Warning: This post contains too many words and unnecessary pictures. Proceed at own will.
During the week we did boring grown-up things, like working and learned what to document so we can file our taxes properly. Refer to the word boring in the previous sentence. Jonathon also got his resident permit, which means he can exit and enter Qatar as he pleases. He will now sponsor me, so I will start the process of getting my resident permit. Until now I have been on a work visa only valid for 60 days.
Since Jonathon has his resident permit, we can get Qatari driver's licenses. Jonathon signed his consent that I'm allowed to drive (He is a very innovative thinker.) so on Thursday we headed to the driving school to take our eye exams and schedule our 12 mandatory driving lessons. We had a company escort who helped us navigate the confusing buildings. At one point the escort and Jonathon stood outside the ladies only building while I went up to the counter to ask to take a road test to prove that my Texas driver’s license is valid. I did just what the escort told me to do, I walked up to the counter with all my paperwork and said "road test." The guard behind to counter said "not now." I stared at him like a deer in the headlights and repeated "road test please". Then the guard just shook his head. I started walking back to the door where our escort was standing. The escort then stuck his head through the doorway shouted across the room (in Arabic) to talk with the guard and figure out the problem. It turns out that the guy who conducts the road tests was out of the office, so the guard stared at me for 10 seconds and then decided to take my word and approve my license as valid. I can already tell that getting our licenses is going to be a hectic, painful process.
This weekend we were busy having fun. Friday we boated and wakeboarded. We also saw my dream boat/ship.
Friday night we went to a lovely dinner party hosted by our new friends who we met at the Thanksgiving dinner. Then Saturday morning we invited our salsa making neighbors over to participate in a Lebo, Kansas tradition and decorate some Christmas cookies. Our neighbors have two little boys, so at least I wasn't the only person caught licking the frosting off my fingers.
This afternoon we went on a kayaking trip with some co-workers. I've typed too much, so here is the summary in pictures.
It has been a busy week for birthdays and anniversaries. I have been thinking about all of you. Happy 1st birthday McKinley. Happy anniversary Kaleigh and Jared. Happy anniversary Mandy and Greg. Happy early birthday to one crazy red headed reptile, Meghan Turtle.
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