Since I've Been Gone...

*A whole year has passed.

*Seasons have come and gone.

*Someone decided that big jewels on your clothing was in style. (Note to self: Buy a 'Bedazzler' and you'll be a hit in the US and CA alike. Who knew?!)

*A few minor changes have taken place in my small town--i.e. a stop sign was removed from a common 4-way stop, making me look like a complete idiot today when I stopped at the intersection for no apparent reason! (I'm blaming jet lag.)

*My dad learned how to use a computer and is now the master of all things 'iTunes.'

*Little ones have grown even cuter (as if that's even possible).

*My friends have remained wonderfully amazing. (This includes, but is not limited to, the fact that Trickie bought me the cutest pair of shoes so that the three of us *Special K included* could be matching.)

And the list could go on.



Sometime soon I hope to be able to post something of substance. But bear with me though, as I just don't seem to have the words at the moment.

Star Search...

Don't have time to explain how crazy life has been the past 3 days since I arrived into the US, but just thought I'd show you a couple of clips from this evening. Personally, I think we're one phone call away from stardom. But that's just me.

Little H was born to shine!

Take 1:



Take 2: (With a little more bling)

Plan 'Z'...

Also Known As: The Vacation Where NOTHING Goes As Planned

The Cali Girl and I started off with high hopes for these few days here in the desert region. Our itinerary looked something like this...

Day 1-
*Shop
*Drink lots of coffee
*Pick up my return ticket from the Emirates office
*Spend an evening at the Irish Village
*Rent a car

Day 2-
*Road trip to neighboring country
*Pack a picnic...enjoy the coast...see the fjords

Day 3-
*Go to the beach on Thanksgiving Day
*Indulge in some free beverages at the Cactus Cantina
*Return to friend's house for a traditional Thanksgiving meal (prepared by 2 Canadians and 2 Dutch)

Day 4-
*Board an airplane to the States!!


Apparently, what the itinerary should have looked like was this...
Day 1-
*Go to pick up return ticket from the Emirates office, only to discover that they cannot reissue you a new ticket until you give them the old one. (Note: the old one is in stupid Expedia's possession.)

Fret. Worry. Deal with unhelpful lady at the ticketing desk. Imagine telling family I won't be home when they thought I'd be home. THEN...have brilliant man at the end of the desk suggest we blacklist my old ticket as "lost."

Fill out forms. Deal with unhelpful lady at the ticketing desk. And wait.

*Go to nearby shopping mall to clear head.
*Drink lots of coffee. Peruse the new Gap!
*Rent car. Or TRY to rent car. Discover that it's going to be too expensive to take said car out of the country.
*Debate. Debate. Debate. (Is it worth it?)
*Become exhausted from over-stimulation at the mall (too much for just coming out of CA) and disappointed that our fun adventure isn't going to happen and head home for a nap.
*Eat dinner at the house.
*Head over to the Irish Village for some live music and outdoor pleasure.
*Remember that we're on 'vacay' and everything is just fine.





Day 2- (It's a new day with new perspective.)
*Book cheaper rental car online and prepare to take our road trip after all.
*Pick up car from airport. Discover that this company will not allow you to take their cars outside of the country. BUMMER!
*Plan to pick up ticket and then just head to the beach for the day. (That's not a bad 'Plan D' we think.)
*Work with new man (just semi-unhelpful) at the Emirates office and leave, once again, empty-handed. (I'll have to return later with a resident's signature.)
*NO Beach!!!
*MUST HAVE COFFEE....Head to nearby mall.
*Eat lunch.
*Buy new book at Borders.
*Ask for a free donut at Krispy Kreme just to see the look on the employee's face. (They HATE that! ...But I say, then don't have the 'HOT LIGHT' on!)
*Head upstairs to favorite Starbucks where you can read, drink coffee, take a nap, and forget the troubles of the day.
*Return home.
*Nap.
*Do laundry.
*Return to Emirates office and FINALLY leave with a ticket in-hand!!! (At 7:15pm)
*Spend the final part of the evening with the locals on the Creek...smoking strawberry sheesha and drinking an amazing glass of fresh pomegranate juice.

'Twas...

'Twas a few days in the capital

and all through the town
Lots of dust in the air
which made people frown.

Thanksgiving was coming,
"Oh what should we do?"
Throw a party for Christmas
We can decorate too!

We invited all our friends,
some old and some new.
With little time to plan,
there was much cleaning to do!

From shambles to shining
Holly's living room came about
Seven o'clock seemed too early
But there was no need to pout

Everything was completed
And our friends were a welcomed sight
On this cold evening in Ktown
Much like a December night.

Snacking and drinking and laughter abound
It's too bad Jane wouldn't dance for us
(Are you sure you can't stick around?)

So the evening wound down
and our "see you sometime's" were said
Holly and I enjoyed the tree a bit longer
before heading to bed.

I'm not sure if it's true
But as I turned off the light
I thought I heard someone saying:
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Blessed Assurance...

My suitcase is almost packed. (That's one for the record books, considering it's only 10:30pm the night BEFORE I leave.) A lot of goodbyes (for now) have been said. And gratitude fills my heart.


My last full day here in the Ancient City was overflowing with sweet moments. Gifts and notes from my staff for me to take home to my parents. Taking a nap with Little D (per his request--You can't let a toddler down, you know?!). Rocking Little "I" to sleep. Then ending the evening with D curled up on my lap and asking me to sing "Silent Night" and (don't mock) "Blue Christmas" one more time. Man, I'm going to miss these little guys over the next 2 months!

Don't get me wrong, I'm ready for a break. But I'm also leaving knowing that this is exactly where I'm to return. And that makes my heart very happy.

(P.S. I may need a reminder of this come mid-January when I feel as though my time there was too short and I have to say another set of goodbyes, yet again. Ugh.)

Lost In Translation

Less than an hour remaining here on November 13th. Don't know why I'm blogging, but here's what's on my mind...

Early in the week I informed my staff that on Tuesday I would like to meet with each of them individually for a year-end evaluation. I asked them all to come prepared to this meeting with a list of three things that they thought they had done well over this past year (or 'strengths') and three things that they'd like to work on (improvements or weaknesses) in the year to come.

For fear of getting answers that I already knew (like: learn English), I tried to further explain that these should be personally work-related. (I guess I was just wanting specifics.)

So fast forward with me to today...

I won't go in to all of their responses, but let's just say if I were to measure by my expectations, these four really knew how to think 'outside the box.' :)

My favorite came when I was meeting with "S." I asked S to share with me what he would like to work on in the year to come.

Expected Answer: Build a stronger relationship with the Mullah in order to advance our projects in _____ village. (maybe?)

Given Answer: "Well...I don't think you know this, but I used to smoke cigarettes. I quit a year and 9 months ago. So every now and then, after a stressful time at work or if some problems arise, I really feel the urge to smoke again. (Pause) What should I do?"

Me: (Trying not to laugh) Umm...I'm not sure. I think you have to take one day at a time. (Offering advice as if I know what I'm talking about, when all the while I'm thinking, "What?") So is this what you want to improve on in the year to come?

S: Yes. I really don't want to think about smoking again.

I'm thinking something got mixed up in my explanation or expectations. Who knew I'd get their New Year's resolutions?!

Because December Is Just Too Short...

In keeping up with my love of "all things Christmas," I thought I'd show you a pic of my mini-tree that's currently on display in my bedroom.

Don't judge.

I'll celebrate a little here. A little there.

It's just the beginning...

These are a few of my favorite things...

Whoever said I couldn't multi-task, was obviously wrong! (Not that anyone's ever accused me of such things, but you know what I mean.) Because today, while filling in a budget report and writing a job description for our new field workers, I managed to find a 'few' new LOVES on the Anthropologie site.

First, I present you with these boots...
They are screaming my name. Let's just face it. Unfortunately though, the price tag is screaming "Highway Robbery." Bummer.

Next, this stocking...
Who needs a boring, fuzzy red one, when you could have THIS!



And lastly, the apron...
Let's just say, if I knew how to sew, all my friends would be getting one just like this for Christmas. (If you were one of my friends who enjoyed cooking, that is.)


Ahh...I love Anthropologie. I suggest you all go check it now. It's inspiring if nothing else.
And might I also add to that suggestion, that you play some Christmas music while perusing the store. You'll be glad you did. :)

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like ???

Within the past 5 minutes of sitting at my desk...
*I heard sleigh bells. ~They were coming from a horse-drawn carriage (probably not exactly like what you're picturing right now) passing by on the street below. Even though it's currently 75 degrees outside, I am beginning to feel like Christmas is just around the corner! Of course, apart from the 'sleigh' bells, nothing else would lead me to think such things.

Also...
*I watched 2 men fighting. ~I have no idea what it was about, but one was a policeman with a gun and the other was some pedestrian. The policeman was trying to redirect traffic and the next thing I knew, he was yelling at this other man...then slapping him HARD across the face...then the other guy retaliated by punching him back...then another punch...then the policeman did what all properly trained policeman should do...he PULLED THE MAN'S HAIR! WHAT??? Was I mistakingly transported to a high school girl's locker room???

Yes, my friends, it's true. I watched it happen. Right here in the streets of the Ancient City.

The part I found even more amusing was that this tactic actually worked. When the man broke free, the two carried on yelling for another few minutes until more men came along to break it up. And then it was back to life as usual.

Nice.
*******************************************************************************
Amendment: It's now about 45 minutes later. The 'pedestrian' just pulled up to the corner in a big white SUV of sorts. This time he wasn't taking 'no' for answer. But neither was the officer. Lots of yelling. A few punches. And then...the officer cocked his gun (or whatever it is you do to shoot?). No joke. He aimed it right for the vehicle and everyone jumped back. The 'pedestrian' was still determined to drive through and inched closer. The officer yelled and aimed and then some guys rushed the vehicle and pulled the driver out. A bunch more yelling, more possibilities of gunfire, until FINALLY the guy got some sense knocked into him and he turned the corner and drove away.

Phew!

I know the US is far from perfect, but I must say, I 'll be happy to be there for a bit just to let myself relax when it comes to security issues. It really is a constant underlying thought/stress in my mind these days and frankly, I'm tired.

********************************************************************************
In other news, I spent this past weekend (Thursday/Friday) sleeping and fighting off a fever and strept throat. As one person wrote, "Can't a girl get a break?" My thoughts exactly.

Luckily I'm starting to feel better and in 26 minutes, I'll only have 4 more work days left before I head back to Ktown!!! But who's counting?

And lastly...
I promise sometime before I turn 95 I'll write something of substance once again. But I guess until that happens, you'll just have to deal with the randomness.

Sorry.

Things That Don't Really Matter But You'll Probably Still Read Anyway...

Randomness:

*Tune In...
"Bubble Toes" by Jack Johnson is playing through my speakers right now. It never fails, but every time it comes to the part where Jack sings, "move like a jellyfish, rhythm don't mean nothin,' you go with the flow, you don't stop," I feel the need to get up and 'move like a jellyfish.' Some of you know this. If you've ever been around me when this song comes on, I inevitably will try to make everyone get up and 'move like a jellyfish' (however that may be interpreted).

Hands down, this will forever be one of those songs that will ALWAYS put a smile on my face.

(Out of curiosity, what is one of your 'happy' songs?)

*A Fascination...
I've been working my way through a book entitled "The End of Poverty: How We Can Make It Happen In Our Lifetime." It's written by Jeffrey Sachs, a leading economist and Special Advisor to Kofi Annan. As someone who hates numbers, I was a bit nervous that this would only heighten my feelings of being 'mathematically challenged.' Surprisingly, though, this man does an amazing job at putting faces and reality to the numbers. While it is far from 'light reading,' I'm fascinated.

Without exactly realizing it, my job (and the job of our NGO) is doing exactly what this book is talking about. And, no, that's not making sure that these villagers will all be driving Volvo's by the year 2025, but that they will no longer be chronically hungry...unable to access health care...lack safe drinking water and proper sanitation...illiterate and uneducated...or without even the basics in proper shelter.

I can't tell you how exciting this is!

*A Taste of Freedom...
For the past 2 weeks now, things have been relatively calm here in our city, security-wise. This means that my leadership decided to lift some of the restrictions that we've been living under for the past few months. This, in turn, means that I've been able to walk outside (in a limited area) again!! Whoot!

Maybe you all reading this can't relate, but this is HUGE. I'm guessing this is just a little prep for the new-found freedoms I will be experiencing in less than 2 weeks from now!! :)

*Humor vs. Looks...
Alright, here's the explanation you've all been looking for since my last post.
(Meredith, I'm with you on this not being a good 'rose ceremony' scenario!) Ha.

So the Brit and the Cali Girl and I were all talking. Here's a re-enactment of sorts:

Cali Girl: Yeah, and he looked like Matthew McConaughey.
Brit: Who's Matthew McConaughey?
Me: You know, the guy from "How to Lose a Guy in 10 days?"
Brit: Oh. That guy? You think he's attractive?
Cali Girl and Myself: YES.

Brit: He's skinny.
Cali Girl (or me?): No he's not.
Brit: Well he's not funny.

Me: What? He's funny.
Brit: He's blonde.
Me: Kind of.
Brit: Well, quite frankly, I just can't understand him.
Me: Okay, I'll give you that. He's from Texas.

Me: So...if you had to choose between Jack Black (who I knew she'd thought was funny from "The Holiday") and Matthew M., who would it be?

Brit: Jack Black. Because he would come in here and make us laugh hysterically. The other chap would just come in and look good.

And that's where we began to analyze. You see, for Brits, humor seems to far outweigh looks. For those of us from the US, I wasn't so sure. Yet judging from the comments left below, it doesn't seem like we're all that far off. Hmm.

Well, thanks for chiming in. Maybe this wasn't a lesson in anthropology after all?!

Seeing as how I've been posting more pictures than words lately, I thought I would keep up the trend. Although I do have a few words to add this time around...

On Thursday night, I had these two lovely friends over for dinner and catching up.

Being of the female gender, our conversation inevitably led to what else?...

A discussion regarding men.

And what I found most interesting about our conversation wasn't so much about the men themselves, but about our own cultural (or personal?) differences/preferences.

Perhaps.

This is where you (my readers) come in. The conundrum is this...

*If you were to go out with someone,
would you prefer them to be funny or attractive?
('Both' is not an option.) *

For example: Jack Black vs. Matthew McConaughey?


I'll give you all some time to answer and then I'll think about explaining our discussion and lessons in anthropology.