Having only my part-time salary to survive on in a city like Dubai was tough. At that time, David, my husband, would spend his days sitting in coffee shops applying for jobs on his laptop or training for his next triathlon. Meanwhile, we were homeless. We stayed wherever we could; we would dog sit and house sit for friends or sleep on a mattress on the floor when we had to. I could also no longer afford the antidepressant that I had been on for years by that point.
What’s been happening recently? Dubai is back to work. Only half way through August and Summer is over. Certainly not the heat though; it is still 39 degrees at 6pm. Eid has ended. I have a few jobs booked this month which excites me, keep them coming Universe! I have created a room to start […]
It was my idea. In late April, I came back from the Old Mutual Two Oceans Ultra-Marathon (OMTOM) in Cape Town on a high, and with a new endorphin-fueled thought. It seemed logical having completed the 56km hilly road run in South Africa with a little in the tank, to progress within Ultra Running and race further. It was too late to enter the Comrades ultra (also in South Africa and 87km). But I needed to go longer.
This week has been filled with trepidation. Every spare thought I have is about the ‘Race to the Stones’. This coming Saturday 13th July I will be attempting to run 100kms with both my husband and son. My last Ultra was 56kms, it wasn’t a breeze but I was well trained and I enjoyed it. The humidity has been high and the temperatures uncomfortable so run quality has suffered and I am not as well trained. David (husband) has had some injuries and I feel his worry. We are not sharing the bad vibes too much.
Taped to the wall by the basin in my bathroom is a list that I put out to the Universe of all the things I desire. It says ‘Visit Max and Mum in the UK at least twice a year and I have already been back three times in five months!, More frequent visits to London remind me how much I like England. I love walking and I love the shopping and convenience. Is this a reaction to spending so much time in the modern metropolis of Dubai, where excess is normal and we drive everywhere? The byproduct of my renewed love of the old country is that, sadly, I’m no longer sure that I am ready to banish myself from the countryside of Ontario. Can you imagine my husband’s reaction? Twelve years of dreaming of the same goal and I think I must move the goalposts. We will work this out.
Last year, at 54 years old, I started a new career as a model and speaker. I love to encourage all women to be the best possible version of themselves. This is my time to shine, to put myself first. This is the best time of my life. I have never felt so in control and I have never known myself better. My skin needs a little more attention now. Sleep is the foundation but moisturizing is key. I have used generic skincare brands for most of my life, but recently after a red-eye flight from London my skin was badly dehydrated and I looked tired. I tried Estée Lauder Resilience Multi-Effect for my face, neck and décolletage and was immediately impressed by the instant effects. I’ve now also adopted the specific Resilience eye cream. My skin and eyes love it! I feel spoilt, refreshed and my skin looks radiant.
