Not Just One Piece of Gum

The school year is well underway and I cannot believe it is the middle of October already.  I am keeping busy subbing and while it is not a job and my own classroom, I am pretty much getting a job everyday, so at least there is some sort of income coming in. You may or may not be wondering what's with the title of this entry.  Well let me tell you...and it is okay to laugh.  I am now even though I wasn't at the time.  In the three years I have been subbing, I have never hated it or dreaded moving from school to school.  Then a couple of weeks ago, there was a day that will forever stand out.  I was subbing at a school I was familiar with for a teacher I have subbed for before.  Of course new school year, means new students.  Granted it was in a special education classroom, but as many of you know I have a history with/in special ed and I do not mind it at all.  Most of the time I enjoy it.  Anyway, middle of the day I am moving around in the chair and am getting stuck on something.  I briefly thought it was the velcro pieces on my jacket getting caught on my pants...no such luck.  Stood up only to find blue gum all over the chair, my jacket and my pants!!!  No way this was just one piece of gum!  It was all over and here I am freaking out as I realise how bad the situation is and looking ahead to how I would make it through the rest of the day.  Of course there was no way of knowing which student did it....none were behind the desk, but many were close to it and I figure it was tossed and landed somewhere on the chair and then spread itself around. 
Okay, so I was pissed!  I called the office and again even though there was no way to ID the culprit I wanted the incident made aware of.  There was no way I would make it to the end of the day in the pants...so I took the prep hour (which fortunately was next) and drove home.  Not what I would have liked to do, but necessary nonetheless. I dreaded going home at the end of day thinking of how I was going to get the gum out.  Long story short...I was able to get the gum out of my nylon jacket...but my pants were not so fortunate. While it does not make up for ruined pants, it was a nice surprise to get a stack of apology letters from students in the class.  I have told the teacher that I will also sub for her again.  Like I said, now I am laughing, but I certainly was not then.  Just another day in the life of a sub...or not :)
Anyway, it is almost Halloween and as most of you probably know it is one of my favorite holiday's.  Not sure what my costume will be yet, but I am busy pondering.  Besides keeping busy subbing I have been a soccer auntie of sorts...going on Saturday mornings to watch Skyler and Hunter kick the ball around.  Alas, I fear neither of them are destined to be soccer players, but it was fun to let them try it out for five weeks.  I am proud to say that my dramatic influence continues to rub off on my niece.  one week after soccer, most of which she was in tears, she turned to me and said "Auntie, I just want to be dramatic!"  I for sure am looking into those acting classes for her.
I attended my 15-year high school reunion a few weeks ago.  I was a little apprehensive, but was very glad I went in the end.  It was great seeing people and catching up.  I keep wondering where the time has gone?  I subbed at my old high school earlier this week and the students are always intrigued to learn that I graduated from there.  Of course the reality is that many of the freshmen were born the year I graduated.  Ahhhh!  That seems crazy and unreal :)  Basically I am just trying to take life one day at a time.  There are still the moments of regret that I am here and not in Bahrain, but life goes on.  I am trying to tolerate the weather as it gets colder, but I would be lying if I said I have not complained yet.  Not looking forward to winter, but of course that is nothing new.  I hope that there are still some readers out there who find my life somewhat exciting and worth reading about it.  If that is the case, I will continue blogging for those friends who are far away.  Miss you all!

Summer in Review

I will try and make this entry more upbeat then the last one :)  By the time I returned to Minnesota on July 1st, summer had arrived and was well underway.  I jumped right into Auntie Daycare, which I loved but the first few weeks were tough being I was adjusting from jet lag.  I tried to keep things fun and entertaining and while it would have been so easy to plop them in front of the TV...I did not.  I was barely back a month and had literally finished unpacking and organizing, when it was time to pack and head off again.  The destination?  The annual trek to Florida and Disney World.  I am both proud and embarrassed to admit that it was my 31st Florida/Disney trip.  Three weeks of rest and relaxation.  Many people ask why us Bergman's head there once (sometimes twice) a year?  The summer trip goes back to when we lived in Jerusalem.  During the summer when we would come back to the States, my parents had to visit different churches every Sunday and give a talk/presentation on our life overseas.  We always referred to these presentations as the "Camel and Donkey" show :)  Anyway, the time we spent in Florida was the only time my parents were able to relax and enjoy themselves, without any obligations.  At some point we started purchasing annual passes and it has become a regular place for us to visit. 
I am proud to say that it has rubbed off on the next generation.  My sister Kirsi and niece Skyler and nephew Hunter joined us for ten days.  Both Skyler and Hunter had been there before, but this year it was great because they could do more, including roller coasters and had a blast.  We were barely back home when they said they were ready to go back to Florida. I should stress that we are fortunate to have family down there, that we are able to stay with.  Another reason we are able to go so often.  I am actually heading to Florida in November for eight days to attend a wedding and catch the end of EPCOT's International Food and Wine Festival (another favorite of mine).  Anyway, returned from Florida on August 23rd and the start of school was just a few weeks away.  Like a true Minnesotan I had to go to the State Fair (went three times actually).  Got to see the Maroon 5 and Train concert which was so much fun!
School started and being that I am subbing again :( I did not have a job for the first few weeks.  How dare teachers not get sick at the beginning of the year :)  Things have picked up now and I am keeping busy, although I long for a real job again and my own classroom.  As I mentioned in my last entry, I have been dealing with second thoughts and thinking I should have returned to Bahrain.  I must live with my decision though and life goes on.  I continue being positive and looking for jobs...there have not been many lately, but I keep hoping and praying.  Again, I need to mention how much I miss everyone in Bahrain.  To my friends in Minnesota who I have not seen since I got back....we will get together soon and catch up!   Take care everyone. 

Second Thoughts

Auntie Daycare has ended as Skyler started kindergarten and Hunter Preschool.  With my days dull as I await sub jobs, I have had time to think and really am suddenly feeling culture shock.  Reality has kicked in as summer has ended and school has started.  I have been meaning to write a new entry for a while.  I am finally writing this one because it seemed fitting at this time.  It is the back to school time of year and my thoughts are with all the teachers and students everywhere.  I of course am especially thinking of everyone at Al Raja School in Bahrain.  As I previously mentioned, there was a time while in Bahrain that I did not want to return...and now as school starts...a big part of me wishes I was back with my friends and students in Bahrain.  Granted part of it may be because I have no job here, but I also think it is simply because I love being overseas and enjoy the adventure and experiences that come with it.  Since living in Jerusalem as a child, I have always had a sense of wanderlust. . 
So, I guess you could say as everyone has reported to work the last few weeks, I am having second thoughts and wondering why I did not agree to return to Bahrain?  I worked with great people and had terrific students.  I know many of you will read this and say "I told you so".  Of course, there are as we know reasons as to why I did return to Minnesota....three little ones who call me Auntie.  They are my sweeties and while I do long to be elsewhere with a job, there is still the part of me that is torn towards them and I wonder how I managed to go five months without them.  Anyway, this entry is kind of just a jumble of words and thoughts.  I just wanted to share them and express that were there different circumstances, I would be back in Bahrain.  It's a toss-up....a job or family?  Obviously the family won out and while I am experiencing some second thoughts on the whole thing...I know that the next time Skyler hugs me and tells me she loves me, I will be back at knowing I made the right decision :)   Thinking of and missing all my friends and students in Bahrain.
Thanks for reading and bearing with me.  I will write another entry soon, that will most likely focus on the activities of summer and of course Florida vacation.  Just something to look forward to :)

Pics from my last week in Bahrain and a few words

I had intended to post this pics a while ago, but it is in fact fitting I think that I am posting them now.  My friends in Bahrain have started the new school year and I must admit part of me wishes I was with them.  These are mostly pictures of the people I met who became great friends.  Thank goodness for Facebook and e-mail...as it allows me to keep in touch.  Miss you all and thanks for the memories!

Pics of Bahrain Nightlife! (good times)