A Way of Thinking

Well, here it is. My thoughts, my experiences, and my journey. You know, I was never the "writing type", but I'm definitely the "thinking type". This all changed one day when a man (my mentor) so wise and real said to me, "When I read what you write, it's like you're talking to me. I feel as if I'm reading a book, and can connect". And so, here I am with the confidence to do so, and sharing it with whom ever wants to be entertained or intrigued. Most importantly though, it's a way I can share my journey with myself (especially as I am a visual learner).

Out of the Box. The title to my blog represents a lot to me. I know people say "You have to think outside of the box", but does anyone really? or even more, does anyone really want you to? Being outside of the box is a continual challenge. People usually want others to conform, confirm, and go with the flow in life's major morals, values, and expectations. Not us. You only get one life, so why not shake it up a bit!

So, here I am. I just turned 31 years old (wahoo!), and over a month ago Rob and I made the decision to leave the "physical box" of teaching in Mississauga, him in construction, so that our "out of the box" mentality was relieved and smiling once again. I accepted a job contract to teach Kindergarten in Abu Dhabi, UAE, for two years. Holy smokes! - ABU DHABI!!!!!! As I sit here with a smirk on my face, literally waiting for two e-tickets for Rob and myself to leave in the next two weeks, I remember the day in early June receiving a text from Rob saying "Teach in Abu Dhabi?".  At first I was thinking "Where?", but the sound of the place (say it out loud, it's neat!) sounded interesting enough already. With a short ride home in the Jeep top-down, a craigslist ad lead me to the Teach Away Inc. website where the hiring of 1000 teachers to teach for the **** in an English-immersion, student-centred environment reform was being advertised. Hmmmm..... could we do this? Pick up, sell absolutely EVERYTHING and GO???? Our answer "SURE, WHY NOT!"  Surprisingly, Rob and I didn't flip for it like we usually do on decisions. Yes, we literally get out a quarter and "flip" to make a decision when we are being indecisive. For example, I remember the day in a store on Queen St. E. Toronto when we were contemplating buying a Fatboy Bean Bag because we had no sofas. Let's just say we carried it all the way home, and the lady couldn't believe it as she turned her back while the "flip" was in action - to think a big sale was going to come down to a flip. LOL. I love it.

So, to say in the least, after the application process, interviews, and emotional ups and downs, we are going to ABU DHABI! We have moved in with his parents for the time being, surrounded by boxes and bags of the stuff we'll take, and store a bit of what we want to save (those skis baby!).

As we continue the journey of our lives together, we hope you too will enjoy it as I keep you updated.

Smile, I am. *Mel