I'm under the weather. Not incapacitated, not completely miserable, just uncomfortable. And tired. And a little stuffy. And my throat hurts when I wake up in the morning. That's all. I attribute it to living in a new country with all new kinds of germs - oh, and holding the hands of and getting sloppy hugs from 3 and 4 year olds who are sick with runny noses. Thanks.
It could be worse.
On the positive side, if I'm already sick the 4th week of school, hopefully that means I won't have major illnesses later. Hopefully.
So, yes, the 4th week of school just ended. I have officially taught in this school for a month. I'm still adjusting - both to the school and living in Oman. My apartment walls are empty, although in a very exciting development I now have curtains for my windows. Hurray! The man who made them came and installed them Sunday. The problem with that is they are not the color I requested. I ordered a darkish almost navy blue, and what I got was eggshell blue. Two very different colors. It's actually a bit atrocious. Ah, well - chalk it up to adventure, shrug and move on. At least I don't have to turn off all the lights to ensure privacy at night anymore.
There is a community choir here that I've sort of taken over conducting. I'm excited, because it's been awhile since I've worked with adults. I also have the impression that it wasn't terribly well run the year before, so I can only be a breath of fresh air, right? As is the case with many choirs, we've already started rehearsing some Christmas songs (we can mention Baby Jesus, but if we sing in public we must remove all mention of the nation that shall not me named. So, the First Nowell might turn out to be "Nowell, nowell, nowell, nowell. He is born who loves us so well." Ugh.) It's also exciting because they don't know some of the Christmas carols I have loved for many years, so I get to introduce those songs, plus I have a whole new crowd to tell my 5 jokes and 3 stories to. Gotta love a new audience!
We're starting up the school Rock Band next Wednesday during lunch time. I'm a little worried. I'll have to review the copious notes I took during my Rock Methods course this past summer.
In family news, my mother retires in 4 days. 4. In 4 days, her regular 7:00AM-3:30PM daily grind will be over. I'm happy for her - she deserves to rest and relax for awhile and NOT INUNDATE HERSELF WITH HORDES OF NEW VIOLIN STUDENTS. I'm also a bit jealous as I look at the 40+ years or so more I have yet to teach. Ugh. It's a bit depressing. I mean, it's wonderful to think of all the students I may have the chance to teach and impact.
I'm completely looking forward to our October break in 2 weeks. Rest and relaxation and the chance to breathe!
Happy Thursday.
Amy has arrived!!!! Not surprised to hear you're already an integral part of the local choral music scene. Cannot WAIT to hear more about the rock band. Most of all, sorry you are under the weather...and sorry about those curtains, too.
ReplyDeleteSeconding/thirding/fourthing the call for our mother to not inundate herself with hordes of new violin students!!!!
I hope that your body adjusts to the new country quickly and that this definitely means that you will not have major problems later. Kudos to you for helping in all ways music. Quite the adventure regarding the nation that shall not be named! Does it make you feel like you are living in Harry-Potter-land?
ReplyDeleteBTW, I think that you have more than 5 jokes and 3 stories. I know, because I've heard more than that! I'm sure they will enjoy them just as much as we do.
Hope you feel better soon.