What Will U Do All Day?

This is a common question I get. Will you be able to work?

I'm at work right now...posting to my blog...killing time before lunch. So, I don't know that I will miss working all that much. Even though work can be a huge drag, there is a certain feeling of accomplishment the ego receives by going to work; I may miss that if I don't get involved in something (which is why I'm making the documentary). And, I can't forget that wonderful thing that happens ever two weeks like clock work...the paycheck. I love my paycheck. I get another one in 2 days. This is where I get my Mad Money (money I don't put into the collective household kitty). Every two weeks, I go purchase something wonderful, and I don't have to answer to anyone for it. Can I do that when I'm living off my husband's money? I don't know. I mean...he's not selfish or stingy. But, I have literally NEVER had to depend on a man (ok, well...not since I was a kid and I was in my father's home) for money or my subsistence. Time will tell how I do with this one. I will say…I’m looking forward to ending 10 hour work days…but I’m going to miss the hell outta that check.

Absolutely Amazing Comments

It is absolutely amazing some of the comments I'm getting.  Most are positive.  However, every once in a while I will get a rude comment from some weird ass coward.  It's easy to talk shit when you're sitting at your computer.  For example, this comment from someone calling themselves Jackie:  

I've viewed your video at least 10 times, for the comedic value. You strike me as shockingly self-absorbed and I think you will have a difficult time adjusting to your 'new' life. At least I hope you will. You speak out of both sides of your mouth, pretending to embrace the experience and at the sam time ridiculing it. Good luck bc. You will need it.

So...this lovely person (hiding behind their computer) who is clearly an angry individual, chose to reach out to me in this manner.  She even took the time to write a 2nd email calling me a "silly bitch, and that videos were for kids...", yet she's on YouTube, and she's watched my video at least 10 times (BTW:  Thanks "Jackie" for upping my view count).  Pathetic.  I reject these types of comments because, you can't give these people time, however, since I'm documenting my experience, I had to put this out there.  

Comments from the KSA

Wow! I've received a number of comments on my YouTube channel from people in the KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). I'm both surprised and happy. You gotta love the internet, people from around the world reaching out to eachother. It's Awesome!! You can read those comments by going to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VKfKQ-E6q0

Peace!

Went to Houston (The Got Lost City)

I went to Houston yesterday for a physical (they just took blood – a special thanks to the assistant who only had to stick me once) and for Orientation. Everyone at Aramco was really nice. I left feeling that I know we’re making the right choice for us, and that this is going to improve our lives in ways I’ve yet to imagine and our lifestyle (financially, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually) in ways people dream about. Yes, there is a price to be paid, but isn’t that true of anything?

During orientation we were shown pictures of the Aramco Compounds. We’re going to be living in Ras Tanura; which is on the beach (white sands and beautiful blue water). The housing is decent. The longer we’re there, the more points we’ll earn to move into better housing. Starting out we’re in a 2 bedroom with den townhouse, at ~1700 SqFt. That isn’t bad. It’s not as nice as what I’m currently living in, but, they’re not bad. And, you can decorate them how you like, so…I have another project =) See…being a housewife might not be so bad.

I can’t end this post with out stating that Houston has some of the worst freeway signage I’ve ever experienced, and I’m semi-well traveled. I got lost 3 times!!!! 3 times!!! I got lost or turned around, going to the hotel, to Aramco, and back to the airport. WTF!! I can find an obscure food joint, in the alleys of Bangkok, but can’t get from the airport to the hotel!! I will say that the people are friendly and helpful, and that is a good thing seeing that I stopped 3 times and asked 5 people for help.

Why I'm Moving To Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Video

I found this video of Saudi Arabia on YouTube.  What I like...it has some of the best pictures with the most variety that I've seen online and I like how it's presented.  What I don't like... it's 10 freakin' minutes long!!  But, it's a good watch...Check it out:

Culture Shock

Moving to Saudi Arabia is a huge deal. Some of these ExPats living there are a little “defensive” regarding living in Saudi. The comments I’m getting from these people are kinda aggressive, as if I shouldn’t have concerns about moving to a culture that is diametrically the opposite of how we live and what I “don’t believe in” (for example, upon entry into the country, I have to claim a religious affiliation). According to my recent book purchase, the answer to put on the Immigration form is not Atheist/Agnostic (they don’t believe in “no religion affiliation”), and of course Judaism wouldn’t be a good choice either. LOL. I know I’ll adjust; however, I don’t stick my head in the sand to the negative, just to stay “positive”. Based on some of the comments (not posted) I’ve received from a few ExPat’s, dealing with them will be the culture shock. Time will tell…

Culture shock is a state of disorientation and frustration that results from entering a new culture where people’s fundamental values, beliefs, and ways of doing things are different from your own. Symptoms may include irritability, anxiety, excessive sleeping or reading, depression, increasing isolation, compulsive eating or drinking, resentment or bitterness, feelings of helplessness, and physical problems such as headaches, insomnia, and sickness.

Act 1: “The Honeymoon" period, during which everything new seems interesting and exciting.

Act 2: An increasing sense of disorientation, as deeper, more fundamental differences surface. This is the stage where many people become depressed and may be prone to stereotyping or venting about the host culture.

Act 3: As individuals learn how to survive in their new environment and develop coping mechanisms, their level of comfort and confidence will usually increase.

Racism Alive and Well in Saudi?

Not that you ever get used to being slighted or thought less of because you happen to be born with "not white" skin, however, unfortunately, you know when it happens and that it will be alive and well all of your life, regardless, of how much you achieve or how much of a decent person you are.

On the other hand...I appreciate that something/someone finally admits that white people are given preference, and "non-white" people are treated as less than. Following is something I read in the "Traveling and Getting Around" Saudi section on GlobeSmart:

Preference shown to North Americans and Europeans. North Americans and Europeans have a certain prestige in Saudi Arabia that does not necessarily extend to those of African or Asian descent. Darker-skinned people may feel slighted by the preferential treatment that white Americans and Europeans generally receive.

Camel Crossing

Check this out...Roland took this picture while stopped on the road waiting for the camels to cross.

How Do I Compare?

Ok. So, I took a profile comparison assessment. The company I work for, has offices and employees all over the world, so I have access to a lot of country profiles, relocation information regarding various countries, how to conduct business, business etiquette, etc. etc.. One thing I discovered in the pile of “what’s available” is the website GlobeSmart. On this site, you can take an assessment and it will compare your profile based on questions you answer, to the profile of the average person in the locale you’re interested in. Of course, with these assessments, you’re dealing in generalities; however, I think the country profiles can give you the “overall vibe and underlying energy” of the country as a whole. I’m suspecting that I’m not going to have much personal interaction with the Saudi’s, but I don’t know. You want to have some background just in case. And, it’s just one more fun thing to do while riding the relocation wave.

Here are my results…

People in Saudi Arabia tend to be somewhat more status-oriented than you. This means they may be more likely to differentiate people based on their titles and positions within an organization.
People in Saudi Arabia are somewhat more restraint-oriented than you. This means they may be less willing to take risks than you. Because of this, some of your counterparts from Saudi Arabia may spend more time building relationships and conducting background research than you, or show more interest in implementing proper processes and making sufficient preparations before embarking on a project;
People in Saudi Arabia have a somewhat more indirect style than you. This means they may be less direct and more ambiguous in the way they communicate. Because of this, some of your counterparts from Saudi Arabia may prefer that certain things be left unsaid

People in Saudi Arabia are more relationship-focused than you. This means they are likely to spend more time building and maintaining strong relationships and place less emphasis on efficiency and timelines than you. (Thank Goodness, I’m not working, I’d have no patience for this. LOL)