Peace

January 28, 2015

Already we are approaching the end of the month of January.  My R & R is nearly halfway through and it has been hectic.  It is ironic how I had more peace in Iraq.  I guess family life and birthday planning can be hectic times for me -- the one who always struggle with priorities and time management.  Yes I admit it, and I also hope that I will somehow gain wisdom with my experience in life.

Alyssa's birthday was a blast. I believe this will be the last big party we do for her.  I enjoy giving big parties of more than 10 people but there are downsides to it.  I know as a 7-year old, there is only one of her to go around and one of me.  Fortunately, my husband and in-laws kept people entertained and we had a good time.

Today kept busy yet, by volunteering in her school and by meeting up with co-workers and friends.  It's been busy and I like having a planned schedule.  But I think I will try something new and just not make any plans at all and see how the day goes for my 3rd R & R. 

 

R & R number 2

Flying across the Ocean again...

 

January 19, 2014

It’s that time again, to go home and see my family.  This time I wanted to do some sightseeing in Amman, Jordan before I left.  Due to foggy conditions, we did not land until 11 AM, cutting my time down.  I was able to see the Citadel ruins from the top of the hill and see the Odeon from further away.  My next stop for my third R & R, I will see Petra, Wadi-Rum, some castles and some Christiansites.  I cannot wait.  My last trip home, I plan to see Israel.

 

I chose to route through Paris this time, I haven’t been since I left in 2004 and I can see a bit has changed.  I was delighted when I came to the Laduree tea shop that made the best macaroons in the world.  I’ not sure if it was originated there but I guess when I lan, I can “google it.”   I also saw a bit renovation done at the airport from new comfy beds to play spaces for children.  How nice and the bathrooms feels like the 21^st century.  Now all we’re missing now is flying cars.

 

Since I’ve been in Baghdad now for 6 months, I am evaluating how my time is spent and so far I don’t regret it.  I’ve made many friends as a result..I’ve heavily volunteered with the Catholic church and gain experience setting up mass, doing readings, escorting and now joining the choir.  Last Wed., I hosted choir practice in my home since I’ve moved and it was a lot of fun singing.  It’s actually better than practicing the day of!  As a result, a comment we received from a regular church goer is that the choir has “stepped up a knotch!”  We are getting better and we’re multiplying!! I think God is accomplishing his mission through me.

The other goals I’ve accomplished in Baghdad is perfecting my cake ball and baking..I enjoy it but never have time.  When I leave, I hoped to learn how to play the keyboard and make French macarons.  I was hoping to study for work with getting certifications but looks like my time is spent volunteering for Zumba, bible studies, fellowship, tennis, abs class, Church choir and now every other Friday, Karaokee night.  Before I know it, my time will be up.  Leaving again to go back will not be easy at all and I have to do this two more times.  I guess what doesn’t kill you makes you “stronger.”

2015: Who Knew

1/2/2015

My brain has been doing some serious thinking.  Yes, I took a long nap in the afternoon after having a bit of a headache from my cold/sinuses, I dreamed about "Back to the Future."  It is interesting to see and grow up in changes of 30 years.  A lot of things didn't pan out, but it's interesting to see flat screen TVs and Skype make it to the future.  What's amazing is the technology computers took a turn; now I don't have to think or say, "it's on the tip of tongue."  I just google it.  Voila, there's the answer. Computers are my second brain.  And their a lot faster..Let's just hope that smart computers don't end up like Terminator 2 or the like, although there's been some contemplating there.  I guess I did choose the right profession, by default!

The wedding dress I have for my daughter maybe will be worn.  Who knows what fashion holds in the next 15-20 years.  For sure, it will be interesting to see.  One of my favorite Fashion trends is the dip long skirts and the draped sweaters.

Dip Long Skirts

My other favorites, Sharp bite hems, and blouson tops not pictured here.  Finally, one of the 80s shirt, I love, to make a comeback in the last few years.

Once upon a time, I used to be into fashion.  A dream career during the teen years.

New Year, New You

1/1/2015

It's 1 minute to 11 PM, I'm sick and fortunately tomorrow is Friday but we come into work for project Fridays.  We can't do much here, so we get the option to work overtime hours.  I do it because everyone does, but if I'm really sick, I may just recoop.

My new year's started at the pub and we had a great time, lots of laughs.  I ran into many people I knew but most importantly I had fun.  Then I went home to relax and finally got into bed by 2 AM. Got up at 8:30, did my mundane chores and then worked on some Zumba routines. I'm a perfectionist and I want to get it right...It's fun. I used to dream of choreographing dances so it can't be that hard. But for exercise it needs to be simple and repetitive so that people can follow..Nothing out of the blue!

Then I end the evening with bible study.  It's a quiet day for the most part and I'm enjoying my new quarters.  There is a saying that on compound we can be one of the following - a chunk, hunk, monk...   A hunk is someone who spends all their time at the gym.  A chunk is someone who spends all their time at the cafeteria.  Well a monk goes to their room and meditate :)  I'm a little bit of everything though I like my quiet time, it sometimes can get too quiet.  Thank goodness for Skype and iPhone messaging!

At the New Year's party there were some cool songs that I will probably add to my library.  I like Taylor's Swift, "Shake it Off."  In the video she really has those blue eyes and red lips and can pass for Nicole Kidman.  Now that I looked up on the web, she really has those full face so not quite but sh's got that "Nicole" look especially in the video where she is a ballerina and her hair is pulled out of her face.  Oh....to be doing something you love and get paid for it.

The Nicole Look

However in other images, she can pass for either Charlize Theron or Scarlett Johansson.  OK enough idoling.

So my New Year's resolution.  A new me....yes, definitely.  Every day are new experiences and I will never be the same person.  So for me it's one day at a time, one new change at time.  Maybe that change will work out, maybe not.  But it's worth trying...Finish that bottle of water, yes Bo likes to open bottles and leave about two in her trails.  Habit two, shop less and then I will own less. No more nonsense clutter taking up my life and finally, habit three.  Hmmm.."Let today's worries be sufficient for the day."  Actually habit # 3 is to wear slippers.  What?!  Yes why on earth do I own slippers and never wear them.  Simple yet it's another fact of life -- no one's lifestyle can and will ever be the same.

Happy New Year everyone!