DC - Lauderdale - DC - Kuwait

I'm baaaaaaaack. I had such a great time on my business trip. I went for the AUSA Winter Symposium in Ft. Lauderdale, but I stopped on the way/way back in Virginia to visit my family. The weather was great in both cities. There is still snow on the ground in Virginia and I had to dig the car out (when I say "I", I mean me, my nephew, and my sister). The weather overall was fantastic.

I really have a lot to be grateful for in my life. I complain a lot (trying to stop that), but how many people get opportunities like this? Way cool.

I saw my x-fiance (the 2nd one; which was actually more formal than the 1st) in the airport in Kuwait and didn't recognize him. He looks old - which, in turn, made me feel old. I guess 7 kids and 2 jobs will do that to you. He wasn't going to talk to me, but then he almost walked into me, so he kind of had to. I don't know why people are such weakling/cowards! We were together for a loooooooong time. He knows my whole family (they still ask about him; he has never asked about them). What makes people the way they are? Why are some people like that. So weird! I've known him since 1983 - give me a break! Anyways, he was on his way to a conference in Tampa and 5 young guys took him to the airport. They all managed to turn around and stare at me and my friend who was kind enough to offer me a ride to the airport and stayed to have coffee with me. It turned out that HIS x-fiance was on the plane with me and I said hello to her. She knew who I was and looks like me. Life is full of ironies, isn't it?

I was really surprised by my experience in/out of Kuwait airport. Has anyone else noticed or is it just me? They greeted me by name, were polite and even friendly. I was really really impressed. I also only saw one guy in uniform smoking this time ("smoke-free airport"). They went out of their way to be nice and it was a really nice change. To whoever is in charge - way to go, dudes!

By the sounds of things, I'm glad I was out of Kuwait for National/Liberation days. How were your experiences?

Anyhoo, I hate travelling alone and I'm sure I would have had a much better time if I went with someone. I was booked into a dive hotel and called my sister to tell her about it. She freaked out (way more than I did) and immediately got me a suite (shaweeeet) at the W Hotel. Am-maaaazing! Bless you, Cait!!! You ROCK!!! I am totally hooked on W's. I'm going to all of them. That is my new life goal (along with driving a huge bulldozer and flying a plane). It was still kinda cold in Florida (60F) and so I didn't go to the pool or the beach. I had dinner along the coastal road (A1A) at sunset and a giant margarita in a fish bowl. Happy, happy, happy.

My mommy was happy to see me. I miss her so much - every day. I love being there with my family. Yes, I'm back, but I am thinking of Virginia. I don't care much for the place, but I wish I was with my family.

So now it is back to the grind. I'm not really into it.