I need another weekend

Well another weekend has come and gone. Although my work week technically started yesterday, I play along and wait until Monday because most of my friends are on the Monday-friday grind. This past weekend we didn't do a great deal but we also didn't just hang around the house, which is a first within the last three weeks. Point blank, I have been tired and lazy, and tired.

Thursday I couldn't get out of work fast enough. I am never like that so I knew it had been a long week. My hubby had the ride because the dogs were at the vet getting neutered (they still love me) so we headed to pick them up. They were not happy and they were donning the cone of shame AKA the leg slicer 3000.

He is pathetic, I know.  Weezy wasn't having one single picture taken of him so you only get pathetic Princeton.

On the way home from the vet, I got the email I had been dreading telling us that we can renew our fabulous apartment for the bargain price of AED 50,000 more than our previous lease. 

Yes, I knew that a rent increase was coming. Yes, I knew that it would probably be a little bit more than the usual 3-5% but damn! I was being overly optimistic that it wouldn't happen. So that was the topping of a craptastic week. Normally this wouldn't be a huge big deal (other than moving sucks) but our lease ends on December 29, paperwork takes forever, and oh, did I mention we are scheduled to be out of the country?! Arg.... So all this fun lead to us trying out a new Moscato and it was amazing. Or the week had been really long. Or it was just amazing. I finished about 3/4 of this glass and completely fell asleep. How sad. 

Friday we decided to drive around to get a feel for different areas outside of our extremely westernized apartment complex. It is way outside the comfort zone but I think that if the negotiations don't work out with the property management company it will be for the best. The villas are huge and they offer private yards and some even have private pools. Here are a few of the beauties we looked at, attempted to find or drove past. 

 

I guess it could be worse, right? 

So in our adventures, we 'had' to go by Starbucks and I was kind of surprised that the PSL has made its way to AD. However, who can even think of drinking this at a balmy 105 degrees? I am waiting until I get a hint of a chill. It may be November. 

Saturday we held to hanging out on the couch for the most part. Lots of TV and movies to wind out the weekend. A friends called to meet for dinner and we tried out a new place that is pretty close to the house, Stars and Bars. Seeing as it was September 11 I figured it was quite the appropriate venue. 

The food was excellent! It was a true taste of home and I am a fan of 'bar' food like nachos, wings, potato skins, etc. I ended up having a Philly and it was out of this world good! The ambiance of he place is nice. Our table was a football table with glass over the top that is a playable which was a hit. They have billiards and lots of TV's to watch sports. They are also holding down a pretty large bar that serves alcohol. I know many people think 'Duh, of course it serves alcohol' but not many bars serve alcohol here. They serve mocktails which are quite deceiving as they always look like the real thing. I am looking forward to heading back to Stars and Bars when we are sans kiddos and I am in the actual mood to hang out and enjoy the place. At about 8:30 the atmosphere completely changed and went from family restaurant to sloppy bar with girls stumbling around that had consumed way too much and had on way too little. I forgot how much I dislike this scene since moving here. It is ironic how desensitized you are to certain things when around it all the time and now its almost hyper-sensitive. I couldn't get out of there quick enough!!

I do love the area of the Viceroy hotel during the day and at night. It is beautiful and so different than anything else I've ever seen. So another lovely weekend comes to a close; I can only hope that this week shows some mercy!

Unicorn Weekend

Guess it is time for a little check in. Just coming off the weekend of the normal world where it is almost hump day for me. I am finally adjusting to weekends being Friday and Saturday. What I am even more adjusted to is focusing on the finish line for this school year. I cannot wait until the end of the year. While it hasn't been terrible or anything, I just need a break. I mean it might be that little trip to Paris that is on the books that has me looking towards the finish line in 25 days!

We are taking a few days out of the UAE in July after school is out to take in the sights of Paris and I am pretty pumped. I have always wanted to visit Paris so naturally I have been steadily working on a list of things to do, places to see, and trying to figure out what tours as a necessity. I bought us some new luggage pieces (backpacks) that are big enough to use for a carry on item so as soon as they get here I plan on doing a review on how functional they are.

This past weekend was a big shopping weekend here in the UAE (as explained from my local lady friends) for Ramadan. I do enjoy shopping so I headed to Dubai with a friend on Friday. The malls here are ridiculous but the malls in Dubai are even more over the top ridiculous. Read: ridiculous is fabulous. Granted, they were packed full to the brim and everyone in the Emirate seemed to be there but we had a nice time. However, my ankle is still paying the price from the walking. I can't complain too much because I bought my unicorn of all handbags this weekend.

I blame it on the cappuccino that was served while we were shopping. 

Speaking of this stupid ankle injury of mine (allegedly a torn ACL), I am beginning physical therapy tomorrow. It was supposed to be today but it was kindly moved...with zero notice. All I can say to that is, Abu Dhabi. Things just tend to happen this way here.

Of course to add a little more injury, my hubby and I went to Marina Mall to look for some new shoes. Usually, I am not a fan of that mall but it wasn't busy (everyone was in Dubai) and it was nice to walk around while not getting run over. Plus, I always enjoy the fountains in the mall.

When we were leaving the mall, I was able to get a great picture of the ever so famous Etihad Towers. These buildings are so pretty in person, and they are huge. 

Later Saturday evening, we headed to see Jurassic World at Yas mall. We decided to see it in 4D which I thought would be a great experience but the seats were pretty uncomfortable. However, it was kind of funny to watch the late comers try to get in the seats while they were moving. The experience was unique, think you can feel the breathing of the dinosaur on your neck, get water dripped on you, and of course you could feel every step of the dinosaurs from the rumble of the seats. Overall the movie was okay; the end of the movie completely sucked. Yet, I am sure that there will be another one due to the crap ending. Oh and did you know that the original Jurassic Park came out 20 years ago?! That made me feel ancient. I couldn't believe that it has been that long ago. I guess time just keeps moving forward even if we don't notice how much time has passed. 

So another weekend in the books - 24 days of work left. I think I can see the light!

Weekending in Dubai

So we finally took the drive over to Dubai from Abu Dhabi and it was like falling in love all over again. I am definitely a big fan of Dubai. It feels like a mini New York city due to the sky scrapper buildings and some of the traffic. But I am an avid New York fan so I didn't mind. 

The feel is extremely western. Not that cowboy western feel but from the States western feel. It is not as conservative and you truly forget that you are in the Middle East. The malls are amazing. Just amazing. From the Ski slopes at Ski Dubai to the dancing fountains outside of the Burj Khalifa it was such a nice taste of home. Did I mention they have an iHop in the malls? We didn't eat there but we did enjoy California Pizza Kitchen which did not disappoint. 

*SkiDubai in the Mall of the Emirates

I was so excited to the Burj. It is truly overwhelming in person. We didn't buy tickets to go to the observation deck but hopefully in the near future we will. I would rather check out the restaurant Atmosphere on the 122 floor but that will definteley require some dirhams. So we will save up and do that. I think that would be the best of both worlds - a great meal and an amazing view. 

 Now it is not everyday that you get to see a huge aquarium in the middle of the mall but as usual, nothing disappoints here. There were some brave souls that did the swimming in the aquarium while we were there. I will save Kudos to them and I will stay on dry land. Hopefully they got some cool pictures though.

We got outside just in time to see the fountain show on the water. What a sight that is. I have never been to Vegas but I assume it is similar to the fountain show there. It was really pretty and the Burg gives a nice backdrop. I highly suggest getting there early or scoring a balcony table at one of the several restaurants that have terraces overlooking the water. Again.. next time we will plan better!

The lights, the water and all choreographed to music. It was spectacular!

The Dubai mall was so extremely busy that we didn't get to see a whole lot of the stores because we were there on a Friday (mistake one) and it is very touristy anyways. We did find these waterfalls in the mall that provide a great background for a photo op. 

Fast forward to this past Friday, we went to Dubai again to check out Global Village. I have read a lot about the Global Village but I wasn't quite sure what it was. I did know that I needed was good shoes and cash since everything is bartering. I am definitely okay with that. It took us about an hour to get there and it was much bigger than I anticipated. It is made up of several pavilions that are based on each country represented. You can buy authentic goods from each from clothing, food, spices, and other items. I will say that I was a bit disappointed that the vast majority of the product were knock off purses in each country. However, if you want a cheap bag that is definitely where you need to head.  Lots of traditional clothes (that I wouldn't wear), spices (with very pushy salesmen) and oddities were in each country. I was most disappointed with The Americas because the products in there were not at all what I define as America. Maybe my expectations were too high.  Yet, we did have a good time and we would go back from time to time. There is plenty of food to go around and lots of rides in the carnival section. 

Probably my favorite part was the little outside booth we found with an artist who was spray painting pictures. I have always found this intriguing. I cannot draw a proper stick figure but these folks can make amazing pictures with straightedges and spray paint. We couldn't resist this one for our camel wall in our apartment. I am in love with the fact it has both camels and the Dubai skyline. 

 There are so many more things that we want to do when we go back to Dubai. The city is so full of life and things to see and do. Luckily we have plenty of time! How did you spend your weekend?

Weekending

I think that well spent part is really up for debate. Do I believe that a day spent with Hulu, America's Next Top Model and my pups is a well spent day? Abso-freaking-lutely. Then again it is not like I am doing a whole lot these days but blogging, browsing Pinterest or Instagram, or watching T.V. The weekend really was a great one though because as nice as it is to be off everyday, my friends are not. You always forget that caveat when you are lounging around on your week days off. You are the only one lounging. Lame. 

So in my weekending, Friday was one of my better thought out days. Living about 20 miles from where I am used too I have found that it is necessary to make the most out of the trip so I am not driving back and forth along the interstate multiple times a week for one or two things. So I knew that I needed a new pair of jeans, so I decided to make an evening of the trip and have dinner with a friend then ice cream with another. It is all about spending time wisely and food + ice cream  = time well spent to me. 

Saturday was a fabulous day of more not so big plans. My sister and I went and indulged in severely needed pedicures, then took another trip to the mall so she could spend her Charming Charley's gift card. I was pretty proud of the fact that I purchased nothing.  #povertyNovember  I should have planned this move out of the country long ago, it would have curbed my shopping bug. Yeah, probably not. 

Sunday - well as stated above, I was pretty useless to the world around me as I did absolutely nothing. I did shower (you're welcome) but that is about all my day consisted of. I did forget how much I used to enjoy ANTM and to see that they are on cycle 21 on Hulu I know I have catching up to do. However, I will have more than enough time once I get across the ocean so I need to save some up. Speaking of across the ocean, I have passed security so I am just waiting for my visa!! Hooray! So now I am entering the just wait period when I am checking my email like a crazy person 32 times a days because the ticket could just slip in there at any given time. 

Living on the edge as usual,

Linking up with these beauties - make sure to check them out!

A sweet weekend

Another wonderful weekend wrapped up and back to work more sitting and waiting for the elusive email. My weekend was pretty low-key which is always a great thing. Saturday there was a local parade for Veteran's Day here in the town. I usually participate in the parade with my Krewe but since I am inactive this year that didn't happen this year. I really missed the parade because it is a small town parade with a lot of veterans that come out and it really provides a great opportunity to give the vets a face to face thank you, some beads, a handshake, or a hug. It is truly a feel good parade. I always think that it is so important to thank those who have fought for the freedoms that we have each and everyday. 

After the parade wrapped up, I had lunch with a friend who is born and raised in this town. She is dubbed the country mouse and I am definitely a city girl. I got the low down of where everything is that I might need: Publix, where I can get a good pedicure, etc. Yes, I know like a pedicure should be a priority right? Um, yes - do you know me?

After that - I came back to the house and was pretty much solo the entire day as my sister and her hubs were with some of their friends. So I hung out with the dogs, did some organizing and played with the pups. These dogs really do have some serious personality, as you can see. 

 Sunday I can't say was too eventful. I spent a lot of time browsing some blogs, getting ideas and trying to get organized with posts, link ups, and other ideas. As soon as the sun started to go down my brother in law started a fire in the pit and we sat outside to enjoy some of the cool, fresh air. the weather was amazing and I love a good bonfire when you can sit and just chill.

The dogs loved the romp in the yard and all came in to the house and crashed. 

I also made some Nutella Hot Chocolate. Talk about some knock your socks off goodness! I will be posting the recipe later this week. I highly recommend it if you are into sweetness by the fireplace, by the fire pit, or even as a dessert. It was amazing and only took about 7 minutes to make. 

Hope your weekend was equally as sweet! 

Weekend recap - late yet satisfying.

Well luckily I am FINALLY feeling almost normal again... I mean its only been over a week now! Ridic.. anyways, so like I rambled about in a previous post I had a great weekend last weekend in which I purposefully took pictures of so I could do a great recap. Yeah, well day late dollar short.. whatever, I am gonna blog about it and damn it, I hope y'all read it :)

So I will stay say we are super lucky to get to see this view ALL the time! We have annual passes so we are able to go whenever we please which can be really nice as a little mini-vacay. This particular weekend we went over on a day trip as lots of our friends were camping in Fort Wilderness. Not like tent and roughing-it camping, but a style much more friendly to this concrete-loving, AC-having city girl. Welcome to the world of air-conditioned travel trailers and pop-up campers. 

As if Disney wasn't already magical, but Fort Wilderness is just awesome and way relaxing anyway. Granted, there is not an over abundance to do at the camp sites, but this turned into the allure of the sites as it is necessary to sit down and DO NOTHING. Just relax. That is a commodity in and of itself. 

Doesn't this just look like relaxation? Trust me.. it was! 

We also stopped in the horse stables to visit the horses.. Nevermind those signs as my friend Terri gives the horses some rubs ;-) 

And HOLY Crap do these people go all out for decorating? I love me some Halloween and here are a few pics of the peeps that must love it as much as me. 

This one below was my favorite. Their whole site was set up as a wrecked pirate ship!! It was amazing.. moving water features, skeletons, some halloween flair as well. I'd say it was the best one overall. However, I could be biased since it was Pirate themed. Whatever, it was the best one.

A nice young lady at a friend of ours camp site brought a cookie decorating kit and like all good adults, she wanted people to help her decorate cookies and we all obliged. Kinda like when a toddler hands you a toy phone... you answer that thing pronto. Here is my creation. yeah, it sucks. Whatevs. 

Some of my krewe as there always have to be some inappropriate pics.

We decided to head over to Magic Kingdom after a few drinks by the campfire and we took the golf cart with our driver, Nick, transporting all 8 of us over. Yeah, pretty sure we were at weight limit and over-capacity.. but we made it. My legs were burning as that was a two minute squat and hold seeing as I am short so I automatically get put on a lap. But hey.. its never too painful for a picture!! 

Took the boat over to MK and as we were pulling up the 9pm Fireworks started and what a sight. I have viewed the fireworks several times, but this time topped almost all of them as we were on the water and could see everything including the castle. They were beautiful! I am a fool for fireworks.. not sure why but I have always enjoyed a great firework show and Disney never disappoints.