There are times when being in Kuwait seems like one struggle after another. I read another American woman's blog who is also lives here in Kuwait, and she seems to experience many of the same difficulties I do. Simply put -- Kuwait is not an easy place to live. Nothing here just "happens" like it's supposed to. There are mornings (like this one) getting a debit card swiped properly at Starbucks is a challenge. I find myself at the counter, turning the little K-Net machine around facing me, swiping my own card, entering the amount of the purchase, showing the employee I have entered the correct amount (Uh, like I wanna steal a cup of coffee?! Do your job!), waiting for the approval, pressing the "signature accepted" button, then "receipt in English". All this time the Starbucks employee in his lovely little green apron is standing there watching this take place... as if he's in training. Considering he's yet to move in the direction of making my coffee, I often wonder if they're expecting me to do that as well!

That's a verrrrry minor problem compared to others here... don't get me started on the processes and procedures should you be involved in an accident. I have slowly discovered any Ministry or business that shouldhave a computer -- doesn't. I recall years ago I had filed a police report due to damage done to my vehicle (you must have the report to provide to the insurance company for them to even consider paying for the repairs -- though it can take up to a year to see that check). The officer told me come back in 2 days, "Insha'Allah your report will be ready." When I went back 2 days later, they looked at me as if I were an alien from another planet... "What? Two days? (lots of laughter ensues) No report can be done in two days, come back next week. Insha'Allah it will be ready then." Long story short, after numerous trips to several different police stations (with wasta by my side), it took 4 months to get a copy of this report. On our last trip there we're sitting in one of the head Detective's office, he calls the Indian man to bring him the files. Indian man runs in there with a 2ft tall stack of notebooks containing handwritten case numbers and names. Detective man starts flipping through pages looking for my name. I sit there in utter amazement at how difficult this simple procedure has been, and suddenly realizing why! So, I ask him, "Wouldn't it be easier to have a computer you just enter the name into and poof! the report pops up on your screen, you push another button, and it prints?" Detective man was a little older, maybe 50's, very kind, patient, and took the time to answer what I thought was a valid question. "Computer? Why bother myself? I don't know how to use a computer, and it's just a problem to learn. I understand our notebooks better." And there it was... the answer to every issue in Kuwait.

"Why bother myself?"

With that simple answer he had provided insight to every single thing that takes place...or doesn't, in this country. It seems no one really wants to "bother themselves" with much of anything. And those of us on the other end are... well -- quite bothered!

America is far from perfect, and we certainly have our issues as well. But there seems to be a sense of organization to our insanity. DMV is my least favorite institution in the states and I have always said having a poor attitude and no patience is a requirement to work at DMV. I'm sure many agree. However, you walk in the door, take a number, sit in the chair, fill out required paperwork, wait for your number to be called, go to the window with completed paperwork in hand, employee processes it, and out the door you go. Rarely do you get a smile or a good morning, and sometimes you barely get a reply should you have a question. But one thing you certainly get is served in a reasonable amount of time.

That being said -- I love Kuwait, I will continue to struggle through the little quirks and inconveniences, but there's a part of me longing to put on my ruby red slippers, click my heels three times, and ... well, you know the rest.

Unfortunately, not Kuwait!

DUBAI (AFP) — A blanket of snow has covered a mountain in a part of the United Arab Emirates, a rare phenomenon for the desert Gulf country, according to local media report.

Al-Jees mountain, 5,700 feet (1,737 metres) above sea level and 25 kilometres (15 miles) northeast of Ras al-Khaimah city, was covered in 20 centimetres (eight inches) of snow, the state news agency WAM said.

"Although limited snowfall was recorded on the mountain some years back, for the first time the peak of the mountain was fully covered in snow," it said.

Local authorities said temperatures plunged to minus 3 degrees Celsius (26.6 Fahrenheit) on Friday and again to below zero on Saturday, The National newspaper reported.

Major Said al-Yamahi of Ras al-Khaimah police told the newspaper that an area of five square kilometres (almost two square miles) was covered in snow.

The emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai also had heavy rains on Friday and Saturday, in a spell of rare chilly weather in a desert state where summer temperatures can reach 50 Celcius (122 Fahrenheit).

Life is one change after another. Actually, every moment is a changing event. Some important, some not so important. But everything we encounter leads us to the next page. Everything happens so the next thing can. What may have been a tragedy yesterday could really be the gift of tomorrow. I wish I were a little better at embracing all of this. Sometimes it's just too much.

Three days ago America inaugurated their first African American President. Such a historical event. I am so proud to be American, and had a difficult time watching the inauguration due to the overwhelming emotion. I would cry, change the channel, turn it back, cry some more, change it, etc. All of this emotion (in my world) had nothing to do with President Obama's race, but more the sign of change. Forty years ago when Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream it really was just a dream. Almost an fantasy. Something that seemed impossible and unattainable. Today we know better.

The reality of it all is that who we were yesterday brings us to what we are today. Hatred sometimes leads to unity amongst others. Tragedy has a tendency to bring enemies closer. And pain causes us to reach out for a helping hand. It's those times I see as life changing moments.

Now I will touch on something I have purposely avoided -- Israel/Palestine. We hear so much about who was there first. Who really owns the land. Who "God" gave it to, or intended it for. Fact is, none of us can say what "God" intended, as none of us have had that conversation. And who was there first? Who cares? And furthermore, who really owns the land? How about everyone? The United States of America is stolen land. This is no secret and no one denies this. Was it right? Of course not. But over time it has led to something miraculous -- every ethic group and race living together with a sense of harmony. Sure, we have racism and hatred due to ethnic groups. But in the end, we're all one. If America were attacked, we would all embrace one another and support one another. Israelis and Palestinians are all people. They share the same emotions, the same love for their family, and the same desire to protect their loved ones. The only difference is who they pray to (or so they think). Ownership of land, or contradicting religious beliefs are never an excuse to murder an innocent child. I can't imagine this even being justified. So when all the lines are erased, and the hatred subsides, you still end up with the death of thousands of children (and other innocent people). It's senseless. Period. When someone's hatred can run so deep they feel killing an innocent child is an acceptable practice, then I don't believe you're living in "God's" land anymore.

So, while one side of the world is celebrating a true move in the right direction (Yeah, I like Obama!), the other side of the world is suffering great loss and pain. Maybe there will never be world peace, but I like to believe otherwise. We all share the same blood lines, like it or not, get over all this hatred based on nonsense.

Sometimes, like most people, I get in this "pity me" mode and forget briefly all the amazing things I have to be thankful for. I whine for a few hours (maybe days) about how horrible something is, then I realize how self centered I am being and I quickly stop complaining before anyone else sees through my ego.

Since my accident I think it's much easier to see how great life is (even when it's not so great). No, not because I had some life changing epiphany as the air bag deployed in my face, but because I have been hurtingggso badly having any kind of social life for the past few weeks has been almost impossible. No need for a great deal of detail here -- but imagine the tasks we do on a daily basis... now add a tremendous amount of pain to them and give it another shot. Yeah, so like I said, no epiphany -- just happy I'm not hurting so badly anymore. I can actually get into my car and place my purse (which is actually the size of carry-on luggage) into the passenger seat without uncontrollably screaming obscenities as if I suffer with Tourette Syndrome. Not to make light of an illness, but if I had to choose one to be afflicted with, Tourette Syndrome would win hands down. Can you imagine just screaming horrible things at the most inopportune (or opportune) times and having an excuse for doing so? Heck, I almost do that now (without an excuse).

Anyhoo, I decided this past weekend would be the last one I would sit home and "heal". Done with all that now, time to get back out there and enjoy life. Don't get me wrong, I am perfectly happy sitting at home, watching the boats on the sea, sharing my bed with 20 pillows and a good book, or submerging myself in an episode of Dateline or 20/20 after a nice hot shower. I truly am perfectly happy with simplicity. No need for wild parties, social gatherings, or constant upheaval to keep me happy. Could be age though I like to think of it as maturity.

Speaking of constant upheaval -- what's up with the never ending drama some people seem to have in their lives? OK, I admit, I have certainly made my share of mistakes, and even did some things I liked to pretend were mistakes just to get the necessary attention. I believe I was about 12! But what's going on with all these adults acting like a 4 year old lately? I read often about cars being torched due to a loss of a soccer game, or a woman beating up another woman for giving her child a bad grade at school. And don't think it stops on this side of the world -- what about the adults in America -- smoking crack and dragging their girlfriends through the yard, or being arrested at the age of 50 for selling drugs though they aren't smart enough to add 2+2? I suppose my question is - why all the drama? Does one just get comfortable in a certain way of life and not opt for anything better? Just because we haven't experienced it doesn't mean it's non-existent. People really can change and we really do have control of our lifestyle to a degree.

C'mon people, time to grow up!

So, the soccer (football) game between Saudi and Kuwait was the other night... my prediction was that Kuwait would win and go on to play Oman who I also guessed would win. I was right on one count, but it wasn't the Kuwaiti one. Saudi actually won the game and will go on to play Oman for the Gulf Cup. Oh well, it's unfortunate, but better luck next time, Kuwait! (Note: This is how the majority of people handle disappointment)

Unfortunately, the loss of the game by Kuwait also led to the loss of sanity by many. OK, granted, it was the Jahra boys doing it, and we alllll know how well behaved they're not! But they're still my favorites -- and if they would act just a tad bit more humanI would even be impressed. So what's the deal with all this misplaced anger? Or is it anger at all? Destroying police cars because Kuwait lost? C'mon, that's just silly. What's really bothering you, guys? Was it some juvenile ploy at getting attention? Kinda like when Kuwait wins and everyone drives up and down the road with their flashers on, blowing their horn as if to scream "look at me, look at me!" (not sure why since it wasn't actually them who contributed to the win of anything). Winning leads to a public disturbance via loud obnoxious behavior, and losing leads to criminal acts? Good grief, people, what about showing a little sportsmanship!?! (Good sportsmanship is when teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials treat each other with respect. Kids learn the basics of sportsmanship from the adults in their lives, especially their parents and their coaches. Kids who see adults behaving in a sportsmanlike way gradually come to understand that the real winners in sports are those who know how to persevere and to behave with dignity — whether they win or lose a game.) Imagine that!!

So really, let's grow up!

Youths on the rampage wreck property, police cars, 44 held

KUWAIT CITY : The Jahra police have taken into custody 44 youths who went berserk and caused destruction in the area and damaged police patrol cars. According to reliable reports some of the youths were seen burning the national flag, reports Arrouiah daily. This came following defeat of Kuwait by Saudi Arabia in the semifinal of the 19th Gulf Cup Soccer Tournament by 1-0. The daily added after the match was over, the youths damaged whatever they could lay their hands on and when the Jahra police rushed to control the situation, the youths pelted stones and damaged several patrol cars. A backup police force was pressed into operation, all entries and exits to the area were closed and police arrested the trouble makers — Kuwaitis, bedoun and Saudi citizens. They have been referred to the concerned authorities.

Below is an article from the Arab Times today, written by Khaled Aljenfawi. He truly summarizes what I have been screaming for years -- money doesn't mean character, values, or morals.

Enjoy!

Driving beyond speed limit indicates moral depravity

According to a recent crime report by the Arab Times, “police have arrested three youths (for) merry making inside a car moving at 200 kph. It has also been reported when a police patrol ordered the youths to pull over they disregarded the order and continued riding until they were forced to pull over” (Jan 7, 2009). This recent incident of reckless driving by youths in Kuwait is not the first case nor is it going to be the last one! In fact, reckless driving, ignoring traffic laws, vandalism and outright disregard for the safety of the public have become signs of a worrying decline in respecting laws and regulations in our society. What is at stake and what is actually more disturbing here: with a global economic decline, social unrest can take the form of an increase in anti-social behaviors. Having more than sufficient material possessions, easy access to unearned cash and perhaps getting used to disregarding rules and regulations governing peaceful living, those reckless youths would not have violated traffic laws if they knew better or if previous culprits of such crimes have been punished more severely. The reckless action of driving, perhaps a luxurious brand new car and causing havoc on the road reminded me of those youth’s eighteenth-century English counterparts, the Mohocks! Those “well-to-do band of young ruffians, the Mohocks, terroriz(ed) the town (London) for several weeks, assaulting men and women after dark” (Kristin Olsen-Daily Life-Eighteenth-century England-69). The English Mohocks would not have violated the peace in their society if that society, at least back then, did not accommodate favoritism (wasta). In any case, the rise in the number of anti-social behavior, assaults, physical violence and fraud have always been linked to declining economic conditions. We in Kuwait are not immune from such increase in the number of violations and breaking of the law; however, we can still do better if we insist on “accountability” and applying the law. No one of course can deal with crime in such an Arcadian way, for instance like assuming that “if you increase public awareness programs about crime, the number of violations will decrease.” Indeed, almost everyone understands that crime needs to be punished; however, recklessness disregard toward already existing laws indicates a deeper social problem. Poised against what is currently happening in other societies, where people of all walks of life are trying their best to save, economize and spend less, driving 200 kph and ignoring police instructions, becomes somehow an ultimate sign of moral depravity. We have yet to see a national, cultural and moral insistence that we as Kuwaitis have had enough of such anti-social behaviors, which will ultimately tarnish our image abroad if not checked. We need to see spontaneous efforts to fight such overt disregards of the laws. It should begin within families, in the classrooms, in our social gatherings... Other individuals especially those who are living in less affluent societies are feeling the brunt of an escalating credit crunch, worsening of general economic conditions and they have already tried different means to avoid total economic collapse. People abroad started driving less, spending less; they also started searching for second jobs. Overall, other people in other countries with fewer natural resources (if any) could not have tolerated such recklessness to happen in their society. Those reckless youths who drove at a speed limit, which indicates their irrational disregard of their lives, and of the lives of others were not just merry making. They were actually revealing yet again a characteristic of a worrying social condition, lack of responsibility.

First let me start by saying many people have asked why I haven't commented on the Israel/Palestine tragedy. And my answer is "many reasons."

I do not support war of any kind -- military, terroristic, or religious. I do not believe that killing someone (especially innocent children) is the solution to any problem. And I do not feel that incessant attacks on one another which result in pain, suffering, and loss of any kind will miraculously lead all parties involved into some tree hugging peace event.

Murder (even war related) requires a sense of hatred that I will never understand. The inability to live in peace amongst one another is another mystery to me. I don't blame one side over the other, nor do I blame either side at all. However, achieving peace is going to require efforts from both sides. Not just a verbal agreement, but genuine effort.

That's all I have on that topic for now.

Moving on...

Almost daily we read things in the newspaper here about someone "swindling" or "scamming" someone else. Today there was an article about a sorcerer who has been arrested and accused of selling someone a magical article for approximately $1,000 that failed to make his wishes come true.

Uh, helloooo? Perhaps the person who made this purchase should be picked up and psychologically evaluated.

Where does this train of thought come from? Spend a few dollars and make our lifelong dreams a reality!

My opinion?

In my culture (America), we're taught from a young age that we must work for things we want. We can dream about anything at all, but without effort and dedication we will never have it. These aren't just words we hear, but we live it. We don't clean our room -- we don't get allowance. We make failing grades in school -- we don't pass. We fail to show up for work -- we get fired. However, the rewards are enormous when doing the right thing. As we take steps towards meeting our goals, we begin to see our lives fall into place.

Here in Kuwait much is handed to them on a silver platter. Not everything of course. But there's little money can't buy here. Not just our basic needs for living, but our innocence, friendships, marriages, and opinions of others. Yes, for the right price you can own and dictate another person's thoughts and ideas here. Which leads me into more questions about strength and character, but that's another topic all together.

With all that being said, I suppose it shouldn't surprise me that someone would pay a sorcerer a sum of money believing their dreams would come true. Why not? They have more than likely walked the dinar paved path their entire life. But where does common sense come into all of this? At what point does anyone say, "OK, that's just insane!"? I mean, if there was a pill that made us all skinny... there would be no fat people. And if there was a magic rock that made us all rich... there would be no poor people. And if tarot cards and palm reading made all of our dreams come true... we would all be lined up at the sorcerer's place of business.

Is a lack of common sense a sign of stupidity or naivety? Is it something that can be taught, or are they doomed for life? And what about the people committing these crimes against common sense? Are they criminals or just smart?

Remember -- if it sounds too good to be true...it probably is. Why would anyone choose to do you a favor for very little or nothing in return? Think about it.

Let me start by saying I hope you all had a wonderful New Year's Eve, and an even better 2009. As for me, it's been a little while since I have posted anything new. Not because there was nothing new going on, but because I have been somewhat physically incapable of doing so!

Approximately a week ago -- I feel victim to the horrible drivers of Kuwait. A couple of days before the new year I was involved in a rather serious vehicle accident which has had me pretty much incapacitated for a short period of time. Fortunately I am healing rather well and almost feel human at this point.

Enough about me... let's discuss the intellectually challenged idiot who ran into me.

I know, not nice at all to call any names, and I generally try to refrain from such childish behavior. However, in the case where you see someone doing something so incredibly stupid to the point that you have to ask yourself if you're literally going to survive the outcome, I think name calling is perfectly acceptable (and a little bodily harm if you can afford it).

So, driving down the road, obeying laws, following speed limits, etc. See dude (see? I refrained from name calling) coming the opposite direction, certain he's going to stop (or at least pause to evaluate the surroundings like any sane person does)... whoops, failed to stop. Oh wait, he even failed to pause and look around. As a matter of fact, if I one day discovered he was tying his shoes while approaching the intersection in which he drove the front end of his vehicle into the front end of mine at a high rate of speed, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised.

My memory of the incident is somewhat foggy, but not completely gone. More than anything I recall him jumping out of his minimally damaged SUV afterwards, running in circles (literally, both feet on the ground and operational), screaming (in English) "What have I done, what have I done?" I, on the other hand, knew exactly what he had done and was screaming "911, call 911". It took me a moment to get my bearings and remember what country I was in, and suddenly said to the circle running screaming man "No, call 777, I need 777, call now!!" The noise was so loud, the horn of my car still blowing, deployed airbag staring at me as if to say "Don't remember that happening huh?", no one was around, and the nut who just hit me appeared to be running in a circular marathon.

Though Kuwait is definitely loved by me like a second home... they're just not up to US standards when it comes to convenience. After all is said and done with the accident, cars are towed, I am released from the medical facility, a couple of days go by, and you just start to realize you never even got a report, you get a phone call telling you which police station to go to and at what time. You arrive there to find the gorgeous dishdasha clad, camel looking Detective and moron who hit me! Whaaaaaaaaat? So I have to go sit with this man who has caused me more trauma than anyone I have ever encountered in Kuwait and not want to kick him? This would never work in the states... too much anger, and too many weapons. So, my now worst enemy shows up with some makeshift cast and a broken leg. Now sure what he thought this was going to prove, or if he somehow figured the more extensive the injuries the less guilty? No clue. Long story short, he lies, blames me, makes me want to break his other limb (but not fake break). In America a disagreements generally leads to hiring of Attorneys, court dates, etc. In Kuwait it leads to another trip to another police station for another gorgeous dishdasha clad to ask you both what happened and determine who he believes more. Not a lot of investigation and review going on here. It pretty much boils down to who the gorgeous man likes more, or who has the bigger wasta. Fortunately in my case I am well liked, have wasta, and most importantly...not at fault! In the end, all said and done, 3 trips to police stations -- broken leg liar was miraculously healed, and the case was closed.

As for my New Year's Eve -- I probably had more drugs in my system (legally and prescribed) than anyone else in Kuwait, and other than some pain and suffering, breezed right into the new year without even knowing it happened.

Happy New Year, all! I'm baaaaack!