All settled, so what now? Time to learn a few lessons I
guess.
I know I’ve said this before…in blogs, in chats if we’ve
chatted, and face to face if I’m lucky enough to be able to converse with you
on a regular basis. I am SO lucky to have the people in my life who are here
and at home for a support system like no other.
So what was my first lesson of 2014? Getting blown off. This
might not seem like a big deal. But, this is my first time being blown off…ever.
I’ve been broken up with, even broken up with over an email (which sucked!) but
never just ignored as if the other person were to simply fall off the side of
the earth despite communication attempts from me. I’m in my 30’s, I don’t need
this. I thought people have grown up since middle school! Luckily, I wasn’t
attached, therefore, no heartache. Just frustration….it just shouldn’t be done.
Dating wasn’t on my agenda coming to Abu Dhabi. In fact, it was the last thing
on the list if there were one…back to focusing on family, friends, work, and
absorbing all of the amazing things that Abu Dhabi and the UAE have to offer. Lesson
#2…don’t blog about something like this, at least not until a few months
perhaps? LOL.
Ok, lemme think…lesson #3---never think that it’s too late…for
anything! If 2013 was the year that I changed my life, 2014 is going to be the
year that I invest in my life. Not long after I arrived, I got a cold call from
a financial company here in the UAE, but has a home base in Britain (friend
from Empirical know exactly what those calls are like to make). The gentleman
was kind, and did the typical take me out for coffee. Being smart with money, I’m
able to manage investments here, in Canada, and had my retirement pension
switched and managed by Empirical Group…I’m safely and progressively investing
in my financial future. It’s never too late to look at your finances and see
where improvement could be made (insert ad for Empirical Group’s FGA here for
all Ontario residents).
But what else? I’m also taking advantage of the extra time
that the teaching expats have to enjoy here. I’m getting back into fitness.
What I thought might be too late is getting back into dance. I have been in
ballet from 1987-2001 continuously, took a break and re-joined ballet in the
2004-2005 school year. Thought I would shake things up and did dance/aerobics for
2005-2006, took the next year off, and then finally tried hip hop of all things
in the 2007-2008 school year. I don’t want to blame marriage, LOL, but while
married, nothing stuck when it came to fitness. Here though? I have a small
walking group, and TWO dance classes that I’m attending regularly. Belly
dancing is a must for all those here with any dance experience (and without!).
I’ve also dusted off my plies and releves! The Xtend Barre class here in
Abu Dhabi has taken traditional ballet techniques and warped them into weight
training and aerobics as well. I was tempted to slow down and get into the
strict adult ballet, but the workout I got was incredible! I told the
instructor that I had many years of classical ballet training (but as you can
see, it’s been many years SINCE my classical ballet training!). It was great to
hear her comment that my structure is still proper…I think it was muscle memory…strange
how it can all come back (ok, mostly). NEVER too late!
Lesson #4…remember to never take anyone for granted…there is
nothing like a random chat conversation or phone call from your home country
that can put you in the best of moods. As I said above, I am extremely blessed
to have been given the global family that I’ve got. Thank you for your
questions, kind words, support, and encouragement. From the pictures on Facebook,
it may look like that we are living the dream life. Remember, those are the
Facebook highlights. There are still frustrations, tears, arguments, lack of
sleep, a cramped workload (at times), and loneliness (I have to say here, that
I’m lucky I don’t really get lonely per se…I love being on my own), but it
happens now and again. Those of you in the teaching profession considering Abu
Dhabi…I will say this: I will NEVER regret making the move. I will, however,
insist that I speak with you one on one.
Lesson #5…things change whether you like it or not. I
noticed a change among the group of friends that I came with when we came back
from holiday. It’s almost as if we reached a different level. Now knowing that
we’re all here for a bit of a long haul…it seems more intimate. I know for
those of you here, this might be hard to imagine, as since the Fairmont/Sahara/Grand
Millenium/Murjan Asfar, we got to know each other really well, and really
quick-we had to! But now, somehow, even more so. We discuss the change in
dynamics at length sometimes. Some that were friends, are no longer friends. Some
that were not friends, are now bonded at the hip. Two special people were strangers
in September…they have now committed their lives to each other and we’ll be
looking forward to a wedding! The dynamics here simply wouldn’t exist had we
been in the states, Canada, the UK, Australia, or anywhere else. Change can
have some negative side effects, but overall, change in itself is essential,
and therefore, always good.
What have your lessons been for 2014 already? What would you
change?
Xo
Cara
No comments:
Post a Comment