Superficial Joy

I turned in my form on Tuesday of last week (which is now 3 weeks ago). It's official: I'm staying in Abu Dhabi for another year! The debate has been going on for months. In fact, I came back this year expecting to stay just a year. That's why I'm not coming home for Christmas vacation--so I can maximize travel time before I leave the Middle East. But the second year has been massively, fantastically, astronomically better than the first. The very first day back was better than any given day that first semester of last year (with the exception of the day I flew home): I knew how to get home I knew where I was going I knew how to talk to the taxi driver My rental car was all set up for 10 a.m. that morning When my apartment wasn't clean, I immediately email school, who immediately took action and within hours had my apartment restored to cleanliness The culture shock had worn off The wall of humid heat when I got off the plane didn't surprise me  ...

It has been forever since I posted!  I have run myself so ragged that I have no time for anything. My dear friend. But more on that later. I just wanted to quickly update: I am alive I am well I am considering staying another year Last weekend I took a trip to visit a friend from Boise on her birthday. It was amazing!!! I am exercising consistently (as opposed to 6 times last year. Ragnar team, I wouldn't die if we ran now) Work is busy and stressful but still good. I am taking Arabic classes. A friend and I are visiting Ukraine the end of November. I won't be home for the holidays but am going to travel instead. (suggestions welcome) I miss you all! I love you all! the Sea of Galilee Another view of the Sea of Galilee Do you need a saint? My dear friend This is at a gas station!  Seriously! The Mediterranean. We had the birthday part at the building behind me. The beach near Ceasaria. A run to the beach near C...