July 18-20: The Royal Mile

 Monday, July 18

It was another relaxing day spent at my friend's house.  After a workout and breakfast, I spent most of the day working on the “Oman is Outstanding” video.  I also began working on the framework of an article/workshop on building highly functioning teams.  I reached out to four former colleagues for some ideas with this task. I really felt stimulated doing this type of work – both the video creation and the writing were good for me.  It also gave me an opportunity to look back at some of the incredible work that we did at the high school during my three year tenure as a Principal.  Later in the day, a member of the WHS ILT made me feel real good when she created a document about how the ILT evolved and how it gave teachers a sense of collective efficacy.  It was one of the most brain stimulating days I’ve had in awhile.  I hope to continue with video making and workshop/article crafting.  

Tuesday, July 19

Finally, I published the Oman video – I thought it came out pretty good but was quite disappointed that only 24 people viewed it.  I’m definitely not getting the return on investment that I predicted but it’s definitely a good exercise for me to reflect on the amazing things that we have done over the last year. And, as my sister Diana mused, the videos are getting better each time.  

I sluggishly began the Egypt video but I’m trying to avoid not getting in a rut and producing the same type of videos.  

Wednesday July  20

The van finally arrived in Belgium just before 6:00 am!!!  We had to pay over $400 for custom clearance.  We are now scheduled to pick up the Revel 4x4 on Monday, July 25 – approximately 2 months after dropping it off in New Jersey.  

Besides the news about the van, it was another quiet day – I did go downtown to buy my friend a bottle of Jura 18 whiskey and his wife a bottle of fancy champagne to show our appreciation for our extended stay in their charming home.  Royal Mile road is a pretty cool area – lots of shops, bars, restaurants alongside beautiful old churches and buildings.