OK, it's about 11:30pm my time right now.My best friend needed to go get gas, but was going to an area where Americans rarely venture to. Unless you're me....it's pretty much my home away from home. So, she calls me to chit chat during her little ride, make sure she's going the right way, etc. Well, considering it's dark outside, she's a woman, AND American, she might as well be famous riding through this part of town. Every man with eyes will slow down, look, blow his horn, try to get her attention, and think of any way possible to have a conversation with her....even if he doesn't speak English. I often wonder how many years it's been since they've seen "uncovered" women over there.

Moving right along...

After the initial gas tragedy where it seemed they took more gas out of the tank than they put in, I guided her in the direction of the next gas station, and then off she went to Burger King for her first and last meal of the day.

While coming out of Burger King, fighting the traffic, and talking to me on the phone suddenly several cars stop around her. We both wonder if it's Jihad in action, but then she starts laughing hysterically. She told me several men were outside of their vehicles, in the middle of the road, with all of the traffic blocked, and they're DANCING! Not very well I might add. Of course this is always amusing, but not really shocking to me considering where she is, and it's a big night for weddings (erse). I assume the wedding was over (keep in mind men have their own wedding, women have their own, and then the groom is driven to his bride privately afterwards), the wedding party was exiting, and decided to take the party into the streets.

What an amusing evening in Kuwait. And I didn't even have to leave the house!

In this culture, there is no such thing as a regret. They usually call it having a "small mind" and say "they will grow up soon" and then "Allah will forgive them when they ask." Once all of this takes place there is no looking back, no pondering, no regret. Just a learning experience. As a matter of fact, discussing the past (negative or positive) is a sign of someone with a weak mind who lacks the ability to move forward. It either takes a lot of strength to live the way they do, or an enormous lack of concern.

I suppose in a lot of ways I am very fortunate to be a part of this culture for the time being, and I am thankful for the opportunity to experience the people and all they teach me.

We all do things we wish we hadn't done, but in our culture they're known as "regrets." However, some people continue to repeat the same behavior over and over which is a pretty good indication there is little regret taking place.

Then we have the ones who attempt to honestly change their lives. Who experience a calm within the storm they once resided. The ones who try to right the wrongs, and move forward from that point. Unfortunately, in most cases, that requires the people they have "wronged" to have grown as well.

When I realize as hard as I have tried to create a little world in which I control every outcome has been a failed effort, I find peace. Realizing there is something much stronger and more powerful than me which controls all that I had been fighting. I take on a calm and relaxed attitude towards this world we live in....accepting it's not mine at all.

In an effort to move forward I can only do what I believe in my heart is right. The outcome of my efforts are out of my hands. I find this not only to be perfectly acceptable, but rather comforting. I simply live my life doing the right thing....if the results of that are not what I had hoped for then at least I still know I did the right thing.

Either I am getting very old, or very wise.....but I am so happy about it.