Banks, Bosses & great old Buds.

Today, has been one hell of a day. And it’s not yet 3pm.

Where to start?

We didn’t receive the salary checks last night, and with my rent check due out this morning, I ended up borrowing the money from one of the many angels I know. Unfortunately, by the time I reached Dubai, the banks were closed and since I bank with Emirates Bank there’s no chance you can trust deposit machines to show the money in your account when it’s needed. They’ve proven that time and time again.
I decided to go to the teller this morning on my way to work. Only, when I got there I learned that the systems were down and deposits will not be shown in the account until the systems were back up. Emirates Bank System seems to go down no less than once a month, and always when you need it the most; holidays, etc. I asked whether the check I issued could be processed despite this, and was told that it most probably would. So, then, what’s the solution?

Just wait and see. If the check bounces, I get a wonderful 200Dhs fine because of it. If I have any luck and there’s any logic to their systems, the check shouldn’t be able to go through until the systems are up and the money shows in my account. Why I should be fined for their systems not working; I’m not sure. But it’s just about as logical as in dealing with anything supposedly professional in this country.

I drove the whole way here from Dubai with some guy pretty much on my tail at 200km/h. He wasn’t trying to push me away, and even smiled and waved at me as we reached those speed bumps about half-way here. That was interesting, cause usually guys driving as fast as me along the highway, tell me to slow down, when the get the chance, and not just smile and wave at me. I love the way men here honestly feel its their duty to protect all women from danger; even though they don’t mind putting themselves in the same situation.

When I reached the office I found the Internet cut; good old Etisalat, never willing to explain their fees always willing to cut you off without warning. We just had it installed a month or so ago and found a HUGE unexplained fee on the first bill; thus the delay in payment, we were trying to figure out what it was for. We enquired about the fees prior to installation and were told nothing other than the monthly fee. Sounded too good to be true, but hell, maybe it was their way of making up for the inflated monthly internet rates they’ll charge us for so long as we’ve got the account? Nope, the guy was wrong. There was a fee; for the modem & installation.

Upon sorting that out, I found an email I’ve been hoping for. One of my greatest friends from high-school, that I tried to find a few weeks back finally found one of the emails I sent in hopes or reaching him. I loved the guy then, love him now, and always will admire the person he is. And I’m so damn proud of what he’s made with his life over the last few years; I think despite the fact that the salary checks came (only in partial amounts) today, and the fact that I may get fined for a bounced check I tried so desperately to avoid, the fact that my head feels like it’s three sizes too big and heavy for my shoulders, I’ll smile for the rest of the day knowing he’s doing just fine.

Got a message last night from the ex fiancé. Said he was worried. I’m so proud of myself for replying (to relieve any possible real worry), but doing it in a way that wouldn’t invite further conversation; thus keeping my distance.