Entry number 1

Well, I'm here and have only just been able to get any real access to the internet in order to update my blog.

So Houston what can I say? I flew in on Wednesday the 3rd January with my friend Jay at a stupid a clock (that's midnight btw). We were very lucky that my roommate knew someone that had offered to pick us up from the airport and take us back to the apartment (flat). I was very very tired and not really with it so everything was just so surreal. All I couold think was "how the hell am I going to drive on this roads, they are huge with cars coming from all different directions and no real signs telling you anything". Not to mention the fact that the cars are all HUGE and they drive on the wrong damn side of the road (yes the right side).

Anyway Clarke (that's his name) was a star, he came back the next morning and offered to take us around and help me do all the chores that needed to be done i.e opening an account, grocery shopping (food shop). However, I wasn't in the greatest of health (all self inflicted) so about half way through I nearly passed out and it was at that time maybe it is better to go home and rest a bit (with a bottle of pepto bismal).

Houston is very different to home, it is much bigger and there are less people on the streets, most are in their cars. Oh speaking of car - funny story. So I was trying to gear myself up to driving in this city (it was causing many a sleepless night and my anxiety levels hit the roof) but I thought I have to do it. So I bit the bullet called up the first car dealer and asked for their cheapest car. I found a Buick (yes a Buick) drove it around the block and signed the papers. It was only after I got home had my third panic attack that I chickened out and told him I didnt want it. Thankfully for me he said that he wouold let me off the hook (even though I had signed the papers).

So I'm back being car less. But you know the public transport isnt so bad the bus stops right outside my flat and takes me right into work. The only thing is it doesnt really go anywhere else. I think what I am going to do is give it a while and then just rent one as and when I need to.

It was my first day at work yesterday, I had a chance to see the courthouse, different to ours. A lot more modern and the que to get in was going outside the door. The strangest thing was having to take my shoes off for security purposes (what must they have thought I dread to think?). I then took a trip over to my new office for the next six months and I can tell you I lucked out. It's a tall glass building and I am on the 20th Floor with my own office and beautiful view (I will have pics soon). I met Annie the receptionist, Diana and Betty who have helped me settle in, Ray the IT guy (who i've bugged and bugged about my net access) and a few other people who's names escape me.

I won't lie I have been really really homesick and it is taking me longer to settle in then I thought it would (I've been calling home continuously crying down the phone). Today has been much better feeling more alive and on top of things, just needed to give myself a kick up the jacksie I think.

Anyway should get back to work have got three files sitting next to me that need sorting through and understanding (yes I know what your thinking Good luck! Well I'm gonna need it.

Until next time folks


Sadia