Tempo : Tell us a bit about yourself.
Kera : I’m originally from a small farming community but living in Utah, USA before moving to the UAE. I blog about my experiences in www.runningmommy04.blogspot.com and I write about life, love, and being a mom on the run. My husband, two boys and I currently live in abu dhabi, UAE. I love running, my family, my faith, and being surrounded by pretty things. I love meeting new people so please feel free to drop me a line!
T : How was it moving to Abu Dhabi from Utah?
K : I vividly remember the physical pains of moving to the UAE. Getting off the plane with two small children and all our worldly possessions, while trying to emotionally ‘keep it together’ was no small feat. I entered a different world. As an African-American living in Utah, USA, I knew what it felt like to be a minority. My perspective, however, changed a bit that night at the airport.
T : How were your initial days in Abu Dhabi?
K : Abu Dhabi is my first taste of the world outside America. We didn’t have a car upon arriving here- only my trusty jogging stroller. We walked everywhere. I remember my feet and back aching. But I felt alive, quickly becoming in tune with this city so far from home.
Men in kanduras, women in abayas. The smells of the Lebanese grill, the heavenly aromas of curries and spices from India. The radiating heat. Knowing nothing of it before, I was beginning to fall in love.
And fall I have- and as we prepare to return to the states on holiday, I reflect on what I’ve learned from this great city.
T : How did you meet your husband?
K : I’m originally from Chicago, and I moved to Utah when I was 18 for a fresh start. I met McSean at a college party, and we were engaged 10 days later. It was a whirlwind romance, and I’m so lucky to have found someone so perfect for me! We lived happily in Utah and started a family, and then moved to Abu Dhabi after receiving an exciting offer from his current employer.
T : How long has it been in Abu Dhabi?
K : We have been here as a family since last September and are under contract for three years.
T : What do usually write in your blogs?
K : Running Mommy is a lifestyle blog which means I can write about whatever I want! I tend to usually focus on motherhood, interior design, running & fitness, and my own personal musings.
T : Why the name ‘running mommy’?
K : I quickly came up with the name without giving it much thought two years ago, but I really feel it suits me well. I obviously enjoy running, but I sometimes feel like I’m running through life, so it’s unexpectedly clever.
T : Since you love running, do you get to exercise your love for running here?
K : Nearly every day, I get to fulfill my passion for running. We live near to the Corniche, and in the mornings, I take my boys in the jogger for an hour long run along that beautiful path that showcases Abu Dhabi’s beautiful ocean and skyline views.
T : Living by the Corniche must be quite inspiring, isn’t it?
K : I’ve seen a lot on my runs. I’ve met some of my very best friends on its blue bricks. As a writer, it’s on those runs where I’ve received inspiration for a story. It’s also a time to reflect on my role as a mother. I think I’ve stretched and grown in those roles and more; friend, writer, wife, and mother. I owe that to this place.
My experience abroad has shown me that people are not so different as I once thought. Most people want to work hard, cultivate families and friendships, eat good food, and feel safe. And I thank Abu Dhabi for giving me those treasures and so much more.
T : Tell us about your designs and what inspires you?
K : I went to college to study interior design, as it has always been a passion of mine. I worked on a large commercial project and as it completed, I found out I was expecting my first child. After Owen was born, I started a small graphic design company that specialized in birth announcements and small business entity packages. I also worked for awhile as head designer for a real estate developer. I gained a lot of experience, but with marathon training, modeling on the side, and mommy duties, I was getting overwhelmed! I finally made the decision to find opportunities where I could work mostly from home. I’ve always loved to write, so I’ve found ways to incorporate my two interests, by working as a freelance writer. Currently, I’m a design blogger for the popular American mag, Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine. I am always looking for ways to contribute in the design field.
Simply put, I am inspired by bright, clean, well designed spaces, be it in a home or on the page. l I have reflected those ideals in our own home here in Abu Dhabi, and on my blog.
T: The thing you miss most about home.
K: I miss my family, and the mountains.
T : The thing you love most about Abu Dhabi.
K : I love the amazing variety of foods, and learning about Middle Eastern culture.
T : The preconception you had that changed when I got here.
K : I thought that everyone from the Middle East disliked Americans. I have found that to be absolutely not true. People here have been very kind to us.
T : The most surprising thing you found out about Abu Dhabi
K : I was really surprised to learn that nearly everyone has a nanny here!
T : What scares you the most…..
K : The heat!!
T : What excites you the most…..
K : I’m really excited for all the travel that my family and I will do during our time here.
T : Has your perception in life changed? How?….
K : I’ve realized that you can live in the most exotic place in the world and and still be “bored”. You have to challenge yourself to get outside of your comfort zone, to meet new people, and try new things. I’ve also realized how incredibly small I am.
