" width="200" /></a>For our spring holiday, we mostly stayed around town. It was nice to have the family time, do dinners with friends, and just recharge from a chaotic first term back after my fabulous maternity leave. We did take a mini family vacation out to the western region of Abu Dhabi (think very remote and a bit barren). We went with our expat extended family and enjoyed pool time, meals, camel rides, and Rob even went out on a quad (4-wheeler, not chair lift) with the other husbands. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNXJqMfgeSS0xT12Icmrbm2iMtisOKrPVW-2XYitHVQwDF_lDGCyIKkFMmz_uDTrTkvk-2ynfjjmh_ES4ZuLKm5Ac5KiezDrndOVQjyCMHkArHWaGEfAC2TM-SGDGwqfmd44QdwVaTWBp/s640/blogger-image-610136851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNXJqMfgeSS0xT12Icmrbm2iMtisOKrPVW-2XYitHVQwDF_lDGCyIKkFMmz_uDTrTkvk-2ynfjjmh_ES4ZuLKm5Ac5KiezDrndOVQjyCMHkArHWaGEfAC2TM-SGDGwqfmd44QdwVaTWBp/s200/blogger-image-610136851.jpg" width="150" /></a>This term back at school has not been without its challenges, but I feel like I have a better grasp on the curriculum this term (because I was part of the planning!). The girls are already planning their graduation celebrations and in the office the phrase, "Next year, we should....", is increasing in its appearance. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFuyxKa7xJ8pF0hMAyozfUwZY7jiBvDAHJZi8dtzlEVKDhireQSBurGbsAplqh7t4GO8g5ur81sRv10TVi9p4WytTPZZ8LYBuekgGT5GBZus27cgj1O6nrE2LJdf4cvpiIsL4Q0KSGAzl/s640/blogger-image-418700474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFuyxKa7xJ8pF0hMAyozfUwZY7jiBvDAHJZi8dtzlEVKDhireQSBurGbsAplqh7t4GO8g5ur81sRv10TVi9p4WytTPZZ8LYBuekgGT5GBZus27cgj1O6nrE2LJdf4cvpiIsL4Q0KSGAzl/s200/blogger-image-418700474.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyPMVY64aQVYU5r7kUqpFCd0eB-2F2kZRulomaPtvL9sNgQUYOab8NWcbNgi3hsGgB4-gmPy-_UrxmJMwIr-qJU4KVFaWk2_c2Xj5_juGtRMgritzzamuIwFwlWBJ6hRa2weApr4ArI7D/s640/blogger-image--514457111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyPMVY64aQVYU5r7kUqpFCd0eB-2F2kZRulomaPtvL9sNgQUYOab8NWcbNgi3hsGgB4-gmPy-_UrxmJMwIr-qJU4KVFaWk2_c2Xj5_juGtRMgritzzamuIwFwlWBJ6hRa2weApr4ArI7D/s200/blogger-image--514457111.jpg" width="150" /></a>Our family started this year planning to return to the US, but we have reconsidered that decision and are planning to extend our time here. This is a bit of a bittersweet decision because many of our friends who started this journey with us (from the "oh my God, we are going to Abu Dhabi" stage) are completing their UAE experiences. Every year we've had to say goodbyes, and this year it seems like there are a lot more farewells. We, of course, have made friends who will be completing their "newbie" year and others who extend beyond their initial two year contract, but it reminds you that we live in a country and a community that is constantly in flux. You make friends faster here than you would ever do at home because you know time is short, but the shared experiences and need to rely on one another create strong bonds that you would never imagine happening in other circumstances. But I'm going to hold off on the farewell post until the end of June because I don't want to think about how much I'm going to miss the people who have been such a rich part of our experience. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUERn6H_aTJtrAny6Tmv0pd6v9KkqYGrFW4NtYoiqP1C9qTwpanLDVQg0J0Y41S9is2Tj4bX8eS_xv571WdNSXQumbUVxJSUokVrHY4NYuD8Dk0kpbHyw68BRPEjDcwHpf22eeLX7UM9-d/s640/blogger-image--1731387481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUERn6H_aTJtrAny6Tmv0pd6v9KkqYGrFW4NtYoiqP1C9qTwpanLDVQg0J0Y41S9is2Tj4bX8eS_xv571WdNSXQumbUVxJSUokVrHY4NYuD8Dk0kpbHyw68BRPEjDcwHpf22eeLX7UM9-d/s320/blogger-image--1731387481.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126538391759119553noreply@blogger.com0Al Ain Al Ain24.208203 55.747936tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415905070092102244.post-83485662793420164422013-03-16T23:13:00.003-04:002013-03-17T00:02:07.397-04:00And the Sheikh came to my school...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNUVodC_t9sx2s4ULWz5Q9PnF5_MoRAIeKbTWL2cOHwzgVBysJ7_qioZB2SpzKxsLcnRSXEfJlKo2kQ6r5AXXM1orN7OR9bDgxdtnhH7SF9mSTBVGOv2BBrseoo3KYhyphenhyphen-vUI6f_hWBDjG/s1600/IMG_1909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNUVodC_t9sx2s4ULWz5Q9PnF5_MoRAIeKbTWL2cOHwzgVBysJ7_qioZB2SpzKxsLcnRSXEfJlKo2kQ6r5AXXM1orN7OR9bDgxdtnhH7SF9mSTBVGOv2BBrseoo3KYhyphenhyphen-vUI6f_hWBDjG/s200/IMG_1909.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>The last couple months have been an experiment in keeping our heads above water. We have spent some time at the park, the Green Mubazzarah, and mostly trying to keep up with life in general. The weather has been so beautiful. Now that we've finally gotten our schedule together, I'm about to have school break. I just finished putting all my marks (grades, if you are from my side of the world) in the system (which is good since the systems locks you out after today) and next will be a couple weeks of invigilating (aka proctoring) exams and then finally marking the Ministry exam at the end of the month. Our holiday starts on the night of the 28th and I think we are all ready for the break.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiry4ItLC2bmCFQKxkksCcrJOnQgxbTAhfN5Uh9DAuSemVvcBVAz8Ry7KJ94CFHIRVokUB5kmmsELF1xioevT-fj9a-EIc5OIqvEA9tgubMSMyLY2GQCyrJnQ7gcXXMNrDuREyAivOFfyex/s1600/IMG_2117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiry4ItLC2bmCFQKxkksCcrJOnQgxbTAhfN5Uh9DAuSemVvcBVAz8Ry7KJ94CFHIRVokUB5kmmsELF1xioevT-fj9a-EIc5OIqvEA9tgubMSMyLY2GQCyrJnQ7gcXXMNrDuREyAivOFfyex/s200/IMG_2117.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>As I'm in the middle of the midyear blahs, I want to recount some of the blessings I have had with my school this year. I have been really lucky with my grade level coordinator who always goes to bat for us when necessary. She is really an instrument of change for the reform. In addition, I have a fabulous co-worker who has helped me to navigate the unfamiliar land of grade 12 in the UAE, assisted me with marking and overall making my transition to this grade level so much easier. My principal has been very supportive during some recent meetings, and I really adore so many of my Arabic colleagues who have gladly offered assistance when necessary and are also trying to help me improve my Arabic. I can't wait to go to my first wedding tonight for one of the biology teachers at our school. To top it off, our school had its grand opening celebration on Thursday and the Sheikh (Prince of Al Ain) came to my school! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Fr7Na7dU7H3-MKbQPmH_2jGX1vUpwiPxanRcqJi1pqZJogBn4aoSIeAKqZGcYVCBbfYwB2p0trh6t7DabBOoBV-TqFFHbIWFRMSfLlyWxKmdXhY7uiUAEa7SPhljpe7oTjkOGLokRgnV/s1600/IMG_2159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Fr7Na7dU7H3-MKbQPmH_2jGX1vUpwiPxanRcqJi1pqZJogBn4aoSIeAKqZGcYVCBbfYwB2p0trh6t7DabBOoBV-TqFFHbIWFRMSfLlyWxKmdXhY7uiUAEa7SPhljpe7oTjkOGLokRgnV/s200/IMG_2159.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>On Friday, we took the girls to Global Village. It's only open until the end of the month, and some of the countries had closed already, but we had a good time taking in all the sights. It is kind of like a giant global flea market with lots of different food choices and performances. Because it is in its final weeks, you can bargain quite a bit from the first price given, but doing that always makes me uncomfortable. I want them to just give me the "last price" to begin with, which means I will never actually get the real last price. There were so many products it was overwhelming, but at the same time, we didn't feel a huge urge to purchase much because so many items are imported into the UAE that most of the items for sale can be found somewhere here. Our favorite pavilion was the Africa one, but we had to leave without seeing as much as we wanted of it, when Zofia became tired of her global tour... I think after our visit to the Village, we'd all like to see a bit more of the world. <br />
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And today is two years since I interviewed to start this adventure.<br />
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</div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126538391759119553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415905070092102244.post-57470857847214250002013-01-18T12:43:00.002-05:002016-08-16T12:28:30.363-04:00Religion in a Muslim Country<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It is common for some of my students to pray in the back of the class in the early afternoon. They do so quietly, but devoutly, and the attention they pay to their faith is inspiring. This week, one of my students asked me what religion I was, and another answered, "Christian." I just smiled. We aren't supposed to talk about any religion outside of Islam in school.<br />
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Later this week, I was walking my students to the computer lab and we passed another classroom. My students made me stop so we could look in. The classroom had paper snowflakes taped to the window (odd in the desert), fake snow sprinkled on each desk with a small treat, and a fully decorated Christmas tree with gifts placed under it in the corner of the room.<br />
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"It is Christmas, Miss." <br />
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I looked into the classroom in shock. They translated from the class' Arabic teacher. They were studying major holidays in other cultures and religions and their relation to Islam. I really wanted to sit in on that lesson....<br />
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Meanwhile, as a family, we have found a church that reminds us of home and have been attending weekly. It is the same church that Belle and I went to last year that was closed by the town... Instead of meeting in a church, it now meets at a golf club at the other end of town. It is a nice way to begin our weekends, and fulfilling to my spirit to be part of a faith community. <br />
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Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126538391759119553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415905070092102244.post-32654875229079664892013-01-12T11:15:00.001-05:002013-05-08T09:33:10.049-04:00Where's the snooze button?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIYISN-BSqvzZU4f-WGeGLOtrQRaDwtJCenTEXzxu24uuoPiURNGehBsgkhIbmwc0GMpaSs3S2BlUa1iElRbkklVF381oqm2yjrJag5xFOt7-DqNhcNBIrgDq4wh8r3cARMyz0T28bVRH/s640/blogger-image--1244757386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIYISN-BSqvzZU4f-WGeGLOtrQRaDwtJCenTEXzxu24uuoPiURNGehBsgkhIbmwc0GMpaSs3S2BlUa1iElRbkklVF381oqm2yjrJag5xFOt7-DqNhcNBIrgDq4wh8r3cARMyz0T28bVRH/s200/blogger-image--1244757386.jpg" width="150" /></a>I'm now teaching grade 12. It is a different pressure due to my students' exams mattering more than their ECART and the number of exams increasing. Luckily, I work with an awesome grade level team and they did a lot of this term's planning while I was being a full time mom. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZ7G7emvyoHqX8-xT4gbsdiYcQKZdmAiruzu2autRzeVbVIUEgIl9WicxfluWUoe9RDbW7Fui_FLyWa3CfXHkU62cgDm-lGHO34m4qvj7xzCN5D38cenKP_QcTuE1gS_-BmJLQAvGkrBP/s640/blogger-image--28833184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZ7G7emvyoHqX8-xT4gbsdiYcQKZdmAiruzu2autRzeVbVIUEgIl9WicxfluWUoe9RDbW7Fui_FLyWa3CfXHkU62cgDm-lGHO34m4qvj7xzCN5D38cenKP_QcTuE1gS_-BmJLQAvGkrBP/s200/blogger-image--28833184.jpg" width="150" /></a>It is weird to come into a class mid year because you feel a bit like a sub and it is a harder time to build rapport with your classes. I think it is because they've already established class norms and now I'm tasked with changing them to fit my expectations on how the class should function or adapting my management style to align with their expectations. Add to this the stress of formal observations and you'll understand why I'm a little overwhelmed at the moment. And I'm sure it has nothing to do with leaving my baby all day either....<br />
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Zofia & Rob are working on developing new routines, and Belle is working hard on her homeschool curriculum. We are all adjusting to an alarm clock and this weekend went very fast. <br />
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Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126538391759119553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415905070092102244.post-69114680804862038732013-01-05T04:56:00.002-05:002013-01-05T04:56:58.847-05:00Back to school<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Tomorrow, I go back to work. It has been a nice extended maternity leave (it ran into the December vacation), but I still haven't finished Zofia's paperwork. The process changed at the end of November, and required an extra step. By the time I received the now required approval to apply for her visa, her required medical card had expired. So, now I must wait to receive her new card with our new insurer to finish the process. Craziness, but typical.<br />
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I had a lovely lunch with one of my favorite co-workers, who eased my mind about all the back to school planning I really didn't do. I've been so busy spending time getting used to being a family of four and celebrating holidays - and trying to catch up on sleep.... I work with a great team, and thanks to their efforts, I should be back in the groove fairly quickly, albeit while getting to know my new students. I don't know my schedule yet, but I'm happy that I will be on nursing hours so I can spend more time with the baby. <br />Right now, I'm going to go back to cuddling her because tomorrow at this time, I'm probably going to be with a room full of students, missing her.</div>
Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126538391759119553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415905070092102244.post-52735424743779798762012-12-22T08:51:00.003-05:002012-12-22T08:51:48.724-05:00Christmas Cookies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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One of my favorite holiday traditions is making Christmas cookies. Last year, Belle and I did an abbreviated session because our kitchen was tiny (our refrigerator resided in our living room because there was no room for it), so this year it was nice to go all out. My friend, Kim, and I invited a bunch of little girls over and two nice big brothers and went to town. We made Christmas wreaths, gingerbread houses & cookies, sugar cookies, peanut butter cookies with Rolos, and Russian tea cookies. So yummy!</div>
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Here are some pictures from our afternoon:</div>
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Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126538391759119553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415905070092102244.post-38067221529324629142012-12-14T08:00:00.000-05:002012-12-14T10:30:40.053-05:00The festive season begins...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The nice thing about the "winter" season is that it becomes comfortable to spend time outside. We enjoy being outdoors and the winter makes it comfortable to sit outside, visit the sand dunes, take walks, and play. Our neighborhood becomes more alive as children run about playing tag or riding bikes and scooters. This season has been extra special because we've experienced several rainstorms - one lasting most of the day (and causing flooding in Dubai because the roads are not designed to handle precipitation).<br />
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One of my favorite things about National Day is how the streets are all decorated with the UAE national colors (green, red, and white), which helps to fill the missing holiday lights we'd be enjoying at home. The cars get decorated as well, even though this year there were strict regulations not to do this activity. Our neighbor has very colorful vehicles and decorated all four of them in similar style. We haven't seen them since the holiday, so they are likely off being repainted and de-crystalized (yes - he added crystals!). We went with friends and celebrated the holiday in the desert. Most of them camped overnight, but with the new baby, there was no way we were sleeping in a tent for the night. <br />
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All the hotels in town offer special holiday events and tree lightings. Last year, we attended the Danat's and Santa arrived via camel. This year, we decided to bring the girls to the Rugby Club's Christmas Party for the Santa visit. This year, he arrived in a 4x4...<br />
The nice thing about the Rugby Club event was that there were lots of Belle's friends there, and they were able to decorate cupcakes, make reindeer food, ride horses, have dinner, and eat cotton candy while waiting for Santa to arrive. Belle was awesome and brought Zofia up when she visited with the jolly elf and posed for pictures prior to his arrival:<br />
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Now we are planning a cookie baking day to have some of her friends over to help make it a bit more festive. It makes me miss Belle's godmother and uncle because there won't be any collegiate colored cookies without them and Audrey is an awesome baking partner. Next year.<br />
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Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126538391759119553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415905070092102244.post-84955290064761839332012-11-24T13:56:00.004-05:002012-11-24T13:56:44.126-05:00Thanksgiving 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first blessing</td></tr>
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I've been doing the "30 days of giving thanks" and some days I have to look a bit harder to figure out what I am thankful for, other days it is very easy. Every year, Belle makes a hand turkey and fills in the things she is thankful for: friends, family, shelter, food, the country we live in and the country we are from. She writes some big things on her small hand.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our newest blessing with Mama C.</td></tr>
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This year there are big things that I am very thankful for, but at the same time the holiday season is bittersweet. This is the second year in a row that we'll be celebrating the holidays far from our country, our family and friends, our church, and without snow. We wanted to go home badly but by the time we could purchase tickets, the airfare had become so prohibitive that our choices were to extend our time here for another year (to pay off a small loan to go home) or forgo our visit so that we can move back at the end of the school year with enough money to allow us to resettle. When we looked at the options, it was a fairly simple family decision. So barring anyone visiting us, the first time anyone from home meets Zofia will be when she is nine months old...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ashaunda, Zofia, & Rob</td></tr>
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We have many blessings though, and we hold them close to our hearts. On Thursday night, we went to our dear friends', the Giles', to celebrate Thanksgiving. Ashaunda and her family have become our extended family here in the UAE and we are blessed to know that they will continue to be a part of our lives long after our adventure in the sand has ended. Our friends, Michelle and Kelly, came with us to celebrate as well. One of the things we've learned in our expat life is that it is easy to celebrate events with people you've just met because we're all far from home and that connects you in a way that can't really be expressed. This feeling carried into our Friday celebration at a neighbor's home. We were invited to two events on Friday, but because Zofia has been battling a cold, we elected to stay close to home. <br />
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<br />I'm going to look back on this time and remember the blessings more than the trials, I think. We have met some incredible people, seen things we never imagined and have the best souvenir of our time abroad. So today, I'm giving thanks for my family's willingness to embark on this adventure and all the things we've learned. <br /><br />Happy Thanksgiving weekend. </div>
Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126538391759119553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415905070092102244.post-45671536234960154562012-11-19T08:07:00.003-05:002012-11-19T08:07:43.019-05:00The homeschooling debate<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last year, we sent Belle to private school. It was an easy decision for us because she does well in social learning situations, has always loved school, and that was our only option for schooling if we were not going to homeschool (Western expat children are not able to attend public schools in the UAE). We spent the whole year questioning the decision as we watched the work she brought home, saw what she was studying, and dealt with the outcome of the classroom behavior of her peers.<br />
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This year, we decided that her only option if we wanted her to return to her previous level of academics and progress (as well as avoiding the horrific behavior she was subjected to), was to homeschool. I spent most of the summer researching different programs, determining what we felt was important, examining the work she would be doing in our home district and what curriculum would address her needs. We finally found one that we felt was challenging, appropriate, and fully addressed social studies, science, and language arts. We decided to work with the same math program as her home district. Her school year began a couple weeks before her local friends because we knew we'd lose a bit of time adjusting to the new baby when she arrived. Her curriculum is everything we hoped it would be and I gladly pay the tuition, shipping costs for books and manipulatives, and the supplies that accompany her learning experiences. To build in more opportunities for socialization and social learning, she is a member of the overseas Girl Scouts and takes piano lessons. <br />
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Lately there has been a lot of debate in our expat community due to recent government committee discussions about mandatory schooling for all expat children, and where homeschooling falls in this context. Some of the conversation is quite upsetting and disturbing as some members accuse homeschooling parents of doing it out of "cheapness" or "laziness"... This makes me think more about my own understanding of homeschooling prior to our overseas experience. I always wondered how children would be socialized and whether it was possible to provide an adequate education for a child without the support of a school system. I now am much more informed and recognize that there are benefits to homeschooling that I was quite blind to before... That does not mean that we'll be homeschooling the girls when we return to the states where the school programs are much stronger, but we now have an understanding of why some parents select this option.</div>
Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126538391759119553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415905070092102244.post-23851304295413042002012-10-23T05:54:00.002-04:002012-10-23T13:11:38.843-04:00Is that a car seat?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Our nurse asked us this as we prepared to leave the hospital with our new daughter, yet another reminder that we just gave birth in the UAE, not the USA. Car seats and seat belt usage are not common over here and their use tends to announce your expat status. It is nothing to see small children sitting on the console, bouncing around in the car, or even hanging out the windows.<br />
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Medical care is different over here. Even more than at home, you have to be a strong advocate for yourself and really truly know your medical history and medications. In the past month, we've had three friends either be given something they had identified as being an allergen or having pretty awful side effects that far exceeded the symptoms being addressed. When we went into my last prenatal appointment, the doctor told me that she was going to give me an exam, but did not mention that she would be doing an intervention to speed up when I would go into labor until the procedure had been completed.<br />
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As someone who developed pre-eclampsia with my first pregnancy and pregnancy induced hypertension with this pregnancy, I was considered "high risk." When my water broke at school, I was directed to immediately proceed to the Urgent Care department for admission, even though I had not developed any regular contractions. After being admitted, my husband ran home to get a few things that we had forgotten, and while he was gone, I went into labor. The nurses did not respond to the call button, so I called Rob to have him hurry back. An hour or so later, the nurses finally came to check on us, to find me in active labor. There was some confusion with the midwives and nurses because they thought this was our first child, after realizing that it was not, and that I truly was progressing faster than they thought they brought me upstairs to labor and delivery.<br />
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The doctor who administered the epidural did not shake my hand at the consultation appointment and was quite unhappy with me for not being still while he stuck a needle into my back and while I was having strong and regular contractions. Then Rob had to immediately go downstairs to pay for the epidural....The relief from this pain medication though was quite welcome and the remainder of the delivery went much smoother. We ended up staying for four days due to the timing of her delivery (just after midnight) and her development of jaundice. <br />
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Since we have been out of the hospital, we've been running about trying to get her paperwork in order. She has two birth certificates: Arabic and English, has had her passport photos done, and we've applied for her health insurance card. Tomorrow, we are off to the Embassy to register her birth, apply for her passport, and apply for her social security card. After that, we get a break until her passport is finished, and then will have to apply for her Emirates ID card, and residency visa. It is a lot of items to make her official. And Belle is loving being a big sister.</div>
Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126538391759119553noreply@blogger.com0