Winter Trip Home - Part 1

I was so excited to get home and visit with friends and family! It wasn't so much that I was missing home, but since I knew my trip was coming up, I starting getting anxious and considering all the things that I do not like about Abu Dhabi. From the dirty windows to the taxi drivers that sometimes speak limited English to the freezing temperatures of the malls, everything that's unlike home was bothering me. Now that I've made it home safe and sound, I realize my discomfort was exactly what I wanted and needed. I have to keep reminding myself that I went to Abu Dhabi for something different, and if I wanted everything to be the same as home, then that's where I should've stayed - at home. But, for now, Abu Dhabi is my home and I'll continue making the most of it once I get back.

Found the most random statue while visiting in NY. I feel a little sorry for this guy's wife...just sayin'.

My favorite thing to do...play on the swing sets!

Kelly got us great Christmas gifts! Heeeeeyyy!!!!!

Learned a few things about staying warm and covered since I've been in Abu Dhabi. Definitely came in handy for a Winter night in DC.

So glad Alicia made it to DC while I was there!

My sister, Shaundra, and I decorated the Christmas tree. Isn't it beautiful?!

No Christmas would be complete without Red Velvet Cake. This year Shaundra made it and I was the sous-chef.

The best thing about being home is all the time I'm spending with my nephew/God-son. But, after watching him one morning, I needed a break. I call this "Babysitting at Its Best."

Catching Up

Well, it's been about 6 weeks since my last post. I am sorry. While my camera was broken, I have not been too busy, nor have things been too boring to write anything. I just kept putting off writing a new post. And like most others things in life, when you put it off, it piles up and becomes an even greater task than originally there. It's like not paying a bill on time, then you have to pay that dang on (yes, I wrote "dang on") late fee...or waiting until you only have one more pair of undies and a lonely sock to do your laundry, then having to spend all Sunday evening at the laundry-mat. Whatever the situation, it's definitely best to "never put off for tomorrow what can be done today."
In any event, here's some of what I've left out for the past 6 weeks.

So, that week or so after I got back from Nepal life got pretty busy. In all honesty, this is what my room usually looks like by Wednesday night :-/

My co-teacher and I got tickets from a parent to the Formula 1 races. I stole this picture from a co-worker (thanks Louna!). The races were fun, but LOUD. It's literally like standing in a jet hanger.

The 40th UAE National Day was amazing! A lot of the teachers and students dressed up in national attire. We had an assembly and catered lunch. There were camels, falcons, and dogs. But my favorite part was the Arabic dancing the girls did. Here's a video of what it looked like...so "different'. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDQ08mDbNvA

We took the kids to the Al Ain Zoo the day before the last day of school. So many different animals! Here are just a couple of pics.

I'm just proud I got this picture. She really was trying to have some alone time to enjoy her lunch. I did not comply.