Likes vs. Differences

So do you see anything different about the stuff I have pictured above? What I have pictured is what I see in Qatar every day compared to the United States. The firs picture is they light switches here. You can find some like this in the United States but the odd thing with these are...to burn them on you push the button down and to turn the light on you push the button up. This is exact opposite in most cases than in the United States. This really bugs me sometimes! LOL

The 2nd picture is the plug ins. They are really really large here. None of our stuff with American plugs can plug into these odd shaped plugs. We have to buy a converter that we can plug our stuff into. We have to be careful with what we do plug into these as it is a different whole voltage of electricity here. I can say I made the mistake of plugging my hairdrying into the plug with an adaptor and it smoked, smelled terrible, and won't work anymore. I guess I won't do that again. I have found it is easier for me to just by the things that are made to plug into these huge plugins.

The last pictures is of a Diet Coke Can. Do you see how we have to open our cans here? The whole tab comes off. WOW!! It still is weird to me. I don't think I will get used to that at all. I will get you some pictures of the can in the future. You would see English on one side and Arabic on the other.

Speaking on Arabic here is something that is different about it....other than it looks like a bunch of writting a 1-2 year old would do in the states. They write right to left! Yes you hear me ... you see everything is backwards here!

Then on a final note!!! The difference I LOVE the best here! We have a movie theater on Post here and before every movie they play the National Anthem. YES WE DO!! I LOVE IT!! Everyone in the whole theater stands up, takes off their hats, places their hands on their heart and doesn't say a word. After it is through we all tend to scream..."GOD BLESS THE USA!" I can say I am proud everytime I hear the National Anthem and have to kinda laugh because I don't see this EVER happening in a Theater in the United States. I don't think people would do the right thing when it is played. Much less I see too many people not respect our flag as it is! If you don't remember this is one of my Pet Peeves! The FLAG is flown to REMEMBER! Don't ever forget it! I know I won't!!

I want you all to know I miss each and everyone of you and still am in amazement with all that everyone at home has done for me. Jefferson look for a package from me after the holidays! You have made me proud with all our support, friendship, and letters!

- SFC Doris A. Carter

Blessings from Jefferson!

Hi Jefferson Falcons!!! Boy you guys made my DAY!!! I received a package full of letters and pictures from several of you there! I haven't been that excited since I got here! It meant a lot to me to get things from you!

I will be passing out some of the letters to other people here. If you don't mind I am asking them to send you a letter from them? I will get some pictures of them opening/reading your letters for you as well. I want you to know how much your letters mean to us all!

I wanted to enclose a picture of some of us that attended a ball. We got dressed up and had a fun evening. Please let me know if you have any questions or specific pictures you guys want!

MISS YOU ALL!!!! GO FALCONS!!!

DEDICATION

wreath for DEDICATION

When I think of DEDICATION this week I tend to think of all our Veterans past, present, and future! I am amazed as I realize that I have served almost 14 years in the US Army. It seems like only yesterday that I was scared to death of what the Drill Sergeant would yell at me today. I look around at all my friends & co-workers here and just see the AMAZING dedication each day. Here we paid tribute the Veterans past, present, and future and wanted all to know that we remain DEDICATED in our mission here.

DEDICATION can be seen in each one of us each day! It helps me to remain dedicated when I know I have my friends, family, and of course Jefferson Elementary behind me the whole entire time! I can't lie and say some days are worse than others but then I look at what I am here for and know I joined the military for this exact reason.

Just remember all people need DEDICATION to achieve things big or small!

respect for our Veterans

Halloween

This past week was busy but good. I went to a Halloween Party here and had a good time. A lot of people even dressed up and got into the spirit. I guess we are a captive crowd! We always have different things going after our work almost every night. This can include tournaments of: spades, poker, bowling, pool, darts, & bingo to name a few. We also have the USO here and they are always providing us with some sort of entertainment or activity to help us pass the time here.

I think the hardest thing for me trying to get everything done that I have to and still have time for the fun. This month is a busy one but I am sure I can make it happen.

I wanted to enclose a few of my favorite costumes from the Halloween Party here! I hope you enjoy and hope you had a GREAT Halloween too!!!

Miss everyone and always remember the fighting Men & Women that are away from home! Especially during the holidays!!!

Swimming, Jet Skiing, & Tubing in Persian Gulf

Last week was so busy so I decided to enjoy my Saturday and go out with some other people on a Water Sports Trip. The Army offers ways to Relax and have fun. One of those ways is this trip. I had a blast getting to know the guys and girls on this trip. We all needed this break.

I have finally started to get into the swing of things here but still miss home and I know that several others here miss home as well! We are realize we are in the same situation so we make the best out of it here. On post we have several things to do. Here are a few: any sport you guys play there we can find here too! Also we can go to eat at alot of the same places you do as well.
I haven't been off post a lot yet but when I do I will start taking pics there as well. I did make a trip off post yesterday and had to laugh as I had to cross what we in Kansas/Oklahoma would call a Cattle Guard. It is for the camels here!!! LOL
Well I had better get off and remember I miss you guys! GO JEFFERSON FALCONS!!!

My new living quarters and office

I wanted to put some pictures of what my room and office looks like for everyone to see. I have been busy trying to get things together here. I am slowly getting things where I want them to be.

Today it is a cool 93degrees at 2:30pm our time (KS time 6:30am). I hope you are all doing well! I am missing home but trying to bring some of home with me. I did this by bringing pictures and things from home. I would love pictures, emails, or mail at anytime from anyone. I received my very first letter from one of my friends back in the states today! I was EXCITED!!!! There are days for me just to know that someone is thinking about me is what I need and to be able to see something from them helps too.

Hi from across the world.

Just wanted to give a little update on what is going on with me. I have started work but it is keeping me busy busy busy. My hardest thing right now is trying to sleep at the right time. I am not doing very well at it. I sure miss Kansas and Jefferson!!! I wish I was still there with you all! Keep me in your thoughts and remember you can write me a letter anytime.
I have been trying to get pictures of my room and work. I will get them posted tomorrow so all can see. Remember check back tomorrow for some pictures!! I think I am going to post stuff twice a week for you guys! Once on Monday and again on Wed your time! How does that sound?!?
How about this for a hard thing for me to buy here...I can't by hairspray. . . WOW!!! And this week the average high has been 98degrees. A little hot here!
MISS YOU!!!!

Trip to Qatar

Me at my seat in plane & my TV Screen

Looking towards front of plane & the middle section of plane

Hi everyone! I hope you guys are enjoying the weather. I know I am here. The last three days it has been 95/75. I have been busy but doing well. My flight was a good one. It was almost 13 hours but I slept very well on the ride over. On the plan I had my town TV to watch whatever I wanted. I got to choose from over 55 movies, 75 games, tv shows, and just look at where the plane was on the map. It was a huge plane and everyone had lots of room. The pictures I have posted are of my plane ride.

When I arrived here it was pitch black and waited my ride to get to where I was going. I had two females pick me up and they took me to a few places around Doha before we even headed to base for the night. The next day I was tired but tried to get up and start doing things around here. I soon realized it was HOT HOT HOT!!!! The sun comes up at around 5am and goes down at 430pm. I am getting things in my room set up and soon will have pictures of that as well as anything you can think of. It is different here but at least I have people here that are doing the same thing I am. That always makes it easier.

Until next time you guys take care!! I MISS you guys!!

Time with Family

I have been home in Wichita for a few weeks and ENJOY it a lot!!! I have enjoyed time with family and friends! I am so excited since my Granny Doris flew in to spend time with us for 10 days! We have been busy trying to help Mom out while she is here. Granny and I have painted Mom's room, cleaned house, yard work, or whatever Mom needs. All this and time for my neice's!!! Always a good time to spend with Kora, Micah, & Anika!!! Even went to Kora's & Micah's Birthday Party!

Home in Wichita

I am officially in Wichita, KS for my leave (vacation) before I head over to Qatar. I traveled across country from Patrick Air Force Base (AFB), FL. With the help of my friend Melanie LeVault it made the trip go by with ease. I am now trying to spend time with all my friend and family that I can before I have to leave. I was so excited to see my new little neice Anika! She was a cutie!!! I am looking forward to spending time with Jefferson Elementary and getting to know some of the students again this year. I always enjoy at Jefferson! Go FALCONS!!!

Disney Trip

I am in class right now at Patrick AFB near Orlando, FL. I have been here for almost 6 weeks now. I have until 4Sep to go! I am ready to leave, but have enjoyed the friends I have made here. I don't like school at all, but school is always a good thing! You always learn something that can be used the rest of your life! The friends I have made here keep me a little sane with our trips we make on Saturdays to get away from it all for just a little bit. I have gone 3 days now and have 2 more until my free passes for Disney are up! YEA!!!

Class A Uniform

This is me in my Class A Uniform that is used for more of a formal event rather than my everyday uniform.

ACU (Army Combat Uniform)

This is what I wear every day for work. This uniform is actually almost like wearing pajamas...ahhh!