Is It Christmas Already?

No, it's just the arrival of my shipment!

But first, here are some more pictures of things around my school's campus:

I just can't get over the greenery!  

This courtyard below is just outside my classroom - the hut in the back was built a few years ago by second graders as an Indian Studies project.  I think it's pretty nifty.

So, back to my shipment woes and triumphs:

I've been waiting and waiting, as patiently as I know how.  There were a few delays, weekends came and interrupted the process, a holiday or two were thrown in as well, but all's well that ends well, and I have my stuff.  

And it's a lot of stuff. 

And, truth be told, I kinda wish I would've shipped more from Oman.  I'm not super crazy about the furniture and miss the Ikea stuff I had.  I'm also missing my coat rack.  I know, your heart is bleeding for me.  

So.  

It was set to arrive on Thursday, which actually worked out well.  The Elementary school was having a Get to Know You Day, which is kind of like a parent/teacher conference, only it's not about the student's work, it's a time for the parents to talk with the teacher about their child and share what they can about strengths and weaknesses.  Kind of a cool concept.  So, I didn't have classes in the afternoon, and could be at home by 3:30 when the shipment was to be delivered.  

And then, Thursday morning, I got an email - due to a Holiday, things might be delayed and the shipment might not make it until Friday.

And it's a nice holiday - Raksha Bandhan, which is a holiday celebrating the relationship between brothers and sisters.  The sister will tie a red bracelet on her brother's wrist, and pray for his well-being and welfare.  The brother in turn promises to love and protect her, which, in a culture that doesn't always value women, is pretty cool.  Then, they exchange gifts.  Apparently, the sister gives sweets, and the brother gives money.  I could get behind that.  What say you, brother mine?

Anyway.  I was a little disappointed, but miracle of miracle, there was no delay, and my shipment arrived!

The first few boxes schlepped up to the fourth floor - remember my beautiful staircase?  

And the pile of boxes grows...

The kitchen had boxes....

My bedroom had boxes....

All the boxes are here, safe and sound - let the unboxing begin!

The empty boxes and wrapping are stored in the stairwell...

I was almost tempted to jump on the pile of wrapping stuff.  I somehow managed to control myself and refrained.

Everything is unboxed, empty boxes and wrapping stuff taken away.  All that's left is to organize.  

So this is today - I've been working hard and have made some progress.  Oh, for the power of the nose wiggle or the blinking eyes and head bob!

So.  That's been my weekend.  And I'm totally not complaining - I love seeing my art and books and school stuff (and almost half of the boxes were school things, crazily enough) and my carpets - but where am I going to put it all?