Back to the US of A - Recap

That's right... after a long break in my blog, I'm back. This time I am writing you from the states! My job was finished, and I have officially moved back to the US of A.

Recapping the last couple of months:

June 22nd - July 6th - My parents won the award for 'Most Courageous and Awesome Parents EVER' by making a trip to come see me in my war-torn country. I was able to share my life with them in ways that I can't always explain over skype calls. It was such a blessing.

July 6th - I left Central Asia and headed to Dubai for one last large conference with co-workers.

July 16th - I flew to Pensacola to meet my family for our vacation 'camping' in my parent's motorhome. I was able to surprise my brother and meet his fiance. I loved just relaxing with my family and loving on my niece.

July 22nd - I stepped foot on Louisiana soil for the first time in a year and seven months. I also stepped back into muggy humid hot weather- yuck.

July and August - Since then I have been able to visit lots of old friends, go to a company debrief in Virginia, see a family that I love who where stateside, go to a bachelorette party in New Orleans  and a bridal shower for my friend Katy, speak at a couple of groups about my time overseas, and substitute teach.

Overall, it's been a fairly smooth transition back to living in the states. I also haven't needed to take a job just yet and that has helped. I consider it a success(and my mom is waiting for the rain to pour surprised) that I have made it this long without any major break downs.

Yes, there are times when I miss living overseas. Just like when I was there and I missed living in America.  There are times where I wonder if I did live overseas for 4 years... and other times where I remind myself that I am here to stay. Sometimes I find myself trying to remember what my day would be like there, what it feels like to live there, speaking a foreign language out loud in my head just to see if I remember and to remind myself that I had another completely different life there.

It's not that one is better than the other. It's that, like all places you live, they each had/have their own joys, hard times, favorite places, friends/families, locals, and little ways of life that become norms and your loves.

And each of those memories, I, at different times, miss, ache for, long to remember, laugh at, even glad I am finished with ;), but most of all I am oh-so-thankful for them.

There will still be lots of post about my time overesea. I have lots more to still write about and pictures to share. As time passes here, it will be that I can see even more clearly some different experiences that I had and I am excited to share those with you.

So last but not least, thanks for all your support, prayers, and love you sent my way. Thanks for reading my blog and checking in on me. Thanks for sharing with others about my life.  I hope one day that I can sit with you over coffee and share in person... but until then...

stay tuned...

Baby B is 6 months

My little cutie patootie of a niece is 6 and half  months old. Love this darling face!

Forgotten Quirks: Commercials...

If I was devoted to learning something from watching cable here, then I could have been fluent in the basics of the Hindi language.

Every commercial is in Hindi.

Alas, I have only learned that 'Abkah' and 'Hay' is said a lot.

Forgotten Quirks - Charades

I forget how charades is game I play daily while I live overseas.

Except this game's outcome will determine if the other person will understand what I am trying to say in Dari (not English!).

Don't get me wrong, I have conquered the language basics. I  can speak and communicate. I can tell stories. However, there are still some vocab that I just don't know... or forget...

And at those times... charades is a game that has become my best friend.

Maybe one day I will have a series of pictures of me speaking to a local in a language other than English...

So until then, enjoy imagining it!

Forgotten Quirks- Compassion on Language Learners

As I listen to how we(the foreigners) all speak the local language differently here to the locals(of course)...

the goofs, the accents, the terrible pronunciations, the extra syllables added in(or left out)...

I have decided by far, the locals here have much more grace in how we butcher their language than Americans(sorry the foreigners) have when we hear them butchering ours...

at least within our office...

All Things Local - Tulip Girl

I love tulips! and they are in season! 2 bunches of tulips for less than a dollar. No better deal out there...well, of course unless they are free.

Forgotten Quirks - Frequent Flyer...

From one world traveler to you:

So in the last 4 years, I've traveled lots of places. But in just the last 5 months I have taken 2 trips to the states. These are not some easy 'hop on the plane and you'll be there' kinda thing.  I usually pass through a couple of countries, or have a stay a night here or there.  I travel a good bit and it's not always to the extent of going to America, so this list is a little on the extreme side. 

Things I do beforehand to get ready :
Online seat assignment
Online checkin if possible
Print out 3 or 4 copies of my itineraries
Email itineraries to family and myself (and other needed  people )
OOB - my company ask that I fill out an 'Out Of Bed' for when I travel... So that means I get address and phone numbers of everywhere I'm going. I also like to print them out so I have a copy of it.
Suitcase Info Sheet - All info printed out on a sheet to put I bag in case it gets lost - I do this for both ways. I also attach a photocopy of my passport. In the states it may be a license.
Write a list of things to do / buy / send. It's usually long if I am going to the states cause I don't make it there very often.

Things I bring with me most every time:
Travel inflatable pillow
Hand lotion - ALWAYS. I am not a lotion gal but something about airplanes and my hands don't like each other...
Little travel size essentials- contact solution, antibacterial hand soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, Chapstick, eye drops, hair clips etc, spray perfume, make-up essentials (that way if my bags are lost, I at least have most of what I need for spending the night somewhere)
Tylenol/ibprofen - must have or other meds
Glasses
iPad- I tried traveling with just my ipad this last time and I loved it.
Charger - I have heard to many stories about it being in their bags and then not having them for their electronics. Since I have mostly apple products it is really easy to carry a small cord with me.
Headphones - sometimes I have an extra pair or one of those earphone connector split things in case I have a friend travel with me and we want to listen to the same thing.
Empty disposable water bottle - This has saved me every time. I drink a TON of water and it is easier to just have the flight attendents fill up a bottle instead of those little cups.
Several currencies - This last time it was local currency, Dirhams, and USD.
Copy of passport (and my work permit and current visa) in my wallet - They actually asked to see my work permit on my way back in this time. Good thing I had a copy
Extra SIM Card if I am going to a country I have one for.
Depending on if I carry just a purse or if I carry a small carry-on suitcase):
Big computer
Hard drive and electronics in my black case so they are all in one place. One of my best purchases to date.
Extra change of clothes. Layer!

Other tips:
Water bottle - empty so you can take it through all the security.
Where to sit on a plane.- I also pick a seat in the back of the plane in an aisle seat. That way I can get up whenever I want. The back of the plane has a little more room because there are about 4 rows on each side that only have two seats each and not 3. I try to get on of those every time!
Drink lots of water. A LOT.
Swollen feet are bad! Wear socks, get up often, walk around and stretch
Sleeping vs not sleeping? Well I tend to not sleep on a long flight very much. I use to just get on a plane and fall asleep without any problem, but now it's a little harder. Sometimes I don't sleep because I have about 4 or 5 movies/shows I want to watch! Living in a 3rd world country doesn't allow me to see all the latest hits (well in good quality that is). So I end up not sleeping a lot which seems to help me sleep better the night I get into whereever I'm going. For others... maybe this is not the most helpful thing.
Take some to refresh and wash your face after a long flight. Always makes me feel better.
Walk a lot on your layovers even if you are tired. And if you are sitting try to prop up your feet.

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So, there are a lot more things but that's most of it.

Hope you find it helpful on your future travels!

Happy Birthday to me!

Teyze and Isabel Time

Real Village Kids

Real Village Kids

Cutest little kid alive.

the Butterworth wedding

 Leaving to go to Julie's wedding!  That is just a sea of clouds!

Last week, I had to honor of joining in on the wedding my old roommate, Julie, from when we lived in Turkey. It was fun to see her marry the love of her life. It was even more fun to see their relationship from the very beginning!

Julie, it was so wonderful to see you again and be a part of your special day! Michael is a wonderful and lucky man! I am praying for many wonderful years of marriage ahead for yall!

Wedding day! Getting her hair did.

 The cute preggo bridesmaids!

 My Turkey roommate all ready to get hitched!

 The gorgeous flower arrangements at the reception!

 Virge! Another Turkey friend!

 A little blurry, but still fun. All the bridesmaid before we walk out!

 Pretty flowers

 Little honey strips as little favors

 Yumm ... sweet tea!

 Cake! The left one is gluten free. I thought it was better than the other cake but shhh don't tell.

 Bride and Groom

 Their parents wedding pictures...

 North Carolina Barbaque... it has vinegar in it.

 Micheal's request - Coffee Bar from the great cafe- Jubala.

Seriously, one of the best cups of coffee I've had in a long time. I drank it straight black. If you know me, that is a big deal.

 For the reception Julie had a cute little sash to match her bridemaids.

 Guest Book area. I would like to call their theme - Vintage Travel.

 Speeches!

 Michael, the groom, and his best man.

On my plane ride home. The Father never fails to give me an amazing view.

Love me some lattes

 

This post is in honor of M.J.Butterworth and all of his lovely coffee shop post(and his slight coffee snob problem :) ). I don't have much to say except this was a lovely little place with the most wonderful people who worked there. If you ever go to Raleigh, NC, make sure you stop by Jubala Coffee. I loved getting to hang out here with MJ and the Miss Julie before she became Mrs. Butterworth.

Real Village Kids

They really weren't interested.

Language Blurbs - Sometimes it's not your fault.

The flight attendant asked me what I wanted to drink.

I said, "Diet Coke please"

And as she was turning from me to pour my drink, she said, "Mango juice. Ok."

So, I just shrugged my shoulders, deciding not to fight this small battle.

Besides, I like mango juice too.

Real Village Kids

Something about this picture that gives me pure joy and yet at the same time makes my heart ache.

Real Village Kids

Silly Silly

February 2012 Recap

* My supervisors returned from their 3 months in the states. Their son was able to come visit with them. It is a great blessing to have family come and experience life here!
* 'Camping' Trip to Istalif Lodge with a group of gals.
* Goodbye Pizza Party for our friend Warrick
* Valentine's Day Ladies Lunch (We basically meet up once a month for lunch to hang out and catch up. This time we decided to go out to a restaurant and it was on Valentine's day.)
* Monday B Study Small Group was at our house and instead of a unusual dinner theme we had breakfast! Complete with waffles, pancakes, toppings, and bacon!)
* I hosted a Louisiana Party for all my friends - Americannand Foreign (but let's face it, any American who has never been to the South is a little foreign). Post on this to come soon!

Hard - *The accident with the burning of the Qua ran caused a lot of protest around the bases and within several cities. Many were killed or wounded. It makes it hard on us because we are forced to stay in our offices and homes.

Some pictures that give you a view of what my February looked like. Enjoy!

 Our supervisors got back, and they brought there son with them for a week. The snow was really high!

 Boy selling balloons in the snow.

Determined. 

 Even more snow.

 K took this from the rooftop of the office. 

 Shoveling all the snow off the roofs so we don't get any damage.

 Celebrated Carol's birthday (and my mom's in the states!)

Baby sheep were born.

 Our local staff hanging there clothes out to dry. K took this one.

Me being oh so cool.

Excited about the trip to the Lodge.

 On a walk near the lodge.

The fun group of gals!

 Happy Mardi Gras! 4th year to make a King Cake from scratch!

 I had to share the King Cake with all my friends! So I threw a Louisiana Party.

And of course I need to show off my favorite picture of Isabel this month! 

I hope your February went well!