My mojo is in Hibernation

Well, I finally made it back from KSA last Thursday morning.  After a 4 hour delay and then finding out my hubby hadn't put his alarm clock on to pick me up from the airport, I got home at 5 am (I was not a happy bunny believe me).

Unfortunately, my mood hasn't really got any better since then (if not its got worse).  I've had a hard time at work this week (its not the work, it's just keeping motivated, sometimes it gets me down).  And as each day this week went by it got worse and by yesterday I was ready to explode (thank god for weekends).

My diet has been going really well and last week when I was away I lost 3lbs.  But I'm a binge eater and when I'm fed up I eat!!!! So all the weight I lost is probably back on (I daren't weigh myself - it'll make me more depressed).

My niece made a very wise statement on Facebook last week which I agree with wholeheartedly.   She said, "Everyone PLEASE go out and eat everything you can find and STOP exercising!! I just thought about it, and it everyone I know became little pigs, I won't have to do shitty diets anymore! do it for me, pretty please!"  Ah bless her, but I know exactly how she feels.

Anyway, the dieting might have gone out of the window the last few days (and will probably continue until after the weekend) but I have still been exercising (mainly on the treadmill).  I'm loving the fact that I can download programmes onto my Ipad and watch them whilst running (well speed walking really).  I even spoke to my mum and dad and my two nephews on Skype the other day whilst on my treadmill (how good is that)?

I know Celebrity Big Brother has now finish and I know that Rylan Clark won it (and so he should have he was fab), but I am still a little bit behind on the episodes.  However, I did manage to watch episode 18 the other day whilst on my treadmill.   OMG it was hilarious, (it was the one where they had 'Big Blogger' and then the American party afterwards).  Honestly I cannot understand how 'Spiedi' can second they are HORRIBLE people!  I am a massive Big Brother fan but I truly believe that the programme is fixed!!!!   That's it, I'm done, I'll stick to Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing on Ice from now on!

This week, hubby and I have watched 'Life of Pi' (which was great and made me cry), 'Les Miserables' and 'The Impossible'.  OMG that film is the saddest film I have EVER seen (I cried from about 3 minutes in and NEVER stopped).  And because its based on a true story its even worse.  Its one of those films you have to see but don't really want to if you know what I mean.  It was sad but good at the same time.  All I can say its a good job I wasn't watching it at the cinema or on a plane, people would have thought I was having a breakdown.

One thing that didn't make me cry this week was a lovely evening out last Friday when we celebrated 'Burns Night' with our Scottish friends.  We went to the 'H' Hotel (I know crap name) and had Burns Supper with the Caledonian Society of Dubai.  It was a very 'posh' do and we enjoyed it immensely. We were 'piped' in as we made our entrance down the weeping staircase and the Haggis was also 'piped in'.   It was a grand do and everyone made a real effort for the occasion (I've never seen so many men in skirts before lol).   It's a far cry from other  Burns nights I've celebrated in the past.

My stepson has just spent a full month not drinking alcohol and I am very impressed (for anyone that knows him they wouldn't have believed he could do it), but he has and in the process he has raised £400 for Cancer Research so well done to him!

My son in Sri Lanka is better and back to full health (thank god).  He seems happy with life and everything at the moment so that puts a smile back on my face (good god something has too).

Anyway,that's it for this week, I have felt a few times this week that I'd like to hibernate, but perhaps there is a light at the end of the tunnel and I should always remember, life could be a lot worse.  I promise by next week my mojo will be back.

Take That, Celine Dion and Rylan Clark

Hi everyone, this week I'm writing from Jeddah in KSA.  I'm here on a business trip but am due to fly back to Dubai in a couple of hours. I'm not very happy though as I've been delayed for 3 hours due to fog in Dubai.  My step son is in Qatar waiting for his flight back to Dubai too (needless to say he's not happy either).  I am however in the first class lounge which is better than waiting around the airport lounge (plus I get free wifi).  Honestly I keep saying it but the Internet is fabulous.  I'm sat here with not phone access but am talking to my hubby in the UAE, my step son in Qatar and my aunt in the UK, and none of it is costing any if us any money!

IIt's been quite different to my many other visits.  I'm usually running around like a blue arsed fly with 101 things to do and working 12 hours a day.  However, this visit has been a lot quieter, as I've been mainly observing my colleagues.  Although I can't speak a word of Arabic I can follow the training quite well (obviously as I wrote it).  But because I was observing, I found the whole visit quite boring (I'd rather be busy than sat around on my bum all day). 

Anyway, I'm hoping that my return flight is much better than the flight out to Jeddah.  As usual the plane was full of pilgrims off to visit the Mecca (and as usual I was visually offended by men in massive white towels and bed linen, showing all the big, fat, hairy bodies).  I'm not complaining about them because of their religious beliefs, I just can't get to grips with the whole half-nakedness.  I tried to ignore them as much as possible but its hard especially when they are getting on and off the plane and standing right in my 'personal space' (honestly it drives me mad!).

One good thing about being away from home is the fact that I hardly eat and it is easy for me to stick to my diet (although if I see one more tuna salad, I'll scream).  Anyway, I'm gonna do the big weigh in tomorrow and see how I've done. 

As I've been sitting a lot in the classroom, I made a conscious effort to go to the hotel gym and spend some time on the treadmill and I've continued to log my calories on my 'My fitness Pal' App.

For some reason I found a Take That video on my iPad (didn't know I had it).  It was of their 'Circus' concert.  OMG it was fantastic, what fabulous entertainers they are!  I enjoyed it so much I stayed on the treadmill for over an hour (wished I'd known I'd had it before I would be about 6 stone by now).    One of my friends on Facebook told me she's seen Take That 8 times! (My god, she's one serious fan! - or is she a stalker? I ask myself)  I really wished I had the chance to see them, they are great.  Although Gary Barlow is my favorite, I actually saw Jason Orange in a different light for the first time and didn't realise that all of them (not just Gary and Mark) can sing lol.

Well, I am not be able to see Take That in concert any time soon, but hubby and I have just booked to see Celine Dion in concert at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas!!!!  (How good is that?).  Really excited about it, don't think anyone can go all the way to Las Vegas and not see a famous singer in concert.  I think it will be her last night of the current season as the next night Shania Twain is playing (We would have gone to see her as well but we leave for Banff on that day).  Anyway, something great to look forward to as hubby and I have been fans of Celine for years.

Finally, whilst sitting in my hotel room I've been catching up with this year's Celebrity Big Brother and series 2 of Homeland (not much difference).  Anyway, I'm not sure if CBB has finished yet, but I'm on to episode 14 and I can tell you that bloody 'Speidi' are driving me MAD!!!  How awful are those two people?  I've never seen such a horrible couple (honestly if I'd been in that house with them I'd have throttled someone by now!). 

Apparently, I've been informed by my friends that the arguments get worse (Why do the voters keep them in - what's wrong with them)?  

There are so many other good people in the house, even though I never liked Rylan's singing in X Factor, I do think he is great and definitely an entertainer (think my money is on him).  If, 'Speidi' get anywhere in the top 5, I'm telling you it's a fix!! 

Happy New Year, we are Family

Happy New Year, and welcome to my first blog for 2013! 

Sorry it's a little late but I've been extra busy for the past few weeks as I've had my niece and her friend visiting from the UK.

So, we had a good night on New Years Eve with ours friends (and some friends of friends) and spent the evening a very popular restaurant here called 'Yalumba' in Le Meridian Hotel.  We all enjoyed the evening as a whole, the food, drink, music, atmosphere etc (well, not sure about the German holiday makers, who joined us).  If truth be told though, I found this NYE very sad and spent a lot of time thinking of my recently deceased friend.

On 2nd Jan, we welcomed my niece and her friend into our home.  This visit was extra special as I have hardly spent any time with my niece since she was born.  This is not due to anything other than she was born and raised in Plymouth which is about 280 miles away from Hull and we didn't visit very often. 

Although, we have hardly spent any time with each other over the last 25 years, it was amazing how well we got on.  After just one day, her friend and my hubby were 'gob smacked' (sorry bit on Hull slang there), at how much we were alike and by the end of the 10 days they were convinced we were the same person (Well, we are family, lol).  This includes our sneezing, shoes, bling, bags and chewing straws.  We also love vouchers!  Vouchers are the key to happiness and affordable Dubai lifestyle (according to the girls).

The girls had a "chuffing good time" (one for the girls) and hubby and I have now been nominated as their adoptive parents (bless em).  They did the general touristy things including; visiting Dubai Mall, MOE, Ibn Battuta Mall, a desert safari, the laughter factory, visited the 'Walk' on JBR, went to the beach, did a dhow cruise (and lost a phone in the bottom of the creek), saw a show at DUCTAC (Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre), went to Karama market and hit and swore at a bouncer  at Jumeirah Beach Hotel (all in good fun lol).

They girls left on Saturday morning, and the house seems a little empty, but they've both promised to come back next year, and they are both very welcome (can't wait!).

On another subject, hubby and I have booked our next skiing holiday with a combination trip of Las Vegas, Banff and New York (YOLO).  Needless to say it calls for drastic action of exercise and diet. 

I now have a personal trainer!  Yes, that's right, as the Wii came back out on Christmas day (after about 2 years!) I've been working hard with my personal trainer on the Wii Active 30 day challenge.  And I've been using the treadmill (yes the cobwebs have been dusted off again) and I've been sticking as much as possible to 1200 calories a day.  I've lost a little bit of weight but nothing to shout home about at the moment.  But I'm remaining positive and trying as much as possible to stick to my new regime.

Finally, my son (the one in Sri Lanka) has unfortunately caught dengue fever (again!) and is currently in hospital.  I've spoken to him a number of times and luckily they seem to have caught it early.  However, I'm sending my love and PMA to him, and wishing he gets well soon.

Goodbye 2012, bring on 2013

I hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas and hope Santa was really good to you.

On Christmas morning, hubby and I woke at a reasonable time, opened our pressies and started to prepare the Christmas lunch whilst listening to Christmas songs (I was comis chef).  It still seems a bit wrong having Christmas lunch in the garden in 30 degrees (but its lovely).

Later on in the evening, more friends came round, and we ended up playing the 'Hull' version of  Monopoly (lol, I know we're sad!).  After that we dusted off the Wii (and my god did we have a laugh).  Needless to say the Wii is now well and truly back out of retirement.

 

We've watched some great Christmas shows over the festive period including, 'A Christmas with Michael Buble' who had guest stars, Gary Barlow and Dawn French. The final of    Strictly Come Dancing, (OMG how good was that?).  I wished I could dance one tiny bit like them, they are all wonderful, I loved every bit of it!  'Text Santa', 'Downton Abbey', 'Call the Midwife' and the good old 'Royle Family'.

We've caught up with family and friends on Skype which is always great, including my good friend who lost her lovely hubby just a few weeks ago,  she's doing remarkably well, (am so proud of her).  We've definitely all been thinking about him even more over the past few days.  Even today, I was quietly listening to my iPhone when 'Angels' by Robbie Williams came on and the next minute I was sobbing (isn't it strange how something can start you off like that?).  But the 4 us are Robbie fans and we went to see Robbie in Amsterdam a few years ago (and it was quite apt when they played 'Angels' at Dave's funeral).

To Absent Friends

I still find it hard to believe that this time last year the two of them were here in Dubai with us saying goodbye to 2011 and  looking forward to 2012!  (Jesus, life's a bitch!). 

Anyway, less of that, time to look forward and remain positive  I'm looking forward to 2013, I like the sense of renewal and optimism (a fresh start).  I've already made a New Year Resolution (and am DEFINITELY gonna stick to it - I bet you know what it is, lol).

Here's to a promising 2013! Happy New Year everyone!

 

End of the World? I think Not, it's Christmas tomorrow

Happy Christmas Eve everyone!  It's been reasonably festive so far this year. Although at work we usually get a number of gifts from different departments, but this year we didn't get anything!  We all waited in anticipation for the Group corporate gift and even that didn't arrive!  What's going on?  (Is Santa on strike?)

Last Friday, the topic of conversation was the predication that on the 21 December 2012 the world would end (but not for a small village in France, oh and Africans apparently).  Needless to say none of us believed it, but by the time we had finished our conversation on Thursday at work, I was beginning to think I should call everyone I know and tell them how much I love them (just in case).End of the World 2012

I'm glad it didn't end, hubby and I had a party on Friday night (all that preparation would have gone to waste).  Anyway, it was a nice party (quite a small one with 17 people), but it was nice.  I named it, 'Show and Tell, Christmas Party', although my friends didn't bring their pets, they brought their parents. Many parents are visiting their offspring this week, due to the Christmas holidays, and it was just a coincidence that everyone we invited brought their parents.   Perhaps I should make it an annual thing.

It was a very pleasant night (hubby spent most of the day preparing), my friend made the mulled wine and I was designated to making the house look nice lol (typical).  The only things missing were my mum and dad (didn't seem right without them, what a shame!).

Last week we had a couple of days of rain in the UAE.  It was 18 degrees and pouring down.  I even had to have my car heater on use the windscreen wipers again (that's about 4 times this year!).  Unfortunately, it is quite bad here when it rains as people just seem to forget how to drive.  In one day it was reported that there was 630 road accidents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi because of the rain (not good!).

Last night something weird happened whilst we were sleeping.  Honestly, I've never been so scared in my life.  We were fast asleep, when suddenly I heard some very loud music coming from somewhere in the house.  I knew my son had been watching TV in his bedroom, so I thought may be the film finished and the credits were playing.

I went into his bedroom and I was right the credits were playing but the sound was very low.  However, we could both hear really loud music coming from downstairs (it sounded like choirboys singing).  I ran downstairs to see what was happening but couldn't find where the music was coming from.  We have Apple TV and I thought perhaps it had turned itself on somehow, but nothing, it was dead!  Then suddenly the music stopped!  I couldn't understand it and began to start panicking. 

The patio door windows were steamed up and I started to think I was going to see a face peering in (I know, my imagination runs away with me sometimes).  Anyway, I went back up to bed and couldn't sleep, then about 10 minutes later I received an email on my phone saying 'Delivery Status Notification (Failure)'.  But what I couldn't understand was that I hadn't tried to send an email and especially from my Ipad (OMG it was too weird).

Needless to say it took me ages to get back to sleep (I was beginning the think I might have to call Ghost Busters in).  Then about 3.30 am, we heard more music!  This time, I woke my hubby up straight away and we both went downstairs to see what was going on.   We realised the music was coming from my Ipad.  Honestly, I could have died, the music was coming from a Christmas App I had downloaded a few days before (what a geek I am!), but it was just so weird how it came on by itself and how it was so loud.  We presumed the first lot of music also came from the App (let's hope so).

Anyway, all is well in the household now and I just want to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and I hope Santa brings you everything you want.

Secret Santa has been revealed

After going through the shock of our boss 'leaving' the company 2 weeks ago, last week our team were 'encouraged' to join in the Secret Santa celebrations.  Well, although none of us were actually in the mood to do it, we did, and to be honest we all made a pretty damn good effort.  In the past, other Secret Santas I have done have just been for one day, but no, this one went on all week!  We had to buy a gift every day for a week (for someone we hardly know).

Needless to say, I ended up having to buy gifts for some extremely quiet man that I've probably spoken to about 5 times in as many years.  However, I made an effort and bought him some nice gifts (I didn't want to let the side down lol).  I even spent 2.5 hours one day looking for Santa socks and a Santa tie (and that was after sending my hubby out for about 2 hours before that, bless him).  But there was none to be seen, I couldn't believe it, but again I ended up with some nice things (A Chocolate Santa and Elf, Christmas Mug, Candles, 2013 calendar and large box of biscuits).

My Secret Santa on the other hand has been nominated the worse ever Secret Santa by myself, my team and half the department lol (now I feel bad for putting that but honestly it's true).

Day 1: Half eaten bag of mini dunkin doughnuts

Day 2: A kitkat and twix (not even wrapped)

Day 3: 3 breakfast cereal bars and a mini box of cereals (in a brown envelope),

Day 4: A pink cow money box, (Jesus I'm not 6), plus another 2 cereal bars (again all unwrapped) 

Day 5: 2 large white vases (completely different from each other and wrapped up in the shop brown paper)

Honestly, if you're not going to make an effort, then don't join in.  The guy clearly was not interested and is definitely has no spirit of Christmas, apart from the last day, he obviously either took my gifts out of his cupboard at home or bought them on the way to work via the petrol station.  May be next year I should buy hime the Secret Santa Gift Guide!

Someone who is looking forward to Christmas is Charlie, here he is in his lovely little reindeer outfit, getting ready for the celebrations.

Over the week hubby and I have spoken to my mum, son and a number of our friends back home, on skype (it's always great to speak with them).

 On Thursday night my hubby went out with the guys from work for Christmas.  I on the other hand, went out with some friends to a charity do.  'Jappo's Road to Recovery"  It was all in aid of a friend of some of my friends who about 6 weeks ago was knocked down by a car as he was crossing the street.  The poor guy is in a coma and has head traumas and to top it all his wife is 7 months pregnant with twins (god and I think I've got things to whinge about sometimes).  

Anyway, it was a great night and I believe a lot of money was raised (but not sure how much yet) to help with medical care and care for his lovely wife and babies.   Everyone put their hands in their pockets and bought raffle tickets, bid in the auction and bet on the horse racing (not sure I'm allowed to say bet, officially it wasn't betting but I'm sure you know what I mean).  One of the funniest points of the night though was when the sound didn't work on the horse racing so my friend's hubby did an hysterical version of horse racing commentary.  He had everyone is stiches. 

On Friday we both went to our friends/neighbours house party 'It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas'.  It was again really good fun and our hosts had made a massive effort for all their guests with festive food, mulled wine, Christmas songs and games (can't wait for next year lol).

 

One final thing, is that I've had a go at growing tomato plants over the last few months.  I've been really proud of them as I watched them grow from tiny seeds to full grown (almost ripe) tomatoes.  I've been watching one in particular that only had 2 or 3 days left to go before I could pick it.  But, yesterday my hubby found the bloody thing, half eaten (I was gutted), we think a gekko decided to have a go and by the looks of its remains whatever did eat it obviously enjoyed it! 

Tis the Season to be Jolly - Or is it?

Last the weekend, we attended the Dubai Christmas Festival and are trying to get into the Christmas spirit with the 'Secret Santa' at work, watching Christmas films and decorating our tree, I still can't seem to get into the full swing of things due to work issues.

They say that December is the season to be jolly - hmmmm, I not so sure!

We're only into day 9 and already I've had 2 lots of shocking news.  Firstly, my boss 'has left the company' (Just like that).  We went into work on Monday morning and she was packing her stuff away and then left. 

There was (and will be) no handover and no real explanation for her quick departure (although we all have our suspicions).  Unfortunately, this sort of thing happens a lot in the Middle East (it even happened to my hubby in October last year) and there seems to be nothing anyone can do about it.

Anyway, this has left our team devastated and to be honest a little lost and to top it all, we were all just coming to terms with the crap news and one of my lovely colleagues resigned today! 

Although I knew it was coming, it still hit me like a ton of bricks and after she finally handed in her resignation, I started to have what I can only describe as a panic attack.  I'm not usually a weak person, but something just snapped inside, I started breathing really heavy and had a massive lump in my throat and started to cry.  I think it might be a combination of not only the loss of my friend/colleague, my boss but also my good friend who died last month.

A couple of good things that have cheered me up are that James is loving Sri Lanka and has really settled in there.  He's already done a lot of diving, has learnt a number of Sinhalese words and tried out the local whiskey.  Overall, he's happy, so I'm happy.

Secondly, my recently widowed friend has booked to come and see us with her sister in February, so that will be nice and I am sure she will need the break by then.

So, nothing else to report this week, I'm losing my PMA a little, I am sure it will come back but how quickly is another question.

National Day weekend at the Dubai Rugby Sevens

Happy 41st National Day.  Yes, the UAE marked its 41st National Day yesterday.  The streets have been covered all week with flags and lights in national colours hanging from all sorts of buildings.  Shopping malls have been decorated as well as numerous vehicles on the roads displaying the rulers of the UAE (plus we had a day off yesterday). 

I (along with 1000s of others) received a text from HHSHKMOHD (Sheikh Mohammad) yesterday stating:

"Dear Citizens & Residents of the UAE.  I am delighted to congratulate you, and my brother  Skeikh Khalifa, President of the UAE, as we all celebrate the 41st anniversary of the UAE.  This is a day of joy & pride, in which we remember the inspiring journey of our founding fathers and look ahead towards a bright future of endless possibilities"  Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. (ah bless him, how sweet was that?)

So last week was manic again (nothing usual there then).

Within a few short days my son was with us and now he is living and working in Sri Lanka!.  Yes that's right!  He was offered the job and Tuesday, flights were booked, visa's arranged and he flew out to Negombo, Colombo on Friday morning.   He's now working for Colombo Divers which is apparently the dive centre which was connected to the hotel we stayed in in September (the Jetwing Beach Hotel).  Although he's only been there a few days he's loving it and has already dived a number of times.

In the middle of last week, I started with a cold and by Thursday it was really bad.  However, it didn't stop me and my hubby from taking our annual visit to the Emirates Airlines, Dubai Rugby 7s.  Each year approximately 120,00 fans gather together for the 3 day tournament.  Many go to actually watch the rugby, but there are many more people there just to have fun.   

On the morning of the 7s, it was actually raining in Dubai (nothing wrong with that it is December), However, normally when it rains it usually only rains for the max an hour, however on Friday it rained almost all day.  We went in a mini bus that was arranged by a friend of a friend.

When we got there we met up with a number of other friends.  Some of our friends had dressed up in fancy dress as Alice in Wonderland characters.  Hubby and I were all set to dress up too but we got cold feet before setting off and changed our minds.  Its silly really because 100s of people were dressed up.  There were Christmas Turkeys, the Flintstones, Hawaiian Girls, numerous people dressed as Superman, Wonderwoman, Spiderman, Soldiers, Muscle Men, Liverpudlians (Calm down, Calm down).  There was all sorts.  It's a great day out for anyone of all ages from 3 to 93!

The rain stopped for a couple of hours at the most but then about 4 o'clock the sky turned black and the heavens opened.  OMG it has never rained so much.  We were under cover on one of the stands but we might as well have been stood in the middle of the pitch.  Everyone was looking for shelter and covering themselves with anything they could get their hands one, from plastic bags, bin bags, beer can boxes, seat cushions (anything you name it we tried it).

The highlight of the day for me was when the DJ, played Its Raining Men by the Weather Girls and almost everyone suddenly decided it wasn't worth trying to keep dry, dropped everything and started dancing on the stands.  It was Fantastic (and all the while the poor rugby players were still playing).

Eventually after making our way to the beer tent (along with 1000s of others) we decided to leave.  OMG the car park was literally packed.  Needless to say the Dubai transport system had no idea how to cope with the mass exodus and there were a number of heated arguments with people as they tried to get on the buses or taxis with no joy.  It was even worse for those people who had little children with them.  By miracle of miracles, we ended up finding the bus we hired and after kicking some people who weren't in our group off the bus, we managed to get back in one piece (if not a bit wet).  We did offer 4 seats to some people going back to Abu Dhabi (bless em, it was their first day of their holiday and it poured down).

So after a manic day on Friday, we joined some friends of our to the picnic at Blades restaurant in the Al Badia Golf Club.  Obviously with all the rain the day before we were a little concerned it was going to be a wash out, but no, it was lovely.  It was very relaxing.  We had quite a large table top on the ground and were given a picnic basket between the 8 of us.  We helped ourselves to nibbles from the basket, ordered food from the BBQ and were served champagne by the lovely waiter.  All in all a great day and highly recommended.

Cest La Vie - Such is Life

Yesterday I also had the chance to Skype with my friend who has just lost her husband (my lovely friend Dave).  Honestly, I am so proud of her, she is a pillar of strength at the moment and is coping remarkably well.  Whilst I was in Saudi last week, I managed to hold it in for a while, but as soon as I got back at home with my family, I just fell to pieces.  Losing someone so close to me has made me really appreciate what I have and I value every moment we all have together (husband, kids, family and great friends).  I am learning that the grievance process is a strange thing, one minute you're fine the next you're in tears.  But I know if my friend can be strong, so can I, we all need to remember all the good times we had over the past 10 years and smile back at the memories we have.

I have also decided that I am not going to let people or work get me down and I'm going to more confident when making decisions, (you just never know what is around the corner).   Last week in my class on of my 'classmates' referred back to people who are not academic as 'sub-human beings' (what the hell is all that about?).  Honestly I could have wiped the floor with her, but Cest la vie.  I just can't be bothered, life is too short, if that's what she wants to believe than so what!  One thing for sure is she won't be on my Christmas card list this year lol.

Another person who won't be on my Christmas card list is someone I work with in KSA.  This is the conversation that we had last week:

Him - Mandy can I ask you something? You might not like it, but can I ask anyway?
Me - May be you shouldn't ask me then
Him - Have you put weight on? Yes, I think you have! Especially in the face!

Not what I wanted to hear (at any time - but especially then).  I think he needs a few lessons on diplomacy!  When he tried to apologise the next day (only after he'd been advised to), I told him I didn't accept his apology and that I didn't care if I was 20 stone, I was more worried and upset about burying my friend that how much I weighed! (needless to say he was dumbstruck, ha!)

A few weekends ago we ventured to Wild Wadi Water park.  After living here for over 5 years its only my third visit.  I was actually very excited as I got closer to the entrance and felt like I was on holiday in Disneyland or something.  Hubby and I went with our friends and the four of us had a really good afternoon.  We found a really good place to sunbathe (just far enough away from the kids lol) and then spent the afternoon doing a combination of sunbathing and going on the water slides.  It's amazing that the park in practically on our doorstep but we hardly ever venture there.

One other thing that amazes me is the hundreds of different shapes and sizes of everyone and in particular the swimming attire of the women.  Honesty, it goes from the sublime to the extreme.  On one hand there are women there with almost absolutely nothing on (2 handkerchiefs covering their nipples and another one for their privates) to women wearing Abaya's with gloves, veils, the lot (needless to say you don't normally see these women in the water). 

Recently our neighbours had a couple of trees pulled down from the garden.  Each one was between about 50 - 70 foot high.  The neighbours next door complained and said if anything was broken they would call the police (what's all that about then?). Yes, get them to foot the bill but not call the police its their job for god sake.

Winter has arrived in the UAE and honestly our office is really cold some days, this is usually because someone keeps leaving the air conditioning on.  Anyway, whilst I was back in the UK  I purchase a number of thick black tights to wear in the office.  People think I'm mad but they've worked a treat! 

Rest In Peace - My dear friend

I've been away from my blog for a couple of weeks due to something very devastating happening.  Last week one of our extremely close friends lost his battle against cancer and yesterday he was cremated.  I'm still in shock and extremely upset and still can't believe its happened and that none of us will be able to speak with him ever again and it breaks my heart.

This time last year both him and his wife were looking forward to coming to Dubai to spend some time with us.  We had a great time on New Years Eve and brought in the New Year together (as we had done some many times before).  But back in March, he called to cancel our planned holiday to the Maldives and announced he had the 'Big C'.  Everyone was so shocked and for months it was hard to take in. 

But over the past few months both him and his wife were so positive and always kept smiling.  I remember him telling me I was only ever allowed to cry once when we spoke on Skype and then I had to be good and stay positive and he did not want to see any more tears (which is very hard to do).  We even discussed booking for the Maldives next year and they were hoping to come and see us again at Christmas.

Hubby and I were extremely thankful that we were able to spend time with him and his family back in August, but now 3 months later he's gone and we're still reeling from the sad news.

Friday (16th) would have been his 49th birthday, (that's no age).  Hubby and I have been friends with him and his wife for over 10 years and he was like a second father to my youngest son Chris.  Life is such a bitch.   I am not a religious person but I can't help wondering that if there is a god up there, why he feels it necessary to take the good people in this world before its their time!

Last week, hubby and I travelled back to the UK to be with my friend and her family. I've been worrying about her for a long time and in particular how she would cope, but she's been so strong and on the surface she is a fighter and she is coping and I know her family and friends are behind her and she will be strong for her two very loving boys.  But it hurts so much when I think about how many times we laughed when she'd say, I met Dave when I was 17!  (how could anyone forget lol?)  That's almost 30 years ago and her life has evolved around him and her kids all that time.

Dave was an avid reader of my blog so I thought I'd dedicate this to him and his family.  Over the past 10 years we've had our ups and downs like most friends but we were very close even when we moved to the UAE our friendship did not fade.

For a long time the 6 of us were inseparable (2 other good friends of ours).  We're all very similar ages (4 out of the 6 of us born the same year).  We've spent a number of nights hosting dinner parties and having competitions on who cooked the best meal, created the best menu or laid the best table (Dave usually won, bless him). 

We've taken short breaks to Dublin, Amsterdam (to see Robbie Williams in Concert), and to a wonderful little place in the North Yorkshire Moors called Blakey Ridge (Fraggle Rock to my friends).  This was extra special as Dave planned the whole trip from start to finish to celebrate all our 40th birthdays.  It was a great weekend which I will never forget. 

We also holidayed  in France and Italy (skiing twice), Florida, Mexico and of course they visited us numerous times in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.  So you can imagine we've had some pretty good times. 

Last week we laughed a lot when we looked at some old photographs of when we went skiing in Passo Tonale, Italy.  It had been really hot and we all got really bad sunburn.  Every photo showed the 12 of us with extremely red faces and white eyes where our goggles had been (omg what a sight lol).

Last Friday (his birthday) was very hard for us all, his wife and kids went to see him in the chapel of rest (hubby and I decided against it, we want to always remember how he was), but afterwards along with our other 2 friends, we went for meal and had a drink to celebrate his life. It was very emotional and so strange not having him there with us. 

I was not able to make the funeral due to work commitments in KSA, but I am so glad I was able to support my friend at this sad time.  The funeral was a humanist funeral (none religious) which is what Dave wanted.  A Humanist Funeral or memorial ceremony recognises no ‘after-life’, but instead uniquely and affectionately celebrates the life of the person who has died. Proper tribute is paid to them, to the life they lived, the connections they made and have left behind. 

They had no hymns but played 'Cry me a river' Micheal Buble, 'Angels' Robbie Williams and 'Mack the Knife' by Robbie (can you see the connection?), I've always loved these songs but now they will always remind me of my mate Dave.

Some of my friends contacted me and told me that the service was very nice (well as nice as any funeral can be).  There was lots of tears and laughter and it standing room only in the chapel.  That just shows what a lovely man he was.

When I meet Dave again on the other side, I'm gonna bollock him for leaving us all at such an early age! But until then, he will always hold a very special place in my heart.

Rest In Peace Dave.

David Hornby

16.11.63 - 11.11.12

Remember, Remember the 5th November

Remember , Remember the 5th November - Bonfire Night in the UK (unfortunately, I've never seen or heard of anyone celebrating it here in the UAE).  It was really strange this week as I found myself explaining to my colleagues what Bonfire Night is.  It's funny that something that is so obvious to one person can be completely unknown to someone else.  So, because none of my colleagues are British none of them knew what Bonfire Night is or why we celebrate it, I ended up giving them a little bit of a lesson on British History, and explained the story of Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot, where in 1605 (I didn't remember the year, had to research this). 13 men planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament but the plan was foiled, and for 400 years, bonfires have burned on November 5th to mark the failed Gunpowder Plot (hence the term, Bonfire Night).

Along side of this, this week I watched a popular British lunchtime TV programme called, Loose Women which consists of a panel of four women who interview celebrities and discuss topical issues, ranging from daily politics and current affairs, to celebrity gossip. It's usually quite entertaining and it was nice to see after a long time.  I episode I watched included a section on Bonfire night and how it seems to have lost it's appeal over the years.  Generally due to the fact that firework displays are carried out numerous times a year and it's not a novelty like it used to be.  Obviously the were promoting the importance of safety when dealing with fireworks. 

I also laughed when I recalled the story to my colleagues about when we were small children we used to make a 'scarecrow' life figure, push it around in a pram and ask people for money by saying 'Penny of the Guy' (i.e. Guy Fawkes).  It's quite bad now when you think about it as we were unconciously promoting burning at the stake.  

The programme also discussed about the sanctuary of marriage which was quite adpt as I separated from my first husband on the 4th November 1994 (which in turn brought about fireworks in one way or another).  When I mentioned this at work the other day, someone thought it was really strange that I can remember such a date.  However, with something as separating from your husband and the father of my 2 children I think it is highly significant that I remember the date (but there you go, everyone to their own opinion).

Fireworks of another kind also erupted this week in the way of a telephone arguement with someone else.  Back in July in one of my blogs (It's my prerogative!) I wrote that "I decided that some people are users and I don't want to be friends with these type of people.  It's just not worth the hassle and crap and I hate having negativity in my life (again life being too short!!!).  So today, I deleted some so called 'friends' from facebook.  I doubt they will even notice but if they do 'tough'.  It's my prerogative! 

But you know when things from the past seem to turn around and hit you right in the arse?  Welll that's what happened to me this week.  After all this time the person in question decided they wanted to 'sort it out' and find out more.  I was honest and admitted to the gossip I was supposed have spread.  I didn't deny anything, but it wasn't gossip, it was what I'd been saying all the time, that I felt used.  Needless to say the people spreading this gossip denied everything! making me out to be the worse person ever and for them to be 'perfect'.  And, might I add, these people who spread the rumours were middle aged men!  Yes!  Peoplel who should know better but have obviously got nothing else to do but cause trouble!  Hmmmm, funny how when the shit hits the fire it's all one sided.

What really gets my goat is the fact that I have more serious things to worry about in my life including a very very dear friend of mine who is very ill at the moment.  Crap from almost complete strangers is so negative and unnecessary.

On a more positive note, my son is now back with us for a whilte.  It's great to have him here (although who knows how long it will be before he's off on his travels again) but for now I will enjoy what time we have.  It's great having him back and he's currently waiting to start some more dive instructor training programmes, so once complete he can hopefully move forward with his career.

I have FINALLY ventured back onto my treadmill this week (Yes, I know, it's only about about 4 months since the last time I was on it).  Unfortunately, I planned a couple of sessions but I managed only once (but its a move in the right direction).  I know I'm studying a Master's Degree but I really hate boring, heavy reading matter, so to kill 2 birds with 1 stone I've found it quite therapeutic to read my study materials whilst power walking.

I've also been taking Charlie out for walks around the lake, which is great at the moment because the weather is just perfect.  Although, Charlie is not impressed with the water sprays on the grass and avoids them by sneaking through railing which divides the field and the lake, walks near the lake and pops back in when we've passed the sprays (lol, wimp).

This week hubby and I walked Charlie around the lake during the evening, however, I was NOT impressed.  We were bombarded with hundred of Bats! (well may be not hundreds but at least 3).  But, honestly couldn't believe it, it was really dark and these 3 bats were dive bombing us.  I was pooing myself.  (God job it wasn't Halloween night, I'd have expected a witch to come and put a spell on us).  Anyway, I was so scared that we walked around the streets and avoided the lake.