De Thali

Wah! (translation:  Wow!)

De thali is where we enjoyed our New Year's eve dinner.  They had a special Chaat station set up for the evening.

Biggest laugh came when the manager came over to Peter and enquired as to how he liked the food, as he didn't know whether it would be to his liking (b/c well, you know, Indian food can be too spicy).  Peter pointed at me and said "you know she's Indian, right?".

Actually, he did not.

As he explained it, there are so many ex-pats from all over the world here, and I am so white.

Wah!

Look out for a picture of me on their web-site, having chai tea poured for me.

...and a Happy New Year

A's sunflowers

So...it seems that I missed the 'cut-off' for the annual Christmas update.  I always use my friend Sandra's annual Christmas email update as a 'gentle reminder' that it is time to get going and write-up my own.  This year, for reasons unknown, I have just not managed to get organized enough (or get enough time on the computer b/c typing on the iPad is awful) to send it out.  However, a "Happy New Year" note seems like a good substitute. I am going to do a joint blog/e-mail update, as it seems I have been neglectful in both areas. The pictures in this entry will only pick up where I left off in my blog (and actually do not correlate to the text in most cases).

Manolos

2012 has been a relatively good year for us in Abu Dhabi.  Though we have all aged a year (I have now reached that point where I am starting to get confused about my age, and have even found myself being the 'oldest woman in the room' at a party), we all still find ourselves in relatively good health.  Our children (now ages 5, 3 and 1-almost 2), keep us young, sleep-deprived, and very happy.  In October, we celebrated FOUR YEARS in Abu Dhabi (Peter celebrated in September, having arrived one month earlier than A and I).

Some of the highlights of our year include (not in any order of significance):

1.  Pickle got his first 'professional' haircut and his first prescription lenses.  He continues to have the longest lashes anyone has ever seen, which do in fact hit his glasses, and likely cause him to view the world through spider's legs.  He is the sweetest and happiest boy (with normal hearing in fact) and though he still has speech delays, his language has picked up a great deal.

A's last ballet class (mummy can't handle the crying anymore)

2.  My parents visited us in February.  We did a few days trips (mostly to Dubai) and they spent a lot of time enjoying their grandchildren.  Looking through our pictures makes me miss them very much.  Travelling here is very difficult for them (not just the visa process, but the actual travel) and though I would love to see them again, they will have to wait until I feel the desire to spend 20 hours in the air with my trio.

3.  Russell Peters came to town, and we went to see him.  We did manage to be the butt of one of his (old and often used) jokes.  It was good to get out and laugh with friends, though we were hoping for more 'new' material.  Russell has come very far from his days of being a stand-up comedian at Yuk-Yuk's 'multicultural night', where I had the pleasure of seeing him perform, so many years ago.  I think I paid about $12 for my ticket.

Pickle's dream-girl:  DORA

4. Seeing Elton John live in concert:  what an amazing and talented singer.  Epitomizes the difference between a 'performer' and an 'artist' (with him being the latter of course).

5.  Domo Arigato--Peter's trip to Japan:  not with me--lucky Ajay!

Peter decides it is time to get a bigger tree

6.  Madonna sucks:  (also titled "Seeing Madonna live in concert"):  Nobody can deny she is a great performer (though not very professional, as we waited almost three hours for the show to start).  After supporting and loving Madonna since my pre-teen years (much to the chagrin of my parents), it was a big disappointment and let-down.  Mom and Dad--you were right--Madonna DOES suck.

7.  Our trip to Paris:  C'est magnifique!  We all fell in love with Paris, and I would love to go back again (and again, and again...)

8.  A started kindergarten:  It has definitely been a transition.  I think she is weathering it well though, and she is learning  a lot of new things (though I could have done without her learning the 'Gangnam style' dance...is that curriculum now?).  I am the 'classroom representative':  a position that I fell into after the original mom decided it was too much work, and dropped it into my lap (though she sweetly assists whenever she has time between going to the gym and having her hair blown out).

9.  Our move to a new villa:  same compound, opposite end, with much more space and a better lay-out for our growing family.  I love it!

Those are Blue's pawprints

Birthday boy!

10.  Muscat:  we celebrated Pickle's official birthday in Muscat, with a stay at the Shangri-la resort.  I was not fully prepared for the beauty of its deep saffron-hued mountain peaks, off-set by the rolling waves of the Gulf of Oman.  One more night would have been perfect!

Muscat

We always try to keep ourselves busy (though not as busy as many of our friends).  This year we enjoyed our first family trip to the Corniche beach (which only took us four years of living here to accomplish).  The children all loved playing in the sand, and wading in the waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Lame Santa at Abu Dhabi Mall

Peter's a proud papa

A scene from Christmas day (Peter is behind the lens)

Dubai is also a 'go-to' adventure for us.  Whether it is a day spent at the Aquarium in Dubai mall, or just strolling through Ibn Battuta Mall looking for bargains, the children enjoy the change in venue and exploring around.  Though they are only an hour apart, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have two completely different feels to them.  When we are in Dubai, we feel like we are leaving behind the Middle East for a while, and returning to a more Western civilization.

2012 held its share of sadness.  Two of my dear friends were diagnosed with breast cancer though thankfully they have both responded well to treatment and are on the "road to remission" (if that is not a cancer survivor book title, it darn well should be!!)  We also said goodbye to two friends of ours--Kim and Derrick, both of whom were lovely young men.  We will always treasure their memories and the time we had with them.

Though I have not made any resolutions for 2013, there are a few things I am looking forward to.  Jasmine (Peter's cousin's daughter) will be coming to visit us (hopefully) early in January.  We really enjoyed getting to know her this past summer, where we were likely the only couple in Paris who imported an AMERICAN au pair.  The children all loved "Jah-jah" and I am excited for the reunion, and to have some family come and stay with us.

Our little Pickle will be starting nursery in January.  Though it does pain my heart to send him off to school when he is sooooo small (and I am at home), I finally feel (somewhat) ready to follow the advice of the many language and developmental professionals he visits.  They all have told me that the experience of being in a classroom environment, among strangers, and with different stimulation will be the kick-start he needs for his speech and language development.  So, his backpack is monogrammed, and on January 6, he will start at the best Montessori school Abu Dhabi has to offer (seriously--this place is Maria's dream come true!).

Which will leave little Magoo and I at home.  She will start attending music classes and gymnastics classes, all on her own, and experience some quality time with her mom.  I am sure she will miss Pickle greatly (the children all really enjoy each other's company), and I hope that she will not start pressuring me to send HER to school as well (frankly Magoo--I plan to keep you home as long as I can).

in Muscat--a morning walk with Papa

I have the usual goals:  lose weight, exercise more, eat healthier.  Overall though, I am really hoping that we could just be lucky enough to live a 'normal' life.  The kind where things are fairly boring, you know?  I would just like for us all to be healthy, happy and love one another.  I hope the years will just pass by (like they have been doing) with nothing BIG happening (unless BIG means winning the lottery).  I want to laugh, cry, fight, make-up, stay up too late and wake-up tired in the morning.  I want the children to have memorable childhoods full of simple delights that they can remember wistfully when they are my age.  They are so precious to us--and we try to give them all the love, attention, guidance (and toys) they need.  They are truly the best parts of Peter and I.

I don't want a lot for Christmas...

...but there is ONE thing that I am hoping for.  I will let you know if I get it.

We haven't had time (yet) to prep for Christmas.  We have been celebrating National Day (41 years!!) or what I have just learned THIS year, is also called the Etihad holiday.  After the third person mentioned 'the etihad holiday' to me, I asked my friend Samar to clarify.  She told me 'etihad' means 'the union'...which is essentially what we celebrate every year on National Day--the union of the seven emirates.  It is just so bizarre that this is the first year I have ever heard it called that.

Our home-made National Day dress

Visiting the GAA campus

Papa's hat (that he never wore)

Future falconer
(check out the new white scarf!)

Peter is off in New York this week.  His trip got moved, and shortened--he left on Monday morning (thus losing one holiday day).  Pickle learned to climb out of crib on Friday.  Though I celebrated his growing strength and curiosity, I mourn the loss of my best sleeper.  On Monday night (or was it morning?), I lost my temper with my three children--all of whom took turns waking up--all night long--all in my bed.

A big thank-you to my neighbour who decided to have a pool party outside (complete with screams and howls) that got the dog barking, who woke up the baby, who woke up all her siblings.  I think I slept two hours total.  I promise to get you back with a 5 a.m. wake up call, with some loud music and screaming children one day REAL SOON!!

Surprisingly, I was not a complete mess on Tuesday morning (or maybe I was??), and even received several compliments on my appearance (no kidding!).  I was going to cancel taking the littles to gymnastics, but I thought I would take one for the team--and boy did they EVER enjoy it!  Pickle's favourite was the large triangular shaped mat that you pushed over and then slid down on your belly.  I couldn't take pics of that though, bc I had to have two hands on (to make sure he didn't push the mat down on top of anybody---namely Magoo).

Jump Sports Academy, Zayed Sports City

Today I attended a MASTER CLASS at my gym.  I will be honest and tell you I didn't attend a junior class--but the information I received was fantastic!!  I will definitely try and kick my butt into gear sooner (rather than later) and this will help.  Raquel--the instructor and head of the gym is an amazing Brazillian lady, with a killer body.  I always wonder what it must be like to have abs that actually act like shapewear...and do a better job of it.  One day, I hope to live to tell the tale... ;-)

I also attended a tour of The Redwood Nursery in Khalifa City A--and I was BLOWN AWAY.  This is the place that I will send Pickle in January, and I will know that it will be money well spent.  From the educational toys, to the rooms, to the buildings, the grounds, and the staff--all I can say is WOW!  If there had been a nursery like this in KCA when Little A was...well...little...I might have had to really consider sending her.  I have never been a big supporter of nursery culture, especially as it exists here, but this place will really expand Pickle's mind and help him to develop, faster and better than what I can do at home.  He and Magoo loved tottering around there this morning.

God Bless America

Thanks to huffington post...i don't have tv

Four years ago, when we came to live in this country, little A and I sat in the Millennium  Hotel and watched the United States elect her first black president. It was a historic moment--one filled with so much hope for the U- S of A, and our world, which is so impacted by the actions of the Americans.  I am sure I have a post about it...way back when we first arrived.

 Much has changed for us since then.  We have enjoyed boldly going where no man has gone before (well--at least not anybody we knew), meeting so many interesting and wonderful people and  having many new experiences.  We have even added two more people to our tribe.  I am so pleased that Barack is back for another 4 years.  This gives me another four years to try and live in the United States while he is president.

Magoo has a time-out

Today I had to take a sick day.  My chest is hurting and my stomache is very upset (and gets worse when I am vertical).  I think it is a result of all that coughing I have been doing.  I have spent practically the whole day in bed.  Now, as it is time to sleep, I am finally able to sit up for a few minutes (to record my joy for the American election results).

Pickle didn't start vomiting, but got diarrhea instead. Little A has had a suppressed appetite (and so I think she is fighting something as well).  Hopefully, we will all be well for the weekend.

Amongst the happiness today, I have had some bad news.  An old friend, Derek Jeffels died.  Peter always just called him "Jeffels" and he was also nicknamed "Shoes" (though I can't remember why...I didn't give him that moniker obviously).  We have been out of touch with him for a long time, but all the same, it was still distressing to hear the news.

I have a fond memory of dancing with a VERY inebriated Derek Jeffels on my wedding night.  It was one of the later dances of the evening.  In his great (intoxicated) wisdom, he was telling me how lucky Peter and I were to be together, as we were 'the real thing'--true love.  Not many people get to experience it (not even him--he confessed, after I reminded him of his current relationship status), he slurred in my ear.  He said knowing a couple like Peter and I gave him hope, that true love existed.

This has always been one of my favourite memories of that night.  It was a completely different side to him, than I had ever seen.  Though he was very drunk--he was also very earnest and sincere.  I was quite touched by his words.

Derek--you never got around to teaching me to two-step ( you were definitely the best two-stepper in our group), and I am going to go out on a limb and guess that you never managed to find your one true love.  I am sorry for that.  You always lent a helping hand to anyone who needed it (as evidenced by your one man demolition crew for my kitchen renovation).  And you always brought a smile to my face.  A toast to you, my friend--I hope you have found some peace.  

The Harvest Moon...

...was the perfect gift to celebrate all the time I spent having meetings, writing emails, organizing materials, making paper plate jack o'lanterns, setting up a (second place) booth and manning a thirty minute time-slot with my amazing 5 year old, who completely came out of her shell to lend a helping hand my way.

When it first peeped out from behind a villa--I was amazed at it's marigold hue.  As it moved further up in the sky, the colour lightened to a pale lemon, but it was still a marvel.  How can it be I have never noticed this before?  I raced home, in the hopes that A might still be awake to see it, but she was fast asleep in her bed.  Oh well...I pray she will have many harvest moons in her future to see.

At the Harvest Festival

Suffice it to say, next week I am hoping for minimal school involvement, and to take it easy being just a 'regular mom' again (til the next event anyway!).

Our jack o'lanterns...better every year!

Halloween was a good time.  We had the cutest skunk in the world!!  Peter scoffed at the outfit which he deemed  'not very manly'--but it was a big hit and Pickle had strangers taking his picture.

Hurry up papa!

Magoo was a pumpkin (with a gravity defying stem), and little A was a beautiful witch-princess.

Pumpkin purse

Sisters

We went with my friend Samar and her troops, which included their golden lab puppy Ice.  It was a bit challenging keeping together a group where so many people had different speeds of travel.  I think next year we will just take our trio together (and maybe we will go thru Sas Al Nakhl, as it sounds like that community has more ex-pats than ours).

New friends

Pickle absolutely LOVED it, and I will always have a memory of him running, pumpkin bag at his side, looking for the next villa to hit.  Magoo didn't quite get it, but liked to dress up.  Of course--Malou was very happy once again with the candy she collected!

In a hurry

 
Today was a quiet day at home.  I woke up at 4:00 a.m. this morning, to the sound of Magoo vomiting.  I managed to get up and clean everything without Peter even noticing (he slept through it all).  We went for our usual breakfast (though I was wary of it being the second week in a row that we brought vomit to the Shangri-la). Luckily for us, Magoo was fine...at least until we came home.

She was awakened from yet another peaceful slumber, by loads of vomit.  Mercifully, when I had remade the bed from the mornings events, I thought of adding a towel to the mix (just in case).  NOW, I plan to just make sure the towel goes OVER the sheets (instead of underneath). No food for Smile-ah tonight...just mommy's milk...until the morning.  Hopefully that will stay down, and she will be improved in the morning.

Praying Pickle doesn't get this bug.  He sleeps alone, and nobody will know until tomorrow morning if he has been sick...think I'll get Peter to sleep downstairs with Pickle's monitor (but if a baby throwing up beside him in the bed doesn't wake him...what are the chances a the sounds of a baby throwing up over the monitor will?).

Something smells SWEET!!

Happy Birthday Nanaji

It's only one day late.

If you look closely, you will see that Pickle is actually singing along (and he really picks it up towards the end).

I am so pleased with how much vocabulary he is starting to use (today he told me:  want Gadget, I am playing with baby).  The words are not super clear, but he is really starting to pick things up.

Shy-shy is too.  She has quiet a few words, with 'carry-me' being her current 'high frequency' word.  

A is just finishing up her Eid break (impressive how smoothly 'Eid Mubarak' rolls off her tongue).  She was very disappointed by a sudden sandstorm that derailed her plans to go for a swim in the moat this afternoon. However, playing in the 'ball pen' helped her feel a lot better.  Back to school tomorrow--and the tears are already starting up about ballet.

I promise:  after this term, I am NEVER signing her up for another extra-curricular activity until she begs me. I just can't fight this fight anymore.  

Harold and the Purple Crayon

Pickle and his multiple crayons (don't worry--they are safe for glass)

My friend Shariza (who I got to spend a lovely morning play-date with--suffering a bit from her flu-shot but still lovely company) came back from a trip to Malaysia with loads of gifts for the kids (she always does!).  These have been the hands-down favourite of all the children (though Shy-shy hasn't gotten her little hands on the markers--she really did love the crayons though).

Yeen's baby is one month today.

First day of A's eid break, and it was a good one.

Now I have to go--after a three hour nap this afternoon--Smile-ah doesn't want to sleep (not with "Poppy" THAT's fo' sho').

xx

Ketch-UP (pronounced "Catch-up" at Sumo-sushi)

...by an Eastern European lady yesterday.

Prompted Peter to ask the question:  what could you possibly need ketchup for in a sushi place??

Forever Young
1975-2012

Our dear friend Kim died peacefully on October 15.  Though he will be greatly missed, and we are sad that he is gone, we are happy that his body has been freed from the pain and suffering.  I am so glad that Peter got to spend some time with him before he died, and I am thankful that Kimberly read him my letter, so that he knew how much I cared for him.  Kim--I toasted you with my su-mohito yesterday--you will always have a place in my heart.

Dragon Boat Racing

We have been keeping busy.  After a Friday breakfast, we managed to spend some time at the beach, and watch the Dragon Boat races kick off.  Though we hadn't planned for it (can you believe with three kids we can still be spontaneous?), we had a great time.

Returning to Abu Dhabi...?

Our friend Louise came to spend the night with us.  She used to live in Dubai, and returned to the region to get some closure...and now it looks like she wants to come back.  I would love to see her make a return back her.  It seems she has outgrown her life in England--and this place was a good fit for her.

The weather changes

I was driving home after dropping A off at school one morning.  It was a sunny morning...until I past gate 10 of ARG, and suddenly I was driving through this...FOG!!  This signifies the change of seasons--it is officially autumn now, and we are looking forward to cooler temperatures.

The monsters in the moat

All three littles enjoy spending time splashing around in 'the moat'.  It is a little shallow for A, but she doesn't mind at all.

The thing keeping me the busiest, is that I have taken on the role of 'classroom mom'.  Currently, we have a project that requires me to coordinate three other Kindergarten moms for the Harvest Festival.  This role is taking a bit more of my time than I expected, and so I will just have to work harder to delegate.

I have come back from a massage (thank-you again, Tod at Anahata).  Can you believe that my masseuse actually phoned me to tell me she was back from holiday and had not seen me?  I went out of guilt, and now as my body is relatively pain-free once again, I remember why I was hooked on these Thai treatments.  

Next month there is a free facial with the massage!!

Reason, Season or Lifetime

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON...It is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a Godsend and they are! They are there for the reason you need them to be.

The, without any wrongdoing on your part, or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. Sometimes they die. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. Your need has been answered, and now it is time to move on.

When people come into your life for a SEASON...It is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Anonymous

Thanks Andrea--I appreciate your email.  I feel much better after getting it off my chest as well.

The good, the bad and the ugly...

THE GOOD:

1.  This young man joined us in the world this week.  Welcome baby Tien-Le (son of my friend Yeen)!  Little A and I went over (our maiden voyage to Al Reef) and visited him today.  He is adorable, and it is so crazy how quickly I have forgotten how teeny and precious a newborn baby is. 

2.  Today I managed to unload some of the weight (unfortunately--I am speaking metaphorically) that I have been carrying.  The expression goes that "God only gives us what we can handle."  In my experience, I find that the Universe not only gives you what you can handle, but also sends you people to help you on your journey.  Today, I managed to unload to my new friend Samar (who I met through little A's school, on her assessment day).  I felt so much better after talking to her, as I was able to talk through all of the little bits that had been troubling me.  

3.  Aumi is feeling better.  Heading in to round 2 of chemo treatments.  Look how beautiful she is!  Having no hair helps her smile to stand out just that much more.  

4.  I found these fuzzy peaches (from Turkey) in Lulu this week.  Surprisingly, they are juicy and sweet.  They reminded me of the peaches that used to get trucked into Forestburg when I was little (Fresh BC Peaches).  I was delighted to see N with a bowl, juice dripping down his chubby hands.  

THE BAD:

1.  I have to write my first "Goodbye, I love you" letter to my friend Kim.  Peter is flying out on Friday morning.  I have no idea how to write something like this, or even how to begin.  I cannot imagine a world where he no longer exists.  I will just write from the heart.  

THE UGLY:

I have three 'friends' here in Abu Dhabi (see how that word is in quotation marks) who are currently not returning my text messages, picking up the phone when I call, or responding to my emails.  How old AM I??

I have seriously considered what I might have done to warrant such treatment, and can't come up with anything worthy of this kind of disregard.  Obviously, there is something that I have done, that I am completely unaware of, but then, wouldn't the right thing to do be to bring it to my attention so that I could address it?  Since I am unable to get in contact with any of them, I am unable to ask the question 'have I offended you in some way?' myself (and because I am not 8, I don't feel like sending an intermediary on my behalf).

I would be lying if I said it didn't bother me to be treated this way.  I am 37 years old, pretty much keep to the company of myself, my family and the few true friends I have made here, and go out of my way to avoid confrontation as much as possible.  My mom always told me to be nice to everyone.  This doesn't mean that I need to be 'besties' with everyone that I meet, but it does mean that I smile, act friendly and RETURN phone calls and text messages.

I have known all three of these ladies for the entire time that I have lived here, and have been friendly with them all (closer at some times than others).  I have been told in the past that I am an 'ungrateful' person, and that I take people's generosity for granted.  Nobody likes to think of themselves this way (and believe me--I did some surveys and self-analysis after I received that feedback).  At that time, I came to the conclusion that those comments reflected the state of the person from which they originated more than they did me.  I think that I will have to come to a similar conclusion here, as I write off these 'friendships' as 'their loss'.

MORE GOOD (b/c why end on an UGLY NOTE??)

We have had "Jake the Snake" this week.  We have been trying to come up with "Photo Opps" so that it looks like we have a very exciting lifestyle (here we are at the school library, where little A and I go almost every day to get a book).  Look at Magoo in the background--I can't believe she kept her hat on the whole time!  I also spent an hour in A's class this morning (after a lovely breakfast with Samar), and I have to say "HATS OFF" to Ms. Kathryn, Anne Marie, and all the other K-teachers of the world!!

Pickle, Magoo and I went to Zayed Sports City to play (I know...it's a little late in the game for me to become part of the Abu Dhabi Mums group).  They had a great time once again.  We will have to make this a weekly event.

Graduate of the Britney Spears Driving School

UP and DOWN

Does your back hurt?

Peter's does.  It hurts A LOT.  It's hurt for YEARS.  He often switches sleeping mattresses two to three times a night.  One is too soft.  One is too firm.  We haven't found the one that is 'just right' yet for our Goldilocks.

It occurred to me today that there is possibly another reason why his back hurts.  See if you can find a clue in the above pictures (all taken before 8:00 this morning).  And yes...that is all three of our kids in the last photo.

A's purple moustache is finally starting to fade.  Apparently, Ms. Kathryn thought that she sustained this injury at home.  She was horrified to discover that it happened at school, and offered me her apologies.

How is it these glasses look so great on him??  Doesn't matter what he wears...even if he's in the buff.  Could it be because he is adorable...?

Today, we are going to Arysha's birthday party.  First, I am off to get my legs waxed (it's a basic need).  I am hoping to actually straighten my hair and put on some make-up for this event.  If it happens, I will be sure and post a picture.

The gloom that hovers comes and goes.  I can almost ignore it now (got the usual magoo-interrupted sleep last night--which is acceptable).

Today I am proud of myself for helping out Malou's friend Lily.  On Thursday, she was seven days away from losing her visa.  Today, she is a proudly employed housemaid.  She found a lovely American family (the lady of the household is Indian-American and has emailed me--she has to be pretty nice to have taken the time to do that).  Hopefully, they will all be happy.