Since my brother-in-law was away on business, I spent the last two nights on American soil sleeping on my sister's couch. She had to get to work very early every day, before daycare opened, so I was to take the Emster to his sitter's at 7:30. Apparently, Emry picked this time to have trouble sleeping. The first night he woke at 4am, and I was able to put him back down til 5am, when I did the same until he woke up for good (and in a cute mood) at 6 am. I figured, at some point I would get some sleep but Dana needed it to function at work. He did the same thing the following night, waking up at 2am and going to sleep with his mommy until she had to get up. The ... read more

My last week consisted of lots of goodbyes. I had lunch with some Fugroians at Victoria Pub on Monday, where some gave me advice on my new adventure, followed by cheesecake that afternoon. Malibu gave hosted an incredible luncheon - I believe Marianne made most of it, with other people contributing, like Patricia and Steve. Delicious chicken wings, and chicken with roasted vegetables to put on large sandwich rolls with hummus or ricotta spreads. Also some coucous and quinoa salads - Marianne said she wanted me to get a feel for what I might be eating; if it's that good there, I won't lose the weight that I'm expecting to!!! I had sushi with Pete on Monday, followed by bowling with him and Mike. Tuesday night was a final drink with Reina and Juan, and then ... read more

Very early Saturday morning, I had my first garage sale. Let me just say: Without Lauren, I probably would have gone nuts. She came over briefly the night before with sustenance and preparations. I thought I would be ok - since Fugro first told me they would be potentially sending me away for two years, I had been mentally prepared - making plans for what I wanted to keep, store, take and toss. I even bought little colored stickers! But man, I was scrounging the night before. At 5:30 am I woke up to open the garage, and Lauren was there with coffee at 5:45. We pulled everything out and it soon began. My dresser, coffee table and a shelf were the first to go, giving me $60 to start. Lauren was able to flag down ... read more

This is my first entry on my international field assignment to DUBAI! I figure I can get the quirks out before I leave. I honestly cannot believe this is actually happening. I've been told since February that I would be going somewhere - first it was Calgary, then Panama (which I was devastated didn't work out) and finally Dubai, for two years. First, let me say that I feel a little guilty at how neglectful I've been - I've been so focused and consumed with even just the idea of leaving that I have had little time for much else. I haven't called my family as much as I would like, but we did see a lot of each other this past year, and I know they understand. I will definitely miss my family - it's ... read more