Today was quite hectic. Errands to run, business to take care of, and a major hunt through the storage area which proved fruitless. It seems I've misplaced something in all the packing, moving, and relocating from one side of the world to the other. Those of you who know me knowwww how much I hate to lose something. Though it's not uncommon for me to maintain homes on both sides of the world, I generally have a mental picture of where everything I own is. Even if it's not physically present at my location.

Tomorrow is going to be spa day. I like to plan spa day between super busy days to make me feel as though I am getting a break. Unfortunately, I sometimes find myself thinking, 'Can you hurry so I can get back to business!' Relaxing isn't something I've mastered. In most cases I sleep through my massages, doze during the microdermabrasion, and struggle through conversations with the nail techs. How this is supposed to be a day of relaxation is beyond me since I rarely seem to enjoy it to the fullest. Perhaps it's time to invest in Botox or something equally as painful -- at least then I'll stay awake!

Now for even more whining, blah.

For the past few days I've been feeling under the weather, though I can't really pinpoint exactly what doesn't feel right. I've been doing well by sticking to whole grains, steamed veggies, and low calorie items. I've also been increasing my exercise a bit, and trying to spend a little more time outside the home. However, I am finding I have muscle aches for no reason, exhaustion to the point of daily naps, and even sometimes just falling asleep in my favorite chair by the fireplace wrapped in my handmade Indian blanket which smells of my favorite oud. Could it be Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? The flu? Or just a need for a 'change in the routine'? Whatever it is, I hope it goes away soon. I can't take much more of this blah.

OK, this is going to seem incredibly shallow and arrogant -- but it's really not meant that way at all. With the lovely world of Facebook we all get the opportunity to 'reconnect' with old friends from HS, college, and former co-workers. In HS we all had those people we saw as 'cool, popular, and desirable'. These were the kids we figured would go on to rule the world, or some other really awesome occupation. In any event, they weren't failures by a long shot. So as I have been looking over Facebook, checking out old friends, I find myself almost shocked -- even disappointed. Not that my life is so great, grand, and amazing -- but what the heck happened to some of these people?! How is it the coolest, most popular people ended up strung out on heroin living in the trailer park?! Or worse -- operating a Mobile Car Detail business. Huh? And no, I didn't grow up in the back woods of Louisiana or anything. I lived in a nice area of a filled with a good number of different ethnicities and cultures. These people had parents who worked, provided a good life, and seemed to have instilled goals in their children. Could it be that I grew up faster than most, and lived my life almost backwards -- like a poor version of that Benjamin Button guy? Or am I truly just pointing fingers and being judgemental? Oh well, tomorrow is another day -- I'll avoid Facebook.

Ever think back over your life about the people who had the most impact, played a huge role, and this silly part of you always assumed would be there? And when the day comes that you realize they're not you feel a sense of emptiness, almost paralyzed from fear? Ever wonder how they're doing? What they're doing? Or where they are?

I've recently experienced this. Someone from a life which seems to far away, and so long ago. This is a person who played a huge role in my 'growing up', maturing, and taking a very close look at the woman I am -- once they were gone of course. This isn't the fairy tale where we suddenly make all these grand changes and end up happily ever after.

So, I was taking a nap with the cat who generally takes up most of the bed and eventually wakes me up by demanding even more space. I figured I might as well crawl out of bed, get the standard ice water with lemon, and check emails. I was barely awake, eyes still blurry, and I open an email which I initially assumed was spam, or some other random advertisement. Had I taken a moment to read the subject line I would have known. As I begin to read this email I find myself thinking, "Huh, what is this? Who is this? They must have emailed the wrong person, but what an amazing person doing the writing!" Until I saw a name mentioned -- a name I will always remember as if I had known this person all my life. Fact is, I didn't know the person mentioned in the email at all. But the role she played at that time was huge. It was then I backed up, read the subject line, and took a deep breath before continuing. I knew who it was from without a doubt. I could feel my eyes fill with tears of happiness before I even started reading the email (from the beginning) again.

Long story short -- I couldn't be happier this person made contact with me. I tried to express this in my reply without being insanely immature, or ridiculous. Though I haven't seen this person in about 11 years, I didn't want to seem like the immature teen they initially met on the swing-set behind our town-home -- because I'm not.

Will I ever hear from this person again? Who knows.

Sometimes the things from our past we once thought were gone forever have a pleasant way of sneaking back in.... even if only in one email.

I've mentioned many times before the emails I've received about 'where to find hookers in Kuwait.' And again, I will remind you all, I am not a pimp, madam, or brothel owner! I do not seek out prostitutes and therefore can't give you the exact location, phone numbers, or addresses of the lovely ladies of the night (morning, afternoon, and evening as well).

However, because of the number of emails, I will actually address this. It's not going to be pretty, and many are going to be offended. My apologies in advance.

First and foremost; prostitution is a crime in Kuwait. Regardless of whether you're the giver or receiver.

Second; most hookers are easily recognizable -- they're standing outside the Sultan Center looking for men who appear to be American, semi well dressed, and desperate. At this point they either throw their phone number at you on a small piece of paper, or they approach you mumbling something in broken English about 'clean, apartment, cooking, I clean, want maid'... you get the idea. A reputable maid doesn't stand outside the supermarket throwing her number at unsuspecting men!

Third; the majority of these lovely little women frequent Mangaf, Mahboula, Fintas, Abu Halifa, and Fahaheel. Why? Because this is where the majority of those American, semi well dressed, desperate men live. You can also find the less desirable of these women in Shwaikh and Jleeb. In these areas it's not going to look like anything you would have ever considered spending a few minutes with on a lonely night, but it's probably not going to cost you more than a cup of coffee... so what the heck.
Finally, these women are generally not stupid. They are very familiar with the blue passport, and all the little 'perks' they assume comes along with it -- the bright lights of the good ol' USA, the land of opportunity, and freedom. To those of us who have this from birth see nothing so great about it, but remember, these are women who think running water and central heat are a luxury item. These women will be funny, cute, witty, and charming. They will play the 'I'm a virgin' game, though she's managed to live 15 years in Kuwait on an expired Visa and she's 34 years old. You'll eventually find out she has 2 kids back in her home country, which is a preeeeeettttyyyy good indication she's not a virgin. By then you won't care... you'll be hooked. After your long day of work on Camp Arifjan, in the heat, sweating, and miserable, you'll come home to sheer bliss. And as you lay there and she bathes you, massages your feet, and feeds you dinner, thoughts of your wife back in the states aren't quite so appealing anymore. Remember though, it's your wife who knows all your nasty little habits and points them out to you... little Ms. I Love Your Scaly Crusty Dirty Feet is a great actress. You'll find all the things your wife hates about you, the 'maid' loves! 'How could this be' you ask? I'll tell you how -- the 'maid' hates them too, she's just smart enough to tell you otherwise.

Time will pass, you'll convince yourself you're in heaven, and the pitter patter in your heart will be screaming 'I am in love!" Wait, is that pitter patter really in your heart? Uh, no! Oh but wait -- if the Virgin Maid hasn't succumb to your wit, charm, and class (Haaaaaaaa!) at this point, then she's probably already playing the 'no baby, no sex' game. Ring a bell, gentlemen? Oh yes, she has said it a number of time... perhaps the first words she even learned in English. This really translates to, "If I am going to have to crawl into the same bed as that funky man, I will get an anchor baby out of the deal!"

So, men, while you're choosing a few moments of pleasure over that morning coffee -- remember, it could all go down hill from there. Pop in a porno and call it a night. Oh wait, those are illegal in Kuwait also. Save your money and buy your WIFE a ticket to visit.

Now stop with the "I wanna hooker" emails already!

A little over a month ago I mentioned I expected to be heading back to Kuwait by early January. However, that hasn't quite happened yet. Insha'Allah soon. Don't get me wrong... life here in the states definitely has an upside; no lines at the grocery stores, no need for valet parking at Starbucks, no weather so hot you're afraid your sunglasses have melted when you forget them in the car while grabbing a quick shawerma. Driving is much safer also... considering men don't recklessly chase you down the road as though they have never seen a woman. As charming as men might think this is, I am not flattered by your willingness to kill yourself or others to get my number. Relax! Of course Kuwait has its upside as well; no cleaning, laundry, or car washing. No concern about what the weather is going to be tomorrow... because it's going to be FRIGGIN' HOT! And as boring as many people say Kuwait is... it's really not. I don't recall many boring moments there at all. If I found myself without plans, I could easily get a salon visit scheduled and spend a day being pampered. I suppose the most pleasurable part of Kuwait was the constant surrounding of luxury and comfort.

Moving right along...

I also mentioned 'house cleaning' of the drama in my life. Let me say this; I am one of those few people who really does have very little drama. The moment I even suspect it, I back waaaay up and slowly, quietly find the nearest, most convenient exit. Drama? Ew. Not my thing. Furthermore, what creates drama amongst people? Personally I think it stems from insecurity and a desire for attention. It's so easy to me... you want my attention? Feeling a little insecure? SAY SO! I can fix that problem soooo easily. But start playing games and creating drama and the last thing you're going to get is my attention. And I hope you like the view of my teez, because that's the last thing you'll see as I slide out that exit door. It really is soooo easy. Why make it all so difficult?

Now that I've gotten that off my chest, I would like to vent about American food and restaurants. What's up with the portion size?! I recall when I first returned to the states I was literally shocked by the portion of food served in a restaurant. Now it almost appears normal to me. Is this how we all eat? This is insane! If we cut the portion size in HALF at restaurants, we could lower the obesity rate and national debt within a year!

So I think tomorrow is going to be pedicure and manicure day. That's something America has the best of. Kuwait has great salons, and amazing facials, but their nail care options are limited and not as sanitary as I prefer. Every time I land in the states I already have a nail appointment scheduled for the first day in country, and the last day. I cling onto those good mani/pedis like it's the last time I'm ever going to have one!

And there you have it -- the extent of my random rant.

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 16: Police arrested a man who fatally stabbed two of his friends in Al-Qaser area, Jahra, Monday. One of the victims died on the spot while the second one succumbed to his injuries early Tuesday.
The alleged murderer, who was arrested within 12 hours of the crime, said he had a fight with the victims, but did not expect it to lead to murders. He said while he was having dinner with the victims in the diwaniya of the first victim’s house (hosh), one of them laughed at him. He said he could not control his anger and ended up stabbing both of them.
The first victim, in his 30s, was stabbed in the chest, heart, face, head and hands and died instantly. The second victim, a Bedoun in his 20s, suffered similar stab injuries and was rushed to the intensive care unit of Jahra Hospital, but despite all efforts, he died in the early hours of Tuesday.
Sources say the neighbors of the first victim found both the victims in a pool of blood and when their attempts to call the Medical Emergency Department failed, one of them ran on foot to the department and informed them. Paramedics and secruitymen then rushed to the scene of crime along with the informant and took charge of the situation. 
Securitymen recovered the weapon used in the crime and based on witnesses’ statements, launched a manhunt for the driver of a gold-colored vehicle. Within 12 hours of the search, they managed to arrest the alleged murderer and he reportedly confessed his crime. He also claimed to have psychological problems. It was discovered that he was involved in several other cases too.
Meanwhile, securitymen recovered one kilo hashish and two machine guns from the house of the first victim and handed them to authorities.

In my personal opinion, I feel Valentine's Day is the most commercial holiday of the year. It results in over indulgence in high calorie junk, and flowers that die a week later.

Of course if you're in a relationship, married, or have a significant other you're expected to remember this day (how could one forget with all the stores decorated in big red hearts?). You're expected to make plans, buy candy, and act all romantic and whatnot. What about the other 364 days of the year?

Now, if you're single, this is a great day! It's a day when we have an excuse to indulge in self gratification (flowers, candy, movies, meals -- mind out of the gutter, pervs). Many of us have a family to care for, and generally find we're putting others needs above our own. Well, this is the day we can focus on ourselves, invest in something we want, and spend an entire day (guilt free) celebrating our love for ourself! Not to mention, should we choose to buy a box of candy, we know we won't have to pick through them all, looking for our favorites! Because no one knows our likes and dislikes better than we do.

So, if you're single and think this day sucks -- celebrate! Make this your special day. Even better, find a few single friends and make it a group thing.

Enjoy the day!

YYYYYYYYYYYYY

In Islamic countries arranged marriages are still quite common. As are marriages where the man only sees his future wife in photos, or meets her briefly in the company of other family members. This is a practice where all parties are expected to be honest -- him about his expectations of a wife, and the other family in regard to the daughter they are presenting. The mother of both the potential bride and groom are greatly involved as a mother generally knows her children better than anyone. These marriages are taken seriously, and expected to last.

The article below is from a UAE newspaper. It's a story of a man who asked for a divorce immediately after the wedding because his wife was cross eyed and had facial hair. Sure there are people who are going to say he was shallow, and judgemental. And perhaps he is. But when seeking a wife, the mother of the bride showed him pictures of her other daughter. She was deceptive, and didn't present him with the facts. This would anger me much more than facial hair (unless it was on my face). Furthermore, if the daughter agreed to go along with the deceit, she should be ashamed as she now can't be trusted. The entire marriage foundation has been cracked before their wedding due to lies. How can this man ever trust the woman he married considering she partook in this lie? And if she didn't, and her mother went through with it anyway, shame on her.

I'm just sorry the man wasn't awarded the funds he had invested in this fraud. He is the victim of a crime, and should be treated as such.

After being out of the states for so long, and now returning for a few months, it's really come to my attention how narrow minded and uneducated people can be. Yeah, I'm venting... go away now if you're not interested.

Today one of my 'friends' put on their Facebook the following:

OK, the below video was sent to me by a friend in Kuwait. Camping in the desert during the winter isn't uncommon at all, and many are absolutely amazing. But this one definitely wins the 'most elaborate' award in my opinion. I can imagine the time, effort, and money required to build this.

Totally Kuwaiti Style.