Friday, March 31, 2006

Viva Las Vegas!

We're off to Vegas in the morning..... can't seem to get Elvis' song off of my mind! :) "have a whole lot of money and it's ready to burn".... (won't be burnin' any $$ in Vegas tho!... ok ok.. maybe just a little! ;) Have to at least play a few black jack tables, and some nickle slots. My mom is a nickle slot fanatic and I think that's the best bet for me since I hate losing money there. But hey... maybe I'll hit the jack pot this time around. The hubby is pretty lucky, so maybe he'll be my lucky charm and we'll hit the big one baby!

We'll take loads of pics but I probably won't post any of 'em until we get back on Monday night.

The hubby is excited as all get out... me too! I haven't been there for ages and there are all kinds of new hotels and casinos, so it'll be loads of fun. I'm just soooo hyped! I can hear it now... cha ching, cha ching, cha ching......

Thursday, March 30, 2006

Pic of mountain this morn....


This is a pic of the mountains outside the front of my sis' house this morn. I guess my hubby took it at about 6:00 a.m. this morn. If you'll notice, there are some beautiful low lying clouds and then the clouds up above the mountains were moving so fast... it was just an amazingly beautiful site.

The weather was fantastic today. It's getting chilly again right now and there are some black clouds rolling in... I think we may be in store for another downpour a little bit later.... but nothing yet.

I went for a walk today w/ my sis and gosh... I wish I had remembered to take the camera... tomorrow for sure! This area of Cali is just so beautiful. I hope you enjoy the photo.

Take care!

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

The Pri$e of Life

Whew... how quickly you forget how expensive everything is here in the States. No wonder you work, and work, and work, and work, and can hardly save.... and then try to enjoy life to the fullest when the weekend comes or when you get a vacation. Because it isn't but a short two days (weekend) or two to four wks (four wks if you're a Manager or have been w/ a company for a long period of time) until you have to go back to the grind and start all over again. Reminds me of the days when I worked for Arthur Andersen. They worked you to death - no kidding - some days, depending on the case, I'd work 24 hr. days on some bankruptcy cases... and almost every weekend for 4 yrs. in a row! Yeah, the pay was great... but when do you have time to enjoy it and to enjoy life?? And it's not like you have a choice there. You either do it or you get fired. Everyone used to walk around like zombies at that company, and that's why. But management loved it... no wonder they went out of business.... bad company practices and when you overcharge the client and lie on billing - well, it catches to ya!! :)

Sometimes ppl don't understand Americans and their routines/lifestyles.... but I am once again reminded of life as it is here in the States. Ppl are constantly on the go.... no wonder I don't like to just sit around, shoot... I was raised w/ this stuff and it was pushed down my throat in school and while working.... pretty much brainwashing, I think - to be always on the go in one form or another. Not that it's a bad thing because I think it has given me some really good qualities to take forward in life but I also believe it's good to stop and smell the roses. And not a lot of ppl do that here.... you don't have a choice, and that's sad.

We visited Albertsons (local supermarket) the other day and I was shocked at the cost of items there. The stores are stocked, don't get me wrong, but the price of items are outrageous. I bought a bag of shredded cheese and it cost $5.49 or something around that.... I could hardly believe it - for a freakin bag of cheese! Nothing is cheap here.... unless you luck into a good sale, and even w/ the sales, they mark everything up prior to the sale so you wind up not being able to save a lot. It's ridiculous!

We also went to what was called a Mediterranean Supermarket which was actually owned by a Palestinian guy and it was the cheapest by far... some really good prices on items, especially fruit. These places seem to have better prices than the big chains. I noticed that three years ago when I was here and it hasn't changed, which is nice to see.

The fruit here is not good at all. I miss that about Bahrain already.... can you believe it!?

The pace of life here, where my sister lives, isn't bad... it is in some parts of LA, which we'll be visiting soon and getting a taste of, but.... I like that fast paced stream of life at times, so it'll be fun for a day or two.

It's been raining non-stop for the last two days. I think it has FINALLY stopped this morning... I hope. My sister lives right by the mountains so when the rains come, they stay for a while. It's beautiful though! This morning, the clouds are low and are hovering right above the houses near the moutains, and then there are some higher clouds that are moving fast and it's just really sooo beautiful. We're getting a shot of it, so maybe I'll be able to get it online so you guys can see.

We'll be going to Orange County next week - to Laguna Beach, Venice Beach and maybe Hollywood.... so it'll be nice to see the ocean and see life in the beach cities. I ADORE those!!

We celebrated Christmas yesterday - we waited to do it this year because we were coming here and I'm soooo glad we did. It was so much fun and it felt really nice to open presents w/ my family. It's been tooooo long since being able to experience that!

Peace to all of you... and have a really wonderful day!

Monday, March 27, 2006

Hello California!

We made it... the flight was a long one but I tend to sleep a lot when flying so it went by pretty fast. Our layover in London was only for 2 hrs, and since it's SO much fun to ppl watch, the time went by super fast.

California is wonderful. The weather is just fabulous... cool during the day - in the 60's - and chilly at night.

Today, I got to watch the Price Is Right, which is my ALL TIME favorite daytime game show. I haven't seen it since moving to Bahrain, so I was just tickled pink to see it! It's been on for well over 30 years and I just love Bob Barker and all the Barker beauties. It's just toooo good! My favorite thing is to try to out guess the contestants on the show and try to win at the show down (end of the show) and today I would have won.... gosh, if only I were on the show! ;)

I will have to admit, I love being able to sit down in front of the TV and understand everything. I know that MBC4 and One TV are in English but the commercials are in Arabic a lot and different from here... so it's a welcomed change.

This morning we ran to the grocery store.... gosh.. I think I could have walked around the aisles for at least an hour, but we didn't. I'm glad we brought extra baggage... there are so many things I'll want to take back to Bahrain. I miss the big grocery stores.... so much stuff.... I love stuff! :)

Aaaahhh... it feels nice to be here. I've missed the States.... and I've really missed my family. My mom is great... she looks terrific and my little niece - she's a doll.

Take care everyone... don't know how often I'll be posting..... oh yeah, we'll be going to Vegas this coming weekend for my mom's bday, so we're all excited about that. It's the first time for the hubby to see Vegas and I'm sure he'll love it. I'll tell you all about it when we get back.

Peace, love.... and take care!

Friday, March 24, 2006

Leavin' on a jet plane....

Well, it's 6:30 a.m. and I've been up for a while - can't sleep. Thoughts are pounding away inside my head - always my best friend reminding me of what I need to do. We leave tonight (midnight) for the airport for our trip to the U.S. I keep feeling like I should be more excited - I am excited - but I tend to worry about stupid things which is usually warranted cuz I tend to always forget something when traveling.

We packed our bags a few days ago.... just in case, and you'd think that would help ease my mind, but it doesn't help.

My biggest worry seems to be over the cats. You'd think I gave birth to these kitties w/ the way I worry about them but, nope, I didn't! ;) I guess I worry a lot because it seems like every time we leave and come back one of the cats gets sick and then passes away or something bad happens. This has happened three times..... I really don't want it to happen again. Most of the cats will be fine but I worry about our oldest kitties. Puss, in particular, I worry about. She's so spoiled to me.... but so are most of them! ;) aaahhhh.... gosh, I can only imagine what it would be like to have a child.

I had a nightmare the other night that our birds died. It was horrible... I went to check on them and they were all dead at the bottom of their cages. Stress dreams, stress dreams. My mother-in-law suggested that we take two of our birds to their house to keep their bird company. They have a male parakeet that's the same as ours. He's visiting at our house right now, matter of fact. He's such a cute little thing... scared all the time though. I would do this - take our birds there - but our little nephew likes to go over to the bird's cages and hit them w/ his walker thingy and then grab onto the cages w/ his tiny little fingers and I think our birds might have a heart attack or something if he did that... and then what if Stedman (the male) bit him or something... gosh, he could take his little finger off! Can you imagine... I can! so.... both me and hubby think it best to NOT take the birds there. Even tho I'm sure little Greeny (what I call their bird) would love the company.

A song keeps coming to mind.....

I'm leavin' on a jet plane
don't know when I'll be back again
oh babe, I hate to go.....

My bags are packed,
I'm ready to go,
the taxi's waiting,
he's blowing his horn

and you guys can sing the rest.......

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Fancy Pants' Russians on the Island

Today we were at Bahrain Mall and it was incredible to see how many Russian girls were there. Seems they all had a pass to do some shopping today. Not that I mind Russians - don't want no Russians getting their panties in a wad - because really, I don't even know any, but the girls we saw today looked more accustomed to making money in the boudoir than anything else.

And then to read about human trafficing in Bahrain - in the GDN today - and seeing that the Formula 1 just rapped up a few wks ago... makes ya wonder if all these little fancy pants' didn't come in for entertainment purposes during race time and just decided not to leave! or MAYBE... they were kept here. Seems like there are quite a few in and around this country that love themselves some hookers. And seems like there are a lot of ppl making some good money off of these girls! Why else would you have sooooo many on a small island such as Bahrain?! Mafia comes to my mind.... money laundering comes to mind.... wealth and power comes to mind.... WHO IS MAKING MONEY OFF OF THESE GIRLS???

Reminds me of Ramadan really. Me and the hubby decided to take a weekend at Al Bandar during Ramadan and you should have seen all the 'gettin' jiggy w/ it' girls' there! It's their little home away from home it seems - but I guess.. maybe only during the holidays. They all had the latest and cutest cars.... Coopers Coopers Coopers?! And boy... do they smoke like chimneys!

I will say, they were keeping themselves busy three cabanas down from us, and then there was this older Russian woman w/ a.... uh huh.... Arab man in the cabana next to us. Ask me how I know?! Go ahead.... WELL.... she was discussing her job w/ him while they were sitting outside on their patio AND we were sitting outside on our patio playing a boardgame, which allowed for every little juicy drop to penetrate our tender ears. ;)

The fancy pants girls were busy all afternoon and evening w/ their fellas.... one guy after another, and here I thought this place was a respectable joint. Not so it seems. They were jet skiing all day and the next, tubing, going out in the boats, lounging at poolside..... they were some bussssssssy girls. And having fun too... all work and no play makes for a dull day... hmmm?

Gosh... too bad you can't make that kind of money w/ good ole fashioned hard work... but hey... they would prob argue that point w/ me. And who am I to judge... they prob are workin' hard for the money! Reminds me of that song.... Gloria Gaynor sings it, I think.... can't remember. I can only remember that one line tho... shoot!!! ;) ;)

Anyway.... some days there's just so much to see here.

Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Book reading at Al Riwaq Gallery

Last night we went to a reading (a few excerpts) of QuixotiQ by Ali Al Saeed at Al Riwaq Gallery. I love the gallery there and if you haven't ever gone, you should at least give it a try because there's always some interesting pieces of artwork, photography and such to see there.

Last night was no exception, altho it came in human form. Ali Al Saeed is a tall guy, dark hair... and he looks like a writer. And you can tell that he's very smart - he has a quick wit too.

He sat down at the desk they provided, told us a little about the book and then started reading. He chose several paragraphs from the book and then also chose to concentrate on three different chapters w/ each focusing on the main character of that chapter. There are three main characters in his book and each are different but also similar. As he started reading, I immediately found myself being pulled into the life of these people. I'm the kind of reader that if the book doesn't grab me immediately - w/in the first few paragraphs - then I know I won't like it. So... I sat and listened and waited to see if his book would do the same.

Well, it did. By the third chapter and the third character, I was completely hooked (I personally think he should put the book on tape - a lot of ppl adore listening to books on tape, me included). The book takes you into love, murder, intrigue..... well, dawwwlings - it's good. I started reading the book lastnight when I got home, and so far.... I don't want to put it down. I can't wait to finish it and when I do, I'll let you guys know what I thought.

We also had dinner w/ Ali, Art and his wife, and a sweet girl named Doa last night at the Hash House. Oh my gosh... that place is good! They were all so nice and it was the best conversation I've had in I don't know HOW LONG! aaahhhhh.... such a glorious evening. It's so nice to be around smart, intelligent and funny ppl! I soooooo love it!

Anyway... we have a lot to do today to get ready for our trip to Cali.... so I hope you all have a terrific day.

Peace to you!

Models of Success Premier

For the past two evenings, we have done probably more than we've done in a year. We go out to the same haunts a lot and frequent a few coffee shops now and then - especiallty Al Wadi Cafe - but night before last we went to the Models of Success Premier at Seef Mall and, I'll have to say, I was very impressed. The documentary was 30 mins but, to me, it felt more like 10 and left me wanting more. The target audience for the documentary is 15 - 18 yr olds.... and since lil ole me is just a wee bit older than that, I found that I could have sat and watched the main women of the program talk a good while longer on their successes, obstacles and on their advise to women.... but, so happy for me, Ali Al Saeed is writing a book that will be more in-depth and cover a lot of the issues that I found missing and wanting more of afterwards.... so that'll definitely be an interesting story when the book is released.

And... I'll have to give credit where credit is due and that is to Hashim Al Alawi for the beautiful music he composed for the documentary. Ms. Enas sang the title track and even though I don't know Arabic, the song catches you - not to mention that it has a cool beat - so much so that you're tapping your foot to it by the time it's almost finished. Not to forget... Enas also has a beautiful singing voice and that didn't hurt. :)

The production team went to dinner after the Premier and that was great fun. I met and had the chance to talk to some amazing people, and I have to thank my hubby for that. The Director, Art, and his wife are so very nice, and boy is he smart! His wife is just lovely..... so very nice. Ali, Enas and Yasmine are some of the most interesting and engaging people, and they were so friendly to me that I felt like I knew them for a long time. I've experienced that feeling a little while living in Bahrain but this was an overwhelming openness and it touched my heart.... so thank you to all of you.

thanks for the evening... I'll never forget it.

Sunday, March 19, 2006

Livin' Da Vida Loca!

Read on www.thesuperficial.com, March 16th, how the new singing sensation to hit Britain is none other than: Chico the Arab. See below for the article:

March 16, 2006
Chico the Arab tops the British pops

Chico, a pop sensation in Britain, has taken Madonna’s spot at the top of the British pop charts. He is a former goat herder turned male stripper turned pop sensation, and credits Allah with his success. “Mashallah (Thank God) - it's beyond dreams,” he told Reuters in an interview.
This is notable for two reasons: 1. he is the first Arab to attain this vaunted position and 2. his single is terrible. I mean, I almost titled this post “British people don’t have ears.” Here's a
link, if you dare.

and here's the article in Reuter's about this guy:


Chico, ex-goat herder, first Arab to top charts
Thu Mar 16, 2006 3:54 PM GMT

By Talal Malik
LONDON (Reuters) - A former goat herder and male stripper has sold twice as many records as Madonna in recent weeks to become the first Arab to top the British pop singles chart since records began 44 years ago.


"Mashallah (Thank God) - it's beyond dreams. To know that I'm the first Arab to do that, it's a
very proud moment," Chico told Reuters in an interview.

His debut single, "It's Chico Time", is enjoying its second week in the top spot.

Born in Wales of Moroccan parentage, 34-year-old Chico came to prominence on prime-time British television talent show, "X-Factor", where his personality, dance routines and cheeky grin compensated for his singing.

"I've been trying for fifteen years, been knocking on doors, and nothing's ever happened. Then suddenly this!" said Chico, whose real name is Yousseph Slimani.

Of all the artists he would most like to sing with, it is Madonna he chooses, referring to her as a "living legend".

"I wouldn't mind dueting with Madonna, so I can say, 'Sorry for knocking you off the top spot'," said Chico, after dethroning the Queen of Pop. Madonna's "Sorry" was her 12th number one, but major music retailer HMV said Chico outsold her by a margin of two to one to peak the charts.

Chico was raised in Morocco by his grandparents until the age of 13. During his childhood he worked as a goat herder before leaving for Britain.

"I lived with my grandparents in Aroubia, in the mountains, and was a goat herder. What a life -- I was brought up on a thousand-year tradition."

In Britain he worked as a "exotic male dancer" to pay the medical bills for his grandmother after she suffered a stroke and wished to travel for healing to the Islamic holy city of Mecca.

"God works in mysterious ways - I ended up saving enough money and sending my grandparents to Mecca," said Chico.

MYSTIC DISCIPLE

As well as pop music success, Chico and Madonna share an interest in mysticism -- Chico became a Sufi disciple 16 months ago and Madonna's devotion to the Jewish school of mysticism, Kabbalah, is well-known.

The pop star says his new-found fame was the result of mentoring from Shaykh Nazim al-Qubrusi, an 83-year old Sufi mystic living in northern Cyprus.

"Until I met Mawlana Shaykh Nazim, my whole life was in the wilderness, I was like a moth wondering aimlessly, waiting to be reunited with the Divine Ocean," he said.

To avoid being cast as a "one-hit wonder" like many of his talent-show peers, Chico -- the first Arab at the top spot on the Official UK charts for at least four decades -- said he will release an album with a Middle Eastern flavour.

"What I really want to do is introduce Arabic music to the world, but on a big scale," he said.

Prior to becoming a singer, Chico and his brother also produced a short film which gained a British Film and Television Academy Award (BAFTA) nomination, and still harbours ambitions to make films.

"Ultimately, I would like to make spiritual films, such as about the Prophet Mohammed, his companions and people like Jalaluddin Rumi (a Sufi poet). Whatever I'm going to be doing, it's going to be spiritually involved."

It is an ambitious leap from "It's Chico Time", which features the chorus: "Well, you can get delirious, if you take life too serious."

(Additional reporting by Omar Younis)


I have a question... why is it that these up and coming artists feel like they have to expose themselves to get famous? hmmm... maybe THEY CAN'T SING!!!

Another newcomer pops into mind when I think about this and that's Wafah Dufour... bin Laden's niece that posed for provacative pics in the U.S. to launch her itty bitty singing career. She's a joke to most in the States, but who knows what'll happen. I've seen worse than her make a career out of singing - when they can't hit a note. But hey, I see ppl every day on the tube doing the same, so these two are no different. As long as ppl listen and buy their stuff, they'll continue to be famous.

I wonder if Mr. Chico thinks he's Ricky Martin!? Can you believe that he'd actually come out and say that he was a stripper? Wonder if his publicist gave him tips on that one?

The song Livin Da Vida Loca keeps coming to my mind? Anybody else?

Saturday, March 18, 2006

To all the princesses out there....

To All Princesses:

This is the fairy tale that we should have been reading as little girls!

Once upon a time,
~~~~~~~~
in a land far away,
~~~~~~~~
a beautiful, independent,
~~~~~~~~
self-assured princess
~~~~~~~~
happened upon a frog as she sat,
~~~~~~~~
contemplating ecological issues
~~~~~~~~
on the shores of an unpolluted pond
~~~~~~~~
in a verdant meadow near her castle.
~~~~~~~~
The frog hopped into the princess' lap
~~~~~~~~
and said: Elegant Lady,
~~~~~~~~
I was once a handsome prince,
~~~~~~~~
until an evil witch cast a spell upon me.
~~~~~~~~
One kiss from you, however,
~~~~~~~~
and I will turn back
~~~~~~~~
into the dapper, young prince that I am
~~~~~~~~
and then, my sweet, we can marry
~~~~~~~~
and set up housekeeping in your castle
~~~~~~~~
with my mother,
~~~~~~~~
where you can prepare my meals,
~~~~~~~~
clean my clothes, bear my children,
~~~~~~~~
and forever~~~~~~~~
feel grateful and happy doing so.
~~~~~~~~
That night,
~~~~~~~~
as the princess dined sumptuously
~~~~~~~~
on lightly sautéed frog legs
~~~~~~~~
seasoned in a white wine
~~~~~~~
and onion cream sauce,
~~~~~~~~
she chuckled and thought to herself:
~~~~~~~~
I don't freakin' think so!

just for laughs...

17 Ways to Maintain a Healthy Level of Insanity

1. At lunch time, sit in your parked car with sunglasses on and point a hair dryer at passing cars. See if they slow down.

2. Page yourself over the intercom. Don't disguise your voice.

3. Every time someone asks you to do something, ask if they want fries with that.

4. Put your garbage can on your desk and label it "In".

5. Put decaf in the coffee maker for 3 weeks. Once everyone has gotten over their caffeine addictions, switch to espresso.

6. In the memo field of all your checks, write "For Sexual Favors".

7. Finish all your sentences with "In Accordance With The Prophecy."

8. dont use any punctuation

9. As often as possible, skip rather than walk.

10. Specify that your drive-through order is "To Go."

11. Sing along at the opera.

12. Go to a poetry recital and ask why the poems don't rhyme.

13. Put mosquito netting around your work area and play tropical sounds all day.

14. When the money comes out of the ATM, scream "I Won!, I Won!"

15. When leaving the zoo, start running towards the parking lot, yelling "Run For Your Lives, They're Loose!!"

16. Tell your children over dinner, "Due to the economy, we are going to have to let one of you go."

mensa challenge

The Mensa Invitational once again asked members to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter, and supply a new definition. Here are this year's {2005} winners:(saved the best for last)

1. Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.

2. Reintarnation: Coming back to life as a hillbilly.

3. Bozone (n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.

4. Foreploy: Any misrepresentation about yourself for the purpose of getting sex.

5. Cashtration (n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period.

6. Giraffiti: Vandalism spray-painted very, very high.

7. Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.

8. Inoculatte: To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.

9. Hipatitis: Terminal coolness.

10. Osteopornosis: A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit.)

11. Karmageddon: It's like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it's like, a serious bummer.

12. Decafalon (n.): The grueling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.

13. Glibido: All talk and no action.

14. Dopeler effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.

15. Arachnoleptic fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.

16. Beelzebug (n.): Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.

17. Caterpallor (n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm inthe fruit you're eating.

And the pick of the literature:
18. Ignoranus: A person who's both stupid and an asshole.

South Park battling Scientology


Just last week, South Park's acclaimed Isaac Hayes, the ladies' man chef, quit the show because he had a prob w/ South Park bashing Scientology (he's a Scientologist)... now, all of a sudden, the South Park episode about Tom Cruise being "in the closet" and poking fun at Scientology was pulled from being aired in the U.S. The first time it was aired was last November. The famous episode called "Trapped in the Closet" is about Tom Cruise being 'in the closet' - gay, that is. If you haven't seen it, click on the link listed on my blog site and you'll be taken to a website where you can download the episode for free. This same episode was banned in the UK. What is ALL this freakin fuss about??? Everyone says that Tommy had his hands into that, but his reps deny it.... man, he is good or what at denying. deny, deny, deny.... but... isn't that what most men do, when in the closet?

South Park has now declared war w/ Scientology and nothing could be funnier.

Tommy's reps are saying that he had nothing to do w/ the episode being yanked from being aired, but I find it awful strange that he goes to such lengths and gets soooo up in arms against anyone saying anything about him being gay. Even when he was married to Nicole Kidman he would do the same. What is the boy so afraid of?? So what if they say he's gay... if he knows the truth then what's the big deal!

Thank gawwwwd Nicole got away from this idiot.... I just feel sorry for his kids! Who in the world would want to bring their children up in such a fanatic wacked out cult !

hmmmmm.... a lot of H O L L Y W O O D !!!!

Friday, March 17, 2006

Hustle & Flow

Wow... what a movie! It's so emotionally charged... it grips you and holds on until the very end. Terrence Howard is amazing in this movie.... I believed, w/out a doubt, that he was a pimp. He's such a good actor, and the girls that played supporting roles are so good.

I'll have to agree w/ Oprah, I believe he should have been up for Best Actor in this movie... but I guess they didn't want no pimps and ho's winning no awards! This is really really good... but... it does have a few scenes in the strip clubs and such that ain't for the faint of heart.

The white dude that's helping out w/ the production, keyboards and such is funny. He has some great lines and makes you laugh. The guy, Key, is from that movie w/ Jim Carey (Me, Myself & Irene). He was one of the sons... and he's good in this movie. It's a good break-out role for him... I think. I also think this is way better than other rapper movies I've seen.... much better than 8 Mile w/ Eminem. That movie sucked pretty much, or so I thought. AND.. the music in this movie... it's GOOD!

Oh yeah... one thing I forgot to add... what I didn't like about this movie is that they put a little child/baby in some scenes that weren't appropriate for the child. The little boy was crying hysterically, at times, and I think this messes w/ the psyche of the child in bad ways. This little boy prob can't truly tell or distinguish between what's real and what isn't... so in that regard, I just think it isn't right to mess w/ a child's mind in that way. I blame it on the parents though... wanting so bad for their child to be in show business that they'll do anything and allow their child to be impacted by such negative situations just for the money.

Peace to YoU!!

Movie watching maniac

Watched the movie Capote lastnight. I can see why Philip Seymour Hoffman won the Oscar for portraying Truman Capote in this film. The movie was very slow.... I thought maybe it would pick up in the middle but it didn't. I didn't get bored w/ it but it's not the kind of movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat, make you laugh, cry or scream for joy... but... it was good in the sense that Mr. Hoffman is a really good actor and it showed that brilliantly.

This movie is about Truman Capote and the book he wrote entiltled "In Cold Blood". It took him about 4 years to write the book and, while writing it, he developed a close friendship w/ one of the killers of which the book is about. The ending of the movie was ok... the killers in the movie were hung for their offense... and I've never been a fan of the death penalty, actually, I don't believe in it and this movie only reinforced my feelings... and seemed to have a huge impact on Truman Capote as well.

If you're interested in seeing good acting, then take a look at this flick. Not bad overall.

The next movie that we started watching lastnight was Munich. Strange, because all along, prior to starting the movie, I thought it was about Adolf Hilter. So I'm a little disappointed because I was really looking forward to seeing something about him, but... it's turning out to be an okay movie.

The movie is actually about these Jewish hitmen/snipers (terrorists pretty much) that go after these Palestinian men who killed a bunch of Jews at the 1972 Munich Olympics. It's a political thriller (I guess you could call it a thriller)... it's not bad. I'm actually enjoying it. Teaching me a lot of history that I didn't know. We had discussed this in History class years ago but the movie makes it way more interesting.

It's a really long movie (I think 3 1/2 or so hrs) but I think it's a good film to watch. I'm only about 1 hr. 1/2 into it... so I still have a lot to go. Once I finish it, I'll report back.

We bought six movies lastnight from the suq in Manama. I'll have to admit, I love going there and getting movies that haven't been released on DVD yet. We've had great luck in that they aren't the kind that have been videotaped during the actual show (inside the theatre) but these are actually downloads and are of a really good quality. We got several good movies, and as soon as we finish Munich, I'll start the others.

Have a great day everyone!!! Man... wasn't the rain nice! I heard the thunder lastnight and wondered if it would rain, and woke up this morning w/ the rain coming down. So nice! :)

Thursday, March 16, 2006

Such is Life

What to write when one has anger inside.... what to think when you see some that say things so easily w/out knowing the whole truth behind the remarks they make....

I've been living here in Bahrain for almost three years now. I've had my share of ups and downs. I've gotten angry and felt pain from ppl who try to hurt me (and sometimes succeed) just because I'm not like them or for whatever reason.

But... I saw the same living in the States, after 9/11 from Americans, and even before from Arabs that were "supposed" to be friends. Sometimes ppl show their true fangs when they don't get what they want or things dont go according to their plans.

I've met, over the course of the last month probably, some truly remarkable people (mainly Bahrainis) through blogging. I've not met them face-to-face but only thru correspondence, and I'll have to say, they have shown me that not all people are the same. I knew this but sometimes you get led down the wrong path by ppl and, sometimes, start believing that all are the same when they're not. A majority of the Bahrainis that I've talked w/ are intelligent, broad minded, funny, and good ppl. But just like anywhere, you get ahold of some bad seeds sometimes.

I'll admit, I have been guilty of lumping everyone into the same frying pan for the last couple of years.... believing that most Bahrainis are the same. I've met a lot of them that say things to me and I wonder how in the world they could believe that such things are true, and I've met a lot of ppl that dislike me just because I'm an American. I've met a lot of ppl who have old ways of thinking and want to impose those thoughts on me and they expect me to abide by them, and I've met ppl who want to stiffle my thoughts and my way of life. I've had ppl tell me not to write or say anything and that if I want to write, I should record it or write it down and then delete it... which I would never do because I'm just too stubborn. Push me one way and I'll go the other.

Many Americans are the same. There are ppl w/ really bad attitudes, bad manners, hurtful, envious, devious, manipulating and will outright lie - from all walks of life. You can see it every day, all one has to do is open one's eyes.

I'm not a person that will be told what to do. The only ppl I listen to are my husband, my mom and my boss.... and I'm not a person to back down. When someone challenges me or tries to tell me how it is, and I disagree, it seems to make me do it more or do what they dislike even more. I guess it's the Fire Horse inside of me. Years ago, the Chinese would kill their daughters if they were born a Fire Horse.... too independent. Me, I'm no different.

I make mistakes.... I'm not perfect. But, I also know what I know and have lived long enough to have knowledge on certain topics and w/ my experience/background, I've also seen things that a lot of ppl haven't seen. I'm one that believes that true knowledge comes from experience.... be it good or bad. Anyone can read about laws, statistics, or get info from others and "think" they have the knowledge or know the truth, but it's when you see it first hand and are a part of it.... that's when the truth comes out.

Many of you will not know of whom I'm speaking... many could care less.... many won't even read this blog... but... I know and I will not back down. For the truth is out there for those who want to see it....

Wednesday, March 15, 2006

Sharon Stone... trying to revive her career?!




This is Sharon Stone on her little trip to Israel. She said she was there to promote peace between the Jews and Palestinians.. yeah right.... I'm sure she was there to get attention for her new movie: Basic Instinct II.

Anything for the career....

Nothing could be finer....


Nothing could be finer than to live in Carolina....

Ok, ok... don't know where this guy is from, but for some very strange reason - that song comes to my mind! I didn't take the photo... just some random email that I got... but,

Isn't he the sex pot!

Oh yeah... for mental stimulation - if the back of him looks like this... I wonder what the front looks like! ewwwwwwww! nothin but cute - I just know it! ;) ;)

The Cutest Couple


Aren't they the cutest, most adorable couple you've ever seen!??

Love.... where would we be w/out it?

Cool Picture


Boy, wish I had taken this pic! If you look closely, the camels are white and the black images are their shadows!

I absolutely love this photo.....

Tuesday, March 14, 2006

Iraqi Woman

I met an Iraqi woman a few wks back at the gym. It's the first Iraqi that I've met since being in Bahrain. I would never know where a person is from because I can't tell the difference between accents, so maybe I've met other Iraqis and just didn't know it.

Well, I sat down on the bike next to her and we started talking. She's a really nice person, and very smart, well rounded and educated. She's living here w/ her sister and her sister's husband. She works at a hospital and used to work in Dubai prior to coming here. She has short hair which is unusual because most women wear their hair long here.

Every time I meet someone, I tend to get the same questions. No matter if they're an expatriate or an Arab. They all want to know why I'm here, and Arabs usually want to know where I'm from as well.

She was no different and asked me why I was here. I told her that my husband is Bahraini. She smiled and asked me a few more questions. She was different in that she didn't ask me where I was from. But I later remembered that I had told her a few days prior to that, when she asked to see my headset and asked where it was from. That's when I told her that I was from the U.S. and had gotten it there. She has a good memory, unlike ME!

As we talked, she told me that she has been here about the same time as me. I was surprised, so I asked her where she was from. She told me Iraq. I felt a sudden jolt to my system. Fear, anxiety and a tremendous amount of guilt overcame me. She told me about her sister and where she worked and her brother-in-law, and then she told me her mom and dad lived in Iraq. I asked where and she told me Baghdad. I just sat there, dumbfounded pretty much. I told her that I was embarrassed to tell her, but that I was an American. She said she knew that.... obviously she remembered more than lil ole me. Sometimes it can be hard to say you're an American, especially in the Middle East. This was one of those times.

I told her that I was sorry for what was happening there. I asked about her family and found out that her mom and dad are faced w/ fear every day. They live it.... are right in the middle of it. Not only do they have the fear of being killed, she said that they couldn't leave their house because if they did, it would be taken. As soon as you leave, people come in, steal your possessions and/or take over your house. I try to imagine what it must be like... hearing bombs every day, car explosions, killings... so much death.

Her parents can't leave and come to Bahrain because they can't stay here.... a month's visit visa doesn't do you any good when you're faced w/ such misery and could use a permanent spot. I can't imagine her constant pain and heartache. The fear must be tremendous and so hard to deal w/... but she was so calm. Every time I see her, she is calm and seems happy. Some Muslim women have such a peace about them. This is something that really attracted me to Islam... that peace.

I have had my share of seeing hate while living here and, even before coming here, I saw it from Americans and from Arabs living in the States. It's such an ugly thing, hatred.

But this woman, who could have easily hated me for being an American, was so nice to me. She made it easy for me.... and when I think about her and the pain she has, her family has.... I feel such sadness.... there's so much trouble in Iraq. 87 ppl were found dead today w/in a 24 hr. period. Some were in mass graves - they were killed execution style, the article says. This was in Baghdad... where her parents live. Every day there are killings there... too many ppl are dying and for what?

It has escalated to such a degree that I wonder if it'll ever be normal there. Rioting is taking place here in Bahrain... people are angry - really angry - and things are happening. But it's nothing compared to Iraq. Will the people there ever be able to come out of this? There are a lot of really smart ppl out there who know way more than I know on this topic... I just know that it's sad.... for many reasons.

My encounter w/ CraZy Man

I'm finding so much aggravation when driving around our neighborhood. The main road near our house is being widened and the traffic is a complete mess. They're working pretty fast so it should be finished soon, but the way ppl drive is crazy. This evening when we were at the DVD store, I found myself thinking about an incident that happened to me about four mths ago.

I had a mtg at Salmaniya Hospital and the parking there in the afternoons is .... well, people park anywhere and everywhere. There isn't adequate parking for the hospital so everyone parks in the bank parking lot. Good luck in finding a spot at around 10 a.m. There are NO places so I wound up driving thru the aisles waiting for someone to pull out.

I'm not all that familiar w/ side streets and such, so I tend to stay w/ what I know. If that means waiting for 10 to 15 minutes for a spot, then I'll do it.

Well, I was making my way around the end of the second aisle when I saw a lady walking to her car. She got into a car parked about three cars up from where I was. So, I stopped and as I was waiting for her to tidy herself and pull out, another car started coming down the same aisle. Well, they stopped and she started pulling out in my direction. In order for her to come down the aisle, I would have to back up. There was a car backing up behind me - they were trying to turn around in the parking lot.

So I backed up a little and realized that I wouldn't be able to do it, so I turned around and motioned to this woman to see if she could back up. Ok, maybe this was the wrong thing to do... but I was about to be late to a meeting and I had been waiting and wanted that spot. I knew if I waited for the ppl in back of me - and, OH YEAH, another man had gotten into his car and was starting to pull out to the left of me - so I really didn't see a problem w/ asking her to back up a little so I could pull into that spot.

Well, she did it. I rolled down my window and said thank you and I was very polite. I pulled into the spot, she drove off and the car behind her passed me, AND... after I rolled up my window, I turned to get my purse, grab the keys, and all of a sudden a man appeared next to my window and started yelling at me through the glass.

He was an expatriate man... not sure where he was from... maybe Irish or from New Zealand or maybe British... I'm not sure. I couldn't tell. This man was so mean and rude to me. He started telling me how rude I was and that I obviously hadn't been here for very long because I didn't have any driving etiquette and that it was so rude of me to do what I did. I didn't even know what he was talking about... other than asking that woman to back up... maybe it was his wife, that's all I can think of and, for some strange reason, it pissed him off. I don't know... maybe he thought he was being a good samiritan.

As he kept going on and on, I got soooo mad that I started yelling back at him. I told him that HE WAS RUDE. Then this guy basically started having a screaming match w/ me thru my car window. He would yell that I was rude and I would yell that he was rude. I finally started opening my door and told him that I was late for a meeting and I didn't have time for this crap, and I started walking off. He yelled and said that he was taking my license and I yelled and told him to go ahead, take it.

I was so mad that I was shaking. I just don't understand some ppl.

The reason I thought about this is because the traffic in the parking lot by the DVD store was soooo crowded tonight. The shop is on the main road that they're working on and they've blocked off not only our exit street but have also closed entrances and exits everywhere, so it's confusing and hectic.

When we pulled into the DVD parking lot tonight, there were cars coming towards us which makes it tough to drive because there isn't enough room for two cars to pass easily. As we made our way up the aisle, there was a lady in front of us trying to turn her car around. As she was pulling forward, backing up, pulling forward, backing up, another car pulled up on the other side of her/behind her, basically. This is when I started thinking about CraZy Man.

I found myself wondering about her parking spot, and then the thoughts flooded my mind.

CraZy Man.

I even remember what he looked like. A little, short man w/ white, thining hair. He was heavier and had on a light shirt. I should have taken his license plate number, my husband says. I can't imagine what it must be like to live w/ that man.... so early for so much drama! I usually wait until at least 12! ;)

In thinking about this man and the situation that presented itself tonight, I can see where it would have been easy to make a scene but what's the point. I would never, in my life, think of getting out of my car and yelling at someone like he did. Do I get mad, yes, very much so and I get so annoyed at ppl sometimes.... but I can't imagine exploding like that.

I think ppl like this can sometimes keep you in check. I know that I think more about my driving and try to be more considerate to others, and I try not to fume if someone starts pulling out in front of me on a busy road, stopping traffic in both directions..... and sometimes I succeed.

Mad Cow disease in Alabama

Read a report today on MSN about a cow coming down with mad cow disease or BSE in Alabama. This is the third such case in the U.S. since Dec. 2003. Which is not a ton, I know... and not a lot compared to the cases in the UK, but kinda scary, nonetheless.

The U.S. ships a lot of beef to Japan and other foreign countries but the Agriculture Department doesn't seem too worried about it affecting their shipments in the future nor are they nervous about it affecting citizens in the U.S. - even tho this disease can kill people and has killed people in the UK. Japan has already stopped accepting veal because they found backbone in the cutlets... which makes me happy and I hope this continues to happen because it's sickening to see how the animals are kept while being fattened and readied for slaughter. Veal comes from baby calves and I completely disagree w/ killing these animals for food, and I also vehemently disagree w/ taking these young calves away from their mothers, but I'm not a meat eater... so...

I've also seen hidden camera takes from inside these meat packing plants and it's disgusting to see how they handle the meat and/or their lack of hygene in these facilities. I believe that steps have been put into place in recent years to keep things safe, but... one never knows.

For any of you that don't know about it - this disease eats away at the brain of the animal, and it's a horrible thing to see. It's sad to watch what happens to these animals infected w/ this disease. I wonder how all of this came about. Is it from all the different types of chemicals and medicine that they shoot into these poor animals or is it from the fact that they *used* to add ground up cattle remains to cattle feed? Long ago, everyone was afraid to eat beef from the UK because all you heard about was that they were infected and dying from mad cow disease. One cow infected in the U.S. came from Canada, they say... so I guess if cattle in the U.S. ate the remains of these infected cows back before 1997, then the chances of them going down w/ mad cow disease is pretty high. But, what do I know! I'm only a consumer and a vegetarian!

Not that the U.S. will EVER divulge to the general public how this is happening... because it's only thru undercover invetigations that the truth eventually comes out about things in the U.S. (sad but true in many instances). The Bush administration sure is doing everything they can to reassure Japan and other nations that American beef is good though.

hmmmm makes me wonder if someone's having their pockets padded from the sale of beef.... and I mean heavily padded. I really think that all of these ppl, government officials and such are all just money hungry pieces of crap! They'll do anything, sign anything, say anything as long as dollars are pouring into the pockets of the right individuals. Do they care about the public and whether or not someone gets infected w/ mad cow disease? Probably to the extent that they might not get as much money from the sale of beef if the general population goes berserk w/ fear that they'll contract mad cow disease... so isn't it better to keep things hush hush?! But, then again, everything is being done to safeguard the public, right?!

I've heard stories/rumors that the reason teenage girls are becoming so "developed" is because of all the stuff that's injected into these animals, including chickens, turkeys and so on. You see girls that are 12 and 13 walking around w/ figures of 20+ year olds. Is it the meat that is causing this? Is it all the chemicals they're putting into food nowadays?

I guess we'll see what happens to the general population in 20 or so years from now. Makes you wonder what new illnesses will appear or what new types of cancer will immerge.

Monday, March 13, 2006

Sick Day Excuse

A woman calls her boss one morning and tells him that she is staying home because she is not feeling well.

"What's the matter?" he asks.

"I have a case of anal glaucoma," she says in a weak voice.

"What the hell is anal glaucoma?"

"I can't see my ass coming into work today."

Cleanliness is next to Godliness

This saying was instilled into me as a child not only in school but also by my mother.... I guess that's why I'm a clean freak now.

BUT... not everyone is like this, I have to remind myself daily especially when I'm on the job.

Every day, w/out fail, when I go into the ladies' bathroom, especially after noon, there's a huge mess from water because the ladies go in to wash up for prayer and they leave water messes everywhere. The toilet area is the worst; they leave water all over the toilet seat and floor. Now.. I'm assuming it's for washing up for prayer. I would hope that they don't cause this mess when going to the bathroom. The floor is usually soaking wet w/ puddles and the sink area is usually saturated w/ water. When I'm wearing a long skirt, I might as well forget about trying to keep it dry. It's soooo aggravating.

I'm not saying that they shouldn't wash up for prayer because I know it's a necessity and I understand that, but... WHY leave the mess? I don't understand why they can't clean up after themselves. Is it that difficult?? After all, they did create the mess, and I certainly don't want to clean up after them and, really, I feel like it's not my responsibility, but I also don't want to sit down on a wet toilet seat, have my clothes get wet and my shoes because of their lack of taking responsibility and not wanting to be considerate to others. Do they not use the toilets for anything but cleaning their feet? Where do they use the bathroom? Obviously not in this bldg.

To me, it's just laziness. They take a 'no care' attitude or something - I don't understand it. I guess I could say that the company should provide adequate facilities for the women to wash themselves prior to prayer but is it really the company's responsibility to provide this? Do other companies provide this? In the four jobs that I've had since moving here, I've not seen any facilities for such... matter of fact, I've never even seen a prayer room for the ladies.

Shoot, there's only one toilet/bathroom here for women when they have over 4 for the men. Where's the logic in that??!! I know that I'd sure like to have another bathroom so I don't have to worry w/ this... but then again, it would probably happen in every one of them... that would be my luck.

Sunday, March 12, 2006

Three long years

May will mark three years since being back to the States... boy, time sure flies when you're having fun or not. ;)

We'll be leaving at the end of the month for our trip to Cali. A month doesn't seem long enough for a nice, long vacation, but it'll have to do. I'm hoping that the next time around, some of my family will come here to visit. The bad thing about Bahrain though is that they don't give visitors any time to really spend w/ their families when visiting Bahrain. I'd love for my mom to come here for a few months, which I'm sure can be worked out if she chooses to do this, but... it's just a pain in the arse. Having to go and renew the visit visa and such.

I hate to fly and am dreading it more than you can imagine. Luckily, I haven't had any nightmares and hopefully I wont. I tend to be a bit of a fatalist when it comes to flying... looking around at ppl wondering if it's their time to die. Yes, I do that. And... I always, if possible, check out the pilot... don't want any drunk pilots flying me anywhere! But luckily that seems to happen more in the States. This will be such a long flight, but... it'll all be worth it once we arrive. I think we have a long layover in London prior to leaving for the States and I hate those, but this time I'll be w/ the hubby and it'll be easier. Plus, they have some good places to eat at the airport there and some good shopping, so we'll be able to waste away the time w/out a prob.

Some Arabs don't like the States. They think it's boring and the places close to early. I guess some things do close early, but it depends on what you like to do. If you're looking for coffee shops and such, then you're out of luck, unless you go to Dearborn, Michigan or Ohio. Not sure if Ohio has coffee shops, but I've heard from a girl I know that Dearborn feels just like the Middle East w/ suqs and everything. Sometimes I wonder what some ppl are looking for when they go to the States. My in-laws went to Florida years ago and wound up leaving early to come back to Bahrain. They hated it there. I'm not a Florida lover myself... but... I think I could have enjoyed at least a couple of weeks. Another woman that I worked for when I first moved to Bahrain hated Florida as well. She complained that it was terrible there - no places stayed open and it was so boring. I used to go there when I was a young girl to visit my cousin and I always loved it... but the heat was terrible.... very similar to Bahrain.

But, it's the same for me here. It's just not the same no matter how you flip the coin. I'm here for love and because my husband is here... and if I had my way, I wouldn't live in Bahrain. I'm sure there's a lot of ppl who could say the same about the States. But, there are also a lot of positives about living here... no taxes, no taxes, no taxes. Hopefully that won't change!

I happen to love the States and I miss being there desperately. I love California even more. Not only because my family is there but because the weather is always so nice. There's a lot of smog on days but one can overlook that easily. I'm so excited because it's been raining there and I miss the rain so much. Not that I want it to rain every day, but... several really good downpours w/ thunder, lightening and dark grey skies would be a slice of heaven. I do hope it stops long enough for us to enjoy DisneyLand and Knott's Berry Farm. I want my husband to ride Space Mountain which is the very first rollercoaster that I ever rode and it has a special place in my heart. For those of you that aren't familiar w/ it... the rollercoaster is in the dark! There's nothing like it. And then Knott's... well, it has the best rides, and they've added a lot more from what my sister says.

I will miss our cats tremendously. I worry about them being lonely while we're gone. Our cleaning woman will be there but it just isn't the same. They always hate us traveling and are in bad moods when we come home but this time it'll be for a month, so I'm SURE we'll catch hell when we get back to Bahrain. Cedrik our persian has to be brushed several times a wk. I've shown Satiya how to do it but he cried and hissed when she was doing it earlier in the week, so I'm sure he'll completely control her and refuse to allow it. He's so fussy and a real sour puss. And.. I don't think she understands how pissy they can get so I hope she doesn't get scratched or bitten. She doesn't handle them the same and they don't like it. We have some very spoiled furrbabies in our house... they rule the place, matter of fact.

One of my husband's friends is coming to watch the place while we're gone. He's ALLERGIC to cats! So, he'll be sleeping in the studio. Lastnight my husband started laughing and said, "what if we come home and Hisham is swollen really bad?" .... man, I just laughed and laughed. I can picture it and hope that it doesn't happen. When he's come over before, it only takes about 30 mins or an hour for him to start getting red and swollen a bit.... so we shall see what happens! He'll be there for a month! Phew... thank goodness the cats don't go in the studio.

Peace out!

Saturday, March 11, 2006

Poor labourers in Bahrain

Today in the GDN (www.gulf-daily-news.com), there's a two-page spread w/ the title "Trapped in the cycle of poverty". There are five good pics showing some labourers in this country, as well as a really good article by Sara Horton.

I see these men every day - seven days a week - slaving away outside on some construction site. Yesterday, me and the hubby went out and they're doing construction on the main road outside our house, and there they were... the Indian labourers working on Friday. I thought these men were supposed to get a day off!??

Well, this article talks about what's happening w/ many of these men/labourers and now I see why they're being worked to death. They come here on visit visas (which isn't a good thing), are told lies by the agents in their home country (and the agents nor sponsors take any responsibility), and then when they arrive at the Bahrain airport, their passports are taken away from them by their sponsors. Many of these men are very poor, have sold everything to come here thinking they'll make lots of money to send to their families back home.... and then all is lost.

Their sponsors wind up keeping them for a few months (4 or 5) and then let them go. But.. they don't get their passorts back, nor do they have CPRs - which is mandatory in this country and w/out them, you can't do much of anything but run and hide.

Well, they wind up going from job to job - working on the blackmarket - just trying to make ends meet. Many sleep w/ other friends in overcramped living spaces (because there is no staying at the sponsor's home) w/ sometimes as many as 20 or more ppl living in this very small space. They are afraid to go to the authorities for fear of what they'll encounter and many find out that they are here illegally and are mounting up large fees because they've overstayed their visit visas.

** Visit visas are usually good for one month**

So... think about it. These men are here for three years sometimes before they ever take that first step in going to the authorities in order to try to get back home. They have no money because most of them work only for a few months here and there at a job before they have to find another (because they're here illegally and ppl are becoming more afraid to hire these ppl) and most of these men are working these jobs w/out BEING PAID! The employers take total advantage of them because they know their plight and know that nothing will be done if they don't pay, so they don't. Even if the guy wants to go home, NO ONE helps. They have no one that they can rely upon. I can't imagine.

When I first came to Bahrain, I couldn't find work. The first question I was asked when I called a place was "how old are you". That's illegal in the States... and I was shocked for being asked such. But... I encountered this Filipina woman who told me that she knew of this man who could get me a free visa. I met this man. He's an Indian guy. Now... guess how much he wanted to charge me for the "free visa"??? BD800!!!! yep.... I didn't take it, thank God but I seriously considered it. I couldn't find a job and my visit visa was about to expire. I was so afraid of having to pay huge fines if I didn't find work and get sponsored.

I'm so glad that this didn't happen. Things came together, me and hubby got married, and then I secured a job. And now, I'm under my husband's sponsorship. It's all crazy to me, this sponsorship thing, but... what to do.

Anyway... my point is this... I wonder how much this Indian man that I met charges Indian labourers for "free visas". He was gonna charge me BD800 for it, so when he comes across someone in dire straights that needs it badly, I could assume or guess that the price would go up significantly. Once again, the Indians are trapped. They are basically slaves to these ppl... owing so much money that the thought of ever getting free is nothing but a dream.

I can not write anything here that can express the pain in my heart for these people. I think that the sponsors should be taught serious lessons... how, I don't know. I think these rogue agents in India and other places should be shut down, but can it be done permanently? There's one Indian man whose been bringing in tons of Indians on visit visas (300 so far when they last counted) but NO ONE will do anything to him! hmmmm... I wonder who he works for! Good question.

I'll tell ya a secret though... I was talking to an agent here in Bahrain just a few days back and he said that he's gonna start recruiting from Afghanistan! hmmm... no messes w/ this country, the ppl are poor and desperately want out of there... no headaches w/ embassies here in Bahrain, no set salary requirements... hmmm... I guess it beats having to pay a Filipina housemaid BD75 a month and then having to give the Indians a good salary, treat all of them decent... the list just goes on and on.

And... last, but surely not least, I saw an article a few days back in the GDN and ppl are petioning the Philippine Embassy to reduce the rates for housemaids because the average Bahraini can't afford it. For God's sake people... if you can't afford a housemaid, then do the work yourself! Why does everyone in this country feel as though they deserve a housemaid???? Who died and made all of these ppl kings?

Striptease anyone?

Funny thing happened the other day on another blog (http://sillybahrainigirl.blogspot.com/). I made a comment about what would happen if you got a preacher's daughter (yeeeehaw) and a Saudi girl rooming together at college, and I said that they'd prob become strippers and/or folk singers, take off their clothes to gain worldwide recognition and then tour the world like bin Laden's niece did and/or is currently doing.... which, I'm sure, is because she CAN NOT sing. But then again, maybe she can. Who the hell cares?!

then... w/out a doubt, the demented part of my mind started revving up and w/out a minute to spare, it started on its own worldwide journey into the hell holes of "what if".... and then it took another scary turn into the memories of a job I had, long ago, where I worked w/ this girl who so desperately wanted attention and prob would have become a stripper if the opportunity presented itself and maybe has for all I know.

I will call this girl.... hmmmmm.... Perky Petunia. PP was very, ummmm... HUGE, and the reason being is because she had boob implants years ago. Well, after her op, she fit into the American man's dream - blonde hair, big boobs, tiny waist, cute bod.... and not too smart!

One day, while going to lunch w/ PP and a few other colleagues, PP made an interesting comment to me when some guy looked at her chest... she said, "men are PIGS!". That's interesting, coming from a girl who told me her mission in life - when dressing for work in the mornings - was to wear something that would get her the most "hard ons". hmmmm....

I never thought about that when getting dressed for work.... but, there are those who definitely do.

PP also made a habit of taking photos of herself in scantily clad bikinis (she thought she was the next Pam Anderson, I think) and then attaching them to emails before sending to all the men in the office.

PP is not alone. Seems like most of the American population and/or the world has become obsessed w/ changing their looks w/ most being breast augmentations. But, this girl Perky took things a bit beyond the norm, I think. She would run around nude in front of her teenage son, she'd wear nothing but a t-shirt and panties when her son's friends would come to play, and she also liked to watch animal porn on the net. She was quite the class act. I'll never forget her.

I've never known any female strippers but I've seen them. They have tons of strip clubs in Texas. They bare all in Houston, but the men aren't allowed to touch... poor thangs. I use to work w/ a group of women (same office as Perky) that loved to frequent female strip clubs at lunch w/ the lone man in tow. I'm sure he didn't mind. One woman, a friend of mine, bought an outfit at one of the joints to wear for her husband. I guess that's one positive - one can learn the pole dance routine.

I watched Oprah a while back and she had women on there that were learning to pole dance and even setting up poles in their homes. The men seemed to love it. A lot of men seem to love this stuff.... but hey, men - well, they're just men. Many love the belly dancers here, and, to me, they are sorta the same as strippers... in this part of the world. They don't take off their clothes, but... many hardly wear clothes and they do the shimmy right in your face, like strippers.... but, in the States, the belly dancers are different. My sis is taking a belly dancing class for exercise, a friend of mine (Sip of Sherrie blog) started doing that and has mastered the dance (and I'd bet that she's fab at it). I WANNA BELLY DANCE! Gosh darn it! My friend suggested several sites to check out the belly dancing tapes and whatnot, and I'm gonna go w/ my sis when we get to the States. So, I know, I'll be a belly dancing fool when I return! Much to my husband's enjoyment!! :)

But anyhow... such fond memories I have.... one day, I'll post more.

Catch ya later....

I miss you my sweet SisTA

Talked to my lil sis yesterday morning and she is so hyped about our arrival to Cali in a couple of weeks. I am soooo excited - I just can't hardly stand it.

She reads my blog faithfully (but she is family!) and wonders where I come up w/ all of this stuff to talk about. Crap... when you have a chaotic and demented mind, it's easy. {smile :: wink}

She laughed so hard after reading my blog about her daughter and how I said that Katelyn (niece) could entertain herself for hours - unlike some children I know. Ok... ok... I know that it's not good to leave a child unattended and that's NOT what I meant.... What I meant is that she is not the kind of child that is running behind you, holding on to your apron and crying constantly for attention or running wild in stores, uncontrollable at home, BUT is able to sit and enjoy her favorite movies (Mary Poppins, The Wizard of Oz) without you having to worry about her tearing something up, getting into stuff that she has no business getting into, or just causing havoc.... she's a sweet little girl, and thanks to her dear aunty... she LOVES coffee. I gave her her first taste of Starbucks when she was but a teeny little tot! Much to my sister's distress... but hey, look at her now, she's a coffee addict! So too late! :)

This visit I think I'll teach her how to suck jello out of straws! hehhehehe

Pricey international calls?? Look no further!

Me and the hubby bought a little jewel last week. I tried it out the first time by calling my mom in the States and then again yesterday morning. I called my younger sister and talked for well over 45 mins. and the total price... a whopping $1.00.... yep, I kid you not.

The price for me to call the States is well below the going rate for making local calls here in Bahrain. Which, will do me well because my hubby is tired of my monthly BD100 bills or even higher. Two months ago I paid a nice little figure of BD170! I thought he would die... but I promised to keep it down and not call, so this past month it was only BD50. My younger sis had a bill of $400 last month and her hubby isn't too happy either.. so we've both promised to not call as much!!! UNTIL.... our sweet little find at Radio Shack.

For anyone who is tied to the phone and missing home, this is a great buy.

The service is called Skype. The name of the technology is VoIP. It's a mobile looking type of phone that you hook up to the computer, and after setting up an acct., you are able to make international calls thru the Internet. The connection is good and it sounds great. When I called my mom the first time, you couldn't tell that I was online, but when I talked to my sis yesterday, it cut in and out a little, but it is well worth it, lemme tell ya.

Oh yeah... the big stopper is.... IF the other person, on the other end, has the same technology/service, the call is FREE!!!!!!!!!!! so... we'll be buying one of these to take back w/ us (can't chance them not having these in the States), and then the hubby will work his magic by setting it up, and then me and the sis will be able to talk for free.

Friday, March 10, 2006

Up for a swim anyone?

It was a beautiful breezy day today. We went to Al Bandar and enjoyed the weather. Did some swimming and had lunch. There was an overcast but the weather was nice. Couldn't see the sun but you could feel it, and that can be a killer if you're not careful. So I did what any white chick, that burns easily, would do and stayed in the shade mostly.

I pretty much expected the pool water to be chilly but it wasnt. Surprise. It was the perfect temp, matter of fact.

Lots of Navy guys there today... BUT they were behaved. Nice change. These guys tend to get rowdy sometimes and... they did a little, but they were ok. I wonder what it is about these guys and why they always have to act up. Prob the booz and the sun. They tend to take on these "bad ass" attitudes.... not all but some... although, they were in happy spirits today.

The sun always makes me sooooo sleepy so I took a nice, long nap this afternoon when we got home. About to eat dinner and maybe watch a movie... I'm waiting for the DVD guy to get a couple of Steve Martin's but no luck yet. The Pink Panther is out at the theatre here but they cut the movies sometimes so I like to watch DVDs better. Anyway....

so long and good night! :)

Thursday, March 09, 2006

Oscar night... a few days late :)

Ali Al Saeed was nice enough to let me know that ONE TV showed the Oscars live the other night - and I didn't even check ONE TV when looking to see if they were on :: aarrrgh - but they're showing a repeat tonight.

It's a little slow. March of the Penguins won.... that was such a touching and beautiful story.

Memoirs of a Geisha is up for set decoration. It won. I read that book and it was fantastic, but I love Asian culture, the movie... WAY too Hollywood. It moved too fast, no character development... just wasn't good. Too bad because it could have been done really well.. it was a beautiful story.... in print at least. I listened to it on tape the first time and for anyone who likes that, it's a great story to listen to.

{Yawn} The Oscars are bor-ring. I read that they didn't have any ummph this year, and I agree. The last time I really enjoyed them was when Adrian Brody won for best actor in The Piano. That was a truly beautiful and moving movie, and he definitely deserved that Oscar.

I already know that Crash won the Oscar for best movie this year, and I'm pleased about that. It was a good movie. And I'm glad Reese won.... I liked her as June Carter and her singing wasn't bad... very similar to June's.

Anyway.... gonna watch some more of the Oscars, a movie, relax.....

Good night.

New pics on blog

I added some pics. Hope you like them. Many are from our trip to Beirut last July (2005). We loved Beirut. Downtown was really something w/ all the French architecture and the old buildings, and then up on the moutain - well, it was amazing. I loved the hustle and bustle of everyone, all the outdoor coffee shops, and the shopping was great. So many ppl... walking everywhere, enjoying the weather... it was so nice and different than Bahrain. It was a welcomed change. I'd love to go back there one day.

The cat pictures are some random shots of our cats. There are more, but don't have them uploaded yet. For you animal lovers... hope you enjoy.

Have to love those dentists

My root canal was finished today. It's been a long month 1/2.... four visits in all, and now, finally, it's finished.

I not a fan of the dentist. That drilling noise gets me every time, and the shots, and the drilling, and the steel utensils, and the drilling.... did I mention the drilling? Seems like every time I go, something needs to be done. Now, I hope... no dentist work will be visiting me for a while, other than a cleaning. The dentist we've been seeing is good. He's a Bahraini dentist, pretty gentle, and good natured. There are some bad dentists here, like everywhere, but I'm glad that we finally found someone that's good.

I've tried two different dentists working at the Gulf Dental Specialist Hospital; one didn't like to give enough local anaesthetic and I'm not keen on pain, and then the other did a crown on a tooth that didn't need it and caused nerve damage - leading to my little, sweet root canal. This same dentist also did unnecessary work on a man that I work w/ and also did unnecessary work on this man's son, as well as telling his son that he needed to have four teeth extracted and the guy found out that none of his teeth needed to be extracted. I think the dentist is money hungry, in the worst way. Another dentist that I used there was good but he decided to stay in his home country after visiting here several times.

The first time I came here to visit w/ hubby, he went to a dentist, and I'll never forget the sounds I heard while waiting for him. They started drilling w/out giving him a local anaesthetic. I couldn't believe it. Makes me wonder if ppl are trained like this here when studying to be a dentist. Do they prefer not to give patients shots for pain or is the dentist conserving medicine or something?!

I'm just glad to be finished w/ this tooth. It's hurting a little tonight but he said it would, but nothing compared to the pain I experienced a month or so ago. Alhumdallah khalas.

Wednesday, March 08, 2006

Brokeback baby

Finished Brokeback Moutain last night. Can't say that it was a great movie. Interesting, in its own special way - I guess you could say that. I don't really understand how the director won the Oscar though. It was shot well and the scenery was beautiful, but it seemed very Hollywood to me. But, people live for that stuff (the big Hollywood movies) - just like King Kong (which I didn't like - I loved the old one though... it was the best). And then you have that Titanic movie, which I still haven't watched (the new one), but I liked the old one.

People love these movies... the big Hollywood-hype movies and I'm just not a fan of it. I love artisic, independent films more than anything else. Always have and always will.

Anyway, if you're interested in seeing gay cowboys w/ beautiful background scenery, this pick is for you.

Bewildered

Ok, ok... maybe I'm a little behind the times and I'll admit it... BUT.... I really think I'm right about this altho my husband insists that I'm not. I'm talkin bout this guy dressed up like a chicken at the website that I linked to on my earlier post.

I truly believe that this guy is standing there but my husband insists that there are codes that have been written (since the 80's) for stuff like this and there's a list of commands that he does over and over. hmmmmm.... I sit and wonder how this could be. It seems pretty real to me. I went there yesterday and he was bending over the couch doing something else and then it was like he got some signal or sound to tell him that I was logged on to his site, so he got up and came in front of the screen to do whatever I told him to do. I told him to do all different kinds of things, all of which he did, and my sister went there yesterday and told him to pick his nose and he did it, and some other things and he did those as well.

This just bewilders me. Ok, I find it strange and to think about it, why would a guy be standing in his living room for hours on end waiting for people to log in to his site so that they can tell him what to do... but... I do believe there are wackos out there that live for this stuff. Especially in the States.

So, I wonder if it's real or just a code, like my husband says. Gosh, I learn something new every day... even if I don't want to believe it! ;)

Tuesday, March 07, 2006

Subservient Chicken

ok... I just clicked on a link from a gf's blogsite and what I found is just hysterical! You HAVE to check this site out. It's a guy dressed in a chicken costume and he'll do anything that you type into the command line, after hitting submit. I told him to have "bird flu" and he came to the camera and shook his finger "no, no, no"... lol... this crap is out there.

Too, too funny!!! Don't miss this. The site is:

http://subservientchicken.com/

Enjoy!

man.... ohhhhh man

Well, goodness... last night we got Brokeback Mountain from our DVD guy. I'm shocked. I had completely decided that it would not come and, wahlah (magic term, not to be confused w/ the Arabic term), there it is. We started watching, haven't finished it yet.

Man.... man oh man. I do not even know what to say about this movie. I can't decide if I like it or..... maybe I'm in shock. The scenery is beautiful. That part of the U.S. is just breathtaking and the movie is doing it justice... but... the love/sex scenes between these two characters... hmmmmm..... very very interesting. I'm lost for words, and that's a first!

We got a "copy" of the movie. I can tell by the subtitles, they're messed up. It's kinda hard to understand, maybe because it's a copy, but they talk w/ real southern accents, so.. even for me, it was difficult at times to get all of what they were saying.

hmmmm... I wonder what the religious police here in Bahrain would think if they caught this movie!?? oh my gosh.... I can only imagine. Shock... total disbelief and shock. There would be outrage, outcries in the sermons on Fridays and probably protesting in the streets... ok ok, I'm being a little dramatic, but seriously. :)

Ted Casablanca from the E! News hates the movie. I'm dying to know why. I've known some gay guys... use to work w/ them and some can be explicit about their 'behind the scenes' action and they brag a lot about various things, but really... I'm lost in this movie. It's supposed to take place in the 1960's - maybe that's why.

So... maybe I'll get back to it tonight and if so, I'll update all of you. Check the movie out... I'd love to hear what you think.

Peace out!

Monday, March 06, 2006

Indian housemaid dead by hanging!

Once again, in the GDN today, there's an article about another housemaid who has killed herself. The article states, "Akhtar Allabagayath hanged herself after allegedly being repeatedly beaten by her female Bahraini employer". This happened on Feb. 26th but the sponsor nor the police reported it to the Indian Embassy, come to find out. The mother is the one who reported it after being contacted by the employer/sponsor.

The article goes on to say how the housemaid came to Bahrain in July 2004 and was repeatedly beaten by her employer and not paid her salary of BD40 for 18 months. And, believe me, BD40 is nothing for the work that they do and the torture many have to endure!

First, can you imagine how her mother must feel??!! Knowing that her daughter was treated this way and then she killed herself because of it. These women and men come here, most often, from very poor villages and they have to go into this field because there is no other choice. They are at the beck and call of their employers and are pretty much treated as slaves by many. Then, to top it all off, they are beaten, raped, abused and made to work 12 or more hr. days not only cleaning but looking after the children, working for multiple houses within the family (non-stop), they cook... they do everything.

You know, I've been privy to conversations about such and I've heard people make very negative comments about these women. Many believe that they do not deserve more and deserve to be treated worse than the way they're currently being treated. I wonder what some people would do if they were made to work from 4 or 5 in the morning until 10 or later at night, non-stop. During Ramandan, it's worse. Many have to get up at 2 to fix a huge meal for the family to eat prior to fasting. Then, there is no sleep afterwards. Many are not afforded afternoon naps and have to be on the go all the time. I can only imagine how exhausting it is. Cleaning house is not easy, and if you have children on top of that... just think about how tiring it is to raise kids, clean house, cook.... the list is never ending. And a lot of these women are doing it all by themselves w/ no help, whatsoever, from the madam/employer/sponsor or any of the children.

Many women/housemaids/houseboys have to sleep on the floors or IF they are given sleeping quarters, many are tiny places w/ just a matress, and many people feel this is justified. How can it be?

I have seen abuse of housemaids first hand. The housemaids do nothing but obey their masters. They don't get time off and are sometimes even locked inside the house because many people fear that the housemaid will mingle w/ men and wind up getting pregnant, which I've also seen happen. But such is life! How can someone deny basic human freedom? Isn't it normal to socialize, to have friends, to find someone appealing - to want to have love and/or a relationship? Who are we to deny this? These women come here and then are expected to NEVER have a relationship w/ anyone. What if they want to have a boyfriend or to get married? Shouldn't this be allowed? They do not belong to us. Who are we to take away their every right???

I just don't understand this... it is beyond my thinking ability. I could probably argue this case w/ certain people until I'm blue in the face and they still would not understand the point. I'd really love to see some of these Bahrainis that are abusing their housemaids get up and do the chores that these women and sometimes men have to do.... crap, I'd like to see some of these women take care of their own children for that matter! and then only get paid BD40 a month for it.

Some housemaids have it good though and are paid well, have good employers and freedom. Many embassies are starting to look at this huge problem and are trying to tackle the issues. I hope that, one day, these housemaids are treated like humans and glorified for the jobs they are doing in this country. One day.... maybe it will come.

I'm sad :( :(

I missed the Oscars. I knew I would. I tried turning on E! lastnight but our cable isn't working. It's our own fault for not paying and getting the 'real' cable... we use a system that pulls in everything from the Internet and, more often than not, it doesn't work and lastnight was no exception.

So, on the way to work this morn, I told my husband that I'd be seeing the winners thru the MSN homepage (fun fun). It just eerks me to no end. And... low and behold, just a few secs ago, I saw who got the Oscars. I would have loved to watch it live but now I'll have to wait a few days until it comes on MBC 4. Sometimes it takes a couple of weeks for things such as that to aire here and by that time it's just too late. I really hope they don't do the same for the Oscars but I have a feeling they will. Maybe not though... I'll try to be optimisic.

Sunday, March 05, 2006

Not in the mood....

Need to get my lazy behind up and to the gym. Didn't go yesterday but I had a legit excuse. I'm just not in the mood tho, but it does always make me feel better. I'm sure I'll feel better afterwards. hopefully.

We have a woman coming to record a song in the studio in just a bit. It's for the documentary Models of Success which is in post-production right now. They're hoping to have it screened by mid-March, which is good since we're leaving for holiday at the end of the month. Four songs have to be composed for it and one's been done thus far so there's a lot of work ahead. Haven't done the music for the song tonight so I'm wondering how the session will go. I'm anxious to hear the end result.....

I'm craving mexican food... sure would love to get some veggie quesadillas at Senor Pacos. ummmm.... if you haven't been there, their mexican is the best on the island, I think. We've tried Casa Mexicana but it just doesn't compare. I sure miss mexican from Texas... nothing like some good 'ole tex-mex from Chuy's. Gosh, I miss Texas. Soon, soon we'll be in the States but Calif. mexican is terrible... I hate red sauce! Those Cali ppl just don't know how to do Mexican.. you'd think they would since there are so many out there but it's nothing like tex-mex. I sure did take for granted all the pleasures of living in Texas, but now I see the error of my ways! :(

And the Oscar goes to.....

The Oscars come on today/tonight/tomorrow early a.m., not sure what time because of the time difference so the chances of my missing them are very freakin high... which pisses me off, but ... what to do. The main actors that I like that are up for awards are Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon. One picture that's up for awards which I am having a hard time understanding WHY is Brokeback Mountain, but things in Hollywood are so damn political... have been for years, so I'm pretty sure that's why.

Ted Casablanca, from the E Channel, says that Brokeback isn't any good and that it doesn't portray the gay lifesytle for what it "truly" is (and HE should know). I have no idea really, but I do know that the gay guys that I've been around aren't like what I've seen in the clips (Bahrain hasn't screened the movie as of yet and I doubt seriously if they ever will.... taking the subject matter and all), but... I would think the movie's skewed or is shot from a different way of looking at "gay" cowboy life. I wouldn't doubt if it doesn't win big... I mean, shoot, they haven't had a gay film win anything for a while... the last was the one w/ Cher... I can't remember the name, but it was a long time ago.... oh yeah, Silkwood.

Felicity Huffman is up for Transamerica which, by the way, is a really good movie. If you haven't seen it, check it out. I hope she wins... I like her. She seems to be the only one of the Desperate Housewives crew that's doing anything w/ their career. Oh gawd, I can only imagine the cat fights on that lot if Ms. Huffman wins! or maybe a little backstabbing would be their cup of tea.

The guy who stars in the movie Hustle & Flow, Terrence Howard, is up for an award as well. I saw him in the movie Crash, which was excellent, but we haven't seen Hustle & Flow.... even though we have it... just haven't watched it. Maybe I will tonight. He's a good actor... I hope he wins... but he's up against Joaquin Phoenix and I really loved Walk The Line, so I'm kinda torn on who I want to win. It'll prob be all political though and the best actor won't win... so we shall see what happens.

I'm really upset though because some of my fav movies didn't even get in this year... there were several really good ones. Seems like the BIG movies are all about the gay lifestyle, which is cool, if it portrays the truth... and the only one that did, from what I hear, is Transamerica, but it's not about the gay lifestyle but about a transexual... I think it'll win. The movies about prostitutes and such always win big w/ the academy and I'm sure this year won't be any different.

At least I hope the host is good this year, and funny. It makes or breaks the Oscars. I wish Billy Crystal was hosting... he's always so good.

Saturday, March 04, 2006

Goo, goo, gaa, gaa

What is it about the pitter patter of little feet that get some girls' pulses jumping for joy? I can't say that I'm one of them or ever have been, but there was a time a few months back that I thought seriously about it.

BUT... yesterday, I, once again, changed my mind about the notion of having a baby. Maybe it's just that I don't care for the way some people raise kids... because some just don't get the concept of discipline, or if it's that I just don't like kids. I use to think that I just didn't like children but I have seen and even taught some kids that I really did enjoy being around, so I'm not sure what's up or if I have decided, for good, not to have a kid or what. I know that I'd be letting down a bunch of people if I chose not to do it, but then again, it is my choice. Right?!! Or at least in some parts of the world, the woman does have a say as to whether or not she wants a child. Here, most women can't wait to have kids, once they get married. And then they wind up popping out two or three of them within a few years... I just don't think this is my cup of tea. Maybe I'll change my mind one day... who knows.

I think it's when the child hits that walking age that they truly start to annoy me, or maybe... like I said, it's just that some don't discipline so it puts a black mark on all their foreheads. I love my little niece (my younger sister's little girl), she's 5 and really smart... I think that's why I like her so much. She can entertain herself for hours and has been able to do this for years. I have to give mucho kudos to my sister though... cuz she's a really good mother! So it shows in my niece.

On the other hand, what I've been seeing lately are mothers who do nothing but sit and entertain their children for hours on end and believe anyone in the near vicinity of that child HAS to do the same. They never sit the child down and, if they do, it's on their laps. I'm of the belief that women, once they have children, need some type of normality in their lives and still need to be active in the things they were doing prior to giving birth... but a lot of women, here in the Gulf area, don't do that. But, many weren't active to begin with... so what do I expect?

Before all you mothers out there start attacking me on my beliefs... cuz NO, I don't have kids and I don't know what it's like to have a child (but I've been around children a lot) ... so I do know what it's like and that if and when I ever have a child, I plan to raise my child completely different than a lot of ppl raise them here. I think I'd go insane if not. I know I almost did yesterday. But... as soon as I left that house, I took a deep breath and then sighed a breath of relief! Glorious relief!!

An Unfinished Life

We watched this movie last night and, really, didn't know what to expect because it was a serious role for Jennifer Lopez and she hasn't played serious since she was w/ Ben Affleck and we all know how that turned out.

But, this movie was actually pretty good. It starred not only Jennifer Lopez but Robert Redford, Morgan Freeman, and a young girl named Becca Gardner. She is such a good little actress and really held up her own against the likes of Robert Redford and Morgan Freeman.

It's a story that's filled w/ warmth and heartache, and it took a good look at relationships and all the tangled webs within them. I love Robert Redford and have been a fan of his acting for a long time, so it was really nice to see him in a movie again. Morgan Freeman definitely didn't disappoint me (I love his stuff), and Jennifer Lopez was actually not bad at all. The last few movies of hers have been pretty good... sure did make a difference to get that monkey, known as Ben Affleck, off her back.

So, if you want a nice, feel-good movie, then try this one. It's not for everybody but I was actually impressed by it.

Abracadabra!

The magic show was really something else. In more ways than one.

There was way too much time given to speeches and I think it ruined a lot of the show, but such is life when a ministry hosts an event in this country. The magician was pretty good though. Some tricks were just stupid but there were others that had me spellbound. He came into the audience at one point and me and the hubby were lucky in that we got to see his trick up close and personal. He put his hand in the air, like he was grabbing something, and then brought it down to my hand and started pouring burned incense into my hand. Really, it was amazing. He did this to many in the audience and, as he did it, I looked closely at his hand and there was nothing there, so I really wonder where this incense was coming from.

He also levitated a girl on a sword in the middle of the stage, which was really something. He also sawed a girl in half, which was truly amazing. He did all the Houdini tricks .... like being put into boxes/coffins and such and then would reappear someplace else. Those tricks were pretty good. At one point, he took a small bag and pulled six large glass boxes out of it. I have no idea how he did that.

The stage act was really something. He had dancers and the whole bit. It felt like we were watching a broadway production. These Indians really know how to put on a show, that's fer sure. Sometimes it felt like we were in an Indian movie cuz he had the dancing girls who were singing and doing the Indian dances like the movies.... but it was all fun.

I'm glad we went. We both enjoyed the night out and all the magic.