What is the definition of reality?
Let's google it...
Reality is the conjectured state of things as they actually exist, rather than as they may appear or might be imagined. In a wider definition, reality includes everything that is and has been, whether or not it is observable or comprehensible. A still broader definition includes everything that has existed, exists, or will exist.
The state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of them.
"he refuses to face reality"
Synonyms: the real world, real life, actuality
A thing that is actually experienced or seen, especially when this is unpleasant.
Twenty two years ago I packed up my children and our home to follow their dad to Dubai. It was a huge decision to make but at that time Maggie Thatcher was making it impossible for us to afford any quality of life. We were one interest rate increase from losing our home and were struggling financially. We didn't feel we had a choice when Paul was offered a job in Dubai.
At the time all my family and friends said that we were brave. There was nothing brave about it. We had a very sick child living in a climate that was doing her no favours. She was asthmatic with repetitive chest infections requiring hospitalisation on a regular basis. Even her consultant suggested moving to a warmer climate so when a job offer arose in Dubai it seemed heaven sent.
But moving away from my parents who were very supportive, and Paul's parents who also helped as much as they could, was a big thing to do. Leaving all my friends behind was also tough, we were a strong group and spent a lot of time together.
So we moved. Paul left a month before us leaving me to pack up the house and arrange for storage or cargo, while he found us a new home in dubai. Before I joined him though I had to know that there was suitable healthcare for my beautiful Bex and British schooling for Ben. Both of which were available in the sandpit; although my mum was convinced we were moving to a war zone because it was during the time of unrest in Kuwait and that there would be nothing even remotely civilised!!!
Twenty two years ago Dubai was very much a highway in the desert with most of the buildings being along the creek from the silk and spice route, and pearl diving from the past. It was only just really spreading out along the Sheik Zayed Road towards Jebel Ali.
I was lonely and homesick. My beautiful Bex actually became more sickly due to the humidity and dust, we kept a nebuliser in the house at all times and found a fantastic Australian GP who understood her completely; he was amazing. So again I found myself splitting myself between my amazing Ben and Bex. The fresh start in Dubai had solved a financial problem but not the health one for Rebekah. And throughout this I was alone. I missed my mum and dad so much. They had always been there for me helping out as much as possible; taking Ben to their house for holidays when Bex was poorly so he could be thoroughly spoilt and I could focus on looking after Rebekah. Now I was alone with no family support and a new group of friends who I couldn't rely upon, with a husband who was focusing on his new job.
I'm not going to give you our life history, this is a blog not an autobiography! So back to the title
'But it's not Reality'.
During my years in Dubai I've experienced many stressful times; a sick daughter, divorce, cancer, bereavement, financial hardship. Most of us will go through similar things in our life time no matter our financial position or where we live. Life is life and cannot be avoided.
And throughout all these years we have had many visitors. Family and friends love coming to stay with us, we spoil them thoroughly and show them the best of Dubai. Why wouldn't we, it's lovely to have them come and stay with us. No matter how long I live here, England is still my home and I miss my family and friends. So we go out for dinner, take them to the finest restaurants, afternoon tea at the Burj al Arab. We stay up late sitting by the pool, I take them to the Dubai Mall and show them the incredible sites in my adopted home. We basically holiday with them, and enjoy very moment.
But on occasion I've had people tell me that this isn't reality. That I'm not living in the real world and don't know what that's like; that I'll never live in the UK again because I live a fairy tale life in Dubai.
I disagree. I live in a beautiful villa, I have a husband who spoils me, I'm blessed with two incredible children. I really am lucky, but it hasn't happened without heartache and pain, without loneliness and fear. I've had my fair share of reality, it's just been in the sunshine.
So, this is my reality as your reality is yours. There's nothing wrong with that. And as always it's up to me to make the best of my very own real life. So I beg to differ, this is reality, it's just different reality.
Let's google it...
Reality is the conjectured state of things as they actually exist, rather than as they may appear or might be imagined. In a wider definition, reality includes everything that is and has been, whether or not it is observable or comprehensible. A still broader definition includes everything that has existed, exists, or will exist.
The state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of them.
"he refuses to face reality"
Synonyms: the real world, real life, actuality
A thing that is actually experienced or seen, especially when this is unpleasant.
Twenty two years ago I packed up my children and our home to follow their dad to Dubai. It was a huge decision to make but at that time Maggie Thatcher was making it impossible for us to afford any quality of life. We were one interest rate increase from losing our home and were struggling financially. We didn't feel we had a choice when Paul was offered a job in Dubai.
At the time all my family and friends said that we were brave. There was nothing brave about it. We had a very sick child living in a climate that was doing her no favours. She was asthmatic with repetitive chest infections requiring hospitalisation on a regular basis. Even her consultant suggested moving to a warmer climate so when a job offer arose in Dubai it seemed heaven sent.
But moving away from my parents who were very supportive, and Paul's parents who also helped as much as they could, was a big thing to do. Leaving all my friends behind was also tough, we were a strong group and spent a lot of time together.
So we moved. Paul left a month before us leaving me to pack up the house and arrange for storage or cargo, while he found us a new home in dubai. Before I joined him though I had to know that there was suitable healthcare for my beautiful Bex and British schooling for Ben. Both of which were available in the sandpit; although my mum was convinced we were moving to a war zone because it was during the time of unrest in Kuwait and that there would be nothing even remotely civilised!!!
Twenty two years ago Dubai was very much a highway in the desert with most of the buildings being along the creek from the silk and spice route, and pearl diving from the past. It was only just really spreading out along the Sheik Zayed Road towards Jebel Ali.
I was lonely and homesick. My beautiful Bex actually became more sickly due to the humidity and dust, we kept a nebuliser in the house at all times and found a fantastic Australian GP who understood her completely; he was amazing. So again I found myself splitting myself between my amazing Ben and Bex. The fresh start in Dubai had solved a financial problem but not the health one for Rebekah. And throughout this I was alone. I missed my mum and dad so much. They had always been there for me helping out as much as possible; taking Ben to their house for holidays when Bex was poorly so he could be thoroughly spoilt and I could focus on looking after Rebekah. Now I was alone with no family support and a new group of friends who I couldn't rely upon, with a husband who was focusing on his new job.
I'm not going to give you our life history, this is a blog not an autobiography! So back to the title
'But it's not Reality'.
During my years in Dubai I've experienced many stressful times; a sick daughter, divorce, cancer, bereavement, financial hardship. Most of us will go through similar things in our life time no matter our financial position or where we live. Life is life and cannot be avoided.
And throughout all these years we have had many visitors. Family and friends love coming to stay with us, we spoil them thoroughly and show them the best of Dubai. Why wouldn't we, it's lovely to have them come and stay with us. No matter how long I live here, England is still my home and I miss my family and friends. So we go out for dinner, take them to the finest restaurants, afternoon tea at the Burj al Arab. We stay up late sitting by the pool, I take them to the Dubai Mall and show them the incredible sites in my adopted home. We basically holiday with them, and enjoy very moment.
But on occasion I've had people tell me that this isn't reality. That I'm not living in the real world and don't know what that's like; that I'll never live in the UK again because I live a fairy tale life in Dubai.
I disagree. I live in a beautiful villa, I have a husband who spoils me, I'm blessed with two incredible children. I really am lucky, but it hasn't happened without heartache and pain, without loneliness and fear. I've had my fair share of reality, it's just been in the sunshine.
So, this is my reality as your reality is yours. There's nothing wrong with that. And as always it's up to me to make the best of my very own real life. So I beg to differ, this is reality, it's just different reality.