I work in education city at one of the satellite campuses and there's a HUGE incentive for the 'international' (Non-Qatari) students to actually stay in country once they've graduated. If they can get a job, Qatar Foundation will forgive much of the debt / student loans. However, entry level jobs are very difficult…

I think, 'She doesn't want kids - she's just like me! She must be awesome.'

Thank you so much for sharing this link - fascinating!!

Do it! The 10th is a perfect time to go crazy. We're going to Vegas and I'm going full opposite of the strapless dress I wore the first time - micro mini dress with 3/4 sleeves. :)

I love it for various writing projects. I've got boards for each WIP - helps with locations, characters, etc.

Agreed - and US citizens getting Commonwealth jobs is nearly impossible, but there are other countries that welcome nearly all nationalities and have growing economies.

To the grads and recent grads - LOOK ABROAD. Having moved to the Middle East 5 years ago, I wish I had moved here closer to my graduation from college. Better opportunity for career growth, better money, better stability. Take a risk - see what else is offered beyond the US borders!

Having lived in the UAE for 4 years, I think Emirates is an absolutely superior airline and it is a little depressing when traveling domestically when in the States. Additionally, in terms of getting home - there are very few direct options from the region, so I'm more or less forced on one of the local airlines, or…

I don't own it but I've seen it. :)

Whoop whoop! BTW, we have another birthday twin in Australia. She's been my bday friend for almost 10 years. :)

Yay for us 'lucky' babies! Any birthday twins in here (1980)?

*This!!* I've self pubbed 5 books and feel the novels and future manuscripts will be my legacy (not a child). Furthermore, if I had kids, they would just take away from my writing time. I'm selfish with my life and freely admit it.

For some reason my ships seem to be mostly related to animated shows. *Still* bitter over Zutara not happening - damn you, Bryke!!!

I have 2 (both on my lower back - for shame!), Hubs has 20+ (and can't wait to get sleeves). A bit off topic, if you've never seen this wonderful collection of literary inspired tattoos, now you know:

I was reluctant at first - but I love Pinterest for author stuff! It's a great place to collect ideas and images for works and manuscripts in progress. I've got three boards going for each of my different manuscripts. (Additionally, Polyvore can take character development to the next level, but I digress...)

As a proud alum (and even more proud SEC girl), GO DAWGS!!!

Ladies can drive in the UAE...although wearing the burqa does affect your peripheral vision. (Non-local ladies can also go to the police station for making obscene gestures, but that's my story for another day).

Hubs and I usually go for next level (guilty treat is Chili's, but also sushi, yummy Indian, and Wagamama) and have no complaints at all! We certainly got spoiled!

We've had this in the Middle East (well, Dubai and Doha) for years (Subway, McDonald's, Krispy Kreme)...

I avoid as much as possible - or choose really loud restaurants. Alternatively, meeting for drinks (and not dinner) can help. I read somewhere that the sensitivity to sound (called 4S) could be an imbalance of certain vitamins (maybe lack of magnesium).