Hello All

[EngTeach]

Just wanted to pop on and say Hello. I have not been on in a bit. Been very busy and having a bit of a tough time lately. Seems like it all comes crashing at once: Work, house, self. Finally seeing a bit of light at the end of the tunnel.

How have you guys been? We had an exciting week with the election and all that. What's new with you?

[jno]

your election's kinda dominated the news here too...

[EngTeach]

After the past 8 years it does seem like new start. The Obama's are young and vibrant and I feel very hopeful. The students in my school, mostly black, were so very excited, and it was nice to see a bit of hope on their faces. I know things will be slow to change, but I am looking forward to see what happens next. He is already putting together his cabinet and the list is quite impressive. I just wish all those voters who turned out this week will continue to vote and that this was not a one shot deal. (Though I know better.)

In what ways, if any, do you think our new President will impact things over there?

[Drisgirl]

Hey ET-well I stayed up all night to see history in the making -so it was exciting for me at least.I wanted to be a part of it for years to come.

I dont know where you stand and thats personal but it was a giant historical leap in American and World history and what a man to do it.Its like he was cherry picked -but he obviously wasnt -right man right place right time.

Hope you are doing well and you and your family are well xx

[EngTeach]

It really is an historic time. I truly never thought I would see a black president in my lifetime. I have always been proud to be American, even during the bad times, but Barack Obama's election is what I think we needed right now. I thought he was a little to young to run this time, and thought he should have waited. But, I was wrong. and I am glad he did not take my advice. LOL

[EngTeach]

Where's my favorite ex-pat Pasta? I would like to hear what she thinks. Hope the dumb boss is not still being an ar$e to her.

[pastafreak]

Hi ET...well this expat is feeling proud to be an American for the first time in a long time........I too stayed up-I could not bear to miss the moment when Mccain conceded and Obama took his place in history.

Personally....welcome to the 'Life is S**t' club-lol
....it will all improve when this year is finished.

[EngTeach]

I sure hope so. Here a brief run down:

Friend at work being investigated for tax fraud (school related)

Chimney liner in pieces $2500.00 to replace

No oven ( again) 2 days off from work already for it to be repaired.

Plumbing heating work $1300.00

Little freak out following 1 year anniversary of mom's death, which I am getting appropriate help with.

Dec. 31 can not come soon enough.

[pastafreak]

Oh god ET.....how awful hun........mine is not quite so bad......just as well as I am having to cope on 1/2 salary. It does seem that everything that HAD been running so smoothly up until now has just decided to go bust.. I just want to see an end to this year also.