I’ve been pretty negative so far. I’m going through shopping withdrawals (the only thing I’ve bought are the turquoise earrings at Jerash), I’m forced to run on a treadmill (in a lackluster gym without my own personal television attached and tuned in to The Today Show to get me through my run), I’m coping with issues of co-denpendency (from my former independent self), and I am seriously suffering from not having a yoga studio to spend ALL of my free time. Despite these issues, there was a ray of hope today found in a salon in Amman. Who knew this respite could temporarily displace my frustration?
One of Raj’s coworkers generously offered to take me to her salon for a pedicure. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was fabulous. The salon was clean and elegant. The nail technician (is that the right word?) was professional. What was even more surprising was that these nail techs were the same nationality as those in salons all across the US. Yes, they were Asian. The best part of all, the coup de gras–the only deal I’ve found in this country–the price. It was ONLY $8 JD’s. That translates to $10.40 American money. I asked how much to tip the gal and was told $1 JD ($1.30 US–please don’t make me feel badly about this!). The last pedicure I had in Old Town Alexandria was $25 for the cheapest version, plus a $4 tip and I was rushed in and out in 25 minutes. Here I spent a leisurely hour being pampered. Given the pedicure situation, things are looking up.
Jen Maan in Amman 
I ran into Brian W. last night at his brother’s and Mikaela’s graduation. He looked great as always and is going to be a senior at Stanford! I gave him your blog name, so don’t be surprised if he visits your blogosphere. He is on Facebook. I told him to friend you or vice versa. Joey’s friend and family are leaving for Jordan at the end of the month. Sahar, the mom asked if I needed her to bring you anything. Mom and dad said maybe they would ask her to bring you a small camera. Dad will talk to you about this.
YBS
Hopefully there is more gold in them there hills! I suspect you will have to dig for it. I guess I should have suspected this problem because when my wife and I go down shopping in Walnut Creek, we see a lot of Mexican and South American People shopping (you can tell them apart because they are better dressed than Americans). I guess good quality shoppping is rarer than I thought it was.
I’d get a pedicure every week if they were that cheap here. I’m definitely jealous of that. Hope your driving adventure went well last night – it was good to talk to you!
That was an adventure. With pedicures so cheap I might have to go crazy and get manicures now too.
Yes…this is good news.
This alone is a reason for you to visit!
Hi Jennie and Raj,
Thank you sooo much for the incredibly generous gift. I really appreciate you thinking of me at this special time. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your kindness. Your gift will be put to use next year for college spending money.I will mail you a thank you as well. I love you guys.
Love,
Mikaela
Hi Jen and Raj,
Thank you so much for the graduation gift. That was so awesome of you. I will buy a new lens for my camera. You guys are the best. I will send you a thank you in the mail too.
Thanks again,
Joey
This is so fake and doesn’t count as a thank you. Parents who write thank you notes for their children need help.
This is not fake. However hard copies in the children’s own script are on their way. I am sad that you are not moved by the depth of their sincere gratitude:(
Tobie, I’m so sad that my sister accused me of ghost writing my children’s heart-felt and sincere thank you notes.
Hi Jen,
You are pretty, you are funny, I miss you.
Love,
YBS
p.s.. Tobie said that I should be nicer even though in all fairness, I am the nicer sister.
Pioneer Woman speaks so highly of her sister, just like I do. I’m the nicer one.
Let’s survey some of our parent’s friends and see what they say. They are probably followers of yours now anyway. Let’s see if they’d like to weigh in on the question, “Who is the nicer sister?”
I bet our parent’s friends would undoubtedly say I’m the nicer one, and no, our parent’s friends aren’t followers…yet.
Is it cheap to get your hair done too? This is like Jamaica. I always get that stuff done there because it’s so much cheaper than here.
Are you taunting me about getting my hair done? Trying to get me all worked up before next Friday–my first appointment. I’m not sure how much it’s going to cost. I made an appointment at the only familiar sounding place around here: Tony & Guy. I don’t know what to expect, but I’ll be sure to post.
I believe Tony is spelled with an “I”.
Oh, sorry, that wasn’t nice.
Toni & Guy are from the 80’s…90’s…right…?
You, my friend are getting a PERM! woo hoo! Can’t wait to see the photos!
Yes, from the 80’s. I keep asking people if they’ve ever heard of T&G and you’re the only one. Maybe it’s b/c we’re OLD. No perm, just highlights and feathered hair.
Please tell me where you got your pedicure. I am in Amman and an American I have been trying to find where to get a good and safe pedicure.
No problem. It’s called Jolie Femme and the number is 962 6 5935519. Good luck!