It's Over

We have had a long fabulous winter (i.e. enjoyable season). The hot weather has been put off until now. Bummer!

ASD

Finally all of the stress and waiting is over. Maya was accepted to the American School Doha (ASD)! Now I just need to get her to want to take the bus.... Congratulations Maya for doing sooo well at the assessment. Little smarty pants!

Confessional

They say confession is good for the soul, so . . . I have a closet addiction. Something I hide from my friends, my family, even my husband. I'm not proud of it, it is something that I can't control. I go day to day wondering, plotting, planning how I can get away from my family and get another hit. I'm ashamed to admit I even have my children addicted. Had I not gotten them involved, I may never get the chance to get more. What kind of mother am I? I lie awake a night thinking about it. Wondering when I can get another one. Can I get one at this hour? Would Brian notice if I slipped out in the middle of the night?

Each time I get away alone, I drive over to where I know I can get my fix. I pull into the parking lot. I nod to the guy in the orange shirt. That is our sign, that is how I know who has what I need. He knows he can hook me up. He walks over to the window, I slowly roll it down glancing around to see if there is anyone there that I know. He asks me if I want the usual, I nod. He slowly walks inside, not drawing attention from anyone else around. I wait, hands shaking, heart racing, soon all of the longing will be over and I will be happy again, if only for a few moments. It seems like forever until he returns. He has it, exactly what I want, need. I slip him the money once again glancing around to ensure no one sees me getting my fix. I take a hit, it is every bit as good as the last time. I relish it. I slowly pull away, taking the long way home trying to finish before I get back and my family knows where I've been.

Here it is, my addiction it all its layered glory.



The perfect Al Mandarin Juice Cafe layered cocktail. Mango juice on the bottom, followed by avocado juice (I know what you are thinking but you have no idea just how fabulous this is), followed by strawberry juice, all topped off with coconut juice. I've had 6 of these in the last 7 days. I told you I was sick. Do I need to go to a 12 step program for each layer? This is what I love about Doha. The Al Mandarin Hammad Cocktail with Coconut.

Porkapalooza

Got our hands on a pork roast and made Chalupe today. I would have taken pictures but I didn't think we needed photographic evidence of us breaking the law! Not to mention the embarrassment of us sitting in our pajamas (yes it was one of those days) at the dinning table with pig juice dripping down our chins. Lets just say it was a good day! A very good day.

Happy Easter!

The Easter Bunny was very tricky this year. He left a riddle and the girls had to find their baskets. Gemma was really unhappy when Maya found hers first but she quickly found her basket and all was forgotten. Then we went downstairs and the Easter Bunny had hid eggs all over the house. Why did the Easter Bunny bring all of my favorite chocolates and not leave me any? Those girls better keep a close eye on their goodies.

Easter Eggs!

Unfortunately Easter is NOT a big holiday in the Middle East. Hopefully the Easter Bunny brings loads of sweets cause there isn't much to find here. I have not been able to find egg dye either Easter we've been here but I did manage to find a egg stamping kit that I had in the decorations bin. Added some water to the dried out pads and it worked OK. Not what I wanted for my girls but we have to make do. They got tired of the stamps and decided finger painting was the best option. If you are out and about and see some dye after Easter please pick some up for me or we will be in the same situation next year.

Dinosaurs

My girls are CRAZY about dinosaurs right now. The other day we found these foam puzzles for a whopping 2.50 Qatari Riyal a piece. I lost all ability to save money and bought all of them. 5 different dinosaur puzzles. Of course we had to put them together that evening as soon as we walked in the door. They were lots of fun. Best .68 cents I've ever spent!