Fish are Friends

Blogging to stay awake and 4X4 anyone?

2012-02-01T09:13:00.002+03:00

Ok. I'm exhausted. I really really need to clean up the house (my in-laws arrive in a few days), but I'm too tired to think. So...I'm blogging!

It is stunningly beautiful outside. I was seriously close this morning to telling the munchkins, "Brain dead day! Let's take a 4X4 and head for the beach! The world can wait." It is tough being a good mum.

Well, I better head for the mountain of dirty dishes. Maybe Max Cat has helped lick a few clean for me already.

Peace.

Vehicles and being a 'high maintenance' woman

2012-01-31T11:12:00.002+03:00

Well, I am officially a high maintenance woman. No, I don't get my nails done. I think my last trip to the salon to get my hair done was some time last August. Makeup? I wonder if I still own any that isn't dried up and funny smelling? But.....I now own two vehicles (the husband drives a company car). We bought the second 4X4 last night. {Doing the little happy dance}

That's right....I am a mum with two vehicles. In a land of high maintenance women who would make any 'junior leaguer' question whether or not if she really is as cool as she thinks she is.....the no make-up wearing, scruffy hair, un-manicured mum has two vehicles. Both have excellent 4 wheel drive. A good girl friend of mine here told me, "You will be the only woman in the country driving that type of vehicle." Yup, I am high maintance of a very unusual variety. I am already dreaming of cramming the back end of the new vehicle with kayaking and snorkel gear. Oh yeah...... My toys are expensive...... And we won't even talk about the tree farming hobby.....

Attention women who think they are high maintenance! I am your worst nightmare. I have a nice looking husband, great munchkins, a massive villa, money in the bank, I am educated, I speak my mind, I refuse to hire a housekeeper (filth rules!), I know how to use a chain saw and I've probably sat next to you at a formal dress fundraising event. That table you sat at during the big fancy dinner for your husband's work? Yes, that was me next to you. I am the girl you made fun of in school for being a 'nerd'. To quote MC Hammer, "Can't touch this!"

Peace :)

Full of hope

2012-01-18T08:32:00.003+03:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqjHMYKNQnM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfJl7u9zABk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EhEh1hRtdY

A good friend sent me these links. Please watch them in order. This is an extended interview with an Anglican clergyman, Canon Andrew White. I have had the distinct honor and pleasure of meeting with this gentleman on more than one occasion (Mum - the pink scarf I gave you? It was made by ladies in his church. I purchased (ie gave a donation) it from Canon White at a meeting.)

I dearly love living in the Middle East. Some days, I forget that. My cell phone is broken, my daughter is struggling with living with rheumatoid arthritis, my husband is 'forcing' me to buy a bigger car that I don't really look forward to driving. Wow, I sound like such a whiner.

The deep reality is I love the 'work' I am doing here. It is very small in the over-all spectrum of things. But, I loved this interview I linked to in this post because Canon White speaks about 'love'. You've got to love people. You've got to show people love.

Let's look at my 'whines' - My cell phone is either going to be fixed or I'll buy another one. Grace is being given freely to Munchkin #2 - she is strong and courageous. I am amazed at her 'toughness'. Meds and doctors have been made easily available to her. My husband loves me and the munchkins so very much that he wants us to drive in a safer bigger vehicle.

As various opportunities arise for interacting with others from so many different backgrounds and cultures, I must always remember love and to show that love. I need to remember why I do what I do here - I am shown so much love that I must turn around and share that with others. Period. Full stop.

Continuing with 'full of hope' - Munchkin #1 has been invited to participate in a special event this weekend in his sport of choice. We're making a weekend of it and staying at a hotel. I'm so very much looking forward to a Friday evening meal of some seriously yummy kebabs and mutter paneer! I am very proud of my Munchkin #1 - he's kind, intelligent and fiercly loyal to those he loves.

Well, I am now off to a lunch meeting.

Peace.

PS I just read this post - had to share it. Courageous writing in my opinion.
http://susanalshahri.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-take-on-polygamy.html

Lots of stuff to do and no time - as usual.....

2012-01-09T09:32:00.002+03:00

First, I'd like to begin by asking you to read this:
http://susanalshari.blogspot.com/2012/01/things-we-dont-talk-about.html

The above is a lovely little blog that I enjoy reading from time to time. I will add that I too am not wishing to insult any government or anything, but only to bring to light something that I see many expatriates participating in.

I hear many ex-pat women speaking about 'their maids' like they are speaking about breeds of dogs. "Oh, it so much better to have an Ethiopian. I had a Sri Lankan once....blah blah blah....." You get the picture. And, I know it's not just me. A lady I am acquainted with just moved here from the home country only a few weeks ago. She told me, "I couldn't believe how our relocation agent {a fellow ex-pat} was speaking about her housekeeper. She acted like she was speaking about a dog."

My husband asked me the other day if I wanted to hire a cleaning service to help with floors and bathrooms here at our home. What? Really? It would be so very very nice to hire someone to help out around this place, but how can we? Even if we hire a cleaning service, how do I know for sure that those ladies are being paid a fair wage, that no one has taken their passports away from them, that they are treated well by the company they work for? Many times, the women who work for the cleaning companies speak very little English. So, we will continue to live with slightly dusty floors and a few dirty dishes in the sink. {Yeah, yeah....get off the computer....but blogging is very therapeutic for me}

On to other subjects....

The husband has returned from his most recent business trip. Thus, it is time to discuss the whole new vehicle thing. I saw a horrific accident on my way home from the morning school run today. I couldn't see how many smashed cars (I didn't want to rubber neck), but there were 3 ambulances and more police cars than I could count quickly. Yes, it is probably time for a bigger/safer vehicle especially since we are likely here for the long haul. But, if you read my most recent post before this one, you'll know that the buying of the vehicle is up to the husband. I'm done. Either that, or I need to invest in a punching bag.

And yet another subject.....

Munchkin #2 went back to her sport of choice last night. She seemed to do ok thanks to the current arthritis meds she is taking. We're all holding our breath hoping she can stay in the sport she loves.

Peace.

Buying a vehicle

2012-01-05T09:47:00.002+03:00

The husband wants me in a bigger vehicle. So, I have started looking at new vehicles.

I called the local dealer. "I want to buy this vehicle on your website. What do you have in stock?" Dealer replies,"None in stock until May. Can only be registered to a 'local' or to a company. Madam, it only has 5 speed manual transmission so would not be good for you." What the$&@?! This is why the husband gets to buy the car. I spend 10 minutes talking to the dealer and I am ready to punch a wall. So, I say to the dealer, "So typical here. Money to spend right now, and nothing to buy. And I have driven many of these types of vehicles before. And I currently drive a 6 speed manual. I guess we can't do any business." (Insert wanted wall punch). Blogging also helps.

You don't know how badly I wanted to tell the guy, "I bet you don't even know how to back the thing up to trailer a large boat. I used to get paid to do that. What do you drive? I bet it is an old Yugo from like 1992.

I have a bit of a temper. Can you tell?

Peace.

Ex-pats, medical care and helping each other

2011-12-14T08:51:00.004+03:00

I love this snap of Munchkin #2. She was totally thrilled when a 'baby' falcon landed on her head. Only in the Middle East!

Well, Munchkin #2's rheumatoid arthritis is getting worse. Docs here and in the home country are in touch with each other working out what meds to try. It's really hard as a parent hearing your active kid say, "Mum, please come down stairs to sign my paper for school. It hurts too much for me to walk upstairs."

Living outside of the home country, one has to learn a totally different medical system. It's very hard when you are sick or have sick kids trying to figure out who to see, what hospitals to use, etc..... For some people, the medical care is far superior to what they've left at home. For others, like us, it's not anywhere near the quality we are used to. It's tough making an adjustment backwards.

When faced with something like rheumatoid arthritis, especially in a kid, as an expat you immediately start thinking about moving home. Is it worth it to totally uproot the family, pull the husband away from work he enjoys, change schools again in order to get closer to the doctors? Right now, I don't know. We're going to have to wait. Supposedly, there's a pediatric rheumatologist moving here in about a month. We're hopeful.

When living so very far away from family, you must put a support network in place right away. If something difficult happens, your friends become your biggest source of support. Many women here spend hours, and drink oceans of coffee, building their 'mum' network. If a mum gets sick and can't get kids to and from school, the 'mum' network kicks in. We all help each other.

Through all of this, it's hard to focus on everything that needs attention. Munchkin #1 is feeling like Munchkin #2 is getting more attention than he is. He feels that she is the 'favourite'. Ouch. I deeply love both my kids. He and I have talked, but it's so very hard when one child is suffering so much.

We're all ready for winter break. I'm really hoping that for a few days, we can all just hang out, hide out and do nothing but be together.

Peace.

Tough questions

2011-11-28T11:46:00.002+03:00

When you live outside of your home country, you must ask yourself and discuss tough questions with your family.

The husband and I are thinking of buying another vehicle here. He's been all kinds of freaked out about the munchkins and I driving around in my current smallish vehicle of choice. The 'new' vehicle would cost more than what we paid for our current vehicle of choice. I refuse to drive a 'mum's taxi'. We're looking at used Land Rovers. Which brought up some other questions.....

Are the munchkins happy here?
Are we - the adults - happy here?
Are we ok with the current state of medicine here (ie we might have to start flying mum and Munchkin #2 home every few months or so for doctors)?
As we acquire more costly possessions here, how do we set up our paperwork to deal with sharia law (sp?) should, God forbid, something happen to the husband?
Do we really honestly and truly want to stay here for the next 7 years?

When we first left the homecountry, it was on a 2 year contract. We're now in our 5th year. And we're staring down 7 more here. We've got a dog, a cat, stuff that we own here that we like. Tough tough questions. At what point do you say, "It's time to go home."

As for the medical....it's weird. Docs are better in the home country with regards to Munchkin #2's medical condition. But, our medical benefits are WAY better living outside the home country. It's probably cheaper/better to fly home an extra two times a year than moving home to be closer to the docs. Totally utterly messed up!

The munchkins seem to be really happy here. The husband seems to be happy here. I have no clue how I feel. I loathe not feeling like I can take care of myself in this place simply because I'm a woman. Feeling so totally dependent on the husband is a horrid feeling. I don't care if it comes with a Land Rover with a leather interior and vacations in 5-star hotels - feeling dependent just because I have two X chromosomes is rotten. I live from plane ticket to plane ticket.

Tough questions.

Peace.

Thpppttttt!!!!!

2011-11-22T11:25:00.002+03:00

That's the sound of sticking out your tongue, closing you lips around it and blowing. Yup. That sums it up.

Busy, busy, busy. There's never enough time in the day to do all that I want to do. So...I sit here and write at my computer. Writing helps me clear my head. Calms me down.

Part of being an ex-pat is dealing with the constant travel. The husband's most recent trip was to Cairo. We'll be flying through Amsterdam over the Winter Break. Lots and lots of travel. I have to travel to see family, I have to travel to stock up and bits of stuff I can't get here, I have to travel to feel like it really is 'winter break'.

As a kid, I lived in terms of school years. The end of Spring term was the 'end of the year'. As an adult, I started to think in terms of when taxes were due, when this bill or that bill was due. Now, as an ex-pat, I think and live in terms of plane tickets. When are we going home? Have we bought the plane tickets yet? How long can we stay at home? Can we work something fun into all that flying like a day trip somewhere? Do we still have blank pages in the passports for visa stamps? Do we have enough of the correct kind of currency? Do we have the warm clothes that we'll need? And on and on and on....... Makes my head spin.

In the middle of all of THAT, there's the usual school end of Fall term stuff to deal with. There's holiday parties.

Time to go back to work.

Peace.

Understanding each other

2011-11-15T08:33:00.002+03:00

I had a really cool experience recently. I needed to purchase a child's foam mattress to use a dog bed (much cheaper than buying a specifically made doggie bed here). There's an older part of town that is lined with shops that sell all kinds of household goods at much cheaper prices than the local hypermarkets. I went into one and bought a small mattress at a good price (about $6 US). The shopkeeper asked me where I was from. Now, this can get tricky. Are they going to get upset when they hear where I'm from? Nobody talks about government and politics, but it's always out there dancing in the room.

I smiled, "Can you guess?" That's always good fun for me. It's an excellent game. When I was in a tough spot one time, I claimed to be German when the shopkeeper guessed, "German?" - and it worked - no political discussion followed. {Note to my Dad - brush up on your German. It's great to talk in a language shopkeepers don't know when you're discussing a price.}

Well, on this one day, I knew my surroundings etc....blah blah blah....so when the shopkeeper couldn't guess I told him. He said, "Really? I am from Iran." The political discussion that followed was really very good. Three other shop keepers joined in with lots of laughs following. The general consensus is that Persians and many westerners are actually very much alike. We love our countries, we value education, we pride ourselves in hard work. We demand to be taken seriously by those around us. The things that we see in the news whether it's BBC, CNN or Al Jazeera do not really reflect the people represented by various governments. There is 'government' and then there's 'the people'.

Here's to hoping that cooler heads, open minds, and friendships prevail over less savory alternatives.

Peace.

Not much happening

2011-11-14T19:10:00.003+03:00

Well....not much happening. But, I thought I write a quick post to prove that I'm alive and kicking. It's been very busy the past few weeks. I can't even remember what my last post was about.

Just in case....and because I'm too lazy to go back and read through my old posts....

Munchkin #2 was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. She's on meds - a very high dosage of anti-inflamatory 'naproxen'. It seems to be working. She'll go back to her sport of choice this week. We're all very very greatful and thankful for all the help, love and support.

The husband has to make a trip to Cairo. I am so very envious. Maybe I can send him shopping a bit for me? I'm glad he gets to travel around so much. But, we all miss him here when he's gone.

Oooooooo..... I almost forgot! We adopted a kitty! He's four years old, has a 'bent up' right front paw, and meows A LOT. He came with the name 'Hoppy'. We thought that was lame and wimpy. We've renamed him 'Max'. Right now, he's confined to an empty spare storage room, hallway, and the kitchen. After Winter Break, we'll let him out to explore the garden. He loves to cuddle all curled up in your lap. He's a nice addition to our critters.

I guess we do have a lot happening.

Peace.

Heading Home and Expat health care

2011-10-26T09:53:00.004+03:00

Well, I've thrown in the towel with the 'local' doctors. Munchkin #2 and I are heading for the home country.

I live in this place where the hospitals and clinics are all new and pretty on the outside. Many times, the equipment is also new and pretty. But, it is so very frustrating to be told that, "No can't help you. Go home." At least the docs have the courage and honesty to say that. I totally admire that level of honesty and courage. I admire so very many people here which is part of what I love about living here.

I find it totally fascinating that so very many leaders from so many countries in this region head to Europe or the States for medical care. Why? Just an interesting question; don't you think?

I've met some really great doctors who have left the region because working here is so very very different from what they are used to. Folks here are very business savvy, and they work hard to attract great talent. I just so wish we could keep all that talent in the region. I think, folks leave because no matter how pretty, no matter how good the money, if you're not cut out for expat life then you won't be happy. Education of the local population is totally key. But, all the important folks here know that and are actively working on it. It's a complex problem. Again, more admiration from me. Complex problems take loads of work and vision.

When we made the choice to change countries and become expats, besides school for the munchkins, my other MAJOR concern was access to health care. I DEMANDED that we always have an exit strategy (ie a way to head for home if local docs couldn't do what we needed). It's been over four years now, and we're having to use that exit strategy.

If you EVER think about moving countries, take a long hard look at available health care. Just because it's shiny and pretty doesn't mean they'll be able to fix you. Just hope the doctors you encounter are honest. This region may not be perfect, but at least I've encountered a lot of folks with a lot of integrity.

Peace.

The C#$p continues

2011-10-20T08:37:00.004+03:00

My daughter loves sport. Running, jumping, she'd been thinking about going out for the school football team next year (that's soccer to any U.S. readers), and here you see the latest sport 'log rolling'.

This sport has its origins in the lumber industry where years ago cut timber was sent to the mills by floating it downriver. Learning how to balance on a log in a flowing river was a reasonable work skill that was later put to fun use. I am prouder than I can say that my Munchkin #2 is interested in this sport. In all fairness, Munchkin #1 also loves sport but he is very particular about 'what' sport. And thanks to a few years of training now under his belt, he's gotten good at what he does!

Part of being a mum is getting my kids to and from after-school sports. It is a lot of hard work getting everyone where they need to be and staying on time, especially in constant heavy traffic. But, I never complain about it. I'm so happy my munchkins have found stuff they enjoy doing.

Now....for the bad word part....
Here comes the crap....
Munchkin #2's school has a very good health office. One of the nurses told us that IF Munchkin #2 has a form of arthritis that heat rather than ice might help relieve the pain. So, I invested a small sum in a teddy bear shaped microwaveable gel pack. It made the sore knee feel much better. But, once the heat wore off, it was back to the pain.

Munchkin #2 slept in my room last night. She is becoming a bit sad which is incredibly painful as a mum to witness. She's so very frustrated that all the after-school sport has come grinding to a full stop. I didn't sleep well last night. I kept waking up hoping Munchkin #2 was sleeping well. When she woke up this morning, she was in so much pain it was very hard for her to walk. What absolute total crap. To see this energetic athletic young kid having trouble walking in the morning like an old lady is horrid.

I'm so ready to totally give up on the doctors in this region and head for home. Words can't even begin to describe it.

Peace. (and hopefully less crap)

Beware! Bad words coming! Don't read if you're easily offended!

2011-10-19T12:13:00.006+03:00

This post is all about (get ready for it.....) crap. Yes, that's right crap. Today's snap, however, is not crap. I posted this green sea turtle because the picture makes me happy.

Ok. First the bad crap then the funny crap.

Bad crap. Munchkin #2's knee hurts - A LOT. It's been bad off and on for over a year now. The other knee hurt too a few years back but seems to be ok now. However, Munchkin #2 told me that it does hurt but she can "live with it." The 'current knee' finally got to the point where we needed to see a doctor again. After seeing a pediatrician and a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, she was referred to a rheumatologist. She's being tested for arthritis and lyme disease. The first round of arthritis tests came back negative. We're now waiting on the second round and the lyme disease test. The lyme test had to be sent to Germany since they can't really test for it here. The rheumatologist told us that if this next round comes back negative and Munchkin #2 doesn't respond to the massive doses of ibuprofen, we need to seek a pediatric rheumatologist. That would mean a trip home. Crap. It's really crappy to see your child hurting. It's really crappy when the doctors can't figure out what's wrong. It's just all crap.

Ok. Now, for funny crap.

The other weekend, we went snorkeling. We stopped at a roadside stall/stand selling pottery and stuff to pick up a few bits for the back patio and for a friend. I was working on the price of a ceramic (ie terra cotta) turtle with the shopkeeper. I was trying to decide between the painted one and the unpainted one. A very old local gentleman came up to us. He smiled and said hello in Arabic. I responded in Arabic. He looked at me and what I was thinking about buying. He pointed to the unpainted turtle and said in English, "That one crap." Then, he pointed to the painted one, "That one good. That one." I thanked him, again in Arabic. The shopkeeper was laughing a lot at this point. I told the shopkeeper, "Ok, that one crap. I will buy the painted one." More laughter from the shopkeeper. And, I got a very good price.

Once we got home, the painted turtle was so pretty, I ended up putting it in my villa entrance instead of the back patio. I'm so glad that older gentleman told me the other one was crap.

Peace.

A most excellent weekend

2011-10-16T07:40:00.003+03:00

Had a wonderful weekend with the family. Since the husband is headed off further east on business, it was really nice to have some family time together. Fish and family - a great way to unwind after a stressful week.

We tried a new spot for snorkeling this weekend. It was beautiful and an easy swim. But, we still prefer a spot further north (the spot where we've taken Grandma, and cousins). There were a few nice corals, but not the variety we see further north up the coast.

The video is of a group of surgeon fish who were all hanging out together. The video does not do their colouring justice. Beautiful fish.

Peace.

Meeting other doggies

2011-10-05T08:24:00.003+03:00

Well, Ms. Jesse had a lovely morning. She made two new friends when we were out for our morning walk. The two other doggies she had sniffed at through our garden fence back before summer. Their owner/dog mum is a German lady. It is so refreshing to do something 'normal' like stop for a chat with a fellow dog mum. Living in a region where dogs are 'haram', it is such a lovely blessing to be able to walk a dog.

So what's normal? Normal is whatever you are used to. Some days, living where I live feels normal. Some days, it doesn't. Some days, you wake up and think to yourself, "Why in the world did I ever get on that plane?" You get on that plane because it's an adventure. You get on that plane because you want to broaden your horizons. You want to keep learning, exploring, experiencing. And some days, that adventure, the new normal, is walking your sorta saluki mutt dog and chatting with a neighbor about dogs in a mix of English and German while standing in the Middle East.

Peace.

Can't wait to go snorkeling

2011-10-04T16:09:00.005+03:00

Well......I'm a bit calmer than I was when I wrote my last post. But, I've loads to write about.

First, the new pediatric pulmonologist rocks. We're really excited. Munchkin #2's inhaled steroid level is going to come down, but she's now on a 'more powerful' med. And, she no longer has to use the 'bear breather' (what we called her spacer). Unless you've got an asthmatic child, you probably won't 'get' this, but we're really really happy. It was delightfully refreshing to talk with a doc again who REALLY gets asthmatic kids. Cost before insurance? 1 visit = $125U.S. but knowing your kid is gonna feel better and do better = priceless. And price of meds for one month before insurance = $300U.S. Thank you that we've got the ability to pay for all this!

Next, Munchkin #2 has Osgood-Schlatters Disease in her right knee. She'd had this for over a year and a half now. Up until this point, it's been manageable for her. Last spring, she developed bursitis on one side of her knee. It was the end of the sports season so again it was manageable. But now....she's developed a whopping bit of bursitis in a different area of her knee. She's been 'off' her P.E. classes at school, no running/jumping at recess and definately no sport after school! If you know my very athletic munchkin, then you know just how horrid hard that is. But, the thing hurts so bad she sits willingly at recess. We went back to the pediatrician for a second time today, and he's finally referred her on to a pediatric orthopedist. Reading on the internet and talking with family who are in sports medicine, more than likely the next course of action will be x-rays, and either drain the fluid and/or inject hydrocortisone into the knee. So...we'll see. Needless to say, we'll be giving our insurance policy an excellent 'test' so to speak here in the Middle East. Poor Munchkin #2 is so uncomfortable and tired of not being able to do sport that she was hoping they'd stick needles in her knee today!

I'm just so thankful that this all didn't happen our first year in the region. I think I'd be going nuts just trying to drive to these places!

We are all so going to need that snorkeling weekend coming up. I just hope Munchkin #2's knee is ok enough.

Then, it'll be time to find Munchkin #1 an orthodontist!

Peace.

Feeling 'female dog-ish' - BEWARE! Rant coming!

2011-10-03T18:38:00.004+03:00

Ever just feel 'female dog-ish'? I've been dealing with constant traffic rudeness today. I can't take care of simple stuff for my family 'cause I'm not the 'man'. Trying my best to help others in my current community. Just feeling frustrated. Too much to do, not enough time.

I know I'm cranky when I want to buy flowers at the market. Flowers smell nice, they're pretty. They're fun. Seeing men who make so little money it's shameful walking the roads hoping for a ride, hearing about desperate need and feeling so powerless - it's frustrating. Seeing folks so full of needing to feel powerful, that they neglect to utilize or reach out to the resources around them. Seeing folks get into a power trip about 'helping' is bizarre. And yet, I see it here. Helping others isn't about feeling good yourself. It's about OTHERS.

I get people asking me all the time to help their kids (it's part of what I do). And my first thought is always, "Well, what are YOU doing? What have YOU tried? Or are you just trying to pawn off your responsibility onto someone else?" Granted, I'd never say this to some one directly, but some parents I just don't get.

I see a lot of garbage in other people's marriages over here (amongst the ex-pats). Affairs, 'kept' women in different countries, marriage for money and not for love etc, men paying for 'services'. Blah, blah, blah...the list goes on. But, the one that takes the cake...... Wife is possibly dying (being treated for cancer), husband sues for divorce, gets the housekeeper to testify against the wife in the HOME COUNTRY, then takes the kids away from the possibly dying mum to be raised by, essentially, the maid back here in the Middle East. What the $&*$ ? Really? How nasty can it get?

Yup. Female dog-ish. Had a good friend go in for a surgery (gynecological procedure). Insurance made her sit the morning of the surgery for 8 hours before approving it. The insurance was all kinds of worried that she was a single and IF she was a pregnant lady! Really? Wow. 8 hours. She's NEVER been pregnant! Insurance had blood work and ultrasound pics!

To ladies in Western Countries - don't flush your rights. Hang on to them with both fists squeezed tight. Do you live some place where people know how to wait their turn in a line? Appreciate it! Don't take it for granted!

Peace (I know I could sure use some). Maybe I should go flush some money on some pretty flowers.

Doctors and Education and Asthma

2011-09-26T08:39:00.003+03:00

Jesse, in this snap, is sitting hopefully at the front door awaiting the first day of school. She's even sporting the proper tie for a girl. But, as cute as I think Jesse is, that's not what I want to write about.

My Munchkin #2 is asthmatic. Now, to someone who's never dealt with this, you may not fully 'get it' when I say it's not fun to deal with. My kid can look totally normal one minute, then suddenly start coughing, and then if left un-checked, is suddenly down for the count. It's not fun.

We've dealt with breathing issues with her since she was 6 monthes old. Yup, forever. Repeatedly, doctors misdiagnosed her. "She's got RSV, she's got allergies, it's just a cold, it's pollution in the city". I have heard it all. I'll never forget waking up in the middle of night (she was like 2 1/2?), Munchkin #2 was sleeping next to me, I looked over at her. She was sound asleep but panting like a racehorse. Poor kid couldn't breathe. I took her into our pediatrician at the time. "Not to worry. Lungs sound great. Probably just a bad dream." ????? Great? My baby couldn't breathe!

When she was 3, she ended up in the emergency room - high fever, horrid cough, couldn't breathe. The doc did chest pictures - looked like pneumonia. Pumped her full of antibiotics and told me to keep using the basic meds in the nebulizer (the 'breathing machine'). With an emergency room visit under our belts I finally was able to get her on the waiting list to see a pediatric pulmonologist.

While on the wait list - it happened again. She couldn't breathe. This time, there was no coughing. She just laid down on the floor, wide awake, and couldn't get up. Not even for the brand new bike she'd gotten and ridden that morning. We rushed to the emergency department at the hospital. We phoned a local doc who was a long time friend of our family and folks we knew in the community (we were visiting my parents when this happened, in a different city). Munchkin #2, after hours of messing about in the ER, suddenly, with one phone call, had a private room. She did have pneumonia. But, it was a kind that in most people would be just a cold. This lovely doc said, "She has asthma." THANK YOU!!!! Finally, a doc willing to make that diagnosis! After 3 days in the hospital, with a proper diagnosis in hand, we were off of the pulmonogy group wait list.

Pediatric Pulmonology saved her life and changed her life. She is now a top sports competitor. She's a top student. But, most importantly, the pediatric pulmonolgy group we saw educated me. I learned about flow meters. I learned about retraction. I learned about maintenance meds. I learned about rescue meds. They put Munchkin #2 on meds that other docs were too chicken to prescribe. It totally changed her life. And mine.

Now, living in a foreign country, we've had to wade through all this s%&$ again. Dealing with docs and others who don't have a clue for four long years. If our original pulmonology group hadn't taken the many hours to educate me, we never would have made it living abroad.

Today, I finally found a pediatric pulmonologist in this country - with an excellent medical background/education. I'm thrilled. Munchkin #2 has an appointment for next week. I'm very hopeful. She's been breathing ok it seems, but gets headaches after practicing sport. And, because of the steriods she must inhale to function, there are worries about her growth - the fact that she's been tiny since birth doesn't help.

If the doctors had listened in the first place, if I hadn't pushed and pushed and pushed, if I hadn't had an excellent science education, then things would all have been much different.

Peace.

Wake-up and smell the coffee

2011-09-21T09:19:00.003+03:00

No time today to write a 'proper' post. I just wanted to bring a brief opinion piece to US voters' attention:

http://gulfnews.com/opinions/columnists/perry-more-bush-than-bush-himself-1.870405. Yes, the piece was written by a guy in Vermont, but the fact that it has been published in an Arab world daily newspaper....shows you very quickly what folks in the region think and feel about Perry.

If the US wants to even remotely be taken seriously in international circles, then Americans need to stay away from Perry.

Peace.

Local News and Technology in Education

2011-09-20T16:19:00.003+03:00

I've been reading news for the last 45 minutes or so (I'm out and about/traveling a bit - time to read). I just read about escalating violence in Sana'a, Yemen (hope I spelled that right) and about an explosion in Ankara, Turkey. When I was still residing in 'the West', I'd read that kind of stuff and feel bad. I'd feel sad for those hurt and affected by the violence. And, I'd go on about life, feeling like I couldn't do much about it. Now, when I read this kind of stuff, it's feels 'local'. I've met people in Yemen. Yemen isn't all the 'nasty' you read in the news. There are beautiful places there (I'm told the snorkeling is fabulous). When I hear about violence there I think, "Wow. I hope so and so is ok." The same for news from Turkey. Once of my best friends here in the region has a home in Istanbul. For me, international news now feels like local news. Living outside of my home country, the world feels so much smaller. As I sit here writing this in a coffee cafe, there are ladies dressed like me (pants, t-shirt), there are ladies in abayas, there are people speaking Arabic, English, Tagalog, and another language I didn't recognize. But we're all about the same business - visiting with people, enjoying wi-fi access and drinking coffee. The world feels so much smaller to me these days.

As a brief note: This clinic is still up and running. They still need financial support. They are the only one of its kind in Yemen.

http://christchurchaden.org I believe the church is currently closed (this is not an ad for the church!) but the Ras Morbat Clinic.

Now...on to 'technology in education.' I just read fun blog post (my stupid old laptop won't let me cut-n-paste the link...grrrrrr.....). The blog is http://danandjillian3.blogspot.com. It's the post from 18 September 2011. It's about how technology is changing education. Kids are growing up totally wired (not on coffee but computers, iPad's etc...). A comment on the post, however, brings up the fact that many many kids in the world can not afford access to that kind of education. So.....it makes me wonder....

For kids getting a 'book only' education - without access to computers and the internet etc...will they be able to someday compete for jobs? Will they be able to lead successful lives? Technologies change and they change the world. The snap I've posted is from a very familiar tree farm. 100 years ago, trees were cut by hand, then came the chain saw, now it's frequently done by big machine with a climate controlled cockpit. How with widening economic gaps, do folks keep up with technology in modern education? I know of a few programs that provide kids with low cost laptops - I think they are even solar powered to help. At least it's a start.

Peace.

SiteTracker stuff

2011-09-18T11:11:00.004+03:00

Thanks to SiteTracker for being able to see where my readers are and how they access this blog!

I am totally surprised that folks actually read this blog. I started this to be a way to keep in touch with family and friends who are spread around the globe without having to send out annoying mass emails.

Again.....dear readers....it is never my intention to offend governments etc.... What I do hope is that some folks will read some of these posts and think, "Wow. I could do some small thing to help out somebody else. Maybe I can volunteer my time in a school. Maybe I can donate to a charity." Etc..... I'm hoping that's not too radical a thing.

As always, Peace.

PS - a special note to all four grandparents! The guest room is shaping up nicely. We just bought a lovely table that will work as a desk, with storage for suitcases underneath. It's going to be a 'guest suite' when I'm done! The munchkins are so very excited that grandparents are going to visit us!!!!!

Gossip, Rumour, and Mum Stuff on the Middle East

2011-09-17T09:06:00.002+03:00

THIS MAY BE A REALLY OFFENSIVE POST TO SOME PEOPLE. I don't mean to offend; I just want to let folks like my family know what goes on in my daily life.

Ok. I got stuff I just gotta tell you. First, this is all 'gossip'. This is all the kind of stuff a bunch of mums sit around chatting about over a coffee. This is not news. But, it is very real in my little world. Are you politically squeamish? Then stop reading. Right now. THIS IS ALL MUM GOSSIP KIND OF STUFF. THIS IS NOT NEWS!!!!! For the rest of you people who can stomach 'gossip', than read on....

I live a very comfortable life. I have a nice comfortable villa, I drive a vehicle that we own - not the bank. I have more than enough food. And, my children are safe. Where I currently reside is a very comfortable place. It does not fit the stereotype of 'violent Middle East'. This is a good place. But, others are not so fortunate.

I hang out with a very varied group of people. My friends here resemble the UN in miniature. And, one of the things that we like to do here is have breakfast together and chat over LOTS of coffee. The conversations are always friendly, but folks are comfortable with and trust each other enough to speak their minds.

Being one who is not totally afraid (well, I am a little afraid) of controversy, I asked 'the mums' about the whole Palestine going to the UN thing hoping for a seat. I consider myself a fairly well-read individual, but I really don't comprehend a lot of what goes on the Middle East. I said I didn't really 'get' why the States was going to block it.

The response I got was loaded with ideas and opinions. First, every time Israel (or here it is called Occupied Palestine, but I'll say 'Israel' because that's what many of my readers are used to seeing) increases settlements, the Palestinians lose territory. Currently, according to the New York Times, Palestine hopes to set the borders at 1967's borders. This would mean that 500,000 Israeli settlers are then on Palestinian soil. A lot of the mums I chat with think the States is 'nuts' to block this. People I know here really believe that the States is 'giving in' to Jewish lobbyists with loads of dollars. Yes, I have met folks here who believe that Jewish people who are extremely pro-Israel control the United States. Yes, this is 'gossipy' kind of stuff, but it's what a number of folks talk about. So...the feeling is that the US is going to block the Palestinians at the UN because there are Zionist Jews controlling the US government. Is this true? Personally, I don't think so. However, this is what gets talked about.

I live in a region where any maps that you find in stores have 'Israel' blacked out with a magic marker. In newspapers, 'Israel' is always referred to as 'Occupied Palestine'. The level of animosity and anger is deep. But, I have also heard an interesting twist on all this. IF Palestine gets a seat (or whatever the proper wording - I feel so confused today) at the UN, than there are worries that Palestinians who live in camps in other countries outside of Palestine will have to be given passports by the country that they are camped in. So, suddenly if Palestine becomes a recognized state, than loads of Palestinians living abroad would have to be given citizenship to other countries. There is fear here in this region that this would happen. Ok....more confusion for my head..... Gossip, gossip, gossip....

What do I think? What do I feel? I think that after World War II, there were folks who wanted to see Jewish people have their own country after the horror of the Holocaust. But, this came at the expense of the Palestinians. So what happens now? I have not a clue, but I find the whole thing deeply deeply sad. I have friends who have had to run from bombs. They've had to teach their kids how to listen to the bombs to know where the bombs have hit and how long do they have to run to safety before the next bomb hits. It doesn't matter where the bombs were and are. It doesn't matter who's dropping these bombs and why. The bombs make it almost impossible for normal people to live their lives. The world still has a long way to go, especially in the Middle East.

Here's to hoping and praying that the bombs stop. And, here's to hoping and praying that calm prevails.

Peace.

Mission to SeaFarers

2011-09-10T10:11:00.001+03:00

Have a look....these folks do great work:

http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=%2F&gl=US#/watch?v=GR--bTeqMuk

The joys of technology and stuff

2011-09-10T08:42:00.004+03:00

Currently, the husband is 'rebuilding' my laptop. It had been on life support for a few months and was driving me nuts. So, I find myself blogging via the lovely new gadget in the villa - the IPad. While this thing is very cool for digesting massive amounts of reading and videos, I am not yet thrilled with it for writing and other creative process bits. Plus, I have not yet found a way to move my photos easily between all these different devices. I do enjoy having a lightweight gadget that holds my newspapers, magazines, and books and fits easily into my handbag.

Now, onto the stuff.

If you hadn't figured it out by now, I do a lot of volunteer stuff. Unlike other places where I have donated my time and talents to help others, living here my hands don't get dirty so to speak. I have only once painted a room, I have never done construction work here, and I have never worked in a low income/homeless shelter type daycare here. Here, you go to parties to help others. Say what? Yes, that's right; this is the land of the fundraising party. We actually went and bought a tuxedo for the husband. But why? Why not just give that money to someone who needs it?

I have had more than a few occasions where I have wanted to help with different projects. But, I hear, "Oh, but I didn't see you at our last fundraiser (ie a thing the husband needs a tux for)." How totally mental. So I find myself in a social game of sorts. In order to be taken seriously, in order to help my current community, I must wear fancy party dresses. I just hope that the work that is achieved is worth it. I so miss spending a week of my summer holiday rebuilding a home for someone in need. Why is it so complicated here to help others?

At any rate, I do not wish to sound like a whiner. I just so do not 'get' this place so many days. I would love to rant about why I do not wish to hire a gardener and that I do not enjoy being a sideshow for the neighborhood when I mow the lawn. But, that would be another blog subject.

Peace.

Whew

2011-09-06T08:53:00.003+03:00

So hard to believe that we're back for year 5 of living in this region. Where has the time gone?

The best part of living here is all the amazing friends we've made. The hardest part of living here is having to say so many good-byes. Each year is different because so many people move away - typical expat experience. But just because it is typical doesn't make it easy.

When I began blogging 4 years ago, I never dreamt what living here would hold in store for us. I hope that being here continues to be a positive experience for us and that I can continue to be a positive influence in the world around me.

As an extra bit of whatever..........

My laptop is not feeling well these days. If it wasn't for this IPad, I would be really cut off these days. The husband is taking this little gadget when he's traveling next week. Sigh.....school begins, schedule is going to be nuts, husband traveling AND may be cut off from the wider world. Could be a rough week.

Peace.

Just read the following.......
http://www.muscatmutterings.com/2011/09/news-update-riots-in-batinah-region.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MuscatMutterings+%28Muscat+Mutterings%29

Another blog I read out of Sohar confirmed the above. Regardless of whether or not there are riots, please read news and stay informed.

We are back!

2011-08-29T08:58:00.001+03:00

Back in the sandbox to play for our 5th. I am also attempting to blog from my new IPad - not sure yet how well this is gonna work.

Peace.

To 'maid' or not to 'maid' that is the question....

2011-06-18T08:12:00.005+03:00

I rolled out of bed this morning feeling pretty good. Had a wonderful evening chatting with a friend until almost midnight with a tummy full of yummy Mexican food. Truly, not a bad evening. The dirty dishes were piled everywhere, crusts from Munchkin #2's breakfast were still sitting on the counter, and a few fruit flies were frolicking in their paradise of leftover bits. There's fluffy balls of doggie fur in the corners, I still have two empty moving cartons that need to be hauled out, and there's a smorgasbord of crumbs under the table. And yet, I'd rather live in this mess or [gasp/horror/cringe] just clean it myself. I have zero desire to hire a live-in maid.

I know of a only a few mums in the four years I've been here in this region who really did have a wonderful working relationship with the women they'd hire as maids. When everyone is happy, it is awesome. But in my four years of experience, it's rare.

Now I must admit, I did have help a number of years back. I had two kids in diapers, I was working, I was going to graduate school, and the husband and I were working in separate cities maintaining both a house and a flat. I paid a fellow mum (she needed extra cash to pay for her daughter's dance lessons) to come in and help me clean the house twice a month. It was awesome. She made the extra money she needed, and I got the extra help I desperately needed.

Now, living where I live, I have friends and acquaintances constantly pressuring me into 'getting a maid'. Ok. 'Getting a maid'? It sounds like we're going out to pick up a new pet at a shelter or something. I was sitting around with a group of other mums a few week back, and they all were saying, "Oh come on! Get a maid! You'll love it!" A very good friend of mine piped up, "Sheesh you guys. You sound like a bunch of teenagers trying to pressure her into trying a joint or something." Spot on my friend - that's how I felt.

I could never afford to pay someone an actual living wage to help me clean so why would I expect another woman to come live in my little box of a 'maid's room' and work for practically nothing? (Not to mention that 'room' makes the perfect place to store all our sports gear!) People say, "Oh, having a maid is so much help!" Oh, really? So hiding their passport while you travel, locking your fridge, locking up all your jewelry, and worrying about all kinds of new things so you can 'have a maid' is just so much help? I'm not into 'keeping humans'.

I hear so many women speak about the ladies they employ as maids like these women were dogs. "You can't let her go out at night! She'll get pregnant!" "I search her room while she's gone to make sure she's not hiding anything." "I have to keep an eye on her to make sure she's cleaning like I taught her." Golly gee ladies, sounds like 'so much help' to me. You pay someone a non-living wage and then you're surprised when they steal? You control their every movement and you're surprised when the run away?

To all flies, ants and cockroaches - the buffet is laid. I don't 'have a maid'.

Peace.

Postscript - Many thanks to The Linoleum Surfer for the awesome post that was the genesis for my rant. http://thelinoleumsurfer.blogspot.com/2011/06/housemaids-declared-human.html

So ready to give the brain a break

2011-06-16T09:48:00.004+03:00

I am so very ready to let my brain have a break. Now some of you may think that my brain is half baked most of the time anyway. But, truly folks, I'm in dire need of a holiday.

The microcosm that is my munchkins' school is an unusually tolerant place. I love the fact that my kids have friends that if they were all packed into our family room at the same time my family room would look like a miniature UN. But, I had a recent experience that left me a bit frustrated and raw. I'm hoping that by writing about it, I can finally be at peace with it.

A bit of background on me first. I own several abayas; I own a massive collection of 'head scarves'. Do I always wear these items? No, I do not. But, I have a deep respect for women who do. Why do I own these things? I own them because I have had many times living in the Middle East that they are very nice to have on hand to wear should I need to or I choose to out of respect for the culture in which I find myself. I also need to add in that I do not wish to offend or malign anyone with this post. I simply want to 'put out there' an experience I had in the hopes that somehow it can be used to improve how we teach tolerance. Now, the story....

I had the honor a while back of accompanying a group of students from our school to visit a mosque as part of their Arabic language classes. Now, another bit of explanation - Arabic language classes also teach about 'local' culture. Because we live in a predominantly Muslim country (this is the Middle East!), Islam is very much woven through everyday life here and is thus part of the 'local culture'. I am thrilled that my kids learn about religion and other cultures. If I hope to raise tolerant children, then I must see that they learn about cultures and faiths that are not our own. But, I fear that my recent experience did not teach tolerance.

The teachers had done their best to prepare the students for the visit. Please remember - these kids come from many different backgrounds and their families follow many different faiths. Upon arriving at the mosque, a number of the girls - particularly taller ones or ones who were 'physically developing' a bit early, were pulled out of our group to cover themselves more before entering the mosque. None of these girls had yet reached puberty, were modestly dressed and had their hair covered. For these girls who were singled out, it was an unpleasant experience. One, it was men who were verbally pulling them aside which even to myself - a confident grown woman - was intimidating. Second, these girls already feel 'different' because they are taller or more mature looking than their classmates. Even though the teachers had tried to prepare the students that these kinds of things may happen because a certain level of clothing is required when entering a mosque (and certain mosques in particular), we still had girls in tears. I deeply worry that these girls did not leave with an appreciation of the place they had visited. As a mum who is frequently used to herd children on field trips etc...I did what I could to comfort these girls. I tried to draw their attention to the physical beauty of the place. I asked them to try using their Arabic skills to attempt reading the writing that was incorporated into the architecture that was around them since I can only read a few Arabic letters. [I must add that our guide was impressed with the Arabic reading level of the students. Kudos to the Arabic teachers!]

I still marvel that non-Muslims are allowed in some mosques for special tours - I think it's great. If tolerance is to be taught, then 'open minds and open doors' are a very good thing. But, teaching religion is tricky. How do we teach about religion and how humans differ from one another in terms of culture without causing harm? What could have been done differently so that these girls were not in tears? I have a few thoughts/ideas that I will be sharing with next year's Arabic teachers - at least about future field trips to specific places. But, again, how do we teach tolerance? I wish I had the answer, but I am certainly looking for it.

Peace.

Squeamish? Yes.

2011-06-12T09:28:00.002+03:00

First, I read a deeply deeply disturbing article in National Geographic this month on child brides. Please - go read it. Yes, it's horrid but only through education can this horrible practice be stopped.

Second, what is with petrol? http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFLDE7560J320110607?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0 It appears that Abu Dhabi and most of Dubai are fine, but many of the other emirates, particularly Sharjah, are running out of fuel. Loads of bloggers etc are asking, "Why?" TheNational newspaper printed in the UAE has been running excellent coverage of this if you'd like to go read.

Yes, this second topic makes me squeamish. But of course, not nearly as much as the first topic.

Peace.

International Arms Trade Treaty? Is Obama really saying no more guns?

2011-06-08T07:15:00.002+03:00

The husband needed to make a visa trip to a local consulate so....I got to stay in my pj's this morning. Thus, I've had time to sip my morning coffee, read and write. Thanks husband! You so rock!

Politics coming your way....get ready........it may really offend you......

I read this earlier. The blog was very recently published:
http://blogs.forbes.com/larrybell/2011/06/07/u-n-agreement-should-have-all-gun-owners-up-in-arms/2/

Now, after reading Mr. Bell's article, I got to wondering, again. First, I must tell you, I smelled a whiff of this before when a story similar to this was floating around via a chain email. But, with the stench of American politics in the air (yes, I do enjoy rolling around in it...but that's another subject...), I decided to do a bit of light reading.

First, I went and read the bit published by the UN dated 26 October 2006 titled "INTERNATIONAL ARMS TRADE TREATY AIM OF DRAFT RESOLUTION

APPROVED BY DISARMAMENT COMMITTEE

Seven More Texts Recommended to General Assembly;
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, Small Arms Among Issues Addressed" [Sorry, that didn't cut-n-paste so well.] Here's the link: http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2006/gadis3335.doc.htm A few things to draw your attention to. First, this was 'published' during the Bush era. Second, the US had loads of 'no way' looking type votes as part of this. For example, "The Committee also approved a draft on the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects by a vote of 172 in favour to 1 against (United States)." I can blog all I want about this, but you just gotta go read the whole thing for yourself to really understand it.

Ok. Next, I went and read what was being said elsewhere in the press about this. Was this old news or new news? http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=abkyS4.975YM I found this article dated 30 October 2009. It's looking like it's old news to me. Sniff, sniff, sniff....whew? Can you smell the American politics? I better go put some old clothes on, 'cause I'm fixin' to go rollin' in it. I'm smelling that maybe Mr. Bell has a political agenda?

It was now time for me to check with some folks who love to dig around in this stuff. Have a read:
http://www.factcheck.org/2009/12/international-gun-ban-treaty/ Folks, this is old news. And further, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is not an idiot. Former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was not an idiot either. But, these two exceptional ladies work(ed) for presidents with very different approaches to foreign policy. In my opinion, Bush never really negotiated stuff - it was just vote 'No'. Obama, on the other hand, will 'negotiate' rather than just vote 'No'. Now, if you have ever negotiated anything in a country that is used to haggling, than you know that you stand firm but keep talking. If you just say 'No' and walk away, than you are not giving the other party a chance to 'save face' and discuss things so that they feel like they are getting a good deal. You've got to talk; you've got to listen. But, that doesn't mean you ain't gonna get what you want in the end. And, it looks so much better to the rest of the world than just voting 'No'.

This stuff is not simple. There's a reason (if you live in the States) that you were forced to study U.S. History and Government in school. It was a brave attempt to prepare you to vote, to be part of a vibrant democracy. If you are one of the ones who (to quote from FactCheck.org, "Nevertheless, a Gallup poll in October found that 41 percent of all Americans and 52 percent of gun owners believe that Obama will try to ban the sale of guns. And people are acting on these beliefs: A run on ammunition has created shortages for sport shooters, and FBI background checks, required of most would-be gun purchasers, were up 25 percent in the first five months of 2009 compared with a year earlier" than clearly you need to read more. Obama can not take away guns. He can't change the US Constitution. And, seriously, do really think really hard core gun control laws would have a prayer of passing in the current political climate in the States? Do you really think there are Democrats who would help pass hard core gun control laws? Seriously? I don't think so folks. Sniff, sniff, sniff.....

Peace.

The Ugly Side

2011-06-06T06:55:00.002+03:00

I can't remember if I've ever written about this, but I feel it's an important story to share.

I just read an extraordinary blog post:
http://thelinoleumsurfer.blogspot.com/2011/05/arabs-got-prostitution.html Now....he says some very nasty things about more than a few places. I'm not going to nit-pick on his details, but I certainly think this is a subject few will speak openly about. I'm calling it 'the ugly side' since I don't want traffic to my blog by creeps looking for certain services.

A few years back, I was coming out of a fabulous posh 5 - star type hotel in a Middle East country. Now, this particular hotel I used to frequent quite a bit - great pool, lovely place to sit and have coffee etc......not to mention the folks who work there are absolutely tops (I helped pay for my university by working as a hotel desk clerk). Being a typical 5-star type place, it's very easy to use the valet parking. I got to know by face, and a few by name, the men who worked parking the cars and opening doors etc. These men all came from other countries - all over Africa, India and the Philippines to name a few. Well...now to the story....

I came out from the hotel one day, rather early in the morning, to collect my 'vehicle of choice'. I was chatting with one of the bellmen about how busy the hotel had been blah blah blah.....friendly small talk, when a man comes out of the hotel looking like he just rolled out of bed. He was accompanied by two women, who were dressed reasonably well, but it was pretty obvious that the women were uncomfortable in their surroundings. The women looked nervous, and their clothes were not of the best quality unlike what the typical woman guest at this hotel would wear. Each woman got in her own car (older, basic, run-down looking) and drove off - not a single good-bye said to the man. The man sauntered back into the hotel.

Well, the bellman I had been chatting with and I just looked at each other. I shook my head and said, "Never a dull moment is there? God help those poor women." And his reply to me? "God help that poor man." Yup, the bellman who probably only makes $1000 (US) a month looked at the man staying at the fancy 5-star hotel with pity.

'Classy' is not defined by the hotels you stay in and what you wear but by how you treat your fellow human beings. That morning, the bellman was the classiest guy there.

Peace.

Random difficulties

2011-05-27T12:25:00.004+03:00

I was very proud of this cake. The first time the munchkins and I tried to make this cake mold work, we thought the cake was done and pulled it out of the oven. I pulled it out of the mold - it looked so cute and smelled so yummy. Then - the horror - the top of the bunny began spewing forth raw cake batter just like an active volcano! "Quick kids! Grab a fork! We need to eat the cooked part before it's contaminated!" Now, several tries and a year or two later, this is the best effort yet pictured here. I'm still not fab with the cake decorator, but I am proud of my 'grass' around the bunny. I also should add that everytime I make this frosting, the munchkins (especially #2) do a little happy dance in the kitchen while they lick the beaters from the mixer. (As a young child, I used to dance to the rhythm of the family's tractor - it's nice to know some of my genetic weirdness has passed to my offspring.)

The next random difficulty thing has been my mum's recent physical difficulties. The night before she and Dad were supposed to close up their official home and head for the farm (ie the cabin), she took a tumble in the kitchen breaking her ankle. The summer trip to the cabin is probably the most anticipated event of the year in our family (besides going for winter holiday). We are literally coming in from around the country, and the globe for that matter, to be together and enjoy the great outdoors (besides doing farm work of course). Mum ended up needing a steel plate put in her ankle - obviously a thing requiring surgery. I am an only child, and I love my parents deeply. I have a deep affection for and friendships with both of my parents. And where am I in the middle of all this crazy business? Sitting in my comfortable abode in the Middle East. Last night (Mum's second day in hospital), it took all my will-power to not grab my backpack and a taxi and run for the airport. I love my crazy adventursome life, but I really don't love being so far away especially a times if I think I should be 'home'. My heart is definately with my parents right now.

Next random bit....I've been reading the news about Pakistan these days. When we first came to this region of the world, I had WAY too many people ask me, "Aren't you scared?" My reply, "No, of course not. I feel safer here than I did many places back 'home'." I STILL get this question even four years on. But, four years ago when we first came to this region I told folks, "Keep your eyes open for happenings in Pakistan." So...I keep watching the newspapers. I have friends who've come here to work/live but were born in Pakistan. These friends have family and friends still there, but these friends are happier living here. I don't blame them. I'll take living in safety, thank you very much.

I'm just really really ready to hop on a plane and head 'home' for the summer. My brain is tired.

Peace.

Stuff going on

2011-05-17T08:01:00.004+03:00

Some days, you feel like you're just sitting and watching ants running around. In the case of Munchkin #2, that's what she was doing in this snap. As I read the news, I feel like I'm watching ants. There's so much activity going on, I just can't possibly keep up with and process all of it.

There's just so much going on, and I really want to write something about all of it. But, I feel like that would not be a wise choice. So, I will maintain control over my typing fingers.

And, if it's just all way too much for you to handle, then go outside and sit and watch some ants.

Peace.

The Regulars

2011-05-11T11:50:00.002+03:00

Meet one of 'the regulars' at our garden bird feeder. Confused? I was until I found out that these green parrots are fairly common across the Middle East. They are native to India, but spread via the pet trade. People bought them as pets, they escaped or whatever, and now there are parrots in the desert. Because of this environment, needless to say, these guys enjoy a bird bath and a feeder. Not to mention, they provide our family with hours of birdie fun. There is a cat (we call 'Tinkles') that hangs around our garden. Whenever Tinkles is in residence, the parrots all perch up on the lamp post and squawk in an attempt to make the dangerous (but cute and fluffy) predator vacate. Tinkles response is always to look up at the parrots and lick her lips while her tail gently twitches. No matter what country you live in, some things are always the same.

In thinking about 'regular' creatures, we always see signs of bears over our summer holiday. We love to be outside - hiking, kayaking, berry picking etc.... Because of where we enjoy going, we take an avid interest in bears and their habits. I came across the following story in the New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/11/science/11bears.html

Peace.

Nothing-ness

2011-05-06T14:57:00.002+03:00

Munchkin #2 is happily making 'food' with Play-Doh in the kitchen.

Munchkin #1 is happily playing on the Wii with a friend from school in the family room.

Jesse is laying all splayed out on the nice cool carpet at my feet.

The smell of cake baking in the oven, just for the fun of it, is wafting through the house.

The floors are mopped, the counters are wiped, the laundry is done.

The peace of nothing-ness.

Ex-Pat Kids? Third Culture Kids? What to do?

2011-05-05T10:35:00.004+03:00

I've been spending way too much time thinking about how my munchkins are growing up. There are so very many things that they are growing up not knowing about their home country, so many things that most citizens of our home country take for granted. Do I worry about this from time to time? Yes, I do.

So...what am I doing about it? What can I do about it?

First, I make certain that we spend as much time back in the home country as possible.

Second, I do my best to to have my munchkins do lots of normal/typical things kids do in our home country. For my munchkins, these normal/typical things are very much something they look forward to.

Third, my munchkins read books and spend loads of time in museums in the home country. I teach, teach, teach. Anything I can do to make our culture more real, more tangible, anything I can do to help teach the history of our country - I do it. We spend a small fortune on history books from the home country. Any time we see some bit of history about our home country in a movie, I use that opportunity to teach. Did the movie portray the history accurately? Why? Why not?

Fourth, we teach our munchkins about our family's faith. We work very hard not to criticize anyone who is different from us. We teach by example. When the munchkins ask questions, we provide thorough mature answers. Munchkins deserve to be treated like individuals with minds that can think. Munchkins are intelligent individuals, they are just adults in the making!

On the flip side, what my munchkins are learning by living here is priceless. Munchkin #2 recently finished a unit on 'explorers' and 'exploration'. For me growing up, that meant studying the men who were involved with colonial era conquest. But for Munchkin #2, that meant studying all the usual colonial era conquest men but also modern people, explorers important to countries other than European countries. She learned about the roles women have played in exploration! My munchkin #2 now knows way more about exploration than I did at her age!

My munchkins are learning Arabic. ARABIC! What an amazing opportunity. They must take Arabic in school, and just like with any of their school subjects, we expect them to work to the best of their abilities in Arabic class.

Is it tough growing up outside of the home country culture? Yes, to be sure. But....in an increasingly 'global' world, my munchkins are going to be much better prepared for the future.

Peace.

It's over, sort of.

2011-05-03T08:55:00.003+03:00

I can't begin to describe how I felt as I drove the munchkins to school when I heard a very brief radio announcement, "Osama bin Laden has been killed." And then, the radio went straight back to the music. I phoned my parents who knew why I was calling before I even said a thing, "Yes, it appears to be true." Wow. A moment I will never forget.

I don't rejoice over the death of any human being. However, I feel so strange (in a good way) knowing that this man who caused so much death, who caused so much prejudice to Muslims because some people thought he represented Islam, this man who forever changed how people react to those living in and coming from the Middle East is now gone.

Back in the home country, I remember seeing some Muslim women wearing head scarves, and other women would look at them with curiosity. But after 9/11, when I would be out doing the shopping and would see women in head scarves, other women would look at them with distrust and fear. The horrid actions of a small group of murderers led by bin Laden changed things overnight. Now, more than ever, there is a tremendous need for dialogue between those of different faiths and different backgrounds.

So now that bin Laden is gone, why worry about dialogue and education between people of different backgrounds and faiths? My mobile was ringing like crazy yesterday with friends who are now concerned about what's next. Some of these friends are American but most come from across the globe. But they are all concerned about 'what's next'. Their fears are honest and real. Do I fear? No, not really. There's just no point in wasting the energy. If I was really going to spend energy being fearful, than I'd move to some nice wooded place in the middle of 'no-where' (I kind of like the idea of Sweden - snow, good hiking) and live the life of a hermit. But rather than being fearful, I can do my best to be part of the dialogue. I can do my best to spread love and caring rather than hate.

So, it's over but only sort of.

Peace.

As a post-script: http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,2068945_2271220,00.html Some U.S. based news sites are referring to bin Laden's hide-out as a 'mansion'. Yes, this is a big compound, but I would not use the American term of 'mansion' to describe it. But, it is still far from rough-living in a cave in a mountainside some where.

Still having a very good laugh and Third Culture Kids

2011-05-01T08:39:00.004+03:00

Ok. You just gotta go see this if you have not yet - I'm still laughing about it days later:
http://danandjillian3.blogspot.com/2011/04/sign-of-day.html Again, many many thanks for posting this picture!

The husband (and the munchkins) worked up a better translation which comes out kind of like 'butchered poultry'. I like the translation on the sign much better!

Well, the husband is off on a business trip to the home country. He went with one suitcase of business clothing and one empty suitcase to fill. Needless to say, the munchkins and I sent him with a shopping list! While driving the munchkins to school this morning, the husband happily phoned us. Thanks to the joy of the speaker phone, the husband proudly proclaimed that he's bringing munchkin #2 a box of 150 crayons (very hard to get and expensive here) and he's bringing munchkin #1 a number of books in his favorite series. There were big smiles and happy eyes in the vehicle this morning!

Which brings me to my main point: we are different. My munchkins are very happy over craft supplies and books. The response would not have been any different had the husband said "Ipod" or "video game". I have days I wonder how much of this 'differentness' is because of parenting/family values or that my munchkins are becoming 'Third Culture Kids.

I've been reading the book Third Culture Kids by David C. Pollock and Ruth E. Van Reken. It's been a very interesting read so far. So what's a third culture kid or TCK as the book says? Let me quote from p.13:

"A Third Culture Kid (TCK) is a person who has spent a significant part of his or her developmental years outside the parents' culture. The TCK
frequently builds relationships to all of the cultures, while not having
full ownership in any. Although elements from each culture may be
assimilated into the TCK's life experience, the sens of belonging is in
relationship to others of similar background."

When we made the decision as parents to move our family outside of our home country, we really didn't know what we were in for. We thought we'd be gone a couple of years. It's been four now, and it's likely to be more. I'm glad my kids are growing up comfortable traveling the globe. But, I do worry that they could have a hard time adjusting to life back in the home country when the time comes. So what are we doing to help with the eventual readjustment?

Well, we have a family home/farm in the home country. The house is new but the land has been in the family for a lengthy time now. The kids' beds, toys, other furniture is all in the new farm house. We spend winter breaks and summer holidays in that house. It is tempting to spend holidays in more exotic places (closer to where we currently reside), but having that time in the home country is precious and priceless.

The munchkins go to summer camp in the home country. Yes, summer camp is fun, but it also provides the munchkins with time around kids their own age from the home country. Really really important in my not so humble opinion!

We work very hard as parents to 'keep it real.' The munchkins are exposed to 5-star hotels, fancy restaurants, and live-in help, but we remind them that these are special situations and are not the usual thing for our family. We don't have any staff in our home. The munchkins are expected to do chores. Doing chores is the only way the munchkins can earn money to spend on toys/games etc in the home country. No chores = no money. We drive comfortable vehicles but nothing 'luxury' - my vehicle in the home country is probably nicer. This was a conscious choice. We remind the munchkins that the company is paying for many things which is what makes our current living standard possible. We explain to the munchkins that when they go to university, life will be books and a basic standard of living. And, that basic standard of living will continue for a number of years after they finish university.

Keep it real.

Peace.

The Chaos continues?

2011-04-26T17:51:00.002+03:00

I just read that the Statess and the Britain have told all 'non-essential' folks to leave Syria. Wow. When we first moved to this region, our next door neighbors were from Syria. They were actually citizens of a 'western' country, but they were originally from Syria. They were lovely friendly neighbors. The 'lady of the house' and I shared a number of cups of coffee and good conversation about the faith of her family. Oh yes, and, they were/are Christian. They were the first Christian Arabs I had met.

Here's a link to an interesting read on CNN:
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/04/25/syria.role/index.html?eref=rss_topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_topstories+%28RSS%3A+Top+Stories%29&utm_content=My+Yahoo

Instead of chaos, I hope for peace.

Peace.

A beautiful quiet day

2011-04-23T12:34:00.003+03:00

I love long weekends. The munchkins ended up with an extra day off this week (yippee!). To start things off, we had wonderful friends over last night for dinner, excellent conversation, and swimming. The husband and I stayed up very late playing 'Monopoly' with our munchkins.

This morning, we all slept in. The husband put up our new garden gate/trellis thing. It goes over and across the garden gate - looks really pretty. Tinkles the cat came by for a visit, and the munchkins have been very busy with seasonal edible 'crafts'.

Now, as I sit here typing this, I'm watching birds at the feeder, the husband is having a nap here on the living room rug, and I can hear the munchkins laughing upstairs as they play and watch an old movie.

To continue the vegetative state....here are some fun video links.....
http://money.cnn.com/video/smallbusiness/2010/12/09/sbiz_hwgs_jim_henson_co.cnnmoney/ A brief history of the Jim Henson Company.

http://money.cnn.com/video/smallbusiness/2011/04/21/smb_hwgs_peeps.cnnmoney/ A history of the company that makes one of our family's all-time favorite sweets - Peeps. But....I think they are impossible to get outside of the States. If I have a friend going to/from the States, I always ask them to bring us Peeps!

I hope your day is filled with peace.

Out of petrol?

2011-04-20T07:56:00.002+03:00

Before I write/talk about petrol....I'm reading all I can on the calm now in Bahrain, and I'm reading all I can on the events in Yemen.

I was reading the news this morning....and I still can't believe what I'm reading.....
http://gulfnews.com/business/oil-gas/emarat-pumps-running-out-of-petrol-1.682789
http://arabnews.com/economy/article140261.ece

I do need to add, that after doing some reading around etc...there is still petrol in the UAE! There is certainly no reason to panic or anything if you live there! I just find this a fascinating look at life in the Middle East.

A bit of 'background' info - not all of the UAE has loads of oil. Different parts of the country make money different ways - from what I can tell. For example (very simplified!) - Abu Dhabi has loads of oil and some tourism. Dubai has lots of tourism, and finance stuff, and a little oil. I believe one emirate has a large manufacturing facility for ceramics (not kitch but good useful stuff). And, I think my favourite biscuits (cookies to you U.S. folks) are made in the emirate of Sharjah. Yummy, and they are a very good price.

Saudi Arabia (I think) has some of the cheapest petrol around. Oman is still fairly cheap, and from what I'm reading, the UAE's petrol prices are higher than Saudi's and Oman's. Now, please keep in mind (those of you reading this from the States or Europe), that the UAE's 'higher' price is approximately $1.80 (U.S.) per gallon. That's right, $1.80/gallon (yeah, sounds cheap to me too).

I read through the comments people are making on this article on Gulf News. I'm totally blown away that folks are complaining about gas prices and that they 'might go up'. Yes, Saudi's petrol and Oman's petrol may be cheaper by comparison, but if oil prices are rising, then yes (at least across much of the world), gas prices are going to rise as well.

IF you are an expat living in the Middle East, than chances are that somehow your work is related to the oil industry. In my opinion, just about everything here is touched by the oil industry in some form or another. So...if you're an expat in this region....well.....if you know me you know what I'm thinking. If you don't know me....don't use your imagination. Just stop reading this blog.

I think I better go walk the dog and then sit and watch birds in my garden.

Peace.

Death to Bacteria! and other weirdness

2011-04-15T13:05:00.003+03:00

It's been a weird week. And, naturally, the husband has been VERY busy with work in the middle of the weird week. No sarcasm intended, the sweet man has been swamped - poor guy. First, we've had actual rain with thunder and lightening. Unless you have lived in a desert, you won't 'get' this. But for us desert dwellers, it was beyond cool. Second, Munchkin #2 has had strep throat. Now, as a mom, it's horrid seeing your kid suffer. So, I've been on a 'death to bacteria' campaign. The kitchen is scrubbed, the bathrooms are scrubbed, new toothbrush for Munchkin #2, and EVERYTHING we use for eating/drinking is going through the dishwasher. Now, part of the 'weird' with this....I can just walk into a pharmacy without a prescription and get antibiotics. Of course, we go to the doc first since we're not irresponsible. But, I know there are others who are not responsible. When we get the antibiotics, it's a powder that I have to mix with a certain volume of liquid on my own. In the home country, this is unheard of since you don't want a parent accidentally doing this wrong! Of course Munchkin #2 couldn't keep that nasty mess down, so she's learning how to swallow tablets. Also, a nasty business since the tablets here are not 'sugar coated.' Yuck. Poor kid. Third, it seems we have been adopted by a little kitty. We're calling her 'Tinkles'. She wears an ancient looking collar with a little bell on it. She's very sweet and very skinny. Rumour has it that the folks who previously lived in our villa abandoned a little kitty when they left. Since Tinkles keeps trying to come in the back door, I'm thinking the rumour is true. We're feeding her and giving her fresh water. If she continues to hang around, we'll take her to the vet and get her checked out and fixed up, so to speak. The sweet kitty loves sitting in Munchkin #1's lap out in the grass. Peace.

Grab the duvet

2011-04-11T08:56:00.003+03:00

Thanks to the typical weather changes this time of the year, it's dark/overcast outside. And the brilliant bit? It's not dust but real clouds. Even though it's not cold outside, this kind of weather really makes me want to grab the duvet off my bed and curl up with a coffee and a movie or good book. I've been doing lots of reading today (on-line newspapers). Wow, there's loads of stuff going on. There's interesting stuff from the last 24 hours at Reuters and CNN. As a mum, I have always tried to teach my children to use words to solve problems as opposed to using fists. It is amazing how powerful words can be. Words can be used to bring joy through a great novel, happiness and love in a marriage proposal, sadness in an insult. As humans, our need for use of language is deep. Babies begin to absorb language basically from birth. As a young teenager, I loved joining in debates in my history classes. I would spend hours in the library preparing my facts for my team's side of the debate. It was exhilarating to exchange ideas and facts. It felt really good to have a proper forum for speaking out on various issues. All these years later, I'm still grateful to my history teacher, Mr. R., for allowing us those opportunities. Maybe after I clean the floors, go buy groceries, and do the laundry I will grab that duvet. Peace.

To Eat or Not to Eat....

2011-04-08T19:26:00.001+03:00

The husband was hanging up some new window blinds/coverings/draperies this evening. The blinds came with a little zippered baggie of parts (screws, brackets, etc...). The outside of the baggies of parts said, "Do Not Eat." Yup, this is an interesting place many times. Peace.

Gripe, gripe, gripe....

2011-04-04T09:31:00.002+03:00

I can not believe how folks are grumping and complaining about President Obama. He's too war-like; he's not war-like enough. Totally amazing. Ok my readers in the States.....coming at you - the only way the whole Libya no-fly zone thing is happening is because the States are part of a true coalition. YOU CAN NOT go guns blazing into an Arab country without Arab backing. Period. Full-stop. End of story. The U.S. can not go it alone. President Obama does have a foreign policy, and it is to actually work WITH other countries. Wow! Real diplomacy! Imagine that! Ok, enough gripe gripe on that one. On to other news.... If you are traveling around Sohar, Oman, the word is that you need to have identification on you and allow extra time to have your vehicle searched. For those of you who don't 'know' Oman, many people traveling from the UAE into Muscat via car drive through Sohar. If you're in oil/shipping/maritime industries in the region, there's a good chance you've at least driven through Sohar. So....so much for a lovely spring holiday traveling the coast of Oman enjoying the lovely old forts/castles along the way. Not to mention the beautiful snorkeling. Sigh.... http://danandjillian3.blogspot.com/2011/04/have-your-id-handy.html I wish I could get the munchkins to take the husband up on his offer of a few days in Mumbai, India this week. I mean really...5 star hotel that's paid for (we pay any extra cost for wife/kids etc of course)? But, the munchkins are very concerned about repeating the tale of mum very ill for a week after attending a wedding in Pune, India. So, today's big adventure shall be purchasing a new DVD since it's cheaper than going to see a moving in the theatre. Thrills galore..... [sarcasm is going drip drip drip]. And last but not least... We bought Munchkin #1 a beautiful new bicycle last night. He rode it as soon as he got it home. And, he ate breakfast this morning and was out the door with the bike. Awesome. On the flip side, we tried to also purchase Munchkin #2 a trampoline, but no one currently has them in stock. Sigh.... Last gripe of the day (or maybe a pondering).... Sitting here in my kitchen, I can see my neighbors' back garden. They've got 3 gardeners working, a maid, I've seen at least one driver, and maybe a second maid? How much help does one married couple need? Maybe I should head to the garden shop to buy some new flowers. Actually, I think I'll do some laundry. Putting stuff in my gigantic 'vented' dryer along with a fabric softener sheet really does brighten my mood. Gotta love big U.S. made/style appliances. I'll take a good U.S. vented dryer any day over a maid. Peace.

I'm back....

2011-04-03T08:45:00.002+03:00

Well, the munchkins are off on 'between terms' break. And, we just got our internet hooked back up! Hooray!!!! Just when I thought the world was quieting down.... http://danandjillian3.blogspot.com/ There was info in the regional press about Sohar. It just really freaked me out because I've been through Sohar a number of times. We had been hoping to spend some of our holiday in Muscat, but we're staying home. In addition (and not really related), the husband made the offer that we travel with him to Mumbai this week (he's going on business), but the munchkins declined. They didn't really want to spend time with mum while she shops in India. Peace.

Summer is on the way and things are heating up

2011-03-16T08:31:00.002+03:00

First, I'd like to direct you to give this post a read:
http://danandjillian3.blogspot.com/2011/03/tale-of-two-roundabouts.html? I am hoping that the two round-abouts is not an indication of negativity to come. Great blog. Many many thanks for your work. It is very much appreciated.

In the 'Dan and Jillian' blog, "Once the heat returns, how many of these protesters will be left?" Rather insightful. I hope that the horrid heat in the region, does help to calm things down.

I read the New York Times this morning. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/16/world/middleeast/16bahrain.html?pagewanted=1&ref=world Even though Bahrain is a major 'home' to the U.S. Navy, I don't really think there's much the States can do to help the situation. Granted, I don't know a thing about diplomacy but....it's an Arab country. Anytime the States meddles in an Arab country, it feels like people get angry and the situation gets worse. It is going to be very interesting to watch what happens now that other GCC countries are involved. The crazy question that I'd like to ask in all this....some countries are suggesting to their citizens to leave Bahrain. How can they? Can they get to the airport? Can they drive across into Saudi? I don't know. It just feels like once these types of notices come out from consulates, it is going to be difficult to leave.

So...thinking along those lines....what do you do as an ex-pat to prepare for an emergency? Hmmmmm... Here's my personal list....
1. Have cash on hand - local currency and 'hard currency' like dollars or euros.
2. Never let your gas tank get so low that you can't drive to the airport.
3. Keep a mental list (or written) of what to grab in case an airport run is necessary. For me, that's my laptop, a couple of photographs of my munchkins, printed copies of school records for the munchkins, and other important family documents.
4. Always keep a week's worth of food and water on-hand. Water gets tricky, but I always keep bottles stashed in my kitchen, just in case.
5. Maintain an international calling plan mobile phone based in your home country - a mobile that works in any country. Pricey? Yes, but only if you use it. And, it could be an important life-line.

Here's to hoping only the weather heats up more.

Peace.

Latest and greatest....maybe [Warning: loads of opinion]

2011-03-15T09:01:00.003+03:00

More than anything, these types of posts are so my mum and dad can read what I'm reading. I have other family members who like to read what I read. Blogging is just way easier than putting together a bunch of emails.

http://muscatconfidential.blogspot.com/2011/03/things-start-to-get-out-of-hand-in-oman.html A highly opinionated piece.

Just heard on the BBC that the U.S. had 'no warning' that troops (BCC says 'Saudi') were going to go into Bahrain. Give me a break. It's common chatter amongst ex-patriots that eventually this would happen. If I'VE heard people talking about this then..... well, anyhow.... Long-term ex-pats have always been a bit concerned about Bahrain (my opinion).

http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/bahrain/gcc-forces-in-bahrain-to-help-restore-order-1.777144

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/15/world/middleeast/15saudi.html?hp

http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2011/03/14/how-stable-is-saudi-arabia/what-makes-the-kingdom-different

The husband wanted to do some business travel this week. I told him, "NO WAY! We're in the middle of moving house AND there's a bunch of mess in the region. NO WAY!"

Time to get back to packing boxes and bags.

Peace.

Geology revisited

2011-03-14T07:55:00.002+03:00

I had to take Geology when I was an undergrad. It was a very interesting class. But, the following article from CNN totally blew my mind:
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/12/japan.earthquake.tsunami.earth/index.html#

Watching the video coming out of Japan, I feel like I'm watching a flood from 'the time of Noah.' Not only is it horrifying to watch, it is even more horrifying to hear and read comments from people saying that Japan is being punished, or it's the end of the world.

Well......horrid things have happened throughout the entire 'geologic' history of this planet. I am not going to worry about the world ending tomorrow. I would much rather spend my time figuring out how I'm going to attach the wire mesh I just bought to the bottom of my garden fence so my dog doesn't end up roaming the neighborhood.

Rather than worrying about the possible end of the world, it would be much better to figure out, 'How can I help the people who have now lost everything because of this natural disaster?' It is a far more spiritual, far more difficult thing to offer aid then it is to sit at home and 'worry' and proclaim doom and gloom.

Peace.

A copy of this, a copy of that and your left kidney

2011-03-13T11:19:00.003+03:00

Part of the joy of living in the Middle East is the paperwork {dripping with sarcasm}. As part of our move, we have to do all the usual stuff - electric, water, phone, internet blah blah blah. To get anything turned on, here's a sample list of documents I have to provide (plus don't forget deposits! Some can be close to $1,000.) For my readers in western countries, this list may look rather foreign. But here, it's totally the norm.

Passport photocopy (husband's and wife's)
Visa photocopy (husband's and wife's)
Lease agreement/tenancy contract
Signed paperwork from landlord/owner giving permission to have thing hooked up
Landlord/owner's passport photocopy
Landlord/owner's visa photocopy (if applicable)
Paperwork proving landlord/owner owns the property
Passport photo(s)
Letter from husband's company with all kinds of pretty inked stamps giving permission to hook stuff up for our villa (must be signed by the top boss at the company which is some cases is very strange if company is run by the husband)
Copy of company's trade/business license saying that the company the husband works for is a real/legal company and has thus paid all their appropriate fees - again nice to have all the pretty inked stamps
Letter of no objection from the husband saying that I may sign grown-up adult paperwork (yes, really)
Deposit (may have to use a credit card from a local bank, but remember that cash is always king)
And of course, your left kidney {sarcasm is going drip drip drip}

Now, you have all the documents ready. You get to go stand/wait to deal with a human being who can actually assist you. FORGET about doing ANYTHING over the phone or the internet - that would be simple and easy. It is so much more fun to stand/wait {drip drip drip}. Finally get to speak with a human being. "So sorry madam. You need to have the kidney authenticated by our embassy in your home country and stamped by your consolate." {drip drip drip}

Peace.

[Postscript: Just read this blog post. The comments are also interesting reading. Enjoy.]
http://www.muscatmutterings.com/2011/03/some-thoughts-on-protests.html

And the press was quiet.....

2011-03-12T18:49:00.003+03:00

Here's what I've been able to read/find on what is going on in Oman.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/08/opinion/08al-zidjaly.html?_r=4&hpaybe I'm with the writer in that I'm stunned. Still totally stunned....

http://muscatconfidential.blogspot.com/2011/03/ministers-sacked-wholesale-hm-feeds.html An interesting viewpoint.

http://danandjillian3.blogspot.com/2011/03/oh-no-you-didnt.html Stuff that I doubt you'll see in the regular press.

In the midst of everything, we are more than half way moved into our new place. We'll be totally finished by next weekend, enshallah.

Peace.

Watching, reading and packing

2011-03-08T10:53:00.003+03:00

I loathe packing, especially when I can't really move the stuff yet. For now, our packed stuff is being stuffed into the laundry room while the rest of the villa is being worked on. But, I am very thankful for the fact that we'll now have a laundry room! Big forced air clothes dryer here I come! I'm so looking forward to fluffy warm towels, sheets and socks! Yippeee! Simple joys.

In the middle of all the packing, I take a break now and then to read what's out on the internet. Here's a current morning sample:
http://danandjillian3.blogspot.com/ In thinking about the comment in one post about the Dairy Queen, I've watched people in the region buy more ice cream at McDonalds than burgers. Seriously. Huge ice creams. Fascinating....
http://www.muscatmutterings.com/2011/03/seriously-big-changes-in-omans.html The number of changes in the govt is staggering to my mind. Watching the Oman government at work is amazing to me. The little I know of world history is just spinning like a million little hamster wheels in my head. WAY too much to think about.
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/oman/protesters-in-oman-to-continue-until-all-demands-are-met-1.773146

And, a glimpse into things in the region that has NOTHING to do with protests. I just think it was interesting reading (for my 'western' readers):
http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/politics/new-rules-for-next-elections-to-fnc

Oh yeah, I'm also thankful for the freedom to roam beautiful wadis. This is an amazing beautiful place.

Peace.

Watching

2011-03-07T08:52:00.003+03:00

Well, I am closely watching the news. I also read a large number of blogs (no surprise there!). It's a good thing that I have a family to care for or I'd spend hours each day reading.

Here are some links to some interesting reading:
http://muscatconfidential.blogspot.com/2011/03/middle-east-populist-contagion-reaches.html

http://www.muscatmutterings.com/2011/03/hm-issues-more-royal-decrees-as-result.html#comments

I've been reading news coming out of the States. I am horrified to see the level of hate language being used against people of a specific minority religion in that country. It is one thing to say, "I don't agree with that person's politics," or to say, "I don't agree with those beliefs." Those are things that are very much protected by the First Amendment. And, people in the States are free to practice their religion. BUT, it is not helpful to scream at someone using hate filled words to 'go home', and to yell nasty personal accusations at someone. Hate filled words are not helpful. Hate leads to more hate.

Pretend for a moment that you are a small child. You are walking along the street with your family. Some person, of a different religion, comes and yells at you to go home and begins to insult your father. How will 'you' ie the small child feel as an adult about the people of the other religion? Hate leads to more hate.

It is very difficult to have constructive conversations about religion when those involved have different view points. But, constructive conversation is the mature thing to do. Hate filled words are ignorant and childish. I have seen children on school play yards behave with more intelligence and maturity. People in the States need to be loving and supportive of their fellow Americans. Productive conversations happen with open minds and open hearts, not with closed raised fists.

Peace.

Moving out

2011-03-05T13:13:00.000+03:00

Moving out of our flat. I really should be packing rather than typing. Oh well.

I'm happy not to hear new info coming out of Oman. I hope things are quiet and peaceful there. Oman is such a lovely wonderful place.

Munchkin #1 is currently away on a school trip. It feels so very odd not to have him here at home. Munchkin #2 had to remind me this morning not to pack his lunch kit. Sigh....

We've been here almost four years now. As we ready for the move to the villa, I feel like I'm on the edge of my next adventure. We're only changing locations/towns this time rather than country, but I just feel like it's going to make a huge impact on our lives. I'm hoping the impact is positive.

I dearly love my family. I'm really hoping that with the move to the villa, more family will come and visit us. This is an amazing place. And, if Oman stays quiet, the travel/hiking/snorkeling/shopping/dining possibilities are massive! (That's a good thing.)

Change of subject - I found a local place that does 'frozen Coca-Cola'. It's about 3X as much as I'm used to paying, but at least I can get it when the craving is great. I guess that means staying here is going to be ok.

Peace.

Feeling stressed? Love a dog

2011-03-01T11:55:00.002+03:00

How can you not just love this face? I can not believe how much I enjoy having a dog again. She never barks, she's well behaved, and we have not yet had any accidents in the house. What more could a dog mum ask for?

Well, things in the region have been a bit of a zoo lately (very mildly put....). The news from Monday was very sad to see. I've been watching the press, and I have not seen anything new today. So, I'm hopeful. Here's a news sample:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/01/world/middleeast/01oman.html?_r=1&hp

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/oman-protestors-call-for-fight-against-corruption--374524.html

The food price issue may be why the LuLu Market appeared to be on fire? In this region, in my opinion, LuLu caters to shoppers with less money in their pockets. Compared with many other places, I have found that LuLu prices can be very good deals. Oman strikes me as such a reasonable place. LuLu? It just doesn't make any sense to me.

My family loves Oman. Mussandam is stunningly beautiful. Muscat is exotic and has one of our favourite restaurants on the planet. The hiking is superb. There are many reasons to love Oman.

And, in the midst of everything....we are moving from our flat to a villa. It is high time. We have so loved our flat but after nearly 4 years in what was supposed to be for only 2 years, it is time. It is my hope and prayer at this point that things stay safe for our family.

Peace.

The World is Going Crazy

2011-02-28T17:48:00.002+03:00

Wow. The world is a crazy place. I can not believe we're seeing protests in Oman.
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2011/02/28/world/middleeast/international-us-oman-protests.html?exprod=myyahoo This NY Times story will seem to contradict bits in the more regional press.

Also, a blog that is sometimes interesting (I do not necessarily agree with it's ideas/opinions):
http://muscatconfidential.blogspot.com/

As always, peace.

Too much to go on about....

2011-02-19T11:24:00.004+03:00

Wow. I can't believe it's been almost a month since my last post. So very much is going on in the world! Living in the Middle East while all these protests are going on is quite an experience. I still feel secure where I am, but rest assured that if I feel the tiniest bit at risk, the munchkins and I will get out. More than likely, we'd hop whatever flight we could get to Western Europe, maybe Cyprus?, and get to home from wherever we land.

Our family has experienced some major changes since my last post. The first change was the husband's maternal grandfather has passed from this life into the next. The second change was my paternal grandmother passed from this life into the next about 24 hours ago now. When my father called me to tell me the news, I was standing in the middle of the 'push and shove' in the produce department at the grocery store. Suddenly, the whole 'push and shove' disappeared. It was just me and Dad and the phone. It is not a moment I am likely to forget any time soon.

Losing loved ones is hard. Period. Full-stop. Yes, it is a bit easier if it is someone who has lived a very full life. But, it is still hard. I will always treasure the time I got to spend with my grandmother. It was a very unique relationship. She and I actually grew closer the older we both became. She was not only my grandmother; she was a very good friend.

It is amazing to me. With all the chaos going on across the Middle East, the most important news of the day is the details surrounding the passing of our grandparents. For a brief moment, my sphere of interest has tightened up a bit.

Stay safe, have a plan in place, and appreciate every moment of every day with those you love.

Peace.

A Long Time

2011-01-28T08:05:00.003+03:00

This snap is from the day we got our new dog. This is the first meeting between dog and munchkins. We waited for what felt like a long time for a dog.

Well...the longest we've lived anywhere since our university days is four years. By the end of this spring, we will have been here for four years. And we know we're looking at a minimum of two more. Wow...

Things have been beyond busy lately. The husband has been traveling (India and another Mid-East country), and I've been looking for bigger accomdation for our family. Our flat is lovely, but we're really wanting some more space. I think we've found a place to move in to, but it's not gonna be 'real' to me until we've signed papers and the keys are in hand. So, we'll see.

Because of the volunteering/helping out I do, I'm going to be heading out of the country for a few days to attend meetings. I'm really excited that I get to go again this year.

The husband's parents are due in for a visit this week. They'll be here for about two weeks, but I'll be out of country for about a week of that. We're hoping for a day or two of off-roading while they are here.

I look around me and even though the surface of the place is shiny and pretty, there is so much poverty and suffering that one sees. For those who have money, things are totally fabulous. For those who don't have money, who don't have the 'right' country-of-issue passport, life can be miserable. For many here, the equivalent of $50 U.S./Canadian a month pay increase is a significant amount of money.

I encounter what I call the 'push-shove' mentality. You see it everywhere in so many countries/places. Push-shove your way ahead in the check out at the market, push-shove in traffic, push-shove getting munchkins to and from school. Push-shove, push-shove, push-shove. It's constant. What's sad is that many days I don't even notice it anymore AND I have to push-shove sometimes to simply get home in a timely manner from running errands. It's like so much of the world runs on a me-first mentality. If folks would just calm down and work together, we'd all get there faster and safer. Sigh...

In the mean time, I really hope we get the larger accomodation I found. I will not cry if I have a private garden where I can sit and look at plants and listen to birds and totally forget that the push-shove exists.

Peace.

Rainy Day?

2011-01-17T09:44:00.003+03:00

The day started out so cloudy and gray. It even drizzled a bit on me as I walked our dog. Living in the desert, rainy days are actually welcome.

I love this snap. It was taken when Munchkin #1 first met our new dog at the doggie adoption place. Both kid and dog are good for each other.

I love living where we live, but I'm so ready to change abodes. I'm tired of the constant noise. I'm tired of the constant driving to get anywhere. I'm tired of being nearly run over by taxis each time I take the dog for a stroll. I'm tired of the munchkins not being able to have an ocean of friends over because there's just no space. But, I'm concerned that hunting for a new abode is going to be an emotionally charged and painful process. I need peace to forge along with the task ahead.

One of the really odd things about living here is that many many many times people are so very rude to one another. It is so very hard to get used to. And frankly, I don't know if I ever want to get used to it. Some days it is harder to just blow off the rude behaviour. Some days it is so very hard to not say, "Really? Do you really think that being so very rude to other people is going to actually help you get ahead in life? Really?"

Well, I need to go grocery shopping. Maybe it will drizzle a little more while I'm driving. I love rainy days.

Peace.

Life with a Dog

2011-01-12T08:33:00.003+03:00

Life with a lovely dog is an excellent thing. Even though this is supposedly a not so 'dog friendly' place to live, when I take Jesse here for walks most people smile. I know I'm feeling more easy-going about life here in the sandbox these days.

I don't think Jesse had ever seen grass until we got her. Every time she walks on a patch of grass (only special ones where dogs are allowed of course), she steps gingerly like she's just not sure about this soft green stuff. It is very interesting to watch. Her favorite place to 'relieve' herself? A patch of sand that's all rocky. She is definitely a desert dog.

Jesse is now enjoying making 'school runs' with me. I spend a full hour each morning driving munchkins to school and getting back home. Jesse enjoys looking out the windows of my vehicle of choice. I just need to give her a bandanna to wear while she rides -maybe up the cute factor a tad more.

Well...I am hosting a rather large gather this evening so I need to stop typing. I have not even taken down our winter decor yet. Plus, I need to cook and bake.

Peace.

The Danger of Hate-Filled Words

2011-01-10T15:37:00.003+03:00

Meet the newest member of our household! This is Jesse. She's a desert mutt. She wants nothing more than a bit of food and lots cuddles. How can someone look into those big brown eyes and not just melt? We are all very happy to have this pooch among us.

I was horrified to read about the horrible tragedy in the U.S. in Arizona. I am sure there are some out there who would label me a 'liberal' blogger. Well, that may be true....

Folks who publish need to go back and study their American history. It was WORDS that incited rebellion amongst an already anxious population at the time of the American Revolution. Do people in the States really want violence as part of the political process? Even if one is using words that are meant to be satirical, folks you just can't use hate-filled images in politics - it's dangerous. Talk about ideas and issues. Share different points of view. These are good things. But, using violent imagery in politics is just not appropriate.

Peace.

I'm Back

2011-01-06T11:15:00.003+03:00

What a totally awesome fabulous amazing holiday! And, now...we're back in the sand box for the foreseeable future. Wow. 3 1/2 years in the sand. So much for the 'two year contract.'

As I sit here typing listening to some Shakira, I never dreamt what an adventure my life would one day become. Once I get moved into some bigger digs, I'm hoping my parents will make the journey to come see us here in the sand!

I am so thankful for all my friends here in the sand! And....I'm thankful that everyone is now safely back from their holiday adventures. Over school holidays, everyone scatters to the four corners of the globe. I had friends and people I know travel to the Americas, all over Europe, South Africa and China. We really log the airplane miles/kilometers!

Peace.

Short and Crazy

2010-12-12T11:11:00.002+03:00

Well, in a just a short while I'll be heading for the home country, and wow, am I ready to go! I've got 8 large suitcases currently in my living/dining area in various stages of being filled.

Traveling this time of year one always stops and thinks about two things: security and weather. With the whole 'security' thing, you can give it a passing thought and be aware, but really....what can one person do to protect themselves and their family? There are just some things where we have to believe/know that a higher power is in charge. I think it's ok to be aware, but I believe it is too easy to create a false fear and cause panic. People - keep it sane and real.

Now, in thinking about weather. Wow again, has the weather been crazy! A friend in Europe sent photos of snow where she lives - crazy. Load of snow everywhere! My munchkins are actually hoping for snow so deep that they can dig tunnels in and out of our family's cellar/basement/lower level. We'll see if they get their wish!

And...I'm so excited. Once we return from the home country, the search will begin for a bigger place for us to live and a dog. I don't know which I'm more excited about! I've contacted a local doggie shelter/orphanage type place, and we've got a doggie or two in mind from the photos and descriptions.

Happy winter and safe travels to all!

Peace.

I can see clearly now

2010-12-03T11:04:00.002+03:00

"I can see clearly now the rain is gone." Well, in my case it's the uncertainty is gone. Being an ex-pat, you live contract to contract. Sometimes, signing the next contract is simply a formality. Other times, there's uncertainty. Is the company going to send us home? Is the company going to send us some place else? The longest I've lived anywhere since finishing University is four years. We've bounced around a good bit. I'm sick of moving. With our new family home base built, all the junk in that house hopefully will never have to be moved again.

Knowing I'm not pulling up stakes any time soon is very freeing. I am now free to pursue my volunteer interests even further - maybe take on a greater leadership role. I just need to see where I'm being led. But, at least I know I'm being led to get a bigger space to live in here and....I'm so going to get a dog.

As I go back and read the first posts I made to this blog, things have changed so much here for me. This place may never be home for me, but at least I know I'm ok with staying put here for a while.

Getting out of bed in the morning can be a dangerous business; you never know where your feet will really take you.

Peace.

Hmmmm....wow.....

2010-11-20T10:35:00.002+03:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40278427/ns/travel-news/

I read this news story, and frankly, I was not surprised. My mum has had cancer, and she has complained to me about similar episodes.

I had to travel one time with a special boot on my foot; I had just had surgery. I traveled with crutches and carried a light backpack since I was unable to pull a suitcase. I was flying alone. When I approached the security screening point, I removed my boot and put it up to be x-rayed. I then proceeded to stuff my crutches into the x-ray machine - much to the dismay of the folks working there. I jumped through on one foot and went merrily on about my life.

On my return journey, I was not allowed to take my boot off at security (different airport by the way). They made me sit and wait. After about 10 minutes, they finally got to me. I had arrived at the airport early for my flight so I'd have plenty of time to get to my gate (I was on crutches!!!!!). I was pretty upset as you can imagine.

What really surprises me is that when I've had to travel within the U.S., they really search everybody and everything. When traveling elsewhere on this globe, the only country I've been through that was tougher than the States was Ethiopia. I learned via the 'grapevine' that Ethiopia was making sure folks were not taking out hard currency acquired by any means other than through a bank. That was almost 20 years ago, and they did a semi-strip search.

In the above news story out of the States, I really liked the one lady's idea of taking out her prosthetic breast and putting in the plastic tray to be x-rayed. Brilliant. But, I wonder if she'd get arrested for that in other countries? Oh, but wait. Maybe other countries wouldn't care? Hmmm....interesting questions....

Not exactly civil disobedience on the lady's part, but it sure does have that spirit many Americans are known for.

Peace.

Flat Stanley and Camel

2010-11-18T13:53:00.003+03:00

This little paper man sure does get around! Both of my munchkins did Flat Stanley projects when they were a few years younger. Flat Stanley is from a book series about a boy who is made of paper and mails himself different places. A friend of mine from my university days sent us her little girl's Flat Stanley recently. We were very lucky to encounter some wandering camels while Stanley was with us! But for this project, Stanley went high tech. He scanned and emailed himself!

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/16/science/16tier.html?em&exprod=myyahoo Reading the New York Times this morning, I came across this article. I have found that when I'm not working and spending a lot of time by myself (so goes the life of an expat mum) my mind wanders a lot. I know a number ladies here in the same position. I wonder if this is part of why we all work so hard to stay happy and upbeat? Yes, as expats we lead wonderous and exciting lives, but gosh....there a days you just feel down in the dumps for no reason. Maybe too much mind wandering can be blamed? Hmmm...something concrete to focus on for a bit.....

Peace.

Gettin' Square with It

2010-11-15T06:55:00.003+03:00

Wow, where to begin? Let's start with guilt. I love cookies/biscuits - like the ones above. We had some extra cookies laying around when I was decorating a cake, I had extra frosting, and the monster cookies above are the result. My family consumed every last one! Did we feel guilty about that?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/nov/14/orphans-cambodia-aids-holidays-madonna I read this on-line this morning in The Guardian. Those of us who have so very much compared with so many other people in the world are sometimes eaten up by the guilt about it. Because I am a person of faith, this is sometimes very difficult for me to deal with. My family donates money and goods; we volunteer our time. But there are days, that it is hard to deal with. Why do we have so much and others so little? Why was I born with such opportunity and others were not?

I have seen people of faith who are eaten from the inside out by this. They feel such guilt that they can not enjoy what they have been given. So the question is, how does one get square with it? Do you give away everything and live on the street? Do you live a simple life on the outside but maintain a large bank account just in case? Do you put yourself in harms way to use your gifts/talents to help others? To you give loads of cash to non-profit organizations?

Frankly, I am square with it. Maybe I should feel guilt about that? I volunteer doing a job(s) that no one else was willing to take on. I was honored to be asked to do that job. Does it stress me out? Frequently. Does it give me joy to help? Frequently. But, it's not about me! It's not supposed to be about me! It's supposed to be about helping, using my specific skills. Ok, I'm square with it. But, how do I help someone else become square with it?

And, if you are reading this and you're not 'square with it', I would strongly encourage you to volunteer your time/donate money in your neck of the woods. That way, you are a member of the community helping another member of the community. Just handing out doesn't work most of the time. Yes, immediately after a natural disaster people need food and shelter - in other words hand outs. But helping people is like parenting, you've got to give them space and knowledge to stand on their own two feet.

Want to help? Here are some suggestions. (I don't know everything but I've had some experience dealing with non-profits.)

Red Crescent/Red Cross - in a disaster these folks know what they are doing and they train their volunteers.

Give to your local place of prayer - many times organized religious associations are well equipped to handle serving others; many will frequently take a portion of donations and give that money to other non-profits who know how to handle the money to help others.

Have a skill? Use it! - Does it make sense to go to another country to dig wells when you know nothing about wells? No, of course not. But, if you are a teacher, then maybe you could find a way to volunteer to teach some cool hands on lessons in a school that doesn't have the money for hands on teaching supplies? Are you good at math? Then volunteer to help tutor math for a program that provides basic education to adults that never had the chance to go to school. Whatever you do, be careful to be productive!

Donate specific goods to a specific cause - Many non-profits sometimes need specific items. Contact a non-profit near you (shelters, schools etc...) and tell them you'd like to help. Ask if there are any specific needs they need filled.

Don't let anyone lay on a guilt trip! Simply be productive in your volunteering/giving and share what you've got!

Get square with it! And think about me trying to help others get square with it.

Peace.

"Tweens"

2010-11-11T11:38:00.003+03:00

Meet Buddy. I'm not sure if I've ever posted pics of Buddy before. Buddy is Munchkin #2's hamster. My Munchkin #2 is into hamsters, drawing, sports, and her dolls.

I am more than bit bothered by some of the junk I see in pop culture. I'm also bothered by just how many mums out there think it's totally ok for their daughters to idolize the fake role models in pop culture. I remember my mum thinking Madonna's albums were totally rotten junk. Well, that's nothing compared to the music videos that are out now.

Living in the Middle East, it is more socially acceptable here to 'cover up'. I never thought I would find this environment more comfortable for raising a daughter. But, I do have moments that I'm happy we're here.

But.....she and I read Vogue Magazine together. We talk about the clothes. What does she think about this ad or that ad? I try to give her space to discuss and ask questions about what she sees in the magazines. We talk about how the pictures in magazines are not 'real' - that they have been so photoshopped that they are no longer 'real'.

Am I ever afraid I'm messing up/making mistakes as a mum? Yes, I do worry I'm not doing something right. I love my children more than I can possibly explain.

So for now, I'm thrilled that my daughter is into hamsters, drawing, sports and dolls. She hates shopping for clothes; she thinks it is horrid bad boring stuff. Yippeee!

Here's to shopping for dolls and doll clothes!

Peace.

Day to day....

2010-11-07T11:08:00.002+03:00

What a crazy morning! Dealing with shuffling kids out the door, finding shoes, finding swim kit, finding all kinds of sport kit!!! What a morning! It is totally amazing to me - once we get in the vehicle of choice and are headed off to school, everything is so much calmer. It's kind of like once you're buckled in headed to school, your fate is sealed. Again, what a crazy morning! (To the Grandmas and other family: Be watching for new pics that can't be posted here!)

Once the kids were safely settled, it was time for me to deliver 'snacks' for various school activities today. Being here, I feel like I've been transported back to the 1950's. Back home, mums would stop at bakeries to pick up goodies for school things. Here, I do everything from scratch. Last night, I made 3 batches of chocolate chip cookies, and 2 batches of cut-out sugar cookies. AND, I made homemade butter cream frosting for the sugar cookies. Munchkin #2 then helped put on the frosting and other last touches to the cookies. Yup, back to the 1950's. Ok, that's not such a bad thing, but some days I miss just popping over to the bakery!!!!

I've been meeting some new mums. I see their big houses and go, "Wow, cool place." They see our flat and go, "Wow, cool place." It's so very funny....I'm a full grown adult and yet so many times the 'grass is greener on the other side,' and I think about having what I can't have. Totally mental.... I am having a totally awesome time making new friends and showing new mums/friends around our town. I love an excuse to get out and enjoy this crazy amazing place we currently call home.

Well, back to the day to day stuff. I need to get more sports kit (gear) together for the afternoon of me being 'taxi mum.' No matter where you live, Mums are busy!!!

Peace.

BP Oil Spill....what a mess...duh!!!

2010-11-06T09:16:00.002+03:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/06/science/earth/06coral.html?src=ISMR_AP_LO_MST_FB

When the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico first started, I had many conversations with many other women about the whole mess. Of course, everyone was focused on the cute stuff - birds etc. that live in the salt marshes along the coast. But, I remember telling folks that I'm not that worried about the wetlands. Yes, the wetlands/saltmarsh areas are going to be a total mess, but it's going to be nothing like the bottom of the Gulf.

Guess what? It's looking like there's loads nasty business on the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico. If all the 'not cute' animals, polychaete worms etc die off, then what's going to happen to the ecosystem? Having spent much time working in the Gulf of Mexico, I can tell you that over the last few years I have personally noticed a marked decrease in the number of seashells washed up on the beaches. So, does that mean sea snails and clams are living longer and thus no shells, or does it mean that not enough are making it to maturity to eventually die off and wash up on the beach somewhere?

I'm praying for the Gulf of Mexico. I think this mess has only just begun.

Peace.

Yet again, looking ahead

2010-11-04T09:26:00.002+03:00

We never know what the future holds for us. For some of us, things are pretty simple. For instance, do we get a dog or a ferret as a pet? Sometimes it gets more complicated - are we staying in the Middle East for a long time?

I'm a 'planner' by nature. I tend to try to control things around me. Which, as I'm sure you can guess, never really works. I even do all my holiday shopping on the internet so I don't leave presents up to chance when I do my shopping in the home country!

But, most things we can't plan. I never knew I'd have both a son and daughter, move so many times, live in so many wonderful places and now live in the Middle East. The age old question all kids are asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up" becomes infinitely more complicated as we get older! Plus, we just can't really 'plan' what we'll grow up to be most of the time!

I just read the following in the Guardian:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/03/sakineh-mohammadi-ashtiani-execution

Certainly not what a mother would have planned. Certainly not what a mother would have planned to have happened to her family. Regardless of how you feel about the alleged or convicted actions of an individual, this is certainly not how one hopes or plans for their family. I can only hope that the family involved will no longer have to feel such pain.

Peace.

Very fresh.....crab

2010-11-03T17:45:00.000+03:00

Too funny/awesome/wild not to share

http://news.yahoo.com/video/science-15749654/new-vending-machine-dispenses-live-crabs-22786500;_ylt=AsedYE77oilPWWXaiC8rXPKz174F;_ylu=X3oDMTE3YXJldm90BHBvcwMzBHNlYwNtb3N0LXBvcHVsYXIEc2xrA25ld3ZlbmRpbmdtYQ--
Enjoy!

Peace.

Crazy volunteer stuff....?????

2010-11-03T12:39:00.003+03:00

I'm involved in a lot of different volunteer type stuff. Because I'm not fluent in Arabic, it's mostly fundraising kind of stuff at this point. Well......

Via a link from a buddy, I came across a YouTube video posted by AlJazeera news (English language). It talks about a shelter in the region for battered women. According to the report (sorry I'm not publishing the link for various reasons....), the shelter depends on private donations to stay open, and may be one of the only ones of its kind in the region (not sure if that last part is true). Thus, my buddy giving me the link. To help or not to help, that is the question.

Ok....fine. My involvement or non-involvement is a whole other story. Here's what was interesting....

All around that particular news report, there were uploaded videos on YouTube that looked dodgy to me to say the least. These other videos could be just women having fun or were these videos of women looking for employment in the oldest profession next to motherhood? {I am most certainly not endorsing these types of home made movies!}

Hmmm.....

What do you think? Do you think that the region (and I really do mean region not specifically my current country of residence) has need for dialogue on issues that affect women?

Peace.

This is a crazy post

2010-10-31T12:20:00.003+03:00

Greetings!

I'm showing a new buddy how to blog so you all get to read this test page I put together for her!

Peace.

Waiting, waiting, waiting......

2010-10-23T22:18:00.002+03:00

It's been an awesome and busy weekend. I'm totally in need of sleep, but I just had to share a quit bit.

Munchkin #2 went to a birthday party today. So...since we had to be out in all the weekend craziness, we thought we'd get some errands done.

We needed to get Munchkin #1 some new sports shoes (and yes, they are up to Grandpa's shoe size), I needed some undergarments, and we needed to pay our telecommunications bill. Because of how billing works (it's a very long story), it needs to be paid in person and preferrably with cash.

So....the husband bravely offers to go take care of the bill freeing Munchkin #1 and I to go do the shopping. Munchkin #1 and I go through numerous shops finally finding the shoes and my necessary item. We phoned the husband; he was still waiting. So....we decided to go wait with him.

Since it was now way past lunch time, Munchkin #1 and I stopped at a local market, grabbed a hot pie (chicken and mushroom, yummy), some chocolate milk and some juice. We then proceed to the husband. The husband is very thankful for the food. The place where we needed to pay the bill was very shiny and pretty. But, the people standing around waiting (at least 20) didn't look so shiny and pretty. They looked frustrated and tired - not exactly happy customers. Sigh...

And....drum roll please.....after the husband paitently waited for just over 2 hours, he got to pay the bill and take care of a bit of other business there. The upside was the lady at the counter was very helpful and friendly. As we left (my husband had enjoyed some friendly chat with a few of the folks also waiting), we proclaimed with big smiles to those still waiting, "There is hope!"

Never a dull moment!

Peace.

Bullying

2010-10-16T08:36:00.002+03:00

This post has almost nothing to do with life in the Middle East. But, I really wanted to write something on this topic.

There's a lot of press coming out of the States right now about bullying in schools. I think there's always been bullying in schools. But, with all the various ways humans have of communicating now, we all are quickly aware of bad things that happen half a world away.

When I was still a student (year 7 or 8?), we had tremendous freedom to roam about at lunch. What made it 'free' was that there never were any teachers around. It was prime time for bullies.

As a student, I was a 'nerd' - no surprises there. I learned to be proud of my nerd status. I made awesome grades in the hardest classes. I knew deep down inside that I was really going to do something with my life. I got to a point where I really didn't give a $%&# what the 'popular kids' thought. The biggest bullies were the kids with the most money and the best looks. They were 'popular'. On the bus headed home from school (year 8), there was a big group of them who gathered at the back of the bus. One boy was kind of the leader of the pack. He looked at me one day and said, "You're such a snob. You never talk to anybody." My response? Well.....my response was, "No, I do talk to people. I just don't talk to you because you are so mean." After that, he left me alone until our year 11 English class. We had to read a poem we wrote ourselves with music playing in the background. He laughed and started making jokes about the music I chose. Many people in the class joined him then in laughing and making fun of me. The ironic part was that I made an A on my presentation; I think he made a B on his. Later, after beginning my first year at university, I was invited to return to my old school to speak with a few classes about university life. Guess who was also there? Yup, that same guy. I spoke first. I talked about how you have to work hard and really focus. He talked about how even though you try to focus and work hard, everyone ends up going to drinking parties. I heard he's a lawyer now - and a good one at that. You know what? I don't know if he ever saw himself as a bully.

Growing up, there were two types of bullies. There were the 'social' bullies and there were the 'criminal type' bullies. The social bullies said nasty things, made fun of people and excluded folks. The 'criminal type' were the really frightening ones.

As a student, I saw bullying that was horrifying. What makes it still so awful is that there were so many of us who felt so very powerless to stop it. We were afraid. When one of my friends was attacked in the boys' bathroom (the bullies ripped his shirt into shreds with a knife while he was wearing it), I was terrified. He was a big guy!

Again, around years 7 and 8, I remember a huge group of guys who would grab a helpless boy and lift him up off the ground (this happened during the lunch period). They would spread his legs and threaten to ram him up against the hard metal poles that held up the shade over the school walkways. I will never forget the screams of terror. Looking back, I so wish I had known what to do at the time. I was terrified into paralysis. After a few days, teachers/head master etc found out and put a stop to it. But, I think it finally stopped only when they heard the screams and commotion. I don't think a single student (out of a few hundred) told an adult what was happening. If there were students who told an adult, I applaud them for their courage.

Living where we live, I've actually had folks who work with kids tell me that bullying can be a cultural thing. That a kid who is raised by parents from 'such and such' culture are raised to be pushy and fight. I'm sorry. That's just not so. I don't think bullying is 'cultural'. I think it's universal. It's a not a cultural issue; it's a humanity issue.

Bad bullies have always been around. I've even seen nasty girl bullies. But if folks make a choice as a society that we are not going to put up with this kind of behaviour, then think about how different a lot of childhoods are going to be. And then, dare to dream. Think about how different the world would be.

Peace.

I want a dog!!!!!!!!!!

2010-10-14T08:50:00.002+03:00

Ok. I'm feeling totally selfish. I really really want a dog. But, we can't have a dog where we live. It just wouldn't work, and it wouldn't be fair to the dog. But, I keep dreaming about a dog. For now, I'll need to be happy with the hamster and the guinea pigs.

At least I get to spend quality time with beautiful fish from time to time.

Peace.

Waiting.......

2010-10-13T10:20:00.002+03:00

I dearly love this type of fish. The seem to almost glow underwater. You can just get a hint of the seemingly iridescent yellow along their dorsal and caudal fins. It is an Arabian Butterfly fish. There are only a few places on the planet that have them; I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to swim with them. The wrasse behind it was also spectacular.

We had an awesome weekend. But...when we got home, Munchkin #2 had a tummy bug for about 24 hours. I think I am now fighting that same tummy bug, but at least I only have half the symptoms. I hate sitting around waiting for the tummy bug to finish its course.

I hate waiting, the vast majority of the time. Sometimes, waiting is relaxing. For instance, when I am waiting on munchkins and I can sit quietly and read the paper, maybe even enjoy a coffee. But, the rest of the time, I really dislike it.

It is so hard to plan, to go on about life, when one is waiting on others' decisions. Decisions that will affect everyone/everything around you. I try to keep going. I serve/volunteer. I do stuff for my family. I keep moving. I have days, like this past weekend, that I really enjoy being an expat. And then, I have days where I really just want to see the trees, smell the rain and be home.

I just have to keep reminding myself that, ultimately, I am not in charge. I may want to be in charge, but I'm not. So....I just keep moving.

Peace.

Green Sea Turtle Video

2010-10-09T17:57:00.002+03:00

Totally awesome little weekend getaway. Getting to swim again with a green sea turtle was such a rush!

Peace.

Bad IP....Rippers....Mexico

2010-10-05T18:03:00.002+03:00

Mexico, Distrito Federal, MexicoAxtel, S.a. De C.v. (189.210.4.82)

In other words, the IP address 198.210.4.82 has accessed this blog using Rippers.

If you are stealing content, then what you are doing is illegal. If you use Rippers to access my blog, then I publish your data in such a way so as to maximize the number of hits my blog gets in a google search. That way, the whole world will know what you are doing.

Knowledge is power.

What do you do with the information?

2010-10-04T08:34:00.002+03:00

http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/us-issues-travel-alert-europe-threat-terror-attacks/story?id=11787546&page=2

Ok. So....what am I supposed to do with this information? Is this only for Americans? Or should others sit up and take note? Do I worry about people I know living in Paris? Do I think about canceling plans to visit the home country? Do I beg the husband to not travel on business? NO, of course not. You can't live in fear. If you're fearful, you're not going to truly live. So, I ask the question....what is a traveler supposed to do with this information?

I live outside my home country. For an ex-pat, international travel is just a normal part of life. My passport actually ran out of space for 'stamps'. I read/hear that I should 'stay vigilant'. I just heard on CNN that travelers should stay 'extra vigilant'. Hunh? What? When I stroll through the souqs, I'm vigilant. I keep my handbag strapped across my body; I don't wear flashy jewelry. I make sure I'm never followed. I do these things just because I can and they are easy things to do; I'm using common sense. I don't necessarily feel like I'm ever in any real danger. Now, if someone told me that something bad was going to happen in one of favorite shopping areas, yes, I would avoid that area. With shopping, we all have choices. But, for many of us - we have no choice with international travel. We want to go home. But then, we have to travel back for work, school....life.

When we travel, we work very hard to not look like tourists. We try to avoid flashy clothes, we stick to the same transportation locals use. I've never been on a 'tour bus'. But, we always do this. We don't want to be singled out by pick-pockets, petty thieves etc.... This is just common sense.

Frankly, I'm more likely to be in a bad car wreck (especially where I live!) than in some kind of vile attack.

Yup, going to keep on living.

Peace.

Blah blah blah

2010-10-03T09:42:00.003+03:00

I have so many days I just get so sick of all the 'blah blah blah' in the news. The news just never seems to change. So today, I'm not going to add to all that 'blah'.

We went snorkeling this weekend. Not a 'massive' weekend trip or anything, but it certainly felt good to spend some time under the water. Today's photo is from this weekend. Note the cute little fish on the right-hand side of the photo.

Have a great week!

Peace.

The Sun is out and the Dust is gone

2010-10-02T14:27:00.002+03:00

Whew.....it's been a busy weekend.

The husband and I went to our favourite garden shop and bought two new plants. One is a spiky desert type thing for our patio, the other was labeled 'ficus hawaii', but I think it's a baby banyan tree. We cleaned about 8 months of accumulated dust off our patio, reshuffled stuff on the patio, and did a tidy-up job on all our plants. In our flat, we are up to 12 plants (most are rather large) and 4 on our patio. Being in the desert, it is so very helpful to the mental well-being to come in to a home loaded with fresh greenery that's real. And, we've made further progress on the doll house the family has been building for Munchkin #2. But, I've seen a few Star Wars action figures conducting maneuvers in and around it!

I've been super busy this week with my volunteer stuff. And, it's going to be another busy week this week. I can't believe all the meetings I'm having to go to! And, sadly, some of them feel so pointless. Sigh....at least I'm trying to do some good in this world.

Well, time to go wake the husband from his nap, grab the munchkins and head for the beach.

Peace.

News that makes you ill....but there is a way to help!

2010-09-30T09:25:00.003+03:00

The husband is trained as a 'seafarer'. When we met, he was in training to work on huge ships. I'm so thankful that he ended up in a different line of work.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/2010/sep/30/slavery-trawlers-europe The thing is....the Guardian published this like this is 'big' news. Of course, there are many folks out there who have suspected as much for a long time - maybe not about food on European tables, but certainly the bad working conditions. I have many friends in the maritime industries.

Does this kind of news make you ill? Do you want to help? Here's a suggestion:
http://www.missiontoseafarers.org/ I don't know of another organization that does the work that this one does (if you know of one - please email me). I have had personal contact with this organization off and on over the years, and they really provide amazing help and kindness to seafarers in need.

Are you frustrated with the ugly disregard our world shows many people? Then find a reputable aid organization and get involved.

Peace.

Sustainability....Is it possible or just a dream?

2010-09-26T17:53:00.003+03:00

Ok. I just had to write something about this.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/26/arts/design/26masdar.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1

Please read the above article and click to view the 10 picture slide show.

Ok. Ready to read on to my not always so humble thoughts?

Obviously, I live in the Middle East. I sat in the foyer of the munchkins' school building chatting with a few other mums just the other day. They were all moaning about how villas in a certain area of town are getting broken into in the middle of the night while the occupants are asleep. Very frightening stuff. They feel that this type of crime is on the rise. Hmmm....not sure I agree with that.....but moving on...... Oh yeah....and the school is in a compound with a huge wall around it - very typical. A new school in the area has an even bigger wall and looks like a fortress to me. Sigh....

I know MANY people here who live in big walled off compounds. I know MANY people here who live in flats with 24 hour security, and loads of constantly recording security cameras. This is a region of extremes. The man who is washing the Ferrari is only getting paid the equivalent of maybe a dollar or two (not even a whole 2 euros I think) to wash that car. The man washing that Ferrari probably dreams about one day having a little money to be able to get married - a simple basic joy of being a human being. The feelings of the mums moaning about the break-ins - as the world economy changes, the crime is going to rise. Wow. I just can't think and live that way.

When the husband traveled to India on business recently, he stayed in huge fancy hotels. He didn't feel safe walking the streets alone, so he stayed in hotels that had big green areas to roam in. The photos he took (sorry I can't post them) show a stark contrast between his hotel and the slums beyond. And what's worse, the 'slums beyond' were not really slums but typical housing. Again, wow.

The world is heading more towards the 'gated community' thing because I think "rich" people are scared. When I go shopping in certain areas, I 'dress down.' I wear scruffy baggy clothes and old shoes. I carry only a basic bag for my money and my purchases. I try not to look like a target. Do I feel safe? Yes, absolutely. But, why walk around begging for trouble? Hmmm....

Right now, what I miss most about the home country is walking a dog outside. I know, I know...dogs are 'haram' but I really miss having one.

The pictures I saw of the new development in the article just doesn't look like a place I'd want to go strolling with a dog. What about if friends want to visit? I have a friend with a new baby. What does she do? Park her car outside, unload all the baby stuff, put all the baby stuff with baby in little itty bitty car (what about if you have more kids), and drive to see the friend living in the new development. If I lived in the new development, then I don't think anyone would ever want to come see me. Where I currently live, it is hard to find parking for visitors. Not many of my friends visit me. We just meet up somewhere for a coffee.

I spend a lot of time with this kind of stuff jumbled up in my head. It's therapeutic to spit it out once in a while.

Peace.

Wow...what a totally crazy awesome day!

2010-09-20T08:27:00.002+03:00

Ok. Here's how the day went.

Had a rushed morning haul to get the kids to school. What should have been a brief drive, took an hour. Loads of car horns; very frustrating. Thank goodness for good music in the CD player and a travel mug of good coffee.

I had to then scurry into a big city for a morning 'appointment'. Now, many good places in this region (restaurants, places to have a coffee, beauty salons, health clubs etc..you get the picture) are in fabulous 5star hotels. Well, as I was waiting for my car (valet is 'free' most places if you've spent some money on a coffee etc...) a man came out - wrinkled clothes, messy hair. There were two women with him. These women were wearing very tight jeans, very tight shirts, and very high high-healed blingy sandals. They were speaking Russian - I think. The women each got into their own (I assume they were theirs) slightly run-down looking vehicles. The women then drove off. The man went back into the hotel. Now, this is a place where I have frequent appointments (it's one of my favorite places to have a coffee too!) so the guys working valet and I recognize each other. One of the valet guys glanced in my direction; I told him, "Interesting place some days." He looked towards the door of the hotel, shook his head and replied, "God help that man." My reply was, "And God help those women." We both nodded in understanding.

Just like any other big city, there are days when we encounter situations that really make us think. And all we can do is focus on what's important and support those around us.

So....got back home, eventually after another meeting - this time with a close friend - so it wasn't really a meeting. Got the kids all taken care of....changed clothes and went off for my next adventure.

I had an evening where I finally finally got to use some of my higher education. It felt amazingly good. And, last night was one of best night's sleep I've had in a while. I know I was relaxed because when I woke this morning, I wanted more sleep. I didn't feel this pressing 'Oh no! I've got to accomplish some good today!' I hope the husband is feeling some peace with all this swirling around.

Peace.

Restlessness

2010-09-16T10:47:00.002+03:00

Today, I can only describe how I feel as a sense of restlessness. Are we staying in the Middle East 'forever'? I see so much terrible stuff and some days I just feel so powerless. I go to the gym, do the grocery shopping, watch some junk on TV, and do some work on the computer. I work to do what I can to care for my family. I volunteer my time for various 'things'. I do what I can to serve and give back to the world. Where does this sense of restlessness come from?

The husband, munchkins and I are planning a trip to do a bit of snorkeling. Nothing big or dramatic, just a weekend of family and fish. I wish it was this weekend.

Peace.

What is reality?

2010-09-13T16:08:00.004+03:00

Living in the region in which we find ourselves, whenever we travel around these days we usually stay in a 4 or 5 star hotel. Back in the home country, we've always stayed in comfortable places, but not usually 4 or 5 star places! I find myself constantly explaining to my children that the 'ex-pat lifestyle' is not real. We don't really live in reality. I don't want my munchkins to grow up thinking that valet parking, massive breakfast buffets, and giant swimming pools are 'normal' living. That is just not how most of the world lives. So, what is reality? A most excellent question....

When I drive into the 'big city', I am struck by the massive number of buildings going up. I then ponder further, upon the dropping rental prices. I mean wow, what's going to happen? Who's going to rent these places? Hmmm.... me thinks that there are gonna be some bargains around! Happy shopping! I know that I love a good sale (preferably on designer handbags, but that's changing the subject a bit).

In further thinking about the current world economy, I came across this:
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/housing-property/empty-pools-in-discovery-gardens-annoy-residents-1.679484 I have seen this development. Its location is fabulous if you work in a certain area, and it's very close to excellent shopping and mass transit. It is so very sad to see an empty swimming pool in such a hot climate.

After further on-line news skimming, I came across this story:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jU1Hoflsvxcjus-_cWkikkiJHHwwD9I71AAO0
I have heard via the 'grape-vine' about more than a few women who were in a steady relationship but not yet married. And...surprise, they find themselves expecting a baby (You know how mums sit and talk. I 'hear' things). There then seems to be from these women tremendous concern and worry. Are they about to encounter legal trouble? Frankly, I don't know. I don't have the answer to that question. I am not a lawyer. I have only heard rumours of worries. I am not defending the actions of a mother leaving a newborn in the trash by any means! But...I can only imagine what desperation would drive a new mother to do such a horrific thing.

Different women, different realities. Knowledge is power. We must educate our daughters.

Peace.

The End of the Holiday

2010-09-13T07:38:00.005+03:00

I couldn't remember if I'd ever posted a picture of this guy before. It was a totally awesome experience being able to swim next to a sea turtle (this is a green sea turtle by the way).

Well, the munchkins' Eid break from school is just about over. I so enjoy having them home. I could never 'home school' (I think kids get a much better over-all education in a school setting), but it sure is fun having them around to play and go to movies etc....

Living outside of the home country, at times, is a total pain. A final bill on a telephone account I had back in the home country finally showed up - a month and a half after I canceled the account. Now, they are saying pay up or face collections. Sheesh.... What a pain.

I'm currently living in my current country on a temporary type visa. The process to get a renewed visa looks simple enough. But, true to form, it's much more complicated than it appears on the surface. I'm happy living here, but certain paperwork is just plain frustrating.

I need to cheer up a bit. Our home here is a total mess (we really need to clean house), Munchkin #2 is aching from starting back at her sport of choice, and I'm freaking out about the whole visa thing. Time to make reservations for a weekend 'sneak-away' to do some snorkeling.

As a last minute addition:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/sep/12/sarah-palin-iowa-republicans-2012 What I found most interesting about this article was the CV (resume for you Americans) at the end of the article and the reader comments. The history in the States is that when a 3rd party crops up, it causes a split in the party it arises from, and the other major party wins. 3rd party polictics in the States certainly makes for interesting/entertaining politics, but it's never a totally good thing for the original major political party it splits. Americans should take note: the world is laughing and horrified at Palin and her supporters. Palin would never be taken seriously by world leaders.

Peace.

Investelektrosviaz and Posting IP's: Does it help?

2010-09-08T07:32:00.002+03:00

Greetings! I can not believe the number of hits my blog gets from folks doing internet searches on Investelektrosivaz. But, since I've started posting the suspicious looking IP's, I have not had anyone 'rip.' So.....just in case....here's a recent hit to my blog that looked suspicious:

Investelektrosviaz Ltd. (IP 95.25.178.51)
IE 5.01 Win2000
6th September 2010

I thought this IP looked suspicious because it's an old version of Internet Explorer and Windows in addition to that the only 'ripping' I've had happen was from Russia and Saudi (I can't remember if I posted the Saudi ones or not).

I started this blog as a way to inform my family and friends about my adventure of living in the Middle East (a blog works so much better than large emails). I'm hoping that these 'extra' postings on Investelektrosviaz are helpful to my fellow bloggers.

Peace.

The Insanity of Burning Books

2010-09-07T19:47:00.002+03:00

Wow, what can I say? I'm simply stunned.

Have you ever seen the movie "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade"? In it, Indiana Jones and his father have to go to Berlin to get a diary back. In one of the Berlin scenes, there is a huge group of people, mostly Nazis, who are burning books. Whenever I see that scene, I'm really bothered by it. Do I agree with everything I see written? No, of course not. Do I agree with every piece of religious text I have ever read? No, of course not. But....I'd never purposefully destroy a book.

Science types and philosophy types love to discuss what 'really' separates humans from the rest of the critters on the planet. For me, it's humanity's ability to record our ideas, our thoughts, our grocery lists. It is the written word. Where would we be without the written word? I certainly wouldn't be typing this up on a computer sitting in the middle of a desert!

There is a really great term used in certain religious circles: anathema. Borrowing from merriam-webster.com: "Definition of ANATHEMA
1
a : one that is cursed by ecclesiastical authority b : someone or something intensely disliked or loathed —usually used as a predicate nominative
2
a : a ban or curse solemnly pronounced by ecclesiastical authority and accompanied by excommunication b : the denunciation of something as accursed c : a vigorous denunciation "

Burning books should be 'anathema'. It is an act that is not only physically damaging to human history, but it is an act that is demeaning to the people who take place in such an act.

I wonder what the planet would be like if cuttlefish could write? I wonder what they'd write about. Would they burn books? No, of course they wouldn't; cuttlefish are an intelligent species. I wonder what that says about people?

Peace.

Garbage and I miss chipmunks

2010-09-06T16:36:00.002+03:00

Well, I'm totally back - at least physically at any rate. My heart is still in the home country, and I'm really missing seeing chipmunks/ground squirrels. The little critter in today's snap was kind of a guardian of the bridge on a hike we took over the summer.

Ok. Here goes. These are 'only here' kind of garbage stories.

My resident permit/visa (whatever you want to call it) needs to be renewed. No problem......

My dear wonderful husband has all the paperwork ready. We went to an ATM machine to get all the cash we needed to complete the next part of the process. He takes part of the day off from work to take me down to an office that needs to see me in person as part of this process. We get there, park the vehicle, and proceed to exit the vehicle. We are bothered by men wanting to 'type' for us, wash the vehicle and whatever else. 'GO AWAY' - they were waiting for folks to appear in the parking lot headed for this office. Aggravating..... We get into the office. It is smashed full of people, and not really air conditioned. We go to get a number to get in the que, and a security officer approaches us. He asks if we have cash. Yes, we have cash. He tells us that they no longer take cash; we must pay on-line. But....the website didn't say ANYTHING that they no longer take cash! The security guard points to the little sign that states the no cash thing. We leave. We go back through the men wanting to 'help' (GO AWAY I think!!!!!!!) and get back in the car. We leave. We'll try again. Of course, all this needs to be done quickly and before the Eid holiday. Sigh.... The husband says that most things here take at least 3 tries....

The munchkins are back in school. Munchkin #1 needed A LOT of school supplies including loose paper with holes punched in it with lines for writing in English and Arabic. We go to the big 'hyper market'. No notebooks for writing Arabic. Say what???????? No loose paper with lines - only notebooks too small to be worth anything. There were MANY dazed looking parents walking around wondering why there's all this stuff in the store and nothing to buy. So...on to the second store. The second store is a VERY scruffy local type place (of course, I love it and shop there regularly). I walk in and buy an Arabic writing notebook and 5 tablets of writing paper for English. When the nice fancy big stores run out, try the local scruffy places the rich expats don't like. Sheesh....

Some days here are just garbage. At least I got to spend part of the morning with a great friend. Chocolate covered dates for Iftar? Yes, please.

Peace.

Back again

2010-09-01T07:43:00.002+03:00

Greetings all!

I'm still totally messed up from all the travel, but we're 'home'. I need to go find a coffee and get the brain in gear. It's always hard to come home after a long time on holiday. Plants on the patio need a little TLC, but I'm so thankful for the friends who helped watch our place. And, I know I've been here for a few years because my allergies where NOTHING back in the home country and now my nose is running and my eyes are watering. Sigh.... But, it's good to back together again with the husband and munchkins all in the same place.

Peace.

Getting ready to head for the sandbox

2010-08-28T17:57:00.002+03:00

Well.....that time is now totally upon me. I need to pack up.

On another note, http://gulfnews.com/pictures/life-style/top-ways-to-drape-your-hijab-this-season-1.674267 I found this article this morning scanning newspapers. The first picture shows the style I'm used to seeing, but some of the others are really new to my eye.

If I 'cover up,' I just keep it loose and comfortable.

Peace.

Wow, is it really that time?

2010-08-21T19:23:00.002+03:00

I need to be brief; there is just so much to do!

Well, we're just about ready to head back for the giant sand box of fun. But, it's cool and crisp outside here, and the fluffy clouds and green trees beckon (not to mention the rockin' new mountain bike I got this summer).

I just read this other blog post which I thought some of you would find interesting:
http://agneshee.blogspot.com/2010/08/friday-prayers-in-dubai.html I am posting this not to be offensive or invasive to the men in the photo, but simply to show a little slice of peaceful life from the Middle East. Plus, I suspect that the place of prayer was totally full and could not hold everyone, thus the men pray on the streets. Still, a very peaceful scene.

Now, I better get to work around here (my cheap sofa here in the lower level is WAY too comfortable) or this house may not be so peaceful.

Peace.

Having an awesome summer

2010-07-29T05:40:00.002+03:00

Not going to report anything...just wanted folks to know we're having an amazing summer.

Peace.

Loads on my mind....So stand back!

2010-06-22T09:22:00.003+03:00

I loved this snap. A few months back, we explored a drying wadi with some good friends. We came across a bunch of cute little frogs and tadpoles. We held this one just long enough to get a photo before releasing it back into its drying puddle. It's amazing to me how these little creatures survive in their desert environment.

First....I need to shoot my mouth off on the immigration stuff happening in the States. Get ready for some harsh opinion.....here it comes....

The States need to have a very low cost procedure for companies to sponsor guest workers after the company has shown that they can not find Americans to hire. That way, when companies need folks to pick crops, pack meat etc....they can hire the people they need legally. I mean really, how many Americans are willing to work in fields picking crops and in meat packing plants? How many Americans are willing to accept those low wages? How many Americans would be willing to pay higher prices at their super market for food picked and packed by Americans?

Many countries require that babies born on their soil must have one parent who is a citizen (ie passport holder from that country) in order for the new baby to receive that country's citizenship. I keep reading about illegal immigrants to the States having children on U.S. soil. The kids then become citizens while the parents still face potential deportation. Yes, this may sound really harsh, but it would keep non-U.S. citizen people from traveling to the States specifically so their kids can be born in the U.S. thus receiving free citizenship. (Yes, there are other laws involved......don't pick it apart too much....but the U.S. really should start somewhere....).

Care of the elderly.....
http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/21/dads-new-love-how-it-turned-out/?ref=health
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/21/science/21delirium.html?em&exprod=myyahoo

Yes, staying alive is important, duh. But so is 'living'. Maybe if we focused more on the quality of life issues as we age, then folks might stay alive longer because they are 'living'. Just thought.

Peace.

Oppression?

2010-06-21T09:10:00.002+03:00

I just read a very interesting article in the New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/21/world/asia/21kabul.html?pagewanted=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
Coming from the 'West', I'm used to hearing the word 'oppression' thrown around a lot when reading about certain topics. I'm not actually going to talk about this word, but I am going to talk about some everyday sorta mundane things that I have experienced and seen living where I live. But, obviously, we must be careful about the words we choose.

This area has the cleanest public toilets (specifically in shopping areas) that I have ever seen. Most also have a very nice place to sit down (sofa, comfortable chairs). I have always thought that these would have been wonderful places for me when I was a new mum and still feeding my babies 'the old fashioned way.' I've seen these spots used for this purpose. I have also seen women enjoying these spaces for pulling off a few of the many layers of clothing they sometimes wear here. I have had discussions with a few 'Western' mums here who use these rooms for feeding their babies because they are nervous that doing so in public could get them into a lot of trouble. I have no clue if they could get into trouble for feeding their babies the old fashioned way in public. I have seen some women doing this. As I stated before, I would have enjoyed these spaces as a new mum. But, otherwise, I'm not sure they would have been needed or used back in the town I lived in when my munchkins were babies.

I do not normally wear a head scarf. I own a lot of them however. There are occasionally times and places in the region when I'm more comfortable wearing it. It is very strange to be stared at by strangers. I have found that when I throw on that head scarf in certain places, I'm merely glanced at instead of stared at. Women, however, when I wear it have stared and smiled. They've even come up to me and attempted to begin a conversation. In certain places, the culture to cover is strong. Should I not wear one from time to time? Maybe....but again, the culture to cover is strong.

One of the biggest gaps, as I see it, between 'East' and 'West' is the culture gap. Specifically, culture as it relates to women. How do we bridge the gaps between cultures? I don't know, but I do know that the first step must be respect. The second step must be to realize that we are all human, that we are all women. And that we are all the same deep down inside.

Peace.

What is a Dead Zone

2010-06-17T15:38:00.002+03:00

If you've been reading/watching about the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, then you may be hearing more about 'dead zones'. For me, these are even more frightening than the oiled wetlands.
A dead zone is an aquatic area that is low in oxygen. If there's not enough oxygen, than life can't exist. Thus, it's a 'dead zone'. We've known that the Gulf of Mexico has been facing this previous to the massive spill. But, I think it's gonna get worse. Really frightening.

Read on....educate yourself:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37738626/from/RSS/
http://disc.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov/oceancolor/additional/science-focus/ocean-color/dead_zones.shtml

Some of you may remember the 'Biosphere' built in Arizona in the United States. The Biosphere was, essentially, an attempt to create an entire man-made enclosed 'Earth' with a full mix of habitats. It was a super cool experiment, and I had the extreme honor and pleasure of a behind the scenes tour of the facility before it closed. The greatest lesson of Biosphere was that 'it didn't really work.' Meaning....we couldn't really recreate the Earth's environment. The ocean area ended up looking kinda like clearish pea soup. I don't believe the facility is used for hard-core research any more, but is used for public outreach and education.
http://www.b2science.org/index.html

The Gulf of Mexico and all the 'Fish Friends' are running out of time. Yes, we still at this moment need oil. But, we've got to refocus, re-educate and kick things into high gear.

Peace.

The Top Ten Reasons It's Almost Time to Head for Home

2010-06-16T15:52:00.002+03:00

#10 The munchkins are just about finished with school
#9 Many of your friends have already left the country
#8 You'll go nuts if you sit in traffic with dust blowing for just one more day
#7 Hummus, Punjabi samosas and shwarma no longer sound that yummy
#6 Munchkins' lessons are just about finished for the quarter
#5 Your java chip frappachino from Starbucks is liquid goo by the time you walk from the Starbucks to your vehicle of choice.
#4 Jimmy Buffet's "Cheeseburger in Paradise" makes you think of how desperately you need a REAL bacon cheeseburger with a bucket of unsweetened BREWED iced tea (not Lipton from a can!) {My father even told the 'owner' of the most amazing fast-food bacon cheeseburger place in the homecountry just how crazed we were about these burgers! This is stop #1 as soon as we get off the plane!}
#3 It's so hot outside that you no longer want to make the walk between the building and the CHILLED swimming pool
#2 Hanging out at a 5-Star hotel feels 'whatever' (time for some time in the real world!)
#1 MUST PLAY IN TREES AND GREEN GRASS!!!!!!
Peace. The countdown to the home country has begun!!!!!