American International School of Kuwait -Science Fair

AIS had its sixth grade science fair on Thursday, April 29th 2010. The topics of their science projects included: testing for the best battery, which stain remover was most effective, different soils for different plants, fingerprinting, to the strongest type of bridges. Here are a few pictures from that day.

Research Skills at AIS

Well, this year's research skills class for 6th graders is almost finished. I had the privilege of working with four sections of sixth graders and they have been wonderful. I'll certainly miss them next year.
About four years ago my principal had asked me to create a research-skills program for the students in our middle school. At the time, students were lacking in many of the skills needed to conduct research projects accurately and independently. I created a curriculum based on "The Big 6" program by Micheal Eisenberg and Robert Berkowitz. Students are learning how to paraphrase information, write a works cited, how to use note cards as well as an outline. From the outline we have written essays, created power points, posters and speeches. Here are some pictures of my students' posters that they recently created. What a terrific bunch they are.

Frost - Amygdala

I just heard this group in a rooftop bar in Istanbul. I find the song to be dreamy, sexy, and irresistible. One of my new favs...

Why I am so Thankful of Kuwait and AIS

1.Spending two years with Missy and the trips that we took together when we were both single… Turkey, Thailand and Cambodia
2.Leaving behind a nine-year relationship in New York that was going nowhere. Being on my own for a year helped me gain my confidence & self-esteem back again. I didn’t know that I lost them until I came here.
3.Meeting the love of my life, David. He is one of the grand surprises that I experienced throughout my time here. Thank you Alex for bringing him over. I will always be in indebted to you for that.
4.Being a part of the PEAK and NESA workshops, both as a participant and presenter. I am sure that my involvement in these helped me to become the kind of teacher I am today.
5.Getting training in the MYP Advanced Language A program in Amsterdam. This workshop helped to solidify many things for me as a teacher at a MYP school. Once again, it helped to make me a stronger, more confident teacher.
6.Having extra money to pay off debt from home. If I was still home, I would be paying off my student loan until the day I die. Credit cards would also be a part of my life style back home too-along with paying off the bill of course!
7.Getting the chance to travel around the world to many wonderful and exotic places. Looking back at my time in Kuwait I realized those trips really helped to define each year I was here and helped to shape who I am today.
8.My apartment! It will be difficult to pack up my lovely place and maybe that is why I keep putting it off. June will be a very bittersweet time when I have to say goodbye to it! I really enjoyed not only the doubles building but even my single girl’s apartment! Also, walking to school every day has been an added bonus that has eliminated much stress from my life.
9.Speaking of stress, my anxiety levels have certainly gone down since coming to Kuwait for many reasons:
• not as many bills to pay as back home
• walk to work
• having a maid
• less family issues to deal with (crazy grandmother, etc)
• no snow or cold weather
• sun always shines
• get to work with people with common interest
• still have many of the conveniences of home
• more prep time at school than back at home
10.Some remarkable memories have occurred over here during my eight years which include:
• getting engaged in Cambodia
• being evacuated in 2003 –sent back home to the states for 6 weeks
• having amazing mentors as principals: Denise and Chris
• survived tsunami in Asia 2004 (Raleigh Beach)
• going on a local TV show to talk about our tsunami experiences
• finally getting to see the Giza pyramids and Nile River
• went on first hot air balloon ride
• rented house in Lombok with a salt-water in-ground pool
• snorkeling in the Maldives
• riding over sand dunes in the Dubai desert and watching belly dancing
• Running in a 10K race in Dubai; Dave running a marathon
• Dave winning the KSAA basketball championship in Kuwait twice; once for U-14
Boys and the other for JV Boys (JV Boys-1st banner ever in 1st place!)
• Going on a tandem paraglide in Southern Turkey at 7,500 feet
11. Meeting some wonderful and special people who will remain a part of my life always. I have learned so much through them and in turn, I have learned more about myself.

I am sure there are many other memories and I may continue to add to this list. Basically, Kuwait has been very good to me and I am so thankful for making the decision to come here in 2002. Taking that leap of faith really worked for me.

Something's Gotta Give

I was watching my favorite movie again tonight. I've seen it now about 10 times but it never gets old for me. My favorite character of course is "Eric Berry" played by Diane Keaton. She is just marvelous. Her independence, strength, and honesty-just remarkable.She makes getting older inspiring and I thank her for it.

8:00 AM Storm in Kuwait

The weather continues to be interesting here in Kuwait... At 7:30 AM on Saturday morning, I noticed the apartment getting increasingly dark. Then, I went to look at the window and saw we were in the process of a getting a major storm. The wind was whipping around, garbage cans blowing down the road and things blowing off the roofs. Eventually, it went from dark to black. Above I have attached pictures of this storm, which is probably the worst I have seen in my eight years here. Well, nothing like leaving Kuwait with a bang!

Backpacking Through India???

I was looking at my Facebook pages the other day and noticed an ad for traveling in India.... backpacking in particular. The part that struck me was the pictures they showed as you see above. The ad said, "Backpacking through India...Why not?" After looking at the pictures,I had to laugh.
Back in 1998 my sister and I did go on a backpacking trip through parts of France and Italy. As much fun as that trip was, I think I have hung up my backpack for good. Maybe its because my older self is now "built for comfort and not speed" more. Maybe I have come to believe that a vacation is just that... a vacation where one can spend time relaxating and enjoying the moment in preparation for the next long stretch of work. Even going on tours (something I thought I would never do) actually excite me more than they used to after going on one in Egypt.
Which is why after looking at that picture of a million people jammed on a train in India, I don't have any inkling to backpacking again, or travel in India for that matter. Maybe someday if I really develop the urge to see India, I will have to go on a well-designed tour; hopefully eliminating some of the pitfalls and headaches that I would have if I traveled on my own.
I realize that not everyone who goes to India goes by train. But, if these pictures are any indication of what can be expected, I will pass for now. I think I would have a heart attack if I was dropped down in the middle of that. If the outside of the train is like that then what is the inside like? I just stare at the photos in awe, shock and wonder. But I guess, most than anything else, the pictures make me appreciate what I have.

Current Weather in Kuwait

What is it about the rain? I have noticed how rain brings out so many emotions in people and it seems we all have a definite opinion of how we feel about it. Maybe because I have been in a desert climate the past eight years, but I love the rain. In fact, having a rain storm is like the first snow back home: a bit exciting, and wondrous.
This week, the weather in Kuwait has been fabulous. First of all, it has been cloudy and the nice thing about that is it stifles the heat a bit. Also, the rain has gently come and gone as well and it's been enjoyable. I've actually had the chance to walk in it using my umbrella; the first time this year! And, as a special treat, we have had the luxury of listening to the thunder crackling in the distance. What a cozy feeling that is! Yet,I remember in my first couple years in Kuwait there was a great deal more rain than what we have now. We used to get rain that would flood the streets (due to a lack of drainage areas). Also, I remember the workers would have to put bookcases down to use as ramps for the kids to get inside the classrooms as the ground was so flooded. Ah! The good old days and all of that excitement.
A few years back we had such a bad storm (lightning, hail, high winds, rain)that it seemed like our living room windows were going to pop out due to the craziness & pressure from outside. I remember being scared enough to run and crouch in the bathroom with my husband right behind me. That same night some bricks had fallen off the rooftop next door and landed with a loud splat on some of the cars below. I guess a brick falling from eight floors can do some damage to a car's hood and the car in general. Glad we were parked a few cars over. Anyway, no matter what the type of rain, I will always be appreciative of it. It is one of the many things I miss from back home.

21 Ways to Know It's Time to Leave Your Job

Hello! I came across this article today which I felt related to me in many ways. Whenever you are leaving one job to go to another, I feel it is natural to analyze why you are going. It may be something as simple as having a "gut feeling" which is part of why I am moving on. Yet, there are also things on this list that I agree with as well-not all of them but some ring true. Maybe you can relate to some of the things on this list. -Jen

21 Ways to Know It's Time to Leave Your Job by David Finch


Let’s face it leaving your job is never easy. Not to mention, no one likes to be tagged a quitter. However, the pressure of responsibilities and relationships you’ve made within the company can cause you to hold on even when the signs have been there for a long time.

You don’t have to be a physic to recognize the common denominators that it’s time to move on. Here are a few signs that could mean it’s your time.

1. You dread the thought of having to go to work.

2. You become physically sick as you get closer to work.

3. Your attitude changes about your employer and your job responsibilities.

4. You’re no longer challenged.

5. Your suggestions continue to fall on deaf ears.

6. You’re not respected or celebrated.

7. You suffer with headaches and other stress related symptoms while at work.

8. You think your being punished by a higher power.

9. You are being verbally abused by your boss.

10. You no longer are having fun.

11. You are constantly agitated while at work.

12. You take out your job frustrations on family and friends.

13. You no longer care about the quality of your work or how much you produce.

14. You’ve outgrown your job.

15. Your boss is slowly taking away your responsibilities.

16. The company is having trouble

17. When you seek out confrontation

18. Your job is dominating every area of your life

19. You are only happy when your not at work.

20. Negativity is effecting every area of your life.

21. You’ve found a better offer.

In all honesty, most individuals have known for a long time that it’s time to move on, but out of fear they hang on. Fear of failure, fear of the unknown seem to dominate miserable people with miserable jobs. If this is you, maybe it’s time to move on.

If you do choose to leave, don’t look back. Be grateful of the relationships and good times, but leave with no regrets.

Have you left a job after hanging on for an extended period of time? What were your fears or challenges? - By David Finch

Wanted: Quiet & Serenity on a Thursday Afternoon

In Kuwait, Thursday is our last day of the week. It is our "Friday" back home. By the end of the week, as with any job I believe, I am exhausted. Waking up early, tutoring, and motivating middle schoolers has taken its toll. On the bright side, I look forward to having my weekly dinner out at a nice restaurant to unwind, chat with my friends and relax. One advantage of living in Kuwait, is that many people eat dinner out much later than us. Where I go out from 5-7 PM, they are going out between 7-10. Needless to say, when I am out having dinner, there is usually very few people there which makes the atmosphere extra tranquil.
Tonight during dinner, there was a noticeable change. The key factor being: babies. There were at least two babies in the restaurant and let me tell you, tranquility was gone. It is okay; I don't expect my dinners out to be just with other adults. But what I did realize, is my desire to remain child-free in my own marriage continues to get stronger and stronger by the day. Maybe it is because I am a teacher and I am surrounded by children all week. Maybe it is because I am happy and satisfied with my life, marriage and career and don't feel the need or desire to start a family. Let me tell you, at 3:00 PM after a week of teaching preteens, there is nothing I like better than to stroll back home to my apartment, close the door, take a bath and just see how my weekend unfolds. Sometimes I feel guilty for not wanting to have kids and why is that? I have waited for that maternal feeling to kick in years ago but it never has. I also thought that when you found the right person and got married the mom thing would surface but it still hasn't. Will I regret not having kids someday? I don't think so and so far I haven't. I think the biggest thing I can do is to remain honest with myself. And, as far as my dinner out tonight... I am actually thankful for the meal and the clarity.

Istanbul in the Spring!

This past break I was fortunate enough to visit Istanbul during the spring time. After being away from my New York springs, I was so happy to see and smell nature coming to life again. Istanbul is beautiful enough but the flowering plants and trees made it extra special.
Another nice thing about Istanbul is you can walk around by foot and not have to worry about transportation, although the taxis and tram are good ways to get around too. Our hotel was ideal and centrally located in the old city just overlooking the Blue Mosque and the Bosporus River. It was called "The Arcadia" and with a travel agent you can book it for $140 a night. I would stay there again as it is a very clean place with a wonderful rooftop restaurant. Rooftop restaurants & bars seem to be a very common thing in Istanbul giving you breathtaking views of the city. It is a great way to spend the afternoon!
While we were in the city we were able to meet up with some old friends of ours, Jim and Ana Leahy who taught with us at AIS in Kuwait about six years ago. It was a blast having drinks up on top of a roof with them, reminiscing about old times. That is the nice thing about teaching overseas; even if you do not work with certain friends anymore at a particular school, you can always meet up with them at some location, somewhere in the world. And, after seeing them, this planet doesn't seem so big after all- which is very comforting!