The last of the boxes have been unpacked and flattened in my apartment. The IKEA furniture for the classroom was put together when we dropped off the boxes. Since the school isn't entirely certain that my classroom will be the one in which I have stored my things, I have not unpacked. Nor do I have access.
And perhaps that is a good thing. My apartment is functional, I can spend time doing some lesson planning, exploring the area, and sleeping. And just maybe get a little more acclimated. I am stunned at the amount of water I have been sucking down. For someone who doesn't really like water, it comes as a surprise. I realize it shouldn't. It's about survival in a desert. I get that. I really do. It's just another in a series of changes in my new life in Arizona.
One of the nice things about this area is how friendly people are. I went to Trader Joe's yesterday, and the woman at the check out counter noticed I was stocking up on spices. I told her I had just moved from Oregon. As she handed me my receipt, she welcomed me to Tucson and wished me luck. I met one of the middle school teachers when we moved my school boxes into the classroom, and she immediately offered me help and guidance.
It will take awhile to adjust. That's okay. Looks like I have a few days before I officially begin work as a full time teacher. (The idea makes me want to shout, "YEAH!") My fridge is fully stocked. I have a lovely, air conditioned home and car. I have maps and I am starting to be able to navigate my way around town. (This is a very big deal, actually.)
We had a big storm move through the other night. Lightning streaks and booming thunder. Heavy raindrops the desert cannot soak up immediately. And then the day brought bright sunshine and high temperatures. Like life, there are dark periods that are followed by times of breaking joy. I suspect I have just left the storm of unemployment behind, and am beginning the sunny days of teaching. Not that there won't be more storms in the forecast. But I can see the pattern of light, too.
No comments:
Post a Comment