Getting Settled Into Kuwait, Year 2

My New Digs

They told me, but I just didn't believe them.  It cant be that bad, I mused. Well... dust, everywhere. It coated everything. I had to sweep up little piles, vacuum and mop multiple times and still... dust. I was slipping and sliding in my house shoes (inside flip flops).

I am in a new larger (but not too big), 11th story apartment.  It isn't perfect, but I love it.

Above is a short (30 second) video that covers a wider scope than I posted on Facebook (to me FB peeps), but from the same window.

View from my living-room window.

Things are now organized and clean enough to relax.

The kitchen is just off the living-room.

Master bath to the left and hallway to living room, etc. to the right.

Fun clock purchase I forgot I got, right before I left for the summer. 

View from kitchen window. The gulf is the distance, but the smog/dust/whatnot is making it hard to see that. 

So, this happened: I had been considering a maid to clean my windows, because they have dust storms here and I have amazingly grand windows, but I was still on the fence about it. And then I spend countless hours cleaning the tiled floors of my 6 rooms. And then she, a maid, came to my door and the words just came out of my mouth, "Yes, I would like you to come once a week." 

Wherever you are be all There.

I recently reflected: as busy as I am getting my classroom ready, commencing my grad classes and trying to tackle that aforementioned dust... I still find myself checking out this world clock a lot.




I almost feel disloyal being happy here. I had such a fulfilling summer. Any lack of connection I felt living in the Middle East last year, was met and exceeded through my sum, sum, summertime. I was sad to leave. And I am sad I'm not there. I was, and am, however, hopeful for this year here. 

It's pretty exciting reconnecting. Saying (and meaning) "It's great to see you!" and hugging people you are truly happy to see. Doing this over and over, does something to you. Sharing happy and adventurous (we are all world travelers!) summer stories with Kuwait-made friends, and acquaintances you realize you really like, does... something. The commonality of coming together with other child and knowledge lovers to gear up for another school year does ... something... something good. 

My Kuwait faves.

Looking expectantly forward to blooming where I'm planted, during year 2.

Sum, Sum Summertime.

I'm having a hard time organizing my words of late. Let's blame it on jet lag. I have woke up at 3:30 am every morning since returning to the sand box. Regardless of when I go to sleep and if I take, or skip, my beloved naps.

So, instead of many words I am going to do another photo dump of sorts. 

-Today summertime.

-Tomorrow new-apartment/excited-to-be-back-stuff.

I already blogged about beautiful Budapest and Rome so I'll take off from there. 

California

California born, though not so-much raised, I do have a special connection with the place. My dad now lives in vacation paradise, so I am the lucky recipient of free room and board in this breathtaking location:

California allotted me much time for beauty hunting(above) and reflection(below). Here is a little scroll through some of the latter.

Colorado
Today was kinda representative of life...Who am I to see and experience so much beauty. Mom you were right, "Life is not fair." I don't deserve such goodness and beauty. Overwhelmed. God you are the best artist!

-Reflections as I drove through Colorado. After spending 2 weeks in California, a month in Nebraska, a week in Hungary and 3 days in Rome. #cannotbeleivethisismylife

Nebraska

I once said everyone needs to move away to see how much people love and appreciate them. But I am there again. Feeling blessed.

#internationalteachersmoveawayeveryyear

I need to go back to Kuwait so I stop spending so much money! I left with one large suitcase and I returned with 2 large suitcases and a carry-on. I think I bought 3 of every health and beauty product and clothing article I may not be able to get in Kuwait.

-My thoughts as I weighed, re-arranged and had to take things out of my overweight suitcases. 

#whathappenedtogetrichfastwantless

#whathappenedtolivesimplysoothrescansimplylive

I also brought back puzzles and games. Game nights, here I come!

Carried this heavy book around all summer and have yet to open it.  School starts here September 2nd.

Our state motto is "The Good Life". And that is true. A good life made up of good people and beautiful landscapes.

Describe Nebraska in one word? 
"All I got is, home."

Today was summertime.

Tomorrow will be new-apartment/excited-to-be-back-in-Kuwait-stuff.