Day 11
It's day 11 in Doha, not that I'm counting. I had to use my fingers to work it out. One moment it feels like we have been here forever, the next as if it's some kind of dream and that we're in limbo and it's not real!
It's a rollercoaster of emotions, both NJ and myself. One minute he's smiling and loving the fact that he can go to the pool every day, the next he's telling me he misses his family and why did I have to bring him here. It's all part of the process, I'm not too worried. He sleeps like a baby, undisturbed and long and he's eating like a horse. Two things he doesn't do if he's truly unhappy (like his mum). I too am sleeping better this week. My appetite is up and down, but I could do to drop a couple of pounds so that's ok for now. We are taking our vitamins and dealing with things the best we can.
My friend Nic is still being a super hero, I picture her in a wonderwoman type outfit; she's amazing. Not only is she taking care of my precious little boy, but she is driving us all over the place and helping us out in so many other ways! Today she took me to visit her friend who is leaving in October and offered to let me have first dabs at her house contents; there's lots of stuff we can use and need, this house is three times the size of our old one, so needs more filling!
It's slowly starting to feel like home, with a little help from our friends and Ikea. Wheels and a nanny would help but it'll happen, eventually.
Nothing happens fast in Qatar, I was warned and warned again. There's a problem with my Residency Permit (RP); we are still waiting for the labour quota to be approved by the labour office. It was knocked back the first time because I am a woman, they returned it with a 41 year old British male approved (instead of female) as predicted. We reapplied. the labour quota system had a meltdown, we are weeks behind. Without labour quota approval, I can't get my work visa. I need a work visa to get my RP. Without my RP I can''t apply for a family visa, and without that - no RP for NJ. If NJ doesn't have an RP, he can't go to school. It will happen, but not for the first day of term. Gutted! I sucked it up, we will be ok, I'll work it out. One step forward, two steps back. The last time I emigrated, I was 22, had no job, no mortgage, no-one to take care of but myself and I was a hop from the UK. It's different now, but it will make us stronger.
I have my fantastic little boy with me, the sun is always shining, I have made some wonderful new friends who will complement, not replace, the ones I have. We have procured an Ikea chaise longue which has changed my life in the way the pineapple corer did, it's amazing, I can't believe it's taken me almost 42 years to discover such an amazing piece of furniture :-)
It's a rollercoaster of emotions, both NJ and myself. One minute he's smiling and loving the fact that he can go to the pool every day, the next he's telling me he misses his family and why did I have to bring him here. It's all part of the process, I'm not too worried. He sleeps like a baby, undisturbed and long and he's eating like a horse. Two things he doesn't do if he's truly unhappy (like his mum). I too am sleeping better this week. My appetite is up and down, but I could do to drop a couple of pounds so that's ok for now. We are taking our vitamins and dealing with things the best we can.
My friend Nic is still being a super hero, I picture her in a wonderwoman type outfit; she's amazing. Not only is she taking care of my precious little boy, but she is driving us all over the place and helping us out in so many other ways! Today she took me to visit her friend who is leaving in October and offered to let me have first dabs at her house contents; there's lots of stuff we can use and need, this house is three times the size of our old one, so needs more filling!
It's slowly starting to feel like home, with a little help from our friends and Ikea. Wheels and a nanny would help but it'll happen, eventually.
Nothing happens fast in Qatar, I was warned and warned again. There's a problem with my Residency Permit (RP); we are still waiting for the labour quota to be approved by the labour office. It was knocked back the first time because I am a woman, they returned it with a 41 year old British male approved (instead of female) as predicted. We reapplied. the labour quota system had a meltdown, we are weeks behind. Without labour quota approval, I can't get my work visa. I need a work visa to get my RP. Without my RP I can''t apply for a family visa, and without that - no RP for NJ. If NJ doesn't have an RP, he can't go to school. It will happen, but not for the first day of term. Gutted! I sucked it up, we will be ok, I'll work it out. One step forward, two steps back. The last time I emigrated, I was 22, had no job, no mortgage, no-one to take care of but myself and I was a hop from the UK. It's different now, but it will make us stronger.
I have my fantastic little boy with me, the sun is always shining, I have made some wonderful new friends who will complement, not replace, the ones I have. We have procured an Ikea chaise longue which has changed my life in the way the pineapple corer did, it's amazing, I can't believe it's taken me almost 42 years to discover such an amazing piece of furniture :-)
A quick note just to say that I'm still reading your blog and love to read how you and mannie get along. Miss you loads and keep up the good work. I think it's tough sometimes but I know you can make this a success. It's bizarre for me to realise you are so far away and I can't come around for dinner when I want to. I miss our nice talks about work, colleagues, men and all other stuff. I will keep an eye on the websites for (cheap) flights to Doha. Proud of you babe! Big hugg and kisses for you both! Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx M
ReplyDeleteYou can still come round to dinner anytime babe! Get saving, get looking and get booking, check it out with airmiles, I have enough, you can smuggle me chorizo and Rituals products in exchange, it's all good :-) lots of love from me and NJ xxxxxxx
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