Saturday, June 29, 2013
Thursday, June 27, 2013
What a WEEK!!!!!!
Overwhelming, not the work. Seriously, things are moving right along, and my emotions don't have time to react.
Today, the hardest. Well, Saturday will be the hardest, but still today has been tough. We decided to rehome our dog, our baby. This is extremely difficult task. Jackson came to live with us after my husband, Chuck, had is stroke last year. He was just 5 weeks old. Chuck and Jackson are best friends. After arrangements we made fell through, and others could not help out, we had few choices. In a perfect world, we would have someone care for Jackson until we could send for him, but there are so many unknowns. We don't know where I will be placed. We don't know if the housing we will be placed in will allow pets. We don't know how much, or even if we can afford to send him. So, I found a home for him. I talked to the daughter of the woman who will take Jackson. She sounds like she will be perfect for him. Her daughter told me that when she watches her dog, she will go through drive through at McDonald's and buy him a burger. Chuck just cooks him one. She lets her daughter's dog sleep and cuddle in bed with her. Jackson sleeps and cuddles in the recliners on us. But still, I feel like I'm giving up a child. I worry about Chuck's reaction. I sometimes believe he loves that dog more than me. Its going to be a tough weekend.
All of my paper work has been submitted to Footprints so ADEC can process my Visa. I had to go through a different agency to get my FBI background check. However, I received my results in minute, where as I mailed the FBI application out mid May. I'm glad I did, especially when I read post from another girl saying all our paperwork had to be in by July 7th.
I have started just giving stuff away. We have had 2 or 3 yard sales, and sold most of the large household materials. There is nothing else really worth any money, and I don't want to "nickel and dime" bargain anymore. I just want stuff gone.
Tonight was my last night of work at Carolina Mudcats. I have worked on and off there for the past 10 years. I love my Mudcat folks. They gave me a little going away party of cupcakes, cookie cake, and Doritos. I will truly miss every one of them there.
Tomorrow, I'm delivering family photos and my Carolina Hurricanes collectibles to my son. This, too, will be tough to part with. I am realizing, though, that this whole process is a process of letting go.
Letting go....and discovering new things.
Tough tasks.
Today, the hardest. Well, Saturday will be the hardest, but still today has been tough. We decided to rehome our dog, our baby. This is extremely difficult task. Jackson came to live with us after my husband, Chuck, had is stroke last year. He was just 5 weeks old. Chuck and Jackson are best friends. After arrangements we made fell through, and others could not help out, we had few choices. In a perfect world, we would have someone care for Jackson until we could send for him, but there are so many unknowns. We don't know where I will be placed. We don't know if the housing we will be placed in will allow pets. We don't know how much, or even if we can afford to send him. So, I found a home for him. I talked to the daughter of the woman who will take Jackson. She sounds like she will be perfect for him. Her daughter told me that when she watches her dog, she will go through drive through at McDonald's and buy him a burger. Chuck just cooks him one. She lets her daughter's dog sleep and cuddle in bed with her. Jackson sleeps and cuddles in the recliners on us. But still, I feel like I'm giving up a child. I worry about Chuck's reaction. I sometimes believe he loves that dog more than me. Its going to be a tough weekend.
All of my paper work has been submitted to Footprints so ADEC can process my Visa. I had to go through a different agency to get my FBI background check. However, I received my results in minute, where as I mailed the FBI application out mid May. I'm glad I did, especially when I read post from another girl saying all our paperwork had to be in by July 7th.
I have started just giving stuff away. We have had 2 or 3 yard sales, and sold most of the large household materials. There is nothing else really worth any money, and I don't want to "nickel and dime" bargain anymore. I just want stuff gone.
Tonight was my last night of work at Carolina Mudcats. I have worked on and off there for the past 10 years. I love my Mudcat folks. They gave me a little going away party of cupcakes, cookie cake, and Doritos. I will truly miss every one of them there.
Tomorrow, I'm delivering family photos and my Carolina Hurricanes collectibles to my son. This, too, will be tough to part with. I am realizing, though, that this whole process is a process of letting go.
Letting go....and discovering new things.
Tough tasks.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Will we ever be ready?
This is what I am dealing with, daily. Stuff! Stuff! and more STUFF!! I don't know what to do with it all. It is overwhelming to look at, think about, worry about. It is driving me crazy. Every time I get some things sorted out....I find more to go through. I just don't know what to do with it all. We were blessed by the tenant moving in here bought most of the larger items. But the smaller ones are just overwhelming to deal with. I hate the idea of throwing it away if someone, anyone, can use any of it.
I have become addicted to anything Abu Dhabi related on Facebook. I'm visiting pages, chatting with others, day dreaming, which isn't helping my dilemma in this house at all. I have read what others have posted, asked questions, and learned a ton. I'm going to experience culture shock again, the first when I moved to the south. It seems things are a little less scheduled than here. The majority of the people I have spoke with have enjoyed their time in Abu Dhabi, many are starting their 3 or 4th year there. I'm nervous, anxious, and excited, all rolled into one.
Well, better get to work...and stop playing.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Decisions,
I just read another blog from a teacher heading over to Abu Dhabi the same time I am. Same thoughts, same feelings.
http://audrarayeabroad.wordpress.com
Since school let out last week, I have been through a continual whirlwind of emotions, decisions, doubts. Making decisions daily about the 30 plus years of pure "stuff" to go through and decide what to do with. When I moved to NC from NY, I had two children to do this with, but it was easier, because I knew we were taking some of our belongings with us. I can't afford to ship personal belongings, so we need to get rid of them. Each items brings memories and doubts.
Recently, the hardest decision is Jackson, our dog. My step daughter can not take him, as we planned. We don't know where we will be placed in Abu Dhabi so do not know if taking him with us is even possible. Chuck (the hubby) is not handling this situation well. And mornings, when he curls up on my lap and sleeps, like today, make it hard for me, also. Thankfully, my son Chad and his wife, Sarah, are taking my cat. I have had Wendell for 8 years, and love that fat snobby cat.
Worries about medical treatment for Chuck have also surfaced as I read about the difficulty getting pain medicine and anti-depressants in the UAE. Both of these he needs since his stroke. It scares me.
On the other hand, the excitement of this adventure grows. Chuck is afraid I will be disappointed if I keep getting my expectation set so high. I have had the opportunity to join Facebook groups that allow me to ask other EMT (English Medium Teachers), who are already in the UAE, questions that I have. I have also joined groups of teachers who are heading over there the same time I am. Its exciting to meet new people, even if it is only online.
In the meantime, I have to work on getting things out of this house, plan on what I am taking with me, and take care of all the loose ends so I will be prepared when the ticket comes. I will have anywhere between 24 hour to 7 days to be on the plane to leave. Scary!!!
But I have always loved Adventure.
http://audrarayeabroad.wordpress.com
Since school let out last week, I have been through a continual whirlwind of emotions, decisions, doubts. Making decisions daily about the 30 plus years of pure "stuff" to go through and decide what to do with. When I moved to NC from NY, I had two children to do this with, but it was easier, because I knew we were taking some of our belongings with us. I can't afford to ship personal belongings, so we need to get rid of them. Each items brings memories and doubts.
Recently, the hardest decision is Jackson, our dog. My step daughter can not take him, as we planned. We don't know where we will be placed in Abu Dhabi so do not know if taking him with us is even possible. Chuck (the hubby) is not handling this situation well. And mornings, when he curls up on my lap and sleeps, like today, make it hard for me, also. Thankfully, my son Chad and his wife, Sarah, are taking my cat. I have had Wendell for 8 years, and love that fat snobby cat.
Worries about medical treatment for Chuck have also surfaced as I read about the difficulty getting pain medicine and anti-depressants in the UAE. Both of these he needs since his stroke. It scares me.
On the other hand, the excitement of this adventure grows. Chuck is afraid I will be disappointed if I keep getting my expectation set so high. I have had the opportunity to join Facebook groups that allow me to ask other EMT (English Medium Teachers), who are already in the UAE, questions that I have. I have also joined groups of teachers who are heading over there the same time I am. Its exciting to meet new people, even if it is only online.
In the meantime, I have to work on getting things out of this house, plan on what I am taking with me, and take care of all the loose ends so I will be prepared when the ticket comes. I will have anywhere between 24 hour to 7 days to be on the plane to leave. Scary!!!
But I have always loved Adventure.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Anticipation, a waiting game.
I submitted my documents to GoProEx and was told I should have them back by June 27. Which is good, since I am still waiting for the FBI background check, which was the first thing I sent away for. My new passport has come in and I really am doing well, according to Footprints Recruiting. I'm just an impatient person and want it all done, NOW.
I have plenty of things to do before we leave. We are having our second yard sale tomorrow. We plan on being out of the house by July 15th. So much to get rid of, and to be honest, so much cleaning to be done. I have let things slack a bit since I knew we would be moving.
I have been doing a lot of research about Abu Dhabi. I'm trying to decide what to take, clothing wise. I know it will be hot, but it is a Muslim country, and I know I need to respect their traditions. The sleeveless dresses and shirts will probably be left behind. I have purchased some used linen blazers and shirts, but really hoping I'm at a school that requires an abaya. Then dressing each day will be easy.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Reality
There are so many thoughts going through my head today. I"m not even sure I can make a coherent thought, let alone a post.
Tomorrow is my last day with US students for a while. There are some really sweet kids in my classes I am going to miss. I told all classes on Friday I was not coming back and I was moving to Abu Dhabi. I gave them my email and my blog address. I am hoping some of them stay in contact.
I joined a Facebook group for Footprints teachers going to teach in Abu Dhabi. Information is flowing, question being answered, and more questions being brought up. Everything from dress code to whether we are bringing our beloved pets. I have made arrangements for both Jackson and Wendell, but I am sad to leave them behind. I plan on getting them back when we come back. But I feel like I'm leaving a part of me behind.
I'm slowly trying to get rid of everything in the house, including some clothing. I knew the dress code would be business professional, but upon further discussion it seems I should plan on showing no wrists, no ankles, and no collar bone. Doing the no wrist and ankles, I don't think will be a problem. Maxi dresses, pants and long sleeve shirts great. But no collar bone? I don't really want to wear turtlenecks in the desert. Finding long sleeve, button down shirts are even difficult to find in the summer. Another Footprints teacher and I are hoping we get to wear Abayas. They are beautiful and nice, easy way to dress for work, no deep thought needed.
One of the problems with the Facebook group is so many are through their authentication process. I'm still patiently awaiting the arrival of my degree from NY, my FBI background check, and my passport with my current name on it. I'm afraid it will hold up the visa process, making my departure later. Then again, just looking at this house, the amount of stuff in it, and unwillingness of both Chuck and I, to get rid of certain items, I feel like this is never going to happen.
Each day, one day, slowly, and I will be there.
Tomorrow is my last day with US students for a while. There are some really sweet kids in my classes I am going to miss. I told all classes on Friday I was not coming back and I was moving to Abu Dhabi. I gave them my email and my blog address. I am hoping some of them stay in contact.
I joined a Facebook group for Footprints teachers going to teach in Abu Dhabi. Information is flowing, question being answered, and more questions being brought up. Everything from dress code to whether we are bringing our beloved pets. I have made arrangements for both Jackson and Wendell, but I am sad to leave them behind. I plan on getting them back when we come back. But I feel like I'm leaving a part of me behind.
I'm slowly trying to get rid of everything in the house, including some clothing. I knew the dress code would be business professional, but upon further discussion it seems I should plan on showing no wrists, no ankles, and no collar bone. Doing the no wrist and ankles, I don't think will be a problem. Maxi dresses, pants and long sleeve shirts great. But no collar bone? I don't really want to wear turtlenecks in the desert. Finding long sleeve, button down shirts are even difficult to find in the summer. Another Footprints teacher and I are hoping we get to wear Abayas. They are beautiful and nice, easy way to dress for work, no deep thought needed.
One of the problems with the Facebook group is so many are through their authentication process. I'm still patiently awaiting the arrival of my degree from NY, my FBI background check, and my passport with my current name on it. I'm afraid it will hold up the visa process, making my departure later. Then again, just looking at this house, the amount of stuff in it, and unwillingness of both Chuck and I, to get rid of certain items, I feel like this is never going to happen.
Each day, one day, slowly, and I will be there.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Hugs for my students
I have slowly begun to tell my students I wasn't coming back next year and using Google Earth to show them where I am going. After all, I'm headed right into the area we have been studying this year. I showed one class some of the photos that are on Google Earth. However, when my fourth core class came in this afternoon, one of my favorite students asks, "Are you leaving me, Mrs. Van Dorn?" It about broke my heart.
Patience
I seem to be in a hurry up and wait mode on my Abu Dhabi relocation process. My FBI background check has been mailed out. I did see where many other EMT (English Medium Teachers) used a private agency to get their background check back within hours if not days. Me, I used FBI, and it can take 6 weeks....uggghh.
My college diploma has been sent to SUNY Brockport, then Monroe County Clerk, and should be at the Secretary of State in New York's office by now. I can not send the rest of my documents off for authentication by the US State Department and UAE Embassy until I have the degree back from NY. I could, but it will be easier to send all documents at once.
Lastly, awaiting the arrival of my updated passport. Had to send it in to get the name changed. I did not think I would need it so I never changed my name on it.
Other things, we are in the last 3 days of school. Kids are restless and I don't blame them. I have gathered a lot of swag to use as give a-ways for them tomorrow. We are going to play some end of year Jeopardy tomorrow and Monday. I really plan on using students who come to school Monday to work in my room. Keep them busy cleaning desks, chairs, organizing books. All the fun stuff! They still enjoy doing these things for the teacher at this age.
Until next time.
Robin
My college diploma has been sent to SUNY Brockport, then Monroe County Clerk, and should be at the Secretary of State in New York's office by now. I can not send the rest of my documents off for authentication by the US State Department and UAE Embassy until I have the degree back from NY. I could, but it will be easier to send all documents at once.
Lastly, awaiting the arrival of my updated passport. Had to send it in to get the name changed. I did not think I would need it so I never changed my name on it.
Other things, we are in the last 3 days of school. Kids are restless and I don't blame them. I have gathered a lot of swag to use as give a-ways for them tomorrow. We are going to play some end of year Jeopardy tomorrow and Monday. I really plan on using students who come to school Monday to work in my room. Keep them busy cleaning desks, chairs, organizing books. All the fun stuff! They still enjoy doing these things for the teacher at this age.
Until next time.
Robin
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