Since I have some time off I'm going to try to update this blog more regularly. Because the landscape and seasons do not change much here, I barely feel it is 2010 already. So, just to recap here are some fun facts about my 2009 when compared to 2008.
1. Did not run any marathons, but in 2008 I ran 2 marathons. This makes me really sad to have not competed in a marathon in 2009. I will have to do one in 2010!
2. Ran 3 half marathons, but in 2008 I ran 7 half marathons. What can I say? South Korea - especially Seoul was a runner's paradise!
3. Did not date anyone in 2008 (and that was actually a good thing for me), but got married in September 2009 after only 2 months and 1 day of meeting my Super Husband! :)
4. Moved home from South Korea in December 2008, but then moved to Qatar in August 2009.
5. Got a cat in October 2009 after being without a cat for 3 years. We love her dearly. She holds the current record of most uploaded photos on my facebook.
6. Turned 30 in 2009 - all I can say is now I'm officially not taking anyone's crap. I'm "old" and it feels damn good!
7. Finally let my naturally curly hair come back to life after having it chemically straightened in November 2007 while living in Seoul, South Korea. Side note: "Magic Straight" can really ruin one's hair so be careful!
8. In 2009 I lived with my parents again after 3 years of living abroad and on my own. Yes, I was living with my parents as a 30 year old. It was okay because they know me and let me be . . . me.
9. After about one month at home in 2009 I comptemplated moving to the following countries: the UAE, Turkey, and Chile. However, I now know that Qatar is the place for us . . . for now.
10. The United States finally elected a decent president. I swore I would burn my passport and never return home if anyone but Obama were elected. You might think that the American president has little effect on one's personal journey abroad, but this is really the first time I've ever been proud to be an America while living abroad. Thank you, President Obama for injecting some common sense into US international relations.
11. My first semester teaching in Qatar allowed me to meet for the first time and teach students from these countries: Egypt, Sudan, Palestine, Jordan, Yemen, Oman, and of course Qatar. Before 2009, I had only taught students from these countries: Spain, South Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Turkey, Holland, Poland, Belarus, Russia, Mongolia, Colombia, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela.
12. In 2008 I traveled from South Korea to the US, Cambodia, and Hong Kong. However, in 2009 I only traveled domestically to Dallas/Fort Worth, Tulsa (to catch a flight), St. Louis, Denver, and Kansas City. I also am very greatful for the epic, life changing road trip from Texas to Missouri. ;)
Until next time,
WW
15 years ago
