The dumps

I read somewhere that about 3 months in to an overseas assignment the reality sets in and one can expect to get sort of down. I think the reason this happens at this time is that people who are not in year one of their 2 year contract have to decide whether or not they are returning. Because this is an incredibly transient community, bonds are formed quite quickly and deeply. We have been notified of some major changes in personnel for next year and it makes me sad. I’m sure there won’t be any huge shift in the day-to-day functioning of things, but I will be sad to see some of these people go.

I don’t want to say anything set in stone, but this makes me think that I will likely keep to my 2 year contract and then return home. It is just too hard to make good friends and then turn around and say goodbye to them all the time. I don’t think I’m made for that. Some people seem to be as they have been doing this for all of some rather long careers. Some even stay for 5-6 years in one place, but then move on. Interesting.

I’m also fighting off something that is going around here and that makes me more tired than usual and perhaps a little “off.” I look forward to a nice quiet weekend. Gabe and Kelly are going to Bahrain for the weekend, so they won’t be here to head off on another adventure. I do have a tour scheduled on Friday evening, but since I have to get myself there (It costs between $10-12 to get most places by taxi around here and I won’t have anyone to split the cost with.) I may opt out of it.

I also had my first observation and since I am still trying to figure out just what this “readers theater” is supposed to be and look like, I didn’t feel like it went very well. One day I’ll feel like I have a handle on where I’m going and the next will find me casting about trying to figure out another avenue. Fortunately, for the most part, I like most of the classes and am enjoying my job. I’m frustrated that I still don’t know so many of the students’ names. I think they are beginning to get frustrated by that as well. It’s a melancholy time.

In addition, Thanksgiving is just around the bend and I don’t feel like participating in a potluck progressive dinner for it. Aaaaand, Parker’s birthday (the BIG 21) is on the 24^th. On that day I will be jumping through hurdles and hoops to get the papers on my house notarized and then overnight them back home for the closing on the 26^th. Pray they make it! The only place I could get them notarized was at the Embassy and it required an appointment. Plus they reserve the right to NOT notarize some if I have too many AND it’s $50/seal!! What a rip-off! Thanks, USA.

I just needed to vent a little.