Former Expat Teacher Acclimating to the American Way!

So this man is going on and on about how nice his flight was. "That was the best flight ever". He was so relaxed and happy. Even today he is STILL talking about it. I know I prayed for favor for him but if he doesnt stop talking about his seating arrangements I may just STRANGLE HIM! lol Turns out,he was 'plucked' out of line for an upgrade.No questions asked,just a gift. . .Merry Christmas! This is where he sat/LAYED for the duration of his trip:

MERRY CHRIIIIIIIIISTMAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSS!!! Im about to go pick up the love of my life

For a split second I wanted to knock his bobbling head off his neck! All I wanted to know is, "why, if you are Lulus, cant I return this item to your store if I got it from another Lulus in the same city? Down the street even???" I quickly contained myself and didnt want to get mad over a simple matter even though it was THE DUMBEST THING EVERRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! a cashier explained that they have different inventory so they could only take things from their store. Fine if thats your policy and you cant do anything more than that really. Why the manager couldnt say that is beyond me and I told him that as well before I left the store. The old me would have been HOT mad! Oh Walmart and Target, where art thou? lol not really, ha ha ha

Who am I kidding? Every once in awhile I break out in a smile thinking about what awaits. Had I not met him, he wouldnt be coming here and I wouldnt have thought to come here. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

I realize that I have holes in my entries. Things happen and then something else comes along and I forget what I was going to write about. Take the wedding, for instance. THAT is something that shouldve been written about soon after it happened as it was a major event. First let me say that I was stressed about it because I didnt know what to wear and I didnt want to stand out as an outsider at all. I went to store after store looking for a dress that I liked and would/could wear again. Never would I have thought Id be wearing a red dress-to a wedding or any other event. Turns out the dress was a success in that department. Everyone I know liked it. The wedding: When we first arrived, we walked into a HUGE room with many round tables set up for seating and you sit where you wanted to. There were maybe 50 tables to seat about 8 each in the room.There are two perfume girls holding incense and you can waft it in your direction before taking your seat. We were beckoned over by...

I woke up this morning to a message from NBAD. Who says we are lowly servants they could care less about? We got paid early because of the Christmas holiday which means it HAD to be acknowledged and a respected part of our culture for someone to give the go ahead. And while most of my comments are either positive or neutral, I do realize that some have issues. I do think that the KG teaching life is a lot easier on the brain (and body) and allows me to stay in a (mostly) happy place. Me and my happy place will be preparing for Mr. D to come over Saturday. We are going to spend a few days in Dubai to see the sights. The mall, of course. Also the Global Village. IDK what else but Ill see when we get there. Prior to that, we will spend Christmas day seeing the 11 million dollar Christmas tree, going to the corniche ride bikes. Maybe have lunch at Yafoolis, and a dinner date somewhere if hes up for it. I know when I came in, I didnt have much jet lag to speak of. Sleeping the entire fl...

I realize that I posted 4 times the other day and wondered if that was any indication of the quality of my life. But none of them were ramblings, imho,so that makes it good,right? yesterday I thought id catch up on my sleep only to be called (literally) to come to Yafooli's. We sat and talked and ended up riding to the marina and also going to the veggie souk, which I found out is best to go to at 11pm or later. Its when the shipments come in and you get the best fruit or veggies. They probably thought I was a servant girl walking behind this tall,lanky Emirate man through the souk. In actuality, he was my tour guide and also bought my fruit and veggies for me as Id left my wallet. Hed told me the previous day about how its not an issue to pay for someone elses food or other items if they dont have money. Its not thought of again and they do it for one another without a second thought. Go ahead and say it, "but theyre rich,blah blah blah". I know plenty of people at h...

In the last month Ive learned a few things: 1.The word 'pig' is not a dirty word. Muslims dont freak out at the mention of it or sight of it. Maybe its just me but thats the impression I had. In fact, they giggle at us for being so self conscious about it. 2.The climate here is changing and probably has much to do with the demographics (which you can look up). Many of the things we were afraid about dont get a second look. And for you lefties-noone is paying attention to what hand you eat with in public. At someones house, you could simply let them know you are left-handed if you feel uptight about it. 3.Muslims respect your culture if you respect theirs. Ive heard quite a few of them talk about Christmas, whether it be to wish someone else a Merry Christmas or in simple conversation. I even got a Christmas gift from a colleague as a way of saying she recognizes our differences and respects them. Its a nice Christmas bow with a bell and its hanging on my door knob. 4.An...

Pretty much the first thought I had today before opening my eyes. I tried to stay awake to talk to my friend who got stuck in Dubai because of airport closures, then  boarded her plane to London for a connection only to turn around mid flight to return bc the airport closed. I secretly wanted her to stay but glad that she finally got a flight to Texas and then home, to Canada. My other friend is stuck in London til Wednesday and longing for the Bahamas. I SO hope she makes it. One of our friends here is going to try his HARDEST to make it to her-even if he has to fly to France and take the train-which is what they told him he may be able to do when he called. Those are some of the people you meet here. And weve only been here for two months! Guys, if you are reading this-Im very happy to have met each and every one of you ;P. So this morning my phone goes off and I know its early. So early that I was still in a very good sleep. Upon checking my phone I see that its a message ...

man, I just spent the last 6 hours. . . couldnt have been that long, could it?!?!?!? at Yafooli's. Almost every time I go it turns into an all night affair where I am invited to eat and/or drink something. I meet someone new, talk about the culture here or where I am from among other things. We laugh,joke, and talk. My old friend with Alzhiemers usually shows up and gives us more laughs. I dont know half of what he says but hes like an old grandfather. Sometimes he remembers me. At other times he does not. Either way, its cool and I enjoy the company of everyone I meet there. Sometimes I wonder what preconceived notions people come here with, and if those notions are the reason why they dont like it or only have negative things to say. I skimmed a post that was almost painful to read and wondered what Utopia this person moved from and why they left it. May I reiterate that no place is perfect. And may I also say (if I havent already), that to compare service workers here ...

Its only two oclock. There are four of us. Two have gone home for the break. One is in Al Ain and Im in AD. It feels like today will be a long one. I see why people would hate it here if they didnt have any friends to do things with and if they have gotten tired of going to the mall and thats not hard to do. Im sure Ill talk to the guys here at some point. . .maybe. R,F,A. One of them at least. I hope that we can get together for NYE. Theres a masquerade party that is sure to be fun and I havent had a good NYE since my sister yelled through the streets "OOOBAMAAAAAAA-BIIIIDEEEEEEEEENNN" rotfl. Yes,girl. I went there. If if you never respond to this then I know you arent reading!!! anywho. The house is almost in order. Ive only been in the apartment a month and it is a process. I STILL have to get curtains put up in the LR and I need a couple more shelves for things. This is why I havent posted an update on the place. Today I finally emptied the suitcases fully and pla...

Yes, the title is a little misleading but I usually go with the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, in some instances, the exact opposite is true. School is out. Today I was able to sleep in, for what good its worth. Today I will be cleaning my house. No husband to help. No maid either. I made the mess, after all, and I keep telling myself. "you dont need to buy more spoons! You just need to wash dishes more often!!!" Ill get it at some point. So here is a small list of things I got from Madinet Zayed. A large shopping mart of sorts that holds many clothing shops-mostly abayas,purse stations, makeup stations, smoke shops,food court,clothing department store,a furniture store,a gold souk, health stores (herb and gnc),fabric stores,etc. Im sure Im missing something. the coop is also there. A lovely alternative to Lulus for some things. They tend to be cheaper on some things but not nearly as large. Here is my receipt: high fiber bread  5.75 ketchup heinz  11.40 ...

1. I came home, ate a 'snack', and went to sleep to wake around 6. I HAVE A WEDDING TO PREPARE FOR!! We were told to get there around 930. Yes, I have to be at school tomorrow at 730. It will be an INTERESTING day. Oh, and night, of course! This happened much sooner than I expected. 2.Around 90 new teachers are coming. Im pleased that the group is small. I suspect that they will be ok definitely. Our group was half that size and both groups are but a small portion of the massive summer groups. I hope this is a trend that sticks and their experience and transition will, undoubtedly, be much smoother. Congrats to those coming. When packing, leave expectations at home. They are heavy and will bog you down!! 3.hmmm. What was three?shoooot!!!!!!! I dont know BUT I sent for my husbands visa yesterday and it has been marked URGENT. Im happy for the break we had. Missing each other is sometimes a good thing. When he comes, I will be a tour guide-a great one I hope. . .There is stil...

im sleepy i have an arabic wedding to attend tomorrow night and Im making bread pudding for the teachers at school tomorrow. . . I hope they like it!

Today was interesting. Possibly even all week. The kids are still on vaca in their minds as the previous week was a free week where they did activities till 10 and then had free day till noon. We release at 1210. After that, there was a long weekend. So when we leave the room or make a transition, they all go to get their bags because they think its time to go home. On top of that, they are very active and some of their behaviors bleed onto the others whereas it could POSSIBLY be a much more calm group. Our school has student teachers. . .and Im wondering why as we JUST got the remaining two teachers so that the E and A teachers could be in the same room with each other, the way its supposed to be. I am one of those teachers so I havent had the time to build rapport (for what thats worth with two different languages) or to set and establish routines. That takes time even when everyone speaks the same language. I started school I think the last day in Oct. Immediately, I started a...

Its funny how seeing and experiencing different things makes you think of your loved ones! Huge malls: Barbara scarves and fasion: Sheena Spicy food:grandda skirts: granny hanging outside at restaurants talking to people with good food: Vip and Jeannie laughing and having crazy fun times: Dottie ;p I know I have a few entries to post but its been so busy and even though I vow to continue posting, I understand how the time slips away. Well, actually I dont but do one thing after school and before you know it its time for bed. That is if you want to get 8 hours of sleep before work the next day. . .and I get off at 145! But you can add to that a 45 min commute. Yes, there are some commutes BUT living in the city gives many the same experience. That and at home its nothing for people to drive that far to get to work. Ive heard of people going further. . .you go where the money is! On top of that, if I may get on my soap box for a moment. . .the alternative could very well...

This is the pageview for this month. Also, there is a Russian website that apparently links because I get traffic frome there. If youre reading,please leave a note-maybe lemme know where youre from. . .and if you want to,you can tell me one good thing,lol. United States 274 United Arab Emirates 57 Canada 34 Russia 25 New Zealand 8 Singapore 5 Denmark 4 Saint Kitts and Nevis 3 Poland 2 Germany 1

Ok, so I have 3 more entries in my head but my eyes are drooping as I type this. Possibly tomorrow Ill be updating: 1.Never far from home 2.Ambush 3.Very Important Person

This entire week of school was dedicated to National Day. We had a "free day" each day after 10 where there were presentations (for lack of a better word) in the gym. The children dressed in their flag colors and the boys wore kanduras. They were so cute in them! We also did not teach this week as the Arabic teachers were teaching about National Day as well as some other things. After work, we ate together and I found out that one of the teachers is getting married so I may be invited to a wedding in 2 weeks. We/they talked about marriage and I listened about the varying perspectives on arranged marriage versus a "love marriage". The way they viewed it seemed probably as odd as arranged marriages seem to us. They also laughed about how much we work and they told us not to think about work once school was out and to enjoy our break. I am enjoying the break but Ill be working this weekend definitely. In regards to work. I came in when so many things were going on a...

Imagine youve had a rough day at work. Youre driving home from a long day and for whatever reason it takes you forever to get home. By the time you are able to finally sit down and relax, you can tell that your body is tense and your muscles are tight. Now imagine an animal being strung up for slaughter. Hes been kept in a closed room with little to no wiggle room, in a highly stressful environment, and probably hears his/her "friends" being killed in a nearby room. NEEEEXT!! Now the animal is being strung up and the throat is slit, only not as to kill. They want his/her heart to pump out all the blood because its faster this way. In the meantime, the animal is wailing around and dying a horendous death. Where did this entry come from and why the heck am I talking about this in my AD blog? Weeeell, I thought about it today and in previous days after repeatedly tasting meat that was unbelievably tender. Like, melt in your mouth tender. Like, OMG, what did you do to this...