Back Again

So I haven't written in a while.  There are many reasons for that.
Firstly, I was so stinking depressed about how living in Kuwiat was going. What was I supposed to say? Please pity me, life is so difficult? No, so I didn't say much.  Then I went on Winter Break and I am so much happier since I've been back that I have been IN life.

Some reasons for my outlook improving so dramatically.
1. I moved from Salmiya to Hawally into the same building, directly above my friend Wendy.  We share a car, so this means much less driving for me.  There were days that I spent an extra hour in the car, usually alone thinking about how much I hated the stupid people driving here. Also, I live in a more active(? maybe not the best word, more walker friendly with a greater diversity of shops and eating places).  There is so much more here.  The harris (building manager) is much nicer here, also not creepy like my other one. The building itself, not as much light in the general in the new place but the rooms are bigger and I can close off the kitchen from the cats.
2.  I think that I am really understanding my kids now.  They know the rules and I don't feel like they are losing it all the time.  That is also second semester Kinders for you.  There is such a great growth that takes place over the break.
3.  My cats are all very happy at the new place and are now spending evenings, nights, and weekends all together.  Only while I am gone to work do I put Ruby in the bedroom on her own.  They play with each other like cats, sometimes sweetly and other times like murderers. But overall, Mama doesn't have to separate them when rough housing.
4. I left Kuwait for more than a couple of hours.  I had only left during the Fall to do a visa run in November to Dubai.  I went back to Missouri and we descended on my Poppy's house.  It gave me perspective and chance to talk with people who were disillusioned with Kuwait, which can be helpful (surprise, surprise).  But honestly, my family makes life better.