it's officially official...I think

I got good news today: the paperwork that needed to be signed got signed by the people who needed to sign it.  I'm officially moving to Kuwait!  But here's the thing: everything that has transpired over the last year has taught me to not get excited or disappointed about anything until it actually happens, and I've conditioned myself so well that when I did get the news today I didn't feel much of anything at all.  A friend of mine said it's because deep down I knew Kuwait is where I was going to end up the whole time.  Either that or I'm still protecting myself, making sure to keep on an even keel until I'm physically unpacking boxes in my new apartment in Kuwait.  Pretty sure it's the latter.  But let's not focus on my emotional numbness - the paperwork has been signed!  We're one step closer!

The first week of this four-month, seven-country tour was in Kuwait, getting to know my new city, my new office, my new people.  The second week was in my beloved Dubai, same hotel, same room as my last stay.  I got the most amazing welcome home (and it really did feel like home) from the staff - lots of hugging going on.  Dubai is my playground and I played a lot that week.  I also worked a lot.  But I played a lot, too.  And now I'm in my second hotel in two weeks in Muscat, Oman...not because I'm physically incapable of staying in one place for more than a week (although that might be part of it), but because it has nicer bathrooms than the last one.  Since this is the longest stop I have on this tour - four whole weeks! - I want to be comfortable, and nice bathrooms are my benchmark for comfort.  It's the little things.  The embassy community here is amazing, and the country is absolutely gorgeous.  Mountains, oceans, and deserts all in one little country.

Now I'm going to talk about something I've been avoiding for a while because I'm still very much in denial that it happened: my dear friend Mary Martin died a few days before I left DC last month.  Mary will always be one of the most inspiring people I've ever met - she suffered no fools, and showed boundless love to those she cared about.  On the occasion of my 30th birthday, soon after ArtStream's first annual gala (where choice words were used by some to describe yours truly), she sent me this:

"As I am almost twice as old as you are I have some advice on the Bitch dilemma faced by fabulous women everywhere.  Bitch is the term used by feckless momes to describe women who are smarter, better looking, more competent and fearless about actually getting the work done.  Embrace it as a complement...When they let you know they think you're a bitch, feel proud because even they know you have just saved them from themselves.  Rock on!!!!"

She said a lot more in that note but I need to keep some things for myself.  ArtStream will always be in my heart for so many reasons, but especially for giving me Mary.  I know she is no longer here on this earth but she will always, always be with us.  Deep breaths, one thing at a time, everything is as it should be.

The Gulf as seen from the shores of Kuwait. 

This is a giant Omani frankincense burner.  Seriously. 

Gamels.

The fabulous Mary Martin.