This week

Happy Friday friends!

This week proved to be a long week since we were doing testing in schools but it was also pretty nice because unlike back home the kids get on the bus when they are finished testing and head home. It definitely gives some chill time to be able to do all the little task (or huge ones) and not have to worry about supervision, the lunch lines, or dealing with all the things that adolescent girls bring. Granted here the big issues are girls wearing or having make up, but you know what I mean.

I was able to meet with some of the teachers one on one which was really nice because I miss that part of my job. I think that I am growing into my new position and I am being given a bit more freedom to work. Coming here is not always just jumping in like back home - you really have to earn your spot and your respect. That has been a complete paradigm shift for me but one that I welcome since I came here to have a totally different experience. That has never disappointed.

I decided to do a link up this week since I have completely been out of the link up game. I am linking up with Amanda from Meet at the Barre, Karli from September Farm and with Paula from Sincerely, Paula.  Make sure to checkout there blogs and link back to your blog as well.

So this week I finally downloaded my Rosetta Stone so I can try and pick up some Arabic. It seems like it is going to be quite the challenge but I at least need to learn the basics. I have yes, no, enough, and the word exponent. I observed a lot of math this week ;) The ladies I work with are starting to try and teach me bits and pieces as we go but I have to see it written, at least phonetically, to get a grasp on it. Pronunciation.. let not even talk about that for now. 

We went over to the local Daiso store this week on the hunt for a tape runner with designed on it that I saw on my Instagram feed from another planner lover. Daiso is a Japanese store with all sorts of things. I call it the dollar store because everything is 7 dirhams. Technically that is $1.91 in U.S. currency but no one wants to say the $1.91 store. Think of the store as the best amazon buys that come from overseas for like 99 cents but only in store form. I love it. While I did not find my decorative tape runner (sad face!!) I did score this amazing mug which made me think of my sister, Lindsay: 

Such a cute piece. I promised I would go back and look for another one since she really liked it as well!  I also picked up a little journal to get my traveling plans in one place. 

That little floral book.. never something that I would normally pick up but I thought it looked unique and I think it will serve as a nice journal type notebook for when I go back home.  Again, the bargain price of AED 7. 

 My favorite meal of the week was definitely our anniversary dinner at Stratos. It is a revolving restaurant on top of Lé Royal Meridan hotel by the Corniche. It was really beautiful and the views were fantastic. We were able to get a complete 360 degree view of Abu Dhabi, the ocean and the skyline. The food was pretty amazing as well. I highly recommend the lobster mac & cheese!

We also visited the Sheik Zayed Mosque yesterday and it was breathtaking. There are no pictures that will ever do the structure any justice. I watched several documentaries and read several pieces about the planning and building of the structure but I never imagined how huge it would really be. I drive by it all the time, but it is definitely not the same as taking a trip inside. Every single detail is perfect. A definite must see for all those who can travel to Abu Dhabi. If you follow me on Instagram, I posted several more pictures there as well. I haven't even gotten to my professional camera pictures. These are from my trusty iPhone.  

I just can't get enough of the beauty.

One of the amazing chandeliers. They weigh tons and sparkle like crazy. 

This would have been a fantastic picture but that security guard was relentless in staying in the background of it ;) 

All individual pieces of marble to make the floors and the intricate designs. 

I cannot wait to go back. It is very serene and they are still working on the outside of it for the lawns and different areas. I look forward to seeing it completed before we leave. 

So whats on tap for this weekend? I have no idea. I do know that I am getting my hair done and I am pumped about that. The struggle is very real with the root situation so I will be glad that is remedied. 

Cheers to the weekend!

My blog is growing up!

It is a milestone here at Just Call Me Sparkles...

So many people do lots of prep and have a great post all planned for the milestone that their baby blog will achieve, but not I. No, that would require planning on my part and these days .. I'm all Inshallah up in here. Inshallah for those scratching their heads pretty much translates to "God Willing". As my good friend Martin said the other day, "I'm about over Inshallah". Here in Abu Dhai it is used for everything, I relate it to hopefully back in the states. For example:

"We will get the plan for the testing done, Inshallah."

"I hope you have a great semester break, Inshallah."

and my least favorite way it has been used thus far: 

"When you get your first paycheck Inshallah."....... Wait, what?

I've also learned that inshallah can be used to describe ones state of mind, like mine currently.. its pretty much a "whatever" state of mind. Not bad, not over the top great..just okay :)

Now that lesson is over with, lets talk about What is next here on Just Call Me Sparkles. I am really trying to get some good content up and stop beating y'all with Abu Dhabi this...and Abu Dhabi that. I know you are probably tired of reading about it (even though my stats say differently). I am going to focus on some interesting post, maybe not so journal-y post. But then again, sometimes you have to go with what you know and this blog has definitely given me an outlet that I enjoy writing to share adventures and different things going on in my life. So thanks for continuing to read and keep up with me. 

I do have to admit, that I make no promises to:

1. Stop talking about Abu Dhabi (inshallah...see what I did there..ha!)

2. Stop posting journal-like post. I can't help that I am interesting.

3. Stop using profanity in my post. Sorry - this is not always for the faint of heart. And that is just me. Plus did you know that you are not supposed to curse here? Do you know how hard that has been?

4. Stop with the tangents - see #3

What I would like to accomplish here:

1. Continue to grow!

2. Continue to amuse my readers with my sometimes snarky content.

3. Share this crazy adventure I am on.

I'm now going to go cruising around in my roller skate to prepare for my next big move.. to my new apartment! More on that reveal later :)

Cheers!

10 Reasons I love Blogging

Today as I am browsing my feed via Bloglovin, I saw that Endlessly Beloved is hosting a great little link up about Blogging. It definitely jumped out at me because since I am still in rookie phase, I have lots to say about blogging and what it is doing and what I project it can do for me. So here it is.. my 10 favorite things about blogging.

1. An outlet. Blogging has provided me such an avenue to say the outlandish things that pop into my head. Being in a professional position within education, I am holding my tongue on the regular. All day, every day. Yet, I can come home and write to my hearts content even though I have to keep it vague but it really allows me to get things out there and frankly, just laugh at it. Most people think what educators do is a breeze but then they hear my stories. Honey, I can't make this stuff up!

2. Great People. I have stumbled upon some amazing, fun, witty, and down-right good people via blogging. Granted I have never had a face to face but there are some cool chicks out there and usually, they are always great for a laugh.

3. Endless inspiration. from writing, to crafting, to just reading some through provoking post. Blogs really give some excellent inspiration in all facets of life.

4. I love to see pictures. I like to see different places, outfits, creation, ideas, trips, etc. So when I find a blog, I automatically look for pictures. I love that people feel so open to share different things because otherwise many of the treasures out there I would never have the opportunity to experience.

5. Connection. There are so many people out there that are just like you. Blogging has given me a space to find these people that I might not have the chance to meet. Geographically there are great people everywhere and blogging is a huge avenue to explore that.

6. Social Media. I am an avid user and lover of social media and blogging just fits right in. I remember seeing a status update on Facebook "Your status shouldn't be a mini-blog" and I thought damn, isn't that the truth. Hence the start of this blogging journey.

7. Accountability. I find that if I am writing about my goals (I haven't cut my hair yet this year!!) or weight loss {move along.. nothing to see here..} I find that I feel compelled to be honest and truthful when sharing. So what I haven't lost weight, or maybe I want to share that I kicked booty in the gym this week. It keeps me on track, for the most part, and I am not flooding my Facebook.

8. It is mine. Okay, maybe that seems a bit trite but I like that I can control the look, design, feel, content, and sharing of this little space in the blogosphere.

9. Writing for fun. I am an Ed.D. student so this definitely gives me an avenue to write for fun. Maybe ramble... we will go with write ;)

10. So much out there. If you need it, there is a blog about it. It is like Google, but better!

Make sure you link up!! I cannot wait to read your 10 reasons you love blogging!