And here I go again on my own..

The traveling gnome is packing once again. I finally received my visa/passport and the go ahead to travel to India to complete the long anticipated adoption of Yamini. I am excited, worried, nervous, anxious, and exhausted with all the preparation and what ifs.. I wish they could just ship here (she's small and will fit into a large fed ex box).. maybe not right?!?

As I make plans for my students and partner teacher I am overwhelmed with kindness and excitement from all around. Work hasn't been a very safe and happy place to be at lately. I have been dreading driving here and hide in my classroom until it is time to go.. Its not the students nor the teachers (well maybe a few).. I have just been overwhelmed with everything and I cant seem to keep everything straight.. Excuses, excuses I know but I do not have anything else. I am ok with the possibility of not be offered another contract.. (I do plan to make noise about it; because I am a great teacher that affects positive change in my students lives).. I just want to be offered so I don't have to worry about what am I going to do next year.. I mean I do plan to apply in San Antonio, even if it is not in the education field, but use my masters to get a decent admin position in a different company.. My head is full of so many things the noise is deafening and tiresome.. (I just read what I wrote and my thoughts are all over the place) Too tired to edit anyways..

Red Tape..

As I am trying to prepare for my trip to India I have run into the perverbial government red tape. I sent my passport off in January for my visa which is a 7 day process. As of today, I have not received it. I was told today the consulate wants more paperwork regarding the adoption. I included the paperwork when I applied. I am beyond frustrated and my agency here is flustered. I am suppose to fly out on Sat. from Houston and have all my arrangements in Delhi already made. Now I have to wait for someone to review my application again and approve a visa.. Wait for someone to tell me I can finally depart on a journey long in waiting.. Wait again to be disappointed that this is not falling into place.. It reminds me of my last adoption journey. I wonder if this is a sign that this is not meant to be.. I am not to be blessed with a child or experience parenthood..

I just dont know anymore!

Crossroads

I am confused, torn, perplexed, and worn out over this adoption process.. As time ticks by my mind begins to wonder if i am making the right decision? Do I really want to adopt? Do I want a lifestyle change? Will I still be as spontaneous? I just dont know? I am really close.. I am just waiting on an article 5 approval and then i can make travel plans. I was hoping to go during holiday break from school but that has since come and went.. I guess I just need a sign..

Adoption

Whew! I have been on busy busy dwarf. I just received approval from the Hague for my adoption. Now the paperwork makes its way to New Delhi in India and goes through their approval process. If all goes well I will be traveling the week before Christmas. I am required to stay in country for one week, we shall see if I can get this process speed along.

Sorry for the brief post but I am in a training for school and I am multitasking.

Here are some recent pics of Yamini. (Still not settled on a name)

Running on empty

It seems that the more I work on organizing my time and try to maintain a healthy balance of eating, sleeping, and working something always changes. But change is good right?

After a series of events and a difficult decision I am the lone resident on Kendalia. Terence has moved out perminently and hopefully he will take responsibility for himself and his actions. Thats all im gonna say on that.

Now a funny story that happened on Thursday night; lets me start with some background info. I recently posted an update to my FB page and asked for suggestions for a Halloween costume that would incorporate jeans. (My ultra-conservative school district does not permit teachers wearing jeans UNLESS you contribute to a "worthy cause of their choosing"). I was given many suggestions and thanked everyone. I ended up going as a benchwarmer for the Spurs in very comfortable track pants and a jersey. But here is the funny story. On Thursday night I had a brilliant idea to go with a Hawaiian themed costume complete with a grass skirt. I remembered I had a grass skirt, Hawaiian print shirt, and other pieces either in my front room (formly known as the sewing room) and the back room (formly known as my bedroom and Terence's room); so I took my flashlight because the light in the sewing room and in the closet in the back room does not work. I searched and searched both rooms vigorously by movin boxes (Frank's stuff has infilterated into those rooms). I was unsuccessful i.e the benchwarmer activity. After a good 15 minute search I went back to the living room to watch some TV when there was a knock at the door. (Having no clue and hoping it was Terence coming to pick up the rest of his stuff.) It wasn't.. It was the cops asking if I was ok. After confirming that I was the cops informed me they received a report of a suspicious person in the neighborhood. To ease the cops mind I pushed my front door wide opened and there were my 4 babies chewing on a treat. Seamus and Riley looked up and gave a huge bark. The cops stepped back and then told me the true reason that someone had called and reported seeing a flashlight movin around in my house and was concerned..I was very touched that my neighbors whom I rarely chat with or even see cared enough to care.

On top of that November is a very busy month and quite possibility a new beginning for me we shall see..

Another one bites the dust..

And so it happened.. Last night I was walking to my favorite spot on the couch, (with my dinner), that has been quite lonely lately, shouldering my cell phone (because I was on it with a parent). When it happened.. Yes, another cell phone bites the dust.. It fell into a bowl of ranch dressing.. and there you have it.. So, I have made the call to replace it today and I have my old one.. But when you have something you are comfortable with it is never easy to go back; like VHS tapes.. Once you have several DVDs its not so easy to watch a VHS tape.. Or HD tv.. I have one of those and I love it.. Watching "regular" tv is just not the same anymore..

Oh well.. Ill be ok.. I should have my phone by tomorrow or if not when I get back from Temple. (Yes, Im a comin tree hugger!)

and life will be ok..

New school year

Yesterday began another school year in Uvalde, and each morning I dread working here but once I am here I can't imagine any where else. (Im sure if I was teaching in SA I would say the same).. I have 22 students and Sid has 25, thank you attrition.. Yesterday, went by so quickly I can barely remember what I did with the exception of the intro question. Last year my students were not quite sure what to expect or make of me because of my stature. I asked them what made me different compared to other teachers. I got answers like: you wear a hat, you are cool, nice, and the best.. You like dogs, (that tells me they were listening) and finally one student said you have a platform (why I asked), because you are short. Then began why I am short conversation and a dialogue about being different but the same. This year was no exception.. Same polite responses until one student was brave enough to say I was "different in my size but not how I teach", (nominate that kid for GT!!)... I am enjoying my homeroom class this year so far.. Check back with me in a few months. My other class is bigger with more personalities and no spec ed kids so it comes to me with a different level of understanding and needs but I am like them..

I am planning a school year with a car pool plan from San Antonio, a back up place in Del Rio (thanks Marina), and now today a place to stay here with another teacher; so, it looks good.. I just need to keep up with time management and getting here on time I am 2 for 2 so far this year.. WHOO-HOO!

On a different note. Frank is in Corpus and his house has sold. I took some stuff to Del Rio yesterday that he sold but I had already taken with me back to SA and checked on several plants that a nice neighbor is caring for..

My niece Emily started her academic journey yesterday as well and from my sister she liked it.. Anthony is in high school and it said it was crazy..

My dogs are doing well.. Dakota has not adjusted well with me not being home.. She demonstrated that by chewing and tearing up some linoleum in the bathroom. (Guess I will start the remodel early).. Dilan is growing by leaps and bounds.. She is so tall and lanky.. She reminds me of a giraffe, but she is so so sweet and precious..

I gotta run.. My kids are at PE and I need to go find some chocolate and make copies..

Still breathing..