You've received fantastic advice from everyone so far. Good on you for posting a request for help :o)

Your situation is different in that you have a lot of kids. . .but. . .in my first two int'l postings I was obsessed with "getting settled in" before going out to do things with other people. For me this was a HUGE mistake - I ended up very much in the dumps and wondering if I would ever adjust to life in those countries.

This time I started meeting people immediately and, almost five months on, still feel great about the move. Your situation, again, is different but I would still courage you to just take a day off and go meet some people. Bring your children, go to the park http://www.dohaexpatmumsandkids.com/AlwaysOn.html, grab a coffee http://www.dohaexpatmumsandkids.com/NewArrivalsCoffee.html, something.

I might throw together a playgroup on Thursday morning in the Sheraton park - contact me if you'd like details!

Oh - and definitely get a maid. It is a life-altering experience. Both QL and "my" group can help you with that as well.

Hang in there. . .I know it's tough.