Hello, My name is Becky and I'm an American living in Bahrain.
“Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” ― Terry Pratchett
Today's expat blog challenge is to respond to this quote. I really like it because it rings really true. When I was in my 20s I had a chance to go back to Menlo Park, the elementary school I'd attended from K-6th grade. This building had been so big in my memories. There were three separate wings that stretched forever, a endless breezeway, a huge playground with tall, sloping hills on either side of the grass fields and a steep cement slope down to the parking lot. I remember chipping at that cement in first grade playing paleontologist with friends when the annual asphalt overlay job was sloppily done. I remember how huge and scary the gym seemed- mostly because I was horrible at PE. Especially climbing the rope- which seemed to stretch a mile in the sky. I was sure I would fall and die if I ever managed to get to the top, but never had the upper body strength or coordination to get more than two and a half feet off the ground. When I went back, I felt like Gulliver in Lilliput. Those slopes were barely inclines. The playground was small supermarket parking-lot sized. The hallways were quickly traversed. The gym ceiling wasn't that high. It was eerily the same and completely new.
I think we have to go away to appreciate home. I have really appreciated more about my past experiences for having left them behind. I've become more grateful for what I had, when it seemed so everyday life before. Like being able to easily visit family for the holidays or having a constant supply of Goldfish! And don't even get me started about how gorgeous a summer in the Pacific Northwest is compared to dusty dullness of the Middle East in summer. Even the air tastes green and alive.
The part about people seeing you differently rings true too. We were an All-American Family with our two kids, our mortgage, our middle class professions and our mid-sized auto. Going overseas instantly gives you a new "I'm adventurous and cosmopolitan" vibe. It made us more unpredictable. I think it helped our families think of us as more grown-up, even though it had been over a decade of marriage and career by that point.
I think if we would have stayed, I would have always wondered. Now I know. I know and when I do go home, it will be both with new appreciation and eyes wide open. I think I will see opportunities and possibilities I wouldn't have before.
If advising others considering going overseas, I would almost always advise for going. It is such a maturing, broadening thing. It could be the adventure of a lifetime that could last a lifetime or be a quick experiment that makes them appreciate how good things are at home. No wondering about a chance you didn't take. A win no matter what.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Making a list...
Hello, my name is Becky and I'm an American living in Bahrain.
Today's expat blog challenge is "something I still haven't seen in my expat country."
We've done pretty good. I broke out my 100 Things to Do in Bahrain guide and we've done a good amount. Still to do are the Beit Al Qur'an (a huge collection of Qur'anic manuscripts), the Rashid Al Oraifi Museum (a local artists inspired by the Dilmun civilization) , Shaikh Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa House, the Bani Jamra Village (where they weave traditional cloth- I have actually looked a few times but can't figure out where to go), the oil museum, and the Al Dar and Hawar islands.
I also want to get henna done- Evelyn has several times but not me. And I want to eat a traditional Bahraini breakfast and drink liqah water (palm tree water). I'd also like to ride a horse here, just once, to satisfy my inner 10-year-old. And I'd also love to see a dugong. They are like manatees, but with a snout that points down- but I think they are pretty rare. I'd also love to experience a traditional wedding, but I don't know how I could angle myself into attending one!
Today's expat blog challenge is "something I still haven't seen in my expat country."
We've done pretty good. I broke out my 100 Things to Do in Bahrain guide and we've done a good amount. Still to do are the Beit Al Qur'an (a huge collection of Qur'anic manuscripts), the Rashid Al Oraifi Museum (a local artists inspired by the Dilmun civilization) , Shaikh Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa House, the Bani Jamra Village (where they weave traditional cloth- I have actually looked a few times but can't figure out where to go), the oil museum, and the Al Dar and Hawar islands.
I also want to get henna done- Evelyn has several times but not me. And I want to eat a traditional Bahraini breakfast and drink liqah water (palm tree water). I'd also like to ride a horse here, just once, to satisfy my inner 10-year-old. And I'd also love to see a dugong. They are like manatees, but with a snout that points down- but I think they are pretty rare. I'd also love to experience a traditional wedding, but I don't know how I could angle myself into attending one!
Tastes like home
Hello, My name is Becky and I am an American living in Bahrain.
The expat blog challenge prompt is "tastes like home" and my answer is the following:
Kraft Medium Cheddar Cheese
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
Pepperidge Farm Goldfish
Campbell's Tomato Soup (with grilled cheese made with Kraft Cheddar to dip:)
Homemade chocolate chip cookies (I use the Toll House recipe but the chips here are Hershey's)
These little treats taste like home and are worth the occasional splurge. I really tried to buy the English and Australian cheddars, but they just weren't the same. I make homemade mac once in a while and it is super rich and super good. But my kids love the easy cheesy goodness of a Kraft dinner. That bright orange cheese powder is hard to beat. And Goldfish- my kids love them some Goldfish. This last summer we went to the factory and bought a ton of these for super cheap. But here I spend $5 on the occasional small bag Thing One and Thing Two blow through in two days. Tomato soup and grilled cheese is an ultimate comfort food meal for me- not at all healthy but so soul satisfying. And homemade chocolate chip cookies are one of the most romantic gestures I can make to my husband. He LOVES them. Is there anything a big plate of fresh cookies can't fix? Not much!
The expat blog challenge prompt is "tastes like home" and my answer is the following:
Kraft Medium Cheddar Cheese
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
Pepperidge Farm Goldfish
Campbell's Tomato Soup (with grilled cheese made with Kraft Cheddar to dip:)
Homemade chocolate chip cookies (I use the Toll House recipe but the chips here are Hershey's)
These little treats taste like home and are worth the occasional splurge. I really tried to buy the English and Australian cheddars, but they just weren't the same. I make homemade mac once in a while and it is super rich and super good. But my kids love the easy cheesy goodness of a Kraft dinner. That bright orange cheese powder is hard to beat. And Goldfish- my kids love them some Goldfish. This last summer we went to the factory and bought a ton of these for super cheap. But here I spend $5 on the occasional small bag Thing One and Thing Two blow through in two days. Tomato soup and grilled cheese is an ultimate comfort food meal for me- not at all healthy but so soul satisfying. And homemade chocolate chip cookies are one of the most romantic gestures I can make to my husband. He LOVES them. Is there anything a big plate of fresh cookies can't fix? Not much!
personality traits?
Hello, My name is Becky and I am an American living in Bahrain.
Trying to catch up again on the expat blog challenge! The prompt was the trait I possess that most equipped me for life abroad or the trait I possess that held me back the most or both.
I think the trait that equipped me most for life abroad is my sense of adventure. I love doing new things, going new places and trying new foods. I love researching out things to do and then going to do them. We have had so many great experiences. Sometimes there is even good in the bad, like a disastrous fish and chips meal (fish with no seasoning- not even salt, served with soggy salt-less fries) we tried to eat at a fly-infested, sewage stinky beach. Worst meal here, but we will always remember it! Sure, McDs and the mall is easier with two kids in tow, but how would we ever know of our four year old's love of butter chicken or our ten year olds fear of camels since they once tried to munch her blonde hair?
The trait I possess that has held me back the most has been my shyness. I wish I was more outgoing and bubbly. I have two great friends that haven't ever met a stranger and could talk with anyone about anything at anytime and be perfectly at ease. In groups of three or more, I get pretty quiet. But I am getting a lot better at making small talk and getting to meet those around me.
Trying to catch up again on the expat blog challenge! The prompt was the trait I possess that most equipped me for life abroad or the trait I possess that held me back the most or both.
I think the trait that equipped me most for life abroad is my sense of adventure. I love doing new things, going new places and trying new foods. I love researching out things to do and then going to do them. We have had so many great experiences. Sometimes there is even good in the bad, like a disastrous fish and chips meal (fish with no seasoning- not even salt, served with soggy salt-less fries) we tried to eat at a fly-infested, sewage stinky beach. Worst meal here, but we will always remember it! Sure, McDs and the mall is easier with two kids in tow, but how would we ever know of our four year old's love of butter chicken or our ten year olds fear of camels since they once tried to munch her blonde hair?
The trait I possess that has held me back the most has been my shyness. I wish I was more outgoing and bubbly. I have two great friends that haven't ever met a stranger and could talk with anyone about anything at anytime and be perfectly at ease. In groups of three or more, I get pretty quiet. But I am getting a lot better at making small talk and getting to meet those around me.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
my accent?
I talked in a really high, whispery voice all growing up. In college, I was friends with a psychology major who diagnosed this as a some kind of weird coping mechanism from childhood trauma. Who knows. I grew out of it. I met Roger, got more confident and happy, and started talking in my "real" voice.
Living in Bahrain, when I go to Toys R Us, they profile you with your nationality, age, etc. They always enter European instead of American. (They also think I am ancient- so maybe I shouldn't put too much weight on this). I've been asked where I'm from frequently and the first guess is always Canadian or "somewhere in Europe?"
I think it is because a lot of the Americans here are oil workers from Texas, Navy personnel from the South or bankers from the East Coast. I have a West Coast accent for sure- which I like to think of as a non-accent. It is more relaxed, more open and friendly, more like Canada without the weird about and eh.
My daughter was starting to get a slangy country accent before we moved here. She said things like her bike got jacked, or somebody "stolled" it. With a little Spanglish thrown in for good measure- thanks to her amigas.
Now that we have been here three years, my son is coming home asking for help buttoning his trousers, asking for ta-MAH-to soup and coloring ZEB-ras for the letter "zed". He is four and this is adorable!
In the meantime, my daughter cannot speak a sentence without a "yanni" which is like a Bahraini- "you know", "kind of", "like" or "so" speech filler as far as I can tell? It is also pretty cute.
We had friends from Texas that sent their kids to a British school here and they had the cutest mixed up accents I ever did hear!
Living in Bahrain, when I go to Toys R Us, they profile you with your nationality, age, etc. They always enter European instead of American. (They also think I am ancient- so maybe I shouldn't put too much weight on this). I've been asked where I'm from frequently and the first guess is always Canadian or "somewhere in Europe?"
I think it is because a lot of the Americans here are oil workers from Texas, Navy personnel from the South or bankers from the East Coast. I have a West Coast accent for sure- which I like to think of as a non-accent. It is more relaxed, more open and friendly, more like Canada without the weird about and eh.
My daughter was starting to get a slangy country accent before we moved here. She said things like her bike got jacked, or somebody "stolled" it. With a little Spanglish thrown in for good measure- thanks to her amigas.
Now that we have been here three years, my son is coming home asking for help buttoning his trousers, asking for ta-MAH-to soup and coloring ZEB-ras for the letter "zed". He is four and this is adorable!
In the meantime, my daughter cannot speak a sentence without a "yanni" which is like a Bahraini- "you know", "kind of", "like" or "so" speech filler as far as I can tell? It is also pretty cute.
We had friends from Texas that sent their kids to a British school here and they had the cutest mixed up accents I ever did hear!
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
blogs I admire
Hello, my name is Becky and I'm an American living in Bahrain.
Today's expat blog challenge is to name a blog you admire.
My first pick is Modern Mrs. Darcy. Named for Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice character, Elizabeth Bennett, this blog covers books, relationships / family, looking and feeling your best and more. I love the posts on cult favorites, life lessons from Anne of Green Gables and her Stich Fix scores. I feel like if I ever met Anne, the woman behind the blog, we would be good friends.
I like a lot of the blogs I've read through the blog challenge. And the blog of my family and friends that show up in my dashboard feed. But that is about it. Most of the other blogs I used to read were coupon deals. A few blogs I used to frequent have become full on websites now and they include:
The Art of Simple : written by a former expat, homeschooling, simplifier. Good articles that make me think, nice weekend link roundup.
Money Saving Mom : Mostly couponing deals, but I like the stories of frugal encouragement ala Dave Ramsey- paying off houses, etc. I also like her recipes.
I also like a few aspirational blogs, that I started looking at pre-Pintrest, like No Fuss Fabulous, I Heart Organizing, and One Hundred Dollars a Month. Because I like beautiful stationary and fantasizing about throwing my kids magazine worthy birthday parties that have event planners, looking at beautifully organized closets and storage solutions and dreaming about being a NW urban gardener and dabbling in free-ganism. Because none of those contradict each other at all.
I need to find an affordable fashion blog- I used to read my niece's, but lost track of it. I love on-line window shopping at Boden and Anthropologie, but I am on a Target budget!
Today's expat blog challenge is to name a blog you admire.
My first pick is Modern Mrs. Darcy. Named for Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice character, Elizabeth Bennett, this blog covers books, relationships / family, looking and feeling your best and more. I love the posts on cult favorites, life lessons from Anne of Green Gables and her Stich Fix scores. I feel like if I ever met Anne, the woman behind the blog, we would be good friends.
I like a lot of the blogs I've read through the blog challenge. And the blog of my family and friends that show up in my dashboard feed. But that is about it. Most of the other blogs I used to read were coupon deals. A few blogs I used to frequent have become full on websites now and they include:
The Art of Simple : written by a former expat, homeschooling, simplifier. Good articles that make me think, nice weekend link roundup.
Money Saving Mom : Mostly couponing deals, but I like the stories of frugal encouragement ala Dave Ramsey- paying off houses, etc. I also like her recipes.
I also like a few aspirational blogs, that I started looking at pre-Pintrest, like No Fuss Fabulous, I Heart Organizing, and One Hundred Dollars a Month. Because I like beautiful stationary and fantasizing about throwing my kids magazine worthy birthday parties that have event planners, looking at beautifully organized closets and storage solutions and dreaming about being a NW urban gardener and dabbling in free-ganism. Because none of those contradict each other at all.
I need to find an affordable fashion blog- I used to read my niece's, but lost track of it. I love on-line window shopping at Boden and Anthropologie, but I am on a Target budget!
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Can you go back?
Hello, my name is Becky and I am an American living in Bahrain.
Today's expat blog challenge prompt is: “It is a bitter-sweet thing, knowing two cultures. Once you leave your birthplace nothing is ever the same.” ― Sarah Turnbull
This quote rings true to me. Only a handful of my high school graduating class went out of state for college. The nearby community college took so many it was thought of as High School Part 2: the Sequel. A few other in state colleges recruited from our ranks. Others went straight to jobs or family life. But I think there were only four or five of us that went out of state.
I always knew I would go away for college. My parents were big into that- you graduate- you leave. So I did. After our all night graduation party, I had a split second chance to accept an invitation to breakfast with a former crush...but I didn't go because I was leaving to start my freshman year of college a week later. Why bother? (Not very Before Sunrise of me.) Summer semester- that was my senior trip I guess.
So a year later, I get back to P-town and have managed to loose touch with most everyone and the handful I had kept in contact with still all had life in common still. They saw each other the weekend before, knew the same local news, liked the same local band, knew who was seeing who. I had been happy to leave, but it made me really sad to know that there was not much for me at home. I felt like friends thought I thought I was too good to stick around, but I didn't feel superior at all- I just felt like I didn't belong anymore.
Luckily, during one of those trips back home, I met my handsome husband. We went to the same high school and know a lot of the same people, but with a six year age gap, we didn't know each other. (Thank goodness he escaped my very awkward teen years). I love that we have a common past. We understand each other better because we know where we came from. I love that we were able to go away together and build a life together.
We moved to a small farm town and put down firm roots. We loved our community and made friends and acquaintances so wonderful they felt like family. I was actually pretty jealous of all the farm kids there that grew up knowing each other their whole lives- that went to college then returned to the farm when they got married and started families of their own. They had such a great sense of home and family. It was a great place and we joked that we should buy cemetery plots there because we'd live there till we died. But then we felt prompted to uproot and go. When it is time to go, it seems like there are things that push you that way, that make it easier for you to leave. Ties loosen. We've gone back and visited. We still have strong ties there- a house, great friends, but I wonder if we could go back and feel at home again.
I think about the experiences I've had now. I think about what my life would be like if we did go back. It is hard to imagine. We've missed out on a few years there now- I bet I'd be talking to friends and they'd say "Didn't you know that? Oh, yeah- that happened when you were gone..." They are such good friends that I am sure we could pick up where we left off- but when I left they were into couponing and now I think they are into running half-marathons- not sure if I can run with the pack anymore! In the meantime, my cool overseas experiences would be glamorous for all of three seconds. And I know I would fight the "well in Bahrain, we did...." monster. Constantly comparing. I would miss things about here so very much. And where is home anyway? Our childhood city stomping grounds? The town we made ours when we bought a house and had babies there? Anywhere in the Pacific Northwest or the USA?
Maybe we'll just have to band together with other former expats to navigate the bumpy return home when we decide we want our kids to have the all-American upbringing we had. It will be bitter-sweet. As much as I long for home, I love the adventure we are having- welcomed as a stranger in a strange land. I know I will never truly feel like overseas is home, but now that I've seen more of the world, I know that home will never feel like home again either. Hopefully, I'll end up in a very self-actualized place where I am at home in all of the world!
Today's expat blog challenge prompt is: “It is a bitter-sweet thing, knowing two cultures. Once you leave your birthplace nothing is ever the same.” ― Sarah Turnbull
This quote rings true to me. Only a handful of my high school graduating class went out of state for college. The nearby community college took so many it was thought of as High School Part 2: the Sequel. A few other in state colleges recruited from our ranks. Others went straight to jobs or family life. But I think there were only four or five of us that went out of state.
I always knew I would go away for college. My parents were big into that- you graduate- you leave. So I did. After our all night graduation party, I had a split second chance to accept an invitation to breakfast with a former crush...but I didn't go because I was leaving to start my freshman year of college a week later. Why bother? (Not very Before Sunrise of me.) Summer semester- that was my senior trip I guess.
So a year later, I get back to P-town and have managed to loose touch with most everyone and the handful I had kept in contact with still all had life in common still. They saw each other the weekend before, knew the same local news, liked the same local band, knew who was seeing who. I had been happy to leave, but it made me really sad to know that there was not much for me at home. I felt like friends thought I thought I was too good to stick around, but I didn't feel superior at all- I just felt like I didn't belong anymore.
Luckily, during one of those trips back home, I met my handsome husband. We went to the same high school and know a lot of the same people, but with a six year age gap, we didn't know each other. (Thank goodness he escaped my very awkward teen years). I love that we have a common past. We understand each other better because we know where we came from. I love that we were able to go away together and build a life together.
We moved to a small farm town and put down firm roots. We loved our community and made friends and acquaintances so wonderful they felt like family. I was actually pretty jealous of all the farm kids there that grew up knowing each other their whole lives- that went to college then returned to the farm when they got married and started families of their own. They had such a great sense of home and family. It was a great place and we joked that we should buy cemetery plots there because we'd live there till we died. But then we felt prompted to uproot and go. When it is time to go, it seems like there are things that push you that way, that make it easier for you to leave. Ties loosen. We've gone back and visited. We still have strong ties there- a house, great friends, but I wonder if we could go back and feel at home again.
I think about the experiences I've had now. I think about what my life would be like if we did go back. It is hard to imagine. We've missed out on a few years there now- I bet I'd be talking to friends and they'd say "Didn't you know that? Oh, yeah- that happened when you were gone..." They are such good friends that I am sure we could pick up where we left off- but when I left they were into couponing and now I think they are into running half-marathons- not sure if I can run with the pack anymore! In the meantime, my cool overseas experiences would be glamorous for all of three seconds. And I know I would fight the "well in Bahrain, we did...." monster. Constantly comparing. I would miss things about here so very much. And where is home anyway? Our childhood city stomping grounds? The town we made ours when we bought a house and had babies there? Anywhere in the Pacific Northwest or the USA?
Maybe we'll just have to band together with other former expats to navigate the bumpy return home when we decide we want our kids to have the all-American upbringing we had. It will be bitter-sweet. As much as I long for home, I love the adventure we are having- welcomed as a stranger in a strange land. I know I will never truly feel like overseas is home, but now that I've seen more of the world, I know that home will never feel like home again either. Hopefully, I'll end up in a very self-actualized place where I am at home in all of the world!
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Left behind
Hello, My name is Becky and I am an American living in Bahrain.
Trying to play catch up on my expat blog challenge- crazy week! So one of the prompts I missed was something I left behind.
What to pick among the many treasures left in boxes stored in my parent's garage? Or maybe I should go deeper and talk about leaving behind family, friends and community. So hard to pick one.
But I keep thinking about my friend Kelli's truth that most expats are running away from something. I didn't ever think this applied to me really. But I've been thinking about it and I think maybe I did leave something behind- some of my identity and purpose.
I was super involved in my community before we moved overseas. I was on city council for a time, served on the library committee and the parks commission, and wrote for our local paper. I was in a mothers of preschoolers group, volunteered in my daughter's classroom and went to playgroup. I worked with kids from nursery to youth at our church. We had lots of really good friends and neighbors. I felt like I knew who I was. I felt like I made a difference, was appreciated and liked.
Then I became an 'accompanying spouse'. And didn't know what to say about myself when meeting all these new people. I didn't have a job. I was staying at home with a toddler in a nanny culture. I was afraid to drive at first. I felt paralyzed by the overwhelming newness of everything. And Bahrain is pretty easy...not that foreign or remote. It was a great baby step and if we get another adventure- hopefully I'll be better prepared.
But I really floundered. I felt lost. I had no friends, no identity. I didn't feel needed or like I was making a difference- I was home alone with my two year-old, trapped inside because it was too hot to go anywhere- going stir crazy and homesick at the same time. My confidence plummeted. But slowly, I started driving, made some great friends, found some activities like playgroup, Joy School, Music Makers, church involvement, tutoring, the Bahrain Writer's Circle and volunteering. And I feel like I found my sense of self again- although it is different. And I'm still less confident.
I have a friend who is going to take a year off of work and she asked me if I had any advice. I said the first few days when meeting new people at dinner parties and they say 'oh, what do you do?' that you need to have a good answer. It is all how you frame it to. My answer when we got here was 'I don't know...there was maybe a job for me...I might just stay home... maybe write?" I felt insignificant and apologetic. I wish now I had framed it more confidently. "I feel so lucky. I have the opportunity to stay home for a bit and pursue some of my hobbies like cooking and writing. I plan to teach my son preschool and do some volunteer work." Because I really was lucky. I loved the extra few years I got with my son. And I did do a lot while "at home" that I am proud of. I think it is really in the telling....if not for other people, for yourself! My other advice to her was to find some activities right away, but not too many. A cooking class, a writer's group, a coffee hour... something scheduled. Transitions are tough.
I hope I take my own advice the next time we transition and take more of my confidence, sense of purpose and identity with me!
Trying to play catch up on my expat blog challenge- crazy week! So one of the prompts I missed was something I left behind.
What to pick among the many treasures left in boxes stored in my parent's garage? Or maybe I should go deeper and talk about leaving behind family, friends and community. So hard to pick one.
But I keep thinking about my friend Kelli's truth that most expats are running away from something. I didn't ever think this applied to me really. But I've been thinking about it and I think maybe I did leave something behind- some of my identity and purpose.
I was super involved in my community before we moved overseas. I was on city council for a time, served on the library committee and the parks commission, and wrote for our local paper. I was in a mothers of preschoolers group, volunteered in my daughter's classroom and went to playgroup. I worked with kids from nursery to youth at our church. We had lots of really good friends and neighbors. I felt like I knew who I was. I felt like I made a difference, was appreciated and liked.
Then I became an 'accompanying spouse'. And didn't know what to say about myself when meeting all these new people. I didn't have a job. I was staying at home with a toddler in a nanny culture. I was afraid to drive at first. I felt paralyzed by the overwhelming newness of everything. And Bahrain is pretty easy...not that foreign or remote. It was a great baby step and if we get another adventure- hopefully I'll be better prepared.
But I really floundered. I felt lost. I had no friends, no identity. I didn't feel needed or like I was making a difference- I was home alone with my two year-old, trapped inside because it was too hot to go anywhere- going stir crazy and homesick at the same time. My confidence plummeted. But slowly, I started driving, made some great friends, found some activities like playgroup, Joy School, Music Makers, church involvement, tutoring, the Bahrain Writer's Circle and volunteering. And I feel like I found my sense of self again- although it is different. And I'm still less confident.
I have a friend who is going to take a year off of work and she asked me if I had any advice. I said the first few days when meeting new people at dinner parties and they say 'oh, what do you do?' that you need to have a good answer. It is all how you frame it to. My answer when we got here was 'I don't know...there was maybe a job for me...I might just stay home... maybe write?" I felt insignificant and apologetic. I wish now I had framed it more confidently. "I feel so lucky. I have the opportunity to stay home for a bit and pursue some of my hobbies like cooking and writing. I plan to teach my son preschool and do some volunteer work." Because I really was lucky. I loved the extra few years I got with my son. And I did do a lot while "at home" that I am proud of. I think it is really in the telling....if not for other people, for yourself! My other advice to her was to find some activities right away, but not too many. A cooking class, a writer's group, a coffee hour... something scheduled. Transitions are tough.
I hope I take my own advice the next time we transition and take more of my confidence, sense of purpose and identity with me!
tourists
Hello, my name is Becky and I am an American living in Bahrain.
The expat blog challenge prompt for today is: "What the tourists never see in my town that they are really missing out on..."
I'll have to do the whole island because it is pretty small. When taking a new friend around, I consulted the 100 Things to Do in Bahrain. It was pretty comprehensive since Bahrain is tiny, but some favorites of mine tourists might not get to are the Al Khamis mosque- the oldest in Bahrain, starting from the late 700s AD- pretty amazing. I also love the King Mounds- huge burial mounds in A' Ali with modern buildings springing up next to them. There are several neat pottery places there- which some more adventurous tourists go. I love walking around Arad Bay, a park near the airport with a neat walking path around a bay with some mangroves and a flock of flamingos and herons that stops in. The archeological sites are incredible and not often visited- like the Barbar Temple, which was dedicated to Enki. So ancient!
The other things that come to mind are driving through the villages. We've been in poor neighborhoods, areas where they were selling live animals for slaughter, driven down impossibly narrow streets, afraid we couldn't get out. And it is foolish to look for trouble, but just living everyday life, we've ended up in black flag neighborhoods with graffiti and road blocks made of overturned dumpsters, bricks and old palm tree trunks, and some tire fires.
The expat blog challenge prompt for today is: "What the tourists never see in my town that they are really missing out on..."
I'll have to do the whole island because it is pretty small. When taking a new friend around, I consulted the 100 Things to Do in Bahrain. It was pretty comprehensive since Bahrain is tiny, but some favorites of mine tourists might not get to are the Al Khamis mosque- the oldest in Bahrain, starting from the late 700s AD- pretty amazing. I also love the King Mounds- huge burial mounds in A' Ali with modern buildings springing up next to them. There are several neat pottery places there- which some more adventurous tourists go. I love walking around Arad Bay, a park near the airport with a neat walking path around a bay with some mangroves and a flock of flamingos and herons that stops in. The archeological sites are incredible and not often visited- like the Barbar Temple, which was dedicated to Enki. So ancient!
The other things that come to mind are driving through the villages. We've been in poor neighborhoods, areas where they were selling live animals for slaughter, driven down impossibly narrow streets, afraid we couldn't get out. And it is foolish to look for trouble, but just living everyday life, we've ended up in black flag neighborhoods with graffiti and road blocks made of overturned dumpsters, bricks and old palm tree trunks, and some tire fires.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Restaurant review
Hello, my name is Becky and I am an American living in Bahrain.
Sorry- I took a hiatus from the expat blog challenge for a few days due to unexpected circumstances. I really want to catch up this weekend and hopefully keep up with the rest of the challenge.
Today's prompt was a restaurant review...so many to choose from! So instead of giving just one, maybe I'll do a quick rundown of a few:
Ponderosa: an American-style all-you-can eat buffet. You probably came because you had a coupon. So did all the other diners. And on your way out, you spin a wheel to win another coupon for a return visit. My kids love it because of the ball pit and room full of coin-operated rides. The food is okay and the wait staff is dressed in Western garb that seems out of place.
The Smurf Pizza restaurant - not its actual name, which is Baba Ghafoor I think- but it has a Smurf on its signage. Copyright is not big here. Arabic style pizza is like a piece of flat bread with some olives, peppers, feta and papperoni- spelled just like that- with an a. Strangely good. But located in a crazy narrow busy street. An adventure to get to. And ignore the strange gross water dripping from a pipe overhead and the dumpster cats giving you menacing looks as you enter.
Al Abraaj - great for reasonably priced good local fare. Locations all over Bahrain but each has its own twist. The food at the Sanad branch is always more consistently excellent than the food at the Hamala branch, which has a nicer ambiance. The one in Budaiya has better meal deals. I love the hummus and Al Abraaj bread warm from the oven, then a fattoush salad, followed by the mixed grills or lamb chops with rosemary. Or the super shawarma. It is all really good actually. And um ali for dessert- like an Arabic bread pudding- the ultimate comfort food.
Coco's - Hip, local food at a location so cool you have to be shown where it is, otherwise you will never find it. In the artsy Adiliya neighborhood. Super good, crowded on weekends, affordable. Perfect for a date. Loved my stroganoff, hamour, salads, everything I've ever ordered.
Villa Mama's - I dream about the grape chicken sometimes. Sounds strange, tastes great. The hamour is good too. Local food. More expensive than Coco's but less crowded usually. Great for a date. In Saar.
The shawarma stand by the Riffa Lulu's, the one next door to Baskin Robbins. They always remember us and are so nice- chatting with Edward. A shawarma is .300 fills- which is like $.75. Reminds me of the good ole high school days of spending my change at Taco Bell. I can feed my family for under $5. The shawarmas here are on this thin bread- not unlike a flour tortilla. The meat is so flavorful and tender. The beef / lamb mix is so good. It is warm and saucy- never dry- which is a shawarma pet peeve of mine. Love the pickle and the French fry and the lettuce. Heaven.
Baskin Robbins, Fuddruckers, KFC, Tony Roma's- there are some American chains here that we come to way more than we ever did in the states (read: never). While in the US, eating out is always significantly more, here food is expensive and labor is cheap, so eating out sometimes isn't that much more than preparing it yourself. Like ice cream at the grocery store- super expensive and a total crap shoot if you'll get the carton that melted in customs and refroze all gross. So Baskin Robbins is the way to go- just get a single cone. And despite the heat- we don't eat as much ice cream as we used to. KFC chicken is cheaper than I can make it. I've had some really bad luck with meat here-so if we want a really good, American tasting burger or steak- a nice one- as a special once every month or two treat- we will go to Fuddruckers or Tony Roma.
Sorry- I took a hiatus from the expat blog challenge for a few days due to unexpected circumstances. I really want to catch up this weekend and hopefully keep up with the rest of the challenge.
Today's prompt was a restaurant review...so many to choose from! So instead of giving just one, maybe I'll do a quick rundown of a few:
Ponderosa: an American-style all-you-can eat buffet. You probably came because you had a coupon. So did all the other diners. And on your way out, you spin a wheel to win another coupon for a return visit. My kids love it because of the ball pit and room full of coin-operated rides. The food is okay and the wait staff is dressed in Western garb that seems out of place.
The Smurf Pizza restaurant - not its actual name, which is Baba Ghafoor I think- but it has a Smurf on its signage. Copyright is not big here. Arabic style pizza is like a piece of flat bread with some olives, peppers, feta and papperoni- spelled just like that- with an a. Strangely good. But located in a crazy narrow busy street. An adventure to get to. And ignore the strange gross water dripping from a pipe overhead and the dumpster cats giving you menacing looks as you enter.
Al Abraaj - great for reasonably priced good local fare. Locations all over Bahrain but each has its own twist. The food at the Sanad branch is always more consistently excellent than the food at the Hamala branch, which has a nicer ambiance. The one in Budaiya has better meal deals. I love the hummus and Al Abraaj bread warm from the oven, then a fattoush salad, followed by the mixed grills or lamb chops with rosemary. Or the super shawarma. It is all really good actually. And um ali for dessert- like an Arabic bread pudding- the ultimate comfort food.
Coco's - Hip, local food at a location so cool you have to be shown where it is, otherwise you will never find it. In the artsy Adiliya neighborhood. Super good, crowded on weekends, affordable. Perfect for a date. Loved my stroganoff, hamour, salads, everything I've ever ordered.
Villa Mama's - I dream about the grape chicken sometimes. Sounds strange, tastes great. The hamour is good too. Local food. More expensive than Coco's but less crowded usually. Great for a date. In Saar.
The shawarma stand by the Riffa Lulu's, the one next door to Baskin Robbins. They always remember us and are so nice- chatting with Edward. A shawarma is .300 fills- which is like $.75. Reminds me of the good ole high school days of spending my change at Taco Bell. I can feed my family for under $5. The shawarmas here are on this thin bread- not unlike a flour tortilla. The meat is so flavorful and tender. The beef / lamb mix is so good. It is warm and saucy- never dry- which is a shawarma pet peeve of mine. Love the pickle and the French fry and the lettuce. Heaven.
Baskin Robbins, Fuddruckers, KFC, Tony Roma's- there are some American chains here that we come to way more than we ever did in the states (read: never). While in the US, eating out is always significantly more, here food is expensive and labor is cheap, so eating out sometimes isn't that much more than preparing it yourself. Like ice cream at the grocery store- super expensive and a total crap shoot if you'll get the carton that melted in customs and refroze all gross. So Baskin Robbins is the way to go- just get a single cone. And despite the heat- we don't eat as much ice cream as we used to. KFC chicken is cheaper than I can make it. I've had some really bad luck with meat here-so if we want a really good, American tasting burger or steak- a nice one- as a special once every month or two treat- we will go to Fuddruckers or Tony Roma.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
wishing I had...
Hello, my name is Becky and I'm an American living in Bahrain.
I failed yesterday's expat blog challenge- a photo post of "A Day in the Life..". I took a bunch of pictures for it, but life happened and I couldn't get it together in time. I know I don't have much time to make it up today, so I am just skipping on.
Today's challenge is to reflect on what we wish we had done differently when we first started our blogs. My biggest regret is not starting sooner. I think blogging could have been such a good outlet for me for so many things I was going through. It is kind of like an online diary and I wish I had documented all of my thoughts and feelings.
Two years before I started my blog, we went through this huge process to have Edward. He is our in-vitro miracle baby- answer to years of prayers. And now he is four and I can't remember as clearly the absolute desperation I felt as I was giving myself hormone injections in the stomach that this had to work. I wish I had documented it- because I think it is probably the lowest and highest point of my life. And it is probably the biggest miracle I ever experienced and I wish I could go back and read my thoughts at the time.
But we never know which of our moments will be miracles and which are just ordinary life. I am grateful to have a blog to record my everyday life- so I can look back and see the miracles in it. And I hope I can keep this blogging momentum going so I can have it to look back on some day.
I failed yesterday's expat blog challenge- a photo post of "A Day in the Life..". I took a bunch of pictures for it, but life happened and I couldn't get it together in time. I know I don't have much time to make it up today, so I am just skipping on.
Today's challenge is to reflect on what we wish we had done differently when we first started our blogs. My biggest regret is not starting sooner. I think blogging could have been such a good outlet for me for so many things I was going through. It is kind of like an online diary and I wish I had documented all of my thoughts and feelings.
Two years before I started my blog, we went through this huge process to have Edward. He is our in-vitro miracle baby- answer to years of prayers. And now he is four and I can't remember as clearly the absolute desperation I felt as I was giving myself hormone injections in the stomach that this had to work. I wish I had documented it- because I think it is probably the lowest and highest point of my life. And it is probably the biggest miracle I ever experienced and I wish I could go back and read my thoughts at the time.
But we never know which of our moments will be miracles and which are just ordinary life. I am grateful to have a blog to record my everyday life- so I can look back and see the miracles in it. And I hope I can keep this blogging momentum going so I can have it to look back on some day.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Expat Syndrome
Hello, my name is Becky and I am an American living in Bahrain.
Today's expat blog challenge quote is: "‘Expat Syndrome’ is a condition whereby many expatriates see mostly either the best of their own nationality & the worst of the locals, or see the opposite.” -T Crossley
I think there are moments of both for sure. During election time, I was surprised how divisive and ugly things were. I dreaded my Facebook feed and was glad not to be at home to be honest. I find myself distancing myself a little from America, other Americans, American foreign policy, American pop culture, etc.
One thing I've really loved here is how family friendly the Middle East is. You can fly on a plane, go to a restaurant, go to a movie and kids are okay! Children are treasured and loved culturally.
One thing I see that is the worst about the Middle East is the crazy driving. Wear seat belts. Use car seats. Don't drive on the shoulder. Don't go 160 km/hr weaving in and out of cars with barely a car length while texting or talking on your phone. I want to get out of here alive, thanks.
One thing that I love more than ever about the USA... hard to pick, but two years ago we were back in our home town for the Fourth of July. I cried singing the National Anthem as the Boy Scouts raised the flag at a church breakfast. A veteran spoke, then we headed to the tiny town of George, Washington (the only city state named for a president!) for some famous cherry pie and fireworks. I really am a patriot, privileged to be from a great nation. But I also love my host country and am so grateful for the chance I have to experience the best (and worst) of both.
Today's expat blog challenge quote is: "‘Expat Syndrome’ is a condition whereby many expatriates see mostly either the best of their own nationality & the worst of the locals, or see the opposite.” -T Crossley
I think there are moments of both for sure. During election time, I was surprised how divisive and ugly things were. I dreaded my Facebook feed and was glad not to be at home to be honest. I find myself distancing myself a little from America, other Americans, American foreign policy, American pop culture, etc.
One thing I've really loved here is how family friendly the Middle East is. You can fly on a plane, go to a restaurant, go to a movie and kids are okay! Children are treasured and loved culturally.
One thing I see that is the worst about the Middle East is the crazy driving. Wear seat belts. Use car seats. Don't drive on the shoulder. Don't go 160 km/hr weaving in and out of cars with barely a car length while texting or talking on your phone. I want to get out of here alive, thanks.
One thing that I love more than ever about the USA... hard to pick, but two years ago we were back in our home town for the Fourth of July. I cried singing the National Anthem as the Boy Scouts raised the flag at a church breakfast. A veteran spoke, then we headed to the tiny town of George, Washington (the only city state named for a president!) for some famous cherry pie and fireworks. I really am a patriot, privileged to be from a great nation. But I also love my host country and am so grateful for the chance I have to experience the best (and worst) of both.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Adjustments
Hello, My name is Becky and I am an American living in Bahrain.
Today's expat blog challenge prompt is "I will never get used to..."
About the weekends- I will never get used to them. Our work week is Sunday to Thursday, with Friday as our holy day and Saturday as our Saturday. I can't stop calling Friday Sunday. We are very religious and attend church on Fridays. We are so lucky to have that privilege here. We also try to keep Friday holy as our Sabbath- so no shopping, going out to eat, etc. We bake, take naps, do crafts, watch family movies, go to the park and visit friends on Fridays. But that means all the errands are on Saturdays. There is always a ton of running around on Saturdays, then back to school on Sunday. The weekends feel less restful because of this for some reason. Also, it doesn't match up with the weekend back in the states which makes Skype calls sometimes tricky. And it makes it difficult to have sleep overs, but this is really okay with me. They aren't part of the culture here. As it is, our daughter has play dates just about every Thursday from after school till 7 or 8 p.m. Since we lack a nanny and a driver, we get to shuttle her all around the island. She has the nicest friends and I am so glad she gets the chance to play so often. New movies come out on Thursdays, so we actually saw the Lego Movie a full day plus of when it was available in the states. (Which my daughter thought was awesome). On weekends, lots of people come from Saudi Arabia to Bahrain. And they are the worst drivers! You can tell a Saudi driver before you see their license plate. The rules of the road just do not apply to them. And in Bahrain, the driving is already pretty creative, but they take the cake.
What surprises me most about this prompt is about how much I have gotten used to- and will really miss when we leave for a new adventure! The car insurance here is excellent- it goes with the car not the driver. It is a system that makes so much sense. I will miss the smell of incense at the grocery stores. I will miss the over the counter medications that you have to have a prescription for in the US- like eardrops for swimmers ear. I will miss how nice and formal everyone looks in their traditional clothing- Americans are kind of slobs to be honest. I will miss how friendly everyone is here. I will miss the gorgeous weather, the palm trees, the free or cheap cultural events, and how wonderfully child / family friendly everything is. I will miss shawarma, mixed grills and hummus. I will miss men letting me go first, because I am a lady. Most of all I will miss the people of course. But that is for another post...
Today's expat blog challenge prompt is "I will never get used to..."
About the weekends- I will never get used to them. Our work week is Sunday to Thursday, with Friday as our holy day and Saturday as our Saturday. I can't stop calling Friday Sunday. We are very religious and attend church on Fridays. We are so lucky to have that privilege here. We also try to keep Friday holy as our Sabbath- so no shopping, going out to eat, etc. We bake, take naps, do crafts, watch family movies, go to the park and visit friends on Fridays. But that means all the errands are on Saturdays. There is always a ton of running around on Saturdays, then back to school on Sunday. The weekends feel less restful because of this for some reason. Also, it doesn't match up with the weekend back in the states which makes Skype calls sometimes tricky. And it makes it difficult to have sleep overs, but this is really okay with me. They aren't part of the culture here. As it is, our daughter has play dates just about every Thursday from after school till 7 or 8 p.m. Since we lack a nanny and a driver, we get to shuttle her all around the island. She has the nicest friends and I am so glad she gets the chance to play so often. New movies come out on Thursdays, so we actually saw the Lego Movie a full day plus of when it was available in the states. (Which my daughter thought was awesome). On weekends, lots of people come from Saudi Arabia to Bahrain. And they are the worst drivers! You can tell a Saudi driver before you see their license plate. The rules of the road just do not apply to them. And in Bahrain, the driving is already pretty creative, but they take the cake.
What surprises me most about this prompt is about how much I have gotten used to- and will really miss when we leave for a new adventure! The car insurance here is excellent- it goes with the car not the driver. It is a system that makes so much sense. I will miss the smell of incense at the grocery stores. I will miss the over the counter medications that you have to have a prescription for in the US- like eardrops for swimmers ear. I will miss how nice and formal everyone looks in their traditional clothing- Americans are kind of slobs to be honest. I will miss how friendly everyone is here. I will miss the gorgeous weather, the palm trees, the free or cheap cultural events, and how wonderfully child / family friendly everything is. I will miss shawarma, mixed grills and hummus. I will miss men letting me go first, because I am a lady. Most of all I will miss the people of course. But that is for another post...
Friday, February 7, 2014
Pantry revisited
Hello, My name is Becky and I am an American living in Bahrain.
Today's expat blog challenge is: "Since moving abroad, my pantry looks different because…"
No ham.
That is the biggest difference. Pork is available in Bahrain, unlike most of the Middle East, in a few select markets catering to expats, but it is mostly British pork products. And we have been unlucky enough to purchase some of it that tasted like it defrosted and sat in a customs office before being refrozen and sold at an exorbitant amount to us poor suckers. We've been burned a few times in the three years we've been here. We have now learned our lesson and know it just isn't worth it- food poisoning is a high price to pay for a little taste of home.
I used to buy a whole ham every other month in the US, since it was a pretty cheap meat source. Ham and potatoes, ham in casserole, soups, on sandwiches. It fed us for several meals throughout the month.
After our first year, knowing that we had missed bacon, our families cooked whole packages of bacon which they served to us as we made our summer visits. But you can't really eat a while package of bacon in a sitting, no matter how much you've missed it. And we are kind of over the pork thing now.
We eat less meat here in general. We eat a lot of breakfast for dinner- waffles, omelets, crepes, quiche. I learned how to make lentil soup- which is the most Middle Eastern dish in my new repertoire. I also make a good eggplant dish called the Iman Swooned and a tomato cucumber salads.
I also decided to perfect an American apple pie, cinnamon rolls and homemade white bread. I think in some ways, moving overseas makes you more Americany- it made it more important for me to know how to make all of my taste of home- homemade holiday favorites. We also eat more nuts, more dates, more Nutella and less Goldfish crackers and cold cereal. My favorite swap is cheap American chocolate for heavenly European chocolate- yes please! Love it!
Food is expensive here, but labor is not, so it isn't that much more to go out to eat compared to buying everything and making it yourself- so we do go out a little more often. And shawarma is soooooo good and sooooo cheap- it really can't be beat. A once a month treat!
Today's expat blog challenge is: "Since moving abroad, my pantry looks different because…"
No ham.
That is the biggest difference. Pork is available in Bahrain, unlike most of the Middle East, in a few select markets catering to expats, but it is mostly British pork products. And we have been unlucky enough to purchase some of it that tasted like it defrosted and sat in a customs office before being refrozen and sold at an exorbitant amount to us poor suckers. We've been burned a few times in the three years we've been here. We have now learned our lesson and know it just isn't worth it- food poisoning is a high price to pay for a little taste of home.
I used to buy a whole ham every other month in the US, since it was a pretty cheap meat source. Ham and potatoes, ham in casserole, soups, on sandwiches. It fed us for several meals throughout the month.
After our first year, knowing that we had missed bacon, our families cooked whole packages of bacon which they served to us as we made our summer visits. But you can't really eat a while package of bacon in a sitting, no matter how much you've missed it. And we are kind of over the pork thing now.
We eat less meat here in general. We eat a lot of breakfast for dinner- waffles, omelets, crepes, quiche. I learned how to make lentil soup- which is the most Middle Eastern dish in my new repertoire. I also make a good eggplant dish called the Iman Swooned and a tomato cucumber salads.
I also decided to perfect an American apple pie, cinnamon rolls and homemade white bread. I think in some ways, moving overseas makes you more Americany- it made it more important for me to know how to make all of my taste of home- homemade holiday favorites. We also eat more nuts, more dates, more Nutella and less Goldfish crackers and cold cereal. My favorite swap is cheap American chocolate for heavenly European chocolate- yes please! Love it!
Food is expensive here, but labor is not, so it isn't that much more to go out to eat compared to buying everything and making it yourself- so we do go out a little more often. And shawarma is soooooo good and sooooo cheap- it really can't be beat. A once a month treat!
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Do it again?
Hello, My name is Becky and I'm an American living in Bahrain.
Today's expat blog challenge is: I would/would not move to another country after this. My answer is of course, definitely. It has been a great, enriching, broadening experience. I am so grateful I've had the chance to live in another country and culture and would jump at another chance like this. It has been great for our kids. It makes you look at your own culture and country with different eyes. I am able to appreciate it more and look at it more objectively and critically. I think the big thing that would surprise most Americans is what not a big deal we really are to most of the other world's day to day lives. I really don't have much else to say on this right now!
Today's expat blog challenge is: I would/would not move to another country after this. My answer is of course, definitely. It has been a great, enriching, broadening experience. I am so grateful I've had the chance to live in another country and culture and would jump at another chance like this. It has been great for our kids. It makes you look at your own culture and country with different eyes. I am able to appreciate it more and look at it more objectively and critically. I think the big thing that would surprise most Americans is what not a big deal we really are to most of the other world's day to day lives. I really don't have much else to say on this right now!
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
at the airport
The expat blog challenge prompt for today is: "When I was at the airport..."
I think 90% of expats have better airport stories than me. Some of my most vivid airport moments:
Sleeping in the Schiphol airport's baby room- dark and heavenly although we had to curl up funny on the bench.
Going through the most stringent extra security in Schiphol. The then toddler's diaper leaked during the flight and a change of clothes unavailable. Was going to buy him a t-shirt to wear during the layover, but once we entered the gate, we went through extra security and couldn't leave. Just wearing a diaper, he got selected for an extra pat down at the gate. You go ahead there security workers. You are welcome to whatever you find in there!
Frantically trying to make a flight in Frankfurt- where you have to exit one part of the airport and go to another miles away. Going through security all over again + a tight connection = thank goodness we made it with both of our kids and our carry ons.
The TSA agent, who after a grueling international flight, gave every single kid in the very, very long line WHISTLES! It was deafening. I didn't even try to stop my kids from blowing theirs because the genie was out of the bottle.
I think 90% of expats have better airport stories than me. Some of my most vivid airport moments:
Sleeping in the Schiphol airport's baby room- dark and heavenly although we had to curl up funny on the bench.
Going through the most stringent extra security in Schiphol. The then toddler's diaper leaked during the flight and a change of clothes unavailable. Was going to buy him a t-shirt to wear during the layover, but once we entered the gate, we went through extra security and couldn't leave. Just wearing a diaper, he got selected for an extra pat down at the gate. You go ahead there security workers. You are welcome to whatever you find in there!
Frantically trying to make a flight in Frankfurt- where you have to exit one part of the airport and go to another miles away. Going through security all over again + a tight connection = thank goodness we made it with both of our kids and our carry ons.
The TSA agent, who after a grueling international flight, gave every single kid in the very, very long line WHISTLES! It was deafening. I didn't even try to stop my kids from blowing theirs because the genie was out of the bottle.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Looking back
Hello, my name is Becky and I am an American expat living in Bahrain.
For today's challenge, we are supposed to look at post number five of our blog and reflect how we have changed, how our writing has changed, etc.
I merged this blog with an older blog, so if I start with that older blog's entries, I was in a much different place. I think the entry was about making a kissing ball for Valentine's Day- a still uncompleted project I am pretty sure is stored in my parent's garage!
And we weren't telling anyone, but we were looking for overseas jobs. We were looking in the Middle East in particular and watching the news closely as the Arab Spring exploded in the region. (He got a job in Bahrain a few months later!)
I had a beautiful (but sick that week) one year-old, a fun first grader, a broken cat and a mouse in the house that would not be caught. My husband was super busy with work, school, church and house projects. I was trying to be a super-mom, a good wife, a good friend; blogging about crafting, DIYing, cooking and sharing online shopping scores. I had a bad case of the Februaries and was scared to wonder what the future held.
My blog was at that time, my way of faking it. My way of focusing on the positive and selectively editing my life. I hoped it would make me happier and more grateful. I also wanted to be that cute mommy blogger. And reading those first few posts, I realize how far I've come.
I have mellowed a lot. Doing something big like this- leaving it all behind and starting new has made me realize I am tough. I have more faith, more self-confidence, more experience, more wisdom, more maturity and more happiness than then. Thank goodness! I think I am also more authentic, which is good. But I used to write a lot more too- I'll have to challenge myself to keep this up after February is over!
For today's challenge, we are supposed to look at post number five of our blog and reflect how we have changed, how our writing has changed, etc.
I merged this blog with an older blog, so if I start with that older blog's entries, I was in a much different place. I think the entry was about making a kissing ball for Valentine's Day- a still uncompleted project I am pretty sure is stored in my parent's garage!
And we weren't telling anyone, but we were looking for overseas jobs. We were looking in the Middle East in particular and watching the news closely as the Arab Spring exploded in the region. (He got a job in Bahrain a few months later!)
I had a beautiful (but sick that week) one year-old, a fun first grader, a broken cat and a mouse in the house that would not be caught. My husband was super busy with work, school, church and house projects. I was trying to be a super-mom, a good wife, a good friend; blogging about crafting, DIYing, cooking and sharing online shopping scores. I had a bad case of the Februaries and was scared to wonder what the future held.
My blog was at that time, my way of faking it. My way of focusing on the positive and selectively editing my life. I hoped it would make me happier and more grateful. I also wanted to be that cute mommy blogger. And reading those first few posts, I realize how far I've come.
I have mellowed a lot. Doing something big like this- leaving it all behind and starting new has made me realize I am tough. I have more faith, more self-confidence, more experience, more wisdom, more maturity and more happiness than then. Thank goodness! I think I am also more authentic, which is good. But I used to write a lot more too- I'll have to challenge myself to keep this up after February is over!
Monday, February 3, 2014
An object that makes me feel at home...
Hello, My name is Becky and I am an American living in Bahrain.
Okay- I know this is unusual, but the object that makes me feel at home is my travel alarm clock. It is my only alarm clock. I've had one of these for 15 years now. After my alarm clock bit the dust the night before a big early morning final sophomore year, my then-boyfriend loaned me his. I fell in love. With the alarm clock. (I returned it, bought my own, and broke up with boy.) My Timex Indiglow Travel Alarm Clock woke me up faithfully for the remainder of college, then on my wedding day. I checked the time on it when I couldn't sleep in the middle of the night when pregnant with my kids. Checked it compulsively the nights before big events or anytime we had to catch a plane in the morning. I bought several (four or five) at once so I would always have one after my first broke. It is small, keeps time well, the alarm is reliable and it glows blue when you hit the button so you can check the time during the middle of the night. It is pretty functional. My son just melted the buttons on mine by putting it on the light bulb of my bedside lamp and it caused me a little bit of panic, until I appropriated my husband's identical clock for myself and gave him the melted one. It is a little thing that gives me such great security. Because I know that with it, I can go anywhere and be on time for my flight. Other gadgets may out date, but my trusty alarm clock is a constant in my life and I am so grateful no matter where I may roam, having it on my bedside table makes me feel at home.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
"Not all those who wander are lost..."
Hello, my name is Becky and I am an American living in Bahrain.
Today's expat blog challenge prompt is the J.R.R. Tolkien quote "Not all those who wander are lost." To be honest, when I hear this quote, I think of all the hippies in my hometown, Portland, Oregon USA. Many have this quote on their VW bugs. I can practically smell the patchouli.
But it is interesting. While not a hippie or hipster, I do think I am a product of the American west. On my mom's side, my ancestors were Mormon pioneer stock. When I was living in Utah, I learned just how many different places my relatives had settled. I marveled at their stories of selling all their belongings, traveling from Europe to the US via boat, then trekking via covered wagon and handcart to a wild and desolate place and trying to eek out a living. Lots of tales of hardship. But they were driven by faith they were called to go Utah Territory, a place where they could practice their religion in peace and make the desert bloom like a rose through hard work and determination.
My dad is an immigrant. His family came over from Europe when he was young seeking economic opportunities not available to them at home. They said goodbye to family and friends and left for parts unknown. Modern pioneers. And they realized the dream of the American middle class.
Oregon, where I grew up, is also full of pioneer heritage. We learned about Lewis and Clark and the Oregon Trail in school. I think legacies of that pioneer heritage is a firm belief in the American dream- but more than that- maybe a belief that you can chase / carve out a destiny and truly reinvent yourself and at if you work hard enough and a certain grit or moxie. When I first read the Little House on the Prairie books, I really got Pa's desire to go west and was a little sad all the wild places were now settled.
But not quite. After a decade settled in a small farming town, we found ourselves with the same desire to seek out something else. Economic / career opportunities, adventure, a different life. Plus there was that knowledge we were going for a purpose- we felt led by God to make this huge jump and go overseas- specifically to the Middle East.
I think my grandparents understood us going better than other family and friends. And after being here, I feel like I understand my grandmother more in particular. The first few days alone in a strange country, at home with a little one, isolated. Husband and child busy with work and school. And everything felt so strange and I felt so alone. And Bahrain isn't that tough at all. Most everyone speaks English and it is a small island- how lost can you get? She didn't speak English when they came to America. She told me once she learned by watching soaps. At my most homesick, I thought of her, took a deep breath and threw myself into finding my way and making a new home here.
My family and I never really wandered or felt lost. We went towards something, steadfastly and resolutely. I wonder now what new frontiers or adventures my children will feel drawn to and what their reasons for going will be.
Today's expat blog challenge prompt is the J.R.R. Tolkien quote "Not all those who wander are lost." To be honest, when I hear this quote, I think of all the hippies in my hometown, Portland, Oregon USA. Many have this quote on their VW bugs. I can practically smell the patchouli.
But it is interesting. While not a hippie or hipster, I do think I am a product of the American west. On my mom's side, my ancestors were Mormon pioneer stock. When I was living in Utah, I learned just how many different places my relatives had settled. I marveled at their stories of selling all their belongings, traveling from Europe to the US via boat, then trekking via covered wagon and handcart to a wild and desolate place and trying to eek out a living. Lots of tales of hardship. But they were driven by faith they were called to go Utah Territory, a place where they could practice their religion in peace and make the desert bloom like a rose through hard work and determination.
My dad is an immigrant. His family came over from Europe when he was young seeking economic opportunities not available to them at home. They said goodbye to family and friends and left for parts unknown. Modern pioneers. And they realized the dream of the American middle class.
Oregon, where I grew up, is also full of pioneer heritage. We learned about Lewis and Clark and the Oregon Trail in school. I think legacies of that pioneer heritage is a firm belief in the American dream- but more than that- maybe a belief that you can chase / carve out a destiny and truly reinvent yourself and at if you work hard enough and a certain grit or moxie. When I first read the Little House on the Prairie books, I really got Pa's desire to go west and was a little sad all the wild places were now settled.
But not quite. After a decade settled in a small farming town, we found ourselves with the same desire to seek out something else. Economic / career opportunities, adventure, a different life. Plus there was that knowledge we were going for a purpose- we felt led by God to make this huge jump and go overseas- specifically to the Middle East.
I think my grandparents understood us going better than other family and friends. And after being here, I feel like I understand my grandmother more in particular. The first few days alone in a strange country, at home with a little one, isolated. Husband and child busy with work and school. And everything felt so strange and I felt so alone. And Bahrain isn't that tough at all. Most everyone speaks English and it is a small island- how lost can you get? She didn't speak English when they came to America. She told me once she learned by watching soaps. At my most homesick, I thought of her, took a deep breath and threw myself into finding my way and making a new home here.
My family and I never really wandered or felt lost. We went towards something, steadfastly and resolutely. I wonder now what new frontiers or adventures my children will feel drawn to and what their reasons for going will be.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
The view from where I write...
I am doing a 28 day expat blogging challenge in February, which will be good for my neglected blog. I hope family and friends can hang in there through all the prompts! Today's prompt is "The view from where I write."
I write at my desk, facing the cream colored wall. In front of me is "The Mortal Instruments" box set- trashy teen literature- guilty pleasure and birthday gift- that I need to put in the give away box. Also on my desk is a desk lamp that hasn't worked the whole three years we've lived here (it came furnished) but that I used to dry toddler underwear when we were potty training and our dryer was broken and I couldn't wash tighty whiteys fast enough. And of course, the stack of insurance claims I need to submit for reimbursement and my recipe pile. I keep meaning to type these neatly up and print them out again, but it never happens. They are scribbled out on scratch paper. Most of them have no titles, so I have to read the ingredients and puzzle out what it must be and also no directions other than a temperature and time. But it has worked okay for me! Some of them have made it into page protectors in a white binder along with my kids' artwork and newspaper clippings. I need to do a paper purge so we'll be traveling light once more this summer, but I am so caught up in the day to day tasks that this doesn't seem to ever happen. If I look up, I spot temptation. In my shadowbox / wall décor (also came with the place) is a tin of Cavendish and Harvey Mixed Fruit Drops. I don't usually like hard candy, but these are really good and I love to mindlessly reach for them. What I love most about writing in my room is that behind me is a huge window where doves, sparrows, finches and white cheeked bulbuls perch, cheeping, cooing and fluttering. Whenever the neighborhood cats try to wander through our backyard, I try to hiss at them, because already, my lizards have disappeared and my birds are significantly less thanks to the increase in felines on the street. I miss the lizards, which used to scurry out of the rosemary every time I watered. Looking out over my backyard, taken up with a sand table, plywood pirate ship, toy motorcycle and trampoline, sidewalk chalk scattered everywhere, I reflect how lucky I am to live here in this beautiful country and to have an outdoor space for my children. And how lucky I am for them, even if it does mean every space in my whole house- inside and out- looks like a WalMart Black Friday toy aisle. I see the hibiscus and oleander and other tropical shrubs, the blue sunny skies, so different from the forest green and grey of the Pacific Northwest. (So grateful that I don't get the Februarys here! I think seasonal depression in Seattle and Portland can run from October through April because it is just grey and wet and cold the whole time!) I love it. What was unfamiliar has become familiar and will be so missed when we eventually leave it behind for a new view. Although I will not miss that rugby ball sized bee nest in that prickly acacia tree and all the bugs that live in the dense groundcover in that scary corner of our garden that I never visit!
I write at my desk, facing the cream colored wall. In front of me is "The Mortal Instruments" box set- trashy teen literature- guilty pleasure and birthday gift- that I need to put in the give away box. Also on my desk is a desk lamp that hasn't worked the whole three years we've lived here (it came furnished) but that I used to dry toddler underwear when we were potty training and our dryer was broken and I couldn't wash tighty whiteys fast enough. And of course, the stack of insurance claims I need to submit for reimbursement and my recipe pile. I keep meaning to type these neatly up and print them out again, but it never happens. They are scribbled out on scratch paper. Most of them have no titles, so I have to read the ingredients and puzzle out what it must be and also no directions other than a temperature and time. But it has worked okay for me! Some of them have made it into page protectors in a white binder along with my kids' artwork and newspaper clippings. I need to do a paper purge so we'll be traveling light once more this summer, but I am so caught up in the day to day tasks that this doesn't seem to ever happen. If I look up, I spot temptation. In my shadowbox / wall décor (also came with the place) is a tin of Cavendish and Harvey Mixed Fruit Drops. I don't usually like hard candy, but these are really good and I love to mindlessly reach for them. What I love most about writing in my room is that behind me is a huge window where doves, sparrows, finches and white cheeked bulbuls perch, cheeping, cooing and fluttering. Whenever the neighborhood cats try to wander through our backyard, I try to hiss at them, because already, my lizards have disappeared and my birds are significantly less thanks to the increase in felines on the street. I miss the lizards, which used to scurry out of the rosemary every time I watered. Looking out over my backyard, taken up with a sand table, plywood pirate ship, toy motorcycle and trampoline, sidewalk chalk scattered everywhere, I reflect how lucky I am to live here in this beautiful country and to have an outdoor space for my children. And how lucky I am for them, even if it does mean every space in my whole house- inside and out- looks like a WalMart Black Friday toy aisle. I see the hibiscus and oleander and other tropical shrubs, the blue sunny skies, so different from the forest green and grey of the Pacific Northwest. (So grateful that I don't get the Februarys here! I think seasonal depression in Seattle and Portland can run from October through April because it is just grey and wet and cold the whole time!) I love it. What was unfamiliar has become familiar and will be so missed when we eventually leave it behind for a new view. Although I will not miss that rugby ball sized bee nest in that prickly acacia tree and all the bugs that live in the dense groundcover in that scary corner of our garden that I never visit!
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