Picking up the Pieces

I can't begin to tell you how excited I am about my new journey. I am going to be able to see areas of the world that I NEVER thought I would see.

As a teacher, I knew that I wasn't going to be able to become a "world" traveler on my salary, so this job will allow me the opportunity to fulfill my dreams of seeing the world and seeing new things. This is an opportunity of a lifetime, that I couldn't resist....

With this journey, I have to detach from certain belongings and take BIG steps to learning how to leave behind the people and things that I love.

First and foremost,

My family and friends:

I love them and love that they are being so supportive! I hate that Dubai is so far away, but it is. They always say, " those that stick with you through the rough, the easy, and the different, are those of true friendship." This is a LONG way to continue being apart of a family, continuing a friendship, or a member of a BUNCO group, but I willl be back. Stick with me through this journey....stay in touch, keep being supportive, etc. I will come back to you....probably far more improved, a better person, and with so many cool stories!

My pets:

My parents have agreed to take and care for my 2 dogs and 1 cat for the two years that I am gone. I can't begin to express how grateful I am, as I know TWO dogs and a cat are a lot to handle....ecspecially my shar-pei, Ninna. I know they will grow to love my three treasures as much as I do! I couldn't think of two better people to take them.

My home:

As many of you know, I just recently bought a home (a year ago). I have put a huge amount of blood, tears, sweat, and hard work into this home. It is my pride and joy (aside from my family, friends, and pets) and have enjoyed seeing the progress I have made. Well, the home is on the market for lease. I am fearful of this, and I hope that I am proven wrong. Feel free to drive by when you are in the neighborhood and check on it! :)

So, here we are.....the room-mate has moved out, a POD is sitting in my driveway, and I am boxing/packing up my belongings to move out. My bags will be packed within the next couple of weeks and I will be ready to go!

The Start of all the NEW adventures

After a lot of consideration and thinking, I wanted to change my career. So, I started taking classes to fulfill the rest of my nursing requirements the summer of 2009, which I have almost completed. Little did I know, I would be making an even bigger change!

Technology is an amazing thing! I have become addicted (along with so many others) to Itunes, Facebook, craigslist, email, Iphones, IPODS, flatscreen tvs, etc. Visits to craigslist has become a frequent hobby of mine; you can find some AWESOME things on there! As they say, "one man's trash is another man's treasure." (so true!) Amongst the furniture I was viewing, the biggest change of my life/career was to appear....that is right....the new part of my life was a click away!

I had clicked the job details, for 2010 teachers in the UAE. I read, read, and read......clicked the X to close....this would NEVER work, my family would think I was NUTS! Low and behold, my father would send me to the same craigslist ad the following morning.

Half heartedly, I think he was kidding, but has undoubtedly become proud of the decision I am making. After thinking about it endlessly, I decided to apply, what would that hurt? Knowing I wouldn't get the job, since I was ONE of 900 that they were going to hire world wide, I hit the send button....across the web my application went.

It was days later that I would be signed up for a telephone interview that following Saturday. After two telephone interviews, you would find out if you would make it, for the final personal interview. As you can guess by now, I made it all the way through. :)

My mother and I took a trip to Dallas, where I would interview with the Abu Dhabi Education Council. Now, you think interviewing with fellow Americans is nerve racking? Well, try interviewing with a group of individuals that have COMPLETELY different views, languages, views, etc. EVERYTHING that we do in America that isn't offensive, IS offensive to them. I spend days on end GOOGLE-ing "how to interview with Arabs/Muslims", "being female in a Muslim community", etc. I was confident that I wasn't going to offend these people!

If you are still reading, you can only guess, I got through the interview, obviously didn't offend anyone, and was OFFERED the job!!

March 10th- this was the start of a GRUELING process.

Filling out applications, security forms, waiting in line for FOUR hours for a passport renewal, etc.

But, long story short, here we are today.....With passport in hand, international driver's license, brand new luggage, and a POD sitting in my driveway.....I need my bags packed by the end of July and I am off!

So, stick with me and I will take you through the journey of a new place, new people, new culture, new experiences, and a new job. :)