This year, our second year at the American School of Doha, began with less disarray (despite the delay of our luggage), fewer jet-lag inspired tears, and the same anticipatory energy that each new school year brings. We finally received all of our luggage twenty days after landing in Doha. Our final bag, Nolan's monkey suitcase, arrived damp after spending some quality time outdoors at Heathrow Airport in London. We managed our jet lag with slightly more dignity than last year and felt normal one week after arriving, just in time to report to school for meetings.
We love our jobs, but all year we anticipate the summer. Then all summer, we felt displaced and frazzled. This is not to say we were not blessed with lovely hosts or that we did not savor some sweet, peaceful moments. We were and we did. But it was also odd and uncomfortable and stressful (I cried, I admit) at times. We packed, unpacked, visited, drove, packed, unpacked, visited, and drove. And again and again and again. Nolan asked if we now lived not in Qatar but in our car. I felt like such a slut - I slept in sixteen different beds in seven weeks.
Oh, well. Just like we have improved the way we plan our trips and travel, we will improve the way we allocate our time and energy during the summer. Not only am I determined to be a better teacher this year during the school year, I am determined to be a better houseguest our next summer home.
Good luck with your school year. I am sure you will rock it, you delightful, clever lady!
ReplyDeleteIt is so hard to be present when you want to be so many places. Returning home can be such a pain. It happens to us when we return to our childhood places.
ReplyDeleteI suggest flying in four days early (and not telling a soul) and going on a NW vacation like Winthrop where you won't run into anyone but you'll build some much missed Washington eye candy memories.
xoxo
hope to see you next summer. If not, though, I hope it is because you are hiding out and relaxing.