28 Aug 2010
by Elainein Christian Life, Dubai Info, Family, Married Life & Life
We had a good weekend house hunting!
Managed to view 7 studio/ 1 bedroom apartments and decided that the final two were our favourites!
Apartment 1:
Large 1 bedroom space (Bedroom with attached bath, balcony, guest toilet, living room, enclosed laundry area, and fully equipped kitchen) is about 15k more.
Apartment 2:
Smaller studio space (Standard hotel room concept but has an open kitchen) at 45k per year.
Both units are unfurnished and has basic pool, gym, lounge facilities.
Now here’s our dilemma… We can afford both BUT we’re still weighing the pros and cons.
Is there a need for a larger space? How often do I cook? And blah…
An advice to those moving out in summer… ALWAYS carry bottled water (during non-fasting months) and apply sunscreen.
And because we didn’t do the above (silly us), we happily spent 3 -4 hours -per day- walking about (nearby) without the essentials! So obviously we red-faced lobsters came home all sweaty and dehydrated!
The joy of house hunting during summer eh…
Despite the heat… We thank God for this sweltry fruitful hunt, and hope to pen down our decision REAL soon!
02 Aug 2010
by Elainein Emotions, Family, Married Life & Life, Me Time
Been daydreaming about our permanent home… In a friendly and mellow town, surrounded by fresh greeneries and melodious chirps by our windows…
Funny, but gone are the days where I yearned for the city life. Not sure why, but mayhaps my mature braincells are dropping me hints to pause, reflect and spend quality ‘me time’, which i’ve silently craved.
Sudden thoughts of living the subtle life inspired me to search for residences away from the typical materialistic lifestyle, though i have no exposure living the suburban way, i’m thinking go ahead, and who knows, i might enjoy the simplicity of it all.
The house hunt will begin as of Dec 2010. Exciting!
31 Jul 2010
by Elainein Blogging, Emotions, Family, Holidays, Married Life & Life, Working Life
July came… And just when you thought it’s another dull week of July, August dropped in with a big hello!
Can’t believe we’re (more than) halfway through the year!
I’m looking forward to our upcoming months…
Christmas holidays (Aust) in 5 months, my 2- years contract expires in 6 months, possible CNY holidays (back to Kuala Lumpur) in 6.5 months, the many likely episodes in 1.5 months and of course the cool winterly winds in 2.5 months!
In the meantime, i’m learning how to maintain and upkeep this blog. So if you notice bits of changes here and there, please ignore my fickle experiments.
12 Jul 2010
by Elainein Christian Life, Family, Married Life & Life, Me Time
I’ve been pondering for some months now about being a housewife (short-term basis) while we’re here. The husband has been dropping suggestions that he’s happy to have me at home doing my own things, running chores, dishing up his fave foods and other wifey tasks. And even IF i chose not to, he’ll still be contented about it.
Truth is, I’m willing to settle at home for awhile… A tiny breather away from ANY work-related commitments is a definite way to cleanse those dusty brain cells of mine!
As of 2002-2010 the ambitious willful me have been – day and night, month after month -chasing my ‘perfect’ career, and it ain’t easy letting all go. Even for a short period of time. A designer’s salary range depreciates when he/she takes a break, a 6-8 months break is all it takes and you’re back to three quarters –of 8 years- years’ wages. This fact was based on my last research back in 2008. Not sure about 2010 onwards.
And of course I will miss my monthly paychecks for my own personal spending and savings. Though I have an option of either, I’m not even sure which is for the better. But I’m flattered to know that I get to stay home full-time – temporarily – whenever I choose to.
So if I lose/ resign my job any day, I’m thankful that I’ve learnt to place family/friends/church/personal life first.
Ohhh… I suddenly love how unpredictable my life is!
07 Jul 2010
by Elainein Emotions, Family, Holidays
Woot!
We found (compared to other major airlines) the lowest flight prices to Sydney, I couldn’t stop pouncing when we saw the sudden reduced -by Dhs2000- fares just minutes ago! I swore it read Dhs13190 this morning! Love Emirates Air to bits!
I’m glad the bookings (2 adults return, 16hrs direct to Syd) are settled.
Countdown to December begins now…
23 Jun 2010
by Elainein Family, Holidays, Malaysia, Married Life & Life
Okay. Yeah, i was recently posting about our upcoming December holidays and here i am thinking ambitiously about Chinese New Year celebration back home in Kuala Lumpur with family/ relatives.
Pekish thoughts about roasted pig skins, mandarin oranges, pork/chicken floss, plates of home-cooked dishes, and large bowls of herbal soups!
Oh, the fun of giving out ang pows to my singleton (regardless of age) cousins, and stuffing myself fat with festive cookies…
You see, as of Jan 2009, i’ve missed two CNYs. And mom’s been dropping our-new-guestroom-is-ready-for-CNY hints yesterday. So… We’re VERY tempted!
Once our Christmas holidays (In Sydney) are settled, will surely update if we’re travelling home again on Feb 2011. It’s still a doable plan, but it all boils down to how my work schedule and contract tie in with the holidays.
Ah well…
20 Jun 2010
by Elainein Emotions, Family, Holidays, Married Life & Life, Working Life
After some net browsings, i noticed the flight rates direct to Sydney has reduced by 10% during mid Dec! Woopeee!
I quickly filled up my leave (2 weeks) form and HOPING it will be approved… Good news please. Good news please. Good news please…
13 Jun 2010
by Elainein Christian Life, Family, Health, Married Life & Life
Oh, for those wondering what’s the status of my last gynae visit , it turned out good. No signs of cyst, whatsoever. Clean.
As for the other troublesome check-ups… Well i’m not so bothered. However/ whatever happens, it’s for a blessed reason. *wink*
08 Jun 2010
by Elainein Emotions, Family, Holidays
Hubs and i are starting to plan our NSW holiday to visit his family again… Exciting! Due to my previous insane workload, we couldn’t do our yearly Christmas with the in-laws last year. Now that it’s June 2010, which means it’s been 16 months since we last saw family, it sure made the husband edgy and frustrated!
We’re thinking of flying in mid-Aug, away from the summer and Ramadan/fasting season, OR tolerate longer for Christmas gatherings in December… *drools*
Thing is, most airlines (MAS, SIA, Emirates) that flies direct to Sydney costs at least AED11000 in Dec (return) for 2 adults, pricey!
Anyways, i’m glad we can easily afford it, and to spend this much travelling once within 2 years, it’s definitely worthwhile seeing loved ones!
Ooh, can’t wait to scout more on the prices and splurge!!
05 May 2010
by Elainein Christian Life, Emotions, Family, Married Life & Life
When we’re given a plate of choices, fickle-mindedness -that leads to procrastination- creeps in, all because of waiting for the RIGHT timing to pen down a final decision. Funny how sometimes my mind and faith in life is squished within the box.
Think OUT of the box Elaine!!
I can be cautious, too cautious to stand bold on a major decision, for instance, starting a family. I ponder too much, sat on the plan for one year and has YET to make it happen. And btw, I’m 27! Eeks!
It is a scary thought to know that the big Three O is near…
Just DO IT! They’ll say…
So what am I waiting for?? Like many, things I want to achieve… Just two more items on my must-do list, then it’ll be all good. *wink*
Assurance and faith I’m blessed with, but it’s me I’ve got to convince.
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