e.for.election

I had to fly to Bahrain for several days for some never ending meetings.

And...

I've done something productive before going back to Dubai this evening.

I voted!



I thought I would miss it, but I was lucky I guess!

It turned out nonnah, my brothers and I rooted for the same guys; my parents otherwise.

That's as far as I can get being political.

Happy voting day Bahrain.

10.guiding.lessons.for.work

I've put down a list of rules to follow. Let me see if I can meet every single one of them..

1. A little bit of cockiness and a little bit of modesty makes you execute the best job.

2. Never, ever do someone else's job even if your boss told you so, because you will never be as good as the person responsible for it. Besides, the not-so-great job you've done will definitely get you blamed at.

IF forced to do another one's job, then refer to #1.

3. Business as usual. Never should be personal.

4. Think thrice before saying something.

5. If stress is wearing you down, always sing "Don't worry! Be happy now. Don't worry, be happyy"!!

6. How do you reply for "Nighty nights"?
"See you in 12 hours"!

7. Don't ask to be part of politics. Eventually you'll be wrapped around it in no time. It will creep to you.

8. Never pre-judge. You'll hear things which 99.9% are untrue. So don't pre-judge; won't do you any good, and at least it will postpone #7.

9. Rise and shine! Always look forward to a new day.

10. Optimism and enthusiasm wooh!

shy.girl.on.wild.rides

So Dr. George O'Malley is gay?! I had a thing for him. ;(

It's good to be back home for eid..

Work .. I'm loving it ..
Dubai .. I'm getting used to. I've never spent more than an hour in the apartment, well except when it's sleeping time. I've always been out doing God knows what.


Ramadhan there.. I never felt it. I mean, it wasn't that spiritual and that's quite sad isn't it?

Probably the white lies had a helping hand (waaay too sad man). I practically lied in the past 4 weeks. Gosh, I have never lied that much in my entire life. Don't get me wrong, I've been forced into it. I've got a 29 year old cousin who is as wild as a blueberry. When it's time for iftar, we sometimes plan eating out at an amazing place with a view of Madinat Jumeirah. To get away from eating iftar at my relative's house, she forces me to lie to uncle and aunt. I don't know about you guys, but my relatives hate it when we break our fast away from home-made food.

I love chilling out with her till the middle of the night with her addictive minty hookah.
She's fun alright. Fun & funny .. hmm.. a story that just keeps cracking me up whenever I remember it: she was once on a red carpet. Half way through the paparazzied lane, her thong snaps (I had to say this haah).. you guys get to imagine the rest.

Her sister is just the opposite. A sleeping bag she is. Her day starts at 11 PM in Ramadhan; yeahh, she's that laid back. So whenever I go out with her, I need my whole strength just to lift my poor sleepy eyelids.

Sexygoba, you're a sweetheart! Thanks for the talks, and the night at the khor. The kabab was delish. We should go out for some real crepes next time when you're back from your trip! You're missed already! ;/

They say Bahrain's small, but I say Dubai's way smaller. In the four weeks I spent there, I've coincedently bumped into a former college friend, a high school classmate and shockingly my ex...

The day I rented the car, was the day I got lost for 2 hours in Dubai's compacted roads. Roaming around like an idiot, honking at drivers to tell me which way's the right way, I even arrived an hour late to work. So much for an excellent first impression.

But now, touch on wood, touch on wood, I'm the next bint batutta. ;D


I Don't Trust Myself

John Mayer. From the album: Continuum. 2006
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everything's.waiting.for.you.downtown

At the airport waiting..

Starting a new job on Sunday, and that requires me to work in Dubai for some time before being deployed back here.

Now, I can't get that dry chuckle out of my throat picturing this: being stuck together for 25 years, I can't picture myself kissing nonnah goodbye. I've never done that in my life. We've laughed together, travelled together, studied together, telepathied together the same naughty thoughts. I'm being sentimental here. But that's something. I'm going to miss her usual blunt self!

You know what I remembered? When we're 6 years old helping Baba build that tree house. Being a naughty lil girl as I was, I picked up a hammer to nail a log. Instead of hammering the log I hammered one of my toes. In spite of all this, dad carried one of us to the emergency room. Turns out he carried the wrong twin. Talk about a time of misconception. HEHEHE.

You know what I remember too when we're kids? Mama mistakingly bathing me twice in one day. nonnah banonna rotted.

I love the 80's.

Enough with the nostalgia.

Why a sudden vision of intimidating skyscrapers is rushing into my presence?
I've never been a city girl.

But life's all about exploration eh?

They're calling my flight .. I should go .. c ya.

pyschology.test

A friend of mine tested me on this. One of my answers implied I get so happy when I tease people. Not good at all.

But it also says the credibility of this test ranges between 30 - 70%. So it's quite off. And I might be safe pretending to be on the 30% range.

Try your hands on it. Whatever comes first in your mind is probably going to be your answer. No thinking deep.

Imagine yourself in a forest.

1. While passing through, two animals appear out of no where. What are they?

2. After finding the animals, you walk in further more and find yourself in front of a cottage.
a) Will you forget about stepping in and just continue into the wilderness?
b) Knock on the door?
c) Or Enter without knocking?


** if you answered 2“a”, skip to Q 6. Don't answer 3-5**

3. When entering you see a table. Is it a circle or a square table?

4. How many chair/s do you see at the table?

5. You see 20 unlit candles on it. How many candles will you light?


6. You exit the cottage and walk a little further and end up near a lake. How many flamingoe/s is/are bathing in it?

7. You walk further more, and you stop by a river bank. You need to be on the other side of the river. So will you
a) swim to cross it?
b) Or find an alternative way to walk around it?


Want to know my answers?

soapy.soccer.field

Two hours ago I was dragged in a soccer game with my younger siblings and cousins. I didn't mind the challenged soapy field. I thought I would only slip once or twice. I get to boast my historic skills! Show me what you got boys and girls!

So the minute we landed on that soapy field, I see a couple of my cousins fall on their buttocks. Ha! I never had fan like that in a long time. My presumtions were not what they were. I was wrong. Not only I slipped a couple of times, but I kept landing on my left side of my body whenever I laughed at someone's fall. It did get me no where.

"What happened to your big talk"?
"Urghh, I'm a little rusty .. oldd"

Came up with another idea. Who can slide the furthest to the other end of the soap field. I was before last. Bummer. my male cousins are sticks; they flew.

Those teenagers definitely brought back some old memories and most definitly my kid inside me ha!

"Want to do that again next week"?
"Please please please" .. That was my answer two hours ago.

If they ask me right NOW, my answer will be "NOOOOO please"

I thought I wouldn't get any cramps. But my tushy hurts, I'm bruised all over, and every single muscle in my body aches while I'm on bed typing this.

Off topic, I'm getting used to the new weekend here. Believe me you it makes such a difference.

in.which.i'm.trying.to.open.up

Let me share...

What made me get into blogging the first place I wonder? I recall the many essays that I have written back in High School. Well most of them were handed back with red remarks such as "Unfocused", "Idea is scattered all around the place", "Needs redrafting". I had problems with writing skills, I guess that's why I tried to major in a field as far away from literature, or any major that needed excessive writing. And I succeeded. But I wanted to try writing again. The only way into it is starting a diary or a weekly journal. Blogger.com was the answer.

I don't think there's a person in the world who detests packing more than me. I can't describe how much I hate folding my clothes neatly and gracefully carry it over to the luggage. My only way escaping this, is having an unpacked luggage until the day of the trip, and that by the way drives nonnah crazy. So this manipulation in fact works. In the end I'm the happy woman who oversees the packing process in which nonnah becomes the packer.

I'm a fan of short/shoulder length hair. I try to keep mine this way. Hint, that's the only easy way to distinguish between me and nonnah.

I started designing an art room a while ago. I think that's gone to waste, because it'll be easier on me to use a spare garage. It'll need a little bit of tweaking - some service cables to place an electric pottery wheel and a kiln, some plumbing for a sink basin, erect a window, and some paint. It'll be all good. That's a nice change. My brother "promised" me to help. He's up for it as long as I give him half of the room for his new born artistic talent.

I'll be out of the country in a couple of days. Don't miss me much. I'll be coming back with splendid photos. I promise. Take care. Salam. ;*

mmm

10:45pm on a week day. Waiting outside to pick my 17 year old sister from a friend's house since I'm already out.

sis: "That's a shocker. You're out late on a week day. I thought you're a sleeping bag".
me: "Was on a date baby".
sis: "Ma9adgich".
me: "lat9adgeeny 7abooba".
sis: "Seriously?!"
me: "Seriously".
sis: "With whom?! You on a date? Hahaha. You're too goody goody".
me: "With an old dear friend of mine. It's just for coffee. And for old time's sake. And I'm not too goody goody thank you very much".
sis: "Cool. As long as he's funny".


Kay.Iye.Dee.Ess.


I need to write a resignation letter. I have no idea how to write a resignation letter. My boss is so sweet, if I write one that would be too insulting? I still haven't told him about leaving the government sector. I don't know how to bring it up. I need to bring it up, before sending the resignation letter. So how do I write one? I'm being repetitive. Hmmmm. Google.

Feel Like Listening to Billie Holiday

Copyright © Billie Holiday, The Very Thought of You
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invasion.of.flying.monkeys

Lebanon gets invaded by Israeli bombs while my residence was invaded by 5 little monkeys. No kidding.

First and foremost, our hearts with the Lebanese, and the foreigners who are trapped in Lebanon. Needless to say that our hearts have been and will always be aching for the Palestinians. May God give you strength. Always.

Now about the monkeys, dad's first encounter with them was not long ago. He found 3 jumping over his car landing on the fence. At first he could not believe what he saw; we don't see monkeys - moreover flying monkeys - everyday.

Maids' encounter with them was 48 hours ago. They've seen the five monkeys sitting around the pool with their pinkesh butts facing them.

I wasn't knowlegdable of the monkeys at first. The news of their existance did not come to me directly. It was funny how I knew, since the news of it took a bend or two. Baba talked eagerly about them to Mama. Poor sensible Baba, he did not think of the matter seriously but with a mom who can never stare at a situation without making a move at it, made him regret the second he told her about those adorable monkeys (not). To her, what makes those monkeys not infected with contagious diseases (Breakout the movie)?! Mama, the reuter, repeats the story to her aunt. My aunt has an overflowing husband who loves to spread situations to the rightful authorities which somehow landed on MBC fm's morning program where nonnah listens to it every day; so she naturally brought the news back to me. And that's how I knew of the five flying monkeys.

Two Civil Defense Officers knocked on our door today. Being alone at home at that moment, I was obliged to open the door for them and try explaining about a subject that has nothing to do with crime, robbary, or of that sort. I could not bring myself explaining about the 5 monkeys that love swinging from tree to tree. They nearly broke down from laughter. They were helpful though *clap clap*

coup.d'etat

People exaggerate a lot in this particular part of the world. It's so silly paying attention to such little unmeaningful details and try to enlarge them in any way possible. They make a cat, a cheetah; a fart an atomic bomb. Nothing tops this one: trying to say exactly what I mean by being eloquent, however others would think I'd said just the opposite. That's funnily way overboard. Heh. That's the new exaggeration era.

So white is really black?

What's wrong with a little bit of decency .. little bit of a simple satisfying life.

It shows I'm in a frustrated mood, but I undeniably am, and it has a sudden power overturning my optimism.

;p~

-------
On a lighter note, I'm a Jane Austen fan:
Although the dialogue came straight out of the motion picture; It won't do JA justice, but I love love it).


Scene 1:

Still photos from Pride & Prejudice Motion Picture

Mr. Bingley: She is the most beautiful creature I have ever beheld.
But her sister, Elizabeth, is agreeble.

Mr. Darcey: Perfectly tolerable, I dare say, but not handsome enough to tempt me.
You better return to your partner and enjoy her smiles. You're wasting your time with me.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth & Charlotte are overhearing...

Charlotte Lucas: Count your blessings, Lizzie. If he liked you, you'd have to talk to him.

Elizabeth Bennet: Precisely.
As it is, I wouldn't dance with him for all of Derbyshire, let alone the miserable half.


Scene 2:

Still photos from Pride & Prejudice Motion Picture

Elizabeth: I wonder who first discovered the power of poetry in driving away love?

Darcey: I thought that poetry was the food of love.

Elizabeth: Of a fine, stout love, it may. But if it is only a vague inclination, I'm convinced one poor sonnet will kill it stone dead.

Darcey: So what do you recommend to encourage affection?

Elizabeth: Dancing.
Even if one's partner is barely tolerable.

what's.in.a.name

~I'll be thounding like a whiney 10 year old girl .. thweeeet!
-------------------

Can't figure out what my name really means.

I always wanted to know! Never succeeded in finding a real meaning to it. When I was a kid I nagged Mama for as long as I could, and she kept telling me it is a female version of a natural "something" that lies on the face of the earth. I wasn't satisfied with that result 'cause surely there is another meaningful symbol behind my name. I was soo jealous of nonnah's. I wished I had hers. Half of the neighbour's daughters carry nonnah's name. And they can literally define it in so many ways. I kept on running to Mama and whine to her of what a stupid name they've picked for me, 'cause I can never come up with a definition for it .. not even a single one. None of them knew what it really means except that it's an ancient name carried by women long ago in ancient Bahrain.

Nonnah was named the second she got out of Mama's uterus. I, on the other hand, was a nameless baby for the first 30 days of my life; until on the 31st day dad had an announcement to make, "N.A. it is".

I'm still dying to know what the heck my name symbolizes. It's like an annoying puzzle that I'm trying to solve. Brrrffff.

;pP

bittersweet

There was once a system that sucked me inside its magical environment. It was non existent, like an unwritten song lyrics. Being a first timer as I was in that unexpected experience, I was floating away through an unheard life – ignorant of the lovable beings around me. I was a prisoner inside my own deeds; a prisoner who feared from the outside world, who fell in love with the system that formed darkness in a short hiatus.

Like a drunkard I was flushed and felt intoxicated with it. A feeling that can never be described. When I needed more doses, the system was graciously charitable. But before I knew it I was abandoned by it, the system was no where to be found. The charity was cut short. I was suffocating, because finding out that that system was realistically turmoil. That system that I was sucked in promised me the world in one hand, but I mostly saw the waves of confusion that drifted me to unwanted places. First of them was a place called Emotional Instability. Luckily, I was out if it sooner than expected; only to find myself with an unwanted guest. It kept following me to places that had never been visited before. I wanted some answers: why was I abandoned, who might that unwanted guest be?

Curiousness made me realize the paid visit was from a guest named Capriciousness. It was addictive; moreover, it was unsurprisingly a hand-me-down from my so called fellow – Emotional Instability. I realized the former had enough of me, or did I have enough of it?

Capriciousness was ironically a beautiful transition. Made me easily forget I was ever into the system. With the mood swings flying everywhere it landed me upon a school of thought. An aptitude of familiar territory – a preview of my prehistoric life with the wonderful and lovable beings. I’ve reached an understanding that life still goes on. At last I was cured until a fortnight ago a rushed reappearance by it shocked me. I do not want to be trapped again by the system. I was tired of its problems. It brought grayness to my hair. I need to live an easy, blossoming life away from it, as far as my body can drag me. The thought of being intervened by the system scares me.

So let bygones be bygones.

choices

I’m kind of questioning the life choices I made. Nobody “slapped me on my hand” and forced me to do the things that I did. I more or less chose to do them no matter what outcome could be there.

An i.e., “My Mama told me to stop biting my nail, a bad habit that I do, or else my cell phone will be confiscated for a month. ”

Well sweetheart, you either choose to bite that filthy nail, or choose to stop. But, if you chose to stop that habit of yours, then that does not mean you are doing it for the fear of your Mama, instead you chose to stop doing it, because you know what the terrifying result would be – a week phoneless not a week of Mama’s preaching.

I know I stepped on a dangerous and sensitive territory, that I trespassed the morale of any person – "فلا تقل لهما أفاً ". But trust me, I’m not your Mama’s rebel, I’m trying to express how I see the world in my own eyes. And how I see it, the world is marched through the choices made by people themselves.

Anger is a choice made, not a heredity of dysfunctioal behavior. I don’t know, I don’t buy the latter. A person chooses to be angry on Human Being A, because Human Being A did something wrong – a glitch. Now, if that angry person stepped back and gave some thought to the matter, he can either be a pain in the ass and shout at Human Being A or be cool about it. So which is it? Everything in life is treatable and fixable, no need to make a huge fuss –the size of China –about it.

I don’t think that a person grows evilness within him. I believe, or chose to believe, that a person has an option of being evil and niceness is just one of his road that is less travelled.

Now, speaking of choices, I chose to hate the word “busy”. I chose to be annoyed by it. I chose to not like hearing it. The “z” sound in it makes me nauseous when enunciated by a person who worships bustling. I hear a bunch of people pryingly say they’re “busy” with a particular thing that might postpone, for example, a one week planned outing with a friend. I don’t religiously believe in 100% busy life or 100% busy day (It’s wonderful to enjoy stillness once in a while). There’s always time to spare. There’s always a millisecond that could be fitted in a schedule.

I don’t really get busy people.

But then again, it’s my choice not getting them in the first place. ;)

"i.wish.i.was.a.punk.rocker"

• I walked into a salon and saw 6 Indian eyebrow threaders trembling on stools and couches, screaming at something. the one and only Philipino was courageously running with a broom trying to kill a gecko.

They say higher ground means royalty.

But the way I see it:

Indians are chicken and Philipinos are gutsy*

• I really hate it when I'm solemnly in a room .. dead silence .. and my stomache suddenly growls at people who might think that

a) I have food shortage in my house.

b) I might've accidently expelled mixed gases from my other end.

Untrue. I even drank a bottle of water, but the stomache generator has gotten worse. Urgh.

* Stereotyping is unintentional.

Copyright © 2006 Sandi Thom, I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker

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casual.wednesday.&.crawling.insects

My division that I work in never fails to crack me up. It’s the only girl’s dominated division.
You’ve got Nadia, our sluggish boss whom I adore.
You’ve got Khookhoo, a young mother of a one year old. With a couple of conversations, we’ve discovered we were in fact related (what a small world heh).
You’ve got Simone, Khookhoo’s Egyptian-Originated, Bahraini-Passported partner in crime. She talks funny; Egyptian-Bahraini funny.

Bring these together, and you’ll draw closer to a comic bunch.

The last of their comedic play happened not long ago during brunch time.

Khookhoo asked me if I want anything from a cafeteria. I get suspicious of food delivered from cafeterias especially ones called sunrock .. sunrise .. sun something, so I unobligingly replied with a sweet "no thanks, i already brought my own apple and banana".

Their sandwhichs were delivered, they hungrily went into another office and started with their food. But five minutes later I see Khookhoo's face, all bloated light headed approaching my table. I'm still picturing her pose lol.

I asked her, "what's going on?"
She blurted out something like "our sandwhiches were filled with crawling insects and spiders"
I've never heard of spiders finding their way into edible things like sandwiches, but I saw the proof with the two bites deducted. I presume Khookhoo with all her starvatious self had munched two bites from the sandwich until eventually analytical Simone discovered (read: screamed) those gross creatures. How unfortunate.

I have never laughed so much since I joined that division. It needed me a day to flush this out of my system.

They sooner or later threw up whatever was eaten, called the Ministry of Health and called in the cafeteria and bashed whoever was on the other end of the phone.

On the same day, Nadia skipped worked .. again. The night before, Nadia and her hubby were more like a scratching dummy. Termites ate half of their bed and continuously were after them. They spent the rest of the night scratching each other.


Apparently I’m the only sane person at this girl’s dominated division, I carefully wrote this after Simone mentioned how she loves caressing her butt with Baby Johnson's Lotion.


In the midst of all this, I decided to choose a day in the week to dress (semi) casually. So what day better than Wednesday?!

More casual, more approachable, less seriousness and more enjoyable.



Copyright © 2005 Middle of Nowhere by Hot Hot Heat
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Chapter.One

UH .. ME .. GOODNESS .. GRACIOUS

I, N.A., have a one-sided fling?!?

A fling is just a brief thing right?

BUT...

I cannot stop thinking about him.

I am out of my mind!

And this sounds somewhat childish and unprofessional ..

But I have not felt this .. this extraordinary feeling .. this .. annus mirabilis .. in a long loooong time; at least not the last 4 godforsaken years.

I can't stop smilingggggg. ;DDDDD

I can't help it! Heeh!




Even a pile of sobby movies won't wear that smile of mine down.

Let the game beginnnnn


Copyright © 2006 Mary J Blige, I Found My Everything
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'tis.a.pain.that.pain.to.miss

Came home from an engagement party a while ago. Just as i was getting into bed, I heard cries. My sixteen year old sibling had a nose surgery a week ago. She gets excruciating pain from time to time - a side effect I guess. I checked her out. she was starting to sob continuously. I couldn't get any sleep hearing her and I didn't know what to do to tell you the truth. Might as well give her two pills of Panadol. Ran downstairs to the kitchen. Fetched a glass of water and two pills of Panadol. Ran back upstairs. Helped her swallow them. But her wailing hasn't stopped. Told her her cries won't do her any good. But the poor thing couldn't handle the pain. And I couldn't handle hearing her torment. I never have seen her cry like that. I can't think of anything else to give for her relief. Thought of ice. Hmm. Ran back downstairs to get an ice cube. I thought it might lessen her pain and cries. Rolled a tissue on the ice cube. Ran back upstairs - what a workout. Padded her nose bridge with it. Luckily it did work. Finally she sound asleep - like a beautiful baby.

Where's the doctor when you needed one?!

Pfft. She'll be fiineee. I'll even remind her tomorrow morning how she tortured me.

Nighty night..

scratch.my.head.please

We are so swamped at work.

We are short in staff.

Our Genious Indian took two months off to enjoy himself in India.

Now we're 3 instead of 4 working on gazzilion things.

Yesterday Nadia, our boss, stood on a pedestal and threatened her tiny about-to-go-crazy team (consisting of Khookhoo and me), "Take a viteman C, anything! Whatever you do, do NOT get sick! Do not even think of having a one day off. We are already having projects 'gad sha3ar rassy' to go to tender".

I even arrived 15 minutes earlier this morning, with that short speech in mind.

Nadia was no where to be found.

She called in sick.

I don't blame her. She needed that day to sit at home and cool off.

embarrassing.moments

Hello! What's been rocking your world?

Nonnah visited me at work today. My coworkers thought I was her who was walking in the corridor and not giving a face nor spreading smiles. I'm not a meany! I'm not a meany!? They were looking at the wrong girl. None of them were observant. They were blind. C'mon she was wearing a suit, and they saw me this morning with a blouse and dark pants. And I had to pay the consequence.

I hate that when it happens. It happens so often at my work. An Indian guy said "hi" to me once. He thought I was nonnah. He talked and talked telling me about his whole life. I didn't want to cut in just to say that I'm the other sister. That would be awful. Keep on going boy. It would be an exilarating anticipation on my half if I mentioned I'm the wrong sis. Well too bad I did after he was done with his speech. He hyperventilated.

I'm no meeannny.


Going back to the coworkers, they finally knew who's who and got a little embarrassed. But then they started asking questions such as So you're identical? What's the difference? Who's taller? Who's smarter? So who's Daddy's favorite? Mommy's?!

A word of advice: We don't like it when people stare at us or ask gazillion Q's. It's no fun. It's torture :( Well it's not that, but I tend to be fidgety and embarrassed out of no reason. I don't know why. I'm kind of shy around people and a bit private if that explains it.

Embarrassment… I've been thrown at situations that are quite embarrassing to me to say the least. I could name a few. But this story has been haunting me. Urrrgh.

The last year in college nonnah and I were sharing an apartment. Our Kuwaiti friend decided it was time to live on her own. No problemo, her apartment was one hallway away. Fun!

So our door is always unlocked 'cause it loves to welcome her. She keeps running in and out any time of the day (Allah ithakirha bil khair). She kinda reminds me of Kramer's approach to Sienfeld's apartment. We were chitchatting and all then all of a sudden she started heading out again. I was left alone, nonnah was sleeping the entire time, and she wasn't part of the whole melodrama. Anywhoo, I decided to call it a day and change into my boxer shorts filled with stupid "mooing" cows. I had my glasses on and slumped on the couch to watch an episode of "Forensic Detectives" on Discovery Channel.

Right then, I heard a knock at the door. That was awkward. "Kramer" never knocks. I ignored it. Then another knock disrupts me from my instant. Oh "Kramer" must be carrying stuff and she couldn't get hold of the knob. I didn't want to freeze her ass off standing outside carrying God knows what. It was May and the weather was lovely during the day, but cold at night.

I was greatly hypnotized by the TV. While opening the door by force, my eyes were fixed across the other end of the living room .. on the TV .. for a show.. that will cost my self-respect and dignity.

Three seconds is a long time for "Kramer" to be still standing at the threshold.

Turning 180 degrees to see why lovely "Kramer" is playing around with me, I heard his "Ahemmmmm"

Feck.

This was not who I was expecting. Let it be a drunkard husky neighbor looking at my sleeping wear for all I care, but not a Saudi graduate dude.




There was a big sweet smile on his face. I on the other hand was shocked and resentful – a whole pile of humiliation. I couldn't do anything, but to let him in. In these embarrassing situations I try to act 'kewl'. Get rid of my shyness and just act as if nothing has happened.

Him:"Is this a bad timing?"
Me: Of course it is you you you... "Not at all! Come on in! What a wonderful weather!"

Never say no. I guess that's where my weakness lies. And to top it off, I wore a robe over my sleeping attire instead of changing back into my shirt and jeans. Because if I did change, then that would mean I'm powerlessly feeling uncomfortable, embarrassed, and self-conscious. And I don't want to make anyone sense that in me, especially not right there and then. You can say I'm filled with pride sitting fearlessly, being heroic at that certain moment in time? Twisted mind I've got huh?

I hoped I never see him again. But not long ago while dining out with a couple of friends did I run into him.

"Remember when you told be about that night in the States? When he sat with you and your moooing boxers for a whole 30 minutes? I never told you he called that day to schedule a visit. Thank God I was asleep!" nonnah exclaimed.

Well you are two years too late babes.

share.the.love

Snow White has Aids. The Three Little Pigs are in jail. Red Riding Hood is pregnant with Wolf's baby. Goldilocks is a lesbian. Rumpelstiltskin smuggles drugs and Cinderella is beating up Barbie because Ken is gay and he gave Tarzan a blowjob. Now Heidi and Jane are involved in a syndicate giving the Smurfs pills in exchange for sex! So fairyland is f*cked.

Have a fabulous day.

HELP!

What's going on?! My blog is sooo messed up. I tried to upload the old template but something went wrong during the process. I even added a new post. It's no where to be found! Weblog design is definitely not my field! Where are my posts?!! ;(

Help!!

a.milestone.ahead

I still think I haven't reached that ultimate goal in my life. Ok. I've done the College and Career thingies. I don't have regrets on any of the crucial decisions I made throughout the years. But now what? I don't want to stick with what I'm doing now for the rest of my life. I want to do more. To be frank, I'm not greedily looking for an excess in dough. Weellll just a little. I really want something that contributes to people's enjoyment/comfort.

Do you think you've done enough? Or still searching for that specific milestone?

Just a thought...


Copyright © 2006 Corinne Bailey Rae, Choux Pastry Heart
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heya *_*

I'm finally back to Bahrain. Believe it or not I missed this place after 3 weeks of holidaying.
The States was amazing and London was more amazing other than those huge birds walking on the streets like human beings. I was so frigging scared of them. Yes, I have a phobia of birds. Thank God I'm not the only one. It turns out that SarahF is the worst when it comes to having a bird near her flesh. I'm laughing looking back at the image. LOL




Thanks a lot SarahF from London, Daloola from DC, and Dandoona from PA. Umwaaaah to all. We had a blast esp. in London ;)








I'm still switched on holiday mode, I can't even bother blogging. And it feels goooood!


So what's up in Bloggy Land? Any new trends going on? Heeh. Man, I don't think I can catch up on the missed bloggers' episodes. Feel free to leave the latest "gossips" in the comment section.

;P



I've included some pictures to keep the post a bit vivid. One is of the famous red double decker bus. There's a picture of the annoying birds and they're giving me goosebumps right now. That's Hyde Park above in a rainy day. We went bike riding in West London the same day and got soaked, but it was worth every rain drop. That's me below cycling. There was a clumsy Spanish kid called Victor who loves crashing into my bike. That kid nearly got hit by a bus. Would've been a gruesome seen, but that would've taught him a lesson not to be gawky next time. Heeh.

new.beginning

Watcha think of my blog's new look? ;)

Nice eh?

Yup, it is Michael Heilemann's famous WordPress template.

Yaay.

taking.a.break.soon

I had my UK visa done yesterday. Ditched 2 hours of work to get it.

Today I had to visit the American Embassy to have that one done. Ditched 3 hours of work this time.

As nonnah and I approached the heavily survaillanced block, the security woman skimmed through our visa applications. First thing she noticed is the wrong size of the picture.

Damn. I even crossed my fingers for good luck, but I guess it's the start of a jinx.

We hurried back to the car that was parked 3 blocks away and skidded through the nearest photo shop. We found one and asked the Indian photographer to hurry up and take our "mug shots". A couple of people seen in the embassy were already there taking a photo for they had the wrong size too. Oopsi. The Indian definitely was familiar with this. He striked his deal right there. 20 bucks for four 2"x2" amateur shots.

I looked so ugly in them.

While waiting for my interview a Khaleeji family entered the room. Cool Dad was hilarious.

He accidently tripped while stepping towards the "interrogation" window.

"What's your occupation"?

"A businessman living here".

"Cham 3yal 3indak"? Visa Woman switched to Arabic.

"Shoofi jibt il bizraan kolohom. O hathi hiya il Madame 6ab3an mo wa7da mn il 3iyal". lol.

"You have the wrong size photo Sir. I suggest itroo7 il complex thee. 3indihom ma7al 7ag il tasweer." Oopsi. That woman loves speaking Arabish.

"Eewa 3eraftoh".

The family had to visit the Indian photographer just like we did. I wonder how their mug shots would look like.

My jinx broke away when I heard my visa would take 24 hours to get processed. I'll be picking it up at the next "public day". Whatever that means?!

If you're still curious, I'm getting away for a couple of weeks. Everyone needs a breath of fresh air once in a while. I'll be getting my dose by the end of March. Getting stuck in one place suffocates me.

So nonnah and I opened this subject to Mom and Dad. We chose very wise selective words to get our idea function positively in their heads. Yes we planned but I was comfortable enough to hear their feedback. They were understandable and agreed that we seriously needed some "travelling" break.

I love my white haired dad and my nearly menopausal mom very much ... so dearly (blush blush). They obligingly would do so much for us. Truthfully, I don't realize how unthankful I would be. Don't really know if it's my naïvete or taking things for granted without any realization.

I am so touched now. My mood(s) is (are) flying all over.

Can't wait to fly back to the States. I miss it. 10 days will do; visit our college town, meet our friends in D.C. for old time's sake, finishing it off in NYC. We'll then have a nice Londonian week with a dear friend.

I need this breather very badly.

Copyright © 2005 Dario Marianelli, Dawn, from the album: Pride & Prejudice OST
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weekenddoodaloo

Nice weekend I had. It ended very well. I've been the "country's greatest sis" just 'cause I took my 9 year old sister to choose a birthday present for herself. She's so cute, she chose a Bratz dance-learning game to practice her dancing "skills", a baton used for a marching band, and something else suitable for 9 year old girls. Definitely not suitable for us. I took her for dinner later on that evening. That was an accomplishment.

The weekend started off with somewhat a continuation of nonnah's driving abilities previously mentioned. This time, she brought a cop on a motorbike while picking me up from a very long day at work. She only gets to drive once every two weeks and look what happened? This girl makes me laugh with her way of handling things.

Nonnah if you see this, remember that I love you, that you're my twin, that you're my kindred spirit. Umwaaah??

So she was followed by a cop. I didn't realize it when I sat on the passanger's seat, until I asked what's going on, why don't you press on that pedal and drive on. I was starving for a great lunch at auntie's that day.

"Hold on, he's writing me a ticket, 'cause presumably I passed a red light. While I did NOT such thing! It was yellow! I run passed a yellow light. Is that a crime?! Plus the car behind me followed. So I guess he got to pass it not me!"

What? Who? When? How? Why?!

She was hysterically pissed off.

She had gone cuckoo in that couple of minutes.

I did believe her. I swear that cop had a filthy smirk on his face. UHH! I wanted to choke him.

He was galloping towards our car to hand the ticket to nonnah. Nonnah asked him in a whining way, "The guy behind me didn't stop on the red signal. Why didn't you stop him"?

"I did, before I pulled you over".

"Oh. Ok." Those two words had politely exited from nonnah's mouth.

Do I smell sexism?!

Such a frigging LIAR. Nonnah told me that he pursued her straight away, and it took him how much? 10 minutes to write that frigging ticket?

F#^*!ng @$$!*&% SOB

I was the one who was pissed off right there. We both were. We were all a pissed off happy family watching an unfair cop pulling away. That smirk on his face did it! I will never forget it.

I was the girl who always thought that the world was sweet. Everyone was nice, helpful, and deserve a second chance. Usually a smack on the face will do -- will wake me up and smell reality.

Thank God for a wasta (I pretty much oppose it), nonnah won't go to a court's hearing. I heard it's a pig's muddy barn out there.

all.that.jazz

I guess Mahmood beat me to it.

A month of culture festival. Sounds exciting!

If you're in Bahrain or willing to visit during the month of March (F1 Fever), please get a chance to watch some wonderful shows.

Sunday 12th March 2006 at 8:30PM I'll be occupying one of the seats in Arad Fort enjoying the Pitt Jazz All-Stars performance. All that jazz baby! One of my all time favorite jazz/blues singer is Billie Holiday. Uh! That woman could sing .. sorrowfully!

I also grew attached to Hanine's style of songs. Old Arabic music sang with cuban/latin tunes. It's soothing. Might be occupying a seat for her show too!

12th March is going to be one heck of a day! I'm starting it with the Formula 1 race (Go Raikkonen) and I'm presuming I'd see a familiar crowd out there; ending it with a wonderful evening listening to some jazz. Better go buy me a McLaren shirt as an act of support.

Please do check out the shows. The tickets range from BD20 ($55.4), BD15 ($41.6), and BD7 ($19.4). It's a bargain don't you think?!

I leave you now with Diana Krall, Cry Me a River (originally sang by Barbara Streisand).

Enjoy!


© 2001 Diana Krall, Cry Me a River, from the album: The Look of Love. Powered by Castpost

what.a.small.world

I finally met the girl who may be my competitor in the Strategic Department. We both graduated from the same high school, we both were athletic back then, our moms even gave birth to us in the same month/year.

Our horopscope says:

Aquarius girls tend to be "Friendly, humanitarian, inventive, independent, and intellectual. On the other hand, they're unemotional and detached". Hmm. I'll stick to the former part, thank you very much. After all we're the water carriers. ;c)

We're the youngest engineers in that department and we both love what we're doing. I've been working here for the past 9 months. She's been working here for the past 3 weeks. I might have a head start here. However, she does have Masters in Project Management, while I only have a B Sc in Civil Engineering. I met her in the elevator today and she recognized me. Really sweet girl.

"Ah we finally meet! They've been telling me about you! N.A. this and N.A. that. I said I better meet that girl and see how she is", she said.

"Hehehe, they told me about you too! And I thought I knew your face. I've been busy getting ready for the next training location, but I usually visit the 7th floor once in a while to have a chitchat with Rod (my boss), but I never bumped into you.", I happily said ending it with "I hope we meet soon!" when it was time to get off the elevator.

Mashallaa, she looks exactly like her cousin who everybody had a crush on back in high school. Let's call him Mr. He's Got it All. Even nonnah had a crush on him when we were in elementary. Who didn't? LOL. She revealed her secret couple of months back when we were bringing back our secretive puppy love alive from our dusty mind.

I was amazed by Mr. He Got It All's athletic ability but I didn't have a crush on him. In fact, I was in love with a cute little boy who had auburn straight hair and pinky cheeks. I was 11 years old. I imagined moi being the Barbie in this relationship, and him being the Ken. C'mon, we all had innocent wild imaginations and mine was this. We would have been really CUTE! Unfortunately it did not work out.

I hated that Ken when he hit puberty. He acted like he's ALL that. Pffft he was a dumb ass.

Getting back to Mr. He Got It All, I definitely remember him clearly, more so from KGs all the way through Middle School. We used to be in the same classes.

During Phys. Ed. two captains were hand picked by the teacher. When I was one, I picked him 'cause we both had the sportsmanship and we so wanted to kick ass (nothing more). Fearing of gossips in the air and hearing "Naa nana nanaaa naa N.A. has a crush on someone" from my fellow class, I tried choosing a couple of good kids before him. Ugh! We were such guiltless kids! I miss those old days. You can be whatever you want to be; mischievous, angelic, smarty pants..everything and nobody could utter a word except for bullies, and I don't think we had those in our grade. Hmm. I don't remember.

I think nonnah liked him ever since she knew he was related to the great man who said:

يؤنسني مصباحكِ البعيدْ
يومِض خلف لعنة الظلامِ
كابتسامة الرجاء
أحس أن الليل بات
.. جدولاً من السنى
وأننا في زورقٍ مُجَنَّحٍ
..أنا وأنت وحدنا
نطوف ُ مابين النجومْ
ونستريح في القمرْ

I'll ask Genie to take me back in time. That will be my first wish out of the three. I shoulda gotten that magic lamp and rubba dub dub rub it.

uhh.what's.up.doc?

I was watching an episode of Grey's Anatomy a while ago. Btw, did I ever mention how much I'm in love with that show (after ER that is)! Everyone in that hospital got laid. It's funny. It's a zoo in there. Woohoo! I think it smells like one too. Interns, residents, and attendents running around like untamed animals. I discovered the show after watching the Golden Globe Awards, and here came Sandra Oh carrying her "goldy man" that she won as a supporting actress. Sandra Oh acting in a series with her comedic act? I gotta see that (I SOO loved her in Under the Tuscan Sun)! Plus I get so appealled to doctors show probably 'cause they have guts and deal with them too.

Anyways, I got tuned in one of the first episodes of Grey's Zootomy (oops Anatomy) and an attendent was operating on an old lady's chest. Suprisingly enough, while in the OP, he pulled off a towel from her lungs that was left 5 years ago by another attendent (it turned out to be him). So yeah, a towel was pulled off from a patient's lungs.

That's pure carelessness to me.

Two weeks ago a steriled bandage was pulled off from my grandma's intestine. Once it was removed, the surgeon guessed it was about 7 to 10 years old. Layers of cells and bateria were growing on it. It's absurd really. This time was a cloth, but next time it'll be a forgotten tongs or a knife. Heck or even a stethoscope!

He got away with it. How could that happen? I blame it on the poor hospital managment here. I don't think we have an assessment of doctor's competence. It seems he lacked liability and forgot that he had a human life under his hands. I still can't believe he forgot a roll of bandage in my granny's stomache. If that had occurred in the States, a huge settlement will be knocking on the patient's door.

PS. Don't get me wrong, I'm very fond of docs, but there are good cops as there are bad cops if you know what I mean.

PPS. Seriously, go watch that show. It's "like" kewl.

if.dubai.can.do.it.kuwait.can.do.it.too!

"If a builder builds a house for a man and does not make its construction firm and the house collapses and causes the death of the owner of the house – that builder shall be put to death. If it destroys property, he shall restore whatever it destroyed, and because he did not make the house firm he shall rebuild the house which collapsed at his own expense. If a builder builds a house for a man and does not make its construction meet the requirement and a wall falls – that builder shall strengthen the wall at his own expense."

-The Code of Hammurabi, 2250 B.C.

I want to see this code applied on the 1 km (plus a meter) skyscraper. Who seconds me on that?

Architects don't even give a rat's ass about the difficulty that will be encountered on behalf the structural engineers for getting this huge infrastrucuture up and working.

Piling foundation would bare a lot of stress I'd say.

But as my dear Napoléon exclaimed, "Impossible n'est pas français!"

Way to go Kuwait.

zip-a-dee-doo-dah.zip-a-dee-ay

Unbelievable!

I have a sister who sucks at driving.

She called me with a frantic voice , "Come back up the car for me! There's an accident infront of me near your Ministry and I don't know what to do! Yalla Come!"

Sure bossy nonnah I said to myself! "Right away!" I told her.

I always drop her off to work first since we share a car. No big deal. Her work is one traffic away.

It was raining a half hour ago and people here think they were driving on eggshells. So we were late. Fearing I would not find a parking spot and that would lead me to park on the other side of a 2-way road and walk across it, and I hate to walk across infront of all the cars (call me a scardy cat), I decided to drop myself off first and let nonnah take the car to her work.


Okayyy.. So the next thing I hear after turning on my office lights, is nonnah's don't-know-what-to-do voice. So I rush downstairs taking the fabulous and luxurious 10'by10' cubicle and run towards the street. What do I see? Cars stuck behind our car wanting to turn left, but nonnah blocked the turn. Poor folks. LOL.

I hopped in the driver's seat and took control.

Out of all this I forgot my cell phone in the car. I even waved at her like an idiot.

I was the idiot but she was the girl who didn't know how to reverse a car! Heeh!

i.can't.sleep

It's 4:07 in the morning and I can't sleep. It happens to me once in a while -- being insomniac. I think I worry too much. Well yes. I worry a lot lately. About what? I don't know. Maybe I'm worried about Granny who's abroad for an operation (nothing serious). Or about my brother who is doing his pilgrimage. Or maybe about nonnah who is sleep talking on the phone as I speak (type). Or about my 16 year old sis who's slumber partying in one of her friends house. How come I never slumber partied when I was at that age? Oh yeah. I remember. Mom and Dad didn't let us. I'm all jealous now. Girls nowadays get what they want in a jiffy. I guess we weren't complaining enough. Oh well. Maybe I'm just feeling lonely now and have no one to talk to, so I'm sabotaging my cute little blog with my raves. I just don't know anything anymore. Today I heard some say "I never knew what I wanted in life. But ever since I gave birth to my baby girl my life is all focused and centered". Isn't that sweet? I think I need to get a kid. Of my own. And that means me getting married first. And that means me being committed. Commitment and I don't get along. I wasn't committed to my bonsai tree. And now its dead. I wasn't committed to my tomato plant. And look what happened? Dad gets to take over the job. I know I would sound stupid tomorrow when I reread this post. Life... what do you know. it works with you at times and it works against you when you need it the most.

I had Tylenol cold night pills and it's not working its magic. U think I should sue? lol. Ohh I'm all sweaty right now. Hottt.

End of the show.

;)

quarter.of.a.century.(happy.bday.2.me)

It's that time of year.
Gonna be 25 tomorrow. Gulp.
Twin sis and I were planning on doing something wild--out of the ordinare. We're not of planners I'd say, 'cause we still haven't thought of something naughtyyyyy. lol.

No chickening out. We need ideas. Quick! Any suggestions you guys??!

Oh, btw, did I mention that I'm single? And my wish on my 25th birthday is: to try something new! So congratulate me; I am beginning to accept the idea of saying buhbyee to spinsterhood! Is that even a word? 'Cause I'm afraid the train will depart any time soon and I don't want to miss it! I need to go find me a suitor. LOL. I hope it's not all talk.

BUT I need to go wild beforehand.

Soooo, fill my blog with suggestions plz!

YUMMY.

This goes to Sarah F.: Sweety! Are you still up for the blind date thingy? HAHAHAHAHA.

[Update: Ok. What's going on? Whenever I publish this post it disappears from my blog. Anybody knows why?]

i'm.feeling.duped.too.oprah

Finally!

I'm done with A Million Little Pieces by James Frey. I must say, it took me a while to finish reading it.

A couple of months ago everyone was talking about it; making this book an unforgettable celebrity. Especially Oprah who fell in love with this memoir. Hmmm.

Oprah Oprah Oprah. I thought you had good tastes in books. This was too painful to read. This read wasn't addictive at all.

About the book, I wasn't in love with it, but then again I didn't hate it either. My feelings were neutral. The memoir was too contemporarily written. I'm not sure I liked that. It's just that whenever I picked up that book I couldn't finish reading it. It doesn't happen to me that often. lol. Not that indulging.

The details, especially when James Frey visited the dentist, was too painful for me! Horrible! A drug addict and an alcoholic getting a new set of teeth and a couple of fillings without any anesthetic to "numb up" was just HORRIBLE . Grrrrrr.

And now I heard James Frey is guilty for embellishment and fabricating some details in his memoir?! That's just shocking to me.

Not sure what truth to believe in his memoir- feeling the drilling in his teeth, the secret meet up with Lilly, or a criminal friend called Leonard.

Pathetic? You tell me.

I'm just mad that my rollercoastered emotions during the whole read was gone to waste.

I've been robbed. And no. No embellishment involved here.

Update: Check this out for further info.

R.I.P.

I knowwwwww...

It seems that I was abandoning my beloved blog. Weren't I?

It's just that I am beginning to lose hope. I'm not sure if this blog has an audience. If there are people reading, show some support. I just love it when I see a comment!! It makes my day believe it or not. ;c)

Anyways, I'm all alone at work. An hour ago I have received news from Mom that Shaikh Jaber Al Sabah has passed away (Don't my co-workers love holidays! Heeh). May he rest in peace. I smsed my beloved Kuwaiti friends (Allah i9abirkom inshallah) and they're a bit devastated even though they felt it coming.

Three days ago, while my family and I were camping, we heard the terrible news. The son of our King died in a tragic accident just 5 minutes away from our camping place. He was young; he was truely loved at school, as I heard it from my little sister. He has lived 14 years doing a lot for the mentaly challenged. Yet he would not graduate from HS. He would not get married. He would not even give back to the community.

Guys, please drive safely. Reckless driving will not get you anywhere.

--RIP

the.omani.witch

Which witch is which?! Which witch is which?! Which witch is witch?!

A week ago I was sitting at my Grandma's kitchen table with the aunts and cousins. We were conversing, gossiping, etc etc. I don't know how we landed talking about witches and crafts, and all that. But we just did. Mimi (Remember her? The chubby lady who had that unimaginable fall? hehehe) told a story about her friend's friend (call him UAEboy). It is 100% genuinely true and it's not an urban legend or anything.

Believe me you.
It is all true.
Spooookyooo.
Rabbadabbadooo.


And I'll be telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. So help me God! Heeh.

If you're up for a freaky story, then continue reading. If not, and you're afraid it'll cause you cramps, then hold your horses! I won't be responsible for any traumatic events. I repeat. I.will.not.be.responsible. Capiche? ;c)


Not long ago, UAEboy was an undergraduate studying in Sheeka Beeka (that's what I call the States). He used to have an Omani friend. Every day, the Omani knocks on UAEboy's door. And every day UAEboy opens the door to see the Omani standing there with a warm "7alwa" in his hand. the "7alwa" seemed not made long ago --it was probably an hour old. UAEboy was puzzled. How could this Omani guy get his hands on a warm, fresh "7alwa" in a place that is stranded of any khaleeji or arabic dishes for that matter?

Hmmmmm.

His curiousity made him ask the Omani bluntly.

The Omani loved to show him how he got the "7alwa", but he made him promise not to tell a soul about his secret.

Hmmmmm.


So it was time. The Omani guy woke UAEboy up before sunrise. He took him to a sea shore near their town. It was dark. The sun has still not risen. He commanded him to lye down on his back and close his eyes. He obediently did what he's been told --they both did. Their feet were at the tip of the water. UAEboy heard the Omani murmur what he believed was a witchcraft. One minute, he felt himself shiver like he was put in a freezer. The next minute he suddenly found himself lying on the Omani's bed, in the Omani's house, in Oman. He was scared shitless!

"Now you know where I get the fresh 7alwa from", said the Omani.

UAEboy wasn't believing what his naked eyes saw. He was silent for the whole trip.

The story doesn't stop here.

The Omani introduced him to the household. He showed his way to a very dark room. And inside the room there was an old dark man. When he came nearer, he saw the old man with long braided hair, sitting alone in a chair.

"Shit, what made me come here?! I should have never been that curious", thought UAEboy.

"I know what you're thinking, boy. You should be curious, because that's what made you come here", the old man utterly replied.

Gulp.. If I were in UAEboy's shoes I would kill myself.

Just before lunch time, Omani's sister came in carrying the tea. When UAEboy saw her he didn't believe his eyes. He saw a beautiful fair girl standing right beside him. Poor guy, he didn't know that the old man had cursed him.

It was lunch time then. Whenever UAEboy looked at his dish, all he could see was that magical beautiful girl. She always pops on his plate. He couldn't even eat.

After they're done, UAEboy said his goodbyes and headed back with Omani guy to travel again. So they laid on the bed and the Omani started murmuring. UAEboy felt the chill and then found himself on the shore, in the States again.

Damn. The girl keeps popping in his mind, in his dishes, in his apartment. He keeps visualizing her everywhere.

A day after, he confessed to Omani guy. He knew his old man cursed his friend.

So he handed him her picture to look at. All UAEboy saw was an ugly duckling; so ugly he couldn't lay his eyes on the picture. He asked who she was.

"That's the beautiful girl that you were confessing your love to", Omani guy said.

Hehehe. Poor UAEboy.


After Mimi was done, we all had the wide eyes open mouth expression on our faces.


The one thing that stuck to my mind is that it's a cheap way to travel. No buying tickets involved. Heeh!