Party

We went to a party last night. A co-worker was celebrating their Tenth Wedding Anniversary. We had a great time. There were a few co-workers there and children and some friends of the couple that invited us to there party. Ten years seems like a long time, but I guess it really is not that far off because we will celebrate our Tenth Wedding Anniversary in 3 more years. The food was good and they also had dancing. I danced with Sydney and we took some photos and we even have one with Sydney dancing on Paul's feet, to cute. I want to keep this one forever so when she gets married we can use it on a slide show, well that is if she gets married. I told Paul that it is so cute, because you will not be able to do that for very long because she will weight to much. It was a priceless photo of Daddy and his little girl.

foot update

I went to the doctor on Tuesday this week and my foot is healed and the small crack is gone. I am so happy that it was able to heal itself with rest. It is amazing how our body does things like this. I don't think I am ready to run a race yet, but my foot is feeling better and better everyday. Thank you Lord for healing me. :)

Cinderella

Cinderella and the Crystal Shoe

On 10 February and until 20 February 2010 Cinderella Exclusively in the United Arab Emirates, Middle East & Gulf Region and for the first time on the stage of the National Theatre in Abu Dhabi, Sky Conferences & Exhibitions Est. will present the biggest comic theatrical show for the famous legend of Cinderella..

Al Ain - 21st January 2010

Al Ain Aerobatic Show To Host Miss Demeanour Mid East Debut

Miss Demeanour, a vintage Hawker Hunter aircraft with eye-catching livery, looks set to be the ‘belle of the ball’ as she makes her Middle Eastern debut at this month’s Al Ain Aerobatic Show.

Al Ain - 20th January 2010

Royal Bahrain Air Force To Make International Debut At Al Ain Aerobatic Show

The Royal Bahrain Air Force (RBAF) is to make its international debut at this month’s Al Ain Aerobatic Show. Two RBAF F16 aircraft will perform daily at the four day spectacular, running at Al Ain International Airport in the United Arab Emirates from January 27-30, thrilling crowds with close formation fly pasts at both maximum and minimum speeds.

Al Ain - 19th January 2010

Al Ain to Host Mid East's First Musical Aerobatics Competition

The UAE's historic Oasis City of Al Ain will host another Middle East first this month, as the Aero GP - a highlight of the Al Ain Aerobatic Show, which takes place 27th - 30th January - introduces musically scored aerobatics to its three-part competition.

Al Ain - 16th January 2010

Saudi Hawks To Head To UAE's 'Oasis City' With New Manoeuvres Display

The Royal Saudi Air Force Aerobatic Team - better known as the Saudi Hawks - will perform a new, tight-formation flying routine when they take to the skies later this month over Abu Dhabi's 'Oasis City' of Al Ain.

Al Ain - 11th January 2010

World first parachute manoeuvre to be attempted at Al Ain Aerobatic Show

Spectators attending this month's Al Ain Aerobatic Show, in the UAE's 'Oasis City' from January 27th- 30th, will witness an attempt on a world-first manoeuvre.

Fossil Discovery in Abu Dhabi

While reading the newspaper online I found this interesting article on fossils found in Abu Dhabi. This shows you that you never know what you will find in the desert. It is hard to believe anything could live out here 6 to 8 million years ago a time when it was all desert and no high rises. This is truly incredible.

Important new fossils found in Abu Dhabi

(WAM)

23 January 2010

ABU DHABI - The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) announced the discovery of new fossils in the Al Gharbia (Western Region), following recent archaeological expeditions in the area.

The fossils included two complete large skulls belonging to crocodiles that had inhabited the river area some eight million years ago.

The findings came about due to technical cooperation between the Department of Historic Environment at ADACH and the Peabody Museum of Natural History at Yale University in the United States of America.

Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazroui, Director General of ADACH, explained that these excavations took up about three weeks of field work (from December 28, 2009 to January 16, 2010) and included a working group composed of nine members from the Department of Historic Environment, led by Dr Mark Beech.

These excavations took place in addition to the work of a team of fossil specialists that consisted of Dr. Faysal Bibi from the University of Poitiers in France, Professor Andrew Hill of Yale University, and Dr. Matthew Schuster from University of Poitiers.

The team sought to gain a greater understanding of this ancient environment, where evidence of fossil white ants has been discovered for the first time.

Mazroui noted that the team is also working on a project which aims to prepare a comprehensive map of fossils in Abu Dhabi. The majority of these sites are found along Al Gharbia.

It is a matter of great importance that the necessary protection is provided in order to preserve these geological layers deposited from the late Miocene era. They represent the only examples of these layers which have kept their original form in the whole of the Arabian Peninsula territory.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Amer Al Neyadi, Director of the Department of Historic Environment at ADACH, said that vigorous efforts are underway to protect and preserve these sites and to safeguard the fossils from various threats thanks to the combined efforts of the Al Gharbia Municipality and the Urban Planning Council.

Neyadi explained that the discovery of these fossils is very important at local, regional and global levels because they are the only examples of their kind in the region. He added that the erection of protective fencing around the sites has been completed, all as part of ADACH’s strategy to preserve important archaeological areas in Abu Dhabi.

Also participating in these works was Dr. Olga Otero from the University of Poitiers, who inspected fish fossils, and found, within a very short period of time, types of fossil that were not previously known to science.

Also on the team is Professor Brian Gratz, from the Western University School of Health Sciences in the United States of America. He continued his research examining the fossils of small rodents and discovered more interesting examples of the species of mice that carried the name of the same area: Abudhabia baynunensis.

It should be noted that more sites were discovered, all belonging to a period between six to eight million years ago, containing high-quality fossils from the many types of animal that lived at that time, including elephants, hippopotamuses, antelopes, giraffes, monkeys, rodents, large and small carnivores, ostriches, turtles, crocodiles and fish.

Although there is evidence that the desert conditions that existed then are similar to now, these creatures were sustained with life by a great river, as well as the thriving vegetation found in large trees.

These animals are similar to those known in East Africa during the same period of time, corresponding to some European and Asian species of that same era.

Expatriate Workers

Here is an interesting article on how the expatriates make up a large percentage of works in the UAE.

UAE the popular destination for expatriate workers

Staff Report

23 January 2010

DUBAI — The UAE is expected to maintain its position as a popular destination among expatriate workers from all over the world this year, an online recruitment portal finds. The employment prospects in the country have increased by up to 8.3 per cent annually, according to Careertunity.com, which maintains a huge database of various job candidates, that is increasing every day. The trend is reflected in the surge in the number of job applications from expatriates at the portal. “Expatriates account for over 90 per cent of the entire working population of the UAE. This key statistic provides a clear picture of what really drives the country’s job market. Several junior, mid-level and senior-level professionals from different countries continue to actively search for gainful employment opportunities in the UAE and this has in turn helped several business organisations in the country to maintain a highly competent pool of manpower resources,” Sudeshna Mukherjee, General Manager, Careertunity.com, said. The portal further revealed that the unique situation of the UAE job market, which has been dominated by expatriate workers, has prevented it from being adversely affected by the global economic downturn, ensuring a steady supply of experienced professionals and international executives from the US, Europe, South Africa, Africa, Asia and the rest of the Middle East. Furthermore, proactive services and support facilities have helped maintain strong international interest in the UAE job market, as Careertunity.com pointed out that it has received an overwhelming response to its innovative products and solutions that provide both employers and job seekers an extremely convenient, efficient and cost-efficient platform for recruitment. Careertunity.com pointed out that 91.5 per cent of the working population of the UAE is made up of expatriates, a trend that is echoed in several countries across the GCC. The high concentration of foreign workers has been a key factor that has made the Gulf region one of the most dynamic and active job markets in the world. · abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com

SAD

-Volunteering-

Changing the lives of dogs one day at a time. I am volunteering with the SAD organization that is here in Abu Dhabi. SAD is a non profit organization that helps rehome stray and abandoned dogs. I have been volunteering the SAD phone, walking the dogs and fundrising. I am really enjoying making SAD dogs happy. (Strays of Abu Dhabi)

I started volunteering for this organization this past summer and knowing you can make a difference in an animals life has given me more appreciation for our animals.

You can check out our dogs at www.straysofabudhabi.com

White Lions

Two extemely rare white lions come to Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort from South Africa to protect and conserve these stunning animals for generations. The 18 month old lions, brother and sister, are unique with there hair and skin pigmentation that is caused by the presence of a recessive gene known as chinchilla or color inhibitor. The eyes, paw pads and skin of the white lion retain a bluish hue.

Fifty years ago the lion population exceeded 450,000, today only 20,000 survive in the wild. With habitat loss and conflict with herdsmen they are found mostly in protected wildlife reserves. The lions were transported here by a passenger plane. Wow, you never know who could be riding on the plane with you. They moved here in late November.

I can't wait to see these animals. They look so beautiful.

Foot

Well, I started the new year with falling outside our villa about a week ago and after putting off going to the doctor. I finally made it there yesterday and I have a small crack on the outside of my left foot above the pinky toe. I have my foot bandaged now and oh how beautiful it looks. I go back to the doctor in three weeks. Now when I am setting I get to put my foot up. I should have went to the doctor when it happened, but Paul looked it over and it was not broke. Then later on in the week the bruising was moving from one place to the other and when it happened I remember hearing a crack, but I thought maybe my foot wasn't used to moving that way. Well, I guess I was right and now trying to get around is really fun. I am fine otherwise just trying to take a easy. I guess I am not as young as I used to be and 30 is coming up really fast. :)

Ferrari World

We can't wait until the Ferrari World opens up this year 2010. The outside of the building was finished in time for the F1 race in Nov. 2009 and now everyone is waiting to be able to see the theme park. It looks like Abu Dhabi likes being number 1 in the world. We will keep you posted on when the theme park opens and we go for the first time. Talk about an amazing experience I can't wait.

“Ferrari World Abu Dhabi”, you only need to say the name and the possibilities start racing through your head. This is a world first from a brand that thrives on being first.

“Opening in 2010, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is set to be the world’s largest indoor theme park, sitting under a roof designed in the style of a classic double-curve body shell of a Ferrari GT car. There is energy, excitement and passion for the entire family at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. With over 20 rides and attractions, including the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Ferrari World is more than a theme park – it is where Ferrari’s legendary story is unveiled.”

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will captivate the whole family with its array of engaging activities. Couple this with its extremely innovative architecture, a dash of Italian spirit, and you will surely live an experience like nothing else you have before.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is located on Yas Island, a 2,500 hectare island dedicated to leisure, entertainment and lifestyle.

The world's tallest tower is opening today January 4, 2010.

Burj Khalifa

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Jan. 3) - Dubai is set to open the world's tallest building amid tight security on Monday, celebrating the tower as a bold feat on the world stage despite the city state's shaky financial footing.

But the final height of the Burj Khalifa - Arabic for Dubai Tower - remained a closely guarded secret on the eve of its opening. At more than 2,625 feet, it long ago vanquished its nearest rival, the Taipei 101 in Taiwan.

The Burj's record-seeking developers didn't stop there.

The building boasts the most stories and highest occupied floor of any building in the world, and ranks as the world's tallest structure, beating out a television mast in North Dakota. Its observation deck - on floor 124 - also sets a record.

Marwain Naamani, AFP / Getty Images

The Burj Khalifa, set to open Monday, is now the tallest building in the world.

"We weren't sure how high we could go," said Bill Baker, the building's structural engineer, who is in Dubai for the inauguration. "It was kind of an exploration. ... A learning experience."

Baker, of Chicago-based architecture and engineering firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, said early designs for the Burj had it edging out the world's previous record-holder, the Taipei 101, by about 33 feet. The Taiwan tower rises 1,667 feet.

The Burj's developer, Emaar Properties, kept pushing the design higher even after construction began, eventually putting it about 984 feet taller than its nearest competitor, Baker said. He is keeping quiet about the exact height.

Dubai's ruler will open the tapering metal-and-glass spire with a fireworks display Monday evening.

Security is expected to be tight. Local newspapers quoted Maj. Gen. Mohammed Eid al-Mansouri, head of the protective security and emergency unit for Dubai Police, saying more than 1,000 security personnel, including plainclothes police and sharpshooters, will be deployed to secure the site for the opening.

Work on the Burj Khalifa in 2004 and continued rapidly. At times, new floors were being added almost every three days, reflecting Dubai's raging push to reshape itself over a few years from a small-time desert outpost into a cosmopolitan urban giant packed with skyscrapers.

By January 2007, thousands of laborers, many of them brought in on temporary contracts from India, had completed 100 stories.

The finished product contains more than 160 floors. That is over 50 stories more than Chicago's Willis Tower, the tallest record-holder in the U.S. formerly known as the Sears Tower.

At their peak, some apartments in the Burj were selling for more than $1,900 per square foot, though they now can go for less than half that, said Heather Wipperman Amiji, chief executive of Dubai real estate consultancy Investment Boutique.

Besides luxury apartments and offices, the Burj will be home to a hotel designed by Giorgio Armani.

It's also the centerpiece of a 500-acre development that officials hope will become a new central residential and commercial district in this sprawling and often disconnected city. It is flanked by dozens of smaller but brand-new skyscrapers and the Middle East's largest shopping mall.

Filed under: World, Top Stories

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.

Our Father Zayed

I have been seeing this build board all around town and I wanted to know what it was all about so I went to the website www.ourfatherzayed.ae and it is a place that you can write a tribute to the late President of the UAE and when you submit your tribute you can help complete the portrait of the man who made history in the UAE. It is really interesting and everyone really seems to look up to him.

Discription of our Villa

I realized after looking at the blog I ever really told people about our villa other than we moved in. Wow, I am really behind and I am sorry about that.

We moved into our villa at the end of October. They don't do anything small here 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms with a maids room if you have a maid, so far we are using it for storage. So I guess that makes 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. We live in a gated community with a grocery store and a 24 hour guard. We even have a community center with a his and her gym, a indoor pool and outdoor pool and a playground that Sydney just loves. They even made there own beach with sand since the community center is by the water, a private marina. A steam and sauna rooms, tennis and basketball court. One of my favorite things is a cafe that will deliver to your villa or you can eat there as well. It is like our own resort we may never want to leave, ha ha just kidding. I never thought they would have all of this in the middle east not alone in the sand, ha ha.

The Community consists of 312 four & five-bedroom villas ranging from 326-436 sq.m

We just love our villa and all the amenities and Sydney seems to have a ball at the playground, pool and sand, which she was afraid to get sandy, but not now.

Happy New Year

2009 was a great year with a lot of changes and the terrible 2's. I did try and go back to work, but soon realised it was not for me or at least for that company anyway. I thought more and more about Sydney while I was a work and realised I have all the time in the world to work and she will only be small once. So I am back being a stay at home mom again, yeah!

Paul got out of the US Navy after six years of active duty. We sold our house in San Antonio, TX and moved from there after living there for 3 years. He took a new job with a US company and moved us clear across the world to the Middle East, Abu Dhabi, UAE. We are on a 18 month contract with this company.

Sydney turned 2 and it really wasn't that terrible, but at times she did have her moments of crying and time outs. Sydney is a good girl though and is a blessing to our family.

The pugs came over to Abu Dhabi, UAE after being with my in laws for 4 months we are so glad to have them with us.

We sure miss our family, but we are looking forward to the new year with a new country, traveling and bring on the horrible 3's or at least that is what I have heard anyway and we pray the 3's will go better than expected. We are truly thankful for the opportunity to be parents and we treasure it everyday.

As we look forward to 2010 may it being great experiences that only happen once in a life time. May this year bring the US back on its feet and the economy that helps people find jobs that so many people need. I pray God will be with us and our family and friends while we are gone and may God bless you in the new year.

Happy New Year everyone.