the debut

Welcome to my first ever blog, Kelly in Kuwait....... I am about to embark on a fantastic journey and I thought what better way to document it than a blog? You may wonder why the title of this blog is kelly in kuwait.... I have some really big news that I've been dying to share.

I have received a really terrific job offer....... The company I work for, Pottery Barn, is expanding into a new market and they have asked me to head up the visual merchandising aspect. The new market? How does the Middle East sound? That's right, two Pottery Barn stores and two Pottery Barn Kids stores will open next spring in Kuwait and in Dubai, UAE.

We have joined forces with a Middle East business developer as we enter this market. They have great presence in the Middle East, Russia, Turkey and Central Europe. I will reside in Kuwait City and will travel back and forth to Dubai. Hence the name of my blog......kelly in kuwait. This is a really great opportunity to see and experience a part of the world I wouldn't have ever expected to. I realize the Middle East is a very volatile part of the world, but everything I have read speaks to how safe it really is in these two places. Kuwait and the US have a long history of being very strong allies.

I traveled to the Middle East in October for one week to check it out before I made my final decision. This was just to make sure I felt comfortable fulfilling a two year contract. I was able to tour Kuwait City and Dubai. As it turns out, I loved it. It was surreal, mysterious, hot and absolutely something I feel like I have to do. I imagine it will be along the lines of an out of body experience. I am definitely planning on bringing my beloved dog, Daisy with me. I couldn't bear to leave her behind. Fortunately, there is no quarantine to bring your pet into the country. The only downside will be the blistering heat of summer. It is comfortable 5-6 months of the year. I have aligned with a veterinary clinic in Kuwait and they offer assistance in transporting pets. It's probably my biggest worry. I hate the thought of poor Daisy in the cargo hold of an airplane. But she's a resilient gal and I know she'll be fine. My timeline is pretty swift. My last day at work is December 4 and my original move date was going to be toward the end of December. However, I have recently received a request that I begin earlier if possible. So, I have accelerated my timeline to allow me to move around December 15. I am eager to begin this new chapter of my life in a new part of the world. 

So, now the time has come for me to lighten my load. Much to sell, some to store and a little to take with me. I plan on having a moving sale to sell most of what I have accumulated over my 15 years in the Bay Area. Stuff is just stuff, right? I'm selling my car and renting out my house. If you know anyone looking for a cool house in Oakland, let me know. 

Thanks for reading. Check back for updates as I prepare for the biggest change of my life while move time draws nearer.
k