My German Anniversary!!!

Well, I have officially been living in Germany for a year now, and what a year it's been. I've learned a lot, grown in my profession, met some incredible people and made a few awesome friends. I've visited a bit of Europe and am looking forward to new adventures!

I apologize for abandoning my blog and losing contact at the beginning of this year. My world was quite a bit crazy and it's taken this long to get back on my feet. I'll try to sum it up for you.  Just after the new year, when I was happily teaching my adorable 2nd graders English, math & science, as well as math and science to my wonderful 5th & 6th grade, one of my colleagues was inexplicably let go. It was unfortunate for MANY reasons, one of which was when I was asked to take over his upper classes: 7th-10th science & 9-10th math.  I was hesitant, as half of those classes are outside my certification; but I love math & science, I wanted to be a team player, and I was promised assistance. Sadly, it required that I no longer teach 2nd grade. Instead I devoted ALL my energy to my new classes. Well, it didn't progress as smoothly as hoped. I spent many long hours trying to serve my students' needs, but to be honest I was not the right person for the task.  I did my job to the best of my ability, and spread myself too thin doing so.  Additionally, the school lost other amazing teachers and was operating on a skeleton crew - less than optimal learning conditions.  Due to some additional challenges, I had to move out of the teacher house I had been renting a room at on fairly short notice.  Fortunately the FABULOUS friends I've made came to my rescue, helped me move, and patiently waited until the perfect opportunity landed at my feet thanks to the networking of my cousins. I was happy in Heidelberg for the final 3 months of my last contract, despite the hectic hours coordinating classes at school.

I am happy to report that, through an incredible stroke of luck, I landed my dream job! I am now living in Wiesbaden, teaching 5th grade Language, Science, Social Studies and Maths at Frankfurt International School's Wiesbaden campus in Naurod. This is such a spectacular opportunity for me because the school teaches the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program curriculum, which aligns closely with my personal teaching philosophy! The instructors are every bit as high caliber as my colleagues at my last school.  The bonus is that this school has a wealth of resources and support.  I am impressed and delighted each day as I learn and grow; my students are about to finish our first week together and I am looking forward to an epic year with them.  I count my blessings everyday.    
I am grateful for your love and support! I would not feel successful, and indeed may not have survived this past year without the enduring encouragement I have received from those special people in my life.  I hope you know who you are, but just in case, here's a shout out to some of you whom I appreciate more than I can express (in no particular order): Kyle, Angela, Eric, Greg, Suzanne, Harper, Illia, Sina, Sebastian, Catherine, Kathryn, Melek, Ingvar, Alicia, Jeremy, Chris, Trek, Sean, Bogdan, Louise, Charlie, Trish, Mike, Andrea, Michael, Michale, Isaac, Bridget, Patrick, Casey, Chase, Justin, Marci, Angie, and Israel. This is in no way a comprehensive list, and many more helped me through this year, but to the ones listed, I am most grateful.  I always love you and if you ever need anything from me, I hope you never hesitate to ask!

New Year Adventures!

Happy new year, friends and loved ones!  I hope your holiday was marvelous.  Mine was a wonderful adventure!  Israel and I had initially intended to welcome the new year in Paris, but due to the staggering costs of visiting that city during the holidays, we opted for a different locale.  My super smart cousin Kyle told me that he'd read Amsterdam was the place to be December 31st.

So we chose to travel north on his recommendation, and are so glad we did!  As Israel works the night shift, and we wanted to get an early start, I drove and he rested.  We arrived at the Ibis Hotel West just before dinner.  We had a snack, then he slept while I ventured down town to pick up our I AMsterdam passes.

This little red card was a wonderful investment - if you are planning to travel to Amsterdam, I highly recommend it!  http://www.iamsterdam.com/en-GB/experience/deals/i-amsterdam-city-card  We opted for the 48hr pass, which allowed us free access to public transportation and admittance to most museums for a free or reduced rate, and random freebies around the city for 48 hours!

When I returned to the Ibis, we went for dinner and then headed downtown to explore. There was so much to see!  When midnight came, we were near the docks and watched a fantastic fireworks display.  But that wasn't all.  As we continued to wander, fireworks were lighting off all over the city.  Over the red light district there was a dueling display, as if two separate parties were competing for the best show - spectacular!

Sadly, our phones ran out of juice, so we were unable to record our own footage, but this is a taste of what we witnessed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgqrusHxpk  So, if you're wondering where to go next year, try the Netherlands!

Because we covered a lot of ground, a sleeping injury in Israel's foot was aggravated, to the point that he could not put any weight on it the next day.  I left him resting as I ventured out to find him ibuprofen (he had already consumed the last of his supply), and see a bit of the city for myself!  I was on a mission to find a sweater that looked cute on me.  Sadly, my mission failed, but I still saw interesting things.

The day off did the trick for Israel, and with the next day we were able to see some sights!  After a hearty breakfast, we set out for the Hermitage Amsterdam, a satellite of the original Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.  It was very interesting!  My favorite exhibit was one about how astronauts returning from space develop an interesting propensity for creating art.

We then were total tourists, taking photos with the giant I AMsterdam display, wandered through another museum (literally, the street goes right through it), and learned about distillation at the House of Bols.  We intended to take a night canal cruise ride, but the line was over an hour long so we put it off in favor of taking in more sights.

Our final day in Amsterdam was a bit gray and drizzly, but that didn't slow us down!  We visited the Van Gogh Museum, and through the art scavenger hunt (admittedly designed for children), I deepened my appreciation for the Dutch artist's work.

My favorite exhibit here, was actually the restoration and authentication exhibit, where electron microscopes were set up to get a VERY close view of Van Gogh's work - super interesting.  I guess that's the nerd in me coming out!

We were impressed by the Heineken experience - up close and personal with beer brewing experts.  We were even able to 'help the brewer', which was of course my favorite part.  Oh - bonus: I earned an extra sample of beer by answering a question from our beer tasting instructor!

The Heineken Experience was MUCH larger than we thought it would be, and we were famished as well as exhausted by the end, so after a quick Chinese dinner, we headed back to Germany!

School started back up with a brand new schedule which I really appreciate!  I teach math or science first thing in the morning.  There is also plenty of time to coordinate with other teachers, and one morning or afternoon devoted to just planning for each teacher.  

I am starting a letter/pen pal unit with my students and need examples to show them. Please send me letters, post cards, etc. My address is: Adolf-Loos-Weg 55, 68519 Viernheim Germany.  You may also send me a letter at the school: Walter-Gropius-Allee 3, 68519 Viernheim  Germany. Not only would I LOVE to hear from you, but you'd be REALLY helping me out and I PROMISE you will receive a letter back!   There it is, you are all caught up on my year so far.  Tune in later for more updates!  Tchuss!