IKEA

Well, we survived IKEA last night!!  You have to know my history there - the first time I visited an IKEA store I became very uncomfortable and decided I needed to get out (big crowds pressing on me over an extended period make me feel a little claustrophobic).  If you've ever been to IKEA then you know that leaving in the middle of the place is next to impossible - you have to follow the " path" through the place.  I nearly hyperventilated before I got out of there.  This was my 4th time in one and I did very well - with Murilo and Jessica to hold my hands!!  We had a deadline and managed to get everything on our list (forgot a broom and alarm clock but we can get those anywhere).  I did, however, get in trouble with the checkout lady.  Apparently, I wasn't supposed to take the plastic canisters from the displays upstairs (if there were signs explaining this, they were all in German).  She tried to scan them and only one went through properly so she grabbed the other three from my hands as I was bagging them (you have to bag everything yourself here) and threw them into a nearby box - grumbling and huffing the entire time.  Oops!!  So, I only have one of the desired containers.

Today has been much more relaxed.  We were given time to work in our rooms but I had permission to attend the second day of orientation with Jess as Murilo isn't feeling well.  I got her started and then went over to deal with the business department:  turn in more receipts for reimbursement, check on the status of our boxes (still stuck in customs but getting closer), check on the status of our phone and internet connection (apparently I threw away an important piece of mail that looked like an advertisement but was in actuality a notice that I had a parcel at the post office - our DSL box), and try once again to get Murilo added to my health insurance (no way - IF he didn't work at all I could have him added, if he worked in Germany he would get his own insurance, but because he works - just not in Germany - he doesn't qualify so he will have to go through Continental). 

After lunch, Jessica (finished with orientation) found me and asked to take the train into Oberursel with a new friend (daughter of another teacher).  She is already making friends!! I have been meeting and talking to more teachers and have more time to work in my room this afternoon.  I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do really but I get to relax a little at least.  I did meet with the head of my grade level and know what the first unit of study is for the year "Taking Care of Ourselves" - I should learn a lot :)  Oh yeah, I'm one of the teachers!!!  I discovered there are actually six first grade teachers here and, as one of two ESL teachers assigned to first grade, will work with three of them.  I've met two so far and they are fabulous.  They want me to come in and feel comfortable teaching the entire class if I want and one sounds like a math guru.  I'm excited to work with them!

I promise to post pictures as soon as we have internet at home.  I feel a little awkward updating this at work and wouldn't feel comfortable downloading pictures here.  As soon as we have the phone hooked up I'll make some calls!!  We got a pretty good deal - 40 Euros per month for phone and DSL and an extra 4 Euros for UNLIMITED calls to the U.S., Canada, and the EU.  And, for an extra Euro per month - unlimited calls to Brazil!  

Cheers!