This blog initially began as an outlet for me to document my experiences in the UAE.....now its 4 years later. During this time I've kept an journal. This year, my final year abroad I plan to make an conscious effort to update my blog. My new Mac will definitely come in hand!!
Really amazes me, that I've stayed here for 5 years.These five years away from my family and friends have been difficult. But it also has been a great ride with traveling, meeting life long friends, becoming conscious, facing fears, reclaimed sisterhood, exposure to the world for family and friends.
Smell the Roses is a phrase that means to enjoy or appreciate what is often ignored. ...Living here for 5 years, getting into a routine of life it is easy to not stop and "smell the roses." As my first week back to school comes to an end. I remind myself that it is important for me to "smell the roses" daily. Today was a rough start to my Thursday. I found out 2 people I know from back home passed away. Finding out the heartbreaking news in one of the worst way possible, reading it online! After a quick phone call to my fabulous sister, for a little encouragement, I began my day. At the end of the day a parent of a student I had a couple of years ago stopped by my classroom to say hello. This year her daughter is in with my previous co-teacher from the pass four years. (3 out of 4 years I had to share my teaching time with 2 classes 2 co-teachers, this year AS OF NOW I'm in just one class for the entire day) It is customary for women that know each other well to cheek kiss to indicate friendship. During this greeting I told her that I loved the perfume she was wearing. The mother proceeded to pull the full bottle of perfume from her purse and give it to me. I insisted it was not necessary, she stressed that I take it. Something so small but sweet definitely brighten up my day.
I will end this with an thought provoking post my sorority sister posted this week:
Anything that annoys you is teaching you patience.
Anyone who abandons you is teaching you how to stand up on your own two feet.
Anything that angers you teaching you forgiveness and compassion.
Anything that has power over you is teaching you how to take your power back.
Anything you hate is teaching you unconditional love.
Anything you fear is teaching you courage to over come your fears.
Anything you can't control is teaching you how to let go.
With my final year abroad ahead of me.. I plan on Living my Life while Smelling the Roses!
<3 Tiffany
Really amazes me, that I've stayed here for 5 years.These five years away from my family and friends have been difficult. But it also has been a great ride with traveling, meeting life long friends, becoming conscious, facing fears, reclaimed sisterhood, exposure to the world for family and friends.
Smell the Roses is a phrase that means to enjoy or appreciate what is often ignored. ...Living here for 5 years, getting into a routine of life it is easy to not stop and "smell the roses." As my first week back to school comes to an end. I remind myself that it is important for me to "smell the roses" daily. Today was a rough start to my Thursday. I found out 2 people I know from back home passed away. Finding out the heartbreaking news in one of the worst way possible, reading it online! After a quick phone call to my fabulous sister, for a little encouragement, I began my day. At the end of the day a parent of a student I had a couple of years ago stopped by my classroom to say hello. This year her daughter is in with my previous co-teacher from the pass four years. (3 out of 4 years I had to share my teaching time with 2 classes 2 co-teachers, this year AS OF NOW I'm in just one class for the entire day) It is customary for women that know each other well to cheek kiss to indicate friendship. During this greeting I told her that I loved the perfume she was wearing. The mother proceeded to pull the full bottle of perfume from her purse and give it to me. I insisted it was not necessary, she stressed that I take it. Something so small but sweet definitely brighten up my day.
I will end this with an thought provoking post my sorority sister posted this week:
Anything that annoys you is teaching you patience.
Anyone who abandons you is teaching you how to stand up on your own two feet.
Anything that angers you teaching you forgiveness and compassion.
Anything that has power over you is teaching you how to take your power back.
Anything you hate is teaching you unconditional love.
Anything you fear is teaching you courage to over come your fears.
Anything you can't control is teaching you how to let go.
With my final year abroad ahead of me.. I plan on Living my Life while Smelling the Roses!
<3 Tiffany
