During my entire career - I've always suspected that men felt there was a secret Uterus Club that all women belonged to.
As a young manager, I was often brought in to help "coach" the younger women in our office. Even if they were managed by someone else - even if I had barely met the person, I'd get a call from my boss, "Julie, please meet with Mary and talk to her about her clothes." Or, "Julie, Joan has been having problems getting along with John, please meet with her to find out what is happening."
On the one hand, it was a bit flattering to think that I had the capabilities to resolve. But on the other, it was awkward to meet with someone I barely knew, call her into my office, and then start counseling her on the choice of clothing - or asking her personal questions about a problem she might be having with a co-worker. I always agreed with the comments I was being asked to deliver, but wondered why the fully capable (and more senior) men in my office couldn't have these conversations.
I'd say to my girlfriends when relating the stories - Do they think there's some sort of Uterus Club where all women are able to gather together and tell each other these things? Since we share the sisterhood of the uterus am I somehow more qualified to talk to them. After several years and getting very comfortable with my boss I once told him - I'm going to have a hysterectomy so that you'll stop calling me to have these awkward conversations with the women in our office. That actually helped.
In the current Presidential election - there has been a lot of discussion about the "woman vote" and whether Hillary supporters would be able to shift to Obama. I was speaking to a friend of mine who was having a hard time letting go of the dream of a woman at the top of a ticket and shifting her vote. I told her - Girl, you got to start voting with your cojones and not your uterus.
Now, John McCain has sealed it for me - you guys really do think there's a Uterus Club, don't you?
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Ramadan Mubarek
The Holy Month of Ramadan starts tomorrow (Sept 1). There is a special committee in Saudi Arabia that watches for the crescent of the old moon. When this is sighted, then Ramadan follows on the next day. So, the crescent moon has been sighted. The new moon will be tonight and tomorrow will be the first day of Ramadan.
Muslims view Ramadan as a special time of religious celebration. It is a time for families, giving thanks, and appreciating the life and opportunities you have been given. Traditionally this is a huge time for families. Each evening, as they break their fast, the families gather for large meals, gatherings and celebrations until the early hours of the morning. The day gets turned around for many (who don't have to work) - people will stay up until 2, 3 or 4 - then go to sleep. Even the children are up.
The fasting is observed from the time of sunrise to sunset. I've been asking a few friends in the office - what do you do if you live in Sweden or somewhere that there's either no sunset or just an hour or two? I've had some interesting responses. Some will tell me that the Muslims in these areas need to observe the fast no matter how many hours (which would kill you if you didn't get to drink water for 29 days). Others will say that they need to move to a different city for the month of Ramadan and then observe the fast in that city - hmmm, doesn't sound too practical. Others will say that they should observe the timings of Mekkah. Actually, there's probably no single answer. I'm sure that different families will do different things if they are living in an area that far north.
This will be our second Ramadan. Last year, it was interesting to speak to Lyra about respecting someone else's beliefs (by not eating or drinking in public) even if you don't believe it yourself. I was reminding her that Ramadan would be starting and seeing what she remembered. She was telling me that - but it's ok for children to eat and drink (and she's right). She was told this by a little friend at the pool. So, she was trying to understand why Russell and I wouldn't fast. "Well, we don't have the same beliefs," I told her. "Why not?" "We just don't." --Hmm, not too profound, I know. I'm sure it will come up again - so, I'll be thinking about what to say the next time.
Muslims view Ramadan as a special time of religious celebration. It is a time for families, giving thanks, and appreciating the life and opportunities you have been given. Traditionally this is a huge time for families. Each evening, as they break their fast, the families gather for large meals, gatherings and celebrations until the early hours of the morning. The day gets turned around for many (who don't have to work) - people will stay up until 2, 3 or 4 - then go to sleep. Even the children are up.
The fasting is observed from the time of sunrise to sunset. I've been asking a few friends in the office - what do you do if you live in Sweden or somewhere that there's either no sunset or just an hour or two? I've had some interesting responses. Some will tell me that the Muslims in these areas need to observe the fast no matter how many hours (which would kill you if you didn't get to drink water for 29 days). Others will say that they need to move to a different city for the month of Ramadan and then observe the fast in that city - hmmm, doesn't sound too practical. Others will say that they should observe the timings of Mekkah. Actually, there's probably no single answer. I'm sure that different families will do different things if they are living in an area that far north.
This will be our second Ramadan. Last year, it was interesting to speak to Lyra about respecting someone else's beliefs (by not eating or drinking in public) even if you don't believe it yourself. I was reminding her that Ramadan would be starting and seeing what she remembered. She was telling me that - but it's ok for children to eat and drink (and she's right). She was told this by a little friend at the pool. So, she was trying to understand why Russell and I wouldn't fast. "Well, we don't have the same beliefs," I told her. "Why not?" "We just don't." --Hmm, not too profound, I know. I'm sure it will come up again - so, I'll be thinking about what to say the next time.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Dreams Come True - Almost
I have a recurring nightmare. Actually, it's a recurring nightmare theme. The theme is that I'm traveling somewhere and I'm lost, or fogotten where I'm going, or am trying to get there but can't. The mode of travel will change. I've had a version of this dream where I was walking through the underground tunnels of the London Tube. Another version was driving through a city and trying to get to a particular building. Another was traveling on a space ship and trying to find my way through the spaceport to my departure gate. Frequently, the theme has to do with air travel. I can't find my gate, can't find the airport, have forgotten something and need to run home and then can't find where I'm supposed to go.
On paper (or computer screen) I'm sure this dream sounds innocuous - but believe me, I've spent many a restless night fighting my way through this dream. I often wake up exhausted and feeling like another night's rest would do me good.
I had this dream a couple of nights ago. I dreamt that I'd forgotten I needed to go to the airport and then when I remembered I realized I needed to go home to get my luggage and was worried that I wouldn't be able to get my luggage before my flight left. I guess my upcoming trip triggered this - but it's not always travel that triggers the dream.
Yesterday, I had a flight to Jeddah. Russell and Lyra dropped me off at the airport after work - around 7pm. After check-in, I went through passport control and security to make my way to the gate. As I was nearing the departure area I realized with a jolt - OH NO, I forgot my computer at home! You've all had that mind-race when you need to quickly determine what to do. I called Russell, they had just arrived back home and he quickly got back into the car to drive back to the airport (bless him). Luckily we live only 15-20 minutes away.
In the meantime, I tried to figure out how I could go "backwards" through security and passport. At first, I tried to go through the arrivals area - as if I had just landed. But the immigration wouldn't let me through. Everyone kept asking me, "Where are you coming from?" as I tried to explain - "I live here - I'm trying to leave, but I forgot something in the car. I need to go and get it." Finally, a kind soul from Emirates Airlines (not even my airline - I was flying Saudi Airlines) escorted me back to the departure area. The police took my passport and a security woman escorted me out to the passenger drop off area where Russell had just arrived. I got the computer and then made my way back through security and to the gate - arrived with plenty of time! Whew.
On the plane, I was seated in the upstairs area of the 747 - which was packed. Today, I told everyone in the office I must have been seated in the "children's section". There were two Saudi families traveling back from their summer hols. Each family had 4-5 kids. So, I was surrounded by nearly 10 kids and one nanny. Where were the parents? In first class of course. Actually, they were pretty well behaved - just full of energy. Lots of shouting back and forth to one another, getting up to go to each other's seat, calling the cabin crew, trading one beverage for another, showing each other how to play video games, etc.
Interestingly, none of the kids spoke Arabic - they all spoke English. They understood Arabic when the flight crew spoke to them, but always responded in English. I was relating this observation to someone in the office and he agreed that this often happens when the kids are raised by nannies who don't speak Arabic. Many of the wealthy families have kids who rarely use Arabic. Even the parents will switch to English when speaking with their kids.
On paper (or computer screen) I'm sure this dream sounds innocuous - but believe me, I've spent many a restless night fighting my way through this dream. I often wake up exhausted and feeling like another night's rest would do me good.
I had this dream a couple of nights ago. I dreamt that I'd forgotten I needed to go to the airport and then when I remembered I realized I needed to go home to get my luggage and was worried that I wouldn't be able to get my luggage before my flight left. I guess my upcoming trip triggered this - but it's not always travel that triggers the dream.
Yesterday, I had a flight to Jeddah. Russell and Lyra dropped me off at the airport after work - around 7pm. After check-in, I went through passport control and security to make my way to the gate. As I was nearing the departure area I realized with a jolt - OH NO, I forgot my computer at home! You've all had that mind-race when you need to quickly determine what to do. I called Russell, they had just arrived back home and he quickly got back into the car to drive back to the airport (bless him). Luckily we live only 15-20 minutes away.
In the meantime, I tried to figure out how I could go "backwards" through security and passport. At first, I tried to go through the arrivals area - as if I had just landed. But the immigration wouldn't let me through. Everyone kept asking me, "Where are you coming from?" as I tried to explain - "I live here - I'm trying to leave, but I forgot something in the car. I need to go and get it." Finally, a kind soul from Emirates Airlines (not even my airline - I was flying Saudi Airlines) escorted me back to the departure area. The police took my passport and a security woman escorted me out to the passenger drop off area where Russell had just arrived. I got the computer and then made my way back through security and to the gate - arrived with plenty of time! Whew.
On the plane, I was seated in the upstairs area of the 747 - which was packed. Today, I told everyone in the office I must have been seated in the "children's section". There were two Saudi families traveling back from their summer hols. Each family had 4-5 kids. So, I was surrounded by nearly 10 kids and one nanny. Where were the parents? In first class of course. Actually, they were pretty well behaved - just full of energy. Lots of shouting back and forth to one another, getting up to go to each other's seat, calling the cabin crew, trading one beverage for another, showing each other how to play video games, etc.
Interestingly, none of the kids spoke Arabic - they all spoke English. They understood Arabic when the flight crew spoke to them, but always responded in English. I was relating this observation to someone in the office and he agreed that this often happens when the kids are raised by nannies who don't speak Arabic. Many of the wealthy families have kids who rarely use Arabic. Even the parents will switch to English when speaking with their kids.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Car Horns
I've determined that the world is divided into two kinds of people. Those that find car horns loud, obnoxious, and irritating - the Keep Irritating Sounds Silent folks (KISSers). And those that find it a useful car feature to be used with frequency and regularity - the Car Horn User Group (CHUGs)
CHUGs pull up to a house and honk the horn to get the person they're picking up to come outside. If the horn honking fails to produce the desired result, they will honk longer and louder. If that fails, they will lay on the horn continuously. Obviously, getting out of the car to ring the doorbell is not an option. Never mind that it's 4am and they're pulled up to the villa outside my bedroom window.
When a CHUG pulls up to wait for you to leave a parking spot if they find that you're taking too much time buckling in the child, putting your packages in the trunk, and turning on the engine - they'll give a little blast on the horn. As a KISSer, I'm totally tempted when they do that to go back there and tell them that there is NO WAY I'm giving them my spot - they can just move their rude little CHUG a*s along.
CHUGs also find it totally acceptable to pull up 2 feet behind you when trying to pass you on the motorway and beep their horn - followed by flashing of lights. Never mind that there's no where for you to go; the cars ahead are going slowly, the lane to your right is full of slow-moving trucks, and traffic is jammed. What do they think they're going to do, blast through slow and go traffic?
When stopped at a red light, as soon as the light turns green, a CHUG who is 10th in the queue finds the need to blast his horn. How does this help? It does take a few seconds to get a queue moving - we can't all step on our gas peddles and move simultaneously away from the light. Again, the inner KISSer in me wants to get out of my car and go tell him that a little patience will make us all happier people.
CHUGs will also give you a little honk as they're coming up on your blindside - as if to say "Hey, I'm here." Never mind that I've now jumped out of my skin and I'm trying to make sure I don't veer dangerously off the shoulder. Egads!
The latest CHUG incident was last night on my way out of the office. I work in a 30 story building. As I left, there was a CHUG parked outside honking his horn. I can only assume that he was trying to get the attention of someone inside this 30 story building to come outside for their ride. Hello buddy - it's a THIRTY STORY building - they can't hear you. Nevertheless, he proceeded to honk his horn while I crossed from the building to the parking structure, took the lift to my parking level, and then walked to my car. All the while, his CHUG instincts increasing to ever longer blasts on the horn.
I try to tell myself, these CHUGs come from a place where the sound of the horn has no corresponding relationship to irritation or obnoxious behaviour. They don't have any idea that I find this behaviour so unbelievably rude that I struggle to keep my inner serial killer under control. I tell myself, they don't mean it, don't get upset, just relax, calm down. But my KISSer instincts are strong - it's hard not to get riled.
Most cities are either CHUG or KISSer cities. In the US, I think we mostly have KISSer cities - although maybe in New York City there's a little bit of CHUGiness. In London, it was definitely KISSer. In India - it's CHUG all the way. And I have no way of knowing what the true Dubai is, but I would guess that Dubai-ites are CHUGs. The thing about Dubai NOW the immigrants come from a mix of CHUG and KISSer cities. It's one of the unique things about Dubai - this mixture of East and West, Developed World and Developing World, modesty and immorality, CHUGs and KISSers.
As a KISSer, if you move to a CHUG city (like Mumbai), you have no choice but to recognize you're a minority. Every single driver in a CHUG city exhibits these behaviors and you soon realize it is just a normal part of the street code. But here, there is such a balance between KISSers and CHUGs that the CHUGs stand out - more than 50% of the cars demonstrate KISSer etiquette leaving you with the hope that maybe possibly the CHUGs will soon learn (oh please, will they learn).
I can only imagine that the CHUGs are totally oblivious to this difference - that only the KISSers get irritated at this difference. I mean really, my KISSer quiet driving habits certainly cannot be an irritation to the CHUGs. But, you never know.
CHUGs pull up to a house and honk the horn to get the person they're picking up to come outside. If the horn honking fails to produce the desired result, they will honk longer and louder. If that fails, they will lay on the horn continuously. Obviously, getting out of the car to ring the doorbell is not an option. Never mind that it's 4am and they're pulled up to the villa outside my bedroom window.
When a CHUG pulls up to wait for you to leave a parking spot if they find that you're taking too much time buckling in the child, putting your packages in the trunk, and turning on the engine - they'll give a little blast on the horn. As a KISSer, I'm totally tempted when they do that to go back there and tell them that there is NO WAY I'm giving them my spot - they can just move their rude little CHUG a*s along.
CHUGs also find it totally acceptable to pull up 2 feet behind you when trying to pass you on the motorway and beep their horn - followed by flashing of lights. Never mind that there's no where for you to go; the cars ahead are going slowly, the lane to your right is full of slow-moving trucks, and traffic is jammed. What do they think they're going to do, blast through slow and go traffic?
When stopped at a red light, as soon as the light turns green, a CHUG who is 10th in the queue finds the need to blast his horn. How does this help? It does take a few seconds to get a queue moving - we can't all step on our gas peddles and move simultaneously away from the light. Again, the inner KISSer in me wants to get out of my car and go tell him that a little patience will make us all happier people.
CHUGs will also give you a little honk as they're coming up on your blindside - as if to say "Hey, I'm here." Never mind that I've now jumped out of my skin and I'm trying to make sure I don't veer dangerously off the shoulder. Egads!
The latest CHUG incident was last night on my way out of the office. I work in a 30 story building. As I left, there was a CHUG parked outside honking his horn. I can only assume that he was trying to get the attention of someone inside this 30 story building to come outside for their ride. Hello buddy - it's a THIRTY STORY building - they can't hear you. Nevertheless, he proceeded to honk his horn while I crossed from the building to the parking structure, took the lift to my parking level, and then walked to my car. All the while, his CHUG instincts increasing to ever longer blasts on the horn.
I try to tell myself, these CHUGs come from a place where the sound of the horn has no corresponding relationship to irritation or obnoxious behaviour. They don't have any idea that I find this behaviour so unbelievably rude that I struggle to keep my inner serial killer under control. I tell myself, they don't mean it, don't get upset, just relax, calm down. But my KISSer instincts are strong - it's hard not to get riled.
Most cities are either CHUG or KISSer cities. In the US, I think we mostly have KISSer cities - although maybe in New York City there's a little bit of CHUGiness. In London, it was definitely KISSer. In India - it's CHUG all the way. And I have no way of knowing what the true Dubai is, but I would guess that Dubai-ites are CHUGs. The thing about Dubai NOW the immigrants come from a mix of CHUG and KISSer cities. It's one of the unique things about Dubai - this mixture of East and West, Developed World and Developing World, modesty and immorality, CHUGs and KISSers.
As a KISSer, if you move to a CHUG city (like Mumbai), you have no choice but to recognize you're a minority. Every single driver in a CHUG city exhibits these behaviors and you soon realize it is just a normal part of the street code. But here, there is such a balance between KISSers and CHUGs that the CHUGs stand out - more than 50% of the cars demonstrate KISSer etiquette leaving you with the hope that maybe possibly the CHUGs will soon learn (oh please, will they learn).
I can only imagine that the CHUGs are totally oblivious to this difference - that only the KISSers get irritated at this difference. I mean really, my KISSer quiet driving habits certainly cannot be an irritation to the CHUGs. But, you never know.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Pampered Ladies
The big bru-ha-ha here is that the petrol stations are going self-serve. There is a great hullabaloo that has erupted on one of the local chat rooms about having to get out of your car to fill it up with petrol.
So far, only one petrol group has started. They have chosen a few stations to pilot with - and I'm assuming will roll it out from there. The method they have chosen is bound to create longer lines at the stations. They have everyone going in to pre-pay for gas. You must specify how much you want - you cannot just say "fill it". If you over-pay and your tank is full before you've used your full credit - you have to go in and get a refund. Now that's silly! If they're really going to do this, they need to get pay-at-the-pump machines. Otherwise, who's going to want to be treking back and forth into the shops to queue for payment and then again for a refund. Especially in this heat.
But what is really amusing to me are the women who are up in arms about having to get out of their car to fill their tanks. I feel like I'm transported back to the 1950's. Lord help us if a woman might put a ladder in her tights (as they would say here) by getting out of the car to put stinky smelly petrol in the car. An actual quote (which summarizes the whole debate) from the local chatroom:
"Its not that I can't use a petrol pump...I just hate being told that they are providing me with "european service" which:
1) Results in my makeup running
2) May cost me time
3) May result in petrol on my clothes
4) Makes me hot (in a bad way)
5) Results in me leaving my kids (or passengers or work collegues) in the car (with the aircon off) whilst I pay the bill.
etc etc etc
How is that going to improve my day?"
So far, only one petrol group has started. They have chosen a few stations to pilot with - and I'm assuming will roll it out from there. The method they have chosen is bound to create longer lines at the stations. They have everyone going in to pre-pay for gas. You must specify how much you want - you cannot just say "fill it". If you over-pay and your tank is full before you've used your full credit - you have to go in and get a refund. Now that's silly! If they're really going to do this, they need to get pay-at-the-pump machines. Otherwise, who's going to want to be treking back and forth into the shops to queue for payment and then again for a refund. Especially in this heat.
But what is really amusing to me are the women who are up in arms about having to get out of their car to fill their tanks. I feel like I'm transported back to the 1950's. Lord help us if a woman might put a ladder in her tights (as they would say here) by getting out of the car to put stinky smelly petrol in the car. An actual quote (which summarizes the whole debate) from the local chatroom:
"Its not that I can't use a petrol pump...I just hate being told that they are providing me with "european service" which:
1) Results in my makeup running
2) May cost me time
3) May result in petrol on my clothes
4) Makes me hot (in a bad way)
5) Results in me leaving my kids (or passengers or work collegues) in the car (with the aircon off) whilst I pay the bill.
etc etc etc
How is that going to improve my day?"
Monday, August 18, 2008
All Together Now
Russell & Lyra arrived back in Dubai late on Thursday night. They're still struggling with the jet lag (getting up in the middle of the night, then falling back to sleep until mid-morning). School's not on for another 3 weeks, so plenty of time to work on getting to the right schedule.
The heat has been brutal the last couple of days. Yesterday, we saw highs over 115. The humidity has been pretty low and evenings are cooling off pretty well. Low humidity also means the pool temps are pretty comfortable. Still, it makes the day's pretty long. Lyra and Russ will be well and truly stir crazy by the time school starts on September 7th. Luckily the kids next door are thrilled to see Lyra and so the kids are playing together all day long.
Ramadan has been announced to start on Sept 1. In preparation, we made a booze-run to the emirate that sells liquor without a liquor license. They will be closed all of Ramadan, so thought we should stock up. We now have fixin's for margaritas - so, we'll need to have a mexican dinner one of these nights.
It's good to have a buzz in the house again. The non-stop chatter from Lyra is music to my ears (for now). The kids running in and out - and even leaving the front door open - is fun to hear.
The heat has been brutal the last couple of days. Yesterday, we saw highs over 115. The humidity has been pretty low and evenings are cooling off pretty well. Low humidity also means the pool temps are pretty comfortable. Still, it makes the day's pretty long. Lyra and Russ will be well and truly stir crazy by the time school starts on September 7th. Luckily the kids next door are thrilled to see Lyra and so the kids are playing together all day long.
Ramadan has been announced to start on Sept 1. In preparation, we made a booze-run to the emirate that sells liquor without a liquor license. They will be closed all of Ramadan, so thought we should stock up. We now have fixin's for margaritas - so, we'll need to have a mexican dinner one of these nights.
It's good to have a buzz in the house again. The non-stop chatter from Lyra is music to my ears (for now). The kids running in and out - and even leaving the front door open - is fun to hear.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Ode to a Missing Tooth
Before you peeked your pearly head into the world,
did you see the tiny baby in her crib?
What scenes of feeding and snuggling were observed?
Were little toes and fingers counted on her arrival?
Who wrapped and carried a precious bundle to the gate?
On a damp and chilly day, a bed was made to keep the foundling warm.
Did she cry amid the sounds and sighings of her infant peers?
Cold breezes foiled by heavy swaddling from which tiny faces peeked.
Awaiting sunny days to be pleasantly observed at open windows.
What sights you've witnessed that we will never know.
The tears and pain of your emergence are unrecorded.
Were fingers run across the gum to sense your new arrival?
Yes, little bibs were placed to catch the falling drool.
What joy you found in first bites of eel-fish soup and congee.
"Niu-niu" and "Ai Ni" the first words you helped her say.
Then we heard her gracious "Dat doo" mimicking our Thanks.
Cheerios and Gold Fish became a new and common treat.
And teething rings were grasped and gnawed in relief
as new arrivals join you in a happy smile.
What sights you've witnessed and shared in joy with us.
A visit to the dentist was greeted with elation.
X-rays record your unseen roots beneath the gum.
New brush and floss received with grateful fun.
She's cared for you with well known night routines
and waited with expectation the tiny wiggle that announced
a childhood era's arrival and a soon departed friend.
And so you go with fairies to a mysterious land and
leave her to the watchful eye of us who share your devotion.
We bid goodbye to you who kept a quiet record.
Your leaving announced unlike your mute arrival.
did you see the tiny baby in her crib?
What scenes of feeding and snuggling were observed?
Were little toes and fingers counted on her arrival?
Who wrapped and carried a precious bundle to the gate?
On a damp and chilly day, a bed was made to keep the foundling warm.
Did she cry amid the sounds and sighings of her infant peers?
Cold breezes foiled by heavy swaddling from which tiny faces peeked.
Awaiting sunny days to be pleasantly observed at open windows.
What sights you've witnessed that we will never know.
The tears and pain of your emergence are unrecorded.
Were fingers run across the gum to sense your new arrival?
Yes, little bibs were placed to catch the falling drool.
What joy you found in first bites of eel-fish soup and congee.
"Niu-niu" and "Ai Ni" the first words you helped her say.
Then we heard her gracious "Dat doo" mimicking our Thanks.
Cheerios and Gold Fish became a new and common treat.
And teething rings were grasped and gnawed in relief
as new arrivals join you in a happy smile.
What sights you've witnessed and shared in joy with us.
A visit to the dentist was greeted with elation.
X-rays record your unseen roots beneath the gum.
New brush and floss received with grateful fun.
She's cared for you with well known night routines
and waited with expectation the tiny wiggle that announced
a childhood era's arrival and a soon departed friend.
And so you go with fairies to a mysterious land and
leave her to the watchful eye of us who share your devotion.
We bid goodbye to you who kept a quiet record.
Your leaving announced unlike your mute arrival.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Men's 4x100 Relay
The only bit of live Olympic coverage I've seen so far were the last 2 legs of the men's 4x100 swimming relay. I came out of yoga class and in the office they were watching the race. I saw the US men fall ever more slightly behind the French with each stroke and turn. Until the last half lap when Jason Lezak poured it on!! Wow, I have never seen such a comeback. At one point, he was behind by over 0.60 seconds.
I did a little high-five with the office administrator. Woo hoo, how exciting. I remember when we watched the olympics when we lived in London. Being away from home, it's fun to root for the US. Feels a little more patriotic. I'm not ready to sing Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" just yet, but it's fun to root for the home team. In Dubai, there are so many people from so many countries, it's fun to have a little rivalry with the neighbors.
Yea - I know I'm on the late show with this one. I'm sure this has been played and re-played back home. But in case you missed it: http://eroom.johnsoncontrols.com/eRoom/building_efficiency/ME_IT_Department/0_491ef
I did a little high-five with the office administrator. Woo hoo, how exciting. I remember when we watched the olympics when we lived in London. Being away from home, it's fun to root for the US. Feels a little more patriotic. I'm not ready to sing Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" just yet, but it's fun to root for the home team. In Dubai, there are so many people from so many countries, it's fun to have a little rivalry with the neighbors.
Yea - I know I'm on the late show with this one. I'm sure this has been played and re-played back home. But in case you missed it: http://eroom.johnsoncontrols.com/eRoom/building_efficiency/ME_IT_Department/0_491ef
Monday, August 11, 2008
Hot, humid and uncomfortable days ahead in the UAE
Heh, heh. After telling Russell for the last few days how comfortable the weather has been here - especially in the evenings. This is the headline in the Gulf News today. When the local paper is reporting that it will be hot - then you better listen. I will confirm that today's walk down to a shop for lunch was steamy.
It's just as well. This way Russell and Lyra will have some days/weeks of hot weather and then can appreciate the cool down when September comes. ;-)
Sunday, August 10, 2008
We're Having a Sandstorm (plus Olympics coverage)
It's not the Shamaal - that is a sandstorm which comes out of Iran and Iraq and blows sand across the Persian Gulf to us. No, today it is actually calm outside. But surprisingly around 5 o'clock I looked outside and could barely see across the road. From the 19th floor, it looked quite thick. But once down on ground level it seemed a little less dramatic. Just like with a snow storm, it can be much worse out in the country side. There were lots of accidents reported on the radio from the roads that led out of Dubai to nearby cities and emirates. On the radio, they mentioned that the sand settling on the road would effect your stopping distance the same as gathering snow and ice on the roads.
What caused it? A rainstorm. Yep, a rainstorm caused a cloud of dust so big that the entire city of Dubai is engulfed in a sand cloud. Usually, we're used to rain cleaning the air. Not here. The rain happened about 50km south of here in Al Ain. Probably was just a few drops of rain - nothing to really wet the ground. Just enough to stir up the sand and dust from the falling drops and then move on.
What is a sand cloud like? Well, it's a lot like fog - you can't really see the sand or feel it. But instead of the air being white with a blue/grey hint it is instead beige with a yellow hint. I'm sure the small particles of sand are much more harmful to your lungs than the droplets of water in fog. This sand is light like dust - almost the consistency of cake flour. Very, very fine sand dust flying around coating EVERYTHING. If you have asthma or any breathing difficulties - today will be a difficult day. Personally, I'm not feeling any effect. Bas seemed ok on our walk, too. (spoke too soon - he just started his weird throat clearing snort a la Tony Randall's Felix from the Odd Couple)
Good thing there's no laundry hanging out - OH WAIT, there is. Ooops. Good thing it's just the towels and rags for cleaning the house. Hmmm, must run out to get that.
UAE Olympics Coverage
The UAE has sent 9 athletes to the olympics this year. Nearly 50% of the team is royalty. The daughther of the current Ruler of Dubai was the flag bearer for the team in the opening ceremony. She will compete in Taekwando. I think it's the ruler's cousin who was a gold medalist at the Athens olympics for Double Trap shooting. He is competing again this year. There are rumors that Dubai will be bidding to host an upcoming Olympics. Qatar's bid for 2012 was denied when they proposed that they would host the Olympics in October. They challenged the Olympics committee to reconsider since that would essentially eliminate any Middle East country from placing a successful bid. Believe me - athletes would NOT want to be competing here in August.
What caused it? A rainstorm. Yep, a rainstorm caused a cloud of dust so big that the entire city of Dubai is engulfed in a sand cloud. Usually, we're used to rain cleaning the air. Not here. The rain happened about 50km south of here in Al Ain. Probably was just a few drops of rain - nothing to really wet the ground. Just enough to stir up the sand and dust from the falling drops and then move on.
What is a sand cloud like? Well, it's a lot like fog - you can't really see the sand or feel it. But instead of the air being white with a blue/grey hint it is instead beige with a yellow hint. I'm sure the small particles of sand are much more harmful to your lungs than the droplets of water in fog. This sand is light like dust - almost the consistency of cake flour. Very, very fine sand dust flying around coating EVERYTHING. If you have asthma or any breathing difficulties - today will be a difficult day. Personally, I'm not feeling any effect. Bas seemed ok on our walk, too. (spoke too soon - he just started his weird throat clearing snort a la Tony Randall's Felix from the Odd Couple)
Good thing there's no laundry hanging out - OH WAIT, there is. Ooops. Good thing it's just the towels and rags for cleaning the house. Hmmm, must run out to get that.
UAE Olympics Coverage
The UAE has sent 9 athletes to the olympics this year. Nearly 50% of the team is royalty. The daughther of the current Ruler of Dubai was the flag bearer for the team in the opening ceremony. She will compete in Taekwando. I think it's the ruler's cousin who was a gold medalist at the Athens olympics for Double Trap shooting. He is competing again this year. There are rumors that Dubai will be bidding to host an upcoming Olympics. Qatar's bid for 2012 was denied when they proposed that they would host the Olympics in October. They challenged the Olympics committee to reconsider since that would essentially eliminate any Middle East country from placing a successful bid. Believe me - athletes would NOT want to be competing here in August.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Terminal 3
Today, I had a chance to volunteer for Dubai International Airport to help test the new Terminal 3 in Dubai. They sent an email a few weeks ago and I responded that I'd be available. I showed up at 10:30 and was given my script. I was Jorge Torres on a 12:30 flight to Frankfurt. I was invited to use the Business Class check-in which got me a pass into the Business Class lounge. Went through passport control where I was taken in back because I had overstayed my visa. Then after realizing there were no computers back there to complete the simulation, the immigration staff "let me go". Went through security, where I had the most thorough checking of my handbag ever! "What's this??" the security woman inquired with great curiosity over my teeny tiny fold up umbrella. "An umbrella," I answered. "Open it," she requested with amazement. At the check in gate, we actually boarded a plane. No pilots, but there was a flight crew to check us on board.
I met a guy in the waiting area who had on a Milwaukee Panthers tee-shirt and was carrying a retro-look Harley Davidson motorcycle helmet. I asked him if he was from Milwaukee. No, he is Arab, but he went to college in Milwaukee. He loves it there and is planning to send his daughter there for university. He was wearing his Georgio Armani jeans, Harley biker boots, the Panthers tee-shirt, and carrying a motorcycle helmet. Guess he picked up a lot of Milwaukee when lived there. He moved back to the Middle East in 1990, but travels back to Milwaukee frequently to visit his friends. Luckily for him, he got his US citizenship when he was a student. Otherwise, traveling back to the US for most Arabs is a pain in the ass.
Impressions? The terminal is HUGE!! Really, really huge. The business class lounge is HUGE and spacious and lovely. The baggage claim area is HUGE and probably should have a few more moving walkways. The terminal is a long giant tube that has been squashed into an oblong. I think I've heard that the opening of this terminal will triple the passenger capacity in Dubai. Yeah for us who live near the flight path. It's expected to open in late September or early October. I think that it will be dedicated to Emirates Airlines. So, you'll need to book on Emirates to fly through there. If you do, you'll be pretty impressed.
--------------------------------
Fride Update - it's fixed. Well, it was for 24 hours and then I noticed late on Thursday night that it wasn't working again. This time, it was well and truly dead it seemed - not even the inside light was working. I was stomping around and cursing the inefficiency of the labor force here. And also grateful that I hadn't gone out to the grocery store to re-stock. While on the phone with Russell and grousing about it he asked, "Have you checked the circuit breaker?" Ahhh - good idea. That was it! Yeah! I was saved an embarassing call to the repairman.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Milwaukee 8/8/88 - 8/8/08
Twenty years ago, I moved to Milwaukee.
My girlfriend in college was from Milwaukee (in fact I had 2 roomates during college who were from Milwaukee). She was engaged and wanted to move back home to be close to her parents for her last year being single. I had never lived away from home and Milwaukee seemed like a good idea. Plus, I had hopes that "something" might work out with her brother. So, we packed up our apartment in Friendly Fridley, MN and came to Milwaukee.
Her job was with the Milwaukee Public School systems and she was required to live in the City of Milwaukee. My job was actually 45 minutes outside of the city in Brownsville, WI. I was working for a cheese company.* We moved out onto the northwest corner of town onto Appleton Avenue.
After a year, she got married and moved to Minneapolis. I stayed in Milwaukee. It always seemed ironic to me that she was living in my hometown and I was living in hers. That's when my mother started dropping hints about when I might be moving back. And honestly, I don't know why I didn't start to. The cheese-job was a mistake (ever had a job where after the flurry of activity on your first day you sit at your desk, look around, and think "OK, this was a mistake"), "something" was actually nothing with her brother, and I needed to find a new apartment because the one we were sharing was too big for me by myself. Why I didn't pack my car and just head back up I-94, I don't know. Well, I did have a great circle of friends and I was starting to look around for a new job. So, I stayed.
Soon after my girlfriend got married I found a new job that I loved. A couple years after that, I met Russell. And now, it's been 20 years - give or take a few years. I still call Minneapolis my hometown, but Milwaukee is home. I love this city.
*Everyone who lives in Wisconsin should work in the dairy industry at least once. It is your social obligation to help keep Wisconsin nominated as America's Dairyland (which everytime I type in Russell's blog id - russface.diaryland.com I always have to make sure I don't type dairyland). Did you know that California passed Wisconsin as America's number one dairy producer? It happened several years ago - maybe even around the time that I moved to Wisconsin.
My girlfriend in college was from Milwaukee (in fact I had 2 roomates during college who were from Milwaukee). She was engaged and wanted to move back home to be close to her parents for her last year being single. I had never lived away from home and Milwaukee seemed like a good idea. Plus, I had hopes that "something" might work out with her brother. So, we packed up our apartment in Friendly Fridley, MN and came to Milwaukee.
Her job was with the Milwaukee Public School systems and she was required to live in the City of Milwaukee. My job was actually 45 minutes outside of the city in Brownsville, WI. I was working for a cheese company.* We moved out onto the northwest corner of town onto Appleton Avenue.
After a year, she got married and moved to Minneapolis. I stayed in Milwaukee. It always seemed ironic to me that she was living in my hometown and I was living in hers. That's when my mother started dropping hints about when I might be moving back. And honestly, I don't know why I didn't start to. The cheese-job was a mistake (ever had a job where after the flurry of activity on your first day you sit at your desk, look around, and think "OK, this was a mistake"), "something" was actually nothing with her brother, and I needed to find a new apartment because the one we were sharing was too big for me by myself. Why I didn't pack my car and just head back up I-94, I don't know. Well, I did have a great circle of friends and I was starting to look around for a new job. So, I stayed.
Soon after my girlfriend got married I found a new job that I loved. A couple years after that, I met Russell. And now, it's been 20 years - give or take a few years. I still call Minneapolis my hometown, but Milwaukee is home. I love this city.
*Everyone who lives in Wisconsin should work in the dairy industry at least once. It is your social obligation to help keep Wisconsin nominated as America's Dairyland (which everytime I type in Russell's blog id - russface.diaryland.com I always have to make sure I don't type dairyland). Did you know that California passed Wisconsin as America's number one dairy producer? It happened several years ago - maybe even around the time that I moved to Wisconsin.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Warm Walk
This year, I can tell that I'm getting used to the heat. At least, my body can tell the difference between a 110 and a 100 degree day. Like today, temps were in the upper 90's most of the day and then just barely crept over 100 for the peak temps. I could tell coming into work this morning that it was a cooler day. Last year, it just seemed hot - all of it was hot, every day was hot. Hot was hot was hot. There didn't seem to be any difference from one day to another. This year, the hot days are still hot, but a day like today seemed quite nice. Not cool, but warm. And warm is nice - compared to hot.
I guess I can say I've acclimated to the heat. When Basil and I headed out on our walk today it was around 97 and I could tell that the temps were dropping into a nice comfortable mid-90s as we continued. Even Basil found it comfortable. This time, as we were walking, I was trying to notice the "every day" things that I see that are no longer strange to me, but were when we first moved here.
Like the housemaids that gather every night around 6 or 7. I don't know what houses they come from, but they all seem to come out around that time. Some of them have a little gathering for a few minutes while they walk the household dogs. Others will have a chat near the dumpsters while they are both taking out the rubbish for the night. But no matter how hot, they always seem to come out around 6 or 7 for a little break in their day. Some of the housemaids have children and when the weather really is nice, the kids come out with them too to ride their bikes up and down the street.
There are the night watchmen that are on duty overnight at each construction site in the neighborhood. These fellows have a little hut built out of plywood on the construction lot. Inside I guess is a bed - and I'm not even sure if there is any electricity. In the evenings, they usually will sit outside to get some of the breeze that usually picks up in the evening. Often, they will walk over to one of the homes in the neighborhood that has a free water dispenser outside and fill up their water bottles. As a charity to the workers, many households will install water dispensers outside their walls. Our neighbors across the street have one and it is well used. The construction workers and laborers in the neighborhood are always filling up empty water bottles.
There's the gardener/driver/house boy who is usually spraying down the driveway to wash off all the sand and dust. What a waste of water. It streams down the roadside. The sand and dust will gather here like swirling snow gathers in the corners of your doorway and near the garage. Russell has a "leaf blower" that he's been using to blow the dust away. If you don't do something, you'd soon have a small dune gathering in your garage. But most of the other households in our neighborhood have the house keeper or driver wash down the garage and driveway with a hose. It drives me nuts to see it. Technically, it is against city ordinance to do it. But no one ever stops them.
There's a guy who rides through our neighbor hood with a lawn mower balanced in a basket on his bicycle. He goes around to houses peddling his services as a gardener. I'm always amazed to see him toodling by with a lawn mower on his bicycle. There's a house round the corner from here that I see him tending. Their gardens look pretty nice. Our friends Mariam and Mohammed have a gardner, they pay him 250 Dhs per month and he comes nearly every day (that's less than US$100). Lots of fellows will walk the neighborhood in the evening looking for extra work (car washing, hosing down the driveway, gardening, etc.) They are usually laborers from a nearby construction site looking for a way to make a little extra money - like our car wash guy who comes on Friday. I have no idea where he is staying or how far away it is, but like clockwork he is always here on a Friday to wash the cars.
There are lots of folks walking down the side of the road (no sidewalks mind you) heading to the local mini-mart. It is amazing the variety of items that these little grocery's have packed in them. And the prices are pretty much comparable to what you'd see at our supermarket. Lots of them will stock items that are from India and the laborers like to go in there and get a little something from home. They do a brisk enough business that they have good turnover on most stock, too. And they all deliver, too. Russell and I have never actually called for a delivery, but they'll bring over a litre of milk for you, a dozen eggs, a few apples, kilo of sugar - you name it. I've been told they will deliver a single can of soda if you asked. Don't know why we haven't asked for delivery. We just tend to get in the car and run to the shops real quick if we realize we need something.
Tonight I went to the locak mini-mart. I was hankering for something cold - seeing as how the fridge guys failed to show up today. And failed to call me and tell me that they would instead be coming TOMORROW. And I only found out when I called to find out where they were and why they hadn't yet shown up. I did not keep my cool. I knew I'd need patience for this. But knowing you need patience and actually HAVING patience are two different things.
Luckily for me, the woman who has been cleaning our house can come by tomorrow at 8am and wait for them. Oh readers, please send me your good thoughts, light some insense, say a hail mary for us to have better luck tomorrow.
I guess I can say I've acclimated to the heat. When Basil and I headed out on our walk today it was around 97 and I could tell that the temps were dropping into a nice comfortable mid-90s as we continued. Even Basil found it comfortable. This time, as we were walking, I was trying to notice the "every day" things that I see that are no longer strange to me, but were when we first moved here.
Like the housemaids that gather every night around 6 or 7. I don't know what houses they come from, but they all seem to come out around that time. Some of them have a little gathering for a few minutes while they walk the household dogs. Others will have a chat near the dumpsters while they are both taking out the rubbish for the night. But no matter how hot, they always seem to come out around 6 or 7 for a little break in their day. Some of the housemaids have children and when the weather really is nice, the kids come out with them too to ride their bikes up and down the street.
There are the night watchmen that are on duty overnight at each construction site in the neighborhood. These fellows have a little hut built out of plywood on the construction lot. Inside I guess is a bed - and I'm not even sure if there is any electricity. In the evenings, they usually will sit outside to get some of the breeze that usually picks up in the evening. Often, they will walk over to one of the homes in the neighborhood that has a free water dispenser outside and fill up their water bottles. As a charity to the workers, many households will install water dispensers outside their walls. Our neighbors across the street have one and it is well used. The construction workers and laborers in the neighborhood are always filling up empty water bottles.
There's the gardener/driver/house boy who is usually spraying down the driveway to wash off all the sand and dust. What a waste of water. It streams down the roadside. The sand and dust will gather here like swirling snow gathers in the corners of your doorway and near the garage. Russell has a "leaf blower" that he's been using to blow the dust away. If you don't do something, you'd soon have a small dune gathering in your garage. But most of the other households in our neighborhood have the house keeper or driver wash down the garage and driveway with a hose. It drives me nuts to see it. Technically, it is against city ordinance to do it. But no one ever stops them.
There's a guy who rides through our neighbor hood with a lawn mower balanced in a basket on his bicycle. He goes around to houses peddling his services as a gardener. I'm always amazed to see him toodling by with a lawn mower on his bicycle. There's a house round the corner from here that I see him tending. Their gardens look pretty nice. Our friends Mariam and Mohammed have a gardner, they pay him 250 Dhs per month and he comes nearly every day (that's less than US$100). Lots of fellows will walk the neighborhood in the evening looking for extra work (car washing, hosing down the driveway, gardening, etc.) They are usually laborers from a nearby construction site looking for a way to make a little extra money - like our car wash guy who comes on Friday. I have no idea where he is staying or how far away it is, but like clockwork he is always here on a Friday to wash the cars.
There are lots of folks walking down the side of the road (no sidewalks mind you) heading to the local mini-mart. It is amazing the variety of items that these little grocery's have packed in them. And the prices are pretty much comparable to what you'd see at our supermarket. Lots of them will stock items that are from India and the laborers like to go in there and get a little something from home. They do a brisk enough business that they have good turnover on most stock, too. And they all deliver, too. Russell and I have never actually called for a delivery, but they'll bring over a litre of milk for you, a dozen eggs, a few apples, kilo of sugar - you name it. I've been told they will deliver a single can of soda if you asked. Don't know why we haven't asked for delivery. We just tend to get in the car and run to the shops real quick if we realize we need something.
Tonight I went to the locak mini-mart. I was hankering for something cold - seeing as how the fridge guys failed to show up today. And failed to call me and tell me that they would instead be coming TOMORROW. And I only found out when I called to find out where they were and why they hadn't yet shown up. I did not keep my cool. I knew I'd need patience for this. But knowing you need patience and actually HAVING patience are two different things.
Luckily for me, the woman who has been cleaning our house can come by tomorrow at 8am and wait for them. Oh readers, please send me your good thoughts, light some insense, say a hail mary for us to have better luck tomorrow.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Hot Walks
I've been taking Basil on a long walk in the evenings. The sun has mostly gone down and the intensity of the heat as dissipated. But still it's hot - somewhere in the low 100's usually.
We have been heading out to new areas of our neighborhood. Sometimes it's to run a quick errand to the small grocery store. Other times it's just a stroll to stretch our legs and get a little bit of non-A/C air. At first, I was concerned that Ol' Baz was just a bit too old for this now. But mostly I think he was out of shape from nearly 4 weeks at the kennels with very little exercise. Now, he's trotting along as usual.
While we're out, I'm usually interested in watching the pace of construction on the many villas that are going up. It's also interesting to compare the "old" villas (say 20 years old) with the newer ones. It doesn't take long in the sun and heat for something to look haggard and worn. These 20 year old villas sometimes look like they're about to crumble. I'm also curious to see the gardens of each place. You can tell a villa with a house maid or not. If the garden requires daily watering with the hose - well then there's obviously a house maid (or house boy - as they're called here).
Last night we saw a speeding youth get pulled over by the police (first time I've ever seen that!) We also met a few new neighbors - who were out because their car got hit by a passing car (the driver was kind enough to stop and let them know so they could call the police). Hence the police were in the neighborhood when the speeding youth passed by. Saw a couple of joggers (why?). And saw a woman (house maid, I think) who was walking 8 small dogs - all of different breeds. The pace of activity picks up around 6pm - people are feeling stir crazy around then. It's nice to get out and enjoy the buzz** of the neighborhood as folks get out and about.
When we get home, Bazil is panting and I'm all sweaty. First thing he does is put his belly onto the cold marble tiles - doesn't even go to get a drink until he's stopped panting and cooled down. Yesterday, I took a quick dive into the pool - ahhhh. It was cool enough to feel good (or I was warm enough for it to feel cool).
** Speaking of buzz - we have a bee hive that has formed out in the back pool area. It's about the size of a loaf of bread - maybe a skinny loaf of bread. Mostly the bees are very calm. But they have their active times (usually in the morning) when they seem to be flying about. So far, we've left it. It's up high above where either Lyra or I could actually reach it. I guess my only concern is that it just keeps getting bigger (of course). It's fun to watch. But are we tempting fate? I always think that if they decide to swarm we'd just hop into the pool for safety. So far, we're letting it bee (haha, couldn't resist). What with all the recent mystery about disappearing bees, I kind of feel like we're doing our part to help preserve them.
We have been heading out to new areas of our neighborhood. Sometimes it's to run a quick errand to the small grocery store. Other times it's just a stroll to stretch our legs and get a little bit of non-A/C air. At first, I was concerned that Ol' Baz was just a bit too old for this now. But mostly I think he was out of shape from nearly 4 weeks at the kennels with very little exercise. Now, he's trotting along as usual.
While we're out, I'm usually interested in watching the pace of construction on the many villas that are going up. It's also interesting to compare the "old" villas (say 20 years old) with the newer ones. It doesn't take long in the sun and heat for something to look haggard and worn. These 20 year old villas sometimes look like they're about to crumble. I'm also curious to see the gardens of each place. You can tell a villa with a house maid or not. If the garden requires daily watering with the hose - well then there's obviously a house maid (or house boy - as they're called here).
Last night we saw a speeding youth get pulled over by the police (first time I've ever seen that!) We also met a few new neighbors - who were out because their car got hit by a passing car (the driver was kind enough to stop and let them know so they could call the police). Hence the police were in the neighborhood when the speeding youth passed by. Saw a couple of joggers (why?). And saw a woman (house maid, I think) who was walking 8 small dogs - all of different breeds. The pace of activity picks up around 6pm - people are feeling stir crazy around then. It's nice to get out and enjoy the buzz** of the neighborhood as folks get out and about.
When we get home, Bazil is panting and I'm all sweaty. First thing he does is put his belly onto the cold marble tiles - doesn't even go to get a drink until he's stopped panting and cooled down. Yesterday, I took a quick dive into the pool - ahhhh. It was cool enough to feel good (or I was warm enough for it to feel cool).
** Speaking of buzz - we have a bee hive that has formed out in the back pool area. It's about the size of a loaf of bread - maybe a skinny loaf of bread. Mostly the bees are very calm. But they have their active times (usually in the morning) when they seem to be flying about. So far, we've left it. It's up high above where either Lyra or I could actually reach it. I guess my only concern is that it just keeps getting bigger (of course). It's fun to watch. But are we tempting fate? I always think that if they decide to swarm we'd just hop into the pool for safety. So far, we're letting it bee (haha, couldn't resist). What with all the recent mystery about disappearing bees, I kind of feel like we're doing our part to help preserve them.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
How To Live Without a Fridge
1. Eat lots of peanut butter.
2. Get take-away.
3. Drink black coffee.
4. Drink red wine.
5. Leave no leftovers.
I noticed on Thursday that something was wrong. At first I thought that maybe I had forgotten to securely close the freezer. A few things were appearing mushy or melty, but not totally defrosted, yet. Then yesterday (Friday), it was clear that something was definitely wrong. Everything in the freezer was melted. No ice for high balls. No frozen blueberries for my cereal. Already, overnight the milk for my cereal had gone bad - blech.
Given this heat, I wasn't taking any chances. So, anything that can't sit out on the counter for a few days without getting poisonous had to go. Unfortunately, that included some great pasta sauce and stock that Russell had made. I've left most of the things in the fridge - hoping that the guys could come by today (Saturday) to fix it and I would be able to save most of it. I would have taken it round to the neighbors - but they've been away all weekend. They would have happily taken it, too.
I called the repair center this morning and they're telling me that they can be here on Tuesday (3 days). I'll have to ask the housekeeper next door to stick around and wait for them to come. In the meantime, I'm eating lots of tomatoes and cucumbers. I'm debating whether certain things should be tossed or not. Like salad dressings, ketchup, soy sauce, eggs, jams, and the like. So far, I'm pretty sure they're all ok. But I'm not sure for how long. And I'm girding myself for patience. I'm sure this will be a long and frustrating experience.
My first clue was when the fellow on the phone didn't recognize the name of the suburb that I live in, Mirdif. OK - that's not reassuring. We're one of the biggest freakin' areas in Dubai. Then when I told him our address (#4 Mexican Charm), he repeated to me #4 Mirdif - oh lordy. Next clue, he didn't recognize the name of my landlord who is supposed to be paying for this and supposedly has an account with them ("No one here recognizes Mr. Al Bahri"). Next clue, he wanted to be sure that I payed them 75Dhs for the inspection fee ("Me? No, Mr. Al Bahri, my landlord, is supposed to pay." ) Then he wanted me to have the invoice for the purchase of the refrigerator ("No, Mr. Al Bahri purchased the refrigerator. I do not have an invoice"). I can't argue - otherwise I'll be without a fridge for weeks/months or until I give up and purchase one for myself. It will be best just to pay and then hope that maybe my landlord maybe, possibly might reimburse me.
My final straw was when the fellow on the phone started talking about taking the fridge into the shop for repair. What?!?! At minimum, I'm sure that the repair person will show up, look at the fridge, determine he doesn't have the spare part, place an order (who knows when that might arrive!) and then tell me he'll be back after the part comes in. Oh lord, please give me the patience of Job. Even better, lord, surprise me with the efficiency of the repairman.
Good thing I like peanut butter. And red wine.
2. Get take-away.
3. Drink black coffee.
4. Drink red wine.
5. Leave no leftovers.
I noticed on Thursday that something was wrong. At first I thought that maybe I had forgotten to securely close the freezer. A few things were appearing mushy or melty, but not totally defrosted, yet. Then yesterday (Friday), it was clear that something was definitely wrong. Everything in the freezer was melted. No ice for high balls. No frozen blueberries for my cereal. Already, overnight the milk for my cereal had gone bad - blech.
Given this heat, I wasn't taking any chances. So, anything that can't sit out on the counter for a few days without getting poisonous had to go. Unfortunately, that included some great pasta sauce and stock that Russell had made. I've left most of the things in the fridge - hoping that the guys could come by today (Saturday) to fix it and I would be able to save most of it. I would have taken it round to the neighbors - but they've been away all weekend. They would have happily taken it, too.
I called the repair center this morning and they're telling me that they can be here on Tuesday (3 days). I'll have to ask the housekeeper next door to stick around and wait for them to come. In the meantime, I'm eating lots of tomatoes and cucumbers. I'm debating whether certain things should be tossed or not. Like salad dressings, ketchup, soy sauce, eggs, jams, and the like. So far, I'm pretty sure they're all ok. But I'm not sure for how long. And I'm girding myself for patience. I'm sure this will be a long and frustrating experience.
My first clue was when the fellow on the phone didn't recognize the name of the suburb that I live in, Mirdif. OK - that's not reassuring. We're one of the biggest freakin' areas in Dubai. Then when I told him our address (#4 Mexican Charm), he repeated to me #4 Mirdif - oh lordy. Next clue, he didn't recognize the name of my landlord who is supposed to be paying for this and supposedly has an account with them ("No one here recognizes Mr. Al Bahri"). Next clue, he wanted to be sure that I payed them 75Dhs for the inspection fee ("Me? No, Mr. Al Bahri, my landlord, is supposed to pay." ) Then he wanted me to have the invoice for the purchase of the refrigerator ("No, Mr. Al Bahri purchased the refrigerator. I do not have an invoice"). I can't argue - otherwise I'll be without a fridge for weeks/months or until I give up and purchase one for myself. It will be best just to pay and then hope that maybe my landlord maybe, possibly might reimburse me.
My final straw was when the fellow on the phone started talking about taking the fridge into the shop for repair. What?!?! At minimum, I'm sure that the repair person will show up, look at the fridge, determine he doesn't have the spare part, place an order (who knows when that might arrive!) and then tell me he'll be back after the part comes in. Oh lord, please give me the patience of Job. Even better, lord, surprise me with the efficiency of the repairman.
Good thing I like peanut butter. And red wine.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Free Range Lyra
Speaking of free range kids. Lyra took her first solo airplane flight today. She flew from Milwaukee to Minneapolis (a 55 minute flight). Northwest allows children to fly solo from the age of 5. A couple caveats are: the flights must be non-stop (after 8 she can fly with a connection), it cannot be on the last flight of the day, and we have to pay for the escort service. No surprise there - since you pay for everything on the airplanes these days.
When we were in Minneapolis it was a great time visiting with family, but not a lot of chance for one on one time with Grammy and Grumpy. So, we discussed it there that Lyra would fly back for a long weekend and stay with them. When we consulted with her she thought that would be a good idea.
But somewhere along the lines, I think she didn't understand that she'd be flying alone. So, when we were in Milwaukee and talking about it, she started to get pretty nervous about being on her own. As I talked to her, I think she had the idea that she'd have to navigate the airport on her own. Like we'd just pull up to the Departures area and drop her off! So, we spent a lot of time talking about how Russell would be able to take her up to the plane jetway and that Grammy and Grumpy would be waiting at the door on the other end. Plus, she'd have someone to help her find her seat and there would always be someone to help her if she needed anything. It took a few days of talking about it and I wasn't sure that she'd finally be ok with doing it.
Turns out, she did great! On the airplane, she was seated next to two older women - which is good because she can have a little bit of stranger anxiety around men. I asked her if she was nervous and she told me that she was only nervous when the boys wanted to speak to her. I asked if those were "boys" who were working on the plane and she said yes. Grammy told me that she was the last off the plane and as the passengers were getting off they kept asking, "Are you the grandparents of that little girl who's on the plane?" "Yes, we are!" they said. Many people were very impressed with how well she did.
Well, she's no stranger to airplanes. She's logged a lot of hours in the air. She knows the routine. Now she'll be asking to do it all the time!
When we were in Minneapolis it was a great time visiting with family, but not a lot of chance for one on one time with Grammy and Grumpy. So, we discussed it there that Lyra would fly back for a long weekend and stay with them. When we consulted with her she thought that would be a good idea.
But somewhere along the lines, I think she didn't understand that she'd be flying alone. So, when we were in Milwaukee and talking about it, she started to get pretty nervous about being on her own. As I talked to her, I think she had the idea that she'd have to navigate the airport on her own. Like we'd just pull up to the Departures area and drop her off! So, we spent a lot of time talking about how Russell would be able to take her up to the plane jetway and that Grammy and Grumpy would be waiting at the door on the other end. Plus, she'd have someone to help her find her seat and there would always be someone to help her if she needed anything. It took a few days of talking about it and I wasn't sure that she'd finally be ok with doing it.
Turns out, she did great! On the airplane, she was seated next to two older women - which is good because she can have a little bit of stranger anxiety around men. I asked her if she was nervous and she told me that she was only nervous when the boys wanted to speak to her. I asked if those were "boys" who were working on the plane and she said yes. Grammy told me that she was the last off the plane and as the passengers were getting off they kept asking, "Are you the grandparents of that little girl who's on the plane?" "Yes, we are!" they said. Many people were very impressed with how well she did.
Well, she's no stranger to airplanes. She's logged a lot of hours in the air. She knows the routine. Now she'll be asking to do it all the time!
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