Am I a Horrible Person?

So, I've found myself in an interesting conundrum. On Monday I have my interview with Northeastern, yay. If that doesn't work out, I have an interview with CIEE when I get back to the States. However, I also just got invited to interview for a position as Human Resources Officer for United Planet.

United Planet is a fantastic organization that I have a great deal of respect for and would love to help in their mission. The problem is, its a full-time unpaid position. It would be excellent experience, and I certainly would feel good about myself, but it just doesn't seem smart to be accepting work without a paycheck at this point in my life. So, I think I might wait til after my interview with Northeastern and then decide what to do about UP, but I would appreciate any suggestions along the way.

Clearance Delay

I have a feeling that the DHL website is going to stop accepting me. For the last three days I have been constantly checking the progress of my shipment. I sent home most of my possessions that I accumulated while in Qatar. Much of the shipment is books, but there is also a box of souvenirs, another of personal items, and some very valuable rugs. This is the first time I have ever shipped personal items overseas, and needless to say, I am quite anxious for them to arrive and be check for any breakage or loss.

Unfortunately, they are currently being held in Customs in New York City. I know that this is supposed to be routine, but it is highly aggravating. Especially since the status has not been updated in 21 hours, and I really want to know what's going on. Roar.

In order to distract myself, I am loading some old, but good, pictures onto Flickr and editing them. With my ridiculously slow internet, its a great time consumer.

I am ridiculously excited about getting home. My interview has been officially set for Monday at 6 pm Arab Standard Time (11 am EST). I am trying very hard not to get too excited about it, but the opportunity is so appealing.

Regardless, when I get home, I hope to take a week or two to unwind and get my feet on the ground. I plan to play tourist in Boston a bit, soak up Nantasket beach with Sophie and the family, and even spend a couple days in Boston eating good food, seeing the Sea Dogs, and visiting Sophie's family. Of course, I would be more than happy to have the pressure of finding an apartment added to that, but one step at a time.

I received 3 job references from CS&A (the placement agency that is trying to help me find a job in independent schools). All three are internships, and I know I should follow up, but I am really hesitant to pursue something that doesn't pay. Its a conundrum.

Guess what?! In the time it has taken me to write this blog entry, there has been absolutely no change in the status of my shipment. Still in clearance delay. Damn.

It's Been a LONG Time...

Well, I haven't blogged in ages. I kinda lost interest in it, as expected. But, I'm approaching a move again and need to order my thoughts some, so here's another shot. I am moving back to the US in exactly two weeks, and I'm very excited. Oliver is not pleased with me. He is sitting on the arm of the couch, glaring at me. I think he knows that he's not coming with me, and even though he's going to a wonderful family, he's a bit pissed.



Speaking of pictures, I have been up to that lately. I purchased a professional account on Flickr and have been adding, editing, and showing pictures. I have always loved photography, but this is giving me the chance to show off a bit.



As far as moving back to the States, the specifics are still a bit up in the air. As of right now, I'm moving to Boston and hanging out with my parents and Sophie until I get a job. Fortunately I have a very exciting interview with the International Admissions department at Northeastern University coming up this week. Later, I have an interview with CIEE, but I'm hoping to be in Boston, so we'll see about that.

Please keep your fingers crossed for me as I get ready to move and go through these interviews.

We'll see if I keep writing in this thing. Thanks for reading!

A Long, Needed Laugh

Trip to Turkey

Here are my photos from my recent trip to Turkey. I'm kind of mad at them because a whole bunch came out looking really pixelated plus the overcast sky washed out a lot of them, but what can you do? Still, one or two decent pictures.

Anatolia

Istanbul

And I Think to Myself...

The past week I got to spend with Sophie. Incredibly, the eight nights were the longest that we have ever been able to spend together. And it was certainly what I always imagine it to be. Comfortable.

During her stay I showed her around Qatar, including trips to Souq Waqif and the inland sea. I even sucked up my fear of cars and went duning with her. While I'm on that topic, what retard thought it was a good idea to drive 80 miles an hour across fucking sand dunes?! To hell with that. But I did it, again, and she had fun. So, that was worth it.

Anyways, the best part of having her here was simply to be able to live together for a little while. Its incredible how easy it is too feel at home with the right person. I never once had an issue about personal space or crowding. It was simply right to have her there.

So, thank you to Sophie for the wonderful time. And for everyone reading this, please keep your fingers crossed that everything will work out and I will receive a contract extension and her an offer to work in our library for next year.

Family Trip to Oman

Recently my family visited me here in Doha. It was wonderful to get to see them all again and show them around where I live. I also took them down to Muscat to show them where I studied. Here is the photo album of that trip:

Oman