Being flexible

Well, Eric and I are nothing if not flexible.  Last week we decided we would live in Abu Dhabi.  If I were placed in Al Ain, I would ask for a transfer.  We found a spectacular apartment near Yas island, a school for Davis, and a nanny for Camryn. All was right in the world.  

Then, I got my placement.  As predicted, it was Al Ain. So I talked to school operations and was all prepared to switch placements.  Then, the department chair contacted me.  And another teacher at the school offered to drive me around.  Finally, a third teacher friended me.  Seriously?  How could I switch from that kind of environment?  I have heard horror stories of EMTs feeling very isolated and miserable. 

Eric and I talked and realized how much smarter it would be for us to live in Al Ain. School is cheaper.  Houses are MUCH cheaper, and the golf course is 1/3 the cost!  So, I asked my nanny if she would come.  She said it was too far.  Sad face.  So I focused on finding a school for Davis.  At least I was successful there. He has a place at the first school we looked at when we first started this adventure. It's less than half the Abu Dhabi school!  Now, we have our realtor showing us villas in Al Ain. We'll probably have a place by Friday. Until then, we are going to be in another hotel.  Ugh. 

Last was trying to find a school or new nanny for Cam.  I was calling places and very worried because I didn't think I could get Cam at a place before I started school.  But, then a miracle happened.  Our nanny called back. She realized that we were too wonderful a family to pass up.  She called and agreed to come to Al Ain with us.  Yippee! 

So, all is well in our world.  Hopefully we will be in our villa next week and we can send pictures. 

I LOVE Skype

So I just got off of Skype talking to the boys. It is so fun. Davis gave me a video tour of their hotel room. Since its 9pm there I got to see all the lights. There is a tennis court and two pools there. 

Eric has met some people who work at his school and he got to go into his school but he's only seen the auditorium. The school gave each teacher an iPad. It's a 2 but they've been promised 3s!  And he got his accommodation allowance already!  

This week he will be looking at apartments and nurseries (in case we decide to do that instead of a nanny). Then Davis has to sit for assessments at some schools we are interested in.  

They have only eaten at American restaurants. Friday's, Subway, Wendy's. I hope they get more adventurous when I get there!  I am jealous that they are already there!

Boys Leaving Tomorrow

Well, it's almost here. Tomorrow, Sunday, August 11, the boys leave for Abu Dhabi. It's been a very trying time, but as I have learned Insallah. Insallah means "God willing." It can also mean, "I don't want to deal with this particular issue so I will blame it on God's will" when used by Arabs. I hope I don't have to face that too much, but I am a realist, so I know I probably will. Here's what I have said Insallah to... Our recruiting company has been telling us ADEC, our employer, encourages us to leave our children at home, but will bring them over if we have a special circumstance such as an infant or a single mother. Well, I do have Camryn! And since Eric is coming over a week earlier, I assumed I was a special circumstance. Apparently 90% of future EMTs (English Medium Teachers) think we are special circumstances. So, ADEC put the kibosh on adding children to the flights. I was able to beg and get Camryn added as a lap rider to my ticket. Won't that be a fun flight?!?! And Eric's company, ADVETI, easily added Davis to Eric's flight. His company pays for one dependent. However, he was warned the cost of the flight would be docked from his pay later if it is found we double dipped on the benefits, using my company's dependent coverage, as well. Wouldn't that be a neat trick? To have Davis fly over twice? :) So, to summarize, Eric and the boys are leaving tomorrow at 2pm. Camryn and I are leaving Aug 19 in the evening. Our adventure is about to begin. And if you want to know how Davis is feeling about the move....he and his friends are all going incognito so he can stay.