January held a trip to Chicago with friend Pam to help Tony during his recuperation following the first of 3 surgeries he eventually would have over the course of the year.
Upon my return home I received word that my Fulbright application had made it through the American committee and was on its way to the Canadian.
February and March were spent on pins and needles waiting to know whether I was going to Canada or if I was going to have to go out into the real world and get a job.While I waited, Pam and I watched alot of movies and made the preparations for her son Josh's high-school graduation.
In mid-April I was notified that I had received the Fulbright Fellowship.Lots of jumping up and down and screaming ensued before the OMGosh, now what do I do, set in.
May was a flurry of activities, between what seemed like dozens of doctor appts for my medical clearance, my birthday/Mother's Day, Josh's party, Alexis's luau, Nate's kindergarten graduation,and RV shopping.
Celebrating Josh's graduation
Uncle Tony came to Alexis's 2nd grade Hawaiian luau
Way to go Nate!
Our home away from home
Packing and preparation for our move took up most of the summer, but we still managed to enjoy a few trial runs in the RV..visit to Jim's dad at the lake, float trip with church friends and camping at Lake Paradise.
At the end of July Jim was ordained to the office of Teacher.
Eden Heights RLDS Congregation
We took to the road first week of August
Wonderful friends and family helped us on our journey.
In September I....
signed in at Simon Fraser University
and brought Mom and Alexis to see the campus (Pam's taking the pix)
said goodbye to Mom and Pam at the airport in Seattle
that just left Jim, Alexis, and me
Tearfully parted with Alexis after we found our custody papers were not adequate
A definite low point
Fulbright orientation in Ottawa
Thanksgiving with Dr.Liz Elliott and her family
October and November went by in a blur of papers and projects. I would like to say I enjoyed my classes but I was so wiped out most of the time that I felt like it was more a matter of survival than enjoyment.I lost over 10 pounds from all the stress and wondered at times if I would make it.
My tutorials for Restorative Justice 315 held the most fun. I was suprised to find that I really liked teaching. I can't say the same for grading 45 papers, but oh well,it comes with the territory.
SFU Surrey Campus where I held my tutorials
Spent a terrific Sunday afternoon with Ken and Jeanne Christopher in November
Jim flew to Missouri after his dad passed away on November 16. With 2 weeks before the end of the semester I was unable to go. While Jim was gone we had a cold spell that brought snow, frozen water pipes, a clogged toilet, and power outages (meaning no heat).
December
found me catching up on sleep and gaining back all the weight I lost.
held an amazing trip to Harrison Hot Springs for Christmas
The last day of 2010 brought a superb dinner at Siam, our favorite Thai restaurant in White Rock, and a vicious game of train
We are such party animals!
This has been a year like no other thanks to Fulbright Canada. I'm excited to see what 2011 holds.
Looking forward to some 2011 updates of your exciting journey.
ReplyDeleteTamera, I am working on an article about you for the front page of the Metropolitan Community College website at mcckc.edu! Please shoot me at email at "Scott dot Patterson at mcckc dot edu" so I can ask you a couple of questions. Thanks so much! I look forward to hearing from you, and I hope you get this message!
ReplyDelete~Scott Patterson
Public Information Officer, MCC-Blue River