Little Wonders

Around this time last year a bird had made it's nest in my rose tree in front of my patio.  I think some sort of rodent got to it because one day there were four eggs and then another day there were two and then the next day they were gone.  Last month I noticed a new bird's nest in the same area, so I took a picture hoping that the eggs would stay untouched.  Here's a picture of the eggs.

 I wish I knew what kind these are.  I wonder why the eggs are differnet colors.  The little bird protecting her nest is just a tiny brown bird.  I'll have to do a bit of research.

Anyway, today  I was going to treat the roses for blackspot, but decided against it because they hatched!  I took a couple of quick pictures before the mommy came back... but she was close by chirping at me.  I made sure not to touch them.

Life is precious.

Kuwait: Before

Yay!  Three weeks and counting before I land in Kuwait.  I'm sure it's going to be quite an adventure.  I'm feeling less nervous because I've been fortunate enough to make some good contacts that live there now.  One friend, Desert Girl, has been there from the start.  This chica has the funniest and most informative blog.  If you want to know the real deal Kuwait, I would definitely recommend her as a good read.

Some other Kuwait blogs and forums I recommend are 2:48AM, Crazy in Kuwait, Blog Catalog, Just Landed, InterNations and Expat Exchange.  Of course, if you are traveling to another country besides Kuwait, you may search that relevant country in the forums.  I'm sure there are many other good sites, but these are the ones that I have visited and have found to be valuable.  Feel free to post others that you recommend.

One thing that I suggest before even going to Kuwait or any other country you've never been to, is to join sites and forums geared towards life in that country.  Don't be afraid to reach out and ask questions.  Also, it's helpful to not be so incognito and hidden as many people are on those sites.  If you are real to the 100%, then chances are that you will make some good contacts and authentic friends.

Time to get off this computer and get to packing...

The Bitch on My Back

For several days now, I've been feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.  Not to mention, I've poked and prodded my husband's unending patience with my bitchiness.  I mean, you would think after finally getting the news that I will be in Kuwait with my adoring husband next month, that I would be on cloud 9 right?  Not so much.  It's not that I'm not grateful for everything good that's come to me, it's just that lately I've been feeling tired, crappy and weighed down... like I have a bitch on my back.  And I guess that bitch is PMS.  

  

I've been dealing with this bitch for several days now.  I've tried drinking a little wine, eating salt and vinegar chips and indulging in chocolate.  (my usual monthly remedy).  None of that worked this month.  I even got off my lazy ass and hit the gym.  I over worked myself and was so stiff that I could hardly bend my legs and arms for a few days.  So I booked a  90 minute hot stone massage with my massage therapist.  I told him that my stress level was high and to hit me hard with the hot stones.  During my treatment, I asked him to press harder with the hot stones and I made a joke that I really needed him to beat the bitch of my back.  I never talk much during a massage except to tell the therapist where I ache, but this time I told him that I was having trouble crossing all the lists off in my head and that I was PMS-ing badly.  He said that he could relate to the lists in my head and that he would pray for me... pray for my peace.   At that moment, he was digging a hot stone in my back and forcing my resistant muscles to relax, but it was as if he literally spoke peace into my spirit and I began to cry.  Quietly, and softly at first, but then I asked for a tissue and began to sob and blow snot and sob.  I told him that I wasn't crazy and that I was glad to cry.  He said that emotional therapy is a big part of massage and that's what it's mostly for.  I cried a little more and said, " I am not perfect, and I can't do everything."  I realized that the bitch on my back was me.  I've been working too hard, achieving goals, planning, doing, creating... but not resting my mind and my spirit.  I'm glad I took the time to listen to me.  So, one thing at a time.  One thought at a time.  I am not perfect.  But I m perfectly happy with who I am.  And I am in need of a siesta.  I am looking forward to joining my husband and landing in the sand on June 11th.