Qatar Quirks

Enough of the reflective posts about life, goals, etc...let's get on to something a little more lighthearted!

I was thinking today about the fact that May will start soon and that means we will start our TENTH month in Qatar. I can't believe how soon it will be a year!

I was thinking about some things that still amuse/amaze me about myself/life in Qatar and I thought I would share a few...

-In a few weeks, the "cold" water from the taps will be so hot you won't be able to shower or wash your clothes during the day because the cold water tank is on the roof. We will turn off the water heaters and use the "cold" water for hot water and the "hot" water for lukewarm. We will have to keep water in the fridge for washing vegetables, etc.

-Everything is white here (cars, buildings) because the only other colour to white is "coated with dust".

-You take a second look (of disbelief) when you see someone in a tank top or shorts...but don't even notice the white thobes and the black abayas anymore.

-We refer to "when it's hot out" with the same tone as "when winter comes"

-We are now conditioned not to hold hands or kiss in public anymore

-Introducing someone by the nationality (or where they are from) isn't weird anymore

That's it for now...but as I think of more I will add them!

Slow Progress

This year is flying by...I can't believe it is nearly the end of April and 9 days away from my 1st 29th birthday...

When March came to a close I had hoped to look back at my resolutions and write an "update" post then...I can't believe that nearly another month has gone by and I am only getting to this post now.

So where are we at?

1. Learn French. By December 2011 I should be able to carry on a basic adult conversation. (Not 2 year old conversation...)

I would consider this to be "In Progress". I have completed A1.1 and A1.2 and passed the DELF for Level A1. I have just started A2.1 and I will complete this at the end of June. I believe I will be attending some training in Pau (south France) in June...so I will get a chance to try out my French skills! (The thought terrifies me).

2. Take an introductory Arabic course. Yes, I understand that resolution 1 & 2 are similar.

No progress (unfortunately).

3. Get up at 5:30am every morning so that I don't have to rush around like a mad woman.

Massive fail. In fact, I am getting up later than I was before. I don't know how to solve this one. I am not a morning person, but there is no rational, adult reason as to why I can't get out of bed. I am actually late to work everyday...according to their published hours. But I am also not allowed to leave at the published time...which makes it less interesting to get there for 7:00am. But still, I would like to be leaving the house at 7:00am at the latest. More importantly, I want sanity in the morning. I want to listen to the news, I want to eat breakfast at home and not in the car. I want to have a cup of coffee with my husband.

4. Read one new book per month.

Yikes. This is turning into a depressing exercise. Also a fail so far. But, I am halfway through two books..."Never Too Late" by Gail Vaz Oxlade and "Love in the Time of Cholera" by Gabriel García Márquez . I have also downloaded "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Steven Covey (yes, I am the only person in the world that hasn't already read that book!) and "The Leader with No Title" by Robin Sharma. So, if I read all of those and pick up the pace a bit in the summer, I should be on track for this one. I anticipate my new Kindle will help me achieve this goal!

5. Lose 15 pounds on Weight Watchers. 9 of which I already lost once.

Oh my. I have actually gained a 1lb since I started Weight Watchers here. I feel like I should insert the disclaimer of "results not typical" since I am big believer in WW and I know it works. The problem is me. Another one to keep working on, I guess.

It is good to have goals. It really is. Exercises like this are also good to remind ourselves of progress...or lack thereof.

Now, in my original post I spoke of one other goal. And I quote: "There is one other goal too...but it bridges the gap between a professional and personal goal. Because of this, I am still formulating what it will look like. It is going to involve taking my job and taking myself to a place where I am at peace with things. But I don't where that it is, what it looks like or how I am going to get there."

I never did post any further on that goal and that is because that journey is still taking place. There has been some amazing revelations going on. I promise that I will share some of this before my birthday.

Sitting in a Costa Coffee and...

...selling tickets for a Dhow Cruise put on by Canadians in Qatar!

Would it surprise anyone to know that I am volunteering with the CiQ group? That's a large part of what we have been up to lately...working with a really fun and diverse group on the Canadians in Qatar re-brand and re-launch! All of which will be unveiled at the Maple Leaf Bash on May 20. It is fun to be a part of a group in transition again, takes me back to the original ACE Mount Royal days (shout out to Mike White, Chris Grigg, Jill Walker, Vance Gought, et al).

Anyway, I can't get into all the top secret details here, but I will add the poster below. We are going to make a really good time - Canadian style. If there are two things Canadians can do well, one is make fun of themselves and the other is party!

Outside of Canadians in Qatar...well, let's see. Work is work. Big C is on the job search. We had dear friends come and visit from Bahrain. S has really good timing, she saw the writing on the wall and booked to leave the same day the Canadian Government advised to do so. They had an interesting ride to the airport, military from the neighbouring country (I will let you figure out which one), blockades and gun fire. We are very happy that they made it safe and sound. We had a good few days in Doha. They have two kids and it was fun to have them at the house. The "grown-up" boys went on a St. Patty's night out and S & I went to a girls night in sushi party.

Since then I have been carrying on with WW, but not yet losing any of the 10 lbs I have gained!

I wrote (and passed!!) my French exam for Level A1 (that's A1.1 & A1.2) with a personal triumph of 89/100. It has renewed my desire to learn French and so I am starting A2.1 next week. I may live to regret that. Big C also passed his Sport Diver course, the next level in his BSAC journey. Definitely some successes to be proud of.

We went desert camping for a second time (I am not even sure we blogged about the first one!) but this time was at a Qatari style camp. Fenced area with tents, a portaloo, campfire, beach volleyball net and an eating area. That was lots of fun and a great opportunity for us to (finally) socialize with some co-workers.

This week has maintained its pace...instead of WW, a friend and I walked one whole side of the Pearl (we were the only two members in town so we changed up the meeting a bit!) and the next night we went to the infamous Turkey Central! Cheap (very cheap) and cheerful Turkish food with the ambiance to match.

Yesterday was Book Night (basically a group of ladies swapping books in English) and now here I am tonight at Costa Coffee hoping that someone shows up to buy a ticket or two.

This weekend I am a free woman, Big C is out of town on a dive trip to Oman with a friend from Nigeria (a former co-worker of mine finishing his assignment there) and I will be attending a wine tasting (yum yum) on Saturday night.

All in all, things are great. Can't complain...other than about the weather! We are socked in with another sandstorm and 37 degree weather...which when it comes with no sun, piles of dust and sand that sticks to the sweat...I can assure you it is no fun!

Bye for now!

Little J