Realistically idealistic daydreamer, seasoned procrastinator, atheist and monarchist with a secret agenda and a slight inclination towards voodoo practices.
My study of Arabic didn't go too far. This is the only language I heard of that has hundreds of different spoken dialects, and one written language that nobody actually speaks. Very complicated. How is one supposed to learn, or keep notes? I love the sound of it though. Roohing, ta'aling, goulling, kteering, ouding... I can say few things in about 4 different dialects. I can sing along to about a dozen Arabic songs. Of course there would be only few words that I actually understand, but who cares? I would probably take my attempts to master Arabic a tad more seriously if I could pronounce all the sounds of it. But 5 different versions of "H"? No thanks. What's not given is not given, I guess, and I should probably just accept the fact that Cats are not meant to speak Arabic. Mieowww!
I lost so many different things in my 30 years. The list is long and varied. Keys, phone numbers, bus tickets, documents, DVDs, pens, jewellery … Some things were stolen from me, some were borrowed for good, some others got broken, became obsolete or redundant, some got misplaced and were never found, and some things I threw away myself. I regularly throw things away as I am generally anti-clutter, and I give away or otherwise get rid of things I don’t or won’t use. Sometimes I throw stuff away when I am angry or upset. Hasn’t happened often, but there were a few things that I wish I never laid my eyes on under pressure. Couple of little pretty things I will miss dearly. I know that objects are not responsible for people’s actions, but sometimes they remind me of something or someone I’d rather forget, and I just can’t help it. It’s even worse when the issue is later resolved, but the pretty little “reminders” are gone. Awww…
Not all things I lost were “things” per se. I lost people, conscience, trains, chances, fights, games, temper, interest, my way (regularly), my mind (on occasion), my nerve, my turn, my time and my spirit. I remember once I completely lost it, and was about to make what would have been a huge stupid mistake. Luckily, got myself together, thought it over, exhaled, counted to 10, said what I wanted to say, but didn’t do what I wanted to do. Smart girl…
Losing people is never easy, either because it’s so hard being without someone, or because it’s so hard to shake someone off. I had to move from place to place quite a lot, making friends, leaving friends, losing friends. I lost people over time, distance, arguments, outside pressure, difference of opinions and incompatibility of characters, lack of tact, vulnerability, plain stupidity, temporary blindness, constant nagging or sudden loss of understanding on either side. Relatives, colleagues, classmates, ex boyfriends, ex best friends, neighbours, acquaintances, just nice people I happened to know, people I’ll most probably never meet again. I hope that somewhere out there some of them regret losing me too.
However, I tend to think that it’s better to regret things I’ve done rather than regretting not having done something. So if I lost something along the way, it’s certainly better than not having lost what should have been lost. That’s why I will go on just as I always have, sometimes throwing some stuff away, but always looking forward to replacing it with new, unknown, unpredictable. And everyone and everything that I regret losing already have a special place in my heart, special memories and special moments. Nothing can take that away from me.
What better way to stay awake at night? Play with Blogthings... a God's gift to a serial insomniac. Add to it a sore throat and a fever, and bingo... I find myself in some weird places. And I mean Weird with a capital W. I used to have this Tickle Test addiction (I am officially over it, thanks goodness) and now I've discovered Blogthings. And it's not like I don't have a life. Oh I do, I do... But my life is pretty much over by 1am, when everyone else is asleep, and I am left to my own devices for entertainment. I don't need the Blogthing to tell me how I am in love, I know it quite well, but we happened to agree on this one, Blogthing and I... So here goes:
How You Are In Love
You fall in love quickly and easily.
You give and take equally in relationships.
You need your space and privacy. You don't like to be smothered.
You love your partner unconditionally and don't try to make them change.
1. Falling in love. 2. Laughing so hard your face hurts. 3. A hot shower. 4. No lines at the supermarket 5. A special glance. 6. Getting mail 7. Taking a drive on a pretty road. 8. Hearing your favourite song on the radio. 9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside. 10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer. 11. Chocolate milkshake. (or vanilla or strawberry!) 12. A bubble bath. 13. Giggling. 14. A good conversation. 15. The beach 16. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter. 17. Laughing at yourself. 19. Midnight phone calls that last for hours. 20. Running through sprinklers. 21. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all. 22. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful. 23. Laughing at an inside joke. 24. Friends. 25. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you. 26. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep. 27. Great new haircut. 28. Making new friends or spending time with old ones. 29. Playing with a new puppy. 30. Having someone play with your hair. 31. Sweet dreams. 32. Hot chocolate. 33. Road trips with friends. 34. Swinging on swings. 35. Making eye contact with a cute stranger. 36. Making chocolate chip cookies. 37. Having your friends send you homemade cookies. 38. Holding hands with someone you care about. 39. Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change. 40. Watching the expression on someone's face as they open a much desired present from you. 41. Watching the sunrise or sunset. 42. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day. 43. Knowing that somebody misses you. 44. Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply. 45. Knowing you've done the right thing, no matter what other people think.
From now on jumping signals and overtaking from the right will carry a fine of QR 3000. Talking on the mobile without a hands-free will cost you QR 200. Wow. .
Cyprus Traffic:
No mobiles, full stop. Hands-free, bluetooth devices - not allowed. Neither is eating or drinking. I think next step will be to ban singing along to the music, talking to the passengers, holding the steering wheel with one hand. Oh, they should ban manual transmission too, as that requires one hand off the steering wheel..
Cyprus Flag:
The flags with yellow Cyprus map will have to be replaced by the flags with copper Cyprus map. Not only new flags will come out copper, but all the current ones that are yellow have to be removed and replaced. My opinion? Duhh...
Qatar Bird flu:
Apparently Qatar is "totally free from the disease" so far, but a number of imported birds was destroyed by the authorities as a protective measure to prevent the bird flu outbreak in the country (as per Gulf Times 26/10/05).
Qatar Cat flu:
I knew it.. The day my husband goes to work when he recovers from flu will be the day I come down with one. I can already feel it. Great.. Hopefully will make it to the Halloween party on Friday. Fingers crossed..
I am not a happy bunny today.. But what gives? I better smile and pretend that everything is just great. As usual... Life in Qatar goes on.
Anyhoooooo.. since I got a few complaints related to anti Islamic (REEEEALLY?) content of some of my posts at my yahoo blog here goes:
THE CATHOLIC DOG: Muldoon lived alone in the Irish countryside with only a pet dog for company. One day the dog died, and Muldoon went to the parish priest and asked, "Father, me dog is dead. Could ya' be saying' a mass for the poor creature?" Father Patrick replied, "I'm afraid not; we cannot have services for an animal in the church. But there are some Baptists down the lane, an there's no tellin' what they believe. Maybe they'll do something for the creature." Muldoon said, "I'll go right away Father. Do ya' think $5,000 is enough to donate to them for the service?" Father Patrick exclaimed, "Sweet Mary, Mother of Jesus! Why didn't ya tell me the dog was Catholic?"
The joke above came with morning mail from my boss :o) This person can always find a way to cheer me up no matter how bleaky the world seems to be outside my office...
Well I finally decided to move my blog from Yahoo to Blogger.. or maybe I will just duplicate it for a while. Anyhow, my old (and current) one is at http://360.yahoo.com/bravecat
I was 20 tagged by J so here goes: 20 random facts about Moi.
1. My best friends are my parents. I know how pathetic it sounds, but it's actually true. I think they are terrific. I don't feel the age difference at all and I can share everything with them. When I say everything - I mean EVERYTHING. I am lucky...
2. Whenever I see an airplane fly, I imagine it blowing up. I hate flying, will never learn to like it, and will never get used to it. It's strange, assuming that I live on an island and I have to fly to get pretty much anywhere. I fly up to 10 times a year and yet have this weird quiet phobia. But I love watching airplanes...
3. 3 is my lucky number. I was born on the 3rd of the ninth month, and I like all numbers that are multiples of 3. According to Hijri (Islamic calendar), I was born in the year 1395. Wow!
4. I am terrible with plants. My mom waters them, they live and bloom. I water them just the same - they die. I have 4 plants at home now, all going through a rough time. They are actually better off when I go on holidays and give them to my friends. I wouldn't want to be my plant...
5. I am not religious at all, and that pretty much means I don't believe in God. I am supposed to be Christian Orthodox, but somehow ended up being baptised as Roman Catholic. Let’s say I am religion - challenged. Or, better yet, religion - curious. I am very interested in Islam as I live in a Muslim country, but purely in educational sense. I just can't see myself praying, or fasting, or trying to be something I am sure I cannot be, at least for any considerable period of time. I am happiest as myself, and this is my religion: be as good as you can be. If you can't be good – at least don't hurt others. I am not that good, but I am trying, God knows how hard.
6. I don't feel challenged by stunning and skinny models and actresses. I appreciate beauty in all its forms. I know I will never be as tall or as skinny as they are, but I don't feel the need to, either. I am sure there are people who think I am gorgeous as I am. I am content...
7. I was 12 when I told my parents I will run away from home if they don't get me a dog. Before I knew it, I had the cutest puppy in my arms. She grew up to be the best companion ever and I could never really forgive myself that I wasn't there for her in her last years. My beautiful dog died of cancer at the age of 13 and I wasn't even in the same country. I am sure she is in dog paradise now. Lotta...
8. I am not afraid of heights, depths, or enclosed/confined places. I am, however, slightly agoraphobic, and I absolutely can't tolerate pain. I mean, if it happens unexpectedly - I deal with it. But knowingly subjecting myself to a painful ordeal - nooooo... My dentist appointment is in 2 hours time, by the way. I've been dreading it since yesterday. What a wimp...
9. I was a pen pal maniac in school. I must have written hundreds of letters. My first (and last) real pen pal comes from New Zealand. More than 10 years of age difference, but who cares? We met and started writing to each other circa 1987, and we are still exchanging letters, woo hoo! Every year I get a colourful calendar from the beautiful New Zealand. Now isn't that something? :^)
10. I am a uniform junkie ever since I first saw my brother in uniform. We fought like crazy for years up until he went to serve in the army (an obligation for guys in my country), but when he came back we became inseparable until I left the country. I have a soft spot for guys in uniform since then. My knees just go kinda weak. Moo…
11. I pick up accents really fast. Takes me 5 minutes of talking to someone, and bingo! I borrow an accent and just can’t shake it off! I do Greek English, Russian English, Arabic English, Indian English, you name it. Hugs the bell out of me…
12. My favourite places in the world: Malta, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Spain, wherever my heart is, and wherever my mom is…
13. No major superstitions other than a great dislike of the number “13”. Therefore will skip this one, as most airlines do.
14. I have the best job and the best boss in the world. Recently when asked by a prospective new employer (one of the major banks in Qatar) how much money I need to leave my current job, I answered “You haven’t got enough”. That said, my salary is pretty crappy and my boss better gives me a raise next year or else I will ditch my current job for the bank. Yeah, well, empty threats… where else will I have so much fun? :o)
15. I can adapt to any environment easily. Be it Europe, Asia, Middle East, Siberian outskirts, whatever. I can live anywhere and I won’t suffer from a culture shock. Maybe it has to do with me being European and therefore cosmopolitan by default or maybe it’s because I’ve moved around so much. I enjoy trying out new food, new activities, meeting new people, exploring new areas. I believe every place has something unique to offer. I accept people’s right to their way of life, traditions, religion, customs, and I like to learn about them. I have friends of many different nationalities, beliefs, social standings. My patience stops when people decide to deprive me of MY rights, or try to impose their own ways on me. No, I don’t think that any of them are wrong in their ideas or beliefs; I just think that it is generally wrong to assume that any given belief or idea is the only right one for the world en large. What is right for me may not be so for everyone else, and it is fine with me. Why can’t it be fine with everyone else, I wonder?
16. My favourite kind of art is architecture. An amendment to the fact #15 above therefore: I could live pretty much everywhere, but I would not enjoy living in a place without character and beauty in its buildings. That is mostly why I like Malta so much. My favourites around the world include St. Andrew’s church (by Rastrelli) and the Castle with Chimaeras (by Gorodetsky) in Kiev, Barzan Tower (by Ibrahim M. Jaidah) in Doha, Alhambra in Granada – great example of Moorish style. I like gothic style and almost everything by Gaudi in Barcelona is a favourite – this man had some strange takes on reality… I admire anything modern that incorporates elements of tradition and culture in it. Oh and I love watching the new shiny skyscrapers grow and change the skyline :o)
17. At the moment I am at work well past my working hours, with a bad toothache, just after a visit to a dentist. How’s that for a random fact?
18. I read newspapers starting from the last page. I would usually read the last page of the new book first to know what to expect, then I can just enjoy the book itself without enduring the suspense of the unknown. Some books I only read once. These are usually the ones with a gripping story but little style. Some other books I keep by my bed at all times, open them at random and just read away and enjoy. Ann Rice books do it for me nowadays. Oh and Harry Potter, of course, lol.
19. I turned 30 this year. Therefore I can state with all certainty – there IS life after 30. And it only gets better with age, trust me!
20. I absolutely can’t live without the following: mobile phone and someone to talk to, sushi, travelling, Cosmopolitan, coffee, internet, enough sleep, something to do. If I had to narrow it down to one, having someone to talk to beats the rest by a long run.
OK so what is new and shaking? My car is almost dead, and I absolutely HAVE to take it to the garage. Bummer...
Went to the interview with the Doha Bank. Managed to find the building despite some slightly misleading directions from someone who knows everything about everything (except perhaps sea frogs). The same someone went really quiet when I asked for a lift home, and then quickly changed the subject, and left even quicker. Hmmm... Not that I was serious in the first place, but maybe I should get pissed? Will see about that :^)
The interview itself was a joke. Both interviewers were desperate to find out exactly WHY I applied for this position, instead of WHAT I can do for them. I had no idea. Generally wasn't impressed with them, but they were obviously impressed by me. Mostly because half the time I had to ask them to repeat themselves as my head wasn't there. Met a sweet Hungarian girl there while waiting for my interview. Hopefully she gets the job, she really wanted it.
To be continued...
A short phone conversation later, I am back. A very short phone conversation. Why is it that I pay so much attention to silly details like that? How long does the conversation last? Why should I care how long it takes someone to sms me back? Why am I so attached to my mobile that I can't leave it out of sight even for a minute? A good friend once told me that I can't use the excuse of "not hearing" the phone ring, because it's impossible. Now that was really embarrassing, because it is actually true. There is no way I would NOT hear my mobile ring. And I never switch it off, even at night. Should really get a life and stop sticking to my mobile like Gollum to the Ring. My precccccccccccccciousssssssss............
OK so since it's already quite obvious that I am not in the best of moods today, I better stop here before I write something I will not want to see on my page later. Oh, I was tagged by J to write 20 random facts about myself. I am happy to feature in his list of random facts. Not so random, hehe, assuming that the scam was about a year long! Ty ty J! :^) Will spend the remaining hour at work thinking what to write in my list.
Wake up really, REALLY late Get out of bed even later Be home alone, so you don’t have to share On your way to the kitchen switch the telly on In the kitchen, check what’s in the fridge If there is milk, get it out, check the expiry date* If there is no milk, refer to “How to make a Purrfect Espresso” Find your coffee** Start your coffee machine If it doesn’t start, refer to “How to make a Purrfect Instant Coffee” If it starts, froth the milk, brew the coffee, combine the two Dust with chocolate or cinnamon, add sugar or anything else you fancy Take your coffee and whatever else edible you found in the fridge Go to your living room Sit in front of your telly, drink your coffee, eat your breakfast Call your friends who are either: a)working b)fasting Tell them exactly what you are doing Enjoy your Purrfect Cappuccino Make another one Get someone else to wash up after you
*Whether the milk expired or not, it’s your only choice
**Make friends at Starbucks and get it for free
How to make a Purrfect Espresso
Wake up really, REALLY early (not by choice) Shower, get dressed, pack your work bag Drag your bottom to the kitchen Check what’s in the fridge Find your coffee Start your coffee machine If it doesn’t start, refer to “How to make a Purrfect Instant Coffee” Brew enough coffee for two Go to your living room with two cups of coffee Enjoy your Purrfect Espresso Watch your partner doing a mad dash around the house getting ready Watch your partner drink cold espresso Accept all the gratitude gracefully Repeat next morning
How to make a Purrfect Instant Coffee
Realise that there is no such thing as Purrfect Instant Coffee Read the instructions on the can, follow instructions Drink your Purrfect Instant Coffee Fix your coffee machine
