Being in Kuwait shielded us from a lot of the political mire back in America. A lot of times it was nice. I can’t tell you how sick I became of the election coverage this past fall. It was nice being removed from the situation and not being inundated by media all the time.

Not only that, but there were many decisions that were made that didn’t really affect us very much since we were overseas.

Being back this year- our first full year back in America- will be quite different. Every decision made truly will have a direct impact on mine and Will’s life. It will influence a lot of our decisions and impact our future plans. It will be different, that’s for sure- but it will also be “normal.” Welcome to reality guys, right?!

Anyhow, what I guess I want to say is-

I spent the last 3 years of my life supporting a force of people I respect and am so thankful for- our American soliders. Regardless on my stance of whether or not we should be in Iraq, my stance will always be firm in the support of our soldiers. While I was a mere 30 minutes from what you may call a “war zone,” I still was not as smothered in the political war zone taking place in my home country- which seems odd. Now it’s back to reality and decisions that affect me at home and not only that- but decisions that affect my “other home.” This will most definitely be a year of change in many facets of life.

Who knows what the future has in store for us, but I pray it is full of good things and blessings we certainly don’t deserve. It will definitely be interesting to watch it all unfold. A new chapter begins in our history today, during a time of worry and stress and fear and the unknown. Some may say we’re living in a scary time, and I partially agree.

The best part of all- and the most important thing to remember,however, is that regardless of the future,

or who is in office,

or what happens tomorrow,

or what happens next week

or where we rest our head tonight,

or where we go to work tomorrow-

God is in control. He knows what is best, he knows the future, and He holds us in His hand.

May God bless our president, our country, and its people.

More to come.

<3

Do I really have to go to work tomorrow?

Sigh…

I guess before starting another week I ought to reflect on the one that has just passed.

The obligatory recap post, if you will.

However this update is a little unique.

But we’ll get to all of that.

This was our first official Christmas back in the states. Granted, we spent a couple home while we were in Kuwait, but this Christmas seemed different in the fact that, well, we were finally in the states again. Not only that, but I wasn’t able to celebrate with my family which was a bummer for me this year. One nice thing is that I bought my parents Vonage for Christmas. It’s a stateside number they can use in Kuwait! That means I can literally talk to them every single day and it’s “free!”

This Christmas was different, but all in all, it was a really nice day.

We spent the morning with all of Will’s family at his grandparent’s house. They have a brunch there everyone attends.

As you can imagine, I ate way way too much.

But you’re not surprised by that anymore.

Did you see the oreo truffles I made? They’re posted on my Flickr. Those didn’t help either…

Okay- back to Christmas. Sorry.

We had a good time with his family.

I have to share this picture with you guys. Look how young we look (and how skinny my husband is!)! This was the first Christmas we spent together. We had only been dating a few weeks and I ended up going to his whole family’s Christmas gathering (it was a few days early that year). I guess we knew we were meant to be. This picture really cracked me up. We look so young!

After our brunch we went over to Will’s parent’s house for a smaller gathering with just us and his brother. We had finger foods, relaxed, and opened a few gifts.

This, my friends, is the part of the story which I’m sure will make you all chuckle.

Or want to scratch your eyes out.

Wait- that’s probably just me.

Oh well.

Guess what Will got from his parents (AKA Mom) this year.

Guess!

I love the guessing game.

Got your guesses?

He got cash and then this:

You know, because EVERYONE BUYS THEIR CHILDLESS SON A BABY BOOK FOR CHRISTMAS!!

Oh.

Sorry for all the caps. I don’t know what came over me.

I’m lying.

Yes I do.

You know this has been a whole thing with me. This isn’t the first time something like this has happened, however, I sort of feel like this gift was a bit much.

Am I being crazy?

After watching Will open his gift, my mind was racing.

What would I have in my bag?

An ovulation kit?

KY Jelly?

A video camera?

Oh the horror!!

“Well I guess I know what ‘Pat’ wants for Christmas this year!” I wanted to say…

I know this sounds bad, but doing stuff like this (as well as the other things) pushes me in the other direction and makes me never want to have kids!

You guys know me well enough by now to know my stance on kids.

I’m just not ready for them.

We’ve talked about adopting a child down the road-

but that’s down the road.

DOWN.THE.FREAKING.ROAD.

More like- we’re on the highway in Oklahoma and this kid is hanging out on a dirt road somewhere in Africa- down the road.

That kind of down the road.

Not tomorrow and not next year.

Think yearS plural.

Do you think Will should gently talk to his mom,

or do you think I just need to let it go and let her be an aspiring grandmother?

I tend to be a little passive aggressive.

Who am I kidding- a little. HA.

I’m passive aggressive- and non-confrontational.

She has no idea how much this stuff really bothers me, and that’s because I don’t tell her. I’d rather just complain to you guys about it and not say a word to my mother-in-law.

I know she means well, I’m sure she does, but it really gets me fired up and angry when stuff like this is blatantly screaming, “HELLO! Make me a grandmother already!”

I mean, what the hell was I supposed to do when Will opened that?

I felt it was a little inappropriate,but there’s no way I would have said that around the tree with the whole family, you know?

“Be a duck Brittny,” Will says.

I know- I totally should. I should just let it all roll of my back and not care, but I do! I do care!

I really feel like she needs to butt out and not say a word. Like I said, when she does stuff like this I want to tell her that we’re never ever having children and are packing up and moving to Russia!!

Don’t ask me why the Russia part.

I don’t know.

I’m thinking all crazy.

Besides, everyone knows if you’re going to jump ship and bail on your child-hungry-mother-in-law you don’t go to Russia.

You go somewhere like China where the government totally supports your desire not to pro-create.

What do you guys think?

(about the baby book part- not the China thing)

Did she cross the line?

I know- you probably think it’s silly and really no big deal, but this is part of a series of events that have been ongoing and I guess I’m just getting really tired of all the hinting.

Hinting.

That’s hilarious.

I’m pretty sure giving your son a baby book is NOT classified as a hint.

Right?

Here’s what I think:

That’s my, “I’m not humored” look.

Or I need to pee.

I’m not sure which, really…

The whole event makes me miss my family and the fact that they’re understanding of our perspective. Don’t get me wrong- they’re baby crazy too, but they don’t ever pester or pressure or “hint.” Part of that is probably because they know my stance, which is why I wonder if Will needs to talk to his mom.

So that was my Christmas.

Interesting.

I hate to see what we get on our birthdays.

An offer to be the surrogate?

Shudder…

On a positive note, we have our imaginary kid’s first book.

Oh! And I bought new curtains.

Which was an issue in and of itself.

I’ll have to share the story with you some other time. They’re fashioned better than they were in the Flick pictures- because I know how you guys care. (ha ha)

Alright- enough yammering.

Hope you guys had a good weekend. I look forward to hearing about it.

Don’t get me wrong, I really like you- I do.

You make me feel like I’m getting my first kiss every single day-

the anticipation

the stress

the thundering heartbeat…

it’s fun, it really is.

We’ve had some good times, no doubt about that.

Walking around the light display in our hometown,

sipping hot chocolate,

unwrapping presents…

there’s no doubt about it- I want you around when I’m doing all these things.

However, I must say,

MUST YOU ALWAYS BRING THE FREAKING BITTER COLD WITH YOU EVERY TIME YOU’RE AROUND!?!?!

I feel like a part of me dies every morning I get into the car and have to wait 6 hours before it warms up, wondering if today will be the day my pinky fingers officially freeze off my hand.

Do you want to ruin what we have?

Do you?

Sigh…

I’m not sure I’ve gotten through to you, so just in case I’ll be sure to pack my gloves for the morning.

Missing the Kuwait winters,

Brittny

In zeal of my dad’s arrival, I put a delicious pork roast in the crock pot to simmer all day (because as I’ve mentioned before, pork is illegal in Kuwait. I figure the best way to be welcomed back into America is a huge slab of pig and an iced cold beer- which is also illegal in Kuwait).

As the afternoon waned on, Will and I began to wonder why my dad had yet to arrive. “He was scheduled to fly in around 10:30, so by the time he drove to our house, well, he should have been here by now!” I thought to myself.

Visions of us all around the table, gorging ourselves on fatted swine, laughing, and telling stories about the “good old days (you know, a whole 3 months ago when I was still in Kuwait?)” filled my mind.

Until about 3:30 today when I got a text message from my dad.

“At the Kuwait airport! See you soon!”

?

What?

Kuwait?

Yeah. Kuwait.

Apparently living in America has not only made me afraid to make eye contact with the weird oily check-out guy at Costco- that smells like Fritos by the way- but it has also challenged my ability to read and comprehend.

Sure enough, I looked at my dad’s email and bright as day he’ll be arriving tomorrow.

Sigh.

Pork.

Beer.

Laughing.

Good old days.

So- Will and I will partake in these festivities tonight, only with much less jubilant dispositions. I figure it will save just fine tomorrow, but my dad already mentioned hitting up the one restaurant we have in America that they don’t have in Kuwait.

Bummer. I was so excited to be Mrs. Suzy Homemaker and show my dad what my life is like with a new (just CLEANED for his arrival) house, job, and slew of dogs.

Suzy Homemaker.

That’s so funny.

How did we ever draw up such a term? Why not Carol Homemaker or Gertrude Homemaker?

Why Suzy?

We may never know…

I guess I shouldn’t get hung up on such silliness, right?

But I will.

Trust me, I will.

In fact, I’m writing it down on my list of things to do:

Ask Will and or google and or wikipedia the orgins of Suzy Homemaker.

There.

I feel much better knowing I will be getting to the bottom of this issue.

...

I need friends, right?

That’s so what you’re thinking.

Alright, let’s move on.

Afterall- we’re totally off the subject of my dad coming back to America.

Although…

I think I’ve said all I can about that at the moment…

Okay- getting off track was totally legitimate.

It’s currently 1900 CST.

By the way, want to know something?

I LOVE International Time. You know- the 1300, 1400 stuff?

That’s how I lived for 3 years in Kuwait and it seems really silly to me to have two 7:00s or 2:30s. So- 1900 (that’s 7:00 PM in American speak)

I got home early (because remember!? I made plans to come home and see my dad today!) and was eager to eat dinner with Will and enjoy our evening together.

HOWEVER-

fast forward almost 2 hours later (that means from about 1730 to 1900- OR 5:30 to 7:00 PM for all your crazy people set in your ways!) and I’m still waiting on Will to eat dinner with me!

Pork.

Laughing.

Good old days.

Remember all that?

Yeah- it’s not happening right now. Will is currently fixing his car- ie “Baby #2.” I’m pretty sure a mechanic should have done what he’s doing- but what do I know, right?

My only help is the fact that the sun is setting and before long he’ll have no choice but to come in and begin our festivities.

Ha-

Imagine that.

As soon as I posted all that crap about how a mechanic needed to fix his car and stuff, Will struts in to tell me he figured it out, was at a stopping point, and was ready for our Pork Party.

Okay- he didn’t say Pork Party, because that would be weird.

But it would have been funny…

I guess I shall go now. Wish you guys were here to enjoy my Suzy Homemaker dinner!

Tomorrow (yes, for sure, tomorrow) my dad arrives!

Hi! It’s P. P the sister of B (rittny). Yes, it’s really me! I know you’ve been anticipating “meeting” me since Britt first posted about our marshmallow escapades two summers ago at about this time. Well, fast-forward a few summers, a couple of continents, and about four thousand 1 oz. servings of marshmallows later and, ta-da! It seems we’re kind of back where we started. Except for I’m a new high school graduate turned gypsy who has undoubtedly found myself living, observing, and worrying about my sister’s new home…and life in America.

No no, silly girls, it’s not like that. There haven’t been any threats on my beautiful B (to quote Jay-Z) and I haven’t given her a curfew or anything like that. It’s just, watching her adjust to life back here in America is kind of frightening. But oh so exhilarating too! There are hundreds of things she can do now! She’s able to buy pork (ew) in public! There’s no need for shifty expressions while hiding a whole honey-cured ham under a jacket anymore. (Even though I don’t recall anytime when she did really this. Actually, I’d probably be too embarrassed to even claim her as my sister if she did do this). She can also walk around the supermarket in a pair of 10-year-old Abercrombie cut-offs and an XXS Limited cami if she wants! (Even though I don’t recall anytime when she really did this. Actually, I’d probably be too embarrassed to even claim her as my sister if she did do this.)

All joking and my ADHD aside, I kind of really loved having my sister in Kuwait. Yes, I know that’s incredibly selfish since her hyperhidrosis (um, Britt, am I allowed to mention this to your friends?) kicked in .43 seconds after she would step outside everyday and because the people she worked with were incredibly classless and because on occasion, she got flicked off while trying to go out for a nice meal with her cute little sister. But I can’t help wanting to secretly book her a flight back to Kuwait every Monday as I look at PostSecret and read all of the creepy weird things that American “crazies” do. Like the guy on this week’s page who likes to “Eat the last page of a really good book”. Seriously mister psycho librarian man (PLM)? Please tell me Mr. PLM that you do not live in the Oklahoma City Metro area? Pretty please? Because if you do, that’s one more reason for me to put B on a curfew.

Every time I read PostSecret it seems to scream at me “Don’t live in America! Don’t let Brittny live in America! These people, they’re mad!” Not all of you of course, I mean, I’m a proud navy blue passport-carrying person myself. And isn’t it sad how a few people who send secrets to Germantown, Maryland almost sent me boycotting my sister’s return to America? But since my picketing skills are ridiculously lame, I was forced to let her board her plane and set up camp in the heartland. She’s happy-Ulta and Taco Bueno are mere minutes from her home, the boy is happy-OU football season is just around the corner and Boz and Lucy, um, they’re freaking loving the grass. The backyard kind.

So maybe I’m the overprotective, paranoid one worrying about her. She’s probably totally over the fact that Mr. PLM may be standing behind her at Barnes & Noble. And yes, she’s completely distraught over the fact that she has to clean her own house now and the fact that familial drop-ins will be come a norm but for the most part (not completely!), she’s happy that her 40 days in the desert are terminé. I guess if you love someone you have to let them go.

I must go recover from hyperventilating over the fact that I just used the most awful cliché in my first guest-post. Please forgive me. Everyone. Even you, the PostSecret sender or you, the PostSecret lurker, yes, even you.

xo,
P

(And for those of you who are racking your brains to think of what my name is, I’ll give you a hint…it’s not Penny. Or Peggy. Or Penelope. It actually, gasp!, starts with a C.)

My Last Full Day in Kuwait

We got up relatively early yesterday.

I showered, got ready, ate toast with P, and hung around my parent’s house. Around 9:45 my mom dropped me and P off at The Avenues so we could spend some gift cards. Our mission was to find me work clothes and P a gold bracelet to wear to prom.

H&M was the first stop where I attempted to do damage- only I couldn’t find much. I found one dress for 5 KD, but when I tried to pay for it with my 10 KD gift card they totally freaked out. Apparently you can’t just use part of a gift card in this country- it’s all or nothing. I bantered back and forth, got mad, and left. Repeat the above incident with the next 2 stores and my frustration level was through the roof. We did some more browsing and I began to get discouraged. I couldn’t find anything.

We finally stopped in Debenham’s and I found so many beautiful outfits. I found a dress, a top, a swimsuit, and a ring for 50 KD (the exact amount of my gift cards). I went to pay, expecting no trouble this time, only to have the assistant manager come to me and ask where I got these gift cards. I told him I got them as a gift. He excused himself for a moment and then came back to tell me I couldn’t use the cards because there was no issuing store written on the back. Apparently it made it look like I had stolen the gift cards.

At this point I was livid. “I can’t use these gift cards because someone wasn’t efficient at their job? I might as well have lit 50 KD on fire!”

“Come back tomorrow madam and we will try to track down where this code was issued.”

“I’m flying out tomorrow.”

“No- just come back tomorrow, no worries.”

“I’m flying OUT tomorrow. I’m not coming back.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“Yeah- so am I!”

P and I took off- and I was extremely pissed from that point on. Oh the fun of living in Kuwait. Nothing is ever easy.

We decided it was time for lunch after the whole gift card fiasco. P decided it was time to expand my tastes, so it was Indian food at Asha’s. I wasn’t ready for curry, so I stuck with something fairly simple and really liked it. Don’t ask me what it was, though. Something with cottage cheese and mustard and vegetables- all with a fancy Hindi title of course. We talked about college, and what my life will be like at home. We talked about travel and food, and all the reasons I shouldn’t move to America.

After Asha’s we did some more browsing, stopped at a pharmacy, and headed home. We didn’t do too much after that. Will and my dad came home from our apartment with the last of the stuff we planned to ship. We just lounged around the house for a few hours and looked for houses Will and I could buy back home. After while, my mom decided to take me back to the mall so I could get the clothes I had tried to buy earlier. She paid, and assured me she would get the whole gift card thing settled once I left. I told her to use them to buy herself something nice, since she had just purchased clothes for me. I hope she does.

By then it was time for dinner. We decided to do Casper and Gambini’s one last time for good measure. I’m glad we did.

Streams of Consciousness

After dinner, we just sat around the house. P and I looked at stuff online- I think she was trying to cheer me up. My disposition began to decline as the evening continued. My heart began to feel heavy, and after 3 weeks of rushing and stressing and worrying, it finally began to sink in that this was my last night in Kuwait. That my time was done and I was going to have to go back to a place that, in all honesty, I don’t want to go. P tried so hard to be positive and tell me all the great and wonderful things I had to look forward to, yet none of them seemed to make me stop hurting.

P seems to be the only person that gets that. Everyone else thinks I’m crazy for feeling the way I do- I mean- why wouldn’t I want to go back home? As P and I discussed last night, it’s because I have two “homes” now. So many people don’t understand that.

I dread the thought of returning to a place where minds are so closed. Where life doesn’t exist anywhere else outside of people’s tiny fenced in houses. Where people don’t have entirely different lives across an ocean that seems to grow smaller as each year passes. The truth is that there is this huge sky out there that envelops this whole big world that goes on when we’re sleeping or working or eating. Far bigger than those backyard fences.

I know I’m being totally stereotypical. I realize so many people value and realize life outside of their own egocentric happenings. The trouble is that where I’m going, life is so small. Minds are so closed. I’m so different than I was 3 years ago, so much better, and I dread returning to a place and it being just like it was when I left it. Will likes that. I guess that’s what makes it “home.” He’s so lucky, and since I’m being honest with you guys, I envy his excitement. Why can’t I just be happy and excited about this change?

One reason is that I don’t handle change well. At all. Life here is what I know now. It’s normal and comfortable. I’m scared to move home. The other reason is that this all happened so fast. We were supposed to have a “transition out plan” where I could prepare myself to leave. Where I could get myself ready for all these things I’m feeling right now. Also- moving wasn’t supposed to be hard! I always knew there would be an end date to our time here, but it seemed so far away, and I always imagined it being an easy tie to cut. Another thing is that I’ve been around my family my entire life. They’ve always been near, and now they’re a once a year trip away. I know people live their lives like this all the time, but again, I always imagined them being close. The thought of them being so far away brings tears to my eyes.

If I told you I was ready to start this new chapter in my life, I’d be lying. I’m ready because I know, without a doubt, it’s God’s will for us to return to the states. However, although I know that in my soul, the rest of me seems to be in argument. Obedience isn’t always easy, right? Why couldn’t I have an easy lesson!? This has been the biggest test and move of faith in my entire life, and certainly the most painful thus far. I just want things to be like they were before. They didn’t hurt then.

My heart seems so full of emotions but for some reason I can’t verbalize how I feel. So- I won’t continue to try. I just wanted to write so (hopefully) 3 more years from now I’ll look back, laugh at myself, and say, “Oh Brittny, if you only knew how life was going to turn out!”

I hope that’s what happens.

So I bid this amazing adventurous chapter in my life farewell and trade it in for the slow lane. There are so many things I won’t miss about Kuwait, but far more that I will. This place has made me a much better person, and I’m so thankful for my time here. I don’t know what lies ahead, but I know I’ll be okay. I just wish it didn’t hurt to walk away.

<3

See you in America…

Not!

If you ever want to test your sanity- move. That’s seriously all you need to do.

Will? He’s officially crazy.

Me? Well… we always knew I was a little unstable.

Moving has taken my marriage to a whole new level of…er… closeness.

“Will! Why are you shipping 100 pounds of clothes you’re NEVER going to wear again!? These things literally stayed in boxes for our entire 3 years here!”

“Because. I’m going to lose weight when I go home.”

“That’s what you said in 2005 when we moved over here.”

**

“Brittny- are you even trying to pack correctly and conserve space?”

“Of course I am! In fact- I think I’m doing a pretty good job!”

Sigh, “Brittny- move out of the way. Let a professional do it.”

“Pft- ‘Professional.’ Oh. Apparently I’m a moron and just drool on myself and am incapable of helping!?”

Yeah. That’s been the lovely conversations between the B-Love family this past week. I’ve crammed, stuffed, and folded more items that I care to mention- and then Will has gone behind me and crammed, stuffed, and folded the exact same items again. Oddly enough- this move has definitely brought us closer. I know it’s hard to believe when you see the banter above!

Oh guys, this week has been hell. We originally planned to have movers come and pack everything up for us because we were on such a short schedule. Well, the former Emir of Kuwait died last week and the whole thing put Kuwait business on hold for 3 days. So- we weren’t able to get a quote until Saturday.

$6,000.

$6,000 to move everything from here to the States! We just stared at each other in shock. So- Saturday night we had a whole different change of plans- aside from a few big pieces we would do our own shipping through the Army post office.

Yes- 3 years worth of stuff being shipped in footlockers. Plus Will can’t access camp anymore so it’s me and my dad lugging 15 footlockers to the army post office everyday this week. And the high is like 115. Yeah- that’s been fun. I mentioned that moving tests your mental strength, right?

The worst part of all is that the next 2 weeks of my life will be worse- far worse. I’m seriously just praying God will make provisions. He’s orchestrated this whole thing so beautifully. Guys, it’s been insane how things have worked out. It’s been perfect, which is yet another confirmation we’re supposed to go. I just have to continue to trust that these next 2 weeks will work out just like these 2 have.

Tomorrow is my last day of work, but it’s all full of out processing, so today is really my last actual work day. Guys, when I thought about this whole “moving thing” in my head it went so differently than reality. I guess that’s how life works. In my mind we had a plan. We had time to pack, and make arrangements, and go to “our place” just one last time. We had time to enjoy the “lasts” of everything. I wanted time to post my thoughts, to write about what I was doing and how I was feeling. However, in reality everything is moving so quickly that I haven’t had time to realize, “Brittny- this is it. Your time in the middle east is over.” I guess if I’m honest with you guys, I’m sort of glad I haven’t had time to let the truth sink in. The truth, when if finally hits me, is going to be painful. Just typing about it makes my heart start to hurt. I haven’t had time to miss anything, and I think that’s good. Maybe that’s another one of those God orchestrations. He knows my exit needs to be like a band-aid being ripped off skin. He’s right. Having time to dwell would only make me sad and I certainly don’t need that! Staying busy has been a good thing. 

I have so many things I want to share with you guys. There is just so much going on with my life right now! I really hope to post one last time before we leave, so hopefully I’ll be able to do that. We’re staying with my parents this weekend so I’m going to try to get on a computer while I’m there. I’ll be home in just a few days and I still can’t fathom it all. I guess it’s because I’m up to my eyes in footlockers and SO MUCH FREAKING CRAP that needs to be packed. Seriously- I can’t believe all the stuff we have.

Also- I’m really sorry I haven’t been commenting lately. You guys have been such great and supportive friends and I haven’t really reciprocated that this week, and I apologize. I must also admit, I doubt I’ll comment for the next few weeks either. Know you’re in my thoughts and prayers. I think about you often and I look forward to catching up stateside. More to come from Kuwait…

I seriously wish I could fly to a dozen different states, scoop you all up, and take you to my neighborhood (wherever it shall be…)! You guys would be the best neighbors ever! Just think Lucy and Ethel without the crazy antics- although if you’re living next to me I can’t make any promises that there won’t be any of those.

I want to say thank you to all of you that sent me lots of encouraging words the last two days. I felt incredibly loved and thought of. Thought of… okay you English teachers, get over yourselves. Anyway, thank you so much for your friendship. I truly count you all as my personal friends. My 3 years here did not bring me very many “real life” friends, and so many times I came to you all and you were there- even when it was across an ocean. Now- now we’ll be in the same country! Like- “Hey, why don’t we meet and it will only be a 5 hour drive!” same country!

Don’t tell Will, but you’re all invited to a gigantic house warming party when we move. I may hand you a paint brush and put you to work, but hey- everything is more fun with friends (and perhaps wine). Plus half of you have either bought a place or redecorated your houses since I’ve known you- so you’re FULL of ideas! This is the best idea ever! Painting Party Weekend 08!

Okay- I guess I better run that by Will before I have 60 ladies from all over the US show up at my door. That goes a little beyond a girl’s weekend. That’s more like college sorority house gone mid twenties with husbands and babies. Yeah- Will would LOVE grown women giggling and acting like high schoolers- all with paint, wine, and sharp tools within reach. Not…

I started looking for houses yesterday. Ladies, it’s a dangerous, dangerous thing to allow a woman to look for houses. I had us living in 3,500 sq. foot homes with heated floors and in ground pools. Yeah, looking was lots of fun, but I seriously need to buckle down and lock into reality- which is far from heated floors! But it’s so darn fun…

To answer some of your questions- Will is hanging around and helping us get ready for the big move. We’ll fly out together (with the doggies) in a couple weeks. From there we’ll begin the house hunt- which I’m officially dreading. I hate the idea of trying to find “the perfect house” in a matter of days, but thus far God has worked everything else out so I expect this situation to be no different. Will has called family that live near where we’ll be, so we have a few ideas of places to start looking. To answer your question about where we’ll be living- we’ll be close enough to drive to OU games each weekend- which is all you really need in life right (ha)?

Oh guys- now all I need is for us to have a Big Huge Decorating Party Weekend! Oh- and a house and a car and some other (very) important things… but you get the point. 

I just wanted to write to say thank you so much for helping me through these 3 years. I’m not sure you’ll ever know how much I appreciate you guys, and to have you share in my joy and be excited for me makes me so happy. I’m glad we can celebrate things with each other.

Continuing to keep you posted… <3

Big Huge Decorating Party Weekend 08- be there or be square.

Oh, and I’ll keep you posted on any houses for sale next door to ours- (so you can run away in fear and tell any prospective buyers to do the same!)!

A little over 3 years ago, Will got in his car and began the long drive across town.

He was about to sit his parents down and tell them we would be moving across an ocean- and not only that, but we also planned to live there for quite a while.

The whole time he was gone, my stomach was in knots. I prayed the entire time- and cleaned incessantly. When Will returned home he told me about the conversation with his parents. It obviously was full of his mother’s tears, and awkward silence, but it was over. Officially done.

Just a few short weeks later, Will and I were sleeping on our bedroom floor and recounting memories of the house we would soon be leaving. It was emotional, but at the same time exciting. I couldn’t wait to leave Oklahoma and begin a new chapter in our lives. I couldn’t wait to be reunited with my family and lead a whole new life in Kuwait.

I felt so many different things as we drove away from our house that last time. So many questions, wonders, and uncertainties. We simply drove off trusting God to take care of us and unsure about all the details the future would hold for us.

It’s so hard to believe that this week marks 3 years since Will and I bid our life in Oklahoma goodbye. In some ways it seems like yesterday, but in other ways it feels like an eternity. I have truly learned to call Kuwait home, and I truly enjoy living here. I’m comforted by the prayer calls that sing me to sleep each night, and unalarmed by the ladies garbed in all black. I’m no longer shocked when the scorching summer heat takes my breath away, or when it’s raining mud. This has become my life. It’s incredibly normal to me. As odd as it sounds, I have grown comfortable with a place not my own. A place that worships a different god than mine, and a place that does not value so many things that I value. I know it seems as though such things are contradictions, yet at the same time they make so much sense to me.

The thought of saying goodbye makes me heart hurt, though I’ve known along it was something I would have to do one day. I just never knew I would grow attached to this place, and that’s what makes it so hard.

I resigned today.

Will’s last day of work was yesterday.

Yep. The guy is officially a house-husband, but don’t get any visions of fresh baked cookies or newly painted walls. Will? Yeah, he’s not exactly into such things.

bummer.

Anyhow- along with not renewing his contract come a whole host of potential arguments inconveniences- such as no longer being able to drive a company car.

You wouldn’t think driving would be a big issue between husband and wife.

Ha- who am I kidding!? Driving has been an issue since day one. You don’t think Adam had a lead foot as they road out of Eden?

“Adam! Slow down! Don’t make me stop this camel!”

“Cleopatra you MUST properly signal while driving this chariot! Do you know what people must think of me,Caesar, when they see the way you recklessly drive?”

Yeah- driving has been an issue among the ages.

See, Will is the driver of the marriage. Whenever we go somewhere, Will is behind the wheel. Now, however, it’s me behind the wheel, and well, let’s just say Adam and Eve have nothing on us.

We went out last night to celebrate a few things in our lives (namely Will’s contract completion and my sister’s college acceptance letter) which required me to drive in extremely heavy traffic to our destination. Have I told you Kuwait is one of the most dangerous places to drive? Lovely.

Prior to arriving, we made a pit stop at the movie store. After our stop, Will thought it best to take a “short cut” to avoid the Gulf Road traffic.

Genius.

This little short cut was not only filled with last minute, “Turn there!” comments as I passed by the exit, and “You need to give me time!” responses.

Not only that, but this “short cut” actually put us farther away from the destination! So then we had to take another “short cut.”

Repeat above conversation.

Times 5.

Oh guys- it was fun.

not.

“You’re such a bad driver.”

“Well you better get used to it because I’m the driver now!

That’s right Will, I’m, the driver.”

Oh wow- I only wish there were a video camera to capture last night’s events. Let’s pray that Will never breaks his right foot. We’d be in trouble friends.

I know I’ve said this a thousand times- but I really mean it: Will and I could absolutely never ever go on The Amazing Race.

Ever.

Despite the constant bickering to and from dinner we had a great night. I posted a few pictures on my Flickr. My camera’s battery was low so sadly, they didn’t turn out very well.

Oh and I posted some pics of the old apartment. Excuse the mess- we were moving.

Have a lovely weekend! More crazy driving arguments to come- I’m certain…