What if...

...the only right person for me was just too afraid to make a move?

Black Smoke and Time Travel

Everytime an episode of Lost finishes I find myself staring at my confused/stunned face in the black reflection on my laptop screen.

I love it.

I wanted to, but...

"Hello." The hardest word? No, that's not right is it?

Ugh!

For all those who have exams...I wish you the best of luck.

Let Me Hold You

I had a dream to match this lovely song...




I know what it means...do you?


***

I am at work, phasing out, blanking out in the middle of things or just finding myself with nothing to do. Maybe I'm tired...sleepy...suffering from after-rush + quick U-turn into depressing mode thing...

Decode people...decode! Try to keep up.

*I'm sure you understand how wierd I'm feeling right now. Sorry.

Wait. Should I even be apologizing? Hmm...

Confused Shopping

I went to the supermarket by myself the other day, and as I was heading to the cash registers I was beckoned, quite enthusiastically, by the worker that puts the bought items in the bags to the cash register he was stood at. And I was like, "Okay. Fine. I'll pick your lane today." Now, I had gone shopping for only a few items and so I was carrying my stuff in a basket rather than pushing them along in a trolley, and I happened to also be carrying a 4kg box of detergent (because it didn't fit in the basket) and so this same guy comes up to me and carries the box for me and proceeds to empty my basket on to the conveyor belt.

:/

I don't know if you noticed, but I refered to this guy simply as "the worker." And I did that intentionally because, frankly, I'm quite confused as to what his job really is. Does his job description include: push trolley, retrieve forgotten items from shelves, bag items, carry things for customers, empty items into customer's car, mop the floor, bring change from neighbouring cash register...? I doubt it. But they seem to be taking over that way. I mean next thing you know, they might flip out their wallets and pay for the stuff too.

It's ridiculous. Who do I blame for this confusing and bizarre phenomenon? Us, ofcourse...we...the people, who have become so dependant, so willing to have others do things for us, in return for some petty cash. And these poor guys need it so they do what they can...anything and everything.

Well, listen here mister...I can carry my own stuff, push my own trolley and I can damn well choose which cash register I'm going to pay at!

Sigh ... enough venting? Yes. I think so.

Human Nature

I went to see This Is It at the IMAX theatre in 360 last night. Glad I did. Mainly because I got to sit back and groove to all his great songs.

Singing along and snapping my fingers to the beat...I genuinely had a good time and I now have MJ's song list on constant playback in my head.

He exuded professionalism, an immense attention to detail, and just pure love for what he was doing...he was passionate about making people happy with great music right to the end...

WEEKEND!!! Woohoo!

I miss my sister. She studies in Canada and is persumably emmersed in examinations right now...so I haven't talked to her in ages. Missing you girl.

I want to buy flowers...roses...

And the weather is amazing...fine drizzles in the early morning hours...with the great roar of thunder every now and then...mainly the overcast colour grey. Oh and the wind...ahhh the wind.

Moody P

This week was the absolute opposite of its predecessor. I feel like I have nothing to do at work, constantly find myself looking at the time.

My work at home has been far more productive (don't get excited - it was small in size but more productive than work at work!) The Unfolding of Language is very interesting...and so easy to read. I always put off non-fiction because I feel like the seriousness is such a bummer and thus inappropriate for a light, after-hard-working-day (yeah right!) kinda read. But this book has proven me wrong. It's insightful, very interesting and informative but remains down to earth and cleverly humourous.

Going to see This Is It on IMAX today. Not so excited to be honest. But I promised my sister I would go, so...
Also, the 34th annual book fair was launched this morning...I'm sure it won't be any different from the ones before, but I might go in search for some good reads.

33 hours and 17 minutes to the weekend. COME ON!

Index Card

This morning at work, I was typing away, sending e-mails to members of staff, reminding them about their deadlines, urging them to send the required elements...And for a moment, I stop. And I smile. A warm and bright light glows inside me.
The work was not done. I was, am and will be extremely busy for days to come. But I feel content. I feel like I'm doing something, no matter how little or insignificant. Doing things that are changing me, slowly, not into a different person, just a better version of me.
There are thousands of things that I still want to do. This very moment. But alas, we are bound by time, responsibilities, priorities. And yet, I somehow still feel content, satisfied, almost. I still manage to smile.

I've been writing more which is great. Reading more too. TV has become something of the past. It's like nothing good is ever on anymore. I miss movies and shows. All in good time though, all in good time.

Not spending so much time with my family. Not as much as I'd like. I thought I'd be really upset at that, which I am, frankly, but this break has made me appreciate them so much more, enjoy their company so much more when we are together.

This post was supposed to go up on Thursday. But it's still applicable so I'm posting it today. Also, it should not be mistaken for a sad or gloomy post. It's more of a saintly realization of contentment sort of thing...

:)

Finally, Fiction.

“Grace!” Mummy called, “Can you please get the door?” I grunted as I put my dollies back into the box, promising them that I’d be back soon. I stomped down the stairs and I skipped past the mirror down the hall and I opened the door. There he was, standing tall and lean. His brown hair was curly, and it fell near his bright blue eyes. He wore pretty clothes, like the men in magazines. He wore perfectly ironed white trousers and a beautiful sky blue jumper with a white collar popping out near the neck. He kneeled down and I could smell his perfume. It reminded me of Dad on Sunday mornings. “Hello there!” He said. His voice felt nice, just like licking the rest of the cake batter from the bowl off my fingers. His eyes stared into mine for a second then shot upwards. “Ms. Carlson!” Mummy had come to greet the pretty man. “Hey James! I see you’ve met my Grace,” said Mummy, leading him into the house. “Cute kid” he said as he followed Mummy into the living room. It was a while before I got back to my senses. I thought the pretty man’s eyes had hypnotized me like I saw on TV the other day, but I managed to get back to my room all right. I felt different though and it was as if they had filled me up with air and I was floating like a balloon. I ran to my bed and grabbed Chester and hugged him tight. I couldn’t stop smiling.

We came into a spacious living room that was magnificently furnished. A huge window, looking out on a clean blue pool, let in the warm sunshine. There was rich, dark mahogany everywhere; the tables, the bookcase and a grand piano that was the centerpiece of the room. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. It was more than clear that Ms. Carlson had great taste, in furniture at least. We sat down and she said, “This is it. You think it’ll do?” “I think it’s perfect!” I replied. We started talking about the preparations for next week; what she needed to come in and what she wanted to be taken out. She then began to show me around the room. “I’d like to have some more chairs brought in here, about fifteen more, and that is where the food’s going to be.”
We slowly made our way to the bar, which faced the living room from the east side and was open to a small, tidy kitchen. We continued chatting about the party while she poured me some fresh lemonade. She then said, “I don’t know what to do with the piano though, it’s taking up so much space and I don’t know if I should keep it.” I didn’t have to think twice about it. “Don’t even think about it,” I nearly screamed. “It just pulls everything together. You should definitely keep it.” We talked about the colour scheme and the flower arrangements and the catering and all the while I jotted all the information down on my Blackberry. After a short while, it was time to head back to the office. It was clearly going to be a long week, but I was sure it would all be worth it in the end. I loved my job. I told Ms. Carlson to give me a call whenever she had to. “Thanks for the lemonade. Loved it,” I said as I headed out. “No problem, I’ll tell Grace you liked it.” “Grace?” I said looking back. “My daughter,” replied Ms. Carlson, as the little girl’s head turned quickly behind the wall.

“What are you doing, sneaking behind walls?” Mummy said. I could feel my ears getting hot. “I wanted to get myself some lemonade.” I ran to the counter where the cool jug was. “Who was that, Mummy?” “James? He’s going to help organize the party we’re having here next week, for Mummy’s new magazine.” “How come?” “Well, it’s what he does. It’s his job, and he’s very good at it.” I was still a little puzzled by this, I had never heard of anyone who threw parties for a living. “You can stay and watch him work next time he comes by. Would you like that?” My heart did a little flip; he’s coming over again. “Yes” I said putting my now empty glass back on the counter.

To be continued.

Fire Truck

At the risk of repeating myself, I post this video. I couldn't resist the urge of sharing the utter genius, the sheer magnificense, the irresistable charm of Michael Bublé.
He's hip, he's hot, and he's happening. His music FEELS good. It really does.
I don't want to keep going on and on for fear of uncovering my secret obsession/crush (call it what you may)...
Just watch the video... :)




And now, at the risk of contradicting myself, I absolutely cannot wait. (Refer to the post before last if you don't get the joke. If you still don't get it, then I should stop trying to be funny.)

**Update on the writing: We're getting there.

Cheers.

0

In an attempt at getting my writing mojo back in action, I've decided to take a look back on some random old posts of mine, with the hope of finding that lost spark.

I have to say, it was quite interesting. A lot of the time I would be like: "I wrote that?!" or "What was going on when I wrote that?" And to be frank, and if I dare say so myself, I was impressed with a lot of the things I had written.
I also went back and read some of your old comments. Your comments are really important and are a great source of motivation that pushes me to do something about writing again, because part of why I do this is to get feedback from readers, so...

Something tells me I could use this extra long Eid break wisely and try to come up with something. I'm going to try and continue with some fiction I started in 2008. We'll see how that goes.

Also I want to update my iPod. Watch a couple of movies. Maybe draw something.

So far it's been family get-togethers, which is'nt bad. I think seeing family is a healthy thing. And with it being Eid, everyone's there, and everyone's put that extra effort in looking good, and being nice and swell etc.

This is the first Eid I don't get any Eidiyas. :( It felt weird.

Wishing you all a happy Eid.

I Can Wait

New Michael Buble single
Haven't Met You Yet:



*melts*

Frangipani

I want to post more. I practically think about posting everyday, but I don't have anything to write about. I haven't written any fiction in ages either. It's like I go blank every time I think of writing.

I guess I can let you know what's been happening with me lately, with some random updates a la Amethyst (because I love you A.):

Been into fashion blogs. Some faves: The Sartorialist - Go Fug Yourself

Started watching Grey's Anatomy. I approve.

Thinking of ways to lose a few pounds.

Feeling uglier by the day. Advice much appreciated.

I want to cook. Not bake. Cook.

Strangely thinking about having a summer cleaning session for my room. Linked to the feeling ugly bit, I guess.

Battery running low. So I guess I'll be off. Any advice on how to get my writing mojo on...or on anything for that matter is highly appreciated. Thanks.

Kiss of Life

I'm happy because I just:

Watched Michael Bublé Meets Madison Square Garden

Bought two new books

Listened to a great song

Kiss of Life - Friendly Fires. Enjoy:

Movie Marathon

Wow! It's 6 thirty already. Time flies by when you do lots of stuff. Between work and spending a little time relaxing with the "famille", and going to places...the day's suddenly over. And you can still think of things you have to do.

As long as I don't feel tired, I'm happy. Busy is good. I need busy.

So I watched a few movies recently (you can see which in the Last Movie F. Watched bit) and I must say I was pleased with all three.

The Half Blood Prince was very good. I enjoyed it a lot. Although in movies like this, where they have to cram a huge book into a movie time slot, you unfortunately don't get to see much of the characters. I mean, you could actually count the lines assigned to each character on your fingers. But quality beats quantity...so I guess it's alright. And while we're talking about lines and scripts...I just wanted to say how British the script seemed...The use of words like "bloke" and "snog" are used constantly...I loved it. And obviously...there were differences between the book and the movie...as usual, but still it was a good enough adaptaion and it was also a truly good movie in it's own right. Highly recommended.

Yes Man was cute. I enjoyed watching it with my sisters, eating gummy bears and Cheetos. Very cute. Jim Carrey was great...he didn't over do it with his faces and funny sounds (they were still there [how can they not be] but were used sparingly) I felt like it was a comdey with a story...rom-com meets comedy meets chick flick, sort of. Which is great...there's a story there...a story with heart. Recommended to those who want a fun afternoon get together with friends/family...

And finally, Doubt. Much more serious; requiring thought and reflection after viewing. This is a movie where the viewer decides what the story is. What more can you ask for...you end the movie how you want it. It's up to you! Great performances reign. They're everywhere. The great Meryl Streep, Seymour Hoffman continues to please, and rising star Amy Adams...I loved how they used recurring symbols or motifs to suggest different things. Recommended to those who prefer "deeper" movies with lots of dialogue.

Okay...enough blabbering for today.

Later.

Employed

It's been hectic the past week. I feel like someone's plucked me out of my context and put me somewhere else.

I am finally working. I started last week. I'm really glad I found something similar to what I wanted...something that'll give me adequate training for my future plans. Like I said, it was a little hectic, all with settling in, getting to know the place and the staff, working out my duties etc.

But I'm optimistic. Hopefully it'll be a good experience to say the least. I'll let you know how it's going.

The thing is though, after spending a whole year at home, it's kind of weird spending less time at home and with the family. And I don't have to mention the waking up early part. I haven't done that in ages, so I'm adjusting.

I went to 360 Mall last weekend. It seems like a nice shopping mall...I mean what else can I say. But there was one thing that impressed me very much and that's the Om Kulthoom Museum they're holding there. It was really impressive. A good marketing tool too, to get people to visit the mall. Although you don't really need to spend that much of an effort marketing for a mall in Kuwait...Anyway, back to the museum, it's definately worth visitng.

What else can I cram into this post...let's see. Oh yes. Comedy. I never considered myself as a fan of the genre of comedy. I actually thought I hated it. I felt like it was unsophisticated, meaningless clowning around. I don't want to mention any names, but let's just say that the "comedians" I was exposed to prior to this point in time, weren't funny. They weren't funny, they weren't artisits, they weren't talented (And the list could go on and on and on...) But recently, I have seen the light, so to speak. I wandered unchartered paths and discovered treasures I never knew existed, great names like Jerry Lewis, Groucho Marx and Charlie Chaplin, and now I can't stop admiring the gem that is comedy.

I feel like this topic is going to take many more words to cover, and I really want to share my new fascination with you, so I'll stop here today, but I promise to write more on this subject.

Until then...

The Funk of Forty Thousand Years

Hello.

I know it's old news by now, but this is my share.

Michael Jackson passed away. I must say I was quite shocked, although the news came in like a looming fog rather than a bolt of thunder, if you know what I mean. I was shocked because it had never occured to me that he would no longer exist. I mean, it's not like he was constantly mentioned or always on my mind and now he's gone or anything like that, it's just that I never thought Michael Jackson would die...just like that. I never really THOUGHT about it, I guess that's what I'm trying to say. And that was the saddest thing about it all really. That it happened so suddenly, so out of the blue. Alas! At least he left us all with music that is pure genius. Music through which he will live on. I hope my kids, if I ever have any, will one day listen to his records and appreciate them as much as I do.

Okay, enough of that. I've been watching some old TV shows from the 50's on YouTube, and they've sparked something big inside of me. A pleasure and a yearning for the past. The charm, the wit, the beauty, the talent, the politeness even...*sighhhh!* More on that in later post. Let this be a tease.

Music that I'm into right now:
La Roux. Her music's fresh yet very reminiscent of the 80's. This is her single "Bulletproof". If you like it go ahead and listen her other stuff. Pretty much all of it has the same vibe. Very catchy, dancey...perfect!

Enjoy,

And now...
I must be going.

Where is Neda's Vote?

The shocking video and images of martyr and now symbol of freedom and human rights, not only in Iran but the whole world over, Neda Agha Soltan, are ones that bring turmoil into the mind and soul of everyone who views them. I feel shock, grief, anger, responsibility. They are images that will never be forgotten, that stand for so much more than just the horrible act that brought them into being. I don't want to get into politics now, it's just too early in the morning. But justice will be served...one way or the other...be it today, or tomorrow...Neda's voice, which resembles that of so many Iranians, shall not be silenced, but made louder by her passing.

"You can kill the people, but you cannot kill the voice."

Back

Hello.

I haven't disappeared off of the face of the Earth, so I don't have a good excuse for not posting in ages. Ages being exactly 2 months and 3 days. And I can't say that nothing has been happening because plenty of things happened but I just...and at the risk of sounding like a selfish, un-dedicated b****, I just didn't feel like blogging.

Whenever that voice of reason crept by my ear and said, "F., your blog needs updating. Go and post something, it'll be good for you," I shunned it, and went on doing the mundane things that have become my life. Even when the voice started sounding like, "Look at what you've turned into! Your brain cells have decreased in both amount and size, now GO BLOG!!!" I wouldn't listen. It was like I was lulled; I was alive, but not quite living.

Something needed to happen. I won't say it has yet, but I feel it coming soon. It's as if I have been walking along this road in a deserted town. But I have finally reached the turn, the curve in the road. and I can't really see what's coming, but I shall welcome it with open arms when it comes because I need the change.

And in the wise words of some Christina Baldwin, "Change is the constant, the signal for rebirth, the egg of the phoenix."

To celebrate "the come-back" and to reinforce this idea of change and new beginnings, I might be changing my layout. I have my eye on one which is new but still has the same feel to it. We'll see how it goes.

The above ramblings have been tweeked and twisted to make reality seem more dramatic. Trust at your own risk.

AbdulWahab AlAwadhi Art Exhibition

Boushahri Art Gallery cordially invites you to attend the opening ceremony of the art exhibition by Abdulwahab Al-Awadhi on Saturday, 18th of April 2009 @ 7:00 pm

Date:
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Time:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location:
Boushahri Art Gallery
Street:
Baghdad Street
City/Town:
Salmiya, Kuwait