While the shit continues to hit the fan on this end, I wanted to take a moment and share a little dance with you to brighten your day. This is me, donning my sunshades here in sunny Doha, dressed as an elf, doing a little elfish jig. Cheers!

It's hard to transfer registration of a vehicle when the government thinks your dead - my life plays out like a sitcom, truly.

Although many people have told me so, I've only recently accepted the fact that I often don't give myself enough credit.

My hair is noticeably longer today - ironically 5 people asked me if I just got my haircut.

I make really amazing cookies- I think this statement counts as giving myself credit.

Veronika Decides to Die is turning out to be one of the greatest books I've ever read.

I was talking to a resident last night. She asked me when I would be taking over supervision of all the female halls. I told her at the start of spring semester. She commented how that would be a lot of work for me and not for the guys. True, but I'm a super hero, so I can handle it. Then she asked if the guys or girls were worse in terms of discipline cases. I smiled and told her, "I plea the fifth".

I was momentarily confused by the perplexed look on her face. Then I realized, that statement makes no sense to someone who isn't American. I'm sure they could have studied American law, but it's not common knowledge. I think I am starting to feel so comfortable here that I forget where I am.

There has been an outbreak of bird flu in Saudi Arabia. Eggs are almost impossible to find now. If you do find them, the prices are outrageous. I was at the store yesterday and they wanted 27 QR for a 6 pack of eggs. That's about $7.40!

Things have been a bit stressful lately with my workload. My sister sent me this cartoon to make me laugh.

I made a friend tonight. A real honest to God we can hang out and have fun kind of friend. A friend NOT affiliated in any way with work. It has been such a struggle to meet people because there aren't any social venues for doing so. Finally I got my foot in the door and met a normal, down to earth guy. Where you meet one you begin to meet others. Eventually I will have a circuit of friends outside of my co-workers and that is something I really need right now. It makes me very happy.

I have to say he actually made quite an impression on me. .

My new car. The first car I've ever owned in the same decade it was made. In fact, it's still in the same year it was made! If you've known me in the last 15 years, you know I've kind of always driven a pile of shit held together with duct tape, bungee cords and bolts in wrong places. It feels grotesquely grown up to own such a new vehicle, but it was rather necessary in this place.

I have a mouse in my house. I found it quite ironic that I had just finished watching "Ratatouille" when I discovered him. I now call him Little Chef, though I doubt he'll start cooking for me. I have to go shower now and head for bed. Nighty-night.

Happy Christmas everyone! I hope you had a lovely time which ever way you spent it. Some of you may have received little gifts from me. My dad graciously played santa and made a few deliveries on my behalf. Much cheaper to send one package and buy my dad some gas than individual mailings.

Carey will be delivering my secret santa gift to the new year party. SO, dear secret santa - you can just give my gift to her at the party and she will give it to my parents who will send it along my way

On the eve of each new year we often reflect on our lives. As I do this dear e-strippers, I wish you joy that never ends and happiness with all your family and friends.

Where were you when 2007 began?
At PMT's in Ab Fab gear

Who were you with?
everyone

Where will you be when 2007 ends?
Unkown

Whom will you be with when 2007 ends?
Unkown

Was 2007 a good year for you?
Very. Probably the single most growing year of my life. I battled depression, graduated again, landed a dream job, bought a new car, traveled, and learned a lot about how strong I really am.

What was your favorite moment of the year?
Stepping on the plane in Buffalo that would start my journey to my new home. It was scary and exciting like I've never known before.

What was your least favorite moment of the year?
Being told I wasn't worth knowing.

Did you keep your New Year resolutions of 2007?
I don't do resolutions, but I'll be damned I crossed off almost everything on my 'plans for 2007' list!

Do you have any New Year resolutions for 2008?
No.

Did you fall in love in 2007?
No.

Did you breakup with anyone in 2007?
Friends, yes.

Did you make any new friends in 2007?
Yes.

What was your favorite month of 2007?
May

Did you travel outside of the US in 2007?
Canada, Qatar, Turkey and Greece

How many different states did you travel to in 2007?
Florida, Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts.

Did you lose anybody close to you in 2007?
Yes.

Did you miss anybody in the past year?
EVERYBODY

What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2007?
Death at a Funeral (it's hysterical)

What was your favorite song in 2007?
She's my ride home by Blue October

What was your favorite album in 2007?
Well, what I listened to the most was Black Parade by My Chemical Romance

How many concerts did you see in 2007?
5

Did you have a favorite concert in 2007?
KT Tunstall

Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2007?
Yes.

Did you do drugs in 2007?
Yes.

Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?
Nope.

What was the worst lie someone told you in 2007?
You're my friend.

Did you treat somebody badly in 2007?
Not on purpose, so I'd be unaware if I did.

Did somebody treat you badly in 2007?
Yes.

What was your proudest moment of 2007?
Being offered a great job just 3 hours before graduation.

What was your most embarrassing moment of 2007?
Falling for a 'line' when I knew it was a lie.

If you could go back in time to any moment of 2007 and change something, what would it be?
I'd make sure I had more than 2 day's notice to pack up my life and move half way around the world!

What are your plans for 2007?

Visit family and friends around Europe
Paint my apartment
Get much better at guitar
Go camping in the desert
Go duning - weeee
Get SCUBA certified and start enjoying the under sea world
Travel to Singapore, Cambodia, and China
Don't make assumptions
Always do my best
And try not to take things personally!