I'm WAY official now

Today I got my residences visa! Hooray! I can now travel and leave the country as I please.

I guess a month wasn't too long, although the process was kind of insane. Beyond the fingerprinting, photographs, x-rays and mounds of paperwork I also got tested for HIV/AIDS twice! I am negativeX2. Ha.

Next up, since I now have a residence visa...
-U.A.E. Drivers License
-U.A.E. Drinking License

You're going to be soooo jealous when I show you my drinking license.

About a month and a half

It's been that long since I've seen Wes. It's true.

But the wait is almost over. In a few hours I'll hire a cab and retrieve my husband from the airport.

Although we've gone longer without seeing each other (remember when Wes and I lived apart for eight months when I first got to Washington?), it's always seems hard to be separated for longer than a week's time. It's strange because it seems that whenever we are apart for longer than a month we both forget the little things about the other. Like, right now, I'm having the hardest time remember what he looks like. OK, I know what he looks like, but I've forgotten smaller details that you take for granted when you're around a person a lot.

But most of all I'm excited and curious for him to see things in Abu Dhabi... like the shops and buildings.. not to mention our downgraded hotel. Ha. I'm even more excited to go pick out our "new life" together.

Things are really getting good now.

It wasn't a trash can after all!

Or should I say a rubbish bin? (Everything here is English-English.)

Anyway, the mail I sent out over a month ago FINALLY arrived at my Mom's house on Saturday. I was really worried that I had dumped the stamped letters into the trash after not being able to get confirmation on if the red box, was indeed, a mailbox. 

No word yet from my Dad if he has received his birthday card. 

Too exclusive to say no

Today I got this response from some co-workers: 

"Ooooohhhh... you're going out to dinner with someone who is NOT your husband... ON VALENTINE'S DAY?!?" 

Yes. Yes I am. 

I'm going out to dinner with a copy editor at work. James, a self-proclaimed foodie with a lot of street cred, got reservations at the Italian restaurant in the Millennium Hotel. Hard to come-by reservations are not a thing I can pass up. 

James met the chef last night and apparently got chummy with him. And that's the only reason we got reservations. 

I'll let you know how the food (and wine) is. 

Hey! I know you expected me to sit at home by myself and cry but if Wes isn't here then I go on about my day as if it weren't Valentine's Day. Just another day with a can't-pass-up dining reservation. 

Hilarious and sad

Don't know if you caught this story but check out how the U.A.E.'s neighboring country is NOT celebrating Valentine's Day today.

Saudi Arabia bans all things red ahead of Valentine's Day

Every year, officials with the conservative Muslim kingdom's Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice clamp down on shops a few days before February 14, instructing them to remove red roses, red wrapping paper, gift boxes and teddy bears. On the eve of the holiday, they raid stores and seize symbols of love."

Wow, right? The part that gets me is that they have a REAL Vice Squad! Just like in "Thank You for Smoking" but not for the same things.

Don't worry, a clampdown isn't the case here. Red roses, stuffed animals, cards and sediments of love are everywhere.

Loving it!

Totally pointless update, but I just wanted to express how much fun I'm having at work today!

Seriously.

I'm learning some great stuff.

Better than any Wal-Mart greeter

Nothing greets customers and small children like this guy.

"Welcome to the Abu Dhabi Co-op. You like balloon? Sledgehammer?"

Everyday he is there. And every time I laugh. Not only is it bizarre and funny but because it's the Purple Teletubbie, Tinky Winky. Only if they knew about the Tinky Winky rumors ...

One month anniversary

Today marks 30 days of being in Abu Dhabi. I survived. I'm still here.

Today also marks the saddest day of my journey, yet. I had to move out of my five star residence at the Le Meridian Hotel. The company said that 2,000 Dirhams a day was too pricey (that's about $700 a day). So, since my apartment is still not ready they've moved me into the Rammy Residence Hotel.

And with that, I have to say boo because, well, it ain't the Meridian.

Well, it was fun while it lasted.

Woohoo! Entertainment!

I just found out Muse is coming to Dubai to play the Desert Rock Festival!

I'm pretty geeked because I actually like Muse and they put on a great show. At least they did when I saw them in Chicago last year. Not only that, but it's finally a concert I want to see (so far Elton John and David Gray have been the only touring acts that have had stops here).

Also playing the festival: As I Lay Dying, Velvet Revolver, Marky Ramone and a bunch of other bands I don't know/care to see (such as Korn).

Dog fever

The hardest part about taking this new job is definitely being so far from my dog. Sorry, family and friends, I miss you but I REALLY miss my Cassie.

I'm glad that my mom is doing such a great job with her. Basically to the point of spoiling her by feeding her chicken and steak. But I'm really going through dog withdrawal.

Coming home from work without a wagging greeting is hard. Not being able to cuddle is the hardest.

It sounds pathetic but my dog is really like my child and I miss her. An Irish copy editor here is going through the same pains I am. Actually, he's worse believe it or not. He couldn't even talk about his dog with me without getting choked up. But I understood what he was trying to say.

Really though, I'm glad I didn't bring Cassie along. It's not a good place for dogs. There isn't a lot of grass (which should be obvious since I'm in a desert) and there certainly aren't quality pet stores. There's only one animal hospital. And, well, most people consider dogs "unclean" (although cats are A-OK).

But I don't think I can wait until June to have dog interaction. Really, that's far too long. I'm not saying I'm getting a dog. There's no way I'll do that because I don't want the pains of having to make another decision on what to do when I leave. But I have scouted K-9 Friends, a local rescue group, and have volunteered to do kennel work. Depending on how the next few weeks pan out, I am also considering fostering a dog.

Oh, and I signed Wes up as well.. and he didn't know that. But now he does.

Lots of poking

In the past few days I've had my fingerprints taken, blood drawn, urine tested, chest x-rayed and, in between, lots of poking. Tomorrow is my final health test to prove that I am 1.)Free of disease (especially HIV/AIDS) and that I am 2.)Fit for work.

Anything less of 100% is grounds for deportation. I kid. Grounds for deportation are positive test results for infectious diseases.

My work/residence visa should be in my hot little hands by Wednesday. Then I'll be able to come and go out of the country as I please. (I've been looking at spending a long weekend in Bangkok since airfare and hotel are so cheap.)

Oh, and FYI, I'll be back in the U.S. in June for Mike and Kim's wedding.

New do

Since some of you asked to see my haircut, vola! It feels nice to have a lot of the weight off.
(My apologies that some of the pictures look "emo" but I wanted to show the different angles. Just keep telling yourselves that "emo" girls do not wear bright yellow.)

Fun on a Wednesday night

Sean scored some "questionable" booze from a store, which sprouted an impromptu party in my room tonight. I even went out a bought some chips for the occasion. With a total of about eight of us, we listened to a "fine" selection of rap and watched my new favorite show "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." (Anyone who has not seen that show and who is a big fan of "Seinfeld," "The Office" or "Curb" needs to run out and get it. Totally amazing.)

After that we went to the sports bar downstairs and Matt told AMAZING Abu Dhabi stories. AMAZING. I've went the extra mile with my blog audience in mind and wrote them down. I'll transcribe them tomorrow when I get some energy.

Anyway, we had a great time.

OH, how could I forget?! I got my first ever Abu Dhabi haircut tonigh! Needless to say, I LOVE IT! (A girlfriend of someone at the paper did it.) Picture to come (when my camera isn't dead).

Pretending is fun, and so is banking?!

I think my personal banker has a "thing" for me.

First of all, I'm not supposed to have a personal banker.

Personal bankers are for those people who are making, oh, millions. But, somehow, I ended up with one. What is a personal banker? Well... a personal banker means never having to wait in line, fill out annoying forms or needing to call a 1-800 number. A personal banker calls you Mrs. Smith and is at your beck-and-call (this means you can call him at home). A personal banker fetches coffee and mixes in your cream and sugar.

Anyway, when I opened my bank account on Sunday I didn't really understand that "if you have any problems or questions come or call me" thing. I mean, I though it was just something nice he was supposed to say. So when I stood in line today (standing in line to get a number so I could wait in another line) I was surprised to see him pop up at my side at escort me to his desk.

I cannot express how much time and frustration this is going to save me.

I guess I should have figured this out. All of my colleagues thought it odd when my checkbook arrived, hand delivered, at work in two-days time (and, for the U.A.E.... two days is RECORD time).

"I've been waiting for over a week for my checkbook! And they aren't delivering it to me. I have to go pick it up!" one exclaimed. "I've also been waiting for over a week to get approval on my form to do balance transfers."

I didn't dare tell him that my balance transfer ability was approved in a matter of minutes. I thought that might crush his spirits.

So yea, back to what I was saying... I think my personal banker has a thing for me. He keeps asking if my husband is coming and when. I don't think he believes that I am married. Maybe its because I laugh and smile every time I say that I am (sorry, but it's kind of funny and I can't help it).

I almost don't want to have a husband if it's going to end my personal banking. Oops. Did I just say that out loud?

In case you don't believe me

Here's the scoop on Abu Dhabi, from someone else mouth. A little paper called the Chicago Tribune has a story. Check it out.

If you loved 'Fun on the Beach'...

... you'll love this.



A shot menu from a pub I went to last week features "Blown Away" and "Slippin' Nip". Under "Blown Away" it reads, "It will really blow your mind away!" Just to over clarify... your mind only.

Odd, but true!

Weirdness is abound in A.D.
Everyday something happens. Everyday is an adventure.

This weekend was no different.

A seemingly normal invite (a joint birthday party for two adult males) surprised me.

I mean, look...


I would have never guessed Barney would show. I mean, an abundance of booze usually doesn't lead to a purple dinosaur. It may lead to other things... but never to THAT. At first I thought my lychee martinis must have some other "ingredient."

It was a great party though. And, in my opinion, got even better when I taught people the art of Flippy Cup (the Brits that played LOVED the game). I couldn't resist with a ping pong table right there.

Great success!

I am now in possession of a fancy little bank letter.
Sean and I (Sean is my Texas work buddy who is quickly becoming my BFF) are making a run to the bank soon. Apparently the bank closes at 3p.m. Talk about banker's hours...

Can you tell that I am excited to finally cash this check? Now to wait three day for it to clear.

Free things RULE (part 2)

Crazy. 

Right after I posted about how free things kick ass... my whole day, was then, full of freebies. Creepy, right?

Right after that post I got:

1. FREE fancy breakfast

2. FREE dinner

3. FREE booze at a party

4. FREE cab ride home

5. FREE drinks at the bar after

Didn't pay for a damn thing yesterday. Today was a different story. Today cheap things RULED (a manicure, pedicure and an eyebrow wax cost me a grand total of $30). 

Free things RULE

Whenever I want to have Internet access I've found I have three options:

1. Go to work: Sadly, I can only check email and blogger.com due to blocking of Web sites like MySpace, Facebook, etc.

2. Go to the mall: For an hour it costs me about $8 to check everything else. But $8 can add up and public keyboards give Elysia bad colds. 

3. Rent it: My hotel room has a rental for $35 a day. SUPER pricey in my opinion for slow Internet. But I do get the pleasure of lying in bed while I blog. 

Today, my whole Internet world changed when I discovered I no longer have to pay for Internet! Tada! Free HIGH SPEED Internet in my hotel lobby (really, it's not supposed to be free)! Not only does this mean I'm saving money but it also allows me to check Facebook and MySpace again (although, I can say i've missed either). It also allows me to chat with people who do not share my work hours (I'm talking to you West Coast people.... make sure you're on AIM!). 

Now my only expenses are food and cab rides. 

Life is good.