Good Times in Germany and DC

Disclaimer:  I went to Germany and DC on BUSINESS.  Let's just keep it straight from the beginning:  Business.  We were in Germany to see what operations at Ramstein Air Force Base were like and how similar processes could be used for us.  The main purpose of our trip was to go to the Association of the US Army annual convention in Washington, DC.  This was NOT a pleasure trip.  (End of Disclaimer)

Pagan symbol in stone at the castle

Yo!  My trip was DA BOMB.  We had such a great time.  I went with Stella and a colleague, ChE. ChE has become more like a brother through this trip and I'm glad I got to see more than his "business face."

Stella has a house just outside of Ramstein in Landstuhl.  I had never visited Germany before.  It is gorgeous and a lot like Virginia.  Very clean and green.

I liked Frankfurt airport this time.  Last time I was there (the only time) on a layover, I saw 2 men (American and German) get into a fist fight and they called security guards who ran over with machine guns.  Shaweeet.  The ugly American started it.  Je was not impressed.   This time, everyone was so friendly (including the Americans) and the cafe where we had breakfast was really nice.  The whole place smelled like fresh coffee and bread.  Yummmm

We were met at Frankfurt airport by my Irish cousin who I hope to see a lot more of in the future.  I felt immediately comfortable with him - my type of guy with the kind of humor that is so quick that sometimes you miss it and get it a few minutes later; making whatever even funnier. 

Walking into Stella's house felt like going to visit a close family member.  If my sister or I had a house in Germany, it would be very much like Stella's with the same peaceful/tranquil/artsy/quality vibe.  It just felt like I had been there before and had just been away for a while.  We met some of her friends and I immediately liked them - especially B Bear who I hope will come to visit us in Kuwait someday.

(I also discovered lavendar scented PineSol while at Stella's.  OMG - got to get me some here.  Makes the house smell wonderful.)

Germany wasn't at all what I expected it to be. I really had never had a desire to go there, but now that I have, I hope I get to go back.  People are very kind.  I loved Landstuhl village.  The Nanstein castle at the top of the village is amazing. Built somewhere around 1152, the castle is one of the coolest places I've ever visited.  There were all kinds of pagan symbols carved into stone and I've googled the place and discovered that there has been paranormal activity at the castle.  No wonder I felt so drawn to it.  I love that kinda stuff.

Ramstein was amazing.  Stella said that it is like a small city and it is.  The PX is about as large as Marina Mall (without the weird hair styles and hoochies). The base is the largest outside of the US.  It's really a huge operation.  I'm glad I got to see it. We ate lunch at the PX and ChE had sausages that were white and looked quite rude.  I'm glad I didn't get that.  I'm not so sure that I like German food.  Maybe I'm just jaded by machboos - dunno. I can deal with one or two sausages now and again, but there is just too many of them in Germany (NEVER thought I would be saying that!)

I don't know what I expected of Landstuhl village.  It turned out to be a lot like one of the places where I grew up - Wickford, Rhode Island.  It had that small, quaint feel to it.  The kind of place where everyone knows who you are and stop to say hello.  I can see why Stella would love it there.

(And again, why the hell are both of us here??)

So, we hopped on another plane to DC where all the leaves are now changing.  Spent the entire next day sight-seeing (more sight-seeing in one day than I have done in DC in probably my whole life).  Went to all the usual places:  (close to) the White House, Monument, Capitol, National Mall/museums, Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam Vets Memorial, Tital Basin, and then took a tour of Arlington Cemetery (where I had never been before). Ate some American hotdogs (they are NOT sausages) off a truck. ... All followed by dinner at my family's house. 

I knew that when my family met Stella, they would feel as if she were a distant cousin who had just come home for a visit, but it was better than I anticipated.  ChE was such big stah that night that I swearaGod, if I hear, "He's such a lovely person," just one more time....  (It is quite rare for my sister to use that adjective by the way.)  I have a new perspective of ChE and he is definitely a person of fine character (if he never reminds me of the Kung Fu Panda incident again.)  My nephew said, "Why can't he be American?"  Guess they had plans for him.  It couldn't have been better.  Everybody had a good time over dinner/copious amounts of wine.

The AUSA convention was 40% larger than it was in previous years.  There was also an anti-war demonstration going on at the same time, which was kinda cool;  got to see both perspectives.  The opening ceremony of the convention is always the best part.  They had several singers from the military with amazing voices; one sang "An American Soldier" and they showed scenes of 9/11.  Stella and I both lost it.  I don't think we were alone.  It was so quiet in the room full of several hundred people and when the song ended, the group erupted in applause.

It is interesting that foreign militaries are getting in on the act; some just to show that they have militaries I guess.  This year, the UAE had an enormous booth - complete with a Bedouin tent and a desk for information on tourism.  They weren't there selling anything, but showcasing their military's presidential guard. 

When we went past the Israeli military's booth, I got several scornful looks - I guess perhaps because of the Kuwait/America lapel pin that I wore.  Don't care; I grabbed some of their marketing candy and an Israel book bag for my nephew (it was a joke). I don't think he'll be toting it around school.  He's not exactly fond of their politics.

You can tell how the US economy is going by the types of marketing gifts that defense contractors give away.  For example, in 2009, all you got was candy (and the cheap kind).  This year, it was slightly better:  candy, stress balls, pens, and lots and lots of book bags.  The coolest items I got:  a flashlight pen and a flashing luggage tag.  One year, I got a tank simulator software game.  That was pretty cool.

Stella's mom met her in DC, arriving from Panama.  She arrived past midnight at Dulles and the immigration officer asked her why she has a US passport.  She said because she's a US citizen.  Then dude asked her why she doesn't have a green card if she doesn't live in the US.  WTF???!!  What kind of people are they hiring in the States?  OMG. Elementary kids:  apply now!

Anyhoo, for their last night in the States, we went on a river boat dinner trip on the Dandy.  I haven't been on their boats since the 80's, and I don't think they've changed the carpeting since then.  Unfortunately, it rained and was very misty.  My mother got kind of sea sick.  The music was so loud that we had to shout at each other (even though the boat was only 1/4 full).  They didn't even pass any of the monuments they were supposed to because the river was too high and they couldn't get under the bridges.  OMG - you would think that they would announce that prior to the trip, right?  It sucked.  When we got back, the streets were flooded because the river had overflowed (as it usually does in Old Towne, Alexandria).  If you want to go on a nice dinner cruise while in DC, try the other guys, the Oddessey.

ChE stayed an additional day and I took him to Leesburg to see the buildings that my ancestors either built or lived in.  I also took him to see my Dad's grave. My mom says that you can tell a lot about a country by how they bury their dead.  ChE said he was honored - which made me feel honored.

It was kind of depressing when Stella, her mom, and ChE all left.  I took an additional week off with the family which was great - although it rained a lot. I spend my days with my mommy driving along and chirping to each other (as if I never left) searching for the perfect pair of boots - which I never found.  I also tried on the entire new collection of Jennifer Lopez's fashions (which don't fit me very well).  Her shoes are all like 8" platforms.  Not for me.  Evenings I spend with my sister, bro-in-law, nephew and the dogs.  We all eat dinner together at 6 - that's the routine.  I got to experience some cool  weather and Cait made a fire in the fireplace.  She's an amazing person.  She cooks every night after coming home from work and always makes everyone (especially me) feel so welcome.  I miss her the minute I get out of her car at Dulles.  I wish that our two worlds were closer.  Sniffle.

I got to talk to Pretty Girl for around 3 hours on the phone.  She's loving life in California and I am so happy for her.  She sounds a leetle like a valley girl now.  I love that.  I also love that she can talk to me; asking me what a few of the more vulgar peer slang means (you know - stuff that you can't ask your host parents).  Through the program, she gets to go to school at a private college prep school and I am praying that she'll get a university scholarship.  I just adore that girl and I hope she'll always be in my life.

So that's how it was and now I'm here.

Southern Bedu picked me up at the airport (I trained him well).  He looks well rested.  He had some stuff going on at work and I think things will be much better now.  He just seems more relaxed.  We're hoping to go to Virginia at Christmas.  We keep joking that we're going to fly to Vegas and get married by Elvis.  Who knows.  I know my family is going to love him.  They'll probably all gang up against me.  That's how it goes.

As for worrying about him not being around the night before I left - maybe he learned something about that too.  Maybe he just didn't know how to deal with me leaving.  I don't know/don't care.  Bygones.

Arab Times - Irking me from Afar

I've been really really lazy about blogging lately and I hereby apologize to those of you who don't have a life and are looking to me for entertainment. (ha ha).

I'm in DC and having a great time.  I'll have to write more about that later - fer SURE because it has been such an awesome trip and I've been having so much fun.

Until then... this is so stupid. I check in on the Arab Times online to find out what's been going on in Kuwait and here it is... the "big news"...

Couples Making Love Shock Sharq Beachgoers

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 17: Two young couples openly made love (kissing and hugging each other) on a beach in Sharq to the surprise of beachgoers, reports Al-Watan Arabic daily.  The daily added it is strange there were no policemen in the area to safety and security of beachgoers.

---

Yo, so first and foremost, do people really consider kissing to be such a shocking offense?  Dudes in Kuwait do it all the time.  


Second, check out the 2nd sentence which is just plain bad Engleeezi:  "...to safety and security of beachgoers."  Dumb, dumb, dumb.  


And C:  Is it really an issue of public safety and security?  I mean WTF - it would be more deadly and dangerous for people to cross a street in Kuwait to GET to the beach to see the display of  kissing and hugging.  (Personally, I don't cross big streets in Kuwait.  Never have.  I get in my car and drive over there.  I don't care if it seems like it is just 10 feet away.  I don't want to die and early death at the hands of some 12 year old, cigarette-smoking, on-his-phone, Ferrari-driving entitled teenager.... Which brings me to another point - why can't they just build walk-overs on Gulf Road?)

People people people!!!  Public kissing and hugging is the least of our problems (not that I consider either of those to be problems - spread the love).

Why do you want to upset me before I travel??

The Man used to do this to me almost every time I travelled.  He probably had no clue that it upset me so much, but damn - did it ever.  It just hurts....

I leave today to go to visit Stella in Germany for a few days and visit Ramstein air force base.  Then heading to DC for the AUSA convention, followed by some quality time with the family. Two weeks in total.

Last night, Sothern Bedu calls to tell me he is in "a black mood" and doesn't want me to see him like that.  Goes on about troubles at work.  Yada.  Ok fine. I'm almost biting and almost giving him a pass.... and then he drops the, "... so I'm going out to the guys for sheesha." (and near my house!)   Really?  Seriously?  The night before I leave? Guess you can plan on having intimate relations with your buddies too too cause it aint on with me.

Dayam boy, you do know how to phuck up, don't you?

(Irish/American Indian temper genes set in.   I'm not havin it.

He starts explaining (don't you KNOW when to stop???), "... nobody's perfect.  I have flaws."

Click.

Here is my philosophy on love relationshits and one partner travelling:  He/she should want to spend as much time with the traveller before they leave as possible... IF you love each other.  And for a few days following his/her return, maybe the same.  Why wouldn't the person that  you love want to be with you?  I don't get it.  Not that I'm clingy or anything (seriously I'm not a clingon).

The Man practically used to drop me off curbside at my house before running away.  Wrong wrong wrong:  and see where we are now.

I'm tired.  Really tired.  I need to recharge.  I feel like I have a cloud above my head at the moment.

Leeeeee-vin on a jet plane....

What part of me are you calling "Sir"??

I've been in Kuwait HOW long and I still get referred to as "Sir".  There really isn't anything masculine about my voice.  There certainly isn't anything masculine about my breasteseses.  Why the Sir?  Je ne get it pas.

I have devised a new routine when people start calling me, "Sir".  I simply call them either "Madame" (if it is a guy) or "Sir" (if it is a female). 

I totally messed with the PizzaSlut guy today.  He called me "Sir" a whole lotta times and I kept calling him, "Maam" and "Madame" and messin with his head.

Dumb blondes

I love Dolly Parton.  You go, girl.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my hairstylist, Ashlee at Strands Fanar, for "adjusting" my roots  match the rest of my hair again this weekend.  You rock.

Wait... I'm having a WTF moment...

Arab times
3 October 2011

‘Obey husband’ - Go home, woman told

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 1: The Appeals Court upheld a ruling by a lower court that ordered a Kuwaiti woman to return to her matrimonial home, after leaving the husband without any legal backing or justification. The court asked the woman to be submissive to the husband.

Case files indicate that the woman left her matrimonial home on 30/08/2010 without having any conflict or problems with the husband. Representing the spouse, lawyer Faisal Al-Otaibi said the wife ignored all entreaties by the husband to return home, which he said is lack of respect to the bond of love between them.

--- Sounds more like a bond of servitude to me.

Upcoming Events

Tis the season to be busy.. fa la la la laaaaa....

If you're not a member of a group in Kuwait (and perhapsee are complaining that there is nothing to do) you should get involved.  A lot of the groups (like American Business Council, British Business Forum, Canadian Commercial Circle) have Thanksgiving and Christmas events.  There are also lots of pre-Christmas bazaars going on like these:

Arabian Nights Cultural Festival & Mini Exhibition

Friday, October 21, 2011, 3:00-8:00pm

AWARE Center located in Surra.

Admission to the general public will be Free

Information related to Expatriate Clubs and Social Activities, Arabian Gifts & Souvenirs

Carpets, Textiles, Leather Goods, Photo Cards, Books, Traditional Clothing, Wool Scarves, Handbags, Jewelry, Accessories, Perfumes, Incense, Henna Products, Islamic Art, Calligraphy, Handmade Jewelry, Arab Traditional Sweets.

Kuwait Textiles Association KTAA Sadu House Annual Bazaar

Saturday 29th October 2011,  from 10:00am to 3:00pm

 at the Sadu House

 Arabian Gulf Street on the corner of the National Museum

 Handcrafted Goods:  including Quilted Items, Bags, Linens, Designer Jewelry, Shawls,

Handblown glass items , Crochet, Baby gifts,  Art Work, Hand Embroidery, and lots of  Holiday Items!

If you would like a listing of groups in Kuwait with their contacts, please shoot me an e-mail (amerab@gmail.com)

I haven't been a very good friend lately

... and now... for a moment of reflection.

Let's start off with why I can't post about all my personal BS.  First, a lot of the friends I have, I have met through the blog.  Other friends I know read the blog.  I can't exactly talk openly about how I feel about things without hurting someone.  It is a continuing dilema. 

(I can't write about work for the very same reason - but hey - writing about work-related issues on the internet is never a good idear anyhoo.  Not that I would have much to say because Mashallah I really love my job and my boss.)

I've had some friend issues lately and has been really bothering me - in kind of a smoldering, low-burn that nags at me.  I have had the feeling that all the negativity just isn't the way I want to be/ live, and I've had a difficult time determining how I want to turn it around.

So I have had to change my attitude and look at the situation(s) from a totally different perspective.  Bada Bing:  I have it:  It's all about judgment.  I've been guilty of being overly judgmental and to one or two people, I have not been a very good friend when they need me the most.

I've got a friend who is really at the crossroads at the moment. He's had to make major life-altering decisions in a short period of time, and he's had to choose to do things - and not because he wants to.  I had dinner with him last night and talked some things through.  It made me realize that:  what kind of a person am I to turn my back on anyone when they need a helping hand?  Would I like it if the situation were reversed and I needed someone's help? You know who your true friends are when you are down and you need them the most.

Otay granted, dude has made several people very upset. People react differently to adverse situations. (And again, who am I to judge?)   But I don't believe that the answer is turning your back on him.  At the VERY least, those people should have a conversation (e-mail?) and explain why. Hash it out and move on.  I wouldn't want to be "shunned" by people I cared about without at least knowing why.  Passive aggressive doesn't do it and eventually - someone will turn around and be passive agressive right back atcha when you least expect it; or maybe need them the most.

Unrelated to Mr. Crossroads above, but directed at another friend who again - who has a very good heart...
I have other friends who casually drop the phrase, "gay."  Why the label?   Em... So?  Who cares?   I have never had a tolerance for intolerance.  I don't care what your sexual preference is and it is none of my damn business.  When you come to my home, I don't want there to be any negativity.  Bad energy shouldn't dwell there.  Gay, straight, American, Brit, Shiia, Sunna, Christian, Jewish, Hather, Bedu, .....(and other labels such as) snobby, offensive:  People come in different packages.  Get over yourself.  If you judge/label someone; how do they judge/label you??

I'm just not getting all the judgment that is going on in my personal life at the moment.  Friends seem to be taking sides, determining who should be shunned and excluded (and that includes me and Southern Bedu and WE don't know why),  and a whole lot of gossip.  That isn't me.  That isn't how I want to live.

I realize that sometimes you have to re-evaluate friendships and determine the next step.  God knows I've had my share of that in Kuwait and it has never been a pleasant experience.  Yet, am I being judgmental in judging those who are judgmental?  WTF.  Real dilema.  At the moment, I'm just riding the wave, seeing where it is going to take me. 

Should you have a wave to begin with if they are your true friends?  (Am I being overly judgmental?)

I wish I could be more like my dog.  She loves everyone unconditionally and is a bundle of pure happiness (Mashallah).  Can't we all just get along?    It is really good that I'm going to Germany and the US this week.  I need to take a break and have a refresher course on how to be a better person.  At the very least, recharge my positive energy over copious amounts of alcohol and maybe a visit to a non-denominational house of worship for some more reflection.

Sexism knows no boundaries

For some reason, it has been a very sexist week. Several of my friends have told me stories of blatant sexism and then I've had a few stories of my own.

One of my friends discussed recruiting procedures with a European male colleague this week. He stated that the way he recruited at one location was to line up the female applicants, then hire all the ones with the largest breasts.

My sister is going to sell her business in the States.  This week, she had a group of 40-ish men approach her to buy it.  They insisted that her business must have woman-owned status.  Of course they did!  How else could she have become so successful if it weren't for the Government giving her a disadvantaged status? Certainly not on her own merit.

I met with a British business person this week so that I could consult on some work.  I can't write everything he said here (yeah yeah, that's right - even I have boundaries on how vulgar I will be online).  It all started with, "You ARE yummy, aren't you?" (imagine it in your head said by Austin Powers with a Briddish accent while dude stares into your breasteses) and went downhill from there. Discussion of "downtown" and how great that is... yada.

An Italian representative of a Kuwaiti tourism company referred to me several times as "Mr." in correspondence, then insisted that the rates they have offered (to me, as "Mr.") do not apply to single women - as single women don't make up the "leisure" market in Kuwait. According to him, there is a law in Kuwait which stipulates that single women do not have to be given rooms (is this true?) and it is up to the hotels to determine if they want female customers.  Well dayam, that's a pretty big market loss, isn't it?  What about professional working women like me who would love to drop some money on spa services and a room, pool, beach:  Aren't we allowed to take care of your "offers"?  What kind of a "tourism" policy is that?

Note that none of these "gentlemen" is Arab.  Personally, I have had very few problems with Arab men in all the years that I've been here.

Guided Tours of Kuwait: Narodna

A reader has asked me to post this.  GLADLY.  It is about someone created tour packages with reasonable prices and reasonable terms and conditions (like reasonable numbers of minimums).  Good on ya. 

Now, for the love of God, will someone please publish chalet and farm rentals in English with English speaking agents?

Unlike Nuzha Tours, these guys don't have a minimum number of people necessary to take the tours, so if you have someone visiting, they are really convenient.

"Are you fed up with the shopping malls and the same restaurants? Do you yearn to see a piece of the real Kuwait?

Guided tours can be arranged for your enjoyment with a bilingual guide and driver who can pick you up from your hotel/house/apartment and drop you back.

Option 1:
Dickson House, Sadu House, Kuwait National Museum, Harem Souk, Heritage Souk (include set menu traditional dinner)
12 KD per person

Option 2:
Kuwait Modern Art Museum, Kuwait National Museum, Gulf War Museum, shopping in Harem Souk and Heritage Souk (include set menu traditional dinner)
12 KD per person

Option 3:
Kuwait Modern Art Museum, Maritime Museum, traditional heritage café,(include set menu traditional dinner),shopping in Harem souk and Heritage Souk
12 KD per person

Option 4:
For those who like shopping (Friday and Saturday)
Friday Market, Iranian Souk, Material Souk, traditional heritage café,(include set menu traditional dinner),shopping in Harem Souk and Heritage Souk
12 KD per person

Option 5:
Full day on Morqab Farm (dogs, sheep, goats, chickens, fish pond, etc) with traditional kuwaiti lunch, bbq dinner in evening with shisha, complimentary arabian tea, coffee and soft drinks.
(6 persons min)
10 KD per person

Option 6:
Camel racing (December to March) with dinner at Morqab Farm, including shisha, complimentary Arabian tea, coffee and soft drinks.
10 KD per person


Contact us on email:  narodna_trading@yahoo.com, or mobile:  (965) 6510-0772

- End -

If anyone takes the tours, let me know your feedback.

Kuwait in the New York Times

And heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeere we go, folks....
When you receive an Embassy Notification about demonstrations - It will either be because people are demonstrating against corruption; or because of the Bidun issue (which is yet another form of corruption)...

New York Times - Corruption Inquiry Rocks Kuwait

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/22/world/middleeast/corruption-inquiry-rocks-kuwait.html?_r=1

CAIRO — Two of Kuwait’s largest banks thought it a bit suspicious when about $92 million was transferred into the accounts of two members of Parliament.

So the National Bank of Kuwait and the Kuwait Finance House alerted the public prosecutor, who decided last week to open an investigation not just into those suspicious deposits, but also into the account activity of seven other members of Parliament, as well.

Kuwait is a wealthy nation that has managed to appease the public and avoid the kind of tumult that has swept other Arab nations. But even in Kuwait, where allegations of corruption and kickbacks are endemic, the sheer size of the deposits has set off a fury that is rocking the oil-rich country. Not to mention that investigations, so far, involve 9 of just 50 total members of Parliament.

“This is becoming the Kuwaiti Watergate,” said Shafeeq Ghabra, a professor of political science at Kuwait University. “The reaction at the popular level is that this is proof that the existing government has failed the people. In this context more demands for the resignation of the government are now heard.”

Late last month, the Kuwaiti news media first broke the news that the country’s two largest banks were alarmed by multimillion-dollar transfers into the accounts of lawmakers, said Nasser al-Sane, a former lawmaker who now teaches business at Kuwait University.

But even as public anger soars, the government has remained tight-lipped about the case, only fueling public suspicions, rumor and speculation. In that environment, popular anger at the royal family, and in particular the prime minister, Nasser Mohamed al-Ahmed al-Sabah, has flourished.

“We still have been given no information about the source of this money or who received it,” said Ebtihal al-Khatib, a longtime democracy activist. “Everything is a rumor, and that is one reason people are so angry and have come together, because we want more information. We want to know names, and we want to know the dates they will be tried in court.”

The corruption inquiry threatens to put the government into an impossible position, Mr. Ghabra said. If the emir allows Parliament to remain in place while at least one-fifth of its members are investigated for graft, he risks the growth of ever larger street protests and an erosion of public trust. But if he dissolves Parliament and calls for new elections, public outrage could help usher in a legislature hostile to the monarchy and more assertive in demands for constitutional changes.

“All that the government has in its hand is money, and it thinks it can use it to buy itself time,” Mr. Ghabra said, “but this scandal came about because the government has been using money to buy loyalty” from lawmakers. “We are getting more and more into a situation where money cannot solve the country’s problems. Those who have it do not use it wisely, and the result is a scandal like this that carries a very high political cost.”

Kuwait’s political system has long been seen as one of the most freewheeling in the Persian Gulf, a region whose politics are dominated by absolute monarchs. The emir of Kuwait, Sabah al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah, is the undisputed head of state, and forming political parties is illegal, but the country has an elected Parliament made up of a wide range of political factions, including socialists and Islamists. The prime minister has always been a member of the royal family, appointed by the emir.

The government has relied on its vast oil wealth to provide Kuwaitis with cradle-to-grave care. But that same wealth has fueled corruption and fed public distrust, said a 2006 United States Embassy cable released by WikiLeaks.

“The rapid rise in oil prices and the accompanying oil boom has fueled corruption in Kuwait,” the cable said. “Kuwaitis are increasingly beginning to ask where all this money is going.”

That undercurrent has burst into public with the latest revelations. Lawmakers have proclaimed their innocence in the local news media, urging Kuwaitis to join protests for the removal of the prime minister planned for this week and demanding that banks throw open their ledgers for investigators. But the royal family has so far remained silent. The emir and the prime minister are in the United States to attend the opening of the United Nations General Assembly, and Parliament is in recess until October.

Observers say the scandal has erupted at a time when Kuwait’s leadership faces challenges on multiple fronts.

For months, Kuwait City has seen sporadic, if mostly small, demonstrations demanding the removal of the prime minister and a move toward constitutional monarchy, Ms. Khatib said. Those demands, she said, have only grown in light of the corruption probe.

Thousands of public-sector employees are also on strike, demanding higher wages and expanded benefits, and opposition lawmakers have urged them to join antigovernment protests. In an interview with The Kuwait Times, Ahmed al-Saadoun, a member of Parliament, said the strikes “could signal the beginning of a collapse because we have a failed and incapable government.”

---

Thanks to the Ladies Who Do Lunch in Kuwait Blog for posting about this. 

Fasten your seatbelts.  We're in for a bumpy ride.

I think it is also interesting that this comes on the tail-end of a trip to New York by the Prime Minister of Kuwait, Sheikh Nasser Mohammed Al-Sabah. He addressed the UN on September 22nd to reiterated Kuwait's full support for Palestinian UN membership.

Hey, what about Bidun's rights to membership of society/citizenship in Kuwait?  Charity begins at home.

Music of Nawaf alGheraibah

I got a nice note from a reader who said,

“I was wondering if you would check out my husbands music on http://www.gheraibah.com/.  It's free to download to the general public, and the music is like nothing any other Kuwaiti has done before... it was his project for his masters degree in composition...  Just wanted to share the love.”

I really like it when I receive this type of mail, so I am happy to write about it.  I also like the fact that his wife wrote to me and she is obviously proud of him.  His music is very interesting and the website allows you to download the entire album.  I love anything culturally diverse and Nawaf sounds like he’s had a fascinating journey.. so far.

From his website:

A composer who enjoys breaking cultural boundaries through music; Nawaf alGheraibah, is a half Kuwaiti, half Indian/Portuguese musician, whose music is an expression of his rich multicultural influences. A postgraduate student at the University of Southampton, UK. Gheraibah is completing his degree in composition, and is currently employed at the Higher Institute of Musical Arts, Kuwait.

        

    Spending most of his time traveling between Europe, the Middle East, and India, Gheraibah enjoys exploring independent and traditional music. At a young age, Gheraibah primarily played the piano and guitar; though through his travels, he also picked up and learned the Tabla (or indian drums) the Indian Sitar, the Arabian lute (oud) the Indian flute, and the Aboriginal digireedo, to name a few.

    Gheraibah believes music is not confined to one form. Instead, he finds that blending the music of many cultures produces coherent and spiritually awakening music. He enjoys experimenting with different cultural sounds, and mixing them in order to find new forms of music within the fusion of diversely different cultures.

He especially enjoys traditional tribal instruments; such as bamboo flutes, or the African Kora, which he believes contain a raw human dimension to them: “A human touch which is lacking in todays digital music age.”

    A spiritual person by nature, Gheraibah finds music to be a form of enlightenment; a source of relaxation: a deep meditation. Music connects to the human soul like no other form of art, it is a deep expression of human emotion. Gheraibah believes music should be cherished and valued as one of the most ancients of human arts. An art he believes is slowly dying away with the modern media: “Music has lost all expression of human emotion, and is instead mass manufactured and void of any significant thought.”

    In the end, Nawaf hopes his music would influence people to explore the many historical sounds humans have created through their journey on this earth. Gheraibah hopes that people would appreciate the many forms of spiritual and emotional expression one can portray through sound. The power of music has the ability to move the masses, its ability to do so is one of the most beautiful mysteries of life.

"Rally" vs "Demonstration"

Hmm... interesting choice of titles in the Arab Timesand Kuwait Times today.  The anti-corruption demonstration held downtown was termed a "rally" whereas the demonstration for Bidun rights was deemed a "demonstration."

Arab Times:
"KUWAIT CITY, Sept 21: Thousands of Kuwaiti protesters called on Wednesday for the resignation of the prime minister and the government over an alleged corruption scandal involving several MPs. In one of the strongest show of force, more than 5,000 protesters attended the opposition-sponsored rally in the capital Kuwait City amid tight security measures by hundreds of policemen and elite special forces. “For the sake and interests of this country, we urge the Amir to dismiss the prime minister immediately,” said Islamist opposition MP Faisal Al-Muslim as the crowds chanted: “Go out.”

"...Elsewhere in Jahra, the scheduled Bedoun demonstration did not get the needed response as security was very tight in preparedness for the proposed demonstration. According to a security source quoted by Al-Seyassah daily, the authorities took all measures and set up barriers and checkpoints inside the areas in anticipation of the demonstration."

Interesting.  "Democracy" is subjective, eh? Kuwait Times used both terms in their story about the corruption demonstration.  Oddly, Alwatan Daily had nothing on their opening page about the demonstrations.
Kuwait Times estimated the anti-corruption crowd at 70,000 whereas Arab Times had the figure at 5,000.  Huh.  Gee, I wonder why that is.

I have been here since 1996.  There have never been strikes nor demonstrations against the government since I've been here. 

I've heard a lot of expat friends say recently, "Arab Spring won't come to Kuwait. Why should the Kuwaitis demonstrate?  They have it all and the Government gives them everything. They should be happy."  Well, if you look at it one-sidedly, yes.  If you dig deeper, speak to Kuwaiti friends, and learn a little about the history of Kuwait, you'll see that the social problems currently occurring in Kuwait have not come up before.  A lot of people are not happy and a lot of people are getting much more organized in how they voice their concerns.  It should be interesting to see what will happen next in Kuwait.

Demonstrations

Thanks to the "Emergency" notice to US Citizens (most likely) from (new) wardens at the Embassy, I'm now aware of the demonstrations and where they are. Thanks youse guys.

"An anti-corruption demonstration is planned for the early evening hours at Determination Square on Wednesday, September 21 in downtown Kuwait City." 

(By the by, in the spirit of "freedom":  Did you know that Determination Square is also a gay pick-up place in the evenings?  Just a little bit of trivia for ya thar.)

"There are also reports of possible demonstrations in support of Bidoon rights on Wednesday, September 21 in the cities of Jahra, Al-Sulaibyah and Al-Ahmadi." 

DG:  This is probably why Refugees International is in town to support the Bidoon in the demonstrations and document what takes place.  Awesome.  You go, RI!  Why Jahra, Sulaibiya and Ahmadi?  For several reasons:  many Bidoons can't get drivers licenses or own vehicles.  And many can't afford gas.  Why?  Because they have no nationality, are shunned by the system, and many do not have jobs or identification. How they gonna git away?  No git away car.  No git-away license.  Simple. What they gonna do?  Take the bus?  (Ergo the DEMONSTRATIONS.   Get educated. End the suffering.)

So, there are always alarmist people (usually newbies) who say, "Oh my GOD!  Demonstrations!  I'm going to bolt myself inside and wait a few days until they are over to go out."  Yeah, I know because I know some of those types.  Gimme a break!  Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.  Why are you HERE?  Nancys.

The only way I know there will BE demonstrations is through the US Embassy Warden Notifications (again, thank you. I pass the info along.) and 2) the only way I know there HAVE been demonstrations is the little pieces of information I can sew together from the Arab Times or other news agencies (and by the way - the really good stuff comes from Reuters or media in the UAE).

What I do NOT need for Christmas

Don't get me these.  I don't like them.

I can think of other things I need for $2445 (KD674).  Yup.  But hey, if you are going to buy these shoes from the needless markup site, you can dontate money to disaster relief at the same time and feel less guilty about your purchase!  Yippee.



I drank sweat

I finally got up the nerve to drink the Sweat last night.  It has kind of a grapefruity taste, but not as good as Fresca used to be.  It wasn't really bubbly either, so you couldn't mix it well with anything.  Sweat is kind of a non-drink.  They say that Sweat is good for athletes, but it seems to lack the substance.

... Incase you were wondering.

Did you know? The single largest donation given to help the victims of hurricane Katrina

Sunday, September 4, 2005, the country of Kuwait pledged US$500 million in oil products and other aid to United States Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. It is the single largest donation given to help the victims of hurricane Katrina.  Energy Minister Sheikh Ahmad al-Fahd al-Sabah explained, "The humanitarian aid is oil products that the devastated (U.S.) states need in these circumstances, plus other humanitarian aid to lessen the devastation these three states have been subjected to."

Al Sabah also stated that "It's our duty as Kuwaitis to stand by our friends to lighten the humanitarian misery and as a payback for the many situations during which Washington helped us through the significant relations between the two friendly countries." Kuwait is in fact one of the U.S.'s strongest allies in the Middle East, due to the U.S. protection of Kuwait in 1991 during the Gulf War.

Source:  LINK

I didn't know.  That's very interesting. 

Free the peddlers! Free the peddlers!

I can't even tell you how disturbing it is for me to see these articles/photos in the paper. 

Arab Times
Over 4,000 bottles seized as liquor peddling gang nabbed

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 18: Securitymen arrested a five-member gang for smuggling and trading in liquor with 4,248 bottles worth around KD 200,000 in their possession...."

Crap.  Another price hike.  What is the normal price (in the US) for "The National Drink of Kuwait" - Johnny Walker Red Label - around $14 a bottle? (Heavy sigh....)

When you know its time to start using the stairs

Arab Times – 19 September 2011

5 ‘heavy’ women cause elevator to stall

Women stall lift: Five old women were trapped inside the lift of a residential building in Saad Al-Abdullah area. Rescue workers and paramedics rushed to the location after the Operations Room received information on the incident. They helped the women out of the lift which, sources say, malfunctioned because the total weight of the women — 400 pounds — exceeded its capacity. No injuries were reported.

Hold please.

... wait a minute.... did they mean 400 kilos?  That would make more sense.  400 pounds means they were like 80 pounds a piece - which is rail-thin for an adult-sized woman. 

Tailors, Fabrics and other "get it made" stuff

Ladies and gentlemen, it is time once again for the season change in Kuwait and as such, time for me to remind you people about where to go to have clothes made.

Kuwait rocks when it comes to having stuff made:  Clothes, furniture, cabinets, drapes, even funky Indian shoes.  I've had all kindsa stuff made here (everything mentioned in that last sentence) and can make recommendations about where to go for each.

So let's start our talk with tailors.  Having recently been on a fabric-buying trip with Stella and M (to be nicknamed later), (and having our butts stared at by 4.2 hundred nasty men in the fabric souq)  I thought I would share the information I have learned about having clothes made here. 

You gotta start with the fabric and be ready to be disciplined.  The fabric souq downtown (map is on this post) is going to shake your discipline because you will see thousands of gorgous fabrics and you just "know" that  you can have something (anything) made from it.  So you buy it and then wonder what you will do with it.  (I'll get to "Where do I get it made?" in a minute.) Unfortunately, it is full of icky men (WHY?) who stare.  You'll also notice that Esmeralda and her sisters are in there buying fabrics for The Ball at any given time.  (Sometimes Esmeralda wants to jack your Western style, so she'll come rushing into the store to see what  you're buying while she rudely starts ordering the guy  helping YOU pick out fabrics what to pull out for her.  Out-diva the diva!)

The fabric souq - also known as "Block 9" is in downtown Kuwait.

The first building of stores (towards Mubarak Al-Kabeer Street) are more upscale and you can find baGORGEOUS fabrics for dresses, blouses, etc in silk, silk velvet, linen and other nice weaves.  I loves me some silk chiffon. Give it to me, baby (uh huh, uh huh..)

It also has men's fabric stores (light wool - "winter dishtasha" material; good for suiting for both men and women) and houses Karim Tailor (which is the best place in town to have men's suits, women's business suits, and coats made).  Karim Tailor is on the 2nd floor in the middle. Take Karim Tailors a favorite old wool coat and they can replicate it.

The first building also houses a lot of upholstery material shops.  Re-upholstering anything you have is less expensive than in the US/UK.  If you are indecisive (like me),  you can even have sofa/chairs made (to be discussed later in this post) with different slipcovers.  (I'm feeling a need to have some made even now as I'm writing this.)  You can have matching pillows, bedspread, and curtains made, fer example.  Nisssche. 

The 2nd building has less-expensive (and some hoochie-mama) fabrics and lots of notions stores.  It is also where you can find Indian Heritage.

Indian Heritage is one of my favorite fabric stores.  A lot of expats know the store.  It is the BEST place to get raw ("chanton") silk - in just about any imaginable color.  It sells for KD5($18) meter (which is way better than the $100/M it goes for in the US of Hey).  Indian Heritage also has all kindsa other awesome fabrics, ready-made Indian clothing, furniture, costume jewelry, bed and table linens, pillow covers and more.  It is a great place to stock up on Christmas gifts.  Indian Heritage is fixed price, but most of the other fabric stores are not, soooooo....Haggle!

If you want to have funky Indian shoes made (genie shoes that curl at the toes), there is a shop behind the 2nd building to the left as  you walk out.  I got my sister some genie shoes one year for Christmas. (Photo is similar - mine were way cute pink with sequins.)

NEGOTIATE!  Don't be timid.  "Akher shay" is how to ask for a better price.  Tell them what I do:  that I have 8 children, my husband was a Kuwaiti martyr and today is my birthday.  Work it!

Otay, for the ladies:  If you want to have a ballgown, dress, trousers, or even beadwork or embroidery, Elegance Tailors in Jabriya is THE place to go. Shams is your guy.  He is a wonderful tailor and pays close attention to detail.  Phone:  25325865.  Elegance is in the Commercial Block is behind Mubarak Hospital on the same street as the Philippines Embassy, Block 7, Street 103.  There are a lot of other shops in the building and many do really beautiful embroidery work.  Elegance is on the right (if you walk in from the front of the building) with wood panneling on the front.  (Again, Esmeralda might be there trying to push you out of the way - push back.  I do.)

Shams is very good, but you should make sure that you get properly fit when the item is finished.  He can also copy anything you bring him and if  you bring him your fabric and a photo, he'll make it for you.  Pattern?  We don't need no stinking pattern!   Do not EVER go to any tailor in Kuwait before Eid.  It isn't pretty.  Everybody and their mother is getting new clothes for Eid and there is a backlog.  Usually, anything takes about a week to complete.

Otay, so on to furniture.  Say you like a 10,000 designer sofa that you saw in the US of Hey (the one I liked was $6000 and shipping at $1500)... get a photo, get some dimensions, get your butt to Dajeej. Or maybe you saw an incredibly overpriced sofa or other piece of furniture at a local store.  Sneak photos, but be discreet.  Most places are onto the furniture copying trick.   The place I had my sofa made in Dajeej is no longer there.  I would recommend that you visit several shops and look at their work.  Then, start asking for quotations on how much they would make it for.  I recommend picking out your fabric FIRST (a lot of the fabrics in Dajeej are less expensive but of a lesser quality than what you would find at the Fabric Souq), and then have the furniture makers in Dajeej tell you how much fabric you will need.  Sometimes, you can bring a swatch and a card from the fabric store, and let the furniture makers buy it cheaper for you.  If you can take an Arab with you to the furniture maker, it is even better because they will haggle the sh&t out of it.  My sofa took about 10 days to make.  Don't be afraid to make them make adjustments if it isn't perfect - it is YOUR money and YOUR furniture. (I heard a lot of blah blah blah about why they couldn't - whatever - and one scream settled it.)

There are also carpenters in Dajeej - just drive around.  They can make dining room tables, chairs, cabinets - all kinds of stuff.   There are carpenters in Shuwaikh too (off Canada Dry Street - near where the banks are near 55 - Airport Road).  Those guys make ANYTHING:  Chairs, doors, cabinets, room dividers, outdoor benches/furniture.  It is way cool just to go there and check them out.

So, here are the maps.     Have fun.

Fabric Souq downtown.

Elegance Tailors in Jabriya.

Calling Bidun Women in Kuwait

A representative from Refugees International is in Kuwait and would like to meet with Bidun ("stateless" - no nationality) women to discuss their personal stories; life, obstacles, what it is like for them and their children to have no nationality in Kuwait.  It is extremely important that stateless people share their personal experiences so that others can understand the situation.  No one else can be their voice.

As you may know, RI has been instrumental in bringing the Bidun cause to global attention through their reporting and activism.  They have published numerous reports (check out here). 

Please pass the word to Bidun friends who can get in contact directly with the RI rep.  Contact e-mail is melanie@refintl.org. 

Refugees International website is http://www.refintl.org/.

Kuwaiti Bidun men will be facing court for protesting: Mona Kareem

Re-posted directly from Mona Kareem's blog:

Mona says,

"This February, after the Arab spring hit our streets, the Stateless (Bidun) youth of Kuwait went in protests in their areas (Taimaa, Sulaibiya, and Ahmidy) where the government has worked for years into isolating them. The Bidun are 100,000 in number equaling by that 10% of Kuwaiti population. I do not want to explain once again who are the Bidun and what they are going through, as you can check this label "Bidun" in my blog to know more in details.

My father has always described democracy in Kuwait being "as weak as a chocolate bar" referring to how this alleged "democracy" is an exclusive right for certain people/classes in Kuwait. We saw a Shiaa tweep getting arrested and banned from family visits by state security police months ago because he bashed the Saudi and Bahraini regimes, we saw Egyptians getting deported for protesting in front of their embassy in support of Al-Baradi last year, and in support of their revolution this year. We have also witnessed police brutality against hundreds of Kuwaiti youth protesting in February and March for their rights of documentation, health, education, and citizenship. 

Around 100 Bidun youth were investigated by the state security police for over a week (Investigation is not limited to questions and answers, as you can imagine of an Arab regime). Kuwaiti Human Rights association has met with those who were investigated, later released, and documented how they were tortured and harrased. When contacting one of the association's members, she told me that those agreed to speak asked to keep their cases confidental in fear of facing SS again. 

On the coming 18th of December, 48 Kuwaiti Bidun men will be facing court for protesting. In Kuwait, "the country of chocolate-democracy", those who are not Kuwaitis are not allowed to protest for whatever reason. Citizens are asked to get a permission for protesting, and might not face trouble if they do not, depending on the nature of their protest. Those 48 men where bailed out paying 6$ each except for one man who payed 3000$ because he confessed to have been the mastermind of those protests, sending text messages to others to join the protests. 

Last June, Human Rights Watch, for the first time, organized a conference in Kuwait on the case of Bidun, gathering authorities and Bidun activists to reach a proposed solution. Kuwait, for sure, gave promises and started to give some birth and marriage certificates, only to back again and fire some Bidun from their jobs, confiscate some passports, and stop issuing Identification cards. The situation is swinging and speculations cannot be "logically" made. 

I ask all activists, international organizations, and human rights groups to stand with the Bidun who will be facing trials for their natural right of protesting. This inhuman discrimination needs to be stopped, and human's right of free speech should not be negotiated anymore."

K'sPath Golf Tournament

Where were you on this day ten years ago?

I was at home in Kuwait watching Good Morning America with Dianne Sawyer.  As she reported about the 1st plane hitting, the 2nd one hit.  I terrified because my mother was travelling that day; possibly thru Boston to NY. After 2nd plane hit and I watched it live on TV, I sat in my living room crying my eyes out, thinking she was on that plane, until I knew she was ok.  I'm sure my neighbors must have heard me because I was scream-sobbing so loud. 

My sister was in her office in VA close to Dulles airport in the DC area. I called her and she didn't know it had happened; thought I was being a nuissance (she was in the middle of her sales meeting) and hung up on me!  I guess I wasn't too coherent and probably made no sense, shouting, 'Where is mom!  Where is mom!'  Within minutes, fighter jets were flying over her office, cell phone service was down, and she was rushing to get her son from school - like every other parent in the Mid-Atlantic region. The roads were full of emergency service vehicles and the fighter jets continued circling.  Employees in my sisters office had family members who worked at the Pentagon and couldn't get through to them on phones.

I felt very very alone sitting in my apartment in Kuwait.  The most horrific thing for me was seeing people jumping from the towers to escape burning to death.  When the plane hit the Pentagon, (I later found out) my friends living close by felt it from their homes.  There were immediate reports that car bombs were being detonated around the DC area and no one knew what would hit next. Everyone was sad and confused.  It was like the end of the world.

My Kuwaiti friends started calling me right away; asking if I needed anything and expressing their compassion and support; some were crying. Nobody could believe it.  It still looked like an action movie and it couldn't be real.  TV channels repeated the scenes over and over again.

Some people in a high rise across the street from my building in Salmiya put out a huge American flag on their balcony.  They took it down right away - probably not wanting to be a target.

The next day, I was crossing a street downtown and some (foreign Arab) young men were celebrating in the street and shouted at me that they were happy at what had happened.  It was shocking and scary.  I just put my head down and started crying again.  How could people be so heartless?   I heard that Kuwait immediately deported several groups of young Palestinian men (along with their families) who were celebrating in the street and handing out candies (maybe the same guys who harrassed me).
My cousin, a nurse who lived in Alaska, travelled to New York to volunteer and work at ground zero.  She, like others, were shocked that there were no need for medical crews following the fall of the towers.  She told me about the rescue dogs that accompanied their team and how they had to bring them down from the wreckage of the towers because their paws were getting burnt from the still-hot wreckage even days later.

For those of us who have worked hard - either personally or professionally - to promote better Arab/Western relations  (in small or large ways), 9-11 was a terrible shock to the system.  My thoughts turned to how my Moslem friends in the US would be treated and would feel.  We all know that travel to the US from the GCC declined drastically after 9-11.  When I went to Virgina last month, I noticed that there are a lot more Gulf Arabs than there have been in previous years either visiting or living in/around DC.  It has been a sloooooow process to get things back to normal.

I think most Americans have personal stories of how 9-11 affected them.  We all know where we were that day and perspectives of how much things have changed since.  I still can't believe that it has been 10 years.  It still hurts to see the photos and listen to the stories and it feels very recent.

Why the rude?

I started my weekend off being blocked in by a car in our underground parking garage at work.  I was wrongly parked in a space that I thought belonged to our company.  I shoulda paid more attention to the sign (in Arabic), but I've seen other people from our company park there before, so I didn't think anything of it.  Anyways, there are usually lots of other spaces and it is no big deal.  If someone needs to block someone else in for any reason, they leave their number on their windshield incase you want them to move it. In this case, not only was the person blocking my car in, but blocking a big portion of the way out of the lot.  I called the hariss, he went to the company.  A nice guy came down and agreed that it was "not nice thing to do" to block my car.  A while later, a woman came down, all full of attitude, flanked by 3 men.  WTF, did they think we were going to fist fight?  Did she bring her lawyers with her?  I apologized, she was haugthty and arrogant.  I told her, in a regulated tone with a smile, that regardless, I wouldn't block anyone the way she did to me - without a note, that it wasn't nice. Diva's boy-band back-up singers agreed with me - nodding in understanding and agreement.  There might be some reason why someone would need to park in the space.  She told me that I live in an Arabic speaking country and I should learn Arabic.  I told her she should learn who she is dealing with before instigating "unrest". You betta check yourself before you wreck yourself.   Perhapsee I shoulda just slammed it into reverse and jack up her circa 1990 Pontiac Grand Prix.  I just got in my car and had some words for her (although this time I didn't use dirty words), leaving her out there screeching, "What did she zay?  What did she zay?" ... guess she wanted more.  Perhapsee if it hadn't happened in the parking lot where I worked, I would have given her more (I need to at least try to keep outward appearances, n'est pas?)

(Insert here:  A million fantasies of what I COULD do in retaliation....  Fantasies of grabbing her by the garb and punching her lights out.  Fantasies of how her beater car would look after my rental 4X with full coverage insurance - and the ability of immediate replacement vehicle - repeatedly slammed into it.  Fantasies of a Louisville slugger going through her windshield. And, perhaps notsomuch a fantasy:  calling beloved wastah at the traffic department for the sudden appearance of traffic fines on her record...  Yada.  Elevated blood pressure.... anger, anger....rrrr. )

Southern Bedu told me that if it ever happens again, I should call the police:  They'll have the car towed and ticketed.  He also advised me that if anyone starts talking to me that way again, just to wave my hand, Kuwaiti-style and say, "En zain.  Yala!  Yalaaaaaa khalass!" ....Yeah, I shoulda.  Hindsight.  Sometimes the only way to out-diva a diva is by becoming a bigger diva.

So anyhoo, not a good way to start off the weekend.

Rude, Part Deux:

Several weeks ago, Sir Software invited everyone at a "dinner" at my house that night, to a party at his chalet in 2 weeks.  "Bring your friends."  So, we invited several friends and my friends invited several of their friends; busy people with demanding jobs/little to no down time,  people who schedule things during the free time that they have. Southern Bedu went out and bought swim trunks (he didn't have any). I packed gear and I almost bought beach chairs.   It was to have been this past Friday.  Thursday rolls around and SS isn't answering his phone or returning text messages.  None of the other gang members have heard from him... So, I texted friends who I invited and told them it was off.  SS is a friend of Pookey's and bless her heart, she tried to make ammends for him, but alas, there is just no excuse.  Game over.

Rude, Part Trois:

So we decide to get together with some friends on Friday night.  One of my friends really offended another friend and now everyone's feathers are ruffled. There has been a disturbance in the henhouse and there's a whole lot of clucking going on.  It is a delicate line for me to walk because I love both of them, but now I have a dilema because we get together every weekend and if it can't be smoothed over, I will have a hard time (yes, it's all about me again).  It happened in my home, so it is difficult...

And I know you are reading this but you just can't talk that way.  You can't.  It is not okay. 

The Aftermath:

So all this left me craving comfort foods.  I have had several blonde moments lately where I'll order food online, wait and wait for delivery; only to discover that I forgot to press the "Submit Order" key.  Hardees is 2 nanoseconds away from me, so it wasn't such a big deal and I finally got my hamburger (although I could only eat half).  I couldn't even sleep last night.  I'm feeling really restless today and discontented like I want to be someplace else far far away.  I have built a contented, quality lifestyle for myself and all of a sudden, I feel like it is under attack from bad energy and I need a retreat.  Maybe I need to whip out my crystals and sage and cleanse the house.

Good energy:  Southern Bedu has been my rock lately.  He brings me pink roses every week and "Okay" or "Yes" are his responses to just about any whims that I have (like home projects, shopping, etc.).  He's off to look at rental chalets so we can do our own thing.  I have seriously seriously had enough rudeness for a while and I very much appreciate his kindness. 

 Time to cash in that massage voucher that Spanx gave me (thanks girl!  I love you and miss you!)  I should also get into Harmony House (which is just a rock's toss from where I live) and do some meditating.  OOOOOOOOOOsaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

Service is My Joy Program through Loyac

Re-posted from Mark's blog.

I think this is VERY important for young people - especially since there aren't a lot of programs for young people here and they can't get part time jobs in the afternoons.  Work or volunteering teaches you valuable life skills and I think they're both blessings for youth.

Loyac just kicked off registration for their “Service is My Joy” program. The program aims to bring young people to serve their community and draw smiles on the faces of others, through volunteering in various centers such as:

KACCH
Abeer 2
Down Syndrome Center
Kuwait Red Crescent
Kuwait Society for the Handicapped
Al-Kharafi Center
Foster Care Center
Elderly Care Center

Registration Terms:
- For youth of 15-27 years
- All nationalities are welcome

For registration and details contact:

Yusra Al Essa
Assistant Manager – Local Volunteering Programs

Telephone: +965 – 25727399 ext – 102
Email: servicemyjoy@loyac.org
Address: LoYAC – Bayt Lothan – Next to Marina Mall – Salmiya

You could also sign up online by clicking [Here]

Nairobi, Kuwait

Isn't it about time that Kuwait got serious about money laundering?  For as long as I've been here, there has been talk about "anti-corruption committees".  Let's form a committee to form a committee to form a committee.  Then, nothing has to be done about it. 

I love these political cartoons, Bu Qutada & Bu Nabil.  I'm glad that they're in English.  (From Alwatan Daily)  Sorry, I couldn't enlarge any more.

Uncle Booger's Bumper Dumper

Along the lines of my previous GoGirl post...

As J (to be nicknamed later) says, "When you take care of your #1, you've gotta take care of your #2..."

The Bumper Dumper®
$69.95
Includes frame for
2x2 hitch receiver
and toilet seat

"Use in Disaster Relief, Hurricane and Earthquake preparedness, and other situations where a sanitation situation may occur."

 I DARE someone to drive around Kuwait with this on their car.

You GoGirl!

My mother gets a lot of old lady catalogs.  Baby boomers are gettin up there and they are fair game for retailers.  Well (disclaimer) she gets a gazillion catalogs because that's just another form of shopping and it is, of course, The Way of My People.

So this one particular old lady catalog has some fun and interesting items.  I guess the item below caught my eye because it's PINK.

Ladies!  When you are driving for miles through the desert to some of the "remote camps" - here is something just for YOU.  Desert camping this winter?  Little boat, no bathroom?  Can also be used to add engine oil.

Available from http://www.asweage.com/!  (They also have "as we age and don't have a partner anymore" products - cause everybody knows, the men die first.)

My friend just asked me if it is dishwasher safe.  That is just wrong.  ROFL!!!