Irritating VS Invigorating

Posted on August 21, 2014 by TheJessicaness
Sparky enjoying the shade in the afternoon

Sparky enjoying the shade in the afternoon

Caleb slept in this morning. I took him to work, had Cheerios, and made overnight oatmeal before having another bowl with pear pieces, while doing some trip planning for Abu Dhabi trying to minimise taxi usage. I read about Ganesh Chaturthi, the Dragster Xperience at Bahrain International Circuit, and Bo Stern’s opinion on the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

I took a nap from 2:30 to 4pm, after eating leftover coconut curry for lunch. This gave me the energy needed to rinse the chunks of desert off the windshield, only making the rest of the car look worse, so I splashed some water on it for that dripping dirt look, then watered the two plants – one providing shade and the other dying on the ground.

Took the dogs out and was feeling motivated to work out. I went upstairs, grabbed my exercise clothes, and then remembered that the power upstairs wasn’t working yesterday. I plugged in the treadmill and still no juice, so I will have to wait for Kamal for that, but I don’t have to wait on him to ride my bike around Amwaj Islands – twice in 30 minutes.

When the sand is blowing in my face it’s irritating, but when the wind is cooling me off it’s invigorating. With just my bike it was hard to tell time, but I found two people who had their phones when I finished a lap. I brought my lights with me, but the front one is loose and the street lights bright enough and traffic light enough that it wasn’t an issue.

Sparky feeling like people while Caleb is gone

Sparky feeling like people while Caleb is gone

I got honked at once or twice, and not for lane obstruction. I had another car drive slowly behind me for a block before passing safely. The lanes here are wide enough to give me 2 to 3 feet of space. Some go out of their way to go around, like I do sometimes, but others are more likely to stay in the lane – and I’m fine with that. I don’t want them trying to pass and getting in a head-on collision next to me.

Back home at 7:30 and I debate jumping in the canal, but the water is still warm. Upstairs for a cold shower that feels amazing. Today was slack, but tomorrow I will be busy with laundry and scrubbing porcelain and marble.

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A Drunken Stupor

Posted on July 30, 2014 by TheJessicaness

I got to have a late breakfast with Coral and Preston. The place was packed and they had special menu items, like fruit salad and home-fries. I went to Lulu’s to buy baby socks and rubber bands so I can walk the dogs on the bricks in the heat of the day.  I got a small hazelnut gelato, after the guard got the lady’s attention, as she was standing behind a column eating chips. This would be my first time eating and driving in Bahrain. 

I had passed the first sentry to drive on base and was waiting to show my credentials to the second when the security bars came down and we had to wait for a blacked-out SUV to come in the exit and disappear through a special gate. I was told that it was our people — the men in black. I went to the bank to get our first rent check for $2,769.95. 

Two people had to handle the transaction because it’s over $2,500. I waited, showed my two forms of ID, and then went upstairs to the cash exchange and got a check for BD 1041 made out to Mr. Husain. I waited 30 minutes for Caleb to get off work just to have him tell me to go home because the boss wouldn’t let him leave. An hour later he’s ready. We went to Lulu’s to exchange one of the ‘pairs’ of socks I bought as it only came with one sock. The process was easier than I thought, but I had picked the only one with ladybugs on them and settled for matching yellow panda socks for both pups. 

I thought we’d go by the new place so Caleb could get a look at it before we move in, but we went to Señor Pacos where some of the guys were going too. We order the spicy salsa and then OG, Douglas, and CK show up and order two pitchers of margaritas; CK orders another pitcher and then another. There’s a couple – one on the guitar and the other on the microphone singing karaoke. 

The guys had arrived by taxi and had planned on pouring themselves back into one. We found our way through the souq and then Douglas took the wheel to reverse us out when I got us stuck in a dead-end. A couple of local guys noticed our predicament and told us to follow them and then followed us when we got lost again until we found the Grand Mosque.

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A Day Out With the Girls

Posted on July 29, 2014 by TheJessicaness

I got woken up at 5:43 to take Caleb to work and came back to the room to sleep from 7 – 8:30am. I went to breakfast, where I met Coral and her four-month-old son. Met with Eloise and Carole after and we went to Starbucks on American Alley. We met Kyle and his wife India with their one-year-old daughter Sparrow, and Keri Pate with two kids – a young girl running around, Addison, and a two-month-old boy, Eddie Jr.

Eloise drove us to Coco’s and we talked for a while waiting on the check. We got back to the room and I went to the Joz Salon on the second floor for a haircut by Naroshi from Sri Lanka. She gave me some beautiful layers and a blow dry for BD 8 in 30 minutes.

I somehow managed to drive through the souq and parked in front of the British Council and waited ten minutes for Priya’s husband to drop her off so we could drive around and find dinner; she likes getting lost with me. She suggested Lanterns – an Indian buffet that serves pani puri — in Budhiya because it’s cheaper than the one in Adliya. 

I had already managed to drive us closer to the museum, but we turned around, passed the restaurant, U-turned and then made another U-turn to find it under the new name Wholesales. We had the buffet to ourselves and before we ate Priya gifted me with a small bag and some bindi. Their purpose is to enhance the powers of one accessing their inner wisdom, to interpret things in a truthful, unbiased manner and forsake their ego.

We didn’t find our way to the National Museum until 7:45pm. We walked to the main entrance and the guard asked the room full of guards for directions — go down the road and back… the marina club. We met a couple in the parking lot that pointed to the glass building; that’s what I thought but it didn’t look busy. We decided to walk over anyway and the man there told us the place was closed and the show was canceled. That bummed us out but we weren’t ready to go home yet so we headed to Bin Khalifa Park. 

We missed the turn, U-turned by the base, then U-turned again and were able to find parking directly across from the observation tower with Koffiatto Coffee & Tea House at the top, near the art camels. We went left towards the water and fishing area, then did a lap by the fountains, workout equipment, picnics, bike riding, paddle boating, etc. We started to do another lap so we could try some of the equipment and were waiting on these two guys to finish.

When I sat down I thought the guy offered to take a picture of me with my phone, but he wanted one with me from his buddy’s phone, so Priya took a photo of that and then asked that they take one of her with me – it’s not that great, but we have the memory. We sat on the wall near the water for a bit and the car next to mine was smoking hashish and was letting the smoke out when we walked up.

We had no problem getting to the house around 9:30 and she invited me in. I took my shoes off inside. There is a pile of flip-flops on both sides of the door. She brings out a dress for me to try on and says if it fits I can keep it. She has two large pictures of her daughter, Lolly, on the wall. Her daughter’s name starts with a V but is difficult to pronounce, hence the nickname.

Priya noticed it was 10pm and asked if I was tired yet as I was still so full of energy. I could’ve stayed for another hour or two but I excused myself letting her know I had to get home to walk the dogs. She and her husband walked me to the car and said goodnight. I had no problem navigating back to the hotel.

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The First Day of Eid-Fitr

Posted on July 28, 2014 by TheJessicaness

Set my alarm for 45 minutes so my nap would match the dryer and woke up five minutes prior just to take wet clothes out. Lesson learned: don’t set the dryer for 30 minutes when clothes still come out moist after two hours. I have no idea what goes on inside that little machine.

The internet was slow so I decided to read. The houseboy complains about his lack of vacation to the Philippine embassy and was given two months pay in one check to compensate. He can’t wait to transfer if and when he gets the chance — what he shares with me while he cleans. I see the same two guards that are here every day – one to cover day and the other night. I was going to bring up wages with him, but another guy came in and interrupted our conversation.

Picked Caleb and Douglas up at 5:30pm after scraping the side of the rental car on the black and yellow ramp leaving the hotel because I turned too soon. The security guard said I was ok on their end as there was no damage to property except fresh paint removal, but as for the rental, well… There is a dent I’m hoping Caleb can pop out and wash off the yellow. The door works, but the rear passenger rim is scraped too.

We dropped off Douglas at the Al Safir so he could pay his bill and hung out with Carole for a minute before Eloise showed up and drove us girls to Starbucks at the Lagoon where we stayed until 8:30pm. I ordered the house dark roast, a mocha cookie frappucino, and an Oreo brownie (the only one to order food). We sat in front of the portable A/C and talked about here: getting, living, and doing things.

I have dinner with Caleb at 9pm and walk the dogs in the cool of night — 96* F.

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Days Before Eid-Fitr

Posted on July 27, 2014 by TheJessicaness

Blurry Eyed

But still I wake. I told Dad I was signing the lease today and checked our bank account to see that we still haven’t been paid. Working out so early in the morning doesn’t seem so bad as your body isn’t fully registering what’s going on.

I picked Caleb up at 9:30 and we went to PSD (personnel support dept.) where he was able to talk PSC (the chief) into putting our payment into the system while Caleb waited. I went by the gate to escort Mahesh (property manager) in through security. We walked to housing together and didn’t get checked-in to our appointment until 15 minutes past. We got called back, read through the lease quickly, asked some questions, signed everything, it all got stamped and copied, and we were good to go.

Caleb stayed behind to get a copy of the lease to send up his chain of command for advanced OHA (overseas housing allowance) to make sure we have enough rent money in a week while I walked Mahesh back to the gate so he could get on with his day. I have to remind him to take the vacuum cleaner and microwave and he will give me the keys, security card, and maintenance guys number before we move in. Our first month’s rent will be via check and then Mahesh can give us the deposit slip to set up direct deposit. Him and Diane (realtor) will split the first check anyway.

Caleb said it took so long because there was a misunderstanding. The guy said he had to log into his computer when he had the form right there, but he got a copy and we walked to the NEX for a six pound bag of dog food that costs $18. It will be nice next week when we move in and can buy in bulk. Then we got veggie supreme bagels for lunch and found a table by Taco Bell since the lounge is closed for renovation.

I took Caleb back to work and as he got out of the car I recognised Aaron Tejada from the Gladiator crew from Christie’s house the other night. I asked if he needed a ride and dropped him off at the roundabout before going home. I called about HHG (household goods) and they should be here August 3rd. We move in August 1st so that leaves me with two nights on the couch cuddling with blankets. I told Caleb I had a towel, but remember there is no shower curtain; perhaps a splash bath then. 

I grabbed our inventory and a copy of the blueprints and tried to figure out where all our stuff will go – mostly so I can tell the movers what goes upstairs and downstairs. They can do all the heavy lifting and Caleb can adjust as necessary, but for that reason I believe the toolbox and treadmill (also for noise) will stay downstairs. I just thought… for the first time, we could each have our own bathroom, not just a separate poo room for Caleb.

After that, I was going to blog, but got distracted. I thought I might read, but attempted to blog again and ended up reading for a bit. I’m getting hungry and it’s close to concert time. Caleb is going to get changed out of uniform which means I should be leaving. I pick him up and we head to the dry-side of base. Before the show started at 6:15 we went to the NEX to buy a transformer so Caleb can charge his phone and ran into the CO (commanding officer) on the way out the door. His face reminds me of his son’s. We listen to the same song live that I heard on YouTube. 

*I can’t find pictures and have no idea what concert we went to.

We drove to Al Safir and ate iftar at Yalla Yalla. I had a dark red drink — a British cherry soft drink – Vimto that reminded me of flat Dr. Pepper. It was BD 20.210 for the meal, including the large bottle of water. We were gifted with a box of sesame balls. We walk around two blocks to help settle the food and then walk the dogs when we get home at 8pm. Caleb was invited to a house-warming party earlier, but hadn’t gotten the address. Douglas calls, then OG to find out where we are. They finally send the address and we leave the house at 9:30 not expecting to stay long.

Cannard-Kelly aka Kinder Joy was already upstairs, passed out. It was just the four of us as the other roommate, Hallman, was on duty. We drove down all three streets with the same number and then reversed to park in front of their compound gate. The place is beautiful and the cheaper the location, the nicer the furnishings. I made myself at home, went to the fridge, grabbed a Dos Equis and then got a tour and went with Caleb to the roof where I climbed a ladder to see what was at the very top.

Downstairs we got a game of beer pong going and we started out well but finished last. Then came shots. I had chocolate cream, OG got whatever Caleb mixed him, and Douglas had Hennessy. I was the one to decide we should get in the pool. I took my over-shirt off, borrowed a pair of Douglas’ shorts, and we all get in – well I didn’t get my head wet. The water was cold compared to our surroundings, but felt nice. 

Caleb figured it was time to go. I grabbed two slices of chicken BBQ pizza, and we gave OG a ride to his room a few blocks away. I didn’t realize it had gotten so late. We got carried away in conversation and had stayed out until 2:30. We had been offered a room, but made it back to ours at 3am. So much for that curfew thing again.

Last Night is Wearing Off

Got home, found parking in front of the room, and let the dogs out, sans leash, to pee. Then came back inside, tossed my wet clothes about, and passed out. I would wake up hearing Caleb move around as he walked the dogs and took a shower. He came back to bed for the next two hours until I was ready to get up before noon, shower and have chips and cheese for lunch. Today would’ve been perfect for a Friday brunch, but after a night at the buffet… maybe not.

I paint my nails and watch TV while we wait for them to dry. We go to the NEX around 2pm and buy a 12pk of Budweiser, a 24pk of Dos Equis Amber, 2 bags of Doritos, 2 cans of jalapeño cheddar dip, 2 cans of biscuits, 2 boxes of pasta salad, and a large watermelon from Lulu’s ($70) and take two guys back to the house after stopping to get BD 2 of gas. We park in the garage and carry everything inside. Douglas already has the ribs in the oven waiting for lighter fluid for the charcoal on the grill. I stock the fridge, then Caleb and I play two games of pool while the other four guys get to cooking all the other food — ribs, chicken, sausages, collard greens, chili, and mac-n-cheese.

It was dark before we ate and we talked around the table before slowly migrating outside so people could smoke. I stood the humidity because the door was open and I caught the draft when the A/C came on. Two girls showed up to help eat all the food and we left at 9pm. We’ll be back in the morning to pick up Douglas for duty with Caleb tomorrow. Then we can come back Sunday and help eat any surviving leftovers.

Checking Out Yet?

Up at 5:15 and jolted out of bed by my alarm. I lay back down for 15 minutes to realign my equilibrium before getting in the car. We arrive in front of Douglas’ at 5:50 and Caleb calls to tell him to bring his water bottle with him – the one he forgot in the fridge last night. I drop them off and then nap from 8 to 11:30 when I get a call from the front desk. Today marks our 45th day (when most military people should be checking out), but I tell her we won’t be doing that until 11am on the 1st which will put us at 50 days in the most expensive hotel we’ve ever stayed at.

I found out last night that two of the guys extended out here because they found a sweet place to live, they’re making tons of money, and they didn’t want to leave Caleb all alone with a totally new crew in a year… that’s cute.

I read about anorexia diets and watched girls aged 11-14 post videos about whether they are pretty or not on YouTube. There is so much out there (in the Internet) that I’m glad wasn’t around when I was in high school. I don’t think many people had it bad, but kids these days just make it worse on themselves – and keep the proof.

I got into an hour or two of choosing washi tape. I wanted cool designs, but a decent length at a good price; then there are delivery fees. I checked on Amazon and Caleb had picked the wrong seller for the shoes he wanted because they wouldn’t ship to Bahrain, so he got online at work, picked out a pair, found a cheaper pair of socks, and ordered stuff. I like having something to look forward to in the mailbox; I should get a pen-pal.

I decide to blog and then Caleb distracts me online for an hour. I took the dogs out four times today, saw Carole, and paid another ten days on the room.

Can’t Help Myself

The alarm wasn’t as aggressive this morning and I slept until 6:45. There was only one other guy in the breakfast room shuffling papers about and when he left, the man tending to his needs had nothing to do but stare at me while I ate and he offered me a mango-strawberry juice milk. I thanked him, grabbed an apple and an egg, and left.

Picked up Caleb at 2:42 and went back to PSD to submit advanced OHA. We talked to Carole and Jason in the parking lot for 30 minutes and then went to Lulu’s for mini-pizza, fried bananas, juice, and cheese. 

I bought a ridiculous amount of washi tape!

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