A while ago, I posted an entry with this title and also some fabulous pictures that, quite frankly, I "wish I'd taken".
Last night, I wish I'd had a CAMERA with me to TAKE THE PHOTO of what I witnessed. Sometimes life is too darn precious and funny. As I've said for years, "Fact is Stranger than anything you can make up".
So, as I tell my students, ""put on your imagination hats and picture this"...
I'm in my favorite taxi (the BFFs vehicle) and we're in "Old Kuwait City", a place that is, duh, older than the modern part. Construction is everywhere as they attempt to rebuild, or construct apartment/office buildings. As stated, the national bird of Q8 is the construction crane.
All of a sudden, we look to our left and we see a HUGE crane lifting a huge backhoe AND THERE IS A GUY UNDERNEATH IT guiding it with a rope. Seriously. There are four giganitnormous chains around this backhoe, it's lifted at least 10 feet in the air, hoisted up by this HUGER CRANE and it's being moved 90 degrees. I'm not sure why it wasn't just driven over there--literally it was ike picking up a toy in the sandbox with your right hand and placing it by your left hand. AND AGAIN THERE WAS SOMEONE WALKING UNDERNEATH IT guiding it. We watched in awe (and fear that we would see the too real site of a Squished Kuwaiti).
And me without a camera.
The construction "rules" here are amazing, or should I say the LACK of rules. Surely, OSHA has never made it across the OSH-EAN. Construction works stand on scaffolding or rather (and I've seen this a number of times) boards tied together with ropes. Stories and stories in the air and all they're standing on it something that looks like my 6th grade class put it together.
(and they ain't too careful, trust me!) There are no hard hats, no safety harnesses, no yellow vests, no steel toed boots. I think they must sell steel toed sandles--at least that's what these guys have on.
I'll start carrying my camera and see if I can capture the moment. At least I'll make sure there isn't a crane above my head before I take the photo.
While the hilarity of this scene stays with me, so does the reality. Just 20 minutes earlier, as we sat in the Outdoors in the Old Souk (Market) eating a lovely meal, we were approached by a young man from Palestine who showed us his injuries and was asking for money. He'd been injured in a construction accident, and, as there's no insurance or workman's comp (things we just take for granted in North America), he was reduced to begging. It was sad. This was no scam, he truly was injured and unable to work. He flashed through my head as I watched the crane swinging in the air.
So many times, in North America, I have bitched about regulations, rules, safety seminars etc. No longer, The ability to even have rules, guidelines and regulation is being added to my ever-growing list of "THINGS THAT ARE TAKEN FOR GRANTED BY NORTH AMERICANS list. Unfortunately, the list is quite long and I've only been here 3 months.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
No appropriate words
In every election there's a winner and a loser. People gather around the winner and applaud and cheer. People gather around the loser and give hugs of support and tell them they did their best.
While the candidate of my political choice won (unbelievable!), I am saddened by the news that the Pelican Rapids school referendum vote failed by 33 votes!!That means well over $1 million dollars will have to be cut from the PR school budget next year. This past year over $770,000 in cuts were made. We felt those cuts very deeply and personally. It's why we are in Kuwait.
When we agreed to move, I knew there would be times when I would give everything just to return for a death or the loss of something. It's one of those times when I wish I could be there for friends.
I know so many people worked so hard-the administration, the school board, the various committees in the district. People who care about the future of the students--even those whose own children have long since graduated worked very, very hard.
It's hard to stomach the outcome over here, I can't imagine the pain those in Vikingland are experiencing. When I found out this afternoon (thanks Marguerite for the email) I let out such a loud gasp that my students thought someone had died. Well, in way, it is a death of dreams, hopes, wishes and for some, employment.
When people vote with their pocketbook and not their heads, it's disappointing. I haven't heard the facts yet (hoping to soon) but I can imagine that there was a certain percent of the voting population who "killed" the vote. Granted,I don't know all the facts, I'm thousands of miles away. However, I can tell from here what the future will be. And it's not pretty.
Personal Soapbox time:
People who work in education don't do it for the money. Oh yeah, those of you not involved can make all the comments you want about "three months off, every holiday, no weekends, etc". And you'd be right, those are great perks. But everyone I know well who is in education has a great deal of passion and heart for their job and when it comes down to it, they are there because they love children and believe in their responsibility to help make the future better by working with children.
We were willing to pay additional tax $$ and we won't even be there for a couple years to see the direct benefits.
If you see an educator, thank them. If you see an educator from PR, offer to buy them a beer (or coffee) and listen to their story. And, give them the encouragement they need to face the students whose very lives will be affected by the decision to not support education.
Here's a hug from Kuwait. To those of you who voted YES, thanks for the support. And to those who voted NO...
While the candidate of my political choice won (unbelievable!), I am saddened by the news that the Pelican Rapids school referendum vote failed by 33 votes!!That means well over $1 million dollars will have to be cut from the PR school budget next year. This past year over $770,000 in cuts were made. We felt those cuts very deeply and personally. It's why we are in Kuwait.
When we agreed to move, I knew there would be times when I would give everything just to return for a death or the loss of something. It's one of those times when I wish I could be there for friends.
I know so many people worked so hard-the administration, the school board, the various committees in the district. People who care about the future of the students--even those whose own children have long since graduated worked very, very hard.
It's hard to stomach the outcome over here, I can't imagine the pain those in Vikingland are experiencing. When I found out this afternoon (thanks Marguerite for the email) I let out such a loud gasp that my students thought someone had died. Well, in way, it is a death of dreams, hopes, wishes and for some, employment.
When people vote with their pocketbook and not their heads, it's disappointing. I haven't heard the facts yet (hoping to soon) but I can imagine that there was a certain percent of the voting population who "killed" the vote. Granted,I don't know all the facts, I'm thousands of miles away. However, I can tell from here what the future will be. And it's not pretty.
Personal Soapbox time:
People who work in education don't do it for the money. Oh yeah, those of you not involved can make all the comments you want about "three months off, every holiday, no weekends, etc". And you'd be right, those are great perks. But everyone I know well who is in education has a great deal of passion and heart for their job and when it comes down to it, they are there because they love children and believe in their responsibility to help make the future better by working with children.
We were willing to pay additional tax $$ and we won't even be there for a couple years to see the direct benefits.
If you see an educator, thank them. If you see an educator from PR, offer to buy them a beer (or coffee) and listen to their story. And, give them the encouragement they need to face the students whose very lives will be affected by the decision to not support education.
Here's a hug from Kuwait. To those of you who voted YES, thanks for the support. And to those who voted NO...
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad
Today would have been my parents 71st wedding anniversary if they were alive. I still remember the date and wish I could send them a card. For many years after they died, I could send a card to my friend DrBob's parents as they share the same anniversary. Alas, that's no longer possible either (hey CJ if you're reading-thinking of you)
It's funny how some dates stay in your mind. At least they stay in my mind. For example, I will always remember the date of my dad's death. Probably because it was the single most shocking event that has happened to me. On the first anniversary of his death, I drove to Herman to the cemetary. It rained all the way down (or was it my tears) and as I was driving I prayed for a "sign" from above that everything was alright. When I stepped out of my car at the cemetary, I saw the biggest rainbow I've ever seen. I took it as a sign.
Better ending to the above story: When I returned home to PElican RApids, I told the story to Ben (he was in 1st grade at the time). The next year, in second grade, the students were asked to make a calendar for their parents and draw a picture for each month. For the month of May, Ben drew a picture of a rainbow and a headstone. It brought tears to my eyes then and it still does now as I write about it.
I've started to commemorate the date by planting something in the ground. For those who don't know, my dad died while in his garden. With the hoe in his hand and the dog curled up by his side.It was a beautiful passing. Shocking at the time but peaceful now (at least for me). I also try to make a big deal out of a friend's birthday who is on that date. (here's to you--you know who you are!)
Part of my life motto is that BIRTHDAYS and ANNIVERSARIES should be a BIG DEAL. And just because someone isn't living--on this earth--doesn't mean that their special event can't be celebrated. SO, here's to anyone who is celebrating an anniversary or birthday this week (Like my Ugly and Lucy B) and anyone else. CELEBRATE BIG while you are here. And hopefully someone will remember your date when you are no longer dancin' on this earth.
Now I'm going to go find someone to take out to supper in honor of my parents.
It's funny how some dates stay in your mind. At least they stay in my mind. For example, I will always remember the date of my dad's death. Probably because it was the single most shocking event that has happened to me. On the first anniversary of his death, I drove to Herman to the cemetary. It rained all the way down (or was it my tears) and as I was driving I prayed for a "sign" from above that everything was alright. When I stepped out of my car at the cemetary, I saw the biggest rainbow I've ever seen. I took it as a sign.
Better ending to the above story: When I returned home to PElican RApids, I told the story to Ben (he was in 1st grade at the time). The next year, in second grade, the students were asked to make a calendar for their parents and draw a picture for each month. For the month of May, Ben drew a picture of a rainbow and a headstone. It brought tears to my eyes then and it still does now as I write about it.
I've started to commemorate the date by planting something in the ground. For those who don't know, my dad died while in his garden. With the hoe in his hand and the dog curled up by his side.It was a beautiful passing. Shocking at the time but peaceful now (at least for me). I also try to make a big deal out of a friend's birthday who is on that date. (here's to you--you know who you are!)
Part of my life motto is that BIRTHDAYS and ANNIVERSARIES should be a BIG DEAL. And just because someone isn't living--on this earth--doesn't mean that their special event can't be celebrated. SO, here's to anyone who is celebrating an anniversary or birthday this week (Like my Ugly and Lucy B) and anyone else. CELEBRATE BIG while you are here. And hopefully someone will remember your date when you are no longer dancin' on this earth.
Now I'm going to go find someone to take out to supper in honor of my parents.
VOTE YES!!
Election Day 2008. When I woke up this morning, I thought "today IS THE DAY that will change many things.
Not only the future of the US. There is much interest here in the US election. I think I've spoken about it before. The one thing the Kuwaitis (and others) don't get is that our election choice is a secret. I've been asked a number of times who I voted for (it's a secret!)
Our Humanities10 teacher did a very interesting thing, and something that should maybe be done in the real elections. She ran a Mock Election here in school and, instead of the names, she put two paragraphs indirectly quoting each candidate. So, in essence, one voted for what the person believed in and supported, rather than the NAME of the candidate.
Now I've already voted (took a taxi to the Embassy to make sure our ballots made the courier pouch) but as I voted in this Mock Election, all of a sudden, I realized that I didn't know as much about the ISSUES and OPINIONS of the candidates. I had to carefully read the material and slowly choose one (instead of quickly seeing the name of the candidate I wanted and checking it off).
When I put my ballot into the box, I asked our school public relations person (she was running the ballot box) which person was behind each statement. Thankfully I voted correctly in the REAL election (at least I voted for the one whose opinions and beliefs I can support!)
Also, I've not tried to make a political statement about what is happening back "home" BUT IF YOU LIVE IN PELICAN RAPIDS, GET OUT AND VOTE YES!!! FOR THE SCHOOL REFERENDUM. YOUR COMMUNITY AND YOUR CHILDREN NEED THIS VOTE.
Enough said--thank you for listening
*This advertisement wasn't paid for by anyone and probably isn't supported by half of the people who read this. But it's my right to say so and I did. Amen!
Not only the future of the US. There is much interest here in the US election. I think I've spoken about it before. The one thing the Kuwaitis (and others) don't get is that our election choice is a secret. I've been asked a number of times who I voted for (it's a secret!)
Our Humanities10 teacher did a very interesting thing, and something that should maybe be done in the real elections. She ran a Mock Election here in school and, instead of the names, she put two paragraphs indirectly quoting each candidate. So, in essence, one voted for what the person believed in and supported, rather than the NAME of the candidate.
Now I've already voted (took a taxi to the Embassy to make sure our ballots made the courier pouch) but as I voted in this Mock Election, all of a sudden, I realized that I didn't know as much about the ISSUES and OPINIONS of the candidates. I had to carefully read the material and slowly choose one (instead of quickly seeing the name of the candidate I wanted and checking it off).
When I put my ballot into the box, I asked our school public relations person (she was running the ballot box) which person was behind each statement. Thankfully I voted correctly in the REAL election (at least I voted for the one whose opinions and beliefs I can support!)
Also, I've not tried to make a political statement about what is happening back "home" BUT IF YOU LIVE IN PELICAN RAPIDS, GET OUT AND VOTE YES!!! FOR THE SCHOOL REFERENDUM. YOUR COMMUNITY AND YOUR CHILDREN NEED THIS VOTE.
Enough said--thank you for listening
*This advertisement wasn't paid for by anyone and probably isn't supported by half of the people who read this. But it's my right to say so and I did. Amen!
Cruisin' on the Gulf
David and I have an opportunity for more time together while we're in Kuwait. At least until the spring play rehearsals start (which is next week). So we're trying to take advantage of some fun things.
Last Friday night we went on a "Moonlight and Roses" midnight cruise on the Gulf. There were about 45 of us, we knew about half of the other "Cruisers" from our school, plus there were members of the Australian/New Zealand Rugby team (a fun group)and some single women (maybe looking for Rugby players?!). We enjoyed a beautiful buffet (a challenge to eat while the boat is rockin') a beautiful evening (no moonlight but great view of the gulf) and dancing.
We know one song REALLY WELL (A swing dance) which we did a couple times (hey who cares?) Then we pretended like we were Disco King and Queen, and did a couple other moves. Mostly the DJ was into "himself" and played only music he liked. I say that because there was no one dancing for most of the evening after it became clear what his motive was. Oh well, we had a good time and enjoyed the opportunity to cruise on the gulf.
Here's a photo (with another newbie and embassy friend). Also pictured is what it looks like from the boat looking back on shore. The boat was pretty rocky so excuse the jittery look.
Cool huh?!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Can you guess what this picture is?
I could think of all kinds of inappropriate comments here, but I'll be a grownup and just tell you straight out that it's the sign outside the Women's Prayer room at a Mall.
Reminder of Muslim rules: Women and Men pray seperately because if they were in the same room praying (and kneeling and laying prostrate directly in front of someone) it could lead to "improper thoughts".
I didn't make up the rules, only reporting them folks.
"Ya Gotta Love Kuwait"
I have heard this phrase is uttered by several Americans when they are frustrated by the government bureaucracy, the Muslim rules and traditions, the lack of internet and telephone service and the driving.
Well I recently had occassion to hear myself uttering the phrase.
We've encountered what could be described as a HASSLE with getting Anna's Civil I.D. Securing this document, which is the only real document that states we are OKAY with the Big K, is becoming a huge pain in the backside. Our own ID's took 7 weeks to secure which didn't allow us to travel during our 5 days off. Oh, we could have travelled but then we would have had to start the process of bloodwork, paperwork, etc ALL OVER AGAIN. And we weren't going down that road.
Now that we have our Civil IDs--oops let me be more specific--now that DAVID has his civil ID (because the male is the sponsor for his wife and children), the process of securing one for Anna can begin. After a trip to the Department of immigration, he was told that our marriage license (which, btw, no one told him he had to bring with him) had to be "Authenticated". "Go to the Embassy" we were told.
So, off we went to the US Embassy (and of course I went with him because two sets of ears are, after all, better than one...and of course I am a nosy bitch and wanted to hear for myself what was happening), get an appointment, wait in line with other disgruntled Americans (the phrase I heard uttered more than once was "I feel more like a second class citizen at my own embassy than I do anywhere else in Kuwait"), then we get into see the person (after waiting in line and having our number called) only be told that we SHOULD HAVE HAD OUR license and Anna's birth certificate Authenticated in the states.
TIP: If you ever want to live overseas, do this before you leave the country. We weren't told to do so (yes I've already spoken-kindly-to our superintendent indicating he should include this for next year's newbies).
SO NOW we get to begin the process of getting a real, certified, notarized copy of our Anna's birth certificate AND our marriage certificate, then getting them sent to St Paul to be authenticated, then sent to Washington DC to be authenticated that they were authenticated and THEN they need to get sent here (carrier pigeon of course) so that we can begin the process of getting it authenticated (see the pattern here folks) so that we can get her Civil ID done.
Sounds like fun?!
After venting to you (thanks for listening) I do understand this process (when I use my intellectual side and not the emotional part)because after all, I've seen the movie "Catch me if you can" (even read the book!) and it could be easy to duplicate,forge, etc any document you want. So I'll suck it up and get it done. And probably bitch about it some more. And for sure owe Little Bro PSL mucho cervasa for doing all the leg work.
Alas, we ASKED for this opportunity, remember?!
Well I recently had occassion to hear myself uttering the phrase.
We've encountered what could be described as a HASSLE with getting Anna's Civil I.D. Securing this document, which is the only real document that states we are OKAY with the Big K, is becoming a huge pain in the backside. Our own ID's took 7 weeks to secure which didn't allow us to travel during our 5 days off. Oh, we could have travelled but then we would have had to start the process of bloodwork, paperwork, etc ALL OVER AGAIN. And we weren't going down that road.
Now that we have our Civil IDs--oops let me be more specific--now that DAVID has his civil ID (because the male is the sponsor for his wife and children), the process of securing one for Anna can begin. After a trip to the Department of immigration, he was told that our marriage license (which, btw, no one told him he had to bring with him) had to be "Authenticated". "Go to the Embassy" we were told.
So, off we went to the US Embassy (and of course I went with him because two sets of ears are, after all, better than one...and of course I am a nosy bitch and wanted to hear for myself what was happening), get an appointment, wait in line with other disgruntled Americans (the phrase I heard uttered more than once was "I feel more like a second class citizen at my own embassy than I do anywhere else in Kuwait"), then we get into see the person (after waiting in line and having our number called) only be told that we SHOULD HAVE HAD OUR license and Anna's birth certificate Authenticated in the states.
TIP: If you ever want to live overseas, do this before you leave the country. We weren't told to do so (yes I've already spoken-kindly-to our superintendent indicating he should include this for next year's newbies).
SO NOW we get to begin the process of getting a real, certified, notarized copy of our Anna's birth certificate AND our marriage certificate, then getting them sent to St Paul to be authenticated, then sent to Washington DC to be authenticated that they were authenticated and THEN they need to get sent here (carrier pigeon of course) so that we can begin the process of getting it authenticated (see the pattern here folks) so that we can get her Civil ID done.
Sounds like fun?!
After venting to you (thanks for listening) I do understand this process (when I use my intellectual side and not the emotional part)because after all, I've seen the movie "Catch me if you can" (even read the book!) and it could be easy to duplicate,forge, etc any document you want. So I'll suck it up and get it done. And probably bitch about it some more. And for sure owe Little Bro PSL mucho cervasa for doing all the leg work.
Alas, we ASKED for this opportunity, remember?!
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