Yesterday

Yesterday was one of the best days that I have had in a very long time.

Ever since September, we have been restricted to using Armoured Vehicles, with a driver, and since there are only so many AV's, when you need to go out, you're supposed to make it as quick as possible. But they lifted that recently, and so yesterday we were able to go out in our own vehicle, by ourselves. It was so nice to be able to just drive ourselves around, especially since I haven't gone out in quite awhile and was starting to feel like a caged animal. (It's not hard to feel that way, when you're surrounded by concrete walls, razor wire, bars on all of the windows and doors, barriers, check points, etc)

So Rod and I had a wonderful time yesterday, we went to the shoemakers to pick up a pair of boots that I was having made, McDonald's for lunch, to the butcher and vegetable market, to the candy shop to pick up some snacks, and to Tribal Arts, which was by far the highlight of the day. We had been trying to go there for several weeks now, but every time we went it was always closed, and finally it was open! And it is my new favourite place, and probably where most of my money is going to go from now on.

It's basically a maze of a shop, full of old pieces of wood, old doors, trunks, cabinets, that the owner, Shirazi, turns into beautiful pieces of furniture. I wasn't really expecting to buy anything, but Rod fell in love with one piece in particular, and so we came away with that, and have another one on hold. I am in love with it, but I want to see if I can find another piece that I like more, and if not, I'll buy it. Rod's will be delivered sometime this week. There were so many things that I wanted there, and it's perfect because we don't really have that much furniture back in Canada, and these are all things that we need. Not to mention that they all have a story to tell, instead of just buying some mass produced piece of furniture at IKEA that everyone else has, and isn't even built that well. The piece that Rod got is going to be a liquor cabinet, it's over 150 years old, made of Rosewood, from Punjab, and was used to store grain. It's beautiful.

 What I put on hold

 What Roderick bought. For $290! Can you believe it?

Then we had Lars and Mike over for a game night. It was Lars' last night here in Islamabad, and he's off to Nairobi for a week and then back to Ottawa. So we played Balderdash and ate junk food and laughed our heads off and had a wonderful time. I'm sure going to miss him. He was a TD, which means Temporary Duty, they come in and out a lot and are only here for 6 weeks. And most often, I tend to like them a lot more than the people who are here permanently, so it's always sad to see them go.

 One of my resolutions is to be healthier, hence the ginger ale while the boys drink Breezers

Once everyone left, I booked the flights for our trip to South Africa next month! I cannot wait. Not only is it Africa and maybe I'll see a lion (and then I can die happy) but I'm going to be staying with one of my best friends, Riki, whom I met when we were both living in the Netherlands. Woohoo :)

And have I mentioned that I am 2 weeks smoke free? Let's hope I can keep it up.

Merry Christmas (though it's a week late) and Happy New Year!

Yup, I'm a slacker!

So Christmas was fairly decent, though SO different! It was about 20 degrees celsius outside, no snow, no Christmas tree, no presents, no family. But we had a nice time regardless.

Christmas eve was spent at the Colonel's house. We played a present swapping game, ate delicious food, drank, and were visited by a naughty Santa.

Just a bunch of Canadians on Christmas eve

Me, opening the pashmina I got from Santa (the Colonel)

On Christmas day, Rod, myself and two of our guy friends went out and did touristy things. 

 Like visiting Saidpur Village, which I love so dearly

 Chilling with monkeys on the Margalla Hills

 Going to see Faisal Mosque up close for the first time

 Everyone wanted a photo with the white people

 Hanging out at Rawal Lake (which really isn't much to write home about)

And having Thai food for dinner at Wild Rice in the Serena Hotel

I attempted to stay awake until 2am (damn you time zones) to Skype with the fam, and I only was able to see a few of them for literally 2 minutes because the connection was so shit (and it wasn't me this time!) which was really unfortunate, especially because I was tired, cranky, and missing home, and had stayed up WAY past my bedtime for nothing. Oh well. So I cried, and then dried my tears and went to bed so that Rod wouldn't know. "You shouldn't have come if you were going to miss them!" LOL are you for real? Of course I'm going to miss them, how could I not? But I'm still going to go out and live my life, and sure, I'll miss them along the way, no doubt about it, but I don't normally get that down about it. Ah well.

Then New Years Eve was pretty low key. We had signed up to go to the Brit Club and/or French Club but instead we just went to the Canada Club, watched the hockey game, drank by the fire, listened to Rod play the guitar, and got wasted. A little too wasted. It doesn't happen often at all though, so I guess it's okay to let loose every once in awhile. Except I was laid out on the couch for the entirety of New Years Day, which was a complete waste. 

Did anyone make any resolutions this year? I never do, but I decided I would this year. 

Get healthy, quit smoking, save money for a down payment on a house, travel travel travel, and quit biting my nails are among them. Hopefully I'll keep to most, if not all, of them! *fingers crossed*

A job and a Christmas party.

Sorry that I haven't written in awhile, but I haven't had a whole lot to say.

I started work this past Wednesday. I am super excited about it, and I hope I'm good at it, as it will look amazing on my resume when I return to Canada, and hopefully will lead to something bigger and better.

On the first day I went to have lunch with the High Commissioner, who hosts a welcome lunch every 2 or 3 months for all the newcomers. It just so happened that it was on my first day, which was a bit nerve wracking but he's very easy to talk to and not at all intimidating.

Then yesterday I went to a luncheon at the Brit Club, I'm not entirely sure what it was for, but I think it was for everyone in the Immigration Departments, from all the missions in Islamabad. I met a really nice Norwegian guy and there was good food and free alcohol. :)

That night was the work Christmas party, which was a lot of fun! I dragged Rod along with me, and he got to meet some of my colleagues, there was a turkey feast, more free alcohol, a band, and we sang Christmas carols, which really helped to put me in the Christmas spirit. It's quite hard to get in that spirit when you're a Canadian and there's no snow and it's 15 degrees outside, the trees still have leaves on them, though they are losing them, there aren't any decorations on the houses. It's just really odd to be in a Muslim country during Christmas. But what can you do? 

Thanksgiving

On Monday night, the Canada Club held a belated thanksgiving dinner, since all the spouses were away in Dubai for the first one.

It was really nice to all be together, and have a "family dinner". We may not all be family, but it sure feels like it! We fight, we laugh, we cry, and we take care of one another. We're really fortunate that the mission here is so small. Others are huge and it doesn't really allow you to get close to many people. Take D for instance, he's here on temporary duty for 6 weeks from the embassy in London. There, he has no friends, no club, no social life, and he hates it! So as crazy as it can be here in Islamabad at times, we're really lucky.

War and Politics

For those of you who watch the news, you may have heard of some of the things that have been going on over here. American embassies being attacked, the American ambassador and a couple others being murdered in Libya, it's all just crazy to me. There was a protest here yesterday against America, and fortunately the protestors did not make it onto the enclave, thanks to hundreds of riot police and the enclave being so well protected. I wasn't scared, but I would have been had they broke through, because I live so close to the American embassy.

I just wonder what goes through their minds? Why you so crazy?

Last night we had a going away party for someone that's leaving this week. I didn't know her at all really, but we went and had a fun time. Plenty of finger foods, laughs, drinks, and even a delicious chocolate cake. I've really been craving chocolate and cake lately, so that was extra satisfying! I hope our sea shipment comes sooner rather than later, as it has all of our foods in it, and my cupcake tray. I really want to make cupcakes. And I can't wait to get my slowcooker. I've seen so many delicious recipes on a website called Pinterest and I just want to make them all.

I've started volunteering at the High Commission. I'm not sure if I mentioned this or not already? But it's just basic work that needs to be done, so I'm helping them out with different things. Like filing and organizing. I received a call the other day from the British mission, saying that they'd received my resume and just wanted to let me know that I'm one of the selected candidates, and they'll call me back for an interview as soon as the person who does the hiring returns from vacation. So that was nice to hear. Not sure if I'll get the job or not, or how many others were selected, but at least I have a chance, right? 

Socialite

It's been a bit of a rough week for me here. Coming into this, I really had no expectations and came in with an open mind, having no idea what it would be like here. Since I moved to Holland by myself, I figured that this would be a walk in the park. I have my man, we'll get to travel again, no big deal. I was sadly mistaken. With Pakistan being not only a Muslim country, but a third world country, it's been a lot harder for me to adjust. All the rules, the extreme culture shock, not having a job and sitting in the house all day because I can't go anywhere, it's beginning to drive me crazy. And I hate to say it, but I think this will be the first night in about a week where I won't be crying myself to sleep. I hate to show weakness, but it's true, and I might as well be honest. After all, I want to look back on these journal entries years down the line and remember exactly what it was like.

Some of you may know that I adopted a little kitten. He was wandering around here one day so we picked him up and took him home. We named him Lynx, I figured it was appropriate as my other cats were named after animals as well, Fawkes, Cougar and Finch. Unfortunately he went outside a week ago, and hasn't returned. So that has had me pretty heartbroken as well, and isn't helping with my settling in situation. There are plenty of other kittens here, and a pregnant cat that I feed everyday, but I don't think I want another one. I just want him to come back.

This past weekend was a busy one for us. Everyone gets out of work at noon each Friday, something to do with Muslim prayers, but hey, it's a short day so who's complaining? We spent the afternoon at the Czech's house. Most of the other diplomats live off the enclave, and have these big enormous houses. This particular one was no different, big, beautiful, gorgeous wood carvings throughout. It would be nice to live off the diplomatic enclave, however, it's not as safe. And most countries are beginning to build residences and move their people onto the enclave, just because it's so much safer. Anyway, as soon as we got there he started feeding us homemade apricot brandy and Carlsberg. I'm not a liquor drinker myself, so opted for the beer, but eventually he talked me in to taking just one shot. I had to, just to be polite, but boy was it ever gross. It was only military members that were invited to this particular lunch, and I got to meet a few Americans and a British fellow who I was particularly fond of. The lunch was delicious and I left there quite tipsy.

From the Czech's house, we made our way back to the Canada Club, and then on to the German Club where there was a pool party going on. It was late, so it wasn't really a pool party by this point. We didn't stay there for very long because it had been a long day, and we were exhausted.

On Saturday we slept in late, and then went out shopping with Tahira, our new domestic helper. Then we met up with two of the Americans, and Rod's three coworkers, at a place called Nirvana. It's basically a spa, hair salon, restaurant, hookah bar, shop, all rolled into one. Apparently they like to specialize in more than one thing in this country. I got a manicure and pedicure with the other two women, while Rod and the three guys got massages. The mani/pedi only cost me $20 including tip, and Rod's was $50 including tip. Definitely affordable and I hope to go there a lot more often. It's a nice way to feel good in this place. Once everyone was done, we had dinner and it was so tasty! Oh my goodness. I told Rod that we should go there for date night once a month. We don't do a "date night" but might as well start now.

And then we went to the movies. And ya'll know how that went.

Home away from home

Almost a week since we've lived here and I'm still enjoying myself. There were a few days where I was a little bummed out (mainly because I hate having rules and not being able to wear what I want was starting to piss me off), but I met a lovely French-Canadian couple who are our neighbours, and they've really made me feel welcome. J is sweet, loving, and just a generally all around nice person, and her husband R is great too. They invited us to lunch at the club a few days ago when I first met them, then we had a delicious home cooked meal at their house last night, made by their chef. Yes, they have a chef, most people do, along with maids, gardeners, even car washers. It's going to be quite difficult moving back to Canada and leaving all these luxuries behind.

The chef cooked up a delicious veal dish, with a yummy gravy type of sauce, the best mashed potatoes I've had in a long time, and green beans and tomatoes, along with a very unusual salad that was to die for and a brownie cake for dessert. I don't even like green beans but they were amazing, probably because I haven't had a home cooked meal in forever. We are having lunch with them again today, and then on Sunday night we're having dinner.

Another thing that has bummed me out is the time difference. I'm 9 hours ahead of home, so it's been pretty difficult to call home. Rod gets home from work at 6pm, we usually go to the gym, have a swim and then dinner. So by the time I'm done all that, it's pretty much bed time. And when I do want to call home, like right now, it's 11am so nobody's awake.

So Long, Oshawa

Roderick and I have just returned from our week long trip to our hometown of Oshawa. It's really weird to think that I won't be there again for another two years, possibly longer (or shorter, in case something goes terribly wrong - but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that that doesn't happen).

Aside from a few hiccups, it was a pretty good trip home. I think that I managed to see everyone I wanted to see, however a few weren't able to make it out due to not being in the country, which sucks, but that's life.

My Aunt Jane had a going away party for Rod and I on Saturday, and there was quite the turnout of people, and I had a really nice time. And it was the perfect opportunity for us to announce our engagement! That's right, we got engaged in Boston and it took everything I had to keep it to myself for a week because I was waiting for this party. Unfortunately, I am not a public speaker and after thanking everyone for coming and telling them how much I'm going to miss them, I ended up in tears so Rod had to announce it for us. I'll dedicate another post to our engagement and the proposal.

So anyway, it felt good to finally tell everyone and my parents, friends and family are all very happy for us!

Yesterday we left Oshawa, and it was a sad day. I tried not to cry when I was saying goodbye to everyone, so I saved the tears for after they left. *sigh* Rod thinks I'm crazy for being upset and crying about all of this, but I can't help it. Sure, this new adventure is exciting and it'll be a great experience for us, but it's still sad leaving your family and friends, regardless.

And I'd just like to take the time to thank Alex for having us over on Friday night for a going away party and to those who came, and to my Aunt Jane for hosting another party at her place and to everyone who came to that as well.

I'll miss you all! xo

One month to go!

Only one month until we touch down in Pakistan, I cannot believe how fast the time is going. Fortunately I've managed to stay pretty busy, being unemployed, with appointments here and there for all sorts of things. We've been running around like mad trying to get everything sorted before leaving. There have been countless doctors visits, vaccines, dentists, meetings with the people who do the move, paperwork for loans, visas, passports, credit cards, and calling all different places to make sure that we have everything cancelled and all the addresses changed. It's just nonstop. Today a man came over who works for the housing organization on the base, to do an inspection and make sure we didn't destroy the place. Then on Monday a guy is coming in to estimate how much stuff we are shipping with us, and how many boxes he will need, as the military pays someone to pack it all for us. That is a huge bonus and such a weight off my shoulders. The only thing I need to do is create an excel spreadsheet of everything we own, including value and serial numbers, if need be. And since our spare bedroom is now emtpy, I've started putting everything that we're shipping with us in there, to make it easier on the movers.

This whole process is just so exhausting and I just can't wait until it's all over and we're finally there!

I've just returned from a quick trip to Oshawa. It was nice to see everyone, as usual, and even managed to have a going away party at Rod's parents place. We weren't sure if we would have time for one the next time we come down, but it looks like we will, so we planned a little get together for some of our friends to come over for drinks. It was a great time and I hope we're able to do it once more.

Unfortunately, I had to leave my animals with my in-laws when we left. I looked into it, and it would cost $10,000 just to ship Mya, my 80lb German Shepherd. The two cats, Fawkes and Cougar, probably wouldn't be so much but Cougar's getting old and I don't know if he'd make it on a 20 hour flight, and I want to keep them together anyway. I am devastated, to say the least. It was so weird coming home, opening the front door and not being greeted with kisses and meows. Broke my heart.

As it stands right now, and unless something goes terribly wrong, we will be back in Oshawa the last weekend of June. So those of you who live out of town, if you're able to make it down to see me, that'd be awesome. Because who knows when you'll get another chance. After Pakistan, we're hoping to be posted to British Columbia so it could be quite some time before I see anyone again.

Anyway, you've all been warned so if I see ya, I see ya.