I fell in love with Qatar

I have wanted to go to Qatar for forever.  One of my dear Qatari friends, Mr. O, has been inviting me to visit Qatar since I moved to Kuwait and I have just never been down there. Almost every year, he says, "Come to the Qatar Open."  Yeah, ok, but I'm not really into sporting events...  This time, I was offered the opportunity through work to go on a site visit of hotels through the Qatar Tourism Authority and I jumped.  (Do I really have any more excuses?)  I'm so glad I went.

I used to have SO many friends from everywhere when I was living in Washington.  They were all students. Now they're all big shyts and well.... I'm....  here.  I wish I had kept in touch with people like my Sheikh Al-Thani friend.  He was such a wonderful down-to-Earth guy.  We both loved Camaros (I still have one - doubtful he does!).  People now tell me, "Why don't you get in touch?"  Well.... I don't know his full Sheikh-name.  How do  you find an Abdulaziz Al-Thani who used to drive a blue Camaro and  live in Skyline in Alexandria, Virginia and went to GW in I-don't-remember-what-year?  See my issue?  Well, longstoryshort - he was indicative of the type of people I met in Qatar:  Kind, decent, down-to-Earth.  My kind of peoples.

I met O (through his cousin - also a friend) when he was touring the US with a Qatar cultural road show.  Circa 1992 or some'in.  Very well organized.  They had performances (short plays and music), did henna painting, showcased traditional furniture and clothing and handed out dayn al oud (the oud perfume); and NOT the cheap kind either.  Great presentation and it shows that Qatar was promoting their country even back then.

The purpose of my trip was a FAM trip with people from travel agencies.  We went to visit hotels and give our feedback.  We were on the move from 7:30 am to around 10:00 pm. (Do NOT wear heels!) We had a very nice liaison from the QTA who called me, "Princess."  (How DO they know?!)

Flying into Doha, I had a window seat and I was wondering what the colorful sticks were that you could see from the plane.  It looked like someone had placed pick-up-sticks in the land from the air.  Turns out, they were illuminated lamp-posts in different colors.  I didn't notice until the next day that the coverings of the lamp posts have verses of the Quran on them.  They's so cool.

Lamp-posts - illuminated in bright colors at night

We drove around in a bus together from site-to-site seeing some gorgeous properties, cultural sites, restaurants, and museums.  We also went wadi bashing (if you can call it that).  It was more like "scaring the shyt out of a Desert Girl sliding sideways down a cliff in a Land Cruiser (pronounced "landacroose" in local dialect) with a big smile on your face. (More about that later.)

Wadi bashing at Khor Al Adaid (also known as the Inland Sea)

Photo:  Qatar International Adventures Site

I'll write another post about specific sites I saw and my impressions and all that, but this little diddy is about how I fell in love with yet another Gulf country.

Qatar has flavor.  The kind of flavor I found when I moved to Kuwait.  It is a country rich (and proud) of it's own heritage and past.  People are welcoming and open to the opportunity to talk about their home.  It isn't jaded by decades of tourism and development.  Qatar is still on the brink.  And from what I have been told by Qataris - they want to maintain their heritage.  I love that they are so open about who they are and their humble beginnings.  Their history has not been re-written.  It is simple.  As the very nice Qatari tour leader at the Msheireb Museum complex quoted, "You don't know where you are going unless you know where you came from."  That is actually one of my favorite quotes and one I use in Kuwait a lot (especially around National and Liberation days when the younguns should be learning more about their recent history).

One of the old houses at Msheireb Museum

So ok, Qatar is trying to promote tourism in advance of the 2022 World Cup games.  They're doing a lot inside the country (most likely  you're heard the controversial issues, but not the other developments).  They're building infrastructure:  roads, cultural centers, hotels, venues....  There is a long list of activities.  A long list of things to do and see (and eat!)

Qatar hasn't exactly been a tourist destination from Kuwait for several reasons.  I think that is changing.  For example, in the recent past (like, last week) you would pay around 80 KD for a round-trip plane ticket to Doha.  They just lowered it to 61 KD.  For around 80, you could fly to Turkey or Dubai, so why Qatar?  Well, speaking as myself (a long-time expat living in Kuwait), "Been there.  Done that."  I want to explore.  I've done Dubai about a million times and I'm sick of people speaking to me in Russian, thinking I'm a prostitute. ('No honey.... 'Murican.  It isn't that kind of a trip.')  Bahrain - ok, I love Bahrain, but again, I've been there a million times too.  Same with Oman.  I could probably explore more of UAE also, but Qatar has just peaked my interest and I want to fly right back.  You also still have the opportunity (before the expat community blows up and they get jaded/tired) to meet Qataris.

I think Janet Jackson got it right.  Qatar is a great place to be.

I will write specifics in a post to come.  Wait for it... wait for it....

Dog Show Today and Tomorrow at Mishref Fair Grounds

This is open to the public.  22 and 23 January.  Mishref Hall 7.

KK9A Dog Show

Day 1, Friday January 22, 2016

2:30 - Grand Opening
3:00 - German Shepherd Show Line Competition
5:30 - Kuwait K9 Club Association Show
6:30 - Trainer Abdul Aziz Al-Dousary Show
7:30 - Great Dane Competition
8:00 - Obedience Competition

Day 2, Saturday, January 23, 2016

10:30 am - Toy Dogs Competition
1:00 pm - Unique Dog Show
3:00 pm - Rottweiler Competition
4:30 pm - Argentino Competition
5:00 pm - Kuwait K9 Club Show
6:00 pm - Trainer Abdul Aziz Al-Dousary Show
6:30 pm - Doberman Competition
7:30 pm - Akita Competition
8:00 pm - Work Line Competition
9:00 pm - Kennels Show
9:30 pm - Winners Announcements

UK Boarding Schools, Summer Schools and Language Programs

Act quickly so that your little urchin doesn't start roaming the streets and eventually gets sent to jeuvie! This is a great opportunity to keep your kids away from shabu and all the other temptations out there when they have too much free time on their hands.  Just remember, an idle mind is the Devil's playground....

(as she writes, idle-mindedly....)

Nabeel and Ahmed Al-Fadhel

Nabeel Al-Fadhel was an outspoken member of Kuwait’s parliament.  Last year, at about this time, he got in trouble for having the courage to express his personal liberal views on the legalization of alcohol in Kuwait.

January 5, 2015 - KUWAIT CITY (AP) — A member of Kuwait's parliament says he is facing charges of insulting the nation after saying he supports legalizing the sale of alcohol in the predominantly Muslim country.

Nabil al-Fadhl told The Associated Press late Sunday that controversy was sparked after he first proposed repealing a law that bans dancing at public music concerts and festivals. Kuwaiti law bans people from dancing at concerts, though they are allowed to clap their hands and sway.

After his proposal, al-Fadhl said he was asked in parliament by an Islamist lawmaker if that means he would also support legalizing the sale of alcohol during concerts.

"Why not? Historically, many people in Kuwait drank alcohol on many occasions," he said he replied to the query.

The Kuwait Times later reported that several lawmakers swiftly condemned al-Fadhl "for saying that liquor was part of Kuwait's history and ancestors were tolerant toward allowing its consumption in the past."

Kuwait's first parliament banned the sale of alcohol in 1964. It is a sin in Islam to consume alcohol, though it is sold legally with some restrictions in the Gulf countries of United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain.

One lawmaker, Saud al-Huraiji, was quoted in the Kuwait Times as saying that al-Fadhl had "clearly undermined the image of Kuwaitis and the country's history." Lawmaker Humoud al-Hamdan said "the ancestors of Kuwaitis were well known for their fight against moral corruption, including the use of liquor."

Al-Fadhl said an Islamist lawyer filed charges against him for his remarks, accusing him of insulting the honor of Kuwaiti society.

Fadhl said he was only mentioning "facts about alcohol in Kuwait's history." On the black market, he said, people can buy a bottle of whiskey for 120 dinars ($408).

"It's available in ample amounts, but only affordable to the rich," he told the AP. "A good start would be to allow people to bring in their own alcohol from abroad instead of confiscating it."

Al-Fadhl, who is an independent lawmaker, said that despite his personal views, he is not planning to propose a bill to legalize the sale of alcohol.

Unfortunately, Mr. Al-Fadhel passed away while in session in parliament last month.

Tuesday, 22 December 2015

A member of Kuwait’s national assembly has passed away on Tuesday after suddenly fainting while parliament was in session, Al Arabiya News Channel reported.

Nabeel al-Fadhel, a politician and former journalist, was tended to immediately by Kuwait’s undersecretary of Health Khaled al-Sehlawi and an emergency crew who failed to resuscitate him, al-Qubs newspaper reported.

I’ve just learned through Ladies Who Do Lunch in Kuwait’s blog that his son is planning to take over where his father (God rest his soul) left off:

LWDLIK Blog – January 18, 2016:  Ahmed Nabeel Al Fadhel is running for parliament for his father's seat.

Keep your father's torch burning, be his legacy and voice for change and progress in his beloved country.  You are your father's son in every way. You have his strength, intelligence, honesty, compassion and infinite love for this country. I know you will make him very, very proud.

Ah, if only I could vote, I would be out there waving flags for Ahmed.  This country needs new blood and new perspectives.  Good for you, Ahmed.  Although I don’t know you personally, I commend you for  your courage in the face of what will undoubtedly be difficult times ahead.  You have the support and care of strangers near and far.

Note while I did not believe in the same issues that Nabeel Al-Fadhel was fighting for (I was particularly against some of his ideas on the Bidoon issue); I found him to be someone who had the voice of many liberal Kuwaitis who aren’t or unable to for various reasons of standing their ground to demand change.  I further respect him as he was ill for many years, but literally died doing what he believed in:  speaking in parliament on behalf of Kuwait.  Whether you believed in his politics or not, that is admirable.  Very few would have done the same.

The K-9 Center

How cute is this?!
Business card in the shape of a dog's head!

I had my first experience with the K-9 Center on Thursday.

They are a dog training and boarding center on the seaside/chalet area.  That gives them an advantage  as most of the dog centers are in Kabd where there are issues with insects (ticks and fleas) from the farms (livestock pens) and desert area. 

Sidenote:  I recommend that if you are going to take your dog anywhere for boarding/training, make sure he has been treated with FrontLine or Advantix so that he won't be affected.  It literally took me close to a year to rid my house/dog of tiny ticks after the first time he was in Kabd.

Anyways, the K-9 Center is easy to get to - approximately 30 minutes from Kuwait City (less from Fahaheel).  It is REALLY clean.  (Including their bathroom - which is always something that I check out!)

I knew the lead trainer, Saud, through friends in the dog groups that I frequent.  Everyone spoke very highly of him and now I understand why.  He's a quiet-spoken man who has a connection with the dogs.  (Well, Mikey connected more to the various scents, but Mikey is "special".)  Regardless - he liked Saud.  So did The Romanian and I.

Saud starts by evaluating the dog to see what kind of issues he might be having and asking questions along the way.  Then, we were invited to stay and watch some of the other dogs being trained.  And THAT, my friends, was the closer.  

I've visited quite a few dog training facilities in Kuwait during the past few years.  I want to see how they train the dogs; the attitudes of the trainers; how the dogs are kept; and what methods are used. Rarely do the trainers allow you to actually view other dogs being trained.  

The K-9 Center was an exception.  They invited us to stay a while and watch; gave us soft drinks and chairs and explained techniques as they went along.  I learned more from him in the brief 90 minutes I spent there than I have in a long time.  Saud evaluated Mikey, giving me information that I hadn't thought of and asking me questions. He checked his teeth to see if he might be aggressive because he's cranky from a bad tooth.  He saw how Mikey reacted to another dog being brought in (apeshit, as usual!  But glad to see that a professional K-9 trainer had a hard time controlling him as well.)  Saud also worked with 3 other dogs doing protection training and evaluations.  Very interesting and gave me a glimpse to how Mikey would be handled.

Saud and his group have got their stuff together as far as marketing and PR goes. They're on Instagram.  Their very clean/new facility is branded and can be viewed in their training videos:  It is all name recognition and I was impressed by that.  Most K-9 facilities in Kuwait (and many businesses) don't give marketing enough importance to marketing in any language; however, the K-9 Center has obviously given a lot of thought to theirs and they're doing a great job. Information is also in English which makes it easier for people like me to read/understand.

They have a waiting room which has the same colors as the logo and guests can sit inside and watch the training if they're not comfortable outside; or if they are waiting to pick up their pets. They've also got quite a few helpers on hand to assist with the dogs (something that I look for because I want to see how the helpers will work with/treat the dogs).

Check out their training videos on Instagram if you get a chance.  They train big dogs, but also the little ones too.

Why is your dog so aggressive?

OMG - if I hear this question one more time, I am going to scream.

This stupid question is usually asked by women.  I don't know - maybe guys think a girl with a big scary dog is cool and women don't?  I tend to see more men smile at me when they see my dog having an uncontrollable fit.  Like they want to come to my rescue.  Why the blame from the women?  It's like they're telling me they're a better parent than I am.  (I don't say anything about your shitty brats while I'm in Walmart, do I??)

Mikey goes apeshit when he's on a leash around other dogs.  If he's off-leash, he runs around like a playful puppy with all the other furry friends.  But - he really just wants to play and he acts "inappropriately" by looking like a viscious tazmanian devil; foaming at the mouth, back-hair up, barking and pulling.

I get totally street cred from dudes when I slam him to the ground and push his face down (the latest of a very long list of techniques I have been trying - as advised by many many many trainers).  This body-slam technique seems to be having the best affect so far.

He was shtanky so I took him to PetZone yesterday to get bathed (Why?  Because he weighs a lot and it is really hard on my back and my bathroom when I wash him at home.)  Plus - for 12 KD, PetZone does a mani/pedi, ear cleaning and trim.  I don't do all that.

Mikey wasn't feeling good because the night before, he got into the trash and ate a little alluminum foil that had been wrapping a piece of chicken. The results were a tummy ache (oh and some barf and nasty poos).  Mikey + tummy trouble = barking.  So.... he did.... the entire time.

The only time he stopped barking and was quiet and submissive was when the groomer cleaned out his anal gland (5 KD extra for that - much more on the street).  He seemed to enjoy that and we couldn't stop laughing.  Mind you - not something that I am likely to try in a crowd of people at a dog-gathering or the like, but still got him to be quiet for about 10 minutes.

"Why is your dog so aggressive?"  (Obviously has nothing to do with anal gland cleaning....)

WTF do people think?  That I fight him or something? That he wants to eat other dogs? That I've trained him to pull my L4 and L5 out of alignment just for shits and giggles?

Sorry, not sorry.

If I had been a better mother, I would have known how to train him off-leash at 2 months old like I should have.  But I didn't.  So F off judgmental mothers!

"Why is your dog so aggressive?"

In answer to that stupid question, I have come up with different answers.  (and perhaps you can assist me by providing me with more responses.)"

He is still very upset about Bill Cosby.  He liked Pudding Pops.
His mother and father were first cousins.  (ooooh, no I di' int!!!)
He's gassy today.
He doesn't like your face.
It was a long trip over here from the border.
He was watching Trump on TV.

Last United Airlines Experiences from Kuwait

It seems to me that since United is pulling out of the GCC (last flight from Kuwait on January 13), perhapsee they have a different level of service on their remaining flights.  Just sayin...

December 18, 2015

Full flight, Kuwait to DC.  We were on the ground and the flight was delayed before boarding at the gate.  When the UA representatives finally made an announcement, they told us that the plane was short on fuel and that we would have to stop in Boston for refuelling.  Huh?  We're still on the tarmac.  There is no fuel in Kuwait?  What - have all the reserves dried up overnight?

I kept saying, "Please come to Boston.  She said NO!!!" (but we did anyways).  Chowdah, anyone?

Ok, so we flew (late) into Boston where we sat on the plane while they refueled.  Get this - the passengers who were actually flying to Boston on connecting flights from DC were NOT ALLOWED to get off the plane in Boston.  They had to continue on to DC where they had already lost their connecting flights.  Niiiiiiice.  Everyone on the plane was good-natured; probably because it was around Christmas.  Bahstin dudes waved hello to their moms and we were off to DC, a mere 5 hours late.

(We all received a $100 voucher.)

October 19, 2015

(I will share my letter to United.  I received 2000 frequent flier points for the inconvenience.)

I just had the scariest flight I’ve been on in my 20 years in Kuwait.  UA982 to Kuwait.  The pilot attempted to land in Kuwait during a lightning storm during high winds and heavy turbulence.  Many passengers got physically sick.  Several were crying, including elderly people. 

We were diverted to Bahrain where I am now (where the pilot made a heavy landing in good weather conditions).  We have been sitting here for the past 3 hours.  We were given limited  information on the plane.  We have been given zero information on the ground.  No announcements have been made. We don’t know if the flight will leave from here or if we will stay in hotels. 

To make matters worse, both civilians and military personnel are now being treated rudely by ground personnel.  The only bathrooms and food venues are at the end of the hall.  People who left the gate area are now having to wait behind ropes and not allowed back into a seating area where they might be comfortable – after both a long flight and delays.  No food vouchers have been provided.  The ground staff is rude and shouting at/arguing with at each other from one end of the hallway to another.   There is NO United representative available.

I certainly wouldn’t want to fly with United again if I were any of these people. Passengers – including US military personnel - have been treated like cattle after a very scary ordeal.  It isn’t right.  Everyone (194 returning to Kuwait) on that flight should receive an apology for being treated with zero compassion. 

Follow-on E-mail

As an addition to my earlier e-mail, we were on the ground in Bahrain for a total of 8 hours.  While there, I witnessed 8 loud/angry arguments- several involving (name) a United direct employee.  He lost his composure, shouted back, walked away.    The most interesting of those arguments was between (name) and the Bahraini police, who asked to see him and other members of staff present once the flight was en route to Kuwait.  The police were visibly angry (shouting) because passengers were not allowed into the gate area at the direction of United staff.  Which meant – once you left the gate area to either go to the bathroom or get food, you were not allowed back in;   It wasn’t a matter of a few minutes, but in some cases, 5 hours. 

Through this ordeal, no one gave out water or meal vouchers.  I asked another United staff member (and there were 200 people around so I didn’t get his name as no one had name tags) repeatedly for a hotel voucher (after 6 hours).  He responded that most of the hotels were full and he would “have to check.”  He then went on to assist other angry passengers.

No announcements were made.

No one checked on passengers to see if anyone had been hurt or required medical assistance after the heavy turbulence and a 1500 foot drop in altitude.

The captain made no apology.

No water was handed out.

No food vouchers.

No hotel vouchers/assistance.

It was horrible.  We took off after waiting for 8 hours with no assistance.  The original UA flight crew was exhausted.  The refresh crew (brought in on a Gulf Air flight from Kuwait) was pleasant and the ONLY time anyone apologized (and only for the “delay”) was the purser on the flight from Bahrain to Kuwait.

In all, I traveled for 25 hours from Washington DC to Kuwait.  

- end - 

Ok, I have got to say that United has been very good to me in all the years that they've been flying in/out of Kuwait and that I will truly miss their direct service into DC and their office staff here in Kuwait.  I flew Emirates (see below) on the return trip this time from DC to Kuwait.  The economy class seats are smaller - 17" compared to 19" on UA.  There is no "Economy Plus" on Emirates like there is on United (giving an additional 5" of space between you and the fat guy in front of you, reclining his seat).  But - Emirates business class kicks UA's business class' butt.  Way nicer - plus a Bvlgari (not Body Shop, UA!!!) toiletries set.  NICE TOUCH.

As my mom says, "Move home and you wouldn't have this problem."  True, but then I would be paying taxes and wouldn't be able to afford flying anywhere.  And if that Big Orange Turd gets into the White House, we'll all be paying $5 for gas again so I won't be able to drive.  Sigh.

First time on Emirates

United is leaving the region.  I was soooo ready to say, "SEE YA!" until I had the experience of flying in cattle class of an Emirates 777.

First off, United and Delta are pissed off at the General Services Administration (GSA) - the main US government procurement entity - for awarding the route between the GCC and Europe to Jet Blue.  Jet Blue doesn't own any long-range aircraft.  They also don't fly to the GCC.  So, they are doing a "code share" (profit sharing) with Emirates.  Since United and Delta aren't making any money in this region because they've been cut out of the route contract, they're pulling out.  By law, anyone on US official business has to fly on a US carrier that has been awarded that route by the GSA. (The program was designed to give revenue to US airlines from US government travelers.)  So guess who they are going to have to fly with (at least as far as Europe)?  Emirates.  BAM.

I have been so outrageously pissed off at United on the last several flights that I vowed NEVER AGAIN under any circumstances to fly United.  I will actually write a post about the experience I had on my previous flight with them.  So, I tried to use all my miles on my Christmas trip back to the US.  I only had enough for one way, so I bought a return ticket on Emirates to see how they would do.

Let's talk about United's flight out of Kuwait.  We were delayed on the ground with no information as to why until about an hour and a half later.  People were checking their United apps to see what was going on.  It said our flight was going to Boston.  Uh.... no.... we were supposed to go to DC.  NOPE.  We were going to Boston because "the plane is low on fuel."  Ok, how is that even possible if the plane is still sitting on the tarmac in Kuwait where there is fuel available?

In the spirit of the Christmas season, I think most people boarding the plane were just happy to be going home.  No one really complained. (I kept singing, "Please come to Boston; she said NO!")  We all kind of brushed it off.... and flew to Boston where we sat on the plane while they re-fueled.  Unfortunately for those passengers who LIVE in Boston, they weren't allowed off the plane.  They had to fly to DC, where they missed their connecting flights to (you've got it) BOSTON.

So, we landed 5 hours late.  Thank you, United.  Merry Christmas to you too.

Had a great time in DC for Christmas.  Didn't want to leave.  Hoping that one of these next trips I won't have to.  More on that later....

Emirates.  I dunno why I thought this, but when I saw the ad with Jennifer Aniston, I assumed the clientele on Emirates would be of an upper class.  It wasn't to be.  I've been having severe back problems (more on that later...) and just couldn't stand the thought of being wedged in a middle seat on their 3-5-3 seating configuration in economy.  So when the very lovely Emirates representative came around and offered upgrades to business class for $1000, I whipped out my trusty Amex and moved to the front of the line.

Emirates Business Class: Now that thar has United's business class beat by 100%.  I've been in United's business class before and practically had meals thrown at me.  One of my friends (hi, Mike!) bought a $12,000 first class ticket on United and was treated like a prisoner.  (I may be mistaken, but I think they gave him a $100 voucher after he complained.)  Anyhoo, Emirates was FABULOUS. Ana came over and  introduced herself as the person who would be taking care of us.  She was lovely and kept refilling my champagne glass.  The toiletries bag was Bvlgari (soooo nice!) and they also had Bvlgari perfume and cologne in the bathroom - along with fresh cut orchids.  I really felt pampered and would highly recommend Emirates business class (or first, which didn't look too much different).

But.... economy.... uh, notsomuch.

I kept my economy ticket from Dubai to Kuwait:  Horrible horrible horrible.  (I am SO glad that I upgraded on the long flight.)  I had a big guy sitting next to me, so I was leaning over into the aisle to accommodate his size.  I got whacked in the arm/shoulder 3 different times.

Emirates  has no "economy plus" section like United does.  Economy plus on United gives you 5" extra room between you and the seat in front of you.  And let me tell you - as many of us know - 5 inches makes a HUGE difference sometimes.

I had a hard time in that uncomfortable chair.  I can only imagine how some of those big men (contractors, service members, etc) are going to feel, squished into those little tiny, no-lumbar-support seats.  I felt like my butt was in a vice.

As for me, I'm not forced to fly Emirates, so I will be checking out the competition. I hate that no one has a direct flight from Kuwait to DC.  I don't want to do the stop over in Europe.  So I'm thinking maybe Qatar Airways or Etihad.  Have any of you flown with either and what do you think?

Airport Limousine (or not)

I arrived back from DC in the wee hours of the morning (like 11am) when my friends would be asleep, so I decided to take a taxi back to the house.  This is the second time I've taken Eurocity Airport Limousine.  They are the white ones to the right as you exit the arrivals hall.  When you read/hear the word "limousine," you generally don't think Kia, but there it is - a fleet of little white Kias.  (Beep beep.)

I could turn to the left and take the Kuwaiti taxis.  They're the older cars driven by Kuwaiti guys - many retired with nothing better to do. I think that's cool. I've actually enjoyed listening to their stories on the way home.

But, I decided on "limousine" status.

Dude wanted 7KD to Mishref.  What?  That is actually more than I would pay in the States for a cab for the same distance.  I argued a little with the dispatch guy before he agreed on my 5KD offer as I started to walk to the left.

Airport "limousines" in Kuwait are the awarded recipients of airport contracts.  In the past, KGL was handling it.  I don't know where Eurocity came from (we're not in Europe, right?).  Now, I know these guys have to make money, but seriously - Kias?  They run on steam so you know the gas isn't costing them very much. And how much can wear and tear on a Kia be?  Really?  If I want to pay "limousine" prices, I really want a town car or similar.  (And dude should be wearing the little cap.)

Here is their published listing of prices (just so ya know).  It is in the seat pocket of every Eurocity cab at the airport.

To the left, to the left... all my suitcases will be headin to the left.

RIP White-Hearted Kuwaiti Police Officer

There should be more people in the world like this.  (And his small act of kindness should be an every-day occurrence, but unfortunately, most of the time, it isn't.)

Heaven must have needed another angel

Arab Times, December 28, 2015

A first sergeant of the Interior Ministry died when his vehicle toppled on Mitlaa Motorway. The remains were taken to Forensics for autopsy. It is noteworthy the photo of the deceased officer went viral on social media last year while he was giving water to a thirsty cat.

August 14, 2014

A Kuwaiti sergeant heading a police patrol in the Gulf emirate abruptly stopped off the road and stepped out of his car to give water to a little cat after noticing it was swaying of thirst in the scorching summer heat.

Sergeant Mashari Al Anzi used his own water bottle to give water to the cat, which appeared in a picture to be drinking avidly to quench its thirst on that day when temperatures were close to 50 degrees.

The Arabic language daily Al Watan, which published the picture, described what  Al Anzi did as a “humanitarian gesture required by everyone.”

Source:  LINK

RIP, White Heart.

The Blanket

Lilli had a favorite blanket.  She slept on it every night for years. She used to drag it around and arrange it properly before circling in to sleep.  It was a very cozy off-white wool blanket that I shuffled her around with when I went on trips and had to leave her with friends.  I know this is dumb, but I had the thing dry-cleaned.  Yup - my dog's blanket, dry cleaned.  Well....

When Lilli passed away a few months ago, her blanky kind of went with her.  It was really worn/torn and not much of anything.  I have kept other mementos of her.  I probably shoulda kept a piece of that stupid blanket.  (Things you think of later.)

I still have her collar with her little pink heart ID tag on it.  Her pink floatation jacket (boating/swimming).  A few of her favorite sweaters. A few toys (that Mikey has now confiscated). The "usual."

Our family Christmas gift-giving tradition is an opening event that continues from Christmas Eve (which is when we have our big family dinner) to the next morning when guests have gone and it is just the immediate family opening.  The wrappings and ribbons and decorations had been gathered in 400 gallon (I exaggerate, but you get the point) hefty bags.  All of the gifts were cleared from under the tree.  There were miscellaneous gift bags hanging out on the huge coffee table (I've seen an F-16 land on that thing once). There was one gift bag next to my feet that I hadn't opened yet and didn't have a tag.  Turned out to be mine from my sister. The very last gift. .... I opened it and my breath caught.

There is no way she could have known.  I've never told her.  It wasn't the type of gift she would normally get me (said it was a shawl, but looks more like a throw).  I started crying and couldn't get the words out.  The family's immediately thought I was hurt or sick (it's really rare when I burst into tears.) .  It was such a dear gift.....  and it wasn't really FROM my sister, but through her.  Cait had given me the same blanket (only not for a dog as it now appears in cashmere).  Same fringy things.  Same color.

Lilli was letting me know she's ok and sending me some comfort.  (Call it "reaching" if you will.  I don't care.  I believe in signs where ever/how ever they come.)

You know - when you have to put down a pet, you don't expect it (even if you do, you don't). I still don't expect to cry (but I do - 18 years of constancy is a hard thing to lose in any case).  I didn't expect the amount of guilt I've felt over it.  There is no way I should feel this guilt.  Lilli Putian was in pain.  It was the right thing to do.  But I have felt so bad about it.

The little blanket was such an enormous gift.

There is no way Cait could have known the meaning when she got it for me.  She was being guided by a little, white, Maltese angel dog. One of the many joys of Christmas.

KK9A Dog Show - Mishref Fair Grounds - Jan 22 & 23

Alianz Kennel Club just held their outstanding dog show on the 11th and 12th of December.  It was very well organized and had several rings where different types of dog breeds and types were shown.  The show first place winner was a very good natured pittbull with a gorgeous shiny tan coat.

I have been meaning to write another post on the Alianz show but I just haven't had the time.  I will get to it because as a first-of-it's-kind show in Kuwait, I think it is important.  |I was very impressed.

I'm interested in the dog shows because of Mikey.  Mikey is a show line German Shepherd - as most of the dogs at the Alianz show were.

The Kuwait Kennel Club - KK9A (ad above) will hold another dog show of mainly work line German Shepherds, showcasing various activities, sponsors, dog resources including services and products.

Here is a map of the show site:

KK9A holds dog gatherings in Kabd near the police station (just off the side of the road) at approximately 3:00 to 5:00 PM every Friday.

Alianz holds dogs gatherings at Messila (next to the Messila Beach Club) every Saturday from 3:00 pm to 5:00 PM.

Both of the weekly gatherings are free and open to the public.  Bring a dog.  Bring a kid.

Women's Self-Defense Class

Paternity Site for Runaway GCC Dads

Maybe this site will help my friend, Melisss, and her daughter, Kristen, find Kristen 's father, Aqeel. Aqeel was part of our group in DC back in the day, before he moved to Eugene, Oregon to study. When Kristen was born, Melissa went to court and the judge ordered a DNA paternity test. I think this was around 1984. Right after, Aqeel skipped the country.  Kristen now has kids of her own but wonders about her biological dad.

That's messed up. Own up to your responsibilities, "men"!

The website is called "Saudichildrenleftbehind.com".  Article HERE.  (The site started with just Saudi deadbeat dads but it has expanded to include other GCC nationals.

That guy who.... (the Mr. Big post)

As a follow-on to my post, "Why is it so difficult to have a normal relationship in Kuwait?" below... the guy that I really like (let's say it was "pre-love") and I got together to talk.

I'm calling him, "Mr. Big" because he's a big guy.  I love that.  It makes me feel more feminine/girly. I have said it before and I will say it again - I adore this guy.  He is all that I really want in a man.  And it has nothing to do with money, business or looks (although I think he's gorgeous I don't think he sees himself that way).  It is HIM.  He is fascinating and funny and I could talk to him for hours. I love the way he looks at me.  I love the way he sits next to me.  I love the way his mind works; he's so quick that he immediately responds to anything I say.  It's hard to find that kind of quick banter and it (along with a great sense of humor) are signs of a very intelligent person.

... if only he would let me into his world.  Our time together was at my home.  He lives alone.  He met my friends.  Saw where I lived.  We only went out to dinner once.  (Yeah yeah yeah - my inner jaded-woman voice says that there is another woman in the picture, but I am trying hard not to believe that.  I want to keep positive thoughts in my head.  It's hard.)

When I met him, he said he was looking for "that perfect girl."  Maybe I'm not his idea of perfect.  I'm not perfect.  I don't want to be. We are all unique and different and all of us have flaws...

Including him.

When you first start a relationship, you want to get to know the person.  That becomes very difficult if that person doesn't allow you to.  "I'm too busy" translates to "I'm just too busy for YOU."  -  you know your place on their schedule. How can you start a relationship by pushing the other person away?  I know he's a busy guy, but if  you care about someone - especially in the beginning - you make time to get to know them.  I'm busy.  If someone doesn't make an impression immediately, I'm usually not going to stay for long.  Impress me.  Begin as you mean to continue.

If he wants you in his life, he'll put you there.  You shouldn't have to fight for a spot.

I usually put up barriers and walls, but his were seemingly inpenetrable.

I hate to ask a man when I can see him.  I hate to call if he tells me he's busy (which is all the time). You saw the post (I can see you between x day and x day and x time and x time). That is a one-sided relationship and I'm an after-thought.   And - call me old-fashioned, but I really want the guy to call me.  He travels a lot, so on his last trip, he sent me text messages.  When he returned, I made a (I admit this:) passive-aggressive flippant remark about, 'Is there something wrong with your phone that you couldn't call me from there?'  Mmm.  The response (mean!) wasn't what I was hoping and I felt like I had hit a wall.  (Seriously, I just wanted to hear his voice.)

He came over to talk - maybe after hearing my reaction to his reaction.  It had been a month since I met him.   I thought since we were having long conversations about everything else in the world that maybe I could breach the topic of exclusivity.

I deal in the world of contracts.  The ones I hate the most are the ones where we are not exclusive; we have to compete on the same contract (once awarded) with multiple vendors.  I can never provide the right level of service if I'm not exclusive.  Just sayin...

Bam.  Again, the response was not at all what I was hoping for.  'Is it just you and me (while I was sitting on his knee, staring into his big, dark eyes)?' ... (here it comes, girls... get ready for this one because after all these years, this is a FIRST for me....)  "I don't have anyone now, but if the opportunity presented itself, I might be with someone else." (I can't quote that verbatim because I was so distraught and trying not to cry that I couldn't catch the exact words.)

Dufuq?

Dude, I am sitting on your knee with my arms wrapped around your neck and you theoretically just body-slammed me, WWF-style, into the floor....

You know, I remember some men strictly by quotes or actions that have stuck with me over the  years.  There was, "The guy who peed in my bidet."  "The guy who did an obscene act in my living room." (I'm not writing what I really call him but the terms initials are J.O.)   And then of course most recently, "That big fat liar."  (There are more, but you get the point.)  Years later, their real names are irrelevant.  Faces blur. Positive things that they may have done or said become obsolete because it is only the negative things that most people (me?) tend to remember.

I vaguely remember Mr. Big telling me that I was beautiful.  I will not remember that.  It is of no consequence.  We remember the negatives.  'So I've been told.' is what I said. (What I usually think when I hear that is that they are just saying it so I don't feel bad about my body flaws.)

And ok - why does my beauty (inner or outer) matter at that point?  I'm not special.  I'm not the one.  You just cut the line and the fish is swimming away.  How do you go back from that point?

Unfortunately, I will remember him by the quote (unless, in the HIGHLY unlikely event that he makes some huge turn around and a grand gesture and things work out.  Realistically, indecision is a decision):

"I don't have anyone now, but..."

WHO says that?!  You can think it, but who actually says that out loud?  He's incredibly intelligent.  So how would he think that it was even slightly appropriate or acceptable?  He might have said something like, "This is going to fast for me.  Maybe we should just see how it goes and get to know each other better."  That would have been ok.  Then maybe we could have continued.  But Oh.My.God - what do you do?  Why not just say, "You're not good enough.  If someone better comes along, I'ma gonna do her." (Ergo my theory that most men here are constantly looking for the next-best-thing and have zero clue as to the value of the person they are with NOW.)

Or.... was he pushing me away because things were going to fast?  Did he say it intentionally?  ("Do you think you can be pushed to attain your goals without some kind of pain to get you there?")  Poop! Why do I constantly over-analyze everything?  Why can't I just walk away from it?  Frickin chick genes!!!  RRRR.

Emmm.... There has been no apology or phone call or anything to let me believe that he even sees that this was hurtful or mean (or wrong); proving my point once again, that I'm not his idea of "special."

This all makes me sad because I really did think that he was special.

Since we work in buildings next to each other, I'm sure our paths will cross and that I will act with the same dignity I give everybody.  However -  that quote will be shouting loudly in my head as I smile and walk by.

Unless ...

You know, it's all about respect.  If you're not getting it, that person isn't special.

The Cat Came Back

It's back.  Like nothing happened.  Remember how a few months ago I wrote about a guy who I caught with another girl in the car?  Dude came back around like nothing happened.  Called me this MORNING. (Why?  Probably because I just got my salary and I know his family is all angry at him for a family-related-violation.)   He wants to "be friends."

Me:  We were friends before. My friends don't lie to me.
Him:  No, this time friends with no love.
Me:  Did you love me?  I wasn't in love.
Him:  We can be friends now.  Just friends.  Then, I won't lie to you.
Me:  I can't be friends with someone I don't trust.  You're lying to me now.
Him:  It is all your fault!  If you weren't following me (I wasn't - I was on my way home), we never would have had a problem.
Me:  If you hadn't LIED to me about having a girl in your car with you 2 days after you said  you wanted to marry me, we wouldn't have had a problem.
Him:  Why are we talking about this now?  Do you want to make me angry?  Do you want to see me or not?
Me:   (.... click....)
Him:  (via SMS that followed:)  ??? what happened?

The cat came back....  I can't get rid of it.

I've met 3 men in the past 24 hours (and it is only because I have totally given up and The Universe is just messin with me now).

• One at the phone store last night.  
• One this morning: my sheikh-neighbors who has apparently memorized my schedule and always sees me when my dog is taking a poop at 6 am when I look my absolute-worst (I don't brush my teeth, I don't comb my hair, I don't wash my face.  My dog is taking a poop.)  
• One at the restaurant where I have lunch.  

Am I going to talk to any of them again?  Nope.  (Maybe the sheikh - only because he will undoubtedly come running over when it's poop time and I will be cornered....  I have found that you can't make your dog poop and run at the same time.  I tried - totally gross.)

Did I mention I'm tired?

I used to get  flowers and romantic dinners on boats by candle light and crystal and "that" look (the one that makes  you weak in the knees) and weekend trips and shit like that. Now I get this?  I swear I would become a lesbian if I could possibly turn myself (not gonna happen, ladies, and no, you pervs - you can't watch).

Sigh.

Why is it so difficult to have a normal relationship in Kuwait?

I've really had enough and I vowed about the same time that I got my German Shepherd that I would stop dating and concentrate on spending time with someone who makes me really happy - my dog.  Mike and my goats made me happy. I could spend time alone with them on the farm and not worry about anything.  (Until, of course, Farm Drama 2015 and the farm and the goats were no longer an option.)

So I'm back in the city and usually exhausted Sunday through Thursday from work so I don't have much time for anything.   I attend evening events/receptions - many for work (especially this time of year).   Friday and Saturday are my free time - and yes, I spend a lot of time with the dog in the desert, at the beach, in Kabd in training sessions with him.  Also spending a lot of time with friends.  But I've also been dabbling in the wonderful world of Kuwaiti dating ....again.

.... and, of course, have remembered why I stopped....

There doesn't seem to be any difference here:  Men from all walks of life, high and low, educated and uneducated, cultured and non-cultured,  and all those in-between seem to have the same issues.  It is scripted.  And the script is now so ingrained that I feel like  one of those jaded women I swore I would never become.   (Alas, how do we all learn?  Repetition.)

Honestly, I've tried to maintain a positive attitude.  Keep it light.  Keep it happy.  Brush it off.  Keep hope alive.  But until when?

It's always the same story:  You (regardless of who you are, how much you earn, what your education, your cultural background, family,  what your IQ or your reputation is) are never the center of the others' attention.  Why is the divorce rate so high in Kuwait?  I don't blame either gender.   It is how your taught.  It is how much you are willing to sacrifice and put into a relationship that determines the outcome.  And it seems like here, the complacency level is so high that it outweighs any opportunity to see a good outcome.  No man or woman is equal in a relationship.  Everyone is doing their own thing, living completely separate lives. They never have the opportunity to come together as a unit.  There is no return on investment because there is never an investment.

I see very few role models here (and I'm talking about Kuwait because this is where I live and have lived for the past 20 years).  People cheat.  And if they don't cheat, they are constantly searching for the next-best-thing.  Nothing is maintained.  No relationship is nurtured. No work goes into a relationship.   It always has an expiration date.  Nothing is put into a relationship and very often - it is one-sided.  (Leaving me/others to ponder:  'What do I get out of this?')

There are always the few that spark my interest and make me sincerely believe that there is  hope.  The ones who (again, unfortunately, this too seems to be scripted) want to travel and be romantic and have a life together.  It is fleeting.  It's like something out of a romance movie that is never going to come to fruition.  It is a fable.  "I want a woman who... " but what are you willing to do for it?

Begin as you mean to continue.

Perhaps there are good intentions?  Not everyone is so blatantly careless, right? (And I use the term "careless" intentionally because that's what it is - the lack of caring and consideration.)   I ask:  How does it begin?  Is there respect?  Is time spent on  you?  Dinners (outside of my home)?   Is that person willing to compromise (anything?) to be with you?  Give up a boys night out?  Spend 24 hours with you once in a while?  Watch a sunset (and wouldn't it be nice) perhaps a sunrise together?  Leave the phone at home?  Do I get to meet your friends?  Do we spend time together or apart?  Where is the investment?  .... And this is in the beginning.

I'm not an option after the rest of the tasks on the list is completed or the other options have been diminished. I'm not plan B.  Why should I ever be allowed to feel like that?  Why should anyone? This is the way I feel here time and again.  It's tiring. Dating is now perfunctory for me.  I date because I just hate to give up hope.    As my girlfriends (who have stopped dating completely also) say, "Impress me."  But it isn't happening.  Is this what it's come to?

What happened to normal (maybe by western standards?) relationships?  I don't think my expectations are high.  I don't need material things and I can pay my own way.  I don't need to go shopping or have a man pay to buy me things I want.  I can do that.  All I need is consistency and time.

And please - everyone has time if you want something. It is attainable.

My average time for determining if it will work or not is approximately a month (sometimes less depending on the levels of care) from the time I meet the person.  Lately, men have been pursuing me (several, for months) and I've been very reluctant to let them into my world.

I found someone I wanted to date. He met all the criteria:   Incredibly intelligent.  Funny.  Well traveled/cultured. Very handsome. Ambitious.  I literally adored the guy.  Allowed into my world, he met my friends, he met my dog, we went out to dinner, flowers....   and yet I was immediately  relegated to Plan B status.  Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays he has commitments;  non-negotiable commitments.  Meaning that I don't rate prime-time (weekend nights).  I translate:  You are not important enough.  Or perhaps you have another girl who rates prime-time and  you don't.  You're an option and she is (or perhaps even "they" are...)  the main event.  He also brought up marriage (during a conversation about an entirely different topic) and how he didn't want to re-marry again.  He was setting the ground rules.  "Don't get your hope up with me," basically.  Who said I wanted to marry you?  Can't we just have a relationship for a while and see where it goes?  You never said that we were exclusive either.  Should I be dating other men?

Why?  Why can't it just be normal?  Why can't it just feel natural?  You meet a guy who you have a connection with.  He seems happy with you. You're happy with him.  And then the barriers and rules start to be set into place.

What I hear is that the men I meet want to have a relationship with a Western woman.  But once they get to the point where they have her, they back off.  Do I need to break down "normal" in our world?

• You meet
• Talk.  Not SMS.  You talk. 
• On the occasions when one of you must SMS, the other returns the SMS immediately.
• You go outside for dinner (not in secret in my home, not his)
• Sex is not an immediate requirement. 
• You meet his friends/he meets your friends
• You hang.  Spend time together.  Watch a movie (not a clock). 
• Talk.  Not SMS.  You talk. 
• Spend the night together.  Have breakfast together. (Please - you're not always working.  Everybody sleeps and eats.)
• Maybe go to parties or gatherings or dinners together with other people.
• Travel maybe.
• You are introduced to his family.  He is introduced to yours.
• You progress together.  This may mean engagement or even marriage (there is a possibility! not a closed door.)

"No" and "I can't" and "Sorry" should not be commonly-used phrases.

I respect a man with determination. I admire him for having ambition. I'm happy that he's hard working and that he has a life.  It's good that he's busy and that he's got goals.  That's great.  But that's his life and where do I fit it?  Between the hours of X and X on (day) and (day)?   I'm not another attainable commodity.  I'm a busy girl too.   I have a busy schedule.  I have responsibilities.  I don't lack in intelligence either.   But.... the difference is that I make time for anyone I care about. I would never knowingly allow him to feel like second best under any circumstance.  Relationships have compromises.  What is there that makes you feel like the other person truly cares about you?

(If I start to feel second-best, I go home to my dog who always makes me #1.)

And I have no problem (at all) with being direct.  "You're not the one for me."  "We're not well suited."  Whatever.  Direct is good.  Being given false  hope is not.  It's depressing. It's hope-shattering.   It adds another growing case-study statistic. But it is a lost opportunity; something that if, given the investment, may have had a long-lasting high-yield return.

Kuwait is the land of lost opportunity.  In so many ways.  It doesn't have to be that way.

Are my expectations too high?  I don't know how they could be lower.  I expect time invested in me. I expect to be part of his world. I expect mutual trust and admiration.  I expect not to be condescended to.  These should be basics.

"I can't give you what you want right now...."  What do I want?  Time? That's it.  Ok, if you are out for a booty call, say it like it is. A booty call.  Kuwait is full of those guys.  That's not what I need.  And if you can't give me what you want, don't advertise yourself as someone who wants to spend time with a woman; having a meal, travelling, watching a movie, etc.  Say, "I'm here for a booty call."  Done.  Most of us get it.  I'm sorry but I (ME) can't give you what you want right now:  a booty call.  I don't advertise it.  I'm not into it.  My IQ is slightly higher than those base intentions.  Kuwait is full of those girls.  Go find one.

So, after reviewing  this (after a preponderance of the evidence) from an objective standpoint, I see, "Maybe he's just not that into you."  True:  perhaps not.  The evidence speaks for itself.  

------------------------------------------------

Disclaimer:  I know that I will get the kind of comments that read, "Because it is a different culture with a different religion and there is no dating here."  To which I say BS.  There is now a lot of dating (not just Westerners with Kuwaitis but Kuwaitis with Kuwaitis).  Many of the people I meet are Western-educated and have lived overseas for a good part of their lives.  Further, religion should make you a better person.  Dating doesn't revolve around intimate relations.

TSC Does Thanksgiving Meals to Go

I haven't felt like blogging

(Something wonky is going on with the formatting here...)

I've been overworked lately.  Lots going on.  Lots to be grateful for.  I'm tired.  I'm not in a mood to write. I'm not even hungry.  Even ice cream has lost its flavor. (Let me just tell y’alls:  When your pralines and cream goes south, you are in deep trouble.) 

(KDD chocolate ice cream is so yummy.  I ate what was left of our quart – and then I replaced the container in the freezer with a potato in it so Dorothy would get her spoon and bowl and be all happy …. And then….. SPUD WAR CONTINUES!  I’ll write more about The Great Spud War of 2015 later in this post.  Wait for it….)

On Thursday afternoons,  I receive the inevitable message from BFF, "What's the plan?" (Intimating that I have a plan or should have a plan.)  If I didn't have a job, I might be planning or calling people to do stuff so why is it that friends with no jobs don't have plans?  Why do I have to make the plan? Here is my plan:  I'm taking the dog for a walk, putting on my PJ's, staring at the TV for a while and going to sleep. That's my plan every night.  It's sad.  Make a plan for me and maybe that will change.  I'm too busy and tired.  “I am dying for barbecue in the desert.”  Well snap!  Now I am too.  Go buy meat and marinade it.  There’s a desert plot across the street from my house.  Let’s go.

And in other news….

I had a hissy fit at work this morning.  I try not to do it, but I let my inner biotch out this morning. (My apologies to anyone even close to Ground Zero - the blast zone...)  I’ve got to start blasting Aretha Franklin:  R E S P E C T!  Then, I got an "I'm so full of myself.  Me me me" message that had me gritting my teeth.  (For the record:  You are NOT special.  Nobody effing cares.  Get over yourself.)   God, I wish I could talk about some of this stuff on the blog.  It sucks that so many people read it.  Now, I have to actually PAY psychiatrists and therapists to help me. Before, my blog was my therapy.

For the record (again), I can be all "me me me" up in here because it's a blog - my blog.  Just sayin.

Thanksgiving is coming up.  Thank you, God for giving me a great job with people who do actually appreciate me (once in a while, after a biotchfit) and a roof over my head and a room mate who cooks and rock solid friends a great dog and on the other side of the pond - for a wonderful family.  I have a lot to be thankful for.

We hired someone recently… Can I blog about this? …. Ok.  I didn’t know who it was until after we hired (the person).  So cool!  I know her because this person is a blogger.  It’s so awesome.  We’ve been blog buddies for years but I just never know (the person’s) real name.  That’s how I got hired here.  Stella hired me from the blog through people who read it.  I had met her about a year and a  half earlier at an event and then she posted a comment on the blog when I was thinking of leaving Kuwait and we got together, had a 4 hour dinner, and she hired me.  I probably would have hired (this new person) if I had known also because I can vouch for their character.

And in other other news….

Oh!!!!  Holy snap!  I didn't tell you guys!  You'll never guess what happened!  Ok, before I found this fab apartment in Mishref, I was supposed to move into a 4 bedroom apartment with a local Western realtor.  Very nice guy that I have known for a long time.  Well, due to a miscommunication, Dorothy Spornak room mate and I didn't end up taking it and I was (yes again) totally pissed off.  (I mean really - I held it in, but I was so angry.)   I had to find the Mishref apartment in ONE day.  The 4 BR apartment was furnished. We had asked that they remove all the furniture - except for the refrigerator which we were going to use.  That was our plan.  So, last week, I ran into the real estate dude and he said, "I was meaning to tell you.  In my 30(?) years of doing this, we have never had a major fire - until we did - in that unit you were going to take.  The people who were going to move in had their suitcases outside when the fire happened."  Now holy shyt - we would have already been moved in there by then - WITH our pets.  So, more than likely, we would have been at work and the 2 dogs and cat would have died.  Guess how the fire started?  The REFRIGERATOR was faulty!  Can you believe it?  Everything is part of God's plan.  Dayum.

Random thought 

I really like the US Ambassador’s wife, Catherine Silliman.  She is so down to Earth and approachable. She knows my alter-ego (not Desert Girl, but my real name) and came up to tell me how sorry she was to hear that my dog had passed away; as hers older dog had passed away last August.  She didn’t have to, but it was such a compassionate gesture. She must meet a gazillion people and it was lovely to be remembered.  Catherine is also one of those people who, if someone more important (depending on how you measure important I guess) walks up and starts talking to her, she turns back to the first person she was talking to (me, in this case) giving them her full attention.  I admire those types of people.  You go, girl.  You have the Desert Girl Seal of Approval.  So people, if you are ever anywhere that you are lucky enough to see Mrs. Silliman, go tell her I said she’s a wonderful person.

(I had the random thought because the realtor guy conversation took place at the same event.  That’s how I made the segue.)

By the way, Hilton Hotel:  YOUR THANKSGIVING STUFFING STILL SUCKS!!!  How many YEARS have to pass before you realize that the annual stuffing log (looks like a turd) is NOT the way it is supposed to be.  I mean – go to Sultan Center and look on the package of stuffing mix.  There’s a picture.  Stuffing log!  Ick.  Oh, not that I am not GRATEFUL to have had stuffing turd (my mom told me to be polite and grateful).  Whaaaaaat?  Other people commented too.  I just blog.  That’s all.

The Great Spud War of 2015

I vowed about 20 years ago (I’m 29, shut up!) never to have a room mate again. My belief is that there can only be One Queen in every castle (I still am – don’t doubt it).  But this year, it just worked out that me and Dorothy Spornak needed a place to live at the same time and the rent prices in Kuwait have everyone’s behind hurting.

The Mr. PotatoHead War of Yesteryear

Pre-20 years ago, I had a room mate.  She and I grew up together.  She has the same sick sense of humor that I do (and that I have discovered that Dorothy does).  She started the PotatoHead War back in the day by pulling the same stunt that I did recently on Dorothy (replacing the empty ice cream container with a potato and returning to the freezer).  Former roommie and I went back and forth with that damn potato (I painted a smiley face on him and put him in the bottom of her toilet once)  until he was about the size of a raisin.  At which point, I wired him to the front grill of her car and she drove to Georgetown Law School with him like that for 2 days until he came back to me in a body bag (Hefty sandwich bag with a slide-lock): Mashed PotatoHead.  When I moved to Kuwait, I mailed her a potato sitting on a mini beach chaise with an umbrella and a drink in his hand!  Probably broke several international mail and agriculture laws doing it, but whatever.

THIS time it is slightly more despicable as Mr. PotatoHead is anatomically correct.  (NOT my fault – it was Dorothy!).  This twist has led to major changes in the strategy, including picture-taking on location with Mr. P.  All very fascinating.  I thought of posting pictures here, but I would get in trouble with The Internet Police (who have become very tough lately).

Anyways, now it is the weekend and quitting time and I have to figure out a Plan for my friends.  I’m having some painting done and taking my Big Dog out (not metaphorical) and I have a date with a new guy.  That’s my plan. Oh – and the sofa of course.

Y’alls have a good one.

Unethical Salon Owners

This post happened to a very dear friend of mine by the owner of a new salon catering to Western clients (or local clients wanting a Western stylist) in Mahboula (I think it is Mahboula.  Gee... I'm not sure. Or was it "Mangaf"  Well... one of those M words.   Maybe....).  And for the record -  I will NEVER give my business to that place.

Western salons get more higher paying customers than other salons.  So, salon owners recruit either from abroad or locally for western stylists.  They even ask their assistance in setting up the salon - teaching them the ropes, etc.

Smiles, promises, "I'm your new best friend" kind of shit.

Then... BAM!  You're fired.  You need to leave your accommodation like NOW (7pm on a Friday night, for example).  I don't care if your cat is still in there.  I don't care that I haven't paid you.  I don't care.  (That was my friend's first bad experience in Kuwait.  They told her to get out and get on a plane that night... sure.  Several years later, she got her payout from her lawsuit...)

So, following the (usually illegal terminations).... It's followed up by stylist-friendly ads on forums and places where Westerners frequent - want ads in search of someone to join their "fun, friendly team!"  Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.  Sure.  For 1/3 the price of the person who helped establish the place.

As soon as I hear about this BS, I boycott that salon for forever.  And NEVER recommend it through the blog or anywhere else.  I don't deal with unethical and those who lack integrity.  Karma is going to bite them in the ass.

My friend, Hair Girl, has been through this hot-drop situation a lot in the Middle East.  It sucks.  Other stylist friends of mine have gone through the same thing.  I get all angry-pants every time I hear another one of their stories.  Pisses me off.  Say what you mean.  Mean what  you say.  Abide by your contract and your promises.  If you have a year-long contract:  phucking HONOR IT.

The expat community in Kuwait is small.  And everybody knows that  you go to your stylist not just to get your do did, but to gossip and for some gal-pal therapy.  So... unethical owners... watch your step.  We're already talking about  you.  Girlfraaaaynd!  You want me to dish?  Write to me offline at amerab@gmail.com and I'll tell it like it is!

Some of my Western female friends who have been disparaged this way work out of home.  And you know what - I'm happy to promote them to the best of my ability.  I would rather see money going where it belongs - to the people with the TALENT.

Here are a few of my favorite stylists working from home:

Siobhan - 9728-1683.  I have known this Irish cousin for the past (OMG - can you believe it?!) 18 years.  Great cuts and color.

Connie - 9922-2331.  I wrote about Connie under "Hairytale Ending".

Yolanda wrote in about Tifani  who I just met recently.  Tifani is a wonderful person. Great energy (well ok, how many people have you met from Jamaica who aren't positive energy people?). Tifani had a similar experience when she first arrived to Kuwait and was dumped by a salon.  She also works with a lot of charity organizations in Kuwait if you have anything to give up.  I was going to write something about her because I like her so much and then I decided to write this post and THEN Yolanda wrote to me!  Tifani, I told  you - divine intervention!  Anyhoo...

Yolanda writes:  As a Black female moving to a different area, the first thing you think about is "where can I get my hair done?". Luckily, I bumped into a few friendly people and they told me about Tifani. It's my fifth year living in Kuwait and I have only used her for cuts and relaxers. She does many other things like color and weaves. I've referred many people to her Black and White. I highly recommend her. She'll bring your hair back to life in these desert conditions. Here is her info. +965 5594 2923 Facebook.com/tifanihairstyles Instagram.com/haircarekuwait