I've now been residing outside of the U.S. for over a year.  That's right, the boy who was afraid to spend the night at a friend's house until the end of 6th grade has accomplished the unthinkable... a year outside of the country he loves.

I almost can't believe that a full year has actually past.  Where does the time go?  I recently wrote to a friend posing the question, "Can you believe we've been out of college for three years now?"  However difficult living abroad can be the experience thus far has been amazingly positive.  I've developed a fantastic realtionship with a girl I truly adore, seen parts of the world I never imagined I'd visit, worked on some truly amazing projects and have met many interesting people.

I think technology has made being away from friends and family much more bearable.  Even though I'm literally on the other side of the world at times it's felt as though I'm right next door (well, kind of).  It's also been great being able to share this experience (at times, sparingly) with all of you.

What does the future hold for Janelle and I?  When will we be coming home?  And the many other questions I've received.  As soon as we know, you'll know; and that's a promise. 

I hope all is well back home, take care.

Jared Metzger, M.D.???

Last time I checked I only have a B.S. in Finance (please keep all of your witty comments about my degree to yourself); apparently, one of my bosses isn't aware of this.  I say this because last night at 1:40 a.m. he called me to start talking to me about business related issues.  Now, I'm all for giving 100% and getting the job done but 1:40 a.m.?  So there I was, half asleep trying to listen to the issues at hand and come up with solutions.  Unfortunately, there were some fairly complex issues he was trying to discuss with me so I finally had to suggest we talk about it first thing in the morning.  I think he eventually figured out that I had been dead asleep and agreed to discuss the problems with me the following day.

For the record, this is the only time that I've ever been awoken in the middle of the night to discuss business and I hope it stays that way.

Let me start out with a thanks to all of you who left a comment; it was much needed encouragement, so thanks.  Central Asia can be a real downer at times.

Ok, now that we got that out of the way I'd like to share an actual phone conversation I had here in KZ.  I will now provide the transcript in English (the call took place in Russian):

Jared:  Hello

Male Caller:  Ahlo (this is how you say "hello" on the phone in Russian)

Male Caller:  Pharmacy?

Jared:  No, apartment.

Male Caller:  I'mmm Soorrry. (He then hung up)

Only in Central Asia.  Hope all is well back home.

Feel bad for me, I'm currently fighting a cold.  I realize that the longer I've been here the further and further apart my Xanga entries get and for those of you who actually enjoy them, my apologies.  However, I just wanted to point out that the number of you who actually respond to the entries I post has also dwindled.  So I'm going to ask you guys to encourage me to write more by actually posting something on this site.  To those of you who do comment regularly (Janelle's mother and selected members of my family) a big thanks; but to the rest of you... start commenting!

Anyways, in just a few weeks I'll have been here for a full year, can you believe that?  It's crazy how time just seems to fly by.  Lastly, being that I've been here a year that means my Xanga membership is about to expire, should I renew? (it costs money you know)

By the way, the frustration level with KZ is high right now so any words of encouragment would be welcomed.  Hope all is well back home.

This weekend was similar to many others I've had before but a few interesting things did happen that I wanted to share with you.

On Saturday night we were invited to a dinner that was being held to send off two of our American friends who are leaving KZ (one for good and one for about 1.5 months).  As we were getting ready Janelle asked me how her outfit looked and I told her great.  She then proceeded to ask me whether she looked better the night before, when we had gone out to dinner, or tonight.  Now what kind of question is that?!  Is there are right answer?  I panicked, and with trepidation replied, "you looked gorgeous last night and fantastic tonight."  She happily responded and a potentially fatal situation for myself was avoided, thank God.  For the female portion of my audience I pose this question: Why do women ask these types of questions?  Give us guys a break; most men are just trying to get by as it is, desperately attempting to avoid the cyclical pitfalls that all women throw at us.  Is there really any need to start quizzing us on which night we found you more beautiful?!?

On Sunday, Janelle and I decided to get outside and take a walk to enjoy the day for a bit (it's very easy to stay caged up in one's apartment).  As we were strolling down Furmonova (similar to Pennsylvania Ave in DC since the President's Almaty residence is located on this street) we noticed that there were policeman lining the street and that all of the traffic signals were flashing yellow.  In KZ this means only one thing, the President is about to drive up or down the street.  I asked Janelle if it would be alright for us to wait and see the entourage crusie by.  She obliged and a few minutes later he flew by and I saw the license plate which is the envy of all license plates here in the Big KZ:  ASTKZ01.  "AST" stands for Astana (the capital of KZ), "KZ" stands for, well... you figure it out, and "01" stands for the very first or number one.  Simply amazing by KZ standards.

Hope all is well back home.