The Qatar Crud

I've spent the last 3 days on the couch suffering from something I'm going to call "The Qatar Crud". It's like a form of super flu. It started with stomach symptoms and ended up going everywhere. I have had body aches that defy explanation.
I feel better this evening. Right now I'm just weak. It takes maximum effort to get from the couch to the kitchen. I'm going back to work in the morning and just found out that we have had a plethera of sick soldiers with the same thing. Wish me luck.

First real day hanging out with the troops

Tonight, after work, we went to the post bowling alley. I finally broke 100. It's apparently been longer than I thought since I threw a bowling ball. Anyhow, it was fun nonetheless.
Tonight was also the first night since I've been here that we really hung out with the troops. We decided to go hang out at the USO and drink our three beer limit. I was totally amazed at the spirit, the talent, and the display of the simple things in life that make people happy. What a great bunch of kids this country is really made of. I met one young man that played guitar and sang and was totally amazing. His first song was one that he wrote himself about his girlfriend breaking up with him after he left the US. The second had me next to tears....A Simple Kind of Man. It just happens to be one of my favorite songs and the ringtone I use on my phone for my own son. It made me realize that all these kids are someone's son. Pray for them daily and appreciate the freedoms that we all have at home.

Out and About in Qatar

Hi yall. I just finished up my 'weekend' and it was back to work today. Friday is the Holy Day so everyone is off. I took Thursday as my Columbus Day holiday, so I managed to get two days off in a row. The first day was spent around the house trying to catch up on sleep. I still have insomnia, however, they keep reassuring me that within a week or two I would be on a schedule.

Friday, the big bosses were in town from DC and took me and Kari out to the Dunes to do a little 4 X 4ing out to the Inland Ocean. All I could say the whole time was "dang, my son would be digging this." Our driver was amazing and made the Land Cruiser do things that defied the laws of physics. We went up, did di-dos, slid down the dunes sideways, flew over the tops, and rode along ridges with steep drops on both sides. It was like a roller coaster with no room to throw your hands up. Because there is really no shadows or any reference points to compare to, pictures didn't do it justice. Suffice it to say, it was an experience. The Inland Ocean can only be reached via the 4 X 4's. You could see Saudi on the other side, but the haze made it difficult. We opted out on the camel ride with the local bedouin because the driver was on the clock and when he was done letting half of the air out of the tires (for better traction on the dunes) he was ready to roll. Maybe next time.

After a little lunch, some grocery shopping, and a quick shower, we all met up at the Old Souq for some shopping and dinner. I refrained from shopping until I decide exactly what to bring home for people. I was impressed with the Old Pearl Diver and his collection. Dinner was at a Moroccan restaurant in the Souq. There were interesting entree choices, some of which I would never dream of trying, so I settled for the 'safe' beef kababs with saffron rice. One thing I have found unusual, in the concept I had of a desert, is the availability of fresh fruits. Every restaurant I have been in offers fresh fruit smoothies. I am addicted to the mango, strawberry, banana combinations.

We enjoyed a free public concert of sorts while we were out walking and shopping. It's very rhythmic, enchanting, and happy music. I'm going to attempt to post a video that I managed to shoot. I hope it works!

OK, so it didn't work. I'll give it another try tomorrow after work. Stay tuned.

Finally some pictures of the Doha Crib

I finally got rested enough to take some pics of the new crib in Doha. I am in Villa 14. It's huge, sparsely furnished, but home none the same. The first pic is off my balcony. In the distance you can see the tall thin tower. That is 'our' mosque. There is another behind us. You can hear the call to prayer loud and clear. It's actually quite soothing. The second pic is of my Villa.

The Latest

Today was day two in the country. After a long day #1 in orientation at the big office in Doha, I finally went out to post today. Security is phenomenal. The Prince could take a few lessons. Checkpoints and ID checks are apparently a way of life. I'm seriously feeling safer here than I am back home. My Villa Compound has high concrete walls with a double gate that is only opened by 24 hr guards to people that belong here.
Speaking of people that belong here....this includes food delivery people. Everyone, and I mean everyone, delivers here. If you want Hardees, they deliver. KFC delivers. Local restaurants, yup, you guessed it, they deliver.
Traffic is unbelievable here. People drive like...well, I have no reference to compare it to. I'm starting to have real angst about getting a car. It's basically a free-for-all out there. There are apparently laws in existance but by all appearance, no one obeys them. The theme is FAST and FURIOUS! IF you survive the ride home, home is hard to find. They apparently do not believe in street signs. Everything operates on a landmark principle. To compound this problem, everything looks alike to me...very beige. Of course there are varying shades of beige, however, one beige building looks like another. I almost wish they would give me the villa rent on my check and stick me in a box out on post.
Speaking of post, I really feel comfie out there. It's like a small USA city. People smile and say hello, there are tons of places to eat, the PX to shop in, and the traffice is sane.
On this note, I'm going to toss laundry in the dryer and try to get a complete night's sleep. I've only been sleeping in 2 - 3 hr increments since I got here and 0500 comes early.

*WHEW*

Well, I'm in beautiful downtown Doha. The flight was interesting. There were nice planes, good service, and screaming babies. I got NO SLEEP! I arrived on the ground at 1127 EST which was 1827 Qatar time. I deplaned, went to immigration for my visa, then to baggage claim, and on to customs. It really was a fairly smooth process. Doc and Scott were there to meet me holding a big sign that said, "HELENA" in huge letters. They must have known I wouldn't have my glasses on.
From the airport we headed to the grocery store. Doc gave me some rials to pick up some things I might need. I was so tired I couldn't think. My first big purchase was Kellogg's Frosted Flakes, milk, green tea bags, Splenda, and *drum roll* Coke Zero! Then it was off to the villa. The place is huge, but it needs a Red Momma Approved cleaning. I bypassed the bed making process and opted to hit the couch instead.
I finally laid my head down at 2300 QT and woke up at 0330. I guess it's going to take a while to adjust to the time change. I stayed up this morning, organized a bit and took a shower. My ride will be here at 0700 to take me to orientation. Wish me luck!

*OUCH*

I have new found respect and sympathy for the infants and youths of America. Today was my immunization day. All I can say is, "OUCH". I have had needles poked in every one of my extremities today. Even with Motrin, I feel like kaka. Maybe a nap will help?

Jade Sulking

3 More Days

I made it through my last shift at the Prince...for awhile that is. (You know all roads eventually lead back to Cheverly). I spent the 12 hours there facilating between joy and tears. I guess you always assume that those you love will always be within your reach.
Tonight I head to Bowie for an 8 hour shift. I used to joke that old PG nurses never die, they just schlep to Bowie and rock it out. It's sort of appropriate that my last shift for awhile would be there. I'm looking forward to saying goodbye to some good friends.
Tomorrow I get to spend my day at GW. I am FINALLY putting the end to this giant paper trail I have been working on the last couple of weeks. More importantly, I'm setting up my direct deposit so I can get PAID in the desert, lol.
I think Jade is starting to weird out. They say dogs can sense subtle changes. She's a little more clingy than usual, and is stalking me more...if that is possible.
With all of this said, I'll be typing to you soon!

Almost done!

It's been a whirlwind of activity the last two weeks, but it's almost over. I can't believe I fly out in 5 days! Now it's a matter of waiting on things to clear, another trip to DC to sign more papers (imagine that), and then some shopping and packing. Today I'm just going to enjoy the quiet of the house and the lack of major things to do.

Making Progress

I've knocked a big dent in all of the paperwork! Many thanks to friends/family for all of the things they helped me to remember. Little did I know, when it comes to your past, there might be times you are required to give exact dates for things that hold little or no importance to you currently. I pick up my passport in the morning down in DC. Another *gak* trip into the city.

Things are moving fast!

It's only been a week since I applied for the job that Amy told me about. In that week, I've been covered in bureaucratic red tape and paperwork. I think I have tackled the worst of it. I'm down to things such as: the passport appointment, physical, signing more papers, fingerprints, more forms, more signing of papers, lol.

I do have my flight itinerary and will be leaving Dulles, heading to Doha on 10/11/08. I have such mixed emotions about this whole thing. Part of me is excited to get the opportunity to travel such a great distance. I'm also humbled by the chance to care for the soldiers that I will come in contact with. Of course I am going to miss my family, friends, friends that have become family, and especially Jade. Her little neurotic soul is going to have a tough time with mommy gone.

The excitement has been squelched by the crash Sunday morning of Trooper 2. There are no words to describe this tragedy. They will be sorely missed and always remembered.

My Blog

I have been viewing blogs for some time now and really never thought I had much to share with the world on a personal level. I have since made changes in my life and thought a blog might be the way to keep everyone abreast of my activities, travels, and whereabouts. I hope it becomes a frequent stop for those that I love.