Confessions Of An Ex-Taxi Passenger (Pt. 2)

So yeah, remember how part one was about the various stories taxi drivers tell you? Strings of tales about them and their families.. I've always wondered how true these stories were..As much as I want to be an objective person, and I would like to believe their stories, but I really find it hard to!
I mean, why would a person tell a perfect stranger like myself, sensitive details about their lives? Well.. Because they can! Because they know I'm a stranger, I won't judge them.. And because it might not be the truth at all and they know they'll never see me again, and if they did.. I wouldn't remember..
(except for those I've taken more than once only by coincidence)..

So folks.. I started doing the same.. Telling tall tales..white fibs, whatever you want to call them.. My stories were a work of fiction generated by my imagination.. Each time my story would differ, my intentions from telling it would also differ, whether I do it to generate affection or seem like Miss tough cookie, or even just to add some excitement to the cab driver's life in those 15 minute rides..

I was engaged many times, I'd tell the cab driver about my fiancee.. If I were headed to the flower shop I would tell him I'm getting flowers for my fiancee's mom.. Thing is, these guys wouldn't just lend you an ear, but they will listen to you intensly with all their power and interest! There was this guy who was interested to hear how my friend tried to kill herself.. How I leave Jordan every summer to some country in Europe, how I'm half british, thats why my English is excellent.... I've told many stories.. Now, I'm not exactly a liar.. white lies would never hurt anyone.. And besides, it was all for the fun of it.. I got my satisfaction from the smiles on their faces the moment I step down from the car, knowing that I've made someone's day by telling them a story..

It all started one summer, when I came back to Jordan from my 3 month holiday in Muscat.. Now you should know, my memory is somewhat crap when it comes to names and directions.. So I'd take my first cab for the day, after I've just gotten home.. I start giving shitty directions and hoping that the name of the place or road would just pop into my head.. When the cab driver throws the wise-ass remark of "So..you aren't from around here, are you?"...

Confessions Of An Ex-Taxi Passenger (Pt. 1)

This might be the first post that is somewhat..."Jordanian" lol.. Because I'm gonna be referring to taxi cabs in Jordan, as I don't take taxis around Oman.. It's not a very friendly idea for women to take cabs here.. And plus, thank god for my car! :p

Maybe I should change the title.. I'm not totally an "ex-passenger" per say, I mean, I will be taking cabs if I ever go back to Amman for vacation as I don't have a car there..

Anyway, I'm sure we have all ridden taxicabs at some point in our lives, and we all know the drivers' tendencies to just chatter away with passengers (I think this happens everywhere!) and would go on and on about their lives, their golden past and the bleak future!

I've heard stories from the driver being a uni graduate with a degree in Engineering, but couldn't find a suitable job, to a driver who doesn't really own the cab, it's his cousin's and he's just helping him out and ofcourse the story of a driver with connections, related to someone in the government, knows someone who knows someone..etc..

There was this one taxi driver though, I will never forget him. He kept on blabbering and went on and on about his life and wouldn't stop asking questions about me and what I did and where I was headed.. I thought to myself, GOD please let these 15 minutes end quickly (I was headed to Jabal Amman from Dahiet Al Rasheed).. Ofcourse, I must confess that I usually do converse with the drivers if they appeal to me, I would be very friendly to them, like I've known them for ages! But this one....nu-uh.. This one, I did not like.. He was this "sege3" "damu t2eel" kind of guy, in his 30's with the sleek hair brushed back with tons of gel, long pinky fingernail (to either pick his nose with, or his ear shub3arefni!), and ofcourse the disco-tec vehicle.. snore..

Anyway, lets just say "ma a3teito wijeh", but being the nice and polite person that I am, I gave him short replies, yes and no, with my face to the window at all times, I wouldn't even look at him, but I could see he was staring through his miror..

Now at that point, I was 5 minutes away from my destination on the first circle, he's still telling me how his friend betrayed him and how macho he was and blah, when he gets interrupted by his ringtone.. Saved by the bell I thought.. All of a sudden he truns to me with this fearful look on his face and says "Sssshhhhhhhhhh".. Picks up his phone and says "Aah 7abeebti..." .. I was gobsmacked! .. "Keep the change".. I walked the remaining distance!

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For all the years I've been in Jordan, I have been in zillion taxicabs and there are ones I've ridden more than once (fate lol).. Most of you Jordanians out there know exactly what I'm talking about here.. I'm not being offensive to taxi drivers ofcourse, I'm just reflecting the irony.. After all I wasn't able to get anywhere without them! Ya3teekom il 3afyeh! :D

Ugh...Seriously..

Alright.. So this is not a serious update.. I surprisingly have nothing to blog about... Either that or it's that I have ALOT to blog about, it's just that I don't know where to start from! :os Bummer..

So Snooky wants me to blog about him.. Hmm.. I must say I was shocked to learn he was from where he was!! (I'm not mentioning the country just incase he's not up for it).. But he's not Omani..that's what you should know! He is a cool young dude..No really.. Im not just saying :p

There you go..I blogged about you man! lol..

Hmm.. Incase everyone is wondering, I'm still on my job hunt, but doing it rather "half heartedly" as Alex (Mimosa) said to me yesterday.. I'm not trying hard enough.. Because I don't want to.. I'm just waiting to snap out of this phase I'm in...or even just "snap"!

My House, Job, Cat and the Goblet of Fire

lol...Some title this is..I think it really briefs the past 2 months (Has it been that long?)
So.. Yes, I suck, no updates, no nothing, I think Ive lost my readers.. but then again, I don't blame you! I've been extremely busy with.. all of the above mentioned in the title!
First thing is first..

Most of you already know I've moved from my house.. From Al Khuwier (we've lived there for 10 years) to guess where...? YES!! Al Khuwier.. again.. lol..Well..The better part of Al Khuweir I suppose (they call it 33)
next to the mosque and everything.. Do you have any idea what it's like to move house after 10 years? Do you have any idea the amount of JUNK one could find at their own home!! My GOD! I really hope none of you guys go through moving.. Its just too painful!

In the process, I've found some long lost CDs that have fallen behind the dresser.. A poster that was on top of the closet (all this time!), Some old photo albums, a hair clip that's surely out of style now..Not to mention lots of other CRAP that belonged to either of us just stashed away for future use (lol @ future use, not 10 years that's for sure!)
Then comes the hardest part.. throwing things away! Im not sure of many of you have this habit of putting things away, although being rubbish, but you just think "What if I need to use it later on, but won't be able to because I've thrown it away?!".. And you get confused and think "should I? shouldn't I?".. So basically, at the end of the idea, you're just moving your same junk from one house to another!! fft..
I've managed to get rid of a few stuff though.. I know I won't ever be needing them!!

During this whole time of moving, I spent most of my days at work, my poor family did most of the work! :p bwahahaha! But even there, I wasn't able to just surf away on the internet, check the English Sabla or Blog..
Then end of July.. I quit! .. Yep just like that.. Idiotic as this decision might seem, I believe it was the right thing to do.. No I didn't find another one first before quitting (as I was advised by many and was rather impossible to do) I just left.. I can tell you I'm a happier person now.. I still don't know what sort of job I'm looking for, but I can tell you what I'm NOT LOOKING FOR..is something like the job I had..Not the thing I wanted to lead.

So.. Yes, Im back to being a useless bum, at a new house, with no internet.. Reminds me of the old days..Except now I have a drivers lisence, so.. it's a bit different now.. I'm not stuck at home all the time. With no internet at home, it's making it harder to check for vacancies online, so Im following the newspapers now.. But I emailed my CV to a few people I know here, some friends back in Jordan and others elsewhere, with any luck, someone is OUGHT TO find me something somewhere!

So thats that... Oh.. right ..story of my cat. You all know Boubou the cat don't you? I've posted photos of him around sabla sometime back, if you havent caught that, then that's him in the photo above!
Bless'im my feline friend.. Boubou is short for Boupender (Yes it's an Indian name, named after my brother's friend XD) and we've had him for a year now.. He's the cutest thing ever!
BUT, during out last days at the old house, he was going through this phase of "argh! me male, me pee everywhere, me mark territory!" all because we let another cat in.
So.. My dad had decided, Boubou was not going with us!! :( I tell you, that first week was the worst ever!! I cried every night, we just left the cat there! Although he's a smart fellow, but he's not used to being outdoors all the time! So he was just sitting there, in the backyard, waiting by the kitchen door for someone to let him in!! SOB! I know that, because for everyday of that week, I visited him with cans of food..
Everyday I went half expecting not to find him, that he had finally found his way out and he just left, but the moment I call his name, he comes mewoing and runnining from the back!! :( Poor baby..
That was the most depressing week ever.. "sigh"..

The week after, my dad had to go to the old house, to pick up a few things he had left in the frontyard..So I tagged along.. He gave me this look and said "I'm sure you're not going to check on the plants..You're going to see that cat of yours!" .. I just grinned.. As we entered, Boubou was there to welcome us with the loudest meows and just being all cuddley around our feet and throwing himself on the ground and rolling over and all that!
My dad was surprised to see him still sticking around.. I fed Boubou while the others were getting whatever stuff they went to get and then it was time to go.. So uuft.. at that moment I wished I hadn't gone to see him! But then my dad being "fatherly" and all was like "Okay, you can bring him over for a visit" .. YESSSS!! but then he said.. " If he has just one accident around the house though, he's going"..
err.. I WILL MAKE SURE HE DOESNT HAVE ANY ACCIDENTS AROUND THE HOUSE! Yippeeeeee!!

So.. That solved my cat's problem.. Boubou is back to living with us, no accidents whatsoever (Thank God), as long as we don't bring in any other cats! phew! :D


Now... to the last part of that title.. You know where I got that from, right? ;) Yep.. I went through (still am) this Harry Potter frenzy! I'm a bit late, I know.. but that's the beauty of it..
Let me explain: Just like when everybody went insane over The Da Vinci Code for it was THE book to read.. People who never read a book in their lives where reading Dan Brown's novel... Except for me.. I hated following that trend.. I still haven't read the book, nor watched the movie! I'm waiting for the right time.. Same goes for Harry Potter.. I've just got the books, and have spent all last week watching the movies, all four of them, a million times each! Call me obsessed, but Im really enjoying it NOW! I love Harry Potter! And after finishing the fourth part I was exhiliarated to find out there are two more parts coming out!! Yaaay!!
"Order of The Pheonix" and "The Half Blood Prince" .. Better read those two before the movies come out (2007/2008) ! :D

I've always had something against sequels..but not in this case.. I think Harry Potter is just BRILLIANT and WICKED! Also, I've thought that most books made into movies was not such a good idea..
I do prefer the books more.. but in this case.. A magical world like that needs a magical creator like Warner Bros! lol..

So.. After reading this update..How sane do you think I am?

Gli italiani calceranno dell'asino francese stasera!

Aaah.. My Liverpool/England supporting friend Tariq left to England a week ago or so, he's doing his Masters there.. He's also watching the world cup from there.. He sent us this email which I thought was really hilarious!


TEN REASONS WHY ITALY MIGHT WIN THE WORLD CUP..

1) Fifa worked very hard to promote fair play and anti racism in the world cup.. as we all saw.. there were banners and slogans all over the place and in the latter rounds team captains were given little notes to read out.. but Fifa were apparently also promoting homosexuality.. and in an effort to stamp homophobia out of the beautiful game.. they decided on helping the team with the biggest number of homosexual players win the tournament.. so congratulations to Gigi, Pippo, and Gattuso.. your sexual orientation might just win your country the world cup..!!

2) As part of their preparation for the world cup tournament, the whole Italian team had been subjected to long hours of hypnotic therapy, their conditioning was to try and get all the players to change their attitudes from playing really badly, losing, and blaming everyone else for cheating and being unfair to playing good football and winning.

3) Italy scored a lot of goals, due to the fact that 15 out of the 23 players selected for the squad were strikers.

4) They have a really cool team doctor.. the skinny guy with a little moustache and protective glasses.. check him out in the final.. hehe..

5) Ukraine player Andrey Schevshenko’s family were entertaining some guests when Ukraine and Italy met in the quarter finals.. The friendly mafia mobsters decided to watch the game at his home in Italy with his wife and son.. just to make sure he didn’t do anything stupid during the game.. like scoring against them for example..

6) Instead of spending a large number of hours training on improving certain skills and techniques the Italians are good at such as ‘falling over in agony’ and the ‘I didn’t touch him look’ and ‘he was pulling my shirt’.. the Italian coach decided it was time for a change and introduced new skills and techniques for the players to adopt.. such as heading, shooting, and passing.. midfielder Gattuso missed that training session..

7) Match fixing can be done internationally as well as locally.. as the world will discover in a few months..

8) The real Ronaldinho stayed at home to work on his modeling career.. and sent his twin brother (who was shit at football) to take his place in the Brazil squad..

9) Ghana, United States, Australia, Ukraine, and Germany are all crap at football.. and the Czechs didn’t have any fit strikers for the game.. so I suppose the Italians were just simply very lucky..

10) Well.. maybe it was just because they played really good football.. good attacking positive play originating from a solid group of defenders.. good squad selection and rotation.. good ‘keeper.. and a good team doctor.. THERE.. I said it.. Happy?
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'sigh'.. Tonight is the big night.. Tonight, the dream either begins or ends..
Stasera, il sogno si inizia o finisce..
Ce soir, le rêve commence ou termine..
I can't wait.. Viva Italia! :D

A Pedestrian NO MORE!

I suppose you all know by now that I got my drivers license. Innit cool?
Yeah.. No more hitching rides, begging to be dropped off places, or just being stuck at home because I don’t have a car and there’s no one to drop me.. sigh.. Finally I guess..

I FINALLY AM NOT A PEDESTRIAN ANYMORE!
Well.. I’ve said this before, when I got my license in Jordan, but I didn’t have my own car then..
And I still didn’t drive here, so technically I was still a pedestrian! :P

Anyway, now I can finally I’m not anymore.. Sure I use my brother’s car, but he’s not complaining since I always fill it up!! :s Erm.. Yeah, well I’m always afraid I’d be short on fuel!

Anywhooo... Yesterday was like “Driving day” for me! I actually drove all around Muscat!
Not that I meant to... But I kind of got lost in Madinat Al Ealam, MSQ and Al Ghobra … lol!
I drive to work in Al Ghobra... so yeah I took a wrong turn there and got lost…
Got lost again later that afternoon looking for my friend’s place (TripleTee) in Al E3lam as I was supposed to pick her up and go meet the sabla gals… We were late of course.
After leaving the gathering, I dropped a friend living in Wadi Htat... So yep that was quite a drive! Tee & I then headed off for some Starbucks Frappuccino at MSQ, it was crowded so we decided to go to Shatii’s branch.. Got lost trying to leave MSQ...
Sure.. Laugh all you want. I can assure you it wasn’t funny yesterday!!

Finally had Starbucks, dropped Tee home and headed home myself, it was 11 pm.. I realized I’ve been driving around since 5pm ... Hmm.. And for some reason, I still hadn’t had enough.. Went home picked up my bro Solidus for a drive… Again, the same “circle” – MSQ, Shatii then ended my night with McDonalds…

This day was just packed.I think I did everything a driver could possibly do!! Let’s go through it…
1- I drove like a psycho, hit the horn a lot. (Basically I drove like a Jordanian!)
2- I was speeding before entering main roads.
3- Speeding on roundabouts and almost lost control of the wheel.
4- Hit the bottom of my car at a speed bump (I didn’t see it!)
5- Ran a stop sign.
6- Ran a red light (Solidus said I’d make it! – obviously I didn’t)
7- I fueled the car up twice.
8- Drove while talking on the phone.
9- Ate fries while driving.
10- Changed lanes without indicating
11- Used the hazard button just for the heck of it.
12- Started driving and forgot to let down the hand brake!

Sheesh! ... so… umm.. Anyone up for a drive??? :D No I'm serious..

Beware My Wrath...

Oh my friends.. It is I, the Melon.. Back once again...
Well not quite..I know you’ve missed me.. :p
But these 2 weeks have been SO hectic! (Ever since I’ve started working)
Well... So far, my blog is becoming a bit on the “diary” side...
But, boy have I got things to tell you!! lol

Well... Regarding me falling down the stairs, that phase is over, thank god, I’ve recovered, A bit of muscle pain is left, but other than that… All’s good! :)

My job.. AKH.. MY JOB.. fft.. You wanna hear something funny?
I don’t like it.. Yeah! You heard me! I DON’T LIKE IT! Ahem... Why you ask?
Well, for starters, it’s not really what I had expected! And whoever hears me saying that is like “what? You haven’t been there for long, and you’re complaining already!!”
Well, yeah, I kind of know what it’s like and what it’s going to be like forever after only being here for 2 weeks now.

My dad is like “Oh, all jobs are like that… all bosses and managers are like that” or “That’s what being an assistant is all is about”

Speaking of managers… ugh… The one I’ve got is just a pain...:s Good God.. Some of you might already know, as I hadn’t stopped complaining ever since I’d started!
He’d ask me to do things. Very trivial things really... And I just look at him and think, as Solidus would say ... “Moo Fotha?!” ugh.. Sometimes I just wanna slap him silly! .. Oh.. Scratch that.. I might want to murder him.. As we say "Ma at2al damo" .. He's not light hearted at all!!
*A very crossed Melon* perv..

Anyway, on a happier note... I finally got my driver’s license!! Hahaaa!! Finally!
And I drove home from work yesterday! FINALLY! I’m driving ...But I still need company with me of course, my brother in this case.. Until I get the feel of the car and the hang of it… ‘Sigh’ ... I’m truly happy!

Hmm.. What else is there to mention?? Aaah yes.. What other than Football fever for ‘tis the season.. I haven’t watched a single game! Not one match! Which sucks.. I’ve been called many things among them was getting an sms from my friend in Ozzie saying “You’re such a loser!! It’s the World Cup!” … *rolleyes*

Yes I know it’s the world cup, but to be honest, I just don’t feel it.. The country doesn’t exactly enter the whole football spirit.. It was really different back in Jordan..
We would go hang out in big groups at nice places where they’d be showing the match..
There’s none of that here.. Seriously.. :(

Oh well.. Work is taking up most of my time anyway.. I guess I wouldn’t have time for football even if I had the channels and the friends to watch with…

Yesterday night.. My VERY first night out.. I went out with a friend of mine God bless'er .. And I saw where people usually hang out! Which is great! Oh.. It was Karaoke night.. We sang! :p
You can guess where! hehe.. *sneaky*

A Job?? :D "Break a Leg!!" ..No really..

Y'all want an update.. ja ja? Okay.. I have JUST sent the longest email to my friends all over telling them what happened .. I haven't spoken to them in such a while.. So..instead of writing it down again here, I'll just copy/paste! Enjoy!!

Warning: LONG POST!
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"Now.. A big change has occured! I smsed most of you but decided I should tell everyone in details what is up! I'm getting married! :D ..Mmm.. haha! Bah!

Not really no.. *roll eyes* I have finally started working!! Yes.. me .. 'D' (the mushroom girl)with a job finally after all this time! :D You have no idea how .. comforting and releaving this is.. I stopped caring what kind of job it was, I just wanted anything! No More useless bum for meee!

But in this case here's what happened...

I was out with some girls, got introduced to one of them, who worked at the Ministry Of Tourism, and out of the blue she was like "Oh are you looking for a job?" .. err yeah! " cause there is this guy who has opened a new company here, and he's recruiting..".. So I give her my email and number.. and that was it.. it slipped my mind..

A week later, they called me! And I had an interview last Saturday.. So since I'm a chicken shit and pretty much timid when it comes to interviews.. I was a nervous wreck as usual.. But.. the moment I walked in that office, everything just went away! Which is weird.. And it was an hour long, I chatted away as if I've known these people all my life! I was just VERY comfortable!
And so were they.. and so.. it was a deal! :p I was hired.. They liked me! yay!

"So when can you start?".. "I can be here tomorrow!" .. lol.. talk about being enthusiastic.. lol.. And so I went to work the next day! ;)

So about the company basically, as I might have already told some of you, it's called Promo Oman , a Lebanese Omani company with Lebanese management. As the name implies they.. er.. "we" promote Oman as the premier tourist destination in the GCC countries and internationally. We promote the country by creating specific tourism products, managing and developing touristic sites in addition to events and campaigns!

This company is affilated with the company back in Lebanon (Promo Liban) who were responsible for alot of things we used to see on TV like the "new identity" for Lebanon (3eesh Lebnan) (Live Lebanon), and among other things..

Anyway.. So.. What am I? I'm an Ass. Manager! :p Assistant that is! ;)
Yep..hahaha! It's hilarious! I'm actually incharge of everything! because THE boss is a very busy man!

One of the cool projects the company is working on at the moment is "Al Hotta Cave" which is turning out to be similar to "Je'eta Cave" in Liban! Very interesting! I believe this company is a great boost for Omani tourism! And my friends.. this is by far the field I've always wanted! Fa ya3ni things cannot get any better....

Now.. you want funny news? So Sunday was my first day at work.. That evening after I got back home, I was running around the house getting my stuff together before I had to go to bed (Yes I'm trying to sleep early because I wake up at 6 am!)

My phone rang and I was on the top floor, I rushed downstairs in such a hurry that it excited my cat, and he immediately started running behind.. Little did I know he was playing "Tackle the foot" .. Next thing you know, I try to avoid stepping on him, I slip, and fall sliding on my back!!!!! :S

Shit.. I cannot move.. Ofcourse what happens to Moi in such situations???
lol..whoever thought "she cries" is also right! *rolleyes* .. but first I blacked out.. :p
One of my brothers came rushing to see what all the banging was.. Ya3ni the rest is predictable.. He gets me water..some pillows to rest my head on untill I regain consciousness.. Injuries?

I hurt my left side...my foot, my hip the back of my thigh, and my elbow ...
I couldn't walk so I was rushed to the ER for an X Ray.. Thank God.. Nothing was broken.. but I'm suffering from muscle tear in my foot.. which hurts like a bitch by the way.. My thigh and hip were just awfully bruised that it looked like someone had just kicked my ass! My elbow was bleeding and the wound was somewhere ON the joint.. I couldn't bend my arm..

"sigh".. So .. I took the second day of work.. OFF! :p Haha.. bad luck..
They were understanding though, and I had to go the next day, so they could see how I could barely walk! My foot was wrapped and my arm was all stiffed... ugh..

Now.. I still drag my foot.. my arm is fine, the blue/green/purple/yellow bruise on my thigh is just spreading but will eventually disappear.. so will the pain in my back..
Oh.. and no I don't hate my cat! :P Incase you're all wondering!

So yeah.. this is everything going on for now.. I think.. Mostly yeah.. Work is like the highlight of this week..month.. make that year!!... and so was falling off the stairs.. XD!

I now remember how much I enjoyed writting endless emails! I know some would really enjoy it, and others would take one look and go "omg..what is she ranting about!"

Oh well.. Both ways.. I miss you all ! And .. I know how some of you think that me getting a job means I will be going to Jordan soon, but think again.. I won't be able to.. I've only recently started, so I can't possibly ask for a vacation.. But if things go well.. I'll be seeing you on Christmas & New Year's! :D

Take care all.. and I really want you all, ones up north and the ones down under & not to forget the ones in the east and west, to reply.. short or long.. just tell me whats going on with you!!"

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So yeah.. Don't you just LOVE it when someone sends you long emails? I know I do..

A little on the arty side..

I've always been the artistic type to be honest.. I pick up after my father.. For he is a person who's intouch with his emotions and knows how to express himself through drawings and painting. I just wish I had time to practice it all... I used to have the time, and I used to have alot of paintings.. But I just gave them away! stupid me stupid me! I wish I hadn't! :(

And ofcourse, not going for Graphic Designing in college, was partially the reason why I never picked up where I left.. I guess the business world took over me.. And I sort of lost all my artsy sense.. But then I realized, you don't really lose that! Once an artist always an artist! All I have to do is go back to it, step by step and I'll be back on track! So, I've decided.. I'm going to try and work on that side of me! Practice more to develope it.. I've got all the time in the world, It's not like I'm working nowadays.. even if I did, that would help me fund my equipment, from brushes, paints and canvas and paper etc.. lol @ Fund.. Yeah, and because of that as these things are costly! I turned to photography as a way to express myself! :D

As for the photos here, some of my dad's artwork. Well, we're supposedly moving house soon, so as an attempt of knowing whats what and whats junk, I came across those old paintings that belonged to my dad and probably never got to finish! The Vase, Flowers.. are probably done.. The one with small squares is an idea I'm hopefully going to complete, the colorful design my dad actually created and was used on women's dishdashas.. And the last portriat of a woman Im hoping is my mom! hehe.. (I couldn't scan them, so I just took pictures of them)
He used to have more .. A whole LOT more! I just can't find them! :(

Shame..

Simply Addictive!

Hey all.. So today, June 1st marks the establishment of The English Sabla ..The forum I've belonged to for the past 4 years now.. Sabla has been around for 6! I've written this article as something I'd publish in one of the papers here in Muscat, but alas, I was late.. I really wanted it on Wednesday's The Week, or Times Of Oman today or something!
I never heard from The editors though!! hmph! :(

BUT.. I have decided to get it published it anyway! :) I will inshallah go down to one of the offices and hand it to anyone in charge! Will scan an dpost the page if that does happen!!
I have all month to do so.. In the mean while.. Here it is, read and tell me what you think.. I might add a few changes when I go down to get it published!
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Traditionally, Al Sabla is a term describing the social center of the Omani village. A place where people meet to discuss local affairs and celebrate weddings and other social events.

With the booming technology and the availability of computers in almost every Omani home, online discussion forums have been established, one of which was quickly named “sabla”, as it serves the same purpose of people gathering “outside their homes” to socialize and openly discuss matters of interest.

A Sabla Story:

6 years ago, Saeed Al Rashidy, the owner and administrator of the Arabic website “Sablat Al Arab” (http://www.omania.net), responded to his members’ request for an English discussion board as an equivalent to the Arabic version.

Like the beginning of everything, problems and obstacles surfaced for the new website; as both forums (Arabic & English) shared the same server, it continuously caused tremendous overload and the website to repeatedly shut-down. Another problem was the lack of active members, and the administrator being preoccupied with Sablat Al Arab, the English version wasn’t getting the needed attention and was left deserted.

During June 2001, Saeed Al Rashidy handed the website over to Ahmed Al Riyami who was elected by the members to take complete responsibility for the administration of the forum. In an attempt to solve the overload problem, Ahmed moved the forum to a new server in April 2002, when the site got its official domain “http://www.englishsabla.com”

The English Sabla is being updated periodically, when newer software versions are made available. With each update, new themes, user icons (avatars), skins, add-ons as well as the English Sabla logo are single-handedly created and introduced by Nabhan Abdullatif, who is responsible for maintaining the forum visually and technically, besides being one of Sabla’s two assistant administrators, working side by side with his mentor Faisal Al Ismaely and previously mentioned administrator, Ahmed Al Riyami. In addition, a team of moderators, are selected according to their quality posting, activity and their interests, who handle various assigned Sabla sections and take care of the members’ concerns.

The English Sabla also provides an opportunity for ambitious members wanting to stand out, through an award system with a number of monthly competitions in poetry, photography, visual arts and the “Member of the month” award given to members on the count of their good quality posting, positive attitude and activity.

Today, the English Sabla celebrates its sixth anniversary, as it embarks on a new horizon. Six years of rollercoaster rides, were worth every post. For the English Sabla not only provides a suitable platform for reasonably free discussion, but also creates bonds of friendship and extends bridges to bring members from around the world together.

© 2006, Blind Melon

Growing Up?

There are times when you suddenly start thinking.... Yep, you're getting old!
It's something that sort of hit me today while I was out with a friend of mine and her 14 year old sister.. We were looking at some shoes, when I spotted these cool black snickers with pink scribblings on the sides, something like the Anarchy sign, and a pentagram... Okay I liked the shoes, really I did.. And as I reached for them to take a closer look, my friend's sister got hold of them first..

"OMG!! I LOVE THOSE SHOES!" ..... "Reminds me of Avril Lavign!"
Yikes! Avril Lavign's style of shoes?? Hmm... I looked away thinking, wow.. a 14 year old went balistic over these shoes.. What on EARTH would I want with them! Where would I wear them anyway! College? Ah,right.. I'm done with that.. Well, work?? I'm oooldddd!! Bah!

It might be silly, but that surprisingly got to me! I suddenly felt bad that I have to "look" as well as "act" my age and not run around looking like a school girl.. Because I wasn't that anymore..
I felt sad that my "funky" days were over.. You know someone would go insane and people would justify it by saying "Oh it's okay, he's only 16" , "Oh she's still in school or college..so it's fine" or "All their friends look like that"
So does that mean I have to give up my cool rainbow bag? My wrist band? My pin-tags!!
Sniff Sniff (",).. Suits and heels.. DOOM ON YOU! Well.. I guess shaving off my head would be out of the question.. xx

..And everything "-ression"!

I'm not feeling myself.. I don't like the way things are going.. and frankly my dear I dont give a damn! lol.. Well, no not quite.. I do give a damn! I just don't know what to do!
Nothing it going my way! I keep blaming it on alot of things! First on the country, then car, then job, then folks.. etc etc..

I think I have ADD.. (Attention Deficit Disorder), I feel like my brain cells are dying by the second! How DO you diagnose ADD anyway? Do I like go to a clinic and ask them to give me tests?

The best compliment I've had in ages was yesterday, when my friend, who visited me from Jordan, said to me: "for someone who has nothing to do & just sits around and eats..You're really slim!" .... rofl.. Yes, I took it as a compliment.


Pfft.. Nevermind my mindless babbling.. I'm suffering from depression, repression, opression, supression and everything -ression! eh.. Something hurts and I don't know what it is!
I feel ignored..

Random Summary

Now let me see, whats been going on lately...

- Well, last Tuesday was my brother's graduation ceremony. 'Sigh'.. Our little shrimp is now 18 and is finishing High school.. They grow up fast, eh? Makes me feel.. old!

The Ceremony took place in Crown Plaza in Qurum.. Or is it Shatii Qurum? Some kind of Qurum.. Anyway.. I think their school has always had the graduation ceremonies held there.
I felt weird going.. Seeing all those teachers! My old teachers (I studied there for 7 years!), the old principal and his WHOLE family (who are friends with my family), old class mates (Some I was surprised to see there and some I knew would show up), I was excited with the ones I was surprised to see! Long TIME! Ha! ;) You know yourself! :p
I also met some new people (sisters of my brother's friends who knew who I was).. It was all good.. All the boys looked really good dressed up in suits.. Fine young gentlemen they were!

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

- Yesterday we had a cousin visit us for a short while from Jordan. My dad's cousin actually.
And what do people do when they have visitors over?? Yep... A BANQUET! lol..
And who's the only female around to make that banquet possible? Yours truely.. *groan*
Theme: Fish. So, I cooked Fish in the oven, French Fries, Tabouleh (yes!), Shrimp Salad, Mixed Fried Rice, Green Salad, and Eggplant gratan as a side dish! Ofcourse, with your usual auderves (Is that how you spell it?) of olives, pickles, raddishes, leafy vegetables..etc
The dinning table was a Masterpiece I tell you! - Should've taken photos. Well.. All was gone in a matter of ... minutes!.. Little critters... 'sigh'

I'm ending this subject by saying that my loving brother readily offered to wash all the dishes!!Ofcourse.. I ACCEPTED! You had to see the piles of dishes in both sinks! -Should've taken photos of this too. He was done and all was dandy, untill I caught my dad slip him 5 rials for helping out! *Furious* Hey! That is NOT fair! If only he paid ME for the chores I take care of! My family had totally ruined my hobby of cooking! :(

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

- I have a friend leaving tomorrow night, back to Jordan.. I promised to spend the day with her at her place..(Oh why did I do that!).. It's not that I don't like her.. She's fine, and afterall , she IS an old classmate.. A childhood friend per say.. But.. You know when you see someone and catch up on old times and then have that awkward silence? I mean, you've said everything you had to say first time you met.. You have nothing in common but your past as children!

But.. I promised..

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

- Highlight of my week would be Monday 14th - My friend Emma is coming to Oman for a 2 day visit! Yipeee! We're hitting the beach! er.. going to the beach that is! Sun, sand here we come! :D I will be taking photos of everything ofcourse, and will update later on! :)

That's all folks! Enjoy!!

P.S: Photo #1= The Graduates- My bro and one of my favorite friends of his! :) Photo#2= Both my brothers and Moi.

Happy Moderating!

Wow.. English Sabla has finally made me a Moderator.. On The General Discussion section. Am I happy? Am I excited? VERY! Overwhelmed actually.. hehe.. I've been a mod for 3 days now, on the first day I actually went to bed 8.00 am! I just spent all night admiring my new "privilages" as a moderator! Sad, eh? You think that's sad? Wait till you hear this...

I was actually hoping a member would screw up or report a post so I would practice my "new duties" as a mod and go on editting, deleting or even warning members to stick to the threads' topics! And I got to do all that! yeeeah! :D Now THAT'S SAD.. hehe

But it doesn't really matter.. All I care about is that I'm finally a mod! :p Well, not exactly the ultimate dream, but I have bugged the admins. the past 4 years! Since the first day I've joined and the question I asked was "How can I become a moderator!?", Nabhan could vouch for that! hehe..

Anywhoo.. This is a good thing, more reasons to be online.. lol.. A responsibility too.
Yaay! I got Best Member for the month of March, now I'm a Moderator! You think I'd get Best Moderator at some point? :p ...Or am I being greedy?

TOOL - "10,000 Days" OUT NOW!

TOOL'S ALBUM "10,000 DAYS" was released YESTERDAY!!!! I downloaded the album but I am still really excited about purchasing it. Go get yourself a copy!

Like most progressive rock and heavy metal-- hell, maybe most popular music in general-- suspension of disbelief is key with Tool. Taken at face value, with their song suites, meat puppet videos, and histrionic singer, they're pretty goofy.

I'd like to think of TOOL as the Radiohead of nü-metal. Tool didn't release an album between 1996 and 2001. They missed nü-metal's entire rise and fall, an era of whiteboy dreads, bonsai facial hair, funk bass poppin', and constipated balladry. And much like Radiohead when they dropped the Kid A/Amnesiac doubleshot, Tool released Lateralus early in this decade to radio silence and huge numbers. Five years later, they return with "10,000 Days"! Listening to this album, you get the sinking feeling that Tool have made an art-rock, rather than art-metal, album. And yes, the difference is considerable.

As for lyrics.. Well, the usual mix of drug references, conspiracy theories, tortured declarations of vague emotional trauma, and general doom-mongering..

Tool have made an...A Perfect Circle record. For those who don't know, Tool's vocalist Maynard James Keenan has been a member of Tool since 1990 and A Perfect Circle since 1999.

This album is a cool! You either Love it or Hate it... Clicking on the title will take you to another blog about Tool.


Rating: 8/10

Tracks:

1- Vicarious
2- Jambi
3- Winge For Marie (Pt.1)
4- 10,000 Days (Wings Pt.2 )
5- The Pot
6- Lipan Conjuring
7- Lost Keys (Blame Hofmann)
8- Roseta Stoned
9- Intension
10- Right in Two
11- Viginti Tres

Samples 4 U : (I suck with this uploading business - My friend Nabs is still showing me the way! :D)

http://rapidshare.de/files/19129090/04_-Tool_-_10_000_Days-_WINGS_FOR_MARIE__PT_2_.mp3.html

Embraceable You

Hmm.. I don't really like comparing myself to people.
But sometimes a person can't help him/herself! It is human nature to want to see how we measure up in comparison to others - especially if we think that they are better than us or have more of something that we want. Yet the truth is that it is not a good use of time to compare ourselves with others because there is no one like us and this makes us incomparable. Yes.. Each and everyone of us is unique. There is no one else like you in the entire universe. In honor of your unique self, it is good to acknowledge and embrace the special qualities that make you the person that you are. One way to do this is to NOT compare yourself with other people.

Each of us has very special gifts, and we are here for very specific reasons. We each have a life purpose to fulfill and with this come the lessons that we must learn and the circumstances that we must go through in order to evolve as spiritual beings. To compare our lives to other people's lives when we have no idea of what THEY are here to learn or fulfill doesn't benefit anyone - especially you.

Accept yourself, appreciate the special talents and qualities that you alone possess, and realize that you are going through certain kinds of experiences for a reason, you are less likely focus so much on what other people have or are doing. Try to not compare yourself to others, and you will see how much you have and how special you are.

LOVE YOURSELF! Repeat that.. all day long! I LOVE ME! :D .. really..I do.. and no, that doesn't make me a narcassist!
-------------------------------
P.S: The photo is originally a picture of me! lol..A little snip snap here and there.. And voila!.. No I don't want to look like that! :p

Paycheck!

..No not the movie.. but MINE! Yes.. I got my first paycheck today.. Okay, well, it's not like a permanent salary thing. Still, it's a paycheck! I got paid for work I've done! hehe Life is good.. And I must say.. What I got wasn't bad for only 3 days work! :D

This should be a motivation.. to get a permanent job! Inshallah.. :)

YESSSS! CASH CASH! $$ Ca-Ching!

Kitchen Blog?

Senorita suggested I post some cooking recipes.. I really liked the idea! :D But, I'm creating a new blog for it.. Recipes and will try to enforce them with pictures of the dishes I make! :)

What'd you all think?

..Taking A Field Trip

Yeah I know, I should've updated long time ago.. But I haven't been feeling well, I had an upset stomach!! And I still don't know what from! It wasn't something I ate lol.. It wasn't anything else, I told a few that I'd be seeing the doctor.. Well, I didn't, simply because two days later, the pain just went away.. I know it's not "right" to "sleep" on pain.. But I'm not really fond of clinics, doctors and most of all MEDICATION! ugh.. Anyway, I'm fine now, Hamdulilah..
And y'all have been wanting an update! Popular Demand, eh? :p Well, here you go, though not much has been going on really..

Today, I went to Mutrah Suq, with my friend Sarah. She wanted to buy some "Omani souvenirs" before going back to Egypt (she works there). It was a lovely evening.
To be honest, In all my life, I think I've only been to that part of Oman a few times... It's such a shame though, I mean the whole "Corneish"(By the sea) is just lovely! After today, I think I'm in an "exploring mood".. I think I should actually explore Oman, since I'm here and up to nothing! I mean I would love to go to Nizwa for starters! :D

As a child in school, I remember how excited I'd be, learning that we had a field trip during the week. Which meant ofcourse a break from schoolwork and an adventure with friends! Yeeeah!! :D Now as an adult, I suppose taking a field trip could be just as fun and memorable!!

You see, allowing yourself to get stuck in your routine can make life seem boring. Adding a touch of variety to your life in the form of a field trip can break up the monotony of your days and lead you to adventure. Unlike the jaunts that were regulated by teachers or monitored by parents *groan*, taking a field trip as an adult can lead you anywhere you want. It can be an opportunity to explore a new landscape or discover something about myself. Taking a day trip to another town or visiting an unfamiliar spot in your neighborhood can be educational and fun!! Tons of fun with my love for photography now! Aaaah! That IS the life! Now all I need is wheels! :( Oh, about that.. Cross your fingers people ! I'm getting my driver's liscence NEXT MONTH! Wooohooo!

Now, about that field trip.. Would anyone want to go with me? LOL.. Planning it would actually be so much fun! :D Hehe.. I'm sure we all need a change of scenary!!
--------------------------------
P.S: If any one can teach me how to "upload" these photos in a different, a neater way, please tell me! It messes up the post! lol..
Yeah, I've taken these photos a few months back, on my only trip to the interior Oman since I came back from Jordan. (From above: Jebal Shams - Wadi Ghoul greens -Wadi Ghoul huts - Al Hamra)

TRAINEX 2006

Yep.. It's over now, and I never really got the chance to blog about it while it was happening, simply because I had NO TIME! :p Funny eh? Me? No time? HA! Anyway, I actually posted it about the whole event in EnglishSabla.

This link will take you to it!
http://www.englishsabla.com/forum/showthread.php?p=666647#post666647

Yeah, I started it, tried to update it as much possible , and ended it just now!
I actually loved this event! It gave me an idea of what students and youngsters out here are actually interested in. And visitors stressed on having an organization like AMIDEAST (mentioned in post) opening up here would actually benefit Oman! Cool! Move over British Council! hehe..

S.O.A.D

fft.. They're playing on June 25th in Edmonton, CAN- Rexall Place.. and on June 26th in Calgary- Pengrowth Saddledome ... Grr.. Lucky them.. Canada I mean.. I WANT TO GO!

If they ever perform in Dubai or Lebanon (Which they did once before,or was it a rumor?)..I would most definetly go! I'd be insane not to!!

AAARGH! *frustrated* Why don't any of the performers come here to Muscat or to Jordan! We promise we won't bomb you! XD

Intimate Dancing

If you ever were in a long-term relationship then you'd know that the dance of intimacy involves coming together and moving apart. Early in a relationship, intense periods of closeness are important in order to establish the ground of a new union. Just as a sapling needs a lot more attention than a full-grown tree, budding relationships demand time and attention if they are to fully take root. Once they become more established, the individuals in the union begin to turn their attention outward again, to the other parts of their lives that matter, such as work, family, and friendships. This is natural and healthy. But sometimes.. A person would forget to look inward every now and then.. If a long-term relationship is to last, turning towards one another recurrently, with the same curiosity, attention, and nurturance of earlier times, is essential.

But..Alas..In a busy and demanding world full of obligations and opportunities, we sometimes lose track of our primary relationships, thinking they will tend to themselves. We may think that our love is strong enough to survive without attention. Yet even mature trees need water and care if they are to thrive.

I now feel I have made the right decision. No regrets.. And hopefully no looking back.."sigh"..
But if any of you out there is in that "long-term relationship" and really wants to maintain it. Then "communication" is the key to nourish that relationship. If you feel that a distance has grown between you and your partner, you may be able to bridge the gap by sharing how you feel. I somehow failed to do so. But, it was somewhat "intended" so.. Im not explaining this.. It's too complicated. Anyway..

You're in the same boat together and trying to maintain your relationship and keep it healthy and thriving. Express faith and confidence in each other, and enjoy the slow dance of intimacy that can resume between the two of you. :)

What I hate....

..But often forget that I do..

I hate not having a car.. I HATE not having a car probably more than anything ever! (At the moment ofcourse..if that makes any sense) I remember hating not having a car back in college, when I was waiting for the bus, in the pouring rain, I had forgotten my umbrella at home, and people were driving by in their own cars.. I remember texting my dad saying "DAD I NEED A CAR BADLY!"...

And what was his reply? "HAHAHAHA"..

"sigh".. I guess when you're unlucky, there's no changing that!

Oh..The pic is of my mom posing in a funny way and her brand new car which she paid for all by herself and got 3 days ago! :) Cool or what? Hopefully I'll be doing the same..

Inane Rambling..He Says

Okay..This conversation I've just had with Mimosa is by far the funniest ever! I wasn't even there! hehe..


Melon ™ says:
BRB..phone
m says:
thought so..bummer..ok
m says:
i'll just pop off and shoot myself
m says:
thanks for noticing
m says:
i could say anything right now i suppose
m says:
i have flowers growing out of my ears
m says:
my clothes are on fire
m says:
i was once a woman
m says:
i come from another planet in a galaxy far, far away
m says:
i'm actually made of chocolate
m says:
if you cut me, you get hot mocca out of my veins
m says:
i have a special coating to protect me in hot weather
m says:
but must never be exposed to herbal tea
m says:
for some reason
m says:
it's a chemical reaction
m says:
i don't like cauliflower either
m says:
cauliflower and chocolate don't mix
m says:
hmm..Melon spends a long time on the phone
m says:
must be someone important
m says:
wish she would call me now and then
m says:
actually, ever
m says:
but never mind..she is here
m says:
al7amdulillah
m says:
man, what a pic
m says:
all i have is a duck
m says:
not that i've got anything against ducks ya3ni
m says:
i used to like feeding them in the park
m says:
not sure i ever had a plastic one like this in the bath though
m says:
maybe
m says:
i forget
m says:
nowadays i just like ducks to eat i suppose
m says:
i wonder if they know?
m says:
that they are destined to be food?
m says:
imagine that!
m says:
"daddy, when i grow up, i want to be a really exceptional dish made with a sauce of coriander and kumquats in a michelin star rated restaurant"
m says:
"now now son, what's wrong with being a crispy peking duck like you dad? those lovely little pancakes...it's a popular classic son, nothing to be ashamed of"
m says:
you know, there;'s only so long you can talk to yourself before it gets a bit boring
Melon ™ says:
LOL!
Melon ™ says:
MIMO!
m says:
i don't even know if you will ever read this
Melon ™ says:
hang on!
m says:
i wouldn't bother...it's just inane rambling
Melon ™ says:
la7za let me read!
Melon ™ says:
lol..Im Blogging this!!

Bwahahaha! Copyrighted - Mimosa

Imagine

The lyrics below describe the state of the world we're living in.. A Perfect Circle couldn't have put it in a better way... Orignally performed by John Lennon. You can actually listen to this number on www.aperfectcircle.com , I'm not sure how I can link you directly to it, will do when I find out. Enjoy!! :)


Imagine there's no heaven,
It's easy if you try,
No hell below us,
Above us only sky,
Imagine all the people
living for today...

Imagine there's no countries,
It isn't hard to do,
Nothing to kill or die for,
No religion too,
Imagine all the people
living life in peace...

You may say Im a dreamer,
but Im not the only one,
I hope some day you'll join us,
And the world will live as one.

(Imagine all the people sharing all the world)
Imagine no possesions,
I wonder if you can,
No need for greed or hunger,
A brotherhood of man,

Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...
You may say Im a dreamer,
but Im not the only one,
I hope some day you'll join us,
And the world will live as one.

Turn The Other Cheek?

I can never do that! Someone who knows me very well, would know what buttons to push to provoke me.. I'm easily provoked.. I easily cry - And I get all defensive and start blurting out things I shouldn't..Well you get the picture! hehe..

Hmm.. Counting to 10 before saying anything worked for me a few times before.. But most of the times, my tongue got the best of me! And since I'm known for talking at the speed of light (100 words/min)..I never give my mind the chance to think..

ATTAAAACK!!!!!

There's this recent issue going on, I'm trying to gather as much information as possible about the whole thing. I even wrote down what to say! What responds to expect and my come backs! All this in hope that my point would be backed up with a logical, reasonable and "non-childish" excuses and reasons! Oh..and no crying please.. *roll eyes* Or else I could just forget about getting my message across!

I think I'm prepared.. But then again, are we ever? When we are *put* in that certain situation, in the heat of the moment, whatever preparation we had armed ourselves with evaporates all of a sudden! "err.. umm...duuuh.. " Well, I know my mind just goes blank. If this does happen, I guess I'm back to the drawing board..

What's wrong with counting to 10 and coming up with words on the spot! *roll eyes*..

Turn the other cheek.. It's not worth it..

Kargeen?

Today was my second time to this place.. Last time was 3 years ago! *roll eyes*..
Okay, so the place has changed somehow.. But I surprised to see it packed!! Or was it just because today was a holiday and tomorrow is also for the most?

Anyway, it was a friend's birthday.. And we were supposedly getting her a cake from there (whatever!!) - which was supposed to be a surprise.. We had something to eat, then it was time for cake (After a LONG wait!)..

Tada! Waiter was on his way with the cake! Yipeeee! Oops.. what's this? Lights went out! People were all LOOKING AT US! Suddenly soft music began playing, I looked at one of the girls saying "Oh, you gotta be kidding me!!" ...She started laughing! I started laughing hysterically myself!! Music was the lame "Happy Birthday" song, waiters were all around lighting up small fire crackers and singing (which was cute)! And people.. well.. staring.. as usual.. Oh, yeah... Birthday girl was definetly surprised.. But so was I! People probably thought it was MY birthday because of the way *I* reacted!

Hehe.. Aah well.. This was one of those days.. I haven't had a laugh like this in ages!
Words with stories I'm not mentioning:

Brasha (lol!) - 3younek - "7al mou kithak" (Omani Arabic) :D

Highlight of the day: I saw the most handsome Omani! ( Only I thought he was though..) *Roll eyes*
Thing is, I've seen him somewhere once before.. I can't remember (starbucks maybe)!!
Weird.. I wonder if there would be a 3rd time. :p ROFL!
Omani Mystery Man! lol! Who would've thought! ;)

Famous People

Quoting myself from my second post :

"Meet someone famous before they become famous!"

I think I can cross that out now! :D Wanna know why? yes! I have a famous friend! A guy I went to school with. Hani Mitwasi actually has a video clip showing on Melody Hits TV.

I could not believe my eyes! Hani has always been the school talent.. Playing his guitar away and singing at school ceremonies.. Went to business school with me, then decided it was just *not* his thing.. So he dropped out and joined the Music Academy- Jordan.

Arabic music is just not my cup of tea.. The most "arabic" I've listened to was "Amr Diab".. Anyway, the point is, I watched the video and thought "Why Hani you son of a gun!"..
The channel actually "adopted" him, just like they help launch all the other newbies. With a producer and "friends" in the business.. He made it.

Ok..I didn't really like the song very much , lol, or the video! hehe..I'm sorry but it's just not my style.. I'm just overwhelmed and happy that Hani is actually on TV and can be found on the internet!! :D Not bad for a beginner and I know he could do better in the future!

For those who have extra time to spare and are curious, This is the only way to see it so far:

- Go to www.melodyhits.tv
- It's somewhat of a hassle, but you have to create an account. Simple ,takes a few seconds.
- Click video on the main toolbar, and search for videos "artists".
- H for Hani Mitwasi - Wayyak --> The song's name! :D

Nostalgia

A very strange word really.. I remember hearing it for the very first time last year, my friend was incharge of a play by this name...

I understand it now.. and I can actually use it..For I'm feeling emotionally sensitive and nostalgic!hehe
The last few days have been such a nightmare! I found myself reminiscing about better times from the past. I want time to be alone and work through my thoughts and memories. It might be helpful to allow my memories to surface and let myself feel the emotions that come up. Hmm.. I did cry my eyes out if you must know.. lol..

I think I can mentally relive the happier moments of my life and honor the memory of more difficult times by reflecting on the ways they have contributed to who I am today. But that's ALL I can do, surely I cannot go back and dwell in the past.

This process should help me feel cleansed and free from unexpressed emotions, and only then will I be able to move forward. I'm really having trouble in making the transition from past to present!! It doesn't seem like such a hard thing! Yet, I'm unable to do it! I'm still living in the past!

I think I'm repeating myself..I can see this in a previous post.. It's all about the same feelings really..Being held in the past, not being able to focus and devote my full consciousness to creating positive life experiences now . Not having the ability to move forward with hope and joy for the future will help me feel more optimistic about my current circumstances.

"Warning Overload"

There are times when our minds become too full. Our to-do lists, worries, plans, and dreams may be so crowded together in our heads that we don't have room to think. We may believe that we are somehow taking care of our desires and concerns by keeping them at the forefront of our minds. In maintaining our mental hold on every detail, however, we may actually delay the realization of our dreams and the resolution of our worries because we won't let them go. We try to solve and take care of everything all at once! I'm tired.. I have to learn to let go..

Letting go doesn't mean that I've given up or have been defeated. I'm just simply placing them in the hands of the universe. The universe can take care of them..

We must give ourselves permission to not concern ourselves with that problem (whatever it is concerning you) any longer and trust that the universe is taking care of it. We would be giving "our burden" to a higher power.

I'm missing out on a lot because my mind is always occupied with ALOT! Sometimes trivial issues take up alot of space! Letting go would free my mind so I can be fully present in each moment.

I'm going to start using that technique.. It must be amazing how quickly problems go away and dreams come true when we finally let go and allow a higher power to help us.

Will I ever rest?

A Chinese model presents a creation for HOSA China Lingerie Fashion Trend Collection 2006-2007 at the 14th China International Fashion Week in Beijing April 1, 2006. I think this is REALLY cute!

Who Goes There!

This one in particular I think is the cutest!!
"She" has the biggest eyes!! aaw.. Will post more photos later, when I get better shots..

In the mean time.. I'm thinking what to name them.. !!
I'm also thinking that perhaps the reason they came out of hiding is it's time for them to start having solid food! Yikes! I already have 2 cats to feed! 2 + 5 = 7 cats!

Good luck dad.. hehe

Black & White

Aaaw... This guy is one of a kind.. There are another 3 who look alike, and the last one is completely black just like Balbaz the mom.

Meow Baby!!

Our cat "Balbaz" gave birth to 5 kittens..hmm..almost a month ago. She had them somewhere in our backyard and I had to move them inside, Balbaz the mother chose the space under the staircase to hide them there ( For some reason cats always choose that place! it's not exactly accessable- for us! But then again.. Thats the point!)

Today.. The kittens decided to come out of their hiding.. Exploring time!!! And me with a camera! ;)
They're soooo cute!!

Listening To The Void..

All sounds, from a whisper to a classical symphony, arise out of silence and disappear into silence. Silence is the void where we can hear the many sounds that we often ignore - the voice of our intuition telling us the truth, the sound of the breeze blowing, the hum of the radiator, and the noises we make just because we are alive.

One way to experience silence is to wake up before the rest of the world has come alive. I've started praying again only recently.. Waking up before everyone made me experience "silence". After prayer, it's rather difficult to fall back to sleep. So I try not to move into activity, and leave off the lights, and stay in bed (more like sit in bed).. Forget about turning on the television.
I'd sit still and simply listen. It's weird hearing your own heartbeat and breathing.. What's weirder is the silence surrounding me. Alot of you people should do this too! Just stay this way for as long as you can, and allow the sound of silence to penetrate your body until it moves into your core. Feel the gentle, pulsing waves of silence and allow it to cleanse you. Five minutes of communing with silence can leave you feeling vibrant and connected to the universe...!

You have no idea how "refreshed" you'd feel after sitting still and sort of "meditating" first thing in the morning.. Your day would go on easier without you getting that annoying feeling of pressure or confusion...Take it from me! :)

A Genie in the bottle?

..Not quite! What's with my dad? He's obsessed!

Psychic.. Word of the month! My dad has had his share of experience with the extraordinary, ever since he was a kid. Yep, his whole family actually were somewhat "connected".. *roll eyes*

But.. The one who truely takes the cake is my aunt (dad's sister).. She is, what he likes to call, "gifted".. Now, I don't know if she really is.. She just happens to know TOO MUCH about other planes! .. She claims the "ones she knows" are harmless.. "We come in peace!" hehe..
It frustrates my dad when I make fun of the whole thing. *slap*

Ahem.. yeah.. She is my dad's youngest sister, yet he thinks she is the wisest. He turns to her alot when in need of advice, I don't know whether it's because of her "gift" of claiming to know abit of the "unknown".. Or because she's his sis and he's a single parent. Oh, I should also mention that my dad thinks it runs in the family.. hehe.. yeah , he knows for a fact he has a sixth sense that needs to be improved and practiced!

Whatever this obsession is about.. If it makes him happy.. Then it makes me happy.. I just hope.. He doesn't start trying to find out things.... About ME! Gulp!

Welcome to my family with superpowers! Where I have the ability of..... washing piles of dishes at the speed of light! "sigh"

Can You Keep Up With Me?

I have this list of things I want to do, be or have on paper.. Thought I'd blog it for safe keeping. I've had this forever and I keep adding to it.. Things might seem impossible to do, but then again nothing is impossible once you put your mind to it. (Ofcourse inspired by my very good friend Hiba. :) )

I want to..

Learn photography - Be more confident -Sleep peacefully - Visit Ireland - Have more free time - Bond with my cat- See System of a Down live - Watch a football match live - Eat exotic food- Write and record an album - Never stop learning - Buy a car - Get over a broken heart - Trust someone completely - Love myself as much as i love others - See the world - Make a film - Give away a bunch of clothes - Get a tatoo and piercing - Live in Italy - Improve my diet - Get a maid - Be cool - Meet Johnny Depp - Try to not take little things to the heart, "defensive mode" - Think happy and positively everyday - Be a better daughter than i am now - Learn a different language - Drink coffee only on weekends and special occassions - Read all my books within the year - Get married to my one true love - Live everyday as it were my last-now! Visit my friends living abroad before age 30 - Stretch every hour - Let go, but never forget the past - Become a millionaire - Recieve a love letter - Feel like I actually know something about something - Meet someone famous before they become famous! - Take more pictures of the shit I do with my partners in crime!! - Live less inside my own head...

Every person should have one of these..

It Starts...

So.. I've always wanted to have one.. a Blog that is.. I just couldn't get myself to create it for some odd reason. I think I never really got the idea! I'd ask if it was a diary? Some would say yes, as it is common! Is it something like a journal with personal thoughts and opinions regarding whatever? Another yes..Others though use it in a very "professional" manner..

I like the idea of it being a diary though.. I haven't been writing in mine for such a long time..Probably because I live on the internet.. and my handwritting is "screwier" than ever! Haven't held a pen in ages.. Well.. Except for when writting down my shopping list!

"sigh".. For now .. I'd settle for the diary/journal idea.. I will get the hang of it soon.. and only then will things be more interesting.. ;)

Welcome to Lullaby..

** Thanks for your tips CrazyRed