Triumphs!

My last few entries have been about some of the challenges I've faced while here in AZ, I would like to tell you about some of my recent triumphs (I've made a list):

1. I paid my rent on my own, this might not seem like a big deal, but it required calling my landlord and arranging payment on my own (I don't know if you know this, but talking in another language on the phone is difficult, you can't infer as much through hand gestures or charades).

2. I successfully collaborated with one of our local hotels to secure a location to hold a training event. This required the art of negotiation and a lot of "looking good." ;) (Those of you who just read that and don't know me, I am teasing, mostly.....)

3. I successfully pulled off two events in one day: 1. The American Ambassador's visit to our organization and 2. A birthday party for my counter-part. Both were, I'm pleased to say, extremely successful.

4. I got a haircut, over 6 inches, and I like it.

5. I did laundry by hand

6. The kids in my neighborhood now know me and instead of choruses of "Hello, Hello" I now receive "Salam Crys" or "Hello Crystal." (It's much more respectful.)

7. I taught my TOEFL class the meaning of "oxymoron" after extending class for an extra 45 minutes (and no one minded).

8. My conversation club is blowing up! I don't know how to fit anymore students in the room, but I try not to say no (as long as everyone is respectful of each other).

9. My sitemate and I are going to form a drama club this summer, it's going to be FANtastic!

10. I am rocking site and all my committees. I'm busy, but I'm doing extremely well and am very happy. I have great students and truly enjoy my work.

Please know if I haven't returned emails, it's because I've been staying busy (it's the same reason I haven't posted in a while, or at least what seems like "a while").