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.

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.

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.

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????????????

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Just for fun.......................

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



Drew and Cam looking incredibly handsome












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 Bobby


Friday, 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"

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 myself

These 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!









Please Pause Time

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....
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


















Facelift

What can I say? I'm sorry I haven't blogged lately. I guess you could say I have hit a creative writers brick wall. In an attempt to kick-start my blogging since my return from the United States, I have given my blog a face lift.

I haven't done anything exciting since my return to Abu Dhabi however, I admit my trip back from the states was an awful experience for me. When I left my home state bound for Pensacola Florida, my attitude was solemn. I was indeed very sad about leaving my family. I arrived in Pcola without a hiccup. Once I checked in to my hotel I notified my eldest son of my arrival.

I spent two wonderful days with my son. He was a bit thin for my liking albeit a little larger than the most recent photo I had of him. The first day started out with a huge breakfast at the IHOP (International House of Pancakes). We chatted and went shopping. The next day was another day just like the first but of course my departure loomed over heads. Needless to say, I again shed tears leaving him on my way to a two day layover with my very best friend Mona, Paul, and of course my angel Maria. Before leaving the Northwest FL area, I absolutely had to make a trip to the Niceville area and visit my good friend, Nancy and her hubby. They thoughtfully ordered fantastic pizza and popped a nice bottle of red wine. They had me at "red" hahahaha. Of course an hour and a half was not enough time to get caught up. Thank goodness for this blog right?????? I was on my way back to Pcola for a good nights rest before my flight the next day to Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale Florida is truly a beautiful place. The economy seemed Little better in FLL at first glance, as opposed to my home state, which lifted my spirits a bit. Mona, Riri(Maria), and myself went out to Olive Garden (Haven't been there in years). If you've never tried their chicken soup, I suggest you do (bottomless bowl). Wes girls went shopping and and got caught up with the goings on over the past year and a half. Mona asked about Nancy and if our mutual friend, Tabitha was still working for Nancy and how she was making out. Again, the stay was short lived. I was do at the airport at the ungodly hour of 5:00AM to catch a flight into JFK, Jamaica, New York, where I missed my connecting flight with Etihad.

I was livid to say the least. I arrived at 8:41 and my connecting flight was to leave at 10:05AM. This short layover seemed like a reasonable amount of time to pick up my bags and check in with Etihad right? NO Jet Blue took sooo long getting our bags to us that by the time I reached the terminal to check into Etihad, they were making last call. By the time I reached the counter, the doors had been closed which indicates a closed flight. PANIC SETS IN. Not only is the flight to Abu Dhabi closed (still on the ground mind you), it is the ONLY flight out that day. I was now stuck in JFK airport, alone, scared, and not knowing which way was up. After some really big crocodile tears, I phoned my hubby. Hubby is obviously very worried (guess because I started crying again and could not get a word out). It took a bit to get me calmed down enough to explain what had happened to me. Hubby had all the answers. I spend the night in a hotel and really did get a fantastic nights sleep. I woke up fresh and ready to tackle the twelve hour flight home to Abu Dhabi.

The flight to Abu Dhabi wasn't too bad. I like Etihad Airways however, because we were so high up in the air, I swelled so badly. I had taken my boots off in the very beginning of the flight, but by the end of the flight I had a hard time getting my feet into my boots let alone getting them zipped up. The Captain announced the weather, which I have yet to learn to convert C from F quick enough but boy it sounded good.

When I emerged from the airport, I had to immediately start shedding layers. The weather has been phenomenal since then and I am genuinely happy to be back.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

All Wheel Drive Grocery Carts????????????

This particular blog was named a week ago. I hurried and blogged the title only because I knew I wanted to come back to finish is at a later date.

Listen to me, when I tell you that these carts are dangerous, it is a complete and total understatement. In a "Hypermarket" (perfectly named), that is Lulu's, the place is full of all wheel drive carts.

There are so many people in the market that you want to scream at times. The Indians and Pakies make up the majority in UAE. So of course the Indians and Pakies make up the majority in the markets. There is really no rhyme or reason to the flow of traffic in the store. I wish we could install brake, reverse, and traffic lights in the market. But besides the way people drive their carts is the construction of the carts. They are so dangerous. After living here and shopping here for the past 10 months, you'd think I'd learned how to operate these contraptions. Actually upon returning from my trip abroad, I did learn to manipulate "the cart". you lead from the rear. That is all it is. After running into people and over people's feet for 10 months, I finally have it. I was trying too hard. Trying too hard to control all four wheels when all I needed to do was take control of the rear wheels.

I'd like to chalk the whole thing up as a blonde moment that lasted 10 months but in actuality, that is just plain dumb hahahahaha.

I laugh at myself. Now when I go into the market and see someone struggle with the cart, I think to myself, "virgin" and laugh quietly inside.