So close to the home country.....

I need a holiday. I can't believe how badly we all need to get on that plane. I'm at the point where I'm ready to just leave the laundry, the dishes, and grab a suitcase of presents, my laptop and jump on the plane.

I'm so full of emotion that I'm finding it hard to write. I'm watching friends go through horrible rough times. I've chatted with mums who are going to have to change their country, again. The glaring differences between the richest people on the planet and the poorest are in front of me every time I step outside my dwelling.

It is time to celebrate life. It is time to enjoy the festivities of the season. It is time to hug and hang on tight to those whom we love and who are so dear to us. Not to mention, it is time to enjoy food in the home country!

May peace be upon you.

The Gap between the two

No, I'm not talking about that clothing store (I will admit that I like their clothes, however!). But, the gap between East and West and between men and women.

Something happened recently to a friend of mine and she gave me permission to write about it. My friend and her husband are expecting their first child, and she is noticeably expecting at this point.

My friend was traveling by taxi to a meeting with two other women. My friend began to feel queasy (a number of taxi drivers here are very fond of gunning on the gas pedal and suddenly letting up on the gas pedal causing a slight and constant lurching feeling for the passengers). She and the other passengers asked the cab driver to stop the cab. He refused. My friend, at this point, had to roll down the window to 'relieve her stomach.' No mess was made in the taxi. When they finally reached their destination, the cab driver demanded that my friend wipe up the outside of his taxi (it really was not that bad) and told her that she should be more mindful of her 'condition' and should be at home because of her 'condition'. Never mind the fact that he refused to stop the taxi (it would have been safe to do so), my friend was not traveling alone (not that it should matter), and my friend and the other women with her were clearly heading for a meeting and not dressed to go for an evening out or something (again, not that it should matter). Do I feel sad and frustrated that my friend was treated this way? Yes, I do.

But that's just the thing. Some would agree with what the taxi driver told my friend. And that's the gap. What is appropriate at the end of the day in one country and culture is not necessarily appropriate in another country and culture. What becomes difficult is when we have to bridge these gaps. We have to all live and work together. Yes, this planet is a pretty big place, but we ALL have to share it. Yes, this was just one incidence that really is not that big of a deal (at the end of the day). But, it does highlight how we all have to work together to bridge the gap. As our planet grows smaller thanks to modern travel methods and technology, how do we work through such great differences between cultures?

And a special note to my friend: If you're not happy with my writing, let me know and I'll pull this post. Thanks for sharing. (And no offense is meant to anyone in our host country. I simply find this to be an interesting and relevant conversation.)

Peace.

E-readers and pollution? (hydraulic fracturing)

Today's snap is of myself and Munchkin #2 enjoying our new family toy. This photo has NOTHING to do with what I wanted to write about today.

First, a bit of a word on e-readers. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/06/business/06novel.html?em Ok, these devices look cool. I've looked a buying some kind of e-reader so I don't have to haul so many books around the world. But, I'd buy 'e-books' for fun/pleasure reading. You know, novels and stuff. But, would I really want one of these for an afternoon on the beach - getting all full of sand and salt? Further, I still have some of my university text books (basic biology texts, certain lab manuals, basic chemistry books). I have found these books very helpful to have around when I'm asked to help students prep for exams, explain things to my own children etc.... Yes, I could pull it all off the internet, but sometimes it's faster, easier and just more fun to pull out an old book. So, with these new e-readers that could replace textbooks, what do you do when the device doesn't work anymore? What do you do when the technology goes speeding ahead and all your books are on a now defunct device? What will historians' jobs look like many years from now as they dig for old documents? How do we keep and maintain our written words? Our written words are one of the things that really sets humans apart from the rest of the world's critters. Oh my - how quickly our world is changing.

Now, on to my next set of thoughts.....

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/08/business/energy-environment/08fracking.html?pagewanted=2&em

Ok, hydraulic fracturing? "What's this?" you are probably asking. Here's a bit I found through the EPA's website (Environmental Protection Agency in the U.S. - I have only scanned it since it's rather long): http://www.epa.gov/OGWDW/uic/pdfs/cbmstudy_attach_uic_ch06_water_qual_incidents.pdf

Next, give this bit a read. I'm not sure how old it is, but it is interesting never the less: http://www.netl.doe.gov/technologies/oil-gas/publications/eordrawings/Color/colhf.pdf This is from the National Energy Technology Laboratory in the U.S.

Ok, now, if you've read or at least skimmed all of this you may be saying, "Yeah, so what?" Well, I realize I don't understand the technology. What I do understand is that there is always a level of error in the cards when humans do something. Period. I just can not comprehend how humans think (ie we think) we can fully control pumping a chemical mix into the ground and not have it affect the environment. Until recently, folks thought of plate tectonics as a theory. Do we really think we know enough about the rock beneath our feet to control this kind of technology (ie hydraulic fracturing)? Do we need clean energy? Yes, absolutely. Do I want to see the oil and gas industry take a massive financial hit? No, of course not because it would mean massive job losses and more economic woes. But, I do think we all need to think about how we're using the technology available to us.

Not a great pic but....

This is the view from the loft in the new farm house in the home country. I'm too excited for words. I still can't believe that this is happening. I can't wait to paint and buy furniture and stuff. Oh yeah....

Otherwise, not much in my brain tonight other than homemade peanut butter cookies.

Peace.

Healthcare reform and international politics

I really need to go curl up on the beach in the sun with a good book. But, I'm really in a mood to sit inside and sew. I really want to curl up with a blanket and a cup of coffee and do some needlework. I think my mind is just blown that it's December and yet it's beautiful and sunny out, and I CAN go an lay out on a beach. Seeing today's snap of my family's new place going up and knowing that snow is expected there, well, I guess I'm a bit homesick.

Ok. On to other topics.....

I totally do not get the American health care reform. There's loads of bits of junk from 'pundits,' but I can't find anything that states in simple language, "Here is what's in the bills on the table." Why is that so hard? I just don't get it.

Another bit about the healthcare reform....there's a bunch of talk about preventative mammography. That's all well and good, but what about AFTER the cancer is found? Will insurance have to pay for the reconstruction procedure of the woman's choice? Will insurance have to pay whom the woman chooses? Will insurance pay for the life time's worth of prosthetics she will need if she chooses not to have reconstruction? Not to mention, the special undergarments required to hold the prosthetics are VERY expensive for the average woman.

I don't think pundits (or little blogs like mine) should be answering these questions. Again, I just don't get it.....

On to international politics.....

http://www.kansascity.com/news/nation/story/1609682.html Found this article citing a poll that Americans are showing more isolationist tendencies, essentially. Read the article and see what you think. The reality is that America will become weaker in the eyes of the world if Americans don't get out there and get involved (and I DON'T mean with guns and shows of force). The article also discusses views on China and the U.S. It's a very interesting read. Ok, here is my pure opinion - not fact - pure opinion. Chinese goods are cheap. They are cheap for a reason. If the world only goes for cheap goods, then the folks that make the 'luxury' goods are gonna go under. But, why are the luxury goods so expensive? Are you paying for the name? Sometimes. But, many times (think big here like cars, large appliances, airplanes, factory equipment, oil rigs etc....I'm not talking handbags and shoes here but in some cases the situtation is the same) you are paying for well made, safe, gonna last you a long time kind of stuff. So which is better? Cheap throw it out in a year or so and buy another? Or more expensive, keep it for years and be confident knowing that what you have purchased is safe and has a reputable company backing it? For me, that's not a hard one to answer.

Folks, you gotta dream. If you don't, you might as well stop the ride and jump off. But as we dream, we need to hang on to our values and what's really important to us. I'm so grateful to have known all the dreamers that I have known. They help make this world tolerable.

Peace.

Ah...the good and the bad

The good: The new house in the home country is really coming along nicely. It is so gonna rock!

The bad: The husband gets to dine at this place http://www.visitoslo.com/en/engebret-cafe.49110.181332r341.tlp.html without me....sigh....

The good: The munchkins and I snarfed a bunch of homemade peanut butter cookies tonight.

The bad: The cookies are now all gone.

The good: The plane trip to the home country is getting nearer. And man, am I ready.

Peace. And may you be blessed with cookies.

Currency madness and political spin

Ok. These two topics have NOTHING to do with each other. I've been laying out on the beach, my brain is thus baked, and I need to do a brain dump.

The husband just left for a business trip to Norway - lucky guy. I LOVE Norway; it's such a beautiful place. At any rate, before he got on the plane, I checked to see if we had any kroner (Norwegian money). We only had a few coins. We did however have a mix of Omani riyal, Saudi Riyal, Kuwaiti dinar (I think that's what it's called), dirrhams (or AED/money from the United Arab Emirates), Canadian dollars, U.S. dollars and of course British pounds. I also know we have some Indian rupees still lying around somewhere. Wow! That's a lot of currency. Yet, unless you are in that country, you can't use it! IF you want to use it, you have to pay money to have it converted. Sigh...money, money, money. I wonder what the world would be like with just ONE SINGLE currency for the entire planet?

Now, my other train of thought....

I've been reading speeches from different leaders - some recent and some historical. Then, it's interesting to read the 'feeding frenzy' the press churns out over said speeches. I think it's hard to find news sources these days that attempt to be unbiased. It's like I have to read 4 or 5 different papers from different countries to get all the sides of a story. The historical stuff I've been reading is the book John Adams that was turned into an HBO mini-series. It's been a fascinating read. There was political spin even back then at the time of the Americans' revolution. Do you think some of the ancient cave paintings could be political spin? Hmmm.....it would have been interesting....

Now, to change topics again....

I loved this snap. When I took this picture, it felt so peaceful. The beautiful bouquet of flowers, Munchkin #2 sitting working on paper snowflakes, and sunlight streaming in through the windows.

Peace.

Farming trees?

Ok, the snap has nothing to do with farming trees. We had a bit of a weekend wander and enjoyed breakfast at a very fancy hotel. Yummy.... Mum, do you recognize it? You should!

I just found/read this in the New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/29/science/earth/29trees.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

My family 'farms' trees. We plant them, grow them, thin or 'log them', let some grow bigger etc... Our trees are sold for lumber, power/utility poles (maybe) and the left-overs go for paper. FYI...it's been my experience that trees for paper are a by-product of logging for lumber. What needs to be thinned but isn't great for lumber becomes paper.

Recently, folks are talking about how their farmed trees could be used to help hold carbon. But how do we sustain the forest? Do you let it burn? Do you continue to thin and later replant? What is the best way to protect and use this resource?

When my grandfather (and to a degree my great-grandfather) began this family odyssey in trees, I wonder if they had any clue as to just how important tree farming was going to become? If we count my great-grandfather as part of this, then my munchkins are generation #5 in this business.

Personally, I hope that our trees can become more 'carbon storage' then lumber/paper pulp. The pure joy of seeing green trees, walking through them, seeing 'bear signs', picking berries along the trails, and knowing that my family helps sustain the forest and all that lives in it is simply beyond words.

Peace.

Holiday Planning

Crazy....

It's been a fabulous few days off from the usual routine. The husband and I are now sitting down to discuss how to manage/figure out/plan all that we want to do over our winter holiday. The husband gets about a week in the home country, and the munchkins and I get about 2 weeks. The list of family and friends and stuff to do is several kilometers long, and we never have enough time to do it all. Rats......

So, how do we fit it all in? Do we just tell some people, "Sorry, we just haven't got time for you?" How do you fit in all those people and things you've been homesick for into such a small amount of time? You'd think that after two years of this we'd have a better handle on it. But, we don't .

So, the husband being who he is...he's sitting here with a list and a calendar trying to fit it all in. The whole thing is detailed down to even places to eat breakfast.

Peace.

New kayak rocks

Yes, it's awesome. Many thanks to the husband for present.

I never would have thought that I'd move to the Middle East and end up enjoying so much time on/in the ocean.

Peace.

Black Friday?

Well, the Middle East is in the middle of the Eid holiday. We woke this morning to the sounds of our nearest mosque. What a peaceful morning. The munchkins safely tucked into their beds with favourite stuffed toys, cooling weather outside, the bliss of waking up with a heavy duvet covering you and knowing you don't have to get anyone off to school. Bliss...and peace.... Actually, we were up very late last night with very good friends who will soon leave for their home country, permanently. It was great fun watching the dads enjoy the Wii balance board while snowboarding in the family room! They are friends will shall miss greatly! We have not had friends like this since our days at university.

In the States, many call today (the day after American Thanksgiving) Black Friday. I'm not really sure why. When in the States, it seems like this particular Friday is shopping madness. People camping outside of stores in order to be the first ones in, stores loaded to the gills with goods for sale, discount signs everywhere...crazy business.

I have been reading a bit of news this morning. Stuff some of you might be interested in. I'm not endorsing any of this news - what is 'truth'? How do we define 'truth'? I just find it interesting what is being printed. With that said, read on....

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle09.asp?xfile=data/business/2009/November/business_November612.xml&section=business

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/nov/26/double-dip-recession-dubai-debt

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/markets/the_gulf/article6934261.ece

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/27/business/global/27dubai.html?_r=1&hpw

Enjoy the peace of the day.

Ah, the good life

Well, it's been a bit of a roller coaster lately. I've finished helping out/doing the temp thing, and they've now got a true full-time new person coming in. And, man, am I glad. I'm so looking forward to going back to just being wife and Mum. I'm so happy that we will no longer have rushed mornings trying to get kids, and Dad and Mum out the door all at the same time.

Leaving my helping out/temp thing was bitter sweet. I was happy to be finished, but I've become attached to some of the folks I've been with. And of course, the lovely camel picture and massive bouquet of flowers I was given was really an amazing little surprise.

It's been a lovely day here. We had a 'family clean-up' around the house so we are no longer living like swine. We've had a very nice evening. Excellent friends of ours have been here for dinner. Actually, as I type this up, my good friend (I'll call her K) is sitting here at the table with me. She's trying to finish a paper that is due (she's working on a master's), and I'm blogging. The pack of children (Dad's included) are happily piled into the living room playing Lego Star Wars for Wii. It's a good life.

The house that we are building back in the home country with my parents is in full swing. We all just hope and pray that things get finished up a bit before the winter break. That way, we will all actually be able to spend time together!

Peace.

"No time for cocktails"

"No time for cocktails." Isn't that a great line? It's from Miss Piggy in the The Great Muppet Caper. Well, I have 'no time for cocktails'. I have however slammed down a nice sized bottle of Coca-Cola. I have oceans of work to do tonight, but I felt like I should post something!

Things are winding down a bit for us at the moment. With the approach of Eid Al Adha, we all are anticipating the break from the daily routine. The children have time off from school, then we are back to the routine for a couple of weeks and then it's zoom on a jet plane for our winter holiday. And we certainly feel a need to hop on that plane!

Peace.

When life kicks you in the backside, enjoy the water.

I had a totally crummy afternoon. I try very hard to give back good things to the world. I try very hard to serve my community. I try very hard to serve humankind. Well, today, after 2 months of very hard work, I was evaluated on all of it via a 20 minute snippet. And guess what? The snippet was one of the crummier moments I've had doing what I do. What's worse, the person commenting on the snippet of time had no clue what was really going on in 'the big picture.' I sat at my work space at the end of the day and cried.

But, here's stuff on the brighter side.....

I've snarfed a whole dark chocolate bar with hazelnuts, guzzled a nice sized Coke Zero, I still have the best munchkins and husband a woman could ever wish for, and I'm now the proud owner of a new kayak. AND.......it's been raining in the desert. Oh yeah...gotta count those blessings.

The husband as a bit of an 'off season' gift gave me a fully collapsible two-seater twin pontoon kayak. I LOVE it. I can't wait to take it out on the water.

So, when life kicks you in the backside, count your blessings and go enjoy the water.

Peace.

Calculating the Derivative? Calculus? Hunh?

Whoa...what happened to fish? And the Middle East? And sand?

Got to thinking, I needed to brush up on some old skills. Found a fun tidbit for you math junkies out there...enjoy :)

http://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-a-Basic-Derivative-of-a-Function

Just Chillin'

We had a lovely relaxed weekend with a 'very tiny weekend trip' with some wonderful friends to a water park, followed up the next morning with brunch at a superb Indian food place. All the weekend fun ideas were courtesy of the good friends. By the way, that's Munchkin #1 there on the left in the blue shirt. Munchkin #2 was off with her friend in another area of the park.

After a crazed and way stressful week, it was so lovely to kick back in a place that was green and fun. Now, as I sit here at the computer, I continue to feel the peace listening to the munchkins chattering happily in the living room about the game they're playing while the husband sits here on the bed strumming his guitar.

I have not read a newspaper for days which is probably not a bad thing even though I'm beginning to feel a bit disconnected. I know that I am starting to turn my thoughts towards the home country. That homesick feeling is kicking in just a bit. I'm so very grateful for plane tickets home for a winter break.

Peace.

Wake-up and smell the coffee

As the munchkins do some reading before bed in the reading corner of our sitting room, I decided to sit down and read a bit on the computer. Wow, I felt like I just smelled my morning coffee!

Have a read about news in the region:
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/government/uae-stands-behind-saudi-action-to-protect-yemen-border-1.524419 From the UAE

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_YEMEN_SAUDI?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT from all over via the Associated Press

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/06/world/middleeast/06yemen.html from the New York Times

As an added interest bit, I found the following lecture summary: http://www.al-bab.com/bys/articles/schofield00.htm

And on a TOTALLY different note:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/30/world/asia/30clinton.html?_r=1&fta=y Very interesting stuff.

Now, I'm wide awake. Maybe a cup of herbal tea.

Peace.

A line from Yoda (many thanks to George Lucas)

To borrow from Yoda in an old Star Wars movie, "Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering." (At least I think that's the line). So true, so true.

I was recently reading some news, and it got me to thinking.

The things that we say and do have ripple effects. For instance, as a young student, people called me 'nerd' and 'dork' and 'snob'. Ok, fine. I thought to myself, "Self, nerds rule the world. I'm going to get a great education and show them all!" Which I did. And, I've lived a rather exciting life so far! So does that make me a snob? Maybe...

Other kids hear these things growing up and they turn anger inward. They don't love or like themselves. This even happens to adults.

When we make a nasty comment, or say something bad about somebody else (and I'm as guilty as the next person for doing this), it has a ripple effect. So now, let's take a look at Yoda's line.

We tend to fear what we don't understand. Maybe something bad happens in the world so we blame someone we don't really understand. We are angry, and we fear. If people are afraid of something or someone, if they don't understand, then we have mistrust. If the misunderstanding grows, the mistrust grows and we can become full of hate. Right on Yoda, right on.

Things we say may feel like jokes to us, but they can be bitterly painful to others. Words are powerful.

I was helping a friend with some on-line jewelry shopping and came across a bracelet that read, "Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace." The line is from a prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi (13th century). Here's a link: http://secure.jamesavery.com/jewelry/search/product/B-553L/Instrument-of-Peace-Bangle-Bracelet/

We all need to do our very best to be instruments of peace no matter what our faith is, where our home country is, or who we 'are'.

Peace.

And, as a nod of thanks to George Lucas for my borrowing Yoda's line, here's a link:
http://www.starwars.com/

All dressed up

I really enjoy getting dressed up in fun clothes. Good friends of ours recently gave a Diwali party, and of course we had to have clothes for the event.

My outfit was all silk and I had it custom made for about $11 U.S. plus the cost of the fabric (about $70 U.S. - a bit pricey for here). The husband's outfit we picked up at a local 'hyper market'. My outfit I will probably wear to a cousin's wedding this summer. It is SO VERY comfortable.

I'm happy that it's the weekend. I'm looking forward to some down time with the family. It's been a busy-ish week. Munchkin #1 has had fever and sore throat, my 'helping out' has been busy, and paperwork for my helping out has gone missing. So, monthly meetings that I am a part of, I may have to forgo for a few months while the paperwork is sorted.

So, food, family and time on the beach are in order.

Peace.

A bit of quiet

I was just now reading an on-line newspaper from my chosen home in my home country. You know you've picked a quiet spot to live when the newspaper contains absolutely NOTHING! There was a bit of local sport news, but that's it. A few obituaries, one flat for sale, but that's it! How lovely is that?

I have a bit of quiet today since Munchkin #1 is home sick from school. Poor guy - fever, sore throat, headache. I gave him a bit of Brufen, and he seems happy enough to sit and watch cartoons.

What have I done today? Chatted on-line with a dear cousin back in the home country. He is very busy these days, and we hadn't communicated for months. It was lovely. And, I've done a load of laundry, a load of dishes, and I've been working on finishing a book I borrowed by Philip Jenkins, "The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity." Now, before folks get concerned about the title, the book is actually about how the 'demographics' of Christianity are shifting from the U.S. and North Europe more 'Southward' to borrow from the author. It's been an interesting read. And no worries, nothing about mass conversions or anything. I'm about halfway through it, and I really need to return it next week.

I can certainly notice that the season here is changing. The humidity is down, the dust is down, and the air seems crystal clear. One can now see for a great distance. It certainly makes for beautiful afternoons.

Well, I must go check on the Munchkin and find a cup of tea or coffee or something. I'm feeling a touch sleepy!

Peace.

To Western Eyes - a different twist to the niqab?

Staying true to myself....I'm very interested in religious issues and women's issues. So, needless to say, the following story was of tremendous interest to me:
http://gulfnews.com/news/region/egypt/cairo-worried-over-growing-extremism-1.520905

I know women who wear the hijab (head scarf), I know women who don't. I know women who are Muslim, but you'd never know it by the way they dress. I know women who are Muslim who cover-up more in public than say the average 'westerner', but they don't wear a hijab or a niqab. Have I ever worn a headscarf? Certainly, but my hair still showed, and I didn't look nearly as stylish as many other women I know who do. But, it allowed me to maintain a certain level of modesty and anonymity traveling in places where seeing a woman with her hair covered was more the norm. When I have covered my hair, it's been for practical reasons rather than spiritual.

Coming from 'the West', I'm used to reading about women who feel oppressed by scarves and veils. I think this is the image that is usually portrayed 'in the West' about Muslim women. My personal experience in this region has been the opposite.

I guess that's what makes this particular news story so interesting to me. I do think it would be interesting to hear about how women involved in this news story feel/think about it.

Personally, I would find having my face covered to be very uncomfortable. But, that is a matter of personal choice and opinion, isn't it? For me, and again this is all opinion.....if a woman chooses to cover, she should be allowed. But, I (again opinion) do not believe that a woman should be forced to cover her head and/or face. I'm not trying to get into the religious implications with all this, just simply talk about clothing and personal choice.

As a side note, I've known Christian women who also cover their hair for religious reasons. Yet, I never hear word about that in the press. Why? No clue, but I find it interesting. Certainly stuff to think about.

Peace.

Popping the Clutch

I owe a huge thanks to the guys who helped me today! It was totally crazy....

There I was at a 5-star fancy shmancy hotel. I needed to valet my vehicle of choice since regular parking is pretty hard to come by. As I was walking away, I heard my vehicle going 'clickclickclickclick.' Rats, the battery was dead.

My first thought was to somehow quick get a replacement battery via insurance covered road-side assistance. Being in the region where I am, you can well imagine how that plan turned out.

In the mean time, you can probably imagine the chaos caused by my rather dirty low cost-ish vehicle of choice blocking the valet area of a fancy shmancy hotel.

Finally (I was bit more stressed and tired than normal), one of the valets and I came to the same idea: it's a clutch. Pop the clutch. Duh.... We just had to move a couple of smallish tour buses, a golf cart, and a taxi. Now, pop the clutch.

With one valet guy sitting behind the wheel, about 6 more pushing, and I pushing (much to the surprise and dismay of the gentlemen pushing my vehicle of choice) to get it moving fast enough, it worked. We popped the clutch, and the engine roared to life. Yippeee!!!!!

And again, for this whole adventure, the Husband is in another country. Why does he keep missing all this fun? That's ok. I'm using his car. Oh yeah.....

Peace.

FYI: Here's some links that talk about this technique....
http://www.ehow.com/how_7414_push-start-car.html# (not sure if this link will work)
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090807061234AAXVCuB

Starbucks and Feeling Mental

You know how there are lovely little cafes all over Europe? Well, here we have loads of lovely little cafes. Except, they are all inside shopping malls. Really, having them in malls is nice since you're out of the heat and the dust.

One of our faves here is Starbucks. There are several around that we like. This afternoon, Munchkin #1 and I flopped down at one to work on homework and 'take home' work for me. Both the Munchkins love to sit with a cool drink and a snack at a cafe and do their homework. Today's snap is of Munchkin #2 outside a cafe pretending to be a ghost using her napkin. Personally, I love the tongue sticking out! Good fun stuff....

I have days that I feel just mental. Not that I'm nuts, mind you, just that lately, I have gotten so little down time. The husband I and looked at each other the other day as we just sat on the sofa and said, "Wow. When was the last time we just sat together? When was the last time we had time to do this?" I'm looking forward to our winter holiday so I have time to sleep, and sit and just 'be'.

Peace.

Mum and Dad - Please email :)

I loved this old fort reproduction. At least I'm pretty sure it's a reproduction. Still, a neat place. We saw it on a recent weekend trip. Roamed around, went to a museum, found plates and plates of local food and had a bit of a feast with the husband's parents while they were here. All in all, a good visit.

Thinking of parents, Mum and Dad - if you read this, please email me. That way, I know I'm still in touch with you via this blog.

I'm very busy these days as you can imagine, so I'm sorry if I'm not posting regularly. Here it is, just past the half-way point through the 'Fall' season, and the munchkins and I are ready to begin the Winter Break countdown. We'll be buying plane tickets very soon. I'll stay in touch about plans. As it looks now, we'll only get about 2 weeks, maybe less, in the home country.

Now, a brief story about something this last weekend.

I was at a park with the munchkins, the husband, and the husband's parents. We were all having a lovely time. Munchkin #1 wanted to use the see-saw/teeter-toter at the park playground. He asked me to ride with him, so I happily obliged. Well, park security hurried over and loudly proclaimed to me, "This is for children!" Is my son not a child? How was my son supposed to ride by himself? Evidently, seeing a grown woman on a see-saw/teeter-toter was a bit difficult for the guard to fathom. Clearly, he thought I was some kind of trouble maker when he proceeded to follow me with my entire family through the park. I stopped to use the ladies toilet, came out, and he was still there. The husband was really annoyed and was ready to go ask the guard what kind of problem he had with me! So why was this all such an issue for the guard? I got off the equipment immediately, so did my son for that matter! Was it that I was a woman? He didn't seem bothered by the husband and the husband's father playing with our kids. I just don't get it. It only reinforced to me that I may be happy where I am living, but this region will never be truly home. Some things I just don't 'get'.

Peace.

One week since last post, but lots happening

Things have been busy. I'm now 'back at work' for the next month or so helping out a sick colleague. Prayers and good thoughts for her. I will happily give her back her spot once she's recovered, but I'm going to have fun in the spot until then!

I loved this snap for today. It's from Khor Fakkan. The husband and I saw this little hermit crab just doing his crab thing, and we just had to take his picture. If a crab can be cute, this little guy was.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113852383&ft=1&f=1001 This link is to a story I just read. Needless to say, I'm greatly saddened by it, but I'm not surprised. I've lived in places where this judge's behavior is the norm amongst people. For many people, those who are different are hard for them to accept. If an individual doesn't fit into a certain category, than some people just don't know how to deal with that individual. Do I personally agree with what this judge did? No way; I think it's sad and wrong. But, if I was a betting woman (which I'm not, but....), I would be willing to bet that many in this judge's community knew what he was doing and may have even supported him. I've known WAY too many folks who will say one thing in public to save face, but in the privacy of their own homes believe and act in a totally different way with regards to 'race.' There is still much work to be done.

I wish we could just all be 'human'. I wonder if hermit crabs have these issues? Nah, probably not.

Peace.

Can Cuttlefish Smile?

These shots were taken just off the beach in a rather rocky area at lowish tide at Khor Fakkan, UAE. I'm not sure who was looking at whom here. Were the Husband and I looking at the cuttlefish, or was the cuttlefish looking at us? He/she actually followed us a bit. Totally awesome stuff... This critter was over 20" long. May have even been as long as 22" ?

I'm officially exhausted after a full week back on 'full time' work type duty. But, it's a good tired. It's so very satisfying to know that I'm spending my time doing something worthwhile.

Peace.

Green turtle at Khor Fakkan

What a week! At least we got in a good weekend holiday. I'm 'back to the grindstone' full-time for the next couple of months. It's good to flex the mental muscle again. I just hope I'm doing some good in the process!

Things are going to remain busy. We are having a big bash for the youngest munchkin this weekend, the husband and I have been invited to a party for Diwali next week, and we're showing the husband's parents around this part of the world. Busy, busy, busy.

I'm really excited about the Diwali party. Part of Diwali is getting and wearing new clothes. My friend who's giving the party, met me a local fabric/dress place this evening. Two hours later, I've bought a gorgeous silk set, tried on and picked a 'pattern', and it's being made. I'm SO excited about owning and getting to wear a fancy Indian style outfit. Women from India sure know how to dress! Gorgeous! I have my outfit from the wedding we attended in Pune, India two years ago, but it was very non-traditional. The one I'm having made is a traditional pattern but very modern looking silk fabric. Here's a link on Diwali to Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali

Peace.

Fixing MSN Messenger 2009 - can't do it? Use 8.5

Like everyone else on the planet, I was forced to 'upgrade' to Messenger 2009. Upon doing so, my webcam and mic TOTALLY shut down. The thing was simply loaded with bugs. After trying every fix I could find, nothing worked, and I contacted a somebody I'm very close with who works for Microsoft. He directed me to their discussion/help forum since he didn't know how to fix my problem.

Here's where I ended up:

http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/list/en-us/default.aspx?query=video+chat+&dg=microsoft.public.windows.live.messenger&cat=en_us_0f43cf19-5af1-4912-9a55-f5ff1f9fd904&lang=en&cr=us&pt=&catlist=&dglist=&ptlist=&exp=&sloc=en-us&lc=1033 In here, there is a post from Jonathan Kay that explains how to uninstall 2009 and install 8.5. I did it, and it now appears to be working BRILLIANTLY! HUGE HUGE THANKS TO MR. KAY!!!!!!

Now, to change the subject...

I finally splurged and bought a new snorkel. The mouthpiece may be a tad tough to replace if I bite through it like I am prone to doing, but I love it! It's made by TUSA. It's lightweight and very comfortable. It was totally worth the money! It's worked beautifully in the pool, and I'm heading to the beach asap to try it out for real!

Peace and especially peace be upon you if you've had to deal with the 2009 version of Messenger.

Escalator dangers and Itchy Rat is cured

We had a bit of a scary adventure the other night. We were at a local shopping center to have dinner (some of the better restaurants here are in the shopping malls). After dinner, we roamed around a bit just enjoying being out together as a family. Well, inside the shopping malls here, there are long FLAT escalators. You roll your baby buggy, shopping trolley etc right onto the flat escalator and down or up you go. The mall was particularly crowded thus the escalators were packed with shoppers with very full trolleys. We were descending on the escalator when we heard a loud crash, people screaming, and folks tried to climb back up the escalator. All we could think to do was put the kids on the uphill side, face uphill at bit, and brace. We were packed on like sheep. Thankfully, somebody managed to press the emergency stop button and the thing quit moving. Everyone then proceeded down under their own foot power. When we reached the bottom, a trolley had smashed into the glass side sending glass EVERYWHERE, and trolley contents were scattered all over. We were very thankful that nobody was crushed.

Now, on to the itchy rat saga.

Our pet rat, Daisy, has suffered from very itchy skin for a very long time now - over a year at least. I took her to a local vet who diagnosed her with mites. She received 3 injections of Ivermectin totaling over $300 U.S. (which did not help). She continued to itch until she bled. Finally, I got desperate. I glopped 0.1% hydrocortisone ointment on her where she was scabby or itchy. I've done this every night now for two weeks. She is totally cured. Yippeee!!!!! And, she does not seem to suffer any ill effects from the ointment all over her.

And lastly, today's snap is of Munchkin #1 swimming in his most excellent newish mask.

Peace.

Family Time

Today, after returning from our favorite place of prayer, we are taking some much needed 'family time.' With the Husband back in town with us for a while, we're going swimming, playing games together, making a trip to buy a new plant for the living room, and going out to dinner.

Not much else to report except that I'm finally going to get to try my new snorkel.

And please note: The hole in the husband's shorts is showing the liner of his pocket and NOT his underwear!

Peace.

'Piggy Flu' / H1N1? Maybe. You make the diagnosis

Greetings readers! Stand forewarned....you're going to receive WAY too much info in this post!

I have not posted for a while because I have been VERY sick. Was it the H1N1? I think so. Here's how things shook out:

Thursday: Was feeling a bit 'off.' Didn't take the munchkins to their sports since I felt just too tired to get behind the wheel of a vehicle.
Friday: Felt ok in the morning. Made it out to my fave place of prayer, got groceries, made it home. Collapsed on the sofa. Cough and runny nose. Achy and tired. No fever yet.
Saturday: Husband arrives home from business abroad. By afternoon, my fever was at 100.4F or an even 38C. Chest cough really hurts.
Sunday: Bad headaches, limbs hurt to move. Couldn't read - didn't feel good on the eyes. Just slept most of the day.
Monday: Fever starts to break. By morning is down to 99F or so or 37.2C. Potty trouble begins but is not horrible (sorry, no more details on this one! Use your imagination....)
Tuesday: Full day no fever. Middle of the night between Tuesday and Wednesday: potty trouble kicks into high gear.
Wednesday (today): No fever still. No body aches. Hungry. Potty trouble be darned! I'm having a cup of coffee! A touch tired, but not bad. Almost normal again; still a touch of cough. We'll see about the potty trouble.....?

So, has this all been Piggy Flu? I never went and got tested because it would have meant dragging the munchkins through a local hospital. Not to mention, I just don't think I could have sat up in the car awake long enough. I'm not 'at risk' because of previous conditions, so probably would not have been given an antiviral.

Was this miserable? Totally. And, I'm forever thankful for the food from a friend on Friday night and that the Husband made it home just in time to take over the household (he's awesome!!!!!!!).

Stay healthy this was not fun.

A book discussion

I just finished reading one of the saddest books I have ever read, A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. It is the story of two women in Afghanistan and the hardships they face. Truly, it was an absolutely gut wrenching read. If you've ever found yourself saying, "Women's rights? Whatever....," then you should read this book.

I can't tell you how many times I've come across women who don't consider women's rights an important issue. And part of this is educating girls. Why is it important to focus on education for both boys and girls? My response is, "Well, who raises our children? Who teaches values, faith, morals to our children if the men are busy out working?" The women do.

"Ok", you say reading this from a computer in some country that provides educational opportunities for girls, "But why should I care about this?"

I believe that if women are educated, then they can pass that education on to not only their daughters but to their sons. If women have a way to earn an income, then that money can then go towards feeding and educating the children. Thus, this helps to break the poverty cycle.

Some things to think about........

Cavies

I'm in the middle of uploading computer updates. So, it will be interesting to see if this posts 'ok'.

We have about one more week left in Ramadan this year. It is certainly a good time for reflection. We are hoping that the husband will be able to enjoy a few days off from work with us next week. It may be a special holiday, but the 'blackberry' never sleeps. And so it goes. We so appreciate his hard work and long sometimes crazy hours. We have nothing to complain about.

Today's snap is of our cavies/guinea pigs. The little guys really belong to Munchkin #1, but we all enjoy them. Here you see them enjoying being in the middle of things in their 'play pen' having a bit of veg.

Off to play "Mum's Taxi Service" for the next few hours.

Peace.

Our Mantis Shrimp

Ok. Here's a video of our mantis shrimp.

I was holding the camera side-ways trying to get a better shot. One of our gobies, Peter, wanted in on the act and tried to steal the piece of squid away from the shy mantis.

Yes, I probably have WAY too much time on my hands.

Peace.

Blue Blubber jellies

Yup, that's right. Blue Blubber jellyfish. Catostylus mosaicus

I was strolling along the beach the other day (no camera, rats) when I came across several of the most fabulous jellies I have ever seen! They were electric blue. The tentacles were very short - ie not long, scary and dangerous looking. The Portuguese Man-o-War, which are more like floating colonies I believe, are beautiful but the sting is HORRIBLE (I speak from first hand experience!).

I've come to learn that these are called, Blue Blubber jellies. Supposedly, their sting is not too bad as opposed to the sea nettle that got me a couple of years ago which was nasty painful.

Here's a link with a good photo:
http://blogs.thenational.ae/beep_beep/2008/08/the-best-press-release-ever.html

In the region where I currently find myself, jellies are 'seasonal'. When it's not the season for them, you simply don't see ANY. But, when it's the season, then the beach/ocean is packed. So far, I've seen just a couple of them on the beach. If I can get a good shot of these critters, I'll post it.

Peace.

Wives and Money

It's been an interesting morning. I had breakfast with a large diverse group of ladies. Learned about an acquaintance's husband being laid off. Wow. Our husbands are sort of in the same line of work. Wow. Also got to hear how my husband's business competition refers to themselves - all very interesting enlightening stuff.

So here's a table of ex-pat wives sitting around, having breakfast (that cost WAY too much) and talking about how living here is so not 'the real world.' If you come from one of 'the right countries,' then all of your living expenses are paid for - housing, car, kids' school tuition and fees, everything. Thus, many people live a life they couldn't otherwise afford, ie 'this isn't the real world.' So, there I am sitting in a VERY fancy hotel, having an expensive breakfast in my skirt from a massive discount type place, my top from a truly dirt cheap bargain basement 2nd hand store, jewelry I've had since my teenage years (except the bracelet my husband gave me almost 10 years ago), and I'm listening to how people are dealing with live-in housekeepers. As one woman put it, "This is a very strange place." Right on sister, right on. Living here, I drive a vehicle of choice that back in my home country would be totally impractical, I pay to have place to workout, I have to dress up just to have breakfast out, and to have breakfast out I have to pay big bucks to go to a hotel. Of course, some places will have breakfast type stuff after Ramadan, but it still isn't cheap.

As I think about the current world economy, I wonder how does the world get the money flowing again? Cheap/easy credit? But then everybody would in debt up to their eyeballs, and that's not a good thing. I just don't understand economics. You gotta have stuff. You gotta buy stuff, but you need money to buy stuff. But maybe you don't have money to buy stuff 'cause nobody is buying stuff from you! Sheesh, gives me a headache.

So instead of getting a headache, watch today's fish video.

Time for a coffee, quiet and peace. And prayers for you dear readers that the current world economic situtation is not hurting you or your family.

New info to me on inverts and the goby

I took the snap back in May on our favorite stretch of beach. What you see is a goby and a pistol shrimp in a symbiotic relationship. At the time I took this, I had NO idea what was going on here. All I knew was I saw these two critters sharing a single hole.

I was feeding the critters in my salt tank the other day, and I needed to feed my mantis shrimp. A mantis shrimp, or stomatopod, is a very funny looking little critter. Ours is quite aggressive. When I stuck the piece of fish near his hole, he swims up to the piece of meat and begins furiously grabbing at it making a very loud clicking noise. I could feel the force of 'the click' through the bamboo skewer to which I had attached the bit of fish. Needless to say, I was surprised! But, a mystery had been solved. This little guy was the strange loud 'click' I would sometimes hear late a night!

I wanted to know more about my mantis, so I did a bit of reading. I found this website:
http://www.mantisshrimps.co.uk/articles/pistol.php It talks about mantis shrimp and explains the mystery of the snap from back in May.

And, my mantis shrimp may explain my disappearing hermit crabs. I know a bit about marine biology, but I did not know that some stromatopods feed on other inverts like herms. At least our mantis is now staying happy with his fish and squid.

Here's a link to an article giving an excellent general overview of stromatopods:
http://www.coralscience.org/home/content/view/235/180/lang,english/

Peace.

A video link about a mosque

Greetings again for what the third time today?

Found this video, and thought some of you would be interested.
http://www.gulfnews.com/gntv/videos/10338200.html This is the oldest known mosque in the UAE and gives one a peaceful glimpse of life in this region of the world.

Peace.

News video on the 'burkini' and some feminist thoughts

When I first saw these suits I thought they were really cool. I myself wear a bikini from time to time, but I thought these were a nice alternative to showing off a lot of skin.

Evidently, there is a bit of a controversy in France (?) over these suits. I found a video showing one of these suits in use at the Atlantis Hotel in Dubai, UAE through the Gulf News. There is an accompanying interview with the woman who designed them.
http://www.gulfnews.com/gntv/videos/10345195.html

By the sound of the interview, the suits have been called 'unhygienic.' Hunh? Put the controversy to rest....fill two pools. Test each for viruses and do bacterial counts. To the first pool, add 20 men in regular swimwear. To the second, add 20 women in the 'burkinis'. Do a second set of tests for viruses and bacterial counts. Hmm...wonder which pool is gonna be cleaner? (Sorry, I'm very opinionated!)

Peace.

A day in the life.....

You know things are getting a bit weird when you are wishing for a dust storm so that the weather improves.

It's totally weird to be going about your everyday life and have a bus load of tourists take pictures of what for you is just everyday life. I tend to wave at them. Gotta go with the flow...

It's totally weird having to drive an extra 20-30 minutes because many roads are all one way now, and there's no place to make a left turn. The open pit of sand without buildings is looking pretty good about now! 4-wheel drive anyone? (No not really, since that wouldn't be legal).

Things are getting weird when big excitement means trying out a new recipe from the home country in the jumbo slow cooker but trying to make ingredients from this region work. It's very hard to find potatoes that have what for me is the 'correct' texture.

It's weird when you finish your morning drive and go, "Wow. I only got honked at once, and I only honked my horn once. Freaky...."

Peace.

Geeky science excitement!

Warning! You are about to read an extremely geeky post about chemistry!

Ok. I don't always get excited about science news, but this made me hop a bit with joy. A group of scientists in the employ of IBM managed to capture an image of a molecule that shows chemical bonds. The molecule, pentacene, consists of 22 carbon atoms and 14 hydrogen atoms (basically, the thing looks like benzene rings stuck together).

I'm including the link to the IBM Press Room. But.....it contains a link to images on 'Flicker' which is a 'blocked' website in some countries. My intent here is to link with the science NOT objectionable images that might be on 'Flicker'.
http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/28267.wss

Whenever I have helped a kid over the years (or group of kids) learn about chemistry, I feel like I'm teaching 'magic'. Unless one has access to a simple lab and/or simple equipment, it is hard to get across to the students what's happening at the atomic level. I know this finding has huge implications in the field of nanotechnology, but it also has huge implications in the field of educating young minds. Now, students as well as scientists can actually 'see.' It's cooler than words can describe.

Peace.

More Tyre trouble

Had to make a quick post.

Well, I was driving to a friend's flat with my munchkins and her munchkin, and my vehicle of choice got another flat tyre! And, it was a different tyre!

I'm so thankful that I made it to her place ok. Once the munchkins were settled inside at her place, I tackled changing it myself. The husband is currently out of the country on business! Figures!

With a bit of mobile phone coaching from the husband, and a bit of lifting help from the security guard (my tyres are huge and heavy), I got the thing done! And, the comical part is, I was in a brand new shirt, my favorite pants, and flip flops! Again, figures!

And, again, many thanks to the kind security guard in her building! The offer of help upon hearing me groan trying to lift the spare onto the bolts/wheel was much appreciated. Folks living in the region - be kind and respectful to the men and women who work in these buildings. They deserve respect and kindness!!!!!

Peace and here's hoping you don't have a flat tyre!

Really should be cleaning house

Well, here I am still in my night clothes listening to the munchkins slowly turn into guacamole in front of cartoons. We did manage to get backpacks ready for school. I think we are all just enjoyed down time before the craziness of school begins.

I had to pull another snap from our summer holiday. I really need to get out in the water soon with my camera for some more 'region specific' shots. Clearly, today's snap is not from the region where I sit typing at the moment!

I spent a bit of time this morning reading the news (as usual). I came across an article that I felt did a readable job of 'summing' up some global happenings:

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2009/August/middleeast_August724.xml&section=middleeast No commentary from me. Just found it very readable and easy to follow.

Now, a bit on the mundane side....

I'm sitting at my dining table as I work on this. The husband set up a lovely wi-fi network for us thus freeing us from our desks. The rest of the table is covered with jigsaw puzzle, junk mail, and well, just junk. I can look up and see out the windows which have several layers of dust on the outside. My patio plants have survived the summer; they add a touch of green to my dusty little outside sitting area. The high rise buildings beyond look to be in a bit of fog which is actually a dusty haze hanging over the area. But, the sun is shining, and it's only 98F out currently (according to my little thermometer). And, I am watching my sea stars slowly progress up the side of the aquarium in search of sustenance.

Ok. Now I really need to go clean house. Just felt like rambling on a bit about nothing.

Peace.

And summer winds down to the end

Ah summer. Time for playing, friends, ice cream, and kicking back and enjoying life.

Now, it's time to begin the sweat over school uniforms. Uniforms should be a 'cheap' option, but I spent about $300 U.S. just to replace a few out grown bits. And, that doesn't even include the specific color shoes (which have been a NIGHTMARE to find even with shopping back in the home country). But, will administration listen or care even though all of us parents pay THEIR salaries? Frustrating.......

I found an article about a school dress code in the United States. The students who suffer the most through this kind of thing are the kids who would dress appropriately, but now have to shift their closets around:

http://abcnews.go.com/US/Story?id=8417872&page=1

My heart goes out to the teachers who are having to spend time focusing on clothes rather than teaching.

Peace.

Fixing a Tyre

Today's snap is from our summer holiday. Can anyone guess where this snap was taken?

Well, I had a bit of an adventure today. I noticed that the driver's side tyre on my vehicle of choice had a slow leak. So, with the husband busy at work, I needed to get it quickly fixed on my own.

I stopped at a garage near the munchkins' school. They said they only do oil changes and car washes. Across the road, in a very dusty grungy industrial area, I noticed a place that said they do 'tyre changes.' Ok. I'll try that.

After a death defying jump across 5 lanes of traffic to make the u-turn to get into the place, we cross over some nasty dusty driving/parking area and proceed down a little alleyway.

I pull up next to the 'garage' (more like door in the alley) where they immediately wave me in upon seeing my deflating tyre. After the men discussed the tyre in a language I could not (truly) identify, one of them looked at me with, "No problem. We fix." Ok....?

I don't think they were used to women stopping by with children in tow to have a flat fixed (all the men there were trying very hard not to stare at me). But....they did a brilliant job (it's holding so far), and only charged me the equivalent of $12 U.S.

Just goes to show that it pays to dress conservatively even if you're just popping out to pick up a few groceries!

Peace.

Brownies, coffee, and friends

Some of our good friends are back in the country after Summer Holiday. So, we are a having a little get together for swimming, coffee, and brownies. And of course, the boys will dive head first into the now expanded pile of Legos. Munchkin #2's room still looks like a bomb went off, so I'm not sure where the girls are going to play.

Since coming back, I've been digging through the suitcases unpacking, dusting, watering plants, running errands, and just settling back in, in general.

The little video today is from a restaurant on the coast we visited on summer holiday. The restaurant is literally located on a pier. Those of you who have dined with me during my university years probably remember the place. The views are amazing. Not to mention, I love the food there. The fish (ones I call 'mullet') were so used to people throwing/spilling food, they were schooling like sharks in a feeding frenzy.

To change the subject....

While I was still back in the home country, the husband was busy adding inhabitants to our aquarium. We are up to around 4 gobies, 4 sea anemones, several 'stone' crabs, many sea squirts, loads of brittle stars, and a mantis shrimp among other creatures. It's a happy tank.

Well, I need to check on the brownies.

Peace.

Random thoughts on school

Woke up feeling a bit strange today. Today's the first morning since I've been back where I actually woke up at a 'normal' hour.

I've been reading a lot this morning from friends who have been dealing with 'first day back at school' stuff. Friends who are happy to have freedom from kids, friends who've cried about babies growing up, folks angry about transportation troubles, and those proud pictures of kids wearing their 'first day of school' clothes.

I don't know if I'm looking forward to my kids going back to school. By nature/genetics/nuture (whatever), I am a worrier. I hate having to put my kids in the car each morning and feel like I'm facing death in the face to get them to school through morning traffic. There are a few friends the kids have from school whom we have not heard from - are they coming back to the region or did the economy force them to head back to their home countries? But most of all, I simply enjoy having my munchkins around. It feels so peaceful sitting here typing on the computer, listening to the whirr of the dishwasher and washing machine mixed with the happy sounds of my munchkins playing together. If it were not for my friends here, I would feel great loneliness when the munchkins are in school. And, that loneliness deepens if the husband has to travel for work.

I try to stay busy. I help out where and when I can. Comparing being a stay home parent and being a working parent is interesting stuff. I love being involved in the world outside the home (ie working full time), but then I would have days that I truly just wanted to be home and not so busy. As a stay home mum, I have days that I wish I was working full time and making more use of my education. I am just so greatful that I have a choice.

Thinking on the first day back at school, I've been reading about difficulties friends and neighbors are having back in the home country with school transportation for their children. They are really upset that the schools are no longer providing free transport. I probably would have been upset too, but living in another country (feels like another world some days) has really changed my attitude about such things. Paying someone else to drive your kids to school here is very costly (in my not so humble opinion). So, I drive my munchkins myself. After fighting through crazed traffic (think high speeds, lanes seen as a 'suggestion' at times, lots of honking), it takes me about an hour and half to get the munchkins to school and return home. In no/light traffic, the drive would only be about 15 minutes each way.

The munchkins here have school uniforms which I find is good and bad. Growing up without uniforms, for me was a mixed experience. There was the constant fear/worry over about whether or not you were dressed ok for school. But, you got to pick your own stuff. It was a good lesson in how to dress well without blowing your bank account (or at least your parents' bank account). Not to mention, it was a good lesson in that there will always be someone with more/better materials things/clothes than you, but you are still a good and worthwhile person!

Here, we worry about shoes having a blue Nike swoosh on them when the rule is that they have to be all black or all white (you get the picture). So much uniformity makes my stomach squirm. Yes, uniforms are probably cheaper, and yes kids worry about whether or not they need to have the latest and greatest high end clothes to fit in if there are no uniforms. But....no uniforms bring some valuable life lessons. I just hope uniforms also bring valuable life lessons, because I have many days that I really hate those uniforms.

Change of subject...today's snap is of the munchkins picking vegetables in Great Grandma's garden. Ah, simple joys.

Peace.