Friday, April 25, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
tangerine
I'd quite like all those little beasties to stop flying around and annoying me when I'm trying to be on the internet. It's not big and its not clever, nor is biting. It's sore and the bit that you bite me on swells up like a big pimple. Then it goes all itchy and I just don't like it.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Paradise
It's just so easy to be lulled into buying stuff. Another Friday goes by and another armful of bags collected. Perhaps its because I've got some money to spend for once. I guess that is the whole point of working though its not as if I'm just spending for the sake of it - its all stuff I need to get and stuff that was old and needs replaced. Honest.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
smile
It seems that in some respects, things are settling down and I'm now starting to get into some kind of weekly 'routine' instead of all these random occurances like having to go to the HQ for things or having to go out and look at apartment. Instead, I can get up, go to work...then come home from work and not really have to worry to much. It would be too simple to say that my only worry is trying to decide whether or not to have a gym day or a pool day but in some ways it is.
However, with routine comes all other issues. One of my current is whether or no i'm actually doing a 'good' job. I think I am and I'm working my ass off but because I don't get that much supervision sometimes I do have moments doubt - am I faffing or am I concentrating on the right area or is 'this' considered a priority. I've already had a slight telling off as apparantly my 1st main priority was fixing the Language Tests. I don't think that was made explicitly clear hence the 'telling off'. But, all that was rectified and the Boss appears happy enough with the Tests, so much so that after making the changes he suggested, he hasn't even looked at the Tests again...he said that I should just 'go for it'. I'm reading that as a sign that he trusts my judgement. But my doubts have surfaced again this week. I think I'm doing fine but I don't want to be complacent and I definitely want to get through the 6 month probation, thats for sure. I'll just keep doing what I can and if thats good enough, then great. I guess though when you start any new job there are doubts...
However, with routine comes all other issues. One of my current is whether or no i'm actually doing a 'good' job. I think I am and I'm working my ass off but because I don't get that much supervision sometimes I do have moments doubt - am I faffing or am I concentrating on the right area or is 'this' considered a priority. I've already had a slight telling off as apparantly my 1st main priority was fixing the Language Tests. I don't think that was made explicitly clear hence the 'telling off'. But, all that was rectified and the Boss appears happy enough with the Tests, so much so that after making the changes he suggested, he hasn't even looked at the Tests again...he said that I should just 'go for it'. I'm reading that as a sign that he trusts my judgement. But my doubts have surfaced again this week. I think I'm doing fine but I don't want to be complacent and I definitely want to get through the 6 month probation, thats for sure. I'll just keep doing what I can and if thats good enough, then great. I guess though when you start any new job there are doubts...
Thursday, April 10, 2008
etched
Welcome to the balcony. My balcony. It's quite a dark balcony because the light-bulb needs replaced but that will soon get fixed. It's quite late but there is are a few cars going past, mostly taxi's on their way to the nearby Irish Village. In fact, I can hear a bit of music from that direction. It sounds like a cover version of 'It's My Life' by Talk Talk though I think No Doubts version is better.
To my left is the living room and my main source of light. Directly behind me is my room. The balcony door slightly ajar which is foolish given the about of sand that has been whipped up by the wind over the past day or two. To my right is my flatmates room. Lights are off in there but I can see the flickering of his T.V. playing. In front is the main street here in Garhoud. Opposite is the Aviation College whist a new buildin is being constructed just next to that, hence all that sand. Over in the distance I can see planes coming into land. This time of night is the busy time a the Airport. Thankfully, I not on the flight path and I rarely hear the planes landing and taking off despite being quite close to the Airport itself.
Not long back from stuffing my face with sushi. I was coming home earlier when some bloke stopped me and gave me a free voucher for his restaurant between 8.30 and 9.30pm. Can't really refuse an offer like that, so my flatmate and I went to check it out. It was pretty good. I do like my sushi and especially the rolls with seaweed and tuna in the middle. I gues that is Korea's 'fault', its influence still bearing down on me. I suspect that influence will continue for a good while yet. You can't just let all that time spent there just pass as if nothing had happened.
This afternoon I can safely say that I had a bit of a rush of blood to the head and went on a spending spree. Not really like me but having money is something of a novelty particulary having spent last year being a student. So, with my list I ventured to Festival City /like that means much to anyone/ and spent...not on 'crap' but on stuff I actually need for the apartment. Towels, sheets, duvet covers and the like. I guess that's what you do when you're an adult. That's not to say that I haven't done that before, its just that I never really had any great selection to choose from before!
In addition, I got myself a nice little camera. I've never had a digital camera before, so although it was a bit on the pricey side, I see it as an investment. I hope I don't loose the damn thing. It's a Sony DSC T70 with a touch-screen thingy. It'll do the job. I might even post some photos in the near future.
But tired now. Been a busy week. Writing and trialling English Tests in preparation for their 'launch' next week. They are ok tests. Not perfect but better than what they had before. I still have things to add and take out of them but I'll get round to that in due course. Had a birthday party last night also. One of my co-workers had a party for his 1 year old son. My co-worker has been very helpful since I arrived so I felt I had to go. It was quite a good laugh actually. And other stuff has happened as well which I'm not going to get into. I'd be up all night and I can't be bothered.
over and out.
To my left is the living room and my main source of light. Directly behind me is my room. The balcony door slightly ajar which is foolish given the about of sand that has been whipped up by the wind over the past day or two. To my right is my flatmates room. Lights are off in there but I can see the flickering of his T.V. playing. In front is the main street here in Garhoud. Opposite is the Aviation College whist a new buildin is being constructed just next to that, hence all that sand. Over in the distance I can see planes coming into land. This time of night is the busy time a the Airport. Thankfully, I not on the flight path and I rarely hear the planes landing and taking off despite being quite close to the Airport itself.
Not long back from stuffing my face with sushi. I was coming home earlier when some bloke stopped me and gave me a free voucher for his restaurant between 8.30 and 9.30pm. Can't really refuse an offer like that, so my flatmate and I went to check it out. It was pretty good. I do like my sushi and especially the rolls with seaweed and tuna in the middle. I gues that is Korea's 'fault', its influence still bearing down on me. I suspect that influence will continue for a good while yet. You can't just let all that time spent there just pass as if nothing had happened.
This afternoon I can safely say that I had a bit of a rush of blood to the head and went on a spending spree. Not really like me but having money is something of a novelty particulary having spent last year being a student. So, with my list I ventured to Festival City /like that means much to anyone/ and spent...not on 'crap' but on stuff I actually need for the apartment. Towels, sheets, duvet covers and the like. I guess that's what you do when you're an adult. That's not to say that I haven't done that before, its just that I never really had any great selection to choose from before!
In addition, I got myself a nice little camera. I've never had a digital camera before, so although it was a bit on the pricey side, I see it as an investment. I hope I don't loose the damn thing. It's a Sony DSC T70 with a touch-screen thingy. It'll do the job. I might even post some photos in the near future.
But tired now. Been a busy week. Writing and trialling English Tests in preparation for their 'launch' next week. They are ok tests. Not perfect but better than what they had before. I still have things to add and take out of them but I'll get round to that in due course. Had a birthday party last night also. One of my co-workers had a party for his 1 year old son. My co-worker has been very helpful since I arrived so I felt I had to go. It was quite a good laugh actually. And other stuff has happened as well which I'm not going to get into. I'd be up all night and I can't be bothered.
over and out.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Pentecost
Did I ever write about Paris last Summer?
I'm not sure if I did.
Actually, I didn't really have any great intention of writing about those 3 days back in July but events of the past week or so have brought Paris back to the forefront of my aching brain.
It was nice /Paris that is/. Just wandering around being a tourist doing touristy things. It's as if there is some kind of 'buzz' to Paris - a buzz that I really haven't felt in Edinburgh or indeed many other cities although I can't help but thinking that might have had something to do with the company I was there with.
Almost everwhere you look there is something of interest - whether it be some kind of carving on the side of a building or something away in the distance, partially hidden from view. Indeed, the galleries and museums that were visited where a maze of interest. I could have spend a good while looking around the Musee D'Orsy (spelling?) but then your feet get sore and you get hungry. Moving on to the Louvre across the river. Again, just wandering through is awe inspring the opulence of it all. The vast sums of money that must have been spent to get it like that. The time and manpower to get it like that. The sun setting over the courtyard and the pyramid something to cherish.
Notre Dame meanwhile pulses with people. Too many people if the truth be told. But as dusk falls and the lights come on it is a place that seems to glow. The small back streets throng with life as people sat outside having wine or whatever. The noise of busy people, laughter and chat. Again, just wandering through is...well, I don't really know.
I'm waffling.
Though, if there is a next time I would like to reenact the walk they take in 'Before Sunset'. In fact, I'd quite like the ending to happen as well, Nina Simone and all. Not much chance of that.
I'm not sure if I did.
Actually, I didn't really have any great intention of writing about those 3 days back in July but events of the past week or so have brought Paris back to the forefront of my aching brain.
It was nice /Paris that is/. Just wandering around being a tourist doing touristy things. It's as if there is some kind of 'buzz' to Paris - a buzz that I really haven't felt in Edinburgh or indeed many other cities although I can't help but thinking that might have had something to do with the company I was there with.
Almost everwhere you look there is something of interest - whether it be some kind of carving on the side of a building or something away in the distance, partially hidden from view. Indeed, the galleries and museums that were visited where a maze of interest. I could have spend a good while looking around the Musee D'Orsy (spelling?) but then your feet get sore and you get hungry. Moving on to the Louvre across the river. Again, just wandering through is awe inspring the opulence of it all. The vast sums of money that must have been spent to get it like that. The time and manpower to get it like that. The sun setting over the courtyard and the pyramid something to cherish.
Notre Dame meanwhile pulses with people. Too many people if the truth be told. But as dusk falls and the lights come on it is a place that seems to glow. The small back streets throng with life as people sat outside having wine or whatever. The noise of busy people, laughter and chat. Again, just wandering through is...well, I don't really know.
I'm waffling.
Though, if there is a next time I would like to reenact the walk they take in 'Before Sunset'. In fact, I'd quite like the ending to happen as well, Nina Simone and all. Not much chance of that.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Load
Had the Annual Staff Party the other night at some reassuringly expensive hotel. A bit of a strange time to be having your Annual Staff Party but then this is Dubai. I'm sure I said that about Korea...
It was an 'unusual' evening but not a bad way. We had this amazing buffet which I'm still feeling the effects of. It was lush. Then there was a bit of dancing. Not Western style dancing but Indian and Arab style. Even the most placcid of person was up 'larging' it. The music was also from that part of the World and it really is all drums. It was almost like being at a D'n'B night. After the music was the much anticipated Raffle. It seems like almost everyone in our Department won something. 'Oh, Safety and Training' was the cry when one of us won. It got abit tiresome near the end. Alas, I won a bloody hairdryer. I shouldn't grumble but...
In the end, I managed to swap it for a Desert Tour which was good.
Some punter won return tickets to Paris, another won a digital camera and one of the guys in my office won a washing machine! Thankfully, we had a car to put it in. What a laugh trying to carry this washing machine out of a 5 Star Hotel at 2.30am. Madness.
One thing that was particulary noticable was the number of people from the sub-continent. A lot. Plus, all the Bosses were Western. One thing that was even more noticable was a distinct lack of talent. One or two 'cute' Fillipinos but I get this mental image of a mingin' old, balding man with some 'cute' girl from that part of the World. It's one nationality I would avoid. I guess thats being stereotypical or narrow-minded or whatever but...
and that's your lot.
It was an 'unusual' evening but not a bad way. We had this amazing buffet which I'm still feeling the effects of. It was lush. Then there was a bit of dancing. Not Western style dancing but Indian and Arab style. Even the most placcid of person was up 'larging' it. The music was also from that part of the World and it really is all drums. It was almost like being at a D'n'B night. After the music was the much anticipated Raffle. It seems like almost everyone in our Department won something. 'Oh, Safety and Training' was the cry when one of us won. It got abit tiresome near the end. Alas, I won a bloody hairdryer. I shouldn't grumble but...
In the end, I managed to swap it for a Desert Tour which was good.
Some punter won return tickets to Paris, another won a digital camera and one of the guys in my office won a washing machine! Thankfully, we had a car to put it in. What a laugh trying to carry this washing machine out of a 5 Star Hotel at 2.30am. Madness.
One thing that was particulary noticable was the number of people from the sub-continent. A lot. Plus, all the Bosses were Western. One thing that was even more noticable was a distinct lack of talent. One or two 'cute' Fillipinos but I get this mental image of a mingin' old, balding man with some 'cute' girl from that part of the World. It's one nationality I would avoid. I guess thats being stereotypical or narrow-minded or whatever but...
and that's your lot.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
shoe
Packed and ready. Not to leave the country but to finally move apartment!
After what seemed like months and a few weeks of stress the big day arrived. I have to say that with all the hassle of apartment hunting I really was abit worried that something would go wrong at the last night and I wouldn't actually be moving. But, in the end we got the keys to the kingdom and moved into our new place. And might I say, its a nice place. A bit dirty but nothing that a cloth and a mop couldn't fix.
So now I'm a 20 minute walk to work at the Airport. I'm a 30 second lift ride to the swimming pool and gym. I'm a 2 minute walk to the Irish Village (there's always one, isn't there) where there are a few bars and restaurants. I'm 1 minute away from the Emirates Aviation College and about 5 minutes from a Supermarket. All things considered, I'm in a nice spot and one that might just do the job for the next 6 months at least.
I do actually feel that a big weight has been lifted off my shoulders and that I can now get on with being a decent teacher or whatever the hell they want me to be.
After what seemed like months and a few weeks of stress the big day arrived. I have to say that with all the hassle of apartment hunting I really was abit worried that something would go wrong at the last night and I wouldn't actually be moving. But, in the end we got the keys to the kingdom and moved into our new place. And might I say, its a nice place. A bit dirty but nothing that a cloth and a mop couldn't fix.
So now I'm a 20 minute walk to work at the Airport. I'm a 30 second lift ride to the swimming pool and gym. I'm a 2 minute walk to the Irish Village (there's always one, isn't there) where there are a few bars and restaurants. I'm 1 minute away from the Emirates Aviation College and about 5 minutes from a Supermarket. All things considered, I'm in a nice spot and one that might just do the job for the next 6 months at least.
I do actually feel that a big weight has been lifted off my shoulders and that I can now get on with being a decent teacher or whatever the hell they want me to be.
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