i have had a heck of a time getting on here and updating- sorry about that to the few folks who visit occasionally to see if i have dropped by.
we are still waiting for our building to have wi-fi available- so we have to go to coffee shops for internet access, which can be difficult with spotty availability and on top of that, usually i am focused on
two things: paying bills and checking email. Often i only have time for those two things and not even replying to the emails i read! Sucks, but such is life when you have irregular access. we have been told since october that it will be one month until we have it at home...and you see how that is working out! I expect by March we will have it and it will work reliably. :-)
Christmas was nice here, lots of decorations for sale everywhere, so we had a little tree, lights, and other stuff- Jes got me a stocking with a stuffed camel on front holding a present sack that says UAE on it! so cute. Haven't yet sent out the presents we got for family, since i am not even sure how to mail anything except documents, dhl is what i use for that, but they are extremely expensive for packages and there are other options, i just haven't found the locations yet. Folks should get their gifts by the end of Jan. lol.
We enjoyed our first overseas Christmas with a traditional dinner, turkey and all the fixin's- turned out really good and we stuffed ourselves silly. Santa even managed to find us in our new place and we got some great gifts :-)
New Years is coming, and it is also our anniversary, 9 years! I don't know the plans- jes hasn't told me yet, but i am sure it will be fun. Today is the Muslim New Year, so he is off work today. We are hanging out near the beach and may take a walk after i finish this post. the weather is really nice- very temperate and comfortable- i need a light sweater in the evening, and have occasionally used my shawls to cover my head (found out really quick it's easier than bringing a warm hat, and keeps you really warm!)
We may be attending a local wedding soon- and I will need to wear an abaya- looking forward to shopping for it with a friend who will help me navigate that process and then experiencing a traditional Muslim wedding.
I will be looking for a job soon (finally!) since my residency should be completed by next week- that will be fun and I am looking forward to having something to do!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! xoxo to all- keep in touch!
d
