What's up Homes?

Home has always been a word that I reserved for Fremont, Wisconsin where I grew up and learned how to use my hands, hunt, fish, curse, fight, and explore.  Home is a powerful word, similar to love at times in how it can evoke certain reactions and emotions.  Of all the places I have moved to and lived in over the years, I have always echoed the same words to my parents and family.... well "it still isn't home!"  Colorado was real close, particularly after I purchased my first home, but home for me has, is, and probably always will be Wisconsin.  I'm sure the Brain will echo similar sentiments about Colorado.

   
What makes the previously paragraph so interesting is how quickly 3104 in Era Tower in Manama, Bahrain has become to feel like home.  Maybe it's because I've got the most amazing girlfriend living under the same roof or maybe because in a land filled with new experiences waiting to be explored, this little apartment is our sanctuary.  But I have to say, a fully stocked refrigerator doesn't hurt either!!!  Whatever the case, it's great to finally feel settled in and established in a world so far away from Home.





 

                                  A fully stocked fridge and some of my homeland dairy products!!!

The weather has turned in Bahrain after a very windy and at times chilly (55-65 degrees F - Can you say spoiled!!!  :p ) week last week, we have been blessed with Mid 70's and sunshine this week.  Due to the nice weather, the Brain and I may have just met our first friend-couple (frouple as we like to call it) in the building while catching some rays at the pool.

Some history on the word frouple....it's basically like dating for couples.  You try to "frouple up" with people in similar social circles in order to enhance your crew (Crew will also need to be explained, but at a later date).  We have incorporated this made up word into our daily language.  "Stop picking your nose, or we will never frouple up" is one real-life example.  Copyright pending...

Previously we had been unsucessful in "froupling up" at the local pubs and clubs (not because of nose picking).  Turns out, sharing whiskey and mimosas within 10 minutes of knowing us will go a long way towards gaining our friendship, but I will let the Brain delve into that new development in her next blog entry.  Stay tuned!!

Other life updates include:

We continue to try to make habits of going to the gym, especially since it is located on the 5th floor....  We have been successful to varying degrees and are making attempts to bring the gym to our living room....

Me: "Babe, do my guns look big in this shirt?"  Brain: No, you need bigger guns for us to frouple up tonight!"  Me: " Yea you're right"  Proceed to push-ups...  

Our latest addition to the get fit regiment....

Couple ready and willing to frouple!!!

We also checked out some more of the Bahrain night life after destroying some American BBQ at Rick's Kountry Kitchen, we watched a band at a place called Rocky's Cafe.

 

Then the rest of the crew joined in.....

                    

Dora, the hotel Explora

As I begin to settle into my new home, I'm realizing that lounging around the apartment as an occupation is only going to work if I start a reality show- The Real House Girlfriends of Bahrain. While I think I would have ample applicants to choose from, I decided it might be time to get out there and explore the job market.

New Jersey housewives get some much needed decency

Pinky has suggested my potential jobs based on the perks we would get from them. So far, H&M, fancy hotels and lingerie shops have been put forth. I'm sure he has my future carrer path in mind. However, with my history in the hospitality industry, I figured the hotel idea might just fly.

They cut off the VS posters here. They could be selling make up- but we know the secret.

I have applied online for a number of positions in the Bahrain hotels. Today, I went to do a drop-in-follow up with the one I have the highest hopes for (not to name names, but it's a cracker brand and the brother on fresh prince). I walked into the lobby with my white Express pants on and my cute teal top (it's my summer business outfit), and I quickly realized I was way out of my league. The place was immaculate. It oozed professionalism and, frankly, money.

These were the options next to the heated toilet seats. (Yes, I took a picture in the bathroom. Oscillating?!?)

So, as any reasonable woman would do, I went to the hotel salon instead. I got an incredible hair cut, and a game plan to go back in tomorrow with an appointment with HR (and with the black Express pants- obviously).

New hair do. (I just added layers)

So while the job hunt continues, I remain positive and optimistic. I know it will all work out. It was a beautiful, almost 80 degree day here today, and I have sparkly shoes on. What could be better than that? I have many job possibilities yet to explore, and more popping up every day. Who knows? Maybe Victoria Secret is looking for models... for their perfume.

Just The Beginning

Prior to accepting the role of "Pinky" for the purposes of this blog, let me preface the intent and hope for this blog page.  

"Pinky and the Bahrain" is a joint venture blog between Christine and myself to chronicle our adventures.  These adventures may include day-to-day happenings such as coffee machine misconceptions (see previous blog entry for clarification), places to visit, dishes to eat, places NOT to visit, things to do, etc. 

Just Pinky and the Brain in the Middle East....NBD!!

This online canvas is also (and perhaps more importantly) intended to serve as a way to connect or maintain connected with our respective lives, families, and friends back in the good ole' United States.  When this overseas possibility became more of a probability and subsequently a reality, it was not dismissed by either myself or Christine that the need to maintain connected to the USA would become vitally important.  While we both thirst for the need to live in the moment, we wanted a way to bring our families with us.   

Dubai offers up some rather spectacular views that are worthy of this online canvas!

If you're reading this, congratulations!!! You made the cut.  So hold on to your shorts and enjoy the ride.  Shit is about to get REAL, CRAZY, and FUN!!!!

What you need to know so far:

The food is AMAZING!!!!!

This is just.......                                    the BEGINNING!!!!!

Souqs and Soap

Taking a little holiday, Pinky and I decided to take a trip to Dubai. Plane tickets were about $100, so why not? Today was my first solo exploration, and I loved it.

Favorite Dubai quotes (so far):

Souq Guy - "Have your husband take this spice, he will be like a machine in no time."
me- "Like a coffee maker?" (thinking it looked like coffee beans)
Souq Guy- "Yes mam, a "coffee" "maker"" (while doing a fist to show a fake erection)
Me- "Oh. Gotcha."

Waitress - "Mam/sir, is it ok if your drinking water is cold?"
Me - "Um.. yes."

Guy - "Are you from Germany?"
Me- "No, why do you ask? Because of my hair?"
Guy- "No, because you have very large feet like a German"
Me- "Oh. Th-thank you?"

Me- "Shukra" (What I thought was 'thank you'.)
Guy- "Wow mam, your aribic is very bad!" (while smiling and nodding enthusiastically)

Me - "Hmm. Buying shoes in a Souq- it's just like Sex and the City."
Shoe Guy - "Pardon me mam?" (with a horrified look)
Me- "Oh, it's a movie, and the woman buys shoes in a Souq... Sex and the City."
Shoe Guy - "Sex city? OHHH, We have spices for that."
Me - "I know. Coffee Maker. Got it."

Favorite Dubai Experience (so far):

While wandering the waterfront area, I found a very small sign that said 'grocery entrance'. I figured I would check it out. I went up some narrow steps, and into a stock area. There were maintenance guys loading crates. Apparently, the sign said, 'grocery entrance (next line) around front'. Hmm.

Not to be deterred, I ventured past the staff entrance and into the store. The aisles were about a foot and a half apart from one another. As I wandered around, I saw brands from all over the world, just a few items of each thing. I went to the soap section, looking for a special kind of dove soap that I love. There were exactly two dove soap bars, different kinds, neither of which were the non-scented kind I was looking for. Discouraged, I turned to leave. There behind me was a towering display of 100 non-scented dove soap bars. (cue angel music)

Lesson -You might feel lost at times, but you could be one turn away from exactly what you're looking for, so keep your head up and your eyes open.
Alternate lesson - The cucumber dove soap smells like crap.

Same thing we do every night Pinky...

Jetlag does funny things to a person. In the states, I wasn't able to stay up past 8:30. Here, I've been unable to fall asleep any earlier than midnight. With a 10 hour time difference, it's night here when it's day there. After finally forcing myself to sleep around 1, I'm surprised by my loving boyfriend caressing my face around 4:45 am. He cuddles up close and inhales, presumably about to whisper sweet nothings. This is the conversation that took place:

Him: It's game time baby.

Me: ...

(I remember that the Packers are playing right now back home. He gets up to get his computer to watch the game remotely via Slingbox.)

Him: (Shuffling around, gathering his stuff) Should I watch it in here or in the living room?

Me: ...

Him: You're right, I'll watch it in the living room.

Me: Mmm.

Him: I do have my headphones though... So...

Me: (mumbling) K, if you have them. It's ok.

Him: (Keeps shuffling. Loudly in my opinion. Gets situated in bed, with his headphones, his phone to talk to his fellow Packer fans, and his computer- on what seems like extra brightness.) Baby?

Me: Hmm.

Him: The Broncos lost in overtime.

Me: Mmm.

(pause for enough time to let me drift off)

Him: Actually, it's still overtime.

Me: I don't care.

Him: Yeah sorry, you're right.

(shuffle shuffle shuffle, slightly dozing... his headphones turn on and are at full volume, so I can hear every play)

Him: (too loudly) THESE ARE ON TOO LOUD AREN'T THEY?

Me: (Just stare at him, then realize he wants an answer. Nod)

(Turns them down. I turn away from the blinding light and try to fall asleep. Shuffle shuffle shuffle. We have all down pillows and comforter, so with every move, I hear ten thousand feathers falling into place.)

Him: (Punches the air dramatically on a good play. The whole bed shakes. His phone goes off, it's voxer, on speaker phone. A fellow fan talking about the play.) Jesus Chirst that's loud.

(I put my pillow over my head.)

Him: Am I bothering you?

Me: Mmm.

(shuffle shuffle shuffle. Kisses my forehead)

Him: Baby, the Broncos lost in double overtime.

I get up to write this blog.


What do you want to do tonight? Same thing we do every night Pinky, try to take over Bahrain.