South Africa!

I woke up at 1:30am, before the alarm went off at 2:00.  At 2:30, I was on the road headed to the airport in Abu Dhabi.

I arrived at 4:15.  We boarded the plan at 5:30.

The first stop was in Doha, Qatar, about a 45-min flight.

Immediately I noticed the rain.  I had not seen rain since I left the US.

The other really noticeable thing, is the different ethnicities.  Doha is a small city in a very small country, but their national airlines, Qatar Airways, has a dominant presence in the Middle East.  Now, I  was no longer seeing a sea of brown faces, nor did I see obvious Muslims in their distinct dress.  Diversity was everywhere.  This was the most diverse crowd I'd seen, also since leaving the US.

The airport in Doha is under construction, so the plane taxied as far as it could go, then canopied steps were attached to the plane.  We got off, and went to a waiting bus that shuttled us to the the terminal.  Once we went through several security checkpoints, we boarded another bus, to our departure plane.

In complete contrast was the stop in Johannesburg, where we had another layover but couldn't leave the plane.  No matter.  The view was great.  The airport is modern, with all of the amenities you would expect.

The different airlines, parked at the terminal, with their colorful tails, made a wonderful splash of color against the beautiful blue sky.

The airport was neat, clean and orderly.  Like Abu Dhabi, just not as flashy.

As we were coming in for landing, I was surprised at what an orderly, structured city, Johansburg is.  Clearly, I had fallen prey to the negative media portrayal of this part of the Motherland.

Side note - The flight attendants counted all of us remaining passengers on the Johannesburg flight at least a dozen times.  We were showing two more folks on the flight than we should have had.  In chatting with one of the flight attendants, he said we'd be surprised at how many people that fly that are not sure where they're going.

Insane, right?

Side note 2 - On this leg of my journey, I had an allergic reaction to something on the plane.  My top lip started to tighten and swell.  This went on for several hours, while I tried to figure out what was happening.  I doubt it was something I ate because it only caused my top lip to swell.  I think it was a reaction to the orange juice container, as that was the only thing that would have touched the effected area.  Thankfully, I remembered from when I was married to a commercial pilot, that they have a medicine chest on board. I explained the issue and was given an antihistamine.  I tried to deplane in Johansburg to get more meds, but I was given another pill instead.  The second one really turned the tide.  The tightness and tingling feeling started to go away.

Side note 3 - I had an allergic reaction like this several days before I got married.  I used to pluck leaves from bushes and shrubs when I walked by.  Why?  Who knows!  Anyway, I touched something I was allergic to, and my entire mouth quadrupled in size.  Not a pretty sight with just days before my wedding!

This last leg of the flight is less than two hours.  I have the seats to myself.  I didn't see anyone get on.  About half the folks we had on, got off here.

Already, Africa is so much better than I expected.

There's a great TED Talk by a young African author, and in it she discusses the single story.  Too often, we know one thing about someone or something, and draw incorrect conclusions from that limited scope.  She has a powerful message.  See the link below.






http://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story.html

Vacation

South Africa is INCREDIBLE!

Internet connection is not.  I'm writing everyday and will post when I return.

Where I Live

Check out the video clip in the middle of the page.  It features Al Ain, my home.

http://livcomalain.ae/Arabic/default.aspx

Spring Break

Mother's Day Bouquet

I'm being presented with a Mother's Day Bouquet
on March 21st

Thankfully, today officially begins our two weeks off for Spring Break.

I've missed a few days of posting because of the fight with my internet service, but mostly because I've been so incredibly tired.  Which really is interesting because my work load and stress level is probably less than half of what it was in the US, and yet I was still exhausted.

As I was sharing with a dear friend earlier, I used to travel by car from Florida (where I went to college), back home to Texas on a regular basis.  It was a twelve hour trip. The first eleven hours were fine, but that last hour was pure torture.

Likewise, I have been moving through the days at work just fine, but this last week was incredibly long.  It's more mental than anything, I'm sure my therapist would say, but the fatigue sure felt real.

Thankfully, I built in rest days before and after my trip to Cape Town.  I depart early Monday morning for the 13-hour flight, arriving early evening.  I return on Saturday morning.  I'll have another week off when I get back.

I'll be taking my electronic gadgets.  I'm hopeful that I'll be able to post from South Africa.

Art Award Presentation.
Note the ladies who are covered veiled themselves when the cameras came out.

It took me years to give myself permission to take care of me.  Don't make the mistake I made, do something good for yourself everyday.  It doesn't have to be something big - taking a hot, uninterrupted bath; reading a chapter in a book; watching your favorite TV show; jotting a quick note to a friend; or having a bowl of ice cream.  Whatever it is that makes you happy, do often.

You have my permission.

Quickie

I've had all kind of issues with my internet connection.  This will be a quickie, just in case it goes out again.

Had fun with the new walkie talkies that arrived yesterday.  Huge thanks to Deb for getting them to me.  A quick course on which button to press and when to press it was all it took to get my Arab sisters chatting away.  Their chatter warmed my heart.

Communicating this way is foreign in this land.  Of course, these devices are standard issue for schools in the US.  I'm hoping they will be used successfully here.

The Internet has stop working twice since I began this, so I won't push my luck.

More soon.

Testing & Safety

The standardized testing continues to be colorful.

The tests are timed and last a maximum of 90 minutes.  Good luck trying to teach anything after that.

In fact, the kids were roaming the halls and playing outside - unsupervised - as soon as the testing was complete for the day.  The testing grades are 3rd-5th.  Once the 1st and 2nd graders saw everyone else roaming the halls, it took more than a notion to keep them focused.  Remember, the classroom walls facing the hallways are made of glass, so whatever happens in the hallways can/will be a distraction.

I spent the last hour of the school day trying to keep my girls from heading to the busses to go home.  After a half hour, I gave up.  Thankfully, the busses arrived early so they were able to line up and board soon thereafter.

Teachers were making a mad dash out of the building soon after the kids.  The stillness in the school was noticed, so they will have to stay until normal dismissal time for the rest of the week.

Remember also this is the last week before our two week Spring Break.

The grades are inputted into the computer and report cards are generated from that.  Each student has a minimum of seven teachers putting in grades for them.  There's the English-speaking teacher who teachers English/Math/Science.  The Arab teachers teach Arabic, Music, PE, Art, Social Studies and Computer.  The computer program that is being used to input this data is not user friendly, making the tedious task even more laborious.  It crashes a lot from all of the traffic on the server during the grading periods.

Side note - Car seats are not used for babies and children.  Kids ride in someone's lap, usually the nanny's.  Kids can be seen sitting in the father's lap as he drives or hanging out the windows.

Side note 2 - Hotels, apartments and other high-rise buildings are being advised to put safety measures in place to prevent children from falling.  There have been over a dozen toddler/child fatalities in the past year.

As I close, here's giving you permission to do something wild and crazy and totally selfish.  Have a ball doing it.

OK.  Maybe not too wild.

Your blogging buddy

Henna

Henna, the colored dye, is used a lot here in various ways.

It's used in intricate designs painted on women's bodies, usually their hands and forearms, and sometimes their feet.

It's used as a fingernail polish, but the whole tip of the finger is colored.

It's used to color hair.

It's used to color beards.  Not sure what the significance is there.  Thankfully, you don't see it often because it's a rather strange sight.  A bright red beard on folks my complexion causes you to take a second look.

It's also used by men on the palms of their hands and bands around their fingers to indicate they're married.

One of my teachers had her hands painted and had a horrific allergic reaction to the dark brown/black henna which is believed to be stronger (???).

Interesting, right?

Now to school stuff -

Today was the first day of standardized testing.  The students were tested on reading and writing Arabic.  The whole testing environment is in keeping with everything else here, very laid back.

I was monitoring a 4th grade class of girls because their teacher was absent.  About midway through the testing period, someone came in and chatted with the girls, interrupting for about five minutes.  No problem.  No big deal, but unheard of in the US.

Like I said yesterday, this is the least stressful testing I've ever been involved in.

Beginning tomorrow, the boys will go home at 11:00 and the girls at 11:45.  Gotta love that, too.  Normal dismissal is at 12:45 for the boys and 1:45 for the girls.

Those times are colorful, too, because the last period should go from 12:15 to 1:00 for the boys and 1:15 to 2:00 for the girls.

Here's what happens.  Beginning at 12:30 and 1:30 respectively, everyone starts heading for the door.  It is a daily exercise in controlled chaos.  You just pray to God that everyone gets where they're supposed to go. The last class should be a study on how efficiently everyone can clear the building.

Adhering to dismissal times and adjusting those times so that the students are not missing instructional minutes, is a work in progress.

As I've mentioned, the girls use 11 huge busses, to accommodate them all.  The system is such that none of the busses move until everyone is on board.  Then they depart in caravans, some going left, the others right.

Finally, there is another thing I've noticed about the students.

There seems to be a higher percentage of special ed students, probably because of the custom of marrying relatives.  The country has just started to push for genetic testings before and after marriage, but that's proving to be an uphill battle.  What's really fascinating is the stigma associated with having a special needs child. Because of this, there is also a high percentage of unidentified special ed students. We do have a teacher for these students, but it is a new focus, for sure.

OK.  Just one more thing.

Mother's Day is celebrated today in Ireland.  One of my teachers is from there.  She also shared that she and her family and friends had a big St. Patrick's Day celebration.  I didn't even realize what the day was.  It was not recognized in the malls or shopping areas.

Mother's Day is celebrated in this country on Wednesday, the 21 of this month, the first day of Spring.

Who knew Mother's Day wasn't universally celebrated on the same day around the world?

OK, that's it.

I think all of this is very interesting.  I hope you do, too.

Productive Day

Yesterday I didn't get out of pajamas.  Lots of reading and TV.  Today, I was moving and shaking and getting things done.

I went by the hospital for a walk-in appointment.  The guys there were great.  They told me that it was way too busy then, but they gave me a better time later in the day.

Then it was off to get Luther serviced.  While waiting for him, I wrote my weekly bulletin.  Finished that and continued reading a novel on my phone.  The Kindle App is one of my favorite apps.  When I moved to a different waiting area, I met a Black woman from Long Beach.  She was dressed in complete Arab-wear.  I think she was probably Muslim.  She was an ADEC teacher and had been in the country for five years, three teaching at a private school, and two with ADEC.  She was about to do some serious complaining, when she asked me how I liked it.  I told her I loved it, and started naming all of the things I loved.  It turned the conversation around immediately from where it was heading - a gripe session.  I refused to get sucked into that.

I stopped by the grocery store and bought some supplies for my office.  I keep coffee and tea, chocolates and chips - you know, the really healthy stuff - for the teachers/staff to munch on throughout the day.  It's amazing how a piece of chocolate can help you make it through the day, especially if it's a rough one.  The benefit of having these things available far outweighs the cost of doing it.  It’s amazing how food helps to break the ice.  Folks have shared things while making coffee or tea that they probably wouldn’t have shared otherwise. 

Went by the mall to get a pair of eyeglasses repaired.  The guy who waited on me was Egyptian, and like the others I've met from his country, he was warm and super friendly.  He asked me where I was from, and he shared that he had a relative in California. I told him that I intended to visit Egypt soon, but I was concerned about safety since the uprising.  He assured me things have calmed down and because they're trying to restore confidence and get visitors back, there're some real bargains to be had now.  I will seriously consider a trip soon.

Then it was home for a minute.  

While here, the doorbell rang.  It was someone checking my Internet/Phone/TV service. I've had real issues with my Internet lately.  I thought it was Tyrone (my wireless router), but he was fine.  It took three service calls to figure that out though. At this point, it's not where it needs to be - speed wise - but I'm tired of fighting.  

Off again with a stop by the post office, then back to the hospital.  By this time I'd received a text from the woman who is traveling with me to Cape Town, suggesting that I look into the need for immunizations.  I looked and although not required, I got them anyway.  Better to be safe than sorry.

I was able to see the doctor I wanted to see, then I was off to return something I purchased yesterday.  Thankfully, it wasn't a problem.  Returning items is a much bigger deal here.  It makes you think twice before buying, that's for sure.

Quick stop by the market close nearby to pick up some milk.

Home again.  

Cleaned out purse.  Filed papers.  Ate dinner.  Made a lunch.  Got ready for bed.

I wonder if the five cappuccinos I had throughout the day contributed to my higher than normal energy level.  Maybe.  If so, I should drink that many everyday. 

Side note - It's been hot, about 95 degrees for the past week or so.  It makes you really appreciate air conditioning.  Even though it's hot, there's a breeze.  It's just blowing hot air.  Word is it gets much hotter in the summer.  Normal temperature is around 120 in July.  I hope to be someplace cooler by then.

Side note 2 - Tried some fruit that looks like worms.  Or if you're a South Park fan (I'm not), it might remind you of something else.  Anyway, it has a hard, paper-like shell that peels away to reveal a fruit that looks like peas in a pod.  They are sticky and gummy, like gummy bears, with black, smooth seeds inside.

This fruit is called Tamarind,
indigenous to tropical Africa.

This is what it looks like inside.

Side note 3 - Traffic stopped for camels to cross, at dawn, on my way to work one day last week. Something else was happening last week in this area as there were about 50-75 camels, with lots of SUV's and people hanging out.  I didn't see them until I was right up on them, so I didn't get a picture.

Camels crossing the road at dawn.

I'm having a hard time keeping my eyes open, so I give.  I'm going to bed.

Goodnight.

TED Invitation

A few days ago I posted a link to a TED Talk.  As I said then, I love the whole idea of really smart people coming together to share their ideas.  I enjoy the video clips of the many and varied speakers, so much so that I have the TED App on my phone and can listen to them anywhere I go.

Well, I read in the paper (I love the paper, too) that Al Ain, the city I live in, would be hosting a TED Conference next month.  This was fantastic news, but attendance at these events is by invitation only.  I thought, what the heck.  I'll apply and see what happens.

I just received the invitation!  How exciting is this?  The conference will be held on April 14th, a Saturday, so I won't have to take off work to attend, which I would have done because this is such a huge deal to me.

Side note - In yesterday's post I mentioned the building with the rotating floors.  I forgot to mention that it was Ben who forwarded me the link that I shared updating the progress.  Gotta give credit where credit is due.  Thanks Ben.

Off to bed now.

Goodnight to me.  Good morning to you.

Communication & Pageantry

One of the more colorful things to get used to is things happening at the last minute, with little or no communication.

For example, there were two programs this week that the Western staff knew nothing about.  The first was a musical workshop - held during school hours - with invited guests.  Students were pulled from class to performed.  Today there was an awards ceremony for student achievement (maybe? we're still not sure the criteria for the awards; teachers were not consulted).  Although, this felt very much like a beauty pageant, complete with formal dresses, tiaras, and full make-up, even for the first graders.

You can't see them, but many of the girls
are wearing tiaras and sashes with the
school emblem on them.

Another view

The program's design - boys', then girls' - invited mothers to come on stage and receive the award with their child.

Now, the statewide testing begins on Sunday, so you think reviewing for it would be a top priority.  Not so.  In fact, it is common knowledge that many teachers help the students on the tests.  This has just been recently frowned upon.

Remember early on when I mentioned that multi-tasking is a foreign concept, that is never more evident than when there is a special event . . . which occurs often . . . at least once a week.  Usually, it's the Social Workers, PE Teachers and Music Teachers who take care of the details and run the programs.  There are four PE Teachers and four Music Teachers, each with a full load of classes to teach. However, when there is a program, or they are rehearsing for a program, that takes precedence.  As far as they are concerned, all of their classes are cancelled.  Of course, they could rearrange their schedules to cover their classes, but that would take way too much forethought and planning.

Also, if other teachers want to attend the program, no problem.  Never mind that classes are left unattended.  Every once in a while, students will accompany teachers, but not often.

Until recently, this way of doing things bothered me.  A lot.  However, I'm taking a page out of the Emirati Handbook, and deciding to just chill out.

Here's what I've learned -

Pageantry is important.

Appearances matter.  Above all else.

Communication is convenient, but not vital.

If you know about an event . . . great.  If not, rest assured everyone had a wonderful time.

Side note - This is the absolute least stressful I've been about standardized testing . . . EVER.  For that alone, I'm loving this experience.

Side note 2 - Families are large.  It's common to have at least six and up to ten kids or more.  Remember to multiply that number by the number of wives a man has. I've heard this referred to as "nation building." Probably smart thinking.

Side note 3 - The building with the rotating floors that I mentioned in an earlier post is not coming to Dubai.  It will be built in London instead.  Surprisingly, it was cancelled due to cost cutting measures.

www.emirates247.com/property/real-estate/world-s-first-rotating-tower-not-to-come-up-in-dubai-2012-02-11-1.442343

Who knew?

Sending good thoughts your way.

Your blogging buddy 

Skipped Town

I've been meaning to mention an interesting phenomena that happens fairly often. That is, teachers just pack their bags and leave.

I'm reminded of this everyday because there's a car that's been parked near where I park Luther in the garage that hasn't moved since I've been parking underground, about two months.  I'd bet my next paycheck that it's a rental and whoever had it just skipped town.

Usually they just leave everything - furniture, household goods, cars - literally everything but their clothes, and head back home.  It happens mostly during the breaks.  If I didn't think it was so incredibly tacky and probably illegal, I'd consider an office pool to see who might go that route on our staff.  It would be the second time someone left because one teacher left like that before I arrived.

It's an unprofessional way of doing things, that's for sure.  It continues to happen because there really isn't any repercussions.

Anyway . . .

We get coverage of all of the major stories in the US, so I shouldn't have been surprised about the coverage of Peyton Manning leaving the Colts.  That was really disappointing news.  Forrest and Willie (my brothers) and I were talking about it tonight during our video chat.  They reminded me that it's business, brutal though it is.  I thought about Joe Montana and Jerry Rice.  I thought they both should have been given the opportunity to finish their careers are 49ers.  It was a sad day seeing them suited up in different uniforms.  Again, it was business, but I think the owners forget about the fans and the emotional investment we put into our favorite players and favorite teams.  Peyton, like Joe and Jerry, is such a classy guy that I'm sure will land on his feet.  I, for one, wish him the best.

Yes, I like football.  Being the only girl with three older brothers, it was my ticket in the door of the man caves they created.  And with Ben and Frankie both playing in high school, it just added to my enjoyment of the game.

On another note . . .

Thankfully I'm feeling better everyday. 

It is customary to shake hands with the Arab staff, which I thinks contributes to the sharing of the nasty bugs.  I purchased some sanitizing gel, but I'm careful not to use it in their presence for fear they will be offended that I'm washing my hands after touching them.  So I use it on the down low as often as possible.

In the last box my dear friend forwarded, it contained some megavitamin packets that I used to buy by the case at Costco.  Those were quite helpful back home in keeping the bugs away.  Hopefully they will be as helpful here.

Finally . . .

One of my colleagues is also going to Cape Town for Spring Break, so we're making plans to share the apartment that I have reserved for the week.  I'm used to living and traveling alone, so my fingers are crossed that it is a positive experience.

Thanks for sticking with me.

Shopping - Part 3

I'm sure I've mentioned I don't like shopping.  I especially don't like grocery shopping.  However, I'm close to changing my mind about that because of the terrific service I get at the market closest to home.

Everyone gets their things bagged, but there's this guy who also takes the things out of my cart, bags them, and then takes them out to my car.

Did I mention he was pretty?  I'm sure I could be his momma, but . . .

Don't go fretting'.  I wouldn't consider robbing the cradle.

Of course, never say never comes to mind.

Anyway, I tip the guy well, and I'm sure that's why I get great service.  That's OK though, I'm not above paying for super service.

Today he tried to hold a conversation, but I had no idea what he was saying.  Darn Arabic class!  We were learning how to read in it.  I need to be able to speak it.  OK. That might be stretching my skill level a bit.  How about just understand it?

I've already decided I forgot something and will need to shopping again tomorrow.

My Mom used to say, "There's no fool like an old fool."

You think that applies here?

TED Talks

I love TED Talks.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TED_(conference)

If you're new to them, they are video clips from TED Conferences.

TED Conferences occur annually.  They bring together people that represent the best and the brightest in their field.

Presenters are given a maximum of 18 minutes to share their ideas.  The following one is a tad longer, but well worth the extra time.

http://www.ted.com/talks/bryan_stevenson_we_need_to_talk_about_an_injustice.html

Side note - Still recovering from nasty bug.

More soon.

The 5AM Call

My alarm went off at 5:00am as usual.  At 5:10, I received a call from one of my colleagues who lives in my building.  She was in tears, in excruciating pain.  I raced up to her place, found her in the fetal position, and knew we needed to get to the hospital . . . fast.

She didn't want me to call an ambulance.  Truthfully, I'm not sure about the emergency services in the city or how long the response time would be.  The hospital is only a couple of miles away, so we quickly got it together and hightailed it there.

Thankfully, we discovered the clinic that we're used to going to is open 24 hours, so we knew what to do when we got there.  Navigating the systems here can be colorful.  She was seen very quickly and tests were run to go through the process of elimination to figure out what was wrong.

After injections to ease the pain, she slept, and I read the paper and emails.  Nurses and doctors came in and out.  There was a shift change, so her primary care doctor changed to someone else, but it was comforting that everyone gave due diligence to her concerns.  I think being with her to testify, if you will, to the intensity of the pain, was helpful.

At about 1:30pm, with medicine in hand, and an appointment for further testing in a couple of days, we headed home.

As my post revealed yesterday, I'm used to hospitals and have experience navigating health care systems. I'm glad I was able to help her today.

Now to a clarification and addition to yesterday's post about Ben.

First, thanks for your kind and thoughtful comments.  I appreciate them.

The dear friend I referred to who found us the apartment, not only found it, but paid in advance for our entire stay in Fort Worth.  It was an amazing gesture on so many levels, and one that we'll never forget.

There was also another life-long friend who is the reason Ben is a PhD Candidate today.  This dear friend is a psychologist who was kind enough to not only see Ben during this difficult time, but he was the source of encouragement Ben needed that he was not getting from me.  I had witnessed him a sneeze away from death, and I couldn't understand why he was wallowing in self pity.  Thank God, this gifted health professional did understand and helped in a way I couldn't.  He told Ben that his mind was sharp, even as his body was healing, and suggested he pursue a PhD. Ben has always been an awesome student, who enjoyed school and the challenges and excitement of learning new things, so this was just what he needed to look past the day-to-day routine of physical therapy and surgeries every few months.  What this man did for Ben in addressing his mental state, was just as critical as the other doctors who worked on his body.

Finally, there are two visuals that are reminders of this time -

First, Ben was wearing a Lance Armstrong LIVE STRONG bracelet when the accident occurred, and interestingly, the hospital staff left it on him during his many surgeries.

Secondly, he underwent seven surgeries in the first fourteen days and because they knew they would have to keep going back in to make repairs to his body, he was not stitched up after these surgeries, but was saran-wrapped instead.  Layer and layers of a saran-wrap like plastic was tightly wrapped around him keeping his internal organs in place.

Sometimes, when I'm watching a medical drama on TV, I find it too tough to watch if it's too graphic.  It takes me to a place I never want to be again.

Some things you don't want to forget, and yet there are other things that are too painful to remember.  Finding that balance is the key, isn't it?

Ben

I missed worked today because of feeling achy with a sore throat.  Although I didn't feel like it, I got up to go to the doctor so that I would have an excuse for the absence.  It is required.

Armed with antibiotics for the infection in my throat, I spent the rest of the day reading and watching TV.  I get lots of choices in watching US shows and movies, so I had plenty to choose from.

Funny the things you think about when you're not feeling well though.

I'm reminded of the days, weeks, and months spent praying for Ben's recovery after his horrific accident.

There was the overwhelming outpouring of support from family, friends and strangers (to me at least, but friends of the boys).

There was the trauma center in Fort Worth where Ben was hospitalized that was staffed with folks who took great care of him.  The first week after the accident was touch and go.

There was the doctor that Ben didn't like.  Interestingly, while he spent the first week in a medically induced coma, there was this one particular doctor who was very pessimistic about his prognosis.  When Ben awakened from the coma, and could communicate, he did not like this doctor at all. I absolutely believe he was aware of what was being said during this time when he was unconscious, and somehow knew this doctor was not hopeful that he would make it at all.

The outpouring of help and support we received was incredible.

There was one of Frankie's friends who created a website where we could post updates.  This also served as a link for people to leave encouraging posts, which kept us going on those tough days.

There was an enormous number of people who sent money to help with the financial burden of maintaining two households, when Frankie moved to Texas to be closer to Ben, and to help with the cost of traveling back and forth to Fort Worth from Sacramento.

There was the dear family friend who travelled to Fort Worth and found an apartment for us to live in so we could be closer to the hospital.  We were planning to stay in Ben's place about an hour and a half from Fort Worth, so having this place close by was a tremendous help and allowed us the opportunity to spend more time with Ben.

There was the couple who took a detour on their travels across country to see us and support Ben.  They came bearing gifts.  Because she had been hospitalized for extended periods of time, she knew of things that Ben would need or would make him more comfortable during his long recovery.

There was one of Ben's college buddies who traveled 24 hours straight from Siberia to be with him.  This kid will always have a special place in my heart.

There was one of his high school buddies who travelled from Southern California with mementos from their high school days together that Ben treasured.

There was my dear friend who was absolutely instrumental in helping with the logistical issues of getting Ben transferred to a hospital back home to Sacramento.  He had to have a doctor who would accept him as a patient, or his care would not have been covered by insurance.  She helped to make that happen.

There was the doctor and his staff who took outstanding care of Ben once he was local and still required at least a half dozen more surgeries over multiple disciplines.  It was truly a team effort, and it was a phenomenal team at that.

There were the folks from my school who took turns making meals for us once we moved Ben back to Sacramento.  They did this for months while I raced home from work to care for him.

There were my brothers who rallied around me as only big brothers can.  They came and provided tremendous support.  It was my youngest brother Terry (deceased) who, with Frankie, drove Ben home cross country.

And then there was Frankie.

He was my rock.  He was strong so I would be strong.  He knew I needed him to make it through this.

He was 22 at the time.

Once we received word of the accident, he left immediately going to Fort Worth because he was still able to fly free and could just show up at the airport and get on the next flight out.  It took me more time, so I arrived the next day.

The courage that it took for Frankie to go to Fort Worth, not knowing if Ben would even be alive when he arrived, was extraordinary.  He was always mature for his age, but I saw him grow up over night.

You think you appreciate family and friends, but that appreciation is taken to a whole new level in a crisis.

This journey began in July 2005 and lasted over two years.

It seems like yesterday.

Thank God, Ben is absolutely fine, but he will always be my miracle and Frankie will always be my rock.

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.