Before I forget,

He heee, I stole Anil’s design and photo-shoped it since everybody else does it ;) <– big hint!

Married women, is there like a schedule you have for meals to cook everyday !? Or your imagination runs you wild o mashallah y’all are Martha Stewart wannabes! no seriously, if you work and you got like an hour n’ half to whip something up from scratch HOW DO YOU IT EVERY DAY?! and if you don’t what are the options? and do you get to go out like before?! Don’t start giving me the “when you get a baby it’ll be worse” talk I KNOW but why is there so much to do while there’s less time :( !

The End !

Look at this band… look at their hair, awwwww!! lol ;p

Download it from [ HERE ]

I wanted to share my thoughts on this for a while before Frankom posted something similar [ HERE ] , since I am minus “him” today and alone on my sofa here it comes!

Blogging is not like before, by that I mean the good ol’group of internet junkies whom I used to wait for every minute, checking the reader for new posts.. new experiences, learn new vocabulary or get to take a glimpse of their lives from photos they click. I loved when I used to read their angry posts, happy ones or even the sarcastic full of shit and nonsense posts. I miss how we used to have quizzes and we’d all cyber bitch slap each other over winning.. I miss going up with some of you out there! I miss meeting new faces, crazy ones even.. not your regular bloggers meet up, no! This hush hush “let’s get together” gatherings of people who often interact decently with each other and I don’t mean to diss the bloggers meeting but casual meetings with no agendas over coffee or sushi ;p was good..

Guys do you remember the ice cream joint at Beda’a!? I’ve met beautiful people there and ya know who you are ;)

Isn’t blogging supposed to be personal?! you try something and share, you go to a place or event and snap pictures to tell us what you think!? Tell us what happened to you on a certain day or in a certain situation and ask for advice or laugh about it with complete strangers!? Isn’t that what it’s all about?! Yes, some are more successful attracting more readers and generating comments in general but I was always amazed on my ability to aggregate some readers with a touchy post title or post! I love how I get crazy emails from silent readers asking me things or assistance in something. Human interaction done decently is so precious and it is amazing! I confess that I connect with people online better than in reality, I suck in real life but isn’t that why we’re hiding behind those screens with fake nicknames?! You get to know the bad, worse and the worst and along the process you learn to be selective. I love love LOVE how I developed as a human being and evolved my vocabulary by reading YOUR posts out there… I love the fact that when I am looking for something, I go to certain blogs for reference.. I love it when we share a happy moment outside this sphere, you blog it.. Get how much I am attached to all of you in a way and so much to this “space in space” !

- It makes me sad when blogs now are all about sponsors, some deserve it of course, no doubt and are doing a great job promoting these sponsors but seems to me it’s all about personal favors.

- I hate when I read snippets on the reader from a certain blog that shifts between Arabic, bad English then switch to “Arabinglish”! Why don’t you stick to one language based on your target readers man and spare the rest the agony!

- I hate it when all I see on some blogs are email forwards that are OLD STUFF, this is not blogging!! Stick to emails better would ya!

- When you advertise, pls pls pllllllls, try the place out then recommend to others, be a good source of info..

- Viral videos and gossip.. have you nothing better to discuss! I miss when we used to comment on each others’ blogs, I mean the creativity..

- I am not going to talk about blogging ethics since I did that ages ago but if you post something, expect people to answer, condemn, like, hate, argue back and you gotta take it like a champ! I suffered a lot from this and I know some used to hate reading “fuck this – shit that – asshole..” etc but with time, you learn to accept it.. reply or not is your choice.

- Do not underestimate the power of your words, someone out there is reading each and e v e r y letter you type and you are influential.

Will I quit blogging soon?! Hell no! Am I as active as I used to be?! No, I blog when needed and for special occasions or to promote good things / people.. not because someone’s a friend, khalas I HAVE to blog!

Just be sincere and dedicated to your blog man! It’s not about being famous, It’s not about your precious hits and clicks and it sure is not about getting freebies! I respect those who write an honest post on something they received.

Finally, I am happy to see people with ambition and talent out there, you never cease to surprise me! Rockers, techies trying to improve blogging for us.. young ones with visions and fresh ideas.. keep it up, I know after a hundred years, your grandchildren will be reading your posts while making fun of you.. well, I hope me too!

Unexpectedly, there was another surprise in the making for me.. Something I didn’t plan and neither anticipated. He asked for my number to discuss something related to work and I gave it to him! I was like “wooooo” his voice! He doesn’t speak with that annoying Lebanese accent ;p annnd he asked to meet up for coffee after work. I WENT! First time in the Free Trade Zone at Starbucks.

I sat quietly waiting for him to start up a conversation and if you know me in person, you’d be familiar with my ice breaking habits which suck! So I sat there listening to an Egyptian song on my ipod (which is dead :( ) [ LISTEN HERE ] and I decided to let him listen to the part that says “kalamangi awi o bet7eb etban wa7ed galban” <– LOL and he later on confessed he thought I was crazy ;p after that we had dinner at Le Notre.

[ UPDATE ] : Guess what!!  Last Monday he surprised me with a new one after being ipod-less for a coupla months! annnnd it’s Pink!  :)

I went back home and told mama about everything and the second day, we went out again with my sister to Avenues!! Less than one month  he went to my dad’s office and officially introduced himself :) We had a lot of arguments and we sometimes still do but one fact remains constant and strong: He’s a trustworthy man whom I respect and love!

We have the same initials! Same family names, we adore food! He’s into blogging now lol while his work kinda rubbed on me ;/ he’s more positive while I suck the positivity out of everything & everyone I encounter eh!

On October 23rd 2009, IT happened [ HERE ] and today marks one year since we first met

Since I suck also at expressing myself verbally, baby this post is for you and yes your picture is up there ;p I am sorry if I drive you crazy sometime e7em – Thank you for putting up with me and the mood swings.. I promise our life will be more interesting enshallah SOON.. love you! I know am retarded.. I know I get agitated quickly.. I know I am over sensitive.. I know I am “Me” .. ya36eik el 3afia sara7a ;p

I would also like to congratulate all my friends who’re hooked up legally also ;p and I wish all my beautiful single friends best of luck settling soon :)

Jessyz [ Chocolate Mints in a Jar ], a dedicated young mom who share her experiences with her readers. An articulate woman who enjoys reading books as well as browsing the web for interesting topics and blogs with her sense of humor sometimes ;p and of course, one can’t forget the Friday Fives’ :)

Jessy sent me an email about a blog called Kolena Laila- visit [ HERE ] and from her email I quote:

The idea of Kolena Laila was launched in 2006 from the imagination of an Egyptian blogger called “Lasto Adry”. Lots of other bloggers in Arab countries shared the passion and “Kolena Laila” was born.

The main idea behind the campaign is to invite Arab bloggers to express their opinions, interpretations and observations relating to the Arab woman’s situation openly and without restraint. Under the increasing impact of the new media, represented by blogs and social media on our society we believe that we can make a difference. Even the larger main stream media outlets like Al-Jazeera TV, the BBC, “Al-Masry Al-Youm” and “El-Dostour” newspapers, showed interest in our efforts.

With this campaign we aspire to contribute to enriching the dialogue of our Arab social life and the successes or failures that are entwined with it. We would like to emphasize that the idea is not an endorsement of any particular culture or values; but an appeal to assess, improve and critique our everyday behavior with the true yearning for change. We invite you to participate with us whether you believe that our societies are too conservative and patriarchal, giving preference to men and unbecoming to women and their freedom, OR you believe that our societies are too open and liberal, and that women have been given their sufficient share of rights.

Jessy asks you women out there to contribute to this campaign by sending in your stories of challenge, change and endeavor that “Laila” went through as well as success stories in your countries. Basically, it’s your chance to express your feelings and ideas without restrictions and any media medium is permitted whether written, audio or a video one. For more information, drop an email or your contribution at yasmin[at]kolenalaila.com 

Check Kolena Laila and I hope to see contributions from you gals there :)

Get it [ HERE ]

Click on image to read the full thing

Remember all my blabber on equality, No for racism, harmony, peace .. along with the rest of the crap that we always ask for; “ask” for not work on and even IF we try to do anything, seems that the majority is either numb or so self involved trying to cope with daily ordeals and sufferings. Lack of resources, social barriers, selfishness.. You name it. I am guilty as well.

I love the idea of the video, I love the way it’s made, I am totally “in” for it but I sadly can’t do anything :)

On the other hand, this song is amazing!

Lyrics:

When everything you have goes away
You realize that nothing means a thing

Everything you thought was a big deal
Now you see it all and what is real

When all you have just falls apart
And nothing seems to work out right
And you’re trying

You’re still alright

When everything starts to feel the same
And everyone around you seems to change

You went along with me when things weren’t right
And when the morning slowly fades to night

When all you have just falls apart
And nothing seems to work out right
And you’re trying

You’re still alright

And it’s not even just the mild one but honestly speaking, I find it very difficult welding within this society. No, I am not a weak pessimistic person that just rolls under a rock to hide nor am I lacking enough confidence to confront and stand up for my rights and speak when needed, it’s just that I am intimidated by certain responses and reactions from those around me. “Over sensitive” as they tell me and well guys, it is working fine for me! I don’t necessarily have to change so I would be in compliance with your likings or mood. This is what pisses me off the most, people misinterpreting being nice in a way to being “dumb” enough to just go along. I can’t!!

So what if I am “extra” friendly and I like getting to know people and not judge without giving these people the chance to literally reveal their personalities before I start acting like the jerk I am to some of you out there! It is my right in life to go through my experiences in spite the fact that I am putting my emotions on the line each and every time and daaaaaamn it hurts! IT HURTS! Yet, I learn!

One of the things that I hear more or less often is “Hejabi girl and you do the things you do!” sometimes the tone is very supportive and I appreciate it while others tend to belittle those activities that bring sheer pleasure to my already dull life, so how could you just come and judge me! Who said covering my hair would stop me from being free spirited, outgoing and energetic! Or is it only in our Arab societies dare I say Muslim ones; we have to comply to old folks tales and traditions and just stay home! Who does that now anyways!? I never asked to be fully equal with men in responsibilities and life styles and I am very content with what women achieved over the last years, we are much stronger, voicing out our opinions, contributing to our households and some are very successful. Unfortunately, views on such women are severely distorted and it makes me sick.. No further elaboration here, this is left to you to interpret, I will not attempt to impose my personal ideas on you.

Leave the stupid “outer look” – superficial  issue aside here and let’s go deeper:

- Social relations: No matter what you consider yourself are –gender wise– I totally respect and understand it as long as it doesn’t affect me personally. You see, Freedom doesn’t necessarily stand for ditching religious duties and beliefs. I also include to that my own principles that suit me quite well! Does not I hate / dislike certain groups of people but I can’t find myself going along.. Arab societies again, people here are so judgmental and I am going through rough times myself shoving off this certain “indictment” as I call it. It is funny to me though because you don’t know half of what’s inside of me and I really don’t feel like someone is THAT close to touching my soul, well a couple of you out there.

- Back to the Male- Female equality issue: If women can participate in almost every criteria of this community, why is considered rude or improper for a lady to freely express how she feels??

- Lack of real respect amongst humans: I swear to god, some guys and girls out there make you an asshole! It’s like they enjoy being abused or something!! They push you to the limit that you just have to get out of your norm and say something you know you shouldn’t so they’d blame you at the end. Well, from now on I will simply discard from the beginning to shun further complications in the future.. Problem is, half of them don’t really give a shit about you! So yeah..I will do the same!

- Rumors & gossip: This is not restricted to us Arabs bas I think that we have nothing better to do in our lives but bitch and complain. I do that a lot! But people, when it comes to reputations, we have to take a step backwards and think. Is that so hard to do!! I find myself weak here because unfortunately, I am still an Arab and I have a family to give back to as they took care of me throughout those years.

- Freedom: I can’t understand it here – would you explain to me to what extent can someone be free in this country? What is acceptable and what is not? How opened is this society to recent phenomena and external influence? And if you as a person don’t like what you’re seeing, are you willing to let others live their lives as they wish??

I am disappointed, but no I will not be hanging myself from one of the spotlights in my room!

“Do not judge, and you will never be mistaken.”
Rousseau {1712-1778) Swiss political philosopher

I AM OUT!