Sunny or Sunny?

First week without 100's...looking up!
The easiest occupation in the world has got to be in Qatar. That would be of the local weather forecaster. Now, in The States, this would be someone you want to throw rocks at because they NEVER get it right. You can't make plans with confidence for a trip to the park or fishing on the lake, or any outdoor activities because whatever they say isn't necessarily going to happen. Well, here, "moi" could do it. Please take note of this October 3rd article in the Gulf Times. Not only can they predict the weather, they can do it months in advance. Kudos, gentlemen, you're the bomb!



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Running "Bare"

I know a lot of you out there are thinking, this chick's got entirely too much time on her hands. Oh, trust me, it could be worse. Take my oldest, Shea, for example. Hanging out in the backwoods of Africa can make one's mind go in all directions. Besides critiquing and editing my posted errors on my blog and researching brewing his own beer for when he gets back to the land of the free, now he's going back to nature with his running habits. He's been researching the "Tarahumara Indians of Mexico" who run forty mile marathons barefoot. It seems that man was meant to run in his bare feet and the plethora of high tech shoes of today are not helping with all the ailments that can be caused by pounding the pavement. Ok, work with me, I'm paraphrasing tidbits of conversation from Shea. Now, I'm not saying that there is not truth in this theory, but where was this insatiable hunger for learning back in the days of high school and college? Well, Shea has shared his find with his brother Dustin, who decided to put this to the test and was off and out the door shoeless to take a neighborhood jog. Needless to say, running on asphalt in Austin, Texas with 100 degree temps can make you side track it to the grass rather quickly. Seriously, what was he thinking? How does the saying go? You can buy them books and send them to school...

Click play to enjoy the corresponding music!

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Should I Fake It?

For the five years prior to us moving here, I religiously had two fake eggs for breakfast daily. Day in day out, never wavering. Enter Doha. No such creatures. Well, not on my side of the country anyway. I never venture to the much acclaimed MegaMart on the other side of cholesterol corner (Ramada Junction) that possibly could have stocked the item. Since I've been here my motto has been, if my local Carrefour doesn't have it, I don't need it. So, for the last two plus years, I have faithfully had two fresh eggs everyday. Keep in mind when I say fresh, I'm talking poop still on the shell with the occasional feather sticking to it. I kid you not. I finally made a trip to LuLu last week when they were actually open*. Lo & behold before my eyes these yellow cartons jumped out at me. Eggbeaters! I wasn't even looking for them. Cool, I'll load up. Hmmm, QR 20.75 per 16oz carton. Let's do the math. Eight eggs=QR20.75 or $5.70. Advanced math: $8.55 a dozen. Ok, I'll buy two. Qatari fresh eggs are $1.54 per dozen! Aaaayyayayaaaaa. Am I worth it? You're damn right I am. Yeah, whatever big talker. That's $42.75 a month just for me to have fake eggs in the morning. Never mind my pot of coffee, toast, and fresh fruit that I add to it. Oh, the dilemmas we face in life.

*Related post: Friday Faux Pas

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Meet "D" on the Mat

It's your lucky day for those family, friends, and lookyloos (is that how it's spelled, Mike?) that were wondering exactly what the heck jiu jitsu is that I spoke of on my kids update post the other day. I've gotten my hands on a video of Dustin's tournament debut in Houston. When I first watched these full grown men grappling and tossing each other on the mat while often being in compromising positions, I was on the edge of my seat yelling at the monitor. It reminded me of stories that my dad used to tell about his dad squawking at the television while watching fake scripted wrestling way back in the day. I felt I was there as I was trying to help Dustin along with every telepathic wave that I could muster up. Never mind that I was 8000 miles away or the killer fact that this was video, thus confirming the fact that it had already taken place. My telepathic waves were being wasted as the outcome had already been decided. I was exhausted after watching the bout. I can only imagine the exhaustion that Dustin and his opponent faced following the match. Dustin is pumped and is already planning his next tournament in Dallas in a couple of weeks. Any sponsors out there? Wink.

Oh, and yes, that is Dustin in the white gi* with his arm raised :D

*–noun a lightweight, two-piece, usually white garment worn by barefooted martial-arts participants, consisting of loose-fitting pants and a wraparound jacket with cloth belt.



For more videos of Dustin and Ryan (Kayla's friend who's got some dang good moves) click here.

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Did I Say That?!

I had requests from a couple of my picture freak friends to post more pics of our trip. I know I promised no more Germany posts, but as Steve Urkel always ceremoniously asked, "Did I say that??!". Enjoy, or there is always the other option...the X at the right hand top corner of your screen. Tata!

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