The slacker catching up

I have been volunteering at the local international school. Right now I am watching the high school classes so that I can learn some teaching/classroom management skills. I might start teaching spanish in the fall (a very daunting task if you ask me). I enjoy going to the school, makes Saudi seem more normal. The people there are very nice and I have made several good friends.



I made a really good friend here on the compound, Melanie. She has been here a number of years and works as an aide at the school. Or, I should say, lived here and worked. Unfortunately, she moved back to Scotland, gotta love our company!!!!!!##$$%$%#$# We became friends quickly, we had a lot in common and I think being here in such circumstances really helps to build friendships. So, she is back in Scotland now, yes, I shed a few tears, it was quite depressing. But, I am making other friends and things are good.



I am going to start swimming lessons in a week, I am excited and nervous. I haven't taught swimming lessons since I was in college, but I still remember what to do! I have been able to start swimming as well, my shoulder still bothers me and I don't know if I will be able to swim breast stroke as well or ever swim butterfly again, but I am trying to strenghten the muscles so that I can. One day at a time.



We have a little country-club type place that is about 20 minutes away, by foot. It has a private beach, where I can wear my bikini, at other beaches the women have to wear their Abayas. It is really nice, peaceful. They also have some places to eat and a nice gym. I think we are going to join, we only pay a small amount and the company pays the rest, it is much cheaper than a gym membership, that is for sure! Plus, it gives me something productive to do!!!!



I finally went on one of the long shopping trips to Dammam (the big city about an hour away) and I discovered paradise! They have a store called Tamimi, which is Safeway, and the sell American food! Yeah, I can buy shredded cheese, green chiles, tide free (liquid!) and many other things I can't get down here. So, I have decided that my major shopping will just have to happen once a month when the bus takes us up there. I was also able to find a cheap mixer (not a Kitchenaid, I am still trying to figure out how to get one), but this one will do. I have been making a lot of bread, rolls, etc, so I really need a good mixer. I am kicking myself for selling my KitchenAide. Now I have to see if I can buy a used one over there and bring it as a carry on when I come back from my visit in July. So, if you see a used one, grab it for me, I will pay you back!!! :)

Well, that is about it. I promise I will try and keep things more up to date so the entries aren't so long!!!