Ahhh, my first day on the job… well not really.

Coming in today was honestly a huge waste, but I’m here so I’m going to make the most of it. I don’t get to in-process until tomorrow, so I can’t get anything done. Oh well, I’m getting paid on my first literal Labor Day.

I got to “sleep in” until 4:45 this morning. I literally threw a tantrum when the alarm went off. I wish you could have been there. I was kicking my legs all over the bed and fighting with the covers. “I don’t want a stupid job!!”

I was really glad that Will is able to be here on my first day! Things are still up in the air with where I will be going, but we know for sure Will is going to be transfered next week. It’s really terrible because it is the most remote (but also busiest) desert camp and is an hour and a half away from the city. :( Anyway, I’m glad that he will be here this week with me while I get adjusted to everything.

We got to the camp and I had to get my badge. The system was messed up, so we had to wait almost an hour. I looked like I was in the wrong place. I was the only woman and was all dressed up for my first day. The office was full of men, plus the TCNs kept filing in (TCNs are third country nationals. They do a lot of the menial jobs everywhere in Kuwait. I know that sounds bad, but that is the way things are in Kuwait) They have to hand their passport over to the office in exchange for a badge, that way they can’t run off, or if something happens they will know who it was. It literally is sort of like an indentured servant sort of thing. Crazy.

Anyway, I got finger printed and badged. Then Will dropped me off at my mom’s office because he needed to get to work. My mom is the only westerner in her office, so it gets sort of boring, so it was good for me to liven things up. ha ha.

I got there and about 30 seconds later I met my first company employee other than my mom and Will. That was fun, and I got a lot of “real world” insight. Maybe I’ll tell you about that later. It was a pretty funny conversation.

I got my badge, but I don’t have a lainyard (or however you spell it) so I can’t wear it, so I have to carry it around everywhere… and you all know by know that is a major liability for me. I often forget to wear deoderant because I am always running so late and want it to be one of the last things I do… how am I supposed to carry a badge around!!! AGH! Okay, now you all TOTALLY know I’m crazy. I will skip the times I’ve forgotten to brush my teeth (that has to always be the ABSOLUTE thing I do every morning… and I guess I am running so late and rushing around so fast that I totally forget. How in the WORLD do you forget something so foundationally elementary!? Only me), or the few times I forgot to wear a bra in college because of how late I tend to run in the mornings. Yes, yet another confirmation of how totally out there and goofy I am.

My mom, knowing this would be a problem for me, took me to HR to get a cord. However, the badge police said “No lainyards until tomorrow! We can’t give them a day early!” I guess getting a “necklace“ to wear is a BIG DEAL here. Oh goody! I get a necklace tomorrow!! heh.

After that my mom took me to Green Beans Coffee to get a chocolate frappe’. <3. Since this camp is closing in a few months everything is BARE! They have a Subway in a tiny trailor and you have to order outside in the miserable heat. They have a PX ( like a small walmart type place) that got moved into a small double wide. Their mess hall is even in a long trailor! It’s kindof sad to see this place closing. It has been here since Desert Storm and was “the“ place to be if you had to come to this hellhole. An end of an era I guess. Arafjan and Buehring (I forget how to spell it) are kind of taking Doha’s place now. Okay- I’m sure you all wanted to know that! Sorry for my rambling!

My boss (I can’t WAIT to tell you all about him, but I won’t be able to do that justice because I think we’ve all learned a valuable lesson from Dooce, as well as many others, that you are a crazed maniac if you are going to post about work stuff) is gone this morning, so I won’t meet him until this afternoon. You’ll never guess what he wanted me to do today! He asked my mom yesterday if she could DROP ME OFF AT HIS HOUSE on the way to work today (around 4:15 in the morning) so I could hang out and then he would drive us to this port where the people in the office I’ll going to be working at are having a photoshoot type thing. WOW! Talk about creepy. “Hey, Brittny, I don’t know you, but come over to my house and I’ll make you french toast while we wait for the photo shoot.“ Is that even allowed!? Hmm…

I’m nervous about meeting him today.

Anyway, I’m not really sure what this afternoon will entail. Maybe I’ll get to see my office or something once I meet my boss. I also have to sign for a computer which is very exciting because despite the terrible time difference and the fact that I will never get to read any of your blogs until the day after you write them, I will have access to the nest! The company blocks a lot of stuff, so I was glad to find out I’m good to go.

I may have to do the gas mask drill today too, but I pray not. I am so not looking foward to that! They give you the same mask thousands of others before you have worn: sweaty faces, greasy faces, excessively dry faces… on and on… and you have to have it strapped to your face for 6 minutes. AGH! I don’t know if I’m going to have to do it, because they are moving the gas masks to another camp. Thanks guys! I feel real safe now! What about me!!?

That is about all the excitement I’ve had as a grown-up today. I have to go to the bathroom extremely bad, but I don’t know if I can do it. I have a thing with bathrooms )I’m a huge germaphob), and since the base is closing they took out the bathroom trailors and put in port-a-pottys. AGH! Imagine the last port-a-potty you’ve been in plus a thousand degrees and 80% humidity. You can’t blame me for holding it now.

Will is taking me on a date to lunch, so I am totally excited about that. I wish so much that we could work at the same place. Oh well, at least we have the next couple of days.

I’m hoping to have more time to post this week, but I’m not really sure how things are going to go. I know we aren’t going to be moving until next week, so until then I’ll have my parent’s computer to use at the apartment. Hopefully once we move I’ll have more of a work rhythm and I’ll be able to sneak a post during work everyday.

Wow, What a busy and stressful first day! I’ll glad they have me to hold the fort down! ha ha

Have a good Labor Day… one much better than laboring like me!

<3

PS: Here’s a pretty interesting link. It feels good to know the Kuwaitis have offered a large amount of hurricane relief

To the unemployed, unkempt, “immature“ Britter-Bob girl to the left:

We had a great run, didn’t we? Good times, good laughs. However, it is time for me to bid you farewell. You’ve been a faithful friend for almost 4 months, but as they saying goes, all good things must come to an end. I can’t imagine my life without you, but it is time for me to let go, hoping that distance truly does make the heart grow fonder.

I wish I could take you along for this new journey in my life, but you and I both know that would be impossible. Not only would my job be on the line, but I honestly think you break about 57 unspoken corporate rules before even walking out the door to your apartment. Hey, I don’t mean to down you- you’re great- but you know I’m right. I can’t really say you’ve eqiupped me for the next stage of my life, but I can say I’ve had lot of fun. We’ve had lots of good time trapped on floor 10 huh? You are a great friend and I am sad to say goodbye, but my love, it is time. So… here I go with my many farewells.

I first say goodybye to your Outfit of the Week. For those reading this I must clarify. My dear friend would wake up in her “jammies” and hang out in them for a few hours… or most of the day… (yes, I am exposing my embarrassing summer laziness- but hey! We were stuck in an apartment all day) then she’d go to the gym, which require an outfit change. She would then get in the shower around 4:15 (literally 30 minutes before Will got home… as long as I look a little more put together he can think I looked that way all day if he wants… I know the truth!) and put on her “nice outfit” consisting of soffe shorts and a tee. So fancy. You really do have great fashion sense (ha ha). She would then wear it for like 3 days straight. So pathetic… but when you sit around and do nothing, that is what you get. I am sure your husband will be so sad to see the Outfit of the Week put to rest, but I’m sure he will manage.

Goodbye Outfit of the Week.

I must also say farewell to your great taste in television and the hours of thoughtless starting at the screen. That will be hard to let go.

Daytime TV is so great. sigh. Where to start?

Home and Away. Who knew how great Australia primetime was!? I love you all (see, I even talk like I “know” them. that is how you know it is time to let go). To Tasha, Scott, Beth, Irene, Sally, Robbie, and all the others: I hope things go well in Summer Bay. Scott, be careful! I read ahead and Danni is about to cut the cord! I always thought you were too good for her anyway. Anyway all, be on your guard. It seems like the tense situations get the greatest ratings- which I personally would be fine without for the most part, but you know… anyway, thanks for the great story lines and excitement. You will be missed the most (did I mention I was obsessed?).

Ah, Roseanne. You are the best. My mom would never let me watch you when I was younger because he thought you were trashy. What a hoot. I managed to keep up with you and Dan back then, but I sure did stick it to my mom this summer, as an adult that could watch whatever good, quality “trashy” bad influence stuff I want.Roseanne? Trashy? What was she thinking? I have to laugh when I think about that. There were far worse thing I could have been watching than Roseanne. Anyway Rosie, thanks for being “real” (once again, talking like they are not just characters, but hey, I need “closure“ , so bear with me) There is something that makes me want to live in a simple “Lanford” one day. How comforting and easy.

Other daily shows I must farewell are: Drew Carey reruns, Trading Spouses reruns, and most of all Maury Povich (now THAT, mom, is sheer Trash.). I will also say goodbye to watching mindnumbing episodes of Spongebob Squarepants every day at 4:00 on MTV Europe. Those Europeans are strange people.

Goodbye washed up, cancelled terrible TV shows (minus Home and Away!).

Enough with the TV talk- You are one louse! I guess that is your job, and for that reason I am sad to say goodbye. See!? You HAVE a job! It’s to keep my busy. If Will only agreed.

I must also bid goodbye the terrible but oh so wonderful things you shoved down my throat. I have to get away from you. If I don’t I will balloon.

Quickly.

But, I sure did have fun with you. I will miss having Pizza Hut thin crust cheese at least once a week. I will miss cherry frosted poptarts and soft batch cookies. I will miss eating an entire box of cereal for three meals and kiling it in less than 2 days. I will miss all the creations you concoted with a chocolate frosting base. Wow. I never knew saltines were so good slathered in Betty Crocker. That (eating “crap”) was my most terrible vice, and for that you must go. That was best (and worst!). See, I DID have a good 4 months! Why in the world did I complain about wanting a job when I have you?!

Maybe I should keep you around. Jobs are overrated. Okay, so I can’t do that, but how fun would that be? I complained about lugging you around all summer and now that I have to let you go, I’m not so sure you are worth kicking to the curb. You are priceless. Do you think if I told that to Will he’d let me be a SAHW? I am seriously doubting it. Therfore, I must continue on with my goodbyes.

I must also say goodbye to the stressfree schedule you allowed me: Get up with Will. After he leaves: “Go back to bed… for however long you darn well please. As long as you get the house stuff done know one has to know! You deserve it. You wash and iron his clothes for crying out loud. That’s at least 2 hours you can cash into sleep.”

I like the way you think. So many schedule loopholes you designed. You are a genius! I never knew humans could revert to “cat” behavior and sleep more than they are awake, but you have proven me wrong. They should hire you instead of me, though I’m not sure how the “classy” clothes, no makeup, and messy hair look would go over, or the chocolate smear on the left side of your cheek.

Maybe I better take this one.

Just know I will miss your laid back approach to everything. I am certain I am the most worrisome, uptight person I know, so you really helped me let my hair down this summer. I owe my open, “I’m tired of putting up with crap and being too nice to say anything” attitude all to you. I’m not sure others will appreciate that, but always know that I do.

There are so many praises you are worthy of, but I must close this letter before I tear my offer letter to shreds and cling to you like hairspray on an 80s supermodel. You are a lot better than I gave you credit for, if only I would have appreciated all the time I had with you before I the day before work (boo!). You might be worth the SAHW career, but I can’t find out- plus I would get huge and lazy and that’s lose-lose.

So, heres to the great times we had this summer. I owe them all to you. I know I ‘m becoming the “reponsible grown-up now,” but always know that I’m hiding you away from the rest of the world, so that one day you can shine before them too. Thank you, Thank you, Thankyou. <3

Love,

The employed, put together, “responsible (heh heh)”

BrittnyLynne

Out of frustration I had to stop what I was doing and post.

Sort of a blah post today.

I guess I am obsessed now to the point where posting has become theraputic. Whatever the case may be, I had a headache starting to spread throughout my entire head and I had to stop and breathe and just vent in a post.

The last three months have been far from stressful in terms of having things to do, yet they have been stressful in other ways. I am learning how to deal with this kind of stress, but today I was confronted with “normal people’s” life stress and it was like, “What is this!?” I guess I’ve forgotten that sort of stress.

Welcome back.

Where do I start? The events don’t tie together, but I just felt like writing about them. They all don’t have to do with stress, but I guess that is how I’m how I’m feeling right so maybe I will start with that. Hmmm. Am I being confusing? Maybe. I apologize. I guess I just need to get a thousand things out and I don’t know where to begin piecing everything.

Okay.

Maybe I should start with last night. I have been totally void of “HEI” for the last 3 months. Let me clarify. HEI. Human Environment Interaction. My 7th grade geography teacher would have been proud that I actually remembered a concept. I’m sure all she remembers about me was that I used to flirt with William W. during class, and the very last day of school she had to separate us (I had a thing for Wills even back then). Well Mrs. K, I was listening. Anyway, my sister had old Mrs. K 7 years later and also learned the HEI concept. We had a talk about it yesterday and I was like, “That is IT! This is my problem.”

Human Environment Interaction makes the world go round and I have never been more void of it in my life. Seriously, if anyone came over to visit me tomorrow I would probably attack them with excitement. I’m not joking. I don’t think I would behave myself. I’d probably be going a million miles a minute just because I had someone out of my micro sphere of interaction- my sister- to talk to. I would probably scare a guest with being over-friendly and over-bubbly and overly everything.

Anyway, because my last few months have been different than anything I’ve ever known, and because I love being around people and haven’t, I have become clingy to Will (Agh! All men around the world have heard me say the “C“ word and run the opposite direction screaming in a high pitch shrill) This just stared to happen over the last 2 weeks. I don’t know if its because I know i have a job and am so anxious to start but haven’t been able to so I gotten edgy or what the deal it.  I don’t really know the right way to explain how I’ve been, but it’s even annoying me!

I get so glad that he is home and I want his full and total attention because for me, he is pretty much the 2nd person I’ve seen all day, but he has interacted with tons of people throughout the day. He wants to spend time with me, but he doesn’t want to be mauled with a million questions and the Spanish Inquisition of ALL details,

“How was your day!?”

“What did you do?”

“What did you have for lunch?“

“How many times did you go to the bathroom?“ and everything else (okay, so I don’t as the bathroom thing, but if I don’t get myself together this question could be included in the repertoire).

I don’t do this to be annoying, but it feels like I was apart of the day he had, and not sitting around all day totally bored watching Roseanne.

I know the way to fix this is for me to start working and to get out of this apartment and be able to have a “normal” schedule with normal HEI, but until then I really have to stop with the annoying stuff.

I have become so naggy to Will because it’s like I expect him on his best behavior and I am so sensitive if he doesn’t want to answer questions or he doesn’t seem as excited to see me as I am to see him. I have to realize that I am so giddy because he is my second HEI all day. He has had lots of HEI interaction and simply wants me to sit by him and relax a little.

Anyway, last night was bad. i was being sensitive about something and I don’t even remember how everything escalated, but we got in an argument and Will told me how he had been feeling- as if I didn’t already know-like I said I’ve been annoying myself for the last 2 weeks. I felt terrible.

He had gotten a box a 1983 football cards in the mail and was so very excited to open them with me (because this is a set we are collecting together), and I had to ruin the night.

I really did. I felt so bad.

I started crying and we talked and Will pretty much told me that I had to SHOW him that I was sorry and I couldn’t just say it. He is right. I felt yucky, but Will thought we shouldn’t focus on that stuff and should open our cards since we were looking forward to it for a few weeks now.

It was so awesome. talk about nostalgia. We bought 83 because it is my birth year and we are looking to by an 80 for Will. They were OLD cards, but it was so cool to open up a never been opened box of 22 year old cards with Bazooka gum still in the package.

Yuck.

Of course, I’m a weirdo and had to try this 22 year old gum. It turned to crap and powder in my mouth. Does that mean that since I’m 22 I have terrible taste and fall apart at the sight of trouble? You’d think during these last couple of weeks that was true! I really need a job! I’m ready to feel like my goofy, crazy (in a good way… if that is possible) self again.

The night was fun after that, seeing if we would pull any famous people and just the idea tht these were “historic” cards. It wasn’t as great as it should have been, but I’m glad it wasn’t totally ruined.

I really have to get some HEI in my life. I need to be able to be my friendly self and just smile to other people other than my sister!

I just want to get some HEI!

Well, I’m getting what I wish for.

Praise the Lord.

Unfortuately, it’s not going to be as easy as I had hoped. I got a letter from my recruiter and I have to leave the country so I can get my working visa. Will and I get to take a trip! Yay. The concept sounds exciting, but I’m afraid it is going to be stressful up until we get on the plane, and maybe even a little during the trip. We found out about having to take this trip last week, but weren’t able to make plans because we didn’t know when they would give me the go to leave.

So we have 3 days to plan a trip.

So many of the hotels are booked, and the ones that are available are out of this world. We didn’t get a chance to plan and save for this trip, so it has been a stressful afternoon. I’ve been searching endlessly for hotels where we are going only to be seriously disappointed. I feel bad because I know Will is stressed about everything and plus he has to ask off work last minute. On top of that, Will’s fantasy drafts started today and I know he is worried that we won’t be able to find a place where we can get on a computer to draft and stuff. I don’t need to tell you girls again how much of a priority that stuff is! (I did find an internet cafe online, hopefully it’s legit and he can draft and I can post a quick note of all the things I’ve seen) It just doesn’t feel like much of a trip right now. It seems more like a headache!

We had been saving Will’s living allowance for plane tickets back home for Christmas, so that wipes that account out! Sort of a bummer, but that is life. I hope tomorrow I will have more optimistic news, because we will have to book a hotel by tomorrow morning. I think once we secure a place, even though it’s organ donor expensive, I will feel a little better. I think it will be really great to get to see another place in the Middle East, so I just need to stay positive and enjoy time away with Will- God knows I need it and that I need some HEI.

So thats why I had to stop what I was doing. Last minute hotel searching in an expensive place- there is no fun in this.

As for some other news, we actually had some excitement in our area this morning! Okay- we do not live in the ghetto, but this story will probably make it sound like it. There is a decent amount of quiet prostitution and affairs and stuff that go on in this country, which is totally illegal.( yet the Kuwait orphanages are over flowing because so many Kuwaiti men sleep with their Filipino maids or store workers and they have to give up their child for adoption and the guy never gets caught. It’s all about wasta- or power).

I’ll tell you how little they tolerate indecency: 2 American employees were making out in a company car in the back of their apartment compex- it wasn’t in a crowded area or anything. Anyway, 4 cops dragged them out of their car, arrested them, and deported them back home. So, as you can see there isn’t much tolerance- even for some teenage-necking adults.

Every now and then you will read in the paper that they busted some TCN traffiking ring and stuff. Today we had a tiny little arrest at our complex! Its amazing how exciting things can seem after you sit in an apartment all day. The housing Nazis were doing inventory this morning, so my dad was home later than usual this morning. He got a call from a friend telling him to go out to the balcony. We go out and hear this deafening screaming. 2 police men had managed to struggle two women (there were originally 7, but the others somehow scattered and got away) into their car, close the door, only to have them to escape. They were chasing them, and the women were beating the cops and kicking them and yelling. They were laying on the ground and screaming hysterically. It was scary. My sister- sweet, empathetic soul- gets our camera out to capture the exciting “Keeping the Country Prostitution-Free” moment on tape.

From that moment on I can see the struggle and the fighting- which was totally weird- but all I can hear is my sister saying such Christian things like, “You slut!” and “I bet you were screaming like that last night!”

What a well-mannered, even-temered girl.

She does not get this yelling at those about to be arrested stuff from me!

I had to go in because I was afraid the cops were going to come after us next (I’m totally joking, they didn’t hear). I can’t do the story justice, you had to be there, but it was pretty crazy. The cop was doucing her with water and she was spitting on him and kicking him. I’m honestly surprised at how much restraint the cop showed. He sure did yell at her before he picked her up and forced her in the police car, this time for good. Oh the excitement. How sad.

Did I say I needed some HEI?

Yeah.

That’s evident.

I GOT AN OFFER LETTER!!!!

Praise the Lord oh my soul!!

I know absolutely no details at this point, but frankly I don’t care. The fact alone that I got a job offer has sent me into an excitement frenzy.

I just printed the stuff off and will look over it when Will gets home.

YAY! We’ll get to move out soon!

Just wanted to let you all know that.

I CAN’T BELIEVE I’LL BE EMPLOYED SOON!!!

Let’s talk about Hungary’s very own Little Becky’s Fruit Mallows Original. The pretty colors are so decieving.

I truly gave into male-like carnage today and ate something simply just to eat it. Why do I do this? I know its something I don’t really feel like, yet if I see my sister eating it’s like a trigger in my brain goes off, telling me that I HAVE to eat, just because she is. I could have eaten half a loaf of bread slathered in peanut butter and be about to throw up all over myself, yet because my sister is eating, so must I.

Anyway, today was a good example of how stupid this stigma is. Sweet Little Becky. Child laborer from Hungary. Forced into the marshmallow business to earn money for her circus-star parents.

Green- Lime

Yellow- Lemon

Orange- Orange

Pink- Strawberry

That is what it says on the bag anyway, but I have to believe the verdict is still out on these concoctions, and even Little Becky ponders just what in the world “Green” really is.

Today Little Becky gave my sister and I a huge laugh. We opened the bag thinking we’d indulge in a pre-dinner sweet only to be seriously disappointed.

That is such an understatement. It was like the anticipation you had as the guy you were dating rang the doorbell and you rushed out to confidently welcome him… only to have your underwear stuck in your skirt or something. It was that kind of let down.

I let her go first. I’m not a big fan of flavored marshmallows ( you never would have known this afternoon… I was eating them like they were on fire).

“Yellow.” A funny smile came across her face as she played with the jumbo fluff in her mouth.

However,you can’t just stop there though! For some reason known only to these 2 strange sisters, you have to try every flavor, to see if there is one better than what you just had, or in our case- was there really one that had the potential to be worse? Why we sought eating crappy flavored sugar and gunk and didn’t just throw them away after “yellow,” only we will know.

We had to go on. There were still 3 other flavors! So, I decided to join her. What a goof- I knew she didn’t like “lemon” so why would she like any other ones- and why would I- “I’m not a big fan of flavored marshmallows but pass the bag anyway"- like them if she didn’t?

“Orange. Hmmm. Interesting.”

So then, because we are weird, we had to try every color twice (because another exact form of the exact same color we just had MIGHT be different, right?)- except I let her try lime. I just couldn’t do it.

I don’t know why eating those crappy marshmallows was so funny today, but we were in tears as we each took out a flavor, hoping it to be better than the previous.

I guess you had to be there.

Wow, unemployment is so overwhelming

The last few days have been mindnumbingly boring.

My sister and mom are contemplating the serious decision of staying here or going home. My sister hates her school here, and I can’t say I blame her. I would want to go home too. No Friday night football games or prom or just regular teen stuff like getting to drive.

Anyway, I didn’t intend that to be the topic of today’s post. I guess that has been weighing on my mind a lot because I too wonder if Will and I will stay or go home. The selfish side of me wants my sister to stay because she is my dearest friend. I would miss her tons. The practical and honest side of me wants to help her pack and find and find a flight home with a decent movie. She has to decide very soon because school starts in a few weeks. If I was a betting girl I would say she will stay this year and move back next year because she knows my mom wants to stay at least a year. but I guess we’ll see.

It has me thinking about what I am doing here! I have been here almost three months and am far from being able to say I’m simply in a “rut” anymore. I think my articulate and planned schedule would probably have others thinking that my doing nothing is a actually a career- definitely no longer a rut. I feel like I am in the movie groundhog day when I get up and do the exact same thing each day. I have it to a science. Here are some tips to doing nothing everyday:

1. It is not a crime to have a plan on days such as these. So many people just want to go with the flow, but I say that if you are going to do nothing and don’t have a plan you will miss out on “something” if you are just going by the seat of your pants.

2. There must be dangerous amounts of imported jiff peanut butter (peter pan will also suffice) and Kraft Marshmallow fluff. You are doing nothing and deserve to eat a little slobbish.

3. You must have “your show” which you will stop doing anything- even to the point of hanging up on your sweet grandmother so you can sit down and watch it. Mine, for example, is the GREAT Australian hit Home and Away. It is the best and has me wondering what I’m going to do if I ever have to do something. Its that good and is only half an hour so you don’t feel too bad for watching a “soap” type show for half the day each and every morning.

4. Comfort is key. If you are sitting around all day PJs are incredibly permissible and expected at my house. Simply change when you go to the gym and then get ready after you get back- around 3 in the afternoon. You’re kind of on European time here- theres no rush and it will get done before your husband sees you.

5. Maybe you have willpower, but my willpower can be compared to a kid at fat camp smuggling choclate cake in on the first night. It’s terrible. there must be a lock on the kitchen door. It must be hidden. Sitting at home has a strange affect on people after about 3 weeks in which you are simply hungry all the time because you know you can have it, and you know there are cherry poptarts that are simply staring you down all the way in the living room. There must be some self-control exercised during doing nothing days. This, is my hardest rule to master. Hopefully I’ll get a job soon and I won’t have to worry about it!

I have a ton more but I’m sure I’m scaring you all at this point. I really need a “real” job don’t I? Living at home and without a job really makes for dramatic yet boring blogs.

Have a good day

As I sat down to write today I reazlied it was my only shot. I have to “fight” for computer time at this house, so I am at a blank. There were a million things I wanted to tell you all- I even had a funny story or two, but I’m not sure where this post is going to end up.

I got “in trouble” today by my own stupid default. I forwarded my sister something from my blog and didn’t stop to think the link was included- duh! So, once again I have somewhat been forced into the WPP. She “knows” about the “Will annoyed with my mom” issue which means that if it hasn’t already come out, its only a matter of time.

I don’t even want to go there in this post though, so moving on…

Today was so much fun. Will and I didn’t do anything extremely out of the ordinary or anything, but we just got out by ourselves and enjoyed the day- and boy did we need it!

We got the usual 6:00 in the morning phone call and of course went right back to sleep afterwards. Will’s dad’s birthday was yesterday and even though he didn’t really vocalize it, I think Will was sad that he missed it. They are really close and Will thinks that with his dad’s health there won’t be a lot more birthdays. I think it was really good for Will to get to talk to him and wish him a happy birthday this morning.

After we got up and got ready we went to Al-Kout mall to exchange my blazer. It was a little too big, so I got another size. I an so in love with it, but I have no idea what to wear with it! I looked online and there are other colors on the site, but only green at the store. hmmm. I just don’t know! I hate that and rarely every do it- buy something that doesn’t really fit into my wardrobe- but I really wanted it and I’m sure I can find a pretty cami to go with it. What color?…

Anyway, after that we headed down to Gulf Road to go to Marina Mall. I really like that mall. It is so pretty. Will wanted to see a movie this weekend. Our choices here are sort of limited and we get movies a couple weeks after they are released in the states. We had to choose between Madagascar, Fantastic Four, and some scary movie. We opted for Fantastic Four. It was good and they only cut out the kissing scene, so it wasn’t like we missed anything.

After our movie we went to Will’s favorite restaurant here in Kuwait- Buffalos. I think we like it so much because it reminds us of home.

It was just such a fun day. Like I said, nothing overly-wonderful, but it really felt like we “were eachothers” the whole day and didn’t have to compete for the living room or the kitchen, or whatever. It felt like after we had dinner we would drive home to our own apartment and just hang out on the couch watching Trading Spouses (real great TV huh?). Not the case, but it was nice to picture today.

Since I’m on that subject I thought I would answer Laura’s questions from my feedback yesterday to explain things better. I’m just going to be open and candid- so don’t think I’m being a snob or anything. I hate when people talk money when they don’t know people that great- so don’t think I’m being like that- because I’m totally not!

We definitely wouldn’t have come here if there wasn’t a goal and purpose set before us. Our goal is to stay in Kuwait for three years to pay off debt and save a good chunk of money that there would be no possible way to do in the states. Now- with me not working that has thrown a wrench in things and has altered our thinking. However- assuming I have a job soon and we decide to stay, here are some good things about staying.

When I get a job, Will and I will be able to have our own, furnished apartment totally paid, including utilities. We will be provided a car to share with someone we work with and they pay for car maitenance and gas- which is only about 86 cents- doesn’t that make you ill!?  Will gets a living allowance every two weeks that many people just live off of and don’t touch their paycheck. Will’s check is also tax free since we are living overseas, so everything you earn, you keep.

So, assuming I have a job too, that is attractive.The company pays for the employee’s way home at the end of a year, and to Frankfurt and the end of 6 months, which is also nice so we can go home and visit family.

So, once we pay off our immediate debt (and sell our house- which is huge), we are living without bills here and are able to save everything we make. The fact that I don’t have a job really hurts us because we aren’t able to meet our goals and get ahead. It is really crappy!

That is our main reason for being here. We also felt like this was the only chance in our lives that we would ever be able to do this. We had nothing holding us down, so if we were going to move, now was the time. Plus, there are opportunities to visit Dubai and other close countries that so few people think to visit on vacation! Afterall, that sure wouldn’t be my first choice!

I know I down my situation a lot, but its because I’m not here to sit all day. The main purpose for us to be here is to work, so in a lot of ways it’s been a counterproductive 2 1/2 months. Okay, so please don’t think we dictate our life around money- because when we got here we quickly learned that where we come from and what we love is so much more important that the material- but I think most couples can understand what I’m trying to say.

I know that God has us here for a reason and in this really yucky “living with my parents“ situation for a reason too, but it sure has been a trying and lonely few months! “What do you want us to do!?“ I constantly ask.

Thank you so much for all that listen to my crazy ride! I am only able to have the joy that I have because of my faith in Jesus Christ.

I really appreciated all who posted thoughtful and encouraging words yesterday. If only I could have taken you all out to get a coke or something!

Anyway, I hope you all don’t think I’m tacky for telling you all of that stuff, but that is why we are here and why we are holding on and praying that I will get a job. If not, then I’m not really sure what we are to do!

Not much of an exciting post today! Oh well. I had such a great day. Its amazing how something as simple as walking around a busy and loud mall with your husband can calm your spirit and make you realize that somehow, everything will be okay.

No bones about it. Today was bad.

I went to meet with this guy- it wasn’t an interview or anything, it was just an opportunity for him to meet me and to talk about some possibilities. Let me give you the Reader’s Digest of the meeting- which lasted about 10 minutes:

There are none.

I wanted to cry so bad right there, on the spot. I just wanted to break down! I had to do my butt squeeze technique I told another Nestie about- by the way- it totally worked.

There won’t be any positions that are a good fit for me (marketing/PR) until September or so, and there’s no guarantee that they’ll say, “Hey. I remember Brittny! Let’s call her!”

So, what do we do? Do we stay here and wait it out? Go home?  Lots of questions to ponder in the days ahead.

It was just a bad day. Then we got more bad house information dumped on us.

I want to go back home to the simplicity of oklahoma!

Sorry for my huge vent. I want to go on and on and on, but there is no good in that because I can’t change what is going on around me. I just have to look at the possibilities that are in front of me. Unfortunately that’s not looking too great.

My mom has been driving Will crazy- and I think she know this. He’s been trying to avoid her as much as he can- which is rather difficult in a small apartment. Anyway, she knew something was up. I think she thought I was upset for some reason and not Will, so she ended up coming home with this beautiful green velvet blazer from Zara that I had been eyeing but couldn’t affford. Okay, so that’s not the best way to communicate “I know you’re upset, can we talk about it?” but after my bad day, it really cheered me up and I could have cared less. I’m such a sucker. I totally took the bait.

There are about 5 other things I want to write about regarding my horrible, awful, no good, very bad day… but I actually have a funny story that happened today- and I really am trying to stay positive so I’ll quit my crying around on this post and tell you about the laugh I got instead.

So today Will and I got home and were just lying on the bed and holding eachother. I was totally enjoying the moment. I needed it.

My mom and sister decided to go to this store up the road, and my dad was still at work. I’ll fess up. I was totally thinking, “Alone with my hot husband at last.“

He shot up from the bed and asked, “Are they gone?“ just like a teenager that is about to get into trouble with his girlfriend as soon as they leave (since we’ve been living with my parents, thats how I feel sometimes!)

I got a little devilish smile thinking, “Wow, he’s really anxious.“

I told him I thought so, and he said he would go check. He goes out and checks. “Finally!“

So I’m really looking forward to alone time with Will, and as I’m getting ready for him to come back in the room, I see him walk right by and go to the back.

What is he doing?

I wait.

Still nothing.

Finally he comes back with this yummy ice cream cone he had bought that afternoon and didn’t want anyone to steal!!!!!

I just totally laughed to myself. Wow. Talk about being replaced.

So, I had this George Kastanza (or however you spell it) moment from Seinfeld when he wanted to eat more than he wanted to make love.

We had two very different thoughts racing through our minds as we heard the door close I guess!

It was pretty funny and we had a good laugh, which I definitely needed after my long day.

Well, I am actually alone with Will again for a little while longer so I am going to seize this moment and enjoy being with him.

Have a good day and thanks for letting me vent.

The last few days of my life can best be compared to the following story.

When I was in junior high my parents took me, my sister, and one of her friends to Frontier City (our state’s version of Six Flags). It was a fun day, we were all having a good time and didn’t have to wait in a million lines because it was late Spring. We were having a fun morning and around noon decided to sit and eat an overpriced amusement park meal that costs as much as a steak at Chilis but is about as big as a McDonald’s kids meal. Anyway, we load up on chicken strips and fries and chocolate shakes and are feeling good and ready to hit the park for the rest of the day. We do some walking around and come to the ride that changed my life- the Tilt-A-Whirl.

One of the greatest rides, yet the cause of my demise. My sister begs us to go with her, so along with her friend I decide to ride. We prepare to get in, and my sister begs to be in the middle, even though her friend is already sitting there. I ignore her and tell her to sit across from me. Of course she grumbles but does it anyway. The ride starts and we start spinning mildly. Well, if you have ever been on one of these you know that each seat controls their own little wheel that lets you spin really fast and out of control, so I get that thing going. We are having a great time and we are spinning so fast I’m surprised we didn’t take off. About that time my sister starts telling me to stop because she isn’t having fun anymore, which of course being a big obnoxious sister these words are interpreted as, “More! I want more spinning!” So, I give the girl what she wants. She continues to tell me to stop and that her stomach hurts, yet I continue to ignore her and keep turning that stupid wheel. All of a sudden her face changes and this tiny 2nd grader barfs everywhere. Things came out of this little girl that were unfathomable. It was a mess and was everywhere. My stupid spinning didn’t help....at all… trust me…

That is the best way to explain what is happening here. Everything is a huge Tilt-A-Whirl mess. I don’t even know where to begin.

Yesterday I found out some really bad news. Supposedly I won’t be able to get a working visa until I am 23. That not only means that I won’t be able to work for the company that I really want to, but there is a good chance I won’t be able to work anywhere! The absolute earliest I could apply for a visa would be in Janurary of the year I turn 23. Do you know what this news means? If this really is true, Will and I may have to live with my parents that long.

Will told me over the phone yesterday when he found out, and I was really strong for him because I knew he was really busy. I was doing really well. I just sat at the desk with the phone in my hands. Breathing. Trying to tell myself I was going to be okay, but then I lost it. I sat on the bed and just cried. I feel so much frustration right now. Will and I have planned our financial future on BOTH of us working here for three years and going home and not staying here a minute longer. Things sure are shaken up now. We can’t live with my parents that long. I just sat there and cried and wondered what my purpose was and what God’s plan was for me, because as of now it makes no sense… I just have to trust. That can be hard when I actually have to DO it and not just SAY it. ...It was a totally emotional day. One of the worst in a very long time. I was a mess.

I am trying to stay positive because there is one last glimmer of hope, which I am going to cling to until I hear otherwise. I was contacted by another place for a job last week. I contacted that person and he was really busy, but he took down my number and was going to contact me about scheduling a meeting. I just hope he remembers. I hate placing my future in the hands of someone else, especially when they are busy and jotting my number down on a napkin. I don’t care though, as long as I can get a job SOMEWHERE and start working towards a goal.

So, that is my last hope. That is all I have job wise really until Janurary and maybe as late as my birthday. If I get the job I was talking about I will continue to be on my visitor visa and just leave the country every few months for a few days and get a new one, which is a pain but will SO be worth it if I can get a job and get our own place. PLEASE call me, guy, so I can start working!!!

I will keep you updated, I pray it is good news this week.

In a weird way, tonight was a little symbolic of my life right now. We went to Applebees for dinner and then came home. My dad decided to go across the street and get a hair cut while we went upstairs. We got in the elevator and as we got to our floor we all realized we didnt’ have a key, so we had to go back downstairs and wait for my dad. We went outside by the pool and just hung out. My sister jokingly made the comment that we should jump in because it was so hot. You guys have to know me- that is NOT like me. I have too many inhibitions to just do something “crazy” like that (especially in a place like this!), but for some reason I agreed. We held hands, ran, and dived in, clothes and all. (Will got a picture, I’ll have to post it when it is developed) It was the greatest feeling I’ve had in a long time. I just let go and went in. I felt this crazy freedom. It just felt good to do something different. How true for me. I guess I just need to dive in and trust God that the water is going to be perfect and all of this is going to workout- somehow and in a way that only He can do it.

It was freezing when we got out, and going into the air conditioned building was miserable. I took a warm shower and put cozy sweats on. I never thought I would say I was COLD here.

Anyway, that is the story of me right now. I am hoping I’ll get news tomorrow, but it may take a few days. I’ll keep you posted on this crazy Tilt-A-Whirl of a ride that is my life.

I never thought these words would come out of my mouth, but the highlight of my day will be getting my stray eyebrows ripped out… Ahh the excitements of being a unwilling stay at home wife.

It is funny to think about the things I look forward to now that I am locked in the apartment all day. Things I used to hate I embrace at the drop of a hat. Bring on the threads(that is their way of waxing)! I’m ready for clean brows. Grocery shopping on pay day during the busiest hour? Count me in! Sitting in 3 hours of traffic- where can I sign up?

Will and I bought the movie Duplex the other day- it is hilarious. I have seen it a few times before yet I still manage to laugh so hard I cry. I think it totally bombed at the box office, and everyone I know thats seen it besides me and Will think its dumb- but seriously, it’s great.  I think it is even funnier now that Will and I are living with my parents. Our current situtaion made me laugh even harder this time around. I can totally relate to the character’s need for alone time without their neighbor being there. C’est la vie… at least for the moment anyway.

******************’

Well I did get some pretty discouraging news about my job situation a little bit ago. I guess the HR lady found out about the whole law thing and wrote my dad a letter basically saying she wouldn’t hire me because it’s “hard enough trying to get women under 26 hired, let alone someone thats 22.“ I guess her letter was a little tacky, but whats done is done and I don’t want to see it. So that was a pretty big blow to me. She and my dad have had some issues over the past year (which didn’t help me out), so I was disappointed to find out about this email. I know I can’t take what she said personal but it is hard not to. Its REALLY hard not to.

How frustrating. I feel like I’m back to square one. My dad emailed me about another place to apply thats pretty good opportunity too and even pays most of their employees better than where Will works. I just don’t know though. I know Will would probably want me to apply just because that is our goal- to pay things off and save money- but I don’t know what to do.

I am too sensitive about this whole thing I guess. People go through this every day. I guess since its my first time to be in the “real world,“ I’m getting first hand experience about the things I’ve heard about but never felt or dealt with.

So that threw a curve ball in my day and bummed me out. I wish I could do what Will tells me and “be a duck.“ Just let it all roll off my back, but that is just not in my personality. I feel upset because I know I would do a great job there and I feel like I’m being rejected. I guess I am, but so have many other young pups just like me who entered the work force with bright eyes just knowing everything would go their way only to be shot down a time or two.

I just have to give everything over to God right now- not having our own place, not having a job… just everything and trust that His plan is so much better than Brittny’s

So, not that I’ve vented I feel a little better and am just goingto have to remind myself constantly to take one day at a time… bring on the eyebrow lady.

<3