Testing

I finally got the chance to look over the material we are using, and I find it to be quite interesting. It appeared at first that the DLI material was based on archaic research and ideas, but I have found this to not be the case. Not only is the material meant to be taught using the latest methodologies, there is also a lab portion which is absolutely phenomenal. I think I could get used to teaching using this material!

Tomorrow we are testing the students. I will get to invigilate my first test with this material, but it all sounds pretty easy. After this job, I will be an 'expert' with the DLI material, so when they hire me to work for them, they can make me unlearn everything and relearn it the proper way! I just can't wait for that. I am not really sure how I feel about testing the students though. I have only had them for a couple of days, but we reviewed all the material, and they seem ready for the test. There are a couple I am concerned about, but I think they should have no real problems passing.

It will be a long day as we have to mark the exams, but it won't be difficult. So, here is to work that is not difficult and even enjoyable. Even in Iraq these are wondrous things we can cherish!

Teaching again

Finally! I have been waiting for this day for a while, but yesterday, I finally was in front of my own class teaching once again. Actually I am not sure I like being in front of my own class, and the material is a little different than I am used to. Trying to make things interesting that the students seem to think are too easy is a bit difficult, but I am sure I will manage to think of something. The students have seen fit to ask me all sorts of questions about the set-up of the program and what is going to happen to them next after they take the exam and such... it reminds me of when I was teaching in Kurdistan: same exact questions, and me with the same answer: "I don't know. Let me check on that for you." Being only my second day, they hadn't covered all those things with me; there were other logistical matters that needed to be addressed first. So, once again, I felt like an uninformed idiot in front of my students... military students... there is something about the uniforms that make them a little more intimidating than others I have taught.

Today is my only day off. It is Friday and I get to do with it as I please. I just don't really know what I please to do with it. I am exhausted as I have not been sleeping well, so I may just sleep the day away. It does seem a shame, though, as it is quite beautiful outside. Perhaps I will look for jobs to go to after this one. I don't really know how long I will be here, so I need to be prepared for later in the year. I know, at maximum, I will be here until September 14, 2011. More than likely, I will leave before that. I hope they let me know; I have a couple of things I would love to do, but I can't do them this year because they are at a time that conflicts with my present job. I guess these are just things we have to see about in the future. 

"Permanency" Again!

Well, I have finally made it to my permanent duty location. I will hopefully be here until my contract ends, but things like this are never really certain. I have decided that I need to get a new wardrobe to accommodate the weather and dust here in Iraq. I think that I may be wearing a lot of tanish colors from now on. I need new pants/trousers, socks, shirts, and shoes... I just have to get to the Exchange to see if they have all these things.

I haven't eaten here yet, so I am not sure about the food. I guess we shall see in a few minutes. All in all this trip has been exhausting. The helicopter rides, the cancellations, the newness of the process, these were all contributing factors to my wanting to curl up in a little ball and sleep for the next ten years! Things are better now that I am here though.

The place I am staying is alright. It is somewhat small and I have to share, and I have to walk 200 - 300 meters to get to the showers and the toilet, but I can handle that :P The biggest problem is that there is no self-service laundry; one has to take the clothes in to be washed by someone else and then come back and get them 2 days later. I am VERY not fond of others doing my laundry!

Of course there is the issue of the roommate as well. I really don't like sharing a room at all usually, but I can handle it alright; it isn't the first time by far. Unfortunately, he seems to like it cold, so he has the air conditioner on full blast. For me, that is too cold, and the air conditioner itself makes me a little nauseous. It will be an interesting bone of contention.

All in all, I am happy for now. I will go observe some classes tomorrow so as to become familiar with the program and such. We shall see what happens. I hope to also pick up either a watch or a new cell tomorrow as well. It is important to have a way to wake up and to know what time it is; there aren't a lot of clocks hanging around to let me know.... wish me luck.

In Baghdad

It is hard to believe almost two weeks has past since I have arrived. I had expected to start teaching right away, but things did not work out quite that way. The military had put the project on hold to review the safety and security issues involved. I am glad they are doing this as it means they are concerned for our safety. I suppose someone should be!

There isn't a lot to do here, though. I spend most of my time online or eating! I am sure I will gain 100 pounds before leaving here. The food is good and probably full of calories. Not being able to really leave the base makes things a little boring as well.

I am living right across from the US Embassy, so that is an interesting thing to see. I wish I were actually able to go visit, but no one is allowed without a special badge or specific permission. I can understand the security issues though.

People here have been wonderful! We have been getting along and playing scrabble and have also put on a couple of English classes for the people on this compound. I am scheduled to finally be moved to my new location soon! I think I will be teaching pilots... hopefully things at the new place will be as good or better than here.

That is all I can say for now. I will attempt to keep you informed. Let me know how things are going with the rest of the world; I live in a bubble!