I know you’re shocked, but I’ve dubbed the road to year five The Year of More Changes.

I can’t imagine why.

This year was so different than I ever would have imagined. I never thought we would have been back in America. I honestly thought we’d be in Kuwait for a couple more years. Ha- and here we are, almost in America for a whole year!

This year was such a whirlwind, full of many changes.

From resigning, to two weeks later being back in America, and two weeks after that finding our house- to almost losing it to other buyers- to getting it again and then finally moving out of the in-law’s house and into our own place- and an awesome 20 day cruise somewhere in the fray!

It was full of learning a new job, housing guests, and getting used to the American life. Oh- and buying two pups which have quickly turned into horses.

And who could forget expensive gas, no maid, and taxes!?

It’s been quite a year of changes, and yet again we’ve adjusted and plowed through- although this year was sort of a tough one. I guess life can’t always be easy, right? If only!

This year has been full of lots of things, both good and bad. I miss my family a lot. This has been the first time in my life in which I’ve lived away from them. I also miss living in a foreign country. I really enjoyed living overseas. However, I must say life in the slow lane definitely has its perks. I forgot how many things I missed.

It’s been full of adjustments and getting used to different things, and it has continued to grow us. This is our life, and this is the life we have made for ourselves- together as a team. We have become a team- albiet a team that doesn’t get along very well when needing to do home improvement projects- but nonetheless a team. It’s almost like I can’t remember my life before Will. It’s always just been us, and I’m thankful for just “us.”

I have no idea what the road to year six will be dubbed. I hope it’s the year of Winning Five Million Dollars, or the year of Inventing Something and Retiring or even another year of Fun.

I have no idea what this year will bring our way- but I’m thankful to God for the things He’s brought us through thus far. I look forward to the road to year six with Will, and I hope you stick around to share the trip with me.

Tonight will consist of making dinner and hanging out on the couch together at home- so thrilling I know. The secret truth is that we’re major home bodies and I’m very excited about our “big” Friday night anniversary plans. Tomorrow we’re going to Zios for a late lunch (um yum!!) and then we’re going to hear Dave Ramsey (google him) speak! I’m excited about our date night. Like I said- we’re not very exciting, even when it’s our fifth anniversary.

Happy Five Year Anniversary, Will. It’s been a really interesting run full of lots of twists, and I’m so glad we’re in it together.

<3

I spent a portion of my afternoon huddled with my coworkers in the break room.

Waiting for the tornado sirens to stop blaring their screams of terror.

Just two weeks ago I was stuck inside my house due to an ice storm,

and today it was 70 degrees and our state endured multiple tornadic storms.

Tornadoes!

In February!!

Why- why in the world would I live here?

I have a feeling you’ll be hearing me say that a lot this spring.

Suddenly missing the hellish heat of weatherless Kuwait…

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.

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

I’ve mentioned on more than one occasion my ten year long streak of being puke-free.

As odd as it sounds- I’m pretty proud of that streak. Sort of like Jerry Seinfeld was- until he ate the black and white cookie and erased ten years in a mere matter of minutes.

“My stomach is a freaking tank!” I tell people.

Some people are proud of their marathons or coin collections? Yeah- I’m proud of my amazing ability to keep my crap together when everyone else is on the floor.

Unfortunately, however, yesterday- 8 November 2008 my freakishly long puke-free streak came to a screeching halt.

Not once.

Not twice.

Maybe not even three or four times…

The streak has ended and my stomach is no longer made of iron.

It’s a sad, sad day in the B-Love house.

I feel as though this post ought to be full of hilarious vomit references embedded in each sentence, but I’m not feeling very creative. I think I flushed some of my pithiness down the toilet last night (amongst all sorts of other interesting things- way cooler and more colorful than pithiness).

So- here’s to day one on the long road to 2018.

Chances are history won’t repeat itself and I’ll find myself eating bad fish or chicken and hugging the toilet by 2010- but hey- a girl has to have goals right?

I’m very excited about tonight!

Will and I have tickets to the very first ever OKC Thunder Basketball Game!!

It’s about time our humble state had something professional.

gasp.

No- I didn’t just diss our Sooners. Sheesh.

Anyway, I’m so very stoked about tonight! We have super duper cheap seats but it will be fun nonetheless! Look for me- I’ll be the one not wearing a Thunder shirt. ha ha

I’m so excited about having a pro team to cheer for here in Oklahoma. I know what great support they’ll have from this state too.

Have I mentioned I’m excited about having a pro basketball team in my home state?

Go Thunder!

Oh- and by the way- have I mentioned I hate our team name?

Hey… I shouldn’t be picky, right?

Yeah, yeah I know.

Okay-

One more time-

Go Thunder!
...

Nope, still don’t like it.

Eh- at least we have a team, right?

Have a good day! 

Alright friends-

I’m calling upon you guys for help. We’re friends, right? Friends help each other out, offer advice, are there for one another in need- right?

(like the guilt trip I’m laying on you guys?)

So- with that said I’m pretty sure we’re bound to each other in the obligatory book of friendship.

or something like that.

So, now that you guys are in- I must also do a little private side note before moving onward.

P-
I hope this post doesn’t make you mad at me! I figured that this was a GREAT idea and would be really helpful (ha ha, probably more for me- the worrying sister). Know my intentions and the fact that sometimes I’m a complete idiot, unknowingly doing something to hurt someone else although my heart is in the right place.

Okay- so now that all the initial crap is out of the way- let’s get started.

This is P’s first official week away from home and in college. She’s in a foreign country and doesn’t know a soul. She’s surrounded by a huge city, but all alone.

I think P was very brave to choose the school she did. It’s away from everyone she knows and in a whole new country. I’m really proud of her- not to mention living vicariously though her! She is going to have the most awesome college experience EVER!

”Is going to” being the key part.

Like most young freshman away from home for the first time and not knowing a soul, P is lonely and is ready to pack up and go home. It hurts my heart guys because it’s not like we can go see her, or talk on the phone for hours on end. For the first time in my life I can’t really be there for my little sister and I hate that.

I called her today and we talked for a little while, and through laughter and trading funny stories about the two moths flying around P’s room and how we could capture them, we also shared tears. I told her that I knew it’d be a lot like Kuwait- she hated it at first but ended up loving it. I’m convinced of that, but I know it’s hard to believe your older sister when you’re down in the dumps and all alone in a cold tiny dorm room.

So- that’s where you come in.

Most of us are done with school and have already been through the awkward scary freshman year. Now we’re so old and wise and know absolutely everything…

okay, maybe not… but we have lived through freshman year so let’s focus on that!

Do you guys remember how you felt when you first started school? Did you have any scary moments? Embarrassing stories? Funny memories? Any stories about walking into the wrong classroom right in the middle of a class (check), getting lost on your first day and having to ask the registrar for help (check), badmouthing your professor while- unbeknown to you-he was right behind you (check)?

Share!

Would you guys please share those with P in the “Share the Love” comments section?

I want her to know that things get better (um yeah- so if things got worse for you- please lie) and to hang in there.

I look forward to all the stories that you’ll share and really appreciate your friendship! Hopefully your experiences will provide P with some cheer and will let her know she’s not alone. You guys are the best I’m so glad we’re friends.

Tomorrow is her first official day of school, so I’ll be sending lots of thoughts and prayers her way.

P- you’re so brave and I love you tons and bunches. I hope you were able to capture the moths! You are going to be a success and I know that this week may be tough, but I’m positive it will get better. Just remember- worst case scenario you can always live with me and take care of my little adopted son while attending OU online.

Yeah- I figured you wouldn’t want to do that, but hey- I had to try.

Thanks again guys. I know for sure this will bring P cheer.

Have a great weekend.

We’re watching the game and are going out to dinner and a haunted house with our friends tonight. I hope you guys have fun too. <3

Tomorrow is the first day at my new job.

The job that brought us half way around the world.

(yeah, no pressure, right)

I seriously feel the need to throw up all over myself

and then cry

and then maybe vomit some more.

I hate new things. I am so nervous, and- as previously stated- I have this deep rooted desire to relentlessy blow into a paper bag,

and then puke all over my brand new black shiny heels.

Well- scratch the shoe pukage.

But seriously- I’m that knoted up.

Why can’t I work with you guys!?!

Uh- probably because output would be minimal.

Yeah, that’s why I have to go to a real job I guess.

Say a prayer for me. It would totally suck to lose my Kashi Go Lean Crunch all over my new boss’ desk.

(ew sidenote: how gross would it be to vomit Kashi!? And then multiply the Awful Factor by about 135 because of the fact that you did it on a desk. That belongs to your boss. Oh guys- I’m totally not making myself feel better.)

Alright, so here I go. Entering the workforce in America.

Off to work…

Oh and PS- you’ll never guess in a million years what happened.

We got the house.

Yes.

THE House.

Yep- remember in my last post how I said it was going to haunt the other buyers? Uh, well it must have. We got it. Long story. Hopefully I’ll get to share it with you guys soon. I’m so excited though! More to come…

Oh and PPS- I totally started commenting on blogs this weekend! Yay me! I have about 5 million I still need to catch up with, but hey. Baby steps.

<3

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…

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.