Cough Drops vs. Condoms

Yesterday my throat was a little sore, so on my way home from work, I stopped by the gas station to pick up some cough drops.  I looked around and didn't see anything that looked like medicine, so I asked one of the guys working there if they had cough drops.  He said they did not.  I saw colored boxes behind the counter so I asked what they were.  He responded, but I couldn't understand him, so I asked again.  And again, I couldn't make out what he was saying.  Did I mention he was answering just above a whisper?  After three tries, he spoke up and said, "condoms" in a really loud voice.  Then I understood.  Both of us were deep brown folks, so you couldn't tell we were blushing, but we were.  Poor guy.  He really was trying to be cool, but I thought those boxes housed cough drops by another name and I was bound and determined to get some relief for my sore throat.

Anyway, we lived through that embarrassment and lo and behold, also behind him on the shelf, were cough drops.  I guess he calls them something else.  I bought them and my favorite vending machine cappuccino, and off I went.

Then, as I continued my journey home, I wondered who'd be buying said condoms. Locals?  But there is no contact with the local women.  Ex-pats, I suppose.  Maybe next time I'll ask the guy.  That would probably be an interesting conversation.

Stay tuned.

Conversations

I was late leaving work again today.  One of the security guards has been coming up to my office to chat at the end of the day.  He's a young guy - 26.  His partner is 28. I could comfortably be their momma and I think that's why they're at ease chatting with me.  There's not much conversation between men and women in this world.

He is from Bangladesh.  The other security guard is from Egypt.  Of the two, I can understand this one better.  Our conversations go around the world, as anyone who has had a conversation with me can testify.  I confess to having a rambling brain, resulting in sometimes rambling conversations.  Oh well.  I'm used to it.  Probably bothers the heck out of some folks though.

I just finished a video chat with Forrest.  He shared an email of fascinating buildings around the world and one of them is in Dubai.  Each floor of this building moves independently, meaning the shape of the building continuously changes.  Check out the video link below.  The music is a little obnoxious, but stick with it because the architect talks about the building about halfway through it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbLlt-9kCuw

I've seen the twin towers to the left of it and wonder if I saw the building and didn't know what I was looking at.  The skyline in Dubai is magnificent.  There are marvels to see all around .  Just when you thought you'd seen it all, there is something even more spectacular to see.

Just had a chuckle.

I stopped for a minute to check my emails, and my dear friend Deb asked me for the okra recipe.  No one ever asks me for recipes.  The reason I included a picture was as proof that I was really cooking.  My cooking skills, or lack thereof, is pretty much universally known.  Adding to the culinary drama is the fact that this is one of those dishes where there's no measuring.  You know, a pinch of this and a dash of that.  I forwarded approximations.  Here's hoping it turns out OK to eat.  That's always the goal for me.  If it actually tastes good, that's a bonus.

I have to critique and summarize a meeting I lead today, in preparation for another meeting tomorrow.  Yep.  There's lots of meetings here, too.

Suggestion - Call a friend or acquaintance out of the blue . . . and make their day.  I'll bet it puts a smile on both of your faces.

More soon.

Good night to me.  Good morning to you.

Observations

The following are things that I've noticed:

---Little baby girls, through toddler age, wear their hair really short - like a boy (as if they had a say in the matter).  When they are school-aged, it's worn long and usually braided.  I see lots of black ponytails.

---There is a really festive rhythmic clap that is performed when congratulating someone.

---Students play the instruments for the assemblies (keyboard, drums and tambourines) at both the boys' and girls' assemblies.

---The date is written day/month/year; today's date would be 4/3/2012 instead of 3/4/2012 that we're used to.

---I have not seen an electric pencil sharpener.  Students use the little single blade ones.  I purchased a battery operated one, but it was a rare find.  You can still find the manual crank kind that used to be standard issue in all classrooms.  They are in stores, but not in classrooms.

---There's no such thing as waiting in line.  Even though there is a number system in place almost everywhere, it's not unusual to see folks bum-rushing the counter.  It continues to happen because whoever is waiting on us, allows it.  If they sent them packing, it wouldn't happen, but it does . . . a lot.

Interesting, don't you think?

I'm cooking tonight.  Since I found fresh okra, I've been in hog's heaven.  The dish that I make is one that Mom taught me.

Okra with onions, bell pepper, chicken and shrimp
Simmers for an hour and served over rice

I found the magazine I was searching all over for - Time Out Abu Dhabi.  This weekly informs you of all of the happenings in and around the city.  I also picked up Time Out Dubai.  I want to be sure I'm taking advantage of all this area has to offer. One of the things on my list of things to do is hot air ballooning.  I've always wanted to do that.  Maybe during the break.

My goal is to spend the rest of my life doing things I've never done before.  Really experiencing life.  Even if I discover I don't like something, at least I've given it a go.

What's your goal?

Quickie

It's late.  10:00 pm and I should be in bed, but . . .

One of the Arab teachers shared a phone app with me that I love.  It's WhatsApp.  A texting service.  My guys have downloaded it and it works great.  Here are the steps to getting started:

1)  Download the app
2)  Put in your phone number
3)  Invite folks to join; your contact list is loaded into the app, so you simply have to find the people you want to invite.
4)  Once both parties have signed up, you're ready to text
5)  Best part . . . it's free

If you want to add me, my number is 971-50-9174857.

It's great for anyone who is texting a lot, and it's especially awesome for all of us living out of the country to stay in touch.  The response time is instantaneous which is pretty cool, too.

No, I'm not getting paid to endorse this, but I should.

The other thing I wanted to share is a very thoughtful article by an Emirati columnist in response to a question about the recent burning of the Holy Quran in Afghanistan. The link is below.

http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/lifestyle-comment/ask-ali-on-why-burning-the-quran-is-so-offensive#

As you know, my work week begins tomorrow.  So, off to bed I go now.

More soon.

100th Day of School

I've never been sure what the big deal is about the 100th Day of School and why it's celebrated, but we joined schools around the world recognizing this feat.  There were two programs - one for the boys and the other for the girls.  I have pictures from the girls program only.

All of the adults in the picture are teachers

Although it's difficult to see,
some of the girls are wearing elaborate gowns

The is a first grade class singing, with a first grader leading the song.

I began this post last night, but stopped to video chat with my brothers.  It's always a treat to talk to them.  They will both be celebrating birthdays soon.  Willie will be 70 and Forrest 66.  Those ages used to seem ancient.  Now that I'm in my mid-50's, not so much.

Willie left home when I was four and he was 18.  Forrest left when I was eight, and he was 18, so I really didn't get to know them until I was an adult.  My youngest brother, Terry, was a year older than me, but he passed away suddenly several years ago.

Terry and I were very close, and not just because we were a year apart and grew up together, but because we fought like cats and dogs, like only close siblings can do. He loved to argue/debate and I always took the bait.  We would call Mom every day on the phone to referee.  She left really early for work, leaving us home alone to get ready for school.

In fact, Terry and I were still arguing/debating about something well into our 40's when Forrest suggested it was time for one of us to grow up.  I decided that would be me.  From then on, I refused to get into a verbal sparring match.  OK.  Every now and then, I engaged in one that was just too good to pass up.

 I miss him.

He was very close to Ben and Frankie.  He was the "cool" uncle.  He could relate to them on their level probably because he never grew up.  He had two kids, a son and daughter.  His son bears a striking resemblance to him.  I wish I was as close to them as he was to my boys.  That's my fault in not establishing a closer relationship when they were younger.  Michael graduates from high school this year with Bettina following close behind.

Terry's death at 50 reminds me of the conservative publisher Andrew Breitbart, who passed way yesterday at 43, survived by his wife and four kids.  God knows I disagreed with most of what he said, but I enjoyed watching him make his points and defend his position.

He and Terry were both great debaters, only he got paid to do it.

Side note - I visited a grocery store that got rave reviews.  Although, I gotta tell you, it's hard for me to get excited about a grocery store.  Anyway, it is also known to stock one of the largest collection of magazines catering to ex-pats.  The store was just a notch above meager, but the magazine rack didn't disappoint.

While there, I also picked up Thai Dragon Fruit.  It's pictured below.

Thai Dragon Fruit

Thai Dragon Fruit - Inside

It tastes very much like a kiwi, but milder.  You eat it by scooping it out with a spoon.  The meat is soft.

Sending positive thoughts your way until next time.

Three Things I Love

Three things that I love - red beans and rice, friends back home, and being a grandma.

Red Beans and Rice -

I received a box from Forrest filled with red beans today.  What a treat that was!  I've cooked red beans that I purchased here, but they were hard and never tasted done, even after they cooked all day.  As soon as I got home, I put a pot of the ones that I just received on, and just had some.  Delicious!

Friends Back Home -

I chatted with two dear friends from Sacramento tonight.  In talking to them, I realized how fortunate I am to have all of you wonderful people in my life.

Being A Grandma -

Who knew how much fun this would be?  Certainly not me.  I love my girl, Zadie Faye.  On a recent video chat, I  said something to Frankie and Cara about her belly, and she reached down, picked up her shirt and pointed to her belly.  It was a precious moment and she so proud of her accomplishment!  It's pretty clear she has her Grandma's brainpower.  Just kidding.

OK.  In reference to yesterday's post where I gave hints as to where I was going for spring break and asked you to guess, I had a grand total of one person to play along - thanks Deb! - so I'll tell you.  Cape Town, South Africa.

More soon.

Good morning to you & goodnight to me

Patience

Thanks for your patience as I've been off of my routine in posting.  I haven't been feeling well.  Not sure what's up, but thankfully, I'm much better today.  Mostly, I was just super tired, with little energy.  I'm still learning how to best pace myself here.

Charlie, my new Shiatsu Massage Cushion, is doing an amazing job of rolling up and down my back as I write this.  It feels soooooo good!  He even came with a bonus one for Luther, so Little Charlie and I will have a vibrating good time as I go to and from work.

I was the only administrator on campus today when a 4th grade student decided to ditch school, but he was intercepted by one of our security guards.  This kid is well known to the staff as one who is often in fights and generally disruptive on most days.  Mom was called, but there was no answer, so I suggested we take him home.  After some discussion, an Arab teacher drove he and I to his house.  Still his Mom wasn't there, but we left him with the housekeeper.  About a half hour later I saw his teacher and shared what happened, and she said that he was back at school, hanging out.  No sooner than we dropped him off, than he was back again. Even after trying to ditch school earlier, he'd rather be there with his friends than be at home.  About an hour later, his father came by.  I was called in to sit in on the conference, along with the teacher who drove.  By this time my Arab counterpart was back on campus and very forcefully communicated what the issues were. The father defended the son's behavior, even with the mounting evidence to the contrary.  He did take him back home, though.  I wish I had a dime every time I've seen this happen in the US and now here.  I'd be wealthy beyond measure.

Side note - Despite the outcome of little to no support from the parent, I earned some points with the staff just for taking him home in the first place.

Side note 2 - This student did not live in a fancy place.  It was, in fact, very modest compared to the huge homes nearby.  I queried a class I was teaching yesterday, asking them if they were Emirati.  I was surprised that they all were not.  I'd guess about 90% probably are Emirati, and the other 10% are Arab, but not nationals.  This student was not an Emirati.

Side note 3 - Our security guards are on duty for 24 hours.  In fact, they live on campus somewhere.  The campus is so big, I just saw the back of it today, after working there for almost three months.  I chat with two of the guards a lot, but I rarely know what we're taking about.  They speak a variation of English that only they can understand, and of course my Arabic is limited to a very few words, most of which I've picked up from the kids.  One of the guards is especially friendly.  He's from Egypt.  He's the fourth person I've met from there and each of them have been incredibly warm and friendly.  I absolutely intend to visit their country soon, but it's a little too volatile now.

Side note 4 - I watched, for the first time, the girls leaving school by bus.  It takes 11 of the very large buses to accommodate all of them.  Each bus has a lady who rides to and fro with them, attempting to keep order.  These are the same buses that have taken the boys home and return to pick up the girls.  What's really fascinating is every student rides the bus, even if they live a block away.  No students walk to school, even though many could.  Maybe it's like that because its so hot most of the year.  I don't know.

Finally, I walked into a class with our newest Western teacher.  Today was her first day.  Although she was in the class with her Arab counterpart, chaos doesn't begin to describe how outrageous the behaviors were.  It's shocking to see the first time, and this lady was shocked.  I left and returned with my canister of cookies to reward those few who were behaving and that helped to restore order. One of the main instigators of the the bad behavior is the son of one of our teachers on the girls' side.  The ladies I spoke with on the boys' side says this mom doesn't believe here son is the culprit, so they asked me to speak to her.  I did and thankfully, she didn't try to defend him to me.  I would have suggested she come and see for herself.  Even then, I'm sure she would have managed to make him the victim.

As crazy as it sometimes is here, it's still not as crazy as the last school where I was the principal.  So, I can look back and be grateful for the excellent training I received living through those challenges, which prepared me to handle these issues on the other side of the world.

OK.  Very last thing.

I've purchased my tickets for a trip during my spring break at the end of March.  It's 13 hours by air, but I have two stops.  A straight flight takes about nine hours.  Can you guess where I'm going?  Hint - it's not anywhere in Europe or the US.  Please leave your guesses in the comment section.

Vibrator Arrived!

Yes!  I received the vibrating box, with the vibrating pillow, minus the batteries.  It took twice as long to get here, after spending a month traveling cross country.  Or maybe, it arrived on the East Coast in the week or so it should have taken, but they decided to try out the pillow for a few days before sending it on its way.  Either way, I'm glad to have it.

Speaking of vibrators, while I was waiting for a prescription to be filled, I was invited to try out a massaging insert that you lay on a chair or car seat.  Oh my goodness, I was in vibrating, massage heaven.  Those of you who know me, know that I'm not usually fond of massages.  Maybe because it wasn't a person doing the rolling and rubbing, I was cool with it.  The only reason I didn't walk out with it is because the pharmacy's debit machine wasn't online.  It was late and I wasn't up for searching for an ATM.  The fact that I could put it in Luther and get a massage on the way to work, was a real selling point, though.

I'm having chicken soup tonight.  I needed the hot broth to settle my stomach.  I had some local food that I think is the culprit of my discomfort.  I haven't found many local dishes that are appetizing.  Probably why I'm cooking more than I have in decades.

There are a lot of Mom & Pop restaurants, but few are appealing.  If the UAE had the same health food system of green, yellow, and red placards in the window of eating establishments like California does, with the red meaning the place needs to be shut down, I'm guessing most of the places here would be orange.  Meaning, they really need to be condemned with a red card indicating that, but somehow they pass inspection, hence the orange.

Not a complaint, just an observation.

One of the sights I find most interesting, is seeing the laborers having lunch breaks where they sit in a circle facing each other.  Meals are communal in that sense.  In the literal sense, too, as many of the local dishes are served on huge platters and everyone eats from that.

I read a fascinating article in the paper recently of a young Emirate man who was born here but was raised in the US.  After being away for years, with limited knowledge of the culture or language, he wondered how he would be received when he arrived.  One of the local customs is to have huge gatherings of family and friends - old and new - to share meals and catch up.  He attended these and was pleasantly surprised at how gracious everyone was and instead of being ostracized for his differences, many asked questions of his experiences and welcomed him with open arms.

According to this guy, the rulers of the country still have these gatherings and make it a point to meet with "the people" often so that they are hearing from them directly about how things are going in their lives.  He believes that's why the satisfaction index is so high in this country.

Again, I just read today that most of the folks who work for the government are getting 25%-100% raises because of the increased revenue from the sale of oil. Everyone benefits from the wealth, which is why there will never be a coup here.

I haven't been home long, but it's already bedtime.  I leave for school at 6:00 in the morning, arriving at 6:30.  The boys get there at 7:00 for assembly, with the girls arriving at 7:45.  I don't like feeling rushed in the morning, hence my early departure time.

So, In-shal-la (God willing),  I'll write more soon.

Refreshed plus Oman Visit

Yesterday I went from the bed to the sofa and back to the bed again.  I was super tired.  Thankfully, today I am refreshed and feel great.

One of the reasons I was so tired is because Thursday was a really long day.  We had parent meetings at school.  The students were dismissed early and we met with their mothers at 11:00.  I was surprised at the number of people in attendance.  It was a great turnout.

Most of the Western teachers left campus and went to eat at the mall located closest to our school and to hangout until it was time to go back to school.  The fathers' meeting was held at 5:00, to allow them time to travel from jobs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.  We had six fathers and some students, accounting for the total evening showing of twenty people.  This was the first fathers' event the school had attempted.  We'll see what the thinking will be for future meetings when we debrief later this week.

My principal is away and will be for a while.  She's accompanying her mother to Singapore for medical treatment.  In her absence, the other VP and I are leading the school, with the Arab VP taking the lead in all of the administrative operations.  I'm covering everything academic.

Side note - Recently I purchased veal bacon.  Yesterday I cooked it and was pleasantly surprised at how tasty it was.

Side note 2 - On the same day that I bought the bacon, I saw rabbit meat for sale. You could tell it was some kind of animal because the head, along with the eyeballs, was still attached.  After the trauma of seeing that, I'm seriously considering becoming a vegetarian.

OK.  Maybe trauma is too hard a word, but you get my drift.  It's hard eating something that's looking at you while you cook it and eat it.

After planning for a while, I made it to our neighboring country of Oman.  The first border crossing I went to was reserved for any Middle Eastern Nationals and residents of Oman.  I was directed to another border, north of the city.  When I was staying in the hotel, I was very close to this one.

Side note 3 - The UAE and Oman had open borders until 2006, when the UAE decided to close them.

The first gate you go through had Emirati folks checking passports and asking the reason for the visit.  Spitting distance away was the second gate and it was manned by the Oman Police.  Again, they looked at passports and asked why you were going into the country.  Both were quick stops.

As you drive along the border, the high barbed wire fence is evident for miles.  When you enter Oman, you see the following monument. Not sure what it represented, but it was impressive.

Monument at the entrance of Oman from Al Ain, UAE

I had googled Al Buraimi, Oman, the city that borders us, to find points of interest. There was a fort right inside the city limits, so I decided to visit it.  When I arrived, I got out of the car and was met by a couple of guys selling something.  I wasn't interested in their wares, and hadn't exchanged money, so I wasn't prepared to buy anything anyway.  One of the men followed me as I entered what I thought was Fort Al Hellah, but I think it was a market of some kind.  I asked about the fort, but couldn't find anyone who spoke English.  I was still being followed.  There an uneasiness about this whole thing, so I left there quickly.  Still was being followed, all the way to my car.  The guy following me said something.  I didn't try to find out what, and just high tailed it out of there.

 Fort Al Hellah

As I'm driving through the city, I notice that it looks older than most places I've seen in the UAE.  Although that's not evident in the following pictures.

Street corner with roundabout

Toyota Dealership in Oman

Clearly, Oman doesn't have the extraordinary disposable wealth of the UAE. Everything I saw - the buildings, the markets, etc. - were modest, at best, with the exception of the car dealerships.  The Toyota and Lexus Dealership was the showcase of the area that I was in and were much nicer than the ones in Al Ain.

Although the city of Al Buraimi was clean, it still was not as aesthetically pleasing to the eye as the UAE cities that lure you in with their grandeur.  Also, the road signs were not in English, making getting around a bit more challenging.

I didn't feel safe while there, even for the short while I was in the Oman, I knew immediately that this was a more hostile environment.

This visit made me realize even more what a jewel the UAE really is.  Besides the beauty, natural and created, there is a sense of safety everywhere you go.  That's especially true for the women here.  I know I've said this before, but it bears repeating.  The UAE protects its people, especially its women.  I love that. I love knowing that I can go anywhere, anytime of day or night, and I'm going to be OK and free from harassment of any kind.

So, visit Oman.  Check.  Go back again?  Probably not.

Side note 4 - I love okra.  I don't think I ever saw any fresh okra all the while I lived in Sacramento, but when I visited Frank and his family in New York, someone was selling some on the street.  Interestingly, it's very prevalent here.  I also found the dried shrimp I use to season it.  So the other day, I bought some and cooked it.  It was pretty bad.  Way too much tomato paste.  I usually use sauce, but couldn't find it.  I ate a little, but chucked most of it.  I was in the same store today where I found it, so I decided to buy it and cook it again, this time using spaghetti sauce.  It turned out great and tasted delicious.

Side note 5 - I'm loving getting the newspaper every day, too.  I also found a couple of magazines published for ex-pats that are great resources for news of what's happening in the area.  In readng one of them, I realized I missed seeing Snoop Dog last month.

Just kidding.  Not a fan.  Snoop is almost as old as me.  Time for him to cut his hair and grow-up.

Apologies to all you Snoop fans out there.  I'm guessing that not too many folks who read this blog are, though.

That's it for today.

Your blogging buddy.

Dental Health & Other Stuff

I had a dental cleaning today.  My first since arriving because there was a delay in receiving my health card.

The nationals all get free medical and dental health.  What's incredible about that fact though, is the number of students who have serious tooth decay.  Many kids of all ages - from the smallest I see at my school to high school age - are dealing with this. I mentioned my observations to the hygienist who was taking care of me, and she said it's a chronic issue throughout the country.  There is a serious need for dental education.  It appears that someone has taken note and is trying to turn the tide as far as making this a priority, but only time will tell how successful they are.

Now to the random stuff -

Today was the first day of home delivery of the newspaper.  I was in hog's heaven.

There's a wonderful classical station that I listen to often when Luther (my car, for those of you who are new to the blog) and I are on the road, and they have the typical news breaks.  Last week there was a blurb about the students graduating from college with teaching degrees that are not qualified to teach based on the new reform they have and are continuing to put in place.  Oddly enough, I understand their dilemma.

In any typical class, no matter what the actual achievement, most students get A's. In fact, they all do.  One of the issues that the Western teachers face is how to accurately access and report student progress, knowing there will be pushback for any student receiving less than an A in a subject.  Of course, this needs to be addressed if real reform is to take place.  So, do you die on this mountain now, or wait it out, hoping it will improve and work itself out?

The local folks haven't discovered blue tooth mobile phone technology.  Or, more likely, they know about it, but they want the world to know they're on the phone, hence the wired technology.  It could also be the head gear they wear would interfere with reception.  Maybe that's it.  Anyway, seeing the wires is a through back to an earlier time.

I started this hours ago, but about half way through, I got a call from the post office letting me know the two packages I've been waited for, had arrived.  I tracked them a few days ago, finding out they spent almost a month in the US before being forwarded.  In fact, they were still in the states as late as the 17th.

And . . . the vibrating pillow arrived, too.  It was not confiscated, but the batteries were removed.


Good vibrations will be happening again soon.

Toilets

I was at a meeting today about an hour from home.  It was held at a beautiful brand new school that was built for a 1000 students, but they only have an enrollment of 350.  Not sure if they overestimated when they were building, or if the projections for future enrollment drove the decision to build this big.

Although the building was huge, the room we met in was not.  Like our school, there was a lot of unusable space - like really wide corridors and courtyards - but they don't have a room big enough for all the staff to meet in one space.  Its crystal clear that the architects and builders never had a conversation with the folks who would be occupying the space.  Incredible, considering how much money has been, and will be spent, constructing these schools.

And that brings me to the toilet.  Ok.  Stop reading now if this is leaning into "too much information" territory.

OK.  You've been forewarned.

Round 1.

I visited several in the building, just to be sure one wasn't a fluke.  None of them had toilet paper.  Its not just that they didn't have any, there wasn't a spot for it, in any of the restrooms, or toilets, as they're called here.

How can that be?  What are you supposed to do?  I'm in the habit of bringing a small package of tissues in my purse, so I was good, but . . . really?  They did have paper towels but they were coarse and clearly not designed to be used like toilet tissue. Again, guys designing this?  This school has a Western principal.  You'd think she would have modified them to add the tissue.

Round 2.

After the meeting, I had to go by the ADEC Office to pick up some forms.  I stopped by the restroom there, too.  This time, there was tissue paper, but no toilet seat. Guys would love this because there was no seat to have to remember to put down. Of course, you have to brace yourself from not falling in if you're brave enough to take the plunge, so to speak.

I know I should be spending my time thinking about productive things - the family, the job, world hunger, etc. - but the differences in my toilet experiences intrigue me.  Remember the hole in the ground at the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi?

I've got Arabic class in an hour or so, and I seriously need to review.  I was sick last time we met, but I went because I didn't want to have to makeup the class.  Although it's been good, I'm ready for it to be over.

Last thing.

I was tickled at some of your responses to my "Pregnant" post.  Believe me, if I was in a relationship, or even the prospect of one, it's been so long, I'd shout it from the rooftops.  Actually, that's what keeping me motivated in this Arabic class.  I figure I'll increase my chances if I can talk to the man.  If the conversation happened today and involved more than just random 3-4 letter words, I'd be up a creek.  Of course, he could be my private tutor.  This might work our after all.

Sending good thoughts your way.

Your blogging buddy

Newpapers

Thank God, I felt so much better today.  Not great when I started the day, but better and better as the day progressed.

We had five teachers absent, so I spent most of the day covering classes.  We have 76 teachers.

Very recently I stopped by Starbucks, and while waiting for my drink, I discovered an English language newspaper.  What a gold mind of information!  I can't believe I've been here three months tomorrow and have just now discovered this.  It'll arrive at my door beginning tomorrow.  It's not easy to find, and I don't want to have to drive around searching for it everyday.  Besides, I love waking up to the paper at the door.  

Call me old school, but I like the feel of a newspaper and magazine and book when I'm reading.  As much as I appreciate just about every imaginable print medium being available online, I still prefer the real thing.  I really am grateful for my Kindle app that allows me to read my books anywhere, anytime, especially when I was extremely limited on the number of bags I could carry with me here.  And I'm still reading the Sacramento Bee, thanks to this great technology, but I'm looking forward to lounging on the couch on weekends, reading the paper.  The "real" one.

I've always loved reading, having a great appreciation for being able to read beginning at a very young age.  


Those of you who know me well, know that my father was illiterate.  He couldn't recognize his name.  I saw firsthand how limiting illiteracy was in his life, and I was so grateful that I could read.


Every Sunday, Daddy would go to the store early and buy the paper, bring it home, and very meticulously "read" it from cover to cover. I think he was longing to be able to read, and so he did the best he could by trying to figure out what it said by the pictures.  

Although he loved to drive, of course he couldn't read the road signs either.  Thankfully the colors and shapes helped him to navigate.  How did he get a license if he couldn't read to take the test, you ask?  Well, in the segregated South where he was raised, he, like many others, worked for wealthy white farmers.  It was commonplace for the farmer to "vouch" for his workers, and that was good enough to get a driver's license.  If my father were alive, he'd be 94.  He was born in 1918. 

He told the story of eating dog food before it was customary to put pictures on the labels of can goods.  He told it in a lighthearted way, but can you imagine?  I used to bring a can of generic dog food with no picture on it to show the kids when I subbed and later in my own classes to share this story with them.  Although they responded by laughing or thinking it was gross, it gave me a great segue to talk about the importance of reading in our lives. 

The reason that I love to read is because I can read.

As a result of these experiences and because of the value both my Mom and Dad put on education, my brothers and I are all college graduates.  This was a huge accomplishment, considering where we can from.  

China, Texas was home and it was a farming community.  There were about 1000 folks living in the town when I was growing up. There are about 1100 now.  I'm convinced the census takers are counting headstones.  Not much has changed in the almost forty years since I've been gone. You were expected to finish high school, marry someone from the neighborhood, have kids, and start the cycle all over again.  Only five folks, including myself, went to college.  There were a 100 in my graduating class. 


Side note - I'm most proud that Ben and Frankie love to read, too.

Anyway, as I’ve said before, we are the culmination of our experiences.  Although it was tough sometimes, growing up with an illiterate alcoholic, I wouldn’t change a thing.  You?

Pregnant

All day long, I've felt pregnant.  You know that nauseous feeling where nothing helps it?  I ate some toast, then something salty, and something sweet - anything to make this feeling go away, to no avail.  I know I would feel so much better if I up-chucked.

Sorry, I hope you're not reading this during breakfast.

Anyway, I've got Arabic class in less than an hour, then I'm off to bed to hopefully sleep this feeling away.

More soon.

Black Surfer & Car Designer

It's not quite 8:00pm, but I'm ready for bed so this will be a short one.

Last week I read an article about the first "recognized" African American surfer, Nick Gabaldon.  He was from Southern California.  We lived there more for than twenty years and I never heard of him or his amazing story.  A documentary is forthcoming.  You can check out the story at the link below.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/zach-weisberg/celebrating-nick-gabaldon_b_1277435.html?ref=email_share

I was just sharing with Frankie that I was thumbing through a Mazda Car Dealership magazine, and there was an article featuring about a half dozen very young engineers, who were vital and prominent in getting their cars from the design stage to the showroom.  They were all Asian, as your would expect from a Japanese car maker, expect for an African American man from the US.  His name is Tobias France.  I tried goggling him, but didn't get much.  His LinkedIn page is below.

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/tobias-france/8/526/7b1

These are samples of my history lessons.  I'm still amazed at how much I don't know or haven't yet experienced.

The learning continues . . . everyday.

Camel Racing

I didn't post yesterday because I promised I wouldn't if I didn't have anything to say. I know.  I know,  As you look over some of the previous posts, there are probably several that fall in that category.

Anyway, today was different.

I started the day watching the Brad Pitt movie, Moneyball.  Now those of you who know me, know that I'm NOT a baseball fan.  Watching that game is like watching paint dry.  Both Ben and Frankie played, and Ben continued through high school.  I couldn't wait til he was driving so that he could drive himself to the practices and games.

Furthermore, I'm not a Brad Pitt fan, but the reviews of Moneyball were intriguing, so I figured, what the heck.  Well, it was so much better than I expected. It was more about the process of playing the game instead of the game itself.  I highly recommend it.

I watched the movie while lounging in bed, and finally got up at about noon.

Rows and rows of huge SUVs a few of which were driven just outside of the track, keeping pace with the camels

There has been a camel festival happening for two weeks, ending today.  The teacher who told me about Paradise Park, mentioned this, too.  I tried to find it on Tuesday, on my way home from Abu Dhabi, with no luck.  Today I found it with no problem.  I was armed with a map and Peter, so I was good to go.

When I walked out of the door, I noticed that we were having a bit of a sand storm. The sky was cloudy with dust.  The route to the camel festival took me through mountains of sand dunes on either side of the road, lasting most of the hour it took me to get there.  The further I got into the desert, the stronger the winds and the gusts of sand whipping through the air.  The sane dunes looked like they were smoking on top, but it was just the clouds of sand moving across them.

Traditional Cane Dancing

Camel racing is a big deal in the country as they're doing all that they can to preserve their heritage and the camels are very much a part of it.  There will be another festival in April that I will definitely plan to attend because I missed the beauty contest.  Yes.  The camel beauty contest.  That had to be a hoot.

Meanwhile, today's event had lots of folks - expats and nationals, in spite of the wind.  There were nationals at the entrance welcoming us and guiding us inside. The entrance was a tent with red carpet leading the way into a larger tent with hundreds of seats, the first two rows of which were red velvet high back chairs, something dignitaries might sit in.  They were available to all, so there were ex-pats sitting in them.  On the left, separated by an aisle and a little ways off, were scores and scores of nationals.

Drummers

It was supposed to begin at 2:00, but they were just thinking about starting at 3:00. We definitely operate on Arab time here.  There was traditional music playing on a boom box, entertaining the crowd while we waited.  Then an elderly statesman-like national seated on the side of the tent where the sound system was, officially welcomed us to the event and he shared what would be happening today.

This was followed by the traditional cane dance that the Emirate men performed, along with the traditional "whip you hair" dance the women do.  The Emirate women always have their hair covered, so it's a big deal when it's not.  Of course, the guys' heads are covered all the time, too.

You can't see it, but this camera is wrapped in plastic to protect it from the dust

You can't see it in either the pictures or the videos, but the men's arms are linked as they dance.  It was very interesting to see young and old men dancing.  The boys learn this dance at the young age, as I've seen them do it at my school.

Gittin' Down . . . Arabian Style!

Finally, if time permits, check out this .pdf file that show the pageantry of the festival.  It's written in Arabic, but the pictures tell the story.  Enjoy!

file:///Users/fayesharpe/Desktop/sheikh-sultan-bin-zayed-al-nahyan-camel%20Festival%20copy.pdf

This 'n That

School supply stores are called Book Shops here.  It's 8:30pm and I'm just getting home from a Book Shop run.  In addition to school supplies, there are textbooks, toys, electronics, a flower shop and gift wrapping at this store, the largest one in town.  It's open until 11:00pm.

On the way home from work, traffic was stopped one way causing a massive bottleneck.  The roads were closed for runners.  There was hundreds of them and they were wearing numbers like they were in competition, but they were running like kids in gym class.  Some were sho' nuf' sprinting, others looked like they were on Sunday morning stroll, and still others were walking.  They were all young guys.  I think they may have been associated with the military college that I pass by everyday.  Folks in the cars were chatting with them.  Of course, I'm not sure what was being said, but it seemed like friendly exchanges.  Why they decided to do this in rush hour traffic is a question I'd like to ask the organizer.

Speaking of organization, I asked my Arabic teacher, who is Lebanon, if the fact that there are no addresses is unique to the UAE or is that indicative of all of the Middle East.  He said it's all over this region, and he said that in comparison to our neighboring countries, the UAE is very organized, and light years ahead.

Amazing, right?

After that conversation, I scratched all of the Middle Eastern countries from my bucket list.  Although, in all fairness, this issue is less of a problem when you're just visiting.

Just had a wonderful video chat with my brothers.  I called Forrest and Willie dropped by.  Two birds with one stone or two brothers with one call.  I have no idea how all of this technology works.  I'm still clueless as to how radios work, but I'm so thankful for my geeky brethren who makes communication so exciting.  Can you imagine what it'll be like when my baby girl Zadie is grown?  Super, supersonic probably.

OK.  Now it's almost 10:00 and I have to memorialize a couple of meetings.  One of them happened a few days ago.  There were about a half dozen of us in the conference room and the secretary, who is subbing for the permanent one who is out on maternity leave, was invited in to take notes.  This was the first time any support staff was used in that capacity, but this was modeled for us during one of our Abu Dhabi administration meetings.

Anyway, the meeting was chugging along at a surprisingly brisk pace, but I noticed your girl wasn't taking notes.  I thought that was a little strange as that was her express job that day.  She looked like she was watching a tennis match, moving her head from side to side following all of the conversations.  The one hour meeting turned into three.  It slowed way down about half way.  Still, nothing has been recorded.  By this time, I just assume she has a great memory, or maybe by a recorder under her abaya, because there is no way she could remember everything without some kind of reference point, i.e. notes.

Well, she informed the principal after the meeting that she didn't know how to take notes.  I'm guessing that was part of it, but if we were giving out prizes for the least productive staff members, she would win it hands down.  She rarely moves from her desk.  She's usually chatting with someone or on the phone.  When you ask her a question, her response is either "No" or "I don't know."

So, this is the first meeting I need to memorialize.  I took notes, but not as thoroughly as I would have if I needed to share them, but I'll do my best to capture the high points.  The other meeting happened today.  No big deal there.

It's late though.

Prepare notes.

Watch Glee.

Notes.

Glee.

OK.  Glee it is.

More soon.

Facebook Parenting

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=kl1ujzRidmU

I love this guy!  Do you?

Exotic Food

In continuing my quest to try new fruits and vegetables, a couple of days ago I purchased some longan fruit, commonly known as dragon eyes.  This was a recommendation from my oldest son Ben, who enjoyed this tropical treat when he lived in Indonesia.

Longan Fruit, commonly known as Dragon Eyes

They're about the size of a grape with a thin brown skin.  When it's peeled it looks like a eye because the seed resembles the pupil of the eye - shiny and coal black. Kind of eerie looking, thus the name, dragon eyes.  In spite of its ominous appearance, it was quite good.  Sweet.

Inside of the Dragon Eye

I also picked up some quail eggs.  I had no desire to eat them, but this is the first time I've seen anything like that and I wanted to show you.  They, too, are about the size of grapes.

Quail Eggs

Just googled them.   They are safe to eat and it takes four or five of them to equal a regular size chicken egg.  I think I'm going to boil these.  I'll let you know how that turns out soon.

Side note - One of my favorite maternity dresses when I was carrying Ben, looked a like these eggs.  I wore that dress through three consecutive years of pregnancies. I just wore it out.

Moving on . . .

I went to the dentist today and liked him a lot.

Interestingly, many of the kids here have really poor dental health.  Lots of rotting teeth, begging for attention.  It isn't because the nationals lack the money, so I'm not sure why this issue seems so widespread.  Conversely, I've seen more folks with braces than I expected and they're, without exception, all adults.

Luther and I are going to Abu Dhabi again tomorrow.  Yep.  Another meeting.  In fact, they are scheduled three weeks in a row.  I don't mind really.  The drive is very nice and it's always enlightening chatting with colleagues from different schools, in different areas.

As I write this, I'm munching on pretzels.  You know how they're available in large, sometimes huge, bags?  Not so here.  When I bought these recently, it's the first time I'd seen any since I arrived.  This bag is about the size of a bag of potato chips.

I'm still waiting on boxes from the US.  The vibrating one is way overdue.  Once discovered in Pennsylvania, do you think they labeled it, "vibrator inside?"  And do you think because of that simple declaration it was pulled aside and examined at every stop?  I can't wait to get that one.

Well, I've had two late nights and I'm way too old for that nonsense.

With that, goodnight/good morning.

Whitney

Whitney's death.  What a shock!  And a sad, sad ending to an amazing artist.

Her story is a cautionary tale on so many levels.

After all these years,I hear my Mom saying - tell me who you follow and I'll tell you who you are.

Whitney's downward slide seems to have started when she hooked up with, and evidently married, Bobby.  With the exception of their daughter, from the outside looking in, it doesn't look like much good came from that relationship.

It was tough watching Whitney's slide from afar.  Can you imagine how tough it was for her family?  Her Mom?

How many folks have gone down that same road, unable to find the right path again, whatever that is.  How many of us are thanking God today that our lives have turned out the way they have.

One decision - good or bad - can have a lasting impact on our lives.

Why is it that some of the uber talented people have the hardest time coming to grips with their gift?  Is it harder for them, or does it seem that way because they are in the spotlight?

I'm reminded of the scripture that says, To whom much is given, much is required. Luke 12:48.

Do we ask too much of them?  Is the pressure too great for many?  Is the gift then, a blessing or a curse?

Of course, I don't have the answers.  Only questions.

May Whitney, and all of the others who have gone much too soon, rest in peace.

Loss

One of my teachers' sister died yesterday after a long illness.  Even though they knew the end was near, it was still tough to face it.  She considered going home but her sister was Jewish and would be buried within twenty-four hours of her death. The flight alone would have taken seventeen hours.

So when she knocked on my door at 8:00 tonight, she came in and we chatted til now.

It's late.  I need to get to bed, but . . .

Death is an interesting concept.  So final.  So complete.  We all know we're headed there, but we do everything in our power to delay this inevitability.  Why?  Because we have a job to do.  We're here on this planet, at this time, to do something that no one else can do quite like we can.  We don't want to go until we finish that job.  But then the question becomes, is the job ever really finished, or is it just passed on to someone else? And someone after that?

Then there's the pain of the loss of a loved one for those who are left behind. Sometimes guilt, too.  I know too well, from experience.

After loosing both parents, an infant child, and a brother, the pain didn't decrease with each subsequent loss.  It just was.  You learn to live with it, and after a while, it isn't as overwhelming anymore.  It takes up less and less of your consciousness, allowing you to live more and more in the present.

Dark subject, I know, but that's where I am tonight.

Hope this didn't darken your day.

Living alone gives me plenty of time to think.

What's on your mind?