Well, "All Good Things Must Come To An End." We are no longer expats in the UAE! We flew out of Abu Dhabi just over a week ago. We, myself and my husband, miss it just like we knew we would. We hope to return one day soon. One never knows what the future has instore though. We may try for the UK next but until then, we will try to soke up some tropical sun and views.
We are back in Jamaica and I have to say, it is more beautiful than when I left 16 months ago. I imagine after looking at a sea of concrete buildings and ocean of sand all around us in the UAE, any greenery is going to be twice as beautiful. I am not sure if I will continue this blog as "As an Expatriote in the Middle East Region" or change it so as to continue blogging. Otherwise I will create a new blogspot for Jamaica specifically. What do you think I should do? I guess if I don't get any responses, I may just give up blogging all together. Til next time...be well.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Loser
Before I begin, I have to share the progress or lack there of pertaining to Nicholas' project. (This totally falls into the loser category)Oh wait, I think they call this, "FAIL"
If you can't tell if there is a difference or not, let me help. THERE ISN'T ANY DIFFERENCE IN ALL THIS TIME.
I have to apologize for my extended absence. It has been more than a month since my last blog, but I do have a really good excuse, honest.
Depression is a %#@*!. I have been depressed since returning from the United States. My son decided to stay in the US, which I am totally fine with. I just miss Drew so much more than I thought I would. When your younger with children, you start counting down the years until you and your spouse are finally all alone. I pictured an older, whiter, chubbier couple swinging on the porch or taking short walks together. I thought about an empty nest and the pictures in my head did not contain one ounce of depression. I didn't take loneliness into consideration.
I am shaking it off slowly. I just can't be bothered with anything else depressing right now. I have decided to be a little selfish. I am making another trip to the US in a few days to see my son. Fortunately for me, I get to stay with a really good friend (Nancy) in Florida. She and I have a lot of catching up to do. I even have a plan for fitness whilst I am there. I am going to start running again in the mornings and swim in the afternoons. I have school work during the day, so I will be keeping myself busy.
I will try to keep you posted whilst I am away but if I don't blog from the U.S, I will get you all caught up (should you still be following this inactive blog haha)when I return.
If you can't tell if there is a difference or not, let me help. THERE ISN'T ANY DIFFERENCE IN ALL THIS TIME.
I have to apologize for my extended absence. It has been more than a month since my last blog, but I do have a really good excuse, honest.
Depression is a %#@*!. I have been depressed since returning from the United States. My son decided to stay in the US, which I am totally fine with. I just miss Drew so much more than I thought I would. When your younger with children, you start counting down the years until you and your spouse are finally all alone. I pictured an older, whiter, chubbier couple swinging on the porch or taking short walks together. I thought about an empty nest and the pictures in my head did not contain one ounce of depression. I didn't take loneliness into consideration.
I am shaking it off slowly. I just can't be bothered with anything else depressing right now. I have decided to be a little selfish. I am making another trip to the US in a few days to see my son. Fortunately for me, I get to stay with a really good friend (Nancy) in Florida. She and I have a lot of catching up to do. I even have a plan for fitness whilst I am there. I am going to start running again in the mornings and swim in the afternoons. I have school work during the day, so I will be keeping myself busy.
I will try to keep you posted whilst I am away but if I don't blog from the U.S, I will get you all caught up (should you still be following this inactive blog haha)when I return.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Tax Credit After Eighteen
This is officially the last time we could claim a child for tax credit. It just keeps getting worse!! I didn't think about this until I did the taxes for 2008, exactly nine hours before the deadline, not knowing whether we owed in or not.
We have no children at home anymore. Is it a blessing or a curse? When it comes time to do the 2009 taxes, why can't we claim the children? We are still paying for them. Every time they need money to pay for the car insurance or when they can't make their rent. I thought if you are supporting them, they are considered a dependent. It just isn't fair.
I can not say I would much rather them be at home because I would be lying. I have dreamed of the day when it would be just my husband and I. Don't get me wrong, I love my children. I think there is too much time with my husband now though. When the children were here and I didn't want to listen to the incessant lecturing, I could just leave the room. Now, I am the only one here and am trapped in a constant lecture. There is no longer an escape. I love my husband bless his heart, he talks way too much. He is like a nagging woman at times. What did I do for Karma to come back on me like this? I have always been a quiet person. I love quiet, oneness, and meditation sometimes.
My husband, bless his heart, thinks of me always. He is really attentive. He sees to my every need. What more can a woman ask for? I am blessed (I think)
Ladies, be careful what you wish for, you just might get it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We have no children at home anymore. Is it a blessing or a curse? When it comes time to do the 2009 taxes, why can't we claim the children? We are still paying for them. Every time they need money to pay for the car insurance or when they can't make their rent. I thought if you are supporting them, they are considered a dependent. It just isn't fair.
I can not say I would much rather them be at home because I would be lying. I have dreamed of the day when it would be just my husband and I. Don't get me wrong, I love my children. I think there is too much time with my husband now though. When the children were here and I didn't want to listen to the incessant lecturing, I could just leave the room. Now, I am the only one here and am trapped in a constant lecture. There is no longer an escape. I love my husband bless his heart, he talks way too much. He is like a nagging woman at times. What did I do for Karma to come back on me like this? I have always been a quiet person. I love quiet, oneness, and meditation sometimes.
My husband, bless his heart, thinks of me always. He is really attentive. He sees to my every need. What more can a woman ask for? I am blessed (I think)
Ladies, be careful what you wish for, you just might get it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, April 13, 2009
The Weekend...
The weekend was very nice, we spent Thursday night with friends at a 5 star restaurant at the "Intercontinental Hotel" which was fabulous. We started dinner off with the salad and soup bar.
The best part is whilst you are sitting at the table, guys come around with huge racks of different kinds of meat on huge skewers. If you have turned your glass coaster to green, they will ask you if you'd like some of that particular meat and this goes on endlessly. If on the other hand, you have your coaster turned to show the red side, you will not be asked if you want any of the meat.
The meat ranged from medium rare beef sirloin to grilled and marinated chicken. In between, you could choose from lamb parts and or chicken hearts(no thank you).
We ate outside on a very nice patio overlooking a kind of marina.
The experience is definitely one I will always remember. The ambiance was perfect.
If you are in the area, I suggest you make reservations early. It is hard to get a table.
Friday we got up early and did the grocery shopping at the vegetable market and the fish market, which is always fun. Best of all, when you shop at the markets, you save big and the quality is so much better than in the grocery stores. I have found that the veggies actually last longer than those from the grocery and of course, you have to soak everything you buy at the vegetable market in cold water with a hint of bleach. It is unknown if pesticides are used and which ones.
Finally Saturday was another beautiful day. We went to a pub we love for fish and chips called "Captains Arms" for lunch. After Captain's Arms we went to the "Hiltonia" Club to sip some refreshing beverages next to the beach whilst the sun set. We crossed under to the "Hilton" to stop at "Hemmingways" for dinner and tunes from the live band.
All in all it was a fantastic weekend. I hope you enjoyed yours.
The best part is whilst you are sitting at the table, guys come around with huge racks of different kinds of meat on huge skewers. If you have turned your glass coaster to green, they will ask you if you'd like some of that particular meat and this goes on endlessly. If on the other hand, you have your coaster turned to show the red side, you will not be asked if you want any of the meat.
The meat ranged from medium rare beef sirloin to grilled and marinated chicken. In between, you could choose from lamb parts and or chicken hearts(no thank you).
We ate outside on a very nice patio overlooking a kind of marina.
The experience is definitely one I will always remember. The ambiance was perfect.
If you are in the area, I suggest you make reservations early. It is hard to get a table.
Friday we got up early and did the grocery shopping at the vegetable market and the fish market, which is always fun. Best of all, when you shop at the markets, you save big and the quality is so much better than in the grocery stores. I have found that the veggies actually last longer than those from the grocery and of course, you have to soak everything you buy at the vegetable market in cold water with a hint of bleach. It is unknown if pesticides are used and which ones.
Finally Saturday was another beautiful day. We went to a pub we love for fish and chips called "Captains Arms" for lunch. After Captain's Arms we went to the "Hiltonia" Club to sip some refreshing beverages next to the beach whilst the sun set. We crossed under to the "Hilton" to stop at "Hemmingways" for dinner and tunes from the live band.
All in all it was a fantastic weekend. I hope you enjoyed yours.
Nick's Project Progress
Today is the 13th of April. I haven't blogged since the "Home Improvements" blog and that has been a while. But, here we are and as promised, I am keeping you posted.
Checkout the progress.......
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Home Improvements
Nicholas walks in from work on a Tuesday night and wants to go to Ikea to find some picture frames and photo paper for the printer. For Nicholas, this is priority. You see, when Nicholas gets an idea in his head, it consumes him and if you live with him, it must also consume you. You must make his idea priority and have fun doing it hahahaha.
The idea is to use some of the photos taken at the Grand Mosque, frame them, and hang them on the wall. Everything must be perfect and we have to have all the right tools. Four days later, this is how far Nicholas has gotten with his priority project.
>
If you look closely, you can see the manufacturers papers still in the frame......
The idea is to use some of the photos taken at the Grand Mosque, frame them, and hang them on the wall. Everything must be perfect and we have to have all the right tools. Four days later, this is how far Nicholas has gotten with his priority project.
>
If you look closely, you can see the manufacturers papers still in the frame......
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Taxpayers in the United States
This subject is a sore one for most if not all tax payers, increasingly having to pay higher and higher taxes for the moochers and other kinds of people that perhaps should fall under the responsibility of family if not for themselves (our elderly completely excluded.) There is a story you do not want to miss on at Yahoo.com, see link below!(http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090402/ap_on_re_us/frequent_er_patients) There are some citizens from the United States, visiting other countries, that like to bitch and complain about how the government of said visiting country runs things. Let's keep in mind that most citizens from the United States aren't well versed in anything different than what they are accustomed to in the United States and they may believe it is the best way to do things, isn't necessarily always the case.
I have to admit, sometimes the other countries have the right idea. The bottom line in the UAE is, if you do not have insurance, you do not receive attention unless paying cash. There are many countries that command this. I am not sure what, if anything is offered to their elderly. If you can not prove employment, you must return to your own country. You have to be sponsored in this country by either an employer or spouse of and employee sponsored by an employer, otherwise, you must return to your country. If you are not allowed back in your own country, you must find somewhere else to go because you can't stay here.
Don't get me wrong, I am sure there are some illegals here. Hell, some apartments have upwards of 30 or more people to one apartment. Eventually, you will be found out and must return to your country because no one here can afford to carry you. Most of the immigrants here are working to send money home to their family and living on little to nothing.
Back to the US, I ask you, why should everyone else pay for the addictions, the self induced injuries, or the mental and physical diseases that others have created as a result of their own bad choices. There is no excuse for it in this day and age. Public education is free and people have been educated of the results of drugs, casual sex, cigarettes, and alcohol. For pete sake, the US government holds every parent responsible for the attendance of their children in school. You can not tell me they aren't being educated. Parents are going to court and losing their children if their kids do not attend public school. Parents are being held legally responsible for the actions of their children everyday. At what point is the government held responsible for taking advantage of its people?
Thank God they went after AIG, but who is to be held responsible for the continuance of medical and other forms of charity that they aren't offering their own citizens? I know when I was working for the Sheriff's Department, I had a severe anxiety attack on the job and had to leave work to go to the emergency room. Accounts receivable hounded me relentlessly over the bill when is was considered workman's comp. Yet, homeless and addicted people continue to receive care at some one else's expense. There are homeless that choose to be homeless. They do not have to work, hell it is too hard. Why work a nine to five as long as someone else pays for your food through charity and your medical through tax payers working nine to nines to feed their own families and pay for someone else's medical or mental issues.
Don't get me wrong, I love my country. I am severely unhappy with the government that keeps telling me I have a say so when I really don't and the citizens have become so accustomed to the government making all the decisions, they forget they have a voice and how loud it is. After all, the government is made up of people just like you and me. The difference is they are making six figure salaries and have been steadily giving themselves raises year after year. The rich keep wanting to complain about having to pay taxes on their fortunes. We have to keep paying for people that make bad choices and are rewarded with free food, clothes, and medical attention that we can't afford these things for our own families.
We have to leave our beloved country to earn enough money to pull us out of mounds of debt. Money that can not be earned in America because there are so many illegal aliens being allowed to stay in the country for one reason or another, working the jobs the citizens should have had all along. Again, let's reward the illegals for the choice to break our laws. Let's house them , feed them, educate them, and pay their medical bills whilst they laugh in our faces as we starve and go further and further into debt.
I have to admit, sometimes the other countries have the right idea. The bottom line in the UAE is, if you do not have insurance, you do not receive attention unless paying cash. There are many countries that command this. I am not sure what, if anything is offered to their elderly. If you can not prove employment, you must return to your own country. You have to be sponsored in this country by either an employer or spouse of and employee sponsored by an employer, otherwise, you must return to your country. If you are not allowed back in your own country, you must find somewhere else to go because you can't stay here.
Don't get me wrong, I am sure there are some illegals here. Hell, some apartments have upwards of 30 or more people to one apartment. Eventually, you will be found out and must return to your country because no one here can afford to carry you. Most of the immigrants here are working to send money home to their family and living on little to nothing.
Back to the US, I ask you, why should everyone else pay for the addictions, the self induced injuries, or the mental and physical diseases that others have created as a result of their own bad choices. There is no excuse for it in this day and age. Public education is free and people have been educated of the results of drugs, casual sex, cigarettes, and alcohol. For pete sake, the US government holds every parent responsible for the attendance of their children in school. You can not tell me they aren't being educated. Parents are going to court and losing their children if their kids do not attend public school. Parents are being held legally responsible for the actions of their children everyday. At what point is the government held responsible for taking advantage of its people?
Thank God they went after AIG, but who is to be held responsible for the continuance of medical and other forms of charity that they aren't offering their own citizens? I know when I was working for the Sheriff's Department, I had a severe anxiety attack on the job and had to leave work to go to the emergency room. Accounts receivable hounded me relentlessly over the bill when is was considered workman's comp. Yet, homeless and addicted people continue to receive care at some one else's expense. There are homeless that choose to be homeless. They do not have to work, hell it is too hard. Why work a nine to five as long as someone else pays for your food through charity and your medical through tax payers working nine to nines to feed their own families and pay for someone else's medical or mental issues.
Don't get me wrong, I love my country. I am severely unhappy with the government that keeps telling me I have a say so when I really don't and the citizens have become so accustomed to the government making all the decisions, they forget they have a voice and how loud it is. After all, the government is made up of people just like you and me. The difference is they are making six figure salaries and have been steadily giving themselves raises year after year. The rich keep wanting to complain about having to pay taxes on their fortunes. We have to keep paying for people that make bad choices and are rewarded with free food, clothes, and medical attention that we can't afford these things for our own families.
We have to leave our beloved country to earn enough money to pull us out of mounds of debt. Money that can not be earned in America because there are so many illegal aliens being allowed to stay in the country for one reason or another, working the jobs the citizens should have had all along. Again, let's reward the illegals for the choice to break our laws. Let's house them , feed them, educate them, and pay their medical bills whilst they laugh in our faces as we starve and go further and further into debt.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Sand Storm Blues
Okay so last Thursday I spent half the day dusting, vacuuming, and mopping the entire apartment. I burnt serious calories that day. Over the weekend, we had the worst sand storm I have ever seen since arriving in the UAE. The visibility was awful. Then came the thunder storms.
Friday after the sand storm, came the storm of storms. It actually rained hard. There was thunder and lightening. I haven't seen this kind of weather here and to no big surprise, people were outside looking around and getting rained on while the lightening was in the sky. Parts of the UAE even saw and felt hail. It has probably been raining for about three days off and on. So I seized the opportunity to clean again considering; when there is a sand storm here, the sand gets into and on everything in the apartment. It takes me a couple of hours to dust and mop everything from start to finish.
It won't surprise you when I say that everyone comes down with some kind of sand induced sinus issue. This time for me was my eyes. I woke up Saturday morning with one eye crusted shut. Looking like Popeye, I got my cotton balls and mixed salt and warm water. I treated my eyes with the concoction several times throughout the day into the night and wala, my eyes started clearing the next day. They still hurt though even though they stopped watering and crusting in the corners. I was happy I didn't have to go to the doctor.
I don't trust the doctor's here. I have been misdiagnosed twice now and over-medicated as well. The doctor's here do not run tests here like they do in the States. I am beginning to think they aren't listening very well. Maybe it is a language barrier. Whatever the case, I don't trust them. I will try home remedies first and when I can not take care of the problem myself, as a last resort, will go to the hospital. I thank God I do not have small children. I know people here that do and have had issues with the hospital. Anyway, not too much to blog about because I really haven't been anywhere to do anything and it looks like the weather is going to keep up through Wednesday.
I just remembered, a friend here told me she found a hospital where there are American Doctors, American certified. I think I am going to check them out next time I have something arise that requires the doctors attention. By the way, the name of the hospital is Advanced American or something really close to that. Will have to find out for sure.
Friday after the sand storm, came the storm of storms. It actually rained hard. There was thunder and lightening. I haven't seen this kind of weather here and to no big surprise, people were outside looking around and getting rained on while the lightening was in the sky. Parts of the UAE even saw and felt hail. It has probably been raining for about three days off and on. So I seized the opportunity to clean again considering; when there is a sand storm here, the sand gets into and on everything in the apartment. It takes me a couple of hours to dust and mop everything from start to finish.
It won't surprise you when I say that everyone comes down with some kind of sand induced sinus issue. This time for me was my eyes. I woke up Saturday morning with one eye crusted shut. Looking like Popeye, I got my cotton balls and mixed salt and warm water. I treated my eyes with the concoction several times throughout the day into the night and wala, my eyes started clearing the next day. They still hurt though even though they stopped watering and crusting in the corners. I was happy I didn't have to go to the doctor.
I don't trust the doctor's here. I have been misdiagnosed twice now and over-medicated as well. The doctor's here do not run tests here like they do in the States. I am beginning to think they aren't listening very well. Maybe it is a language barrier. Whatever the case, I don't trust them. I will try home remedies first and when I can not take care of the problem myself, as a last resort, will go to the hospital. I thank God I do not have small children. I know people here that do and have had issues with the hospital. Anyway, not too much to blog about because I really haven't been anywhere to do anything and it looks like the weather is going to keep up through Wednesday.
I just remembered, a friend here told me she found a hospital where there are American Doctors, American certified. I think I am going to check them out next time I have something arise that requires the doctors attention. By the way, the name of the hospital is Advanced American or something really close to that. Will have to find out for sure.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
"Murphy's Law"
Jebi listens to my command to sit very well.
You can always count on "Murphy's Law".
Here's the thing, I agreed to take care of Jebi for two weeks no problem, right? Wrong....The problem isn't Jebi at all. When the neighbors left this morning, Tim was having a hard time with the lock. So I offered to lock the door for him with the key that his wife gave me last night. I had a little trouble with the lock but managed to lock the door somewhat. After jogging on the treadmill and eating some lunch, I went over to take Jebi to potty. The key kept going around and around in the lock.
I can't get in and Jebi can't get out. I had all these visions of Jebi using the apartment to go potty and tearing up everything in frustration. I went downstairs and got the watchman and said "this lock change now" "InshaAllah says now" so the watchman replaced the lock immediately. He said "No problem". He is afraid of Jebi by the way hehehe.
Jebi is cool. Took him to potty and put him back and locked the door. Everything is perfect now. My neighbors have no keys to their apartment right now, I hope they don't get in at 2:00 AM or something crazy like that.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Hotel for Dogs
Rainy and I finally got together last night and went to see "Hotel for Dogs". I have seen her all of two times since October. We decided it was time to see a movie and try to catch up a little on what has been going on in each others life over the past 5 months since we last spoke. We went to the Cinestar Theater at Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi, to see this adorable movie. If you have children, this movie is a must. Briefly, it is about two orphans, brother and sister, who try to hide a dog or two in an old abandoned hotel. The number of guests(orphan dogs) keep growing and growing. I will leave the rest for you to see.
After the movie Rainy asked me if I knew where to find some cute jeans. I knew just the place. We took a right turn into my absolute most favorite store, "Stradivarius". I had scoped out two pair of jeans a couple of weeks ago, tried them on, and they fit like heaven. Rainy is the proud owner of not two but three pair of jeans and a belt, all under 500aed. Can you believe that?
Speaking of children, there were two children in the theater, one small boy and a girl that were not being supervised by the nanny sitting in the back of the theater. These children were out of control, running up and down the isle ways and screaming. I was so afraid they would get hurt. It was obviously dark in the theater and the little girl was climbing over the tops of the seats. Never once did the nanny try to stop her. You would hear a shhh here and there but nothing more.
I have noticed here in UAE, the children have a lot more freedom to run up and down in public places. On one hand, I am happy for the children. Children live to play. On the other hand, they do not always see the dangers in it, therefore it is the responsibility of the parents to keep them out of danger. A lot of the children in the UAE are very rude as well. They act as though no one has ever taught them about standing in a queue and waiting your turn, quietly and without knocking into others around them. Instead, it has been my experience that they burrow their way in where ever they choose. The people working behind the counters do not correct them and I don't feel it is my place to correct them either. What do you do when the parents of the children are not correcting them?
I almost forgot to mention, the skates, omg the skates. The children are skating in the malls and grocery stores. They ride their skates like the taxies in and around Abu Dhabi. They are a danger to themselves and to other people. It is rude. There is no other way to describe it.
Needless to say. this blog started out as a nice critique for the movie, but because of some unruly children in the theater, turned out to be a venting session on the misbehaved children.
I do not speak of all the children, just most of them.
CORRECT YOUR CHILDREN!!!!!! And please teach them about "personal space"(an arm link between you and other individuals at all times), not everyone likes to be touched by strangers.
After the movie Rainy asked me if I knew where to find some cute jeans. I knew just the place. We took a right turn into my absolute most favorite store, "Stradivarius". I had scoped out two pair of jeans a couple of weeks ago, tried them on, and they fit like heaven. Rainy is the proud owner of not two but three pair of jeans and a belt, all under 500aed. Can you believe that?
Speaking of children, there were two children in the theater, one small boy and a girl that were not being supervised by the nanny sitting in the back of the theater. These children were out of control, running up and down the isle ways and screaming. I was so afraid they would get hurt. It was obviously dark in the theater and the little girl was climbing over the tops of the seats. Never once did the nanny try to stop her. You would hear a shhh here and there but nothing more.
I have noticed here in UAE, the children have a lot more freedom to run up and down in public places. On one hand, I am happy for the children. Children live to play. On the other hand, they do not always see the dangers in it, therefore it is the responsibility of the parents to keep them out of danger. A lot of the children in the UAE are very rude as well. They act as though no one has ever taught them about standing in a queue and waiting your turn, quietly and without knocking into others around them. Instead, it has been my experience that they burrow their way in where ever they choose. The people working behind the counters do not correct them and I don't feel it is my place to correct them either. What do you do when the parents of the children are not correcting them?
I almost forgot to mention, the skates, omg the skates. The children are skating in the malls and grocery stores. They ride their skates like the taxies in and around Abu Dhabi. They are a danger to themselves and to other people. It is rude. There is no other way to describe it.
Needless to say. this blog started out as a nice critique for the movie, but because of some unruly children in the theater, turned out to be a venting session on the misbehaved children.
I do not speak of all the children, just most of them.
CORRECT YOUR CHILDREN!!!!!! And please teach them about "personal space"(an arm link between you and other individuals at all times), not everyone likes to be touched by strangers.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Recipe for Fantastic Quick Steamed Fish
Before I let you in on this fabulous recipe I have to give credit for this find to April (my sister). Whilst I was at home she turned me on to this method of cooking fish.
Needs:
1. A nice fresh fillet of Salmon (Dory is also another tastey fillet you can use)
2. Dijon Mustard
3. Real Honey
4. "Glad,(Simply Cooking)Steamer Bags" in the same isle as ziplocks
Layer the top of the fish with the dijon and then poor honey on top of the mustard.
Slip the fillet into the steamer bag (besure to close properly)
Slip into the microwave for five(5) minutes.
Note: The bag may pop open in the microwave, this is okay and expected.
BE VERY VERY CAREFUL OPENING THE BAG AS THE STEAM WILL BURN YOU BADLY.
These bags also steam vegies to perfecton. So steam your choice of veggies.
Another little recommendation, Try a sweet potato with it.
Wash it thoroughly, poke it in various places and cook in the microwave (before the fish and vegies) for roughly 6 to 8 minutes(depending on the size of potato). It is finished cooking when the fork goes through it easily. (I eat the potato skin as well for nutrients)
I like to put a light layer of butter(better for you than margarine) and brown sugar(to taste)on the potato.
You can have dinner for one or two on the table in as little as 20 minutes. Best of all it is one of the healthiest meals you can have.
Clean up is breeze too.
Thanks to April and enjoy your healthy, quick, and easy meal.
Needs:
1. A nice fresh fillet of Salmon (Dory is also another tastey fillet you can use)
2. Dijon Mustard
3. Real Honey
4. "Glad,(Simply Cooking)Steamer Bags" in the same isle as ziplocks
Layer the top of the fish with the dijon and then poor honey on top of the mustard.
Slip the fillet into the steamer bag (besure to close properly)
Slip into the microwave for five(5) minutes.
Note: The bag may pop open in the microwave, this is okay and expected.
BE VERY VERY CAREFUL OPENING THE BAG AS THE STEAM WILL BURN YOU BADLY.
These bags also steam vegies to perfecton. So steam your choice of veggies.
Another little recommendation, Try a sweet potato with it.
Wash it thoroughly, poke it in various places and cook in the microwave (before the fish and vegies) for roughly 6 to 8 minutes(depending on the size of potato). It is finished cooking when the fork goes through it easily. (I eat the potato skin as well for nutrients)
I like to put a light layer of butter(better for you than margarine) and brown sugar(to taste)on the potato.
You can have dinner for one or two on the table in as little as 20 minutes. Best of all it is one of the healthiest meals you can have.
Clean up is breeze too.
Thanks to April and enjoy your healthy, quick, and easy meal.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
"InshaAllah"
This term, InshaAllah" is used at the end or beginning of every sentence here. What does it mean you ask? It means the same as "God's Will Be Done" for us. It seems as though it is sometimes used to test God though. When people here drive at 140 mph they do it InshaAllah. If I crash, it is his(Allah) will. If I get a ticket, it is his will. If while I am driving like a maniac, I hit someone, it is his will. Never mind obeying the laws of the land.
After all if I break the laws of the land and nothing comes of it, it was Allah's will. If I crash my car and hurt someone else whilst I am breaking the law, it is his will. I am beginning to think that this is the perfect excuse for lack of common sense and morality. One good thing that comes of this attitude (belief) is that when something like a crash occurs, there isn't any anger involve. huh????????
You just crashed my car making an illegal left turn from the outside lane (4th or 5th) and I am not to get angry. If I get angry, I go to jail. huh?????????????????
It is so difficult not to get angry at the people driving on the roads here. They drive however they want and get away with it. The only traffic law that is ALWAYS followed is, do not go through a red light. If you drive through a red light and you get caught, they confiscate your vehicle indefinitely.
Needless to say, you grow more patient here if no other good virtue. I am sure I am picking up some good and some bad. Sometimes the old saying "if you can't beat them join them" comes into play.
InshaAllah????????????
After all if I break the laws of the land and nothing comes of it, it was Allah's will. If I crash my car and hurt someone else whilst I am breaking the law, it is his will. I am beginning to think that this is the perfect excuse for lack of common sense and morality. One good thing that comes of this attitude (belief) is that when something like a crash occurs, there isn't any anger involve. huh????????
You just crashed my car making an illegal left turn from the outside lane (4th or 5th) and I am not to get angry. If I get angry, I go to jail. huh?????????????????
It is so difficult not to get angry at the people driving on the roads here. They drive however they want and get away with it. The only traffic law that is ALWAYS followed is, do not go through a red light. If you drive through a red light and you get caught, they confiscate your vehicle indefinitely.
Needless to say, you grow more patient here if no other good virtue. I am sure I am picking up some good and some bad. Sometimes the old saying "if you can't beat them join them" comes into play.
InshaAllah????????????
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Party Pics and other misc pics...
Joyce!!!! What are you doing??????? hahaha
Go little Hobbit go
Amandaaaaaaaaa you look like your mother sweety.....beautiful
Drew you're crazy
Party Pics.
Good Looking, Cody (Dawn's Love and baby daddy :))
Maxine (Mom) whith her big sis, Shirley
Tracy, family bar tender with a mouthful of chicken wing hahahaha (blurry sorry)
My niece, Dawn
My son, Andrew
Gary
Big Bro, Ron and his daughter, Tara
At the bar left to right, Gretta, Joyce, Donna, Ron, and BobbyFriday, March 20, 2009
"The Man Cave" For Ape's Birthday
A place for family and the closest of friends to get together, drink, by merry, listen to music(disco and motown are the usual favorites), play cards, air hockey, and ping pong, or just chat, watch tv, or just relax if the place is quiet.
Let it be known:
"THERE WILL BE NO CANDLES IN THE MAN CAVE"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes Jackie (cousin), I heard about this and I cracked up. Anyway it is called The Man Cave for a reason. Built up from just a basement to a wonderful place to get together. My cousin, Tracy has put alot of time and money into creating the perfect hangout/family bar equiped with its own "Tips Are Welcome" jar. I got the impression the family thought it was decoration until during the party I pointed out a lack of tips to everyone The jar got a bit busy that night yayyyyy.
Oh and by the way, Tracy's margaritas are fantastic. They may even be dangerous.
The surprise was almost blown by some thoughtless person at Kroger's. I ordered the cake a week before the party. The day before the party, a woman from the bakery called and asked for me. My sister told the person I wasn't there and the woman tells her she has some questions about the cake. The next day, when I woke up the next morning, I checked the phone to see if anyone had called (specifically my husband), I saw where kroger had called and I asked April about it and she replied "They wanted to know something about my cake". That was the first thing. The second thing was April's boyfriend, Lee was supposed to pick April and Cam up from the house and take them to dinner, then to the party.
Lee didn't pick them up until 6:00PM. I was supposed to arrive at the "Man Cave" at 6:30. I hadn't showered yet. To say I was a little stressed was an understatement. I ordered Drew in the shower and to make it quick. 25 minutes later he was still in the shower. I made it to the party by 7:15 and before April, Lee, and Cam arrived
So, without further Adoo doo, pics of the family.
Well okay none want to save to this blog. Pictures in "Party Pics"
Let it be known:
"THERE WILL BE NO CANDLES IN THE MAN CAVE"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes Jackie (cousin), I heard about this and I cracked up. Anyway it is called The Man Cave for a reason. Built up from just a basement to a wonderful place to get together. My cousin, Tracy has put alot of time and money into creating the perfect hangout/family bar equiped with its own "Tips Are Welcome" jar. I got the impression the family thought it was decoration until during the party I pointed out a lack of tips to everyone The jar got a bit busy that night yayyyyy.
Oh and by the way, Tracy's margaritas are fantastic. They may even be dangerous.
The surprise was almost blown by some thoughtless person at Kroger's. I ordered the cake a week before the party. The day before the party, a woman from the bakery called and asked for me. My sister told the person I wasn't there and the woman tells her she has some questions about the cake. The next day, when I woke up the next morning, I checked the phone to see if anyone had called (specifically my husband), I saw where kroger had called and I asked April about it and she replied "They wanted to know something about my cake". That was the first thing. The second thing was April's boyfriend, Lee was supposed to pick April and Cam up from the house and take them to dinner, then to the party.
Lee didn't pick them up until 6:00PM. I was supposed to arrive at the "Man Cave" at 6:30. I hadn't showered yet. To say I was a little stressed was an understatement. I ordered Drew in the shower and to make it quick. 25 minutes later he was still in the shower. I made it to the party by 7:15 and before April, Lee, and Cam arrived
So, without further Adoo doo, pics of the family.
Well okay none want to save to this blog. Pictures in "Party Pics"
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Pictures From Ohio, Pensacola, and Fort Lauderdale
My best buddy, Mona at Olive Garden yummmmmmmmmmy
Maria (my precious Riri), relaxing with Oliver, the cat
Riri, cheeeeeeezen
Riri blooming with the flowers
I do believe this is the highest flagpole in the world (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
At the beach in UAE after the trip from hell
Nicholas hiding under the umberrrrrrrella ella ella eh
Christopher (eldest son) in Pensacola (have a look at those gorgeous eyes)
My beautiful sister and myselfThese pics are of myself and members of my family. I loved this vacation because besides seeing my mother and siblings, I actually got to see family members that have lived away from our home state for so long(Jackie, Bobby, and Nicholas). Everyone looks so happy and we always have a blast when we get together. Enjoy all the pics. And remember, you can see a larger view by just clicking on the picture!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Drag Show "Somewhere Else", High Street
Yes a man
Where's the camel????hahahaha
It's a man baby......
Strut your stuff
If you figure this one out, let me know!
??????????????????
I liked this dress, really.
Better body than me..........
Wish my tummy was this tight.
Is he Foxy Brown?????
Looks like Liza Minnelli ????????
What do you think????
Couldn't figure this one out....
Where's the camel????hahahaha
It's a man baby......
Strut your stuff
If you figure this one out, let me know!
??????????????????
I liked this dress, really.
Better body than me..........
Wish my tummy was this tight.
Is he Foxy Brown?????
Looks like Liza Minnelli ????????
What do you think????
Couldn't figure this one out.... Okay okay check this out!!!! Whilst at home In Ohio, my sister and I were trying to think of something fun to do. My sisters best friend, April W called and invited us to see a drag show (female illusionists)one weekend. I opted out because is was sub-zero degrees outside and I did not want to be broke down somewhere out there in the middle of the night. I know party pooper, thats me.
The following weekend April (my sister) and I decided to check it out (drag show). I have been to drag shows before. The entertainment is great. The participants are all men. These people know how to have fun. We know what these men are about but I am no one to judge for that is left to the Lord.
It was very cold that night as well but I think I had climatized a little to the weather in Ohio.
Anyway, we had a blast and we took pics for your amusement or enjoyment. Again who am I to judge lololololol. I loved it.
When I say everyone of these performers were men, I mean it. Apparently, they put on this show every weekend.
This is what I wore.
April in the house 
Click on pic to enlarge
Just can't stop watching
Oh snap getting envolved hahahahaha They loved us
Click on pic to enlargeJust can't stop watching Oh snap getting envolved hahahahaha They loved us
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