the storm

Tonight there's a storm right above our house. This isn't a great photo, but... it's the 1st time that I've ever seen lightning here in Bahrain... and I've lived here for almost 6 years. I caught this just a few minutes ago while looking out the bedroom window. I had to stand for several minutes before getting a good sized one, and one that wasn't too fast for my slow little camera phone.

I must say, I'm a wee bit impressed w/ this storm. There's great lightning, rolling thunder, wind... what next??? Dare I mention the word rain???

Oh... please... let's have a downpour!!! One that lasts a few days even. :)

twilight, the movie

Was so tickled to get the chance to see this movie last night, but I'll have to say, my expectations were high in that I really loved the book. I wasn't sure about the two main characters... they were good looking enough, but could they act.

I now understand why one blog friend got up and left the theatre....!

I didn't like the movie whatsoever. Terrible, I thought. Very teen flicky, but I guess with the two main characters being 17 yrs old, it would be like this... but still. I don't like this Robert Pattinson guy and it doesn't seem like he can act very well.... just my opinion (maybe I had over the top expectations). Way too much make-up on his face, his lips looked like they were smothered in lip stick all the time and I hated his eye expressions. To me, he just didn't mesh w/ the Edward in the book. I hate it when that happens. Felt the same when I watched Interview w/ the Vampire. Absolutely HATED Brat Pitt and Tom Cruise in those roles, and hated the movie even more...

The twilight movie moved way too fast and wasn't true to the book in several areas, but seems like most of the books made into movies do this... shame really. I wonder if Harry Potter did the same. Haven't read the books so have no idea really. I enjoyed the movies... haven't seen the last, but I liked them, so wish I could say the same about this one.

I only hope w/ the new director that'll be coming up for the 2nd in the series will do a better job all around. I only hope this Robert guy gets w/ the role... but maybe no one could live up to ppl's (my) expectations. Seems like lots of ppl were against this Jacob guy, and he wasn't bad as an actor, actually, and I thought he fit the role quite well. So, maybe it's just me coz all the girls seem to be totally gaga over this guy who plays Edward.

All the vampires weren't right w/ me. Didn't like any of them and thought the make-up was terrible, the acting was terrible... just everything. And the 3 bad vampires that come into Fork later in the movie (once again not going along w/ the book)... really, the only good one was Laurent...

well... sadly, another one bites the dust!

Easter hats

These are a couple pics from yesterday's decorating fun. Me and a friend made six different hats, with two being these adorable chicken hats (she's so creative), for the weekend Easter Day in the Park.

We'll be going on a walk-a-thon, weather permitting, Friday morning and then Easter in the Park on Saturday. It'll be Naief's first Easter egg hunt and hopefully as fun as I'm imagining.

I've debated about doing an Easter basket for Naief this year... it's a tradition in my family, and since talking to my older sister, I've decided to do something fun and not loaded down w/ sweets... a few sweets... no Easter basket would be complete w/out candy eggs and such... right... but I'll add a few other things as well.

Gonna do little treats for his friends and cousins... :) I wonder what the in-laws will think about that???

reading 'twilight'

Started reading 'twilight' yesterday afternoon while Naief was napping and immediately got hooked. The first book I read about vampires was years ago (Interview With the Vampire) and just loved it. The movie sucked, but the book forever created an interest inside of me..... and now that I'm reading a whole series about the same... well, I'm wanting to be a vampire like you wouldn't believe! ;)

I must say that I stayed up last night until 2 a.m. reading and had to make myself go to bed... not wanting to put it down and not being able to clear my mind of it for a good long while, but finally, sleep came. This morning hubby took Naief out to play to give me time to read... yes, I adore him, and it allowed me to finish it. :))) I'm now starting the 2nd in the series, 'new moon'. Already... it's all I want to do... I think about it, long to sit, curl up, actually.... just anything to read ....

The sad thing is, as I told Hashim, I hate books like this because I always get so bummed after finishing them. It takes forever for me to find a book that entices me the way these have.... it's so nice to be able to escape into a world that sooooo interests me. Yeah, I'm a bit strange....

but really, I want to be a vampire! I told Hashim to tilt my head back this morning and run his mouth along the nape of my neck... he refused! ;) dang! hehehe

anyway... are any of you addicted like me???

what a fun party :)

Today we went to one of Naief's little friends' houses for a bday party (is the punctuation correct? - seems like nowadays, I can't remember my English grammar. Not that it was ever my strong suit... but still, and you know... I hate that I'm forgetting it. What is up w/ that?? Having a baby?). Anyway... what a fun time. His mother is such a good mother.. so patient, so calm and so good w/ her kids.... and she's so talented! She went to a carpenter here in Bahrain and had huge farm animals cut out of wood or some such and painted white, then all the kids got paint, at the party, and had a field day painting all the animals. Naief and all the other kids loved it and had so much fun. Must say that Naief loves the attention of others and especially adults, as he would turn around to see who was watching him and do his best Picasso impersonation! ;)

Didn't know beforehand about the painting, since all the kids were supposed to bring a change of clothes (didn't get the invitation since we've switched to the afternoon class at the baby gym, while my friend and her son go to a morning class... ), and since I didn't take any clothes for painting fun, my friend lent some clothes to Naief to paint in (how sweet, huh?!!). I felt bad though coz didn't want him getting his friend's clothes all messy... but I tried to go w/ it. And momma didn't wear the appropriate clothes either.... don't think white linen pants and a indigo linen shirt were the right attire for a painting party!! But, thankfully, didn't get any paint on me.... :)

They also had goats for the kids to enjoy. Had them in the side yard... Naief loved it. There was a little kid (baby goat) that was soooo adorable... jumping around and climbing through the gate, only to make his momma very upset. The whole little gang would cry for him to come back in, but he seemed to be having too much fun on the other side of the fence. At one point, my friend's hubby had to go on the other side to get the little guy. It was really sweet and a great idea. All the kids loved giving them food and watching them play. Got a text from my friend today telling everyone to bring any veggies to be thrown out... and crazy me wondered what that was about and thought maybe they were composting... !!!! yes... I did think this!!! Didn't even dawn on me that it could be for the party!!!!!!! lol

Naief was so well behaved as most of the kids, except a few. One little boy was being quite the bully... pushing kids and taking their things, and making several kids cry in the process. At about the time we were leaving, I was getting a telephone number and this little boy's mother brought Naief to me, crying. She told me that her son had pushed him outside. She felt bad and I felt bad.... but Naief was fine and stopped crying rather quickly. I think that he gets a little scared of kids like this. I just hope this little boy was having a bad day coz I've talked to his mom about a play date, but if her son is a bully and is mean... not sure if I want that happening to my little guy... but, can't shield him forever, right?!! Will have to take this slowly just to see how it goes.

All in all it was a wonderful afternoon. I had a terrible headache when we got home, but probably due to my not having eaten most of the day and just being sorta stressed... but took some meds and it's gone now.

Went over to see my SIL. She gave birth to her 2nd child three days ago. He's soooo tiny!!! Only weighs 4 lbs! To me, that's too small... but so many Bahraini women have itty, bitty babies. From what I've heard, it's about not wanting it to hurt when they give birth, so they try to gain as little weight as possible to make it all easier. She wound up having a c-section... not being able to go into labor and even after they gave her the meds to induce, she still didn't ... so they took the baby. He has a huge, pointed nose.... probably from Hashim's father. They all said that Naief had this nose, but I knew he didn't, since it wasn't pointed. It still isn't... I think he'll have mine since all the baby pics of me and him look the same.... and his nose is identical.... poor little guy! I hate my nose!!! but... maybe it'll be cuter than mine. At least I can hope! ;)

Anyway... this week has wound up w/ two cancellations for engagements/play dates, so I'm relieved since I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed and stressed as of late. Tomorrow we have nothing and I plan to spend a lot of time w/ Naief and cleaning. Still having a difficult time balancing these two things, which causes me a lot of stress. If anyone has any good ideas on how to manage and tackle these two things, please do pass it on. I need all the help I can get.

A friend came over the other night to say goodbye, since she'll be going to Qatar to teach for a few months and before she came, I told her that my house was a mess. I'm not one for having company when the house isn't in tip top shape... but... I let her come anyhoo. She was fine w/ it and we sat in the kitchen, which was a mess... but she assured me she understood... I do have a two year old after all. Made me feel good that she understood.... but I was still a bit in that 'embarrassment zone' after she left... aaahhh... my constant task of cleaning.

Yeah.. I know this is a long post, and sorry for that... but... commenting on my first para, not only am I forgetting grammar, but I'm forgetting things like crazy. I've noticed lately that I'm doing things and not remembering to finish whatever it was. For instance, I'll turn on the water outside and forget about it, which doesn't make the hubby all too happy. One day I left it running for over an hour! Totally forgot. Then the other day, I was filling up the watering thing for the cats and I went off and forgot about it. Came back to see it overflowing all over the place.. then did the same w/ the sink and dishes. Started running hot water and soap to do dishes (which isn't done here, btw... nothing is ever done w/ a sink full of hot, sudsy water) and turned around to do something else and totally forgot about it. Left the room and everything. Don't know how long it was, but when I came back, it was overflowing onto the floor... actually was all over the kitchen floor. Ridiculous really... that I'm doing this. Have even done w/ cooking, which scares me a bit. Saw a show on Oprah today about women forgetting things when they have kids. I really need to slow down, breathe, relax and do one task at a time... or finish the task that I've started... but you know, it's hard.

have a good one everyone.... until next time. :)

am lovin' the weather

Aaaahhh, this time of year is so nice. I love the temps. Today was hot, but not that ...water running down your thighs and armpits type of hot.... it was a pleasant hot. :) Probably in the low 90s, I'd say, since tonight when we were coming home - around 6, it was about 83.

We took Henry to the date farm in Budaiya this morning (where the Sheikh who owns the property allows dog walkers to go, I just recently found out... from an expat, no less) for what turned out to be an hour walk. This place is huge. We could have walked further, but decided to make our way over to where the camels are kept... btw... Henry really enjoyed the walk. The camels were covered in flies and Naief couldn't stand them flying around and landing on his face, so we didn't spend a lot of time near them, but they were all so interested in Henry. I'm happy to say that Henry didn't get sick inside the car on the way and even sat w/ his head towards the window to get lots of fresh air on the ride to (whish is a first... wondering if he thought we were taking him back to the BSPCA during prior car rides since he really enjoyed it today). I was pleased :) He's a good dog.

Could hardly believe the living conditions of the workers at this place tho. Some were living in shacks... shacks that looked to be made out of palm leaves... for ppl who have sooooo much money... to have hired help living in shacks... it surprised me. Then, in another area, they had workers living in a string of small bldgs. When we walked past, sorta reminded me of a small village or something. Music was playing, ppl were outside sweeping... even a few kids were playing outdoors. No one was bothered by the dog, which was a nice, welcomed change. Apparently, a lot of ppl take their dogs to walk through this farm.

We have a busy week coming up. Will be the first time that Naief is busy w/ mommy for almost every day of the week, so am wondering how that'll be. We have a couple play dates, a bday party, lunch w/ friends, swimming, baby gym... phew. I'm tired just thinking about it. :) We have a play date tomorrow and it'll give buba some time to work in the studio... so I'm hoping some new music is in the works or will be after tomorrow.

Picked up a friend and her daughter last week for the baby gym and when I got there to get them, dear friend has just gotten out of the shower, so needless to say, we didn't leave at the time I said we HAD to leave to get to said class on time.... which, was correct and we wound up being over 15 mins late. I hate to run late to anything... and found myself not wanting to go w/ her next time so as not to run late. Yeah, I know, only 15 mins., but when it's a class for kids, every minute counts, and this class is only an hour.

And... she's supposed to go to a play date tomorrow at a friend's house w/ me and Naief, and I'm thinking I should tell her that it starts 30 mins earlier, just so that she'll get up, get dressed and ready w/ lots of time to spare. Why do so many ppl take soooo dang long to get ready???? Some days it drives me batty!

this book...how it's touched me....

Am almost finished reading Marley & Me. Wow.... it has touched my heart in so many ways. The writer, John Grogran, is an amazing story teller.... his family, his life has touched the deep emotional strings inside of me, and Marley.... the dog.... I laughed, cried and cringed w/ them through all of their ups and downs.

It has given me a different view of Henry.... different view of dogs, in general. Helped me see a lot of things, and respect and love the nature of dogs... especially Henry.

I got this book before I realized a movie had been made... only picked it up because we had only just gotten Henry and I wanted to get an idea of what a bad dog was.... just in case Henry wound up being similar. Only after starting to read it did I see that a movie had been made. My older sister is also reading w/ me, so it's been nice to hear her thoughts.

I wont give anything away... just wondering if anyone else had come across and read this book. I love it.... and forever my heart will feel differently.

There are really good excerpts from the book that I'd like to share....

On page 243, chp 24, John Grogan says, "Marley reminded me of life's brevity, or its fleeting joys and missed opportunities. He reminded me that each of us gets just one shot at the gold, with no replays. One day you're swimming halfway out into the ocean convinced this is the day you will catch that seagull; the next you're barely able to bend down to drink out of your water bowl."

pg. 279, chp 28, he says, "A person can learn a lot from a dog, even a loopy one like ours. Marley taught me about living each day with unbridled exuberance and joy, about seizing the moment and following your heart. He taught me to appreciate the simple things- a walk in the woods, a fresh snowfall, a nap in a shaft of winter sunlight. And as he grew old and achy, he taught me about optimism in the face of adversity. Mostly, he taught me about friendship and selflessness and, above all else, unwavering loyalty."

I needed to read this book.... not only because it's opened my eyes and my heart, but when someone asked me last night WHY we had gotten a dog.... this is why...

pg. 281, chp 29, he says, "Animal lovers are a special breed of human, generous of spirit, full of empathy, perhaps a little prone to sentimentality, and with hearts as big as a cloudless sky."

I only wish some ppl could understand .... but some will never know this sort of love for animals.

I cried so much today while reading. Many times I had to put it down and wait a bit before being able to pick it up again.... it made me think a lot about my cat, Frankie, who seems to be on the verge of death some days and then 'making it' the next. I know what's ahead of me and I'm truly dreading the day..... but instead of being angry because he's dying... which I've been for weeks now, I'm trying to take a different approach.... and I hope, when the time comes, it helps.

locks too long?

Seems that a few or many in the family believe that Naief's hair is too long and "isn't nice", as his little 3 1/2 yr old cousin put it, after flicking his finger thru his hair and asking me, "what's wrong w/ Naief.... his hair (flick) not nice".

I think it's adorable and don't intend to cut it any time soon.... what I don't get is why it's such a big deal to others??

Funny that my SIL doesn't realize that children say the darnest things... and repeat everything they hear!

I got angry and let that anger get the best of me and found myself flicking my fingers close to his hair (not in it - since it's so short) and telling him that his hair isn't nice and it's rude to say such things. he told me that he didn't care.... and continued with, "his hair, not nice". (let me add... i've tried to believe that this little boy is sweet... but i'm starting to believe otherwise)

when hashim came in, he told him that it's rude in arabic and then told him how others will say bad things about you when you say such things, to which he replied, "oh naief, you're so beautiful". hashim then asked if his mother had said such a thing and he said ..... yes (of course).

so manipulative at such a young age....

He's growing up!!!

Today is Naief's 2nd Birthday!!! I can hardly believe it's been two years! This morning I looked at the clock, it was 8 and I delivered him at 8:04 a.m. Seems like not long ago he was this small little baby, so frail, so dependent on Momma and Buba for everything... and now....

he's so independent, doesn't want kisses from Momma, even says 'no' when I tell him I love him!! :((( and is going through a major temper tantrum throwing phase!!! The very kind I was terrified of!!!!! but... I ignore him and it's not long before it's finished. He hates not being able to control me. I guess that's why he's angry and doesn't want no kisses or lovies.... :(((

I feel very happy, but also sad. Been on the verge of crying most all day. A friend who delivered two months before me called this morning to wish Naief a happy birthday. Why I started crying while on the phone w/ her is beyond me... but it just sorta set the tone for the entire day. Even doing this post, I've teared up!

His grandparents are throwing him a bday party at the school tomorrow.... so we'll go today and buy hats and a few things. I'm wondering how it'll be for him. This morning when he got up, I sung happy birthday to him, but he doesn't really understand. I hung a little happy birthday banner and blew up a balloon, but he didn't seem interested. So I hope that he doesn't get scared tomorrow and is able to enjoy it. I took him over to the school today to see Momma Ouda (his grandmother) and to play with the kids, but he was very shy. He warmed up after a bit and enjoyed playing with his older cousin, climbing on the slides and then playing more later.... so I hope that it's just because he hasn't been out in a while. He's missed his last two baby gymnastics classes and we haven't been on any play dates for a while, and I can tell the difference. (we've all been sick for the last two weeks with a flu type virus which equals little sleep and grumpy behavior)

On another thought....my older sister donated one of her kidneys to her significant other and I'm really proud of her. Takes a lot to be a donor and many ppl are afraid of it, but she wasn't. She's doing good now.... will be recouping for about 4 wks, and M is doing really well. His body doesn't seem to be rejecting the kidney, so that's really good news. :)

so many things

Where to start?!! Well... first, my friend wasn't able to come and visit. Bahrain doesn't allow for visit visas from her country, even though hubby was sponsoring her, didn't make a darn bit of difference. :(

Another bird got out. Oprah and Stedman were the only two left, and since putting them in a big cage .... one that my FIL wasn't using... and one that did nothing but create a nightmare for me since Oprah is a chewer, she did nothing but continually bite pieces out of the floor, ceiling and such that created huge holes big enough for one or both to get through. Months ago I heard all this screaming coming from Stedman, ran to the back and Oprah was down on the sidewalk, having fallen through one of the holes... so I got a towel, thew it on top of her and put her back in... but not before covering the hole w/ a thingy that goes on the bottom of potted plants... those things that catch the water.... come on... you know what I mean. :)

Anyway, the last few months has been nothing but an attempt, on my part, to ensure that neither of the birds get out again... which has been a job in and of itself... having to find bricks or those water collecting thingys to put over all the holes. Soon enough though... she started biting huge holes in the top, and last week I went outside to find Stedman down on the sidewalk. I grabbed and towel, tried to get him, but he flew off. I grabbed Naief, ran outside and he had flown over to the vacant lot across the street and was just wondering around - on the ground - so I threw it on him and brought him back. It seemed to work until a few days ago when I saw him on the sidewalk again, but this time, he would have none of my catching him. He flew up into the tree, came back the next to get food and I haven't seen him since.

Now... since she can't fly (ever since that Indonesian housemaid did something to her), I have her in the old cage on the front porch. She seems happy enough. Doesn't seem to miss Stedman too much, which I'm happy about. She's actually calmed down and doesn't seem so mean... not trying to bite me when I stick my hand in her cage to change the water and whatnot. The other day she got out of it because I had forgotten to put the bottom tray in, and I found her rooting about in the dirt... thank goodness the outside cat didn't find her or she'd be dead.

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Henry's doing good altho he threw up 3 times today. Not sure why. We've started feeding him canned food w/ dry in the mornings (only a half can), and rice, chicken and veggies in the evening. He hardly eats it, even though they assured me that he had been fed this same mix at the BSPCA.

He guards the house nicely... barking at every truck that comes along and at most of the Indians. He doesn't seem to like Indians for some reason and they don't seem to like him or are afraid.

We like him.

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I've been taking a break from blogging and getting online every day because I just don't have any time for myself. And I've realized that I really need some time for myself. So... I'll try to continue taking breaks and doing what I want to do while Naief naps or sleeps in the evenings.

Can hardly believe that Naief will be 2 yrs old in less than a month! Hardly seems possible that I gave birth to him two years ago! Time sure flies.... and it's scary!!!! But... I'm really trying to live each moment and enjoy this time, since it's the most precious and he is the sweetest little boy....

except

when he is telling me NO for almost everything I ask of him! :) Actually, I don't mind it too much... I usually just grab him up and we do what I want or change his clothes or whatever needs to be done at the moment.

I'm potty training him and it's going well. He's pretty much peeing in the toilet now, but not poo. We've had lots of accidents in the pants... so I figure it'll be another good month or so before we get that down.

He's talking non-stop now. A lot I can understand, but there's a lot I can't. He has down that throaty stuff that you have when speaking Arabic, so I think it'll come easy to him.... he does say 'bas', 'ba'ad', and repeats most everything I say... words and such.

He is also humming songs. The other morning I realized he was humming "This Old Man"... could hardly believe it. I started humming/singing along. Is this pretty normal????

He loves being in the studio w/ buba and will hit the keys of the keyboard or strum on the guitar or oud.

He will no longer sit in his high chair so I don't make him. Seems to eat better when I don't try to force it... so I tell him that he's a big boy now and can eat from the kitchen chair... which usually works but hasn't for the last few days as he insists to run around, play and eat on the go.

We've started a gymnastics class at Chaoss. Tomorrow is our 2nd time. He loved it the first time. Was really good at everything and was usually the first in line to do this or that, which made me quite proud. :)

And while most kids around here have been sick for months... I'm happy to say that Naief hasn't been and I hope it stays that way, since, a while back, seemed like he was sick every other month.


That's about it for me. Motherhood is keeping me rather busy... and cleaning, of course. We're getting a part-time person to come in and help me 3 days a week. She starts tomorrow. She's an older Indian woman. She has a limp, so I'm wondering how it'll be for her going up and down the stairs... so we'll see how it goes. I'm very thankful since it's been so much dirtier in the house since getting Henry! I like him, but he's messy. I've realized that dogs are soooooo much more messier than cats! Cats are very clean animals, even though ppl don't want to believe it.

Anyway... I've been trying to catch up on my blog reading, but it's going at a snail's pace. Hope you all had a wonderful New Year... and I hope this new year brings much happiness your way....

and.... in 3 days, we'll have a new President!!!!!!! I'm thrilled about watching all the coverage on TV... can hardly wait really.

Oh.. I can't end this post w/out making a comment about Palestine. I think the Israeli's are killing the Palestinians like the Nazi's killed them. They call the Palestinian's terrorists, but they are the ones that are the terrorists. Killing innocent women and children.... and men, for that matter. Seeing the coverage, the bodies, the screaming children... it makes my heart sick w/ every new photo or video clip. Please people... stand up against what is happening... stand up for Palestine. Israel has no right.... and if you didn't know, there are reports that they're using what ppl call white dust... can't think of the substance at this moment - ok, looked it up again and it's 'white phosphorus' and ... but it is not legal to use it against people. It's allowed to cover up troop movement, but they're not using it for these purposes. They deny that they're using it... there are reports coming out that it's being used by the Human Rights Watch... and since they wont allow anyone access into Gaza... no one can find out for sure. But doctors are saying that something is being used that they don't know how to deal w/.... look up articles on this and read for yourself.

Happy Birthday to The Man

Tomorrow's the hubby's birthday! The BIG 3-0!!!!!! and he thinks he's soooo old. I guess that makes me a dinosaur! ;)

Was planning to do a surprise bday party for him, but since it's impossible to plan anything w/out his knowing every tiny detail, I settled for a bday dinner w/ some of his friends.... which he first refused to do, but has since given the okay. :)

Happy Birthday lovies.... I hope you have a wonderful day tomorrow... and I hope the bday dinner on Friday is something you'll always remember. I wish you nothing but happiness in the coming year.... and for things to slow down so the next 10 years seem like 50! :)

Happy holidays!

Gonna take a break from blogging until after Christmas. Just have a lot to get done before the big day w/ wrapping gifts, getting boxes for mailing and sent, and preparing for the big arrival of Santa... and, my friend, Puppy, comes the first part of Jan.!!

If I don't blog again until the New Year... I hope all of you have a peaceful and happy holiday season. Merry Christmas!

a funny

AN ITALIAN BOY'S CONFESSION


>
> 'Bless me Father, for I have sinned. I have been with a loose girl'.
>
>
>
> The priest asks, 'Is that you, little Joey Pagano ?'
>
> 'Yes, Father, it is.'
>
>
>
> 'And who was the girl you were with?'
>
> 'I can't tell you, Father, I don't want to ruin her reputation'
>
>
>
> Well, Joey, I'm sure to find out her name sooner or later so you may as
>
> well tell me now.
>
>
>
> Was it Maria Minetti?'
>
> 'I cannot say.'
>
>
>
> 'Was it Teresa Mazzarelli?'
>
> 'I'll never tell.'
>
>
>
> 'Was it Nin a Capelli?'
>
> 'I'm sorry, but I cannot name her..'
>
>
>
> 'Was it Cathy Piriano?'
>
> 'My 2 lips are sealed.'
>
>
>
> 'Was it Rosa Di Angelo, then?'
>
> 'Please, Father, I cannot tell you. '
>
>
>
> The priest sighs in frustration. 'You're very tight lipped, Joey
>
> Pagano, and I admire that. But you've sinned and have to atone. You
>
> cannot be an altar boy for 4 months. Now you go and behave yourself.'
>
>
>
> Joey walks back to his pew, and his friend Franco slides over and
>
> whispers,
>
> 'What'd you get?'
>
>
>
> 4 months vacation and five good leads.

The Eid holiday

Well, today is the last day of Eid for most, altho Shi'a's are still on holiday, w/ tomorrow being the last day of Eid for many. We had a good Eid. We didn't buy Naief any new clothes this time around since we're shopping for Christmas. Once he gets older and sees that all his cousins get new clothes and new things, that'll probably change somewhat, but, for now, it works. :)

The first day of Eid was spent at my in-laws. We went over at 9 and stayed until about 1. Naief played with all his cousins out in the garden where we got some of the cutest pictures, played inside, had lunch and played some more. The second day we went over to some of my FILs relatives early in the morning so they could meet Naief, then had the big family lunch that afternoon. I was wondering how Naief would be... seeing that he doesn't see a lot of these kids regularly, but he wasn't afraid and had a great time. We took him out to the water garden last night and tonight, where he bounced on the trampolines, rode some rides, ate popcorn and cotton candy. :)

Tonight we rode the little train that's sorta like a mini roller coaster. Last time, Naief seemed a little spooked by it, but tonight he squealed w/ delight after. There were two young Bahraini boys riding in the seats in front of us and were concerned for Naief - even telling Hashim to hold on to him so he wouldn't fall out (he was in between us and going nowhere) - and after they saw how excited he was, they got tickled by his enthusiasm. He also rode the planes that go up in the air tonight... a first. He's not too small, but it kept me on the edge the entire time. Afraid that he'd try to stand up or get out once it got up into the air, but he didn't. :) He loved it. Even wanted to go again.

He's starting to repeat most things we say. Every time he sees a mini van, truck, semi or such, he'll say, "big bus". The word truck isn't in his vocabulary... yet. :) He has started to list all the names of the cats and Henry, as well, at random times throughout the day. He gets stuck on saying Jewels (whom we call JuJus) and Henry over and over, but will eventually add Puss and Amy... it's really cute to listen to him. I'll then start listing all the other cats... funny... he always remembers this cat that we call 'dumbdumb'... she's a wild cat that comes to our house to get food. Every other time I see her, she's pregnant, but we never see any kittens. I think she's probably not a good momma. Good at getting preggers, but that's about it.

We've started a star system w/ him. I've listed four things on paper that cause stress w/ him (eating, getting dressed, changing his diaper and picking up his toys), put it on the fridge, have told him about the list, shown it to him, and introduced stars to put on the paper when he does these things without any problems. Today he got a star for eating, changing his diaper w/out problem and putting on his clothes w/out much hassle. I let him put the last two stars on himself. Day before yesterday I drew a star on his hand.... and one on mine. He just loved it and showed bubba, his grandparents, everyone... and told them that it was a 'STARRRR'. He loves stars, and the moon. So.. getting stars is a big thing. And when he's gotten four stars in a row, he'll get a big star and then a piece of candy, which we're keeping in a jar in the kitchen. So far... so good. Hopefully it'll work and we'll gradually be able to add more rows and more tasks.

One great thing... Naief told me he had to pee the other morning and peed in the toilet!! :) Hasn't done it since, but we have lots of pretends. Still isn't interested in pooing in the toilet, preferring for it to be very private.... so I'm guessing this will take a bit. We're trying to put poo in the toilet from his diaper, which is fine w/ him, but not before. He doesn't like his little potties... preferring to use the foam toilet seat thingy w/ handles that I got for a really great cheap price at Al Anwar... went back the other night to get a few more and there aren't any! :( so... we'll have to make due w/ one. He gets very excited when he goes poo... and we're cleaning him up in the toilet as well... trying to get him used to the whole procedure... and it's going pretty well. I'm hoping that he'll be potty trained soon... he seems to be willing and able now... and since putting on diapers is his least favorite thing... maybe it'll be easier than what I'm envisioning. Right now he's peeing while sitting down... I figure once he gets a little older, standing will be the next phase. I've always heard that's a hard one... getting little boys to aim inside the toilet... with some women I know using Cheerios's to aim at and other things that have been put in the toilet for them to aim at.... so.. we shall see. :) Really, I think it'll be fun.

Oh yeah... my blog friend, Puppy, is looking to come to Bahrain to visit me and the family. :))))) I'm so excited. Hopefully everything will work out w/ her visa and us sponsoring her (which I still don't understand all the stuff that's up w/ this - why she can't get a tourist visa like other ppl)... but, hopefully, it'll all work out and we'll be having a great time together very soon. I sent her a two page list of all the things to do in Bahrain... so I think we'll stay busy in a relaxing way. We've never met before... so it should be fun and interesting. :) We're both Virgos.. so she really liked the list.

afternoon funnies

busy weekend

The weekend is over, Hashim is home and the house is a lot less frantic... YEAH!!

Long story short... hubby took a side trip (altho ... he's now saying he didn't, but at first said he did) and told me about it only after he arrived (hence not being able to catch the flight in London, not having phone service, blah, blah, blah). Yes... he got in trouble because hubbies aren't supposed to take side trips w/out letting wifey poos know! I'd say he'll be in the dog house for a good week or so.... maybe longer. All the points he's earned throughout the year... well, most have been taken... hehehe... and the rest, we have to talk about. ;)

Oh.... I did get some incredibly delicious chocolate... OMG.... so... sooo... good!!! And Olivia, I had 3 pieces yesterday, but haven't had any since. Does that break the rules?? I figure since it was the first day and all, and I did want to try a few... that I'd have just a couple... :) mmmmmmm!! I'll see if I can get a lovely shot so all of you can imagine just how good they are... :)

I finished my shopping for Hashim today and only have Naief left... can't find Hashim's stocking, so I may wind up making another or buying one - altho, I'd rather not buy it, if I don't have to. Can hardly believe that I finished buying his stocking stuffers... these are usually the most difficult for me... but I'm actually done. Truly, I'm beside myself. :)

The housemaid they sent over is still w/ us. She's nice. Speaks no English so communication is a bit difficult... but we manage. We're all waiting for my FIL to return from Thailand to decide what to do w/ her... since they've been having problems there, his flight was cancelled and he had to take a bus to another part of the country, which was supposed to take a day or longer, in order to get out. This was a day or more ago, so I have no idea what's going on w/ that. I assume we'll probably go over to visit the family this afternoon, so I'm sure we'll find out.

Henry's doing well. He's a loverboy... wants to be cuddled all the time and is behaving nicely. The cats are getting used to him, which is good and Naief really likes him. Henry adores Hashim.... and follows me around like a little shadow... so life is a bit different w/ him here, but I like it. He's a good dog and I'm glad we got him. To answer your question Puppy about taking him back... well, he had been at the shelter for over a year and was up to be killed (they only keep dogs for a year, and they have over 100 right now). And.. knowing what an animal lover I am, you know I couldn't do it... and since he's a lot better now, I'm glad I waited it out and endured those few rough days in the beginning. :) But... not to say I didn't seriously consider it.

So... things have calmed down... altho yesterday was terribly hectic in the house. For about 4 hrs, we had 11 children here w/ probably 5 or 6 teachers, and the reception room in the studio was packed w/ other ppl... we were serving food, drinks, fruit... and trying to keep Henry from running amuck, the cats inside, the kids outside... all the while they were trying to record. :) It all worked out and I had the pleasure of meeting a really nice woman from England. She was so pleasant and friendly.

I also went to the xmas dinner at the Dilmun Club lastnight w/ my English friends (the Manama Singers were there performing)... and had a wonderful time. I really like these women. So chatty and friendly, natural, and they all seem so honest and open. Delish food and great entertainment. I had some of the best English food... mmmmmm... so yummy. Can't remember the name.. but it was a pastry type crust on the top w/ meat on the bottom in a brown sauce... oh gosh, it was sooooooo good!!! I could have gone for 2nds, even 3rds, but I stuck w/ what was on my plate. :) Somebody please help me remember the name of it... and give me a recipe... I'd LOVE to make some! Also had some very British (from what I was told) desserts (tried this dark choc looking thing that was actually a fruit cake - warm (so devine!) and minced meat pies - i just love these little things!!, AND had a few bites of a wonderful pumpkin pie - haven't had any good pumpkin pie in ages), cheese & crackers, half bottles of wine for every one in attendance and we had 10 women!, and... to top off the evening, me and chummy, Helena, had coffee w/ baileys and whipped topping (yummmm). We did secret Santa gifts and I got a lovely vase w/ two nice smelling candles. I brought two sets of earrings for my gift and Steph really seemed to like them.

all in all, it was a wonderful weekend... altho, hubby is still in the dog house... but... I'm sure, w/ a little sweet talk, he'll be out soon. HOpe you guys like the picture... this was the other day before it rained... was taken from our bedroom window w/ my phone. The clouds were so beautiful (picture doesn't do them justice) and I couldn't resist snapping a pic. The tower you see is at my in-laws' house... so, as you can see, they're just a stone throw away from us!

still not home

ok... i don't know what happened, but his flight was cancelled from london to bahrain... so, once again (since he didn't make it on the flight out of belgium the other night because they were on a waiting list) i am in a state of wait.

i'm a bit exhausted, if the truth be known. getting up throughout the night and early morning to let the dog out is taking a toll on me. he hasn't had any accidents today, but i know the evening will bring a few since i plan to go to bed soon... and it's only 8.

i'm so angry w/ this flight situation. there's a guy at the shura council that doesn't understand why he hasn't had a promotion in 6 yrs...hmmm... let me think... you take passports to the german embassy, are supposed to pick them up on a sunday, but, on sunday, realize that the embassy is closed for a national day... so the flight is cancelled and all hopes of going are drenched. but... w/ all the luck in the world, you're able to pick the passports up on monday, make flight arrangements, so all seems good and they leave to go to the conference. after said conference, they head to airport only to realize that they're on a waiting list... no guaranteed seat (haha, maybe this is the sh*% that keeps you from getting a promotion!!! especially when you tell not a soul about this!). so what happens? they have to spend the night and wait for the next flight the next day. the hotel they were staying at is booked, so they have to walk, in the dead of winter, down several blocks to get another hotel... fun fun.

cut to london, this morning... flight has been delayed to bahrain... with batteries going dead in hubby's phone, i'm unable to speak to him, but get a text msg saying that he's not coming tonight, but on tomorrow's flight and will explain everything when he gets here.....

OH MY FREAKIN GOODNESS.... really... if this happens one more day, i may collapse in a big, fat heap.

not only this.. but sunday is booked for an all day session in the studio with 11 children coming for 3 hrs that morning, and a guy staying until 5... so that means no time w/ hubby, and no time for hubby to be w/ naief.

i'm a bit miffed... i'm tired, need a break... badly...

and i wanted to go to the bapco/awali craft fair tomorrow... :( wont be going since i have not the slightest on how to get there. and since i hate driving to places i don't know..out of total fear of getting lost... i wont even try.. because if i get lost, who will i call???

this has been tooooo long of a week. one nice thing though... my MIL sent over a housemaid that is going back to indonesia tomorrow or sunday and she's been helping me... which has been nice. there were sooo many things being put off coz i just don't have the time... but much of it got done today. so.. a tiny leak of sunshine has made its way through a very dark rain cloud that's hanging over my sad head!

will it be a better day tomorrow???

another positive... it rained today!!! a first for naief to see rain... and what did we sing???

Listen to the pitter-patter, pitter-patter of the rain
Hear it tapping, gently tapping
Tapping on my windowpane
It will make the roses brighter
It will make the grasses grow
Gentle rain is falling, falling
Splashing every thing below

he loved it... and insisted that we sing a good 6 or 7 times! :) btw... that's a song from the barney dvd!

oh yeah... guess what else i realized last night... the reason frankie has been crying non-stop and such is because I HAVE BEEN FORGETTING to give him his night time dose of meds! no wonder he's been having these problems. i feel like a terrible furrmomma, but at least we're back on track. seriously.. i have WAY too much on my plate.

one more day

Thankfully, Hashim will be home tomorrow. :) Feels like he's been gone a week and it's only been a few days...

Have been reading up on how to walk the dog, since he was pulling me instead of us walking, so today, I scored a big one... I was able to walk Henry while pushing Naief in the stroller!! Yeah!!! I found some good info on a website about jerking his leash sideways when he started to pull which would cause him to become off balance and he'd get the message and fall into line... and it WORKED!! Also, you are to nudge him if he becomes too interested in something, which I also did today and it also worked. So far, so good. I successfully walked him twice today using this method and was able to control him each time. I think he'll train easily. Not only is he willing, but he's intelligent. I just need to get him to stop peeing in the house... tonight he went right in front of me while in the TV room, and I swear... I took him out less than an hour ago and thought he would have gone then.. but he didn't. I will wait another couple of hours and let him go out again, and hopefully this time, he'll go. He is good w/ Hashim in that he'll go outside the house, but w/ me, he refuses to go in that area.... preferring to go in the yard.

One thing about one walk today... we came up to the outside of a house down the street from us and when Henry went to smell this bathtub thingy they have outside w/ plants and such potted inside, he got severely spooked and jumped back. I looked, but nothing was there. Makes me wonder if something is buried there... not sure. I'll say this.. I've noticed my attitude changing towards ppl and places when walking him. I now become weary of ppl when he becomes weary and if he gets spooked, I find myself feeling uneasy about the place and the situation. If he growls or barks at someone... I find myself not wanting to go near them... because... don't you think there's a reason? I do. I think he's able to tell about ppl... I like that. He'll be good at protecting our house.

Oh yeah... just so you know.. there hasn't been any more growling over food since the first time, and he hasn't growled at Naief or Frankie... which is good because Frankie is driving momma insane. He cries non-stop all day for food. Even after I've fed him, it isn't but 5 mins before he's starving again. I really thought he was getting better, but now I wonder. Not only that, but he's having severe diarrhea... colored water type, and is missing the litter box most days. If it's not that, then he's throwing up whatever he eats. We go back to the vet on Sat., so I'm hoping she can give me some insight into what's happening. I fear the worst....

Things are going well w/ Naief. Tantrums have cooled off for the most part, and he's actually getting better w/ changing clothes, thank goodness. He's learning how to take off his pants, so pretty soon I'll start potty training. Whenever I've tried, he'll usually pee and then tell me that he's gone! ;)

Did some Christmas shopping this week... am pretty much finished w/ my family, but still need to buy stocking stuffers for hubby and Naief. We'll probably put up the tree this weekend. Still haven't decided where to put it... either in the TV room or in the hall upstairs. My concern is that Henry will have a field day, knock over the tree or something.. and if it isn't Henry, then Naief will have a go at it... so... still trying to decide what to do.

Hope all of you had or are having a good Thanksgiving. Tried to call my family's house but getting no connection w/ Zain... why am I not surprised???

anyway... Happy Thanksgiving!

pics of Henry

Took these w/ the camera on my phone, so they're not the best... but, they're not too bad either. Henry doesn't much care for having his pic taken... wont sit still for nothing and even told me a thing or two at one point... the only reason I was able to snap these is because he was trying to get Puss.

Phew... having a dog is like having another child! With Hashim traveling, I find it rather difficult to carry Naief and walk Henry at the same time. Henry isn't trained, which is something that has to be done in the very near future, so he pulls me most times... and then has had two accidents upstairs either last night or early this morning - and I didn't catch it. I only found it tonight once the urine had dried and gotten sticky. fun

He's 2 yrs old... and is starting to relax... which is good and bad. He loves pulling at my clothes, grabbing bags from my hands, jumping up on me, getting into whatever I have in my hands, and loves to get wet and run around like a crazy dog... which is terribly cute. I guess I know why they said he's a big dog... because he is a big dog! :) So much for my saying he's medium-sized (really he is) because when he stands up, his head comes up to my shoulders.

He barked tonight when I wouldn't let him in the TV room... so not to wake up Naief, I opened the door. I snapped these pics as he was doing everything possible to bother Puss, our Norwegian Coon mix. She doesn't like him and let it be known, but he just couldn't help himself. I'm assuming that once she gets his nose real good, he'll leave her alone!

I'll sure be glad when Hashim gets back! I had to get up this morn before 6 to let him out, and since Naief was stirring, it woke him up and he got up at 6.... and that's early, since his usual waking time is 8. He napped early, cried all day, practically, and went to bed quickly tonight - which was a positive. I finally had to take him out today because he wouldn't calm down, the dog wouldn't relax and I felt like I was about to lose my mind... so... momma decided to pack up baby and go Christmas shopping. :) It's something I need to do anyhoo...

I think I'll do the same tomorrow.

Thanksgiving Divorce

A man in Jacksonville calls his son in San Diego the day before Thanksgiving and says, "I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing; forty-five years of misery is enough.

"Pop, what are you talking about?" the son screams. We can't stand the sight of each other any longer," the father says. "We're sick of each other, and I'm sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Denver and tell her."

Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone. "Like heck they're getting divorced," she shouts, "I'll take care of this,"

She calls Jacksonville immediately, and screams at her father, "You are NOT getting divorced. Don't do a single thing until I get there. I'm calling my brother back, and we'll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don't do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?" and hangs up.

The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife. "Okay," he says, "they're coming for Thanksgiving and paying their own way."