Gearing up for our non-Vacation

The time has come the walrus said, to think of many things...  but first we must have a situation.  Myles comes home from school a couple days ago with a crazy high fever.  From there, we start our fever and  sicky pants regime.  His cold is still slightly lingering as our flights out of the UAE are set for travel.  Now, I am sick, Liam is sick and Sienna is having a bizarre dental emergency.  She has been to the Dentist already and has some very weird abscess in the back of her mouth.  Well now, she just has a crater size hole waiting for a tooth extraction or something else and we are doing a compression and salt water routine for the next couple days, per Doctor.  While at the Dentist office, he went ahead and pulled out her second bottom tooth.  So, we had an unexpected Tooth Fairy visit last night.  Luckily she got the memo and paid Sienna in American currency.  The Dentist wanted to see her in four days.  Well, we will be in the States by then.  Go figure.  Now, added to our non-Vacation will be some high maintenance dental work on our 5 year old. 

Let me just give you a run down...  I am flying across the World again with all three kidlets, alone.  Dave will be staying here for the next four weeks to finish his course.  I am working some angles here and may find a way to a mini vacation with the girls.  Dave will join us at the end of July.  I can just imagine my flight already and HIS.  Anyhow, then we will visit his Mom, his Dad, drive all the way to California to visit my Mom and Dad, then head back through Las Vegas to visit some dear friends, Mark and Tonya.  As a bonus, we will be in Las Vegas for the Vegas to Reno kick-off.   We will return the motorhome to it's lovely cubby and hop a flight back to the other side of the World.  For those of us less logistically inclined, my Husband has taken it upon himself to do the math in mileage per Garmin and Google Earth; 2400 miles of driving, 24,000 miles of flying.

 

Rotten Turd fumes

After three children, my once diaper changing "Daddy" has managed to frequently elude this task.  That's okay. 
But, once in a great while I get one over ;)
Last night, I made my way over to the store for chocolate snacks and Dave managed the fort.  When I returned I walked in the door into the kitchen to distribute snacks.  Wow.  There was a terribly well known stink int he air.  I knew immediately that there had been a situation.  It briefly crossed my mind that I usually take those "special loads" outside to the trash shoot.  But, whatever.  Who am I to complain at this point, right?

Well, lucky for me Dave is the first one awake in the morning and he is tasked with morning coffee.  As he opens the trash to dump yesterdays coffee grounds, he gets slapped in the face with the aggressive stench of last nights lazy disposal of Satin scented refuse.  Sometimes... it pays to keep my mouth shut.  Hahahahahaha.  Today was one of those days.

The OSET Trials bike

We Sexson's are at it again. 
We purchased an electric, quiet Trials bike.  I guess in desperation to hold onto our Dirtbiking,  we have had to make some accomodations.  Here we are inside the compounds of this gigantic concrete jungle with our little ones riding around on an electric miracle on two wheels.  They are in heaven and we are beaming with pride to chase them around.  The first few days were comical. I wish my darn camcorder was working.  I think it has finally decided to take a dump on me and wont take a charge,  it is a 2004 model (insert hint for Dave: Mother's Day).  Not that I could hold a camera, record level footage and frantically run on foot chasing this motorbike to prevent a catastrophe.  Although, I would try for sure.  We only have one OSET,  for now.  We have two riding capable children.  Myles went first, of course.  He is our most physically agile and willing.  He is also just now four with the attention span of a gnat at times.  The soothing hum of the motorbike and the constant distractions make it difficult for him to keep skillfully and mindfully operational.  Made for some interesting near wrecks.  Myles success made for Sienna's debut.  She hops on and with much coaxing and psuedo support (she thinks Dave is holding the back, like a Human set of training wheels), takes off all on her own like an expert.  Smooth, skillful and graceful, that is our Sienna for sure.  Now we have a competition and a constant argument over who's turn it is and who has had more time on the OSET.  Figures, doesn't it?  We will get another one eventually, sooner than later.

For those of you wondering, it has a capable throttle modulator.  Thank goodness.  Because the torque on that thing is outstanding.  I got on it in full power mode and over throttled myself up, backwards in an amazing wheely that I could never pull off on a dirtbike.  Scared myself silly.  I had to have Dave lower it for me ;)

Dave and his Truck

I’m not too sure I can tell this story and give it the justice it deserves.  I will do my best but, this will definitely be a story best told by Dave over a beer and campfire someday in the future.  I will hear it many times and laugh with tears each and every time.  My favorite part of the story relates back to another blog, “It is a Man’s world around here…” and Dave must hold the reigns on many tasks now, including this one. Teehee
It begins back in Fallon when we chose to ship our vehicles.  Dave’s truck haul was postponed and I was all moved out of the house and ready to drive away into the dark heading for Tulare.  My only option was to beg Dear ole Kenny to drive the truck and store it until the shipping yard came to get it for shipment.   Kenny held that truck for nearly four weeks, when it was disclosed to me that someone had dropped the ball and the truck was forgotten.  It finally made its way onto a freight line and into the water and the Title to it was overnighted to me the day before I left for the UAE.  That was load off of my mind for the minute.
Now in the UAE, we were awaiting the arrival of his truck scheduled for April 23.  Calls are made, things are arranged and seemingly everything is in order, ship arrived on schedule.  April 29, Dave gets a call asking for the color of his truck, they can’t seem to find it.  He says white.  No more calls until May 1. Truck is found.  Meanwhile, here in the UAE there is no mail system and an “interesting” courier delivery thing.  You must have vehicle insurance and it must be original and on a stamped and embossed sheet.  We ordered these April 27 to be Delivered on the 29.   Shipping company is now frantic in the later hours of May 1 and want to deliver the truck somewhere.  We are calling the Courier (now on the third days of calls) for the paperwork to no avail. We can not have it towed to the “DMV” as we have not received the  Insurance cards.   The truck is delivered to our parking garage but, can not be driven… it is against the law.  In this Country, against the law means,  Jail in no uncertain terms.  We must have it towed to the “DMV, someday after the Insurance cards arrive.  May 2, Courier promises (3^rd day of promises) that the cards will be here today.  The cards did arrive.  Poor courier delivery guy. In his defense, the address was written wrong and the phone number for contact was missing a digit.  Anyway, I hear Dave on the phone with the DMV making sure he has all the required letters and documents, all of which need official seals and stamps and super-shiny glitter.  Then I hear him ordering a tow truck and driver, “Yes, the truck needs to be registered and we will need to put fuel while loaded as it’s below empty from shipping.”  He thinks he has it all figured and orderly.  He tells me he will handle this and I can stay home with the kids’ as it would be fiasco at the DMV with our little circus show.  Off he goes to do “a mans job.”
I take the kids for an ice cream.  Dave calls 1.5 hours later and says, “I am home.  You aren’t going to believe this story.”
First let me state, in Dubai anything in the World can be done for a fee.  This includes registering your vehicle….just not initial registration.
My best attempt to retell Dave’s story as he told me…  
Says Exuberant Dave, “I am standing downstairs at the entrance of the Parking Garage for an hour and finally get annoyed and call the company to ask where is the truck.  The guy answers and tells me he is parked right out front on the center divider.  I look over and see a motorcycle.  I am thinking, ‘wow, these guys are really on their stuff in the densely populated area.  They sent out a Motorcycle scout to scope things out to park a big rig down here.’  I tell him I am standing right here and wave.  He scooters his way over to me and parks his motorcycle.  I ask, “Where’s the Tow truck?”  He says, ‘Me, I drive.”  Guy walks around our truck, inspects the tires and says he will see me in a while.  I said, ‘You can’t go with out me.’  So, I hop in and he takes off towards the DMV.  I am thinking, this doesn’t make sense… why can he drive my unregistered truck but I can’t.  So, I ask him as he is driving into traffic, “Why can you drive this truck with no plates but, American registration and I can’t?’  Guy starts freaking out that, ‘We are going to Jail, Jail, Jail!  No plates is ILLEGAL!’  He stops dead in traffic and I have to tell him to drive us back to the parking garage.”  He thought he was being paid to take care of my renewal.  No wonder he looked at me funny when I said I was going with. This truck is on fumes.   Thank God we didn’t run out dead in traffic.”

Poor kid.  Poor Dave.  Me, I am almost in tears laughing at Dave’s story.  By this time the Company is now calling back to send a Tow truck.  Dave is trying to explain that the DMV is closing and that it is too late.  No one can communicate at this point because they are all worked up.  Dave yells, “Don’t come!” and hangs up.  Bahahahahaaaaa!
He then calls the office and tells them to reschedule the Driver for the early morning.  Lady is upset and says that Dave just cancelled the Tow.  He does his best to explain what had happened and asks if the tow truck driver can bring a small bit of fuel, as the truck may not perform after using the last bit.  She understands, that Dave is making accusations of fuel theft by the driver.  I am laughing hysterically mainly out of nervous energy.  At this point, I thought Dave’s head was going to explode

Anyhow… to end a much longer story because I am tired of writing.  Dave was barely able to register the truck and they took an original receipt for a lot of money that we need in the future for a refund.  That will be another story later… much, much later.

My van arrives on May 13.  Wish us luck :)

I just miss my friends

I have done this whole move thing before.  I have left my Home, my Family and my Friends and done the “start-over” regime.  This time is different.  This time, I don’t have the comfort of all my friends a simple phone call away.  There is not an easy way to share all the funny stories of life and all it’s humor.  I find myself carrying on commentary in my head.  I guess that means I have simply become my own friend.  Either that or I am going nuts.  There hasn’t been a day that I don’t miss my girlfriends.  I have some really, truly, wonderful girl best friends.   I have spent years collecting them.  I know, I know, ”Make new friends and keep the old, some are Silver and the others Gold.”  But, I’m just not there right now.  I don’t feel like making friends.  Sometimes, it feels too complicated. And time consuming.  Itd is almost like dating.  There’s the size up, the dance around the money and status, where are you from, Blah.   It is so much work to make new friends.  Then, I have my sweet Sienna.  She too, is missing her friends.  I put on a big smile everyday this week and enthusiastically encouraged her to have a great day and make new friends.  She came home from School yesterday and was very sad to announce that she was the only one that doesn’t know the other kids’ names and couldn’t play along in their games.  It occurred to her that they all knew each other and she was left out as the ONLY one who didn’t have friends.  Wow.  That just broke my heart.  She later explained this same thing to Dave.  That just broke his heart.  It hadn’t occurred to us that she didn’t understand what it means to enter a school in the Third and final term for the School year.  She had her head up and said she will work hard to meet new friends and remember their names and Sienna will. I will work hard to learn from my Daughter in her plight to make new friends. But I will keep the old; to me they will always be shiny, precious GOLD.

It can be a Mans place around here

This can be frustrating at times.  But, it is also very entertaining.  Dave and I have always had very distinct roles.  After Sienna was born, we made the decision for me to stay-at-home.  After years of this, we had a really workable schedule and usually pretty functional system of responsibilities.  Basically, Dave left the home to go to work and I stayed home to keep the family functioning and in order, including the home.  I handled all things like the obvious child caring and homecare, groceries, meals and money matters.   Money matters; banking, bills, bill pay and all money budgeting and management was my responsibility.  This torch has been handed over to Dave here in Dubai.  I’m not sure this is permanent but, for now he was here first and had to set things up originally as per his Company protocol.  But, also because this is a VERY male dominated culture.  It is a new role for to him to be in charge of paperwork and phone calls and a bit nice for me to…NOT.

This week, Dave learned a valuable lesson in attention to detail when it comes to “boring” paperwork.  In the midst of his paperwork sign-in for work, there was a Bank presentation and loads of documents to sign to get things in order for Banking and direct deposit.  Dave got bored and started scribbling his signature on each page.  Ooops.

Last week, Dave had to write out several Checks for me to handout: Customs clearance, Furniture and School tuitions. This week, all four checks were sent back/ refused.  Why, we ask?  Evidently, one of the many scribbled signatures was one they used to scan in and became the “True” signature for signed checks verification through the Bank.  Each check he signed was refused based on a non-match to his scanned scribble and potential fraud alert.  We have since learned that this means; a three hour visit to the main Bank branch in Abu Dhabi  (for Dave) and many phone calls to and from each and every place those checks were refused with an explanation of the situation (for Dave) and now a follow up to make sure everything has been fixed, again all for Dave to complete.  His name and responsibility lie on the checks and accounts.    Giggle.

I’m not sure how long this will last but, for now I will take the money he hands me and spend it in the same fiscally responsible fashion to which I have perfected in our “former” life and allow him the opportunity to learn and grow from his new responsibility ;)

International education

Simply, one of the main reasons we are here. I have been asked countless times, "Why leave America?  Why Dubai?"
Why Dubai, UAE?  That is an easy answer, UAE offered the most valuable opportunity at the time.  Luck is,  opportunity meets preparedness.  We were prepared for the opportunity, what we weren't exactly prepared for we have managed to put in order and now consider our position lucky on many levels.  Here is one...

Why leave America?  Well, we are not "leaving", we are living outside of our Country.  We will always be American, we are Citizens and that will never change.

We all live in a fast-pace Global World.  It is everyone's desire to keep up, make ends meet and at the end of the day, try diligently to get ahead.  There are a billion definitions and variations of what this means.   To our Family, it means being diverse and open to knowledge.  Our children will learn and experience that the world is round.  That you can not drive from one side to other.  That the United States of America is not the entire World, logistically speaking.  We will submerse our children in the actual cultures that truly make up the USA and in doing so, they will learn the true Freedom that is, America.

The kids are both registered and ready to begin school at The Regent International School Dubai, starting April 25.  This will be the Third trimester in the 2010/2011 school year.  This was the only school that would allow our children to start in the third term and it is very necessary they get the next three months education.  I have been to the campus, met teachers and staff.  I have met happy parents of happy students.  I feel good about this decision for now.  We will have the next three months to decide if this placement is a fit for the 2011/2012 School year.  In this region, once you begin a School year, you must finish with that school.  You can not change schools mid-year.

They issue placement testing to ensure proper grade-level placement.

Myles was a perfect fit for his age group.  Age 4, FS-1.  This is the first of two years of Kindergarten. Exactly what I had anticipated.

Sienna, born on the last day of the age cut-off for classroom placement by age, could have gone either way.  That is the same for her in the States as well.  She would either be the very youngest one year or one of the older ones in another.  I did start her in Kindergarten in the US because she was ready.  She did excellent in her classroom in Nevada.  She has always done excellent, back from preschool at Discovery Learning Center to her Kindergarten prep program with Ms. Hucke (classroom size six students to one teacher)
I wasn't quite sure what to expect of this testing.  This is a whole new ball game here.  Education is very different.  It is obvious by simply walking the halls in her classroom age group.  The walls are covered in Paintings by the children replicating Monet.  There are International days, where each child comes to school to teach of their Culture and Country.  There are Global maps outside the classroom doors with a flag for each child representing their home Country.  The US Flag is on some of them.  There are paragraphs written by 5 year olds, collectively telling storybook tales and then illustrated.

Let me just say, I started feeling nervous.
Sienna's academic testing left a lot to be desired by their standards.  However, based on "potential" and the Assessment Official's observation, they feel she is best suited to finish out Y1 and start Y2 in September.   To this I say, Wow.

We will embrace our children's education and plant the seed where the Officials see fit.  We will nurture the seed and hope for the positive and healthy growth of our little flowers ... for now.

Back to the Fish

Dave has been making fun of me for the last week about that darn expensive Hammour fish.  Tonight, we had UAE locals over for a visit and of course Dave had to bring out the ole Fish story.   Hahahhaha, ya, many laughs at my expense.  "You could buy two of those dresses and a pair of shoes for the price of that fish."   ha.

But, I learned a couple fun facts.  The Hammour FIsh is the most expensive fish in Dubai.  It is pronounced Haam-moooooor (with a roll on the "r"). So expensive, that it has become a common cliche to say of big spenders or men of true wealth, "He is a Hammour."
 
Nice.  That would have been good to know a week ago.

Also, the best part of the Hammour fish, is the meat in the cheek.  Which in my case, got thrown in the trash because I thought it looked a tad repulsive.

Mind boggling and constant conversions

Let me just say, Wow. I feel like my brain is in Mathematic overhaul right now. I can’t really seem to grasp the thinking bit in a new chart. So, I am constantly working the conversions. Talk about a headache. Here are some examples:

Time Difference
UAE is 11 Hours ahead of California
UAE is 10 Hours ahead of New Mexico
I calculate this everyday for every friend I have all over the World in different time zones.


Speed: KPH to MPH
Multiply MPH by 1.6 KPH

Money: AED to USD
Multiply 3.65 by 1USD
Or in the case of prices all being in AED, Divide AED by 3.65

Temperature: C to Fahrenheit
Fahrenheit 32 = 0 C
*(very boring) No matter which direction you want to covert, Fahrenheit to Celsius or Celsius to Fahrenheit, always first add 40 to the number. Next, multiply by 5/9 or 9/5 just like the first method. Then, always subtract out the 40 you just added to yield the final result. To remember whether to use 5/9 or 9/5 when converting from Fahrenheit to Celsius or Celsius to Fahrenheit, just simply remember, F (for Fahrenheit) begins with the same letter as Fraction. 5/9 is always a Fraction; while 9/5 is also a fraction, in this form, it is Clearly a whole number plus a fraction (1 and 4/5). Thus, if you want to convert Fahrenheit (F) to Celsius (C), then use the Fraction 5/9; Celsius (C) to Fahrenheit (F), use the other, 9/5, which is Clearly not just a fraction.

So, in summary:

A very hot day in Dubai is anything over: 100 Fahrenheit or 38 Celsius


A great temp inside our home for Thermastats= 78 Fahrenheit or 26 Celsius


Electrical Outlets
I actually haven’t figured this out yet. But, it is some serious business;)
So far, I have caught a snack bag of popcorn on fire in the Microwave (Turbo speed, burned in 2.5minutes), Dave has blown up countless step-down converters for pulling too much voltage/wattage (which is another conversion)

Everything is calculated differently. No inches here for measuring furniture, it is in Centimeters… Meters and Kilometers for distance, no Miles. No more ounces for beverage, it is ml.


**I like to think of myself as pretty bright but, as of late I have been feeling kind of dense and have actually entertained the idea of sitting in on some of Sienna’s classroom.

Heartbreaking realities. I am humbled by my freedom, the freedom I inherited simply by being born into America.

We are so very fortunate.  So fortunate in fact, that it is a difficult thought to believe that our reality is not entitled.  It isn’t and it is very obvious to me now.  I think I am on stimulus overload.  On one hand there are lights, beaches, beauty, seemingly a utopia.  On the other-hand, there is much different,  other-side.

I can’t tell you how many times in the last few weeks that I have been asked,

“How old is this child…?”  Then, it is followed by a story about children being care for in another Country and loved from afar by either Parent.  I have heard this equally from the Mother and Fathers alike, currently working in Dubai, away from their children.  Their comments are heartbreaking.   “I have (number and ages of children) back home, I see once every 2 years.”  I can’t even imagine.  The thought floods me with tears and sadness.

UAE offers opportunity to make money to support a Family.  However, it is not always enough money or opportunity to migrate the whole Family.  It is a difficult conundrum to comprehend from my very spoiled perspective. 

Not everyone is born with the same rights and privileges’ as my Family and me. I feel very thankful for the rights I was issued by simply being born in the fortunate side of the globe.  God Bless America, we really are free.

Hug your children big and close tonight, because you can.

Cinnamon or Cinema?

The language barrier has been cause for many situations, some uncomfortable and some just plain funny.  I am going to start a small series here within my blog to archive them for entertainment. 

First, let  me start by saying how absolutely incredible I find it that people all over the World learn several languages and I only have a grasp on one.  Sad really.  I appreciate and admire their knowledge.  "Their" meaning anyone who knows more than my Mono-lingual self.

Yesterday in one of the local coffee shops, not Starbucks.  (Starbucks, is no longer a coffee place I visit.  They fall short on every level here by taste comparison)  I ordered my usual Latte and Dave ordered a Cappuccino.  I was having cinnamon envy and asked the nice lady for cinnamon.  Politely, she begins giving me directions is the best English she could manage.  I realize she is giving me directions but, I wasn't clear why.  So, I repeat myself about the Cinnamon.  She repeats herself with the directions... to the CINAMA. 

Ohhhhh, I get it. This time I say Cinnamon and use the Universal fingers sprinkling over my coffee and point to Dave's coffee, repeating the Word Cinnamon.

There is a Universal language I am realizing and sometimes it resorts back to using hand signs.  

Using the restroom in the UAE

I have been giving this a lot of thought.  Each and every restroom, including all those in our home come equip with the squirt hose beside the toilet bowl.  Dave has given me the whole rundown on eating and addressing others with right hand exclusively.  Here's why, the left hand is used for wiping the "areas" after using the water-tool (not sure of the true name of the squirter).  Okay, so at first thought I was pretty much grossed out.  Then, I have more carefully analyzed my thought process.  Here it is...

In the USA, we do our business and wipe with dry, cotton paper (using our hands) until we see or "not see the presence" to decide we have wiped the area enough to assume it clean. 

In the UAE, toilets come equip with a small, very personal shower to use after each "soiling".  Logically, it seems to reason that the butt is getting a much more thorough cleaning when showered after each, "use".  Right?  
On a side note, I do wonder how the said area is dried after each mini-shower.  There are no towels, paper towels or any other drying type paper except the same dry, cotton toilet paper.  And we all know what happens when that paper gets too wet ;)

I am curious if there has ever been some bacterial research done to compare the two methods for true sanitary awards.  Sounds like a cool Science Project for a teen (Not my kids, someone elses for sure ;)

Anyhow, everyone is anticipated to wash hands thoroughly after the restroom business.   

Hammour fish

We have been experimenting all the many local restaurants here as I have no way of cooking anything yet.  Great food and every delight you can imagine.  Last night we head over to this really nice Lebanese place.  We walked past their selection of fresh fish (some still moving) and I decide I am having fish...Mmmmmmm.   The server comes out and I tell him I would like the fresh fish of the day and he states I must chose my delight.  I walk with him over to the "set-up" and choose the big fat one.  Sure, why not right?  Big and round fish are easier to flank and eat the meat.  He then points to a much smaller one and moves his eyebrows in an encouraging way.  Nope, I want the big one... the big one right there.

Dining is such an experience here.  The appetizers are endless, veggies, olives, round bread, flat bread and then the ones you order come out.  Then, the entree.  In my case the big fat fish comes out on a plate.  Cut right down the fat belly and served belly up, head and all.  oh.  Wow, that really is a big, fat fish and he is staring right at me.  Dave says, "Use your hand... but, only your right hand."  (this is a whole seperate blog post that will follow... but the left hand is used primarily to wipe somewhere and is NOT used to eat or shake hands ;)

Anyhow, back to the most delicious fish I have ever ordered.  Yum.  Big, meaty, white and fresh "Hamour Fish", oh how I love thee all 1/8th that I could finish.

The end of the meal arrives and the first bill arrives, it is not ours.  The second bill arrives and it is not ours.  The third and last bill arrives and it IS ours but, it is not "Just right".  Wow!  Apparently, that Hamour fish is quite expensive.  No wonder that guy pointed to a much smaller fish.  It all becomes clear once we head home and I decide to internet investigate that damn fish.  Wow... endangered, whouda thought?  Not me... not even a little, tiny thought.  Next time, I will ask.  Teehee (sheepishly)

The forever Flight

This flight was dreaded from the minute the Dubai idea was conceived.  I knew it was going to be hardest endeavor to which I have ever committed.  And it was every bit of the torture I accounted and lots that I couldn't have even imagined up.

The date for the flight was set for March 23 and I began training for the event right away.  I took all three kids to the mall many days during the week to fight the crowds and "ride" the escalator (yes, one escalator... recall we were in Tulare/Visalia staying at my Moms).  I thought we had this component figured out.
I worked on the details diligently.  They were as follows;  Drive to LAX area the day before in my mini Van, have the van picked up at the Embassy Suites, my Mom would be meeting us at the hotel later in the day to assist in the evening and with the airport drop-off, then head to the airport in the morning after a good nights sleep.  Well, the day before the LA trip my Mom comes down with a horrible case of Strep throat and can not go.  Lovely.  I wake up Tuesday morning with my very own sore throat,  packed up and left as planned. The show must go on.  My Aunt Sue met me in LA at Embassy Suites.  FYI:  there are two Embassy Suites in the LAX area within a mile.  They will not inform you of this when you checkin.  It can be a royal pain in the ass in the event you have someone meeting up ;)   Thank goodness she came out to help me with the kids.  I sure needed it when that tow truck flat bed showed up in the street out front the Hotel at 5pm to pick up my vehicle for Shipment.  Geez.  Can you just imagine me with my three kidlets running around the street at LA rush hour, yikes.
Me and the kids wake up, hit the breakfast bar, load up onto the Shuttle for Airport and are on our way by 8am.  I love curbside check.  Now, onto the beginning of things not going smooth.  We have four carry-ons.  Two normal size with wheels and two smaller ones bungied atop the wheelies.  Sienna is in charge of one (we had practiced this).  As we head to the first Escalator, I have one carry-on and Liam's hand, Sienna refuses to pull the carry-on (it is too heavy all of a sudden)  and Myles refuses to get on the Escalator, terrified.   Now we have a major traffic jam at the base of the LAX airport BEFORE security.   All this causes Liam to throw himself to the floor in a full tantrum meltdown.  I can feel myself sweating, the fever was not helpful either.  Did I mention we are in the First-class priority line?  Oh yeah, there was that too.   Thank God for the very helpful couple who volunteered by force to help me all the way through Security for the simple price of the, "20 question Game".  Starting with the obvious question, "Is there a Husband and why isn't he here to help?"  To which I answered, "I am sure he is out to dinner with friends right about now... VERY concerned ;)"  This flight actually went very smooth after the unexpected 3 hour delay.  What was supposed to be a relaxing dinner and playtime in Chicago O'Hare airport turned into a rushed frenzy to make it to our connecting flight with no dinner.  I fed them M-n-M's out of sheer desperation. 
Security was again in our details.  Ugh.  The Airline Etihad had sent me my own personal helper to get me through, thank goodness.   Of course, I get pulled aside for a detailed search.  Visualize me putting Liam on and off and in and out of my Ergo baby backpack three times (that was a God send by the way, I recommend everyone invest in that device).   We board right on schedule and dinner was served right after take-off.  I issue the kids the their soft blankets which were packed in one of the four pieces of luggage and I had wishfully hoped that they would peacefully go to sleep in their seats that fully reclined.  Not a chance. To abbreviate a VERY looooong 14 hours, the couple sitting behind me said it best, "Lacey, you could  have expended much less energy had you just stood beside the kids' seats for the entire 14 hours to cater to their needs."  Versus the 3 million up and downs from my own seat.  But, they were not crying, they were not screaming.  Thank God for small miracles, right?  

We are alive and we are home...

Just some thoughts written mid-flight

I mindfully set out to write diligently with a weekly update. Ambitious is an understatement. Sometimes my desire and the reality just does not meet up. It has been weeks and there is just no way I can afterthought “the Between” entirely. Here we are on the first leg of our first of two flights. I am desperately trying to think of how to summarize the hysteria of the last four weeks. Here is my best shot and a reason why I even bother. I heartfully care about everyone I keep in contact with and even many whom I can not. However, having three children is consumptive and sometimes at the end of the day, I just have no more of myself to give. I am saddened by this fact sometimes in the wee hours of the morning when I awake and remember that I missed a call to someone dear. At first thought, I worry that they may feel forgotten or unimportant. You are not and it‘s my hope that everyone knows my heart is full of love for each and every one of my dear friends and *family. My days and nights are also full. I do my best but, sometimes at the end of the day… there are just not enough hours or seconds. I hate the term “Busy”, it has become this simple and easy term most use nowadays to mean… big fat BLOW-OFF in a cowardly kind-of way. I try not to be that person. In our culture everyone makes time for what is most important to them. We can admit that, right?  We are only as busy as what is truly important to us. Facebook has become an amazing tool, email, text messaging and all those devices. There is no excuse and I try hard not to make them. It means a lot to me to keep in close (as close as I can manage) contact with those I cherish. Thank you to soooo many for your patience and tenacity.

On to a new subject… texting and cell phones with our teens. Geez, can they hold a real conversation? Nope, seems not. I can’t believe my eyes. Each ad every young person buried in their cell phones. Walking, texting, talking on the phone in the middle of a hugely crowded room, wow. It scares me to think that in twenty years these may be our leaders. Yikes. The video that went viral of that lady in the Mall texting herself right over the edge into the fountain. Ya, that makes total sense now that I have been surrounded by a bunch of teens. Seems to reason, that is the new norm. No true reality. Heads just buried in a little typing device completely oblivious that real life is going on all around them in flesh. Type, stare, send, completely detached from what is going on in their immediate surroundings. And to see their written text. Oh geez, it is like trying to read ancient Hyrogliphics. What a shame. The English language is being slaughtered in what appears to be cartoon chicken scratch. Ugh. Frustrating.

Maybe I am just over social. But, I simply think that the world around has every bit of education we all need to learn. We just need to connect, listen and be kind to one another.

I am sooooo behind here...gimme a bit I have material

So, here I am sitting in my empty home in Dubai, UAE.  I say home because it is.  I have all that truly matters, my kids and my Husband... together at last.  It isn't easy no doubt.  But, the time will come I think.   Who knows really.  I'm learning that everywhere in the World the big game is the same, "Hurry up and wait for bigger and better things."  It really is the journey that makes for tales.  And boy do I have a million.  I can't even fathom how I will catch myself up with my thoughts.
 We arrived safely, soundly andi nfectious as all great Families should.  Strep.  That is right, everyone and now Dave too shares in the misery.  Teehee.  He has really been missing out some things and we have issued a crash course in Family sharing ;)  We are currently sharing Antibiotic dosages.

Our furniture is "Scheduled" to arrive within the week.  I will not hold my breath as I could sufficate in the attempt.  I will however, cross my fingers that there is no hold up in Customs and we will have dishes, tables, couches and the rest of things I can't wait to be cleaning and vacuuming real soon.

You know you are in small town....

Sometimes the best indicator of a small town is how big the big fish think they are in what can best be described as a pond.  I have met some very interesting people in this small pond.  Try as I may to stay out of the small town antics, I am social and found myself being social in many circles.  It is funny though, not being from any of the original circles, I was always an outsider.  I never truly could keep up with the “information” passed.  Half because I never really knew who was being talked about and half because I didn’t really care.  As the outsider, there were lots of perks.  It is difficult to see the true picture while one is standing inside the frame. But, as an outsider I could stand back and stare.  I did.  And boy are there some funny things to laugh about.

First, there is this stigma in Fallon relevant to our initial status as Active Duty Military. “Ohhhhh, you are Military?”  I always wanted to answer, “Of course… why else would we be in this shithole?”  I never understood that really.  A community that thrives by way of Military Families and transition yet, most of its locals want to be nasty and unwelcoming.  The next round of questioning is the dance relative to what Rank and status you have in the Military, easily recognized as, “How much money do you make?”  The simple facts are these; no one is in the Military making millions.  We are all there serving the USA on some level.  Yes we are compensated but, not by any means worth negotiating a Class status differentiation. 

Next, the inquisitions are in who you know and what you know about them.  It is a funny thought to have but, I guess if we are not talking about ourselves or other people , what in the world would be talking about?  I have to admit, it is very easy to be dragged into.  I mean, somethings are just funny and try as I may, I am very nosey.  So, I am a guilty participant. And besides, there isn't much else to do in Fallon.

Everyone is a Sales person for some home-based Company.  You know the kind; Tupperware, Jewelry, Foods, Scrapbooking, Purses, Make-up, Childrens Books, Card making, Home Décor, wall décor, Candles, Kitchen products, and I am certain I have left some out.  And all these, I am referencing one Fallon lady hostess who sent me an invitation (handmade of course) to each.  Some party’s even had individual stations set up with multiple showcases.  Here is my take on this…  we were a single income, Active-duty Military family.  The last place I wanted to spend upwards of 50% inflation on products I didn’t even want or need was in someone’s living room.   Talk about uncomfortable.  This relationship eventually fizzled out and I stopped being invited.  Thank goodness.  However, it came at another price… small town you know.   Which nicely brigs me to  the Negative Nellies, who hold onto everything hateful from High School.   Facebook is full of them and has become a personal forum for revenge via Status updates.   Usually, I don’t know who the darts are being tossed at but, it is entertaining nonetheless.  There are lots of perks to being an outsider.  This is one.

Huggies failed me and Carters saved the day... and the carpet

Motherhood, it is a funny thing.  No one really tells you exactly how much time you will spend covered in bodily fluids and sometimes even solids.  Today was one of those days.  The kind only another Mother knows or a witness.  Myles (my middle son, who’s 3) drags in the littlest, Liam.  “He’s stinky. Liam is stinky, REALLY stinky.  You need to fix this Mom.”  Myles states.  Liam holds himself stiff and will not walk, so I pick him up.  Perfect, he is wet and yes, REALLY stinky.  Weird that he is wet.  Uh oh, I notice before the laying him down that his bottom is diaper-less.  He is wearing my favorite children’s jammies, Carters Footie “Blanket Sleeper”.  I recall pre-Motherhood, saying how ugly I thought these were and that I would NEVER make MY child wear those.  This of course was in my, “I am never having children phase.”  Giggle.

They are my favorite for a hundred reasons and today’s event makes 101 reasons.

As I start to unzip, I can see that this is getting ugly…  shitty actually, literally.  I move this situation to my Moms shower (remember, we are still homeless and staying at my Moms).  Thankfully these unzip and come off from the feet.  It would have been a horrific scene to pull overhead.  Ugh.  Saucy chunks.  All contained within the legs and the footies.  Thank you dear Carters for the rescue.  I am sad to say, these jammies have become a casualty to this Huggies failure.   Lucky for me they are $7 and after a fast cost analysis (where we are going these warm fuzzies are unnecessary) they and all their contents from last nights dinner, went into a trash bag. Damn Velcro on the diaper waist.  It happens.  And sometimes, it happens like this.

Just a fun Mommy moment I thought I would share ;)

Leaving Fallon

Making it all happen was exactly the horrific nightmare I thought it would be.  From the packing, to the selling of so many things, the movers and the last day when we watched our things get shifted around and shoved into the back of a very large shipping container.  Surreal. 

Most people will never know that feeling.  I grew up in a town full of them.  I just spent the last 5.5 years in another town very similar.  Small are towns are so wonderful for so many reasons.  But, the not-so-wonderful side is dark and yucky for the same many reasons. I will revisit this next…

 I am currently back in the same town I called home for 19 years, staying in the same home my Mom still lives. Only, this time it is our kidlets and I.  I have good days and sad.  The feelings are always that my Family is separated.  Sometimes my heart aches knowing there is such great distance and other times, I am excited to know that this is just temporary and big things await.

That last night in Fallon, I tearfully walked into the empty house that was just the shell remains of what has been our home, to say goodbye to the place where we made memories for the first five years of Dave and I being a Family.  It was much harder than I thought it would be.  In fact, it was breathtaking and devastating.  The hardest part was the attempt to hold it all in.  I just couldn’t crack or our kids would be afraid of this huge change that we have sold to them is an adventure.  It is that, a big adventure, an exciting adventure full of things to learn about the world outside our America.

I walked back outside the house and into the garage to find none other than Leslie there, prepared to pick up my big, sappy and sobbing buns off of the floor.  But, I was holding it in, barely.  The kids were loaded in the van with our suitcases.  It was official.  We were homeless and I was going to make an attempt to drive through the night to my Moms, starting our journey at 8pm after 3 days of packing and moving.  Ambitious, I know.  I didn’t make it.  I could barely keep my eyes open by midnight.  So, we pulled into the circle entry of the Turlock Holiday Inn and I pulled out my handy-dandy Mac, highjacked the Wi-Fi from Starbucks across the street, looked up the front desk number and enlisted the help of the Hotel clerk.  She went above and beyond to make this easy for me.  All three kids were asleep making for ideal driving but, I just could not stay awake another hour let alone the 2.5 we had left to drive.  So, we checked in and I signed from the car.  Then managed to wake each child and move us from the car to bed in the next 15 minutes.  I swear, I couldn’t even believe I pulled that off.   

Well, we made it.  We are in Tulare for our stint until we fly home to Dave.  I have found respite in the local gym.  There I have 2.5 hours a day of childcare to use while I regain some of my sanity.  I have tried this exercise class called, Zumba.  It is fun and Hysterical. I love it.  I love to laugh at myself. 

Dearest Leslie

You have been like finding a gem in the desert.  You are my friend, confidant and many times over, a savior of my sanity.   I admire so many things about you.  You are courageous and independent, strong and willful.   Most importantly to me, you are genuine, inside and out.  Genuinely kind, thoughtful and honest.  There are not many people who can be all these things and you are, gracefully and effortlessly. 

You have not only learned to tolerate my neurosis and me but, you have learned to ground me when I stick my head in the clouds (or a hole).  Your candid quips and witty comebacks have kept me laughing every time we are together.  In good times and bad, you are a true friend.

I can only hope you know how important your friendship has been to me and to the “us” That are my children and family, who have become what makes me.

 I look forward to many, many years of the long distance relationship it appears we are setting up.  You know the kind… gone a year, together a few days and the time seems to have never past. 

Shout out to the Women of MRANN

Motorcycles are so much fun.  Racing has made all the difference between suffrage and survival for our stay in Fallon.  For me, it has been some of the greatest, most fun, challenging, entertaining and exciting women that I am honored to have known.  Moments of extreme… everything.

Beth:  You are wonderful in so many ways.  You make it all happen… On two wheels, with your Family, your Career and your relationships; gracefully, skillfully and with finesse.  You have been an inspiration to me on all those levels and in all those ways.  Thank you for all you help in the dirt and out.

Kari: Your wicked sense of humor has been so much fun.  You are for sure an “extreme Stay-at-home Mom”. Cade is hilarious and will be missed.  I won’t forget what you taught me, “Rubbing is racing…” and sometimes you just gotta runna bioach over ;)

Dani and Katie:  “The Rosenquist Girls”, ladies you two have such great and delightful attitudes.  Your optimism and fun spirits are contagious. It has been a blast getting to know and love you both… and  to your dad, Job well Done Dave.

Chrystal: One single sentence out of your mouth Chrystal singularly made me a much better rider, “Get off your Ass.” (I can still hear your voice) Yep, that was you to me once on a downhill section giving the same advice my Husband had been saying for years.  He just didn’t quite say it like that.  You motivated me to stand up and I hold you responsible for a huge leap of improvement.  Thank you. 

Kenzie: I have loved seeing you out there.  It is exciting to me to look forward to seeing my own little Sienna grow into a lovely little lady like yourself.

Sherri, Suxy Q and LemonDrop Laura:  You gals are total awesomeness.  I am gonna totally miss out.  Have a great time, smile big and ride safe (Sherri--- Super special mention to you here ;)

Some ladies I know better than others.  But, to each of you… it has been my pleasure and pain (Collective bruising) knowing all of you.  I look forward to watching from afar and hearing, reading and watching all about your new and exciting experiences. 

A very sincere thank you to Kenny

Five years ago we moved to Fallon without a single friend.  I can still remember clearly the day we found out we were being transferred from San Diego to Fallon, NV.  I was 8 months Pregnant with our first child.  We knew we were leaving San Diego but, the assignment was a surprise.  Dave came home and said, “I have orders to Fallon, NV”.  My first thought, like everyone from California… “Great! Nevada isn’t too far from home”, (Because when you are from California that is the only State you know as home) and, “I like Las Vegas”. (Because when you are from California the only City in Nevada is Las Vegas and every other City is only minutes from Las Vegas ;)  Anyhow, here we were trying to make it from one State to another in fast time.  I left California (for the first time ever), my job, my friends and my Family to be with Dave and our 8 week old Baby girl, Sienna.  We arrived on November 22, 2005, the day before Thanksgiving to an empty house.  We stayed in a hotel and even had to sneak our two large Dogs through a hotel window (Winston would have froze to death, big Sissy that he was).  Then, our furniture arrived and was dumped in various rooms of the house. It was all very surreal and over-whelming. 

Character building as I have come to recognize…

Within weeks, Dave needed some kind of weld or something related to metal and of course RACING.  He met Kenny there.  They became immediate friends.  Dave and Kenny have had some great times through their favorite hobbies; Racing buggies and, racing anything that goes fast and can be dangerous.  But, something else happened.   This guy became a golden friend, the truest kind of Friend.  There are not many of those in one lifetime.  Simply, Kenny has made Fallon a safer place for our Family.  Being here alone has had its times of very scary situations and truly no one to call, except Kenny.  He has truly been that one person who has been there for our family. 

Kenny, to simply say thank you seems like a vast understatement.  I hope you know what an amazing person you have been in our family.  Your family has become very special.  In fact,  It think Myles will forever have special dreams about his lifetime with Rylee and Liam will always think very fondly of your special and wonderful Renae. 

Dearest Dawn, I will Never, Ever forget the conversation over the phone in one of my most precious hours, Labor… which happened at 3-4am.  Kenny answered and was trying his best to relay the information, I could hear you, “What!!!???? 7 centimeters… I am ON MY WAY!!!!!!”  And you were there in minutes, so that Dave made it time to witness the birth of our second child.  Thank you in the biggest way.

The Navy/ Military sets up some “thing” that should help families like ours in remote areas like Fallon, NV.  Well, that didn’t happen here for us.  Your family was here and that made it “it” happen. Our Thank you is  sincere and endless.

I miss my Husband in a heartfelt Painful kinda way

It is very hard to explain to people who have no idea the sacrifice made by the Military wife and children.

           I will try. 

It is like the home we shared suddenly becomes a house that is not alive with the same energy.  The energy has changed.    The home changes into just a house and the one missing piece becomes the single defining factor changing the definition, it is our Husband.  I know, we are not active duty Military any longer… but, the situation is similar.  Only, he is not coming home.  We will be leaving soon... and joining him in another place.   I am not by nature a very serious person.  I try hard to find humor in everything.  But, sometimes it is not easy to excuse the sadness I am feeling.  I love my Husband.  I love the Father of my Children.  I miss my most favorite person. He isn’t here, he is missing and the picture puzzle of our life can’t be together until we are all together, no matter where that might be. 

 

To the idiot guy in Reno, NV

Okay, so I am standing at a bar in Reno (Which I can count on one hand how many times I have done that in the last five years), talking with my best girlfriend, Darcy ( Friend of 2o+ years… that I have NEVER even shared a drink with in our adult lives)  I say, “It is hot in here.”  Some random guy in his mid 50’s responds, “Maybe, you are having a hotflash.”  Calmly I retort, “Is that your best line?  No wonder you are standing ALONE in a crowded bar.”  He abrasively states, “Well, you are wearing a ring!”   Clearly, a ring means I must be very “hotflash-ish in his tiny brain…. Poor idiot.   In my mid-thirties, his ridiculous comment makes me thankful I am not in my twenties trying to decide if I look old or not. 

I wish there were some remedial class for Men of his …. Caliber.  It is always best to know that  to give respect is to earn respect.  Two things I think some are forgetting, WORK and EARN.  Two four letter words that I believe need immediate revisiting.

International Movers... 1/25/11 (out of order a bit)

Calls have been made, questions have been answered (by me) and it is promised that this week all three Companies will be sending their “people” to do an inventory in order to best issue the quote.  Don’t worry, I am positive this will make for some great material… for this publication anyway.  (Watch the same man show up for all three… it is Fallon. ) He will probably be related to my Real Estate Agent or the Cousin of someone from the DMV)   For those of you in the know of my DMV stories… for those who don’t, let’s just say I am trying to forget… ALLL OF THEM!!!

So far, I have had two surveys completed.  No one was from Fallon, they drove from Reno and Carson… separately.  Nice enough, went smooth, and now we wait for the numbers to crunch.  Don’t worry… in this mess I am positive something will go sideways, not sure what but, something for sure.

Donations...

Anyone who has has ever made a huge move knows that when you must decide whether or not something is valuable enough to pack, ship and then unpack... lots of things get moved into the not-so-important-anyMORE pile.  Well, add to these filters the fact that we will be PAYING for said items to be moved (by weight) and most appliances will not convert with the power structure of another Country.  Where I am going with this:  well, we have given away about 50% of our belongings, sold some and will give away about 20% more.  When I say, "Give away" I mean give to friends, and mostly... DONATED.  It's is interesting really.  The whole situation.  I have reached a very strange place.  NOthing is really that important.  Nothing is worth the stress.  If it is not smooth and easy... it's free and take it.   Or sometimes the feeling is, "It is valuable and really nice, pay a few bucks... that is the right thing to do."  And worst,  is when someone has taken a valuable item on the honor system and I am forced to chase what is due.  You see a lot about a  person.

I have quick "funny" story...   I am heading out yesterday to do some crazy chores that I have on this list I've been working on but, delayed as ALL three kids have been sick a week.  My friend Kari has offered to watch the three while I run like a mad woman to get the list scratched.  Heading out of Fallon to Reno, I realize the back of my "Swagger Wagon/ Mini Van" is full of five, big trash bags that are loaded with Dave's give-aways... Nice.  So, I have to make a donation drop or else I wont have room.   I figure I will swing by the local  Thrift company (in Fallon they know me, as I have been taking endless van loads full of nice things)  I recall has a hub in Fernley, which is right on my way.  I  pull into the facility and a super nice guy greets me and asks me to pull around back to their drop door.  He helps me unload everything.  At the last bag, a woman opens the door and yells at the guy, "What are you doing?".  He easily responds the obvious, "I am helping her unload."  To which she responds with an irritated scratchy voice, glaring at me, "We aren't open!!!!!"  I respond, "What do you mean, you aren't open?  You are not OPEN for donations?"  She screams, "WE DONT OPEN TILL 9!!!"  I look at my cell phone and it is 8:56am.  Yep.  8:56am.  Calmly I say, "Well then, I guess you can huck it all in that dumpster.  Good-bye."  Wow.

She must've formerlly worked for the DMV in Fallon ;)

My return to Nevada

Upon my return home to the USA, I first had to make my way to claim baggage, then through customs and back onto the final plane home to Reno, NV.  Wow, only a one hour flight.  After my journey, this seems likes a blink.  And it was.  I met a lovely lady and she told me all about her three daughters.  Blink, we were landing and I was extremely excited to be with my kidlets.  Wow, a week away seems like so long when the end has arrived.  I walked in the back door to all three kids sitting happily at the counter having cheese balls.  I was so incredibly happy to see them and them to see me. Then, within an hour’s time, exhaustion.  Total and complete, melt into the couch, exhaustion.  Wow.  I have had a crash course in jet-lag and all its glory.  The days are lost, the time seems wrong and sleep won’t come in any true solid form… it comprises of cat naps.  Ugh.  Still, three days later, I am fighting to sleep through our nights till our mornings.

My Week in Abu Dhabi and Dubai

There are not enough glorious adjectives to explain my amazing adventure.  So, I won’t.  At first thought, I was completely open to whatever lay on this side of the world.  This is a risky venture and we have taken the plunge.

My worst travel experience was in Paris, France at the Airport.  Negative, abrasive, dirty and confusing; that about sums the entire three hours of people and facilities.

Off of the Airport in Abu Dhabi there was much construction to contend.  But each man, made his best attempt in English to assist.  Signage was wonderful and their system smooth. The people exude kindness, respect and helpful politeness.  This is a standard for the entire visit.  I feel confident that our experience however adventurous will be soft and comfortable with the kind and gentle touch of a Country that is peaceful.  It is easy for us as Americans to feel uncomfortable with the idea of restrictions placed on our freedom.  However, to see such order and discipline is very enlightening.  For example, there is NO tolerance for alcohol.  Therefore, you don’t see drunkenness and especially drunken driving.  Crime is not tolerated and severely punishable therefore, you feel safe.   I guess what I am saying is that there is an exchange for freedom.  And it is obvious. We will take this opportunity to teach our children tolerance, understanding and acceptance, while we too learn the same.  We take this experience to grow as individuals and see the beauty in what is different but not less.   And most of all learn to love what is ours and the freedoms we take for granted and come to expect.  We are American and must feel proud and act proud by living an example of openness, respect and kindness.  I am excited for the opportunity in the UAE to allow us to call this beautiful Country home for a bit of time in our lives.

As for our adventure, well we are taking a new path in housing. Instead of trying to duplicate our set-up in Nevada, we have decided to embrace the ambiance and beauty of the gorgeous coastline.  Yes, that means a high-rise.  That means; no garage, no backyard and no front porch.  Rather, we will have an enormous flat on the third floor with spectacular views of the beach, boardwalk and nightlife of the city of Dubai.  A hotel/ resort style community pool to share or walks to the beach are great choices.  This means we will have assigned parking in the building-parking garage.  It is funny really; this is what I dreamed about when we lived in San Diego all those years.  I guess sometimes you must revisit a long ago dream and grab the opportunity to fulfill it. 

The Beginning

So, I am starting (Thanks Kari for the push and well, the whole start) a blog.  What an odd idea.  I have sat here with a blank stare wondering where I start.  I feel like there is really no great place to return and begin.  Yet, it seems wildly confusing to just pick up here out of nowhere.   I will do my best to be informative yet, not make myself crazy trying to retroactively explain the how's and why's of where we come from.

                                                                                                                                     

My name is Lacey and I am Queen of the Sexson Kingdom.  That is totally a joke.  Unless, of course there is some royal value to being made crazy and covered in some kind of bodily fluid every waking hour.  In that case, I am certainly a royal leader of something likened to snot.  My whole Family is about to embark on an adventure to the other side of the World, literally.  From the small town we have been force planted in Fallon, NV to the place we choose to start over... Dubai, United Arab Emirates.  Why you ask?  It is not an easy answer but, to simplify it and make it smooth, I say we choose to take on the amazing opportunity presented to us and embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

I have met some true salt of the Earth lovely people in my life and some of them are in Fallon.  I try hard and I know, not hard enough, not to hurt the very few I have come to appreciate.  Jamie, you are one.  Your humor and candid, witty self-have been such a delight to know and love.  Kenny, you are another... simply, "Salt of the Earth good heart".

And some, oh Geez... ohhhhh geez the stories I could tell.  I won't though; I will leave this chapter of our life closed.   It has been good for countless hours of laugh and frustration.

We are nearing the end of Fallon, NV and beginning of something very different.  Please join me friends and well, whoever else chooses to follow along.  I hope to be informative, entertaining and most of all therapeutic for myself, as writing steals the crazy emotion and leaves it softly away from me enough that I am no longer stressed with the intensity as the person who can't see the whole picture because I am standing inside the frame.