It is now day two of my Beijing fiasco and I am still here in the airport. What an unexpected mess up! I made the mistake of taking the "Trolly Girl"'s opinion as to which terminal I should be in to catch my connecting flight. I waited for my flight information to come up on the board. At about 40 min to my flight departure I realized what a grave mistake I had made. I hightailed it to the proper terminal, and made it there with about 15 min to spare. Apparently, this was not enough time and United refused to let me on the flight. They also refused to reschedule my flights, claiming MIAT was responsible. I cried and was irritated, but to no avail.

I spent the night on the crappy seats here, stretched out under the armrests. When I woke up I had 6 huge mosquito bites on various parts of my body. I was informed I needed to speak with MIAT to reschedule my flight. I waited outside their office all morning, even falling asleep on the concrete floor outside the door. No one came. The ticket office opened up at about 7 this evening. I went to the office and was told that was just for cargo shipping and needed to head to the ticket counters. I did, and waited in line for 45 min only to be told I was not in their computers. I approached the floor manager, who spoke no English. Another woman showed up and reamed me out for missing my flight, saying it was my fault and there was nothing they could do for me. I said it was not my fault, I made the mistake of trusting an airport employee. I asked if they would prefer for me to make my new residence the airport. A new version of "The Terminal" will come out, starring me! Move over Tom Hanks, Cat is on the scene.

I have sent a few frantic emails home and to the office of my travel agent. I am unsure of what the outcome will be. If I have to go back to UB, then so be it. However, my bag has gone on to Toronto without me. I have no idea what will happen to it there, or how long it will be kept there.

To say I have been frustrated would be a huge understatement. I feel as though I have been crying for these past two days and everyone keeps trying to pass me off on someone else. No one is helping me, or even trying to. People who see me crying keep saying, "Don't worry, relax." Guess what, this doesn't help! They have no power to assist me. I will be on a plane tomorrow, no matter where it leads me!

Doogie had her baby! It is a healthy baby girl and she is so beautiful! I had the chance to see them both while still in the hospital. Uyanga took me to visit and I was so emotional! I cried and Doogie said, "Even my husband didn't cry! Look at you!" I made Uyanga promise not to tell anyone! I sang the wee one a song, told her I was her Aunt Cat and that she has great parents. I went today to Doogie's house and had a nice visit. She still hadn't found a name yet, and has asked I help her! I don't know the first thing about choosing Mongolian baby names! I'm just glad both mommy and baby are fine and that I got to be here for the birth. For once I was in town when one of my friends or relatives delivered!

The school year ended with a bang! We all enjoyed the final assembly and the teachers and I put on a bit of a farce song. We sang to the tune of "The 12 Days of Christmas" but changed it to the 10 years of schooling. I was Grade 3, of course, and I belted out this somewhat operatic version of my words, "When I was in Grade 3 my teacher said to me, I'm in love with Batman, and line up properly." It was supposed to be a joke, to entertain the older kids. However, the reception I received afterward was amazing! I was told I was on my way to becoming an opera singer and all the like! What fun for me!

We had to say good bye to Richard as well. We all pitched in and bought him a cashmere sweater to remember us by. It's something he'll use all the time and think of us every time he puts it on. I said a few words, thanking him for his energy, his dedication to me and my projects. His accolades and all the encouragement he had provided for me. I feel, under him, I have grown as a teacher. It is a wonderful feeling to feel so supported. Initially, when he'd approach me about anything, I always assumed I was in trouble! He immediately recognized my "guilt complex" and was very careful as to how he approached me. Soon, we were just prancing into one an other's office and exchanging ideas, photos and the like. I think I have only myself to thank for, for the guilty conscience. It does spill over, even when you know you haven't done anything! I have felt the similar support from so many people this year. Richard, Donna, and especially Sue. She sent me a cute note saying she has seen how I am with my students and knows that I am going to be one heck of a teacher. That made my day. Plus, it's still something to strive to achieve. I know I'm not the best teacher around, despite what my students say! I have a ways to go, and many experiments to undergo. I tried a few experiments this year. Some of them worked out amazingly, others fell flat. It's a learning curve for me, and I feel I'm already on the arc, upward!

As for last night, once again, oh what a night! My last day being a first year teacher! I went out by my self and read my book, had some pizza. Then I went to the Grand Khan. I had a beer and read, but this woman sat across from me and was constantly cracking her gum. I got annoyed, I suppose being a teacher and hating gum, anywhere, so I decided to leave. On my way out who should I run into, but all the other teachers! They called me over, I had a beer with them and then a couple who I haven't met yet and I decided to go out dancing. These two are probably the best married couple I've ever met. They are still so in love after 2 years of marriage and happen to be some of the coolest people I've ever met. That is what I strive for in a relationship, that unabashed loving and acceptance.

Regardless, we danced all night and had a great time! I have never been to the place we went, which is called "Strings." There was a live band and I danced with my new friends, and once again, made some new ones. I even got a phone number! Dare I call?

This morning, I have to admit, I'm not at my best. I hardly slept, but seem to be on that school clock still. I think I need a nap!

There was an earthquake predicted by a Russian psychic, who apparently has competed (there are competitions for this?) and won the national competition. Well, it didn't happen. All of Mongolia was abuzz with the news and waiting with breath that was bated. I, fortunately was sleeping at the said time of this happening (between 9 and 12 o'clock), and thank heavens I did not wait up for nothing! I suffered no disappointment.

The weather here is so unpredictable! After the storm last night, it was very calm. Today, the atmosphere outside can only be described as smokey. People are still working, but everything is in a haze. I have managed to lose my $5 sunglasses and just looking outside makes my eyes hurt! To boot, I am almost out of eye drops!

Sue has turned me onto these pills to help me sleep. I went on a mission to get them for me and others who asked I pick them up for them. They are these happy looking, tiny little pink pills. Sue said she only takes a part of one, but me being the big pill popper I am (I don't even take aspirin anymore!), decided to take a whole one. What a huge mistake! I was up half the night with the munchies, pupils dialated, and couldn't get out of bed the next morning. As a result, I was late for my staff meeting and felt terrible about it. I've been called 'Miss Coffee', 'Miss Emmy' and other more flattering things. Now, I'm the druggie! The pills have assisted me in finally being able to fall asleep, so I suppose I am not really regretting discovering them, just my dosage! Plus, they only cost about $1 for 20 very potent pills! I should bring them back to Canada and make a fortune!

Yesterday I went to the store and decided to treat all the workers at the school to a beer. I gave them out on my way home. Heck, they were working on Saturday in the heat! I have to go out again today, and if they're there, I'll do the same. I'm the Beer Fairy!

My, oh my! What a night we all had! Oyunaa took everyone out for dinner and we enjoyed good food, company and dancing. It was a great, how do you say?, blister popper. We all enjoyed each other's company and got to know one another on a more intimate level. Afterward, I went to the River Sounds and enjoyed more of the same. I met many new people, enjoyed the live music, and danced all night. Of course, I'm paying for it today, but it was well worth it! I'm so happy Doogie came! She seems to think she's going to pop soon. Mother knows best! The consensus is that Doogie looks beautiful, and I have to agree. She's grown inside something only a mother can explain. She seems to be looking on at us with a secret or something. I get the sense now that she has some inate knowledge and is watching the rest of us 'kids' play. Me "knock on wood" can have no fathoming of that.

This is the big boss lady, Oyunaa. She hosted the party for us and also can cut a rug!

I have begun to get a bit sad, knowing so many teachers are leaving and I will probably never see them again. It is most upsetting about Sue. She is such a strong, quiet presence. However, her actions speak so loudly! Just by being near her I have learned so much. She will be missed sorely by me.

There was an incredible storm here! I saw so much lightening and the wind was horrendous, no rain though. Many of us gathered just to watch it. The power suddenly went out, and came back on about a half hour later, just as suddenly. It makes one realize the power of the wind! It blew my window open and knocked over a conveniently placed jug of water. All I could say was, "Oh my!" For the brief moments my window was open, everything was covered in grit. As quickly as it started, it ended. Still, no rain, with all that lightening. Again, strange.

The yearbook finally came out today! It was something of a struggle and I actually wanted to cancel it at one point, but it's done and published. What a relief, save now for the fact that I have too many kids asking to buy them after the fact. I only ordered so many reserve copies, and I feel there are going to be some disappointed kids. What can I say? I advertised this for weeks on end! I can't wait to show it at home to my family members. Actually, I can't wait to get home!

Only two weeks left at school, and they have been going fairly slowly now. Doogie and I would look at each other and be astounded at how the days and weeks would fly by. With no kids to keep you so preoccupied, the days have less meaning. I don't even know what the date it is even more because I don't have to write it on the board everyday. Aww, shucks! I miss 'em!

We, I believe, are still planning the trip out to the lake. Khuvsghul Lake, I think it's spelled. It's far but we will take a road trip and see many things along the way, one of which being an inactive volcano. I've always wanted to see that!

I've started report cards, the dullness now bores me. I used to be so excited to write them, as they were so new to me, but now... I did manage to finish 8 in one day, despite having to go get the yearbooks and dealing with all the back draft of that. Still, it was a palpable excitement in the hallways once they got unleashed in the school. It was rewarding. It did get a bit testy with the kids who hadn't ordered one initially and wanted to buy one. I kept having to explain that there were only so many extra. I asked them where they were during the 3 weeks of sales we had! They just smiled. It was a first come, first serve thing and for tomorrow I have only three left! Not bad for a first run!