As you may recall, Will and I made the move to Kuwait during the late spring of 2005. When we got there, we lived with my parents and sister in an apartment. Defintiely not ideal living situations for 5 people! Not to mention the fact that when we moved there, I was still unemployed. The summer of 2005 was interesting. At the time, it was a mix of fun and pain, but now that I’ve been removed from the situation for several years, I look back and think it was such a great time in my life. Something I needed and learned from and appreciated. Something I wouldn’t trade.

The summer of 2005 was full of a lot of navigating. Learning the ropes of living in Kuwait. Getting familiarized with the culture, the area, all the different cool things that existed in this new world…I learned about the dust storms and kitchen fans (check out this post), running out of water, and all sorts of other things. Seriously, if you get bored, you ought to check out the summer of 05 archives. Good times.

I learned a lot, and it was nice to get to learn it with my sister. Because I was unemployed and had no Kuwait license yet, P and I were homebound during the day. All day. For months. Literally- the only time we would get out of our apartment complex would be on the weekends with our family, and then at the bottom of our building to get bread from the bakery. So- it’s not like I need to tell you this, but- we didn’t get out much. I would shower and that’s about it. Poor Will. Literally days of no makeup or doing my hair. Sexy.

P and I became pretty good at staying home all day, everyday. We even had a system. Will would get up at like 4 in the morning to be able to leave for work, so I would get up with him, go back to sleep, we’d wake up, have breakfast and watch Home And Away- this incredibly porpular Austrailain show. I would clean the apartment. We’d have lunch- which often consisted of thin crust cheese pizza from Pizza Hut. Then we’d freak out over how much we were eating and go work out. Sometimes we would swim, but that ended quickly because the building owner would watch us and it would creep us out. We’d spend time on the patio outside too, looking at life go on while we were stuck inside. Then we’d make dinner. We tried to actually take time to make real meals for our family since we were home all day and they were at work for 11 hours straight.

I remember one time in particular we were having a bad day. I don’t remember why, but I remember being pretty bummed, mainly because I wasn’t able to find a job. I was on edge. I was irritable. I was not ready for anything to go remotely wrong. Plus I had just cleaned the house. We had decided to make homemade baked chicken strips with our own breading. So- we put the chicken in a big gallon size bag that had lots and lots of breadcrumbs in it. P was in charge of coating the chicken. She began coating the chicken, and then ended up just shaking the bag to try to coat it evenly. Only the bag wasn’t sealed. And chicken and breadcrumbs when every where. And I seriously freaked out. In fact, I think there was a time in which P and I actually named that day, “The Chicken Finger Freak Out.” Because I remember literally screaming. I don’t think I screamed a word- I just screamed and I think I totally terrified P.

It was one of those moments where I had just reached my limit and the breadcrumbs flying everywhere was more than I could handle. And P was there. She was there to help clean up the mess and she was there to laugh about it with me. She was there to make me realize it was going ot be okay. She was just always there when I needed her most. Somewhere around that same time, during the height of my frustration of living with my parents in a matchbox and being uneomployed me and P did something silly. I remember we had gone out with my family that night and it was sweltering outside. We were hangingout downstairs by the pool for some reason. P and I got restless and bored and were already in a goofy mood. Plus we were hot, so we ended up both getting a running start and jumping into the pool together, clothes and all! What a sight. That just helped keep things in perspective for me. Things don’t always go as planned, but you just hav eto dive in and go with the flow. And I was lucky enough to have my sister right there with me.

There are two things in life you can be certain of:

Death

and

Taxes.

I think right about -> ______ there is where I’m supposed to insert some sort of pithy comment or remark about this subject, but sadly I have nothing pithy so share today.

More like lamenting.

I won’t get into all the terrible details but let’s just say Will and I got this huge random surprise in the mail this past weekend.

Um- and since we’re both alive you can probably guess it’s not the death part I speak of.

Although… it sort of felt like that. I began to feel all claustrophobic and itchy and sweaty as if I were trapped in some cheap velvety low quality wood coffin.

Good times.

Anyway there was this big misunderstanding (Um that’s my cute and polite explanation of what happened. If we were discussing this issue with you in person I would definitely not say “big misunderstanding.” I would instead say something that would probably make you blush a little.) and much to our surprise we owe taxes we thought we had already paid.

Like I said- a “big effing misunderstanding.”

Good times.

Oh- and it’s Monday.

Oh- and it’s freaking hot.

Oh- and it’s supposed to storm tonight.

Wow! This day just gets better and better. Okay- I realize I can’t blame all my troubles on Monday, but it just feels so darn good!

Don’t you guys sometimes seriously miss the days of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and naps on the blue cushy kindergarten mats? It’s days like today where I do.

Actually, it’s days like today where I think, “Seriously. What in the HELL am I doing living here!?! Why am I here!? I could be back in Kuwait away from all this stupid ‘real life’ trouble and crap.”

I’d be lying if I haven’t been thinking that a.lot. lately. I guess it’s normal. I mean we seriously found this amazing “loophole.” Where the real world worries are distant memories. I realize that what we had wasn’t exactly normal and that what happened to us this weekend happens to people all the time, but it’s days like today, when Uncle Sam has kicked me square in the stomach when I was already down- and wearing my Sunday best- that I really wish we never even moved back.

I realize we moved back probably at the worst time ever- which is something I often have to remind myself- and a lot of people are experiencing the same things we are. I also truly believe everything worked out so perfectly to move back and was definitely of God. I’m still not sure of how it fits into “the master plan,” but I know I had a peace about coming back.

I also know I love my job and where we live. I’m very blessed. However, I’m not going to lie- days like today seriously make me miss life in Kuwait.

Oh- and days when I have a messy house. So you know… like Monday thru Sunday (ha ha).

Sorry to vent. It’s just been a seriously lousy day and has me bummed. “Big misunderstandings” suck. I know we’re not the first to experience them and we’ll certainly not be the last. I know everything will work out and we’ll be okay, but I just felt the need to blow off some major steam.

You know- because I know how much you love hearing about other people’s problems when you have a slew of your own!

More typical Brittny posting to come soon. I’m traveling this week and you may remember what happened last time I travelled. Who knows what’s bound to happen!

More to come.

<3

I realize you don’t care what I had for lunch today or how nice people were to me yesterday but the truth is- I really feel like I need to post about the last few days in my life because I really want to remember them- and when you have a bad memory like me, it’s important you write everything down!

So Sunday was nice. Will’s parents showed up with a dozen roses for me, a homemade strawberry cake (with real crushed strawberries in it!), and my gift. It was so sweet. We also went out to Olive Garden for lunch. It was a nice Sunday.

From there the week continued to get better (okay- I realize we’re only mid-week...)

I’m not sure how long you’ve been reading, but if you’ve read since the Kuwait Days you know that most of the time I really, really hated my job (I’ve linked you to my “This Isn’t CTU” posts so you can take a walk down memory lane). Things were done so backwards. People were total unprofessional morons… it was tough. Moving back to America and working where I do now was such a giant shock. Like a tall glass of ice water with a squeeze of lime. Even after being here for almost a year I still have to pinch myself- and I always say, “Wow! It’s so weird working for a “real” company!”

It’s just so different.

So Monday I got to work and one of the ladies I work with on a regular basis (and was also the girl who was my secret pal) got me a Vanilla Frappuccino and a box of Crystal Light On the Go and wished me a “happy birthday week!” I thought that was so sweet.

Yesterday was so nice. Will surprised me with the I Love Lucy boxset (she’s so great) and Dunkin Donuts for breakfast.

I got to work and had this super duper cute bright pink box in my chair. I opened it up and there was the cutest Halmark Hoops and YoYo card. I’ve linked it here. You so have to check it out because it makes me laugh. What’s even funnier about it is that the guy that got it for me is gay. There was also the cutest Hoops and YoYo stuffed animal that talks and these really cute Hoops and YoYo sticky notes with funny sayings on it. It was the sweetest surprise.

Another coworker brought me a hilarious homemade card and breakfast for everyone (two pastries for me- on top of my donuts… wow… what a way to start off 26)

It was so thoughtful.

Then my “secret pal” coworker and boss surprised me with this giant coffee mug planter filled with gorgeous tulips! It was so sweet.

We went out to lunch and I ate more. Ugh. Fat.

I got back from lunch and there were more flowers on my desk! My parents and sister sent me the most beautiful bouquet. They’re so gorgeous and pink and happy and vibrant. It was the sweetest surprise.

After lunch there was more eating.

The Cheesecake Factory’s 30th Anniversary Cake.

Delish.

Seriously amazing…

You have no idea.

It was wonderful.

The only damper was that I had a dentist appointment yesterday- no cavities so I guess that’s a plus!

It was just a really nice series of days full of really thoughtful people and surprises.

Like I said- I’ve never had a good working environment before. It’s been such a blessing to be where I am.

Today the hits kept coming. My boss and coworker wished me a Happy Birthday Week again today. I told them to stop being so nice to me and they laughed and said- “No-you’re nice!” I opened the card they got me and it made me laugh. Check it out.

HA HA

So you’ll never guess what I got today.

Remember my purse post? I mentioned the fact that I’ve had my current purse for three years- and they did something about it. Today I got the most awesome pink purse! It was the sweetest thing ever. I felt so loved!

There are a lot of times in which I miss Kuwait. We came home at the worst.time.ever. Could the economy be any worse ( ha ha- say that like Chandler Bing when you read that)? However, it’s days like this week in which I remember that my working environment is a lot better than it was before and I’m really blessed.

So- my birthday week has been great.

So I know this post was a sucky read, but I needed to post it just for memory’s sake.

More to come- and less annoying happy personal life update crap.

-We’re now the proud owners of a “new” 2001 Ford pick-up truck. It only has 48,000 miles on it, so it doesn’t seem as old when you think of it that way. Plus Will is in Heaven now that he finally has a truck to drive again.

-My boss sent me and my coworker flowers Friday. You can see pictures of how beautiful they are on my Flickr. It totally brightened my day.

-We’re really enjoying hearing Dave Ramsey’s sermons (see below). I think we might take the plunge and do the 13 week study too.

-P is moving back home (home as in Kuwait) this semester. I will tell you more soon. Actually hopefully she will tell you more soon. I’m trying to get her to guest blog sometime next week.

-Our Sooners have done well thus far during March madness. There’s still a lot to play, but hopefully make it another round or two! Oh and hey- I’m not sucking all that much in our bracket competition either!

-I’m headed down to Texas on a day trip this week. I’m sort of excited about it but at the same time sort of dreading it because of how late I’ll get home plus all the work I’ll have to catch up on

-We’re going to another Thunder game this week, so that should be fun. You can’t beat $10 cheap seats, right!?

-Have I mentioned I love, love, love daylight saving’s time? Please dear God don’t let them take this away from us. This will be the first time in three years to experience a full daylight savings time and I’m so excited about it.

-I have this awful and intense desire to make a cake, and I have no.idea.why. Please don’t let me make one (but I probably will :( ).

-There’s just not much else going on right now- and I’m actually okay with that.

Have a lovely day! You know- because Mondays are always lovely. 

The following is an “everyday,” typical email exchange with my sister. My emails are in bold, hers are regular.I realize the fat talk gets old after a while, but I promise we switch topics from Panamanian prisons, to calculating tips, to even our own reality show during this conversation- so hang with me.These took place on two different days, but they flowed so well I lumped them together. Let the madness begin...

I just ate a whole pint of chocolate ice cream.

And it wasn’t even GOOD ice cream.

I think that that calls for me to use the elliptical tomorrow for the first time since last summer. I feel like I should celebrate this red-faced, sweaty momentous occasion with a donut or something.

**

Ha ha. I just had a large Java Chiller from Sonic- which is basically a whole pint of chocolate ice cream with a hint of coffee. I didn’t go to the gym at all this weekend and I had olive garden WITH dessert yesterday.

Fat.

**

Ughhh I KNOW. And- ugh i just don’t want to go back to school. I say we quit talking crap and book the tickets.

PS- I hope your Olive Garden dessert was good.

**

It was. Black tie. Yum. Plus I had fettuccine (um how in the world do people expect you to know how to spell that!?) which- well- you know how amazing that is.

I’m so all about booking tickets and starting some adventurous life. We could open up a flower store...wait- I suck at keeping things alive. It’s a miracle that Boz and Lucy are still here.

...

We’ll sort all the logistics out when we get there. Although “fat,” I’m sure some Panamanian would love to give us a job at Panama Jacks waitressing. The only trouble is that I would suck at getting proper change and would most likely get us fired in a hurry.

**

Ha, that’s SO TRUE. Somehow the tip would be like “10% of 100” or something. Then we would get charged with embezzlement for taking an extra 80 dollars. Then wind up in Panamanian prison. Which wouldn’t be all bad, considering we could be the Scolfield’s. I definitely get Lincoln.

I’m sorry I can’t type properly, my fingers are so huge, swollen, and fat from the dairy I just consumed.

A flower shop would be nice! We could go the simple route an own a cafe, and employ Panamaniann business students (who know how to calculate tips so we wouldn’t be
getting screwed).

Are you at work?

**

We are so resourceful- your plan is brilliant! Actually- I used to think we sucked at being resourceful but then we went on the cruise and functioned totally fine in like 19 cities. I know for sure we’ll kick butt on amazing race one day.

I’m sort of at work. It’s been a really annoying weekend. Long story. I’m actually at home. I’m going to clean the bathroom. I could call you and put you onspeaker while we devised our master plan- and cleaned my bathrooms. What do you think? Actually, I’ll delay the bathroom cleaning and talk to you a little longer.

I’m having 2 PB sandwiches for lunch. Why do I feel nostalgic all of a sudden? Like I need a blue mat to nap on and a carton of milk??

**

My favorite food ever. I decided a while back that if I was living on a deserted island alone for the rest of my life, peanut butter and/or reeses would DEFINITELY be my food of choice. Seeing as I wouldn’t have to worry about all the saturated fat I was consuming since I would never see anyone ever again, it works. What about you?

**

That is hilarious- and a very valid point. I think I would go with that too, or perhaps pasta. I could eat loads and loads and if I was able to take different sauces too (which is something I assume you have to negotiate in when preparing to go to a deserted island forever...) I’d be set for life.

And saucy.

And happy.

When do you leave for Kuwait?

**

I leave on your anniversary. Thank the Lord. Its been 3 weeks since I was there last and I feel like it’s been too long. How could anyone possibly think I like it here? AHHHH I need to start this Panamanian flower shop business ASAP.

**

We ought to make a countdown to the semester’s end and you move back. Seriously. What’s you’re last day of school? How fun would that be!? I could make the first half and you could make the 2nd half. We wouldn’t have to make it a chain or anything, but just something you could pull off and throw away.

Wow- what a tacky Martha Stewart thing. Plus I doubt either of us are that motivated (but we should be! We should make it and love it!).

I have absolutely nothing to count down to. Wow- how depressing, right? Maybe my next 3 day weekend? I guess I could do that one…

The chain reminds me of the one in Mareena Towers. As crazy as it sounds, when I look back that summer was pretty fun

(Just FYI- if you’re curious you can read about this time during the summer of 2005 archives)

**
Oh my gosh me too. It was the weirdest time of my life, such a crazy transition period. I have a playlist for that summer titled “MIA” for 2 reasons: 1) we never left that apartment 2) M.I.A’s “bucky done gun” was a very integral part of that summer hahaha. But yeah, it’s so so bittersweet to think about that. It’s the last time we’ll have ever lived together under one roof.

**

I think we should SERIOUSLY send these back and forth emails to someone, plus our goofy videos and make them make us famous. We should have a reality show about creating our Panamanian flower shop. ha ha. How great would that be? Plus highly entertaining. Seriously- I’m in need of that. People are so fickle. Family is forever..

**

OMG YES, a reality show about the making of our new life. Do you know how well that would work? We could start this season while we’re still apart, so it would mainly focus on the emails. And then we could start season 2 when we’re in the same country and ahhhhhhh tiny orgasm, I think viewers would LOVE US. You live in America, the land of endless possibilities- make it happen!

**

sidenote- her email above makes me laugh every singly time. Tiny orgasm HAHAHAHA...

Seriously- I’m literally laughing out loud right now. It’s a little embarrassing and I’m glad everyone is gone to lunch.

**

Sorry to disregard your last email, but I blame you for the fact that I just consumed 7 servings of peanut butter with honey since you reminded me of peanut butter, which then reminded me that I still had some in my cupboard, and BOOO, NO ALLI.

Haha anyways, seriously? Will you PLEASE look into a director? Because even if we get one season and they hate us, we’ll still get a book deal (uh, you can write it) and then a few endorsements. OH! MAYBE WE CAN BE THE NEW FACE OF ALLI. I love it.

**

Very good and valid points. Okay so I assume you’re about to go to bed. Oh- and want to know something funny? I had no idea that we sprang (sprung HAHA springed? I have no idea...) forward this weekend. dad had to tell me. Too funny. Anyway- that means we’ll be an hour closer now so that’s really great!

Alright, I’m off to file some stuff. I’ll be in constant contact with you tomorrow. Have a good night and talk to you tomorrow!

**

Wait, ugh, I have no idea how many hours apart we’ve been this whole time. I usually just say 8, wherever I am in the world. “Oh you’re in Kenya, great, only 8 hours away!” “You’re in St.Petersburg, brilliant,. 12 your time, 8 my time” ……I never usually think there’s any other time in between. Please tell me we’ve always been 8 hours apart since I moved.

**

Just so you know- I’m lying when I tell you this- yes, we are 8 hours apart. I’m such a good sister, right?

<3

I have to double up on today since I was a slacker on Monday and didn’t start the week out right.

The road to year three was sprinkled with adjustments, but by that point we were pretty much pros at handling the scorching Kuwait heat, the annoyances of the job, and any new changes that came our way.

I like to call our road to Year Three The Year of Honesty because I think it was at this point that Will and I got really close and began to really grow into each other and our life. The dust had finally settled long enough for us to get used to something and adjusting to life the way it was. I feel like being overseas made us really rely on each other. We shared and we confided. It was a year in which we really began to search within ourselves about our future together, our plans in Kuwait, and everything in between.

The road to year 3 we spent a long vacation in America during the fall, going to all the big OU football games. We also made a trip to Miami in 2007 to watch the Colts win a Super Bowl! It was a lot of fun. Oh- and who could forget our trip to Dubai in May of 2006!? That was such a great trip-and I almost forgot!

So I’m going to share something really goofy and personal with you guys-

every year of marriage (except for the first :( ) Will and I have made a short little video capturing what’s going on in our life. Check out our third anniversary video:

I’m such a goof. I like doing this though. It’s not too long- and just captures a glimpse of something I will always want to look back on as we go farther down this journery of marriage.

The road to Year Four I’ve entitled The Year of Not Much. Nothing really too big seemed to happen. We just sort of coasted. We worked, we vacationed (at home again woo hoo!), we tried to enjoy the weekends (when I’d actually get one). Not too much happened. We made a trip to Jordan, which was amazing, and we went home for Christmas.

While we didn’t know it at the time, I think the Lord was preparing us for the road to Year Five. We just didn’t know it. Sort of funny to watch this video knowing what we know now, right!? And yes- we will most definitely be taping from a different “venue” this year. ha ha

Tomorrow’s the big day! 

Without a doubt, the road to our second year of marriage was what I called The Year of Changes. In April of 2005 my mom and sister followed my dad over to Kuwait, and in May of the same year we did the same!

It was a whirlwind of a move (and you can read all about it in my spring/summer 2005 archives!).

We began our stay living with my parents in an apartment. It was tough, but when I look back on it I’m thankful for it.

Will had a job, but I had yet to get one. My sister and I spent that whole summer of 2005 literally locked inside the apartment day after day with nothing to do- but when I look back on it I’m thankful for that too.

We even took our first trip together, spending about a week in Qatar (um- once again, you can read about all that in the archives).

We went back home for Christmas that year and made a pit stop at the Mall of America and even caught a Packers game. It was lots of fun.

Will and I had a lot of adjustments to get used to- a new job, living with my family, eventually a new apartment, selling our condo back home, a new country, new customs- it was all so new!

But we managed- and came out stronger for it.

The road to year two was full of so many transitions and changes, all which I’m so thankful for. It was so fun moving to Kuwait and experiencing everything for the very first time. In fact- I’m starting to miss it just typing about it!

The road to year two was full of lots of fun- but most of all- lots of gigantic changes. It’s hard to believe how far we’ve come!

So today I had my first encounter at The Dollar Tree- and I must say- it was quite intriguing!

Okay, so I must back track a little. The Dollar Tree practically exploded overnight in Oklahoma while I was in high school.

You couldn’t help walking into one back then.

Ha- I would say they were like “a dime a dozen-”

but considering that the math wouldn’t add up (after all- it’s The DOLLAR Tree), I will digress…

However, it’s been quite a few years since I have been to The Dollar Tree and today was my very first grown up experience in which me-the adult who actually has to live on a budget- entered the The Dollar Tree-

or what I now like to call

The World of Wonders…

I went in to get a gift bag for my Secret Pal and came out with 2 gift bags, a cooking magazine, a small book of quotes, and a cook book-

for five dollars.

FIVE FREAKING DOLLARS.

This very concept is blowing my mind. In fact, I almost felt as though I should just pay more because seriously- I was freaking robbing the place blind.

Huh.

This could be awesome therapy for those thrill seeker cleptos! Instead of going to stores and stealing stuff, they should just go to The Dollar Tree and go on a wildly recklessly shopping spree, filling up an entire cart to the brim and walking out for ten freaking dollars.

THIS PLACE IS AMAZING.

Okay- so sure there are lots um- lots. Please look up “lots” in your thesaurus right now. Find something way better and bigger than lots and insert that word right _______ <- here because I'm not kidding there are _________ of freaking crap at this store in addition to all of its amazingness. Think scary ceramic animal decor and questionable expired canned goods.

However-

there are some pretty great finds too.

I’m pretty sure the store ladies thought I was Encino Woman and had never set foot in a store before.

I walked up and down the aisles in awe and wonder- and fear at some points too.

I think I even said, “Oooh!” out loud in sheer excitement at some point.

I must not get out much.

But seriously- how great is that place!?

Cute and good smelling candles?

A dollar!

Giant parachute two-pack granny panties?

A dollar!

(which in my opinion is a freaking STEAL considering I could tarp our car in those things...)

Palmolive Dish Soap?

A dollar!

Do you guys understand the amazingness I’m trying to convey?

Do you?

I’m not sure you do.

Sigh…

I got a little freaked out in the fake flowers section. It’s been a while since I’ve seen so many feax petunias-

but it’s all good because at that point I already had my awesome FIVE DOLLAR finds in hand-

to include my giant two for $1 tarp undies (AKA my way super hot mom lingerie- growl).

Okay- I’m kidding about that last part-

but I kind of thought it would be funny.

THEY WERE A DOLLAR!

A DOLLAR!

Okay-

maybe it’s that I lived in Kuwait for three years, where everything was insanely expensive-

I have no idea-

but I am seriously fascinated by the concept of The World of Wonders.

I must say it was an interesting experience- and I’ll probably go back simply because there are a few things there that are pretty freaking cheap and as a tightwad I’m all about a good deal.

So, there you have it. My “First Time” at The Dollar Tree.  A little scary, pretty exhilerating, and way, way too cheap.

<3

Alright so my friend Jacqueline- you know, the one that watched me try to buy a pizza with a coupon- has inspired me to do an interview with her! She sent me five questions whic I have to fully answer. Oh- and here’s the fun part:

If you would like me to interview you just leave a comment and I will email you the questions! Here are the directions:

1. Leave me a comment saying, “Interview me.”

2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the questions).

3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.

4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.

5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Let’s get started. Here’s what Jacqueline asked:

1) I seem to remember you wanting to be a weather girl when we were younger.  When and why did that change?

Yes! Yes I did want to be a weather girl! You have an amazing memory! Besides my family I’m pretty sure you’re the only person that remembers that. I used to LOVE (yes- LOVE) watching the weather channel in grade school and even in part of junior high. I so wanted to be a weather girl. I thought it would be the best.job.ever.

I think that changed for me because we had career day in junior high and a real life meterologist came to our school and answered all my our questions. As it turned out- you need a lot of math and science to be able to read a teleprompter and point to a screen.

Huh.

Anyway- that was sort of when I realized that maybe the life of a weather girl wasn’t meant for me. I was never very strong in science and math- but we’ll get to that better.

2) What did you get your degree in?  Do you ever wish you had gotten a degree in something else?  Why or why not?

I got a BA in Communications with emphasis in Public Relations and a minor in political science.

At the time, I really wanted to use my degree to eventually become a campaign manager, or a press secretary- something where I could definitely utilize both skills.

Like a lot of people, what I’m doing now has nothing to do with my degree. I always wondered how people went to school for one thing and did another for a living, but now I know- it just sort of happens. I wish I could do something in the PR field. I think it would be so much fun and I think I’d be good at it, but at this point I’ve started a whole different career path. I’m not saying I don’t like what I do- because I do, but that’s sort of the background on the degree thing.

As for whether I wish I got my degree in something else- yes and no.

I joke with Will all.the.time that I wish I would have become a doctor or pharmacist or vet or something like that because at this point I would be done with school and making a ton of money. However- the truth is I would have hated every minute of it.

I do think my sister’s degree plan is very interesting too.

3) What was the best thing about living in Kuwait?  The worst thing?  Do you miss living there or just miss living near your family?

The best thing about living in Kuwait is definitely the location and the opportunities it affords you. I know a lot of time I lamented about how much I wanted to be home, but at the same time- I really liked living there. I loved being able to travel because we were close to so many interesting places. There are so so so many things I loved about Kuwait, but you only asked for one.

Oh- but can I please say one more?

please?

The safety. I felt incredibly safe in Kuwait. I could have left my doors unlocked every night and would have not worried. I know you guys might think it’s crazy, but it’s true.

The worst thing?

By FAR the heat.

The heat was the absolute worst thing hands down and no question about it.

There were other negatives, but that’s definitely the worst!

Your last question about whether I really miss living in Kuwait or just being near my family is something I go back and forth on. In fact- it’s a question Will has asked me before!

I really do miss living there. I had a lot of hell (mostly because of my job… actually all because of my job), but a lot of fun too. I don’t think I would have enjoyed it near as much had my family not been there too. In fact- we never would have gone had it not been for them! So- I waiver a lot…

4) What is your favorite thing about Will?  What does he do that really bugs you?

My favorite thing about Will is that he truly is my knight and shining armor. He is my protector and defender.

I’m very passive aggressive and I’m also a nonconfrontational peacemaker. What a bad mix, right!? For that reason a lot of times I let people take over and because I want to be nice and not be confrontational- I let them (and then am annoyed later because of the whole passive aggression in me!)

Anyway- Will has given me a voice. A lot of times he sticks up for me and defends me. He takes care of business (like he makes the “angry” phone calls when something is charged wrong, when our cable is out, etc) a lot of times. However, he has defintiely “made” me start sticking up for myself too. He has given me courage and I really love that about him. It’s been uncomfortable for me- but a really good thing. So- that’s my favorite thing about Will. His ability to take the lead. He takes really good care of me.

Somewhat on the same token- one thing that bugs me about Will is that he’s “always right.” Because he does have such a strong personality and tends to be more hard side love, he thinks that his ideas and viewpoints are the best. When we argue it’s very annoying.

5) What is the biggest lesson that you’ve learned in life thus far?

Wow! This is a really hard one. If you were to ask me this once a month it would probably be different every time depending on what was going on in my life. I mean, there are so many spiritual lessons I’ve learned throughout life. So many hard “life lessons” I’ve learned…

Too many to narrow it down to one.

I’ll simply say one of the best I’ve learned is “Life’s Too Short.”

I tend to be caught up so much in the here and now and I allow silly things to bother me, and Will always reminds me that Life’s Too Short.

He’s right.

It’s the small things in life that matter- playing with my dogs back in America, watching TV with Will right next to me, taking trips others thought we shouldn’t- all of these things make up who I am. There are so many of the things in my life I wouldn’t have done but did because I’ve begun to realize that life is too short and I should live it to the fullest while I’m here. “Our life is but a breath.” I think the Bible says that exact phrase. It truly is but a breath- and so I want to make sure to inhale extra big while I’m here.

So there I go! This was fun, Jacqueline!

If you want to do the same let me know and we’ll play.

Have a good weekend.

So the last two days have been entertaining blasts from the past. Today we’re going to tone it down a bit.

I know- I’m disappointed too (not).

Among other things (ie: spilling the baby plans ) Jessica suggested I write about how P is doing in school-

and I thought that was quite possibly the best.idea.ever!

P decided to pursue a degree in hotel management. Her experiences abroad have given her the desire to travel for the rest of her life and work in a growing industry that gives her the opportunity ahd flexibility to go wherever she wants! I think it’s awesome.

Why didn’t I think of that 8 years ago when I was entering college!?!

Anyway, it appears as though her current plan has changed and she will stay at her current university for a couple years, and then she will finish her degree elsewhere.

I keep trying to get her to come to Oklahoma. OSU just started a program for hotel management.

She’s not biting.

I don’t understand why…

Anyway, her school is so so so awesome! P- you really must guest post while you’re back in Kuwait next month! The people need to know the truth! ha ha

She is getting a BS, and along with the normal boring “basic” classes she has fun classes like kitchen!

Although- I’m pretty sure she doesn’t think of Kitchen Class as “fun.”

Their final exam is like a bad episode of Hell’s Kitchen. She had to cook a three course meal in like 12 minutes and serve it all fancy.

Okay- so I’m exagerrating about the time, but it was pretty astonishing when she told me about it.

She also gets to learn about wine and fine dining and she has to be able to speak another language fluently before graduating.

She speaks French.

And I love her for it.

Guys- when did my kid sister get so totally way cooler than me!?

Sigh…

Anyway, her school is freaking awesome and it makes me want to Freaky Friday our lives for a week.

I’m joking.

Actually, really- I’m not.

I saved the best part for last!

I got a random phone call from P a week ago at like 5:55 to tell me she had received the hotel she was assigned to work in for 2 weeks during this one special part of their class.

Ha ha- like how technical I am?

I’m sure P can clear things up for us and make me sound more coherent.

Anyway- you’ll never guess where she is going to be working!

Guess!

Hint- we stayed there in the Spring of 2006.

We took goofy pictures like this

this

and this

have you guessed yet?

Actually- aside from like three of you, has anyone even been reading my blog since 2006?

I’m thinking no.

So I better just tell you!

She’ll be working at the Burj Al Arab!

One of the nicest hotels in the world.

I’m pretty sure after adding that to her resume, it will be like a blank check and she’ll be able to intern wherever the crap she wants.

It’s sort of funny- back in 2006 while we were there we were served this:

and now it will be served by this:

Knife included, of course.

We had beautiful flowers in our room like this:

and now they’ll be arranged by this:

Okay, so I won’t be participating in the flower fun- just P.

I simply wanted to be in the picture because I want to pretend that I am.

(um- remember the living vicariously through my sister thing?)

And wow- my hair was really blonde.

And wow, P’s hair was really blonde too.

Sorry, I went darker this past weekend and am sort of missing the look of “blonde blonde.”

But this post isn’t about me, is it?

Moving on-

P is doing great in school. I’m really proud of her and so excited for all her opportunities.

I’m pretty sure after working at a place like the Burj she won’t be making any plans to attend OSU’s school of Hotel Managment (I still don’t understand why!… ha ha).

Kindred spirits are never very far apart, so I don’t worry so much about was the future holds.

I’m really proud of my sister and am so happy she’s found something she enjoys and loves.

P- you really must guest post when you’re home next week. I’m sure I speak for most of my blog friends when I say your life is far more interesting than ours and it would be fun to hear how school is going!

Does that come off desperate? I’m thinking it does…

Oh well.

So there you have it, P’s school update.

I hope you guys are having a wonderful day!

More to come.