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 ;)