November 2014

Here is a short update for November. The weather definitely started to cool off and we have enjoyed some nice patio time on the weekend. Jason even bought a grill and enjoyed cooking on our balcony.
The Formula One Race was in Abu Dhabi at the end of the month, which brought a lot of events and fun to the city. We watched for weeks as tents and such were set up on the beach outside our building. Although we didn't make it to the actual race at the Yas Marina Circuit (we will definitely get tickets early next year), we did take advantage of the Beats on the Beach concert series that took place right on the Corniche. Due to crazy traffic along this main road, we walked about 2 miles down the beach to the concert area on Friday, the 21st to see Jason Derulo perform. There were several opening acts, therefore he didn't come on until about 12:30am! It was a great concert, although there were tons of crazy teenagers down there since it was a free concert on a Friday night. But I was proud of my Jason for staying up late with me and having patience with all the kiddos to enjoy a great performance by Jason Derulo. The dancing was amazing, and I have to admit most of the reason I wanted to see him perform so bad. After about 5 hours of walking and standing on my feet, my entire body was sore that night and the next morning. It was great exercise and I was proud of my 33 week pregnant body for holding up through it all!

I decided to try cooking Thanksgiving dinner for the first time ever in my life. Although it was just J and I, I thought I would try a little bit of everything. I went to the grocery store that day to see what was left in stores and then spent 4 hours on my feet cooking that afternoon (another accomplishment for my very pregnant body). I had no desire to so a full turkey for just the 2 of us, so ended up finding a boneless turkey breast and cooked that in the crockpot. I then found a recipe for cornbread dressing that was similar to my mom's and it actually turned our really good!  I also did mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, creamed corn, candied yams, gravy, a can of cranberry sauce and a pecan pie. It was very yummy but super exhausting to do all the cooking and cleaning myself. Best of all, we were able to have dinner and then watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade and football afterwards, so it felt like the holidays even though we were so far from family. On Friday, I had bought a Groupon for a "thanksgiving brunch" at a hotel near us as a back up in case I didn't feel like cooking dinner for J. It was pretty much a normal UAE brunch setup but they did have a turkey and pumpkin pie, so it was nice to have a good afternoon meal while experiencing the brunch atmosphere.

random picture of a helicopter carrying a palm tree outside our window!

Jason and I arriving at the concert madness

Miguel performed first

We got up pretty close to the stage for trying to stay out of the crowd

Jason Derulo

more of Mr. Derulo



action shot to show all the buildings lit up around the stage area



random picture of a man sleeping on the grass in the median of a busy street. the workers here literally will nap anywhere there is grass and shade!

my thanksgiving spread, minus the pie



in the Sofitel hotel lobby at the Friday brunch

Last random picture, but the new Yas Mall opened and it was entertaining to see the SE Asian staff do a line dance to Boot Scootin' Boogie at the Texas Roadhouse!!