Phew... this song has been plaguing my mind as of late. I swear... tonight putting Naief to sleep, all I could think about was this song. Singing it over and over in my mind... crazy stuff. Every time we get in the car, he immediately wants to hear the CD that has all of these songs and nursery rhymes. I'm glad he likes it soooo much.. but I wish I could keep it outta my head from morning until night! :)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Our cat Frankie (he's the oldest male in our household... about 10 now) has been sick for about 5 mths. I guess about 4 mths ago, we took him to a vet that isn't a favorite of mine - since he doesn't do lab work and believes in methods that I don't agree w/... but since he's inexpensive and huge vet costs are something we can't afford right now... it had to do.
Frankie has been losing weight (not as much then), so I wanted to check and make sure all his organs were working okay and that he wasn't sick from something, thinking that he was having kidney failure or something, and I hoped this vet would be able to help. The only thing he did was squeeze down by Frankie's kidneys, said they were working okay (how he knew is beyond me... and, really, I don't think he knew anything), and said that Frankie seemed to be in good health. Off we go for home w/ a clean bill of health.
Well, I guess about 2 mths ago, I started noticing a big weight difference in Frank. He's lost a lot of weight and has started crying from hunger and wanting to be fed about every 10 mins... I kid you not. Nothing seems to satisfy him. I give him soft food, since he refuses to eat hard food now, but still... he gets finicky and refuses to eat a lot of it. I make him eggs, which he loves, and he gobbles them down. I make him chicken, beef... you name it, I make it for him. Or actually, he eats what we eat. Even still... as soon as he finishes, he's hungry again.
So... I guess about a week ago, I could stand no more of it... and insisted we take him to the other vet here that's more expensive, but good. I've heard a lot of horror stories about her. A friend that no longer lives in Bahrain said she's rude and doesn't care anything about cats... so I was dreading meeting this woman, and wasn't quite sure how she'd respond to Frankie's problem.
We took him in 3 days ago... w/ my thinking that he probably had some sort of worm or was about to die from his kidneys.... actually hubby took him in since he had to be there at 8 in the morn and it was on his way to work. We went that afternoon to pick him up... where we were told that the bill was 73 dinars!! Come to find out.. the appt I made w/ this dr. some number of wks back was being charged to us for missing! I could hardly believe it and when I told the receptionist that if I had known we were going to be charged for a missed appt., I would have come or cancelled ahead of time... not knowing that they charged for such.
She quickly informed me that they have postings in the office that such missed appts are charged.... and then I quickly responded, "how was I supposed to know this since I've never been in this office before.. and if you're going to charge ppl for missed appts., you should tell them that over the telephone". She promptly got a look on her face of total disgust... and informed me that all offices do this... and then I told her once again that I did not know this and should have been told since I've never been in this office. (how was I supposed to know this??? should be standard practice for them to say that to new patients over the phone!! don't ya think??? plus... in the States, I've never heard of a vet charging for missed appts! maybe drs... but never a vet!) She quickly got up and went into the drs. office then came out about 5 mins later and told me that the bill had been reduced to 67... awwww thanks...!!! what a discount!
When we went in w/ the dr., I was pleasantly surprised. She was actually very nice. And... seems that my little Frankie has a thyroid problem!!
She did blood work and he has a hyperthyroid. That's why he's lost so much weight and why he's hungry all the time. Thankfully it hasn't harmed his kidneys or liver. He's healthy, other than this, but has to be on medication for the rest of his life. Right now he's taking 3 tablets a day, but will go back in 3 wks to be re-evaluated and retested and hopefully have his dosage taken down to once a day. This medicine will also help him to gain weight again and cause him not to be hungry all the time. He'll also calm down, his heart rate will decrease (since it's skyrocketing right now) and will hopefully live for many more years... :)
He's a good boy in that he takes his medicine w/out any real problem. Poor little thing. He's been sick so much in his life. I've never told the story about Frankie, but he was a sickly kitten. He almost died when he was just a few wks old... having to constantly be at the vets office for wks on end... then to be taken home for it to reoccur again and be taken back... with it finally getting better only after I got down on my hands and knees and begged God to save him. That afternoon when I went to see him at the vet's office (where he wasn't eating and they had no idea what was wrong w/ him), I stopped at McDonald's and picked up a cheeseburger. When I got there, I took him outta the cage, sat him in my lap and he ate every single bite of that burger!!
From that date forward... he got better and, actually, fully recovered. The vet had no idea what happened and when I told him that I asked God to save him... I think he thought I was just saying that or lying, but I didn't care. :) at least Frankie survived. So... he's a vetern at taking meds and getting through rough times... so I know he'll pull through this... or at least hope w/ everything inside of me.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We've been taking Naief to a great park down close to where Hashim works. He loves it. There's a lot of ppl and a lot of families w/ kids. He loves walking around, talking to ppl and playing. I think he's going to be a little leader... he seems to always take the role of leading during these play times.
He's growing so much. He can chew gum now... which I can hardly believe, and actually gives it to me when he's finished... altho he does swallow it every now and again, but hey... I did that until I was in my teen years and still want to sometimes! ;)
He's starting to talk a little more and ask questions like "what's this". He can run now... and loves to run from me at the mall, laughing while I try to catch him. You wouldn't think that a little one could run so fast... but boy... he does. Or maybe it's because I try to walk and catch him ;) !
I guess that's about it... I miss my mom and would love to go and see her since she's been sick. I miss the States and am running low on some things that I can only get there... :( Makes a good excuse for going, eh?!! :)
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Monday, October 06, 2008
poetry for the little one
Haven't written any poetry in sooo long... probably more than 2 yrs now... and today, w/ words on my mind, I decided to take the plunge... to put the words on paper to see where my pen would lead me....
and this is what came out of it.
It's simple... but it's the first time, since Naief was born, that I've been able to put my feelings into actual words and onto paper....
so thought I'd share. :)
and this is what came out of it.
It's simple... but it's the first time, since Naief was born, that I've been able to put my feelings into actual words and onto paper....
so thought I'd share. :)
MY LITTLE BOY
Sparkling, ever so brightly
deep into my soul
Beautiful,
chocolate brown eyes
Convey innocence, so lovely
So pure
Your giggles, your squeals
The smile that turns my
darkness
upside down
Just delighted
by the being
of you
As the gentleness
of your tiny fingers
quietly discover your world
I am
Christened by the heavens
Cleansed by your love
You,
a ray of sunshine
with every new morn’
A precious gift
My life, my love,
My little boy
Written: October 6, 2008
Saturday, October 04, 2008
A Change is Gonne Come by Seal
I am really lovin' this song and video...
It was originally done by Sam Cooke... whadaya'll think?
Friday, October 03, 2008
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Costume suggestions??
It's about that time again ... Halloween is almost here. Naief has been invited to a birthday/Halloween party and I can't think of a single thing to dress him as, and Awali is having some type of Halloween party for kids on the 30th and we plan to take him to that as well...
any suggestions? I liked making his costume last year, so I might try something this year as well, but.... I don't have a sewing machine, so it'll all have to be done by hand... which limits me a bit. I could also buy something if all else fails, but since my mom always made our costumes for trick-or-treating, I'd like to keep w/ that tradition.
gosh... wish my mom was here to help me!
It's times like these that make me long to be in the States... I'd love to see Naief around all the trick-or-treaters, and to experience Halloween there... he'd either be completely overjoyed or totally terrified! ;)
Tonight we took him to Adari Park and when this little parade started past us, all the clowns were laughing, going up to kids, which was fine at first, but when one clown came up to say hello, he got a look of utter fright on his face. Thankfully, the clown didn't push it. Naief was very curious though... not moving an inch, except when this huge chicken thing came over to say hello.... then he wanted none of it and immediately wanted momma to hold him.
any suggestions? I liked making his costume last year, so I might try something this year as well, but.... I don't have a sewing machine, so it'll all have to be done by hand... which limits me a bit. I could also buy something if all else fails, but since my mom always made our costumes for trick-or-treating, I'd like to keep w/ that tradition.
gosh... wish my mom was here to help me!
It's times like these that make me long to be in the States... I'd love to see Naief around all the trick-or-treaters, and to experience Halloween there... he'd either be completely overjoyed or totally terrified! ;)
Tonight we took him to Adari Park and when this little parade started past us, all the clowns were laughing, going up to kids, which was fine at first, but when one clown came up to say hello, he got a look of utter fright on his face. Thankfully, the clown didn't push it. Naief was very curious though... not moving an inch, except when this huge chicken thing came over to say hello.... then he wanted none of it and immediately wanted momma to hold him.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
recycling in Bahrain
another quick blog....
After watching Mahmood's vlog about plastic and the recycling bins at Jawad, I packed up all of our recycling, got hubby to take it to the truck, and headed out there to drop it off.
hahahahah.... how ridiculous!!!!!
Their recycling bins are locked up, and it looks like no one has been there to pick up recycling in months, if at all. There are garbage bags lying around, opened, w/ stuff strewn all over the place, plastic bleach bottles on the ground... stuff everywhere.
The thing that got me the most though was the fact that the bins are padlocked! Who knows if they're full... who knows if they even pick stuff up from this place, but from the mess, I doubt it.
Sad thing to see, especially when ppl are getting so excited about recycling of plastic bags and such....
so... is there another place to take your recycling in Bahrain??? or do I just put it in the trash and know that it's killing this island... makes me wonder what this place will look like in a few years! Probably a lot like Cairo w/ it's embankments covered in trash... actually, they look like they're nothing but trash! Seriously ppl, where will all of this trash go??? Out to sea?? There's only so much room for this crap, and pretty soon this small, little island wont be able to hold it all... then what?????
After watching Mahmood's vlog about plastic and the recycling bins at Jawad, I packed up all of our recycling, got hubby to take it to the truck, and headed out there to drop it off.
hahahahah.... how ridiculous!!!!!
Their recycling bins are locked up, and it looks like no one has been there to pick up recycling in months, if at all. There are garbage bags lying around, opened, w/ stuff strewn all over the place, plastic bleach bottles on the ground... stuff everywhere.
The thing that got me the most though was the fact that the bins are padlocked! Who knows if they're full... who knows if they even pick stuff up from this place, but from the mess, I doubt it.
Sad thing to see, especially when ppl are getting so excited about recycling of plastic bags and such....
so... is there another place to take your recycling in Bahrain??? or do I just put it in the trash and know that it's killing this island... makes me wonder what this place will look like in a few years! Probably a lot like Cairo w/ it's embankments covered in trash... actually, they look like they're nothing but trash! Seriously ppl, where will all of this trash go??? Out to sea?? There's only so much room for this crap, and pretty soon this small, little island wont be able to hold it all... then what?????
farm fun, british humor, and pet monkeys
Friday was fun in that we took Naief to a farm day at Bizzi Beez. The place was packed when we got there w/ kids running around everywhere, tons of parents, tons of animals and hot, humid weather.
We took Naief over to where the animals were at first. He wouldn't move from my arms, so instead of forcing it upon him, I sat down on the grass w/ him to see if he might want to pet one of the many animals they had there. There were baby sheep, baby goats, a baby calf, a little, fat, furry puppy, ducks, baby chicks, Shetland ponies that all the kids seemed to love riding, some type of other goat w/ curled horns that didn't seem to be pleased to be there, and a monkey.
I hate ppl having monkeys for pets. I don't know if I've ranted about this in the past or not, but I turned-in an establishment for selling them over to a few outside organizations. The first time was a year or so ago, then again about 6 mths ago. I think it's a cruel business. Monkeys aren't meant to be pets, and this little one wasn't pleased to be there. Several times, as I watched this guy handle the little thing, it would try to get away by jumping up to his head, biting his arm or screaming out, then he'd hit it or scold it like it was a person. The poor little thing. Then, after a while, it'd give up and lay face down on the grass w/out moving. I asked the guy how he kept the monkey. He looked a bit shocked and didn't answer me, then I repeated it and asked, "in a small cage or big enclosure"... he said, "don't worry, he's kept in a good place". At first I believed him, but after seeing him hit the little thing and talk to it the way he did, I knew he was lying. I've also seen a place not far from where I live, called The Pet Farm or some such, and how they keep them. It's horrible. The two times I went there, the monkeys never had food, water and the enclosure was terribly small. They made no sounds... just sat and did nothing. It's really sad to see the life inside an animal killed by humans caging them!!!
I was a bit disturbed that Bizzi Beez brought a monkey for children to play w/, seeing that the guy told one child, "don't touch him or he will bite you". Oh fun... just what any parent would want... a monkey biting their child. Truly, I just don't get it. Monkeys aren't meant to be kept in small cages... they're wild animals and are meant to be free.... but since Bahrain doesn't have any laws to protect them, there's nothing that can be done. I, for one, am ready for that to change. If anyone wants to stand w/ me, please let me know.
All in all, it was a fun day. Naief, after about 20 or so mins., warmed up and started to play and run around. We went inside for a bit so he could show daddy where he and mommy play when we go, and then we headed back outside. Needless to say, he slept well that night. :)
Part of the afternoon fun was hosted by DJ Krazy Kevin. He was going around from room to room, talking to ppl and doing stuff for his tv show.... and while we were outside by the sand boxes, he came over and asked to interview me. I said no immediately, but he wouldn't let up and since Hashim refused, I reluctantly said, "ok". It only lasted for 2 or so mins., but I froze... got very serious and couldn't relax... for nothing! I felt like an idiot, needless to say. He told me after that you Americans don't have a sense of humor... hmmm... and here, all along, I thought it was the other way around.. that the Brits didn't have a sense of humor! ;) Obviously, I was mistaken... now I understand why I don't get British humor... I'm just not funny. :) Altho, I will say, I do love a few British comedians, but I have no idea who they are. One dresses up like a woman most times and the other is Conley or something... I can't remember. Hashim said that it's our shoot and ask questions later mentality. hmmmm.... maybe.
Oh yeah... while I was talking to him or after the interview, I asked if he was Scottish or British.. he quickly replied, "I'm English". hmmmm... did I mess up? Are you not supposed to ask a Brit if they're British??? Is that not proper or what?!! ;) Chief Rock Chef, I'm waiting for you to let me know. :)
anyway... that was our fun weekend. Hubby is taking holiday this week, I just made some high fiber banana bread (which I've never made before) and plan to make some Thai food for Iftar. I'm not making my own sauce... bought something while out today, so we'll see if it's any good. It's a red curry sauce w/ coconut milk... so I expect it to be a little spicy, but hopefully not too much so since Hashim doesn't do spicy. :)
Have a good week friends... just a few more days and Eid will be here. :))))) Needless to say, I'm excited. Oh yeah, bought Naief some cute clothes for Eid this year. It's the first time, and I had so much fun doing it. He's outgrown most of his shoes, so I got him two new pair this weekend, two pairs of jeans and his first little button down shirt!!
He's changing so much. He's learned how to fake burp, so anytime he takes a drink of something, he'll do his burping thing. It's truly the funniest thing! He got some new house slippers yesterday as well and loves them.... so much so that he slept in them... refusing to take them off!!
bye!
We took Naief over to where the animals were at first. He wouldn't move from my arms, so instead of forcing it upon him, I sat down on the grass w/ him to see if he might want to pet one of the many animals they had there. There were baby sheep, baby goats, a baby calf, a little, fat, furry puppy, ducks, baby chicks, Shetland ponies that all the kids seemed to love riding, some type of other goat w/ curled horns that didn't seem to be pleased to be there, and a monkey.
I hate ppl having monkeys for pets. I don't know if I've ranted about this in the past or not, but I turned-in an establishment for selling them over to a few outside organizations. The first time was a year or so ago, then again about 6 mths ago. I think it's a cruel business. Monkeys aren't meant to be pets, and this little one wasn't pleased to be there. Several times, as I watched this guy handle the little thing, it would try to get away by jumping up to his head, biting his arm or screaming out, then he'd hit it or scold it like it was a person. The poor little thing. Then, after a while, it'd give up and lay face down on the grass w/out moving. I asked the guy how he kept the monkey. He looked a bit shocked and didn't answer me, then I repeated it and asked, "in a small cage or big enclosure"... he said, "don't worry, he's kept in a good place". At first I believed him, but after seeing him hit the little thing and talk to it the way he did, I knew he was lying. I've also seen a place not far from where I live, called The Pet Farm or some such, and how they keep them. It's horrible. The two times I went there, the monkeys never had food, water and the enclosure was terribly small. They made no sounds... just sat and did nothing. It's really sad to see the life inside an animal killed by humans caging them!!!
I was a bit disturbed that Bizzi Beez brought a monkey for children to play w/, seeing that the guy told one child, "don't touch him or he will bite you". Oh fun... just what any parent would want... a monkey biting their child. Truly, I just don't get it. Monkeys aren't meant to be kept in small cages... they're wild animals and are meant to be free.... but since Bahrain doesn't have any laws to protect them, there's nothing that can be done. I, for one, am ready for that to change. If anyone wants to stand w/ me, please let me know.
All in all, it was a fun day. Naief, after about 20 or so mins., warmed up and started to play and run around. We went inside for a bit so he could show daddy where he and mommy play when we go, and then we headed back outside. Needless to say, he slept well that night. :)
Part of the afternoon fun was hosted by DJ Krazy Kevin. He was going around from room to room, talking to ppl and doing stuff for his tv show.... and while we were outside by the sand boxes, he came over and asked to interview me. I said no immediately, but he wouldn't let up and since Hashim refused, I reluctantly said, "ok". It only lasted for 2 or so mins., but I froze... got very serious and couldn't relax... for nothing! I felt like an idiot, needless to say. He told me after that you Americans don't have a sense of humor... hmmm... and here, all along, I thought it was the other way around.. that the Brits didn't have a sense of humor! ;) Obviously, I was mistaken... now I understand why I don't get British humor... I'm just not funny. :) Altho, I will say, I do love a few British comedians, but I have no idea who they are. One dresses up like a woman most times and the other is Conley or something... I can't remember. Hashim said that it's our shoot and ask questions later mentality. hmmmm.... maybe.
Oh yeah... while I was talking to him or after the interview, I asked if he was Scottish or British.. he quickly replied, "I'm English". hmmmm... did I mess up? Are you not supposed to ask a Brit if they're British??? Is that not proper or what?!! ;) Chief Rock Chef, I'm waiting for you to let me know. :)
anyway... that was our fun weekend. Hubby is taking holiday this week, I just made some high fiber banana bread (which I've never made before) and plan to make some Thai food for Iftar. I'm not making my own sauce... bought something while out today, so we'll see if it's any good. It's a red curry sauce w/ coconut milk... so I expect it to be a little spicy, but hopefully not too much so since Hashim doesn't do spicy. :)
Have a good week friends... just a few more days and Eid will be here. :))))) Needless to say, I'm excited. Oh yeah, bought Naief some cute clothes for Eid this year. It's the first time, and I had so much fun doing it. He's outgrown most of his shoes, so I got him two new pair this weekend, two pairs of jeans and his first little button down shirt!!
He's changing so much. He's learned how to fake burp, so anytime he takes a drink of something, he'll do his burping thing. It's truly the funniest thing! He got some new house slippers yesterday as well and loves them.... so much so that he slept in them... refusing to take them off!!
bye!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The Laws of Attraction
Well, I've been reading this book for the last few days and, at first, I'll say that I liked it - even thinking that it could be that 'one' book, but it's taken a big turn .... and my faith has wavered because of it.
It's about this husband and wife team who embark on a... let's call it a quest to get many of life's questions answered. In doing so, the husband tries the ouija board w/ it actually working many times along the beginning of his journey, and he even got some of the questions on his list answered while doing so (even made me want to try the board again.. having had a bad experience w/ it earlier in life - even my mom and aunt having many bad experiences w/ it). He and his wife then get into meditation after being told that it'll help them get in contact with their spiritual guide(s).
Only after a short time span, the wife soon discovers that she's in contact w/ something or someone that starts telling her things. She starts telling her husband and he starts talking to this someone while his wife is in this meditative state. Not only does he start talking, but he starts asking questions. They're so thrilled about the information they're gaining from this entity that is called 'Abraham' (which is actually a group of different entities/ppl) that they decide to start telling their friends about it who then start coming over to the house to have conversations w/ all of these different entities. They soon take it public, and then... come to find out last night while reading, they decide (someone... can't quite figure out who exactly decided ... the husband or Abraham. The book made it sound like it was Abraham's decision or sole purpose ) to write a book. And after looking up the title of this book on google, I realize that they've conducted seminars, cruises... all sorts of things really to let ppl know the answers to these all important questions (which I've only just begun).
So... my first thoughts went to scam. This whole 'book' writing thing has really put questions in my mind, and the fact that the wife has become like the Whoopi Goldberg character in the movie Ghost. I'm really having a tough time with this. Maybe it was the way I was raised. Not that I don't believe it possible to talk to the other side, but I still don't know how I feel about a spirit or whatever coming into your body and talking....
and then for her to go out and make money on this... I'm also wondering about this.
I haven't decided if I want to continue w/ it. I know lots of books and, even movies, I think, have been done on this very thing.. even taking it in other directions w/ books like The Secret... but does that really mean anything?
I feel sorta silly because I told my friend that I really loved the book.... and maybe, if I keep reading, I'll allow myself to open up to such things/possibilities... allow myself to have faith that such things are possible and this could actually be 'that' book.... but my insides are saying, "nahhhhh"....
who knows... I'll read a bit more and see where it leads me. Have any of you read this book? Olivia, I know you said your dad either read it or some of his friends did and liked it.... I thought about this, but I still find it odd or, rather.... to 'out there'. Obviously I'm more close minded than I wanted to realize.
It's about this husband and wife team who embark on a... let's call it a quest to get many of life's questions answered. In doing so, the husband tries the ouija board w/ it actually working many times along the beginning of his journey, and he even got some of the questions on his list answered while doing so (even made me want to try the board again.. having had a bad experience w/ it earlier in life - even my mom and aunt having many bad experiences w/ it). He and his wife then get into meditation after being told that it'll help them get in contact with their spiritual guide(s).
Only after a short time span, the wife soon discovers that she's in contact w/ something or someone that starts telling her things. She starts telling her husband and he starts talking to this someone while his wife is in this meditative state. Not only does he start talking, but he starts asking questions. They're so thrilled about the information they're gaining from this entity that is called 'Abraham' (which is actually a group of different entities/ppl) that they decide to start telling their friends about it who then start coming over to the house to have conversations w/ all of these different entities. They soon take it public, and then... come to find out last night while reading, they decide (someone... can't quite figure out who exactly decided ... the husband or Abraham. The book made it sound like it was Abraham's decision or sole purpose ) to write a book. And after looking up the title of this book on google, I realize that they've conducted seminars, cruises... all sorts of things really to let ppl know the answers to these all important questions (which I've only just begun).
So... my first thoughts went to scam. This whole 'book' writing thing has really put questions in my mind, and the fact that the wife has become like the Whoopi Goldberg character in the movie Ghost. I'm really having a tough time with this. Maybe it was the way I was raised. Not that I don't believe it possible to talk to the other side, but I still don't know how I feel about a spirit or whatever coming into your body and talking....
and then for her to go out and make money on this... I'm also wondering about this.
I haven't decided if I want to continue w/ it. I know lots of books and, even movies, I think, have been done on this very thing.. even taking it in other directions w/ books like The Secret... but does that really mean anything?
I feel sorta silly because I told my friend that I really loved the book.... and maybe, if I keep reading, I'll allow myself to open up to such things/possibilities... allow myself to have faith that such things are possible and this could actually be 'that' book.... but my insides are saying, "nahhhhh"....
who knows... I'll read a bit more and see where it leads me. Have any of you read this book? Olivia, I know you said your dad either read it or some of his friends did and liked it.... I thought about this, but I still find it odd or, rather.... to 'out there'. Obviously I'm more close minded than I wanted to realize.
Monday, September 22, 2008
old movie reviews
Back when Hashim and I were living in Denton (sometime in 2002), I started writing my own little movie reviews to some of my favorite movies on a website we created... and since moving to Bahrain, having many computer changes and such, I thought these were lost in time and space... but, wow... outta the blue, Hashim found them for me!!! So... thought I'd post a couple of them just for fun....
The first is from a movie that I love called The Joy Luck Club and then I'll post the one from another movie called Kung Pow - Enter the Fist. They're totally different from each other. One if a drama/love story and the other is a comedy... is you enjoy that type of humor, then you'll call it a comedy. Some may call in nonsense. :) Anyway... remember... I wrote these things many moons ago, so if it's a bit campy... well... hopefully they're not. :)
First, let me say that I love this movie. I've seen it probably 15 times, no kidding... if not more. I watch it every time I see it on cable and plan to buy the DVD. I'm very fond of Asian/Far East stories/movie/literature and this movie is so very good. I really don't know where to begin, but I'll say that I think it's a girl movie/chick flick, so not everyone will enjoy it!
What a crazy movie! This movie is sorta like an "old" chinese martial arts movie - Bruce Lee style. It has some funny over-dubbed voices, just like in the old Chinese movies but this is better because they've included some great accents to compliment the characters including one country-fied sounding guy and many that sound spanish. The fact that they digitally inserted themselves into an old movie is too good and some of the scenes make you laugh for quite a while. Also... some good endorsements for Taco Bell, Hooters and Bowflex - you'll have to watch to see what I mean. :)
ok... so... I have a few more that I'll post later. Hope it doesn't bore you guys to tears!! :)
The first is from a movie that I love called The Joy Luck Club and then I'll post the one from another movie called Kung Pow - Enter the Fist. They're totally different from each other. One if a drama/love story and the other is a comedy... is you enjoy that type of humor, then you'll call it a comedy. Some may call in nonsense. :) Anyway... remember... I wrote these things many moons ago, so if it's a bit campy... well... hopefully they're not. :)
First, let me say that I love this movie. I've seen it probably 15 times, no kidding... if not more. I watch it every time I see it on cable and plan to buy the DVD. I'm very fond of Asian/Far East stories/movie/literature and this movie is so very good. I really don't know where to begin, but I'll say that I think it's a girl movie/chick flick, so not everyone will enjoy it!
The movie starts out by introducing you to four different families, with the main focus being spent, in the beginning, on the mothers and grown daughters -- you're at a going-away party for one of the daughters and it's here that each woman starts to think about her life, her past, and about her daughter and the relationship she has with her daughter... the struggles that each have gone through while growing up and the struggles from the present day. One by one, each woman flashes back to her past and you are taken away on magnificent journeys of mind, body and spirit. It's truly beautiful.
Soon the focus changes and this is when you see it from the daughters point-of-view. They flash back to their childhoods, adolescence, and then adulthood and present day. You see them struggling with issues dealing with their mothers, families and with men, and then something happens -- just when you think there is no hope, all comes clear. As each daughter thinks about her life and loves, she starts to change from within and something magical happens. They begin to respect who they are, their needs, desires, ambitions, and life. Their attitudes change and soon their relationships with their mothers change -- but with this change comes much sadness as well as incredible happiness.
I loved how important the relationships were in this movie -- especially family ties and the strong bonds within the family unit. This is so important and has such an impact on each of us, and this movie shows that in such a terrific way. I cried a lot in this movie because it touched me in many different ways. It will forever be one of my all-time favorites and a MUST SEE for those of you that love a heart tug every now and then.
What a crazy movie! This movie is sorta like an "old" chinese martial arts movie - Bruce Lee style. It has some funny over-dubbed voices, just like in the old Chinese movies but this is better because they've included some great accents to compliment the characters including one country-fied sounding guy and many that sound spanish. The fact that they digitally inserted themselves into an old movie is too good and some of the scenes make you laugh for quite a while. Also... some good endorsements for Taco Bell, Hooters and Bowflex - you'll have to watch to see what I mean. :)
The main character is called Chosen One and has a special relationship with his tongue (it has eyes and a mouth of its own). There are some pretty funny fight scenes with cool special affects including the Chosen One and a milk cow - done Matrix style. The One-Boobed Chick is funny and it sounds like her voice is actually female (most are not), and the girl, Ling Ling (male voice), is too crazy with her cat noises and don't miss her quick skin flashes!!!! This movie is sorta along the lines of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" with flying and running in trees .... nothing should be taken too seriously though.
The one-liners are to die for -- so so funny. "For now on, I will go by the name of Betty"... "Jack the Ripper" ... "I got some yellow liquid for you and it's non-dairy" ... "That's a lot of nuts" ... "Betty" ... Just watch and you will not be disappointed. But let me tell you, it's a no brainer movie, but that's the gem of it. Also, if you can, try to catch the outtakes/bloopers at the end of the movie, they're very good! We've watched it about 4 times now, and we still can't get enough of it. So enjoy!!!
ok... so... I have a few more that I'll post later. Hope it doesn't bore you guys to tears!! :)
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
tofu recipe and a few other things
ok... for anyone that wants it, here's the tofu lasagna recipe.
2 pkgs organic tofu
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or another, if you like)
approx 10 ripe tomatoes (maybe more or less.. depending on how much sauce you want to make)
6 or 7 large button top mushrooms, finely chopped
1/2 green bell pepper (or more, if you want), finely chopped
tomato paste
1/2 pkg bolognese spice packet
5 garlic cubes (or more.. depending on your taste) - minced
salt & pepper
the tofu i got was about 3x5 in size and it was medium firm. i was making a large casserole dish of it, or i would have gotten only one pkg. so, if you're making for just two, i'd buy only one pkg of tofu and scale down on all the other ingredients.
cut all your tomatoes in half and grate them into a sauce pan. i discard the skin. add the tomato paste... but i'll tell ya, the last time i made sauce, i instead used tomato sauce (a small can of it) and liked it better. didn't irritate my stomach as much. add 1/2 your spice packet, the garlic, cut bell pepper and mushrooms. bring to a boil and then simmer for a good 30 mins or more.
while the sauce is cooking, brown your tofu on both sides until golden brown. the chef on tv didn't have a problem browning her tofu, but mine didn't want to brown, and the 2nd time i made it, i tried regular tofu, which fell apart while i was browning... so i do recommend organic.
after the sauce has cooked, add a nice layer to the bottom of your casserole dish, then put the tofu on top of that. cover w/ the remaining cooked sauce, then top w/ the cheddar cheese - a good amount of it. i also tried adding another cheese and it was good... it was white, but can't remember which.
cook on 180 celcius for about 50 mins. i cooked mine until the cheese was browning and all the ingredients had mixed and it was all bubbly. let cool and eat :)
i hope you guys like it. it's a simple recipe and rather tasty.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
hashim took some great pics of naief today and i'll add a few later. he's changing so fast. more like a little boy now than a toddler. he doesn't kiss me any more on the lips, no matter how much i ask. sometimes i'll sneak one in, but to ask, he'll turn his cheek for me to kiss him there. i guess w/ all the arab style greetings here (on each cheek), that's why... not sure though.
last night he actually let me hold him like a baby and give him a bottle before he went to sleep, and he decided to climb onto my stomach and fall asleep there. he did the same today at his nap time... and, you know, i loved it. pretty soon he'll be a big boy... :( he runs now, and the little booger is fast! if he gets ahold of something that i don't want, it takes forever for me to catch him. he has also started to say, "no" to me, but only sometimes, thank goodness. he mainly will shake his head no or do his index finger back and forth, like i do to him. he usually figures how to unlock my mobile, can and has called ppl (even once calling his daddy when i didn't even know it and was saying, "da da" into the telephone, and tonight started playing music on it and i'm not even sure how he did it. pretty sad that my son knows how to work my phone better than i do!!
the one thing that bothers me is that when i go to change his diaper, he cries, closing his legs tightly together and refuses to let me take his diaper off. once i get it off, then he does the same when i try to put a new one on. for all of you w/ boys... is this par for the course? this doesn't happen every time, but more than i'd like. i wondered if he was having pain or such, or even going to the bathroom at that time, but now that it's happened several times, i've ruled that out. any ideas?? suggestions?? comments??
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
one other quicky.... the weather is changing!!!! it's finally cooled off and there's a nice cool breeze blowing tonight... even last night, for that matter. i can hear the windchimes outside and .... it's nice. i'm so happy that the cool weather is coming. you'd think that since i was born in the hot summer, i'd love that weather... but you know, i don't. i hate freezing weather as well... but so love the nice fall type weather we're about to get.
now.. if the skies would clear.. that would be another story! ;)
2 pkgs organic tofu
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or another, if you like)
approx 10 ripe tomatoes (maybe more or less.. depending on how much sauce you want to make)
6 or 7 large button top mushrooms, finely chopped
1/2 green bell pepper (or more, if you want), finely chopped
tomato paste
1/2 pkg bolognese spice packet
5 garlic cubes (or more.. depending on your taste) - minced
salt & pepper
the tofu i got was about 3x5 in size and it was medium firm. i was making a large casserole dish of it, or i would have gotten only one pkg. so, if you're making for just two, i'd buy only one pkg of tofu and scale down on all the other ingredients.
cut all your tomatoes in half and grate them into a sauce pan. i discard the skin. add the tomato paste... but i'll tell ya, the last time i made sauce, i instead used tomato sauce (a small can of it) and liked it better. didn't irritate my stomach as much. add 1/2 your spice packet, the garlic, cut bell pepper and mushrooms. bring to a boil and then simmer for a good 30 mins or more.
while the sauce is cooking, brown your tofu on both sides until golden brown. the chef on tv didn't have a problem browning her tofu, but mine didn't want to brown, and the 2nd time i made it, i tried regular tofu, which fell apart while i was browning... so i do recommend organic.
after the sauce has cooked, add a nice layer to the bottom of your casserole dish, then put the tofu on top of that. cover w/ the remaining cooked sauce, then top w/ the cheddar cheese - a good amount of it. i also tried adding another cheese and it was good... it was white, but can't remember which.
cook on 180 celcius for about 50 mins. i cooked mine until the cheese was browning and all the ingredients had mixed and it was all bubbly. let cool and eat :)
i hope you guys like it. it's a simple recipe and rather tasty.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
hashim took some great pics of naief today and i'll add a few later. he's changing so fast. more like a little boy now than a toddler. he doesn't kiss me any more on the lips, no matter how much i ask. sometimes i'll sneak one in, but to ask, he'll turn his cheek for me to kiss him there. i guess w/ all the arab style greetings here (on each cheek), that's why... not sure though.
last night he actually let me hold him like a baby and give him a bottle before he went to sleep, and he decided to climb onto my stomach and fall asleep there. he did the same today at his nap time... and, you know, i loved it. pretty soon he'll be a big boy... :( he runs now, and the little booger is fast! if he gets ahold of something that i don't want, it takes forever for me to catch him. he has also started to say, "no" to me, but only sometimes, thank goodness. he mainly will shake his head no or do his index finger back and forth, like i do to him. he usually figures how to unlock my mobile, can and has called ppl (even once calling his daddy when i didn't even know it and was saying, "da da" into the telephone, and tonight started playing music on it and i'm not even sure how he did it. pretty sad that my son knows how to work my phone better than i do!!
the one thing that bothers me is that when i go to change his diaper, he cries, closing his legs tightly together and refuses to let me take his diaper off. once i get it off, then he does the same when i try to put a new one on. for all of you w/ boys... is this par for the course? this doesn't happen every time, but more than i'd like. i wondered if he was having pain or such, or even going to the bathroom at that time, but now that it's happened several times, i've ruled that out. any ideas?? suggestions?? comments??
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
one other quicky.... the weather is changing!!!! it's finally cooled off and there's a nice cool breeze blowing tonight... even last night, for that matter. i can hear the windchimes outside and .... it's nice. i'm so happy that the cool weather is coming. you'd think that since i was born in the hot summer, i'd love that weather... but you know, i don't. i hate freezing weather as well... but so love the nice fall type weather we're about to get.
now.. if the skies would clear.. that would be another story! ;)
Obama
i am so hoping, wishing, crossing my fingers, saying my prayers.....
it's so time for a change.
Zain sucks!
Well... we haven't had internet at home for the past 4 nights... if not longer... off and on. We call and they tell us the same things.. "they're having problems w/ the lines".
So... I'm trying to get my emails checked, catching up on my fav gossip sites, sending emails, and then I'll catch up on my favorite blogs. Oh yeah, I was in the midst of posting a comment about the tofu lasagna to Chief Rock Chef when we lost internet connection... so I'll post that as well, and then also post the recipe, in case you guys still want it.
Anyway... just a little over 2 wks, if that, left of Ramadan!!! YEAH!!!! :))))
Hope all of you are well....
So... I'm trying to get my emails checked, catching up on my fav gossip sites, sending emails, and then I'll catch up on my favorite blogs. Oh yeah, I was in the midst of posting a comment about the tofu lasagna to Chief Rock Chef when we lost internet connection... so I'll post that as well, and then also post the recipe, in case you guys still want it.
Anyway... just a little over 2 wks, if that, left of Ramadan!!! YEAH!!!! :))))
Hope all of you are well....
Saturday, September 13, 2008
the new City Centre
Wow, wow, wow!!!! What a place!
Checked out the new mall late this afternoon. There's only some hundred stores open right now, but ... even still, made me feel like I was walking in some other country. I'm so tickled w/ all the stores. One of my old favs is coming..... Saks Fifth Avenue! Not that I have the money to really shop there nowadays... but just to walk through... possibly see something adorable I might want and in my price range... well, the mere thought sends me floating in air! ;) Hashim and I were just talking about this store and he could hardly believe when he saw it today!!
And one of his favorite stores of all time - Virgin Records - is HERE!!!!!!!! Two stories, I might add! We made a stop there tonight. They have so many great movies!!! Can't wait for all the music to come!
I'm so excited that American stores are coming. We're even getting a Krispy Kreme!!! lordamighty.... what is this small island comin' to??!!!!
The new theatre looks incredible. Could only see the marble at the entrance and some areas where ppl will enter, and just from that, it might be a cause to return my butt to the movies! :)
I'm just thrilled. In a time that I'm really missing my family... my mom espcially... this brings a little piece of America to me... be it, all the stores aren't open yet, but just from knowing that there'll be so many new places to wonder through, if the mood hits me, makes me smile.
Did I mention that they're going to have the largest indoor water park for this part of the world? Or for the time being, at least. This should be interesting. Can't imagine going to the mall for a day of swimming... so I'm wondering what it'll be like.
mmmmm... we made a last stop being leaving at the ice cream place that does everything on cold marble, and mmmmm.... it was so yummy! I didn't get what I asked for since the guy behind the counter had his undies turned inside out by an Arab mother who was most upset at the fact that the girl behind the counter ignored her 6 kids when they wanted ice cream and let EVERYONE know about it... but it was still yummy. I feel like Winnie the Pooh !!!! mmmm, honey! :) I got dark choc ice cream w/ twix (i wanted that toffee candy - the name eludes me at the moment) and strawberries. it was good, but Hashim's was delicious! He got both dark choc ice cream and cream cake i.c. with strawberries at the candy I wanted :( He saved the last 3 bites for me though :)))) which made up for that yucky twix that I got and didn't complain about, I might add :)!!!! I felt sorry for the guy and for the mother. She reminded me of how my mother gets when she's mad. It always embarrasses me, but boy... she gets what she wants and so did this mother. All of a sudden everyone stepped away from the counter to let her children go first. She was havin' one hell of a momma rush and topped w/ not eating all day... wouldn't tangle w/ the mix... :)
Naief had fun too... running around and insisting of sitting whenever he saw fit. We ignored him which soon remedied the situation. I also told him that if he did it again, momma was gonna put him in the stroller. and ... it worked!! :) We took him to play today at Marina Mall (my thinking they were closed during the morning coz of Ramadan - but nope.. they close at 1)... and he loved it. It's been wks since he's been anywhere and he actually remembered and squealed when he saw where we were going. He play a tiny bit of air hockey, if you can believe it, w/ daddy, but likes to take the puck and put it in the hole so, obviously, daddy always wins. Can't wait til he figures out what's up w/ this game. I love air hockey, Hashim does too, so it'll be fun to play w/ him!! :)
Hashim loves playing Xbox and such, and the other day when Naief woke up from his nap, he took the controller (if that's what they're called) and moved the tank by himself... even got it thru the next checkpoint!! Hashim laughed w/ hysteria... it was sorta scary! ;) He was clapping and telling Naief go keep going... OMG... I can't imagine when he actually starts playing. :) It was really cute though.... if I have to say so myself. I was firing for him but he'd do this laser thing every so often. lol
Checked out the new mall late this afternoon. There's only some hundred stores open right now, but ... even still, made me feel like I was walking in some other country. I'm so tickled w/ all the stores. One of my old favs is coming..... Saks Fifth Avenue! Not that I have the money to really shop there nowadays... but just to walk through... possibly see something adorable I might want and in my price range... well, the mere thought sends me floating in air! ;) Hashim and I were just talking about this store and he could hardly believe when he saw it today!!
And one of his favorite stores of all time - Virgin Records - is HERE!!!!!!!! Two stories, I might add! We made a stop there tonight. They have so many great movies!!! Can't wait for all the music to come!
I'm so excited that American stores are coming. We're even getting a Krispy Kreme!!! lordamighty.... what is this small island comin' to??!!!!
The new theatre looks incredible. Could only see the marble at the entrance and some areas where ppl will enter, and just from that, it might be a cause to return my butt to the movies! :)
I'm just thrilled. In a time that I'm really missing my family... my mom espcially... this brings a little piece of America to me... be it, all the stores aren't open yet, but just from knowing that there'll be so many new places to wonder through, if the mood hits me, makes me smile.
Did I mention that they're going to have the largest indoor water park for this part of the world? Or for the time being, at least. This should be interesting. Can't imagine going to the mall for a day of swimming... so I'm wondering what it'll be like.
mmmmm... we made a last stop being leaving at the ice cream place that does everything on cold marble, and mmmmm.... it was so yummy! I didn't get what I asked for since the guy behind the counter had his undies turned inside out by an Arab mother who was most upset at the fact that the girl behind the counter ignored her 6 kids when they wanted ice cream and let EVERYONE know about it... but it was still yummy. I feel like Winnie the Pooh !!!! mmmm, honey! :) I got dark choc ice cream w/ twix (i wanted that toffee candy - the name eludes me at the moment) and strawberries. it was good, but Hashim's was delicious! He got both dark choc ice cream and cream cake i.c. with strawberries at the candy I wanted :( He saved the last 3 bites for me though :)))) which made up for that yucky twix that I got and didn't complain about, I might add :)!!!! I felt sorry for the guy and for the mother. She reminded me of how my mother gets when she's mad. It always embarrasses me, but boy... she gets what she wants and so did this mother. All of a sudden everyone stepped away from the counter to let her children go first. She was havin' one hell of a momma rush and topped w/ not eating all day... wouldn't tangle w/ the mix... :)
Naief had fun too... running around and insisting of sitting whenever he saw fit. We ignored him which soon remedied the situation. I also told him that if he did it again, momma was gonna put him in the stroller. and ... it worked!! :) We took him to play today at Marina Mall (my thinking they were closed during the morning coz of Ramadan - but nope.. they close at 1)... and he loved it. It's been wks since he's been anywhere and he actually remembered and squealed when he saw where we were going. He play a tiny bit of air hockey, if you can believe it, w/ daddy, but likes to take the puck and put it in the hole so, obviously, daddy always wins. Can't wait til he figures out what's up w/ this game. I love air hockey, Hashim does too, so it'll be fun to play w/ him!! :)
Hashim loves playing Xbox and such, and the other day when Naief woke up from his nap, he took the controller (if that's what they're called) and moved the tank by himself... even got it thru the next checkpoint!! Hashim laughed w/ hysteria... it was sorta scary! ;) He was clapping and telling Naief go keep going... OMG... I can't imagine when he actually starts playing. :) It was really cute though.... if I have to say so myself. I was firing for him but he'd do this laser thing every so often. lol
Sunday, September 07, 2008
tonight's dinner
Tonight I made three dishes for dinner. Two recipes I've never made before and a vegetable dish that I love. The first was tofu lasagna. I saw an Asian woman prepare it on a cooking show the other night and since it looked yummy, I decided to make it... even though all of my in-laws are big meat eaters, including my husband (and I am not), I thought, "what the hell". I made my pasta sauce from scratch... something I've been doing just for a couple of weeks now, and tonight's sauce was especially good... I thought. Only a couple of ppl tried it. One SIL gagged when she tried it, but both Naief and I had a nice helping. Has anyone ever tried it? I'd be happy to pass the recipe if anyone's interested.
I also made fettuccini alfredo for the first time. Boy, that takes time, and it's so fattening! 1/2 cup butter, one pint of heavy whipping cream.... 2/3 c. parmesan cheese.... and then olive oil on the pasta. My only gripe about fettuccini noodles is that they always stick together and it drives me crazy. I put a heavy dose of olive oil on the noodles tonight, after cooking, in hopes that it would work, but still... Does anyone have a good trick to keep this from happening??? And it seems like no matter how often I stir the pasta while cooking, it sticks together - even while cooking. I didn't add oil to the water tonight... maybe that's the problem.
I also made a vegetable medley sort of thing w/ corn, red bell pepper, celery, cauliflower, shredded carrots, lime juice, garlic salt and a few cloves of garlic... you stir fry it all in a small amount of butter and oil. Not too much, but just enough to let it brown. It's really good... light and healthy.
My SIL made a salad, and my MIL made several other dishes.... tomorrow night I'll take a pic of the whole thing so you guys can see what it's like. Reminds me of Thanksgiving but w/ more food!
I don't know how many of you guys know it, but during Ramadan we eat on the floor. Actually, whenever the whole family gets together, meals are always eaten while sitting on the floor. They put out a long, rectangular shaped plastic covering on the floor, then all the food it sat in the middle of this w/ plates, glasses and such along the edges. At first I didn't really care for it, but I actually like it now. It's very informal and cozy. Everyone talks while eating and usually wait until my FIL has finished and gotten up before getting up to leave the area. The kids run around, sometimes sitting down to eat a few bites, or wind up eating later. We take Naief's highchair because he tends not to eat otherwise.
Another thing I've really started to enjoy is eating w/ my fingers. I've always been a finger licker... yeah, I know that many find it disgusting... but I enjoy licking my fingers. I don't slurp them or anything and I don't always do it... it's only if there's something really good stuck to one of them. ;) But, even w/ that said, I'm not one to go w/out the use of a napkin, and no one uses one at my in-laws. Everything is washed at the end of the meal, including mouth - both inside and out. Many ppl eat rice w/ their hands. Making balls inside the palm of one hand and picking it up and putting in the mouth w/ the other fingers. I've never been able to master it and I'm not comfortable doing it, so I eat rice w/ a fork or tablespoon. Many use bread - usually Bahraini or Lebanese - to scoop up food. I like to do this w/ foul, yogurt dishes and sometimes meat.
I think I'll make banana bread tomorrow. I've been waiting for some bananas to overly ripen and by tomorrow they'll be good and ready... I just hope it's as good as I remember.
I also made fettuccini alfredo for the first time. Boy, that takes time, and it's so fattening! 1/2 cup butter, one pint of heavy whipping cream.... 2/3 c. parmesan cheese.... and then olive oil on the pasta. My only gripe about fettuccini noodles is that they always stick together and it drives me crazy. I put a heavy dose of olive oil on the noodles tonight, after cooking, in hopes that it would work, but still... Does anyone have a good trick to keep this from happening??? And it seems like no matter how often I stir the pasta while cooking, it sticks together - even while cooking. I didn't add oil to the water tonight... maybe that's the problem.
I also made a vegetable medley sort of thing w/ corn, red bell pepper, celery, cauliflower, shredded carrots, lime juice, garlic salt and a few cloves of garlic... you stir fry it all in a small amount of butter and oil. Not too much, but just enough to let it brown. It's really good... light and healthy.
My SIL made a salad, and my MIL made several other dishes.... tomorrow night I'll take a pic of the whole thing so you guys can see what it's like. Reminds me of Thanksgiving but w/ more food!
I don't know how many of you guys know it, but during Ramadan we eat on the floor. Actually, whenever the whole family gets together, meals are always eaten while sitting on the floor. They put out a long, rectangular shaped plastic covering on the floor, then all the food it sat in the middle of this w/ plates, glasses and such along the edges. At first I didn't really care for it, but I actually like it now. It's very informal and cozy. Everyone talks while eating and usually wait until my FIL has finished and gotten up before getting up to leave the area. The kids run around, sometimes sitting down to eat a few bites, or wind up eating later. We take Naief's highchair because he tends not to eat otherwise.
Another thing I've really started to enjoy is eating w/ my fingers. I've always been a finger licker... yeah, I know that many find it disgusting... but I enjoy licking my fingers. I don't slurp them or anything and I don't always do it... it's only if there's something really good stuck to one of them. ;) But, even w/ that said, I'm not one to go w/out the use of a napkin, and no one uses one at my in-laws. Everything is washed at the end of the meal, including mouth - both inside and out. Many ppl eat rice w/ their hands. Making balls inside the palm of one hand and picking it up and putting in the mouth w/ the other fingers. I've never been able to master it and I'm not comfortable doing it, so I eat rice w/ a fork or tablespoon. Many use bread - usually Bahraini or Lebanese - to scoop up food. I like to do this w/ foul, yogurt dishes and sometimes meat.
I think I'll make banana bread tomorrow. I've been waiting for some bananas to overly ripen and by tomorrow they'll be good and ready... I just hope it's as good as I remember.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
pigging out
Tonight I ate too much... this is the thing I have the most difficulty with at Ramadan. And for someone who doesn't eat a lot, this isn't a good thing. I feel like a stuffed pig.
We went over to my MIL & FILs tonight and there was soooo much food. One of my SILs made 3 or 4 different dishes, and my MIL made everything under the sun, it seemed. It was all delicious... but man oh man, I'm not used to eating so much. My MIL made foul tonight..... I LOVE FOUL!!!!!!! It was soooo gooood and she makes the best, bar none! On top of that, I had a samboosa, 2 helpings of rocket salad, harees, some kind of yogurt w/ hard bread, 1/2 piece of Bahraini bread and a piece of some kind of sweet chicken.... and then I had two helpings of halwa (a very sweet treat that one usually has w/ arabic coffee, and pictured above), which is what made me sick, I think. That and 4 cups of Arabic coffee would make anyone sick... so one might wonder why I ate so much... well, me too. Probably because I went into it too hungry, and I love halwa. Haven't had the stuff in over a year... so I figured, "what the hell." ;) Now.. my tummy is paying me back. Thinking about it... it's not the sweet part of halwa that makes me sick... I think it's all the ghee they use when making it! Me and oily foods don't get along. It's just so yummy... I can't resist!
Now... I'm at home... sick. But, it's getting better. A little Alka-Seltzer and water should do the trick. My MIL always suggests drinking margadush... but it never helps. I can barely stand the taste of it, but she swears by it. ;)
Tonight Naief saw his oldest cousin, whom he hasn't seen since the beginning of the year... if that's right. His cousin's in the 7th grade now and has a lot of patience for the little ones. Naief followed him around like a puppy on a leash. Showing off, calling out to him, standing close to where he was sitting.... it was so sweet. He's liked T since he was a baby. Always wanting his attention. It's really sweet to watch him interact with those he adores. There's some type of sparkle in his eyes.
It's weird, coz tonight when his cousin came in... I realized how fast, once again, time flies. I remember when I first met him.... back in 2001. He was 6 and adorable. Now, lemme tell ya, ladies... he has the eyelashes that any woman would die for... long and lush. Beautiful eyes, actually. Handsome young man. He's a lot taller now, has lost a lot of weight... and seemed more self-confident. I teased after asking what grade he was in now and told him that tomorrow he'd be going to college and soon he'd be getting married. :) He laughed... but a little bit of me was serious... in that I can't get over how fast time goes by. It's a bit scary, actually. But... since I'm really trying hard not to look at the glass half full (and for anyone who knows me... knows how hard that is!!! ;) ) .... I'll just leave it at that.
I've started taking these little hormone pills at the advice of my dr. It's to regulate things... and boy is it regulating. I've been in the crabbiest of moods lately. So... hubby has 3 more glorious months until I'm back to my loving and tender ways! ;) lol
And btw... since I'm on the topic of crabbiness, dear Sister Jahooni... MAIL MY BIRTHDAY BOX!!!!! Do I have to wait for mom to get back to Cali before it's mailed???!!!! Or would you rather I come there and jerk a knot?!
Peace, out! (gosh, it feels good to have my spunkiness back.. maybe I should take these hormone pills all the time!! :) )
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
fasting in this heat
Here it is Ramadan and no one is allowed to eat, drink, smoke, chew gum, have sex from sun up to sun down and if you're not Muslim, you have to abide by the same rules if out and about around Bahrain. Matter of fact, there's a jail sentence or large fine if caught drinking, eating, smoking and such while outdoors. If I'm not mistaken, hotels no longer serve food during the day, and forget about alcohol.
It's been over 115F and close to 120 most days, and the humidity is well over 80%.... and ppl (Muslims) are fasting.... which equals no water intake all day long! You go outside and you sweat like you're in a sauna... drenched after only a few minutes (no kidding), there are ppl working outside in this heat (Muslims and non-Muslims)... and NO ONE is allowed to drink water! This does not equal, to me, a healthy body. No wonder ppl are suffering w/ intense headaches. Their bodies are dehydrated and they have to suffer until 6 pm to quench that hellacious thirst.
Truly, I find this to be ridiculous.
Why on earth it would be against the Almighty to drink water, giving your body what it needs, to keep your body from having heatstroke or having severe dehydration and such... well, to me, it just seems ..... terribly unhealthy and illogical.
And next year.... Ramadan will fall during the month of August I've heard.... fun, fun, fun, fun, fun. I'm already tired of it and it's only what.... 3 days in?!! I'm not fasting anyhoo, but to see my husband come home from work w/ severe headaches and not happy... and he doesn't even work outside. Imagine having to work outside all day w/out any water.... it isn't sane.
It's been over 115F and close to 120 most days, and the humidity is well over 80%.... and ppl (Muslims) are fasting.... which equals no water intake all day long! You go outside and you sweat like you're in a sauna... drenched after only a few minutes (no kidding), there are ppl working outside in this heat (Muslims and non-Muslims)... and NO ONE is allowed to drink water! This does not equal, to me, a healthy body. No wonder ppl are suffering w/ intense headaches. Their bodies are dehydrated and they have to suffer until 6 pm to quench that hellacious thirst.
Truly, I find this to be ridiculous.
Why on earth it would be against the Almighty to drink water, giving your body what it needs, to keep your body from having heatstroke or having severe dehydration and such... well, to me, it just seems ..... terribly unhealthy and illogical.
And next year.... Ramadan will fall during the month of August I've heard.... fun, fun, fun, fun, fun. I'm already tired of it and it's only what.... 3 days in?!! I'm not fasting anyhoo, but to see my husband come home from work w/ severe headaches and not happy... and he doesn't even work outside. Imagine having to work outside all day w/out any water.... it isn't sane.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
B I R T H D A Y S
wow... another year, another wrinkle, a walking, talking, little boy, a new part-time job...
so many new things... as well as a new year for this old soul inside of me. yes, today's my birthday, and you wouldn't think it, but i actually forgot this morning. it wasn't the first thought that crossed my mind (which is a first, lemme tell ya)... i didn't feel like pulling the sheets over my head or dread getting up and out of bed to face that 'birthday' day, and i didn't moan from the thought of it when hubby got up and sang, "happy birthday to you", while i was still snuggling next to the little one.
really, this is a first and i wonder why. why no complaining on my part? no bad mood because i'm another year older, no ..................... , no .................. , nothing. where has it all gone? why did i forget that it was my birthday? hmmmm.....
my friend, bint battuta's birthday is tomorrow, and then my friend, puppy, has one on the 7th of this month, and then another blog friend, rain, has one coming up... but i can't remember the date (i'm so bad w/ dates!!)... and i'm sure there are some others if i just think hard enough, but why put my precious brain and the few brain cells i have left thru such daunting tasks!!? ;) so i wont! :)
our wedding anniversary is also coming up.... strange since i NEVER remember it!! this year i did... that's a first! so many good things in such a short time frame. :)
anyway... instead of going on and on and on.... i'll just end it here and say, "Happy Birthday friends!!! May your day be filled with happiness, peace and love, and may the year bring you fabulous surprises around every corner of your world."
so many new things... as well as a new year for this old soul inside of me. yes, today's my birthday, and you wouldn't think it, but i actually forgot this morning. it wasn't the first thought that crossed my mind (which is a first, lemme tell ya)... i didn't feel like pulling the sheets over my head or dread getting up and out of bed to face that 'birthday' day, and i didn't moan from the thought of it when hubby got up and sang, "happy birthday to you", while i was still snuggling next to the little one.
really, this is a first and i wonder why. why no complaining on my part? no bad mood because i'm another year older, no ..................... , no .................. , nothing. where has it all gone? why did i forget that it was my birthday? hmmmm.....
my friend, bint battuta's birthday is tomorrow, and then my friend, puppy, has one on the 7th of this month, and then another blog friend, rain, has one coming up... but i can't remember the date (i'm so bad w/ dates!!)... and i'm sure there are some others if i just think hard enough, but why put my precious brain and the few brain cells i have left thru such daunting tasks!!? ;) so i wont! :)
our wedding anniversary is also coming up.... strange since i NEVER remember it!! this year i did... that's a first! so many good things in such a short time frame. :)
anyway... instead of going on and on and on.... i'll just end it here and say, "Happy Birthday friends!!! May your day be filled with happiness, peace and love, and may the year bring you fabulous surprises around every corner of your world."
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
last wknd's horse adventure
Last weekend was an easy weekend, in that there wasn't a lot to do, so we decided to take Naief to one of the riding schools in Sa'ar to see the horses. It was Friday and this particular stable was closed, but there were guys there cleaning and they allowed us to go in.
The place was huge with more than 25 stables, all full of horses of various colors and sizes. They were so beautiful. I love horses. Always have, but there's a small part of me that is afraid of them for some reason. I'm not afraid of donkeys or mules (they are extremely gentle creatures), but horses ... I don't know, I get a little spooked sometimes.
Naief seems to have taken on that same feeling... for he loves looking at them, and loves when me and daddy make horse sounds when we're looking at pictures, singing or playing, but to get up close, it frightens the day lights outta him! ;)
When we walked in, there were a few horses that started naying... (is that the right word?!!), so he and I walked over to the stable area with daddy going right up to one of the biggest ones there, talking and gently rubbing this big animal. I started, slowly, to walk to where he was, but as soon as I got even a little close, Naief started screaming with fright. This is the 2nd time this has happened.. the first being when we stopped along the side of the road one day when some guys were out riding horses... he did the same, but I figured it was because it was his first time up close to such a big animal.
So... I backed up and we walked around to the other side of the stables where there were three huge riding areas. One horse that was out was so very old. Don't think I've ever seen a horse this old... made me a bit sad for some reason.. and then in the other area there were two huge, and I mean HUGE, male horses. They immediately came to the fence as we approached, but since Naief started squirming, I didn't go too close. Hashim soon followed and went right up to one of them and the horse took right to him. He loved Hashim, matter of fact. He started licking him, allowed Hashim to hug him, so I went a little closer, stuck out my arm - let him smell me - and then tried to pet him and the horse did this snort thing that caused a huge gush of air to come from his nostrils, so I backed up a bit. Maybe he could sense Naief's uneasiness and mine.. not sure, but even still, he was so beautiful, and I loved standing there watching as Hashim rubbed him, talked to him... and such.
Wish I had taken apples...
We walked further down to where there were two women out w/ the horses. One was bathing a horse, while the other woman took one out into the riding area and worked w/ him. There were two dogs running around and one came right up to me and Naief, jumping up to say hello, which caused Naief to cry. I bent down, but it scared Naief too much and the dog ran away. I tried again, later, to call the dog to come to us, but he wanted no part of the child that was in my arms! ;)
Naief loved Cody, my sister's dog, when we were in California, and, at some point, we want to get a dog, but I guess he's being overly cautious right now and is afraid of most everything it seems. I've noticed his uneasiness around strangers a bit as well, so I'm assuming it's a stage.
Anyway... I loved this place. They had cats roaming around ... which very much pleased Naief. I let him down and he ran after a few of them, but since they were content not to be bothered by anyone, they ran away as soon as he got close. :)
Hashim and I talked about getting a horse or starting riding lessons... it would be really nice to be able to do either... altho I think having a horse would be a lot of work... and I'm not sure either of us have the time to devote to such, but it would be fun to take some riding lessons or at least go and visit the horses more often.
As we were leaving, we heard the dogs barking from the BSPCA that is just across the dirt road (probably 10 steps away). You couldn't see inside, but it sounded as though there were 20 or so dogs inside. It's sad to think about those dogs wanting and needing a home... only to be put down after a few days if no one has adopted them. Sad that so many ppl refuse to take care of their animals and so many wind up paying the price for it. I wish ppl had a different attitude towards animals in these parts. So many see it as a burden instead of something that can light up your life in so many ways and bring joy to all around them, especially children.
But anyway....
oh yeah... about a week 1/2 ago, me, Hashim and Naief were outside in the front yard and guess who we heard? Henry!!! There's no mistaking his call. I was so happy. It's weird because I had been thinking about him just a few days before that, so I was just thrilled to hear him. I called back to him and looked around, up in the trees, but saw nothing. I really hope it was him and, if so, I'm really glad to know he's still alive!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
USA vs. Brazil.... and other stuff
Saw the volleyball finals this afternoon and, boy, was it good!! The women were neck in neck for most of the game... altho, Brazil did pull ahead in the first quarter, the US won the 2nd and then Brazil won at the end.... they were so happy. I just love to see teams (individuals) so happy when they win a gold medal. Seems like such a long time ago that I'd see players crying when their national anthem was playing. I don't think I've seen such in a good while. This year... not once have I seen it. Shoot... I cry and I'm not even playing!! :)
Pretty soon the Olympics will be coming to an end. It's been a good year. China has really competed well... winning several gold medals and showing true sportsmanship - even in the face of controversy - w/ reports that a few of their gymnasts are 14, when the age of an Olympian has to be 16. Even w/ this said, I'm really happy they had a chance to shine and that so many countries were able to win gold medals for the first time ever.
I really enjoyed watching the power lifting. Saw a friend's countrymen doing well and felt really happy when China won at least two gold medals in this competition. I also really enjoyed watching track and field... boy, that Jamaican guy can run!! Did anyone see him running the 200M?!! Wow!!! As the announcer on Dubai Sports says, "Ya Salam" (wow)!! I heard that many times today while the volleyball game was going on! ;) I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the Russian woman winning at the pole volt. She broke her own world record, matter of fact. That was exciting stuff... lemme tell ya!! The one thing I did regret was not being able to see more gymnastics. Seemed like I might have been the only one in this part of the world really interested because Dubai Sports wasn't interested in showing too much of it... but oh well.
I also missed some of the best swimming competitions as well. Was talking to my sister on the telephone one morning - my time - and she was right in the middle of watching one competition, which was taped, and I had missed all of it. It was when Phelps was winning big time, so I was a bit down about that. I did catch a lot of diving, which I love... and, again, China was kicking butt w/ that.
Soon it'll be over and my world will be back to normal :'( ... Olympicless... so sad.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I will add, on a personal note, that I have reconnected w/ my older sister after two (edit: I'd say it's been more like 4, after seriously thinking about it) years, and I'm really happy about this. My younger sister was instrumental in helping this along, and if it hadn't been for her, don't think it would have happened so soon if at all because I am one stubborn thing when it comes to matters of the heart.
I've really missed talking to her over the last couple of years... finding myself longing to call her many a day, but didn't, and only wishing that we were close like before.... but now, things are ok again. I made the initial call to her. I think it was around 3:00 a.m. her time... and when she answered the phone, I couldn't even talk. My voice cracked and that was it. I knew if I tried to carry on a conversation, all to be heard would be tears/sobs of joy... but when you're in the midst of such, they don't sound so joyful, now do they?!!
My mother is there visiting w/ her right now and flies back to Florida to spend the rest of her summer w/ her sister, my auntie. Gosh, it's been forever since seeing my auntie... something like .... gosh, I don't know, probably 20 years!!! No kidding. The last time I saw her, I was a teenager. She moved to Florida w/ her husband and that's the last I saw of her. She has since visited my sister in California and I was able to talk to her on Skype, which was good, but ain't it weird how no matter how long it's been, there's still something that connects family. I can truly say that I hardly know her now, but am starting to get to know her again through emailing and pictures... and I'm really happy for it.
Ramadan is almost upon us. This year I will be cooking at home and treating my own family to good home cooking and homemade desserts. I'm excited for many reasons... the main one, our family can start our own tradition w/ respect to Ramadan and it really tickles me that it has the possibility of becoming truly special and, two, I don't have to put up w/ any outside 'stuff'.... if you know what I mean?!! :)
Pretty soon the Olympics will be coming to an end. It's been a good year. China has really competed well... winning several gold medals and showing true sportsmanship - even in the face of controversy - w/ reports that a few of their gymnasts are 14, when the age of an Olympian has to be 16. Even w/ this said, I'm really happy they had a chance to shine and that so many countries were able to win gold medals for the first time ever.
I really enjoyed watching the power lifting. Saw a friend's countrymen doing well and felt really happy when China won at least two gold medals in this competition. I also really enjoyed watching track and field... boy, that Jamaican guy can run!! Did anyone see him running the 200M?!! Wow!!! As the announcer on Dubai Sports says, "Ya Salam" (wow)!! I heard that many times today while the volleyball game was going on! ;) I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the Russian woman winning at the pole volt. She broke her own world record, matter of fact. That was exciting stuff... lemme tell ya!! The one thing I did regret was not being able to see more gymnastics. Seemed like I might have been the only one in this part of the world really interested because Dubai Sports wasn't interested in showing too much of it... but oh well.
I also missed some of the best swimming competitions as well. Was talking to my sister on the telephone one morning - my time - and she was right in the middle of watching one competition, which was taped, and I had missed all of it. It was when Phelps was winning big time, so I was a bit down about that. I did catch a lot of diving, which I love... and, again, China was kicking butt w/ that.
Soon it'll be over and my world will be back to normal :'( ... Olympicless... so sad.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I will add, on a personal note, that I have reconnected w/ my older sister after two (edit: I'd say it's been more like 4, after seriously thinking about it) years, and I'm really happy about this. My younger sister was instrumental in helping this along, and if it hadn't been for her, don't think it would have happened so soon if at all because I am one stubborn thing when it comes to matters of the heart.
I've really missed talking to her over the last couple of years... finding myself longing to call her many a day, but didn't, and only wishing that we were close like before.... but now, things are ok again. I made the initial call to her. I think it was around 3:00 a.m. her time... and when she answered the phone, I couldn't even talk. My voice cracked and that was it. I knew if I tried to carry on a conversation, all to be heard would be tears/sobs of joy... but when you're in the midst of such, they don't sound so joyful, now do they?!!
My mother is there visiting w/ her right now and flies back to Florida to spend the rest of her summer w/ her sister, my auntie. Gosh, it's been forever since seeing my auntie... something like .... gosh, I don't know, probably 20 years!!! No kidding. The last time I saw her, I was a teenager. She moved to Florida w/ her husband and that's the last I saw of her. She has since visited my sister in California and I was able to talk to her on Skype, which was good, but ain't it weird how no matter how long it's been, there's still something that connects family. I can truly say that I hardly know her now, but am starting to get to know her again through emailing and pictures... and I'm really happy for it.
Ramadan is almost upon us. This year I will be cooking at home and treating my own family to good home cooking and homemade desserts. I'm excited for many reasons... the main one, our family can start our own tradition w/ respect to Ramadan and it really tickles me that it has the possibility of becoming truly special and, two, I don't have to put up w/ any outside 'stuff'.... if you know what I mean?!! :)
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Who will it be?
Barack Obama
or
John McCain
Just watched 'the Place for Politics - Forum on the Presidency - on MSNBC. Pat Roberts thinks John McCain was funny, at the top of his game... while Barack Obama seemed terrified and a college sophmore that was facing finals w/out studying... the woman on the panel is also very much against Barack Obama. I find myself in total disbelief when I sit and listen to this stuff.
MSNBC is obviously very pro-Republican. Republicans never cease to amaze me.
or
John McCain
Just watched 'the Place for Politics - Forum on the Presidency - on MSNBC. Pat Roberts thinks John McCain was funny, at the top of his game... while Barack Obama seemed terrified and a college sophmore that was facing finals w/out studying... the woman on the panel is also very much against Barack Obama. I find myself in total disbelief when I sit and listen to this stuff.
MSNBC is obviously very pro-Republican. Republicans never cease to amaze me.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
my first trauma experience
This morning around 9:30 a.m., I was in the bedroom getting ready for the little swimming party we were gonna have at our house... everything was going fine until I heard Naief make some type of sound. I turned around and saw what I thought was paint on his forehead... then he cried out. As I moved over to him, I realized he had fallen and cut his forehead wide open on the corner edge of the wall!!! As I approached him, he started crying and the opening gushed blood.
I terrified me... but it's amazing how fast your instincts or something takes over. I swooped him up in my arms, carried him to the bed and put his pajama top on the opening. phew.... it was bleeding soooo much! I called Hashim and told him to come immediately that Naief had fallen and busted his head open, then hung up.... we're a one car family, which isn't good for times like these. Thank goodness he only works about 6 or 7 mins. away and was able to get here in no time, altho it seemed like a lifetime.
I called my SIL and cancelled the pool party, crying as I told her what had happened. She told me she'd come immediately. Naief started to cry again and as I tried to soothe him, my SIL arrived, looked at him and said, "yellah, let's take him to hospital"...
All the while, Naief is going in between crying and staying completely calm. So calm that it amazes me. He doesn't try to push the washcloth w/ ice from his forehead... he doesn't do nothing but stay still.
We see Hashim on our way. He goes home to get insurance information and we go to the hospital. I take him to the emergency room where they tell me that he'll have to have stiches because it's so deep. You wouldn't think that a wall could cause a gash so deep.... or at least I never thought about it.
Hashim arrives shortly after, signs in and gets his file and then we wait on the dr. It's probably 10 mins, if that, and the dr. comes and my SIL is told to leave the room, Hashim leaves the room and I stay there to talk to him. There were 3 other nurses and the dr. My SIL comes back and tells me to go that she'll stay there w/ him, so I go out, only to pace the floor as I hear Naief screaming and calling, "momma".
It was sooo terrible. I wanted to run to him, lift him up in my arms and take him away from there, but I knew I couldn't. They inject him w/ pain med on the site, after rolling him up in a sheet to keep his arms and legs from moving, then cover his face w/ this cloth and then start the procedure. He starts screaming bloody murder.... first "momma" and then "bubba"... over and over again. It's terrible to hear your child scream from pain and fear, let me tell ya. I start to cry and Hashim goes in to comfort him or try the best he could. Poor little thing... my heart breaks for him.
Finally, the dr. finishes. He's crying so much, is blood red and sweating sooo much. He wants me, but all I can do is stand there and tell him, "it's ok, momma's here". They wrap his head up in a bandage and then it's ok for me to take him in my arms.
We have to wait just a little bit while the dr. finishes up the paperwork, then we're allowed to leave.
He's okay, but will be dealing w/ pain today.
It's so scary when you see how fast something can happen. I'm so thankful he's okay. He's been so good through this and only cried a little this afternoon and touched his head so I gave him pain meds. He's sleeping now... he was so exhausted.
You know... it truly touched my heart at how fast my SIL responded to my need for help. It's hard not having your family when things like this happen. I'm so thankful she lives across the street and that she cares enough about us to come so quickly. It makes me feel so loved. :'(
Sunday, August 10, 2008
swimming competitions & not eating delimma
Watching the women swimming competitions right now. I think swimming has almost become my favorite sport... altho I do enjoy sprinting, track & field and such. Yesterday I was watching relay swimming competitions, in the bedroom, while Naief was napping. I got so excited that I screamed out when America came from third place to take the lead.... it was SOOO exciting! I couldn't help but jumping and screaming... and wouldn't ya know it... I woke him up! :) so we sat and watched together... he loves the water and I only hope that he grows up to enjoy the events as much as I do... I know Hashim is really getting into it, which I love... so maybe we'll wind up being one happy Olympic cheering family! :)
We watched volleyball last night which was incredibly exciting. USA vs. Japan... wow... those girls could play. I love volleyball... loved playing in high school... Hashim as well... so it was reallly fun to watch two incredible teams up against each other. I thought for sure that Japan would win, but we pulled through at the end.... I am always amazed and thrilled at how the US is able to come from behind and pull off victories... really shows you how dedicated they are... makes me proud.
I saw President Bush in the stands cheering on the American team in the swimming competitions. He didn't know the camera was on him and, you know, he was so excited, cheering and waving his flag. Gave me chills to see him like that... like a real person.
Still haven't seen this Bahraini guy come up to compete... hopefully I'll catch it... coz I've realized that it's much too difficult to abandon all else to watch the Olympics when you have a little one at home!! It's totally impossible :)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
One thing I wanted to ask you mother's and father's out there is this... Naief has gotten a big independent streak as of late. Before, he would sit in his highchair and eat on his own, sometimes allowing me or bubba to help him if he wasn't getting enough on his spoon and whatnot, but NOW.... there is no help allowed and he's basically gotten to the point that he wont eat. He hates sitting in his highchair now... I'm assuming that he feels he's too big or some such - not sure - and when he does sit there, he's more interested in playing w/ his food than eating. If I try to feed him, it makes the whole situation worse. He'll shut his lips as tight as possible and move his head from side to side as fast as possible. Yeah, I've stooped to begging, but it does no good. At that point, he wants to get down and wont eat anything at all.
This has been going on for a few wks now. I called the dr. last week and told him because I'm really worried about it. I noticed the other day that he had little circles forming in the corners of his eyes... I'm assuming from a lack of food or something or maybe it's just my worrisome nature that causes me to think that, but, seriously, this child is hardly eating. He's still taking a bottle, which has been my saving grace and his, for he'll take a bottle over everything else.
I'm starting to wonder if part of it is due to the independent streak and maybe it's scaring him a bit. He wants it, but then doesn't. I know children go thru this.
The dr. said that it's normal for him to be doing this... that most children go through this phase.... phew.. that took a lot off of my shoulders, but what about not getting enough nutrition?! He recommended a vitamin that will boost his hunger... "hmmm", I thought, and decided to get some. We picked it up and after reading the pamphlet inside, this vitamin supp could cause him to become a bit tired or act as a stimulant.
I've been using it for 3 days now and it's good. He's eating better, altho didn't eat a lot today... only took two bites of lunch and one bite of breakfast (i never force food on him... if he doesn't, eat, then i let him down or put the food up). He did eat some pita bread w/ cream cheese after getting down from lunch, but that's it - and only a half sandwich. I made foul for breakfast, but, like I said, he refused it. I'm assuming he doesn't like foul. ;) or maybe he doesn't like it the way I fix it! I read where it can take up to trying something 15 times before a child will eat it.
I don't know... I feel like I don't know what to do. I don't want to get into a habit of making him special food... actually I refuse to do this. I've done the whole, "he'll eat when he's hungry" thing, but I swear to you... he'll go and go w/out eating. Now, he'll eat tons of fruit, but that's about it... except for chips! In-laws gave him bags of chips while he was visiting and now that's all he wants... if he sees a bag or such. I made the mistake of giving it to him... because you want to make your little one happy, but I honestly wish he had never tasted a chip!
Does anyone have any advice to give this momma that's at her wit's end? Have you gone thru this before and if you did, what did you do.. how did you get your little one to start eating again? Any tips or tricks??
We watched volleyball last night which was incredibly exciting. USA vs. Japan... wow... those girls could play. I love volleyball... loved playing in high school... Hashim as well... so it was reallly fun to watch two incredible teams up against each other. I thought for sure that Japan would win, but we pulled through at the end.... I am always amazed and thrilled at how the US is able to come from behind and pull off victories... really shows you how dedicated they are... makes me proud.
I saw President Bush in the stands cheering on the American team in the swimming competitions. He didn't know the camera was on him and, you know, he was so excited, cheering and waving his flag. Gave me chills to see him like that... like a real person.
Still haven't seen this Bahraini guy come up to compete... hopefully I'll catch it... coz I've realized that it's much too difficult to abandon all else to watch the Olympics when you have a little one at home!! It's totally impossible :)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
One thing I wanted to ask you mother's and father's out there is this... Naief has gotten a big independent streak as of late. Before, he would sit in his highchair and eat on his own, sometimes allowing me or bubba to help him if he wasn't getting enough on his spoon and whatnot, but NOW.... there is no help allowed and he's basically gotten to the point that he wont eat. He hates sitting in his highchair now... I'm assuming that he feels he's too big or some such - not sure - and when he does sit there, he's more interested in playing w/ his food than eating. If I try to feed him, it makes the whole situation worse. He'll shut his lips as tight as possible and move his head from side to side as fast as possible. Yeah, I've stooped to begging, but it does no good. At that point, he wants to get down and wont eat anything at all.
This has been going on for a few wks now. I called the dr. last week and told him because I'm really worried about it. I noticed the other day that he had little circles forming in the corners of his eyes... I'm assuming from a lack of food or something or maybe it's just my worrisome nature that causes me to think that, but, seriously, this child is hardly eating. He's still taking a bottle, which has been my saving grace and his, for he'll take a bottle over everything else.
I'm starting to wonder if part of it is due to the independent streak and maybe it's scaring him a bit. He wants it, but then doesn't. I know children go thru this.
The dr. said that it's normal for him to be doing this... that most children go through this phase.... phew.. that took a lot off of my shoulders, but what about not getting enough nutrition?! He recommended a vitamin that will boost his hunger... "hmmm", I thought, and decided to get some. We picked it up and after reading the pamphlet inside, this vitamin supp could cause him to become a bit tired or act as a stimulant.
I've been using it for 3 days now and it's good. He's eating better, altho didn't eat a lot today... only took two bites of lunch and one bite of breakfast (i never force food on him... if he doesn't, eat, then i let him down or put the food up). He did eat some pita bread w/ cream cheese after getting down from lunch, but that's it - and only a half sandwich. I made foul for breakfast, but, like I said, he refused it. I'm assuming he doesn't like foul. ;) or maybe he doesn't like it the way I fix it! I read where it can take up to trying something 15 times before a child will eat it.
I don't know... I feel like I don't know what to do. I don't want to get into a habit of making him special food... actually I refuse to do this. I've done the whole, "he'll eat when he's hungry" thing, but I swear to you... he'll go and go w/out eating. Now, he'll eat tons of fruit, but that's about it... except for chips! In-laws gave him bags of chips while he was visiting and now that's all he wants... if he sees a bag or such. I made the mistake of giving it to him... because you want to make your little one happy, but I honestly wish he had never tasted a chip!
Does anyone have any advice to give this momma that's at her wit's end? Have you gone thru this before and if you did, what did you do.. how did you get your little one to start eating again? Any tips or tricks??
Friday, August 08, 2008
Bravo! China
China should be proud!!! What an incredible opening ceremony. The part where the Olympic rings come up from the ground and float in the air - amazing, all the drummers - WOW, bringing the old and new together to create one was magnificent, all the shots of the crowd, the athletes coming in at the end and China's team - their smiles, their enthusiasm, the speech from the President of the Olympic Committee - superb, the incredible feeling I got when, not only Bahrain, but many of the Arab countries came onto the field - I felt such pride and joy for these teams (which is a first :) ), and then to see the American team come onto the field and President Bush - I felt such happiness... gets me every time.
I'm not sure what it is, but every 4 yrs, I completely abandon all else to sit and watch every possible piece of the Olympics... I just love the summer games. And to think, Bahrain has a 16 yr old competing ... in swimming. I'm thrilled. What an accomplishment... this young man should be proud.
The one thing that was disappointing is that Bahrain didn't have anyone there representing. What's up w/ that? Did no one go to back the team? Or did they not show the ppl in the stands?
I got tears in my eyes when Iraq came in... having been told by the commentator that they made it just in time.... how proud they must be.
I can't wait to start watching. Some of my favorites are gymnastics, long distance running, track and field, swimming, diving.... hmmmm... and sometimes I love to watch the rowing competitions. aaahhhh... I'm just thrilled that it's on Dubai Sports and in English!!! :)
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
18 mths here and gone
18 mths has come and gone.... ok, by one day, but yesterday seemed to last a loooooonnng time, especially by early this morning when I hadn't seen but an hour or so of sleep.
Naief went to the dr. yesterday to get checked for his cough and what I thought to be a sore throat, and wound up getting his 18 mth injection. I've been dreading these last couple of injections... with a real fear inside of me of autism. This fear has been constant for a while, so I'm thankful they're over and hope that the next few months are smooth sailing, even though the dr. told me I had no reason to worry since the 1 yr vaccine was the 'real' worry, in terms of autism. Nice that he didn't mention that at the time! and blew me off when I addressed my worries the first time.... you know, are there any good pediatricians in this country?? I swear.. when I read my baby books, I feel like there's something really missing when we visit the dr., but anyway...
So... he gets checked out... ears, throat, nose, chest and back, and all is ok, altho I am told to give him Actifed until the runny nose and coughing clears up, then ... the big injection is given. I told Naief beforehand, which worked the last time. He didn't shed a tear w/ his last injection, but not so lucky this time around. He cried and cried hard... but stopped soon after ... as soon as his eyes found something else more interesting, which was a blessing.
He seemed well enough... running and playing at home, but went to bed early since he hadn't had a real nap yesterday, but I guess around 9 or so last night, he awoke crying like I've never heard him cry before. It scared me, matter of fact. Don't think I've ever heard him cry with such deep sounding pain.... so I got inside beside him and tried to comfort him as best as possible, only to realize he had a fever and let out blood curdling cries if I touched his right leg - which just so happened to be the leg where he got the shot.
I felt the site - really hot - so I asked hubby to go and get a cold pack, then picked Naief up and put him on me. I guess after about 20 mins or crying, he started to settle down.... until I put the cold pack on his leg, and then, once again, he cried so heavy that I worried whether or not everything was ok. We gave him some pain/fever reducer and I kept assuring him that it would stop hurting shortly. Off and on he cried ... I guess for another 40 or so mins., until he fell asleep.
He slept only a bit and wound up being up most of the night w/ pain and a medium fever... as well as momma. It was really sweet actually coz throughout the night, I'd hear, "momma", and I'd answer him, only for him to be quiet - but moving his one good leg and arms about - and then I'd hear another, "momma"... I guess to make sure I was awake with him. :) Hashim said it reminded him of me when I really can't sleep coz I'll often wake him to tell 'em I can't sleep... not really sure of what I want or need since his waking wouldn't make my ability NOT to sleep any better.....
And low and behold, my little boy does the same thing :) !!
This morning was very restless w/ his body having muscle spasms from lack of sleep... so he'd go to sleep, sleep for about 30 mins and wake up crying... go back to sleep, sleep for another 20 or so mins., wake up and repeat again. I found myself getting into the same rhythm... since he was sleeping on me and still not able to move his leg.
Around 11, he awoke wanting to watch TV... so I turn on the tube, put on some cartoons as he laid quietly.... I guess around 12:30 or 1, I get him up to try and work out his leg. It was so sweet... he hobbled around w/out putting any real pressure on his leg... reminded me of an old man. :)
He's now better, altho he's still running a fever that peaks every 4 hrs or so, is coughing, sneezing and still having some bad leg pain... but all in all, he's doing a lot better than early this morning... thankfully.
I truly hate these injections... seems like every time he gets them, they either make him sick or make his leg hurt, bruise him or some such. Poor little guy.... hopefully in a few days, it'll all be a distant memory.
Naief went to the dr. yesterday to get checked for his cough and what I thought to be a sore throat, and wound up getting his 18 mth injection. I've been dreading these last couple of injections... with a real fear inside of me of autism. This fear has been constant for a while, so I'm thankful they're over and hope that the next few months are smooth sailing, even though the dr. told me I had no reason to worry since the 1 yr vaccine was the 'real' worry, in terms of autism. Nice that he didn't mention that at the time! and blew me off when I addressed my worries the first time.... you know, are there any good pediatricians in this country?? I swear.. when I read my baby books, I feel like there's something really missing when we visit the dr., but anyway...
So... he gets checked out... ears, throat, nose, chest and back, and all is ok, altho I am told to give him Actifed until the runny nose and coughing clears up, then ... the big injection is given. I told Naief beforehand, which worked the last time. He didn't shed a tear w/ his last injection, but not so lucky this time around. He cried and cried hard... but stopped soon after ... as soon as his eyes found something else more interesting, which was a blessing.
He seemed well enough... running and playing at home, but went to bed early since he hadn't had a real nap yesterday, but I guess around 9 or so last night, he awoke crying like I've never heard him cry before. It scared me, matter of fact. Don't think I've ever heard him cry with such deep sounding pain.... so I got inside beside him and tried to comfort him as best as possible, only to realize he had a fever and let out blood curdling cries if I touched his right leg - which just so happened to be the leg where he got the shot.
I felt the site - really hot - so I asked hubby to go and get a cold pack, then picked Naief up and put him on me. I guess after about 20 mins or crying, he started to settle down.... until I put the cold pack on his leg, and then, once again, he cried so heavy that I worried whether or not everything was ok. We gave him some pain/fever reducer and I kept assuring him that it would stop hurting shortly. Off and on he cried ... I guess for another 40 or so mins., until he fell asleep.
He slept only a bit and wound up being up most of the night w/ pain and a medium fever... as well as momma. It was really sweet actually coz throughout the night, I'd hear, "momma", and I'd answer him, only for him to be quiet - but moving his one good leg and arms about - and then I'd hear another, "momma"... I guess to make sure I was awake with him. :) Hashim said it reminded him of me when I really can't sleep coz I'll often wake him to tell 'em I can't sleep... not really sure of what I want or need since his waking wouldn't make my ability NOT to sleep any better.....
And low and behold, my little boy does the same thing :) !!
This morning was very restless w/ his body having muscle spasms from lack of sleep... so he'd go to sleep, sleep for about 30 mins and wake up crying... go back to sleep, sleep for another 20 or so mins., wake up and repeat again. I found myself getting into the same rhythm... since he was sleeping on me and still not able to move his leg.
Around 11, he awoke wanting to watch TV... so I turn on the tube, put on some cartoons as he laid quietly.... I guess around 12:30 or 1, I get him up to try and work out his leg. It was so sweet... he hobbled around w/out putting any real pressure on his leg... reminded me of an old man. :)
He's now better, altho he's still running a fever that peaks every 4 hrs or so, is coughing, sneezing and still having some bad leg pain... but all in all, he's doing a lot better than early this morning... thankfully.
I truly hate these injections... seems like every time he gets them, they either make him sick or make his leg hurt, bruise him or some such. Poor little guy.... hopefully in a few days, it'll all be a distant memory.
Friday, August 01, 2008
the new 'buzz' do
The first pic was taken right after his cut. These are the little cars the kids sit in while having their hair cut. The second was on our way home. He has something all over his mouth... and, no, we don't walk around like this (miss thang), he had just finished eating something... and it was just too cute to pass up! :)
He's becoming so independent. Just amazes me to see him changing every day. He's talking a little. Says "habeby (dear, love) and hathe (means 'this' - not pronouncing the 'h' too well ) in Arabic, and says things like "I want this/that/these, down, ball, bird", and is trying to say/repeat words I say (English)... it's really sweet and I love listening to his little voice. He jabbers all day about this and that. I have some of it recorded, so maybe I'll post a little of it. Not sure you all would find it as adorable as I do... but you just might :)
anyhoo... wanted to let you guys see his new do. ;)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
