It's been a while....

Well, hello :)
Gosh, how long has it been? Funny how life gets in the way of things... especially blogging and reading blogs. I've been staying out of trouble, for the most part, and Naief has started proper school now - going from 7:30 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. on two days, 1:40 two days, and 1:07 on one day. Weird timings, but he's doing well. He's been having trouble in the mornings with not wanting me to leave. I think it's the Arabic, since he has Arabic, first thing, all but two days a week. This morning he was shy around his homeroom/Arabic teacher, which made me a bit nervous, but I hope it'll only be a matter of time until he starts getting the hang of it.

Hashim is helping with the Arabic lessons and I sit in... hoping I'll learn Arabic with Naief :) We both have four colors down as of tonight, which is pretty good since they all sound very similar to each other, have rolling r's and two use the throat to pronounce the word, which can be difficult to get right. I'm terrible with rolling my r's - never could get it in Spanish class... but I did do it, slightly, a few times tonight, so I'm feeling pretty good. Naief isn't rolling yet, but he has the throat thing down. ;)

Naief, after some nudging and turning it into a game, started saying the words after mommy would say them.... and is doing pretty good. I'm glad because all of the kids in KG1 stand outside in the mornings repeating after the teachers in Arabic, and I want him to know what's being said, what's going on and to feel like he's a part of it, which I'm not sure is happening within him right now. Must say it's hard, as a mom, to see your child uncertain like this.... aaaahhhhh, I find myself having to remind myself many times a day that it's only a matter of time.

Mommy is helping with his English homework... he doesn't like homework, I've realized. He'd rather play and ignore mommy... so we've gone to threats of losing toys or television time. Seemed to work tonight. Hope it continues.

aaaaahhhh, almost forgot... Hashim took me and Naief on a wonderful European holiday this year. We went to Amsterdam and Paris. Loved both places sooo very much. Rained a lot in Amsterdam, was quite chilly (could see my breath), but I LOVED IT. Such a difference from Bahrain weather, and I really needed that. Walked for two days straight all over Amsterdam. Loved the people, how everyone rides bikes - no matter if it's pouring down rain - cats are in all the shops and cafes, and you can always see something crazy there. I loved the people watching... I think it's the best I've ever had. :) Paris was gorgeous and the people were nice - such the opposite to what Americans are led to believe about Parisians. The food was to die for... the pastries, croissants, COFFEE... I now see the light. Anyway... from walking for two days straight in Amsterdam, we were exhausted when we first got to Paris.... and the walking is crazy there. We took the metro everywhere, which was really cool. Loved watching people, listening to them speak French... and they have the best stuff for children! The incredible park at the Eiffel Tower, the children's parks they have in various gardens around the city... they think of everything imaginable that a child could want to play on or with.

This was the only place I heard American accents... altho we did meet two Canadians at Versailles. Took Naief to Euro Disney which was really nice... very beautiful, lots of things for the little ones, Disney Studios next door, shows... great stuff. He was ready to come home by now and really only enjoyed the park in the afternoon on the 2nd day and the morning of the 3rd day... when we were packing to go back to Amsterdam, he wanted to know if we were going back to the house with the cats. :( made my heart ache a bit... poor guy. It was a bit confusing I think... going from this hotel to that, flying from here to there... I think he'll be better suited for travel once he reaches 7 or 8. Then he'll be able to understand and even maybe remember when he gets older.

Anyhoo... this is about it for now. Hope all of you out there are doing good... I think about you.

well..... hello

So many things have been going on... been wanting to write for a while, but have also been thinking about not blogging again or creating new acct where i can be myself, talk about what i want w/out the fear of someone knowing me or telling other ppl that i don't want to know....

been doing swim training to become a coach/swim instructor. started this about 4 wks ago. love it. am training at the dilmun club and the british school. love both places, but would really like to get in the pool and swim laps w/ the kids at the school since it's been forever and a day since i've done any real swimming and i find that i'm not too sure that my strokes are proper and being the perfectionist that i am, i have to know that my strokes are spot on. so will see what i can do about getting in the pool w/ someone that can give me real advice and push me.... so that i'm ready for my testing in november. i'll test for my level 1 then which will qualify me to give classes under another instructor until i take my level 2 test. then i'll be qualified to teach anywhere in the world.... but am hoping that i might be able to stay on at the british school. that would be a dream..... :) so i have my fingers crossed and am hoping.

i'm doing this in the afternoons so it's been up to daddy to watch naief and keep him busy pretty much until bedtime. so far so good. :)

what else???? not sure if i mentioned that someone took our dog. i came home one afternoon and the dog was gone. i have no idea what happened. i still think about him... look out for signs and wonder if he's dead or roaming the streets.... i have no idea... but it all makes me very confused w/ sadness and anger.

on family news, naief and i got over the hand, foot and mouth virus two wks ago. what a terrible, awful virus. horrible fever, chills, ulcers in the mouth, on hands, feet, ears, around mouth and nose. the blisters dry up like chicken pox, so after that happens, you're clear to go out and about, since it's very, very contagious. naief is a lot better now, but we both seem to have a cough that wont go away.....

other than that.... not much going on. been taking care of myself. giving myself the permission to get manicures and pedicures which is really helping to keep my nails strong and healthy. it's been forever since having nice nails.... so it's fun to see them on myself. also been having regular facials which has given me a nice boost of self esteem. dyed my hair real dark, colored my eyebrows and eye lashes, so i'm a dark bruneete now. :) i like it. i also cut my hair short, so i feel like a new woman on a new mission with life.

oh yeah, also been watching a lot of documentaries and conspiracy theories about the U.S. and their involvement in 9/11. i'm convinced they were behind it.....utterly convinced. not only that, been watching all sorts of things about different wars and all things that U.S. has done to involve themselves with things to get money...... never been a history buff so this is very eye opening for me.

hope all of you have been good. peace to you.

cats and the dog

Haven't seen two of my cats in two days. One has taken to staying outside, which worries me a bit, but.... she's staying close, so that's good. I called the two missing cats today, but have yet to hear or see them. Maybe they'll come out in a day or so. Hashim saw Petunia last night which calms my nerves a bit.

Snoop Dog (scooby) loves to chase the cats. He barks at them like mad, but gets low on his front legs, like wanting to play, so I know it's all out of innocence.... altho they don't care about that. They hate him. Yesterday, he spent all afternoon barking at Puss. She's top cat and refuses to play nice.... but seems to be making a stab at playing nice.... even jumping up next to him on the sofa this afternoon. She didn't stay long and hissed and spat once, but didn't strike him. That's a very good thing. :) I could swear he smiled and was so happy. He's dying to be friends.

Cats and dogs are soooo different. I can see why some ppl are cat ppl and some are dog ppl. I'm letting my guard down this time around and trying to be less afraid. Dogs scare me a bit. Once, as a young girl, I was babysitting for a friend and their young doberman scared me. He/she played rough and I was too young to understand. We also once kept a dog for someone... I think it was a grown doberman and it took to my mom and stepdad's room. He/she would lay on the bed and growl at me sometimes when I'd go inside. I thought it was possessed or something.... so I was terrified of it. Terrified of that room after the dog left.... even had a ghostly experience while playing with a friend of mine in that room.

Frankie, my oldest cat, is really sick. He spent the night at the vet's night before last and they took blood and gave lots of meds for him to take over the next 3 days. His blood was fine, which surprises me since I thought his kidney's were failing. They're fine. His thyroid is okay, altho the symptoms he's having is caused by that. Hashim told them that he's having massive diarrhea, but since he didn't have that problem while in their care, they aren't too worried. Today, he's gone twice in various places and is peeing all over the house.... but maybe it's because he has a bad cold and I can only imagine how he must feel w/ the diarrhea. Imagine how sick you feel when you're having that.... with a bad cold on top of it and always being hungry and thirsty. Poor guy. He's only a year older than Puss and Aimee and they're both healthy.... so my heart pours out to him.

I fixed boiled chicken today and gave him a bunch of it. I'm mixing some of it w/ Snoop's food as well... but he still isn't eating a lot. I think the cats are eating a good portion of his food and he ate a tiny bit this morning when I sat down next to his bowl... so I'm gonna try getting down on all fours and pretend to eat it and see if that makes a difference. I'm trying to be real positive and give 'em lots of positive energy about his food... so I'll give it a little more time. It worries me though, since Henry did the same and was sick. I don't want to take him to the vet too quickly for fear it'll stress him out, so I'll wait at least two weeks, then make an appt to have his teeth cleaned and have him neutered.

Yesterday he spent a good hour humping our bedroom comforter. Naief laughed and asked, "momma, what is he doin" and I laughed and told him that he's crazy. Do dogs stop this once they're fixed???? I can only imagine if he gets Naief down or something or starts it w/ me!!!

Frankie used to do that to Jewels when he was younger and he's been fixed since he was 8 wks old.... so I guess they do it regardless. Lord help me :)))

Honestly, I feel like I have a house full of kids! I've gotten a headache for the last two days with his barking... but I'm trying not to let it unnerve me. I do raise my voice and tell him to quiet down and stop barking... but even with that, I have to be careful because Naief mimics everything I do and he'll start raising his voice or yelling at the animals to stop barking or fighting and such.... :)

A New Day

Naief started school today. He didn't cry, hang on to my leg, scream... or anything, but momma cried inside myself all the way to the car.... and found myself breaking down a few times while driving home. It's so rough letting go and seeing them at this stage.... even though it's only 3 days a week, still.... it's hard.

I have been in a real, true funk lately. I need to do something with myself... big time. Have looked and am looking for possible jobs, but need something part-time while Naief is in school. Don't truly think this is what's causing my funk, just adding to it a bit.

Hashim's been working a lot in the studio.... so much on his plate that it gives little time to much else. I know to be successful, to build a business and a career for oneself, that this is needed, but I feel lonely a lot. Even going out, doing things, swimming, playing and hanging out w/ friends.... still... the loneliness begs me to obey. And me... being me.... I do.

Have so much to do today... a 4 o'clock appt w/ my therapist, whom I haven't seen in a long time..... I need to find out what's going on with my inner being... that and so much that you might have to whisper the secrets to everyone around you if I told it out loud! ;) I love going for I always feel so much better afterwards... so I'm hoping, really hoping that this time is the same.

There's so much going on w/ me.... so many times I've wanted to write and tell you all about things, but, to be truthful, I don't trust anyone in this country to not tell someone I know who will then tell my in-laws who will then try to make trouble for me and for anything I might say that will bring shame or pissed off attitudes in my and my family's direction. This is hard to explain and probably the reason I've seriously been thinking of starting a new "secret" blog w/ my address being from the States, to afford me some type of ghost writer status.... so cliche, yes.... but, it's maddening, honestly. I've NEVER been one for being watched, can't stand and I mean seriously loathe liars, trouble makers, these evil eye doers.... and since coming back from the States, I've lost all ability to be able to stand to be around such ppl.... which can only lead one to imagine all of whom I'm speaking about at the moment.

Even friends that I had met, done play things w/ for the kids.... but really didn't like the mother or the child for that matter... I've cut the contact. Use to I'd continue w/ the stupid facade... but why create such headache ????? Plus, one little thing that rattles me to the core is any child being mean to my little man.... if I see that, I swear... my claws want to snatch a piece outta somebody.... so it's better to let go.

Again, I have to say, there's so much I need/want/desire to write about, since I feel that I fill this blog w/ mostly nonsense nowadays.... I long to write.... to get it out..... lie in bed at night thinking about it even.... but then, get up, start a new day, and don't.

I will say this... about a week ago, I saw this guy's name on a friend's FB page (he had left a comment) and this was a guy who had caused me heartache, embarrassment, humiliation... you name it, he did it, while I was in junior high. So... I left a comment under his and asked if this was the same person, and, sure enough, it was. He didn't know who I was w/ my last name being my husband's, so I told him, and then proceeded to tell him how much it had hurt me back in school and asked if he was still a trouble maker in his life today (actually, I asked if he was still a trouble maker first, which he denied)...... and what did he do about it all? Denied it. Told me that I must have been talking about the wrong person..... imagine. You carry these things with you, when they're traumatic enough, all your life (or I have at varying degrees at various stages) and when you finally have the chance/courage to say, "hey.... why did you do so and so".... and they say they didn't... well, as my friend Val says, he knows he did it and he knows he was the only DV in that school.

Makes me feel like Josie Gellar in that movie Never Been Kissed when all the really popular kids did such mean things to the others, including her..... and, for once, I stood up and said something.... but God only knows if it made any difference. Don't know many leopards that change their spots.

getting through it

The last few days have been pretty emotional, to say the least. Putting Henry to sleep was the best thing to do... for he could hardly walk, wasn't coming upstairs the last day 1/2, wasn't eating and we couldn't watch him in pain or suffering.... but doing it is so very hard. I miss him terribly. I think about him all the time... every time I turn around, I am reminded of him. I see him from the corner of my eye or see one of the cats and think it's him... so I feel sadness many, many times throughout the days.

Not only that, but Naief asks about him probably 10 times a day. Day before yesterday, he cried once and put his head on my shoulder at another point... he's too young to understand, but he knows something isn't right. I tell him that Henry has gone to heaven, then he'll ask if he's sick and show me how he was throwing up. I tell him yes, Henry was sick, but he's better now... and in heaven.

We're thinking of getting another dog or two... but after we come back from the States. Went to the BSPCA yesterday and gave them all the food, flea/tick medicine, treats and such, and while there I told them that it would have been nice if someone had said something/anything to us when we adopted him. We could have possibly saved his life if we had known earlier... not sure, because the parasites could have already been wrecking havoc inside his body... I don't know... but, at least we could have tried some 7 months ago, instead of just two months ago.

While there, a woman asked me what dog we adopted. I told her Henry. She remembered him and started talking about what a good dog he was... I started crying... and left.

Really, I can't think about it right now. I'm so sad still..... he was such a good dog. So kind. Really was so different when we first got him, versus these past couple of months. He loved to play w/ us outside. Running when we'd try to get his tail and he loved baths. He'd let us soap him up and wash him off and then off he'd go.. running up onto the porch to rub his body up and down the wall until he felt he was dried off enough... or something... not really sure why he did that.. but it was the cutest thing to watch.

He loved his walks. Loved going to Saar to the date farm. He'd gallop to us once we had gotten far enough in front of him... with his tongue hanging and his mouth open as wide as it would go. He was so happy. Even here around the house.. when we'd walk him.. he really enjoyed it. Loved eating anything and everything he could find and leaving his mark everywhere.

He loved to bump me with his cold nose to get attention and when he knew we were taking him for a walk... he'd get so excited and happy. His tail would wag so fast and he'd jump up on us and get sooo excited. I loved that about him.

I miss him so much...

With respect to all of this... we got into a huge argument with the in-laws yesterday. While over for lunch, nephew asked me over and over and over and over if the dog was dead and when I couldn't ignore him any more, I got mad and told him to not ask me one more time if the dog was dead. Well.... SIL threw a fit. Saying that he's only a baby and I shouldn't have said anything to him, but ignored him. I disagree. I think a child needs to learn right from wrong. I didn't yell at him, I simply was firm and told him to stop. But... it didn't matter. She threw a complete fit over it after lunch and everyone got into a big argument... except me who sat by the side and listened. She said not a word to me in English but instead attacked me, through hubby, in Arabic. Letting everyone know how wrong I was and how I didn't have the right to say anything to her son. I disagree and no matter what, I will not change my mind nor apologize.

Needless to say, this was the straw that broke the camels back. I'm finished with all of this for a long time. I've decided not to do the school, since it will be working w/ her, which I have been against all along. I refuse to work anywhere near her and she wont be over me. I can not stand her and haven't since the get go. So... all the preparation and stress has been for nothing. I'm a bit sad over this now... but figure it's for the best. Can't imagine having this stress on a daily/weekly basis and then having to pretend all nicey nice... I'm just tired of all the games and crap.

So...

Thanks everyone for all your kind words and shows of love. It truly means the world to me. Chief Rock Chef... you are such a kind person and a real animal lover. It's wonderful to see and I appreciate all your words of encouragement and kindness... it truly means a lot to me. You and your wife and truly wonderful people. I know your kids will be some of the best. Christopher... thank you for your kindness and for the card... I wish I was there with you... that'd be oh so wonderful... le sigh... at least I can dream. You're a sweety and your friendship means a lot to me. And for my friend, Tara, who doesn't blog and doesn't read my blog... she gave me flowers and it really meant a lot. She's so kind and gentle, and was there as soon as she heard my cries on the other end of the phone. And thanks to Roxy for her text message and words of love. You're so sweet and such a loving soul. Thanks all of you. It touches me to have such friendships especially when I'm so far away from home and not around ppl who love animals so much... I feel blessed by having all of you in my life.

reading

Finished reading The Secret Life of Bees.... just loved it. And before talking about it, thought I'd post a pic that I took last week of the bee hive outside our house. It's a good size and I see the honey bees all over the yard. They buzz around the flowers and seem to love the morning glory. I love bees. Have since childhood. Big fat bumble bees are my favorite, but since reading this book, I'm now truly intrigued with honey bees and everything that they do. This is a pic of the hive and pics of the flowers in our yard... wish I could get up real close and hear the buzzing sound. (pics were taken w/ my camera phone and aren't the best.)

I think the book is a must read. It's touching, heartwarming, funny, at times, and sad. Full of life lessons. I found myself thinking a lot about my childhood while reading it. A lot about things I've gone through, what my sister must have gone through and my mom. I thought about my older sisters life back then, my niece and nephew, my sister's ex, who passed many years ago, his family and the neighborhood where we used to play as kids.

I grew up in Madison, Indiana. A small, historic town in Southeastern Indiana. I loved Madison as a child, but as I got older and into junior high, I found my life full of drama... for many reasons.... but this one thing, in particular, is the reason behind my thoughts while reading.

My oldest sister married a black man back in the 70s, had two children - a boy and a girl - and I grew up believing there was nothing wrong with being black.... it wasn't until I was in junior high that I realized that not everyone had the same ideas and beliefs as me, and having a black family and friends just wasn't cool with a lot of ppl.

I spent a lot of time with my sister as a child, playing with my niece and nephew (we're not too far apart in age), and a significant amount of time at my ex-BILs mom's house... in the heart of downtown Madison. There was a playground next to her house and we'd spend hours there. If we weren't there, we were playing in the house where she had a piano that we loved to play. She had a good sized yard or so it seemed when I was small and we'd play tag and hide and go seek there... in the dark, of course. :) I loved that time in my life.

I can remember going to church with my niece and her grandmother (sister's ex-MIL)... all the ladies with their big hats... so much of what Lily (Secret Life of Bees) experienced while living with the beekeeping ladies (wont give anything away here). Lily happens to be a young white girl that has an abusive father, and her best friend is a black servant that has helped raise her.

The book journeys through racial tension, hate, abuse and the ideas, of some, that it was taboo to be around blacks and, even worse, love one and would get some black men killed - if they were to have a relationship w/ a white girl. This is when I started thinking about my older sister. I can only imagine the tremendous struggles she went through. Not only did she have a black husband, but she also had two mixed children. And like I said, it wasn't until I got into junior high that I experienced the suffering that comes along with being anything different from what white ppl want you to be... remembering the racial tension I went through, the name calling, abuse on buses, the fights....

All I can say is - color is only skin deep. I wonder how many, if any, of them realize that now?!

The book ended nicely, but I longed for a bit more. Am wanting to see the movie now. My sis told me that it's really good.

Will add that I'm now more than fascinated with everything that honey bees do... as a result of reading this book. If you read it... or have... hope you enjoy(ed) it.

ladies night out

Going out w/ the ladies tonight to dinner theatre that includes dinner, wine and a show. I'm really looking forward to it and altho it's a British play and you know me and Brit humor (I don't get it!!), I've been told that I wont have any probs following along. Keeping my fingers crossed that this is actually the case.

Sounds funny... it's about a taxi driver who's married to two women. He keeps both in separate places so as not to attract any attention from the law and whatnot... but soon enough the police come calling and all hell breaks loose... not sure if the two wives know about each other or not. Sounds cute to me and I need a break... so I'm thrilled. Thrilled that I don't have to do dinner tonight - even though I cooked earlier for the two of them - I'm still looking forward to having dinner served to me, wine (maybe a few glasses), laughter and fun w/ my friends whom I haven't seen in a while... I think since Christmas, actually.

Took Naief out w/ us lastnight for the opening of the Elham Arts Festival and since we haven't done that for more than a yr 1/2, didn't really know what to expect. Well... that's not a good idea, I learned real fast. Past tired isn't the way to go w/ children, which I knew, but... sometimes you just have to venture down that path to get a real eye opening.... next time baby stays home... or we don't go. :)

Going to the big water park on Saturday for a friend's bday party. He's turning 7. Have no idea what to get a 7 yr old.. guess a movie or something. It'll be a first time for visiting this place and I'm really excited. Naief probably wont know what to make of it and I'm tickled w/ the thought of it and hope we all have a fun time.

Happy weekend everyone...

oh yeah... was reading on a friend's facebook page where Egypt has banned porn sites!!!!! Yeah, way to go EGYPT!!!!!! I'm absolutely thrilled. More countries should do this. Child pornography HAS TO STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And if the only way to do it is to ban porn sites.. then I'm all for it.

hello Tick Fever

Took our dog, Henry, to the vet today, to get checked out because he's been dropping weight, has become somewhat lethargic and is refusing to eat most of what we give him.

A friend of mine, some two months ago, told me that it could very well be tick fever. Her family adopted a dog from the BSPCA (where we got Henry) and he came down w/ the same symptoms... but it was too late in their case. They lost him. If not caught in time, dogs can die from it. The parasites attack the bone marrow and internal organs, and once this happens it's pretty much too late.

So... I've been wondering, since talking to her, if this is what Henry is suffering from... but another friend asked if he had bleeding gums - he doesn't - another sign of tick fever, so I wasn't sure. Needless to say, his symptoms have continued to get worse, which happens - they come and go - and we decided to take him in.

Dr. Brown was the vet on duty today. A first for seeing him... and I liked him. Very nice and gentle w/ the animals. They're all kind there, actually. I like them. The first dr. that we took our cats to, in the beginning, and have been using for spaying/neutering and such - come to find out - sees ppl who fight their dogs and I can't stomach the thought of it... the rage I feel.... He's a nice man, ok vet, but I can't allow myself to support/pay someone who involves himself in such practices w/out trying or saying something.

Poor Henry.... he was nervous, but brave. They had to draw his blood to which he made not a sound. He didn't move and let the dr. press around on him. After waiting for about 15 mins, the dr. called us back in and gave us the news.....

Henry has tick fever.

My heart sank for fear that I had waited too long before bringing him in... but the dr. is optimistic. For anyone who doesn't know, it can't be transferred from animal to animal, we can't get it, and once they're cured of it, the parasites don't come back.... now... it's a waiting game to see if the medicine works. He's on the pills for a month... two every day, at the same time. He took them today w/out any trouble... I feel as though he knows that we're trying to make him feel better. The dr. said it should only take 2-3 days before we can tell a difference. He'll start eating again and will get his spunk back..... so hopefully it'll do just that.

Poor thing. Here he's been living in a shelter for more than a year and now has to deal with this. He's such a good boy and deserves a happy life.

Update: Seems that Henry threw up the pills we gave him last night and I only found out this afternoon while cleaning... so he got no meds in him yesterday, and this morning he threw one up and I had the hardest time getting it back down his throat... since I'm a little afraid of putting my hand in his mouth... he has such BIG teeth and they're dang sharp!! There's a bump thing in his tongue and the dr. said you had to get the pills behind that... and I now understand why... coz if you don't they spit them right out... so Mr. Henry is very clever in that he puts his tongue to the roof of his mouth or refuses to let me open his mouth and trying to pry his mouth open is just too difficult... but... I did get it in today and he didn't throw up again.

His gums are bleeding now... saw that yesterday evening and again today. He's been sleeping all day. I feel worried and sad. Naief so loves him, I'm really liking him too and I think Hashim is pretty keen of him.... and I really think he likes being here with us.... I just wish he'd eat so that he wouldn't have dry heaves... and I just wish he wouldn't throw up this medicine!!


Here's to hoping/praying that he gets better with the medicine. Love you Henry.

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.

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.

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!