There is a difference...

As events happen in life it changes us as a person. Good or bad, we change. I like to think that as we grow old we also grow up. I have found this is far from true.

I look at people I once thought "had it all." Nice cars, a career, beautiful homes, etc. And today I see they really have nothing at all. When a married man with healthy children, and a loving family can contact me after 4 years to express ongoing dislike for women he once befriended and engaged in casual sex with, I realize some people never will grow up. That cars, houses, and a job is what defines them as a man. Not their character, their heart, or the love they have for the people around them. Instead they focus on negativities of the past, and refuse to let go. In most cases failing to see they were the ones who brought this negativity on themselves or allowed it into their life. And now blaming others many years later.

Fortunately I have slowly learned to grow up....as I continue to grow old. I wish people the best, and try to be the best person I can to everyone around me. I choose a higher road, and more positive path in life today as compared to years ago. Or even months ago. I like to believe I can become a better person with each passing day.

I consider myself very blessed for being allowed to experience every event in my life....past, present, and future - Insha' Allah. I embrace every encounter I have ever had with another person....positive or negative. Fortunately I have learned enough about opening my mind and growing from the good and bad things in this world. I no longer live in the past or blame others for my misfortunes. I wish nothing but the best for everyone, as we're all equals.

I am very thankful for everything I have, and that I have to offer.

Unbelievable traffic. Markets and shoppes marked by large Arabic writing, and men with beards in disdasha sitting on the front steps. A warm desert breeze in the air. Loud horns honking, Middle Eastern music blasting all around. Prayers over the loudspeaker fill the air heavier than the breeze. The aroma of curry and grilled meats overwhelm. Women covered in black, faces invisible, men walking four steps ahead.

And then there's me....living it as if I were born here. Yet on the exterior it's obvious I'm not one of them. My hair glowing, my pale skin shining as compared to their deep olive complexions.

Although....inside we're the same. Exactly the same.

I have added a new page called "Kuwait Headline News" as of today. This should update daily, however I am not quite so internet savvy that I can know for sure I have scripted it correctly. Although I will do my best to keep it as up to date as possible.

Reading the Kuwaiti newspaper (in English) and drinking my Starbucks is as close to home as it gets for me.

Let's just hope I can manage to stay out of the local news section this time...

Insha'Allah.

As much as I have come to love Kuwait and the culture which encompasses this tiny country, I have also come to learn this little land is nothing other than a work in progress.

More than once I have heard the locals refer to Americans as "the nicest people ever." When in fact, I don't think it's that we're so nice, we're just very aware of other people's feelings, and we were (hopefully) taught manners as a child. We were shown compassion and had empathy instilled in us at a young age. If you're one who has never left America you automatically assume the rest of the world is the same...or at least very similar.

But I am finding that's not true at all...

Less than 60 years ago Kuwait was nothing other than the desert and people living in tents. No one owned vehicles, boats, or in most cases, even a home. There was no such thing as oil here, and no one had a clue what a life consisting of an "income" really was. Women were purchased using camels and sheep, and the only "jobs" were the ones required to find food and feed your family for the day.

That being said, keep in mind how they must live now. With money, oil, and all the luxuries that Americans work so very hard for. Work ethic and appreciation are two things that don't exist in this country. Not to mention manners, and just simple human considerations. "Please" and "thank you" are considered weaknesses, whereas placing unreal demands on the underpriviledged makes some feel empowered. Being rude is just a way of life here, and being kind is almost frowned upon.

I have no doubt that in time this country will evolve and become as organized and empathetic as America. Considering there is so much to learn here, and they have so many quality things to offer, I can't imagine they will forever be so primitive.

I enjoy experiencing an entire country as it grows and matures.

Sometimes I wonder which is more dangerous in the Middle East....the war or driving in Kuwait.

Almost daily there is a vehicle accident in this country in which someone dies. I don't seek out the remnants -- however, when I come across them I am a little fascinated at how much damage a vehicle can actually endure without exploding into a trillion pieces of nothingness.

Today I have added new photos from another tragedy here on the page titled Vehicle Accident II.

As the weather changes and the nights are filled with warm breezes people are flocking to the beach. During the summer here not many people venture to the beach in the daytime...it's more of an evening outing. However, since the days are only reaching mid to upper 80's right now, the beaches are crowded during the day as well.

One would think with the gorgeous clear waters and warm sea temperatures that diving would be a popular outdoor activity here. And, well, it is....just this week it's going to be indoors!

This weekend one of my co-workers and friends is going diving with the sharks...inside an aquarium at the Scientific Center. I'm looking forward to watching him get eaten

Once I returned to Kuwait from America I realized it was much warmer here than I thought before I went on vacation. Well, less than a few weeks later and it's summer! As of a couple of days ago it was well into the 80's in the afternoon, and I have no doubt that's going to remain a trend. Back in November I joked about Winter being a 4 day season here....I had no idea how right I was.

Dishdashas are changing back to the cool summer shades of white, and I realize how incredibly appealing that is. There's something very regal about a man in a crisp white dishdasha against his gorgeous bronze skin.

Otherwise, things here in Kuwait are pretty much the same. I do enjoy watching the people and how they differ from one end of this little country to the other. It's almost as if I am in a time machine when I travel from the desert to the city. From 1940 to 2007 all within a 45 minute drive. I am a very independent, liberal, open minded woman who just happens to be deeply involved with a man who is very similar to my grandfather circa 1913. Shocker.

Though it's actually raining (a little) today, I think we're going to head to Fahaheel and do some shoe shopping. It's going to be a great afternoon - Insha'Allah!