A day that just wasn't meant to be

So, it started off fine, or relatively fine.  I left for my 2nd day of work, which was a bit traumatic for little Julia, but I was able to leave without too much fuss.

And then my desk phone rang...

It was Sarah, the other Sarah at the Embassy, not me.  My housekeeper had called the Embassy switchboard (which was the only number I knew, because I didn't know my desk phone yet), and the operator transferred her to Omani Sarah and not to me.  Turned out Julia had locked herself in the bathroom. 

From what I can figure out, Julia had to use the potty, Connie helped, they left, but Julia turned around, shut the door, and locked it.  She wanted to wash her hands "BY MYSELF".  If you've lived with a willful 3 year old, you know exactly what I mean.  Unfortunately, small washed and wet hands can't unlock doors. 

Omani doors are SOLID.  There's no pin hole you can stick with a paperclip to unclock the bathroom door.  It does have a grooved segment that you can conceivably use to unlock with the right equipment, however, not with the equipment easily available (coins and Polly Pockets).

Julia started getting upset and even told Connie to call the police and fireman and that's when I got a call.  So, 10 minutes before I was supposed to be in a security clearance meeting, I rushed to my car and drove home.  Meanwhile, my co-worker was on the phone calling facilities people to meet me at the house and help unlock this door.

I ran around looking for the screwdriver, which, of course, was not where it was supposed to be.  Found it, and with a bit of effort, was able to unlock the door.

Julia was on the other side, naked and wet... hmmm.... and upset.  I swaddled her in her towel and talked to her on the couch, and with tears in her eyes, she told me she had felt scared and alone and she won't ever do that again.  And then she stopped.          Tilted her head.          And said.... "But, I washed my hair, Mommy!"

And that's Julia.........

But, it didn't end there.  My co-worker left our office earlier than I did since I had to make up the time for tending to the emergency.  Hmmm... close the door, or shut the door??  I think I should probably shut it.  And I did.  And it locked.  And I didn't have a key.

But, at least I NOW knew who to go to for key issues.  So, with a smile on my face, I returned to that office with another key problem.  No, they did not have the key.  No, the CLO office is not usually closed.  But, he could get the key.  And, since no one was stuck on the other side, he could take his time.

And then I got home.

And I couldn't open the door.

Yes, I had the key, but it just wasn't working.  Perhaps the constant heat had expanded the wood and made the dead bolt just slightly off.  I pulled and pulled and twisted and turned, but it just wouldn't open.  Fortunately, with the ring of the bell, our housekeeper was at the door and let me in.

I didn't want to deal with keys for the rest of the day....

A world of change...

Of course, the big headline during this period was the death of Osama Bin Laden.  We all waited to see what the reaction was going to be in this region of the world, however that was hard to gauge.  While there was much celebrating in the States, there really wasn’t any reaction at all over here.   In the local newspaper, people were interviewed on what the death of Osama did for terrorism and the overwhelming opinion of the “man on the street” was “not much”.  Terrorism will still be around and someone will rise to take his place, they said.   I’m sure this topic will dominate politics for quite some time, be here in Oman, people seem to be happy to go on just as they were.

Meanwhile, back in the world of the Goforth’s, our housekeeper/nanny arrived and we are enjoying the extra help.  However, the girls are not so convinced that the change is good – I think they prefer Mommy help them with EVERYTHING and not really going for the substitute.  We have had frequent discussions about how the arrangement helps mom and gives me more time to play instead of doing chores.  Slowly, but surely I think they are getting it.

Our Housekeeper/Nanny has her own little apartment behind the house and helps us with everything.  She keeps the house tidier than I could ever imagine! (And, keeps the ants at bay)  Dishes, laundry, ironing – everything.   And she watches the girls when I’m out.  She’s very sweet, patient, and nurturing and has worked for many other Embassy families.   We are very happy to have her here!  

And the other big change was Mom started working.  Also, not a popular change with the kids.  In fact when I reminded Chloe that I would not be home when she got off the bus, but I’d be home very soon after, she said: “WHAT?  I’m at school aaaalll day and this is what I get?”  Meanwhile, Julia was hanging on my neck.  And, did I mention it was Mother’s Day?   It was a bit rough.  That was day 1.  Day 2 deserves it’s own little blog… 

My job at the Embassy is the Community Liaison Officer, also known as the CLO.  And because the creative juices are running low, here’s the description directly from the web: “The CLO is among the first points of contact for newly assigned or arriving employees and family members, and provides pre-arrival information, orientation, and assistance with settling in at post.  CLOs identify the needs of their community and respond with effective programming, information, resources, and referrals. They serve as advocates for employees and family members, advise post management on quality of life issues, and recommend solutions and family-friendly post policies.”  http://www.state.gov/m/dghr/flo/c1964.htm Despite the rough transition for the girls, I am enjoying the job, learning about the Embassy and having a little change!

Meanwhile, Damon has had non-stop visitors it seems and has been constantly on the go.  He’s a busy guy, but looking pretty sharp in those suits every day!

It's been heating up lately, so inside activities are our main form of entertainment (not hard for our creative ladies!)   So, it was time to finally finish the "Go-Fort", our "clubhouse" made from the air-shipment boxes.  (Thank you Marcy for that name!)  The boxes have our name written all over, but I apparently cut the door just so it perfectly separated the "H" from our name leaving "GOFORT" on one side and the lonely "H" on the door.  So, now it is the GOFORT.  The girls love to play in there, bring ALL the pillows, blankets and stuffed animals, too.  And, Chloe has declared it her reading nook and will frequently read int here, sometimes reading stories to her sister.  (Popular choice with Mom.)   

 Temperatures are now hovering around 110 F with temperatures at 100 F by 8:00 AM.  I haven't paid attention to the evening temperatures (I'm not driving around in my car), but as soon as the sun goes down, everyone starts coming out.  I frequently take the kids to the American Club which has a pool and a small restaurant, too.  Very casual and a perfect place to take kids when they've been cooped up inside too long!