Happy Birthday To Me!

This one would definitely make my day! I need some comedy on my 25th birthday!

Don't Talk to Me!

There's this thing that always makes me wonder...if people are in a bad mood, why would they join MSN and have a nickname like "Bad Mood" or "Don't talk to me!" I think it's plain idiotic. 

Ochy Dochy - Take Two!

I guess everyone is psyched that the Axis of Evil Comedy Group is coming to K-Town again. It's totally on the hot list! I went to the first show that was held in the AUK a couple of weeks ago. I've been a fan of Maz since I started watching his clips on youtube.com last summer. He's so hilarious and no matter how much I see the clip over and over again I just crack up. It was really fun to watch them on ShowComedy TV last month. But what really excited me was them going on tour in the Middle East. I was going to go the show in Dubai but unfortunately I couldn't. Then, I've been told that they're coming to Kuwait, but of course it was under the table, in order to avoid the nonsense censorship and most probably banning the comedians.

When the announcement of their upcoming show on December 17th held at the Australian College was announced, all the tickets were sold out within the minute. Why? Because it is now more of a "trend" to go to the show according to some Kuwaiti mentalities. I've been chatting with a colleague at work before all the fuss was made about the Axis of Evil, and he would say, "nope not interested." But when it came to having a show made in Kuwait and that lots of people were going, he was so eager to go just because... let's say, he wants something to talk about for a while. I was surprised when I asked him how the show went (knowing that I went to the earlier one), and he said that he was impressed and happy that he saw a crowd that he knows and I was like "huh?" Dude I was asking about the show, I truly don't care about who went and who didn't.

 

Another situation was that one friend whom I've been nagging her to watch clips of Maz Jobrani told me that he's not funny and none of the other comedians are. LOL I was insulted!

A couple of days earlier she sends me a text message and asks me where could she get the tickets for the 12/17 show. So the gist is that when something's in, everyone has to see it or try it or whatever...you know, just like the Sushi phase.

Anyway, If you guys love to laugh...go watch the show, or simply get on youtube and watch their clips, but I advise you to see them live, because they were all hilarious, and girls...Aron Kader is hotttt!

What?

So I've been at work for a over a month now, and unfortunately things aren't seeming as I expected them to be. I didn't think we'd have the "typical kuwaiti" environment with people backstabbing each other and love lives being built and destructed. Too much drama people! Something that I hopefully won't working with for long. I miss my mellow life, and freelancing. It doesn't mean that I'm a lazy person. On the contrary I love working, but this ain't right for me. The management structure is a failure and no one seems to know what they're doing or what they're supposed to do. I'm giving this company a 2 month span until it's closed down, because seriously, we're not getting anything done. I was more productive freelancing. 

Can you imagine, I've been employed for exactly a month and a half and until this day I've been working on my laptop...yep, they haven't got me a computer yet...and I've been showing my face to work everyday for 9 hours like a fool, hoping that my laptop wouldn't crash any time soon. 

What's next for me if I quit this job? I guess I'd be going back to freelancing, then probably start a business, or get a regular job again...I'm keeping my options open and not limiting myself to anything.

Status: At Work

After two years of freelancing and working from home, I finally started working at a stable job, in an office, with people, a monthly salary, and someone to boss me around. It's really fun for a change. The working hours is the only thing I'm stressing since I get off work at 5:30, which means, the rest of the day is almost over for me.
Everything seems mellow for the meantime. Some of my colleagues just took off to grab some lunch and run a couple of errands. I'm probably not going to do such thing until a few months pass, or maybe a week. Depends on how things go in here. For now, I'm going to have my snack and watch some of my favorite shows.
For all the unemployed people maybe sleeping until this hour, or just having their breakfast, or doing whatever they want to do, trust me, you're not missing anything.

Xposé

For a year now, I've been a member of Facebook©. It's really fun finding some old friends and schoolmates, and keeping in touch. It actually eased the way for some people to contact me in case they've lost my number, or their phone ran out of battery. Or in other cases, students in computer lab classes find the best way to pass a couple of hours of boredom. I thought that Facebook has been taken seriously by people all around unlike Hi5, but unfortunately I ran into some people with the silliest nicknames on earth just like "Kuwaiti Cool" or "Banoota 7laiwa". Lack of self-confidence probably drove those people to choose such nicknames. I decided to open up a fake account in order to see the OTHER SIDE of Facebook, and the things I've seen are just plain shocking.
Using my fake account, I started adding people randomly, and then when I've been noticed, people have started adding me. Regardless of the silly names that are on my list, the pictures that are there are really offensive, and sick. Girls are posing in the sluttiest ways and guys are proud to show off their favorite alcoholic drinks, or their so-called "six pack abs".
Facebook is being misused by a lot of people now. It has 2 most important rules that some people don't abide by.
1. Celebrity names, nicknames, or other fake names are not allowed and will not be approved
2. upload, post, transmit, share, store or otherwise make available any content that we deem to be harmful, threatening, unlawful, defamatory, infringing, abusive, inflammatory, harassing, vulgar, obscene, fraudulent, invasive of privacy or publicity rights, hateful, or racially, ethnically or otherwise objectionable.

Definition of Facebook: "a social utility that connects you with the people around you." Don't abuse it.


source: Facebook

Stop Tormenting!

Of course the word is out in Kuwait now that the iPhone is unlocked for both Wataniya and MTC (aka ZAIN). This beautiful gadget has been on my wish list about a month ago, hoping that I'd be getting it soon. Fortunately, my wish came true and I'll be getting it during the coming week from the US.
I know I could've gotten it in here, but for a ridiculous price like KD400. I got it from the US for not more than KD125.
I saw a listing in the FaceBook market in the Kuwait network, of the iphone, selling it for about KD250. We got some bright business minds in Kuwait, but they're forgetting that everyone else has the Internet and could be doing the same thing. I didn't get bothered by the price as much as I was shocked just looking at the picture that was attached to the listing! As you see above, it's the iPhone with a Windows XP system. Why torment a genuine device by mac with a system that would catch viruses in a blink? If people need phones that read their e-mails and expect a Windows OS, they should get blackberry's or I-Mates. Don't ruin iPhone with windows. This device has been solely made for Mac.

When Drama Gets Out of Hand

Seems like the dose of violence has increased in Arabic sitcoms. This year, a Kuwaiti/Gulf Drama series that air on a couple of channels really cracked me up. It's far away from being realistic. Excessive violence has been added to it, probably, because of the director's request, thinking that it would attract a larger audience. I think that lots of money has been spent on the sets, ridiculous costumes, and tacky furniture. Even if the characters and stories were fictional, they should at least be realistic. One of the actresses on that show cries most of the time on each episode. I guess by the end of taping everyday, she has to use som eye drops. Professional tv reviewers and critics should approve of such shows before being aired, for the sake of the poeple fasting, and the Holy month of Ramadan. I'm glad I got my own shows to watch, including the hilarious Tash ma Tash, Freej, and Bo Qutada o Bo Nabeel.

Happy Ramadan

It's this time of year again....30 days of fasting, and overloading our stomachs after futoor. I'm looking forward to all the Kuwaiti sweets! I hope I don't gain much weight by the end of the month.
Have a great one y'all!

Where There's a Will There's a Way!

I've been struggling for the past couple of weeks trying to figure out a way to purchase TV shows, music, and movies from iTunes online store. I recently found out that I could order iTunes Gift Cards and use them to purchase whatever I need from the store. Finally, I won't be worrying about downloading torrents with several glitches that ruin watching my favorite shows.
For all international customers with no valid US credit cards, you can use the iTunes gift cards instead. It's easy, and it's safe to use. You can order them from Amazon.com, or iTunes store online.

Enjoy your shows!

Bolandism

Bolandism is a social movement that appeared in Kuwait in the beginning of the 21st century. This movement is basically linked to the Kuwaiti "icon", Haleema Boland. Physical traits of this movement include light brown hair with streaks of blonde or the other way around, flashy make up, and huge sparkling accessories. Other traits include and extreme soft and high-toned voice with a special accent, which makes half the letters in a sentence hard to hear.

Followers of Bolandism are generally women and in specific young ladies. Bolandists use their special characteristics to attract guys and have them drooling all over them. Some married women have taken on Bolandism to keep their men to themselves, because research has shown that married men who watch TV a lot compare their wives to the young, plastic celebrities, and then leave their wives for ones who look similar to what they see on the various tv channels.

During the years, the definition of Bolandism has progressed, and nonetheless will continue to change every year according to spring/summer and fall/winter fashions.




Source: McReemy Worldwide Encyclopedia, p. 234, 2007.

Evolution

MTC is changing on Saturday! I expected the change to be better and bigger, but frankly the logo is not really good.

Summer Anthem!

Spending this awesome summer in the US of A, we decided our summer anthem was "Big Girls Don't Cry" by Fergie AKA Fergalicious! But my playlist included other songs too. These are my summer jams for this year:

- Big Girls Don't Cry , Fergie

- Rehab , Amy Whinehouse

- What I've Done , Linkin Park

- Lovestoned , Justin Timberlake

-Like This , Kelly Rowland Ft. Eve

- Beautiful Girls , Sean Kingston

- Hey There Delilah , Plain White T's

- Thanks for the Mmrs , Fall Out Boy

- 4 in the Morning , Gwen Stefani

- Umbrella , Rihanna ft. Jay Z

- Say it Right , Nelly Furtado

- The Way I Are , Timbaland ft. Keri Hilson



I guess that's about it. Of course those songs will always be linked to the greatest memories I had with my friends!

What Goes Around Comes Around

Karma...I should be careful next time!

I'm pretty well known for being clumsy...so clumsy that even when I'm just standing still I could fall on my face. When I saw Beyonce's famous fall on TV from her Orlando concert i couldn't help but find it on YouTube and repeating the clip over and over again. I thought I would stop laughing at people falling because I know it's going to happen to me with my clumsy steps.
A few days earlier I was heading to my local NBK branch. As I was entering..I forgot that there was a step in front of me and fell flat on my face! I wasn't hurt, but oh my GOD! I was so embarrassed I didn't even want to get up. But Then I remembered what Beyonce did after her fall. She got up and continued the show. Being a fan of her and the former group of Destiny's Child, I'm respecting Beyonce's request not to upload the video of her fall, and hope that I don't fall in a public place again!

Goin' Wild!

What was I thinking when I was swinging on the Trapeze? This could be my career backup!

It was a really fun and thrilling experience! But the toughest part was going up the ladder. I hate heights, and going up an unstable ladder made me want to go down, but I stopped and thought, if Sarah Jessica Parker could do it then I sure can.

If you're ever in NY, don't miss it. It's really fun, and once you're swinging you'll love it.
For more information check out: Trapeze School

Fat in the Butt!

I just mastered making cake frosting from Scratch and I'm so proud! It's the type of frosting that I can't get over...I had some leftover in a bowl and decided to refrigerate it, but before it reached the fridge it was eaten...by me!
Since I came back to Kuwait I stopped eating junk, and actually felt guilty when I had some dessert. So I decided to call this a "day-off" because I truly deserve it!

I wonder where the fat is going to this time...

UNtypicals

Over the years, the phrase "Typical Kuwaiti" has evolved. More Kuwaitis have joined the list, therefore, more characteristics have been added to the "typical Kuwaiti" definition. The characteristics of that phrase are not necessarily all bad, and the word "typical" doesn't only come before Kuwaiti. It also comes before American, British, Spanish, and so on. According to my opinion here's what I think a Typical Kuwaiti is, at least from what I've recently seen:

• he/she is self-centered and thinks their superior to other people
• They think rules and regulations where made for non-Kuwaitis
  
• They take up people-watching and cruising in their cars as "Hobbies"
• They think they're Queens of the world (applies to SOME guys too) and expect everything to be done for them without moving a muscle
• They call in sick from work every other day to run their own errands...What are weekends for?
  
• pretentious
  
• The 2nd ring road a.k.a. "the love street" is part of their daily routes even if they live 50 miles away.
  
• Stopping in handicapped parkings
• taking two or sometimes three parking spaces with the excuse that their car is big or they don't want it to get scratched
• Maki is their major destination (I've never been there yet!)
• Spread rumors even if they know they aren't real
• Their typical vacation spots would be London, Marbella, and Lebanon.
  
• They'd gossip about people, For Example, who go to clubs and enjoy themselves, only to find the gossipers dancing the night away on dance floors.
• Always dressed up, even when going to fill up their car with gas.
  
• They say they're "open-minded", but seriously I don't see how it works!
  

This is what I personally think. I emphasized on some negative points but that's the harsh truth. Each day I'm finding it harder to adapt to our society, that's why my home is my favorite place in here.

Applelicious!

I've added the latest product to my Mac Family! Finally, I decided to buy the Apple TV after thinking about it for months. When I first bought it I was thinking that I'd be able to watch all the downloaded shows with no hassle. But unfortunately, I couldn't transfer my .avi files to my new baby. The only files I could transfer were the ones in iTunes, which appeared to be only music files.
This problem reminded me of last year when I first bought my MacBook Pro. I decided to purchase my weekly tv shows from the online iTunes store. The problem was that only people with credit cards from the US were allowed to purchase online. I tried to do it this year too, hoping that iTunes have changed their policy. But it's all the same thing.
What's the reason behind iTunes keeping their TV shows for viewers in the US or those with an American credit card? If I'd known that, I would've opened an account while I was in the US this summer!

My Fall Guide!

I'm back home finally but still jet-lagged from the long 14 hour flight. But all was worth it! I'll be posting a couple or more random stuff from the various adventures I had in the Big Apple, Tinseltown, and Sin City of course :p
I'm not so psyched about being back because I got a stressful schedule ahead of me, but something will keep me going...My favorite show premieres! Frankly, I've lost hope on Arabic TV, so I won't be watching it in Ramadan either. Here's my fall schedule.

Grey's Anatomy : September 27th

Prison Break : September 17th

Heroes : September 24th

Desperate Housewives: September 30th

Weeds : Premiered August 13th

Private Practice (new) : September 26th

Ugly Betty : September 27th


I might add some other shows on my list. There are some new ones coming out. Pushing Daisies looks interesting. I saw a preview of it a couple of weeks ago in the States. It looks like a comedy/drama. I'll definitely tune in if I've got nothing better to do.

New Lesson

I learned to smile every time I'm on a roller coaster because I'll never know when my picture would be taken, and who's going to point at me and say "Oh I think that girl was constipated!"

Just Chillin'

8:00 am

Of all the things I see everyday around here, I should be inspired to write at least one thing a day. But I've been keeping myself busy running from show to another, and getting face to face with the queens of the world..and by that I mean The Drags! It was so great watching one of their hilarious shows. I don't know what kind of life they live, but for what I've seen, they turned out to be just nice people who happen to have the same interests as I do!

10:30 am

My hair is having a life of its own with the crazy humidity in here. I should be the star of The Lion King on Broadway. Too bad for the hair stylist who has to put up with my hair today!

In a Glimpse

A click, a footstep, a finger snap...it's all just a fraction of a second. We never realize what life is worth until we lose someone. In that time, that someone who's struggling to live is rethinking all that went on in his/her life. Images just flash his mind of happy events, family gatherings, his children graduating, and seeing his first grandchild.
Just as I woke up today to pack the last of my things, I got a text message saying that one of my dearest friend's father has passed away. I couldn't believe what I was reading. The shock I was in was so close to what I felt when I heard about my dad passing away last year. I just stopped what I was doing and couldn't hold back my tears. It's the first time in my life that I'm saying, I totally know how she and her family feel.
As much as we loose people who are dear to our hearts, we never learn to live life to its utmost. Today, what happened, just made me think of the things I want to do in life that I've been putting off for a while. I'm not talking about the fun stuff. If you're mad at someone, just don't hold a grudge against them. Life is precious, make the best out of it.

In a glimpse of a moment, my friend's dad just passed away...May he rest in peace...

Come Fly With Me...

Okay this is to Arabs who are traveling this summer to Europe, the US, or any other foreign country.

Tips to make your trip enjoyable:

1. If you've got a long beard...Shave it.

2. Don't cover up your face..if you're a lady of course.

3. Don't mention words like Bomb, Terrorist, Taliban, or Osama.

4. If your name is Osama, or your last name is Bin Laden, change it.

5. If you're being harassed some where because you're an Arab fake an Indian accent, or fake a German language if you're too white.

6. Don't fight with someone who called you a bad name or else you'll be labeled as "the guy who spread terror at the Arc De Triumphe"

7. Your patriotism to your own country at a foreign place is not appreciated so don't push it.

8. Always smile when checking in a hotel, otherwise you'd be known as that grumpy guest.

9. Don't take stuff other than beauty products, we don't want to come out as those poor people who don't have towels and remote controls at home.

10. If you face a mean cashier or a receptionist just smile and swear at them in Arabic. If they ask what it means, tell them "you have beautiful eyes".


Have a great summer!

Glorious Food!

If we compare Kuwait to one of the largest cities in the world, I'd bet that we have the greatest number of restaurants and cafes. It is like we need more indulging foods and new recipes to try. I think that Gyms should average up to the restaurants we have in order for people to balance between their workouts and guilty food.
The burger business is rising in here. Last night I went to a place called B-bar. They had some really good food. As strange as the recipes were, they were delicious. Other than B-bar, there's Burger Hub, Slider Station, and Burger Boutique, which was the first one to open.
And they keep on putting those statistics on the first pages of newspapers every now and then, of how many people have got high cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes! If anyone is thinking of opening something in the food business, they should be thinking of it health-wise, or else next year we'd have bigger numbers of people who have got those life long, noncontagious diseases.

It is a Correctional Facility!

picture source: Associated Press

I want to look for a few mistakes in this picture. If I could compare it to some old ones of Paris, I would be playing "find the 7 differences". Being in jail probably scared the hell out of Paris. First, she is wearing a really covered up top. She doesn't have that droopy look any more. Instead, she's having a serious look. All in all, her pose gives her a sophisticated image. I thought Paris would be celebrating in one of LA's hottest clubs the night she got out. Would that good behavior of the hottest heiress continue as it is, or will she turn back into the partying diva? She has turned 180 degrees, and if she stays this way, I'd believe in jail being called a correctional facility, because seriously, I believe that once someone turns into a criminal, they can't turn back.

Possible Holiday Plans

Well, I'm grilling in the sun and dying of boredom in here. As much as I try to entertain myself with various activities, I tend to lose my energy in less than a minute because of the heat.
I got a vacation planned and hope it works out for the best. Have a great summer people!

Rich and Spoiled

If you think London and New York are two of the most expensive cities in the world, well think twice. Moscow comes in first place, and London comes in second. Seoul comes in third and Tokyo comes in 4th. Although New York and Los Angeles count as the richest cities in the Americas, NYC comes in 15th and LA in 42nd. Paraguay is considered one of the cheapest.
So plan your trip well and don't come back home broke!

Source: Rankings

D*Licious

Quench your thirst with D*Lush! Sinful smoothies, fate free shakes, and a side of Choowy Goowy cookies. Amazing place people. I just passed by today and had a "Menage" shake. It's a killer. It includes peanut butter and marshmallows, a scoop of vanilla ice-cream and milk, and something else I forgot what. I should say I'm not having any lunch for today because what I had just substituted almost 2 whole meals!

Located at The Avenues Mall Ground Floor.

D*Lush

If We Only Knew?

Why were we mean to geeks and nerds at school? If we have known that they would grow up to make a difference in the world, would we still pick on them?
A salute to today's geeks and tomorrow's doctors, engineers, scientists, etc...!

De-Stress!

I found a great way to de-stress and relieve myself of daily chores. DANCING. It's not just for professionals, or those with rhythm. Anyone can do it. When you focus on moving your body you just forget everything around you. I've loved dancing since I was a kid. All those home videos include at least one part with me dancing around. Last night I got this DVD instructional from the movie "B2K You Got Served" and I learned some pretty good techniques. The moment I stepped, I just forgot everything around me that I even decided to turn my cell phone off.
Try it people, it's not just yoga that gives you a peace of mind.

Paradise on Earth

This one is dedicated to my good friend Sal. Enjoy! :)


This is one heavenly place that I had my eyes on for almost two years ago. After I saw an episode of My Wife and Kids, where they took a vacation and visited the Bahamas, I thought that this place shouldn't be missed. I have it bookmarked in my mind and web browser of course, just in case my mind fails to remind me.
The Atlantis Paradise Island is divided into three parts:

• The Coral Towers
• The Royal Towers
• The Cove (My favorite so far)

Aside of it being the perfect place for tranquility, it also involves a lot of water activities for both kids and adults. As you see in the picture with the lady in the tunnel, this is one ride that I wouldn't want to miss for the world. It's called the Serpent Ride, where you float on a tube going through various water slides and through a tunnel surrounded by sharks. It's not just roller coasters that give you a great adrenaline rush!
Last month, a great number of celebrities joined the grand opening of The Cove, Atlantis, like Janet Jackson, Usher, Lindsay Lohan, Stevie Wonder, Steven Tyler, Michael Jordan and a lot more.
Whether you're looking for a vacation at a fair price or complete luxury, The Atlantis at the Paradise Island, Bahamas the place to go.

For more information check out:

Atlantis
The Cove

Serenity

That's one place I want to visit. I have this thing for hotels with contemporary designs. This is The Setai Hotel, at Miami Beach. What a beautiful place!

The Greatest

"Intelligence plus Character - That is the goal of true education."

- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Talk Like Paris

"That's Hot"

"Gorgeous"

"Sexy"

"Sexy B****es"

"This is Earth. It's Hot"

"Loves it"

"Thanks Gorgeous. Luv yaw. (a hug and a kiss on the cheeks are a bonus)

"I love shoes"

(the infamous tune) "Sana saaaa..... sana saaaaaaaaaaaaa!!"

“Thank you, officer. We love the police.”

“Wal-mart... do they like make walls there?”


It's easy to be a diva....as long as you stick to the quotes above!! :D

Just to Get it Out of the Way

Did MSN Messenger become a major form of communication?
I've gotten over the rudeness of some people who used text messaging to give their condolences or congratulations. But what I can't understand is, why some close friends of mine have chosen msn messenger to be our primary communication. If I don't reply to their message, I'd be the one to blame since I'm not keeping in touch. I know I have their phone numbers and I call them up whenever I can. Surprisingly enough, when I don't join MSN for a week or more, because I've been traveling, or just because I'm not in the mood, and then join later, a message box pops from them asking where are you? where have you been? I missed you. Seriously? The last time I checked my phone was working.
I got a friend whom I've not been in touch with for a long time. I got busy and she got busy. But I felt the urge to call her a few weeks ago, to tell her how sorry I am for not calling her, and she was totally cool with it, because we both know that no matter how long we stop talking, we'll still be on great terms. That's one friend I can't afford to lose.
I don't care how many times I have to talk to my friends to show them I care, or vise versa, I care about the actions they take. As much as I tried being the bigger person, it's really exhausting me and I proudly say it, it's their loss!

Heiress in Shackles

source: Associated Press

Over the past couple of weeks Paris Hilton was all over the news being sentenced to spend 45 days in jail for violating her parole. It was like this big event everyone was waiting for. The top TV show hosts didn't waste any time cracking jokes about the hotel heiress's situation. I, for one, am not a big fan of Paris. But lately I've been watching The Simple Life. I thought it was hilarious, and even started liking Paris as a person and a character. This picture was taken just today morning in LA, after the court refused to release Paris after only 3 days in jail. I felt sorry for her, but in the same time I have my own doubts. As much as this picture seems realistic, I personally think it's just a propaganda, and she's actually under house arrest rather than being in jail. But who knows, it might be for real. The Simple Life 6 should be titled "Community Service" or "On Parole". That would be interesting to watch!


*Paris and Nichole are back to being BFF's, and already filmed the 5th season of the Simple Life...why didn't Nichole visit her yet in jail?

I'm in a movie, a dictionary, and all that...

My Movie:

Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com

My dictionary definition:

Reem -- [noun]: A person who makes a living suing celebrities 'How will you be defined in the dictionary?' at QuizGalaxy.com

What I'll be remembered for:

-[ Reem ]- Found buried treasure and took over the world 'What will you be remembered for?' at QuizGalaxy.com

Virtual Insanity

I'm a big fan of simulation games, and one of my favorites is The Sims 2. Unfortunately, I stopped playing it for now as I'm looking for a Mac version which is unavailable for now. I came across a web site today which is like a virtual game in which you must take care of a character living from the prehistoric ages to the 21st century. It's pretty much interesting to learn survival techniques and getting to the next age. For more information check out Human-Age .

hal toreedo an tokantik?

Kantaka. It's a real ad, oh my God this is so Freakin' Funny!

Reality Acts

I've never been a fan of reality TV shows especially the ones that are broad casted in the Middle East such as Star Academy and the remake of Big Brother (I don't know if they're still airing that). Sometimes, I just get curious to watch one of those reality shows and the latest I've been watching was the bachelor. The guy has probably gone through major plastic surgeries which eventually turned him into a real life sized Ken doll. I should say I'm really not drawn to the show in any way, but I kept on watching it until the finale. Why did I do that? Maybe because I ran out of shows to watch especially that I've wrapped up most of my favorite ones lately and I got nothing to watch. One thing that runs through my mind while viewing such shows is, are they real or the people acting? When the bachelor chooses his future Mrs. does he mean it and are they going to have the happy ending? I always think that reality shows people are paid just as actors do in regular shows. Producers try to show a certain image to the audience and therefore force the people participating in their shows to act in a way to present that image.
MTV has shown tons of reality TV shows over the years. Last year I spent almost a month in Berlin and during that time, the only channel that spoke a language I understood was MTV. I thought it's better than nothing. At the time when I return from shopping or hanging out with my friends I come back to watch TV and chill. One of the weirdest shows came on, which was named "Date My Mom". How gross is that?! It's about a guy who dates three mothers of three daughters and depending on how his day goes with them, he'll choose the winner. Of course other shows come in line to being the stupidest such as Viva La Bam, Dismissed, Next, and some other dating shows.
When people join dating shows, are they at the utmost desperation? They seem to be ready to get humiliated by the public. Aside from being on International TV, they are competing with a few other people to win that someone special. If I were to win, I'd like it to be a solo competition!

One, Two Step...One, Two Step

I decided without further notice to fly to Dubai again for a few days. Gladly I'm back now. I've been there to run some errands for my mom and finish some other stuff. Also since it's "weddings season" I decided to purchase a night dress.

I'm not really a wedding person. I don't enjoy going there as much as I stress myself out before the event. Sometimes it might be fun to go because I know I'd be with my friends, but at other times it's just to stressful to be there as I try to escape the looks I get from women.

Last year I remember at a family's wedding, I hit the dance floor with my cousin and well as I perceive, dancing is supposed to be fun. But whoever thought that dancing at a formal wedding would be fun was totally crazy, especially when I wore a long dress and those really killer high heels. I also thought that it's okay to let loose a bit and have fun while dancing, but instead, my cousin gave a sharp look signaling that I should do the regular one two step back and forth, and I thought to myself "How boring!" I know that if we're on the dance floor people would be looking at us, but we dance to have fun not to run a fashion show.

So I guess I have the right to freak out before going to a wedding. Maybe the only thing that would get me through the 2 weddings I have to go to is the rest of summer which I'm totally looking forward to!

Wii would like to play

One of my latest addictions. It's My favorite console so far! Wiiiiiii!

Wii Would Like to Play

I purchased a Wii a few days ago, and I'm totally hooked on the game. It's something new and totally interactive. I was struggling between purchasing the PS3 or XBox 360, but when Wii came into the picture, it made the decision much harder. After I tried playing, I thought that Wii could be part of my daily workout!
There are a few games now, but much games are coming. If you like to get a full experience of gaming, choose Wii. The Wii commercials are fun to watch, but I uploaded this video. The kid is so adorable!

Finalmente!

As a huge fan of TV I'm kind of bummed that my favorite shows are coming to an end, and in the same time I really want to see how conflicts get resolved. Also, if the show is coming back for another season, there must be a huge cliffhanger that would keep our minds busy all summer trying to predict the upcoming episodes of our favorite sitcoms.
So far I'm mostly looking forward to watching the finales of :

* Grey's Anatomy (there's not doubt about it!)
* Heroes
* Lost

Although I've been watching some other shows too including Ugly Betty, I'm not really excited about it. Around the 15th episode, events started slowing down and the show just got lame. Maybe after winning a couple of awards the producers got so full of themselves that they paid more attention to shining their award statues rather than creating entertaining episodes.

Lost also got on my nerves for a while. But towards the 17th episode, things started heating up. Lost is going to air for two more seasons! That would give the creators time to come up with an ending that would blow us away.

If only he were real!

Something I did on photoshop and it's too good to be true! :p

...

I passed by Virgin Megastore today and found out it was closed down by the Ministry of Information. It has been closed since April 26th until further notice! Bummer! It wasn't really that good in the first place except for the electronics and video games sections. They didn't have a good collection of CD's and DVD's. I heard that they were selling "inappropriate" videos, and in here, inappropriate is when a movie or a TV show is rated PG-13 I guess.
Maybe the Ministry has done something right since some kids buy dvds and cds that are age inappropriate, and without the supervision of adults. If Virgin opens up again but with the Ministry's restrictions, would the CD and DVD aisles be shrunk? I think that Virgin might shut down, because if electronics were the main thing in there, we could purchase them in other places for better deals, and they forget about profits. Good luck to them!

We Can!

Women are vulnerable by nature. Emotions influence their actions. It has been known since life began that men are dominant over women, but still they can't live without them. In a conservative culture, women don't have the right to even speak. They are moved around like the pawn on a chessboard.
As Kuwait developed economically, the society became more open to the world. Women got freed from their Abayas and they finally got a chance to be heard. The change wasn't drastic, but it evolved in stages throughout the past years. One of the biggest changes occurred last year when Kuwaiti women were allowed the right to vote and run for the parliament election. It has caused some drama, but change is essential.

Even with such progress in our community some minds never change. I was chatting with one of my close friends this morning and told him that I was psyched to get the Wii. I was going to get it from Virgin Megastore, but he suggested that Hawalli is the place to go because I would get good deals. Just then he tells me that it's a creepy place and once you're in there guys start talking about you and all that - - - -. I told him I've been going to scarier places like garages in the worst parts of Sharjah, whenever my car broke down and I rarely asked for the help of guys at our university. Also, I've been going to places in Hawalli to purchase software and games for my PS2. I don't have a brother to rely on, and my dad passed away last year. It's a great thing that I learned to be independent. My friend tells me then that there are creepy guys who would harass you a lot when you're there. I recall the times I've visited that place in Hawalli and never even passed by people who would dare to make a move on me.

I hate to be stereotyped as the vulnerable lady or let's say, the damsel in distress. If two women have made it as ministers in our government, I don't think I'll be hurt if I walk in a place packed with hungry wolves waiting for a good catch. I know myself better than anyone does and I don't seek attention, therefore I don't give a chance for guys to say whatever they'd want to say.

The Simple Life

I've spent my college years not too far away from home. In fact, I have blended with a culture that is so close to the one I come from. Every now and then, whenever I had the chance I'd go back home since the flight is not more than 2 hours long. Of course since I'd be home for a short while, I would want to spend time with my family, hang out with friends, go to the latest trendy places, and all that. I didn't really pay attention to how our society has evolved through five years, that when I came back home for good, i got a sort of a culture shock...or at least that's what I thought.
I remember in high school my kind of fun would be hanging out with my friends at my house and ordering take out food and some chick flick or horror movie. We'd call it a night by the time it's 10 pm. My parents didn't let me go out with my friends to malls or restaurants by ourselves unless we were chaperoned by an adult. Of course during the last couple of months as a senior in high school they bent that rule. I didn't have a problem with it since our home had all kinds of entertainment that my friends and I would enjoy. We'd play with on of the game consoles we used to have, then jump on the trampoline, and end it by shooting some hoops.
During that time, one of my best friends came over for dinner, and I suddenly offered to give her a haircut...with kitchen scissors! That was a blast for us, and I really thought I'd be a professional hairdresser someday!
Nowadays, when I see teenagers and even kids, I feel sorry for them. They never lived their lives like normal kids. Cell phones, showing off, flirting or having a relationship with the opposite sex, all those are essential for that age group nowadays. Once, I couldn't believe it when a boy, I guess around 15 yrs of age, harassed me.
Girls, are a whole other situation. I recall guys who used to follow girls and harass them. The opposite is happening now and it's really funny when I see that kind of thing in front of me. During school years, I hated make up. I might decide to put on something if I'm going somewhere special like a party, but other than that I wouldn't even think about it. Now, girls really scare me. Their hairdo's make them look like some wild animals from the jungle, and the make up is so awful that one might think they'd be part of a circus group.
What happened to simplicity? There's no such thing as a simple life in here. All types of media and technology have complicated it. I have a message to all teenagers around...live your life, don't act grown up, and purchase Wii!

Auras?

I always thought auras were a superstitious thing. It never made sense to me that auras surrounding us could be influential. I used to make fun of Phoebe Buffay in F.R.I.E.N.D.S when she tries to clean her friends' auras.
A couple of days before I was back from Dubai, we went to Madinat Jumeira to have lunch and have a look around. We passed by a Kiosk that was labeled "Stress Away". One of our friends told me that they could check your aura and all that. She tried it once and almost everything it said was true. So I decided to give it a shot. I had to put my hand on some device and look straight at a camera and a few moments later I had my aura examined.
I had an orange-yellow aura which described me as analytical, intellectual, entertaining, curious active, playful, sunny, easy going, creative, logical, detail oriented, structured, and scientific.
It is totally true. I also found that under occupation I had: Free-lance, need physical freedom and independence, enjoyment. That is totally true!
As for a career: business, marketing, design, sports, artist, computers, healers, therapists. Another true thing.
It's really interesting to find out such stuff about yourself. Other than finding more about your personality, you could actually find ways to decrease stress. It also helps in finding areas you're weak in and gives you pointers on how to strengthen them. I personally thought it was a helpful experience and not a weird spiritual thing.

Back!

So I was packing my stuff last night and as soon as I finished packing I noticed that I can't find my Civil ID. I had to unpack my stuff again just in case I placed it in between my clothes and looked all around the room. I'm cool when it comes to such situations, but to an extent. After almost an hour of searching and turning my room upside down, I gave up and decided to call my mom. She totally cracked up which was unexpected when I told her. She said if worse comes to worst she'd fed ex me my passport and I could schedule my flight a couple of days later. I started making plans in my head of what I'll be doing now that I've got extra days in Dubai.
I decided to re-search my room hoping to find my ID. One hour later, I found it between a batch of business cards I had in my laptop bag!
I'm glad to be back home...At least for now I guess...

a few hours of life I can't get back

I love going to the movies, whether with friends or alone. As always, I can't go to a movie with no food to accompany me just in case the movie is boring. Don't take it the wrong way though, I'm not a couch potato who loves to pig out on snacks whenever possible. I just think that if I'm hungry and I'd be going to a movies soon, I'd rather have my food while watching the movie. Just a habit that sort of grew on me.

Yesterday, I was excited to watch Will Ferrell's "Stranger Than Fiction", and since Queen Latifah was in that movie too, I didn't want to miss it. The movie was weird. I don't know how to critique it too. At first I thought it was a comedy. But it turned out to be so dramatic that I could've died choking on a maltesers. It's a story of a lonely man who works for the IRS. Every moment of the day, he counts everything he walks past, even his foot steps! The movies starts with a British woman narrating the whole thing, and suddenly Will could hear her narrating every move he makes. So the guy starts getting crazy until he meets the author herself. She was finishing up a story and planning on killing him, but he begs her to change the ending. He doesn't want to die, because things just started to get good for him and he'd found a girlfriend.

Anyway, as I was watching the movie I realized how slow it is, and how I'm wasting 2 precious hours of my life. Next time I go to a movie, I'll make sure I read the synopsis before that.

New Hobby

As much as I've been to Dubai this is the first time I did something new. A couple of days ago I went snowboarding! I've been wanting to take lessons since it opened, but no one wanted to join me. I usually prefer to do such activities with friends. This time, I was blessed with an awesome group of girls who really made the experience worth while!
At first I thought, that I could wear the ski clothes only and it wouldn't be that cold. But it was freezing! I never thought someone would implement an indoor snow land that has the exact ambiance as a true snowy place. It also seemed much smaller from the outside, but it's pretty spacious from the inside.
This is one of the projects that probably attracts people from all around, especially during those hot and humid days when people want to visit somewhere cold. Even if you don't want to ski or snowboard, you could simply play in the snow or go on the tobaggons, or even enjoy a view from the top at the Avalanche Cafe.
I loved snowboarding, I might take it as a hobby and enjoy it every time I'm in Dubai, or hopefully in the winter somewhere in Europe!

Shall We?

Ladies and Gentlemen...This time, the Arabic movie producers have lost it. I've gotten over the fact that there are Arabic remakes of English shows, and stealing some exact parts from the greatest Hollywood Blockbusters to input them in their own movies, and of course adding the "Arabic Spices" to make the scene more exciting, but in fact it turns out to be the exact opposite.
This morning, I was watching TV, and some commercials came on. They showed a trailer of a movie starring Yousra called "Mateegi Nor'os". This caught my eyes. The story was clearly showing that it's the Arabic version of "Shall We Dance?", except that it includes lame, unprofessional dancing. The story is basically the same, except that Yousra plays the role of Richard Gere, and some guy plays Jennifer Lopez. The part where Richard Gere runs after his wife in the parking lot, the same scene happens exactly in the Egyptian movie.
I don't know how they have Annual Movie Festivals in Egypt based on such movies. Oh and another thing I watched on KTV last night. They held some ceremony as a tribute to celebrities in Kuwait and the music sounded so familiar. It was actually the music from the Golden Globes but put in a Kuwaiti rhythm.
I guess we're done with imitating. It's time to innovate.

Life is Awesome!

I've been in Dubai for almost a week now, and I feel a whole lot different than when I was in Kuwait. I feel like I've been freed. Even though I love my country, still I can't handle the stress when I face society. I'm not weird looking or a freak, but sometimes I don't feel like facing social obligations and so on and so forth.
The only things I get to miss in Kuwait are my friends, family, and home. I feel the urge not to go back for another month, but I can't. I hope I'll be ready to get back to K-Town soon.
I'm planning on taking snow boarding lessons just in case it snows in Kuwait, or maybe the next time I decide to go to a Ski Resort. :D
I'm saying all this now, but I know that soon I'll be missing my country and all those things I try to avoid.

My Celebrity Look Alikes

This is really fun to do, and funny how I got such resemblance with actors I never thought I'd look like, except for Halle Berry though :p
I tried it with another picture and I got Beyonce, Michelle Rodriguez, and Angelina Jolie and a couple of Indian actresses. It didn't seem strange because sometimes during summer I'm mistaken for an Indian or a Latina! How contradicted :p

Question

This is an economics question that I just had in my mind as I was cruising the streets of Dubai. What would happen to The Taxis' business when the Dubai Metro launches?
Would it affect the demand for Taxis all around Dubai?

At the Avenues

My friend called me last night to ask me if I wanted to have breakfast with her at the newly opened Mall "The Avenues." I was so up for it, to see another mall in Kuwait hoping to see something new. It was pretty cool. They got a variety of shops, which I've seen in the other malls too. There was nothing new about it except that the shops had everything in full stock, which was a great opportunity for us to shop. I wasn't eager to do that either since I'm traveling tomorrow. But we went around to check out if there would be new shops opening soon that are not found in any other mall. Banana Republic and Gap are opening, but I don't think they'll be as good as the ones in the US.
We had breakfast at Le Pain and I wanted to show my friend how good their breakfast is, except that they didn't have the yummy spreads or the Belgian waffles I love. Then, we started our tour around the new mall. It's pretty huge for a mall in Kuwait and that's what I liked. The funniest thing happened, when my friend got locked in a fitting room. I tried not to laugh but I couldn't stop. I know it's going to happen to me sometime soon, because what goes around comes around.
Do you think Kuwait has enough malls? I was discussing it with my friend earlier and I told her that we need something new in here. Instead of filling the place up with repeated shops and having a vast space between each cafe and restaurant, they should think of something new. I proposed an idea to her, and I seriously would want to implement it somewhere in here. Something like and entertainment center that would be for both kids and adults, and a Theater were Broadway shows could be performed live. I'm sure we have a sophisticated audience in here that would truly appreciate the fact that performers are coming from NY or Vegas to entertain a live audience, and a whole other culture. I would want to be the first one to go there for sure!

Too Much Beyonce

I know I've been posting too much videos on my blog, but I couldn't resist this one. It's hilarious! And also, I love the song.

koutbo6.com

We all know about the popular Kuwaiti game site, www.koutbo6.com , where people compete with each other in a variety of Kuwaiti card games. It was the one thing that kept me going during Ramadan and fasting. My friends and I would join together in one room and play "Hand" and meet new people who'd join our game. It then started to get old, and we got bored playing online. A few weeks earlier I missed playing the game and joined. I forgot how some people were rude in some chats or trying to give me their e-mail or number. Not interested, but thank you! But today while I was playing, it topped every other conversation I've seen. Two guys and one girl were playing with me. Then one of the guys left and the other one started flirting with the girl. He was telling her words like "ya ghalati" or "ya 7ayati" and etc. How tacky could a guy be flirting in a public chat? Surprisingly the girl replies back with "ya galbi". Then the guy says, oh I wish I could stay longer and play but I have to pick up "il-nisra" (aka: his wife) from her parent's house. Then he kept dissing her with the other girl. Okay, I know that some guys think that marriage life is hell, but not to the point where the guy wishes he'd never have to go get his wife from her parents' house. I don't want to justify with women all over the world, because some would be really high maintenance. But still, even if it's innocent flirtation, it doesn't give the guy the right to diss his wife in a public chat room.

My Birth Date

Your Birthdate: December 24

You understand people well and are a natural born therapist. A peacemaker, people always seem to get along when you are around. You tend to be a father or mother figure to friends, even to those older than you. You enjoy your role, and you find that you are close to many people. Your strength: Your devotion Your weakness: Reliance on others for happiness Your power color: Lilac Your power symbol: Heart Your power month: June

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Bagoollikum Salfa...

I just adore this video. I used to sing their song all the time but I'd form my own lyrics since I didn't understand what they'd exactly say.

I miss the old days. . .

This song brings back a lot of memories to me, as it also makes me proud to be Kuwaiti. Why don't we do great stuff on Theatre these days. We got the talents, but we're to lazy to perform I guess. Last month, the Ministry Education brought back our wonderful artists Shadi Al-Khaleej and Sanaa Al-Kharraz and formed an operate joining a big group of girls from public schools. It was a great thing to watch on TV, but still, there was something missing. I don't know what it is but it's not as good as the old days.
I'm posting another video too for another song that was performed back in the 80's.

A Year ago. . .

I was in Dubai the same day today, and was supposed to go for a spa appointment, but I called them and canceled it. It's as if I felt something was going to happen. Moments later, my phone rings and it's my mom. I sensed something in her voice..."Reem, would you please come back to Kuwait, your dad has been in a car accident on his way to Kuwait, I think he's going to be okay, but please come back, I need someone to stand by me." A day before that I recall my dad packing his things and telling me that he'd rather leave early since the roads are clear and he wouldn't be stuck in traffic. I asked him if he could stay for one more day, but he insisted on leaving. That's the first thing that flashed through my memory. My legs started shaking as I called to confirm a flight for the same day. Thank God I did find a seat. My sister also came back with me to Kuwait.
They were the longest 4 hours of my life...going to the airport, waiting in the lounge, and boarding on the plane.
As we arrived at Kuwait airport, my cousins were there to pick is up. I was used to my dad picking me up every time from the airport. Something was fishy. My mom told me that my dad is in the hospital. When I entered the house I saw everyone I knew whether family or friends. It was one of the scariest moments of my life. To know that my dad passed away, I thought it was the end of my life too.
I never knew that losing my dad would be such a hard thing. It's hard coping with such loss. Each day passes and it's harder knowing that you'll never come back Dad. May you rest in peace...You are truly missed.

Diet...3rd attempt

I don't know why when I hear the word diet all of a sudden I just get miserable. I've been going on a couple of diets for the past few months but all of them failed...why? Because I simply got bored with the food. It's hard for those who appreciate food much to go on diets. I'm not obese THANK GOD but I seriously need to put off that extra weight. Hats off to my sister who went on and on with her diet MASHALLAH. I should learn to be patient when going on a diet. But all those indulging foods which I can't keep my hands off, and those tiny treats in places like CARAMEL, SUGAR & SPICE, and the greatest criminal of all time THE CHOCOLATE BAR, calling my name as I walk by. These nasty temptations, and yet....so luscious!
This diet I'm doing is an 11 day thing, it's not a crash diet, but it help you regulate metabolism and have less calories. What motivates me to go on this diet is the summer trip I'm going on and other stuff too...like the shorts I bought and didn't fit..OUCH!
For the sake of my diet, I'm drinking black coffee right now! Me, drinking black coffee? I did it last year for a month since I was dieting with "Diet Care" and when I went out with my friends, all I could have was either green tea or coffee...plain black, and no sugar! Can I eat a bite of chocolate with that?
As I'm fighting those temptations, my sister comes up to me and says "Hey they opened up a place called Creamy Cups and they do home delivery!" A few minutes later I receive a message from a friend telling me about a new chocolate shop....like we need more of those in K-Town!
Whenever I travel to Dubai, I miss those places. I don't know why is it that when I'm there, I can't find a place that serves good dessert. So I end up taking out a chocolate bar from my purse. Or else, I'd be making my own dessert at home.
God bless this Country and all the places which serve the best chocolate and desserts that fulfill us Sweet Teeth's needs!

I Envy Thee

I've always seen people who envy others for something that they don't have, or hearing about the girl who tripped and broke her leg during a wedding party because she got the "evil eye" from someone.
One person told me that she throws salt around her to protect herself from people's envy. I would never believe that. She also mentioned some other kind of food or seeds which I never heard about. I don't believe that food or other material stuff would protect someone from an evil eye.
I remember my last year in university, when three incidents happened in less than a week. I was helping someone with a photography project and stood on a thin wooden box, I fell off it and hit my face hardly on a hard surface. Later that week I was driving my car on my way to Dubai and a huge six wheeler collapsed with my tiny car. A day after that, I had a flu and got a fever too. people who knew me were telling me all sorts of things about evil eye. But I believe in fate. If it's meant to be, it would happen eventually.
I know that the Qura'an is the main protector from all the envious eyes. That's one thing I truly believe in, but throwing salt and pepper and other food seasonings...I don't think I want to be a steak.

Stages of Fear

A couple of days ago some thoughts passed through my mind, maybe because of all the medications I was taking. But I basically thought about how fear developed in me through different stages in life. Here's what I got:

0 yrs - 5 yrs :

• being left alone
• lost in a public place
• going to school
  
• going to doctors
• needles

6 yrs - 11 yrs :

• needles
• ghosts, monsters, demons and all that
  
• the dark
  
• failing at school
• "stinky girl" at school
  

12 yrs - 17 yrs :

• needles
• insects
• not passing high school
  
• not joining a popular circle
  
• dentists
• upsetting my parents

18 yrs - 22 yrs :

• getting kicked out of University
• a bad rumor spreads about me
  
• being friends with the wrong people
  
• needles
• airplanes
  
• fires
• car accidents

23 yrs - present :

• losing a family member or a friend
• fear of death
• fear of sickness
• needles
• humiliation
• car accidents
• clumsiness, which puts me in some embarrassing moments

Crushed

I'm an optimistic person. Sometimes I'm so optimistic that I feel I think like a child who has no worries in life.

It's normal to have dreams, sometimes impossible ones, and have millions of goals that you want to establish in this life. I always think I'm capable of accomplishing my goals and my dreams coming true, but seriously, REALITY BITES!

When I have a dream and it finally gets crushed by reality, it really hurts. I think I should try to be more realistic than optimistic. Skepticism is not my thing, because in all my situations I see the glass half full.

My dreams have, a big established design firm, a great house on the beach, a loving husband and a couple of kids. They might be so hard to make them come true, but they're not impossible. Well, the husband issue might be a bit difficult, but not to worry about it. The right guy will eventually come along.

The reason I wrote this is because I recently went through a couple of crushing situations. Not to get into details, but I was truly hurt. But it's not the end of the world, and I'm sure something better is around the corner, and I just have to walk through that long dark alley.

Ugly Betty is in Town

Want to meet Ugly Betty? Then see me! I'll be putting braces today. This will be the second time I go through such experience. My last Orthodontist wasn't careful enough during my treatment, that my teeth are back to the way they used to be. I'm looking on the bright side. I'll be automatically losing 4 Kg's in less than two weeks since I wouldn't be able to eat anything.

Do you want an autograph? Wish me luck!

El Kuwait 6abaqat!!

One of my all time favorite parts in 7amy Al Deyar.

Big Day

Yesterday, everyone's I know was wondering what kept me busy from asking about them. I was organizing the Golf Event with my co-owner of our small company. In the beginning, it was scary. We thought, okay we just screwed up everything. That's all because at the start of the event and two hours later, no one came. We were so bummed and I seriously wanted to leave. But just moments later, guests finally decided to join us. It went pretty smooth then. Live music was played by two talented people, KR and Fred, who form "Smooth Operations". Our event included a small tournament, where golfers had to shoot a ball 89 yards into a small floating raft in the middle of the sea and score a hole in one. One guy shot it right in. He said it was a lucky shot! It was a great day. But I still feel like I should go solo on my business. I mean, I'm happy helping around, but when I work on some designs and expect them to be shown but instead they're thrown away? What a beautiful feeling. Working alone on my business would protect my rights a s graphic designer, and I would definitely be paid for my services, and appreciated as well.

If you need more information about GOLF ME, visit www.q8gw.com or contact me.
If you want to contact Smooth Operations e-mail them smoothops@aol.com

All Good Things Come To an End

During University, everyone used to tell me enjoy those years, they'll soon be over and the real world sucks for sure. I never believed them, but I hate to admit now, that I miss university days, even if I felt I was in hell for a while, it was all good.
So I'm back in here Kuwait, and a year ago, I was printing out CV's and sending them out to various companies in here. I've been called in for several interviews but I got no luck at all. Some of my friends applied the same time I did and they all got their jobs now. I'm positive I haven't screwed up in any answers I said to the questions they gave me. Also, I haven't forgotten my "Wasta." But, I guess some people are luckier than I am.
A few months back my cousin an I sat down at a place to have breakfast and we started discussing business and that kind of talk. It occurred to us that we could start our own little business, since she's a Marketing graduate and I'm a Design Management graduate too. So we decided we could form a small company where she works in Marketing and I work in Graphic Design. It went well for a few weeks, and we work with a silent partner who happened to be our first client. We were supposed to organize and event for his shop. I thought, what a thrill!! I'm sure going to enjoy working with my partner who happens to be my cousin and friend too.
So we begin our work and everything was working great, but a few weeks into business and I notice some difficulties that would put my friendship with my cousin in great jeopardy. I for one, don't like to be bossed around. Also, I felt that I have contributed more to our small business than my partner did. I came up with a corporate identity, worked on the company profile, designed a graphic design contract , and researched a list of services to do with graphic design that would attract customers and form a basis of a loyal clients.
The struggle with the event plan continues as we go to several meetings all around, and I felt that arguments are arising between us both. The event is this Thursday March 8th, and I'm glad it's almost over. I was planning two weeks ago, that by the end of this event I'll be meeting with my partners to discuss leaving them and working solo on a graphic design business. First of all, my cousin's personality clashes with mine doing such business. Second, she's more important to me than to lose here because of business. These are the main two reasons I'm deciding to work alone.
The real world is tough. Lots of challenges, difficulties, and obstacles are expected, and we have to go through them to establish ourselves in a business world.

The Salam Alaikum Gang

I used to feel sorry for the people who clean on the streets, grocery stores & malls, parkings. Since my last year in high school, I started giving out money to those people who approach and say "Salam Alaikum." After all, they are human, and they're working to clean our country. I went off to College in the UAE and rarely came back to Kuwait on holidays and weekends, so I lost touch with the development of the Salam alaikum situation over here. Last year when I graduated, I started helping around with house chores, like going to get groceries and stuff like that. Once, as I stepped out of the car, a garbage man came close to me and said "Salam Alaikum." I had no cash at that time so I walked away. So he followed me repeating "Salam Alaikum, Salam Alaikum MAMA, Salam Alaikum!" I turned and looked at his face and as if he was cursing me or something. When I came back home I told my Dad (God rest his soul) and he told me to avoid them and not give them anything, because they already have a job. From there on, I ignored every Salam Alaikum guy, except for the old ones. I really empathize with them.
The Salam Alaikum Frenzy goes on and on everywhere, and I got used to a garbage man walking behind me as soon soon as I step off my car or get in and show me that he's working. The only ones I give money to, are the porters at the airport and the guys who help me carry my groceries to the car. Once, when I arrived to Kuwait Airport coming from Dubai, I called a porter to pick up my baggage. As we walked to the car, I realized that I only have a 1/4 KD bill, and I know that's the minimum I could give them. I felt bad because I usually don't give them less than 1 Kd and he deserves it if he's carrying heavy luggage. But I said that I'd give this guy a 250 fils and that would be it. When I gave him the money, he looked at me with a smirk on his face, and said "Mama, this is not enough." Porters got used to getting 1, 5, or 10 KD in high seasons, where lots of people are traveling or coming back from vacation. I just told him that I don't have enough and asked him to walk away.
A sort of funny and strange story happened to me once at Al Mowasat Hospital parkings. Just as I was about to step off my car, 2 women covered from top to bottom were headed straight to me. I got in my car again, locked the doors and started the engine. One of them knocked on my window and asked if she could talk to me. I thought for a second, maybe they're lost. I rolled down the window a little bit, and she said: "We're coming from Qatar, and we lost our way. We don't have any money for now, and I wouldn't like to beg, but I just wanted to ask for your help." So I asked her what she wants. She said she needs HELP, and by help she means money. I just wanted to get rid of her and I didn't know what to do in this sticky situation. I found a 5 Kd in cash and I gave it to her. I thought she would walk away, but she looked at the money I gave her and started crying "please my dear, I only need 20 KD for gas money!!" Are you kidding me? what are you filling up? a Six-Wheeler? I told her I'm sorry I don't have any money left. She offered to come with me to the nearest ATM machine, but I refused and finally she walked away. Some beggars are seriously professional! Now, whenever I see someone and have the feeling that they're approaching me, I'd simply walk away or think of something smart to say. It's really strange how people are capable of begging but not finding a job that would secure their lives.
A couple of years ago, statistics were shown in a newspaper about the porters in Kuwait airport. They found out that porters gain a lot from their job. In holiday seasons, people feel generous when traveling or coming back. Some would give them around 10 KD or more. At a monthly rate, each porter would gain roughly from 1000 KD to 3000 KD. Would you like to take that job?

Worries and Dilemmas

Okay, this has been bugging me for a couple of weeks. How do you express yourself to a person who has been annoying you for a while? I don't wanna hurt them, but I hate the fact that they're so bossy to the point where I'd rather throw myself off a bridge than listen to them. Suggestions are appreciated people. I'm getting ulcers, seriously!

The movement of BESS!

Thanks to our Kuwaiti Team for losing in the first round of the Gulf Cup. I have given up on them a few years ago and the only soccer games I watch are the European Leagues or any match played by the International Italian Team. For those of you who don't know, I'm a Juventus and a Real Madrid fan.
I'm really intrigued by the new campaign that launched a couple of weeks ago in order to change our sports policies in Kuwait. The players should do it as a profession and not a hobby. And the Sports association should offer them attractive salaries. This could be a motivation for them to play better rather than worrying about their hairstyles and branded shoes. They got the talent, but they're too lazy to work out. Some of them are not even fit to play. A soccer player needs high fitness to run around for 45 minutes or even more at each half. All I've seen in games played by the Kuwaiti team, is falling every single minute because they pulled a muscle or something like that. Okay, a high-fit athlete could pull a muscle sometimes, but really not that often as I see.
It's time to change. We need to see Figos and Cannavaros of our own someday.

I'm Susan

Since I've started watching Desperate Housewives, I realized which character I relate to the most. Susan Mayer and I share a few stuff in common and most of all, clumsiness.

I noticed one of Susan's mishaps and that's when she leans on a table and it falls on her causing chaos in the entire room during a lunch party. It looked so familiar because I've done it at least once or twice until now.

A few days ago I went to Kempinski hotel& resort. It was a rainy day, but later on that night it stopped. I got my iPod and went for a walk on the beach. I didn't even manage to get there. On my way I decided I'd use the ramp instead of the stairs. A wet floor and a ramp...I should've seen an accident coming...just as I was listening to my favorite track "How to Save a Life" I should've saved my ass from slipping on the wet ground and falling flat on my back.

I really don't know if I've cried because of the whole embarassment or because it hurt. I realized later it was because it hurt so bad.

Just like Susan, I've got uncountable moments where I slipped, bumped into something, or broken something and caused a total bedlam. I always tell myself to be careful, and the next thing you know I run into a door, a window, or even a mannequin.

Good luck to whoever has to put up with my chaotic actions.

Update:

Yesterday I was so swamped in my thoughts while driving. When I reached home I clicked open our automatic garage door and just as it was opening, instead of stepping on the brake I stepped on the gas and rammed my mom's car into the gate. Now my mom's car...well it needs lots of maintenance, and the garage door is broken. I should kiss my salary good bye for this month.