Ramadan Kareem!

We are in another Ramadan--a time of fasting and religious reflection for Muslims.  Generally this is supposed to be a slower time...shortened school hours and quieter days, but the days seem to be going by in a blur.  It seems we have been busier than usual, just trying to fit everything into fewer hours.

We have had some transitions.  We have had to say good-bye to Ms. Chantal, Pickle's ILSA, and we welcome Ms. Nicola, whose timing of return to the work-world could not have been more perfect (for us).  It was sad to say goodbye to Chantal--as she and Pickle have their own relationship--separate to our family, and I am so grateful for the energy and love she has shared with Pickle over the years.  It was a very abrupt departure--nothing like ripping the band-aid off in one skin-tugging manoeuvre...painful but necessary.  Thankfully--I was so insanely busy with school, that by the time I was able to focus on finding a replacement (and work myself into a panic about it), Nicola was already on-the-scene.

 Above is a picture of Mr. Brendan--Magoo's favourite teacher--and one of the best teachers at the children's school this year.  We ran into him at the British vet, where we were taking sweet Phinn to get his eye checked.  Magoo was quite disappointed that she opted to stay at home, because she HEARTS Mr. Brendan...if I were a drinking lady (and one day I might still be) I would create a drinking game for everytime magoo starts a sentence with "You know, Mr. Brendan...".  Gentle kidding aside, I am so happy that she has had such a wonderful teacher and influence in her life this year.  Next year's teacher will have a tough act to follow...Mr.  Brendan is SO awesome, that he included Peter's life story in Magoo's reading folder at her Student-Led Conferences (below).

Change that "PH" to a "T"

Mr. Phinn still loves to crawl and hide in all kinds of 'caves'.  He was so easy to kennel train, because he loves small, enclosed spaces.  It is getting harder to slide him out though, as he isn't as stable on his feet, and he has a hard time getting up after he is asleep.  Also, since he is also hearing impaired now--waking him up (when he is half-way under the bed) is a challenge.

This is Jingle V(ivienne) Bell, making herself comfortable on my luxurious faux-fur throw.  We have noted that the stripey pattern actually matches her markings perfectly.  I am making good on my promise to provide her with a life-long home, now that she has survived the Parvo-virus.  Next week I will take her in to be spayed and vaccinated.  She is the most gentle and sweet cat I have met to date.

"Sadaqah" is the new arabic word we have learned, and it means 'voluntary giving'.  My friend Sharee told me about the 'sharing fridges' which have been set up around the UAE (and in our neighbourhood).  Families fill the fridges with food items, and drinks.  The fridges are open to anyone who is in need.  The children have really enjoyed putting together these packages, and delivering them to the fridge.  Pickle and I were very happy to see some men approaching the fridges (as we drove off)--we felt good donating something, in our own small way.

Mr. Pickle is saying goodbye to Ms. Hannah--his long-time O/T.  He started working with Hannah over four years ago, when she worked out of an empty office at GAA.  We followed her through to the opening of her own clinic, KidsFirst, in KCA.  Pickle always looks forward to his time with Hannah (best play-date of the week), as it serves as a reward for his speech therapy time (which is maybe not as fun).  We are fortunate that Hannah has transitioned him to Emma, and as you can see from the smile on his face--he is absolutely thrilled!  He will miss Hannah (once he realizes that she is gone), but he is very excited to work with Emma.  I am grateful that he will continue to receive these services, from someone who is "Hannah-approved."

I am Larry

So, I have started watching the old episodes of "Curb Your Enthusiasm."  I quit watching because I found Larry to be a bit abrasive and unbearable at times.  Watching it now, as a mom of three children, the character that I can relate to and empathize the most with, is LARRY.  I really feel for him, as he manages to get himself out of one pickle and right into another.  Amazing what kind of perspective you can get from motherhood!

We kicked the weekend off with an after-school trip to Yas Mall Debenhams (the final days of the sale and we needed knee high school socks--which I found!!).  While in the store, they announced the Golden Hanger Contest, and with the help of a few friendly Kabayan, Mr. Pickle found the prize!  He won 125 AED to spend, and bought himself and his sisters some new clothes.  They are were all very excited.

Charlie Bucket

I spent the weekend hunting for head lice (I think we nipped that problem in the bud).  The kids were all pumped for a play-date with friends Friday (and I was pumped for them staying out of my hair so I could organize the second kitchen).  I was doing little Magoo's hair when...wait a minute...what's that?...and that's how it went down.  Four lice (and no eggs) later, we had all our heads inspected, treated and clear.  Despite a few tears, we managed to have some fun with the treatments--we all did them, which was probably unnecessary as the rest of us didn't have any bugs or eggs...but it was expiring in June...it was a sunk cost.  The Nice Lice lady, and her web-site helped me a lot--and I want to send props out to her in my home-town of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (I kind of feel like we are friends now).  We did re-schedule our play-date and dinner plans though, and spent the afternoon playing Monopoly (which Mr. Pickle won).

Borrowed Uncle Ajay's moustache for the photo-shoot

 On Saturday we had swimming lessons and a drive to and from Dubai for Little A's dance competition.  I do not enjoy driving to Dubai, but honestly, these dance performance are really enjoyable--great music and the time just flies by.  Little A has become an amazing little dancer...she says that she would like to pick up some more classes...so let's see how that goes in the next term.

I would have liked to post a video here, but the lighting was quite poor for video and the school had a very strict rule about no phone video/photography...now if I had Larry's chutzpah, I definitely would have had a video here to share.  In hindsight, I am disappointed with myself.

It seems you can find pictures of her show here though...they are so fast to upload them!

"Just two french braids and then twist them into a bun" 

With Ms. Amy after the show

Peter has been out of town on a 'business trip' since last (Tuesday? Monday??)...a few days anyways.  He flew into London, did some 'business' and then flew to New York yesterday where he will do more 'business'.  Please don't misunderstand the quotes--I am purposely keeping his 'business' ambiguous...

My friend Iris painted this and sent me the picture this morning.  I have shared it with 78 friends and now you...

This was the best Mother's Day present I got today.  Magoo let me pull out this tooth for her...as you can see she is beset with "shark-teeth" like her siblings.  This one has been wobbling for months now, and today she took a deep breath, cried some wet tears, and let me take it out (which, as you can see...it is so loose it could have been sneezed out!!). 

Beautiful Smile!

Happy Mother's Day!

Enter the Year of the Dog (and one kitten)

We had a very festive and busy day yesterday, ringing in the Chinese New Year.  This year belongs to one of my favourite animals, the DOG!  Here are some pictures of my dogs, getting ready for bed.

We started our celebrations with our annual trip to the Shangrila hotel, for their Lion Dance.  It was exciting to discover that my new friend Francesca, is married to the new GM of our favourite hotel in Abu Dhabi (possibly the world??).  

Next year we have to practice our hand gestures when we wish our friend's happy new year.  I have missed this point in my children's education.  Note to self:  do better.

We rushed out after the dance, and had to miss out on the Shangrila's new addition of the "Prosperity Salad".  Apparently, the challenge is to toss the salad as high as you can.  Winner gets...the best year of her life...?

If the Pickle can do it--we can all do it.  Look at that amazing smile!  He was so excited to wear this hat with the accompanying braid!

We rushed home to complete the above cake (woof!). Please note the pink tongue made from meringue, and the nose inspired by Pickle's toy, Belle-Gaston.  It took a lot of restraint not to cry in frustration when Little A bumped her hand into the ear, and smeared it all flat!  Fortunately, I am a MacGyver sometimes--and I managed to deliver it to the party without anyone but my crew (who were impressed with my mad icing repair skills) finding out.

Looks like Karma had "prosperity salad" on the agenda for me today.  Though I missed it at the Shangrila, I found another waiting for me at our friends Iris and Raymond's place--and I believe I won the toss.  It was a beautiful preparation (look closely to see the dog made out of pomelo, with a grape nose and strawberry tongue).  P says that he identified my hands because of my poor chopsticking (not a word).  

It was so nice to spend some time with friends today.  We ran into Francesca (and her husband, Ulf, who is now Pickle's new best friend).  Ulf invited Pickle to help him paint the Lion's eyes at next year's Lion Dance...something I am pretty sure he thinks Pix will forget in 364 days....so obviously he doesn't know Pickle that well yet....

Iris had us bring an even number of oranges (and gave us an ODD number back by mistake--I am damn lucky I won the prosperity salad toss otherwise that mistake might have cost me the entire year!!).  Thus, another new tradition was acquired.

Next year--hand gestures, oranges and prosperity salad will join our CNY celebrations!!

We had one more event--the reunion walk--for Chewbacca with his former family.  We met at the kids' school, and walked together for an hour.  The family is lovely (they brought Chewbacca's human grandmother along) and they seemed relieved that he hadn't spent the last (almost) 3 years pining away.  It seems that he had forgotten them--though he did respond to some whistles and Spanish (who knew?).  My kids made eyes whenever they heard him called "Albert", "Albertino" or (their personal favourite) "Albertini".

Once home we were exhausted.  It was all I could do to stay awake long enough to put some food in my stomache.  We were all lights out by 9:30 PM.

Did you say something about a kitten.....?

I DID!!

Meet Jingle V. Belle (the "V" stands for Vivienne).  She showed up in our colony before Christmas, sick and on her last legs.  Little A brought her in, we took her to the vet (who gave us a look that said "this cat is going to die" but I will give you meds, bill you and send you home anyways), and nursed her back to health.  

On Sunday she started acting quiet and strange, not eating, and having diarrhea and vomitting.  On Tuesday she was diagnosed with the feline death sentence of Parvo-virus.  The vet gave us that look again (which we know well), the meds (and THE BILL) and told us the next "24-48 hours" would determine her fate.  

It was disturbing, and I confess to shedding more than my fair share of tears with the girls (Pickle is much more pragmatic).  When you read the research on Parvo, particularly for unvaccinated kittens--which Jingle is  (I am not an irresponsible pet owner--she is just in between serious illnesses), the odds are not great.

However, I made her a promise:  Live, and you'll have a home forever.  

Of course, she started recovering instantly....she is bony, and eating very little...but it is Saturday, and she is still alive and getting more so every day.

And a promise is a promise....

Procrastinate much?

Happy New Year!!  (yes seriously...)

(please note:  this entire blog entry has been copied from an email I intended to send out on TUESDAY JANUARY 10, 2017.  The fact that it has made it to this blog INTACT, with only minor changes, is somewhat of a Christmas miracle--albeit an early one).

So--I will start this letter on a low note.  Many tragedies have occurred this year (the death of Prince and the election of Trump come first to my mind), but the most recent and most sad for me (yes--even sadder for me than the loss of Princess Leia) will be the death of George Michael, who passed on Christmas Day.  George was a major part of my childhood--as I bopped to Wake Me Up Before You Go-go, and I followed him up through my teens as he was my Father Figure, and sought his own Freedom.  And I listened without prejudice, into my University years.  On my wedding day, we danced into our reception thinking everything was Amazing.  When I landed in Abu Dhabi, his face welcomed me on the covers of the Abu Dhabi week magazine, announcing a concert for the 37th National day.  The first time I left Amara with someone (her dad) to "babysit" was to attend that very same concert, and unlike his contemporary Madonna, I was not let down or disappointed in any way.  His voice, even after surgery, remained strong and youthful--and with every note and lyric, I was transported to another place and time in my own life.  I was on the cruise ship--somewhere between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, when P broke the news to me (wi-fi was at a premium on this ship).  

Obviously, I didn't know George Michael personally.  Life has taught me that anyone with that kind of artistic talent has to dig out this gift from some darkness--the piper has to be paid.  I can only hope and pray that he will now be at peace and happy.  I would like him to know how grateful I am for the music he gave me to live my life by, and for all that he taught me about life and love--he was an amazing poet, and his words have carried me through laughter and tears.

So--onto the update.  We have been spending the month of December with celebrations--Christmas (which we celebrated on and off the cruise), N's birthday (for which we had three celebrations--two in Abu Dhabi and one in Dubai).  We also went on a seven day cruise (stopping in Oman, Abu Dhabi (!) and Dubai.  December has been a big party!!

The PICKLE has just turned 7.  He has come a long way from the baby we brought home.  Through the help of growth hormone, and a great team therapists and teachers (not to mention loving and supporting parents and sisters) N has grown to be a tall, strong and energetic little boy.  His speech is growing more articulate.  He continues to make gains in the swimming pool and will now immerse his head (which as I understand it is the biggest barrier to his swimming).  He loves cutting up magazines (and thankfully everywhere we go in Abu Dhabi there are "free! Take me!" Magazines calling out to him.  He continues to be a kind and loving little boy, who loves meeting people and getting to know them.  He has new red glasses now, and I am so thrilled to get away from those little dents left behind by his old nose pads.

MAGOO is "so fancy" and loves to laugh.  She is always giggling and talking (another thing she loves to do).  She is now five years old (turning 6 in March), and is in EY2 (the equivalent of kindergarten).  She had a hard time adjusting to a new classroom this year (though they kept all of her old classmates together), but now she seems settled and is quite happy (most of the time).  S is a strong swimmer, plays piano and loves to dance--but at heart she is a homebody and loves to be home playing with family or friends.  S is already reading and writing quite fluently, and loves to listen to stories.   Her favorite thing in the world is ice cream, and she could eat it three times a day (if we let her).

As for MUNK, now 9, she continues to be made of sugar and spice and everything nice.  She is in grade 4 now, and had a bit of a rough start with school this year (she has had a revolving door of teachers--apparently it is quite difficult to find and hire teachers in Abu Dhabi--come on--we can't all be happy housewives now...can we?) but hopefully once we return from the holiday, this problem will disappear.  She is studying  piano, vocal, dances ballet and also is a strong swimmer (though we have come to an agreement that she will take lessons for only one term per year to keep up her skills).  Little A is very artistic and loves to make crafts and create things.  Most of the time she is a sweet little girl, but we get glimpses of the teen-monster lurking on the horizon.

P is doing well.  He continues on in his role, and through his work has met so many interesting people--some of whom have become good friends.  He has the opportunity to travel, and is racking up his frequent flier points.  Recently, we discovered that he has slipped some discs in his lower back, which has prompted him to renew his focus on yoga and stretching.  In September, we both completed a three week detox program (7 days of just juice), which left both of us feeling a lot leaner and cleaner.  For the most part, we have  been able to continue with healthier eating habits (with Thanksgiving and any dinner with friends being the exceptions!!).

photo courtesy Magoo

As for me--my position as "housewife" continues to keep me busy and challenged.  I am still managing to get to the gym regularly (which I confess to enjoying very much).  I have taken on a volunteer role with the school's parent team (which functions quite differently here than I would have expected).  I work with a great group of ladies, and have managed to meet so many nice people through this role.  Children's homework and after-school activities keep me pretty busy, but I still find time to do my favorite thing:  READ!!   Stranger Things (plus the entire dark marvel television trio) are my favourite shows to watch when I am chilling in front of the tv (which tends to be our evening wind down).  Doctor Strange was one of my favourite movies of the year (and I love Benedict in Sherlock too and am eager for the new season).





P and I have managed to get connected to the Abu Dhabi community a bit, and have attended a couple of comedy events and a spoken word poetry evening.  We went to the Abu Dhabi food festival, and attended a cooking class led by a "world-famous" Indian chef named Sanjeev Kapoor (perhaps you have heard of him, as I had not).  These are the kinds of things we used to enjoy very much in Edmonton.

Our family spent the summer in Vietnam, Bali and Kuala Lumpur.  We met some of P's family in Saigon, and despite the language barrier, they were so hospitable and kind to us.  I enjoyed Vietnamese coffee (with and extra shot of condensed milk thank you very much!!), and we stayed in a beautiful resort on the river, cradled in huge banyan trees.  We loved Bali, and shared our holiday with two sets of friends.  I got to drive my own quad, boogie boarded on the waves of Ku-de-tah beach, and ended the trip with a memorable case of Bali-belly (note to self:  sparkling NOT still water).  Kuala Lumpur was a wonderful holiday: the beauty of the city--a literal meeting of concrete and jungle--and for the experiences, and our friends who made our time there count.  We stayed in Bangsar village, known among locals as the "Beverly Hills of KL".  In addition to seeing the architectural wonders of the city,  we managed to head out to see fireflies, in a protected reserve (one from the bucket list).  We also had an amazing experience eating at a restaurant that specialized in "dining in the dark". I also developed a love for eating on banana leaves (instead of plates) at Raj's mamak stand.

P and I celebrated 12 years of wedded bliss in august.  Which seems like a lot--except we have actually been together for 22 years (should have just  gotten married in the first year of university...like Peter wanted to!!) ;-). More recently, we celebrated P's 41st birthday--a full day of birthday breakfast, family time and birthday dinner.   As a present, I have arranged a belated game of cards for Peter, with some new friends here, for the end of the month--his poker gaggle in Edmonton is seriously irreplaceable, and it was a grind bringing bodies to the table for this one!!

We very much enjoyed the visit with Peter's parents (the kids object profusely when I call them "my parents"), and it was sad to see them go.  We look forward to reuniting with them again this summer in LA--the first leg of our North American summer holiday.  Now we are back to "business as usual"--with the new year.  Back to school and trying to work more efficiently than last year.  My goal is to try and be better organized and let the children have more time to play--rather than just dividing our time between homework and after-school activities.

So--will there be an actual update anytime soon?

WATCH THIS SPACE....

Hashtag I'm with Her

hoodie modelling

When we moved here, 8 years ago, little A and I woke up one morning and my heart filled with joy, to see that Obama had won the presidency of the United States.  I didn't realize, until that moment, how certain I was that something would happen to prevent this from taking place.

It is my hope, that tomorrow when we all wake up, we will discover there is a woman president in the White House.

I am not American.  However, as a Canadian, I have grown up with Americana--and I know and love some wonderful American people.  I love the little ditty about Jack and Diane--and in another life, I would have been a cheerleader.  I know all the words to the American national anthem, and I envy the 'patriot love' that defines Americans.

I am feeling anxious about this election.  I feel that Donald Trump is the living embodiment of everything that we teach our children is wrong. Things that are bad, shameful and embarrassing--things we should never do or say.  What is happening to the world, when someone like Donald Trump (who magoo will tell you cannot even say "China" properly), can be president?

Life continues to be busy--kittens have all moved along to new families and Smokey Moon Face will go on December 1 to live with the Nobili family.  I think she will be much loved in their home, and my heart will miss her terribly.

The Parent Team keeps me quite busy--and already I am thinking that I cannot take on this much next year--I need to dial it back.

Peter is back from two weeks in New York, and heading out again on Sunday--the children will be very upset.

Hopefully they will be cheered up because Hillary Clinton the new president of the United States of America.

Ten Minutes...

What can I tell you in ten minutes about my life?

This morning, after packing lunches, doing hair (not my own) and slipping on my trainers, we were out the door (7:25 AM).  Pickles had a 'bad day' yesterday, and today's word is 'CO-OPERATION'.  I am expecting a great report from all of the wonderful people involved in his day.

On the drive to school we talked about....hmmm....cannot remember...but Abu Dhabi Classics was playing "The Bear Necessities" and we all tried to sing it in its jazzed up variety.

Pickles ran into Ms. Jan--his first shadow teacher, and a lady who so very obviously still holds a very big place in his heart.  She was so very lovely and kind to him, and I am glad that he no longer seems torn when he sees her.  He is happy to give her a big hug and head on with his day.

Little A is now content to walk a little distance on her own to her line up.  She has a third temporary teacher (the fourth and final teacher should be coming for November 1), who is very competent and with it.  I miss seeing my friend Gopa (the "Mumbai Madame") who used to watch Little A go in, and give her the sense of the familiar at school (while I trounced off to drop the other two in their spots on time).

Mugs is quite happy now (I think the princess pencil sealed it) and goes off happily to class, with Ms. Michelle, every day.  This really eases my heart, and the fact that we forgot her reader doesn't phase her at all.

Then, off to the gym, where I look very forward to seeing my friends--the morning crew.  Tabata was tough~  Gillian and I shared a lovely slice of vanilla cake from Circle (with real buttercream frosting) and we chatted away the negative vibes that stick around after a rough night with one's spouse.

Home again, home again, to shower, and do a little bit more for the volunteer role I have taken on with the Parent Team this year.  I managed to have some nostalgia time, watching an episode of the recently resurrected X-files...

And I am off again--for school pick-ups!

41

Let's Go Crazy

April 22 marked the end of my month-(plus-five-days)-long celebration of my birthday (March 17-April 17).  A group of friends (some old and some newer) came along for a Bollywood themed dinner, at the Ritz Carlton's Punjab Grill restaurant (located in their Venetian village).  HAH!

overexposed

The weather was beautiful (thanks in part to the seeded rain which continues to keep the mercury down), and we had a lovely full moon in the sky, perched above the water dividing Abu Dhabi island, from the rest of the Emirate.

I remember well parties of the past, where we have tried to include friends from all parts of our lives (personal and professional friends), only to discover clumps of people, in different parts of our home, only interacting with people they already know.  Something that I really enjoyed at my dinner, is how everyone made an effort to socialize with everyone else.  I am not sure whether to attribute this to growing up, or being ex-pats, but it sure made the evening relaxing, hearing everyone talking and laughing, and seeing that nobody was left-out.  I like to think that some strategic seating also facilitated this atmosphere (who knows seating plans better than teachers?)

There were many things to celebrate:  my birthday, Ricardo's birthday (which was actually on the 22nd) and Ajay and Isha's 2nd wedding anniversary (on the 24th I think).


The Bollywood theme was inspired by my goal to get as much mileage out of my Indian sarees as possible.  However, as a side effect of weight loss, not many of my blouses fit anymore (need to go to the tailor!), so I decided to try a saree that I have always loved and treasured:  my mom's.

I had to borrow my friend Gopa's plain black blouse though, as I am still not small enough to fit my mom's (I don't remember her every being that tiny).  Gopa was also kind enough to come over and help me get ready (Gopa can tie a saree in 5 minutes!).

We had a good laugh about how Gopa had to borrow all her Indian accessories from me (seems like nobody in India wears bindis anymore...as I had to lend one to all the ladies in attendance).  I have asked all my friends to send out an email to my mom, to tell her what a very proper Indian daughter she raised.

getting the lighting right

I think my sister-in-law, whom we lovingly refer to as the Bollywood Barbie would have been proud (and had she been here, she would have put us all to shame!).

it's not gulab jamun....but it'll do

Cristina is back, and has recovered from a terrible virus that she caught on her flight back from the Philippines (similar to the one I got on the way back from Phuket).  She watched the kids while we celebrated, who were excited for their very own sleep-over with their much-loved friend (she is indeed considered a friend by all three) Anoushka.  Pickle slept on his own, but the girls all slumbered together.  As the stories go, Magoo kept talking and the double A's worked very hard to tell her stories to put her to bed.  Would explain why it was a little past 3 AM when Magoo made her way to my bed.

Sleeping beauties

When we got home around 1 AM, I read the news that Prince had died.  I remember making up dances to his songs, when I was 10 years old, in Forestburg, with my friend Lana.  My mom used to always make fun of that hair, that always hung over his one eye--she always wanted him to push it back so he could see properly.

I still haven't seen Purple Rain...