Written by Fiz
I am going to say my goodbye. For now. Temporary. Perhaps? There are just too many things going on at the moment that I think its time to just sit down and reflect on things.
My job is going superb and it is the reason that has kept me going. I would like to hopefully take a few weeks out and just think about things and where I want to go in life. Life is too short to live on regrets and what ifs.
I say the same thing to my mates so I should live on my own advice.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Monday, March 3, 2008
Another whirlwind week of golf
Written by Fiz
I'm having a great time with golf lately. Maybe its just luck thats turning towards me and welcomed with open arms.
Last weekend, I won the Emirates Amateur Ladies Open! Totally did not expect it after scoring a less than impressive score on the first day. I went out on the second, expecting to secure the second place that is up for grabs.
Turns out, the leader of the first day, a good friend of mine as well didn't play her usual consistent golf and gave me the opportunity to go for the title in a sudden death playoff.
I must have played one of my best golf on that particular sudden death playoff hole.
It was played on the 9th Majlis - which is never a 'birdie' hole when the wind is up and against us. So I played it safe and end up putting a 15 foot par putt for the win. What a moment that was!
My drives were fairly consistent on both days but what kept me in the hunt was mainly my short game. Though, there were a couple of holes where my putter failed me miserably but overall, it was my short game that saved my shots. My approach shots were almost downright atrocious!
An article and photo came up in the local paper today about my win. LOL. The photo had a caption that said 'Green Machine'. LOL. My first win in Dubai! Hurrah!
I am happy to go away with the win, knowing that I got it even without scoring well (on my open standards).
Just a week before, I managed to scramble a team of ladies and we won 2nd place in a team stableford competition. The great thing about that event though, was that we won a considerable sum of money vouchers from a travel agent.
The only thing that I got from winning the Emirates Amateur (considered one of the best ladies amateur events) is a nice-crystal-expensive-looking trophy. Oh- and the publicity that goes with it. LOL.
I'm having a great time with golf lately. Maybe its just luck thats turning towards me and welcomed with open arms.
Last weekend, I won the Emirates Amateur Ladies Open! Totally did not expect it after scoring a less than impressive score on the first day. I went out on the second, expecting to secure the second place that is up for grabs.
Turns out, the leader of the first day, a good friend of mine as well didn't play her usual consistent golf and gave me the opportunity to go for the title in a sudden death playoff.
I must have played one of my best golf on that particular sudden death playoff hole.
It was played on the 9th Majlis - which is never a 'birdie' hole when the wind is up and against us. So I played it safe and end up putting a 15 foot par putt for the win. What a moment that was!
My drives were fairly consistent on both days but what kept me in the hunt was mainly my short game. Though, there were a couple of holes where my putter failed me miserably but overall, it was my short game that saved my shots. My approach shots were almost downright atrocious!
An article and photo came up in the local paper today about my win. LOL. The photo had a caption that said 'Green Machine'. LOL. My first win in Dubai! Hurrah!
I am happy to go away with the win, knowing that I got it even without scoring well (on my open standards).
Just a week before, I managed to scramble a team of ladies and we won 2nd place in a team stableford competition. The great thing about that event though, was that we won a considerable sum of money vouchers from a travel agent.
The only thing that I got from winning the Emirates Amateur (considered one of the best ladies amateur events) is a nice-crystal-expensive-looking trophy. Oh- and the publicity that goes with it. LOL.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
News and Updates
Written by Fiz
It has been a long while since the last update. Basically I could not be bothered to update and Daniel needs a kick in the bum to do any updates here.
On the job front - I will be the new proshop manager for Ernie Els Golf Course! I am excited about this job and welcome the new challenges. The salary and overall package is much better as well and most of all - I will be heading back to a golf course. Ah. Perfect. Just the way I want it.
So looks like I'm back in the golf industry! I guess because the pay is so much better now, I have no reason to look in any other industries. Thank goodness too, deep down, I knew I cannot leave this pathetic game without a bloody great reason.
This new course and everything about it has got me really excited. The Els Club will be one of the main features of a new community call Dubai Sports City. The whole concept of Sports City is enticing to any sports lover or anyone passionate about their sports. Link - www.dubaisportscity.ae
I've got a new reason to stay longer in Dubai. Which sometimes, still annoys me. Dubai has its ways of kicking you hard in the ass if you're not on your guard. Honesty and customer service does not bode well with the people of Dubai. And bloody courtesy on the roads!!
This new change of jobs also means that there is a slim chance of me heading back to Perth for holidays - which sucks majorly. I get depressed at the thought of not being able to go back untill next year's summer. Argh.
Ah, happy days.
Daniel is still working hard as well. Shortage of staff also means he's picking up even more hours. He's doing fine though apart from being tired most of the time. Guess it doesn't help that we have Timmy (one of our kittens) who is a bloody menace in the morning. Making a ruckus to wake anyone up. Serves Dan right for wanting kittens.
Sigh.
No matter how exciting Dubai can be, it cannot and never will be home for me. I still miss Perth a lot.
It has been a long while since the last update. Basically I could not be bothered to update and Daniel needs a kick in the bum to do any updates here.
On the job front - I will be the new proshop manager for Ernie Els Golf Course! I am excited about this job and welcome the new challenges. The salary and overall package is much better as well and most of all - I will be heading back to a golf course. Ah. Perfect. Just the way I want it.
So looks like I'm back in the golf industry! I guess because the pay is so much better now, I have no reason to look in any other industries. Thank goodness too, deep down, I knew I cannot leave this pathetic game without a bloody great reason.
This new course and everything about it has got me really excited. The Els Club will be one of the main features of a new community call Dubai Sports City. The whole concept of Sports City is enticing to any sports lover or anyone passionate about their sports. Link - www.dubaisportscity.ae
I've got a new reason to stay longer in Dubai. Which sometimes, still annoys me. Dubai has its ways of kicking you hard in the ass if you're not on your guard. Honesty and customer service does not bode well with the people of Dubai. And bloody courtesy on the roads!!
This new change of jobs also means that there is a slim chance of me heading back to Perth for holidays - which sucks majorly. I get depressed at the thought of not being able to go back untill next year's summer. Argh.
Ah, happy days.
Daniel is still working hard as well. Shortage of staff also means he's picking up even more hours. He's doing fine though apart from being tired most of the time. Guess it doesn't help that we have Timmy (one of our kittens) who is a bloody menace in the morning. Making a ruckus to wake anyone up. Serves Dan right for wanting kittens.
Sigh.
No matter how exciting Dubai can be, it cannot and never will be home for me. I still miss Perth a lot.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Fresh Start
Written by Fiz
Today, I decided once and for all that I am going to give up on my dream of working in the golf industry in Dubai. It was a very hard decision to make considering how much I love working in this industry but let's face it - I cannot go to work anymore knowing that I am being screwed moneywise. (plus Im sick of hearing false promises and false words from my employers regarding increments or bonuses).
Its a great industry to work in but my gawd - it is one of the worst paying industry in Dubai! Enthusiasm and passion for this game can only last me so far. I refuse to be one of my other colleagues who have grown bitter about their job, their passion for golf and their love for this game. True story. Ive seen at least 4 colleagues in this industry, who are terrific golf players but gave up on the game and grew bitter about it. (you should see one of them swing, omg, its a bloody beauty).
Although I rather go back to a golf job in Perth - I have decided to stay on in Dubai because Daniel wants to stay on. So I'll stay.
If I get a better paying job, at least I can still play my golf. At the moment, the thought of entering any tournaments or social games that cost money actually puts me off!
So the field is open!! Im thinking of sticking to sales and customer service, which I know I am good at - and maybe have a hand at hospitality?! tourism?! leisure?!
Now if only I have the inspiration to write a fantastic cover letter. So far, my drafts sound lame. LOL. Or is that an indication that I am not ready to leave the game that I love?
Today, I decided once and for all that I am going to give up on my dream of working in the golf industry in Dubai. It was a very hard decision to make considering how much I love working in this industry but let's face it - I cannot go to work anymore knowing that I am being screwed moneywise. (plus Im sick of hearing false promises and false words from my employers regarding increments or bonuses).
Its a great industry to work in but my gawd - it is one of the worst paying industry in Dubai! Enthusiasm and passion for this game can only last me so far. I refuse to be one of my other colleagues who have grown bitter about their job, their passion for golf and their love for this game. True story. Ive seen at least 4 colleagues in this industry, who are terrific golf players but gave up on the game and grew bitter about it. (you should see one of them swing, omg, its a bloody beauty).
Although I rather go back to a golf job in Perth - I have decided to stay on in Dubai because Daniel wants to stay on. So I'll stay.
If I get a better paying job, at least I can still play my golf. At the moment, the thought of entering any tournaments or social games that cost money actually puts me off!
So the field is open!! Im thinking of sticking to sales and customer service, which I know I am good at - and maybe have a hand at hospitality?! tourism?! leisure?!
Now if only I have the inspiration to write a fantastic cover letter. So far, my drafts sound lame. LOL. Or is that an indication that I am not ready to leave the game that I love?
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Just about had enough
Written by Fiz
I didnt want to completely annoy Daniel of my whinging so I thought I'll let out my frustations here. (I think I drove him mad enough with my whinging lately). Today has to be the top of the tops. I was calming down a bit with my Dubai frustations after that faboulous trip from Al Ain. But yesterday, all the roads were closed because of bloody Bush's presence in Dubai. I can't believe they closed all the main roads esp Sheikh Zayed Road just so his convoy can pass through. And Im not talking about closing the roads for a few hours - it was closed from 6am-4pm!!
They declared Dubai a public holiday due to all the main road closures. I should be cheering that I had a holiday but I know my work gets backlogged and others that I deal with will use this as an excuse! A deadline is still a deadline unless you are in Dubai.
It has been raining for the last few days. What a sight of relief it was to start with but now it has turned to an absolute nightmare. Who the f*** builds and plans the roads on Dubai?! There are no proper drainage systems, so this morning, after a straight 20 hours of rain (light to mid heavy)- all the bloody roads are flooded! Traffic was the worst Ive ever seen in ages and more so - its the drivers with their stupidity that amazed me the most! Why on earth would you drive 80+ on a road that is covered with puddles?
It took me 2 hours to get to work today - got in for a staff training at a retail store, late due to the traffic and the staff was not even there. They were also stuck in the traffic. Fine. Can't help things like that. Took a turn to my office - voila- my office is flooded! There are water leaking from the roof all the way down to my desk, floor and my computer is absolutely soaked! There is no electricity whatsoever so there is absolutely nothing that I could do. I asked the office staff whether this had happened before - and they all say every year! Why didn't anyone fix the roof if this happens every year?
"Cutting cost ma'am".
Ergh.
I hear that many buildings here have leaks and floods on the roads all due to poor construction standards. *gasp*. No surprise there. But could someone not do something to fix it?!
To top the matter worst - took me another hour and a half to get home and on the way back - this taxi driver actually fast-drove through HUGE PUDDLES on the right lane and temporarily blinded my car with his splashing for at least 5 seconds on a MAIN ROAD! Thank god the car behind me didnt bump my car as I had to stop my car dead for those 5 seconds! And thank goodness I did that, cause the taxi driver actually had the nerve to cut ahead of me and if I had not stop my car, I would have bump into him!
I gave him a fearful display of lights flashing and horns blaring. I was so steep in anger that I didnt even think to write his number plates down. Damn!
Edited- Just check the newspapers, there were 500 recorded accidents before 10am today. OMG. 500?!
I HAD ENOUGH! This is the idiocracy of Dubai that I have to face day after day. I really dont know how much of this I can take. Before, frustations of Dubai was a crawling sensation on my skin, now it is steep in my nerves.
I didnt want to completely annoy Daniel of my whinging so I thought I'll let out my frustations here. (I think I drove him mad enough with my whinging lately). Today has to be the top of the tops. I was calming down a bit with my Dubai frustations after that faboulous trip from Al Ain. But yesterday, all the roads were closed because of bloody Bush's presence in Dubai. I can't believe they closed all the main roads esp Sheikh Zayed Road just so his convoy can pass through. And Im not talking about closing the roads for a few hours - it was closed from 6am-4pm!!
They declared Dubai a public holiday due to all the main road closures. I should be cheering that I had a holiday but I know my work gets backlogged and others that I deal with will use this as an excuse! A deadline is still a deadline unless you are in Dubai.
It has been raining for the last few days. What a sight of relief it was to start with but now it has turned to an absolute nightmare. Who the f*** builds and plans the roads on Dubai?! There are no proper drainage systems, so this morning, after a straight 20 hours of rain (light to mid heavy)- all the bloody roads are flooded! Traffic was the worst Ive ever seen in ages and more so - its the drivers with their stupidity that amazed me the most! Why on earth would you drive 80+ on a road that is covered with puddles?
It took me 2 hours to get to work today - got in for a staff training at a retail store, late due to the traffic and the staff was not even there. They were also stuck in the traffic. Fine. Can't help things like that. Took a turn to my office - voila- my office is flooded! There are water leaking from the roof all the way down to my desk, floor and my computer is absolutely soaked! There is no electricity whatsoever so there is absolutely nothing that I could do. I asked the office staff whether this had happened before - and they all say every year! Why didn't anyone fix the roof if this happens every year?
"Cutting cost ma'am".
Ergh.
I hear that many buildings here have leaks and floods on the roads all due to poor construction standards. *gasp*. No surprise there. But could someone not do something to fix it?!
To top the matter worst - took me another hour and a half to get home and on the way back - this taxi driver actually fast-drove through HUGE PUDDLES on the right lane and temporarily blinded my car with his splashing for at least 5 seconds on a MAIN ROAD! Thank god the car behind me didnt bump my car as I had to stop my car dead for those 5 seconds! And thank goodness I did that, cause the taxi driver actually had the nerve to cut ahead of me and if I had not stop my car, I would have bump into him!
I gave him a fearful display of lights flashing and horns blaring. I was so steep in anger that I didnt even think to write his number plates down. Damn!
Edited- Just check the newspapers, there were 500 recorded accidents before 10am today. OMG. 500?!
I HAD ENOUGH! This is the idiocracy of Dubai that I have to face day after day. I really dont know how much of this I can take. Before, frustations of Dubai was a crawling sensation on my skin, now it is steep in my nerves.
Wedding Anniversary trip to Al Ain
Written by Fiz
We had one of the nicest time in Al Ain for our first wedding anniversary. Man, how time flies. Al Ain is a town that is part of Abu Dhabi. This place comes highly recommended from many and after the trip, I can see why. We stayed at a hotel on top of a mountain call Jebel Hafeet. Its got an awesome view of Al Ain below and the landscape around that area is simply breathtaking.
We spend the whole weekend just lazing around and the weather was very cool and chilly. After spending 10 months in heat, this is a welcome turn of weather. There is a man made park below the mountain (called Green Mubazzarah)where tons of locals and tourists go for a picnic or camp. Ooo - and I also had my first hand try at shisha and manage to smoke it all the way through. Its quite an experience, very relaxing though I did feel a bit light headed after. You guys have to try Shisha if you are even in Middle East. We smoked the shisha inside this Arabian tent overlooking the valley below. All I can say is Wow.
Ref- Shisha is a water-pipe used for smoking tobacco in different flavours. So far Ive tried double-apple and grape. Very nice.
It is obviously a nice turn of events since we are so used to seeing flat sandy desert everywhere we go. Apart from Al Ain, only Fujairah and Hatta have high landscape of hills and mountains.
Funny enough, the whole time we drove up that mountain and seeing the hotel and a palace on top of that mountain, I keep thinking about the poorly paid labourers that had to suffer to build all that. I am sure that records of death and injuries for that particular project must be hidden and away from public knowledge.
Here are some pictures:
This is actually an indoor swimming pool! There is a stream that flows from the top of the mountain and due to strict dressing codes in UAE, they build a building to cover the pools.
We had one of the nicest time in Al Ain for our first wedding anniversary. Man, how time flies. Al Ain is a town that is part of Abu Dhabi. This place comes highly recommended from many and after the trip, I can see why. We stayed at a hotel on top of a mountain call Jebel Hafeet. Its got an awesome view of Al Ain below and the landscape around that area is simply breathtaking.
We spend the whole weekend just lazing around and the weather was very cool and chilly. After spending 10 months in heat, this is a welcome turn of weather. There is a man made park below the mountain (called Green Mubazzarah)where tons of locals and tourists go for a picnic or camp. Ooo - and I also had my first hand try at shisha and manage to smoke it all the way through. Its quite an experience, very relaxing though I did feel a bit light headed after. You guys have to try Shisha if you are even in Middle East. We smoked the shisha inside this Arabian tent overlooking the valley below. All I can say is Wow.
Ref- Shisha is a water-pipe used for smoking tobacco in different flavours. So far Ive tried double-apple and grape. Very nice.
It is obviously a nice turn of events since we are so used to seeing flat sandy desert everywhere we go. Apart from Al Ain, only Fujairah and Hatta have high landscape of hills and mountains.
Funny enough, the whole time we drove up that mountain and seeing the hotel and a palace on top of that mountain, I keep thinking about the poorly paid labourers that had to suffer to build all that. I am sure that records of death and injuries for that particular project must be hidden and away from public knowledge.
Here are some pictures:
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Lots and lots of updates
Written by Fiz
Happy New 2008! Since I last wrote - theres been so much going on. Daniel and I finally had a weekend away in Abu Dhabi, my mom came over during Eid and Christmas, watched the Dubai Ladies Masters through a VIP tent, went on my first much-talked Dubai dinner cruise along the Dubai Creek, had my first ever New Year's Eve party in Dubai and overall, still overwelmed by what really happened in 2007.
Weekend in Abu Dhabi
Daniel and I finally somehow manage to schedule a weekend away from Dubai (more like he finally took some time off work) and we head off to Abu Dhabi. Personally, from what Ive seen of Abu Dhabi, I'm kinda glad that I am in Dubai. Its nice and all, being the capital of UAE - but its probably not my cup of tea.
We stayed at Crowne Plaza, right in the heart of the city and it was a very nice hotel. We were over in Abu Dhabi as I had some demo days and he wanted to see a Jujitsu martial arts tournament.
The Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Hotel had a rooftop pool bar. Awesome!
The Jujitsu tournament. It was the first time that Ive seen lots of Arabs in one place. Apparently, the locals here love martial arts and they came in numbers. Watching grown men hugging, touching and kissing each other is certainly something else.
Dubai Ladies Masters
As a fellow lady golfer and one who CHOOSE golf as her life career - Dubai Ladies Masters was so so much fun! It was great seeing the lady pros up close and even better that I had VIP access on the first day. There weren't a lot of spectators on all 4 days but that suit me fine. I hate big crowds.
Most of us were watching two main players. Laura Davies for her massive drives off the tee and Annika Sorenstam for the player that she is.
Laura Davies
Dubai Christmas Dinner Cruise with Daniel and Mom
On Christmas, we all took the much talked about must-do thing in Dubai which is the dinner cruise at the Creek. Lovely views and lovely weather to do so. It was a nice buffet dinner inside the boat and a full 360 view at the top. Love it. Its a shame I can't show you more pictures as my phone camera is not that good for night pictures.
The Dhow Boat that we cruised in
Me and my mom in front of Burj Al Arab
It will be our one year wedding anniversary next week and our one year anniversary of being here in Dubai in three weeks time.
We did plan to be here in Dubai for like a year or two - and basicly, I'm all ready to head back to Perth. I miss Perth a lot. I miss the people and I miss the lifestyle. We will see how I go in the next few months with my job and how I desperately need a pay rise to keep up with the cost of living here. On the plus side, all the work experience that Ive gained in the last 6 months is totally invaluable and great to have.
Happy New 2008! Since I last wrote - theres been so much going on. Daniel and I finally had a weekend away in Abu Dhabi, my mom came over during Eid and Christmas, watched the Dubai Ladies Masters through a VIP tent, went on my first much-talked Dubai dinner cruise along the Dubai Creek, had my first ever New Year's Eve party in Dubai and overall, still overwelmed by what really happened in 2007.
Daniel and I finally somehow manage to schedule a weekend away from Dubai (more like he finally took some time off work) and we head off to Abu Dhabi. Personally, from what Ive seen of Abu Dhabi, I'm kinda glad that I am in Dubai. Its nice and all, being the capital of UAE - but its probably not my cup of tea.
We stayed at Crowne Plaza, right in the heart of the city and it was a very nice hotel. We were over in Abu Dhabi as I had some demo days and he wanted to see a Jujitsu martial arts tournament.
As a fellow lady golfer and one who CHOOSE golf as her life career - Dubai Ladies Masters was so so much fun! It was great seeing the lady pros up close and even better that I had VIP access on the first day. There weren't a lot of spectators on all 4 days but that suit me fine. I hate big crowds.
Most of us were watching two main players. Laura Davies for her massive drives off the tee and Annika Sorenstam for the player that she is.
On Christmas, we all took the much talked about must-do thing in Dubai which is the dinner cruise at the Creek. Lovely views and lovely weather to do so. It was a nice buffet dinner inside the boat and a full 360 view at the top. Love it. Its a shame I can't show you more pictures as my phone camera is not that good for night pictures.
It will be our one year wedding anniversary next week and our one year anniversary of being here in Dubai in three weeks time.
We did plan to be here in Dubai for like a year or two - and basicly, I'm all ready to head back to Perth. I miss Perth a lot. I miss the people and I miss the lifestyle. We will see how I go in the next few months with my job and how I desperately need a pay rise to keep up with the cost of living here. On the plus side, all the work experience that Ive gained in the last 6 months is totally invaluable and great to have.
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