It’s March 2, which means about 75% of school year number 2 overseas is complete. It also means I am less than 30 days away from my first trip in over 6 months. Let me just say, it was extremely hard keeping my feet on the ground for the last 6 months, watching others fly above me. But I had a goal to meet and that was more important. Now that, that goal has been met, I can’t even begin to explain how excited I am for this upcoming Spring Break. I will not reveal where I am going yet, but I will say, it has always been in my top 5.
So what have I been doing, you might ask, since I haven’t been trippen’, a lot actually…
I began this year, training for a 5K. I’ve always wanted to run a 5K but never stuck with the training. So I dowloaded the ‘couch to 5K’ app for the 3rd time with determination. By the end of January, I was ready. The farthest I’ve run so far has been 4 miles straight in under 50 minutes. And that is really saying something for this girl that couldn’t run more than 5 minute straight less than 4 months ago. Everyone knows the ‘Happiest 5K on the planet’ is the Color Run and I completed it on January 27, 2018. The weather was perfect and I was amongst thousands of people. It actually wasn’t a real 5K but I ran the entire 2.65 miles while most people walked. I felt accomplished! It was fun but I’ll probably never do it again.
I didn’t particularly like all that color dye being thrown in my face as you can see from this clip;
Indeed I was fighting the colors.
And all that smoke from the colors almost sent me into a panic attack. Next time, I will just stick with a regular run. But boy was it fun!
Since the color run, I’ve really gotten into fitness. I even tried my hand at Aerial Yoga.
I enjoyed the one class I went to, but I did not enjoy the headache I endured afterwards. So unfortunately, aerial yoga is not for me. I have been working out 5 days a week for the last few weeks, abs and core classes twice a week, circuit classes once a week and weight lifting the other two days. The student center at QF offers free classes and I wish I knew about them sooner, because everywhere else charges.
On February 4th, I witnessed my hometown Football team win the Superbowl! I couldn’t believe I wasn’t home to participate in the festivities. But I was cheering from afar. GO E-A-G-L-E-S, Eagles!!!!
There is a huge indoor trampoline park here in Doha called Bounce. One night they hosted a teachers only night. Prior to this, I never went out on school nights, but it was for teachers and it was free so why not. Me and a few of my teacher friends had a damn good time bouncing around like kids. The next day, we were so sore. Who would’ve thought jumping around on trampolines would be so exerting?
Two week ago I won tickets, from an online sweepstakes with Virgin mobile, to the premiere of Black Panther. It was so good, that the next day, Darryl and I dressed up in our African attire and went to see it again with the BSOQ Facebook group. Well I had already purchased tickets to see it on opening night with the group before I won tickets to the premiere but I enjoyed seeing it twice.
I’ve been to two embassies within the last 30 days, but not for the reasons you may be thinking. For the first time in my life, I gave blood. I saw on Facebook that the embassy of Sri Lanka was hosting a blood drive and I signed up for it. They seemed very happy to see us there and surprised to see Americans and a female. It felt good, well not afterwards, because my arm was sore for days, but helping others felt good. I went to the Thai embassy for a cultural event they were having.
And of course what would fun in Doha be without Brunch..
And with all this fun, my girlfriend Britney and I with our camera man Quahn managed to shoot our first food show. Stay tuned for more on that soon.
So as you can see I’ve been pretty busy. As far as work goes, it has not been the happiest place for me, but I’m not miserable either. I actually learned to love my students this year, after a rocky start, but they are actually my happy part of the work day. I don’t fit into a certain box that gets you promoted here and I believe in turn I was turned down for a promotion for which I am highly qualified. Also, my whole team is different this year and we don’t mesh well. I could go on and on about what I don’t particularly like about work this year but honestly there is more to being here than work and ultimately I won’t be here forever, but for now, it’s not so bad that I feel the need to leave. So there is no need to bore you with complaints. I hate when people complain and complain but don’t change their situation, so since I choose this situation for now, I won’t complain any further. But if you really want to know what work is like here for this teacher, drop your email in the comments and I will send you some real talk.
Anyway, 28 days ’til my trip, and less than 3 months ’til the end of the school year. I have managed to find fun things to do outside of traveling but it’s about that time to get another stamp.
A picture of the Doha Skyline during the Supermoon
Teaching Abroad- American Teacher Overseas 
Hi, your blog has helped so much! Please email me at teacherhelperkits (at) gmail.com, I would love to hear how it is to teach there.
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Hi, Haj. I’ve sent you an email. Thanks for stopping by my blog.
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Please send me some “REAL TALK” =)
ps. – GREAT BLOG
jamil8@gmail.com
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Wow, Qatar! I lived and taught in the Gulf for 8 years and understand many of the challenges you face each day. What do you think about the labels ‘expat’ and ‘immigrant’? As someone who lives and works abroad, do you think they’re applied fairly, based on country of origin, color of skin, profession etc? Join the discussion on my latest post. I look forward to reading your thoughts!
https://myquest.blog/2018/03/10/expat-or-immigrant/
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No need to say how proud of you I am but, I am so proud of you….the Color Run is stupid fun, almost like being a kid again. Trampoline jumping? you are just really re-living your childhood all over again aren’t you! lol I know we are sisters because even from thousands of miles away we seem to gravitate to the same things almost at the same time. I am glad you finally got to do your aerial yoga, sorry it wasn’t a sport you can continue in and it’s a good thing you didn’t try the heated yoga.
Well you know I ain’t got words for those birds lol except Finally! hahahahaha
Now, you know I would nt have had you going to give blood but who’d thought i’d be feeding the homeless in 20 degree weather….but it feels good helping people no matter how we do it.
OMG! you know i am so hyped for you and hubby’s upcoming trip, just bring me back my pic and some of their garb…i think i’d like that:) lol
Keep doing the big things sis!
I wish this school year was happier for you but we don’t win them all..all the time:( Nevertheless, you are made of platinum and can withstand any attempts to corrode you…like mom said..never let em see you sweat lol
Can’t wait to see your big beautiful head…love you!
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Hey sis, I was so excited when you said, you were helping to feed the homeless. I wanted to do that for years back home but it just never happened. I guess giving blood is just as good. No place is perfect but I’m still happy so I’m good. I better start seeing some results from working out or I’m quitting. lol. So excited for my upcoming trip, 3 weeks to go. Can’t wait to see you either and to go out for drinks half-naked. ugh!!!!
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Great blog…and you have been very busy. Love every moment of your journey can’t wait for your next adventure.
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I can’t either.
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Hi Kannesha!
So I’ve been sitting in my car for the past 2 hours literally stalking you! Your blog is so uplifting and inspirational. I recently became a member of Brothers & Sisters of Qatar due to my interest in teaching in Doha. I had an interview with them late Feb. and received an offer on Sunday and have 2 days to accecpt or decline! I need the inside scope of what is like teaching in Doha. I have another offer on the table as well. I’m so torn! It’s nice to have options until it’s time to make a decision. I will be grateful if you can email me inbox me on Facebook anything.🤗
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Hi Janice, what’s your email address?
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Hi!
jprensa.jp@gmail.com
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Good to see you have ben keeping busy!! Please say you are going to South Africa??!! 😀
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Girl, how did you know? Yes, I am and I’m super excited. Okay, I’m waiting for tips from you. Going to Cape Town for a week!
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Lions head hike is a must (go at sunrise and if its cloudy, still go- the view are amazing in all climates). Seafood is amazing and if you want reasonably priced but excellent quality seafood, make your way to Hout Bay. The fish and chips is unbeatable and if you are lucky, you can feed the seal who hangs around there. If you are staying in the city, look for a chain called Ocean Basket- their seafood is GOOD and not expensive. Renting a car is a viable option especially if you want to drive through to the vineyards I Stellenbosch or Franschoek (very charming towns). Go meet the penguins on Boulders Beach and dine in Simonstown (take the train if you aren’t driving) and stop for a swim in Muizenburg (the water is warmer there than other more touristy places). The best sunsets are found at Bloubergstrand beach where Table Mountain is the perfect backdrop. If you are heading to Robben Island, be prepared to cry- its emotional but a must do. Don’t worry about people who warn you about the crime- just be aware of yourself and your surroundings at all times. All the other touristy things you can find on the net but these are my recs! ENJOY!!
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Thanks. A few of these were on my list. I was also thinking of stopping thru the village of Philadelphia (just happened upon this) because I’m from the city of Philadelphia in the U.S. What are your thoughts on that?
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Never heard of it! Have fun 😊
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