Ann Benjamin's Blog, page 254
February 17, 2016
Week by numbers.
Hello progress, I missed you!
1, volunteer introductory session with K9 Friends
141, pages edited on The Queen
1, part time job offer I received (no application was involved, but I’m excited to get started on it)
0, valid residence permits
6, number of novels I’ve updated for Amazon (years overdue) and only 2 more to go!
1, time it rained in Dubai – always a big deal!
0, number of garbage collections (sad face)
60.9, kilograms – a small loss, but one all the same!
Gif of the week:
February 16, 2016
February 15, 2016
EAFOL Press Event.
In which I finally try to make good on my Year of Saying Yes…
Finally shaking off the dust (and sand) of our move to Dubai, I accepted a media invite to a Emirates Airlines Festival of Literature (EAFOL) press event. Having never attended something like this, I went in with an open mind. As I waited for things to start, I began to put together what I thought these posts would look like. While I’m sure the organizers of these events would much rather I was part of some larger media conglomerate and therefore able to make contact with tons of individuals, they are getting me.
How do you make a hotel conference room look cool? #needsmorefiltersStarting time? Published to begin at 10:30AM, actual start time 11:03AM (I’m pleading the 5th on reasons I know it was started late).
Refreshments? Tea and coffee, some small snacks (as one would find at a coffee break at a nice hotel).
Location? Amwaj Ballroom, Intercontinental Hotel Festival City (an enjoyable property and the forever home of EAFOL). This will also be the press office during the festival.
Messages? The moderator welcomed distinguished guests and led a spirited discussion, where I learned:
Emirates Airlines has audiobooks on their flights (?!)
Emirates Airlines also has a dedicated station on their ICE to EAFOL
There is a celebration of Shakespeare at the festival
There is a literary cruise on the Dubai Creek (I kind of want to go)
I should probably attend the Herodotus lecture
There is going to be a ‘time travel’ dinner
This is one of the best run festivals I have come in contact with – there is literally something for EVERYONE at EAFOL.
Personal reflections: I truly enjoyed being around a group who was so passionate about reading, literature and sharing the experience with others. As an author, most of my writing is done in solitude. The event was a great reminder that reading can (and does) bring people together.
Naturally, I also had a moment of jealousy/disappointment when a list of ‘locally based authors’ was shared with me. I’m a local author and my name did not appear. Furthermore, there were no Americans at all on the list. After the festival is over, I’m going to follow up and see if it’s possible to get my name added. I know, get over myself.
No, lady, do not stand up and give two completely and obviously under researched questions and comments.
And finally, as the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority is clearly in great support of this event (it is the Year of Reading in the Emirates), I wondered if there was such local support for U.S. based festivals. I guess I really liked that such clear acknowledgement is being given by the government.
Swag? Sorry, none.
Bottom line? Go to EAFOL. You won’t be disappointed.
February 14, 2016
Sunday Sentence.
We take on different personalities in different settings.”
Maria Elena Sandovici, Lost Path to Solitude: A Follow-Up to Dogs with Bagels
This week, I wanted to share a line from my friend Elena‘s (very) recently published novel (a sequel to her first novel). I have downloaded my copy and will be reading it soon. As a self published author, having someone on the same ‘team’ has been a lifesaver. Through regular (and sometimes constant) communication, Elena and I share ideas, concepts and talk through the unique struggles of what it is to be self published (among other things). From Texas to Dubai, there is plenty to talk about. It was a blast to spend time with her last summer. Cheers, Elena!
February 11, 2016
Just some friendly tips from your neighbor author friend…
Originally posted by the fantastic Gail Carriger. Should you ever know an author and want to support their writing career, here are a few helpful do’s and don’ts. :)
February 10, 2016
Week by numbers.
Moving still continues to frustrate me, but I think I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Some numbers to share:
75, pages edited of The Queen of England: Coronation
2, new tires purchased
74,407, steps this week
2, recipes (out of 3) that I messed up (tofuuuuuuu!!!!)
13, number of days I have until I need to leave to country (when my temporary visa runs out)
4, number of HIIT circuits I’ve completed (need to get today’s done at some point)
61.2, kilograms I currently weigh (goal is 60)
0, diet cokes consumed
0, sleep aids taken
0, loads of laundry completed (washer is still broken)
Gif of the week:
February 7, 2016
In which moving is a difficult ask for Type A people (such as myself).
You want stress? Try moving.
You want more stress? Do it in the Middle East.
Even as this is my fourth move (LA – Dubai, Dubai – Doha, Doha – Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi – Dubai) in eight years, it certainly does not get any easier. For a list doing type A person such as myself it’s practically torture. I can do everything right (schedule, call, follow up) and it still all goes wrong, leaving me to wonder what the hell I am doing.
Currently on my list of frustrations:
Need to get garbage can delivered, can’t do because a charge wasn’t cleared (that I didn’t know about until this morning and the person who I need to clear it with won’t pick up the phone);
A person is going to come out and (hopefully!) fix the washing machine (which hasn’t worked since we moved in) (laundry is piling up);
5+ people a day ring my doorbell to try and get me to use their landscaping or cleaning services;
I try and set up appointments, only to have no response or answer (even when I follow up);
When I do somehow manage to get through to someone, the appointment is usually as generic as ‘Tuesday’ (which makes leaving the villa or starting any sort of project nearly impossible…mostly just me, but I hate being interrupted);
I need to get a new visa, but getting my insurance arranged has been a bit of a nightmare;
We need to close out on the old apartment, but have to wait until we receive bills from the power and water companies;
There is no wine in the house (Hubs hasn’t applied for Dubai liquor license);
I should be writing;
I should be editing;
I should be exercising;
I should be trying out new restaurants and writing about them;
I should be following up on leads for writing.
This too shall pass, right? Why don’t I remember the other moves as being so stressful?
February 6, 2016
Sunday Sentence.
Write it on your heart
that every day is the best day in the year.
He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day
who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety.
Finish every day and be done with it.
You have done what you could.
Some blunders and absurdities, no doubt crept in.
Forget them as soon as you can, tomorrow is a new day;
begin it well and serenely, with too high a spirit
to be cumbered with your old nonsense.
This new day is too dear,
with its hopes and invitations,
to waste a moment on the yesterdays.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson, Collected Poems and Translations
As I set forth into my new world (almost), I wanted to share something lofty and optimistic. Here goes nothing, friends!
February 4, 2016
Week by numbers.
The business of moving is knackering, is it not? A few for the week…
3, trips between Abu Dhabi and Dubai
1, hour the amount of time our cat spent yowling
2, the numbers of poos she did in her kitty carrier (this means she is healthy, but it was crazy smelly)
231, estimated number of towels and sheets we own (currently, on the floor of the second bedroom)
50, estimated number of glasses we own (taking up all pantry space)
3, times I missed exits trying to get somewhere close by…
1, detour I made to Dubai Mall
20, minutes I lost the car (with a full trolley of groceries)
2, number of times I cried (hoping this is a mixture of moving house, lack of sleep, and the whole quitting job emotion together)
1, new cat basket purchased
2, number of times the early call to prayer woke me up (I slept straight through it this morning)
1, review published with FooDiva
Gif of the week:
January 30, 2016
Sunday Sentence.
We are moving house today and I will most likely be offline for the next week or two. I looked for good quotes about moving but they were all far too motivational for a simple move up the road. Onwards Dubai!
