Ok...so after a brief hiatus I'm back to my blog. I'm in Seattle, while Roland is training in Dallas. I must admit...it's kinda boring. With the exception of one friend, all my friends are at work. That gave me a lot of time to think, and read, and think, and think. I was asked by 2 people, "is it really that bad"? I thought about that question for a decent amount of time. And, I've determined, no, it isn't that bad, and, the longer I've been here in Seattle, the more I'm feeling that, "it wasn't that bad". Besides a few personal hiccups in adjusting to situations and how things are done...it wasn't that bad. Some of the things I thought I missed I didn't. What I did miss were my friends. I've rediscovered my female support system of real friends who where there for me and listened while I whined over a glass of wine. It's so important to have that, yet when you're the trailing spouse, it appears that people don't take notice that you've undergone a major stressor and that being a newbie...you don't have that female support system of friends you can trust, to help pull you up, when people want to bring you down, or you're just feeling down and missing home.
I thought I missed daytime television (I don't know why since I worked during the day, but when I stayed home I watched it). So, I'm home during the day with daytime television. Television I thought I missed, only to come to realize that it was the familiarity I missed...as I have tried to watch these shows since I've been back (and I've been back in the states for 12 days now), and I'm not really interested. So...I've found a few things that I miss about being in Saudi Arabia; (1) the $5.00US Fill up. It just cost me $38US to fill up my Pathfinder, (2) they make the construction trucks and 18 wheelers stay in the far right lane; (3) Hummus (which I guess I can get here, but I had my routine of getting it at the Dining Hall, and it's really good there. I thought I missed Starbucks...then I get back and I've only been to Starbucks once; I've been getting my daily espresso at the Metropolitan Market, and it's perfect. So...really...even though I only stayed a short time before I left to come back to the states. I think going back this time is going to be easier, since I will be coming back to a home, and not a bunch of waiting, and processing, etc. etc. My shipment will have arrived, so my house will be set up with our things. The attitude shift is, I've gone from, "ok...I'm doing this. what is this going to be like? I already miss my television shows" to "ok...time to go home. make sure you've purchased all your extra goodies, done sufficient shopping, have Roland bring abaya to airport just in case, and I will be glad to be home, finally, with my husband"
I may be getting towards the end of Act 2 of Culture Shock (a real phenomena). And, this out of the blue, early return, has kinda help me put things in perspective and has aided me in developing a new attitude (especially when thinking only about what I've lost or given up). I've learned that yes, I have some inconveniences by living in Saudi and having to depend on other people; but overall it isn't that bad. And, as with anywhere I've learned that there are some great people out there and I've learned there are some vicious people out there, and this time around to take it slow. I've had the demo version; I think I'm going to upgrade and take the entire package.
10 comments:
I would love to go and do what you're doing in Saudi Arabia. I entirely hear you with getting comfortable with things, but not necessarily missing them. This is a trait I see in myself - I haven't travelled a whole lot except for up and down the West Coast from Alaska to California. I haven't lived anywhere else but my home province of Alberta (exciting :/). I am comfortable with what my city gives me. I caught myself not too long ago thinking I couldn't move away from here as I would miss the Oilers hockey team and my favourite pub too much. Then I thought about it - I haven't been to an actual game in over a year (not to mention it's fairly easy to watch games on the internet if I had to), and it has been months since I've been to that pub. I'd love to live somewhere completely different from what I'm used to. From what I've seen from expat blogs such as yours, and personal anecdotes from friends of mine, is that these experiences really put things into perspective - you learn what the really important things are, and it helps you put things into perspective. I'm glad to hear you're thinking of KSA more like home :)
Thanks for allowing us to view your struggle of adjustment. We identify with you on many levels, Nikki especially. Your honesty is refreshing. Keep it up!
It always helps to take the odd breather (vacation) to gather yourself up for the next on slaught...lol.
Hey Rolands in Dallas...tell him to give my kids a shout out...lol. I miss them.
Thank you all for your comments.
Coolred: I wouldn't consider this so much a vacation (could be considered a vacation from Saudi); however, I left SA with such a weight on my mind, about whether this was the right move, certain situations were really bugging me, etc. etc. So...since I've been back...all I've been thinking about is SA, the events, the experience, etc. etc. I haven't left my cares away, kinda like what you'd do on a vacation. However, this trip has given me such insight (into various areas of my life)...that it's almost (but not quite) better than a vacation.
Hello there! I love your blog!
I am living in dhahran myself! I'm also american but married to saudi. I could show ya the ropes! Please email me at three_sets_of_twins@hotmail.com, you seem like such a delightful person and I'd love to get to know you!
The cake and bake lady.
This reminded me when I was in China. Now that I am back to my own country, I find myself missing certain things in China and wishing to go back there.
Hello black chick. I'm living in dhahran and was wondering if you can give my website/blog a link from your blog. Im having a hard time advertising. If you do so I'll bake you something off my menu for free. Please contact me at cakes-and-bakes1@hotmail.com.
Hello Cakes and Bakes...thanks for stopping by and enjoying my blog.
I decline on the offer to (1) meet with you and (2) run a link from my blogsite to your website. My reasons are that, since I started blogging (no more than 6 months ago), I've discovered their are truly a lot of freaks out there. I've had people who are trying to destroy my livelihood, because they don't like my blog. Therefore, I am not going to meet up with a total stranger, and I would never let anyone advertise off of me unless I have tried their product and was a customer/friend.
I wish you the best in getting the word out about your goodies.
It's the lack familiarity that makes you more on edge in a new place. Strange how one misses friends the most isn't it? I find time flies over here, but in Eastern countries bar the traffic and hustle bustle bazaars, life is on a relaxed pace.
I miss that.
Look forward to reading more :)
I've read your blog a few times, your honest...really honest ;)
Lets exchange link?
http://www.riyadhciti.wordpress.com
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