doha daily 3/21/06

BIG NEWS! Tristan started attending the French Nursery today. We arrived at 800a and although he cried for all of 5 minutes, he soon forgot I was there and after an hour of hanging out, I walked out the door no problem. NO PROBLEM! WOW! I was able to accomplish more errands this morning than I could have ever imagined! So THIS is what it’s like to be an “expat wife,” as everyone keeps telling me J. Tristan has been on waiting lists for three other nurseries and it just so happens that across the street from the US Embassy is this French Nursery. I walked in, spoke some timid French, and two weeks later, Tristan is a full-time “student.” The kids begin their day by playing outside, breakfast is at 8a, singing class with French songs, thereafter. Then there is painting, working with computers, lunch, more playing outside and then home for a nap! The official hours are from 630a to 200p, 5 days per week, all for the price of 850QR’s per month – that’s $234/month for all of you Mom’s out there slinging hash on the side to afford daycare. The BEST thing is…Tristan is now spending time with children his age and can expend all of that almost two-year old energy as opposed to sitting in his car seat all day long while his Mom schleps him from appointment to appointment.

Speaking of the US Embassy, I had to go yesterday to get something notarized for the sale of our house. One signature and notary stamp costs $30! I’m writing a letter to GW. I thought the Embassy was supposed to be a safe haven for those citizens visiting foreign countries.
NO GAUGING ALLOWED!

MORE BIG NEWS! We are moving into our villa Thursday afternoon! AND…the motorcycles are being delivered at the same time! Thierry has been silently worried about the bikes since we’ve arrived. I went to the store today to get some cleaning supplies – felt like I was in College again; only there is no “Target” here : ).

A landscaper is meeting me tomorrow morning. I imagine he’ll just tell me grass and bougainvillea, due to tolerance to the heat. And maybe some rock. And I haven't seen any cactus...

What else? It’s hard to think, as this morning was such a HUGE milestone for Tristan. I’m very excited he is going to get more French and me too, for that matter.

Toni&Guy just opened at The Mall. No really, it’s called “The Mall.”

Tomorrow I call for the DSL installation appointment, so I may be “down” for a few days. We officially check out of the hotel Friday am, and will be in Villa #5 thereafter. Now is the appropriate time to utilize the expression, "In Shaa-allah."

I have a new cell number as I have given the phone I was borrowing back to the hotel. It is now (011) 974 650 7634 (I like this # better :). Our home number is (011) 974 413 4853.

See you!