Please keep in touch as I would love to hear from you! I've enabled comments so feel free to follow the blog, respond to posts, or just say hello.
Once I get to Puerto La Cruz, I'll try to be diligent about posting notes and pictures about all of my new discoveries and adventures.
For now, though, here's what I've been doing for preparation:
- Listening to Pimsleur's Spanish program in my car every chance I get. So far I can say the really important things, like order wine and ask where the stores are. (Thanks, Uncle Matt!)
- Preparing to fly to a Venezuelan consulate (most likely in Chicago)to complete my work visa
- Sorting through my clothes and belongings to discard or put away everything that won't be coming with me
- Familiarizing myself with CIPLC's curriculum as much as possible, and pondering deep thoughts such as how to teach robotics to fourth graders, and wondering why in the world they never taught Venezuelan history here in the U.S.(haha...)
- Trying to sell my car (any takers?)
- Finding warm weather teaching clothes and buying swimsuits for the first time since I quit lifeguarding (it's tough, but someone's got to do it!)
- Finishing up two courses about teaching ESL students and multicultural literacy instruction - this will be handy since there are 16 different nationalities represented at CIPLC. :)
- Getting beach-body ready and checking a marathon off of my bucket list! Derek and I will be running The Dam Marathon on June 14th outside of Oakridge, OR. Three more weeks!
- Beginning to say those bittersweet goodbyes - there are still so many people to spend quality time with before July 19th!
I was fortunate enough to make it home for a few days in order to say goodbye to this guy, who deploys to Africa this week. Dan, I am so proud of you! (Too bad you didn't bring the Bondiband with you in order to charm the local ladies!)
One of the views I'll miss the most and will always be happy to return to - from the living room window at home in Big Timber.
I'm so happy for you, and you will have the best time.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda. I've enjoyed dancing with you over the past two years. Good luck with fire and be sure to keep Tammy in line at OULA!
DeleteWow - you're about as busy as I am. Glad we had at least one get-together before you leave. Hoping for more, of course. Nice blog!
ReplyDeleteMe too, Peggy! It's always wonderful seeing you. Will you be blogging about your South Africa experience? I'd love to follow yours and keep tabs on you. :)
DeleteGood luck and have a blast, St. Regis will miss you dearly!!!! Lots and lots of pictures!!!!! So exciting!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jen! I'm going to miss everyone in Regis but am glad technology makes staying in touch so much easier. Have a great summer and good luck with volleyball! :)
DeleteBraaden is totally following!! He says; "I miss you very much and good luck on your new adventure" We will send you our address once you get settled and you guys can be pen-pals!! He would love it!! Enjoy the sun and thanks so much for all you have done for him this past year, you are going to be greatly missed!!
ReplyDeleteAww, tell him that I miss him too, and good luck in Utah! I would love to be his pen-pal. The boys will both make friends quickly, and I'm sure you've already found plenty to do. Thank YOU for all of your support at home - you have a wonderful family. Glad we can keep in touch!
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