Break on through to the other side

I remember talking with a few people after my traineeship in Egypt about how when people move abroad they often find one person to latch themselves onto at first. It might be only for the first week or so. Or maybe longer. But someone somehow helps make you feel comfortable in your new home, who you can go to with questions and helps you get acquainted. Your own personal little oracle.

I definitely had mine in Egypt. And in Dubai.

My ‘Dubai oracle’ left last night. It’s a very strange thing. Even though the times we saw each other were few and far between lately, he was such a help those first few months that it will be really strange to be in Dubai without him.

But here’s to your new adventures, Peep.

Until next time.

the best things in life are free

But there are always hidden charges.

It's funny how much less broke I felt when all my friends were just as broke as I was. Now I am a little less broke, in some ways, but I feel poorer, because everyone I'm around is so much better off. It's depressing.

It's not like I have a problem not buying things, or going out and not having the most expensive thing on the menu. But when you can't hang out with your friends without dropping $50 on a hidden covercharge, or help an african orphanage without staying at a 5 star hotel (?!), it's a bit frustrating.

Not that I want to make my situation, and my choices, someone elses problem- but let's clear everything up from the get-go to avoid these awkward circumstances. Is that really so much to ask?

A quick little way to make a difference without any time and effort. Plus gain some good reading material!

UNICEF USA is apparently running a campaign to donate $5 for each person who signs up for their newsletter. If you're interested, you can access my invitation here.

Sana Helwa ya Gameel

Today is Shady's birthday!
Be sure to give him some love!

Happy Birthday babe.

in midnights, in cups of coffee

A year has come and gone since I've moved to Dubai.
February 28th was one year- I meant to post then. But I didn't, mostly because I didn't know what to say.
What a weird year. Best year of my life? Far from it. But it has been interesting. Trying. At times fun. And I certainly have grown a lot in many ways. Changed in a few ways that I'm not as happy about.
Still... I'm at a loss for words...
In some ways I'm a little bit sad that I have already wasted a year of my life living far from my family in a city that I hate.
However, I have had some success career-wise. I really like my job- and I think I'm pretty good at it. But is that enough? Doesn't seem like it.
Ha ha ha. I need to quit being such a whiner! Really.
One more year. I can do it! Then where? Any suggestions?