What Have I Been Doing?

Soccer. That's what I've been doing. Indirectly of course. Chief chauffer and cheerleader. Lots and lots of soccer all spring long. Driving to and from soccer practices, sitting through soccer practices and 3 games every Saturday. It's my life and I love it (insert eye roll here).

Kathryn's tournament was first.

And look what Susan and I found outside the snack area. I believe those are kegs. And over there a Smirnoff cooler. I'd say somewhat surprising considering where I live.

And then Scott's tournament, where they lost in the quarterfinals. Amazing soccer skills from some of these 8 and 9 year old boys. This tournament was in Dukhan, on the other side of Qatar, about an hour away. Camels in the countryside, just like cattle in Texas. I thought I had appropriately sunscreened myself that day, it is sunny in the desert after all, but I have a major farmer burn going on now. Very attractive.

Want some more? Just wait - soccer parties and trophies coming this weekend. We're not done, yet.

Arising out of the dust...

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Olympics? What Olympics?

I've seen them before. Even when we first arrived in Doha, lo those 18 months ago, the Summer Olympics were on. The commentary, when there was any, was in a completely different language, but at least there was a visual.

Apparently, since there is no winter in Doha, there is no need to broadcast the Winter Olympics. I hear they're going on right now. I hear that the USA is leading in the medal count. I hear that some of these downhill-snowboard-cross -half-pipe-slalom races are kinda fun to watch. I wouldn't know. Haven't seen any. At least recently.

But on Thursday and Friday nights at 8pm, but not always at 8pm as I learned last week, American Idol is broadcast in all its glory. And life is good.

Roundabout Reasoning

Let's talk about roundabouts, shall we?

Doha is full of them. All over town. And each roundabout has its own personality. Some are nice and big and empty. Some are small and crowded. There are some roundabouts at which I will NOT make a left-handed turn due to the ever-present traffic. Some roundabouts have lights. Some roundabouts have police directing traffic at the busier times of the day.

I drive through 10 roundabouts to get to school. 10. Some are no-brainers. Some, still, to this day, when I approach mutter, "PLEASE let there be an opening." And I always know exactly which lane I want to be in at every single one. They used to scare me. Now I'm just hell-on-wheels like everybody else, yelling at the car in front of me "Go. Go. Go! What are you doing? Just Go!" And here's my best advice: Don't Hesitate. If you see an opening, just go.

There's my tip for the week. Now watch and learn (and I just have to say, this roundabout is a piece of cake, but it makes me laugh every time.)

The "E" Word

"Mom! Scott just said the "E" word.

The "E" word? Honey - I'm not sure what the "E" word is.

"You know, the "E" word. He said it and that's a bad word."

Okay - I realize it might be a bad word, but let's just pretend it's not and tell me what it is.

"Eediot."



That's how I felt.

It's Hard to Say Goodbye

"What a great experience!"

This is the universal response to "We are moving overseas." It just is. And yes, it is a great experience. But what no one tells you is that you are constantly saying goodbye to new friends you make.

In 18 months time I have made 4 new friends, only to turn around and watch them move away. Jacqui, Susan, Lynn, and now, as of Friday, Gayla.



Gayla said to me not too long ago, after telling her that I would be blogging about her departure, "I can't wait. Your posts are always so funny." My reponse to her was "there is nothing funny about you leaving."

So of course I wish Gayla and her family the best. Of course I'm jealous that they are going back to Houston. Of course I will miss her terribly during my Doha days (but no complaining, right Gayla?) But I just hate to say goodbye.

Thank you Gayla, for helping make this experience a little more fun and a little more tolerable. I will miss you.

See you in Houston.

Here we go....

3 kids.

5 soccer teams.

7 practices a week.


It's gonna be great!