samboose

Baby arrived

2006-11-20T13:14:00.000+03:00

Well surprise Surprise...... Our little precious heaven has arrived!!!

Wow I can't believe I'm not pregnant anymore...and I mean it in a good way, I feel so much lighter....gee wonder why?!?!? he he he!!!

Ok first off i'm not sharing no birth stories but all I have to say Epidural baby!!!! Weee heee!!! I don't care what anyone says if modern medicine has provided us with the means to go pain free then I'm going to take it twice over!!!

As for the whole the moment I saw her it was love at first sight blah blah mushy mushy... to tell you the truth I felt it and didn't at the same time. It was more like "alllaaaah banoooty habeebeti and then weeee3 she's slimey"....he he he

Life has a different look these days. It's very strange.....I have no idea what day or time it is and to tellyou the truth I don't really care. It's all about her. My prespective of life has changed completely!!!! I'm not saying it in that it's better or worse it's more different than anything else.

But I will share one part of the birth story..... As My hubby and I are ready for the arrival and the doctor's and nurses were all around we were talking about this and that. Then the doctor asks hubby what he does and he says "I'm in the computer field and so is my wife...and here we are delivering the chip" Well after the whole push push and she's out the doctor say "Oh look it's not even a chip, it's a microchip!!!" So People she's tinier than I can explain..... salem galoubha!!!

Mommy Samboose has to leave and take care of her microchip!!

P.S. Miss Cosmo your post cracked me up.... I actually laughed really loud remembering the car incedent!! Oh and you know better about me having a prob with Purg's comment... I love it when they think you're younger!!

P.SS. Krispy I pimped the baby on day2, she got her first piercing!

Baby Shower Dilema

2006-09-05T08:23:00.000+03:00

My bestfirend and sisters are having a baby shower for me. I'm SOOOOOOOOO excited because I know it's going to be mega fun. The way we do things is just unbeatable. The games, the craziness, the fun, the favors...etc etc. The list is just totally endless....

To some this may just sound like a regular party/get-together. But to anyone that's been to something we've done they know how we go ALL OUT!!!

All seemed pretty simple and taken care of. They had discussed the theme, We talked about certain things, I went to mothercare and registered for baby gifts....etc etc!!

Then there was the list....ahhhhh samboose samboose. With all your friends how will you have it done. My initial list consisted of 52 people... GEEEZ that's not a shower that's a small wedding!!! I tried to let that slide but then My sister "S" calls and says "Samboose I know that you probably want all of them but that's not an intimate shower that's an 'Istiqbal'" WEEEE3 just hearing that word sent chills down my spine... So narrowing it down it was. I went over it and over it... In my head I'm thinking how can I invited 'A' without inviting 'B' that's fashla. I know them the same time... so I had to make sacrifices and hope that if some people do find out they'll understand that I had to do what I had to do. So the list was down to 25, that's including 7 that are family memebers. So I thought cool all was going smooth........ but the roughness was yet to come!!!!

"W" (my bestfriend) sends out the e-mail invitations and asks for RSVPs. Pretty simple don't you think....HA! HA!!! First call "Hey 'W' this is soo cool I'm really excited but I was talking to my mom and she's asking if she can come", E-mail #2 "Dear 'W', please count me in and also 'GM' and 'A' " Willl there be more calls and e-mails like this?? STOP THE PRESS PEOPLE!!!! I had deleted MY FRIENDS, and these people want to bring others. SURE I love them too but let's talk priorities people. I would love to have the big bash and invite everyone I want but we are trying to keep it intimate!!! I feel bad for 'W' because she's the one that's the bearer of bad news... No you can't bring your mom....no 'GM' no 'A'...how embaressing is that?!?!?!?!

I spoke to my hubby and was telling him about it... I even expressed how I had to omit his neices which I LIKE!! But still if I was not inviting 'D' a very close friend (which I might ask her to do something for me with our usual Saturday group) He chuckled and said "It's all because they love you and want to share this with you" I'm thinking yeah sure that's sweet but still would you invite a family member because YOU got an invitation??

I love being loved and it's the greatest thing ever but there's that much of me to go around... can't split myself all over the place you know!!!

What to do?? how do I make this better?? Should I just leave it to 'W' to figure out and solve herself?

Guess who's Back

2006-09-03T08:24:00.000+03:00

Well I've been back for a while but it's almost like I was never gone. I jumped right back into my usual busy self. The great thing thought i'm all refreshed and just sooooooo thankful I had a break from reality.

I'm officially sporting the watermelon in my tummy. Lots of people at work were surprised when they got back from their vacations. The funny thing is I've noticed people saying "Oh Mabrook!!! Shloon?" and I'm thinking am I supposed to teach them about the Birds and the Bees?? I mean seriously shino "SHLOON"??!!!! I fell on something and poof something emereged outta my stomach. It's just too funny i really wonder what exactly is the answer their looking for.

Moving right along, I can't believe it's Septemeber already!! Where does the time go?? Next thing you know We're calling everyone with our usual "Imbarak 3alaykum al-Shahar" then it's Eid then before you know it we're celebrating the New Year. Meanwhile in my case I'll be sporting a baby on my hip, or lap for that matter somewhere along the line.

Just to leave you with something I came across here's a quote worth repeating

" TO BE UPSET OVER WHAT YOU DON'T HAVE, IS TO WASTE WHAT YOU DO HAVE."

Ken Keyes, Jr.

BABYMOON

2006-07-31T07:01:00.000+03:00

Hubby and I are 3 days away from getting on a plane for our last vacation as a couple before we become as a family.

This trip is LOOOOOOOOOOOONG overdue, we haven't traveled for fun the 2 of us in about 3 years, it was always business business business and this is our last chance to do it child-free...

The things we have planned, places to go people to see....and best of all Just pure old fashioned "R&R" what could be better than that.

So from now until Thursday I'm stuck on singing..." I'm Leaving on a jet plane" (unfortunately I know EXACTLy when I'll be back again....he he he)

"I'm so EXCITED!!! and I JUST can't HIDE it!!!" WEEEE HEEEEEEEEEE. I just hope that I can put up with work for the next few days!!!

Personality

2006-06-13T11:13:00.000+03:00

Well I'm and let me tell you what ever characteristic I had it's doubled now!!

To begin with I'm already an aggresive, opinionated, confrontational and non-tolerant person. Well with my pregnancy all my previous characteristics have DOUBLED in magnitude.

I will NOT tolerate whiney people that just sit around and complain.... get a grip people and get over it. Shit happens to everyone so pull yourself together and get on with your life. No nagging PALEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZE!!!

I will express EXACTLY what's pissing me off and I have no problem with addressing issues that I usually just turn a blind eye on. What i feel I SHALL express.

So other than that, I'm a pretty pleasant person... just as long as you are too!!

OCCASIONS

2006-06-06T08:29:00.000+03:00

06/06/06

Today's a day to celebrate my 4th Anniversay!!!! What a shock 4 years!!!! Life is good!

*****************************************************************

Special Brithday wish to DR. Sing with me everyone!!!
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday Dear DEEEEEEEEEEEE ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR,
Happy Birthday to you!!!!

Make a wish sweety!!

Dogs need homes!

2006-06-04T12:11:00.000+03:00

There is a security company located in Ahamadi that has 7 dogs all pure breeds that need homes.

They are giving these dogs away. They are all young dogs from 6-motnhs to a year!

There are 4 Pure bred German Shepherds that need homes. One is a Belgian German Shepherd as well. Also one lab, and 2 Ridge backs.

Please spread the word that these lovley dogs need homes.

Please Contact Samir Eltom : 770-4654 for more information.

Grand Opening Invitation

2006-05-14T07:02:00.000+03:00

You're Cordially invited to attend the Grand Opening of

Bassinet Gift Shop

Date: Tuesday, May 16th. 2006

Time: 6p.m.

Location: Tala Center- Salmiya

Quote

2006-05-08T13:23:00.000+03:00

Have you noticed that there are about a zillion quotes all talking about how special children are to their parents. How it's a feeling that's soo deep no words can ever describe.

Well I read something today that I just couldn't help feeling extremely touched, and NO it's not just hormones.

What ya think?

BASSINET'S IN SALMIYA

2006-05-03T07:14:00.000+03:00

It's been a while since I've posted about Bassinet. Isn't anyone wondering what's going on??

Well it's with our greatest pleasure to announce that our store has been relocated to Tala Complex-Salmiya. You'll find is in the basement all pink and purple. Come visit the store there's so many new goodies.

Take a peek of our MAY COLLECTION.

Don't know where Tala is? Click here for directions.

Show your support towards a fellow blogger!!

Reinforcement

2006-04-29T12:42:00.000+03:00

Remember how I kept talking in one of my posts how I have trouble with change. Well it's funny what i went through this morning.

I've been procrastinating at work trying to find anything but work to do....so I decided to go and check out what Astrologyzone had to say.

I reached the part about handling stress.... HA!!! What a joke. As I read and read I thought they must have read my post and my mind to write about this.

Interesting Part I

"Change is hard for Scorpio, the only fixed sign of the water signs. You are very determined and driven by goals, but while persistence is your forte, flexibility is not. Don't try to control too many elements in your life--recognize that some events will have a life of their own. Your water element makes you feel the impact of events deeply. Don't take setbacks personally. "

Interesting Part II

" Your sign, more than any other, has to occasionally take time for themselves and be alone. Your Pluto ruler can sometimes make you compulsive about your work, and if this describes you, you need to let up a little. Your Astrologer sees you on a very private estate, with high hedges for privacy, a lovely garden, and, most importantly, a view of the sea. (It's good to dream!) Remember, water is truly vital to water signs, and it will be harder to recover your sense of purpose without being near water. "

Interesting Part III

"A departing word for you, Scorpio. Try not to shut out loved ones. A Scorpio who is feeling troubled is nearly impossible to read. When stress hits, you will seem a million miles away to your family and friends. While initially you will feel depleted by everyday life, including the mere conversation, those around will want to help you by giving you their perspective on your plight. Sometimes Scorpios will remain isolated within themselves too long, as tension makes them throw up barriers in self-protection. Because you won't be getting any input from others, your perspective can become distorted. Recognize that this can happen to you. Your need for physical affection is important, and will reaffirm your self-worth, but your lover will hesitate to reach out to you if you shut him or her out. Open up a little, see how things go. Accept and give physical love."

All in all this is new to me.....Yeah right!!!

GLAD!

2006-04-26T09:10:00.000+03:00

I've been waiting for this AAAAALLLL week. I thought it would never come.

I love

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!

Changes

2006-04-24T10:04:00.000+03:00

How do you deal with change? I mean do you glide into it or is it a constant battle to keep things the way they were?

I for one am a fixed person. things have to go on a schedule, I have to have things organized a specific ways and any minor changes that occur in my life are a strain.

I've learned in the recent years that not everything will ALWAYS go my way, or the way I intended. Flexibility is something I had to incorporate in my daily life. It's funny how once I thought that I've got things on a specific path one minor change disrupts the whole system. I think with time i've somewhat grown accustommed to this new life.

Well the shop is slowly beginning to look somwhat like what I imagined. Some rocky begining and unanticipated hurdles but with the right team things began to look up.

Then to top everything I'm sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeepy all the time. Not without reason and something I have to be prepared for my new life.

Back in Highschool

2006-04-18T07:06:00.000+03:00

I went to an event last night and I felt like I was back in the highschool. The good days offcourse!!!

Do you remember when you see your friends out of school how exciting it used to be seeing them "socially". It was almost like you don't spend 8 hours+ with them but that one hour off campus makes all the difference.

It was so much fun jamming, seeing people, socialising and acting as silly as you can (hint hint!!). I really had a good time!!

To that one particular person....it was GREAT meeting you!! Hopefully next time around we can actually sit down and have a proper conversation!!!

In a nutshell

2006-04-04T09:16:00.000+03:00

Life takes control when it sees fit..... I got so wrapped up that it was just one thing after the other. The past two weeks in a nutshell:

1. Planned 3 BBQ dinners with flowers, decorations favors and all....good week for business!!!

2. Met with Tatta and have his T-shirts & Mugs for sale at the store (Bassinet)

3. Went to the Airshow (among other strains) and succesfully got a stiff neck to show for it.

4. Signed a lease with Tala complex and will be miving the store there.

5. Continueing to sell Tickets and raffle tickets for the Terry Fox run to raise money for Cancer Research.

6. Displayed all the New Easter/Spring collection at the store (New Collection)

7. Learned that the most used word at Hadi hospital is "CASHIER"

8. Physical therapy is an illusion to make you think you're getting better.

9. Loosing patience for blogging.

10. Hubby left to Dubai for BizBiz trip.... Comes back tonight!!!! YAAAAY!!!

Interested in any of the above?? Let me know!!

The Voice?

2006-03-22T07:57:00.000+03:00

I hate talking about 2 things Polotics and religion. There will always be some opinion that is uncomfortable to deal with, it raises arguments that are pointless becuse you can't really "discuss", somone's bound to get upset and frankly talking about it isn't going to change anything...

With that said I still felt the need to write about this.... I still feel like I need to voice an opinion, I still feel angry at times and need to vent out..... A friend of mine sent me an article called A voice against Muslim 'hostages' to Terror. First I wasn't sure what this article was about....but the more I read the more aggitated I got..... Only us Arabs would criticise in this way. I mean sure I don't agree with the way SOME tend to take things in their own hand and claim to do it in the name of Islam. I mean it's true the whole Bin Laden thing was incorrect. No one has the right to just kill another human because "they" decided that person/people/society deserved it. We are not the ones who judge..... We as a religion should be trying to be the best Muslim's we can be and not take it in our own hand to condemn others....after all it is stated in the Qoran the you have your religion and I have mine.... meaning it is up to the individual and WE are not decision makers in that sense....anyway my point is not that. I want to talk about the article and how I feel about "Dr. Wafa Sultan"

First she's entitled to her opinion but I belive something isn't right. I feel it is not ISLAM that she should target it is those that misinterpret it. Islam IS and always be a religion of PEACE. After all the word Islam is derived from Salam, meaning peace. How can she say that the religion is the one that raises the hatred and encourage killing.... It does not and she as a muslim should know that, she should know it it those few rotten apples that lead to what's going on. Yes I belive the suicide killings are wrong, or people just shooting others for difference of religions is wrong, Yes I belive vandalizing a church is wrong....Islam Does NOT tell muslims to do that....

To actually write a book titled "The Escaped Prisoner: When God is a Monster." is just wrong. Instead of showing the real Islam and it's true meaning she acutally feeds the West their own stereotype. This is just tooo sad. God is NOT a monster, our God is merciful, our God is great, our God is Kind, our God is more than what we can EVER imagine....It is the human interpretation and some guidance that should be addressed not God.

I have always wanted to show those from the West what Islam truely is.....the GOOD things.... unfortuantelly it's people like Dr. Wafa that make things harder....how easy it is for her to take the easy way out.... May God protect her and not take her at those words..... It is a sad day when muslims turn their back on what Islam is really about.

P.S. these are my thoughts & opinions...I am Not by any means a fanatic, nor am I extremely versed religiously but I am your basic/average Mulsim that hopes for a better future.... May God shed some light on those who truely need guidance. May he show them the love that our religion has. The good does supersede the bad, yet the bad is the only thing targetted.... God help us all!

Terry Fox Run

2006-03-14T09:39:00.000+03:00

COME SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

The Canadian Embassy is reviving the Terry Fox Run. The Fund is used exclusively to support medical research dedicated to finding a cure for cancer. Funds collected in Kuwait go towards cancer research projects in this country.

DATE: Friday, April 21, 2006,
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Ahmadi – KOC Sports Stadium.

GET YOUR TICKETS & FREE T-SHIRT FROM THE BASSINET STORE.
click here for more details

Yummy something!

2006-03-10T12:30:00.000+03:00

Sing along

2006-03-08T08:13:00.000+03:00

Hey everyone.......

I would like you all take a moment today to sing with me in celebration of Miss Cosmo's Birthday.

So let's light up the candles, set up the camera and 3-2-1....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,

HAPPY BIIIIIRTHDAY DEAR

MISS COSMOOOOOOOO

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUUUUUU!!

BIG SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZE!!! Hope you have a great birthday!!!

Reminder to all

Strabuck Adaliya open house to celebrate Miss cosmo's birthday

Thursday, March 9

5:30-7:30

CALLING ALL BLOGGERS!!

2006-03-05T07:37:00.000+03:00

HEAR YEE! HEAR YEE!!

To all you bloggers out there......

Listen up and listen clear it's time to celebrate a great bloggers birthday.

It's a pleasure to invite all you bloggres to celebrate Miss Cosmo's birthday.

MISS COSMO'S CELEBRATION

Open house

Starbucks Adaliya-Top floor

Thursday, March 9th

From 5:30-7:30.

Come join the fun and make her birthday one she'll never forget!!!

Blogger Birthday Experiment

2006-02-20T12:56:00.000+03:00

I was going through my calendar to check the birthdays that are coming up to make sure I'm on track and the "cha ching" I thought of an experiment.

I would like to see if we can cover at least half of the year with blogger birthdays.

There's only one rule PLEASE be honest….when's your birthday??

Let's see if we can at least get 182 DIFFERNET birthdays.

I'll post mine first!

REGRETS

2006-02-15T13:38:00.000+03:00

I was once asked "what's your biggest regret?" I didn't pause for a second before answering. I say you should never have regrets in your life…. We all make mistakes and it's all a process of learning and growth. (Granted don't be a dumb-ass and do the same mistakes repeatedly! But you know what I mean) But the only thing anyone should regret is hurting someone's feelings, that I think is something people should work hard on trying to fix….if possible.

What are your regrets & thoughts?

Valentine's Day Craze!!

2006-02-14T07:35:00.000+03:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

With that said I think it's totally hillarious for a country that "Dating" is a taboo, unacceptable and totally under the table this holiday is one of the largest hits in town. Not a complaint, good for my business but the whole thing is funny.

Strange requests have been coming in at the store. We had one that actually got satin boxers among other things for us to gift wrap. Oh and to make sure that it fit in her purse "ta3rfeen al-ahal" (you know the parents...)

The other thing is that I'm big on planning....so I buy things in advance and scope out the shops before hand....so when Feb 12 arrived and the whole hype hadn't REALLY picked up, it was good but not GREAT I got worried. Well Yesterday I think comforted me. Poor new "challenged" employee. I think he about had a heart attack. ESPECIALLY that neither me nor Hubby was there since we had a booth elsewhere to promote our products. But Miskeen he has prooven that he's got potential. I just have to work on his people skills and speed.

Needless to say after packing up our booth around 8:30 we headed back to the store.... too many people were there so we couldn't unpack our boxes. We had to work on some orders so by the time we left it was around 11:20pm. Every muscle in my body was aching and I was STARVING! We actually kept eating candy to hold our stomach, it was the only thing available at the store.

I would love to just go home and take a nap after work....but obviously today's the day. Funny thing is on our way back home My Hubby "ordered" me to be back home by 7:30 because we've got a date. Habeebi he misses me...he he he!!! Heck I miss me!!!

Have you seen the shop? Check out FEB2006....

Need a break before I BREAK!!!

2006-02-11T09:58:00.000+03:00

Ok that's it... I've reached a point where I feel like khalas i can't take it anymore.

Long story don't feel like elaborating. Or maybe i just want it to go away and i'd rather not talk about it.

People not in my shoes can just pass and say take it easy.... but have NO idea what it's like. No idea what really goes into evey single thing I do, effort, day in day out. You know and they just think it's all in my head and I'm over exaggerating, see if they just leave it at that then that's ok but NO there has to be an ADVICE to give....like I don't already now!!!

I'm just venting. This muight be incoherent but I don't care, i'm not trying to impress as much as express....

I just want to do one thing and that's pack up and disappear. Really this is getting so frustrating that it's just not fair AT ALL!!!

Wantning something so bad and not being able to get to the state you intended is totally frustrating.

Governmental issues SUCK! Paperwork... total frustration and that's just not the half of it.

I really need a break, I'm not just talking about a mental & physical break. I'm talking a business break. This is getting totaly RIDICULOUS!!

All I can do and say is one thing.... "OH WELL!!"

He said "UFF"

2006-02-07T13:57:00.000+03:00

Ok.....I seriously have issues these days.....

My hubby and I are a little on edge. Him with his work and me with welll let's say a handful of more than just a day job.

He's been following up with my employee's paperwork and he couldn't find some piece of paper and he said "Uffff", I kinda lost it then. All I can think of now was "GOOOSE FRABA" why didn't I say it. I just looked at him and said "Why Ufff, shino ya3ni!!! just do it and don't UFF!" and I walked out of the room. Ok now I look back I know I was wacked!!! But still I have a point simple procedure no need for UFF!

Well I ignored him the rest of the night, then in bed there was this 3adi "GoodNight" the kind that's so obvious "I'm pissed" good night, no tangling of the leg goodnight....stay on your side goodnight....

It would be a normal continue of the pissiness today but no can do....it's his Birthday. So all I gotta say is "GOOOOOOSE FRAAAAAABAAAAAAAA"

Inner Debate

2006-02-05T11:50:00.000+03:00

I've been thinking about what to write for this post and keep having a debate with myself.

Firstly that means the last post won't be the latest and I don't do the blog advertisment that I usually want.....

Then I thought ok, I'll post a new picture every other day to remind people of the cool stuff I have at the store....GEEEZ even that bored me and I like the stuff I have! Who'd want to revisit a post that's just stuff from a store!

Off course there's the other REAL stuff I want to write about... my daily Ins & Outs. Frustrations & Irritaions. Laughs & Giggles. And basically my looney self.

It seems I just tend to confuse myself and add stress to my life... It's a blog chickarita!!! WTF!!! So I decided to wirte to you about my latest addiciton....

I've slowly developed an addistion to a game online.... It's called Bespelled....anyone tried it? Well It was one of those slow days at work (which sometimes happen more than I would like) so I went to the MSN Game site and started experimenting with a few games here and there....some were just a waiste of time....I wanted to at least benefit so I started to play....and let me tell you I am in love with this game....so in love I just want to finish this post to go and play some more...The first time I played it I was rated "Trainee" then I slowly started going to "Book keeper", "Assistant Librarian", "Librarian" and today I got to "Senior Librarian". Can't wait to see what's higher than that.

Anyway....gotta go play....HE HEHE!!! So you guys got any addictions?

FEEL THE LOVE

2006-02-01T08:30:00.000+03:00

Ok well I've been busy as ever. I feel like there's not enought hours in the day to do everything I need to do. I need Jam3iya for one.... so if your walking around Sultan center and there's the tiny chick at 2am in the morning halling 2 carts down the halls know that's me.....yup it's that bad!

Well the reason I've been hectically busy is that I got a new shipment for the store. Let me tell you going through every box for invintory, pricing and quality control is HEEEEEEEEELLL!! Especially when there's not enough of you to go around. Haram poor hubby's been helping but still i'm like a chicken that's lost it's head.

Finally I finished most of it and it's being set up at the store. Which is a whole other story. Damn there's not enough space.....but anyways there's a whole bunch of new stuff so people PLEASE come!!! Tell all your friends and their friends. I promise I've got stuff that's unique you just GOTTA SEE IT!!!

Later duudes & dudettes!!!!

UPDATED:
For direction to the store CLICK HERE.
To see more on what's new this month CLICK HERE.
IF INTERESTED JOIN THE MAILING LIST.

Cruise control

2006-01-25T08:08:00.000+03:00

I have started the habit of cruising on my way to work. I'm not a speedy driver but I've recently discovered my foot's been heavy on the accelarator.

When you leave to go to work at the crack of dawn (well almost) and you're the only one on the road aside from the trucks and wanaytat the whole road seems just for you. You don't even feel that you're speeding. Plus you're too dazed and in your own "la la land" of cursing getting out of bed that it doesn't occur to you to even look at the speedometer.

Well the crappy thing is that I've actually accumilate 6 speeding tickets. WHAT A SHOCK!!! I was horrified!!! Me speeding, you've GOT to be kidding.

So my solution to this problem is Cruise control baby..... i'm cruising to work can you believe that!!!

I'm a blocker

2006-01-23T07:15:00.000+03:00

Everytime I log on to my MSN I see all these different people that have added me onto their MSN. What do I do....I block block block! I try as hard as I can to look at the e-mail to see if I know them but the thing is some people's e-mails has NOTHING to do with their name.

Take me for example, my Blog Name is "Samboose" yet my e-mail is something totally different. Therefore if I added any blogger they wouldn't have a clue I'm the same person. They might block me too.

I just hope that those who've tried to add me don't take it personally, I've just had enough weirdos trying to chat and become clingy that I figured blocking's just safer.

So what do you do?? Do you just add everyone that's added you or are you a blocker like me?

Privacy

2006-01-09T08:49:00.000+03:00

Is it a guy thing not to want details or ask questions???

This all started because I wanted details about a certain incident with my husband. He had gone somewhere and I LOVE details. I give elaborate stories and would like to hear elaborate stories too. His elaboration from "It was nice" to "It was very nice"

So this got me thinking about me and my blogging. He knows I blog and I post all sorts of things. He has met some of my blog friends too. The strangest is he's NEVER asked me a single thing about my blog. Not what I've written nor what the address is NOTHING AT ALL. I talk about bloging and posts I read and share with him but he just keeps it at that.

Now as much as I really appreciate it I do kinda feel it's strange. I know some of you might be thinking he knows my blog and reads it but I know he has no idea and he's not the type. He's just not into that stuff.

Privacy..... it's an issue as much as I appreciate him giving me the space I just think it's MEGA WEIRD! Don't you??

Pictures!!

2006-01-02T12:24:00.000+03:00

Well I said I was going to put pictures of my dinner deco....well here's just the main things....everything else has people in it and I'm not going there ;)

This is the decoration on our front door. We had small white christmas lights all over but the pictures were too dark i had to show the one with the main lights on.

This is a little close up of the door. I just came to realize that it looks so much prettier in real life. In these pictures it looks so plain and bare when in reality it's much fuller. Oh well! You get the picture!

Finally the tree!!!

Compliments

2005-12-27T09:16:00.000+03:00

I've been running around through my usual over planned days last week as many of you had the torture of reading through it all…

Well along the way I had made my invitations for my dinner and was giving them all out. I had given one friend her invitation (first time invitee, so she's not really used to how FAAAAAAAAR I go with these dinners) She looked at the invitation and gave me the best compliment I've ever gotten in my life.

She said "WOW, this is amazing! You must have so much love in your heart". I just paused and took in that sentence and absorbed what a great compliment that is. The ironic thing a few days later I was doing my usual running around for "Operation Hope" and had passed by the head organizers home to drop off my collections and she said the EXACT same thing.

I felt so good that people think of me that way and I hope I can live up to that compliment.

So what's the best compliment you ever got?

Dinner Success!!!!

2005-12-24T12:36:00.000+03:00

YAY!!! I made it!!!!

What a weekend.....weeks of planning and invites and himdilla I feel like it was all worth it.

I had new additions this year and I will say they passed the test of possibly being invited to next years annual dinner....

I think the games were hilarious and everyone did a good job of them too.

I'll post pictures once I have more time....or at least once I get around to it....

One less stress out of the way!!!

APPLAUSE REQUIRED

2005-12-21T12:26:00.000+03:00

Dear Bloggers,

I would just like to recognize and thank The Stalion, Jazz central and 7tenths. I'm standing here to start the standing ovation.

They have been gracious enough to make time in their schedule and volunteer to distribute gift bags filled with OPERATION HOPE collections to many poor men in a labour camp.

Thank you for all your support. Without Volunteers like you OPERATION HOPE wouldn't have had a chance in becoming the success it's on it's way to be.

For many that missed the deadline, there's still time. We keep finding new hostiles and places to distribute gift bags so e-mail contact@bassinetworld.com if you're interested. Plus anything left over whether financially or materially we're saving up for OPERATION HOPE 2006.

Silly & Petty

2005-12-20T11:30:00.000+03:00

Do you ever realize that you get annoyed by the silliest little things!!! Ok I just have to express how silly I can be at times. Hey at least I admit!!

I was going through all my winter clothes and taking out the jackets blah blah blah.... well I'm really particular about the hangers. I like those plasticy ones and for skirts & pants i like the clippy ones. Well anyway i open the cupboard and I don't find any of "MY" hangers (the plastic ones, I hate those metal ones the dry cleaners use) So I look through my hung things I see some metal ones.....ok at this point I'm getting itchy to get upset. So I open my husband's side of the closet and I see aaaallllllllllll these pink, peach & purple plastic hangers with his shirts on them!!! I was by this time flaming and boiling. Those are MINE MINE MINE!!!

He has gone out and bought himself those wooden ones for his things (but apparantly not many), since we have had the conversation of "MY HANGERS".... I know i'm making it a bigger deal but it annoys me! I'm not sure if it's the hangers, my relationship with them (Since they're mine from when I was in college in the States...yeah I shipped everything back including my car...he h ehe!!) or maybe I have a greater issue...which please don't judge me for this. I have this little selfish policy...... "what's mine is mine and what's his is ours".

Well it's taking a lot of me not to say "Stay away from my F******* hangers". Because in reality I feel so silly!!!

The thing is it's not like we're recently married, we've been married for exactly 3 years and 6 months. So should have adjusted to the "sharing" thing? I hate being a grown up and can't throw tantrums!!!

SILLY SILLY ME!!

Lighter Heart.....

2005-12-19T07:46:00.000+03:00

Don't you just love it when people admit they're wrong....Ok they might not come right out and say it but actions sometimes speak pretty loud.

I think when things have been lingering for a very long time it's really hard to "FIX" it. Things just get deeper and deeper and you reach a point where you think there's no way this situation will improve. And theeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen Chuck buck you're taken aback by somewhat of a revelation.

Wel I've been in a so-called situation where I thought enough is enough with attempts. Then that person somehow gets something switched in their brain and realizes things just can't go on this way. And Viola (is that how you spell it?) they go out of their way to proove that let's put it all behind, water under the bridge kind of thing.

The invitation, the visit to the store, the flowers, & the purchases.....if that's not an undercover apology I don't know what is.

The heavy heart has been lifted.

With that said, I must say there has been times when I thought things were different and back to normal. Then we go back to square one. But I truely believe in my heart this time is different. This time they have really realized that i'm just nice because that's my nature and not because i'm trying to get accepted or make anyone look bad or that I have a hidden agenda. Still i might still have a teeny weeny gaurd up but it sure feels much better than before.

ALHIMDILLA.....guess it really is a season to be Jolly!!!

Ever had a heavy heart and wanted it to just go away?

Renovation Revisited

2005-12-17T11:31:00.000+03:00

Refering back to my post Oct. 29th."RENUVATION… not really" more developments have arose....i had given hubby a deadline Dec15, it's the 17 and we're not even close to where we're supposed to be....it wouldn't matter usually but the deadline is because of my annual dinner I wanted at least a week to be able to decorate and put the tree up..... At least we have the door decorations up.

I'm very particular about this dinner and take it seriously. I'ts My special time where I have everything down to the tee with invitations, attire requirments, turkey dinner, games, party night schedule, favors and all!!!

I keep telling myself at least we have tiles. Windows have not been redone, no window treatment, furniture is half half.... it's not the perfect living room that I would have hoped it would turn out to be....why it's called MALE PROCRASITINATION mixed with PERFECTIONISM SYNDROME. A sure delay!!! I know he's trying his best and he's doing a good job and all but still I have a schedule for this week and this is NOT THE TIME to add stress. Lord knows I have enough of that in my life lately...

Volunteers required

2005-12-14T07:50:00.000+03:00

Hi everyone,

Well OPERATION HOPE is coming along and I am so happy I got such positive responses. We have recieved sucha variety of donations that we are very thankful for. Donations varried from money, time, effort and most of all support and encouragement.

For the bloggers that donated cash I THANK YOU!
For the bloggers that donated various items & clothing I THANK YOU!
For the bloggers that offered to volunteer in delivering I THANK YOU!
For the bloggers that gave words of encouragment I THANK YOU!

Now.... you bloggers that have chosen to avoid even commenting....well I'm surprised! I wouldn't have cared not offering any donation of any kinds. Everyone's entitled to their choices but a few nice words doesn't cost a thing. I guess I'm just disappointed. I'll get over it no worries but I had to mention it. I suppose it's not a "contreversial" subject to get those 60+ comments, what a shame.

Anyway moving right along.......
For those people that have offered to help out on a physical level and those who might also be interested. Here's the schedule:

1. First delivery is planned for Tuesday, December 20th @ 7 PM in Abbassiya. There is a Telagu language service scheduled to take place whichserves 70 women & 30 men. We need 5 - 10 volunteers to attend the service to deliver the gift bags.

2. Packaging gift bags for a 50 men & 20 women from China who work in construction and factories. Delivery date & time to be confirmed soon.

3.Packaging gifts for 40 men & 10 women from Pakistan & India who are street & hospital janitors. Delivery date & time to be confirmed soon.

4. Packaging gifts for 50 Sri Lankan women. Delivery date & time to be confirmed soon.

I should get more details on the remaining 130 people who will benefit from this year's OPERATION HOPE by tomorrow.

I need volunteers on the following days/times for packing so if you are free to help us out
Volunteers needed:
X 2 for Saturday @ 5 PM;
X 3 for Sunday @ 10 AM;
X3 for>Sunday @ 5 PM;
X 2 for Monday @ 10 AM;
X 3 on Tuesday @ 10 AM.

If anyone's interested please e-mail me at contact@bassinetworld.com for all the finer details.

Screen Tag

2005-12-13T11:58:00.000+03:00

I've been tagged with a really odd tag...I'm supposed to post my desktop....

Now what you get out if it is beyond me....possibly an insight ot my personality....I doubt because I see my desktop as completely blaaaah (it's my office PC, what's so exciting about that!) I tend to think of myself a little more colorful than that;)

Ok I've been attempting to upload but it ain't working.....

Guess you'll just have to wonder about my desktop then!

OPERATION HOPE NEWSLETTER

2005-12-08T22:21:00.000+03:00

Dear Bloggers,

We are slowly gathering up so much information and a few donation here and there....
Al-Rumaithiya Co-op has donated bags for the cause and have also offered to give us food items at cost. In addition a wholeseller of uniforms and clothing articles has also offered to seel us stuff at cost price also....so we have all these suppliers yet still trying hard to collect money.

As Bassinet I have started circulating an e-mail to go around. If you're interested please send your e-mail to contact@bassinetworld.com with "Operation Hope" in the subject line and I'll forward you the e-mail to forward to your friends...

Please help out!!!

OPERATION HOPE

2005-12-06T12:05:00.005+03:00

Dear Bloggers,

'Tis the season!

A group of friends and I are working on a project to cheer a few children up for the holidays. The mission is to make Treat bags filled with scarves, warm clothing, sweets, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap...etc. For needy children.

We are in the process of collecting donations and contributions.

This is where you come in.... if you can just spare a KD, 2, 5 or 10 please think about it. You'll be putting a smile on children's faces. If you don't want to give money how about a box of toothpaste or soap?

Where to contribute?? Just pass by the bassinet store with your envelope or bag of donation (between 4:30 and 8pm). You can send the driver or even a taxi if you don't want your identity revealed. But please don't sit by and do nothing....we are hoping that people are charitable and are willing to help.

If you're not interested at least please forward the information to all those you know so that maybe they'll be able to contirbute.

I appreciate your help and I'm sure the children will appreciate it too.

P.S. You can also help out by placing a link to this post from your blog. Please don't let me down!

LATEST UPDATE: The mission has changed. With the same involvement, same requirements & donations required the mission has been edited with the recepients. We will be donating to those needy people that are underpaid, and underpriveledged in our country. We want to show them that there's hope with those that do care. The cleaners the helpers and so forth. More details will follow. PLEASE DONATE!!! Show them there are locals that do care!!

Al-Nas Mustawayat (people are levels).

2005-12-03T10:46:00.000+03:00

I woke up this morning with throbbing feet and a hoarse voice....but hey it was all worth it. Looking back I had a good time. The poeple I met, the sales the comments and the compliments was well worth it. I was feeling so good and I really felt that people are beginning to understand my efforts. I had an amazing time at the AWL bazaar. The sales alhimdila went well and I got to advertize my store....but that's not the story of this post.

Then I get this phone call.....

Rewind back to tuesday evening. This couple walk into the store and see that I have balloons. "SHE" asks a zillion questions until she decides she wants 20 Happy Birthday balloons. So I told her that it's better to get them the same day because the "latex" don't live as long as the foil. The hellium escapes through them. So I tell her the total is KD3 and they can pick them up Wednesday morning. I went specifically for them that day, did the 20 balloons, with hellium, ribbon and all. Waited patiently (which is unheard for me because I was waisting time) but anyway her husband came and picked it up (an hour late mind you) I advised him not to put it in the trunk since they will pop with the heat and to be careful they don't fly away, and that was that! So you assume everything went well right???!!!??

Well back to this morning. I get the phone call "Allloooo, habeebti ma3ach Maha, Ana ily khathay Al Balloonat" (hello this is Maha I'm the one that took the balloons from you) So I was very gracious and said hello and all the formal greetings "kuwaiti style" A million hellos & how are yous. Then she says "I ordered 20 balloons from you and you only gave me 13". I know I made 20 because I had taken out 20 balloons and cut 20 ribbons the night before to be more time effective. I told her I had made 20 and I'm sure of it and I said maybe a few flew away or popped on the way. THEN TO MY SHOCK she said "eee intay thimantay ilfloos awal shay ooo hatha ily hamich" thennnnnnnnn "click...tooot tooot tooot" She actually hung up! I've been trying to call back but she won't pick up. I want her to come and take the damn KD3 back and screw that!!! How dare she.... actually for the effort of running around the KD 3 wasn't even worth it. But what can you say to "those" kind of people. Tell them you can't believe that people would stoop that low? You can't believe that people walk in to the store and appreciate the work I do and that they come in and make a fuss on 3 freaking dinars? I BLOODY MADE 20 BALLOONS!!!

Why do these things happen to me? I really don't need this crap from mustawa zift!

I really need things to start looking up....the moment they do (like how I was feeling prior to that call) something crappy like a shitty phone call happens....

Triggered

2005-11-30T21:46:00.000+03:00

Ok I've been away from the blogging scene for a while. Even though I am trying to squeeze a few posts here and there. I just feel all I talk about is one thing and one thing only (business). Plus I seem to be such a nag, I hate listening to myself in my head let alone letting " you" my dear bloggers endure the nag nag nag, bitch, bitch, whine whine.... blah blah blah. Yet I feel like I must at least write something.

So many have constanly encouraged, supported and have given me tips or at least made me laugh. Thanks for cheering me on!!!

I'm so tempted to call it quits in the blog world. Yet I still feel I have made so many good friends that it's sad to think they won't be a part of my everyday life, my smiles, my venting out, my raw untainted self.

Should I?? Shouldn't I? Only now do I understand those that left the scene.

Experiences

2005-11-28T12:46:00.000+03:00

You know how people keep saying "it'll be a good experience", "It's a learning experience" well blah blah blah.

I'm tired of just getting experience. I want something a little more concrete than an experience in my head. I mean you go through life learning and adding information when at a particular point you just want a path to go the way you want. I'm not saying to stop everything and be steady but at least for just a while. A little stability with a little less experience to gain for just a little moment in time is all I ask.

*********************

I've been trying to get back into my social self lately. Well I've noticed that I've becoming VERY picky, well I shouldn't say picky as much as it's selective. I sometimes feel I'm in a social gathering and my mind wanders of right and left. almost like an out of body "Experience" aHHH there's that words AGAIN!

*********************

I've been very snappy lately. Especially towards my hubby. Miskeen, I really do feel bad but at the same time I just can't gelp it. Everything seems to aggitate me.

*********************

OH crap I just broke a nail!!!

Long overdue!!!

2005-11-22T08:43:00.000+03:00

I know I've been the horrible blogger.....no new post for longer than I'm allowed to.

Hey!!! I'm really trying, I just feel like there's not enough hours in the day. I have too much work, both for my day job and the business. Can you imagine I took a vacation from my day job to dedicate time to "BASSINET". I mean ok I'm dedicated and it's my priority and all but I'm waking up at 7:30 running around like a chicken without it's head. I'm nervous, anxious and just utterly out of control.

When is to much too much? How do you know you need to step back and take a breath? Are you allowed to do that when it's your open business?

It's so much easier just working for someone else. You'll always get the pay check. But when it's your business you tend to worry a whole lote more. Waiting for that one fabolous customer that will make a huge purchase to cover your rent Or that perfect oppurtunity to market yourself Or..... or...... or.....

Am I in over my head? I know I can do it, but what's the price I'm going to pay. My sanity, my family, my friends.... Yes I am getting a little berzerkish, even more than I already am....GEEEEZ I can see it top headline news SAMBOOSE in a stray jacket being dragged to the looney bin.

I always tell myself this though: I'm going to build this Empire of mine even if it kills me. Martha Stewart moo a7san miny (isn't better than me)

You know the thing that I always question is how come so many people that have their own business are calmer than I am? How do they do it?? Why am I not like that?

Ok I don't even know if this post is even coherent so people forget the spelling mistakes, the improper grammer and fragmented sentences.... I just need you too look at the heart of my post...what I'm REALLY trying to say. My brains on overdrive and my fingers are trying desperately to catch up with my thoughts.....

BASSINET....AGAIN!!!

2005-11-15T12:33:00.000+03:00

You didn't think this month wouldn't have a Bassinet post did ya!!!

News & Updates: http://www.bassinetworld.com/pages/5/index.htm

and

Events: http://www.bassinetworld.com/pages/6/index.htm

So what ya think?? Any advice?? Will you come visit?

Makoo I3tibar??

2005-11-10T09:12:00.000+03:00

Well this post is mostly a bitch session. I know I try not to be negative and whiney but I really am frustrated.

The thing is it's a lot of things put together. All of which in my head I have justifacations for but it still BUGS!!!

Ok don't take me wrong or that I'm itfalsafing, but I tend to think I'm a considerate person. I try to make sure eveyone's happy, or feels good and special. I don't do it to expect the same from people it's just my nature. BUT with that said I think a little appreciation or aknowledgment is in order. I think those around me got used to me being this way it's almost a given. Who's attending to the ga3da, Samboose. Who's making sure the tea's served, Samboose. Who's the one, who's the one...SAMBOOSE SAMBOOSE SAMBOOSE.

Well with recent developments in my life I have noticed that because I'm that kind of person the consideration isn't there. Makoo i3tibar. Because I don't "Az3al" and make a fuss I tend to be overlooked. Yet "Another" who's....how should I put it eloquently???? Let's just say the "opposite of me" is always thought of, always considered and aknowledged and "ya dehayna la tinkatayn". Why is it that way? I'm the better person here, shouldn't I be the one that's treated better?

Don't misunderstand me, it's not a question of jealousy. It's more of frustration. Ya3ni 3alayha bil3afiya that she tramples on people and they're all over her. I'm aggravated because people are so accustomed to my niceness and God forbid should I be down, depressed or not in the mood (ok granted it's highly abnormal) but I tried once not to budge, not to be overly nice, and I almost got the third degree. "Shfeeech?", "Mo 3awaydich", "shisalfa".....

Worse of all "My opposite" is a hoohoo towards me. Problem maker and all. I mean fine you go your way I go mine but why the evilness? mafy da3ee at all!!!

Ok I'm getting more upset, aggitated and frustrated. I thought writing about this would be good therapy... I'm actually worse off now.... OHHHHHOOOO!!!!! La3at Chabdi!!!

E-mail....

2005-11-06T09:39:00.000+03:00

I got the strangest e-mail this morning.... I'm not sure why this person picked me to e-amil or how he knows I'm in Kuwait since there's no indication.... but anyway it seems he's looking for a particular someone. So being the person that I am I'm going to post his e-mail and maybe someone out there will be able to help him out..... spread the word!

THE E-MAIL:

I am looking for an old friend of Kuwait.
Karim Abu Al Saud or Abu Saud last name.
My name is Enrique Faraj from Honduras.
His father works for the emir in the finance department.
Can you please send me his email or telephone number.

Thanks in advance!

Enrique E. Faraj
efaraj@grupo-f.com

Hoodlum City!!!

2005-11-04T08:24:00.000+03:00

Well as many of you know I lately have one MAJOR priority in my life these days. That is to make my business as big a success that I can.

Well I have set up a booth to sell my stuff and promote my shop in what I call Hoodlum city.

I have not seen my family for the past 2 days. No eid for me!!! BooHoo! It's going to be like this all the until Sunday. 10am-midnight.... AAAAAAHHH!!!

My husband has been stuck with me behind my booth which I'm glad he's as supportive as he is. At least we get a chance to spend time eachother in a round-about way!

But let me tell you. Not only am I in a mall I wouldn't be caught in on "regular" weekends but during EID, and in one of the major games places in that mall (geee like that's not a huge hint...heheheh!!!)

The things I am enduring lately is a shock!!!

I know I'm determined to make this business work but let me tell you it's either I make it big or it drives me crazy a long the way!

Wish me luck and I really hope something comes out of this!!!

Happy Eid

2005-11-02T10:50:00.000+03:00

Have a great Eid all!!!

I might be slacking of this week!!!

Have a great one!!

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!!

2005-11-01T11:16:00.000+03:00

Thank you to all of you!!! You're making me feel special even before posting the official birthday post. I guess all this week I've been reminding you…he he he!!! So this goes out to all of you.

A special thank you to
Cosimfree911, the first to post a dedication for my birthday on his blog.
Delicately Realistic, the first to send me a birthday SMS
MissCosmo Kuwait the first to send me an e-card
Stallion & Jazz central the first to give me a physical birthday and a gift… I love it!!! Can't wait to go on a shopping spree!!!

And to all you good wishers thank you a whooooooooole lot!!! You're really doing a great job of making me feel special!! (keep it coming..he he he!!!)

A Little about Me

2005-10-31T12:27:00.000+03:00

BORN : Sat. the first of November 1975 at 6:30a.m.
ASTROLOGICAL SIGN : Scorpio.
I will be 360 months old tomorrow the equivalent of 4.28845401174168 dog years old. (still chasing cats!)
My birth tree is: Walnut Tree, the Passion: Unrelenting, strange and full of contrasts, often egoistic, aggressive, noble, broad horizon, unexpected reactions, spontaneous, unlimited ambition, no flexibility, difficult and uncommon partner, not always liked but often admired, ingenious strategist, very jealous and passionate, no compromises.

PERSONALITY: Friends and family say that I'm often mysterious and that they never quite know what i'm thinking. I'm a virtual ball of warm emotion and attentiveness.

WHAT LUCK…..OR LACK OF IT!

2005-10-30T10:44:00.000+03:00

I don't believe this luck. This can't be happening!!! After a long search for an employee for the store I finally found a Pilipino to hire. He left to Philippines while I started on all the paper work with the labor (she'oon). After about 2 months of back and forth with papers, rules and regulations. They finally issued the work permit. So all that's left is the visa. Which usually I heard takes about 2-3 days (in comparison to how long I've waited that's nothing)

I get a message this morning from the guy's wife. The guy got into a motorcycle accident and can't come. His injuries are minor but still will not be able to travel.

I can't believe I'm back to square one. Just when I thought I was getting a break something like this happens. Shloon ya3ni I have to go through everything again?? Interviews, paperwork, government procedures…. THIS IS TORTURE. Ok it appears like I'm having a SUCKY week!!!

UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGH!!!!

I hope things start looking up since there's 2 days to go!

RENUVATION… not really

2005-10-29T10:13:00.000+03:00

I'm living in a pile of sand. My husband has decided to change everything!!! He has stripped all the floors of the apartment, given away our living room furniture. We only use our TV room where now everything that used to be everywhere else in the house is crammed in it. Thank God he left the bedroom and my pink room alone. But other than that he's out on a mission. Why do men have a tendency of just waking up one day and deciding… "I don't like the look", "we need a change"… Things were fine, I liked it the way it was. I just hope that at least within the next week we have tiles. I would like to walk without shoes in my own house!!! Actually I always wear slippers but I'm sure you know what I mean!!!

WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY?

I've been getting this question from everyone around? I can't believe I couldn't think of anything. My husband's not allowed to get me anything electronic as in Phone, pda, laptop….etc or for the kitchen as in mixer, kitchenaid, breadmaker…etc (which by the way to me is a hobby so don't think of it as an insult, it's actually my joy to get all sorts of kitchen gadgets and tools) but those things shouldn't be for a birthday. Then there's my sisters….I can't think of a single thing I want. Every year I say I'm going to make sure I keep track of things I'd like people to get me just to avoid this situation!
3 days to go

COUNTDOWN

2005-10-25T10:08:00.000+03:00

Well it's almost November…. The countdown to my birthday has begun! The BIG THREE- OOOOh.

All year long I've been looking forward to having a great big thirtieth birthday party with the whole big hall, DJ and everyone I know in my life….then a month ago I realize…. NO CAN DO?? It's Ramadan. Then Eid is during the following weekend. Then there's this and that and all of the above.

I can't believe no big shebang!!! I am so for the parties and not that I don't love the way I've always spent my birthdays but I really wanted to make this one a little different. I love the fantastic 5 and we really have a good time together but still I wanted a bigger deal, a little more special than usual.

Plus with the way my social life's on hold because of my shop, I don't see how I can have the time to plan anything. This is not how I was imagining my birthday would turn out at all.

7 days to go!

I'm SOOOOOOOO UPSET

2005-10-23T10:26:00.000+03:00

I had this woman do an interview with me in a local social magazine about my shop. She was all proud of the magazine when she brought it last night…. And let me tell you I'm ABOVE and BEYOND UPSET.

It's the most horrible thing I've ever read. Not a single thing I said. I sat there for two hours talking about my gift store and the concept of gift baskets and how I started....etc etc And in the three tiny paragraphs she wrote was all about stuff I "supposedly" said about how I understand "al-mara al-Kuwaitiya" Shino dasha majlis al-ommah!!! Ana shkoo. I'm promoting my store and not "al-mara al-Kuwaitiya".

I'm planning on calling the editor and asking for a formal apology because the image this stupid woman gave me defeats every principal I stand for. Worse of all she restricted my market to "Al-Mara Al-Kuwaitiya" I target SOOOOOO much more than that. UGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

I've worked so hard in trying to create my corporate image and in a few sentences she tarnished it completely! I really hope no one reads this khara magazine!

PLEASE CLICK!!!

2005-10-20T13:21:00.000+03:00

In an effort to raise funds please click the fund button on this site: http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/CTDSites you might be the one vote that saves a life.

Updated:
COME ON PEOPLE I KNOW WE CAN DO BETTER!!! 368 CLICKS NEEDED BEFORE THE END OF THE MONTH!

Halloween

2005-10-18T14:27:00.000+03:00

So you guys into that?? well if you are check out http://www.bassinetworld.com/pages/3/index.htm

Tagged by The Stallion & Miss Cosmo

2005-10-16T10:17:00.000+03:00

1. Last movie you saw in a theater: Bewitched

2. What book are you reading? In between books, about to start Harry Potter!

3. Favorite board game? Ohhhh…it's a pretty long list. Pictionary, charades, scattegories, trivial pursuit..etc

4. Favorite magazine? Better home & Gardens & Living

5. Favorite smell? Freshly baked items, like muffins, cake, bread…etc

6. Favorite food? Sushi, Fettuccine Alfredo

7. Favorite sound? That sound in the states before a movie starts "The Audience is listening"

8. Worst feeling in the world? Feeling stressed because there's so much to do and so little time!

9. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up? Is it the weekend?

10. Favorite fast food place? Ummm…. I'm not big on fast food, but if I had to chose I'd say Pizza.

11. Future child's name? Ok people this is documentation that I chose therse names first…no stealing!!! Boy's name is Saif, girls Jennah & Merayah

12. Finish this statement. If I had a lot of money: I'd build my business empire

13. Do you drive fast? Occasionally

14. Do you sleep with a stuffed animal? Nope, never did never will!

15. Storms, cool or scary? Restricting and confining.

16. What was your first car? Infiniti, M30

17. Favorite drink? Dr. Pepper

18. Finish this statement, "If I had the time I would..." : travel more

19. Do you eat the stems on broccoli? No

20. If you could dye your hair any color, what would be your choice? Aborigine ( kinda like the red wine color)

21. Name all the different cities/ towns you have lived in? Surra, Jabriya, Austin-TX, Beirut-Lebanon, Adma-Lebanon, Dasma

22. Half empty or half full? Half full

23. Favorite sports to watch? I like the flo flo ones, like Gymnastics, figure skating & water Ballet

24. One nice thing about the person who tagged you? I had 2 people tag me so vat to do?

25. Morning person, or night owl? Morning! I looooooooove daylight!

26. Over easy, or sunny side-up? Sunny side up for sure! (maith e3yoon)

27. Favorite place to relax? The pink room.

28. Favorite pie? Pecan Pie & Sweet potato pie.

Those that are tagged aaaaaaaaare: A3sab, Equalizer & Flamingoliya

To work or not to work that is the question….

2005-10-15T09:51:00.000+03:00

I have three new projects that I need to be working on… One totally Major and two secondary projects.

Now I'm not sure about you guys but I'm all for working and "a7alil ma3ashi" but come on what's the deal with the division of work. I mean it's like there's hardly any work, just the usual shoving papers back and forth and maintaining the average and then all of a sudden there's all these projects and all rush jobs that need to be finished yesterday…. COME ON!!! Give us some consistency here for the LOVE OF GOD!!!

Oh my! what about my blogs??? Will I not be able to do my blog rounds?? Will I be the kind that posts every once in a while…..i'm getting depressed…..POOOOOOOOO on THEM!

How to love & be loved

2005-10-10T10:46:00.000+03:00

So many talks about love and loving, relationships, Dos and Don’ts so what do you think is the right way from the list below….why??

1. Love the way you want to be loved.
2. Make sure your partner loves you more.
3. Give with all your heart even if the person doesn't reciprocate.
4. Reserve your feelings of love not to show your weakness.
5. Smother your partner at all times
6. Give only as much as you receive even if you want to give more.

7. Gigi's rule: "Love the way YOUR LOVED ONE wants to be loved".

Do you have a suggestion that's not on the list…..please share!

WANASAAAA!!!

2005-10-09T10:02:00.000+03:00

I got into work today much more energetic than yesterday! THANK GOD!!! Yesterday was pure torture. Well as I was situating myself, getting ready to flip through today's paper the "murasil" comes around distributing a memo.

It's the verdict for our Eid holiday… WE HAVE A WHOLE WEEK!!!! YAAAAAAAY!!!! 7ada wanasa, now that's something to look forward tooo…. Nov. 5th all the way to Nov. 11, include the weekends and that's a total of 9 days!!! YIPPIE!!!!!

NA3SAAAAAAAAANA!!

2005-10-08T11:53:00.000+03:00

Ok this is not good. I think today's a day from hell… I hardly have any work…..actuallly I don't have anything not even busy paperwork. I'm just sitting here, browsing blog from blog. Reading a sentence and dozing of for a few moments.

This morning I took intervals in getting ready, I got up, itwatheet and prayed then took a 5 minute nap. Then I got up wore my shirt then took a 5 minute nap, I put my contacts then took a 5 minute nap, I put my pants on then took a 5 minute nap. I even took a nap at the traffic light on my way to work!!! The biggest finale was… I actually did something that I've discovered I tend to do at least a few times every Ramadan. I went to the bathroom (tikramoon) and took a 20 minute nap.

Here's what I do I put the toilet cover down, sit on it, take shoes off and atraba3 (sit cross legged) set my alarm on my phone, I set my head on the wall behind me and enjoy the next 20 minutes of being ZONKED out…..(we have extremely clean bathrooms I don't think I'd be able to do it anywhere else…he he he)

Yala I'm ready for it to be 2 so I can go home and take a reaaaaaaal nap. I don't think it's because of fasting or staying up late…actually it's more of a combination of everything plus getting over my cold….

Sorry if I'm incoherent…. I need a nap…he he he!!

Thought for the week

2005-10-05T10:48:00.000+03:00

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old University of Notre Dame lecturer. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.

Offering his guests coffee, the lecturer went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, some plain looking and some expensive and exquisite, telling them to help themselves to hot coffee.

When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the lecturer said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking, expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is but normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.

What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the better cups and are eyeing each other's cups."

"Now, if Life is coffee, then the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, but the quality of Life doesn't change."

"Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee in it."

11:30

2005-10-04T11:31:00.000+03:00

Happy Ramadan everyone!!! Hope all you prayers will be answered....

Our days are much shorter for this month... why don't they go any faster??

Is it just me or do ?I feel like the days are just as long. I cam into work at 9:30, by the time everyone came and said hello and umbarak 3alikum al shahar it became 10:30.... I've been working and keeping busy and it's only 11:30!!!! I thought for sure it would be one hour to go home....

Well maybe if I do my blog rounds the day will be over!!! Yeah I guess I'll do that!!

Too tired to post

2005-10-03T08:45:00.000+03:00

I have a few favorite blogs that I like to go and visit on a daily basis.

I like to read what they have to say and comment. Often I go visit it on intervals to see other comments and perhaps an answer left for me (answering my comment)

I get slighly irritated or perhaps more than just "slightly" when I do my blog rounds and some people haven't posted anything new. I can understand, we're all busy but I can't help but feel this is my down time from real life and this person had decreased my downtime...... he he he!!

I 'm really tired, I don't want to be at work.

Bachir might be Ramadan, how am I going to gain energy?

Wayed ashya' in my head.... I'm rambling on I know.... but I need to get all the za7ma out of my head...

Oh-Oh!!

2005-10-02T11:40:00.000+03:00

PART ONE:
I would like to take this opportunity to tell everyone that came by to my opening "THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!" It really means a lot to me that you took the time to come and support me. I hope you enjoyed all the yummy stuff and pretty things to look at...he he he!!!

Mada7 nafsa china yabeela rafsah...LOL!!!

For those that missed it well the store's not going anywhere so come by and visit!!! We're currently open from 4:30-8pm.

(P.S. The Stallion Thank you for featuring me in your post!!!)

PART TWO:
I think I'm coming down with a cold or perhaps I'm loosing my voice from yesterday. I woke up this morning with a sore throat. First thing I did was take Vitamin C (fawar)...didn't do anything really. So I took this Thera Flu thing...tastes like crap but I forced it down....doesn't seem to do anything either. I can't afford to get sick...this is not the time at all... I know everyone (huband, family and close friends) will be telling me off. I'm going to get lectures about how I'm not resting, how this is all because I don't relax, I'm pushing myself, I'm over exerting myself..blah blah blah. I hate those types of lectures, especially when they're right and you can't argue back.

I can't afford this right now, no time to relax...gotta business to run!!! I'm pushing myself beyond imaginable limits but I have a vision, I have a goal and to tell you the truth I'm going to achieve it even if it kills me or they take me away to the looney bin!!

GRAND OPENING INVITATION

2005-10-01T07:38:00.000+03:00

I sat here all morning contimplating.... Should I post details of my opening...is that revealing me completely. Will it change my posts? Will I wonder about every person that walks by if they're a blogger.... My verdict is this.

Priority #1: Advertize my shop.

Priority #2: Get as much media coverage and pretty people in my picture...he he he!!!

Priority #3: Make a name for "Bassinet" So it can grow into the empire that I want it to be.

Prioity #4: Get the chance to quiet my day job so that I can really dedicate every

moment taking care of my business .

Never thought of exposing myself or protecting my identity. People are going to know who I am sooner or later. Whether you want to reveal yourself or not that's your decision. BUT I NEED EXPOSURE, not of myself but exposure for my business. So if this is one of the way so be it!

You're invted to come to the opening of

Bassinet Gift Shop

Sat. Oct. 1, 2005

At 5 p.m.

Mobarak Complex-Hawalli

(3rd complex after Plaza Hawalli- the one with Starbucks- right before Othman mosques. It's an orange building with blue windows)

P.S I'll still be the same blogger, this changes nothing! Open and honest is my nature regardless!

Business is Business

2005-09-28T08:54:00.000+03:00

Soo people I finally got around to dedicating some time to update everyone. I know I hate having to go back and forth to see if people posted the latest so I do appreciate it that everyone's willing to come back and check!!!!

Back to "THE TALK", I did it. It was really frustrating to build up all these thoughts inside of the right things to say, the specific tone, the right approach. I didn't want to sound too harsh yet I didn't want to sound too lenient. I was off course in the shop before her,,,, that's the usual. So I was going about all my organizing, arranging and all that. I was making a bow when she walked in….We kissed hello and I did the small talk of "How's your trip? Hope you had a good time" blah blah blah…Trying to be all calm and somewhat normal when inside my stomach was making summersaults and I had a field of butterflies fluttering around.

Well Finally I thought enough is enough "get down to business Samboose". So I said "Listen Dee, Habeebti intay. We're friends and will always be friends. Put that aside, what I'm about to say shouldn't affect our personal relationship with each other. I told her how I've tried to make her commit but her situation with her personal life (whether socially or anything else) isn't allowing her to give me more. We've had the talk of giving more into the business but your priorities are elsewhere. I need more and I took her as a partner for effort and not financial. I told her that I realize that she has different priorities and a different vision. She took on the business/shop because it's fun. We're not at the same level of thinking. She sat there and listened nodding and agreeing. Then finally she said she wanted to talk to me about it, she knew she wasn't giving the business it's attention because she can't, this is her capacity of giving and she can't go further. She even said I sit there and I think "WHAT AM I DOING?" She said she realizes that I've got it all covered and what's her level of involvement, she even said that when I give her something to do she still has to come back to me because she's not sure if she's on the right track. Plainly she said "This is your thing and I can't even begin to try to reach the level you're at"

She was glad I brought it up because she was too scared to say anything to me. She was AMAZINGLY agreeable and wanted out but didn't know how to approach. I told her she should have said something because it's easier for her to say she wants out than me to say I want her out. All in all it all got squared away. WHAT A RELIEF!!! She basically said whatever I decide is fine, if I want to buy her out or give her a lesser percentage it's all fine by her.
She still said that she wants to help and be involved for fun. I told her that many friends get involved at their convenience and I'm more than happy if she would too. She's helping out "As a friend" but the issue of partnership has been resolved!
How's that for an update...he he he!!!

Talk the talk

2005-09-26T07:47:00.000+03:00

Today's going to be a day where I spill my guts. I need to be calm, collected, rational and logical…. All that put together is something I will have to work really hard to accomplish. I am known to get overworked at times.

I have so much I need to say and I need to make sure I stick to the facts. No need to point fingers and no need to give guilt trips. Just pure raw facts will do it…

Can I do it? Will I be able to pull it off? Will she be understanding? Will she see beyond the here and now? What will her reaction be? All that I don't know.

Some people are great individuals, lovely to be around and great friends. With that put a side not everyone's cut out for business and not every friend can be a business partner.

I love her and she's a sweetheart but when there's a lack of commitment and vision it's almost impossible to move forward.

Why did I take her as a partner you might ask….well I didn't expect this. She seemed eager and so willing at the beginning, but I guess when it boiled down to the seriousness of things she was set back knowing that you actually have to WORK for it and work HARD for that matter. Many sleepless nights, many days of planning on end and many times of missing those social things you loved so much. Has she done that…NO. I've had enough of carrying her weight. This is the time I will speak out and say " We'll always be friends but not business partners…this just ain't working out babe!!" Off course I won't say it that way, I'll be much more diplomatic about that…
Soooo with all the common sense I just wrote, and all the things I know I'M STILL FREAKING OUT! I really don't want to hurt her feeling but after all business is business right?!?!?

PAPER CUT

2005-09-25T08:24:00.000+03:00

I was rummaging through a bunch of papers last night trying to organize the gazillion things on my desk. When "Ouch Ouch!!" I get a paper cut. It's on the upside of my right thumb where the crease of bending it is. Can I tell you after that every time I reached for something I hit the cut. It's a tiny little thing but is excruciatingly painful.

Made me feel even sorrier for myself…. Didn't have anyone to share my agony with me. Shfeeny 6ayra sappy!! Killish ma iloog!!

Lonely

2005-09-24T07:48:00.000+03:00

Im so lonely,

im mr. Lonely

I have nobody,

To call my owwnnn I'm so lonely

(etc etc etc)

Never thought that i'd be alone,

I didnt hope you'd be gone this long,

I jus want u to come home,

(blah blah blah)

Lonely im so lonely....

38 days shy of being THIRTY,
3 and half years of marriage,
Several relationships and a few heartaches,
I have a new discovery!!!

I only now just discovered this piercing pain, sinking feeling and void internally. Have I never REALLY loved before? Or is it because he's my TRUE love??

I took my hubby to the airport yesterday. He's going to be gone for a week on business. This is the first time I'm left alone. I've traveled and left him behind a few times but any previous business trips he had I've gone with him. This is just so strange. I really miss him, it's been less than 24 hours but it feels like much more.

So many thoughts went through my mind and I made sure that I kept really busy. Good thing is this week I'm REALLY busy so it should keep me preoccupied but still. The usual morning call of good morning, the few chatty moments during the day on MSN. The drive back home phone call. The conversation over dinner of "how was you day?" The goodnight kiss. The final cuddle and being zonked out from tiredness together.

Booo Hooo me so sad!

My new word!!!

2005-09-21T13:52:00.000+03:00

I was chatting with a blogger and asked her about Salted Caramel....Where's here blog people? Is she outta the circle??

So I asked my friend "do you know Salted Caramel?" She Said "Personally? no" My answer to her was "No not personally but Blogally" So I thought I'd share.

So to all my Blogal friends I wish you all a great weekend!!!

P.S. Salty Salty where are you Salty??

Press Release...

2005-09-21T10:28:00.000+03:00

I'm in the process of writing a press release for the newspapers to get some publicity going for my store. I would just like to say I keep going round in circles….. It has to be PERFECT!!! Planning an opening on the first EVERYONE'S invited.

I'll be writing the English copy then have someone do the Arabic translation… I know I'm bad but that's my functional language what can I say.

So readers….What grabs your attention in the papers? Do you read press releases or just news? Suggestions? Advice?

End of season 4

2005-09-19T12:02:00.000+03:00

Part of my anniversary gift for my husband was the boxed set of season 1-4 of CSI-Las Vegas. We are both really into it and since June we've made it a habot to watch it together. Well we saw the last episode of season 4 last night. First thing I thought of was "what are we going to do now?"

Is there a season 5 in Las Vegas???
Should I invest in getting CSI-Miami, or perhaps the new CSI-New York?
Would it be the same?
Or should we just get into another show???

Banks

2005-09-18T08:01:00.000+03:00

I had Gulf bank call me last week for a survey they're conducting. So being appreciative and considerate I was VERY expressive. She asked if I had accounts in any other Bank and I laughed I said "Yes, I do. I have an account in Burgan Bank, NBK, and Ahli" She paused and asked which one I think is better I told her that All banks in Kuwait are the same. No one bank is better, similar accounts, facilities, services and customer satisfaction inadequacy. No one account is better because all are bound by central bank so it's not like you get that much better rates. All of them I feel you have to wait wait and wait until you get what you want.

NBK Story:
I went last Thursday at 8am to one of the NBK branches to make a deposit. I took a number and sat. After about 15 minutes not a single digit changed on the screen. There were only 3 tellers. The branch had about 8 or 9 other employees but non of which attempted to take on a customer. By the time I got the teller I just couldn't help myself and said something to the effect of "your service sucks" Poor guy I didn't mean to take it out on him and I said that I told him I'm not lashing out on him as much as something needs to be done. I waited for almost 45 minutes yet the whole process of my transaction literally took less than 5 minutes.

Gulf Bank Story:
The looooooooong process of getting K-Net. By the time I got to the person that actually handles the transaction I wanted to accomplish was about 10 days of calls back and forth. I'm in the process of getting a few things set up for the shop. One of which I want is online ordering and K-net. So we contact the branch manager and he says he'll call us back with the information. The first day passed no call, second no call….by the third another call was made. Answer: "Head office didn't get back to me" 2 days we initiate another call and he gives us a name. We call wrong contact, they give us ANOTHER name to contact…..again wrong service….Finally I call up a friend who works at the bank tell her the story (which mind you I always seem to insist on doing things through the right channels that doesn't work in Kuwait, if you got connection USE them it'll make life so much easier. In our society THAT'S the right channel)
The following day the right guy calls me from the right department and we're all set. Now We'll see how long it takes them to actually put the K-net devise in the store.

Burgan Bank:
I went to pick up my visa card. First of, it was so lovely back in the day in college when everything was delivered by mail. Your bills, credit cards, car registration stuff. Now I just can't stand all the mundane errands I have to do which totally wastes my time. Anyway back to the story, I was at the head office Waiting in line at the office of where I'm supposed to pick up the visa (no numbers here) the employee behind piles and piles of papers and envelopes and a customer sitting across from him holding tons of papers. So I stood there waiting a chance to get to say a word. Polite and curtious as not to 'Adar3im'. Every few seconds other employees would walk in do there transactions with the guy. Trying to stay calm I clutched my hands and started to grind my teeth telling my self "he's doing his job" repeatedly. Until a Customer walks in and he attends to him….OOOOOOOOHHH!!!! Bad move. That's when I burst out and said (in Arabic offcourse) "Do you not see me waiting in line??? What am I wall here? Or you think I'm standing here for fun?" Off course the three MEN (the employee customer#1 seated and customer#2 walk in) I started raising my voice and pointing my finger left and right. And said "the problem is not only that YOU are rude (towards custome#2) bypassing me but also the 'Far3ooon' sitting behind the desk that actually ignores the fact that I'm waiting" well that's as far as I remember what I said but I remember screaming and pointing and biggest of all telling them how "Mako fayeda Bil-3arab, no matter what you try they can never be organized and always Fawtha" The thing is no one was answering or even saying anything they just stared in shock. So I just thre my old visa and civil id on the desk and said I want my new visa card and I don't want to wait another moment. Employee "Hadher hather bes matiz3aleesh" I just shrugged and said "bes bes maly khulg khalesny, thaye3t waqti bima feeh al-kefaya" Customer #1 & #2 just left the space without a word. I signed for my card he got the pin from somewhere and I was out in again less than 5 minutes.

Ahli Bank:
Ha Ha Ha….I suggest we not go there!!!!!

Ahhh the days of mail service and drive thru banking….. will we ever reach that level??

Public speaking and Power point presentations.

2005-09-17T09:17:00.000+03:00

Can you do it? Do you enjoy it? Or do get the feeling like you're back in highschool and you haven't studied for an exam?

For some public speaking comes as second nature to them. They don't get the anxiety, panic attacks or nervous. I'm pleased to say that I belong to that category. I actually enjoy giving presentations. I get excited about it and find it tons of fun to grab people's attention, involve them in my discussion and find fun ways for interaction.

So is it a "social anxiety disorder" is it really a disorder? What is it?

The central anxiety syndrome boils down to PANIC ATTACKS, AGORAPHOBIA or some other type of ANXIETY DISORDER.

Panic Disorder: This is the feeling of terror that strike suddenly and/or repeatedly with no warning. It can't be predicted and a lot of the time people that suffer from this spend so much energy worrying when the next episode will occur. This results in a persistent state of worry. The PANIC ATTACK may result in one or a combination of the following: Pounding heart, feel sweaty, weak, faint, dizzy, nausea or abdominal distress hands may tingle or feel numb, feel flushed or chilled. It may also escalate into larger states such as chest pain or smothering sensations, a sense of unreality, or fear of impending doom or loss of control. People that suffer from panic attacks may eventually feel that they are genuinely having a heart attack or stroke, losing your mind, or on the verge of death (it's all in the head though). The average attack may last a couple of minutes, occasionally up to 10 minutes. In rare cases, they may last an hour or more.

Agoraphobia: involves anxiety about being in places or situations from which escape might be difficult (or embarrassing). These fears typically involve characteristic clusters of situations that include being outside the home alone; being in a crowd or standing in a line; being on a bridge; and traveling in a bus, train, or automobile. Most of the time, panic attacks co-occur with this disorder; It is fairly rare for agoraphobia to be diagnosed without them.

Social Phobia: intense fear of possible scrutiny by others in a social situation. This deals with the specific fear of becoming humiliated in social situations, specifically of embarrassing yourself in front of other people. It involves the feeling that small mistakes seem much more exaggerated than they really are. Blushing itself may seem painfully embarrassing, and the feeling as though all eyes are focused on you. Fear or anxious about giving a speech, talking to a boss or other authority figure, or dating. The most common social phobia is a fear of public speaking. Sometimes social phobia involves a general fear of social situations such as parties. More rarely it may involve a fear of using a public restroom, eating out, talking on the phone, or writing in the presence of other people. Although this disorder is often thought of as shyness, the two are not the same. Shy people can be very uneasy around others, but they don't experience the extreme anxiety in anticipating a social situation, and they don't necessarily avoid circumstances that make them feel self-conscious. In contrast, people with social phobia aren't necessarily shy at all. They can be completely at ease with people most of the time, but particular situations, such as walking down an aisle in public or making a speech, can give them intense anxiety. Social phobia disrupts normal life, interfering with career or social relationships. The dread of a social event can begin weeks in advance, and symptoms can be quite debilitating.

So what's your take on all this.... Will you be seen giving a presentation? Do you feel you suffer from any of the above?

To present or not to present that is the question.

Is she serious!!!

2005-09-15T07:13:00.000+03:00

My roomate freshman year is thinking of coming to visit. I don't want to get too excited because we've been friends for over 10 years now and I just don't want to get too excited.

"Maybe after the New year" she said.....Trying my best to hide the excitement. I get to play hostess....YAAAAAAY!!! WANASAAAAAAAAAA!!!

I know that many of you think that Kuwait's boring but in reality I can think of a zillion cool things! So from now until the time she comes I'll get to plan an elaborate schedule just for her!!

So has anyone ever had a friends of theres frpom the States visit? What did you do? where did you go? I'm going to keep a little notebook with me so that I write down everything I think would be cool to do!

Camel races maybe???

Word of the day

2005-09-13T11:17:00.000+03:00

This morning has been one thing after the other!!! Back to back like there's no tomorrow. What's the rush madri… Actually yesterday was the same….hmmmm

You know something's wrong when I don't get a chance to do my Blog rounds….

We were sitting in a meeting getting all the new project handed over when we split into our teams….
So we were down to 2 colleagues of mine and myself. Getting into details of things that need to be done, analysis of the whole system and discussing methods of improving. When One of the guys says "don't worry selfkum" SELFKUM!!! As in "7alkum" in the Palestinian accent.

Ok I'm the youngest in the department and the least person that's worked here… All of them have been here over 15 years….all I wanted to do is just CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK up!!

So I've decided today's word is SELFKUM!!! Have you ever slipped and mixed words to make one of your own? What was it?

TAG AGAIN

2005-09-10T08:34:00.000+03:00

Well thanks to Miss Cosmo I've been tagged. So how intersted are you in reading what I have to say?? a little, not at all...or perhaps you're one of the few that's been glad i've been tagged because you're just totally dieing to know all those nitty gritty details about "my so-called life" he he he!!! ok I'm entertaining myself here LOOOOOOOOOOL!!!

So here goes new day, new tag new post!

Last book you read: Currently reading "The Da Vinci Code" Gotta read it before the movie's out!

Last phone number you called: My hubby

Last show you watched on tv: The Natalie Wood story

Last thing you had to drink: Coffee

Last thing you ate: Peanut butter & Jelly sandwich

Last time you cried: hmmm…. I can't remember

Last time you smiled: Always!!

Last person you hugged: My husband

Last person you talked to on the phone: My husband

Last thing you smelled: Narcisso Rodriguiz perfume

Last cd you bought: Noorah Jones

Last song you sang: (ARABIC) edam el kill i7laftilak, "madri shino...shino" ma badi fil, keef badi fil, abil ma itfil ishta'tilak....

Last thing you laughed at: getting lost in the direction of Sulaibikhat

What's in your cd player: Arabic mix Cd

What time did you wake up today: 5:45 am

Current favorite article of clothing: Do shoes count??

Favorite place to be: Mozarts Café- Austin, TX

Least favorite place: WORK!

Do you believe in an afterlife: Yup!

In heaven or hell: Definitely!

How tall are you: 4' 11"

Current favorite word: Oh Well!

Favorite book: Harry Potter series

Random lyric: It's bananans B-A-N-A-N-A-S, It's bananans B-A-N-A-N-A-S!!

If I could do anything right now, I would be: NOT AT WORK!!! On the cruise I've been dreaming of.

Are you a daredevil: ummmm to a certain extent

Have you ever told a secret you swore you'd never tell: NO!!! That's betrayal!

Do looks matter: not really, "beauty's in the eye of the beholder" it's only skin deep.

How do you release your anger: Scream in the car

My second home is: My parent's house….daaaaaaah!

One thing I have that I wish I didn't: Issues from a particular in-law

All you need is: Ambition, anything's possible

Something I want but I don't really need: LOTS OF SHOES!!!

Something I need but I don't really want: New phone

*do you...*

drink? Doesn't everybody….don't want to get dehydrated you know!!

have a boyfriend/girlfriend? HELLO!!! I have a husband!! I would imagine he'd get pretty upset if I had either

have a dream that keeps coming back? Different variations not a recurring one.

believe there is life on other planets? Yes

read the newspapers: I flip, look at headlines, check out the pictures… But not thorough

consider yourself tolerant of others? Not at all

I'm tagging A3sab, Salted Caramel, Sarah….

7 Night Greek Isles & Turkey Cruise

2005-09-07T09:57:00.000+03:00

I've decided I want to go on a cruise for my next vacation. I don't know when that's going to happen but that's the plan. I've decided on "Splendour Of The Seas". This particular cruise will depart from Venice, Italy. The Route is as follows: Venice, Italy; Piraeus (Athens), Greece; Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey; Iraklion (Heraklion), Crete; Corfu, Greece; Venice, Italy. Ahh doesn't that sound just like a slice of ecstasy.

But from now until I depart one day I will be dreaming of saying "Bon Voyage" to you all.

Quote

2005-09-05T08:13:00.000+03:00

My favorite quote of all time. It might give you a little backgound about my personality I think.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll;
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

By: William Ernest Henley

HELP! Blogging O.D.

2005-09-04T09:01:00.000+03:00

Oh oh!!! I think I'm in trouble. I think I've ODeed on the blogosphere. I don't want it to be just a phase. I've met interesting people and got to read so many interesting topics. Why does it feel slow to me today. Have I reached a point where reading one more blog's a drag? I'm not ready for this to happen…… I still have the interest, I still have the hunger to learn more about my fellow bloggers…. So many interesting people that I feel I share so much in common with that I don't get a chance to meet in the society (guess they're all busy blogging at home…he he he!)

So what's the deal???
Why have I developed this feeling??
How can I stop it??

YiPieeeee!!!

2005-08-31T07:39:00.000+03:00

Saturday's OFF!!!! Don't you just Love long weekends!!!

Got Milk?

2005-08-28T11:15:00.000+03:00

Remember that campaign….. Well I feel like I'm reliving it. I recently started this diet on ediets.com. It's going well it gives you EVERYTHING! It does all the calculations for your calorie intake. Gives you advice on your workout and best of all the exact recipe and amounts. It also caters to what you like and what you don’t like….example I excluded all red meat….I'm not a red meat eater at all…I know I know I'm missing out on the big juicy steak…well long story don't want to get into that. Anyway back to the diet. It really helps and it has snacks too. So far so good right!!!!

Well I'm not big on milk so when I started this diet most the meal plan I chose was the ediets, you can choose Atkins, south beach…whatever you please. I like the way the ediets one was set up. Anyway I noticed that there's a lot of milk…. I'm ok with that. I 'm not a real milk drinker but I figured I might as well get some calcium so I started abiding by the milk intake. Well let me tell you one thing…Boy was I full until my next meal. I couldn't even eat my snack.

So people my advice to anyone that's dieting:
GOT MILK?

Bumble Bee Syndrome

2005-08-27T08:57:00.000+03:00

Yes I suffer from that. What is it you may think??? Well here's a little about that

Too excited and hyper that it causes total exhaustion and eventually a breakdown in the system.
Must do everything all at the same time. If invited to 3 places will go to all three regardless of how tired one is.
Borderline obsessive compulsive in organization and orderliness.
Getting depressed if the socialization level decreases. Must interact with people.
Will make the partner or spouse crazy if they're not as hyper or excited as they are.
When meeting new people being too nice and too open with one's being that it may backfire.
When seeing old friends and go up to them in excitement and enthusiasm receiving the cold hello back. Set up for a major ba3sa
Not being able to be laid back and relaxed. Must be doing something constantly.
Being all smiles that people tend not to take you seriously.
Helpful and giving that some may mistake as an invitation to be taken advantage of.
Unable to delegate assignments because people tend to do things at a much slower pace than expected which tend to DRIVE THEM CRAZY!
Things go in a specific order to reach to step 3, step 1 and 2 must be completed and perfected.
Being told to stay quiet for more than 20 minutes is PURE TORTURE.
Can't understand people that sit in front of the TV watching show after show after show, seems like a total waste of time.
Day is screwed up if part of the day's plan is disrupted.

Are there more of you out there??? Are you seeking help?? What if you don't think there's anything wrong with you and everyone else is just slow and you're the normal pace?? Should there be a "BBA" (Bumble Bee Anonymous) ?

I have been Tagged

2005-08-24T11:56:00.000+03:00

I just found out that a colleague of mine at work is a bloger…. Hmmmm is it good to be exposed or not I wonder?!?

Well he has "Tagged" me….I looked at him like "HUH!!! And that is…." Well it's basically I have to copy all the questions that he's listed (and answered) and answer them myself. Then it'll be my turn to Tag. So I guess it's my turn so here goes!

10 years ago: Sophomore year in college. Perfect Stage, not a newbie in the States, Independent, know how to get around. Confident to take last minute trips all over…. Best year!

5 years ago: In Lebanon finishing up my MBA. I guess I did it the other way around, States then Lebanon… I guess my parents thought if I went back to the States for my MBA I'd never come back. Let me tell you I was GLAD I left Beirut once I graduated…. 1st year was bearable second was close to torture. Met my husband to be, huh little did I know;)

1 year ago: Went to Las Vegas with my best friend from college to celebrate our 10th anniversary of our fabulous friendship…. We had an amazing time, reminded us of our crazy days in College. Love ya Terri!

Tomorrow: Going to my shop in the morning (9-1), lunch with the "Fantastic Five" Probably the shop again from 4-8…Trying to think of something creative for the evening.

5 snacks I enjoy: Doritos Nacho cheese, Doritos Cooler Ranch, raisins, Pringles Sour cream & Onion, my caramel cheesecake.

5 bands/artists that I know the lyrics to most of their songs: you're kidding!!!! I guess Maddonna, Michael J. , ummmmmm madri! I like so many songs and know some of the lyrics but not a specific artist!

5 things I'd do with $100,000,000: Really develop my empire of a business, watch out Martha Stewart! Buy or build my dream house! Start an environment volunteer center. Get a summer home in some Island. Distribute excess money to my family.

5 locations I'd like to run away to: my bed, I tend to sleep as soon as I'm upset. Probably start surfing the net for some online shopping. My kitchen to do some baking. If it's something big then possibly hang out at the beach. Or travel anywhere to get away.

5 bad habits I have: Ok this is bad, I don't know if I have any….Oh clenching/grinding my teeth. I can think of characteristics, impatient, bad temper, adamant too orderly.

5 things I like doing: Arts & crafts, Baking/cooking, Party Planning (includes actually partying), playing games (pictionary, charades…etc those kind), socializing.

5 thing I will never wear: Shorts unless I'm at the beach, trench coat, thong bikini, wig (unless it's Halloween) Too much make up that makes me look like a clown!

5 TV shows I like: Sex and the city, Charmed, The district, CSI, anything from HGTV.

5 movies I like: Don Juan Demarco, The princess bride, Aladdin (I know it's a cartoon but I love it) Body & Soul, Serendipity (Oh my do I see a pattern… Am I a hopeless romantic or WHAT!)

5 people I'd like to meet: Oprah, Tom Hanks, Martha Stewart, Harry potter (if fictional characters count…he he he) People that have passed away I'd like to meet my grandmother (Bibi from my mom's side)

5 biggest joys at the moment: My hubby, family, friends, My Shop, baking

5 favorite toys: Scrapbooking (artsy craftsy stuff), All my specialty cooking supplies (cake decorating utensils, creative pans and kitchen gadgets) Does my husband count as a toy?? He he he

I'm tagging: MissCosmoKuwait, Hopeless Poet, Lady Samantha, The Don

I'm keeping my Promise

2005-08-23T08:46:00.000+03:00

I've been facing a few obstacles today. Both at work and my business… procedures and all. But I had promised not to mention any negativity and I'm determined to do just that… Off course I noticed that positive posts don't get as much exciting comments but I'm going to stick to my word!!!
So the only thing to make sure I stick to my word I need your help with the lyrics of a song....It's an 80's song and it goes something like:

Ain't nothing going to break my spine * something something**

Ain't nothing going to hold me down
Oh Oh I gotta keep on moving.

Anyone know who sings it or what the exact lyrics are?

NEW UPDATE

Thanks to my blog buddies I got the name and artist of the song. "BREAK MY STRIDE" by Matthew Wilder.

The part I chose to walk around ALL day stuck in my head and sing to reinforce my positive attitude is:

Ain't nothin' gonna break my stride

Nobody's gonna slow me down,

oh noI got to keep on moving

Ain't nothin' gonna break my stride

I'm running and I won't touch ground,

oh noI got to keep on moving

You're on the road and now you pray it lasts

The road behind was rocky

But now you're feeling cocky

You look at me and then you see your past

Is that the reason why you're running so fast?

Ain't nothin' gonna break my stride
Nobody's gonna slow me down,
oh noI got to keep on moving

Ain't nothin' gonna break my stride
I'm running and I won't touch ground,
oh noI got to keep on moving

(going to dedicate this also to Kuwaiti Lady She needs a cheer! So sing it with me babe "oh no I got to keep on moving")

Wanasa it's Monday!!

2005-08-22T08:00:00.000+03:00

This is great we're half way through this week. Can you believe that August almost coming to an end? So many things to plan for the next few months.

September: Official opening of my shop.
October : Ramadan/Gurge3an & Halloween
November: My birthday & Thanksgiving
December: X-mas Bazar & my annual X-mas dinner & New Years

WOW talk about having a full 4 months!!!

I love planning events. I think it's so exciting. From all the decorations, favors, giveaways, menu/catering, invitations….etc etc etc. I think I just take every single opportunity I can to have a party or dinner. So people if you need help just let me know.

I was checking out my regular blogs that I read their posts. It's so much fun when I have my regulars. Many of which I've started feeling a certain kind of bond with. Yet they're perfect strangers…or at least I think they are….

Well to my pleasure I saw that cosimfree911 had added my name on his list. That really made me feel special. I felt that I must have something to deserve to be on his list… SO THANKS!!!! You've made my day!

On another note some social responsibility required…… I got an e-mail regarding breast cancer awareness. A program called "donating a mammogram". All you need to do is visit http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/ and click on the pink window in the middle. If you're interested let me know your e-mail and I'll forward you the e-mail I got. Please people it doesn't take much and you might help save someone's life. Let all your friends know. Be socially conscious hope to get your e-mails!!

Enough seriousness

2005-08-21T08:17:00.000+03:00

Todays a bright new day!!!! I've decided that I don't want my blog to be some chick approaching 30 complainy naggy needs therapy blog. So people cheer me on into a different prespective. I'm going to try for the next week (keeping my fingers crossed) to only talk about happy thoughts, good experiences and feel good attitude.

Soooooooooo first up is….ummmm….ummmmm… Ok lets try it again. Today, ok maybe yesterday??? Ok I got it!!! Last Tuesday……ok New paragraph!

As many might now I recently opened up a shop. A gift basket shop….anyone in need of that just let me know! Anyway that's not my story….For quite some time I have been on the go rush rush rush through my days. I have my day job that's totally exhausting then a break for about an hour where I have lunch and off to my newly opened shop. By the time I get back home I'm so tired that I can barely keep my eyes open.

So I was at my shop organizing arranging and being a good sales person when a guy with all smiles walks in with two mugs and a flask of freshly hot brewed coffee. He leans over kisses me hello and serves me coffee. At this point I'm thinking, hmmmm lifes good! Then he asks me out on a date, "if you're up to it I'd like to take you out for dinner and movie tonight" At this point I'm thinking do I have energy….Screw energy all this effort how can I say no?!?

So he keeps me company for the next few hours, talking and helping out until I close…. We had a great time. It's been a while since I've done something spontaneous like that. Even though I was getting too tired to make small talk it was just so easy to be swept off my feet by prince charming…..
Ok now I'm smiling…. I guess different blog different perspective, different mood!

7ijab

2005-08-20T07:38:00.000+03:00

Have you seen the latest fashion…..the puffed up 7ijab, tight pants and tight shirt….What is that all about? Am I missing something??? Ok first of all No I'm not mit7ajba and some might think I'm not in a position to point fingers. But COME ON!!!! Purpose of 7ijab is not to attract attention right? Hell they're attracting my attention let alone some teenage boy or man for that matter.

They should really think about what they're doing. Some might argue that they were forced into the 7ijab by their family….well ok if that was the case doesn't their family see what they're wearing when they leave the house, isn't that WORSE than showing their hair? I mean I would NEVER wear white pants with a short shirt. If I do I sure as hell will make sure nothing under the pants shows. I would rather they be dressed in short shorts, tube top and walk around showing as much skin over this so-called 7ijab.

I hate contradictions. I wish people really be what they are. If you're religious go ahead express that but there's not need to do this 7ijab fas3a look. It really boils my blood because I feel like they're trying to fool people and worse of all trying to fool God. Don't they know that'll never happen?

So people stray true to who you are don't let society force you into believing something you're not.

Controversial

2005-08-17T09:01:00.000+03:00

I was browsing blog world and came across two blogs that I shall not mention their names but I was surprised at what was written. I mean extreme mentality!

First of all there's a particular blog about Transexuality. Ok, hear me out here… I'm all for freedom and being the person that you want to be. Straight, gay, lesbian, drag whatever. But don't be contradictory in your actions. I mean being active in that sense is wrong "Islamically" so how can they be active Muslims? It's just two extremes. I mean there is a happy medium. I think I'm a happy medium. But to be gay/lesbian and preach about prayer that's just weird? Don't get me wrong I have close friends that express their sexual freedom I'm fine with that. I also have friends that are mit7ajbat and practice Islam to the Tee. But the combination just doesn't mix will with me. Madri Am I wrong for thinking that?

The next blog was the extreme mentality of Shi3a versus Sunna. I HATE that subject. There are good and bad in both sects. I hate it when either party/math'hab dishes the other out. It's WRONG!!! What's important we all have the same 5 pillars only the methods are different. So embrace each other instead of spreading the hate.

I just don't understand what's going on these days? What's with all the extremes?

Driving Safety

2005-08-16T08:33:00.000+03:00

Well moving along from the issue of buses I'd like to talk about some things I saw while driving back home last night.

Some drivers have a tendency to be inconsiderate to others. To start with I was leaving the parking lot of a certain shipping complex and there was this guy parked at the exit. Mind you he was in the car. So I figured ok he's going to move. I waited and waited and nothing. So I honked, you know the kind that's half a honk when you just want to bring some attention to the fact that you exist on the road. I saw him look in the rearview mirror and did nothing. So by this time I was like "nu'aaaa!!! I know ya didn't!!" So this time my honk was slightly aggressive "6eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee6". By this time it's been 5 minutes of meaningless delay.

I continue to head home when a car just starts zoooooooooming in between cars to get 2 minutes ahead of everyone….When bam traffic light…I started laughing!!! Sucker!

So I'm sitting there cool, calm and collected listening to Noorah Jones all relaxed voice. Traffic light turns green, as I'm taking my left turn the car on my right decides he wants to make a U-turn. No signal, no warning not even blinking to acknowledge I'm on his left side.... SO HOOOOOOOOOOOOONK!!!!!! Then not only does he not turn he decided he wants to go straight so he turns and I hear HOOOOOOOOOOONK. Guess that person got pissed off too.

Next traffic light I stopped out I wondered what will I see next? What is it with today. I've honked my horn three times already....so inlike me! I in my rearview mirror and see this 3 year old in the front seat of the car behind me. Not only was he not in a car seat but he was jumping up and down while the mother had one hand on the steering wheel and the other busy on the phone. At this point the kid is playing with the sunroof and starts sticking his hand out.

Ok blood pressure starts rising….. I mean fine she doesn't care for her own safety by talking on the phone, driving and not wearing a seatbelt…well what about the kid?? Is she not afraid for his life?!?! Come on people you are not invincible!! Bad things happen so please stay safe!!! All it takes is a split of a second and your whole life will be turned upside down. Funny thing is, I don't think she reads blogs so she will never know that I'm more concerned about her son's safety than she is…. I hope God protects him for I know his mother won't.

Buses are annoying.

2005-08-15T07:28:00.000+03:00

What is it that buses have to flock in groups? Isn't that defeating the purpose of transportation?

I mean technically first of all buses are supposed to be in intervals not 5 at the same time. Then there's the issue of the bus stops. They use the bus stops plus they tend to stop wherever and whenever they want. OHHHHHHHH and lets not forget the fact that they think they own the road. It's like they're bigger therefore they have the right of way. What is up with that?

Did you know that if you were in an accident and it was the buses fault you're still liable because it's considered governmental property and you destroyed it… CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT!!!!! Well no wonder they drive like maniacs because they won't be accountable for their mistakes. I just found out that piece of information and it pissed me off. So unfair!!

Conclusion: I HATE PUBLIC BUSES IN KUWAIT!

Laser hair removal

2005-08-14T10:33:00.000+03:00

I went to my first laser session yesterday....

I was pretty calm at the beginning in the waiting room. Then there was nurses rushing in and out of a room and the Dr. came out rushing. People going back and forth and basically chaos. I thought ok something's going wrong...

Then it was my turn. Slow steps and all I can think of was the report I saw on 20/20 only 2 days before about Laser sessions gone bad. It's not like we can sue here if they mess up!!!

I got on the bed and calmly asked if it would hurt. She just said it's fine don't worry, in that totally brushing me off kind of attitude. I HATE THAT! Give me the attention I need like I'm your only patient.

They put some gel and started zapping away....smelt like hair burning. I was fine at the beginning then I started feeling this pinching sensation.....then Poof it was all over and I was outta there.

My next appointment is a month from now, I am a happy person.

Worth commenting on? Not so much.....

2005-08-10T12:37:00.000+03:00

I have noticed that sometimes blogs recieve zero comments and others are reccuring commnets....

So what make a good blog worth commenting on?
What makes you comment and come back again to check if there was a reply?
What makes you come back over and over again to see what's new in a fellow bloggers blog?

Give me your insight.

I thought wrong…..

2005-08-08T11:44:00.000+03:00

Today I feel disappointed in some of my friends, or at least I thought they were…

When something good happens to your friend you pick up the phone and call to say "congrats" or if you don't have the time you'd send an e-mail or perhaps a sms.

To my surprise so many people that I thought were close people and meant something to me and I to them did not even comment about me finally opening up a store. Many of which new how hard I've been working to reach that goal didn't even acknowledge it.
How do you react to that??? I'm not asking them to visit the shop not even to be obligated to buy but at least some form of recognition of my accomplishment…

It's too bad, it's sad actually!! How do I not let it bother me and feel better?

YOU'RE ALL INVITED

2005-08-07T07:15:00.000+03:00

You’re cordially invited to visit the Bassinet Shop.

We specialize in personalizing your gifts.
Choose from a wide selection of gifts, gift baskets, Party Supplies, Favors and much more!!

Come visit our showroom!!!

Hawalli-Mubarak Complex (next to Plaza-Hawalli)
We are currently open
Sat-Wed from 4pm-8pm
Thursday 9am-1.pm
Friday 4pm-8pm

(Need Directions? SEE MAP HERE)

That's What Friends Are For

2005-08-06T08:14:00.000+03:00

And I never thought I'd feel this way
And as far as I'm concerned
I'm glad I got the chance to say
That I do believe I love you

And if I should ever go away,
Well, then close your eyes and try,
To feel the way we do today,

And then if you can remember,
Keep smiling, keep shining,
Knowing you can always count on me,
for sure, that's what friends are for,

For good times, and bad times,
I'll be on your side forevermore,
That's what friends are for.

Well, you came and opened me
And now there's so much more I see
And so by the way, I thank you
And then for the times we're apart,
Well, then close your eyes and know
These words are coming from my heart

And then if you can remember,
Keep smiling, keep shining,
Knowing you can always count on me,
For sure, that's what friends are for,
For good times, and bad times,
I'll be on your side forevermore,
That's what friends are for,

Keep smiling, keep shining,
Knowing you can always count on me,
For sure, that's what friends are for,
For good times, and bad times,
I'll be on your side forevermore,
That's what friends are for...

Best Friend's Birthday

2005-08-03T08:57:00.000+03:00

I take birthdays very seriously. I like to go aaaaaal out when it comes to celebrating them. I find them so important and it give all those close people a chance to show how much they're glad this person was born and how important they are in their lives.

I'm planning a birthday dinner for my best friend this weekend. I'm so excited for her. I keep thinking there's so much more I can do for her to show how glad I am she's a part of my life. We've been friends since kindergarten. We've seen each other at our worst and at our best. We've made it through happy times and low times. We might not always see eye to eye but the greatest thing is that we respect each others opinions not to let those things come in between our friendship.

So take a moment today and call your closest friends. Tell them how special they are to be in your life… Everyday should be a celebration of your friendships but make their birthdays even more special!!!