Mandy's Midlife Mayhem

My 7-Year Itch Needs Scratching

2015-09-24T10:03:00.000+04:00

The seven-year itch is a psychological term that originates from the idea that happiness in a relationship declines after around seven years of marriage. In my case (with my first marriage) this was definitely true. I married on my 21^st birthday and by the time I was 28, I was on the way to divorce. However, I am glad to say I didn’t get the itch the second time round (and neither has my hubby) as we are now into year 14 of our marriage (big grins).

Nowadays, the seven-year itch is not only linked with unhappy marriages but can be related to anything that has shown a decrease in happiness and satisfaction over a long period of time.

For a number of reasons, this week I have been reflecting on my life and it is clear that I’ve definitely had the bug:

21 = Married – Stay at Home Mum with 2 Children - Divorced

28 = Single Life (and another failed relationship) – College – Career Building

35 = Married Again – Moved to the UAE – Bachelor’s Degree

42 = Still Married (J), Master’s Degree, Kids Moved Out, Became a Grandparent, Moved Back to Abu Dhabi (after living in Dubai for 7 years)

49 ????

So here I am at 49 years old with only 6 months to go before I’m 50 (jesus where have the years gone?) and I've decided that it’s time for another change. Although this decision was sparked off this week by certain events at work (won't go into that). But I also need to practice what I preach (literally). As a trainer I often train stress management and am always telling me learners that they need to 'take control of their lives' and in particular the Circle of Influence which comes from the highly acclaimed author and motivational speaker and his book the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

Over the past few months I had already been thinking of taking up a new hobby. The kids are gone, work is still ridiculously busy, I'm travelling all the time but one thing I'm not doing any more is studying. So I decided to learn to play the guitar! God knows why, but I thought it would be:

1. Easy

2. Fun!

Well its neither. But I'm probably being a bit defeatist as I've only actually tried to play it (well actually tune it) about 3 times in 2 months (May be I need to give it a little more time).

But again this week events have made me reconsider my situation. Sometimes I just get fed up of 'people'. I certainly don't mean my family and friends (god they are my saviours most of the time), but I just mean people in general - they get on my nerves! And sometimes I need to take a break from it all and have my own space and not have people dictating and telling me what to do! I'm 49 for god sake not 9! (sorry going off on one now). Anyway, I've decided I want to take up a new hobby which will do 2 things:

1. Easy

2. Fun

3. I may (in the future) be able to make money from it

4. If No. 3 works out then I can pack my job in and work by myself and not have to deal with 'People'.

5. If No. 4 doesn't work, then no worries I'll be doing something that I enjoy.

So I'm taking up photography and I can't wait. I've always liked taking photographs and for anyone that knows me my house is full of photos of my family and friends and I love just taking my camera and clicking away at anything and everything that fascinates me. I did sign up for an on-line photography programme a year ago but tbh it was boring and for me not very practical. Therefore, I've registered myself on a beginners photography course with Gulf Photo Plus and have bought myself a brand new Nikon D3200 digital camera which I'm dying to start using.

Over the next few weeks, I'm travelling to Sri Lanka, Saudia Arabia and Australia so I'm sure I'll get some amazing pics and this is why I wanted to do it right by registering with a photography class and learning how to take the pictures properly.

I'lll be sharing some of my pics on here and of course I have an Instagram page and now I'm on Twitter @mandybillany (lol, still trying to work that one out). So, let's see how it goes, wish me good luck.

Midlife in Full Swing!

2015-03-13T08:05:00.000+04:00

OMG, I can't believe that it's almost 2 years since I wrote my last blog (where has the time gone? I ask myself). Sooooooo many things have happened that it's hard to remember everything (especially at my age).

3 days ago I turned 49 and a very close friend of mine (who is also 49), kindly reminded me that I'm now on the download spiral to being 50 and that I needed to enjoy my last year in my 40s!

All I can do is think about how fast my life is going and wonder where all the years have gone! Like most people my age, I still feel like I'm in my early twenties and it still shocks me when I think about certain events that have happened in my life and realise how many years ago they were. I'm afraid of growing old(er), but then again, I count my blessings everyday that I continue to live my live to the fullest.

Mandy's Midlife Mayhem is a great title for my blog, over the past few years a number of major things have happened which have made me realise that, such as:

Completing my Master's Degree in Education
Becoming grandparents to 2 gorgeous grandchildren (1 girl, 1 boy)
Re-introduction of my old hobby 'knitting' brought on from point 2
The Menopause (or Perimenopause to be precise)
Finally losing some weight! (hooray!)
My youngest child moving out

I finally finished my MA which Middlesex University in Dubai, in May last year with a Merit (2:1), which I was very pleased about. Unfortunately I missed my graduation (which I was not pleased about), however, I had good reason to miss it, I was on holiday with my family in Thailand (which is a good enough excuse, but still disappointing). Anyway, the holiday was fab and its always great to have a big family holiday, especially when we live so far away from them, its great to meet up and spend some quality time with them.

Hubby and I became grandparents for the first time late last year with the birth of 2 grandchildren (from 2 of our children). Although 1 was planned, 1 wasn't, (long story), both of them are here now and both are absolutely adorable and we are 100% fully fledged grandparents (Grandma and Pops) and we're loving this new era in our lives.

The knitting was reintroduced very unexpectedly during a seminar at work (another long story). I used to knit huge amounts of things when I was in my late teens/early twenties (god what a geek I was). It seems more appropriate knitting now that I have 'Grandma' status and almost 50! (still a bit geeky, but definitely more appropriate). So far, I've knitted 2 baby blankets, 1 cardigan (which ended up in the bin) and cardigan number 2 which hasn't been worked on for a while and my grand-daughter has probably outgrown it already (Oh well its the thought that counts).

The Menopause

Well where do I start? Actually, I believe the phase I'm in is called Perimenopause. Some of the symptoms us poor women have to go through (lovely, not!).

Hot flashes
Breast tenderness
Worse premenstrual syndrome
Lower sex drive
Fatigue
Irregular periods
Vaginal dryness; discomfort during sex
Urine leakage when coughing or sneezing
Urinary urgency (an urgent need to urinate more frequently)
Mood swings
Trouble sleeping

Wonderful is it? Anyway, I've been really proactive, changed my eating/drinking habits and finally found exercise that I'm enjoying (swimming and walking), which is helping with a lot of the symptoms. Since mid January, I've been swimming 4 times a week (50-60 lengths) and walking on average 7-8,000 steps a day. I've finally lost some weight (just over a stone so far) and I'm finally have a positive mindset regarding my diet which is keeping me really motivated.

After being with my husband for almost 14 years, we are now enjoying living on our own with no kids in the house. My youngest son, has now moved out and is living with his girlfriend, which means we have the house to ourselves (Hooray!!!). I love my kids dearly, but eventually there comes a time when they need to spread their wings and LEAVE! Some people told me that hubby and I would be bored of each other after a few weeks, but it is great and we're loving having the place to ourselves, and my son is just up the road so I know he's ok.

Finally, as a birthday celebration tonight Hubby and I are going to see Michael Buble playing live at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (can't wait). Will check in next week with feedback!

Great to be back in the deep blue ocean

2013-05-19T23:14:00.001+04:00

OMG I cannot believe that it is almost a month since I wrote my last blog, what happened to the days when I was writing it every day? and how time passes by. A lot has happened over the past month some good things some not so good.

First of all I'm currently in Jeddah on business, I arrived here this morning and will be here all week. Two days ago I was in Oman. Although we were officially in Oman, it is actually literally just over the UAE boarder. We were visiting my son who is finally back here with us (well in Oman anyway). He's finally returned from what I would call another wasted journey to Thailand (and Cambodia) but he would say otherwise, so we'll say no more. Anyway it's great having him just up the road (well 1.5 hrs away) where he is close enough for me to keep an eye on him and not worry to death wondering where he is all the time.

Anyway, after almost 2 years break, hubby and I brushed off our diving gear, took a refresher course (led by James obviously) and had a couple of nifty dives on Friday afternoon. It was great, I'd forgotten what fun diving is, and it was also great to get away from the city and my studies and catch some sun and fresh air. He's working at a Nomad Ocean Adventures, its a lovely little place with accommodation so we were able to stay overnight on Thursday. The staff there are very friendly, it's very clean and they have great food, for any divers out there I would recommend it (especially the instructor James lol). The visibility was pretty good on Friday we dove 14.6 meters and 12.6 meters on the second dive, the water was a lovely 29 degrees. We managed to see lots of marine life including my favorite, a small turtle.

The house is very quiet at the moment as my other son is also working away, this time in Singapore. Bless him, its the first time he's worked away and I think that after over 2 weeks away he realises its not as glamorous as it sounds. Hopefully he'll be back by the end of the week because we have tickets to the PDC Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters on Friday night and I know he'll be gutted if he misses it.

The diet is going OK, but I'm still looking for more sponsors. I lost 6lbs in the first week then it seemed to start creeping up again (god only knows why). Anyway, I decided to kick the Dukan Diet into touch and try ANOTHER diet. This time it is the Paleo Diet which is just a healthy way of living really cutting out most carbs but allows some. Anyway, with the help of the Wii Active 30 day Challenge, I have lost 3 lbs this week, which is great but I still have loads to go (I'm so impatient, I just want to wake up one day and all the extra weight I'm carrying has just disappeared over night). Unfortunately, the 30 day challenge is going to go down the pan this week as I'm away from home, but I've already been in the gym tonight and will continue that all week (otherwise I will vegetate in the hotel room).

I'm also keeping up with my Nike Fuel band and have achieved a 7 day streak yesterday which is great. It's amazing how little exercise I actually get when I'm in the office all day. Because of this, I'm working hard to make sure I reach my target each day and if I haven't done much during the day, I'm pushing myself to do the Wii Active 30 day Challenge (which I can tell you is hard going lol) and hubby and I are walking Charlie around the lake every day.

Speaking of Charlie, he's better now but one thing to remember, if you have a dog, they don't like Chinese food (especially onions lol).

As you know another friend of mine died last month which was really horrible. Unfortunately due to various reasons I was unable to go back for the funeral but on the actually day I was very distraught. I think in one way it was worse than hearing she'd died. I think a funeral just finalises everything and its just sad. But my BFF went to the funeral to pay our respects and said she had a lovely send off, which is nice.

Finally, I've made contact with an old family member (from my ex's side) who is visiting Dubai next month for a few days. It's been a very long time since we last saw each other but as I've said before, life if far too short to bear grudges. So, I'm looking forward to meeting her again.

Precious time spent with Friends

2013-04-22T18:47:00.001+04:00

Hello, its been two weeks since my last blog and I don't know where the time has gone. Oh yes I do, I've spent most of the time eating and drinking far too much! The reason being, hubby and I have just had some very good friends over from the UK on holiday and needless to say we have spent the last 14 days out and about wining and dining them. You name it, we did it (or as much as you can do in 2 weeks without bursting from the scenes). The Links at the Montgomery Golf Club, The Terrace at Le Meridian (for a friends birthday), Dubai Marina Yacht Club, Bateaux Dubai Dinner Cruise (where we ate Basil ice cream - I know sounds awful, but it was lovely and highly recommended), West 14th, The Terrace at Media Rotana, Brunch at Latitude in the Jumeriah Beach Hotel, and a nice little lunch at the Banyan Tree in Ras Al Khaimah.

Keeping in the flow of our recent holiday, we also had a lovely visit to Madinat theater where we watched 'Joseph and the Technicolored Dreamcoat'. It was lovely (even though a bit weird - whenever did Elvis meet the Egyptians). Anyway we had a great singalong and I just love seeing the kids singing on stage, everyone seemed to give 110%. I had never seen the show before but didn't realise I knew most of the songs from it, it was great good fun!

We also visited the newly opened, "Dubai Miracle Gardens" which is a beautiful oasis in the middle of a lot of sand. It was lovely to walk around (even though temperatures here are now in the late 30s/early 40s). We even saw a bride and groom having their wedding photos in the gardens. Again, nice for a visit, especially when guests are here.

This wasn't their first time our friends have to visit us here in the UAE, it was actually their 4th visit, but unfortunately, due to a number of reasons (mainly illness), they haven't been here since 2010. They've had a great time and were hoping that they would get an extra week here like they did during their last visit. But unfortunately, there was no ash cloud to be seen lol. We did experience an earthquake though last week (that's near enough).

OMG that was a scary experience. At the time I wasn't working in my regular office, but in another office on the 23rd floor of a tower block. Within a few minutes of feeling the tremor (which came from the boarder of Iran and Pakistan and was 7.8 on the Richter scale), we had to evacuate the building.

My dog Charlie has not been very well this week and had to have a trip to the vet. However, after a couple of injections and a dose of antibiotics, he seems to be recovering nicely.

On another note, last Thursday, I lost another longtime friend. We have actually been friends for 20 years and worked as barmaids together along with my BFF. I have kept in touch with her all the time I have been out here and visited her on our trips home. However, when we were on holiday, I had a number of messages from her family telling me she was seriously ill in hospital. Over the past few weeks the messages kept going but last Thursday she died (she was 44). Once again this makes me really live my philosophy to the full, 'Live life today, as you never know what tomorrow will bring'. Sending all my love and condolences to my friends family.

So, with that in mind, and going back to the fact that I have ate and drunk enough food over the past 6 weeks to sink a battle ship, I have decided that enough is enough and I am not officially on the Dukan Diet. I am actually the heaviest I have ever been in my life and I know it can't go on (drastic action has to be taken). I'm on day 3 of the Attack Phase and doing great (even back on the treadmill lol). However, as always when I diet, I get to about 2 weeks down the line and I give in, but this time I know I need to keep motivated, therefore I have decided to do a sponsored diet and raise money for Cancer Research UK.

I've set up my webpage and anyone can donate and help me raise money for this worthy cause. Please check it out!. I'll keep you updated with my progress. Thanks.

http://www.justgiving.com/Mandy-Billany

Las Vegas, Elvis, Celine and a Hangover

2013-04-08T20:10:00.002+04:00

Good evening everyone, I hope you are well. I didn't realise that I have not written my blog for well over a month, but with everything going on, things just seem to have gone manic. As there is so much to talk about, I've decided that today's blog will focus on phase one of our recent holiday to the States and Canada (god we've back over a week and I feel like I need another holiday lol).

Anyway, just over 3 weeks ago, hubby and I started out on our recent journey to Las Vegas via Los Angeles. I would like to say the flight was pretty good (Emirates flights usually are), however for some reason I was ill most of the way. God only knows what caused it, but I actually think I had travel sickness, which is not good (especially when you're having to kick little kids out of the queue for the loo to make sure there were no embarrassing moments), and 16 hrs on a flight is not great in that situation. However, hubby and I did manage to play just a few games of backgammon (I know how geeky are we?) but as usual I thrashed him, even in my half ill state.

Unfortunately, our stay in Los Angeles was short and sweet with a quick stop over before catching the flight to Las Vegas (I did manage to take a photo of a LA cab though as evidence of being there). When we flew over the Nevada desert it seemed to go on forever, and then suddenly hundreds and thousands of lights appeared and we had our first glimpse of Las Vegas. I was even more gobsmacked when I saw all the slot machines in the baggage claim lol. We were conned straight away by a 'gentleman' offering us a taxi service from the airport to the hotel. It turned out to be a limousine jeep which cost $45 dollars for about a 15 minute ride.

We stayed at the Planet Hollywood Hotel which is right in the middle of the Strip. Our room what the John Travolta room which was based on his 1996 film, 'Broken Arrow' (not something I've actually seen).

I think I walked around Las Vegas with my mouth open wide for 3 days. There is so much glitz about its unbelievable, and the hotels are MASSIVE! However, we both agreed that although there is a lot of glamour, it doesn't have the sophistication of Dubai. And of course the casinos are also amazing, obviously its very additive but I didn't realise that some people gamble at any time of the day. This photograph is of the 'Flamingo' casino at 7 am!

Needless to say I had hoped that we would see 'Elvis' during our stay and we were not disappointed (see pic). We also saw lots of other street entertainers, went in all the famous hotels, the Bellagio, Caesars Palace, The Venetian (the one with gondolas inside), The Mirage, Treasure Island, Cosmopolitan, Paris and The Palazzo to name but a few. All of which had massive casinos, wedding chapels and very expensive shopping.

But our main event of the stay was seeing Celine Dion at Caesar's Palace, which was fantastic. We had a great evening, but I was amazed to see that not many people dressed up for the occasion. I was gutted, I dressed in my best sequined dress and Christain Louboutin shoes (fake obviously can't afford real ones lol). Anyway, about half a dozen other people were dressed up and the remainder of the audience were quite casual, which I thought was a bit strange. Am sure Celine noticed me in the audience as one of her outfits was very similar lol. She was fabulous, classy, sophisticated and an all round great entertainer and having been fans of hers for many years we both felt privileged that we could see her perform live.

Before the concert we ate in one of the 3 'Gordon Ramsey' restaurants in LV, but afterwards when we walked back to the hotel, I was trying to act sophisticated in my very high shoes walking past the Bellagio hotel and its famous fountains, when I suddenly fell flat on my face (that's just typical of me). Needless to say I got up very fast and mended my bruised knee back at the hotel. Another night hubby and I went to see the 'Las Vegas Show' in Planet Hollywood which was really good actually quite interesting to learn about the history of LV.

Hubby and I did spend a few hours in the casinos but not been gamblers and also because we had no idea what to do, we spent most of the time on the slot machines. But needless to say we found the cheapest ones to play on so it felt like our money lasted longer (lol). We did eventually move onto the 'Wheel of fortune' and it didn't help when we realised that 'free drinks' were served continuously whilst you gambled. OMG that is lethal and after a few hours all I can say is we were lucky we only had a certain amount to spend (otherwise we would be bankrupt now lol). When we woke the next morning it was like a scene from the 'Hangover' (well may be not that bad).

So, overall a great time was had by all in Las Vegas, highly recommended for a few days and if you have lots of spare cash to spend. Our next stage of the holiday was 'Banff' in Canada.

Flash back to the 80s and beyond, but looking to the future

2013-03-02T19:33:00.001+04:00

Last year at this time, I went to see Duran Duran in concert which was fab as I was always a massive DD fan. Last night a group of us went to the 80's Rewind concert at DFC, where we were entertained by T'Pau, Heaven 17, ABC, Howard Jones and Rick Ashley.

What a great night it was, honestly there is a lot to say for the aging groovers with a combined age of 268 they rocked the stage and all of them still have pretty good voices.

Carol Decker (57) from T'Pau opened the show and I must say she's still got it and it was great to hear all the oldies again.

Martin Fry (55) of ABC was great it was agreed that he definitely still has rhythm and can move well.

The worst act of the night (from my point of Heaven 17), honestly watching a 54 year old bald guy in a pin stripped suit doing a grandad dance on stage is not really my idea of entertainment. However, I must say his backing singer had a marvellous voice. It was also probably because I only knew one song of theirs 'Temptation'.

Howard Jones (55) was pretty good, but my favorite just had to be Rick Ashley (47). OMG he still has it, he was great, and looks fab and doesn't look a day over 25. I really enjoyed the whole night and was lovely to see some of my favorite artists from when I was a teenager. The only problem is it makes me feel old, but then again always a week before my birthday I start to worry about my age.

This year however, I not only have my birthday but its also going to be mother's day (in the UK anyway). which is a bit of a bugger but there you go.

So all the holiday is now booked and our itinerary is set, hubby and I are getting very excited, Celine Dion in Las Vegas, ski passes and equipment are sorted for Banff (and I can still get my ski gear on which is very surprising), and going to see the Jersey Boys on Broadway whilst we're in New York, so very excited.

I'm trying to look on the positive side a bit more as I know I've been feeling sorry for myself just recently, but honestly some people really annoy me. The other night, hubby and I were in Burger King (I know we're so bad, 2 weeks before our hols). Anyway, we were there and whilst we were waiting for our meal ad family of 4 knocked over a cup of coke. Now what do you do when you knock something over? Instinctively you would rush to get stuff to clean it up wouldn't you? Well not these people, they just sat there and clicked their fingers at the staff to clean it up! OMG it made my blood boil, they just carried on starring and stuffing their faces whilst the poor girl cleaned up around them (lazy buggers).

Hubby and I have been watching a number of really good British period dramas, 'Call the Midwife', 'Mr Selfridge', 'Ripper Street', and the 'Magdalene Sisters' (which was actually horrendous - but good if you know what I mean) all very good programmes and well worth a watch.

My daughter and son-in-law have just booked to come and see us in the summer and hopefully if all goes to plan another couple of friends of ours will be here in early April, so something else to look forward to.

Finally, my recently bereaved friend's son and his girlfriend got engaged on Valentine's Day and have booked the wedding for early next year which is great news. Unfortunately, his dad won't be there but I am 100% certain that he would have been very proud of his lovely son and future wife.

No Shopping Allowed

2013-02-18T14:53:00.000+04:00

Hi everyone, sorry its been quite a while since my last blog (almost 3 weeks I think). During my last blog, I said my mojo had gone into hibernation, and although it came out for a while, its hovering back on the brink disappearing forever. I had some disappointment a couple of weeks ago which has knocked my confidence a bit and it is taking me a while to get back to being myself. But I know I should stop feeling sorry for myself and sort myself life could be a lot worse, so I'm trying hard not to be negative.

I currently in Kuwait on business and to be honest as business trips go it's going quite well. However, I have not done what I intended to do which was to spend some time in the gym at the hotel. Honestly, I'm really bad, I have spent so much time sitting on my backside surfing the Internet and played 'Bejewelled' on FB I am sure I am going to end up with bed sores by the end of the week. I'm so bad, how will I ever lose weight or get fit? But it seems the more I don't do, the more I can't be bothered! (does that make sense?). I've promised myself though that as soon as I get back to Dubai I will DEFINITELY spend the next 3 weeks working my butt off to get fit. (Oh god, 3 weeks before the big vacation, that's not long is it?). At this rate I will be rolling down the mountains in Banff. On a positive note, I have had the chance to work on an assignment for my MA (which is due in next week). And when I'm stuck in a hotel room for 4 days it really gives me the opportunity to study hard (when I'm not on bejewelled obviously).

So, last week I had two of my very good friends over for holiday from the UK. One of my friends is the widow of my recently deceased friend and the other is her sister, I took 3 days of work to spend time with them as they only had 6 days with us. However, it was great to spend time with them and I am sure they both needed the break very much. They spent a lot of time in the garden just relaxing and enjoying the sun (honestly, by the time they left they had great tans). but I'm not much of a sunbather so I topped up a little.

We also spent a lot of time eating (honestly, I will never be thin!). We ate out almost every day at least once, if not twice. One special day was having 'high tea' at the Ritz-Carlton, Hotel on JBR (oh it was lovely). We also had evening brunch at Yalumba in Le Meridian Hotel whilst my hubby and our friend had a cooking lesson. (This was a Christmas present from me to them). Actually, it's probably me that should have the lesson as my hubby and our friend are actually quite good cooks. Anyway, they had a good time and enjoyed cooking the 3 course meal. We were all disappointed that we didn't get to taste some of the food.

Apart from eating we did do a few touristy things and actually went on a Dhow cruise on the creek which was pretty cool. One thing we didn't do much of (actually we did it once for about an hour) was.... Shopping! I know, (shock, horror), how can you come to Dubai and not shop I hear you say, but they are 2 of the very few I know that just don't shop! So we went in MOE for about an hour and that was enough for the week lol.

The 4 of us also had the opportunity to visit, Cirque Du Soleil last week. (it's something I've wanted to do for a while and I wasn't disappointed). It was a fabulous show and we all just sat there starring in amazement. The acts were fantastic and it was difficult to decide who was the best as they all displayed excellence in their own area of expertise.

At the end of the week we had some lovely news that my friend's oldest son had proposed to his girlfriend on Valentine's day (down on one knee and everything, bless him). This was great news and hubby and I wish the lovely couple all the best for the future.

My mojo is in Hibernation

2013-02-01T09:47:00.002+04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take That, Celine Dion and Rylan Clark

2013-01-23T17:37:00.000+04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy New Year, we are Family

2013-01-14T20:37:00.004+04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Goodbye 2012, bring on 2013

2012-12-31T14:03:00.001+04:00

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

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

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

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

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

To Absent Friends

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

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

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

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

2012-12-24T09:34:00.001+04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Secret Santa has been revealed

2012-12-17T18:53:00.001+04:00

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

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

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

Day 1: Half eaten bag of mini dunkin doughnuts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tis the Season to be Jolly - Or is it?

2012-12-09T16:54:00.000+04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

National Day weekend at the Dubai Rugby Sevens

2012-12-03T18:46:00.001+04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cest La Vie - Such is Life

2012-11-25T13:07:00.000+04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rest In Peace - My dear friend

2012-11-20T09:01:00.001+04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rest In Peace Dave.

David Hornby

16.11.63 - 11.11.12

Remember, Remember the 5th November

2012-11-11T08:55:00.001+04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Halloween, Australia and Fine Dining

2012-11-03T15:47:00.000+04:00

Happy Halloween everyone (well I know it's a bit late but wanted to say it anyway). It's strange, we've lived in the Middle East for over 5 years and this is the first time we've really seen children 'Trick or Treating'. I think it's due to the fact that we've always lived in apartments before now. Anyway, this year we were not prepared at all!

Also what you've got to remember is my youngest is 21, it's a long time since I had to turn my little ones into skeletons and mummies. All of us were shocked to have our front door almost knocked of its hinges on Wednesday night. I got home to find my hubby in the garden with all the house lights off, and when another the next knock at the door came, my son thought it would be funny to shout 'Bugger Off' at the top of his voice. Basically we were embarrassed because we never had any sweets or small change to give to the kiddies for making an effort. Anyway, hubby soon went out to shop and brought back loads of sweets ready for the next batch to knock at the door (but by then it was too late and they'd all gone home). OMG how bad are we? We will definitely be more prepared next year!

I did laugh though, when my son then preceded to go out 'trick or treating' with his friends (oh yes and their 10 year old brother - hmmm, that old excuse, it works every time!) I couldn't actually believe that people would give them anything, but they came back with a bundle of treats!

On the other hand I was very impressed with some of my friends and family members who seemed to make a big effort for Halloween. It was great to see some of the photos on face book. My niece had a party and seemed to have made an extra effort with her makeup, it was fabulous, (scary, but great). I was very impressed.

So my main news this week is my oldest son is coming back to Dubai (and I can't wait). He's back to full health now and still looking for work as a diving instructor. Unfortunately at the moment nothing concrete has come up so he's coming back here for a while. Which suits me fine, at least I get to spend some time with him until he's off on his travels again. And it's been great of my sis and my niece to put him up for all this time.

Yesterday friends of ours went to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi to watch the first day of the Formula 1. (it was a birthday pressie from wife to hubby), which is great because she's not exactly an F1 fan. Anyway, along with the tickets came additional after race concert tickets in which were invited to watch Kylie Minogue in concert.

I've always loved Kylie ever since I grew up watching her and Jason Donovan in Neighbours. However, after the last time we went to Yas Island (Madonna gig in May), I was a little apprehensive. But it was a great night, she started on time (which is a first for anyone here), did an hour and half of both old and new songs, was very sophisticated, and entertained the crowd with her charm and charisma. (So much more refined then Madonna - who you can probably guess has gone down in my estimation since May). Anyway, overall it was a great night and I am really pleased we were invited. She played Dubai a few years ago but I had to give my ticket away as I was on business.

Also yesterday we managed to connect with my hubby's cousin and his wife on Skype (well sort of, they couldn't see or hear us, but we could see and hear them) so it was a bit of talking and typing, but the messages got through. They live are Australian, so when we said we were going to see Kylie, I think they were impressed.

Last Thursday we celebrated my friends birthday by booking a table at a restaurant called Table 9 by Nick and Scot in the Dubai Hilton Creek. It used to be called 'Verre' by Gordan Ramsey and we've been twice before. Nick and Scott were both trained by Gordan and worked with him for 8 years. Last time we went (when it was Verre), hubby and I had won a competition to dine at the chef's table (and a night in the penthouse suite). It was a great night (but then again it would when it's free). Anyway, all I can say is that every time we go it gets better and better and I can highly recommend the pig's trotter (no, it doesn't arrive on the plate with the toe nails in tact). It was delicious and the whole evening was fabulous and Gordan Ramsey was nowhere to be seen.

18 celebrate in Sharm

2012-10-29T19:25:00.000+04:00

Hi all, well hubby and I are back from our family holiday in Sharm El Sheikh and all went well. I was a little apprehensive before we set off but we had a really good time.

Needless to say we did have a bit of a nightmare at the airports (what is it with us and airports, why do we always have issues?). Apart from the fact that we had to fly to Cairo and queue up for our boarding pass with only 45 minutes before boarding the next plane, it was packed with people and for some reason almost everyone we talked to were rude and didn't know the meaning of manners. Why is it that people just grunt at you and point a finger in a random direction when they are supposedly telling you to do something? (we had to go to 5 banks before someone actually gave us a visa - so frustrating).

We actually only had one person that was pleasant to us in the whole of Cairo airport (OMG it was such a shock, he should be head of customer service training and show his colleagues a thing or two).

When we arrived in Sharm El Sheikh at 9am, our suitcases didn't! Yes, that's right, I thought it was a bit funny when two officials in Cairo asked us where our cases where, in whichI replied 'On the plane,I hope' but nope they obviously weren't. What was more annoying was the fact that the cases didn't actually get to our hotel till 1 am! Which makes it worse as the hotel is only 15 minutes away from the airport.

We arrived at breakfast time to the Club Magic Life Hotel in Sharm El Sheikh. First instincts were that it wasn't the usual type of hotel we would stay in. But for a group of 18 people, it was ideal. It was a typical all inclusive hotel with lots of entertainment for families and people of all ages, a massive activity pool and another pool for people who want a more relaxing time sunbathing. The entertainment team were great but I can't say that for all the staff especially some of the waiters and one particular bar manager.

Anyway, it was great to see the family again and although hubby and I have holidayed with a number of them individually, it's been a long time since all of us got together. Unfortunately, my dad couldn't be with us but we were all thinking of him.

We celebrated my big sister's 50th birthday and what a week we had. The group consisted of 10 women and 8 men, ages from 21 - 68, there where trainers, publicans, public servants, a plumber, hairdresser, nursery nurse, accountant, a website entrepreneur and a car paint specialst (I think that's it). We spent most of the week around the activity pool and some of the men spent their time carrying out practical jokes on the rest of us.

On the first day, all or most of the jokes were on one of my sister's oldest friends. It seemed like every 5 minutes, they were either throwing her in the pool, putting stink bombs in her cigarettes or putting some sort of explosive in her cigarettes so that every time she lit them they would explode. Bless her, but she took it all in her stride and just accepted it, she was game for a laugh. Other practical jokes throughout the week were plastic cockroaches, live grasshoppers, a remote control rat and suncream in a water gun!

But the jokes weren't always for her, needless to say all of the women at one time or another were subject of the mischievousness being carried out by mainly by my 2 brother in laws and 2 of their friends (god you'd never think most of them are in mid 40s early 50s, it was like being on holiday with 8 year olds lol).

What was even funnier was whenever any of the other guests spoke to someone in our group, it was almost guaranteed that a joke was played on them. One couple in particular nearly had a heart attack when the woman's cigarette blew up (but again she just laughed it off - thank god!).

On the first night they had arranged for us all to wear onesy's. Yes that's right, they look like a grown up version of a baby grow! All the women wore a Zebra onesy, the men had a combination of tigers, penguins and monkey's lol. OMG it was so funny, my sister nearly had a fit when she saw us all in them and even worse when we made her wear one. But it be honest it was great fun (and even better as hubby and I had no change of clothing lol). We were all quite embarrassed at first but in the end we just went with the flow. All the people in the 'Magico' bar were looking at us but laughing with us and not at us (I think!). The kids in the children's disco thought we were great.

We also managed to do quite a bit of snorkelling which was great (although I was a little disappointed that hubby and I didn't get to do any diving). However, one day we hired a boat and went out for a trip where we managed to snorkel three times and catch some sun on the deck. We had a great time (and not one bit of alcohol was to be seen). We even got my mum to have a dip in the beautiful clear blue water (which is great as she can't swim but plucked up the courage to get in the water anyway).

The ladies went shopping one day into Naama Bay (OMG, I forgot how my family can shop!). Honestly, I'm not really a big shopper, I'm the type of person who goes in, finds what I want, pays and goes out again. They on the other hand can shop for Britain. I did laugh though when we met an Egyptian shop keeper with a broad Scottish accent. Apparently he'd never set foot in England or Scotland but had been taught a Scotsman at school (it was so weird). Apart from that we did manage to go at a quiet time of the day which was OK. We also went to Soho Square for a little night time shop where both hubby and I did a bit of window shopping then generally sat around waiting for everyone else (but not to worry, it got us out of the hotel and we saw a little bit more of Sharm).

The celebrations lasted all week and on the day of my sister's birthday we were all given a T shirt to wear. Each one had a picture of my sister on the front (well her face at least), her body was some model (Jordan, I think lol - with massive boobs). On the back we all had a letter which together spelt, Happy Birthday Shaz. We also had a name on the back which was relevant to each individual. Mine was Randy Mandy (not sure why), hubby's was Sex Pest lol (god knows what they all think of us lol). My mum had G, GILF, sister's best friend was GILF on the pull lol, niece, MILF, nephew SILF (you get the picture). My niece's boyfriend is into weight training and his was Mr Muscle, my other sister's T shirt said, 'I'll blow You' (but she is a hair dresser) and one of my brother in laws said 'An Honest Scouse' and the theme goes on. Again, it was all good fun and we had a great laugh, without upsetting anyone (meaning the other guests).

Hubby and I left our party a couple of hours before they had to fly off to the UK. I was really sad to say goodbye and really miss them, they are all such lovely people. It'll be hard for a while as I don't know when I'll see any of them again, but hopefully it will be sooner rather than later.

Mr & Mrs Blobby go on holiday

2012-10-18T19:52:00.001+04:00

This week it has been study, study, study. I spent all last weekend studying (and didn't get the much needed sleep I should have got) but did manage to actually sit in the garden and enjoy the sun whilst I was reading. I then spent 3 days in a Leadership Training programme which was held in one of the hotels not too far from my home, and of course, I've attended my uni class twice this week.

I've got a bit of homework but it's gonna be hard to do this weekend as hubby and I are off on our family holiday to Egypt tomorrow. However, I've got a number of documents downloaded to my ipad and 'IF' I get the chance I'll do some reading. But to be honest, I doubt that will happen when I'm going on holiday with 17 other people lol. However, I might finally get to finish the third book in the Fifty Shades Triology.

The big news this week is, my son is now in the running for '4' diving jobs! Typical, he's been looking jobs for a few months and heard nothing, now 4 have come all at once. So thank god something good is happening for him and hopefully he'll be back out of the UK in a couple of weeks and restarting his diving career.

At the moment he has a concrete offer and 3 others from companies who seem very keen but nothing concrete yet. Needless to say, it's all boosted his ego 100% and his PMA has come back in leaps and bounds. I am sure when he does make the decision he'll make the right one.

I did have time this week to catch up with the latest goings on in X Factor. OMG what is Louis Walsh on? Honestly, if I hear one more time 'You're the best contestant this year!" or "You're definately a recoding artist" then I will scream. And what is going on with the voting? Jesus, I am sure the voting is rigged! Last week Carolynne Pool was kicked out of Gary's category (and against Rylan Clark of all people) and this week, Melanie Masson was evicited (what's all that about?). Honestly, either everyone who is watching is tone death or someone's fiddling with the figures! (I think there is a conspriracy against anyone over the age of 30!)

So, Mr and Mrs Blobby are going on holiday tomorrow. Yes (I am referring to my myself AND my husband). I am not kidding you, we've both eaten so much recently we'll need a JCB to lift us from the plane. I was behaving so well before the wedding in August and since then I've not dieted and I've not exercised (my poor treadmill has been made redundant once more). It's really not good and even what's worse is that tomorrow I'll be sunning myself with my sisters and neices who are all really slim. Oh well it's too late now (especially going on an all inclusive holiday lol). Will have to worry about it when I get back and set myself a target for Christmas (as you do).

I have just been to do some last minute shopping (buy my sister's birthday present to be honest) and some bloody sales executive in Boots asked me if I was interested in 'anti aging cream' or 'tummy firming cream', when I insisted that I didn't want any, the cheeky sod disappeared and came back about 2 minutes later with the tubs of cream in her hands. OMG, honesly I spend have my time training people on not making negative assumptions and this is why! I think I should contact Boots and offer my training services!

I am really looking forward to seeing everyone, my mum, 2 sisters, 2 brother in laws, 2 neices, 1 nephew, and other freinds of my sisters. We're all going to celebrate my big sister's 50th birthday on Sunday and haven't had a family holiday for years. I am a little apprehensive though, with 17 people and a few practical jokers, who knows what's gonna happen, but lets wait and see, should be good fun though.

Time flies in a blink of an eye

2012-10-12T09:54:00.001+04:00

Good morning everyone! It's been well over a week since I wrote my last blog and so much has happened.

Firstly, my BFF and her hubby have been and gone! (How quick was that?). A week visiting is far to short. They arrived on Wednesday night and before I had time to blink, they were gone again! I feel a little numb at the moment (probably due to lack of sleep). But I feel cheated out of spending time with them and I'm devastated (especially when I have no idea when I will see them again).

I arrived back from Kuwait, late on Wednesday night and was met by my hubby, BFF and her hubby. It was great to see them (as always) but was a little strange not to see my lovely god sons with them too. (Anyway, throughout the week we all managed to talk to the kids a number of times on Skype).

Autumn has arrived in the UAE, (therefore the temperature has lowered a little). Finally we can sit comfortably in our gardens. So, Thursday night we had a welcome BBQ for my friends (which was lovely).

Friday, saw a visit to Le Meridien hotel and a well known restaurant in Dubai called Yalumba. Brunch in Yalumba is a little mad (to say the least). It starts off all sedate, but as soon as the bubbly starts flowing, party time begins.

Now, as you all know, I am a woman of a certain age and unfortunately for me the menopause is just around the corner (if not already knocking on my door). Anyway, we went to brunch with our other very good friends who live here. Everything was fine, until my hubby decided to go off on one! Well, I can't really say go off on one, he just stopped talking. Needless to say, the more he didn't speak the more I wondered what was wrong and got upset (Jesus, it's supposed to be me with the moods). What's worse is that hubby and I hardly ever argue (apart from when I'm complaining about his driving lol).

Anyway, whilst we sat and ignored each other, our friends had a great time (bless em). They danced and partied and definitely made up for our lack of enjoyment. And so they should as we were there to celebrate my BFF and hubby's 10th wedding anniversary. Anyway, we sorted things out and went home back on speaking terms. When we got back we had a dip in the swimming pool and got my son to order takeaway. Needless to say he was a little embarrassed that we came home a little tipsy and his 'friend' was there (Oh well makes a change from us having to deal with his drunken outbursts).

When everyone had recovered and felt human again on Saturday, we took a trip to my favorite shop. Yes, that's right, Cara Jewellers. I was extremely good and kept my money in my pocket. However, both friends were bought lovely rings for their wedding anniversaries by their lovely hubbies. And as we all know, diamonds are a girls best friends, so needless to say they were both very happy.

On Sunday and Tuesday night, I attended my first full week for my degree class. I know it's early stages but I'm really enjoying it at the moment. However, I feel a little alienated by the rest of the group at the moment. Although they all seem very nice, no one has made an effort to really speak to me and already they've formed small clicks (especially the women). Obviously this was due to me missing some classes but never mind, (I'm a survivor lol, I'll struggle through). I'm there for me and my family not necessarily to make friends (but it would be nice). Anyway, the lecturer (not actually sure what to call her). Everyone calls her Doctor, but I call her by her name Lois (but that's me, she hasn't complained), but there again, she's a northern lass like me, probably goes right over her head lol.

Away, I managed to carry out some research last week whilst I was in Kuwait as I knew I'd be busy with my guests all this week. However, this weekend, I'm really going to have to study as next weekend, hubby and I are flying to Egypt for our family holiday (much to the dismay of my youngest son, who keeps insisting we should be taking him with us, not!).

On Monday evening, the 6 of us went to my favorite restaurant in Dubai, Gary Rhodes' restaurant Rhodes Mezzaine at the Grosvenorhouse its such a lovely place and great for special occasions. This time, it was our other friends wedding anniversary, so again another excuse to celebrate. We had a fabulous time, the service was impeccable and the food was delicious.

So, this week, my friends enjoyed some quality time with each other and even went home with a lovely bronze glow (more than me and I live here lol). I just feel sad that I didn't have much time with them.

On another note, my son in the UK is thinking of travelling again. He's finding it really hard finding a job in the UK or as a diving instructor anywhere else in the world. Bless him, he's trying really hard, but there doesn't seem to be much out there. Now he's thinking of travelling around Europe (hitch hiking most of the way), but which isn't a great idea and I'll probably being a nervous wreck again. But, he's 23 and is getting itchy feet, what can I do? He'll make up his own mind (god why do our kids have to grow up?). Anyway, I'll worry about it when it happens.

Right, I've got a lot of studying to do and the sun is shining, so think I better get out in the garden and enjoy it!

Back to School and back on a Plane

2012-10-02T12:33:00.001+04:00

Hi everyone, today I'm writing my blog from Kuwait in the Middle East. I returned home to Dubai from Saudi Arabia at the weekend and then flew out to Kuwait on Monday morning. I am really enjoying my job at the moment but I'm not sure how some people travel all the time (I'm shattered lol). It's the travelling that takes it out of you especially when you're having to wait around in airports (OMG it took 1 and a half hours to get my visa on arrival in Kuwait).

Anyway, when I wrote my last blog I was half way through my business trip in Saudi. For the first time since I started working there, the team went for dinner as a motivational team building event. It was a really good evening and everyone on the team had a good time. There is a mix of nationalities in the team including Syrians, Palestinians, Jordanians, Lebanese and Saudis (and obviously myself and my boss who are westerners).

Me in the office in KSA

We ate dinner relatively early in the evening so the restaurant was quite quiet, however it got very busy later on with approximately 90% of the clientele being women. Most of all of them wore abayas but did not wear their veils. We had great fun and I realised that you can have a good time without alcohol (lol).

The driving over there is worse than in Dubai, and as we all know, women don't drive there so there is no excuse to blame women for being bad drivers lol. Unfortunately though, one morning we saw a dead person on the road who had been knocked down by a car (It was awful). By the time we passed him he was covered over but a few minutes earlier one of our colleagues saw the initial impact of the accident which affected him all day (not nice).

So, needless to say, every time we were being driven anywhere my boss and I were nervous wrecks. Honestly, once we went around the same roundabout about 3 times because our driver couldn't get off it and cars were coming at us left, right and centre. Needless to say, my palms were very sweaty and I'm sure I was having a 'tropical movement' lol.

Anyway, after a delayed flight and arriving home early on Friday morning, I slept for a few hours and then went early to have my hair coloured by my friend. Later on in the day we had a BBQ and then went to the Irish Village to watch the 'Proclaimers'. Normally, artists come on stage late and play for at least an hour. Unfortunately, we arrived a few minutes late and were just settling in watching the band and then they finished. We couldn't believe it, apparently they only sang 5 songs (such a shame but at least we got to sing '500 miles' lol).

On Saturday, hubby and I decided to purchase 'Apple TV' as we currently have a 'DU' account and it costs us a lot of money for programmes we hardly ever watch. Anyway, we bought the box and registered for a VPN account so we could watch UK TV. Unfortunately, we had an issue with our firewall on our computer and it took 'forever' to set up correctly. Anyway, I've not really had enough time to evaluate it as yet so I save my judgement about it until later.

On Sunday, I attended my first session of my new Masters Degree at the Middlesex University in Dubai. I'm a bit of a geek sometimes and decided to use the 'school bag' which we were given during induction (OMG I felt like a 5 year old on her first day of school with my satchel). Even though other people in my class had their bags, I decided next time I'll use my own lol. There is a mix of nationalities in the class which I expected (obviously), but no other Brits apart from my lecturer. She seems nice and down to earth and is very articulate (which is good considering the job she does lol).

We discussed a number of things and there were a number of people in the class who were very vocal and as usual in these situations, I felt like the ‘dumb bunny’ (being my first class, I kept a little quiet decided it was best to not say anything as I didn't want to get things wrong). However, hopefully I’ll get back into learning sooner rather than later.

So, on Monday I took another plane to Kuwait. It was an early flight and took ages to get the visa on arrival, but otherwise it was OK. I tried to explain to the taxi driver where I wanted to go and unfortunately, trying to pronounce Arabic words in my Yorkshire accent, doesn't go down well and eventually, I had 4 taxi drivers trying to work out where I wanted to go (even when I showed them the address on paper). Luckily my Arabic colleague gave them the proper pronunciation over the phone and I managed to get to the office in one piece (after the taxi driver conned me on the price of the journey - but hey ho, never mind).

The hotel is one of the nicest places I've stayed on business and it has a number of extra facilities in the room that I don't generally get, including lots of freebies which obviously I like lol (I don't usually get a kettle in the room in KSA). Anyway, work is going well and it's a short trip so I'll be back home tomorrow evening. Needless to say, I can't wait as my BFF will be at the airport waiting for me, I'm so excited.

The Return of Dallas and I'm Gonna Walk 500 Miles

2012-09-25T21:28:00.002+04:00

Good evening from KSA. I'm writing this blog from my hotel room in Jeddah, as I am currently back here on business. After flying in on Saturday evening, I am now over half way through my visit and will leave on Thursday evening. Everything is going well and at present it has been a successful visit in regards to work. But as usual, it's 12 hour days and back and forth from the hotel to the office and nothing in between (which is a bit crap to be honest). Unfortunately, I have view of 3 brick walls out of my window and therefore tend to keep my curtains shut, so generally I see about 10 minutes of day light on the way to the office in the morning, but hey ho, it's part of my job so I do it.

Anyway, tomorrow night the whole team is going out for dinner, so I'm really looking forward to having a change of scenery. To keep me busy on an evening, (apart from more work). I have been watching the new version of Dallas (OMG I used to love it when I was a teenager). Isn't it funny that as soon as you hear the theme tune to Dallas you just have to sing?? (Da, Da Da, Da Da, Da, Da, Da, Da etc etc). I was amazed to see so many of the original cast members in the new series, some have aged really well, (with a little help from their plastic surgeons) and others not so well. I've not see Pamela (Victoria Principle) yet but hoping to do so (or did she die?) Not sure, I can't remember, but anyway, even if she did, it might have been a dream.

Julie Goodyear

Recently, hubby and I also started watching the new series of Downton Abbey which we're also loving. And whilst being in the hotel room, I've been catching up with this year's Celebrity Big Brother, UK (I know, some of you may think its crap viewing), but to be honest, its the type of TV that doesn't need any thinking, it's just fun and something to take you're mind off work and let's you de-stress. It's also the type of programme I tend to watch and then skip parts. For any of you out there who has watched it, I really think I should have skipped the part where Julie Goodyear (a 70 year old ex British Soap Star - Bet Lynch from Coronation Street) pretended to give a BJ on a banana (not nice, lol!!).

Unfortunately, I have missed the first 2 sessions of my new MA programme. However, I've been a good student so far and completed the first assignment set by my lecturer. So I've made a promise to myself to start as I mean to go on and keep on top of things. Even though I will miss one class next week due to a business trip in Kuwait.

However, it's only 3 days and when I arrive back in Dubai airport next Wednesday, my BFF and her lovely hubby will have just landed from the UK ready for a week's holiday to celebrate their 10th Wedding Anniversary (so, needless to say, we have a number of fun things planned for then).

I've also had some lovely news that my oldest niece and one of her friends are coming to stay with us in January. She booked the flights last night and I'm really excited. Unfortunately, I've not spent much time with her in the past, as my brother and his family have lived in Plymouth in the UK for years which is obviously a number of miles from Hull. This is another reason why I love the technology we have nowadays. My niece has been travelling a number of times over the past couple of years and it has been great for me to keep up with her adventures (I'm probably closer to her now than I ever was when she was younger, due to the Internet). So yes, we're all looking forward to seeing each other early in the New Year.

The Proclaimers

Anyway, back to today (or Friday to be precise). Hubby, I and a group of friends are going to the Irish Village in Dubai to watch the 'Proclaimers'. Yes that's right, those of "I'm gonna be (500 miles)" fame (OMG the house is gonna rock lol). I know my BFF hubby who will be very annoyed he missed them by a few days (brings back memories of Tunnel Bar!).

OK, that's it for today, will probs catch up when I'm in Kuwait as when I get back to Dubai, I'll be giving my full attention to my bessie mates!

10 Year Anniversary Celebrations in Sri Lanka

2012-09-17T20:58:00.003+04:00

Hi folks, hubby and I have just had a fabulous long weekend away to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary and we had a marvellous time. Unfortunately however, things took a massive dive as soon as we arrived home and now I feel crap and my lovely weekend has almost been forgotten. I won't say what has happened, just that sometimes being a parent is very hard. For those of you out there who have small children, please enjoy them whilst you can, because believe me, it gets a hell of a lot tougher when they grow up.

Anyway, I will try to lighten the mood and tell you about our lovely weekend break. Last Thursday 13th September, my hubby and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary. Keeping in with the tradition of tin/aluminium and diamonds as gifts, I got a new diamond ring and he got an Ipad (nice). Hubby made me breakfast in bed and we headed for the airport at 5 am.

Along with 2 of our very dear friends here in Dubai, we flew to Colombo in Sri Lanka. Needless to say nothing ever runs smoothly and I thought the weekend was destined for failure before we even left the airport.

Apparently when I booked the hotel (back in January), I paid with a different credit card (same account just different card number as the old card had expired). Emirates airlines would not let me check in as I didn't have the old card! (what's all that about? How many people keep old credit cards?). Anyway, after about 30 minutes I was eventually allowed to check in and board the plane. Then, on arrival in Colombo, I had problems being admitted. Apparently, when I had applied for the visa, I had put the UAE as my home country instead of the UK. OMG I then had another 10 - 15 mins hanging around until it got sorted out and I was allowed in (I tell you, there's always a drama of some sort when we travel).

One thing I immediately noticed about Sri Lanka was how green it is (there may be loads of trees here in Dubai, but they are usually sandy coloured). Anyway, it reminded me a lot of Phuket in Thailand, the houses, the poverty, the maniac driving and the huge amounts of tuk-tuks. It was really warm but very windy which was lovely and a few times throughout the weekend we had tropical rainstorms (which is great to see as we hardly get any in Dubai).

On the first evening we accidentally ended up watching a short presentation on the ecology of Sri Lanka. I learnt a lots of things about the place that I didn't know before arriving but one thing remained in my mind for the whole of the trip. Sri Lanka has 501 different breeds of Spider!!!! (OMG, that was it, I was a nervous wreck most of the time looking at for anything remotely creepy crawly).

Anyway, our lovely friends had arranged a fantastic surprise for a meal for the 4 of us on the beach. It was fabulous (my friend kept apologising as it wasn't a romantic meal for 2 but 4, but it wasn't a problem at all, we had a great evening). The hotel had erected a small stage like platform and dressed the table for dinner. I was presented with a bouquet of flowers from the hotel management and we had a fantastic array of food to choose from along with a few drinks and a celebratory cake. Overall the evening was wonderful and a night I'll never forget in a hurry. A great big thanks to our lovely friends.

One thing that did disturb us though, was the fact that we saw a number of Sri Lankan lads walking on the beach in the dark. Then when they saw a crab they would whack it over the head with a large palm tree leaf. We found out later out, that they were actually poison crabs and the lads were catching them to put in aquariums and not to eat like we thought.

We spent most of the next day sunbathing and drinking cocktails after having a little walk around the streets of Negombo. During the day we were accosted by a number of beach sellers. At first I wasn't interested in anything as I've generally seen it all before, but needless to say, I ended up buying all sorts from them, 2 dresses, a silk scarf and a bag (lol, what a mug). It was actually really interesting to talk to the sellers and I learnt a lot from them.

One woman (Nelly) had been working the beach for 23 years (although she now owns her own store too and her hubby has his own tuk-tuk, bless). Nelly spoke 5 languages (English, German, Swedish, Tamil and Sinhalese) and she was only 4 months older than me (what a different life we have lead). Anyway, during the conversation at least one or all of the beach sellers asked us for jobs in the UAE either in the companies we work for or as our housemaids etc (bless em).

Saturday morning saw another early start as we headed for the Millennium Elephant Foundation where we washed the elephants, had an elephant shower (hmmmm nice) and went in the museum (we didn't have a ride on the elephants as we'd done that in Phuket a few years ago). Another thing that stuck in my mind was the fact that elephants poo at least 18 - 20 times a day! (that's right, a day!). Needless to say, whilst we were washing the elephants, one had a massive poo in the water and then I made a fast exit out of the water. Anyway, overall it was good to see how the volunteers look after the elephants and that they are not treated inhumanly.

We then moved on a few miles up the road to Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage were my friend and I had the opportunity to feed the baby elephants. We then watched a large herd of them playing in the 12 acres of grassland. At 10 am the elephants were then walked down to the river Maha Oya for a 2 hour bath. We watched them for about an hour and it was fantastic. It was so funny to see the little ones having a swim in the water, them running to the edge of the river to throw themselves in the mud, to then go back in the water for another dip.

Following on from the elephants we had had a short stop at the Zorn Spice and Herbal Garden in Hiriwadunna. Again, I ended up buying all sorts of things including lotions for mozzie bits and a miracle diet potion (lol, you know me, will try anything once). It was actually a really interesting place and the guide gave us some good health tips (Hubby and I even got a quick neck and shoulder massage). I was however, a little worried about being inbetween all those trees and was extra alert on the lookout for spiders.

Finally, on Sunday morning we flew back to Dubai but not before upgrading to business class. OMG I was in my element and what was even better was the fact that hubby and I upgraded using Emirates air miles (great!). Anyway, it was fab, reclining seats that lay right back with massaging facilities, champagne on arrival, lovely meal with real plates and knives and folks. I also watched a real tear jerker film starring Kate Hudson called, 'Little bit of Heaven' which made me cry all the way home.

Overall, the weekend was fabulous and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I did however, miss 2 friends of ours who live in the UK. Over the past 10 years we have spent numerous holidays and short breaks away with them. They were here in December and we were due to fly to the Maldives with them earlier this year. Unfortunately, they couldn't be with us to share our special day but we were thinking of them, love you both!