Serendipity

Resurrection

2009-09-29T00:22:00.003+03:00

Been contemplating for a while whether I should write again or not. Still haven't decided, but I figured I'd at least give you an update.

I'm moving to Dubai ! The past year has been turbulent, but I'm looking forward to this new adventure. I move in less than 2 weeks. As excited as I am about it, as much as I'll miss my family and friends. At least I'm close enough for regular visits.

So, if any of you actually enjoy packing, I beg you to come help me! Otherwise, I'll leave you with these two links. You have to watch them in order.. warning though, they do contain some 'explicit' language. Enjoy:

Link 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poOfsDVq9KE

Link 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md4u8Zlfw4Q

I Heart Facebook

2008-12-15T13:30:00.002+03:00

** Blog has moved to http://www.msb73.com/ **

There are many people who hate Facebook and hate the fact that it just contains way too much information about your life, friends, affiliations, etc.

I, however, have grown to love it. I've been able to locate many people with whom I'd lost touch with over the years.. People I went to high school with and had no clue where life had taken them.

Yesterday, was the icing on the cake. My best friend from 3rd/4th grade tracked me down! Upon adding her, I found another friend from that time period whom I hadn't heard from since 1984!!!

Thank you Facebook.

Super Virus!

2008-12-14T17:23:00.001+03:00

I used to take pride in the fact that I rarely used to get sick. My best streak was 3 years without getting ill.

This year is payback it seems! I've been sick 3 times already and I feel the 4th coming on. I'm taking meds and vitamins to try to fight off the bug before it totally takes over my system. Fingers crossed that I win.

Anyone else experiencing anything similar?

Hairy Matter

2008-12-13T03:05:00.001+03:00

** blog has moved to http://www.msb73.com/ **

So when did big spiky hair become fashion for boys? (I say boys because I just cannot associate a 'man' with hair like that!)

Regular spiky hair is fine, but have you gone to the mall recently? It's like they're competing against each other on who can get the higher standing, gel drenched, non-manly hair style possible!

Step away from that gel! Please.

Matter of Trust

2008-12-11T03:04:00.001+03:00

Some couples share their passwords as a sign of trust. I know of girls who actually log on to their significant others' accounts (email, messenger, etc) and actually chat with people on their list without disclosing that it's her not him on the account - on a regular basis!

Here's a bit of advice: if you need to reach to those lengths to make sure he's not cheating on you, he should dump you faster than he can blink! There's nothing healthy about a relationship like that.

Another Year Bites the Dust!

2008-12-04T09:02:00.002+03:00

**Blog has moved to http://www.msb73.com/ **

As each year approaches its end, I find myself bewildered at how fast time had flown. It surely can't be another year's end? I then recall what I had thought I'd accomplish during the year. Without fail, reality always falls short of my expectations.

This coming year, 2009, I will expect nothing. Surely, without expectations, one "shouldn't" get disappointed.. right? (Dammit! Expecting nothing is still an expectation?! Uff.. back to the drawing board!)

Enjoy what's left of 2008! It's not over till it's over.

One Day

2008-11-23T13:28:00.001+03:00

** Blog has moved to http://www.msb73.com/ **

One Day, I will go to the gym..
One Day, I will change my look..
One Day, I will clean my room..
One Day, I will visit all those countries on my 'to visit' list..
One Day, I will learn all those languages on my 'to learn' list..
One Day, the World will be a better place..
One Day, the stupid stock market will be green again..
One Day, that One Day will come!!

Annoying Sounds!

2008-11-17T09:44:00.001+03:00

I was in the middle of a conversation when this noise in the background started to distract me. It was incessant and started to really get on my nerves. As I turned towards the source, I realized... it was my alarm clock waking me up from a dream!

Redirect!

2008-11-11T11:33:00.002+03:00

** Blog has moved to http://www.msb73.com/ **

So you think the World owes you something.. and you somehow think that you've done nothing to deserve what has happened to you. You feel like you're the victim and people just don't truly appreciate you for who you are and what you stand for.

Stop complaining!

If you feel you've gotten the short end of the stick, go and get a bigger stick. If you feel like he/she isn't treating you right, then either fix it or walk away. If you feel confused because you aren't sure where you stand, ask.

Yes, it's always easier said than done, but 'doing' isn't impossible. It just takes determination. So next time you start feeling sorry for yourself, use that energy to do rather than feel.

Iron Man

2008-05-10T01:38:00.001+03:00

I wasn't sure what to expect with this movie, but I loved it. Robert Downey Jr was terrific! Not so sure about Gweneth Paltrow though.

Can't wait for the second part! Hope they maintain a similar standard.

How Much?

2008-05-06T13:09:00.001+03:00

We all have a certain number of nerves and some people manage to work your last one. My question is, how much is too much? How much can you tolerate - whether it be a person, a job, a situation you're dealing with? And has your tolerance level changed over the years?

Personally, I used to put up with so much. No clue how I did it. Eventually, I guess I realized how rare a commodity time is. Hence, my tolerance took a steep drop. Yet, I wonder sometimes, has it gone too far? How do you know when your tolerance level is too low and impractical?

Goggles!

2008-05-03T14:16:00.002+03:00

Throughout life, we meet many different types of people. Some who leave absolutely no mark, some who entertain us for a while, and some who leave ever lasting impressions. Regardless of the circumstances, it is important to meet all those different types as they help mold your outlook towards life and make you appreciate the good people in your life even more.

Thing is, there are many times where we let our emotions and fears override everything else. Don't get me wrong, I'm an advocate of emotion. Without it, not much differentiates us from a rock on the street. Yet, we need to develop over time some sensor that enables us to control that emotion enough so that it doesn't rule our life. Why? Because emotions have a way of blinding our vision and making us take decisions that we may regret later on when the emotions have cooled off or subsided.

That said, it's always easier said than done. It just takes time and experience to eventually teach us the hard way. For me, sometimes it's a matter of weighing things out and some people are just not worth losing over emotions that we can't control.

Are You in Denial?

2008-04-20T15:39:00.001+03:00

A few weeks ago I bumped into an old schoolmate I hadn't seen in ages. Stopped to say hello and how long it's been when she told me, "I know all about you!!" That caught me off guard.

Her: "You have a blog, don't you?"
Me: "No!"

I have no idea why I said no! It was an automatic and instant response.

She then explained how she came to that conclusion, all of which made perfect sense! But by then, I felt stupid. I couldn't go back and say, "Yeah, it's me. I lied." I had to continue denying it, all the while thinking "why?!" It's not like I write about anything personal or about anything I would mind others knowing about.

So, this goes out to you, if you're reading. Yes, it's me! And yes, everything you said and your conclusions were right on! :)

Missed Me?

2008-04-07T04:01:00.000+03:00

Don't ask where I've been for the past two months.. cuz I wouldn't know where to begin to be honest. Am I back again? Probably not. Just wanted to pop by to say hi and that I'll try my best to start writing again. No promises though :)

I'm currently in Kuwait & enjoying my time catching up with some friends. To those girls I've seen, it's been WONDERFUL seeing you! You're simply amazing.

A "GIANT" Victory

2008-02-04T10:57:00.000+03:00

One Day

2008-01-28T22:43:00.001+03:00

I got this forward from a friend today.. I thought it was hilarious.. so here goes:

----------------------------
One day, long, long ago,
there was this woman who surprisingly,
did not whine, nag, or bitch....

But this was a long time ago.....
and it was just that ONE day.

The End..

Heath Ledger!

2008-01-23T08:50:00.000+03:00

28 year old actor, Heath Ledger, was found dead in his New York apartment yesterday afternoon. There has been no determination of the cause of his death, however, perscription and sleeping pills were found on the scene.

It's nothing new for young actors/actresses to be found dead, but this one totally surprised me!

The Battle!

2008-01-21T08:50:00.000+03:00

It's that time of year again: SUPERBOWL!

My Indianapolis Colts unfortunately didn't make it to the AFC Championship Title Game. Peyton Manning once again choked against the Chargers! But, the Manning household still has something to celebrate. While Peyton brought home the trophy last year, it's his younger brother Eli who's heading to the Superbowl this year!

Eli Manning's NY Giants upset the Green Bay Packers last night, winning the NFC Title and earning their ticket to the Bowl. While I normally root for the AFC team, this year is different.

Brady just seems to have it all. He's won 3 Superbowls, 2 Superbowl MVP awards, broke several records, AND has had a perfect season so far! To top it off, he used to date Bridget Moynahan and is with Gisele now! Come on, no guy should have that much luck!

GO GIANTS!

Serenity

2008-01-19T05:40:00.000+03:00

It's amazing how one person can make such a big difference in your life. You wake up one day to find that all the pieces somehow fit together. Suddenly, it doesn't matter what life has to offer because you have something that no one can take away from you.

Thank you for being all that you are.

Old is Gold

2008-01-15T09:45:00.000+03:00

There's a negative stigma surrounding age and I honestly think it's overrated. I can understand in the past that age was a taboo because the style of life was very different. These days though, age is no longer an obstacle to anything (except some biological restrictions)!

So, I am here today to celebrate age and the finer things that come along with it. I won't speak on behalf of men, so from a woman's point of view:

* Less Tolerant: While that may seem like a negative thing, it's not. It's a blessing in disguise. No tolerance for stupidity, fake-ness, or pointless anything. Let's get down to business people.

* More Stable: We don't need anyone to reassure us of what we mean to them and how great we are. We are secure; we know our true worth and are comfortable with our flaws.

* Sense of Direction: We know where we are in life, what we want, and most importantly, what we don't want! We may not always know how to get there, but at least we have a direction in mind.

* Independent: We don't 'need' to be given things. We know how to get them ourselves. Of course, that said, it is still always nice to get stuff, so don't assume that we'll say no.

* No-Whining: We don't need to whine. We'll tell you how it is, straight up. We have no issues about being honest. It's up to you to decide what you want to do or not do about it.

The list goes on, but it's cold and this is as far as my brain can go at this point in time.

Hibernation

2008-01-14T08:55:00.000+03:00

I don't mind winter but my body just doesn't react well to it! I become so lazy and lethargic it's not even funny. To top things off, even though my eating habits haven't changed, I somehow automatically gain weight during the cold season!

I think I need to go into hibernation for a while. Check on me every now and then.

Hello 2008

2008-01-02T11:27:00.000+03:00

I had decided not to write a new year post. Then I went back to read what I'd written last year. It's interesting to travel back in time and see through your own words what emotional state you were in!

Since I had talked about recycling in that post, I will re-use a few things that I had said back then, as they still apply today:

"May you be blessed with the wisdom that life is not about eternity. It’s about those moments that make it all worth while.

Everything will one day come to an end. May we all be prepared for that."

Calling All Women!

2007-12-28T22:56:00.000+03:00

A couple weeks ago I wrote a post asking men about traits they would desire/dislike in a wife. I think it's only fair now to return the favor and ask women this time.

What are the top 3 characteristics you would want in a husband and what's the one trait that would make you run in the opposite direction?

True Support

2007-12-25T10:45:00.000+03:00

There are times when people we love hit a rough patch. As a result, their behavior totally changes. Our initial reaction, our impulse, tells us to get upset.. not to accept the change or the way they distance themselves, lie, or even deceive us. "But why didn't (s)he come to me? Why did (s)he not tell me?"

When someone you love is going through a difficult time, it's important to check your emotions at the door in order to help them. It doesn't matter how what's happening makes you feel. You're not the one dealing with this situation. What matters, is that the person you care about is in trouble. Focus on them, their problem, and how you can help them out.. even if it means leaving them alone to sort things out.

When you want to support someone, you should do it wholeheartedly.. or not at all.

Happy Eid

2007-12-19T02:04:00.000+03:00

Reminder

2007-12-18T01:49:00.000+03:00

اللي نساك إنساه .. واللي هواك إهواه
واللي قدر فرقاك .. تقدر على فرقاه
حال الهوى أحوال .. كل يوم يجيك بحال
و لو الصبر بك طال .. بكره الفرح تلقاه
لا تشتكي وتلوم .. عمر الحزن ما يدوم
والعمر فيه كم يوم .. حتى نعيشه اب آه

The Good Life

2007-12-17T00:44:00.000+03:00

My holiday started today (National Day + Eid). I'm off till December 24th.

Slept at 3:30 am, woke up around 10:30.. back to sleep at 11:30 till 12:45.. had lunch.. watched a movie.. back to sleep around 2:45 pm till 6:45.. watched some soccer games.. had dinner.. and now am watching NFL.

Life is good!

Calling All Men!

2007-12-11T23:56:00.000+03:00

So here's a question for all you men out there.. and please think this through before you respond.

* If you were to choose the most important trait that you would want in a wife, something that MUST be there.. what would it be? (No more than 3 things please.. so pick your top 3).

* Also, what's the one thing that you do NOT want in your wife? The one thing that would be the deal breaker for you? (Only one thing please.)

Putz

2007-12-09T08:17:00.000+03:00

I think it's finally time to write a post, totally dedicated to you! Here's to a 15 year friendship and to the highlights during that time period:

* Thinking I was a 'rich Arab wench!' :@
* Yelling at me every time I used a 'bad word'
* Rushing to my rescue with Sudafed! :)
* Correcting my English, even though it was proper British English
* Me correcting your spelling!
* Scooter.. bad hand/eye/brain coordination.. corn field! Nuff said!
* Saving me and my car during the snow
* Breaking your roommate's bed by BOUNCING on it!
* frosted cookies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! yum
* Thinking I don't know that you've been reading my blog! :) (Thank you SBC)
* Purdue/Michigan State game, 50 yard line, freezing cold, Purdue down by 11 with 2 mins left, yet coming back to win it
* "I'm a Basketball God!!" "White men can't jump!!"
* Diving in the dumpster, head first, to save my magazines (which you threw in there to begin with!)
* Green Jello and Chocolate Milk!
* "I'll graduate first" "Yeah but I'll make more money than you!"
* "Send $$"
* Basement.. Pin Ball Machine.. Drum set.. Huge Screen TV!
* The best Christmas and Birthday presents I've ever gotten
* Friday nights sitting under the stairs in the dorms, waiting for the drunks to come "rolling" in
* Breaking the news to me in Mar/Apr 1999, thinking I'd be disappointed. Whereas the truth is, I'm very proud of you for making the toughest decision in your life. You owned up to it, regardless of the consequences!
* A freakishly loud camera during your wedding!
* CALCULUS!

The list goes on and on. I can never do 15 years justice in one post. One thing I do know is, family isn't just those who share our DNA. Although we don't communicate that often, I am thankful for having you in my life. You've been a great brother.

Camping

2007-12-07T23:26:00.000+03:00

Every year, the family goes on a camping trip.. I have a crazy family, so it's great to go out and spend time with them. The adults usually act more childish than the kids! We had a blast. My cousin went nuts with a Hummer and almost flipped us over, but what's camping with no adventure and risk?!

Happy Camping Season!

Marzouq: you asked for a steak, so here you go.. although, it won't appeal to you cuz it's well done! :P

For You

2007-12-06T01:54:00.000+03:00

Some hot chocolate with mini-marshmallows! Enjoy..

Sleep Sleep Sleep

2007-12-04T11:38:00.000+03:00

First thought that crosses my mind when I wake up in the morning is "When will I sleep again?!" I sit there and count how long before it's bed time again! As the weather starts getting colder, this is just gonna get worse!

** Please note that this blog has moved to http://msb73.com/

Here We Are Again

2007-12-03T09:55:00.000+03:00

Here we are again, at the end of the year.. and as always, it's reflection time. I remember last year this time when I adamantly said to my friends that 2007 will hold a lot of changes for me and will be a good year.

Overall, it definitely was. A lot has happened that I can look back positively on. As for 'bad' things, there are only two main events that I can think of. One was something 'normal' that I'd encountered before. The second was a major blow to me and my system. Luckily, that passed and things got sorted out a few months later.

Things I knew and relearned this year: Life goes on.. no matter what happens. How we react to things is what makes the difference in our life and the lives of those around us. It's also best to clarify matters and ask questions, rather than make assumptions - no matter how 'clear cut' the situation seems. Oh, and that there are a lot of psychos out there! :)

My advice: don't be negative! The more positive we are, the higher the likelihood of us seeing the opportunities that lay in front of our eyes!

May 2008 be a great one for all!

Axis of Evil - Dubai (Part III)

2007-12-01T23:46:00.000+03:00

They ROCKED! I had a blast.. more details later..

Leaving.. on a Jet Plane..

2007-11-27T14:36:00.000+03:00

Adios amigos! I'm leaving tomorrow morning bthn Allah and should be back late Saturday night. Will try to take pics. Have fun. Be good!

Axis of Evil - Dubai (Part II)

2007-11-26T09:26:00.000+03:00

I am so disappointed! I can't believe how impossible Showtime Arabia and the Organizers have made it for people outside of Dubai to get tickets to the Axis of Evil Comedy Tour.

As explained in my previous post, tickets sold out on the first night. After many calls and inquiries, we were told that more shows will be added. Great.

So I sit and monitor their site (must've hit refresh a billion times!) and they finally announced that tickets will go on sale Monday 26/11 at 10 am in the MOE. I called and the lady told me that they're not placing the tickets on sale online. I have to get someone to personally go get the tickets and it's 2 tickets maximum per person!

After chasing down everyone I know in Dubai, one of my friends said she'll find a way to get the tickets today. Just got a call from her now saying that tickets are ONLY on sale for those who were wait-listed and who'd gotten an sms from Showtime. Whatever is left, will then go on sale tomorrow for the general public.

Seriously?! Why didn't anyone say there's a waiting list and why advertise it if it only concerns those who got the sms? I'm so annoyed by this, I've totally lost interest in going to see the show.

Once Upon a Long Ago..

2007-11-25T08:36:00.000+03:00

Once upon a time, men and women got married and stayed together forever, through thick and thin. Nowadays, marriage has become nothing more than legalized dating in the sense that it's no longer permanent.. it's just a piece of paper, easily torn apart and easily replaced.

With the many changes to the way we live our lives today, 'ever after' has been replaced with 'for now'.

Call me a cynic if you will, but I don't believe in 'I love you so much, I would die without you!" You won't die without them and with time, you'll get over it. What I do believe in is mutual respect and decency. That will carry you a lot further than love ever will.

Unbelievable!

2007-11-24T03:16:00.000+03:00

This year, football - both professional and college - has been truly insane! This is why I love the game so much!

Tonight, unranked Arkansas just took out #1 LSU in triple OT! Arkansas went for a 2 point conversion that succeeded, while LSU attempted the same for the tie, but failed. With this upset, the field is wide open for both Missouri and Kansas to prove who wants it more. The big game is tomorrow and these two teams are old rivals. Should be a great one!

Yes..No.. Maybe!

2007-11-22T22:51:00.000+03:00

How indecisive are you?

If your answer to that is 'very', then be careful. You could be driving your friends nuts! :) One of my friends is so indecisive, she questions everything to the extent of overkill. "Why do you think he said that? What do you think he's doing now? Shall I call him? Do you think she'll buy that car?"

Those questions (mind you, about people I don't even know!) are just a prelude to another set of questions about how she should act/behave. The frustrating part is, after all that, she ends up doing something completely different than whatever advice you've given her!

If you have problems deciding, just think it through in your head. Think of the pros and cons. Put yourself in the other person's shoe. At the end, most decisions, even if wrong, aren't fatal. With time, you'll get better at it!

Axis of Evil - Dubai

2007-11-21T11:31:00.000+03:00

The Axis of Evil Comedy Tour will be in Dubai Nov 27 - 29. I got really excited as I should be in Dubai around that time. I checked online and the tickets were to go on sale in Dubai on Nov 20th and online starting Nov 21st.

As of 11 pm Bahrain time last night (midnight Dubai time) I sat myself in front of the net and started clicking and refreshing, waiting for the tickets to go on sale. Eventually around 2 am, I gave up and went to sleep. Throughout the night, I kept waking up up and checking, nothing.. nada!

This morning, I checked a few more times until I got a bad feeling about it. Called Dubai, and lo' and behold, SOLD OUT! They all sold out last night! I'm so upset that I never even had a chance! I was sooo looking forward to this.

Pre-Mobile

2007-11-20T08:30:00.001+03:00

How did we ever function pre-"mobile phone era"? I know how we functioned pre-internet.. slowly! Mail used to take 2-4 weeks to get half way across the world and we had to go to the library to research information. Encyclopedia's played a big part of our life and we weren't as knowledgeable about the rest of the world and its events.

But without mobile phones, how did we ever manage to meet up somewhere? Now-a-days, we constantly use our mobile to figure out where the other person is, when they're arriving, and where we're meeting up. "Wainkom?" "3ind el food court.. yala ta3alay!"

Imagine your mobile taken away from you for a few days. Will you be able to function?

Food

2007-11-19T00:15:00.000+03:00

Those who know me, know that I've got this thing with takings pics of food when I eat out (or in!) Can't help it.. so here are a few:

The New 30

2007-11-18T11:14:00.000+03:00

When I was younger, I looked at people in their 30's as "old".. of course, now that I'm one of 'those people', I think 30 is still young!

Granted, whatever age we're at, we usually think those younger than us are babies adn those older than us are dinosaurs. But, is it just me, or is "30" in this day and age younger than the "30" in the past?

Randomness

2007-11-16T01:33:00.000+03:00

- "Show off your imperfections..!"

- "Dating is like driving a cab; you've got to have ur lights on so guys know you're available." (* Glamour)

- "Life's too short to worry about things you can't change!"

- "Smile.. make them wonder what you're up to!"

Colts

2007-11-05T09:25:00.000+03:00

Indianapolis Colts faced the New England Patriots in a battle of the undefeated yesterday. They met in Indianapolis for the long awaited showdown.

The Colts put on a great performance. They handed the Patriots a lot of firsts this season (first interception for Brady in 176 passes, first time not to score in the first possession, first time to not score first and longest trailing time in a game.) The defense put a lot of pressure on the Patriots and ended the first half with a Colts lead, 13-7.

The Colts held on to the lead (20-10) up until the last 3 minutes of the game, when things completely turned around. The Patriots defense kicked it up, stopping the Colts' offense. Then Brady brought it home by scoring 2 touchdowns that took them to win the game, 24-20.

Although heartbroken at the Colts' lost, I am proud of the fact that they "brought it" to the game last night. They played with heart and while I expected them to get clobbered, they held their own for most of the game. I'm sure this is a lesson though, that they've got to hold on till the last whistle.

Although I royally hate Brady now, the Patriots and Colts have so far forced themselves to be the teams to watch this season. 8 more weeks till the playoffs.

PLAY BALL!

* This is an interesting article, check it out! Click Here

Home Sweet Home

2007-11-04T10:13:00.000+03:00

I've been lazy since I got back from Dubai. Looks like I got bit by the tse tse bug again! Can't get enough sleep.

The business trip was a success overall. But enough about work..

Stayed at the Emirates Towers and it was nice. The never ending supply of Toblerone they offer was a nice bonus! I got upgraded to the "Chopard Floor", which is an all female floor made to 'pamper' women. I took some pics but too lazy to upload them now. Perhaps later.

Had dinner at Marina Walk Saturday night. The weather was gorgeous, view amazing, and atmosphere relaxing. Oh, and food was pretty good too. I also got to watch "The Kingdom". I really enjoyed the movie.. thought it was very well done!

All in all, a great trip. Planning on a repeat by month's end inshAllah.

So, anyone got a cure for this constant tired state I'm in these days?

Dubai

2007-10-26T02:04:00.001+03:00

Leaving for a quick last minute business trip to Dubai. Leaving tomorrow morning and coming back late Sunday. Catchya later! :)

The Bond

2007-10-24T08:42:00.000+03:00

I read this in an email forward today and liked it. Thought I'd share:

A little girl and her father were crossing a bridge. The father was kind of scared so he asked his little daughter, "Sweetheart, please hold my hand so that you don't fall into the river."

The little girl said, "No, Dad. You hold my hand."

"What's the difference?" asked the puzzled father.

"There's a big difference," replied the little girl. "If I hold your hand and something happens to me, chances are that I may let your hand go. But if you hold my hand, I know for sure that no matter what happens, you will never let my hand go."

In any relationship, the essence of trust is not in its bind, but in its bond. So hold the hand of the person whom you love, rather than expecting them to hold yours..

Eid Mubarak

2007-10-11T19:35:00.000+03:00

كـل عـام و انـتم بخـير.. تـقبل الـله اعمـالـكم ان شـاء الـله

Wishing you and your families a very happy Eid..

Must Speak!

2007-09-30T11:05:00.001+03:00

I've been trying to avoid the subject of football, but I can't anymore! (American Football that is!) This season has been insane so far. So many wow games early on (Oakland v Denver :shock: )

Now to top it off, college football is following suit. So many upsets last night! The top 25 got clobbered!

Ok I'm done. Back to our regularly scheduled program!

We're Not in Kansas Anymore...

2007-09-24T12:31:00.002+03:00

So if someone encourages me to be more bold and brave.. yet they admit that they are an "incorrigible coward".. should I heed their advice? Or should I ask them to lead by example first?

To the Left.. To the Right..

2007-09-03T09:23:00.000+03:00

Dear fellow drivers,

The far left lane on the highway is for fast people or those trying to overpass. ONLY! Not for everyone to cram into.

Sincerely,
Homicidal

Life Goes On..

2007-09-01T09:52:00.000+03:00

It is inevitable that we will all, at some point or another, lose someone... regardless of how strong that relationship is/was.

Some people enter our life for 2 weeks. Yet during those 2 weeks, you feel like you've gotten to know everything about them and they take over a big portion of your day and thoughts. Other times, you know someone for 7 years.. it seems like an eternity. They'll never leave you. Not after all you've been through. Not them!! Right?

One day though, they just walk out of your life. It doesn't seem to make any sense. You are suddenly left feeling very unstable. Very confused. No reason seems to make sense. So you sit there, you wonder.. you get upset, annoyed, frustrated at that void they've left behind. At the end, you accept it and think 'it's their loss' and move on!

I've had my share of losses. Some friends whom I thought would stick around forever are long gone. But I'm ok with it. In the end, I am nothing more than the sum of all my experiences. Whatever I've faced in my life, good and bad, have made me into the person I am today.

I am thankful for all those who have walked out of my life.. and even more thankful for those who have chosen to walk in. Such is the cycle of life. Whether we like it or not, we move on because life moves on!

The Signs..

2007-08-29T13:46:00.000+03:00

At one point or another, we've all been shocked by others. We've felt betrayed or that this person has suddenly changed. We go through the whole "They fooled me! I didn't think they were like this!!"

Looking back, I don't think that's 100% true. No one really completely fools us. The majority of the time, the signs are all there. We see them, yet we don't pay much attention to them. We think that it's normal.

It's not until the 'feces hits the rotary atmospheric ventilation facilitator' ($#it hits the fan) do we look back and suddenly 'see clearly'. As they say, hind sight is 20/20. So don't wait until it's too late. Open your eyes and look out for yourselves.

Banat El Maghrib

2007-08-28T14:12:00.000+03:00

I had an interesting conversation recently with a guy who'd gone to El Maghrib (Morocco) about 10 years ago. He said that the girls there are WOW, something else. He wasn't talking about the physical aspect of it. He was talking about something completely different.

"I don't know how to describe it!" he said. They just make a guy feel like she belongs to him. That she's his. That there's no other person in the world for them except him."

I was intrigued. I asked him to give me examples. He couldn't. "I don't know. The way they look at you. The way they say the right thing at the right time. Their use of words is perfect! I don't know."

The odd thing is, this isn't the first time I've heard someone say this. And every person who has said that, couldn't give me examples of what they were talking about! I would love if someone out there knows and could help shed a light on this issue!

Again, I'm not talking about the physical aspect!

Nobody

2007-08-26T23:33:00.000+03:00

Our good ol' pal Dean says, "You're nobody till somebody loves you.."

What do you think about that?

Desperately Needing A...

2007-08-19T09:12:00.000+03:00

Vacation..

Male Assistance Needed

2007-08-18T10:49:00.001+03:00

Ok.. so I need a male to explain this to me.

When a guy sends a message to a female, and in that message refers to her as 'fella'.... is that his way of telling her that he thinks of her as one of the guys/friends?

10 Things I Hate About You

2007-08-14T12:11:00.000+03:00

Though this is an old poem from an old movie (1999), I still love the words:

I hate the way you talk to me,
and the way you cut your hair.
I hate the way you drive my car,
I hate it when you stare.

I hate your big dumb combat boots
and the way you read my mind.
I hate you so much it makes me sick,
it even makes me rhyme.

I hate the way you’re always right,
I hate it when you lie.
I hate it when you make me laugh,
even worse when you make me cry.

I hate it when you’re not around,
and the fact that you didn’t call.

But mostly I hate the way I don’t hate you,
not even close…
not even a little bit…
not even at all.

Long Lost, Not Forgotten

2007-07-14T11:08:00.001+03:00

There are certain events in life that totally shift our direction and change us deep within. You go about life, with your set of beliefs and morals. Then something happens to challenge all of that.

You’re suddenly faced with the difficult decision of continuing with the old or taking a risk and jumping on with the new… knowing, that your life may never be the same again. That one decision, that one moment in time, can never be taken back once that choice has been made.

Some people play a big role during these pivotal times. They help facilitate and sometimes expedite the transition. One person who played a huge role in my transformation just contacted me out of the blue today.

It was great hearing the updates and knowing, that while it’s been 16 years since we first met, and probably a good 12 since our last encounter, that the memories are still alive.

Working Hard

2007-07-11T10:00:00.000+03:00

Brake-ing ?!

2007-07-08T08:52:00.000+03:00

Ok someone really has to explain this to me.. someone reading this MUST be one of the people who do this...

You're driving along the highway, all's going well.. when suddenly, for no apparent reason, the person in front of you decides they want to hit the brakes.

Right, see, I drive an SUV and so I can see what's in front of that person.. NOTHING! There is no car in sight. What is it that possess these brake-loving people to just suddenly brake?!

Please?

2007-06-30T09:05:00.000+03:00

Wanted: Remote white beached palm treed island
Location: Doesn't matter
Population: 1 (me!)
When: Immediately
Price: Free!

Those Were the Days..

2007-06-25T12:17:00.001+03:00

Over the past month, people from my past have suddenly resurfaced, thanks to technology. I've come into contact with people who graduated with me from high-school and it's been GREAT catching up with them. It's interesting because when you meet people from your life back then, it forces you to think back and remember what you were like.

I'm such a different person now. Some people I was friends with then, I would never be friends with today. People I never gave a chance in high-school, I'd love the opportunity to get to know them better now.

This forced look at the past makes us realize how what we've gone through in life has shaped us into the person we are. Had we not made those mistakes along the way, we would not be the person we are now. Our life, our personality, our outlook is nothing more than the sum of all we've gone through up until this moment.

So much has changed.. and so much more will. I wonder what I will say one day when I look back at the MSB I am today!

How Old?!

2007-06-03T11:21:00.000+03:00

Although my birthday is tomorrow, June 4th, I have decided to start the celebrations now.. indefinitely! ;)

Age is a funny thing. I was so depressed when I turned 20 cuz I was no longer in my 'teens'. I kept saying that I was 'Twenteen'! Then 25 hit and that was horrible. Quarter of a century old. Yekh! 27-28 were blah years. 29 numb. 30, surprisingly, was amazing! I was no longer the oldest of the 20's. Overnight I became the youngest of the 30's!

Now, 34 has arrived. I must say, I don't recall anything after 30!

Enjoy the cake..

The Journey

2007-05-27T09:37:00.000+03:00

Back in 1983-1984 I read some lyrics that stuck with me forever. The song is called "April 24, 1981" and it was written in honor of the singer, Rick Springfield's father who had passed away. Very short song with the following lyrics:

"I know all your life you wondered
About that step we all take alone
How far does the spirit travel on the journey
You must surely be near heaven
And it thrills me to the bone
To know Daddy knows the great unknown..."

This morning I woke up with those lyrics stuck in my head. Couldn't figure out why. It's been AGES! And then the phone rang at 7:30 to inform us that our neighbor had passed away.

She fought a battle against cancer for over 20 years. She was brave in her fight and never let it get to her. She had 5 sons to raise. I'm impressed and envious of how devout her and her husband were. Every dawn her husband would take their 5 sons and go to the mosque to pray Fajr. And no matter how many times the cancer came back, they fought it together just as hard.

This morning she will be laid to rest after a long battle. Allah Yer7amha.. o E9aber ahelha.

الزعل

2007-05-21T12:35:00.000+03:00

A bit long, but worth the read:

نزعل ونتكبّــر … وحنا من الطيـــن …

والكل منا صــــدّ.. لا أقبل خويّــه .!

نفخر .. نقول إنا على الصد قاوين …

وهــــيّ علينا في الحقيقـــــة قــــويه.!

نشفق على الطيبة و كسب الكريمين..

وهذي بنا ؟؟ لاشك فعــــلة رديـــــــــه .!

ننسى نهايتنا وعلى وين ماشيــــن ..

وننسى الزمان اللي جمعنا ســـــــويه .!

المشكلة ماهي بـ حاجة لــ تخمين …

ولاهي بعد ياناس صعبـــــة القضيـــه .!

دق الرقم : كيفك .. هلا فيك .. وأهليــن …

أنــا الخـــوي ….اللـي مـــــزعّــل خويــــه .!

قلّه : تغيب وصـــورتك داخل العين ..

ويبقــى لـ حبك في خفـــوقي بقيـــــــــــــــه .!

أخوان حنا … لو يجي بيننا شيــن …

و مانفتـــــــــــرق دام المحبـــــــة نديــــه .!

خلك قــوي لاتحتــــكرك الشياطين …

قبل الفوات .. وقبل وقت المنيــــــــــــــــه .!

كلّم خويــك بـــ اطيب الهرج واللين …

وأعرف جميل الهرج يمســــح رديـــــــه .!

هذي هي الدنيا … من الحين لـ الحين …

لابد بين الناس تحصــــــل خطيـــــــــه .!

ومن لايقدّر غلطــــة أحبابه الحيــن …

يقـــــرأ حـــــروفي ويعتبرها هــديه .!

باكر .. تمر سنين وسنين وسنيـــــن …

والــــــكل يرحـــــــل في الدروب المـــــديـه .!

صدقني تندم .. وأذكر حروفنا زين …

تندم على خلك إذا غاب ضيّـــــــــــــه .!

دنيا غريبــــة .. وأكثر الناس ماشين …

وكم صــــاحبٍ والله دفنته بــ يديــــــه

قال تعالى (فمن عفا وأصلح فأجره على الله)

—–

* Source Unknown

Time: Friend or Foe?

2007-05-11T22:39:00.000+03:00

When you're having fun, it flies away. Yet when you're hurting, it seems to help you heal. Time, depending on whether it's on your side or not, can either be your best friend.. or your worst enemy.

"Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road..
Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go..
So make the best of this test, and don't ask why..
It's not a question, but a lesson learned in time"

-Green Day

Don't Drive in Colorado!

2007-05-07T16:26:00.000+03:00

You know how they say that you shouldn't speed towards the end of the month because Police try to meet their quota then? Well, in Colorado, I would suggest you don't drive at all!

Police in Colorado have issued a '16 tickets per shift' quota! That's 2 tickets per hour. And, for those officers who don't meet the quota, they are questioned to find out why they have been 'slacking'.

Read the full report here.

Don't Look Back

2007-05-05T10:26:00.000+03:00

There are times where deep down inside we refuse to give up on that one thing.. Refuse to walk away from that one person. We know it'll never work out but a part of us keeps messing up our rationality meter, distorting its equilibrium.

A part of us refuses to give up hope even though on the outside we make even ourselves believe we're long past that something. I realized last night that a part of me was holding on to a past that's best left there. I realized that while it was more part of my subconscious, it was still pulling me back to an extent and a weight I didn't need to carry.

So instead of me giving you advice to break free from it all, I'm going to do that myself. Here's to leaving the past, in the past!

Ready or Not

2007-05-01T04:11:00.000+03:00

Here I come... KUWAIT ! :D

(ok so not this very second but this weekend!)

Broken Hearts

2007-04-29T09:40:00.000+03:00

So here’s the thing, no one really dies of a broken heart. I know it’s tough. You feel like you can’t breathe. Like something is literally pulling at you from the inside, squeezing your heart to the point that it makes it difficult to function.

Life is full of tests and obstacles. “Broken Hearts” are just one of them. Everyone at some point or another will feel the disappointment of being wrong about someone they thought would be around a lot longer than they were. Life goes on though. It has and it will and it will not stop for anyone.

So have a good cry. But then wipe off your tears, look out the window and smile. Know that you either keep walking or be left behind. And remember, at the end, we’re all leaving each other anyway!

2 Cents

2007-04-26T22:26:00.000+03:00

!اللي مو مقدرك بيعه.. ألف غيره شاريك

Pagebull

2007-04-25T23:07:00.001+03:00

Search engine with results displayed as images:

http://www.pagebull.com

Hello Again

2007-04-14T15:56:00.000+03:00

I thought the Colts winning the Superbowl was the best way to go out.. and leave this blogging world in peace. Guess I just found something better than that win to bring me back. My new baby nephew!

My sister just delivered the first grandchild in our household. A beautiful little baby boy whom I fell in love with before he was even born.

So here are my updates:

* I finally did it and quit my old job

* I went to el 3omra again

* My beautiful nephew was born

* A dear friend came to Bahrain to visit :)

* I started my new job

So, all in all, things have been good al7mdl'Allah. I wonder if me taking a break from blogging had anything to do with my change of luck?! :) I'll come back for a while and test that theory.

Thanks...

2007-02-09T02:11:00.000+03:00

Until next time...

Champs !!!

2007-02-05T06:10:00.000+03:00

They did it! The Colts are the SuperBowl XLI Champs!

The Holiday

2007-01-30T21:01:00.000+03:00

As if it's not bad enough that our female composition already gives us a false image of reality.. we end up watching movies that further enhance that warped vision!!

Barring the random genetic mutation, and a few unexplained scientific miracles where the XY chromosome holders do indeed cater to that image we have built up, the bitter truth stands still! The movie version of a fairy tale does not exist in real life.

Therefore, for all the ladies out there who've been in those shoes, "NO MORE THE BEST FRIEND!"

- Thank you, 'The Holiday'

Funk!

2007-01-27T22:45:00.000+03:00

The past 10 days have been hectic. I'm part of a training program that started last Saturday (Jan 20th), which means I've only had 1 day weekends. It's been tiring to say the least, hence the lack of posts. Actually, I haven't been online much at all.

Now that I have a couple days off, I don't really have much to say! I'm in a 'bleh' state.. not in a bad mood or anything.. I just don't have anything to write about. Help!

Hopefully, I'll be back on track soon.. until then, don't forget about me! ;)

Remember..ٌ

2007-01-20T22:53:00.000+03:00

"إياك و ظلم من لا يجد عليك ناصر إلا الله عز و جل"

Advice

2007-01-16T00:08:00.000+03:00

Blame Game

2007-01-11T19:38:00.000+03:00

When we're young, we are taught early on that there are consequences to our wrong doings. As we grow older, life re-emphasizes that point to us again. Our minds end up being programmed to understand that wrong doing = negative outcome.

I think that's partly to blame for why we always have to find a reason for everything. Even death!

I was just talking to a friend of mine whose grandmother passed away this week. She wasn't sick, nothing was wrong.. it was sudden. Somehow, my friend and her mom have found a million reasons why they blame themselves for the grandmother's death!

Why the guilt? It's God's will. But then it made sense. There was no illness to blame for the death.. no accident to blame the driver of the car.. which leaves negligence and our own actions as the main targets for the blame! After all, negative outcome = wrong doing! :/

Hello...?

2007-01-05T14:27:00.000+03:00

Guide to Phone Etiquette:

* If you call me and I don't answer, don't keep calling me unless it's an emergency. I will see the 1st missed call, just as good as I'll see the 50th. So stop miss calling me. It won't make me any less busy or any more available!

* If you've miss called me a million times and left me a million sms messages.. and I still haven't responded... GET THE HINT!

* If you call me and I'm on the other line, stop calling every 5 seconds. I saw that you're trying to call and as soon as I'm done, I'll call you.

* If you whine every time I call you about how long it's been since my last call, it'll just make the time gap even longer before my next one!

* If I ask you something via sms please respond via sms - don't call instead. If I was able to talk to you, I would've called to begin with.

* If you have a quick question and I didn't answer your call, just sms me. It's easier for me to reply with a quick sms instead of having a long conversation while I'm at work.

* When you call and I sound busy, I probably am.. so get to the point.

Blindness

2007-01-03T12:57:00.000+03:00

"El 3ama mo 3ama el 3ain... 3ama el galb..."

New Beginnings

2006-12-31T00:04:00.000+03:00

As the year comes to an end, it forces me to take a look back at 2006. The year started off on a negative note when a dear friendship came to an abrupt, but not sudden, hault. While I understand the reason I was given for it ending, I just can't seem to accept it being over! :/

There were some misunderstandings with other friends, met some amazing and wonderful new ones, and lived through life changing and shattering experiences with some loved ones. The year witnessed weddings, births, deaths, divorces and heart breaks.

I guess life's all about recycling! You meet people, you get close, some disappear, some survive the test of time.. but in the end, it's not about them. It's about what you learn from them and from that experience.

3eedkom Embarak.. kil 3am winto ibkhair.

As for 2007, may you smile a million smiles. May you never shed a sad tear. May you be surrounded by love and wonderful people. May you be blessed with the wisdom that life is not about eternity. It's about those moments that make it all worth while.

Everything will one day come to an end. May we all be prepared for that. Allah Ya7fethkom.

Déjà Vu

2006-12-22T03:09:00.000+03:00

I don't feel like writing a new post, but for some reason, I'd like to repost an old one. I wrote the below post on December 30, 2005.

-----------------

The Re-birth – Part IV

"و أذن في الناس بالحج يأتوك رجالا..."

3arafa:

I have never in my life felt as safe as I did as when I was at 3arafa. There are no words that I can put together that would truly be reflective of my feelings then. 3arafa, the day you feel all your sins are washed off; you are reborn.

You literally feel the presence of Angels around you. No one will be able to truly appreciate what I mean other than those who have actually been there. Had I not already put on the 7ejab prior to leaving home, there was no way I was going to walk out of 3arafa not met7ajba.

"God is so merciful that He is willing to forgive me for ALL my sins, and I can’t put a piece of cloth on my head? I can’t cover my hair? 3aib 3lay ibsara7a."

There will never be another wagfa ib 3arafa again where I will not recall all the feelings of that day and lower my head thanking Allah for His Greatness.

"اللهم اعوذ بك من الفقر و من شتات الامر و من شر ما يحدث بالليل و النهار أمسي ظلمي مستجيرا بعفوك و أمسي خوفي مستجيرا بأمانك .."

Mozdalefa:

This is where a huge dose of reality was handed to me. Looking around, you see many different people from all parts of the world and all parts of life. You see poverty in its rawest form, yet poverty moved by faith! Simply unreal.

This is where I felt how weak I was as a mortal. This is where it became clear that at the end, it doesn’t matter what educational degree I hold, what job title I carry, how much money I make.. it doesn’t matter what country I was born in and if I can speak languages or not. What matters is how my actions will have earned me a place in Heaven or not. Looking around, I realize those who have lived much more humble lives were on the same level as me standing there, possibly even higher when it came to what really matters!

Road to Mina:

Heading to Mina, anything that can go wrong went wrong. Our bus got lost in the midst of the human oceans of people walking around. It was barely moving as a result and what should’ve taken us 1 hour, at most, took us 9 hours! During that ride some people started to whine and complain that we were late, that we were on the bus too long, etc.

Somehow, I felt completely calm and serene. My mother looked at me and asked if I was ok. I replied, “Never been better. We’re going to narjim el shay6an. He’s trying to mess things up for us. La etkhaloneh yaghlebkom. Don’t sit here and whine. Read Quran, read du3a2, do anything constructive. Complaining will just give el shay6an what he wants.”

So we, as a group, started reading Du3a2 and the more we read, the faster the bus was able to move. The minute we all said out loud “Allahuma Salleee wa Sallim 3ala Mohammed, wa 2al Mohammed”, the bus moved and kept on moving. Sub7anak ya Rab!

Ramee El-Jamarat:

So many people gathered around, throwing pebbles (rajm el shay6an.) We decided to split up. Three of my aunts and I decided to battle this together. We held on to each other like a train. I lead the pack and walked into the crowd. Again, sub7an Allah, somehow the path opens up and we find ourselves against the railing, right in front of the wall. I grabbed my seven pebbles. As I looked up and aimed to throw, I saw many other pebbles flying in the same direction.

Somehow, as the pebble leaves your hand, your eyes follow it and you know EXACTLY which one your’s is and you see where it hits. You know right there and then whether you’ve hit it right or not. As each pebble leaves your hand you get more and more upset with el shay6an and you throw the next one even harder. You realize all those times el shay6an managed to convince you to sleep a little longer till salat el fajr passed you. You remember all those times el shay6an waswas lek and you realize how silly it was to not see it and stop el shay6an from having an effect on you!

Final 6awaf:

Right before we began our final 6awaf, it started to drizzle lightly. Smiling, we all looked up to the sky. El mo6ar khair, abwab el sama maftoo7ah! Then, it poured down!! Rain completely washed us. But that didn’t bother us, on the contrary, we were smiling like we’d never smiled before! Does this mean that Allah teqabal minna and is washing our sins?

Although we were worn out by all the events over the past few days, the harder it rained the more energy we had. We finished el 6awaf with greater ease than our first 6awaf when we arrived. Then, it happened. During our 7th and final sho6 around el Ka3ba, the rain stopped. I looked up and there it was. The most beautiful, huge, colorful rainbow right above el Ka3ba and the sky was orange.

Aneh 7ajjiya. How great it feels to actually BE one. It’s not just a word people use anymore. It’s a title I have earned proudly.

"لا اله الا أنت سبحانك اني كنت من الظالمين"

Angel Face

2006-12-20T01:32:00.000+03:00

Look in the mirror. No, REALLY look in the mirror. What do you see? No, I don't think so. How can you see others so clearly but not see yourself?

Look at your eyes. Look deep inside. Yes, I see the saddness too. I see the disappointment and frustration. But don't you see the rest?

You are an amazing person.. a wonderful soul.. you touch every person you meet. Your sparkle brings an instant joy to those around you. You rush to help everyone, forgetting the most important one, yourself!

You're strong beyond your imagination. Look at what you've gone through and you still manage to put a smile on your face. I know, it may not be a genuine smile. But just the fact that you put one on, and walk with your head up high, is enough to show what you're made of deep down.

Stop worrying about other people, about whether they're happy or upset. You've spent your whole life giving. I think it's time you stepped back, relaxed and let others take care of you. You know why? Because you're worth it. And I refuse to stop until you believe it.

Disappointments

2006-12-18T03:57:00.000+03:00

"When people disappoint you, forget about them.. and do something for yourself !"

To You

2006-12-16T23:58:00.000+03:00

Everytime I think of my future life, I see you in it. Whenever I think of happy moments I think of you being there to share that with me. I can't imagine anything new or happy in my life without you being there to witness it.

Your smile just makes me feel at instant peace. Your eyes make me want to run and give you a hug. Your hug makes me feel like I'm safer than safe and no one can touch me.

You've been the source of a lot of inspiration.. the source of a lot of prayers.. and the foundation of all that there is. I love you and will forever dedicate my all to you.

May God keep you healthy and strong, my beloved grandmother.

Simple, right?

2006-12-15T00:40:00.000+03:00

Coke or diet coke? Steak or salad? Bora Bora or Las Vegas?

Why is it that some decisions are so easy to make while others are impossible? For the past few months I've been stuck. I have 2 doors in front of me and I have no idea which is best.

One day door #1 seems like the perfect one to open. I can sit and give you all the reasons why THAT should be my choice. Two weeks later, I can't find one reason why I should open door #1! It's door #2 of course!

I hate this indecisiveness.. and I'm running out of time! :/

Fallen in Love!

2006-12-12T08:38:00.000+03:00

Once again I've fallen in love. It's been so long. You know how they always tell you that sometimes something is right there in front of your eyes, but you just don't see it? Well, it's true!

Right there in front of my eyes the whole time, but I've been too blind to see, too stubborn to notice or give in. I've ignored it forever, but last night, I couldn't resist anymore. The temptation was too great and I finally took the dive. Let me tell you, it was definitely worth it.

Sleep! I'm in love with sleep! I finally went to bed early last night and wow does it make a difference. Cold weather makes me want to hibernate!

* the sheep are just for YOU! (you know yourself, kharoofa!)

Life

2006-12-09T05:43:00.000+03:00

"You're either part of a team or you play alone the rest of your life."

Explanation Needed

2006-12-08T04:58:00.000+03:00

Will someone please explain to a friend of mine the difference between "affection" and "attention"?

Thanks!

Comfortably Numb

2006-12-07T02:38:00.000+03:00

It isn't?

2006-12-04T09:36:00.000+03:00

Have you ever noticed how, most of the time, when someone says, "It's not personal!", it IS !

Friendships

2006-12-02T01:13:00.000+03:00

The best friends are those who pop out of nowhere at the exact moment you need them. Even more so, when they appear while you haven't even realized yet how bad you need them to be there. And just as you're being stubborn pretending you don't need help, they force you to shut up and let them take care of you!

Casino Royale

2006-11-30T00:37:00.000+03:00

I just watched 007's latest movie. While it wasn't your typical James Bond flick (no gadgets, no gizmos, no Q!!!), I still liked it! Don't know what it is. It was a nice change to see Bond in a different light.

I'm sure die hard Bond fans are annoyed with this change. I, on the other hand, enjoyed it!

¿Habla Español?

2006-11-28T13:20:00.000+03:00

"Yo soy un alumna de español. Yo hablo árabe, inglés, francés y un poco de español."

I started Spanish classes on November 6th. It's something I've been wanting to do for years. I love the language!

We're taught conversational Spanish, i.e. we dove right into conversation as opposed to learning all the verbs and their conjugations first. I have to admit that this is a much faster way to learn and it's quite useful!

Once I'm done with this, Italian sounds good!! ;)

Look At Me!

2006-11-26T00:42:00.000+03:00

So for the past 5 years, work has been telling me that I am entitled to a free full medical check up. Like the lazy person I am, I just ignored that.

After many attempted scheduled appointments, followed by many cancellations, I finally did it!!! The outcome? Well, you are now the lucky recipient of at least another couple posts dedicated towards my adventure today.

I'll start with the eye exam this morning. How bad can that be, right? After all, I did lasik a few years back so all should be A-OK. Ha, right!

First set of tests went well. The minute I saw them writing 6/6 on the paper, I breathed a sigh of relief. Within 7 minutes I was done. The doctor told me the results were excellent. I grinned to myself like an idiot thinking 'yay I passed.'

She was just about to walk out the door to tell the nurse we're done, when she suddenly stops. I flinched. One of my eyebrows went flying up. She turns around and comes back, holds my chin, tells me to look down, then proceeds to POKE my eyes with her fingers.

Ok, no biggie. It doesn't hurt. I'm just concerned that if she keeps that up, my eyeballs will pop out.. but hey, whatever makes her happy!

She then gets this 'concerned' look on her face. I suddenly am fully alert and while I think I still have that "one eyebrow raised" look on my face, I believe I actually had "both eyebrows up deer in a headlights" stare.

She calls the nurse and suddenly they start putting some drops in my eyes. Mind you, I'd only gotten about 3 hours of sleep the night before, and it was still before 9 am! So, of course, it burned like anything! Next thing I know, she pushes my head back, the nurse puts a finger out on top of me and instructs me to keep staring at it. How? My eyes burn now, thanks to you, and you want me to stare at your finger when there's a BRIGHT LIGHT behind it!

Then the doctor starts moving this black object towards my eyes. I didn't even see what it was nor where it came from! Obviously, I looked away. She tells me not to blink. Yeah! Right! She asks me to continue looking at the nurse's finger. How am I supposed to do that when you've got what looks like a hole puncher coming at my pupil?!?!

Well, to make a long story short, in case you weren't sure, I survived. She suspects that my right eye has "high pressure". Who knew?! I didn't even know that was possible. She says based on today's tests it's borderline. So I get to go again next week to see Dr. Scissorhands for a second check on my right eye. Wheeeeeeee!!

Benefits

2006-11-23T23:31:00.000+03:00

the benefits of being sick:

* It's the best way to lose weight! (Lost 2 kgs in 24 hours!)

* It's an excellent work out (All that coughing is about to give me a six pack)

* You get spoiled (Thanks to all those who called, sms'ed, and commented)

* You get to skip work (I finally called in sick today)

* You can get some alone time (Locked myself up in my room & no one complained about that)

* You catch up on some well needed sleep (I think I'm good for the next month!)

* You can be legitimately lazy (& everyone expects that anyway)

* You get some mommy TLC (love you mama!)

If I think of more benefits, will keep you posted ;)