Wojjy-tables and Ada-lay

Spin this little tune while we have a catch up:

As it seems that life just chugs along and nothing ever changes--I will go backwards and see if I can meet myself back at turning 40 (which I believe was sadly, my last update).

Dr. Shalji's Apprentice

 On Saturday, all three kids had their dental cleaning appointments at Smilerite.  Pickle has had two extra teeth in his mouth (until quite recently).  Seems like his two bottoms fully erupted, before the baby teeth had a chance to get out of the way.  We made a visit to Dr. Smitha about a month back (when we first noticed this issue--that is the royal 'we' btw...it's actually just me).  Dr. Smitha told me to wiggle the teeth as much as I could and extract them myself (as they were already wobbly at that point--unlike little A' s teeth which seem to be cemented in).  We also made a back-up appointment (which is for this Saturday--mental note--call to cancel) with Dr. Shalji to have an extraction performed.  On February 5, Pickle's first tooth popped out during some very rigorous brushing with mom (I was very nervous when I saw that big smudge of red appear in his mouth--my first thoughts were that I had been a very bad mummy).  He was so excited, and hopped around the house.

He managed to pop out the second tooth himself, while sitting in the dentist's chair after Dr. Smitha told him "just pull it out yourself!".  She was a little shocked when he followed through, thus pushing back his cleaning, giving his little mouth time to recover.  Now, he is no longer like a shark, with multiple rows of teeth, and we will look forward to these teeth moving forward into their rightful place (hopefully).

We enjoyed celebrating Valentine's day.  The children handed out cards to their classmates (they were the only ones), and then we had a mid-term break (two extra days off of school).  The weekends fly by so quickly, and the two extra days we had were consumed by an Arabic project and a play-date.  We had a small Valentine's Day party at home on Sunday (just family and Tina--our new helper).  The children also got to decorate valentine's cookies and contribute to a hand-mural heart at Yas Mall.  During our lunch, Magoo asked me "Mom--one of my friends at schools says she likes to eat wojjy-tables, but none of us know what wojjy-tables are...Do you know what is wojjy-tables?".  It took me a minute to process--wojjy-tables??  And then, my ESL roots kicked in, and I realized Magoo's little friend was a vegetable lover!  Cristina and I laughed (on the inside) as I enlightened little Magoo, and discussed how different people from different countries have different accents, which effects how they pronounce different words--and it was a difference we need to enjoy.  We talked about how everyone mispronounces words here and there, and we chuckled at her EFL sister who enjoys listening to hits by a blockbuster songstress from the UK--Ada-lay (who the rest of the world refers to as Adele).  

We welcomed in the year of the monkey, with our usual Chinese New Year traditions.  We dressed up in our traditional clothes and headed over to the Shangrila hotel, to participate in their Dragon Dance.  Each year they improve on their presentation, and this year they added a man who distributed fortune cookies to all of the children.  Afterwards, we headed over to Peter's office for some hot chocolate (which Pickles spilled all over his pants).  Fortunately, it dried quick enough, and we drove to Yas Mall for lunch (NB:  healthy lunch options at Yas Mall are severely limited) and additional Chinese New Year activities--the children made paper lanterns.

 One of our favorite CNY traditions is making dumplings with my friend Yang.  She makes magical dumplings, and makes it appear so effortless.  She is a dear friend to me, and I miss her greatly everyday, since she and Juergen moved to Bangkok.  We put forward our best effort and made our own dumplings in her honor this year.  Cristina was in charge of the fillings--and we all helped with pinching and pressing (my tray of dumplings are on the right...see how neat my little coin-purses turned out Yang!).

Chewbacca is adorable and overweight.  On our recent visit to the vet (where we officially transferred all his veterinary records over to me), we discovered he needs to lose about 1 kg of weight and needs his teeth cleaned.  While I was speaking with Dr. Rachel (our vet and also my friend from the gym) I mentioned his smelly breath and she noted that it was indeed very bad and she could smell it from where she was standing.  I remarked "his breath does smell bad, but that isn't his breath we are smelling...".  We all turned our heads to discover an obese hushpuppy behind me.  Rachel asked the man holding the leash whether his dog was having bad gas issues, when we noticed the immense pile of poo, sitting by the man's feet.  He gave an embarassed and apologetic shrug, as he had literally stepped in it.  The children thought it was hilariously 'bisgusting'.  

All the way from sunny Alberta, Fiona and Sandy made good on their promise and joined us in the sand-box.  We had a whirlwind holiday together, and crammed as much as we could into their visit.  It struck me as both strange and wonderful to be walking in a mall in Abu Dhabi with my dear friends from Edmonton.  They have promised to return--I only hope they will stay longer, as I seriously cannot keep up with these guys!!

Peter turned 40 this year, and we enjoyed an amazing celebration in Phuket, with some of our family and friends.  I think the combination of the location and the company made this one of my favourite holidays we have ever spent.  Peter's sister Chris really helped me out by buying me a new Oiler's jersey for Peter (without him even suspecting) and the staff at our villa arranged for a delicious birthday cake (think Sara Lee's vanilla).  Peter's celebration ended with us releasing the biggest birthday candles we could find (the Thai sky lanterns) up into the sky.  What a memory to treasure!

I love Peter.  I still remember him being that guy in high school who used to stop unexpectedly to give me a ride home after my shift at Suzy Shier.  He was also that guy who used to throw staples in my hair and yank my chair back when I was working.  If someone had ever told me that he would grow to be the man I would love and share my life and children with, I would have shook my head at how crazy that was (HE'S CHINESE!!).  That's life, I guess--unpredictable at best.  Peter is my best friend, and I cannot imagine sharing my life with anyone else....

Unless it was THIS guy....

Clearly--one of the highlights of my year of turning 40 was sharing my love of Jon Bon Jovi with my children.  Magoo asked him why he looked so old (what a charmer she is) and he said "because i AM old sweety'.  Jon (are we on a first name basis yet?) was REALLY exhausted, but took a minute to sign our guitars and take a few pictures (man--that guy can turn it on for the camera!), and helped me make a memory to put a smile on my face for YEARS to come!

Magoo has started EY1 this year.  Essentially, this is a nursery year, but it is necessary to securing her a place for EY2 (where the REAL WORK begins).  I felt quite torn about sending her (she is only four, so this is early by our Alberta standards).  However Magoo was really ready for the experience, and though there were many tears (from both of us) on her first day, she settled in quickly.  She adores her teacher, Ms. Claudia, and has made a BFF (Sho-sho, who luckily enough lives just a few villas away from us...they are off on a park-playdate as I type).  I am proud of how well she has settled into school-life, and it calms any uneasiness I had about her being too young for the experience.

Pickles is in EY2 this year, and despite many disruptions (new shadow teacher, changing teacher's assistants), he loves being at school.  His new shadow teacher, Chantal is a gift from heaven!  She was little A's TA last year, and is a loving, caring lady from South Africa.  I love listening to her accent when she talks, and she and Pix have wonderful days together.   We have been very lucky to have such amazing people come into Pickle's life, to help him along on his journey.  Though I try to keep a 'professional distance' with Chantal (as her employer)--it is absolutely impossible.  She gives so much of her heart to my son, and it is impossible not to feel an enormous amount of affection and gratitude for this woman who looks out for the best interests of my darling boy, when I cannot.  All of the kids adore Chantal (not just my own) and feel so safe and comfortable with her.   

Little A is 8 years old now, and part of her birthday present was having her ears pierced in Austria this summer (and the Magoo got to share it!).  Her heart is full of love and kindness, and I am told she is quite a popular girl at school.  She has had some hard days, as there is a bully in her cohort this year.  It is quite challenging for me, as little A is so soft-hearted that she is unwilling to protect herself, because in doing so, she will need to go on the offensive and hurt someone else...the bully.  I am trying to support her by building her own confidence to deal with this MON(ica)STER, and hopefully one day this will be a memory she laughs about (her own personal Billy Roth--a behaviourally challenged boy I used to have to deal with on the playground when I was little--but I am told I was much more aggressive than my little girl is).

Austria and Germany is where we spent our summer holiday.  It was so beautiful, green and HOT there--some days it was tooooooo hot--why does it seem there is always a heat wave in Europe whenever we go there?

First world problems...ugh!

We were joined by my parents, who got to spend a lot of time with their grandchildren (and Pickles still raves about Naniji's dahl and rice).  This freed us up to go out on our own for lunches and dinners...something we generally haven't been able to do on our holidays before.  We also got to meet up with my cousin Vinod and his wife Anne in Salzburg--whom we have gotten quite close with, since we have come out to the Middle East.  Vinod and Peter share a love of golf, beer and Bosna sausage (not in that order), and Anne is like sunshine--the Mary Poppins of the Sharma family--impossible not to love that lady!

In Munich we got to reunite with our Fidelia--whom we love and adore.  Her apartment was so close to ours, and we spent as much time as we could find together.   She was in a transitional period in her life (the kind that comes when you are in between graduation and your 'adult' job) and we did our best to love and support her, and let her benefit from the wisdom of our years.  She is such an intelligent, articulate and well-educated young lady, and we are so pleased that she is now happily settled in Hamburg, and employed doing something that excites her.

And...I think that takes us back to around the time that I turned 40...and we last caught up.  I am sure I have hit the highlights (please see I MET JON BON JOVI above, in case you missed it).  Phinny and Jonesy are just fine--but I can update you on them in the next blog entry! x

P.S.  I won phase one of the fitness challenge I entered back in May.  Yay ME!

This is 40

post-party

I can see that my last post was back in January...and a lot has happened since then (obviously).  I will do my best to update (and entertain) you--but be sure and press play to the music, to stimulate your other senses (while you read).  PRESS PLAY!!  This is my theme song for turning 40...

Right after Christmas, after opening ALL the presents, little A went for a play-date at a friend's place and decided she needed to have one of these:

She even came home with a wealth of information (and a web-site) where we could buy it.  So, off we went to finfunmermaid.com, and nearly choked when we saw the cost!  However, after discussing it with her at length, we decided she could EARN the money, by selling our old toys on Facebook (with help from daddy--the Poster).  She managed to quickly raise all the funds she needed.  With a little help from our friends (Linda and Brian, who helped her save overseas shipping charges, and had the joy of trying to pack this tail into their luggage--thanks guys!)...she is the happiest little mermaid in the Middle East.  Now, Magoo wants one...thankfully, the minimum age for wear is 5.  

Next, I believe I should send out our best wishes for the "year of the sheep."  We celebrated in our usual manner:  putting on our Chinese finest, making dumplings with Aunty Yang (bless her!) and heading over to the Shangrila, to watch the Dragon Dance.  The kids loved it, and this year we were lucky enough to be joined by the lovely (and Chinese) Mr. Peter.  Which really gives us all some credibility when we show up at the Shangrila, dressed so very Asian (so Asian in fact, that Chinese guests to the Shang are moved to take pictures of the children), to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Lieu Tan Clan

To update you on Jonesy, she is now enjoying living as a full-time outdoor cat (except for when I have company and she mixes it up too much with everyone and has to have a time-out).  We have had her spayed (she started up with some strange yowling one week...and I thought "Oh-oh!").  And, as you can see, Magoo already has her sites set on a ANOTHER cat (whom she met in the waiting room at the vet).  I don't blame her...just look how adorable that kitten is!!!

We really enjoyed the Terry Fox run this year (though it seems that we are always catching up a year).  We were joined by our friends Brian and Linda (who actually completed the entire walk and then caught back up with us, in time for Uncle Brian to lend his strong shoulders).  Afterwards, we had a great lunch at Nations Towers.  The kids couldn't figure out who their favorite was:  Uncle Brian or Aunty Linda--they laughed so much!  We all did!

 Raha School (home now to BOTH Pickle and Little A) had their annual International Day celebration.  Despite offers from the Indian booth, I decided to stay true to my heart, and coordinated my fellow Canucks.  Despite the small number of our team, we put out quite a popular offering!  I was disappointed (as I always am) by a certain 'Canadian' tangent at these events--it's always those PASSPORT HOLDERS who get me down--no loyalty--just a passport please!  Harper--can we PLEASE do something about this??  (sorry--bit of griping there)

I was impressed with Lulu (a major grocery chain here), who generously contributed any item they found in their stores labelled "made in Canada".  They even added Kraft Dinner (good ol' KD) because it is such a favourite!  Then we made them into gifts packs and gave them out as prizes.  The maple syrup shots were also a big hit (brain-child of yours truly)--I saw the South Africans had done something like that with sweetened condensed milk last year...and thought--why can't we do that with maple syrup??!!  The kids loved it, and we sold out the 100 we had in the first hour.

Then there was St. Patrick's Day in March.  Magoo totally rocks a red beard!

Our next big event was a GARAGE SALE, at my place.  My dear friend Shariza and her family were leaving for Malaysia.  We decided it might be a great time to clear out things, and donate money to charity (we raised funds for the Al Bahia Animal Sanctuary--which I still need to head out and deliver).  Shariza and I were on the same page--we weren't trying to make a profit--most everything was priced at either 2-5 dirhams, and we wanted everything to MOVE.

We did so well the first week, that I found some people who donated MORE items, and we set it up for a second week.  It was great to see so many people come together in our garage--it became a social space, rather than just a place where our cars chill.

It was very successful--we raised over 4000 dirhams, and I have had my fill of garage sales (well--the selling part anyways!).

the set-up

mummy's best helper

Peter bought us VIP tickets to go and see Michael Buble in Dubai.  Unfortunately, after he bought and paid for the tickets, he discovered that he had a business trip that same week, and would not be able to attend.  Fortunately, we managed to find someone to use Peter's ticket, and I still got to go.  Michael Buble makes great music and has a wonderful voice--and it was a great night.  

The event organizers could have done a better job, at differentiating 'doors open at' and 'concert starts at' on their ticket, as my friend and I got there much too early.  Nonetheless, Peter had arranged for a driver for us, so at least we didn't have to drive ourselves home afterwards!  Thanks Peter--it would have been a million times better if you could have been there too!

More amazing than the Buble concert, was Magoo's FOURTH birthday.  My baby is now FOUR, and we tried to make her celebration very special.  We took all the kids to see Cinderella in the theatre (mostly for the Frozen short at the beginning--which actually was a more realistic timing of their attention spans in the cinema).  Then we went to ROGOS, the roller coaster cafe, so she could continue her birthday celebration.  

Birthday present

Strike a pose

For her birthday, Magoo wanted a "Frozen princess tea party" (is that too specific?).  So--I did my best to oblige.  It was a lot of work, but I think everyone enjoyed themselves.  I dressed up as Queen Galadriel (thank-you Tolkien), Magoo was Princess Elsa, and Little A was Princess Rhianna (not to be confused with RiHanna).  

The Royal Court

All the little princesses

Prince Pickle

Sadly, after getting rid of all her things, it was time for Shariza to go.  I hosted a farewell coffee for her, and got a chance to meet some of her other friends, from different parts of her life.  I will miss her a lot, but she has promised me VIP status as a guest in her home in Kuala Lumpur anytime (and I look forward to many visits to KL).  Shariza is one of the dearest friends I have made while living abroad--truthfully, I never expected her to leave here before me (or ever...)--but it just goes to show that every ex-pat has an expiry date.  I hope to see her often enough not to miss her.  

Then there was Easter. For us, it's all about bunnies, eggs and chocolate.

Followed by my 'official' 40th birthday celebration.  Peter planned a wonderful evening, with Indian food at Ushna, followed by my favourite, KARAOKE!!  I was thrilled to be able to share the evening with so many of the friends we have made here, and everyone who stayed on til the end (after Karaoke) really seemed to enjoy themselves.  I like to think it was all me...but I am guessing the free- flowing beverages maybe had something to do with it.  We stayed up well past 2 AM, and the picture at the start of my post was taken before we literally collapsed in bed.  

The next morning, we welcomed this young man, Chewbacca (the pomeranian formerly known as Albert) into our family. His owner has developed a severe allergy to him, and is re-homing him after five years.  He is a dear, and has managed to bring some energy back into Phinn (Chewy's real purpose).  Now Phinn no longer spends entire days sleeping under the sofa.  Chewy is a lot of fun, follows me where ever I go (currently he is sleeping at my feet), and loves to play.  The kids all adore him!

Peter has had some wonderful recognition for his amazing brain--he is one of forty people considered the "Top 40 Under 40" to watch in his field.  I know that he is wonderfully intelligent man, and I am so proud that other people in his industry see him that way as well.

Finally, Fidelia!  I cannot write an update without including details on how wonderful it has been to have Fidelia here in Abu Dhabi.  She has come to stay with her parents, as she has just finished Uni. We have been blessed to share so much of her time, and to make many memories with her.  She can rock the mic like a pro (as witnessed at my birthday), the children all love spending time with her, and she has relieved me of much guilt by spending time with Magoo while I am at the gym.  A truly wonderful young lady--I am going to miss her a lot when she heads back to Germany!

Time to wrap it up (I'm sure that it's more than enough--is the song still playing?).  There are little bits and bobs left (like Little A has her RAD exam for grade 1 ballet this week, and I have entered a 30 day fitness challenge and am half way through...) but they will have to wait.

I've still got a lotta life left in me....;-)

Mamma Mia! Dubai

I have a dream, a song to sing...

Yesterday, we took all the kids to a 4 pm matinee showing of Mamma Mia! (the musical) in Dubai.  This has been one of Little A's favorite movies, since we took her to the Stars and Strollers viewing, at Kingsway Mall, in 2008.  She couldn't walk yet, and I remember having to sit with her on the stairs, holding her up so she could bounce to all the music.  As she grew older, the movie quickly became one of her favourites, and she shared her love with Pickle and Magoo.  We were very excited when we found out about it from our friend Linda (who, as I come to think about it, seems to always be 'in the know' as far as the goings on around here).

We spent the morning running around, doing errands.  Peter is making a bed (I kid you not) for Ms. Zoila--she is Pickle's TA at school, and she is going to live in our second maid's room.  However, we need a custom bed, as the room is too small for any pre-fab bed to fit.  It is shameful--truly, how small the rooms are (Malou has the bigger one), but she has seen the space, and is really looking forward to reducing her commute to work (she currently rents a 'bed-space'--translation:  one bed out of six bunks--on the island, and commutes over an hour each way, by bus).  She is such a positive and lovely lady, and we wanted to help her out.  Our main concern is that Malou will be okay with a room-mate, and since Malou is the one who suggested the idea, I think she is interested in making a connection.  I am  hopeful they will be a good match (and that Zoila will guide Malou out of her current drama:  the American soldier).

While we were in IKEA, Peter found a mattress, and I found a lovely piece of lace fabric (for 21 aed--about $7).  Since we were going to Mamma Mia--I thought that the lace would make gorgeous wedding veils for the girls (who wanted to dress like Sophie).  We already decided that Pickle would get to wear my Mamma Mia t-shirt (the one I got when the musical came to Jubilee Auditorium--possibly in 2006).  SIDE NOTE:  to my husband who I love so much, and who bought us all tickets to go--I did not LOVE your comment asking when I was small enough to ever fit the t-shirt.  Ask Pussy-cat video uncle--I am sure he remembers that I used to fit that t-shirt...

I digress--so, Pickle got the Mamma Mia official t-shirt, and the girls felt a bit down (I only had ONE shirt), so I thought the lace (curtain?) would cheer them up.

They seem pretty happy, don't they?

They loved their veils (even though they kept falling off their heads, because I had them attached with clips), and I had so much leftover, that I added long skirts to their dresses.  Magoo said to me afterwards, "My dress was prettier than Sophie's".

We had great seats (Platinum section) but because we were on the floor it was hard for shorter people to see (which was pretty much all of us except Peter).  Magoo and I had a little window between two ladies heads, and Little A sat on daddy's lap.  Pickle seemed content with his view (and sometimes he seemed more interested in opening and closing the chair beside him), he was dancing and clapping at appropriate times, so we let him enjoy.  

What can I say about Mamma Mia! that hasn't been said before?  Not much.  It was an amazing experience, we all loved it (even Magoo, who kept her ears plugged the entire time because it was too loud).  We were all very tired, and hungry as we faced our 90 minute drive back to Abu Dhabi (did I mention there was school tomorrow?), our saving grace was the cd we purchased from the Merchandise Vendors.  That, and the cheese sandwiches and bananas that were packed for the kids to eat.  

I love the music, the musical and the movie, and I feel so lucky to be able to share it with my kids.  I look forward to taking them again (when they are older), maybe in New York (Magoo tells me knows New York, because that is where Giselle lands when she falls down the well, in Enchanted).  I loved watching all the kids dance it out at the end, when the cast came out for "you want another one??", and I loved hearing them sing down the halls as we walked back to our car.

I am also grateful to have a new CD to listen to over and over again in my car (because I am so tired of Lion King!).

ON A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT NOTE OF THANKFULNESS:

I am also so grateful for all of our friends who send Christmas wishes (the old-fashioned way) every year.  A visit to the post-office box yesterday, yielded most of these treasures--we love the collection of Christmas cards that we receive every year (no matter when they arrive).  Thank-you so much for taking the time to send them to us--we treasure them!  

 

our treasures

Happy New Year-2015 Edition

Don't worry--there won't be any excessive wisdom shared today via my blog.  All we'll do is have a little catch-up, and then be on our way--so much to do, isn't there?

Seems we left off around Diwali, and since then, even though so much has happened, I would be hard-pressed to tell you what it was.

Yes--there was Thanksgiving, National Day and Christmas....but as for IMPORTANT things...

the biggest in my books:

1.  Pickle turned the big Oh-Five (so...he's FIVE now!).
I felt like a pretty negligent and lazy mom, throwing together his birthday party in under a week (in hindsight I realize I am super-mom and children's birthday party goddess, don't worry!).  I am not sure what I was planning--to let his birthday pass, without a special celebration for my special boy?  So, with the help of a close (small) group of friends, we had our little party.  With ornament painting, gingerbread man decorating and a trip to the playground--I think everyone had fun!

I love how Little A is holding him back from the flame

Afterwards, Peter and I were talking about our friends "Uncle Pete" and "Aunty Zana"--they have attended almost all of the birthdays for all of our children--they have known them their entire lives.  Uncle Pete picked Little A and I up at the airport when we first arrived in Abu Dhabi (and in fact, we had met him for a coffee before his flight home, the day Pickle was born).  Aunty Zana was one of my first friends who I met at a Khalifa Ladies Coffee morning (the group has long since folded), and she used to accompany me to my ob appointments when I was pregnant (that was how we managed to squeeze in visiting time).  They have both been such good friends to us, in our time here!  We are so grateful for you both, Peter and Farzana!

2.  Peter turned the big Three-Nine (so...he's 39 now)
The brief window where Peter no longer has to defer to me as the 'older and wiser one' is now open.
We took some butter tarts in to work (he STILL doesn't understand why they need to have raisins), and we had a very fun evening at ROGO's, the Roller Coaster restaurant at Yas Mall.  We all loved watching everyone's food get delivered (we were at the tornado table--the loop-de-loop one was amazing too!)

2.  The Reem Island Ghost
If you didn't hear about it in the news, this event shocked us all, here in 'the bubble'.  I was very shaken by the story (which we learned about through conversation with our American friends Brian and Linda at our lovely dinner at the Easter Mangroves).  We have come to feel so safe here...and after this incident, I can only imagine the increase demands on security companies and CCTV suppliers!  Here is the link (warning--it is FREAKY and not suitable for children):
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT5-j9YUGt4

3.  Our beloved "Kitten' died

For my children who may be reading this blog in the future as a way to connect with your old mom in her younger years--who have not been told the full story of how she died--you will find it here.  I apologize for keeping it from you, but I was unable to handle it as a 39 year old woman and I have no idea how you would have dealt with it.  Daddy and I opted to give you an easier explanation for Kitten's death (which was equally true--but just not as painful for me).  

Through the looking glass--I always envied her sleeps

Having to make the decision to euthanize this beautiful cat was probably the hardest thing I have done in my life.  If you remember--Kitten was the perfect cat for an allergy sufferer like myself--an OUTDOOR cat.  We fed her and gave her affection, and health care and in turn, she entertained us and interacted with us, through the glass (who am I kidding--we went out with her and gave her a snuggle or a play multiple times during the day).  It was always so cool to look out and see her there, sleeping paws up in the kids' play house, hunting birds, or just watching us through the glass.  We couldn't settle on a name for her, and "Kitten" stuck.

Unfortunately, she developed a habit of eating plastic, and we had already had surgery for her in April to remove foam (and the plug from Malou's flip-flop) from her stomache. She started to show signs that she was unwell again (there was a place she liked to go and hide in the bushes, under the water sprinkler), and so I had taken her to the vet.  He was shocked by the hard, corrugated plastic piece he removed from her stomache (he said he asked them to check the x-ray machine because he thought it was inaccurate--he couldn't figure out how she swallowed it and got it down her throat).

I was supposed to pick her up on Wednesday, but then she started having a fever, so the vet opted to keep her.  Wednesday night they called me and said her eyes were jaundiced, and they wanted to run extra tests to figure out what was causing it.  As the costs were growing, I asked to speak to Fadey (who owns the clinic) to see if he could offer me a discount.  When I spoke to him the next day, the decision I had made (en-route, in tears, while talking with my friend Shariza), was that I would pay whatever for the tests, get her fixed up, and re-home her to a sanctuary in Al Bahya, where they could keep her away from plastic.  However, during my visit I asked to see Kitten--and upon seeing her, it became very obvious to me that she was suffering, and that there would be no recovery for her.

 Kitten's pretty pink pads, and nose and lips had all turned pastel yellow.  Her yellow eyes were rolled back in her head, and she could barely breathe.  She vomitted blood on the table (though she couldn't lift her head to do it).  I doubt she even registered the sound of my voice, or my touch.  Through tears, I asked Fadey "can you fix her?" and he told me "it's not very likely....the kindest thing you could do for her now..."and he didn't have to finish, because I already knew.  I sat with her while they injected her with the liquid to stop her heart, and then for a few minutes afterwards too, stroking her soft ears, and trying to remember all the details of our Kitten (my favourite will always be that black mark on her nose, that looked just like a mole)  Just under ten seconds, and she was gone.  It was heartbreaking, and even now, I am filled with sadness.  However, at the time, despite how sad I was to let her go, I knew that at this point, letting her die 'naturally' would be so cruel and painful for her, and our Kitten didn't deserve that.

It is still awful, thinking about it.

The vet continued to assure me that it was the best decision.  He said there was a very slim chance they could have fixed her--all the tests they wanted to run were just to know what had caused her very fast decline.  Could've been that she had feline HIV, and that a virus got activated by all the stress of being sick and having a surgery.  Also could have been that the plastic did more damage than they realized and hurt her in more places than they could fix.  Which is what we chose to tell the kids.

That happened on Thursday, December 18, about 2:30 pm.

On Saturday, Peter went to the gym in the morning, at Garden's Plaza.  He came home and reported that there was a little homeless kitten there.  We debated about bringing her home...did we really want another cat?

In the end, we welcomed "Jonesy" (named after Jones the Grocer, the cafe where she was found) that evening.  She is a three month old Arabian Mau mix. Though she did not ease the children's pain, when they discovered that Kitten had died (the euthanization is the only detail we held back), she has helped them heal a lot faster.  Jonesy has helped them to remember Kitten (who lives in our hearts now), and to heal and make new experiences.

I think pets are amazing for children's development and growth.

And kittens are ADORABLE (and it doesn't hurt as much when they bite and scratch you!)

Jonesy ended up making our Christmas much happier (otherwise it would have been turkey and tears), which we shared with friends (new and old).

Peter and I shared a quiet New Year, watched Love Actually, and had a "family sleepover" (all five of us slept in one room--by CHOICE). 

As for 2015...I don't know what will happen.  I know that some of our friends will move away, and new friends will come into our lives.  I know that the children will keep growing and having their life's dramas, and my world will revolve around it.  I know I will spend a lot more time at Yas Mall (grocery shopping) than Mushrif (it's TEN MINUTES door to door!).  

We are looking forward to a lot of things:  more birthday celebrations, seeing my parents in Austria this summer, Magoo starting school in September (both a joy and a sadness) and having good friends come and visit us in December (Sandy and FIONA!!).  I will NOT be attending the Michael Buble concert--I have been trying to get tickets but the site crashed as soon as sales were open--and somehow, though I have never managed to connect even ONE TIME--the concert has SOLD OUT.  

And I am sure there will be lots of other events that we will be grateful for throughout the year (perhaps a wedding???).  

I am no longer into 'making resolutions' and feeling guilty when I fail to keep them. I know I need to make some changes in my life, I know what they are, and I need to make a commitment, have some discipline and do it.   Sending best wishes for 2015 to all of our family and friends, near and far--we love you and are grateful for your love.  

A Diwali Potpurri

First Writing

THE FOLLOWING WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ITS OWN POST--A FEW DAYS BACK:

I find myself always winding my way down to the water, while I wait for A to finish her ballet class.  The breeze here is amazing--complimented by the sounds of the waves plunking and thudding against the marina--almost like being on a boat!

The temperature, when you are out of the sun and in a breeze as I am now--perfect!

Today was a really busy day.  I checked out the services of the Capital Health Screening Centre--it is visa renewal time again!  I was very impressed with the new company--at every point it was much better than the original.  The location, next to the Al Jazira Stadium (tower a)--great--not in the heart of the city, for us suburbanites.  The parking lot--well--I accidentally parked in the bus lot, so I had a lot of extra space!  Up the elevator, greeted by staff who asked for my appointment number, and gave me a ticket (9064)--and then directed me to the ladies waiting area seats...which did have a few lads in them.  And some of the people forgot their deodorant that morning...but after about 10 minutes I was through to some more waiting...which was minimal.  As soon as I sat down and settled in to read my nook, I was called to get up into another line.  Blood test--check (bless the nurse for using the smallest needle she could find--at my request--and nailing it in on her first try!).  X-ray--check!  Good-bye!  I barely had time to read a thing!

Malou was surprised when I returned home before noon.  Ms. Magoo was very happy to wake up from her nap and find me home.  Door-to-door--in under two and a half hours --including 25 minutes driving time each way.  Much better than the experiences we have had in the past.  Not sure if making an appointment helped (mine was for 9:44)--but it seemed I was moving as fast as everyone else.  Way to go Abu Dhabi--good system improvement!

Today has been a busy day with a lot of in and out.  Out for visa process,  out to give A lunch dose of antibiotics, out to pick -up the pickle (who actually requested to go pee BEFORE we left the classroom--hurray!), out to help A transfer over to her ECP (fun with food) with minimal stress, out again to pick her up (where I ran into my friend Yeen who gifted me some of her most delicious scones!), and out again for ballet.  So--my eyes are burning a bit and I don't really want to do anything tonight.

Except just enjoy this breeze!

Above: Daddy's Famous Stuffing
Below:  Making Crust for Pumpkin Pie

I have been worried a lot lately...the big ones are ISIS and Ebola...what's a world supposed to do?  I wish I had a time machine so I could travel to the future and see how these things get resolved.

Dr. Ana and the cavity

Other little worries melted away a bit when I picked Pickle up from school today.  As we were walking to the car, I noticed that I had his hand in my left and he had Magoo's hand in his left--they were holding hands! They would let go, for one of them to push back a hat, or brush a hair out of their faces, and then reach naturally for one another again.  It was a sweet moment...a memory I want to keep...

Cutest cats!

BUT I DIDN'T FIND THE TIME TO POST IT!!

Instead, it comes to you along with my best wishes for Diwali--the festival of lights.  Lighting up all the darkness in our lives--vanquishing fear and hate--with love and light.  

Little things make little ones so happy--
Thanks Aunty Aumi!

After hunting around (in the car and on the phone), I feel so lucky to have finally found these boxes--coming right to my doorstep, through little A's classroom.  Every year they run out!!  THIS year we managed to participate!  All our little ones packed their own boxes (their own way).  This is a great way to teach the little ones to help out those who are less fortunate.

THIS, on the other hand, is NOT a great way to help out those who are less fortunate (though if you want to contribute, please send something to the number listed).  I never received anything like this when I was in Canada...does it happen now?

We will be heading out to the Peppermill tonight for a family Diwali dinner.  Abu Dhabi has disappointed me with their lack of child-friendly Diwali offerings this year.  The Indian Cultural Society has a function that begins at 8 pm...and none of the Indian restaurants are doing anything--SHAME!!
I am off to Lulu to do my part.  Looking for diyas to give out to A's classmates--teacher gifts have already been distributed.

Thanks Dharmvir!

With our rangoli 

ROAR!

Rose--here is the homework assignment we promised you would get completed over the Eid break:

Last year when A took Choral (as an ECP--Extra-curricular programming), she LOVED it.  I have always loved singing myself, and so I was thrilled that she shared this with me.  It was one of the few activities that I didn't have to push her to attend.  She sang at school events, with pride.

She was also exposed to different music, and one of her favourite songs was Katy Perry's "Roar".  I confess, when I was sitting outside the class waiting for her to finish, I had no idea what the song was, and googled the lyrics ('eye of the tiger' made my ears prick up--80's kid).  Thus, after many years of KP being on the scene...she finally had my attention (through the ears of my six year old).

Ms. Karen did not show Katy's video in class ('b/c some of your mummies and daddies wouldn't appreciate it').  I you-tubed it and did not object to the 'you-tarzan-me-Jane' costume, complete with the overflowing cuppage.  Little A and I spend a lot of time talking about real faces and bodies, and photoshop--lots of images of 'with no make-up'...b/c the world she grows up in will be very different from my own.  I appreciated the empowerment theme--though I think little A likes this song b/c she thinks it is about befriending tigers...

Fast forward to the present: her teacher gave her a homework assignment to find a song that makes her feel happy.  She picked KP's "Roar," and last week daddy filmed her singing the song.  THIS week's homework required her to choreograph a dance to her happy song....


SO...please enjoy the above video.

Consider it my Eid gift to the world!