"Mama did you get me the dental floss? And a new toothbrush? Oh I also need mouthwash please"- I tried to sound nonchalant, as if being obsessed with my dental hygiene has always been my thing.
But the raised eyebrows on top of unmistakeably surprised expressions on both my parents' countenance forced me to hurriedly quit the act and come clean.
"What I'm supposed to go to the dentist soon, so I must make my teeth presentable!". I avoided eye contact, I was guilty as charged. But hey, at least I'm trying to make last minute amends!
You see, although I brush my teeth 3 times semi-thoroughly, I just find flossing to be among the DULLEST, most annoying tasks ever invented. It is mind-numbingly boring. And as for the mouthwash, let me just leave you with this little excerpt from our average household conversations:
(Overheard by me from another room)
Mom: I'm telling you, it's the best way to lose weight. It's 100% guaranteed. Magic!
Some of you will not think that the above sentence is weird, but in fact falls perfectly within the expected topics of discussion by moms. But you haven't met my mom. I don't recall her EVER engaging in a conversation that included the word "diet", let alone actually exchange fad diets with her friends and acquaintances.
So to hear my mom vouch for a magical diet understandably got me extremely curious.
"What is mom? what is? tell me tell me!!"- ready to hang on every word she's about to utter. After all, this is every girl's dream come true. A magical diet! I could make money out of this:P
Mom: It's that mouthwash the dentist gave me. I use it early in the morning, and I just can't stomach the idea of food for HOURS after that. I don't even drink my morning coffee!!! I can't even describe it.
Me: *momentarily disappointed* Oh.
*quickly recover* Wait, that is a handy piece of info. Actually, it has the potential to be brilliant. Let me try it.......
*gargle*
OH CRAP THAT'S TORTURE!!!
It's not just an appetite killer, I can tell you this much.
So yeah, mouthwash is on my blacklist too.
And yet when it's time for my dentist's visit, and I am reminded of that horrifying sound of the drilling thingie they use. Suddenly, flossing and gargling mouthwash become as appealing as consuming a bucketful of ice-cream. I start religiously using them about a month before my visit. I figure, a month of flossing and gargling with a mint-flavored nightmare is guaranteed to revive them back to a top-notch condition in time for my check-up. Perfect plan, right?
WRONG.
Then dentist always goes off script!!
Despite all the nights spent flossing, and the weird sound effets I produce while using the mouthwash, I am still continuously greeted with the same frown and a "hmmmm" that chills me to the bones, as she checks on my teeth. The rest is, well, too painful to relate.
I love my dentist, she's a friend of the family and she's amazing at what she does. But when she starts drilling, I can barely fight the urge to bite her hand raw, or strangle her and end her career of torturing the innocent.
I walk out of the clinic, carrying lips that feel like they're the size of a ripe mango and mumbling incomprehensibly. Come to think of it, the mumbling part isn't entirely the dentist's fault. But the funny feeling in my mouth definitely is.
Bottom line is: Dentists aren't my favorite kind of people. I don't think I'll ever have a dentist as a best friend. Or marry a dentist. Or have my kid become a dentist. My relationship with dentists must remain a bare minimum; once every 6 or so months, much like my relationship with my floss. The very bare minimum.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
Chick Flick-aholic Anonymous
I don't believe there should be a limit on how many times you're allowed to watch a cute chick flick. I mean, who gets bored of mushy endings?
But there's uniqueness in the first viewing. You're so into the story and desperately want things to work out, that you are left completely blind to any ridiculousness that festers in the plot. With repeated exposure, however, and the reassuring knowledge that a happy ending lies ahead, you slowly become more aware of what some would call downright corniness:P
This only intensifies, when you've read the story and were watching the movie for the 5th time with your very smart and critical friend. By extension, I become wiser :P
Girl: It's just that.. I mean.. I sometimes feel.. it's like..
Boy (cuts in): I know what you mean.
Girl: You do?
Boy: Sure I do... (and goes on to describe how she feels so eloquently, unveiling as yet hidden aspects of her personality so effortlessly as if her feelings have been his subject of study for the last decade.)
But of course they've only met 5 minutes ago.
Me: FEH. How come we don't run into such "intuitive" people in real life?
She: That's cuz they don't exist hun.
Me: I should stop watching those silly movies, they keep deluding me from the harsh reality of life. They're an insult to my intelligence. I won't watch a flick ever again. Ever.
She: Yes you will.
Me: *sigh* Yes I will.
Well, at least someone's getting a happy ending!
But there's uniqueness in the first viewing. You're so into the story and desperately want things to work out, that you are left completely blind to any ridiculousness that festers in the plot. With repeated exposure, however, and the reassuring knowledge that a happy ending lies ahead, you slowly become more aware of what some would call downright corniness:P
This only intensifies, when you've read the story and were watching the movie for the 5th time with your very smart and critical friend. By extension, I become wiser :P
Girl: It's just that.. I mean.. I sometimes feel.. it's like..
Boy (cuts in): I know what you mean.
Girl: You do?
Boy: Sure I do... (and goes on to describe how she feels so eloquently, unveiling as yet hidden aspects of her personality so effortlessly as if her feelings have been his subject of study for the last decade.)
But of course they've only met 5 minutes ago.
Me: FEH. How come we don't run into such "intuitive" people in real life?
She: That's cuz they don't exist hun.
Me: I should stop watching those silly movies, they keep deluding me from the harsh reality of life. They're an insult to my intelligence. I won't watch a flick ever again. Ever.
She: Yes you will.
Me: *sigh* Yes I will.
Well, at least someone's getting a happy ending!
Hello rain!
It's raining cats and dogs outside!
I think it must be confused or something- we're practically in summer here. The AC was on all day!
Wait, I think I just spotted lightening. Oh my gosh and here's thunder!!!
That's so cute.
Man I have this sudden urge to go out and get drenched. I LOVE rain. Love the feeling of droplets falling on my face. I think I'll do just that. (Mom's out, so that's why I'm brave enough to attempt that- otherwise I'd be toast:P love you mama! Take your time:P)
I think it must be confused or something- we're practically in summer here. The AC was on all day!
Wait, I think I just spotted lightening. Oh my gosh and here's thunder!!!
That's so cute.
Man I have this sudden urge to go out and get drenched. I LOVE rain. Love the feeling of droplets falling on my face. I think I'll do just that. (Mom's out, so that's why I'm brave enough to attempt that- otherwise I'd be toast:P love you mama! Take your time:P)
A RoCkY Eggy Day
What started as a cute gesture has become a ritual. I am now a proud owner of a pile of rocks delivered in person by none other that Abdulaziz at the beginning of each school day. And the crazy part is, I absolutely love them!
Then throughout the rest of the day, at every opportunity (during recess, or the many times he manages to escape from class) he'd barge into my room to check on his dear collection.
His visits are, well, unique. I don't think he's capable of standing still for more than half a second even if he tried (not that he ever does). Having him around is like living in Florida during the hurricane season. He's a destructive force of nature. He's literally always on top of something, under something or maneuvering full speed around something. Nothing and I mean NOTHING in class hasn't been touched, picked up, thrown, squeezed, shaken and ultimately tasted by him. He seems to base his opinion about almost everything in life by how they taste. And yes, I honestly mean everything. I have seen him put stuff in his mouth that would make you yell out in horror. I know I did.
I haven't been able to get him to pause for a second to explain how dangerous all this is, not for lack of trying. I have tried everything from standing authoritatively and sternly asking him to stop and come, to literally running after him, catching him and physically trying to pin him down and get eye contact.
In every attempt, I would slink back in defeat while I watch him sprint away yelling something weird I'm actually happy I don't get.
And yet it is during those two seconds when he gives me the rocks and tells me where he found them that we actually connect. We have the closest thing to a normal conversation. And that is why I treasure those moments. Then I'm hurriedly snapped out of it by him rolling on the floor, picking something of mine and running out of class with it. I pick up my abaya and sprint behind him!! (yeah that "standing authoritatively and asking him to return" thing blows:P)
I can't help but laugh as I remember the lyrics for the song "Maria" from The Sound of Music, just replace every Maria with Abdulaziz and you'll get an idea:)
"How do you solve a problem like Maria?
How do you catch a cloud and pin it down?
How do you find a word that means Maria?
A flibbertijibbet! A will-o'-the wisp! A clown!
Many a thing you know you'd like to tell her
Many a thing she ought to understand
But how do you make her stay
And listen to all you say
How do you keep a wave upon the sand
Oh, how do you solve a problem like Maria?
How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?
When I'm with her I'm confused
Out of focus and bemused
And I never know exactly where I am
Unpredictable as weather
She's as flighty as a feather
She's a darling! She's a demon! She's a lamb!
She'd outpester any pest
Drive a hornet from its nest (I would bet my life on that:P)
She could throw a whirling dervish out of whirl
She is gentle! (maybe not) She is wild!
She's a riddle! She's a child!
She's a headache! She's an angel!
She's a girl!"
You know what makes me laugh, my sis used to say this song reminded her of me. And she used to sing it to me, conveniently replacing "Mariam" for "Maria".
Sis, if you think this song applies on me, you must've never met Abdulaziz!!:P
Now moving onto the eggy part of the post. I asked the kids to get boiled eggs today to help us study earth layers. It was fun. but now my classroom smells, well, LIKE EGGS. Hm, I should start thinking my plans through:P
At the end of the lesson they asked if they could eat their eggs, I told them to go ahead. I watched with amusement as some kids started to trade parts of the eggs. Some hated the yolks and would trade it for another white.
I tried to explain that the yolk has most of the nutrients and proteins, but no one really listened or cared.
Oh what the heck, I used to hate the yolks when I was a kid. And I grew up fine.
Hm. That's actually debatable:P
Then throughout the rest of the day, at every opportunity (during recess, or the many times he manages to escape from class) he'd barge into my room to check on his dear collection.
His visits are, well, unique. I don't think he's capable of standing still for more than half a second even if he tried (not that he ever does). Having him around is like living in Florida during the hurricane season. He's a destructive force of nature. He's literally always on top of something, under something or maneuvering full speed around something. Nothing and I mean NOTHING in class hasn't been touched, picked up, thrown, squeezed, shaken and ultimately tasted by him. He seems to base his opinion about almost everything in life by how they taste. And yes, I honestly mean everything. I have seen him put stuff in his mouth that would make you yell out in horror. I know I did.
I haven't been able to get him to pause for a second to explain how dangerous all this is, not for lack of trying. I have tried everything from standing authoritatively and sternly asking him to stop and come, to literally running after him, catching him and physically trying to pin him down and get eye contact.
In every attempt, I would slink back in defeat while I watch him sprint away yelling something weird I'm actually happy I don't get.
And yet it is during those two seconds when he gives me the rocks and tells me where he found them that we actually connect. We have the closest thing to a normal conversation. And that is why I treasure those moments. Then I'm hurriedly snapped out of it by him rolling on the floor, picking something of mine and running out of class with it. I pick up my abaya and sprint behind him!! (yeah that "standing authoritatively and asking him to return" thing blows:P)
I can't help but laugh as I remember the lyrics for the song "Maria" from The Sound of Music, just replace every Maria with Abdulaziz and you'll get an idea:)
"How do you solve a problem like Maria?
How do you catch a cloud and pin it down?
How do you find a word that means Maria?
A flibbertijibbet! A will-o'-the wisp! A clown!
Many a thing you know you'd like to tell her
Many a thing she ought to understand
But how do you make her stay
And listen to all you say
How do you keep a wave upon the sand
Oh, how do you solve a problem like Maria?
How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?
When I'm with her I'm confused
Out of focus and bemused
And I never know exactly where I am
Unpredictable as weather
She's as flighty as a feather
She's a darling! She's a demon! She's a lamb!
She'd outpester any pest
Drive a hornet from its nest (I would bet my life on that:P)
She could throw a whirling dervish out of whirl
She is gentle! (maybe not) She is wild!
She's a riddle! She's a child!
She's a headache! She's an angel!
She's a girl!"
You know what makes me laugh, my sis used to say this song reminded her of me. And she used to sing it to me, conveniently replacing "Mariam" for "Maria".
Sis, if you think this song applies on me, you must've never met Abdulaziz!!:P
Now moving onto the eggy part of the post. I asked the kids to get boiled eggs today to help us study earth layers. It was fun. but now my classroom smells, well, LIKE EGGS. Hm, I should start thinking my plans through:P
At the end of the lesson they asked if they could eat their eggs, I told them to go ahead. I watched with amusement as some kids started to trade parts of the eggs. Some hated the yolks and would trade it for another white.
I tried to explain that the yolk has most of the nutrients and proteins, but no one really listened or cared.
Oh what the heck, I used to hate the yolks when I was a kid. And I grew up fine.
Hm. That's actually debatable:P
Saturday, March 24, 2007
The Funny, The Touching, and The plain Scary
The Funny:
--------------
*caught sneaking into the school with a heavy looking plastic bag*
She (suspiciously): Mariam, where have you been?
Me (eyes widen innocently): Um, out.
She: What's in this bag?
Me: Um, stuff.
She: Have you been scouring the deserted grounds behind the school for rocks again?
Me (most unconvincingly): WHAT? noooooo.
She: *eyeing me knowingly*
Me: Alright alright. I needed rocks. It's a tough job being a science teacher!!
The Touching:
---------------
It was just shy of 7 am. when I turned my classroom lights on and unloaded the bags full of stuff off my shoulder and onto my classroom desks. What a relief. I tilted my head from side to side in an attempt to relieve my tensed neck, turned on the PC and rummaged my desk for my mug and spoon.
The classroom door opened and in came Abdulaziz. Without a word, he walked in my direction, his hand seemed to fiddle in his pocket for a second then with a huge proud smile he extended his open palm to me.
It was a bunch of rocks. Yep, ordinary rocks. Rocks he must've picked up from his garage just before getting into the car this morning.
I grinned.
"wowwwwwwwww, thank you so much! They look so cool. Maybe you can show them to the class today!"
My excitement was genuine. I was so touched by the fact that he remembered that we're studying about rocks and got me some. Who would've thought I'd be that excited on receiving, well, rocks.
And the fact that it came from one of the CRAZY (and I mean CRAZY) kids in class made it all the more special.
Thank you Abdulaziz!
The Scary:
-----------
*During my duty in recess*
Me: OH MY GOD WHAT ARE YOU GUYS DOING?????? (upon seeing them lunge and slide so fast aiming at each other's legs, and knocking each other off their feet so swiftly and- from the look of it- oh so painfully.)
Ahmed: It's a game miss!
Me: BUT IT'S SO DANGEROUS.
Ahmed (face twisted into a unmistakable "DUH" expression) : It's supposed to be. It's called "risk", you know.
Me: Oh that makes me feel so much better.
Ahmed: *grins and continues with the lunging"
Me: HEY COME BACK.
Fat chance.
--------------
*caught sneaking into the school with a heavy looking plastic bag*
She (suspiciously): Mariam, where have you been?
Me (eyes widen innocently): Um, out.
She: What's in this bag?
Me: Um, stuff.
She: Have you been scouring the deserted grounds behind the school for rocks again?
Me (most unconvincingly): WHAT? noooooo.
She: *eyeing me knowingly*
Me: Alright alright. I needed rocks. It's a tough job being a science teacher!!
The Touching:
---------------
It was just shy of 7 am. when I turned my classroom lights on and unloaded the bags full of stuff off my shoulder and onto my classroom desks. What a relief. I tilted my head from side to side in an attempt to relieve my tensed neck, turned on the PC and rummaged my desk for my mug and spoon.
The classroom door opened and in came Abdulaziz. Without a word, he walked in my direction, his hand seemed to fiddle in his pocket for a second then with a huge proud smile he extended his open palm to me.
It was a bunch of rocks. Yep, ordinary rocks. Rocks he must've picked up from his garage just before getting into the car this morning.
I grinned.
"wowwwwwwwww, thank you so much! They look so cool. Maybe you can show them to the class today!"
My excitement was genuine. I was so touched by the fact that he remembered that we're studying about rocks and got me some. Who would've thought I'd be that excited on receiving, well, rocks.
And the fact that it came from one of the CRAZY (and I mean CRAZY) kids in class made it all the more special.
Thank you Abdulaziz!
The Scary:
-----------
*During my duty in recess*
Me: OH MY GOD WHAT ARE YOU GUYS DOING?????? (upon seeing them lunge and slide so fast aiming at each other's legs, and knocking each other off their feet so swiftly and- from the look of it- oh so painfully.)
Ahmed: It's a game miss!
Me: BUT IT'S SO DANGEROUS.
Ahmed (face twisted into a unmistakable "DUH" expression) : It's supposed to be. It's called "risk", you know.
Me: Oh that makes me feel so much better.
Ahmed: *grins and continues with the lunging"
Me: HEY COME BACK.
Fat chance.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Skippin n Hoppin
Man, life sure is funny.
One day you're driving home with your eyes swelled up from tears, and the very next day you're skipping and hopping with joy!
My brain is confused. And rightfully so- poor thing. It's been a rough ride this year, some serious ups and some serious downs.
But right now, my head is clear and my thoughts sharp. I know exactly how I feel: I'm thankful. So very extremely endlessly thankful.
Thankful for all the huge blessings I'm aware of enjoying, and thankful for the ones I overlook.
Every bit of me is thankful. Alhamdulillah.
Oh and I promise to try to maybe cut back on the complaining when the going gets tough. Must be a tough cookie. Darn, who came up with this expression? Now I must have a cookie.
Now if you'll excuse me, I must continue with my skippin-n-hoppin-with-joy dance (YES actually I do look ridiculous doing it. Why do you think I prudently restrict it to the privacy of my own home?:P)
One day you're driving home with your eyes swelled up from tears, and the very next day you're skipping and hopping with joy!
My brain is confused. And rightfully so- poor thing. It's been a rough ride this year, some serious ups and some serious downs.
But right now, my head is clear and my thoughts sharp. I know exactly how I feel: I'm thankful. So very extremely endlessly thankful.
Thankful for all the huge blessings I'm aware of enjoying, and thankful for the ones I overlook.
Every bit of me is thankful. Alhamdulillah.
Oh and I promise to try to maybe cut back on the complaining when the going gets tough. Must be a tough cookie. Darn, who came up with this expression? Now I must have a cookie.
Now if you'll excuse me, I must continue with my skippin-n-hoppin-with-joy dance (YES actually I do look ridiculous doing it. Why do you think I prudently restrict it to the privacy of my own home?:P)
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
On mother's day... Will you forgive me mama?
I messed up. Big time. And on mother's day no less.
First I failed to get my mom flowers, which is the only gift mama accepts from us and truly loves. And as if that's not enough, I was a cranky daughter who instead of kissing and hugging her mom goodnight, chose to storm to the PC room and snap out something stupid. Stupid stupid stupid. Why can't I stop being stupid?
But that's the great thing about mommies. See, if this happened with someone else, I'd worry they might love me just a little less. That my continuous stupidity and childishness would eventually wear them thin. But moms are there to let us know we'll always be loved, no matter what. Even if the whole world turns a cold shoulder on us, and even if we continue to act stupid stupid stupid, they'll love us just the same.
I love you mama. I may not say this often enough to you, but I think you are the most amazing mom anyone can ever wish to have. And I mean this with every tiny bit of my heart. When I talk to people, half my stories involve you (the other half are about Dalia). You may not realise it, but your voice is constantly in my head. Urging me to do the right thing and tut-tut-ing me when I don't. If it wasn't for your constant guidance, support and unconditional love, I wouldn't last a day. I truly wouldn't.
My words have been my strength, but today they'll no doubt fail me. But you've always told us "it's the thought that counts". I hope you still believe that:)
Throughout my 23 years of being your daughter, here's some of the things I'm thankful you taught me:
1. You taught me that "but every one's doing it" is the worst excuse in the whole world.
2. You've taught me to be punctual. Down to the exact second.
3. You've taught me the joy of being an early bird.
4. You've introduced me to the creative art of "making a dish out of all the things I want to get rid of in my fridge".
5. You've taught me to have an inquisitive mind and always have one more question.
6. You've taught me to plan ahead and have a clear goal.
7. You've taught me to keep trying. Again, and again.
8. You remind me to be thankful for the blessings I have.
9. You remind me of others' misfortunes when I complain about mine.
10. You taught me to be generous.
11. You taught us to love each other unconditionally.
12. You told me to give it my best shot, and feel good about myself no matter what the outcome.
13. You taught me to use my head, then my heart (I still kinda suck at that one though, through no fault of yours.)
14. You've taught me about sacrifice just by being yourself and doing what you do.
15. You've taught me not to bail out on my responsibilities. Even when they're unpleasant.
16. You've taught me to be kind to all animals and be on first name basis with the neighborhood stray cats.
17. You've taught me the joy of snuggling on the couch to watch a documentary about a scientist who spent his entire life studying the behavior of cockroaches.
18. You taught me how we're never too old to act silly and have a good laugh about it.
19. You've taught me that we can never outgrow a game of "snakes and ladders".
20. You've taught me to look up at the sky and notice the birds.
21. You've let me experience the joy of having a "family day".
22. You've taught me how to go up to McDonald's and ask for "a kid's meal for my mom please" and keep a straight face.
23. You've let me discover how cute the toys they include along with the meal are.
24. Then you allowed me to play with them :D
25. You're the reason I cringe at the mention of high heels and makeup.
26. You encourage me to be natural, spontaneous and uninhibited (up to a certain limit:P).
27. You taught me funny lines from old egyptian movies and songs.
28. Then texted them to me when I was away in college, resulting in me bursting into fits of laughter during lectures. Oh and getting kicked out.
29. You've taught me how to be happy for others' blessings.
30. You've instilled the seeds of faith into my soul and let them thrive.
But most importantly... You've taught me that it's okay to make a mistake. And taught me how to reflect back on things, and be brave enough to admit it. To say I'm sorry.
I'm sorry mama.
First I failed to get my mom flowers, which is the only gift mama accepts from us and truly loves. And as if that's not enough, I was a cranky daughter who instead of kissing and hugging her mom goodnight, chose to storm to the PC room and snap out something stupid. Stupid stupid stupid. Why can't I stop being stupid?
But that's the great thing about mommies. See, if this happened with someone else, I'd worry they might love me just a little less. That my continuous stupidity and childishness would eventually wear them thin. But moms are there to let us know we'll always be loved, no matter what. Even if the whole world turns a cold shoulder on us, and even if we continue to act stupid stupid stupid, they'll love us just the same.
I love you mama. I may not say this often enough to you, but I think you are the most amazing mom anyone can ever wish to have. And I mean this with every tiny bit of my heart. When I talk to people, half my stories involve you (the other half are about Dalia). You may not realise it, but your voice is constantly in my head. Urging me to do the right thing and tut-tut-ing me when I don't. If it wasn't for your constant guidance, support and unconditional love, I wouldn't last a day. I truly wouldn't.
My words have been my strength, but today they'll no doubt fail me. But you've always told us "it's the thought that counts". I hope you still believe that:)
Throughout my 23 years of being your daughter, here's some of the things I'm thankful you taught me:
1. You taught me that "but every one's doing it" is the worst excuse in the whole world.
2. You've taught me to be punctual. Down to the exact second.
3. You've taught me the joy of being an early bird.
4. You've introduced me to the creative art of "making a dish out of all the things I want to get rid of in my fridge".
5. You've taught me to have an inquisitive mind and always have one more question.
6. You've taught me to plan ahead and have a clear goal.
7. You've taught me to keep trying. Again, and again.
8. You remind me to be thankful for the blessings I have.
9. You remind me of others' misfortunes when I complain about mine.
10. You taught me to be generous.
11. You taught us to love each other unconditionally.
12. You told me to give it my best shot, and feel good about myself no matter what the outcome.
13. You taught me to use my head, then my heart (I still kinda suck at that one though, through no fault of yours.)
14. You've taught me about sacrifice just by being yourself and doing what you do.
15. You've taught me not to bail out on my responsibilities. Even when they're unpleasant.
16. You've taught me to be kind to all animals and be on first name basis with the neighborhood stray cats.
17. You've taught me the joy of snuggling on the couch to watch a documentary about a scientist who spent his entire life studying the behavior of cockroaches.
18. You taught me how we're never too old to act silly and have a good laugh about it.
19. You've taught me that we can never outgrow a game of "snakes and ladders".
20. You've taught me to look up at the sky and notice the birds.
21. You've let me experience the joy of having a "family day".
22. You've taught me how to go up to McDonald's and ask for "a kid's meal for my mom please" and keep a straight face.
23. You've let me discover how cute the toys they include along with the meal are.
24. Then you allowed me to play with them :D
25. You're the reason I cringe at the mention of high heels and makeup.
26. You encourage me to be natural, spontaneous and uninhibited (up to a certain limit:P).
27. You taught me funny lines from old egyptian movies and songs.
28. Then texted them to me when I was away in college, resulting in me bursting into fits of laughter during lectures. Oh and getting kicked out.
29. You've taught me how to be happy for others' blessings.
30. You've instilled the seeds of faith into my soul and let them thrive.
But most importantly... You've taught me that it's okay to make a mistake. And taught me how to reflect back on things, and be brave enough to admit it. To say I'm sorry.
I'm sorry mama.
#$^U*%%%$*3/##2 (This is me swearing)
"Mariam don't forget to go down to your after-school duty now" (the one where you wait till the very last kid goes home).
"WHAT? There's gotta be a mistake. I haven't been informed, it's not my turn this month."
Fat chance. Apparently, it's "Mariam's" turn (a Mariam from another department), who happens to be nursing and gets to go home an hour earlier. Someone has to fill in for her, and since after all I am named Mariam, then the logical thing to do is to send me instead!
Brilliant, no?
I keep forgetting, is it a school I work in or an institute of BONEHEADEDNESS.
Feh.
Yes I am severely upset actually. Crappy day, you see. and no that's not only because of the aforementioned incident. That was just added to spice things up.
So anyway, I resigned to my fate (even though I had a gazillion urgent things to do in class) and sat down with the kids waiting. In went a maid or a driver, scanned the faces for a bit, then out they'd go but this time with a school bag on their shoulder and a kid or two tailing behind. Do these kids even have parents?
Then right before my eyes, a kid's driver came and called him. The kid stood up, carried the bag and walked past the driver, then in the most careless and demeaning manner tossed the bag behind him and walked on. He DIDN'T EVEN glance back to make sure the driver picked it up. He didn't need to. People always pick his crap after him, and today is no different.
I was disgusted. If that kid was mine, I would be ashamed to call myself a mother. Sickening.
And you know what the worst part is? I wish it was just an isolated incident. But it's not. It's a mentality, a whole thriving culture. A culture where they not only expect, but demand, to be served. As if it's their birthright. And why shouldn't they when they are the "chosen ones", no?
They have noses stuck up so high, I don't even know how they manage to keep their feet on the ground. They see inferiority in everyone- who isn't local or a westerner, that is.
But it's the Asians working for them who take the hardest blow. I constantly hear the kids in the playground calling each other names like "yal hindi"-as if being Indian is an insult in it's own right. They make me physically sick.
I reflect back on my own childhood, and try to imagine what my mom would've done had she caught me calling someone "yal hindi" or "yal sodani". Let's just say I wouldn't be here today writing this post:) And deservedly so.
If I could go to each and every person who thinks for a second that he's better than any of those "servants", and personally smother their faces in mud, I would not hesitate for a second. In fact, I would relish every second of it.
Of course, there are people who aren't like that. People who are amazing. But sadly, a large part is. Large enough to warrant such an angry post.
And to those ones I say, you make me SICK.
"WHAT? There's gotta be a mistake. I haven't been informed, it's not my turn this month."
Fat chance. Apparently, it's "Mariam's" turn (a Mariam from another department), who happens to be nursing and gets to go home an hour earlier. Someone has to fill in for her, and since after all I am named Mariam, then the logical thing to do is to send me instead!
Brilliant, no?
I keep forgetting, is it a school I work in or an institute of BONEHEADEDNESS.
Feh.
Yes I am severely upset actually. Crappy day, you see. and no that's not only because of the aforementioned incident. That was just added to spice things up.
So anyway, I resigned to my fate (even though I had a gazillion urgent things to do in class) and sat down with the kids waiting. In went a maid or a driver, scanned the faces for a bit, then out they'd go but this time with a school bag on their shoulder and a kid or two tailing behind. Do these kids even have parents?
Then right before my eyes, a kid's driver came and called him. The kid stood up, carried the bag and walked past the driver, then in the most careless and demeaning manner tossed the bag behind him and walked on. He DIDN'T EVEN glance back to make sure the driver picked it up. He didn't need to. People always pick his crap after him, and today is no different.
I was disgusted. If that kid was mine, I would be ashamed to call myself a mother. Sickening.
And you know what the worst part is? I wish it was just an isolated incident. But it's not. It's a mentality, a whole thriving culture. A culture where they not only expect, but demand, to be served. As if it's their birthright. And why shouldn't they when they are the "chosen ones", no?
They have noses stuck up so high, I don't even know how they manage to keep their feet on the ground. They see inferiority in everyone- who isn't local or a westerner, that is.
But it's the Asians working for them who take the hardest blow. I constantly hear the kids in the playground calling each other names like "yal hindi"-as if being Indian is an insult in it's own right. They make me physically sick.
I reflect back on my own childhood, and try to imagine what my mom would've done had she caught me calling someone "yal hindi" or "yal sodani". Let's just say I wouldn't be here today writing this post:) And deservedly so.
If I could go to each and every person who thinks for a second that he's better than any of those "servants", and personally smother their faces in mud, I would not hesitate for a second. In fact, I would relish every second of it.
Of course, there are people who aren't like that. People who are amazing. But sadly, a large part is. Large enough to warrant such an angry post.
And to those ones I say, you make me SICK.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
I walk weird
I do. I walk weird.
There you go I've said it. The sooner I admit it the sooner I find peace with this disturbing reality:P
My sis broke the news to me years ago, but I chose to completely ignore it and thus entered a blissful state of denial! Ah, good days.
But when a teacher I barely recognize (let alone know her name or what subject/grade she teaches) stops me at the corridor to say: "You know I can recognize your walk 100 meters away", all I can say is: OUCH.
They say reality bites, but does it have to chase you around when you're so keenly rushing in the opposite direction?
Super. I guess now I have to scratch "Modeling", "Becoming a ballerina" , and "Winning the power walking championship" from my list of "Things I could do if teaching doesn't work out for me". Which means I'm only left with opening a lemonade stand and writing cheesy novels.
Bleak prospect, bleak indeed.
There you go I've said it. The sooner I admit it the sooner I find peace with this disturbing reality:P
My sis broke the news to me years ago, but I chose to completely ignore it and thus entered a blissful state of denial! Ah, good days.
But when a teacher I barely recognize (let alone know her name or what subject/grade she teaches) stops me at the corridor to say: "You know I can recognize your walk 100 meters away", all I can say is: OUCH.
They say reality bites, but does it have to chase you around when you're so keenly rushing in the opposite direction?
Super. I guess now I have to scratch "Modeling", "Becoming a ballerina" , and "Winning the power walking championship" from my list of "Things I could do if teaching doesn't work out for me". Which means I'm only left with opening a lemonade stand and writing cheesy novels.
Bleak prospect, bleak indeed.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Keyboard Therapy
It took me years to master it, but once I did, it made my life so much easier.
Whenever I'd get upset from someone or something and go ahead and write an email in a fit of anger, I learnt (the hard way) to stop myself just seconds before I hit the "send" button. Then, I would save it. Next morning I would read it again, and if I still felt as strongly about it, I would go ahead and send it. I never did.
The outcome? My anger was extinguished, with minimum damage. I like that.
The reason I bring this up is cuz I'm thinking maybe I should follow the same strategy with my blog. But then again, maybe I shouldn't. After all, I do need to vent out one way or another. And after considering my options, I found them to be:
1. Open my room window and yell my throat out.
2. Call a friend.
3. Go for a run.
4. Write in my blog.
Option 1 isn't feasible mostly cuz, well, mom would stop me! :P But also because right now I'm not so much angry as I am sullen. I tend to fall into this state when things aren't working well for me. Talking - once a favorite pastime of mine- starts to feel like a heavy burden. I rarely initiate conversation. Any words I utter are restricted to answering direct questions, and they're usually muffled up. If left alone, I am benign. But if constantly bugged, I could snap and it could turn ugly.
Considering the above, option 2 is thus rendered obsolete.
A run would be ideal to lift up my spirits and to this day has never failed to revive my innate babbling forces. You gotta love endorphins! I wish I could go, but I can't get myself to. I'm physically drained and exhausted.
Which leaves me with my own "alternative therapy"; writing. It's amazing what therapeutic effects it carries. It's ideal if you think about it. I'm alone and free. I'm not being questioned and I'm under no pressure to present answers. I get the chance to reflect on things at my own pace, my own way. Those feelings and reflections then take the form of my piece of writing, which is more than just the words it presents. It is in essence a complete process of healing. Of finding my "inner peace" or whatever they call it. It works for me, and I'm glad.
Plus it's harmless. How much damage could you do with mere words? Of course, there's always the danger of literally boring someone who reads it to death:P Which is why they invented that tiny red "X" at the uppermost right corner of this window:) It has saved lives, I've heard.
But I won't deny it, on the long run, writing does little to change the reality behind the distress. It's just a coping mechanism, it can only go so far.
But it works for me. It offers me temporary relief, much like the Panadol I'm about to swallow for my headache, which is all I can hope for right now.
Whenever I'd get upset from someone or something and go ahead and write an email in a fit of anger, I learnt (the hard way) to stop myself just seconds before I hit the "send" button. Then, I would save it. Next morning I would read it again, and if I still felt as strongly about it, I would go ahead and send it. I never did.
The outcome? My anger was extinguished, with minimum damage. I like that.
The reason I bring this up is cuz I'm thinking maybe I should follow the same strategy with my blog. But then again, maybe I shouldn't. After all, I do need to vent out one way or another. And after considering my options, I found them to be:
1. Open my room window and yell my throat out.
2. Call a friend.
3. Go for a run.
4. Write in my blog.
Option 1 isn't feasible mostly cuz, well, mom would stop me! :P But also because right now I'm not so much angry as I am sullen. I tend to fall into this state when things aren't working well for me. Talking - once a favorite pastime of mine- starts to feel like a heavy burden. I rarely initiate conversation. Any words I utter are restricted to answering direct questions, and they're usually muffled up. If left alone, I am benign. But if constantly bugged, I could snap and it could turn ugly.
Considering the above, option 2 is thus rendered obsolete.
A run would be ideal to lift up my spirits and to this day has never failed to revive my innate babbling forces. You gotta love endorphins! I wish I could go, but I can't get myself to. I'm physically drained and exhausted.
Which leaves me with my own "alternative therapy"; writing. It's amazing what therapeutic effects it carries. It's ideal if you think about it. I'm alone and free. I'm not being questioned and I'm under no pressure to present answers. I get the chance to reflect on things at my own pace, my own way. Those feelings and reflections then take the form of my piece of writing, which is more than just the words it presents. It is in essence a complete process of healing. Of finding my "inner peace" or whatever they call it. It works for me, and I'm glad.
Plus it's harmless. How much damage could you do with mere words? Of course, there's always the danger of literally boring someone who reads it to death:P Which is why they invented that tiny red "X" at the uppermost right corner of this window:) It has saved lives, I've heard.
But I won't deny it, on the long run, writing does little to change the reality behind the distress. It's just a coping mechanism, it can only go so far.
But it works for me. It offers me temporary relief, much like the Panadol I'm about to swallow for my headache, which is all I can hope for right now.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Babbling Bumbling
"Now, I won't have you all acting like a babbling bumbling band of baboons"-Professor McGonigal. From the movie "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire".
I almost fainted from laughter. THIS IS THE BEST DESCRIPTION I'VE EVER HEARD. THIS is what I have in my classes: A babbling bumbling band of baboons!!
Don't you just love Harry Potter? :D
I almost fainted from laughter. THIS IS THE BEST DESCRIPTION I'VE EVER HEARD. THIS is what I have in my classes: A babbling bumbling band of baboons!!
Don't you just love Harry Potter? :D
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
I sound like a toad
*Over the phone*
Friend: MY GOD what happened to your voice?????
Mariam: Umm, dunno. Allergy. Or the kids. Or both.
This conversation has occured repeatedly in the last few weeks. I must kindly ask you folks to stop that. Having to explain the reason behind my scratchy, squeaky toad-like voice over and over is physically painful, and gets boring after a while.
So until further notice this is my normal voice. This is as normal as it gets when you have an almost blocked windpipe, have difficulty breathing, and yet still manage to holler at Mobarak to get back in line instead of jumping over 1st graders in the corridor.
Oh and I'm gonna have to cancel my speech for tonight. Kindly inform the nation. Thank you.
Friend: MY GOD what happened to your voice?????
Mariam: Umm, dunno. Allergy. Or the kids. Or both.
This conversation has occured repeatedly in the last few weeks. I must kindly ask you folks to stop that. Having to explain the reason behind my scratchy, squeaky toad-like voice over and over is physically painful, and gets boring after a while.
So until further notice this is my normal voice. This is as normal as it gets when you have an almost blocked windpipe, have difficulty breathing, and yet still manage to holler at Mobarak to get back in line instead of jumping over 1st graders in the corridor.
Oh and I'm gonna have to cancel my speech for tonight. Kindly inform the nation. Thank you.
To infinity..... and beyond!
I never actually stick around long enough to see how this ends, if ever.
*Boy 1 kicks boy 2*
Me: OH MY GOD why did you just kick him???
Boy1: because he punched me first!
Boy2: that's because he kicked me before that!
Boy 1: because he slapped me.
Boy 2: because he threw my pencil case at me.
Boy 1: because he threw my pencil case in the garbage.
Boy 2: because he pinched me!
Boy 1: because he said I was a girl!!!
Boy 2: Only because he said I was a baby!!
Boy 1: that's because he tripped me over last week!
Boy 2: because he tripped me over 2 weeks ago!
Boy 1: because he kicked me in math class.
Boy 2: because he punched me in PE lesson.
Ad infinitum. And I'm not even joking.
They give me a brain cramp, every single time.
"alright alright THAT'S ENOUGH! Just go".
And THAT'S how they get away with it!
Geniuses I tell you.
*Boy 1 kicks boy 2*
Me: OH MY GOD why did you just kick him???
Boy1: because he punched me first!
Boy2: that's because he kicked me before that!
Boy 1: because he slapped me.
Boy 2: because he threw my pencil case at me.
Boy 1: because he threw my pencil case in the garbage.
Boy 2: because he pinched me!
Boy 1: because he said I was a girl!!!
Boy 2: Only because he said I was a baby!!
Boy 1: that's because he tripped me over last week!
Boy 2: because he tripped me over 2 weeks ago!
Boy 1: because he kicked me in math class.
Boy 2: because he punched me in PE lesson.
Ad infinitum. And I'm not even joking.
They give me a brain cramp, every single time.
"alright alright THAT'S ENOUGH! Just go".
And THAT'S how they get away with it!
Geniuses I tell you.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Cravings
Boy have I been craving this.
The above "this" actually refers to multiple things. One would be an afternoon nap, where I'm not required to set my alarm clock cuz, well, it really isn't that big a deal if I overslept. I just woke up from such a nap actually (didn't oversleep though. Bummer).
Another would be a free afternoon to chill at home, which isn't spent scribbling "to do lists" and attempting to scratch out as much in as little time as possible. I'm enjoying such an afternoon right now.
The whiff of fresh mint from my hot tea cup, which I'm inhaling as I type this.
But mostly, I've been craving to write. I can't help but wear a smile as I snuggle on the computer seat and put on my weird looking glasses (which aren't weird per se, but years of being my property, and the natural wear and tear effects that accompany being repeatedly sat on, and mistaken for a puck by my crazy hocky-playing cat have had their toll I'm afraid).
Things lately have been insanely hectic, that my blog had to take a back seat. Not that I didn't do my share of writing. But I think you would understand that writing a lesson plan and a million worksheets is hardly the same. My heart longed to be able to write whatever my thoughts brought forth. To write, not because I have to or because it's part of my job description, but because I want to. Because I love to.
And now, my prayers have been finally answered! Man I knew I shoulda wished for a Ferrari (not really. I'm not that into cars, but you get the point)
One thing that has been ticking me off is the fact that even though Kuwait is currently determinedly hanging on to the very last bits of "winter"- meaning the weather is absolutely gorgeous especially in the mornings and afternoons- I haven't been doing any running.
It's quite funny really. I've been wanting to write for so long, but now I'm not sure what to write about. But as my very famous made-up-this-very-instant saying goes: To write something is a little problem, to write nothing is a huge one.
Gee, that sounded so deep- although I must admit I don't have a clue what it means. Oh pardon me, I'm implying that it should mean anything. Let me rephrase: this is the most intelligent sounding gibberish I've uttered for a while. I make myself proud sometimes.
Okay I'm plainly out of practice here, so I will quit trying to produce a piece of writing with an actual theme, well thought out body and which, um, makes actual sense. At least I tried, so cut me some slack.
So What's up with pedestrians in this country? No I'm serious. I consider myself to be the most pedestrian-friendly driver you will ever come across. Mostly because I've spent most of my college years walking the busy streets of Amman and, watching cars zoom by without even a second's consideration of the ridiculous possibility of actually slowing down so I could, God forbid, cross the street. Being almost run over was as common as flu when the flu bugs start to bite.
I'd always choose walking over driving, but here in Kuwait that can't really happen. And yet the streets are full of Asian workers who must rely on their own feet and public transport.
I make it a point to stop and nod or wave to them to go ahead and cross. Always. And the natural thing for them is to, well, cross the road! Maybe even acknowledge me with a nod or a wave. But for the most part, you just rush to cross the street before the driver changes their mind or worse, a maniac comes speeding and cuts you short. It 's really a very uncomplicated foolproof routine: they slow down, wave, you cross, wave, it's as simple and natural as unwrapping a candy bar! Everyone is happy. And yet it is never accomplished successfully, at least not here and not with me.
They never cross the street. It's like a "You go ahead no YOU go ahead no really YOU go ahead" match between us. I swear to God.
And it always ends in me passing and waving at them as a thank you for letting me pass. It's hilariously weird. For some reason, pedestrians here feel the need to let me pass the street. Does that happen with anyone else? I can't get my head round it really.
Hmm. I can see now that I have made the decision of naming this post "cravings", and in a final and desperate attempt at making this a coherent *sarcastic cough* post, I will return to talking about cravings, if only to give the impression that I knew where this was heading all along. But of course I did.
I remember back in college, whenever I used to take naps in the afternoon, I'd wake up with this relentless unquenchable craving for something sweet. Nothing I did would make it go away (including playing tag with my crazy cat and suddenly deciding to declutter my closet). I just had to get my sugar fix to function normally.
Lately though, I would wake up from naps with no trace of that get-me-some-sugar-NOW feeling. This has caused me considerable worry and anguish. I even convinced myself that my body has gone out of whack and isn't sending me the right signals, so I go ahead and get the sugar fix anyway, just in case. Wouldn't want to risk sugar depletion, it's a serious thing you know.
Today I subbed for Dalia, who teaches the Grade 4 girls science, and minutes before recess time one of the girls opened her lunch bag and proudly displayed a plastic bag full of baby carrots (we've just finished the unit on health and nutrition). I gave the appropriate delighted/excited/surprised gasp and we all gave her a hand of applause for choosing a healthy diet. I also shared with them the fact that I used to take a bagful of carrots to school and was thus referred to as "bunny" for quite some time. I have a feeling I'm gonna regret that.
There was no stopping them, each and every girl started taking out her healthy food, cucumbers, strawberries, apples, you name it! I was happy to see them putting what they've learnt into practice!
As far as the boys go, their lunch bags full of chips are still alive and kicking as far as I can tell. And their hands are always smothered with chips pieces after recess. It's gross.
"Hey Fahad, go wash your hands. Wait and your face. And shirt. And neck. Oh forget it just take a shower when you get home".
Boys.
I might be a hopeless chocoholic, but chips is just not my thing. I can't remember the last time I ate chips. With the exception of tortilla chips with dip. I remember as kids we used to go to that Mexican restaurant and while they get your order ready, instead of bread, they'd give you a huge bowl of tortillas with yummy dips, and they'd instantly refill it. I don't think I've ever gotten to taste my main dish. They were so good.
I think I've had more than my fair share of cravings today. Right now I'm craving my soft pillow. And a good book to read under my bed side lamp.
The awesomest part is, I can do just that!
The above "this" actually refers to multiple things. One would be an afternoon nap, where I'm not required to set my alarm clock cuz, well, it really isn't that big a deal if I overslept. I just woke up from such a nap actually (didn't oversleep though. Bummer).
Another would be a free afternoon to chill at home, which isn't spent scribbling "to do lists" and attempting to scratch out as much in as little time as possible. I'm enjoying such an afternoon right now.
The whiff of fresh mint from my hot tea cup, which I'm inhaling as I type this.
But mostly, I've been craving to write. I can't help but wear a smile as I snuggle on the computer seat and put on my weird looking glasses (which aren't weird per se, but years of being my property, and the natural wear and tear effects that accompany being repeatedly sat on, and mistaken for a puck by my crazy hocky-playing cat have had their toll I'm afraid).
Things lately have been insanely hectic, that my blog had to take a back seat. Not that I didn't do my share of writing. But I think you would understand that writing a lesson plan and a million worksheets is hardly the same. My heart longed to be able to write whatever my thoughts brought forth. To write, not because I have to or because it's part of my job description, but because I want to. Because I love to.
And now, my prayers have been finally answered! Man I knew I shoulda wished for a Ferrari (not really. I'm not that into cars, but you get the point)
One thing that has been ticking me off is the fact that even though Kuwait is currently determinedly hanging on to the very last bits of "winter"- meaning the weather is absolutely gorgeous especially in the mornings and afternoons- I haven't been doing any running.
It's quite funny really. I've been wanting to write for so long, but now I'm not sure what to write about. But as my very famous made-up-this-very-instant saying goes: To write something is a little problem, to write nothing is a huge one.
Gee, that sounded so deep- although I must admit I don't have a clue what it means. Oh pardon me, I'm implying that it should mean anything. Let me rephrase: this is the most intelligent sounding gibberish I've uttered for a while. I make myself proud sometimes.
Okay I'm plainly out of practice here, so I will quit trying to produce a piece of writing with an actual theme, well thought out body and which, um, makes actual sense. At least I tried, so cut me some slack.
So What's up with pedestrians in this country? No I'm serious. I consider myself to be the most pedestrian-friendly driver you will ever come across. Mostly because I've spent most of my college years walking the busy streets of Amman and, watching cars zoom by without even a second's consideration of the ridiculous possibility of actually slowing down so I could, God forbid, cross the street. Being almost run over was as common as flu when the flu bugs start to bite.
I'd always choose walking over driving, but here in Kuwait that can't really happen. And yet the streets are full of Asian workers who must rely on their own feet and public transport.
I make it a point to stop and nod or wave to them to go ahead and cross. Always. And the natural thing for them is to, well, cross the road! Maybe even acknowledge me with a nod or a wave. But for the most part, you just rush to cross the street before the driver changes their mind or worse, a maniac comes speeding and cuts you short. It 's really a very uncomplicated foolproof routine: they slow down, wave, you cross, wave, it's as simple and natural as unwrapping a candy bar! Everyone is happy. And yet it is never accomplished successfully, at least not here and not with me.
They never cross the street. It's like a "You go ahead no YOU go ahead no really YOU go ahead" match between us. I swear to God.
And it always ends in me passing and waving at them as a thank you for letting me pass. It's hilariously weird. For some reason, pedestrians here feel the need to let me pass the street. Does that happen with anyone else? I can't get my head round it really.
Hmm. I can see now that I have made the decision of naming this post "cravings", and in a final and desperate attempt at making this a coherent *sarcastic cough* post, I will return to talking about cravings, if only to give the impression that I knew where this was heading all along. But of course I did.
I remember back in college, whenever I used to take naps in the afternoon, I'd wake up with this relentless unquenchable craving for something sweet. Nothing I did would make it go away (including playing tag with my crazy cat and suddenly deciding to declutter my closet). I just had to get my sugar fix to function normally.
Lately though, I would wake up from naps with no trace of that get-me-some-sugar-NOW feeling. This has caused me considerable worry and anguish. I even convinced myself that my body has gone out of whack and isn't sending me the right signals, so I go ahead and get the sugar fix anyway, just in case. Wouldn't want to risk sugar depletion, it's a serious thing you know.
Today I subbed for Dalia, who teaches the Grade 4 girls science, and minutes before recess time one of the girls opened her lunch bag and proudly displayed a plastic bag full of baby carrots (we've just finished the unit on health and nutrition). I gave the appropriate delighted/excited/surprised gasp and we all gave her a hand of applause for choosing a healthy diet. I also shared with them the fact that I used to take a bagful of carrots to school and was thus referred to as "bunny" for quite some time. I have a feeling I'm gonna regret that.
There was no stopping them, each and every girl started taking out her healthy food, cucumbers, strawberries, apples, you name it! I was happy to see them putting what they've learnt into practice!
As far as the boys go, their lunch bags full of chips are still alive and kicking as far as I can tell. And their hands are always smothered with chips pieces after recess. It's gross.
"Hey Fahad, go wash your hands. Wait and your face. And shirt. And neck. Oh forget it just take a shower when you get home".
Boys.
I might be a hopeless chocoholic, but chips is just not my thing. I can't remember the last time I ate chips. With the exception of tortilla chips with dip. I remember as kids we used to go to that Mexican restaurant and while they get your order ready, instead of bread, they'd give you a huge bowl of tortillas with yummy dips, and they'd instantly refill it. I don't think I've ever gotten to taste my main dish. They were so good.
I think I've had more than my fair share of cravings today. Right now I'm craving my soft pillow. And a good book to read under my bed side lamp.
The awesomest part is, I can do just that!
Sunday, March 11, 2007
A pocketful of rocks
I've been missing in action these last few days. We're starting a new chapter with the kids (Earth science: rocks, minerals, landforms, volcanoes and earthquakes, you name it!) so I am pretty much swamped what with all the lesson plans and resources I must put together. I have been caught acting weird as well; like walking around with pockets filled with rocks and sand. As if people needed yet another proof for my questionable mental stability. Geez, the job description I received at the start of the year doesn't even begin to do the job justice. I will be campaigning to add a few clauses. The people must KNOW.
It's great having your sis as your biggest blog fan. With nothing but rocks on my mind, I have neglected bloggie dear bloggie. Won't happen again sis. Me loves you! Bloggie loves you as well:)
I'm at school now and so I can't keep on writing any longer. But I'll be back.
But for now I'll leave you with an excerpt from today's lesson on Minerals:
Ms. Mariam: We've seen how minerals have very different and beautiful colors to help us tell them apart. But sometimes two minerals can look the same. Like diamond and quartz. See this quartz I'm holding in my hand. It's just like a diamond.
Yusuf: MISS MARIAM IS THAT A DIAMOND?
Khalid: WOW MISS MARIAM CAN I TAKE THIS DIAMOND?
Abdulla: WHERE DID YOU FIND IT????
Ms. Mariam: Easy boys- No way! If I owned a big chunk of diamond like that I'd be on my own island right now, and definitely not standing here showing it to you!! I mean I love you boys, but come on. This is quartz, we use it to make glass. I can sell it and buy, dunno, gum maybe.
*wave of disappointment washes over their once excited expressions* so much for having a millionaire teacher to brag about!
It's great having your sis as your biggest blog fan. With nothing but rocks on my mind, I have neglected bloggie dear bloggie. Won't happen again sis. Me loves you! Bloggie loves you as well:)
I'm at school now and so I can't keep on writing any longer. But I'll be back.
But for now I'll leave you with an excerpt from today's lesson on Minerals:
Ms. Mariam: We've seen how minerals have very different and beautiful colors to help us tell them apart. But sometimes two minerals can look the same. Like diamond and quartz. See this quartz I'm holding in my hand. It's just like a diamond.
Yusuf: MISS MARIAM IS THAT A DIAMOND?
Khalid: WOW MISS MARIAM CAN I TAKE THIS DIAMOND?
Abdulla: WHERE DID YOU FIND IT????
Ms. Mariam: Easy boys- No way! If I owned a big chunk of diamond like that I'd be on my own island right now, and definitely not standing here showing it to you!! I mean I love you boys, but come on. This is quartz, we use it to make glass. I can sell it and buy, dunno, gum maybe.
*wave of disappointment washes over their once excited expressions* so much for having a millionaire teacher to brag about!
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Get your Old McDonald facts straight
Over lunch and in an attempt to cheer me up, mom shared this piece of news, which she has read in our local paper this morning. Apparently a bunch of UK kids think that cows lay eggs.
Her plan worked, I choked on my food as I giggled uncontrollably.
"At least your kids don't think that", she said when I finally managed a straight face again.
"Hmm... I'm not so sure about that.... now that you mention it, I could definitely think of a couple that may think that actually"
I blame the KG. What have they been teaching them?
No doubt something in the neighborhood of:
"Old McDonald had a farm... E I E I O
and on his farms he had some Cows
E I E I O
and they lay some eggs here
and some eggs there
here an egg
there an egg
everywhere an egg egg "
Yep. That should explain it.
Her plan worked, I choked on my food as I giggled uncontrollably.
"At least your kids don't think that", she said when I finally managed a straight face again.
"Hmm... I'm not so sure about that.... now that you mention it, I could definitely think of a couple that may think that actually"
I blame the KG. What have they been teaching them?
No doubt something in the neighborhood of:
"Old McDonald had a farm... E I E I O
and on his farms he had some Cows
E I E I O
and they lay some eggs here
and some eggs there
here an egg
there an egg
everywhere an egg egg "
Yep. That should explain it.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
I have weird friends
Tima: Guess who I ran into today?
Mariam: Who?
T: Rawan!
M: Oh my God! How is she?
T: Oh she's fine. It was a bit embarrassing though.
M: how come?
T: Well she called me by my name and I didn't even recognize who she was.
M: Yikes, that must've been real awkward.
T: Naah, actually it was really funny.
M: And how is that?
T: well.... this is what happened really.....
Tima gets out of the elevator
Rawan: Fatima!
Fatima: OH MY GOD *all excited and shocked*.. I'm sorry who are you?
Rawan: I'm RAWAN!
Fatima: OH MY GOD *all excited and shocked*.. I'm sorry who are you really?
Man, she cracks me up.
Mariam: Who?
T: Rawan!
M: Oh my God! How is she?
T: Oh she's fine. It was a bit embarrassing though.
M: how come?
T: Well she called me by my name and I didn't even recognize who she was.
M: Yikes, that must've been real awkward.
T: Naah, actually it was really funny.
M: And how is that?
T: well.... this is what happened really.....
Tima gets out of the elevator
Rawan: Fatima!
Fatima: OH MY GOD *all excited and shocked*.. I'm sorry who are you?
Rawan: I'm RAWAN!
Fatima: OH MY GOD *all excited and shocked*.. I'm sorry who are you really?
Man, she cracks me up.
Time of Death: 2:10 p.m.
Momtaz, the maid that cleans my classroom, apparently wasn't satisfied with the job the boys have been doing in killing me. I guess she felt it wasn't effective enough (since I kept showing up again at the start of each day!) and decided to take things into her own hands.
And thus she proceeded to open the dust compartment in the vacuum cleaner that I could swear has been around since the establishment of the school 10 years ago and hasn't been emptied before today. But today it has, and in no where else but my classroom and less than 2 meters away from me. She shook and joggled the bag with vengeance forming clouds of dust that shot in each and every direction. When I realised what was happening, it was too late.
I coughed, I sneezed, I wheezed, I gasped for breath as I struggled to produce a desperate "NOooOo stooOOOoooooP", that did little to improve the situation. Momtaz was out on a mission and there was no stopping her. I guess in her mind she was doing me a favor, no use prolonging the inevitable, right?
I must say though, I was kinda hoping for a more heroic end for me, but alas I have to settle for an "unfortunate vacuum incident by an overly enthusiastic maid".
But you gotta give her credit, to have picked up on my bad allergy condition and worked it to her benefit, then artfully "made it look like an accident" all the while maintaining the pretence of a devoted maid doing, well, her job. Pure genius I tell you.
ايه يا حجه ممتاز , هيه حصلت؟؟؟
And thus she proceeded to open the dust compartment in the vacuum cleaner that I could swear has been around since the establishment of the school 10 years ago and hasn't been emptied before today. But today it has, and in no where else but my classroom and less than 2 meters away from me. She shook and joggled the bag with vengeance forming clouds of dust that shot in each and every direction. When I realised what was happening, it was too late.
I coughed, I sneezed, I wheezed, I gasped for breath as I struggled to produce a desperate "NOooOo stooOOOoooooP", that did little to improve the situation. Momtaz was out on a mission and there was no stopping her. I guess in her mind she was doing me a favor, no use prolonging the inevitable, right?
I must say though, I was kinda hoping for a more heroic end for me, but alas I have to settle for an "unfortunate vacuum incident by an overly enthusiastic maid".
But you gotta give her credit, to have picked up on my bad allergy condition and worked it to her benefit, then artfully "made it look like an accident" all the while maintaining the pretence of a devoted maid doing, well, her job. Pure genius I tell you.
ايه يا حجه ممتاز , هيه حصلت؟؟؟
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Darwin Knew Best
When my childhood dreams of working with National Geographic or joining the crew on one of Greenpeace's ships didn't amount to anything, I wondered if I will ever truly make use of my biology degree, which I had pursued out of passion.
I mean don't get me wrong, as noble and dignified (um, actually scratch the latter) as it is to be chasing 9-year-olds with an attention span that would make a gold fish look really good, I find myself yearning from time to time to do something really biology-ish (how scientific does this sound, eh?:P). And I don't mean anything to do with microscopes cuz- this is a little confession- I never quite figured out how the heck those things work, and even when I accidentally worked one correctly, I would always wonder why oh why would anyone care or want to see something that's this tiny- know what I'm saying? Microorganisms are boring, I like big fat lively animals! (yeah yeah I'm a disgrace to biologists, big deal).
Then there's the fact that the elementary science I currently teach is naturally very basic and simple, which has me worrying I may soon forget most of what I've learnt. I mean, it's not like it was a breeze getting my degree people. I have had to suffer through world-class-boredom-inducer professors, and lab sessions that knew no end. I even had to watch some cute little white mice get killed in acts of cold blooded murder. I am also guilty of finishing off a whole family of fruit flies- bless their souls poor things- after forgetting them inside my locker; then having to make up the results of my lab report (yes yes we have already established that I'm a disgrace:P)
So you can imagine my thrill today when I was finally able to apply some of my knowledge!
Inspired from Darwin's Evolution and Natural selection, I present:
Evolution of An Elementary All-Boy Class Teacher:
Stated simply and concisely: In an all-boy elementary classroom with no evidence of student discipline, either uninterested and unconcerned or overbearing and obnoxious parents, and a administration that is too keen to keep parents happy to to do something about it , survival is for the meanest, scariest and most terrifying teacher.
Which means that a successful teacher must gradually evolve into this:
Therefore, as a last resort and in a desperate attempt at self and sanity preservation, I must find a way to hasten my adaptation, and somehow look like the above example. Fast.
Just for the next three months. Then I'll be all smiley again, I promise.
(Darwin didn't happen to mention whether it's a reversible process or not, now did he?:P)
I mean don't get me wrong, as noble and dignified (um, actually scratch the latter) as it is to be chasing 9-year-olds with an attention span that would make a gold fish look really good, I find myself yearning from time to time to do something really biology-ish (how scientific does this sound, eh?:P). And I don't mean anything to do with microscopes cuz- this is a little confession- I never quite figured out how the heck those things work, and even when I accidentally worked one correctly, I would always wonder why oh why would anyone care or want to see something that's this tiny- know what I'm saying? Microorganisms are boring, I like big fat lively animals! (yeah yeah I'm a disgrace to biologists, big deal).
Then there's the fact that the elementary science I currently teach is naturally very basic and simple, which has me worrying I may soon forget most of what I've learnt. I mean, it's not like it was a breeze getting my degree people. I have had to suffer through world-class-boredom-inducer professors, and lab sessions that knew no end. I even had to watch some cute little white mice get killed in acts of cold blooded murder. I am also guilty of finishing off a whole family of fruit flies- bless their souls poor things- after forgetting them inside my locker; then having to make up the results of my lab report (yes yes we have already established that I'm a disgrace:P)
So you can imagine my thrill today when I was finally able to apply some of my knowledge!
Inspired from Darwin's Evolution and Natural selection, I present:
Evolution of An Elementary All-Boy Class Teacher:
Stated simply and concisely: In an all-boy elementary classroom with no evidence of student discipline, either uninterested and unconcerned or overbearing and obnoxious parents, and a administration that is too keen to keep parents happy to to do something about it , survival is for the meanest, scariest and most terrifying teacher.
Which means that a successful teacher must gradually evolve into this:
Therefore, as a last resort and in a desperate attempt at self and sanity preservation, I must find a way to hasten my adaptation, and somehow look like the above example. Fast.
Just for the next three months. Then I'll be all smiley again, I promise.
(Darwin didn't happen to mention whether it's a reversible process or not, now did he?:P)
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Being a mommy aint easy
It's a universal truth that mommies only eat broken cookies, leftovers and whatever no one else wants. It's a tough world for them, and sometimes it gets just a tad worse:
Me: Mom, you have got to taste one of those Godivas.
Mom: No thanks habeebti.
Me: Oh C'mon mom, just take one! You'd actually be saving my soul.
Mom: I won't eat your chocolate, forget it.
Me: Fine. Then eat this piece, I hate it.
Mom: I don't believe you.
Me: no really, it's stuffed with a fruity thing. I can't stomach these things.
Mom: are you just saying this so you'd trick me into eating one?
Me: Trust me, I'm not. I wouldn't eat it, and it'll go to waste.
Mom: Why am I not entirely believing you....(hesitantly takes it and ventures a bite and instantly......) OH MY GOD THAT IS ICKY. Why would anyone make such a thing????
Me: hehehehehehhehe told ya!
Me: Mom, you have got to taste one of those Godivas.
Mom: No thanks habeebti.
Me: Oh C'mon mom, just take one! You'd actually be saving my soul.
Mom: I won't eat your chocolate, forget it.
Me: Fine. Then eat this piece, I hate it.
Mom: I don't believe you.
Me: no really, it's stuffed with a fruity thing. I can't stomach these things.
Mom: are you just saying this so you'd trick me into eating one?
Me: Trust me, I'm not. I wouldn't eat it, and it'll go to waste.
Mom: Why am I not entirely believing you....(hesitantly takes it and ventures a bite and instantly......) OH MY GOD THAT IS ICKY. Why would anyone make such a thing????
Me: hehehehehehhehe told ya!
Neat handwriting is SO overrated
Incorrigible.
That pretty much describes my handwriting. And the worst part is, I can't blame it on my genes. Both my mom and dad's handwriting is great, and Dalia's is the closest thing to a work of art. For years, I had consoled myself with the belief that Abood's handwriting isn't that impressive either. So at least, I wasn't the ugly duckling!
But that, I fear, is no longer true. I came to that sad realisation the other day when I ventured a peek into his notebook as he sat scribbling what to me at least are incomprehensible notes on his robot design (man, I really do feel like DeeDee:P).
I was dumbfounded. "WHAT THE??? Since when is your handwriting SO neat?" I demanded. Nonchalantly and with an air of someone who has been practising the art of calligraphy all his life said: "Dunno. Wasn't it always that way?".
Great. So now I'm the ONLY one in the family with handwriting that could easily be mistaken for a four-year-old's. Just awesome. Not that it bothers me personally to tell you the truth. I mean, as long as I can read it, I'm not complaining. (Admittedly, there are documented incidents back in school when I would carry my copybook and ask my mom to help me decipher my very own handwriting. But lets ignore that, shall we?)
For the most part though, I wasn't too worried about the sorry state of my handwriting. But every now and then, something would happen that would make me think that maybe, just maybe, I needed to do something about it.
Like the time when my Arabic teacher announced at the top of her lungs, with the whole class as her audience, her intention to hire a specialized "translator" to help her figure out what the heck I write on my papers. I found her joke hilarious and joined the class in the laughter, until we realised she wasn't kidding.
Then there was that conversation between me and my Lebanese friend who sat on the desk next to me all through our last 5 years at school.
Fatima: Hey can I borrow you're copybook?
Mariam: Sure, which one?
Fatima: doesn't really matter, whichever.
Mariam: how can it not matter?? don't you want to copy stuff??
Fatima: well if you must know, it's for my sis.
Mariam: Huh?
Fatima: Well, last time I borrowed your copybook my sis happened to see it and, well, she took one look at your handwriting and kept laughing all afternoon. She says it makes her laugh; it's so weird and cute. She says she loves it.
Mariam: *Jaw dropped*
I think the root of the problem is that, unlike most people with horrid handwriting, I don't have consistency. I do not write the letter in the same ugly way each and every time. The shapes of my letters are forever changing, even when they occur twice in the very same word.
So when I one day happened upon a personality test based on your handwriting, it didn't go so well. I was asked to copy a specific sentence then based on how I wrote each letter, a part of my personality would supposedly be unveiled. Of course, since each letter was written in at least 3 different shapes, you can imagine my dilemma. The only logical conclusion would've been that I was schizophrenic.
But really, we are so not!
:)
That pretty much describes my handwriting. And the worst part is, I can't blame it on my genes. Both my mom and dad's handwriting is great, and Dalia's is the closest thing to a work of art. For years, I had consoled myself with the belief that Abood's handwriting isn't that impressive either. So at least, I wasn't the ugly duckling!
But that, I fear, is no longer true. I came to that sad realisation the other day when I ventured a peek into his notebook as he sat scribbling what to me at least are incomprehensible notes on his robot design (man, I really do feel like DeeDee:P).
I was dumbfounded. "WHAT THE??? Since when is your handwriting SO neat?" I demanded. Nonchalantly and with an air of someone who has been practising the art of calligraphy all his life said: "Dunno. Wasn't it always that way?".
Great. So now I'm the ONLY one in the family with handwriting that could easily be mistaken for a four-year-old's. Just awesome. Not that it bothers me personally to tell you the truth. I mean, as long as I can read it, I'm not complaining. (Admittedly, there are documented incidents back in school when I would carry my copybook and ask my mom to help me decipher my very own handwriting. But lets ignore that, shall we?)
For the most part though, I wasn't too worried about the sorry state of my handwriting. But every now and then, something would happen that would make me think that maybe, just maybe, I needed to do something about it.
Like the time when my Arabic teacher announced at the top of her lungs, with the whole class as her audience, her intention to hire a specialized "translator" to help her figure out what the heck I write on my papers. I found her joke hilarious and joined the class in the laughter, until we realised she wasn't kidding.
Then there was that conversation between me and my Lebanese friend who sat on the desk next to me all through our last 5 years at school.
Fatima: Hey can I borrow you're copybook?
Mariam: Sure, which one?
Fatima: doesn't really matter, whichever.
Mariam: how can it not matter?? don't you want to copy stuff??
Fatima: well if you must know, it's for my sis.
Mariam: Huh?
Fatima: Well, last time I borrowed your copybook my sis happened to see it and, well, she took one look at your handwriting and kept laughing all afternoon. She says it makes her laugh; it's so weird and cute. She says she loves it.
Mariam: *Jaw dropped*
I think the root of the problem is that, unlike most people with horrid handwriting, I don't have consistency. I do not write the letter in the same ugly way each and every time. The shapes of my letters are forever changing, even when they occur twice in the very same word.
So when I one day happened upon a personality test based on your handwriting, it didn't go so well. I was asked to copy a specific sentence then based on how I wrote each letter, a part of my personality would supposedly be unveiled. Of course, since each letter was written in at least 3 different shapes, you can imagine my dilemma. The only logical conclusion would've been that I was schizophrenic.
But really, we are so not!
:)
Monday, February 26, 2007
Kuwait's Brand New Gadget
It's new. It's hot. It's everywhere.
Compact, affordable, comes with very simple instructions, and suitable for kids as young as 2 or your 99-year-old grandpa.
You know what I'm talking about......
FOAM SPRAY!!
Yep, the 25th and 26th of February can only mean one thing in Kuwait. Each and every citizen gets his or her very own foam spray and hits the roads foaming the time away!
Nothing and no one is spared the delight of being sprayed all over. And What a delight it is.
I have been lucky enough to survive this long weekend un-foamed myself, mostly by leaving home as little as possible (a wise decision indeed). However, I have witnessed a girl get sprayed from head to toe just as she was about to get in her car. She stood there in shock, but did nothing. But really, what could she have done? Chase the teenage-filled car while cursing? Hardly a feasible option.
I have also heard stories of people almost getting into accidents because of obstructed vision due to their windshields being completely covered in foam. Delightful, no?
So you can understand my panic when I reached the seaside for my run, just to find the celebrations no where near done. I was horrified to notice that each and every individual carried a spray in their hands- literally- which automatically marked them as a potential threat.
Anyone and anything seemed to be getting sprayed and I was about to resign to my fate. I cringed each time I passed by a group of teenagers and maneuvered away as best I can. What worked for me was the fact that I was running. While these kids are a lot of things, fit is not one of them. Which suited me to perfection.
I was thus motivated to run faster than ever, zigzagging my way to make me an even harder target. I almost tripped a few times from the empty spray cans tossed on the floor.
The good news is, just as suddenly as it has appeared, it will soon vanish and be forgotten.
Until next year anyway.
Compact, affordable, comes with very simple instructions, and suitable for kids as young as 2 or your 99-year-old grandpa.
You know what I'm talking about......
FOAM SPRAY!!
Yep, the 25th and 26th of February can only mean one thing in Kuwait. Each and every citizen gets his or her very own foam spray and hits the roads foaming the time away!
Nothing and no one is spared the delight of being sprayed all over. And What a delight it is.
I have been lucky enough to survive this long weekend un-foamed myself, mostly by leaving home as little as possible (a wise decision indeed). However, I have witnessed a girl get sprayed from head to toe just as she was about to get in her car. She stood there in shock, but did nothing. But really, what could she have done? Chase the teenage-filled car while cursing? Hardly a feasible option.
I have also heard stories of people almost getting into accidents because of obstructed vision due to their windshields being completely covered in foam. Delightful, no?
So you can understand my panic when I reached the seaside for my run, just to find the celebrations no where near done. I was horrified to notice that each and every individual carried a spray in their hands- literally- which automatically marked them as a potential threat.
Anyone and anything seemed to be getting sprayed and I was about to resign to my fate. I cringed each time I passed by a group of teenagers and maneuvered away as best I can. What worked for me was the fact that I was running. While these kids are a lot of things, fit is not one of them. Which suited me to perfection.
I was thus motivated to run faster than ever, zigzagging my way to make me an even harder target. I almost tripped a few times from the empty spray cans tossed on the floor.
The good news is, just as suddenly as it has appeared, it will soon vanish and be forgotten.
Until next year anyway.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye
"Of all the kids on spring break, I doubt anyone is happier than me for getting to see you guys again"- said on his way to the terminal.
*sniff sniff*
I want him back.
*sniff sniff*
I want him back.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Shopping with boys
Grocery shopping has always been a fun experience back in college. Granted, it was done at unearthly hours and usually as an emergency response for having absolutely NOTHING edible at home, but that was part of the fun. My sis and I felt at home as we walked through the aisles of Plaza and were greeted with smiles from the now very familiar staff. We knew where everything was and worked our way in a very systematic and efficient manner that was perfected throughout the years. In an attempt to stick to a budget, one of us would be assigned the job of adding up the items as we shopped; a job we both sucked at big time, but kept up the practice anyway. We would always pause in front of the pet food section, reevaluating whether our big fat cat was truly worth paying an arm and a leg on Whiskas cans, litter sand and other cat-related stuff. Oh but he was!
My life for the last year and a half has been grocery-shopping-free, as I found myself no longer responsible for stocking up the fridge with food and announcing the death of some of its occupants (or in equally traumatic instances reporting them as alarmingly "alive" and proliferating!!).
Two recent trips to the grocery store, however, have proved very amusing to me. One was done in Amman with Nasser and the other took place this morning with my brother. Here's a little background information on both to put things in context. Up until his recent visit, Nasser hadn't visited the middle east for the last 10 years. And this is Abood's third year in Canada, as a college student who's cooking abilities do not exceed microwaved popcorn (sometimes, he even burns that:P).
Although the two events took place seperately, I have found them to be interestingly similar. I have observed some common attributes in both, which I'm about to share. With minor differences, both trips involved the following:
1. Constant Route Maneuvering: For some reason they were both inclined to constantly go off course and make sharp turns right and left (sometimes for a legitimate reason, but usually just for the heck of it), while I struggled to keep up, and got understandably disoriented in the process!
2. The Zoning-In Effect: That one is pretty impressive. With Nasser, no matter what was the item we were searching for (eggs, bananas, or even toothpaste) time and time again we would somehow end up right in front of the Ferrero Rocher stand. He insisted it was a sign, and I was quick to agree (hey you do not brush off signs, especially when they arrive in the shape of seriously good chocolate). As for Abood, I noticed him suddenly being drawn in one direction and was picking up speed as he moved on determinedly. He eventually zoned in on a Zalatimo Sweets box! Who knew they even had that here in Kuwait? I call that the sugar-junkie masculine intuition! Impressive.
3. Sudden irreversible Attachment to random Objects: Nasser did a double take then excitedly (and I mean EXCITEDLY) exclaimed "Oh my God!!! This is the exact same milk carton we used to drink as kids in our summers here. It hasn't changed one bit!!". He wouldn't budge until it was added to our shopping basket. In Abood's case, the lucky recipient of his emotional devotion was a box of Turkish Labaneh called Pinar (It's very tasty and extremely fatty) that we used to eat as kids. Again, I had no choice but to add it to our basket or I am sincerely convinced we would still be standing there.
4. Woman-where-is-the-fat mean looks: For some reason they booth took it personally when I added to the basket something that read "low fat". The condescending looks on their faces did not vanish until they were provided with enough chocolates to distract them!
5. A weight off my shoulders- literally!: Both times, we had a shopping basket and not a cart since we weren't planning on getting a lot of things. But apparently, things add up and with Nasser's childhood milk cartons and Abood's Zalatimo boxes, the baskets grew substantially heavy. The silver lining: they insisted on carrying the basket themselves, which made my life so much easier;) A luxury I never had while shopping alone in Amman.
Isn't grocery shopping so much fun?:)
Today is Abood's last night here. I can hear Mama giving him instructions on how to handle and store all the goodies she's made for him to take back home. It seems only yesterday when I was happily packing my own goodie-filled tupperwares. My mom hoped they would keep us nourished for a while, at least a couple of weeks. I remember how we would literally live off them (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks), that no more than 3 days after our arrival, left would only be empty tupperwares that require dishwashing!
I can't believe the week is over. It was so good having him here. I'm so used to him being around now, I really will be missing him tons. I almost forgot about his gift of teasing and tormenting me so persistently and creatively that I am left with no choice but to burst out yelling and chase him with a flip flop (no of course I don't do that, why would you think that?:P). Good times good times :D
Gosh, I'm so gonna miss you crazy bro! Me loves you lots. lots and lots!
My life for the last year and a half has been grocery-shopping-free, as I found myself no longer responsible for stocking up the fridge with food and announcing the death of some of its occupants (or in equally traumatic instances reporting them as alarmingly "alive" and proliferating!!).
Two recent trips to the grocery store, however, have proved very amusing to me. One was done in Amman with Nasser and the other took place this morning with my brother. Here's a little background information on both to put things in context. Up until his recent visit, Nasser hadn't visited the middle east for the last 10 years. And this is Abood's third year in Canada, as a college student who's cooking abilities do not exceed microwaved popcorn (sometimes, he even burns that:P).
Although the two events took place seperately, I have found them to be interestingly similar. I have observed some common attributes in both, which I'm about to share. With minor differences, both trips involved the following:
1. Constant Route Maneuvering: For some reason they were both inclined to constantly go off course and make sharp turns right and left (sometimes for a legitimate reason, but usually just for the heck of it), while I struggled to keep up, and got understandably disoriented in the process!
2. The Zoning-In Effect: That one is pretty impressive. With Nasser, no matter what was the item we were searching for (eggs, bananas, or even toothpaste) time and time again we would somehow end up right in front of the Ferrero Rocher stand. He insisted it was a sign, and I was quick to agree (hey you do not brush off signs, especially when they arrive in the shape of seriously good chocolate). As for Abood, I noticed him suddenly being drawn in one direction and was picking up speed as he moved on determinedly. He eventually zoned in on a Zalatimo Sweets box! Who knew they even had that here in Kuwait? I call that the sugar-junkie masculine intuition! Impressive.
3. Sudden irreversible Attachment to random Objects: Nasser did a double take then excitedly (and I mean EXCITEDLY) exclaimed "Oh my God!!! This is the exact same milk carton we used to drink as kids in our summers here. It hasn't changed one bit!!". He wouldn't budge until it was added to our shopping basket. In Abood's case, the lucky recipient of his emotional devotion was a box of Turkish Labaneh called Pinar (It's very tasty and extremely fatty) that we used to eat as kids. Again, I had no choice but to add it to our basket or I am sincerely convinced we would still be standing there.
4. Woman-where-is-the-fat mean looks: For some reason they booth took it personally when I added to the basket something that read "low fat". The condescending looks on their faces did not vanish until they were provided with enough chocolates to distract them!
5. A weight off my shoulders- literally!: Both times, we had a shopping basket and not a cart since we weren't planning on getting a lot of things. But apparently, things add up and with Nasser's childhood milk cartons and Abood's Zalatimo boxes, the baskets grew substantially heavy. The silver lining: they insisted on carrying the basket themselves, which made my life so much easier;) A luxury I never had while shopping alone in Amman.
Isn't grocery shopping so much fun?:)
Today is Abood's last night here. I can hear Mama giving him instructions on how to handle and store all the goodies she's made for him to take back home. It seems only yesterday when I was happily packing my own goodie-filled tupperwares. My mom hoped they would keep us nourished for a while, at least a couple of weeks. I remember how we would literally live off them (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks), that no more than 3 days after our arrival, left would only be empty tupperwares that require dishwashing!
I can't believe the week is over. It was so good having him here. I'm so used to him being around now, I really will be missing him tons. I almost forgot about his gift of teasing and tormenting me so persistently and creatively that I am left with no choice but to burst out yelling and chase him with a flip flop (no of course I don't do that, why would you think that?:P). Good times good times :D
Gosh, I'm so gonna miss you crazy bro! Me loves you lots. lots and lots!
Friday, February 23, 2007
Visual DNA- apparently I've got one!
Okay so this is really cool (thanks for sharing the link sis). A personality test depending on my choice of photos! And I must say, I'm very impressed with the results. Those who know me, you be the judge of that.
(To take the test yourself, click here. Oh and do share your results with me!)
So Apparently, this is who I am:
:)
Moods: Easy Rider
You can be both calm and peaceful (okay ignore this part:P), and you like to feel free to explore your environment. You can be a little nostalgic (true!) and you love revisiting familiar places and memories (Aah, yes). When it comes to art, you're creative yourself (hmm... not sure about that), and you believe in self-expression (I do?). You can see the little masterpieces in everyday life (I can?:P)- you can be a touch sentimental (okay I'll give you that;). As for music, it's the soundtrack to your world. An open road, your favorite tracks- cliches are there to be enjoyed! Your choice of treat reveals someone energetic, who cares about their health. You like to feel you are making all the right choices. You are focussed and driven (yay! :D)
Fun: Conqueror
You love physical activity (Darn right!)- you've got a real spirit of adventure. Keeping a clear head and healthy body makes you ready for whatever life throws at you (only if it's bars of chocolates!). For kicks nothing beats an adrenaline rush (absolutely NOTHING). You like to take risks and push limits (hmmm.. not really). You're confident and brave (I AM? awww, thank you!). When it comes to holidays, you'll take experience over comfort every time, whether under canvas or under the stars (sounds like my cuppa tea!) You love the chance to be in the wilderness and the freedom of being in charge of where you're heading. What grosses you out? You favour the natural look and can't stand a pumped and plumped, plastic appearance. (Right there. THIS is me in a nutshell :D)
Habits: New Wave Puritan
Even if you have a healthy approach to life, you still have your little vices that keep you going (oh so they heard about my Godiva :P). It is all part of the routine, you're a creature of habit (guilty as charged). Your choice of drink shows that on the whole you care about your health and make sure you're putting the right stuff in. As for the home, your bold personality (bold? seriously people?) is reflected in your style. You like to be in surroundings that lift your mood.
Love: Love Bug
You're a real romantic and a bit of a dreamer. For you love is about devotion and tenderness (isn't it?). You try to show your feelings in simple ways every day. Your heart is right there on your sleeve. When you think of freedom- nature takes over. Getting back, out in the wilderness is a big draw.
The End.
They may not realise this, but they have just done me a huge favor. No more soul searching for the next 5 years at least. That'll do for now, I know enough:P
(To take the test yourself, click here. Oh and do share your results with me!)
So Apparently, this is who I am:
:)
Moods: Easy Rider
You can be both calm and peaceful (okay ignore this part:P), and you like to feel free to explore your environment. You can be a little nostalgic (true!) and you love revisiting familiar places and memories (Aah, yes). When it comes to art, you're creative yourself (hmm... not sure about that), and you believe in self-expression (I do?). You can see the little masterpieces in everyday life (I can?:P)- you can be a touch sentimental (okay I'll give you that;). As for music, it's the soundtrack to your world. An open road, your favorite tracks- cliches are there to be enjoyed! Your choice of treat reveals someone energetic, who cares about their health. You like to feel you are making all the right choices. You are focussed and driven (yay! :D)
Fun: Conqueror
You love physical activity (Darn right!)- you've got a real spirit of adventure. Keeping a clear head and healthy body makes you ready for whatever life throws at you (only if it's bars of chocolates!). For kicks nothing beats an adrenaline rush (absolutely NOTHING). You like to take risks and push limits (hmmm.. not really). You're confident and brave (I AM? awww, thank you!). When it comes to holidays, you'll take experience over comfort every time, whether under canvas or under the stars (sounds like my cuppa tea!) You love the chance to be in the wilderness and the freedom of being in charge of where you're heading. What grosses you out? You favour the natural look and can't stand a pumped and plumped, plastic appearance. (Right there. THIS is me in a nutshell :D)
Habits: New Wave Puritan
Even if you have a healthy approach to life, you still have your little vices that keep you going (oh so they heard about my Godiva :P). It is all part of the routine, you're a creature of habit (guilty as charged). Your choice of drink shows that on the whole you care about your health and make sure you're putting the right stuff in. As for the home, your bold personality (bold? seriously people?) is reflected in your style. You like to be in surroundings that lift your mood.
Love: Love Bug
You're a real romantic and a bit of a dreamer. For you love is about devotion and tenderness (isn't it?). You try to show your feelings in simple ways every day. Your heart is right there on your sleeve. When you think of freedom- nature takes over. Getting back, out in the wilderness is a big draw.
The End.
They may not realise this, but they have just done me a huge favor. No more soul searching for the next 5 years at least. That'll do for now, I know enough:P
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Running through sprinklers
At last.
I buckled the shoelaces of my bright blue runners and dashed off for a long-overdue and much needed run.
Much to my delight, the sprinklers were on! Not missing a beat, I was instantly prancing my way through the sprinklers. Aah, the excitement of having a million little droplets of water land on you all of a sudden! Naturally, I was soon drenched. But was hurriedly wrapped around by the warm and soothing morning sun rays. The little droplets that a moment ago had made themselves comfortably at home on my clothes, seemed to get the hint and slowly but steadily vanished. Left was just me, with a big silly grin and my overly excited skipping heart!
How often do we experience something similar? If you reflect back for a second, you would find that our days are filled with a multitude of such tiny pleasures that have no tangible consequence except to add a smile to your countenance or a sigh of content to your heart.
The sad truth is, those poor occurrences receive little if any attention! They are completely overshadowed by the more obvious blessings that we deem- as a result of a misguided notion- more worthy of our attention and thankfulness.
Today I highlight my own tiny little blessings, vowing to be consciously more mindful and appreciative from now on. Must not take anything for granted. I mention just a few, which have recently taken place. There are dozens more that escape my mind at the moment, and I trust there will be many new ones to come.... I'll just have to keep my eyes open;)
I have smiled recently when I:
I buckled the shoelaces of my bright blue runners and dashed off for a long-overdue and much needed run.
Much to my delight, the sprinklers were on! Not missing a beat, I was instantly prancing my way through the sprinklers. Aah, the excitement of having a million little droplets of water land on you all of a sudden! Naturally, I was soon drenched. But was hurriedly wrapped around by the warm and soothing morning sun rays. The little droplets that a moment ago had made themselves comfortably at home on my clothes, seemed to get the hint and slowly but steadily vanished. Left was just me, with a big silly grin and my overly excited skipping heart!
How often do we experience something similar? If you reflect back for a second, you would find that our days are filled with a multitude of such tiny pleasures that have no tangible consequence except to add a smile to your countenance or a sigh of content to your heart.
The sad truth is, those poor occurrences receive little if any attention! They are completely overshadowed by the more obvious blessings that we deem- as a result of a misguided notion- more worthy of our attention and thankfulness.
Today I highlight my own tiny little blessings, vowing to be consciously more mindful and appreciative from now on. Must not take anything for granted. I mention just a few, which have recently taken place. There are dozens more that escape my mind at the moment, and I trust there will be many new ones to come.... I'll just have to keep my eyes open;)
I have smiled recently when I:
- Turned the radio on to find my favorite song playing.
- Inhaled a long deep whiff of Arabian Jasmine at my grandma's on Thursdays, picked from her own garden.
- Walked under the huge tree in our complex and listened to what sounded like a million birds chirping... (Bonus feature: I shut my eyes and for a while it really felt like I was in some exotic rain forest far far away- then I tripped over:P)
- Got a hug from my favorite 1st Grader, Dalal. She's the perfect kid. Mashallah.
- Got a hug from my mum.
- Got a hug. Period.
- Received a surprise phone call from my best friend Donia in Egypt. She makes me laugh like no one else does!
- Devoured my Godiva Box.
- Looked at old photo albums with my brother. Geez, were we really ever that tiny?
- Heard a good joke and giggled for 5 minutes afterwards.
- Tucked myself in bed and hugged my soft pillow after a long exhausting day.
- Ran through the sprinklers. That's gotta be the highlight!
So, what has made YOU smile recently?:)
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
My Animal Planet
There's a mild headache, and there's a terrible headache, and a piercing headache, and a headache the size of Africa, and then there's my headache at the moment.
This is what you get when you couple a night of little sleep with wild kids in the background!
What little (and I mean so very little) sanity, self-discipline, and motivation those kids had, have completely and utterly vanished just as soon as the Awarding Ceremony was over. I now have my own version of the TV show "Wild Africa"; bizarre, beyond control and hopelessly untamed.
I've been told it's quite normal. Now that they've gotten their awards, made their parents happy, the kids believe the school year to be almost done and there's nothing more for them to do. Only problem is, it's nothing close to. Three more months to go, and still loads of curricullum to cover!
One thing's for certain, it's not lookin good. Not looking good at all. These will be 3 so VERY long months.
I'm telling you, captivity isn't working. I say, release those kids into the wild!
This is what you get when you couple a night of little sleep with wild kids in the background!
What little (and I mean so very little) sanity, self-discipline, and motivation those kids had, have completely and utterly vanished just as soon as the Awarding Ceremony was over. I now have my own version of the TV show "Wild Africa"; bizarre, beyond control and hopelessly untamed.
I've been told it's quite normal. Now that they've gotten their awards, made their parents happy, the kids believe the school year to be almost done and there's nothing more for them to do. Only problem is, it's nothing close to. Three more months to go, and still loads of curricullum to cover!
One thing's for certain, it's not lookin good. Not looking good at all. These will be 3 so VERY long months.
I'm telling you, captivity isn't working. I say, release those kids into the wild!
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
When No One Dines At Home
We've recently received a copy of the"dining and delivery guide 2007", which is a considerably hefty (well over 300 pages) guide to all the restaurants Kuwait has to offer, and includes reviews, tips and the actual menus.
My initial reaction was one of joy. Oh, that would make choosing where to eat out on our weekly family day so much easier and more informed, I thought. And so I snuggled on the couch, and began to explore the contents!
The first 10 minutes were enjoyable and every so often I would exclaim to whoever happened to be passing by the living room things like: "Oh there's this Italian restaurant we must go to!", and "Come check out how cutely designed this place is".
This initial amusement and appreciation of the guide, however, was short-lived. Soon, I found myself in a state of disbelief, which quickly worked its way into pure disgust at the sheer amount of restaurants included. Each new page extolled yet another restaurant and vouched for it. It was overwhelming. I tossed the guide aside and gave up. There was no way in hell I could read about all those restaurants, let alone visit them all. Not unless I ate out, like, EVERY day and on every single meal. I haven't touched the guide since.
Not until last night anyway. I had promised Abood to treat him to some sushi, and so we sat together checking out the sushi places in town. In less than 5 minutes, we had already found at least 5 fancy sushi places to choose from. We settled on one named Maki, since it was strategically situated along the beautiful walking path at Marina Crescent, and so would be ideal to head to after we take a nice long stroll there.
I didn't even consider calling to reserve. I mean, for one there were at least 10 another top-end sushi places for sushi lovers to choose from. More importantly, it was a school night. I reasoned that unless the entire population suddenly and simultaneously got an urge for some immediate sushi, we would be fine. Besides, what are the odds of that happening?
Shockingly good, it turns out.
We enjoyed every bit of our walk.. Abood couldn't believe how gorgeous the weather was, and tried to make me grasp what a -30 temp. actually felt like! brrrrrrrrr. NOT cool :D
Heading towards Maki, Abood asked me if I've ever tried walking into a restaurant with someone then asking for "a table for one please" just to see the look on their faces. He tried talking me into trying it out and almost succeeded when our convo was interrupted by a smiling maitre asking about our reservation.
Me: Oh we don't have one. We need a table for two please.
Maitre: I'm so sorry we're fully booked. In fact, we're always booked two days in advance. Even the sushi bar is full, I would've put you there. I'm very sorry. Here have our card to call in advance next time.
Me: *disbelief*
We walked outside, clearly disappointed. Suddenly I turned towards Abood and indignantly exclaimed: "Please explain to me HOW is it possible that in a country as tiny as Kuwait, where the restaurant to citizen ratio is 1:1, and on a SCHOOL NIGHT no less, can a restaurant be FULLY booked, unless it was its opening week or something????".
Abood: Leave it to Kuwaitis to find a way to do that.
Honestly.
On the bright side, we ended up going to Johny Rockets, which makes the best hamburgers on the planet- no competition.
And they agreed to take us in, which is what counts really!
My initial reaction was one of joy. Oh, that would make choosing where to eat out on our weekly family day so much easier and more informed, I thought. And so I snuggled on the couch, and began to explore the contents!
The first 10 minutes were enjoyable and every so often I would exclaim to whoever happened to be passing by the living room things like: "Oh there's this Italian restaurant we must go to!", and "Come check out how cutely designed this place is".
This initial amusement and appreciation of the guide, however, was short-lived. Soon, I found myself in a state of disbelief, which quickly worked its way into pure disgust at the sheer amount of restaurants included. Each new page extolled yet another restaurant and vouched for it. It was overwhelming. I tossed the guide aside and gave up. There was no way in hell I could read about all those restaurants, let alone visit them all. Not unless I ate out, like, EVERY day and on every single meal. I haven't touched the guide since.
Not until last night anyway. I had promised Abood to treat him to some sushi, and so we sat together checking out the sushi places in town. In less than 5 minutes, we had already found at least 5 fancy sushi places to choose from. We settled on one named Maki, since it was strategically situated along the beautiful walking path at Marina Crescent, and so would be ideal to head to after we take a nice long stroll there.
I didn't even consider calling to reserve. I mean, for one there were at least 10 another top-end sushi places for sushi lovers to choose from. More importantly, it was a school night. I reasoned that unless the entire population suddenly and simultaneously got an urge for some immediate sushi, we would be fine. Besides, what are the odds of that happening?
Shockingly good, it turns out.
We enjoyed every bit of our walk.. Abood couldn't believe how gorgeous the weather was, and tried to make me grasp what a -30 temp. actually felt like! brrrrrrrrr. NOT cool :D
Heading towards Maki, Abood asked me if I've ever tried walking into a restaurant with someone then asking for "a table for one please" just to see the look on their faces. He tried talking me into trying it out and almost succeeded when our convo was interrupted by a smiling maitre asking about our reservation.
Me: Oh we don't have one. We need a table for two please.
Maitre: I'm so sorry we're fully booked. In fact, we're always booked two days in advance. Even the sushi bar is full, I would've put you there. I'm very sorry. Here have our card to call in advance next time.
Me: *disbelief*
We walked outside, clearly disappointed. Suddenly I turned towards Abood and indignantly exclaimed: "Please explain to me HOW is it possible that in a country as tiny as Kuwait, where the restaurant to citizen ratio is 1:1, and on a SCHOOL NIGHT no less, can a restaurant be FULLY booked, unless it was its opening week or something????".
Abood: Leave it to Kuwaitis to find a way to do that.
Honestly.
On the bright side, we ended up going to Johny Rockets, which makes the best hamburgers on the planet- no competition.
And they agreed to take us in, which is what counts really!
Sunday, February 18, 2007
An Ode to my bro
Why do I love him that much? I often ask myself the same question...
Let's just say, this has a LOT to do with it:
A box of pure happiness if there ever was one. Aaaaah, Godiva Godiva how do I love thee? let me count the ways.... That's the first thing he gave me upon his arrival. Now if HE isn't an awesome bro, then no one is!
It's been an absolute joy having him back home. The whole atmosphere has changed! Everyone's extra bubbly and the tiniest things seem to send us into fits of laughter. Now this may sound weird but my laugh has changed as well. I've noticed that ever since he got home, my laugh is starting to sound a little perky and hysterical. Think Phoebe meets Cruella Devil. I'm telling you, it's pretty scary. But I guess all the excitement contained inside me has to find an outlet, even if in a worryingly weird laugh! :D
So... For you my one and only awesome bro I present 30 reasons I love you; one for each drop of bliss found inside my Godiva box: ;)
- I love that you're my "little brother" (technically at least:P).
- I love that I actually need to stand up on a chair to reach your height.
- I love how you insist I order a huge portion in Häagen-Dazs knowing that I won't be able to finish it, so you'll take over:)
- I love that you never give up on me and still animatedly explain to me about cars.
- I love how I can count on you to explain and fix whatever trouble I'm having with the PC.
- I love it when we brush our teeth simultaneously and act silly.
- I love that you assure me I'm your "favorite sis", when I know for a fact you tell Dalia the same thing you git:P
- I love how generous you are with the ones you love.
- I love that I'm one of those lucky ones (I am right? right????:P)
- I love that you taught me that weird "koray kara minna day" mumbo-jumbo of a curse that I always use to freak out people (man, the reactions I get- priceless!)
- I love that you actually agree to watch a chick flick with me once every 10 years!
- I love that you're the reason the whole family ends up in the living room watching a CHINESE movie (as in real Chinese people talking Chinese without any subtitles!)
- And get offended when we don't seem to be enjoying the "plot":P
- I love that although you've prolly eaten cookies that are 10 times better that mine, yet you always tell me you love mine the best:)
- I love that I once caught you red-handed carrying a tray that contained: cookies, chocolate cake, Kitkat chunky, and a Nutella jar with a spoon.
- I love that you're still alive after that incident:P
- I love that you still watch Dexter's Laboratory, and insist I'm just like his annoying sister DiDi :P
- I love that when we go jogging together, it's really just me jogging while you simply take extra big strides!
- I love that you're always up for a laugh.
- I love how we have an unspoken understanding, where we laugh at each other's lamest jokes and "dabshat", when no one else would (do you blame them really?).
- I love that you come to me for advice sometimes. And tell me that I'm a useful sis :D yay!
- I love how you somehow turn me into a diehard fan for your favorite soccer team (going into actual arguments with people!) when in reality I can't tell the difference between a foul and an offside to save my life.
- I love that you've already explained what an offside is to me like 30 times and I still don't get it.
- I love that during the next game, you'll prolly try to explain it to me yet again.
- I love that you know me so darn well, it makes my life so easy!
- I love that you can eat the very same cereal every morning for 5 continuous years and not get sick of it. Seriously, how do you do that?
- I love getting your emails.
- I love that they always carry great news that draw a huge grin on my face ----> :D
- I love that you continuously make me SO DARN PROUD.
- I love you a million trillion multicolored m&ms!
Now if you'll excuse me, I have another "30-related" endeavour to attend to.
MMMMmmmmm. That's more like it!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Scribbles
I'll be having my brother back in less than 10 hours! How cool is that?:D
It seriously stinks to have your family members scattered all over the globe. Brothers, sisters (actually it's just one of each, so you can see why I can't afford to misplace either:P), uncles, aunts and cousins. No really, what happened to the good ol' days when families were just a few blocks away from each other? I want that people!
I honestly don't think it should be allowed for families to be scattered that way. I mean, isn't it the fact that you're around them all the time, that sets them apart from the rest of the people you know? I don't think the feelings of closeness you share are your genes at work (at least not entirely). It's really more the fact that, well, they are pretty much always around you. You get to share a lot. They know you better than anyone else and love you despite that!:)
But If you only get to see them once in a very very blue moon, then I'm afraid that wouldn't apply anymore. Right?
Hmmm. That can't be good. Must remember to do something about it, but right now I'm kinda preoccupied with staring intensely at every clock in the house, hoping to scare at least one of them into moving faster! So far, the results are not promising. Stupid clocks don't seem to care.
I must admit of being guilty of "not having a clue what I'm writing about". I usually have a pretty clear idea of what I'm going to write about before I actually do (as opposed to me speaking, in which case I usually just blurt out the first thing that comes to my mind!). Today I don't. I just got a sudden urge to write, and at that time the fact that I have nothing to write about didn't seem to pose such a problem, but now I can see the reality is otherwise!
And yet I continue to write...
Wait. I think I just pinpointed the reason behind my apparent lack of inspiration! I haven't gone running in ages. Almost all my thoughts get crystallized as I run. And by the time I'm done with my 6K, my brain is jammed with thoughts that are destined to be the heart and soul of my next piece of writing.
That settles it then, must go running tomorrow. Besides, the weather here is absolutely gorgeous as we bid farewell the last of our short-lived and deeply-cherished winter days. In a month or so I fear we'll be cooped up yet again in air-conditioned boxes; forced in by the harsh summer heat. That's when I start getting cranky. This girl needs a breath of fresh air to function properly!
And a bar of chocolate.
And my sis.
and bro.
and my awesome family..
and my hilarious best friend Donia.
and some kids around to make me laugh..
That's not too much to ask for, is it?
It seriously stinks to have your family members scattered all over the globe. Brothers, sisters (actually it's just one of each, so you can see why I can't afford to misplace either:P), uncles, aunts and cousins. No really, what happened to the good ol' days when families were just a few blocks away from each other? I want that people!
I honestly don't think it should be allowed for families to be scattered that way. I mean, isn't it the fact that you're around them all the time, that sets them apart from the rest of the people you know? I don't think the feelings of closeness you share are your genes at work (at least not entirely). It's really more the fact that, well, they are pretty much always around you. You get to share a lot. They know you better than anyone else and love you despite that!:)
But If you only get to see them once in a very very blue moon, then I'm afraid that wouldn't apply anymore. Right?
Hmmm. That can't be good. Must remember to do something about it, but right now I'm kinda preoccupied with staring intensely at every clock in the house, hoping to scare at least one of them into moving faster! So far, the results are not promising. Stupid clocks don't seem to care.
I must admit of being guilty of "not having a clue what I'm writing about". I usually have a pretty clear idea of what I'm going to write about before I actually do (as opposed to me speaking, in which case I usually just blurt out the first thing that comes to my mind!). Today I don't. I just got a sudden urge to write, and at that time the fact that I have nothing to write about didn't seem to pose such a problem, but now I can see the reality is otherwise!
And yet I continue to write...
Wait. I think I just pinpointed the reason behind my apparent lack of inspiration! I haven't gone running in ages. Almost all my thoughts get crystallized as I run. And by the time I'm done with my 6K, my brain is jammed with thoughts that are destined to be the heart and soul of my next piece of writing.
That settles it then, must go running tomorrow. Besides, the weather here is absolutely gorgeous as we bid farewell the last of our short-lived and deeply-cherished winter days. In a month or so I fear we'll be cooped up yet again in air-conditioned boxes; forced in by the harsh summer heat. That's when I start getting cranky. This girl needs a breath of fresh air to function properly!
And a bar of chocolate.
And my sis.
and bro.
and my awesome family..
and my hilarious best friend Donia.
and some kids around to make me laugh..
That's not too much to ask for, is it?
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Goosebumps
There's upheaval in the entire elementary department these days. The kids are a little more excited than usual and a little more hyper (So help me God!!). Children go missing from my classes for rehearsals and get away with it. We suddenly get summoned down just when I'm about to explain why chocolate isn't THAT healthy (what a hypocrite, I know:P). The entire administration staff's stress levels have skyrocketed and have become highly irritable (bursting into sudden fits of yelling for no apparent reason) .
Yep, it's this time of year. The awarding ceremony for the high achievers of the first semester!
I was down at the theatre with the kids just now, as they rehearsed how to move around and were instructed to constantly wave. It was pretty hilarious observing them. Some looked like they were waving off an annoyingly persistent fly. Others' hands just stood up in the air, motionless. I was convinced some kids were conducting their own "hand dance piece", which was pretty entertaining. But Soud (he has specifically instructed me to spell his name that way, although I'm convinced it's spelled Saud! But he won the argument). So anyway, back to Soud. He was a picture perfect. Walking with a huge grin, and waving his hand serenely and effortlessly as if he waved his hand for a living. I'm telling you, the Pope would be proud!
The kids were also practising for a play, I'm not sure about the name but it's about a big greedy dragon which eats all the village's food. It's pretty cute!
As the music started, and the kids moved around waving, carrying the biggest fattest grins on the planet, I instantly got goosebumps and nearly choked up. I love those kids.
Darn, and that's only during the rehearsal and I don't even have kids of my own. I wonder what the parents would do on Sunday. I hate to think what would've happened to me had I been one of the parents. It'll be quite the scene, that's for sure!
Yep, it's this time of year. The awarding ceremony for the high achievers of the first semester!
I was down at the theatre with the kids just now, as they rehearsed how to move around and were instructed to constantly wave. It was pretty hilarious observing them. Some looked like they were waving off an annoyingly persistent fly. Others' hands just stood up in the air, motionless. I was convinced some kids were conducting their own "hand dance piece", which was pretty entertaining. But Soud (he has specifically instructed me to spell his name that way, although I'm convinced it's spelled Saud! But he won the argument). So anyway, back to Soud. He was a picture perfect. Walking with a huge grin, and waving his hand serenely and effortlessly as if he waved his hand for a living. I'm telling you, the Pope would be proud!
The kids were also practising for a play, I'm not sure about the name but it's about a big greedy dragon which eats all the village's food. It's pretty cute!
As the music started, and the kids moved around waving, carrying the biggest fattest grins on the planet, I instantly got goosebumps and nearly choked up. I love those kids.
Darn, and that's only during the rehearsal and I don't even have kids of my own. I wonder what the parents would do on Sunday. I hate to think what would've happened to me had I been one of the parents. It'll be quite the scene, that's for sure!
Saturday, February 10, 2007
It Had To End
How is it fair that a 15 minute visit to the dentist seems to stretch on for ever and ever while a two-week holiday is over before I can say "yay"?
Yep, I'm back. Back from Amman, and there you go I'm gonna say it now: YAY!
I'm trying hard not to succumb to the greediness of the human nature, which means you'll be spared any grumpiness as I go on about wishing it was longer and whining about it being over. Instead kindly sit back and allow me to relive those 14 amazing days back home...... the highlights of which were:
1. Getting my first taste of Amman the second my plane landed, from the Bluefig stand that I've grown to adore. It just isn't the same if I don't start my Ammani experience greeted by their cookies and latte. It isn't the best latte I've tasted, nor the chewiest cookie, but that's not the point at all. It's way beyond that. It's the taste of home... Try to beat that:)
2. Stepping in our house, our dear dear old house. By all standards, the house was FREEZING (it's been locked with no heating since the beginning of winter). Normally, I would've curled up in a corner, turned blue and shivered like a leaf, until someone felt sorry for me and threw me a blanket. Instead, my cheeks were red and flushed, my hands warmer than they've ever been, and my jacket and cardigan carelessly thrown on my bed. The excitement of being home had me all warm and fuzzy, it could've been -30 and I wouldn't have cared. It wasn't until hours later that I started to feel the cold (but once I did, MAN WAS IT COLD).
3. Finding a mountain of gifts from Dalia awaiting me on my bed. My instinct was to instantaneously and savagely unwrap them, that by the time it occurred to me to photograph the cute arrangement, they were all but unwrapped. Isn't getting gifts the best thing ever? I love you sis!
Yep, I'm back. Back from Amman, and there you go I'm gonna say it now: YAY!
I'm trying hard not to succumb to the greediness of the human nature, which means you'll be spared any grumpiness as I go on about wishing it was longer and whining about it being over. Instead kindly sit back and allow me to relive those 14 amazing days back home...... the highlights of which were:
1. Getting my first taste of Amman the second my plane landed, from the Bluefig stand that I've grown to adore. It just isn't the same if I don't start my Ammani experience greeted by their cookies and latte. It isn't the best latte I've tasted, nor the chewiest cookie, but that's not the point at all. It's way beyond that. It's the taste of home... Try to beat that:)
2. Stepping in our house, our dear dear old house. By all standards, the house was FREEZING (it's been locked with no heating since the beginning of winter). Normally, I would've curled up in a corner, turned blue and shivered like a leaf, until someone felt sorry for me and threw me a blanket. Instead, my cheeks were red and flushed, my hands warmer than they've ever been, and my jacket and cardigan carelessly thrown on my bed. The excitement of being home had me all warm and fuzzy, it could've been -30 and I wouldn't have cared. It wasn't until hours later that I started to feel the cold (but once I did, MAN WAS IT COLD).
3. Finding a mountain of gifts from Dalia awaiting me on my bed. My instinct was to instantaneously and savagely unwrap them, that by the time it occurred to me to photograph the cute arrangement, they were all but unwrapped. Isn't getting gifts the best thing ever? I love you sis!
4. Breaking our previous Jenga record, without even knocking it down!! It stood like that all night- that's something.
5. A Chewy Gooey Evening of Chocolate Chip cookies with milk shared by my fellow chocoholics (sorryyyy sis, I swear I'll make it up to you! :D). Aah, Life Is Good.
6. Being one of the "Three crazy individuals mad enough to camp at Rum not only in February but specifically on the night with a horrible forecast". It was wet, it was muddy, it was positively freezing, but it was also RUM, which by default makes it mesmerizing.... At night, the clouds selfishly blocked the million stars I was so looking forward to seeing, but it was a full moon that night. It more than made up for it.
7. Consuming a bucket full of the best cinnamon flavored tea on the whole planet in Beit Ali camp in Rum. It was sweet and hot. The perfect companion during a freezing night in the desert and my solace as I lost terribly in Scrabble to Dalia. Jeez woman, can't you let me win every now and then?:P
8. Learning how to use chopsticks!! Finally!! I had all by lost hope in myself. Mind you, it's not that I didn't think chopsticks were useful (try poking people, or engaging in a mock sword fight- they are priceless!) but seriously, actually expecting me to pick up food with them wasn't exactly gonna happen. And yet it did! And I have my dear cousin Nasser to thank for that. A crash course during our dinner in Wox put me on the right track, followed by a Sushi dinner to make sure I got the hang of it. I feel so proud!
9. Eating a "Ferrero Rocher" flavored ice-cream at Gerard's. If happiness came in a cone people, it would be sold there. No question about that.
10. Morning run in Madina with Lina (no trace of Nasser) followed by homemade pancakes for breakfast (at which point Nasser miraculously and conveniently appeared:P)
11. Riding in Amman's multitude of Taxis. It isn't necessarily pleasant, but always interesting.
Seeing that I spent my four years of college in and out of taxis, you can understand why I'd be nostalgic. This visit, I road with the sweetest Taxi driver on the planet. The whole ride he was sharing with me his views on life and giving me advice that I think would come in handy at some point.
11. Overdosing on chocolate. I guess when you put three die hard chocolate lovers under the same roof, you're really asking for this:
(seen in different locations throughout the house)
If only if only chocolate was a vegetable, I'd be one heck of a devoted vegan.
So basically it was two weeks loaded with fun, laughs, good food and lots of kicking back.... which is just what I needed after months of chasing kids in hallways and playgrounds!
Riding on the bus on my way to the airport, I gazed out the window and thought: Damn, that's one dirty window!!!:P
hehehe not really (it is though, isn't it?).
I sat there and made a little prayer. I prayed to be back. Soon.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Aah that feeling..
A feeling of utter excitement, happiness, bliss and relaxation... My heart pumps a little faster, and my stomach fights to contain the multitude of butterflies running wild within.. A feeling reserved for flights with the destination: Home.
I'm going home. Amman, I'm coming!
5 minutes to boarding, seriously got to run!
HEY WAIT FOR ME YOU CANNOT GO WITHOUT ME I WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOU TRY
I'm going home. Amman, I'm coming!
5 minutes to boarding, seriously got to run!
HEY WAIT FOR ME YOU CANNOT GO WITHOUT ME I WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOU TRY
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Half Way There!
ONE DAY to go!!
That's all what's left of my Very First Semester in my Very First Classroom! Wow.. that's half the journey complete.. must say I'm pretty proud of myself:P
I've been told it's good to pause every now and then to reflect back and evaluate experiences as you go through them.. and I'm not one to dismiss perfectly good advice (or perfectly good chocolates for that matter:P *hint hint*)
Off the top of my head, here are the goods and bads, the ups and downs, the OH-YEAHS and OH-CRAPS, of My Very First Semester:
Great Lessons I've learnt:
1. You can't stay mad at a kid for more than 5 minutes (something to keep in mind next time you're about to retort "you're grounded for LIFE" or in my case "time-out corner NOW. Till you're EIGHTEEN":P).
2. They may seem endless at the time, but bad days eventually end.
3. Good days make it all worthwhile.
4. If you are teaching an all-boys class, do not -I repeat, do NOT- start the school year extra bubbly/smiley with a "life-is-one-big-party" aura about you. The consequences will be grave. Grave indeed.
5. If the most naughty and disruptive kid in class asks to go to the bathroom, then by all means say YES! (and savor every bit of those serene 5 minutes while he's out)
6. Go out of your way to be nice to your colleagues. It pays.
7. Every kid is 10 times as smart as you think he/she is and 50 times as naughty!!
8. Make sure you mean and document every promise you give a child- they forget NOTHING. They're like elephants on "extra strong memory enhancing pills"! Unbelievable.
9. It's only scary when you stop to think about it. Just do it. (those dudes over at Nike sure knew what they were talking about!)
10. Teaching is the best painkiller. The minute those rowdy kids fill your classroom, you're mind is TOTALLY off any pain you were experiencing, no matter how severe. Noticing signs of discomfort in your own body instantly becomes a luxury you cannot possibly afford!
11. Don't ever lose your child heart. It'll be your biggest loss.
12. Getting a hug from a cute first grader, is all it takes to turn a bad day into a good one.
13. And a good day, into a magical one!
15. Something to keep in mind in a later stage in my life: When your boy comes home from school, instantly soak him (clothes on!) in a huge tub of all kinds of soaps and detergents and rub with a array of cleaning devices. Don't even ask. Just do it.
16. You can never get bored of teaching. You may (and very often will) get physically and emotionally exhausted. You can get frustrated at some point, and you may even "lose it" for a minute or two (unless you're me, in which case you cannot blame teaching for any signs of mental dysfunction!:P). But boredom, is no where in the picture.
17. Each passing day makes me realise that I have so much to learn still about teaching, and I can't wait to.
18. I think I have chosen the right profession. I love it.
Could-Definitely-Have-Done-Without Experiences/Lessons:
1. The classroom is NOT the place to start experimenting with the most effective frown. You'll just look weird.
2. There's only so much stress your vocal cords can take before you start croaking.
3. Parent-Teacher Conferences: There is such a thing as too much talking- even for me!
4. Don't wear your favorite shirt to school. And if you do, keep a safe distance of about 10 feet away from any boy at any time.
5. Marking tests is SO. DARN. BORING. I want to shoot myself.
6. And doing it while you watch TV is a bad idea. Sucks the fun out of the show and your pace slows down 10 folds.
7. Waking up at 5 am. every single day is kind of inhumane (even for an early bird like myself).
8. The kids at the last period of the day do NOT function properly. Will someone please contact customer service, and yes I would love a refund:P
9. Teachers are professional complainers (myself included). 90% of teacher-teacher conversations during the course of a day involve complaints about a student, parent, the curriculum, the Admin or -if all else fails- the bathroom running out of toilet paper. This must stop.
So... Has this semester left any tangible changes in me? I'm not sure. I'll leave it to you to decide next time you see me. But just to prepare you, today while doing my routine run around the school corridors as I rushed from room to room I caught myself doing this:
Instead of silently running in a straight line as usual, I found myself swirling right and left, speeding up uncontrollably then mock-crashing into objects- all the while producing the necessary "vvvrrrrmmmmm... eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek...BEEEp beep..Vrrrmmmmmmmmm" sound effects to accompany it.
I swear to God.
I should come with a warning/disclaimer: Questionable mental stability. Mixing with kids could worsen symptoms. KEEP AWAY FROM KIDS.
Huh. Better not mention that on my CV though!
That's all what's left of my Very First Semester in my Very First Classroom! Wow.. that's half the journey complete.. must say I'm pretty proud of myself:P
I've been told it's good to pause every now and then to reflect back and evaluate experiences as you go through them.. and I'm not one to dismiss perfectly good advice (or perfectly good chocolates for that matter:P *hint hint*)
Off the top of my head, here are the goods and bads, the ups and downs, the OH-YEAHS and OH-CRAPS, of My Very First Semester:
Great Lessons I've learnt:
1. You can't stay mad at a kid for more than 5 minutes (something to keep in mind next time you're about to retort "you're grounded for LIFE" or in my case "time-out corner NOW. Till you're EIGHTEEN":P).
2. They may seem endless at the time, but bad days eventually end.
3. Good days make it all worthwhile.
4. If you are teaching an all-boys class, do not -I repeat, do NOT- start the school year extra bubbly/smiley with a "life-is-one-big-party" aura about you. The consequences will be grave. Grave indeed.
5. If the most naughty and disruptive kid in class asks to go to the bathroom, then by all means say YES! (and savor every bit of those serene 5 minutes while he's out)
6. Go out of your way to be nice to your colleagues. It pays.
7. Every kid is 10 times as smart as you think he/she is and 50 times as naughty!!
8. Make sure you mean and document every promise you give a child- they forget NOTHING. They're like elephants on "extra strong memory enhancing pills"! Unbelievable.
9. It's only scary when you stop to think about it. Just do it. (those dudes over at Nike sure knew what they were talking about!)
10. Teaching is the best painkiller. The minute those rowdy kids fill your classroom, you're mind is TOTALLY off any pain you were experiencing, no matter how severe. Noticing signs of discomfort in your own body instantly becomes a luxury you cannot possibly afford!
11. Don't ever lose your child heart. It'll be your biggest loss.
12. Getting a hug from a cute first grader, is all it takes to turn a bad day into a good one.
13. And a good day, into a magical one!
15. Something to keep in mind in a later stage in my life: When your boy comes home from school, instantly soak him (clothes on!) in a huge tub of all kinds of soaps and detergents and rub with a array of cleaning devices. Don't even ask. Just do it.
16. You can never get bored of teaching. You may (and very often will) get physically and emotionally exhausted. You can get frustrated at some point, and you may even "lose it" for a minute or two (unless you're me, in which case you cannot blame teaching for any signs of mental dysfunction!:P). But boredom, is no where in the picture.
17. Each passing day makes me realise that I have so much to learn still about teaching, and I can't wait to.
18. I think I have chosen the right profession. I love it.
Could-Definitely-Have-Done-Without Experiences/Lessons:
1. The classroom is NOT the place to start experimenting with the most effective frown. You'll just look weird.
2. There's only so much stress your vocal cords can take before you start croaking.
3. Parent-Teacher Conferences: There is such a thing as too much talking- even for me!
4. Don't wear your favorite shirt to school. And if you do, keep a safe distance of about 10 feet away from any boy at any time.
5. Marking tests is SO. DARN. BORING. I want to shoot myself.
6. And doing it while you watch TV is a bad idea. Sucks the fun out of the show and your pace slows down 10 folds.
7. Waking up at 5 am. every single day is kind of inhumane (even for an early bird like myself).
8. The kids at the last period of the day do NOT function properly. Will someone please contact customer service, and yes I would love a refund:P
9. Teachers are professional complainers (myself included). 90% of teacher-teacher conversations during the course of a day involve complaints about a student, parent, the curriculum, the Admin or -if all else fails- the bathroom running out of toilet paper. This must stop.
So... Has this semester left any tangible changes in me? I'm not sure. I'll leave it to you to decide next time you see me. But just to prepare you, today while doing my routine run around the school corridors as I rushed from room to room I caught myself doing this:
Instead of silently running in a straight line as usual, I found myself swirling right and left, speeding up uncontrollably then mock-crashing into objects- all the while producing the necessary "vvvrrrrmmmmm... eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek...BEEEp beep..Vrrrmmmmmmmmm" sound effects to accompany it.
I swear to God.
I should come with a warning/disclaimer: Questionable mental stability. Mixing with kids could worsen symptoms. KEEP AWAY FROM KIDS.
Huh. Better not mention that on my CV though!
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