I cant say that I have been overly inspired to blog this year... the inspiration & motivation has been lacking, and often times I find myself looking at a blank screen, and the ideas and words just dont come out. So my apologies for no updates or very few posts this year, I do intend to start up again as there are so many wonderful things to write about :) This post will consist of various random Dubai news updates, and is dedicated to the memory of Saffron.
Saffron:
Yesterday, I had to say goodbye to our cute little fluffy hamster Saffron. The vet suspected that she had a stomach tumor, which are apparently quite common amongst hamsters. With that in mind, we knew it was her time as we didnt want her to suffer. Saffron had a great life and we enjoyed our time with her. RIP little one.
Obi
In other pet news, Obi has settled in nicely, and is such a great kitty. We love him so much, and enjoy our moments with him. He has become rather mischievous at times, looking for trouble at every opportunity available, but it's all kitten fun & keeps us laughing, especially when the catnip is out.
Zumba Fitness:
The gym that we joined offers many workout classes so as a resolution to get fit, I started trying out different classes. This led me to discover Zumba Fitness!!! After one class, I was hooked & wanted to know more about anything and everything Zumba. Soon thereafter I discovered that a Zumba instructors training course was coming to Dubai, and without hesitation, I signed myself up. The training course was done with Hermann Melo, and it was an amazing 2 days - lots of new information acquired, lots of Zumba dancing, and lots of fun! I have now started practicing the materials we were given as I have also signed myself up for the Zumba instructors Level 2 coming up in May. Ive even come to love the Zumba clothing - they look 80s inspired in bright colours, but are a blast to wear.
If you havent tried Zumba, I highly suggest you try a class! More info can be found at http://www.zumba.com/ where you can find classes near you, and generally get more info about it.
I have sponsored a student to continue on to secondary education at the Olympic Secondary School in Kenya. Alex is 15 years old and resides in Kibera, the largest slum of East Africa. This wonderful sponsorship program was established by my parents who recognized the need to help these students continue on to secondary education as otherwise they would not be able to afford it. In first world countries, we take education for granted, but these children desperately want to go to school and further their education as it's really an opportunity for them to get out of the slums. When my parents asked if we wanted to sponsor a child, we were thrilled to participate.
* Does this sound like something you would be interested in supporting as well ? If so, GREAT! For a donation of $350 CDN, a student gets one year tuition paid including their books, exams, uniforms and shoes. In addition, each child has been set-up with an email account to correspond with it's sponsor. We can't wait to hear from Alex :) It's sad to think that we spend that kind of money on going out or buying new clothes, but this is money well spent on providing a child with a future. Every single penny donated goes towards the child!
* As a side note, the Rick Goodfellow Golf Invitational is fast approaching in Ottawa Canada - which is in support of the Olympic School in Kenya. If you would like to participate, donate money, or sponsor a hole, please let us know asap - it would be immensely appreciated!!! Please help support a great cause :)
More info available at http://www.rgicharity.com/
New Career Opportunities
At the beginning of April, Aaron and I decided to end our working relationship together. It wasn't something I was passionate about, and for that reason, I wasn't giving it my all. While I am still helping him with his inquiries, admin work and videos, I am doing a lot of self-reflection to see what I would like to pursue in order to build a lasting career. The answer is still vague, but I am considering a few options still in the early stages so Ill share in another update...
I did interview with Emirates Airlines to be The Face of Emirates at their international events and press releases, but it was not for me... The position was for single ladies, and companies in the United Arab Emirates can discriminate based on age, looks, nationality and the likes. So when Emirates announced that the ladies chosen had to live in Emirates apartments with other girls, this job was no longer viable as the wedding is 4 months away, and living away from my husband was not an option. It was a good experience though !
Ottawa Visitors
On April 26th, my Mom and her two sisters Guylaine & Line will be arriving in Dubai for a 10 day adventure. We are so excited to be welcoming them! This will be Line's first transatlantic trip ever!!! Lots of fun activities in store :)
Wow, so how was that for an update ? Hope you enjoyed reading ! Keep smiling :)
xox <3 xox
