For the past couple of weeks all I seem to really think about is going on vacation in a short period of time. I really need this one and the sooner definitely the better. I find myself easily frustrated with things that really don't even concern me at all. I find people to be rude and their behavior unacceptable -- even when it's not directed at me, or again, doesn't concern me at all. I find the traffic to be nauseating, even when I'm not in it. The weather to be too hot, too cold, or too sandy. Nothing is right about Kuwait and I right now. No, let me rephrase -- Kuwait has nothing to do with this at all, it's me.

I have a theory -- if they're not paying your bills or raising your children they don't really matter, now do they? This isn't to say people are just unimportant all together. But in the big scheme of things, when it really matters the most, only a few things hold such a great level of importance. Though as of late it seems I've thrown my theory out the window and every, tiny, single, little thing around me is driving me insane. OK, not everything, I do have an outlet or two, but the daily monotony is maddening. This is how I know it's vacation time.

On a lighter note, that thermos worked out well. And I can't provide feedback on the 24kt Gold Facial as of yet. I didn't make it to my appointment last week, so rescheduled for this one. Being pampered is quite possibly one of my favorite things, yet I am famous for missing spa appointments. Sure I am considerate enough to give a 24 hour advance cancelation, but eventually I fear they're going to tell me "If you cancel once more ma'am we're going to ban you from this location for life." At which time I'll be devastated. Of course this would never happen, as the competition is far too stiff here when it comes to salons and spas, but I still feel it's very rude for me to cancel. So, this weekend, facial!

Can I jump back to frustration real quick? Thanks! Nonsense -- just silly nonsense. Why? What's the purpose? And why do some live for it? I mean really, if you're having emotional issues years after something, then obviously you have the emotional maturity of a 6 year old. I have no patience for this sort of thing, nor do I plan to tolerate it. Ever. Who behaves this way?

I stopped by Starbucks this morning and had coffee instead of tea. It was a nice change.

"Socks, coffee, sheets."

There are times when life seems to just be going along, nothing too entirely tragic taking place, and everything seems to fall into place. Of course others may view the same situation with a completely different set of eyes, and see something I am missing all together. This is a good thing, as I take great pleasure in my positive, yet realistic view on events. It's all very simple in my little world. Sure there are ups, downs, good days and bad, but all in all I couldn't ask for more.

In my line of work and 'play' I get the opportunity to meet people from all different walks of life. Some very fortunate based on what society would deem "successful", and others not as fortunate using the same baseline. Yet I have found we all have a common denominator. I can't quite think of how to verbalize it (or type it in this case), but inside there's something so similar about us all. Maybe it's our desire to be happy, or our soul, or heart. Not really sure, but it's definitely something that somehow intertwines us all.

This morning I'm trudging out for the beginning of the week drive to work somewhat dreading the traffic I know I'm going to run into since today is 'Monday' on this side of the world. Not really, it's still Sunday, but it's the beginning of our week over here, so I call it 'Monday." Yeah, yeah, let me call it what I want, OK? Anyhoo, I've had about 4 hours sleep yet managed to wake up beforemy alarm went off this morning, and successfully completed the morning routine in 45 minutes flat. 15 minutes ahead of schedule, coffee made, and I was doing great! I bought this new little thermos yesterday for my coffee... though I rarely (like once a month), make coffee at home. I believe I've (over)stated my love for Starbucks and voiced (many times) how often I make my trips there. Yes, this would be daily. As of late I've been trading in the iced mocha for iced green tea... which I have to teach Starbucks employees to make. Remember, this is where I get the "No ma'am, we only have hot tea, not iced tea" comments. A couple of days ago, while being served a cup of hot green tea at Starbucks, I reached over, grabbed a Venti plastic cup, and said, "Can you fill this up with ice for me, please? All the way to the top...keep going, don't stop." I slowly poured the hot tea into the Venti cup of ice.. voila! Imagine that, I had iced green tea. You would think I had pulled a rabbit out of a hat by the looks of the Barista's faces. "Ooooooh, that's how you do it? I see, ma'am, I see, iced tea." Yeah, exactly! I wonder if Starbucks would consider hiring me on part time to completely revamp their menu, provide them a list (and detailed instructions) on some 'summer items', and vastly improve on their food menu... which now consists of high fat, high calorie, high carbohydrate, sugar filled, crap. Clearly I got lost -- I was intending to discuss my little thermos. Yeah, it's been a slow week.

I have things I consider to be my 'comfort items'-- ie. Life is Good socks, and Egyptian cotton sheets. Now -- we have a new item -- the thermos. Like I said, I only make coffee at home a couple of times a month, but since moving in the direction of tea at Starbucks, the home brewed coffee is increasing. Due to limited sleep last night, today was the first trial for the new thermos. One would assume I have one of those little fancy dancy Starbucks thermoses (is that the plural?!), but I don't. Yeah, they're cute -- but don't really serve their purpose. Unless the purpose is to look cute. The new thermos is called a Thermax, it's purple and black, and just feels good. As good as a small thermos can feel. At this point, it's kept my coffee piping hot from 5am to 10am -- it has certainly served its purpose, and it looks cute. I like my new comfort item!

Something tells me this probably wasn't a very smart move on their part. Especially considering a Brittani was sentenced to life in Kuwait jail for the same thing less than 2 weeks ago. I will never understand what goes through someone's mind when they make decisions like these. Oh well, not my place to judge. The really sad part about this is these men have wives and children in the states who they will more than likely not see for a very long time.

Two Americans held in drug case

KUWAIT CITY, April 20: Securitymen from the General Drugs Control Department (GDCD) on Monday arrested two Americans for trafficking in drugs. Acting on a tip-off, GDCD Director-General Brigadier Sheikh Ahmad Al-Khalifa Al-Sabah instructed a team of securitymen to track down one of the suspects, who claimed to be a driver of a leading electronics company in the country. After an extensive surveillance, the team lured the suspect into a deal to supply five grams of cocaine and two grams of marijuana worth KD 400. The suspect was arrested in the buy-bust operation in Mahboula. During interrogations, he admitted the crime and told police that he obtained the drugs from another American, who arrived in Kuwait a week ago. He then guided police to his supplier in a flat in Mahboula where they found 500 grams of marijuana and 50 grams of cocaine. The second suspect also confessed to the crime, revealing he hid the drugs in a parcel that he smuggled into the country through unspecified means.

As I'm sure everyone knows by now, I'm a spa addict. I love to spend as much time in a spa/salon as I can afford to -- relaxing, being pampered, and just enjoying new treatments. Fortunately, spa treatments of all kinds are much less expensive here in Kuwait than in the states.

For the past couple of years, my favorite has been Microdermabrasion. It gives a whole new meaning to the word 'clean'. I've had microderm done several times in the states and it just doesn't compare to the Kuwait experience. Over there it's just -- microderm. Over here, it's an entire experience which includes a full facial, exfoliating, moisturizing, microderm, cooling mask, as well as a head, neck, and shoulder massage. Oh, and for less than 1/2 the cost.

My new adventure is going to be the 24kt Gold Facial (information below). I've seen this on my Salon brochure, but never really thought much about having it done until I researched it online. Sounds fabulous! In the states it's between $400 - $500. Here it's about $90. Definitely worth a try for that price. Perhaps it will be so amazing it replaces my monthly microderm? I'll update on Thursday after I've had it done.

Pure gold has been revered in ancient history as the secret to more youthful and beautiful skin. They say Cleopatra slept in a gold mask every night to maintain her beauty. Today you too can experience the ultimate skin rejuvenating treatment by gilding your face in 24 karat gold. Japanese company UMO recently introduced the pure gold facial that promises to lift and firm skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, eradicate free radicals to prevent premature aging of the skin and create luminous radiant skin. Gold leaf is applied to the face and UMO’s technology is used to dissolve the gold and reportedly carry it across the skin barrier. The gold is gently and thoroughly massaged into the skin until it disappears completely.

Thank you to all of you who replied with your kind words. The number of emails and offers to help were more than anyone could ask for. I certainly hope you all have wonderful people in your lives who will be so kind should you ever need assistance as well. We have opted for a humane solution, and are planning on a slow transition process at the beginning of the week.

As for the family and me, we've all accepted our decision and are dealing with it well. Time is definitely a factor when it comes to any healing process, so we have that to look forward to. We take comfort in the fact it was a family decision -- we all discussed it, gave our thoughts, ideas, opinions, and solutions.

I know some of you who wrote to me mentioned you don't have family, and I am so sorry for that. Though I do consider myself a strong, independent wonan, I attribute that to the support of my family. Regardless of what I choose to do in my life I know they're behind me 100%.

Last night I received a call from my dad, I could immediately tell he was upset by something, and he tells me he's at the veterinarian with my mom. It seems my dog had attacked, and almost killed, another dog. This was a completely unprovoked, unwarranted sign of aggression. I am devastated -- for both my dog and the one it attacked. Writing is my form of therapy, and a way to gather my thoughts and make more appropriate decisions.

For those of you who are not "dog people" or animal lovers, you will not understand this post, and should maybe stop reading now. You just won't "get it". My friends in Kuwait, who are also not dog people say, "I'm so sorry, give her away, get another one, and give it the same name." They realllllly don't get it. In my family a pet is like a child. They are not replaceable simply by getting a new one with the same name. They are loved, cherished, and treated with kindness and compassion. We don't make the decision to get a pet without first researching, understanding the breed, and the responsibilities which come along with pet ownership. We invest time and energy into socializing and training, and are very experienced pet owners.

We are all dumbfounded by this incident. And devastated by the actions my dog took for no apparent reason (that we understand) at all.

My dog aka Rotten Rottie is a 140 pound Rottweiler who could stand to lose 20 or so pounds. She's almost 6 years old now, and we've had her since she was 10 weeks old. Training and establishing 'alpha dog' commenced the day she came home. Rottweilers have a bad reputation, and I knew she would be a challenge. This is in NO WAY to confirm the negative reputation of the Rottweiler. We do not think like dogs, or fully understand their emotional capacity. We like to believe they're just like us, but in reality, genetically, they're not. So where I say her attack was unprovoked, I do not know her emotional level at the time, or what she could have been thinking. Dogs (of any breed) do not think about consequences in most cases, as their actions (especially aggressive) are generally instinctive.

Rotten Rottie took very well to me being the pack leader, and her being the follower. This rule was established with all humans in her life -- strangers and family. When meeting new people (and animals) I would make her lay down to remind her she was the submissive party in the social gathering. She accepted this without hesitation. Our cat has been her 'boss' for years, and we often joke that she's the cat's pet. She has always been gentle, kind, loving, and calm. There has never been an indication she could be aggressive towards anything. She never chased birds, squirrels, smaller animals, or even growled at anything -- even when her food was involved.

Because of this incident I have to make a decision. It is not fair to the neighborhood, or the smaller dog involved that I keep a dog of her size, who has shown an extreme level of aggression. And it is not fair to her that I just 'give her away.' Shelters and ASPCA are not an option, because they will immediately opt for euthanasia due to the breed and sign of aggression. My decision has to be kind, gentle, and as painless as possible for all involved. It's far from any of that at this point. 

I have contacted Rottweiler Rescue groups all up and down the east coast, as I prefer an organization which is familiar with the breed, their temperament, and the type of home they would need. They are very particular with their screening process and placement. They are much more thorough with their adoptions than I have the ability to be. They are well connected, and have a network of foster homes that I don't have. 

Then fear takes over -- what if someone is mean to her? Doesn't know her eating schedule? Doesn't care to find out? What if they leave her in the backyard alone? Or take her on long walks when it's too hot? What if they don't understand her love for cold weather and snow? Or worse... much much worse. I have barely slept all night, and the pain is overwhelming. Again, if you're not an animal lover, you will never understand.

I have struggled all night between rescue groups; though one has already said because of the aggression they can't place her. Keeping her and traumatizing the neighbors. Or a quiet, gentle, kind, compassionate "sleep" with her family by her side. Either solution is tainted with selfishness. It's horribly unfair for me to keep her or have her placed elsewhere, knowing there is a greater risk of this happening again. And God forbid it be to someone's child. It's equally as unfair to want to gently end her short life because of this. Finding the right answer and making the right decision isn't easy at all. Perhaps one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make.

Right now I am looking forward to time. Nothing eases pain more than time. Once the decision is made, it's made, and I will rest easy knowing it was the right one. But until that time I struggle and feel as though I have lost (or am losing) a family member. I take comfort in knowing her entire love was filled with love, compassion, and fun -- but her future has me emotionally devastated.

It's fairly common knowledge to anyone from this side of the world, or anyone who has been to Kuwait, luxury vehicles are the majority here. Driving down Gulf Road on a weekend (or pretty much any other day) is similar to a trip down Rodeo Drive.

Luxury, Luxury, Luxury.

Eventually, driving the Hummer isn't enough, it has to be Canary Yellow with chrome on every available space, matching tinted windows (yes, yellow), and "HUMMER" written on the side in large glitter letters.

Or perhaps the purple Lamborghini which obviously visited the same detail shop.

I suppose all that is appealing if you're, um, 17? Fortunately, I'm no longer 17. The luxury is still desirable, but more for the comfort, and not necessarily the 'effect.'

On my way home today I saw the all new high (or low) in "fashion vehicles" and it was almost painful to look at, The hot pink Bentley Brooklands. Not light pink, off pink, pastel pink, or even easter egg pink (not that those would have been any better). But a bright, metallic, pink. It was almost blinding when the sun shined on it... which was possibly the idea. Not sure why. About any of it. If the goal was "attention" let me assure you -- they got it. More than likely because we looked, looked again, pondered, and then thought, "Whyyyyy would you do that nonsense to a $300,000 car?!?" Wasn't the level of luxury and comfort enough? Did they purposely purchase this specific model to completely destroy it with blinding color? This is definitely one of life's mysteries I will never have the answers to.

Give me a Black Onyx clearcoat finish with Cashmere leather interior anyday over this vehicular slaughtering!

The vehicle pictured above is not the Bentley here in Kuwait -- different model, different color. This is a general idea. Although, based on the background in the picture, I would venture to say this too is in Kuwait.

Yeah, I'm making up for all the days I don't post anything...

For years one of my favorite shows has been Animal Precinct on Animal Planet. My mother has a very difficult time watching it because animal cruelty just outright sucks, and seeing evidence of it is painful for her. I, on the other hand, enjoy the show because it always has a happy ending.

Unfortunately, animal cruelty is a very real part of life -- in every country. Fortunately in America we have laws protecting the animals, and punishing the people who cause them harm. Kuwait hasn't quite caught onto that yet, but I like to believe in time, they will.

Here in Kuwait we also get Animal Planet, in turn, getting episodes of Animal Precinct. I often have my local friends either watch the show with me, or I make "reminder" phone calls when it comes on. Education is the key. Many of them are fascinated at how well we care for our animals in the states, and even more amazed at how we prosecute the criminals who are guilty of these acts.

Below is a combination link of both Animal Precinct and the ASPCA. It provides a great deal of information about the show, the animals, gives information on donating, adopting, and animal care.

http://www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/animal-precinct/

Since I discuss my view often, I figure I'll share it with others.

Enjoy...

CONFIDENCE VOTERS WILL PRESERVE NATIONAL UNITY; Kuwait sets snap election for May 16

KUWAIT CITY, April 13, (Agencies): The Kuwaiti Cabinet on Monday approved a decree setting May 16 for snap parliamentary elections, State Minister for Cabinet Affairs Faisal Al-Hajji said. The decree will now be issued by HH the Amir, who last month dissolved parliament for the third time in as many years following a bitter dispute between MPs and the government. The new general election will be the second in a year and the third since May 2006 in Kuwait that has been rocked by a series of political crises. The outgoing parliament was elected on May 17, 2008 but it barely lasted for 10 months as it was dissolved after Islamist MPs filed three requests to quiz the prime minister over a variety of allegations. The demands had prompted the Cabinet to tender its resignation in support of Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, a nephew of the Amir. After dissolving parliament, the Amir said he took the decision to “safeguard the security of the nation and its stability.” He accused the 50-member chamber of abusing its constitutional powers and warned he would not “hesitate to take any step to safeguard the country’s security.” The elections decree opens the door for registration of candidates, which is expected to begin within the next few days. Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on Sunday issued a stern warning to those “who undermine national unity in the election campaign.” Chairing an extraordinary Cabinet meeting, the Amir ordered the government to take legal action against all those who “foment factional, tribal and sectarian” disputes in society. Last week, police arrested trade union leader Khaled Al-Tahoos, who said he will run in the election, after he told a public rally that tribesmen will resist security forces if they crack down on tribal primary elections. In the run up to last year’s polls, police clashed with tribesmen who defied a ban on primary elections and hundreds were arrested in the process. Tahoos was interrogated on Monday by the public prosecution on charges that he instigated tribesmen to resist security forces and that he undermined the authority of the Amir. His detention was renewed for another day. “Al-Hajji also said in a statement, after the meeting that was held at Kuwait International Airport, the ministers expressed confidence that the eligible voters would focus their concern on issues aimed at boosting the development process, tackling citizens’ problems and would abide by the higher responsibility of preserving the national unity. Elaborating in the statement following the meeting that was chaired by Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Bou-Khaddour added that the executives expressed hope that the citizens, on the occasion of the national event, would “do whatever necessary to portray the bright and civic image of the State of Kuwait in an atmosphere aspired to be distinguished with freedom and democratic practices and honest contesting as well as the rightful national spirit that distinguishes the Kuwaiti society.”  The Deputy Prime Minister, in the statement, announced that the Cabinet decided to effect a temporary decree stipulating that the electoral authorities would authenticate the identity of the voter by checking his (her) nationality card, whether his (her) name is included in the electoral list, in addition to marking it with a special stamp. The Cabinet has taken this measure with the aim of enabling all voters to practise their electoral right. The temporary decree, that will become invalid once the elections have been finalized, is necessary because it will not be possible for most the eligible voters to cast their votes on time because of them have not received their electoral cards due to limited time.

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April 22, 2009 - April 30, 2009
Kuwait International Modern House Exhibition
Location: Hall No. 1 International Fairs Ground 6th Ring Road Motor-highway Mishref

Yesterday evening -- sitting by the floor to ceiling windows overlooking the sea, watching the rain/sand storm rolling in over the city, with a glass of green tea in hand and light jazz filling the room. Talk about relaxing. I give my mom a call, see how her day is going, tell her about the off season storms we've been getting, and then poof! Lights out. It seems the entire city block was without power. I was using Skype to talk to my mom and knew my computer battery would die in a fairly short period of time. Couldn't charge either cell phone without electricity. And then I realized how heavily I depend on my communication to the outside world. I sent out mass text messages to every friend I have in Kuwait saying "I have no lights... I'm skeeeered!" Of what? No clue. I think I was more bored than anything. Odd how sitting by the window in the penthouse apartment overlooking the sea is relaxing until all the power goes out, then all the tranquility goes right out the window. I lit candles, and made the best of it.

Moving right into today -- Came to work, encountered a few issues, solved them (or tried to), checked email and discover email from "disgruntled wife." Uh oh. Had I known she had such great interest in me after all these years that she has not only located my blog, but reads it daily with her morning coffee I might have been a little more gentle. Email from a woman 20 years my senior, but acting the age of my son's girlfriend is more drama than I allow into my life. Then again, this is the same woman who has been arrested on fraudulent check charges, calls the police to her house during domestic disputes, and lives her life like an episode of Cops. Expecting more mature behavior from this individual is a huge mistake. Grow up already!

Perhaps this should have been titled "Update".

Remember the old friend I decided to email the other day but wasn't sure if I would get a reply? Well, I did -- from his wife. No, no, no, do not get the wrong idea. This was not some email filled with passion or lust, as that was never the case. It was simply a "Hey, how ya been?" kinda thing.

Let me just say -- this wife person and I are no strangers to one another. I was always the "threat" in her perfect little world of pretend. Details? Gladly!

You have a 40+ year old man, and a 50+ year old woman with a 7 year old child, each on their 3rd marriage. Real stable, huh? Well, me, being the outgoing, friendly, always there to "lend a hand" chick that I am met this man during a financial disaster he was encountering. It just so happened my job at the time was to provide support to people who were experiencing these types of things. Together we reviewed his finances, debt to income ratio, etc. In a matter of hours we discovered he was missing a rather substantial amount of money -- more than 50k.

He was a contractor working overseas, and his wife's employment could be considered mid-level income. By him taking on the position overseas he increased his income by about $60,000 per year from what it was in the states. It seems his wife didn't see this additional money as something they could use to start a savings account, or to pay off credit card bills (which she was very good at running up to the limit). But instead, she spent every dime of this money on dining out for every meal, fake nails, and clothes from WalMart (ew).

Once he realized what was going on, he demanded she get online banking so he could see what was going onwatch this money disappear before his eyes. She finally agreed to this and he was shocked. Heck, I was shocked and it wasn't even my account. Can one person actually consume that much AppleBees in a lifetime? Wow!

Long story short, I explained to him the only way he could protect himself financially was to have a portion of his income go into a separate account, or to open his own account and put his entire income in there, only allowing her an allotment to pay bills with. Remember -- this was my job! I provided this guidance for him and 100 other men and women in the same situation. It was my suggestion that he protect himself financially that made me out to be the "threat" to this woman. Perhaps if I were involved in unethical behavior against my own husband, I too would be highly ashamed and lash out at the person who caught me.

As the years have passed I lost touch with him as our lives just moved in different directions. Some people are the type you know are going to be lifelong friends, and others you know are just time fillers for a specific, but temporary purpose. He was one of those. The fact that we even spoke was enough to send fire shooting from his wife's eyes. The idea she might lose her 900 sq ft cinder block home in the middle of the slums, and her husband who cheated on her every chance he had (with men or women... yeah, uh huh, you read that right) was just too much for her to fathom. She hated anyone and anything that could have threatened her "security." If she only had a clue how much of a threat I was NOT, maybe she could have found herself hanging out with one of the coolest chicks around -- that would be me!

Back to the email...

I write this nice little "What's up, what's going on, how's your son" email expecting a "Life is great, things are well, nice to hear from you, take care" reply. Which would have probably been the case had he been the one to reply. However, one of the demands the disgruntled wife has always placed on him was to know all passwords to all email, and networking sites. (Maybe this is my cue to email her his user-name on AdultFriendFinders? Ooooh, I am far too kind for that). So I get this reply, "I heard you were married????". That was it, in a nutshell. Married? Heard? You mean after all these years she is still concerned with my marital status? She knew very little about me, but assumed quite a bit. He was very familiar with my marital status and would have never asked this question -- which clearly indicated who the one replying to my email was.

If there were anything I would say to this (and all) disgruntled wives it would be the following:

1. Insecurity is not appealing.
2. Clingy doesn't mean love.
3. Desperation drives them away -- or at least into another's arms.
4. Trying to control a man only teaches him to be more sneaky. 
5. Pretending life is perfect doesn't make it so.

In the end -- I wish my friend all the best. I wish his wife the same.

As for me? I'll continue slipping into the "Life is Good" socks on cool desert mornings with a good cup of coffee while watching the boats sail by. My life is drama free, nonsense free, and this allows me to be free. If I lived in a place where checking emails of my mate was not only acceptable, but required for there to be any trust -- I would want to move. Immediately.

ASPCA^® Announces Arrest of Manhattan Man for Severely Beating Dog

April 2, 2009

ASPCA Media Contact

NEW YORK—Humane Law Enforcement agents of the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) arrested Manhattan resident Richard Smith earlier this week for aggravated animal cruelty and assaulting his girlfriend.

On March 31, the suspect was arrested for severely beating a 2-year-old Shiba Inu belonging to his girlfriend’s sister on separate occasions during the last few months.  The dog, named Michigan, was seen in distress on March 25 and was taken to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital where veterinarians discovered that she had sustained a dozen fractured ribs and suffered from trauma.  Michigan was released from the hospital and reunited with her owner.

Smith, 24, was charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty and assault.  He faces up to two years in jail for aggravated animal cruelty, one year for assault and a $2,000 fine

Not sure if it's age, the weather, or I'm PMSing, but I am starting to feel "kinder and gentler" lately. Perhaps it's wisdom kicking in -- reminding me what appears to be important generally is not.

For the past couple of weeks I have been reminiscing about some old friends I've lost touch with, and old times which seem more fun as I look back on them, than they did when I was living them. This morning I started emailing everyone on my address book who I have done so horribly at keeping in touch with. Some I haven't talked to in years. But I know when I get an email out of the blue from a long lost friend it really makes my day. So I hope I've made theirs.

There was one specific individual from years ago who I would say was a closer friend than the rest. As life changes and evolves, we move in different directions, see things with different eyes, and often lose touch -- purposely. This person did things that a friend really wouldn't do. They showed a great deal of disrespect, and even bordered on being a criminal at times. However, if you were to ask this person about me, their story could be similar. Which I will stand firmly, stomping my feet, shouting, "That's not true!!" in defense of my own behavior. Either way -- is anyone ever really "right"? We're all different, we're all going to see things from opposite points of view from time to time, and instead of attacking it. we should embrace it.

Long story short -- I emailed this person this morning my time. They're in the states, so it could be hours (or even days) before I get a reply; depending on how often they check their Facebook. Will it bother me if I never get a reply? Nah. I can only do my part. Once that portion is done, I know I've done what I believe in my heart to be right. Any actions on the part of others is not my concern.

---

On another note -- a friend of mine in the states is working towards creating an Arab-American television network, which I think is an awesome idea. The plans are to cover some very hard hitting topics, that have perhaps never been ventured into on this level. Sure, there have been books, newspaper articles, mass emails, etc. But a television network dedicated to providing quality, factual information about some really controversial topics? I think it's fantastic!

The best thing about this proposal is he doesn't use religion as a tool or a weapon. He almost avoids it all together, but not purposely. But because it doesn't really need to play a role in the goal he has set for this network. This isn't about propaganda being spewed, but about presenting factual, verifiable, yet controversial information in an attempt to educate the public who have been fed media nonsense for a very long time.

I absolutely love to see a minority group stand up and prove how valuable they are -- and succeed at doing this.

How powerful!

Every other day when I come home this little kitty comes running up to me, literally screaming "pleaseeee feeeed meeeee" in her little kitty language. We have a routine at this point -- I get out of the car, she follows me screaming, I talk to her as I walk to the elevator, she understands, I go inside and get her some food, she waits by the elevator, and a couple of minutes later she's happily eating and the screaming ceases.

About a week ago I came home and heard some kids "meow'ing" and in-between their "I'm a rotten brat tormenting an animal" meow's, I could also hear a real cat meow'ing. The rotten children threw a plastic bottle at the cat and laughed hysterically when she ran and hid under a car. My opinion? Their parents should be punished for raising such monsters. However, this behavior, unfortunately, is rather common here in Kuwait. I have blogged about it many times -- the lack of love and compassion for animals in this country.

After trying to tell the children not to do this, the kitty ran to me as if she sensed I was going to be the 'day saver.'

I walked, she followed, and the routine began.

Now I struggle. She's obviously a young cat, maybe 7-9 months old. And she's pregnant. Shocker. She's very friendly, and doesn't appear to be too far along, but far along enough that her state of expecting is obvious. She's very friendly, domesticated behaving, allows me to pet her without hesitation.

Here's the problem...

Do I bring her home? I have spent the past several years avoiding picking up every stray and neglected animal in Kuwait because at this point I would be living with 1,589 animals, ranging from cats and dogs, to horses and sheep. Don't quite have the space for all that here. Even if I did -- I have to be realistic. So now we're talking about a little cat. Just a sweet little, expecting, friendly, cat who truly enjoys cans of tuna.

Under normal circumstances bringing her home wouldn't be a big deal at all. I would have caved at this point and she would reside with me. However, I am going home to the states for several weeks in June. She will have given birth at this point, but will have several nursing kittens to care for. She's a baby herself, who has more than likely spent her entire life as a stray. To bring her inside, allow her to get accustomed to a comfortable life, and then uproot her in the middle of a life changing event (babies), seems equally as cruel as not bringing her in. Or is it? I continue to tell myself she has a little "cat family" out there who she lives happily with and they all manage to remain safe and care for one another. Apparently I'm not doing too well with this convincing, since I think about her all the time.

Furthermore; my family is an animal family. I was raised with pets, as were my children. They are part of our family. We don't get them for a period of time and then get rid of them. They live a long, full, happy life in our home, as a member of our family. (Side-note: Please do not write to me discussing angels in my home, Islam, or the teachings of the Hadith. I am familiar, and I will simply remind you of the Muslim woman who was sent to hell for starving a cat, and the whore who entered paradise for giving water to a dog. It's not up for debate.)

That being said -- should I bring this cat into my home, she will also go home to the states with me when I leave. I will not leave her behind at a shelter in hopes she'll find another home. I don't do this; never have -- never will. I go home, she comes along... that simple. At home in the states I have a huge Rottweiler who loves cats, and is now the personal servant to a 24lb orange tabby cat. He's the boss, the dog accepts this. My mother has 3 little terriers (not nearly as well behaved as my Rotten Rottie I might add). Although, any pet of my mother's is a pet of mine, and also part of the family. All four dogs absolutely love cats, or have at least learned cats seem to rule the roost and are only good for chasing until they get their eyes scratched out. The cat on the other hand... eh, loves dogs, but can't stand other cats. I once fostered newborn kittens whose mother had been run over by a car (they were stray). They were kept in a crate at my home, too small to walk, and had to be bottle fed. The tabby aka Big Fat Murray Cat would stand at the crate and hiss endlessly. I have no doubt once I returned them to the shelter to find homes they were traumatized for life.

Big Fat Murray Cat is 10 years old now, but acts about 3. I suspect (and hope) he has a few good years left in him. I don't know how much longer I'll remain in Kuwait, and to introduce him to another cat upon my arrival back in the states probably wouldn't go over so well. Also, Big Fat Murray Cat is housebroken. No litter box, never had one, lets us know when he wants out, and literally scratches at the door to get back in. Keep in mind, he's been raised with dogs, and obviously thinks he's one. The kitty here would be strictly indoors for a number of reasons (rotten monster children is one of them), and would use a litter box. How well would this work back home?

I'll continue to struggle through this for another day or so, then I have a feeling I'm going to have a cat, and cross the other bridges when I get to them. I seem to live my life this way in every other aspect, and things always do have a way of working themselves out.

I'm off to feed the kitty!