Archive for June, 2011

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True Kitty Companions

June 23, 2011

Posted by Kanga.

white cat and tabby napping together

It’s been a while since our cats have graced our blog. We must be slipping as devoted cat people, or is that doting cat people?

Oliver is, and always will be, high maintenance, but we are lucky that they both seem to adapt well to our occasional absences. Once we return, it only takes 15-20 minutes before they relax and get back to their ol’ selves. The purring and head butting begins again. There are some lasting repercussions. Bert tends to seek more petting and lap time, as well as being more vocal. Oliver tends to yell at us for a few days a bit louder than normal. Eventually, these wear off.

However, this time, they only have a short window before the next upheaval. We will be moving next week. Hopefully, it will be a straight across move from one apartment to another in a one day shot. I suspect that once they have smelled and explored every corner, they will settle in.

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Economy of Words

June 22, 2011

Posted by Kanga.

caution sign stating "labour at work"

This is just a little redundant, don’t you think? Labour laboring.

tenants are requested to park their vehicle in the slot that has been numbered according to their apartments, thank you management

It is not uncommon in “English as a second language land” to see signs that are anything but terse. This sign could use a good editor with a red pencil.

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Everyone Will Thank You

June 22, 2011

Posted by Kanga.

swimming pool rules including "no peeing in the pool"

Always follow number 4. Everyone will thank you.

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My Blue Heaven

June 21, 2011

Posted by Kanga.

high school library

Here it is, my new job. We were in town to apartment hunt and stopped by to see my future library for the second time. I took the time to scan the shelves. There is a lot of empty space and a lot of work to be done. I can hardly wait to get started.

view of green lawn and mountains in background

This is the view from the library windows. A definite job perk.

covered parking labeled "librarian"

And, the best job perk, a labeled, covered parking space.

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Didn’t Expect to See That Here

June 21, 2011

Posted by Kanga.

Christian fish symbol on the back of a car

We were a little surprised to see this yesterday morning. Car decals and decorations usually consist of patriotic symbols (flag, images of rulers) or writing in Arabic of which I could only speculate at the content or cartoon characters. I have yet to see an actual bumper sticker. They may be illegal or just non-existent in this culture.

I’m not sure if this symbol would be widely recognized. I suspect only Christians would recognize it. UAE readers, what do you think?

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One Last Look

June 17, 2011

Posted by Kanga.

One last post of pictures of Fayetteville, North Carolina.

kangaroo gasoline station sign

Of course, I couldn’t leave without a picture of a Kangaroo gasoline (petrol) station. As for the price, $3.609 per gallon (13.25 AED); 1 gallon = 3.785 liters.

sign for Dirty South Custom Sound and Wheels

I’ll let this one speak for itself. There were a couple of lingerie shops nearby, so this could have gone a whole different direction.

business sign for Chop Shop Tattoo

We’ve seen a lot of tattoos while here. Usually, on the forearm.

Crime watch sign with Sherlock Holmes sillouette

It appears that Sherlock Holmes has been a bad boy and now there’s a price on his head.

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Miss Karla has Left the Building

June 16, 2011

Posted by Kanga.

an empty desk

Yes, last day at former job completed. My desk has never been so clean. I’m a little sad to leave the people behind, but am very excited about the challenges and opportunities coming in the new job.

Now, packing in preparation for moving gets stepped up a notch.

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Wrap it in Bacon!

June 12, 2011

Posted by Kanga.

shrimp wrapped in bacon

This may be the most decadent meal I’ve had. Shrimp wrapped in bacon covered in cheese sauce. T*A*S*T*Y!

And, for Rupert’s information, it was $12.00 (for 12 shrimp).

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21 Gump Street

June 12, 2011

Posted by Kanga.

Apparently, someone ran out of ideas when it came to naming streets.

street sign for Attorney Drive

street sign for housemover drive

street sign for Forest Gump Drive

street sign for Hunters Run

Should the hunter be running? Toward or away from his prey?

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Now, This is a Hamburger!

June 11, 2011

Posted by Kanga.

plate of fries and a burger

After the graduation ceremony, we headed to the Carolina Alehouse for the best burgers in the world and to watch the Dallas Mavericks defeat the Miami Heat.

hamburger cut in half

Lettuce, tomato, pickle, fried onions, bacon and cheese on the most savory ground beef. Now that’s a burger!