Former Expat Teacher Acclimating to the American Way!

When I saw it, everything else around me disappeared. Involuntarily, I let out a gasp (which, in retrospect was rather loud) and my husband immediately asked what was wrong with me. Without regard for anyone around me, I made a B-line for the aisle and dropped what was in my hands so that I could get the grits. I was SO EXCITED! And, true to my word, I got SIX of them...sigh. I smiled from ear to ear all the way to the house. Southerners here get happy with the mention of grits while others have no idea what we talk about or why we speak so fondly of them,lol. You can eat them like this , maybe add  cheese or spruce them up like this (one of my faves) . This NYE I have what I need, a nice home, a wonderful hubby, and some yummy breakfast food. What more can a girl ask for?

I chuckle to myself when reading about experiences of others teaching abroad because their complaints and issues are often times the same as ours. It is true that there "is no place like home",lol. Realizing that and moving on is the best the only answer. And while I plan on being here for quite some time I am keeping in mind possibilities of working elsewhere should the need arise. This blog was one I came across. He taught there for a year if Im not mistaken. Teaching in Korea may be an option in the future. who knows what will happen! :-)

and,of course, Merry Christmas! A year ago today I waited patiently for the arrival of my most favorite earthly gift... My husband :-). Aside from that, there werent any festivities going on in my/our day. I remember it like it was yesterday. I woke up early to clean the house and to go out shopping for anything I needed before he got there. I went to get a pedi/mani and came home to nap. After he'd left the US, I was unable to track his location anymore. Smart but annoying. At some point I was thankful I couldnt track it. A mere computer glitch of me no longer being able to see the plane would have sent me to the crazy house wondering where my love was! lol. My Emirati friend Ahmed so kindly gave me a pretty neclace to wear when we picked him up and volunteered to take me to the airport that evening to get him. I was calm and happy. I had a hint of butterflies in my stomach. It was almost like we were teenagers again. We got there and I gave them his visa and learned t...

There are so many things that go on in this book that I wouldnt try to pinpoint one thing over the other. We all like to peek into the world of another. With the culture being so closed off to outsiders, it makes one that much more curious. This book was very good and, as far as we know, an honest account of life for women...even one with the status of princess. I finished last night and got the second book of the trilogy. Im sure I will have them all read before I return to work. You can read the reviews and buy the book  here . The kindle version is about 5 bucks. Cant beat that!

Its Greek to most people. While conversing on the matter one day, she said (much to my surprise), "oh,youre filing your taxes? They dont count income less than 92,000 dollars." My response?: "yes, I know but you still have to file." My question (internally,of course): Dont people know this?! Out of curiosity, I am perusing the net today in search of information. (not the ideal way to spend time off I know but its free...minus Etisalat fees,lol). What happens if you dont pay/file your taxes as an expat And while its easy enough to file on your own using Turbo tax, doing so while working abroad may prove to be    more than one could bargain for. But dont take my word for it . And after that awkward, split year of 2 incomes, it could be that you can go back to doing it  on your own .

I missed Sea Shadow and am disappointed about it. Ill be on the lookout for it and will inquire with some locals as to whether it's on video because Id really like to see it. In the meantime, I am reading books about life in the Middle East. Not to say that the following post is what its like for women in this country. Our western minds are curious about life in this region and the books Ive been reading have really been eye openers! In the Land of Invisible Women is a book about a wester,muslim woman's experience in Saudi working in a hospital. Her experience is dated (pre 9/11) but valid nonetheless. She now resides in the same city I went to graduate school :-). Princess is a book I am now reading about the experiences of a Saudi princess. Ive not much to say as I just started last night but am excited to read. I couldnt put the last book down.Im wondering how Ill respond to this book. And now for the movie!! The Stoning of Soraya M can be seen instantly on Ama...

Well this is ONE way to use it... But I think Ill pass! lol. Mine stays empty for the most part. No clothes, toiletries,extra stuff that has no other place,etc. And Ive been thinking of this entry off and on. Probably each time I clean the dust off it. How many uses does this thing have? (besides the OBVIOUS!) wash your feet after coming home from the beach wash your unmentionables clean out the mop wash off the bottom of your muddy shoes (though it rarely rains so idk  how they got muddy) do a quick scrub/pedi let your plant soak up some water. Especially good if youll be out of town! makeshift mop bucket if you dont have one sit your countertop items in it while you clean the counter *sigh*. thats all I can think of What do you use YOUR bidet for??