Today I got up to the news that Paul Harvey died yesterday. I was surprised and saddened both. Surprised because he seemed ageless to me, immortal. His career in radio will immortalize him though I mourn for all the news I will not hear from him and all the rest of the stories he will not be able to tell. Makes me ponder the rest of MY story. I loved Paul Harvey. His passing is like the death of a chunk of my own life, one that involved many who are already gone from it, and simply makes it seem so much more final and gone.
Today is my lesson observation at Qatar University. I've been quite busy with that, working on curriculum materials and developing the Integrated Skills Project for my class. So, I've done nothing exciting lately, I am sorry to say. Until something happens that allows us to outright purchase Hattan, I have not been spending much time (if any) at the stables. I let myself get too attached and I admit, I must take a step back and see what happens next. I am hopeful yet that we will be able to acquire him and I will yet ride in an endurance ride here in Qatar. It all remains to be seen. I am fortunate that I love my job and my students. However, I know myself well enough to know that I must have horses in my life. The next 2 1/2 years here will pass much more quickly and happily if we can make that happen!
I am so excited to have finally found a house cleaner. Anju will start coming on Tuesdays. The cost is so reasonable that I am quite ashamed, but it is the going rate everywhere here and I can always tip if I choose! It will cost me 100 QR (riyals) a week for her to come one morning for 4 hours. That converts to $27.45 USD. That's $6.86 USD/hour. That's really not a bad wage here. It will be such a relief for me and for Nelson.
So, keep in touch! We love letters from home! :) Even electronic letters!
Maggie
