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{ J u l y   2 0 0 5 }

{ S e p t e m b e r  2 0 0 4 }

And you may find yourself living in a shotgun shack
And you may find yourself in another part of the world
And you may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile
And you may find yourself in a beautiful house, with a beautiful wife
And you may ask yourself-well...how did I get here?
                        ‘Once in a Lifetime’ – Talking Heads

It hit me one day - like a piano falling from the sky. September 18th 2004 already?! I can’t believe how all these months have rolled by. It’s been a full 15 months since I waved good bye to Bloomington. I’ll never forget that day, hugging my friends goodbye under the drizzling rain in the middle of a parking lot, and then driving off to Canada with my friend Kathy. That was June 2003.

Well here I am, alive and kicking in Kuwait. It’s been a whirlwind, but I’ve come a long way Alhamdolilah. There’s lots to tell. Lots of absurdities to mention and share. Lots of blessings to be grateful for…

Well I guess the biggest highlight is that I am an official slave to the work force. I work in the National Bank of Kuwait as an MIS Analyst. I’ve been working here since December and have grown quite used to the place. It’s the best bank in the country, and provides a great professional work environment. I’ve been exposed to some great ideas ever since I joined, so it’s been a valuable learning experience. (You can probably tell my choice of words are suddenly very “professional” and deliberately vague). But of course, there are days when I feel that I’m living Officespace (the movie). I already have some colleagues that are obsessed with their stapler, the printer keeps saying “PC Load Letter”, and I have a boss who thinks coming to work on the weekends is pretty normal. There are days when I stare at myself in the mirror (all “banked” up in my business suit) and ask myself “Abeer, is this really you?” But then I think of how lucky I am, and how people would sell an arm and a leg to work in this place, while I sit in my air conditioned office and have my tea/coffee served to me several times a day. It’s different everywhere in the world, I guess. And human nature is never satisfied is it?… The best part of working is the people. I have a good group of friends that motivate me to wake up every morning and get to work. I work with a diverse bunch of people; they’re a cocktail of nationalities and age groups. The other thing about work is that it keeps the mind healthy and awake. There’s nothing like coming home after a hard days work knowing that you’ve achieved something, and earned an honest living too.

The more I think about it, the more I appreciate working in the Middle East (rather than in the US). Life here is definitely at a slower pace, although that doesn’t mean we don’t take our work seriously. We just believe that there’s more to life than work. All my business school buddies have heard me say the “I don’t think I’m cut out for Corporate America” sermon. I just never saw myself being one of those people who spends 12 hours at work, comes home to an empty apartment, eats instant noodles and watches TV. I love the fact that I’m home while the sun is still up, get to eat a home cooked meal – often lunch with my mom. I even get to do stuff with my parents or friends in the evenings. Another thing about Corporate America is that I feel like there’s a lot you have to prove to others. You have to prove that you’re a capable woman, a capable foreigner, a capable Muslim. All that can be a lot of pressure. Not that I’m saying I don’t have to prove myself here, I do, but there are less complexities. I like the fact that nearly half of the employees in the bank are female. And we’re not all cut-throat fiercely competitive *itches either. We’re treated like women, and I like that. For example the men hold doors for us, stand up when we enter a room, treat you like a lady basically. But at meetings and discussions, we’re equal. There’s also a great deal of respect given to education – my US degree gets a lot of respect here. I'm really glad I got my Masters done and out of the way. But like all jobs, I’ve had to learn to be “Street Smart” and cope with office politics, gossip, etc. I’ve also developed a deep fear of the CEO, and often have nightmares of him. My parents had to counsel me through the first few months.
What I don’t miss about Corporate America: long hours; commuting; “dog-eat-dog” competition; income tax, and awkward situations like happy hours, etc.
What I do miss about Corporate America: being on the cutting edge of technology and business strategy; open minded people; getting paid twice a month, and … um…heck I don’t miss it at all!

Anyways – in other news. My parents are doing well Alhamdolilah. We had quite a scare early this year. It was Ma’s 55th birthday, and she woke up from her afternoon nap feeling really odd – dizziness, with slurred speech and limbs that weren’t right. We took her to the hospital, and it turns out she had a mild stroke. It was a big wake up call for her and for all of us. Since then she’s tried to make some changes in her life. She’s started exercising and is trying to bring down her sugar level. Of course the stress factor is the hardest thing to monitor and control – but we’re trying our best.

Ba is doing well Alhamdolilah. He just got a promotion at work so we’re really proud of him. He’s been working so hard – and now he is the Head of Electrical Projects at Badr Al Mulla Co. He’s also trying to take care of his health, and had a full check up this year with his cardiologist in Pakistan.

Ned and Nuvelle are very happy Alhamdolilah. For those who don’t know they moved to Burlington, Canada over a year ago. They love it and have adjusted quite well Mashalla. Ned got a promotion this summer too! He has been made Manager at Deloitte & Touche. He’s also passed the Certified Internal Auditor exam. We’re so proud of him! Nuvelle is also doing well. She’s got a great group of friends in the area, as well as family members so that keeps them with an active social life.

I’m hoping to visit the US/Canada sometime in the Spring 2005. Hopefully I’ll get to see most of you then.

Anyways I should get going. Please forgive me for being so rotten at keeping in touch. I’ve started emails so many times but halfway through writing, decided I wasn’t in the right “frame of mind”. It wasn’t funny enough, or remotely interesting.

Is it just me, or does work murder your creativity?

Anyways do keep in touch and forgive me for my late responses…

Love,
Abeer

And you may ask yourself - What is that beautiful house?
And you may ask yourself - Where does that highway go?
And you may ask yourself - Am I right? ...am I wrong?
And you may tell yourself - My god!...what have I done?
                        ‘Once in a Lifetime’ – Talking Heads

{ N o v e m b e r  2 0 0 3 }

Well, not much has changed since my last letter to you all. I’m getting better with the whole “missing college” syndrome. I think it’s finally hit me that I have to grow up and move on with life. I guess I have a better outlook on things. The weather in Kuwait is getting a lot better, and I’m hanging out with some old school friends. The job search thing is looking quite hopeful, but I won’t say anything until I hear back from this one place that’s looking very promising. I’m being patient, ‘cos good things come to those who wait.

Speaking of patience, Ramadan has started. Ramadan is the Muslim month of fasting: we abstain from food and drink from dawn to dusk for 30 days. But to me, Ramadan isn’t just about fasting in the daytime and overeating at night, it’s more than that. It’s actually a very spiritual month. You’ll find people spending more time worshiping, reading the Quran, going to the mosque for additional prayers, etc. It’s kind of like a rejuvenation process, to start anew. I feel that the spiritual void I used to feel has disappeared. It’s a good way to test yourself, especially your patience. Fasting isn’t just abstaining from food and drink, but its also abstaining from anger, cussing, gossiping, and negative thoughts in general. Each good deed you do in Ramadan is worth 70 deeds. So you really try to be on your best behavior at all times, whether its language, actions, or thoughts. Anyways, Ramadan is a very special month for me. It’s even more special because after 5 years of spending Ramadan in the US, I’m spending it at home this year. There is a different flavor to Ramadan in a Muslim country. Just because it’s a spiritual month, doesn’t mean it’s a QUIET month! The whole country is alive and loud after the sun goes down, shops and restaurants are open till the late hours. Things change. Here is what it’s like:

·         There is this quiet tranquility in the morning, because most people are still asleep (everyone goes to bed late). People usually stay up late, either visiting with family and friends or worshiping till dawn.

·         Just before dawn the whole family is awake to eat Suhoor (snack before daybreak). It’s a funny sight: waking up and grumpily stuffing your face and guzzling down water to prevent from getting dehydrated the next day. After praying the dawn prayers everyone retires to bed.

·         The working people wake up around 8:30 or 9 and head for work. Working hours change: Work starts later and ends earlier, and often there are evening shifts after 8pm.

·         The non-working people (like me) can sleep in till noon. It’s a beautiful life!

·         By 1pm traffic becomes barbaric as hungry and thirsty drivers make their way home from work.

·         From 3pm – 5pm there is a state of madness in the kitchen as everyone prepares the Iftar (breakfast) meal just in time.

·         5:04pm: The whole family and household staff sit around the table staring at the delicious food. We make supplications together, thanking God for the blessings, asking God for forgiveness and to accept our fast and our efforts. When we hear the mosque outside make the call for prayer (adhaan) we break our fast with dates.

·         I timed it. Within 8 minutes none of us can eat anymore. We’re filled to the brim.

·         There are Isha and Taraweeh prayers at the Mosque…I’ve gone a couple of times but prefer to read them at home, I get distracted with all the people in the Mosque, the nudging, talking between prayers, and kids crying in the background etc... Although there are more blessings when you pray in congregation, I find myself enjoying the prayer at home, and I can go at my own pace. Call me picky, but the fluorescent tube lights in the mosque make the prayers feel more industrial than spiritual.

At the end of Ramadan there is Eid Al Fitr, a festive holiday that lasts about 3 days. Like many holidays in many faiths, it’s all about eating, meeting family and friends, and getting money from uncles and aunts!

Well to keep myself entertained, I must admit I spend a lot of time staring at the black box in the living room. I know my way around the remote control with my eyes shut. Its kind of depressing, I’m not watching anything useful really. I’m watching reruns of The Simpsons – and it’s sad how it’s my 4^th time watching some of the episodes. I’m also watching sitcom’s I never watched before, like Just Shoot Me, Becker, Dharma & Greg, and believe it or not Cheers. The most educational channel I watch is BBC News. I love it, their tightlipped and relatively unbiased version of the news really appeals to me. I find myself getting distracted by the make up and overly glamorous newscasters from CNN and Fox News, plus CNN and Fox really piss me off sometimes. BBC also has some great documentaries in the weekends…

When we were in Pakistan this summer, we got these brilliantly pirated DVD’s for 100 rupees each, about $1.50. They are great quality, and even come with the DVD case and everything. So now we are the proud owners of about 45 DVDs! I’ve been re-watching movies like Lord of the Rings (I and II), Xmen2, Big Fat Greek Wedding, & Bridget Jones Diary, etc…

My dad only watches the news or TNA Wrestling. I’ve joined him occasionally when he’s watching the wrestling. While he “Ooh”s and “Aah”s at the fights, I argue with him that it’s all an act. He can’t get over the women on the side of the ring who wrestle and fight. He says their man-like body disturbs him, scares him even. I mutter and say, “Don’t worry Baba, must be the steroids”.

When I’m watching TV with Ma, it’s usually the Indian channels, which I find more “sexual” than the so called “Western” channels. We have about 15 Indian channels that have a variety of shows such as Indian soap opera’s, movies, game shows (that usually are some kind of singing contest), and most of all Indian movie soundtrack hits. These movie songs usually show scantily dressed women gyrating their body (definitely not stuff you’d be comfortable watching with grandpa in the room). But of course there is no kissing or love scenes or anything scandalous like that, just semi naked people dancing together. The actors and actresses will be lip syncing to a song that some 65 year old lady is singing in the back ground. Speaking of Indian movies. I’ve been watching some of them with my mother… some were tasteful and some just weren’t. To those who aren’t familiar with Indian movies (or Hindi Films as they are popularly called) they usually have predictable storylines, and they plug in a song anywhere they see fit. For example: Boy sees girl, girl sees boy. After a brief exchange of conversation, and playing “hard to get” (on her part of course), he daydreams that they are dancing and singing together intimately in the Swiss Alps. The song (or dream) lasts a full 6 minutes as she changes her clothes 3 times, and they are magically accompanied with 8 other Indian women dancing with them too. She of course is madly in love with him but will take her time professing her love. After a few dance sequences, and hot pursuits on his part… they are the couple of the century. Of course marriage is the ultimate goal, but there is always some side plot brewing, either it’s the evil millionaire’s son who lusts after her, or a dieing father who wishes her to marry some other rich bugger. Etc etc… you get the gist. 3 hours, 7 songs, and 2 fight scenes later, they live happily ever after.

But I will admit they are entertaining, and fast forwarding through the songs and dances is a lot of fun! The “hero and heroine” or leading actors and actresses are very beautiful, and light up the screen. Now and then you’ll come across a good movie that will have a different kind of story, or be an “Art Film”. Of course these will usually turn out to be “flops” because the common people won’t appreciate it. Now and then, my mother will take me out to the cinema to watch a Hindi film. Back when I went to school in Kuwait (6 yrs ago), there were just 3 cinemas, now there are 30. But we still go to the old one: Ferdous Cinema. Ironically, Ferdous is the Arabic word for the highest of the seven heavens. Its fun watching the Indian movies at the Ferdous, especially because there’s an intermission and we get some yummy karak chai (strong tea with milk). The disadvantage is not being able to fast forward through the songs and fight scenes. The fight scenes are more powerful because you can hear the “dashan dashan” sounds louder. There are some other cinemas here that show Arabic and English movies as well. But all English movies go through a censor board, thus they aren’t the most interesting / stimulating movies, and are usually action flicks.

I can’t believe I haven’t mentioned this yet: There’s one thing in the back of everyone’s head, and it’s what’s going on in neighboring Iraq. I’ve been feeling pretty lousy lately. Back when I was in the US I attended all these anti-war protests and everything, and here I am in Kuwait, literally driving distance from the country – and I haven’t done a single thing. Reporters, activists, volunteers from all over the world have come to Kuwait and driven to Iraq to do something useful for the people there. I’ve been here 3 months and haven’t done a thing yet. I’ve had some discussions with my parents but after what happened at the UN and Red Cross offices, they’re dead against me going there. I kind of see their point, and I’m no doctor or lifesaver, but just wish I was there helping the suffering Iraqi’s. No offence to any Iraqi’s reading this, but people have said the Iraqi’s aren’t an easy bunch of people to help. Many come across as being very rigid and hot blooded. And I guess I ain’t no Mother Teresa – although we all wish we were.

As for what people here have to say politically, most people look at the war as something that shouldn’t have happened, but was inevitable, since Saddam had to go some way or the other. People aren’t dumb, and they know that the US isn’t doing this for the pure love of the Iraqi peoples’ “freedom”. There’s definitely an incentive. I think some Kuwaiti’s also feel cornered into helping the US with the war, since the US helped liberate the Kuwait from Iraq 12 years ago. Although the horrors that happened 13 years ago when Iraq invaded Kuwait are still very much present in people’s minds here, they still feel that this war hurt many fellow Muslims – especially the innocent. Many are still smirking that the US has all these people looking for weapons of mass destruction but haven’t found anything yet…People also feel that the heroic picture of the “Coalition” coming and liberating the people has been shattered. There’s a feeling that it all went wrong, and I guess this is shown with how many lives the US has lost since the war supposedly "ended". But anyway, I guess I can conclude that most of the people I’ve spoken to aren’t crazy about the US Government and it’s foreign policy, and many see it as a bully… especially with the horrible treatment of suspects in Guantanamo Bay (where there are quite a few Kuwaiti’s)…

Anyways, I’ve put up a humble site with some pictures for you to look at. It’s www.geocities.com/abeer81 . I have some pictures of Ramadan and what it’s like here. I also put some pictures of my red room – so you can see if it looks good or if it was a big disaster J. And I have some random pictures from around the house, like the cat orphanage we have outside – we look after 9 stray cats... I also have pictures of our birds. It really is a bizarre story: the big parrot and little love bird have had their cages side by side for 4 years. Only recently the big parrot suddenly noticed the love bird. They are now madly in love, the parrot has bitten thru 3 bars on its cage so it can put its head next to the love bird. Its so cute, they kiss each other and try to chirp like each other. They don’t eat, sleep, or anything, just stare at each other all day. Sounds like a Hindi Movie doesn't it? Well anyways, I find it symbolic. If these 2 birds who look completely different and are from a different family of birds can fall in love – doesn’t that show that nature doesn’t have racism and prejudice? Well, I guess birds of a feather don’t always flock together.

For Halloween, this family we know had a little get together. It was more like a costume party. I ended up dressing up as a Terrorist (since Terror is the word of the day on Sesame St.). So anyways I went as a suicide bomber. Now please bear in mind that I condemn suicide bombing fiercely…and in no way condone it. So I figured the best way to make a political statement is to dress up like one, and hold a sign that says “This is NOT the Way to Peace … Hey, where’s the roadmap?”. But I must admit, I put a lot of effort into looking like a real one. I made a fake bomb out of a detergent box, batteries, my dad’s electrical tester, wires, and bottle caps. I also held a toy gun. I wore Islamic garb – with only my eyes peering out. I even had the Hamas style green headband with “La Ilaha Illa Allah” written on it. Anyways, I think I looked very convincing because I won the prize for Best Costume at the party. Everyone thought it was a great way to say I didn’t agree with suicide bombing. Oh and another thing: On the other side of my sign I had an excerpt of the Rules of War by Abu Bakr (ra) the first Caliph of Islam:

Abu Bakr, the first caliph or successor to Prophet Mohammed established a detailed set of rules for Islamic conduct in war.  He gave these instructions to an Islamic army setting out for Syria, then still part of the Byzantine Empire:

"Stop, O people, that I may give you ten rules for your guidance in the battlefield. Do not commit treachery or deviate from the right path. You must not mutilate dead bodies. Neither kill a child, nor a woman, nor an aged man. Bring no harm to the trees, nor burn them with fire, especially those which are fruitful. Slay not any of the enemy's flock, save for your food. You are likely to pass by people who have devoted their lives to monastic services; leave them alone"

I think that explains my beliefs. [I wish more armies in the world took this as their commandments]. There were also some other sayings of the Prophet (saws) that showed that killing women and children was forbidden. If you want to see how horrific and terrific I looked, check out my site for the pictures www.geocities.com/abeer81

Anyways dear friends. I better get going. Sorry for babbling, but I enjoy sharing the little eccentricities of this place I’ve come to love, and also love to hate sometimes…Think of it as my very own Seinfeld episode. Please do keep in touch, as I always love hearing from you.

Love to all, 

Abeer

[November 2003]

PS: Always check my site for new pictures or news about life here. www.geocities.com/abeer81

PPS: Has anyone seen The Matrix Revolutions that just came out? How was it?

{ S e p t e m b e r  2 0 0 3 }

My Dearest Friends and Family, Hello and Salaam Alaikum.

I've been meaning to write to you all for about a month now. I have sat and thought about each and every one of you and remembered the good conversations and the bursting laughter we’ve shared. Its been really difficult leaving behind the life I lead there. I guess I miss the genuine friendships, the sincerity, and the general charm of living in a college town. I miss the small things like being able to step out for a walk and visit Alaa in Tulip Tree Apartments, or impulsively deciding to meet some of the girls for coffee. Then there are the big things I miss, like having a friend to call anytime anywhere. I miss being busy, achieving something every day, whether it’s a homework assignment, a meeting with a professor, or just a good conversation with a friend. I miss the Dhikrs, oh how much I miss the Dhikrs. Yes, I’m in a Muslim country and 5 times a day I hear the beautiful chorus of several adhaan’s simultaneously around our house. I hear the door slam shut as my father heads for the masjid to perform the prayer in congregation. But I feel something missing. I don’t know if its me or the country I’m in. But I’m not as spiritually enthusiastic as I used to be. Anyways, I hope it’s a phase, and I hope it ends soon. I think if I meet some people I can relate to, that might help Inshalla. My university days are over, but my learning days aren’t. I need to somehow keep growing mentally, intellectually and spiritually. I really miss Sheikh Tijani and his guidance.

Kuwait really is a strange place. It’s luxurious and rich, boasting of loud and fancy franchises; yet there’s this invisible restraint I feel that is driving me crazy. It’s so Americanized and capitalist, I mean as soon as you go past customs at the airport and greet your family, you see these signs all around you. The “Airport Mall” consists of Starbucks, Claire’s, Athlete’s Foot, Burger King, etc etc. I really am amazed at all the franchises that are here, and the popularity they have too. Oh well, I guess that means I wont be missing out on shopping while I’m here! As for that restraint I mentioned, I don’t know what it is. I don’t know if its because I’m a woman or what. There are at least 5 malls here that are very impressive and everything, but as a woman I feel like it’s such a hassle to go there:

1. Public transportation isn’t considered safe for women, so I either have to go with my parents or be dropped off. My parents bought me a car [it’s a European car: Seat Toledo – I love it!], but I’m still practicing driving on the fierce roads of Kuwait. So I don’t feel very mobile yet.

2. You have to dress up and all that jazz. You remember me, I never used to wear make up or “dress up” for the mall, but here I can’t remember the last time I wore my old pair of jeans!  I guess I could go and just be myself…but the gorgeous women of Kuwait have already made me join the club – I even wear lipstick when I’m going to the grocery store with my mom…aah, it’s a sad reality. The women here are stunning Mashalla! Many of them do wear hijab but you don’t feel left out if you aren’t. As for those who do cover, its interesting that there are two categories. There are some that wear the hijab while wearing skin tight clothes leaving very little for the imagination. Then there are the beautiful dignified women who look like queens when they walk, sit, drive, or talk. The art of hijab is amazing here, and they are so fashionable with it, it really is amazing what they can do with a piece of cloth. And they never seem to fumble with it like I do…

3. The guys here stare, and if you look at them twice they think you’re inviting them for something. My mother has told me enough horror stories about what these young men do that I almost feel like spitting on their faces…but I guess they’re not all bastards right :)

Anyways: here’s some more news about Kuwait:

-          Water is more expensive than petrol. A liter of water costs 100 fils while a liter of petrol costs 65 fils for premium, 60 fils for regular. Can you believe that? Almost makes you want to start making petrol cocktails. Filling up your tank will cost you about 9 dollars (3KD).

-          Cop cars are BMW’s. And every Kuwaiti household has at least one of the following: Merc, BMW, Lexus, Audi. I am not exaggerating.

-          Oh yeah the lingo is different here too. Its petrol not gas. Mobile not cell phone. Lift not elevator. Trolley not cart. CV not resume. DHL not Fedex. I knew all these things before but I forgot.

-          Getting my CV prepared was fun. I printed out my resume that I had prepared with the help of the BPO and my X420 class. I showed it to my mother and she was shocked to see that I had crammed it all into a page. Here, the longer the CV the better – even if that means white space. Also, in the first page I was supposed to include my date of birth, nationality, marital status, living address, etc! I was shocked as I thought of all the discriminatory laws they were breaking in America. Some companies even require a picture to see how attractive/ugly you are, and if you wear hijab or not. Oh well…

-          Nationality is everything. And I mean everything. Nationality is always an issue, when talking about jobs, servants, or even the aerobics instructor. There are stereotypes of course, the Egyptians, Indians, Pakistanis, Palestinians, Lebanese, Bangladeshis, Kuwaitis, Americans, Britons, etc etc…Even the fruits and vegetables have a nationality. They advertise them as “Syrian Potatoes, Premium Quality”, “Saudi Watermelon, Buy 1 Get 1 Free”. I found out from a friend that even prostitutes here are priced based on nationality. Indians/Bangladeshis are the cheapest rate, while Russian and Romanian are the most expensive. Such a shame.

-          The job search process here is all about who you know and who they know. My parents having lived here for a few decades will Inshalla help me out. I’m trying to get a job with the banks, but some of them discriminate based on Kuwaiti/Non Kuwaiti etc. And even if you do call for a position or to follow up, they never call you back. Plus, nobody here has voicemail, so they either talk to you or they don’t. Oh, and they only value work experience (which I don’t have), they don’t seem very bothered that I have a Masters degree…Please pray for me!

-          Alhamdolilah my journey to weight loss has started. Thanks to my supportive parents I am on a low carb regiment that is working. I have a doctor behind me so I’m making sure I’m doing it the right way. I’m working out daily on our treadmill and I also joined a women’s gym where I go for aerobics classes. I really enjoy the classes. The women are mostly Kuwaiti so they are “too cool” to talk to me. From the first week I joined they were playing the game “Hiya hindiya? Laa, yumkin masriya…shakilha hindiya” …they’re guessing my nationality. 3 women thought I’m Indian, one thought I’m Egyptian. For now I’ll just keep them guessing while I break into a sweat and keep losing the pounds! Its funny seeing these women walk in and take off their hijab and abaya, and I find them wearing shirts that say “Its Miller Time” or “Jesus Cant Skate” or “Make Out Bandit” … I’m thinking they don’t know what it means :)

-          Mobile phone usage here is insane. It is the norm to have massive love affairs via cell phone and SMS messaging. They use the phone all the time, there’s a woman in my aerobics class that has her cell phone by her and if it rings she stops her exercise to talk. Nuts! I finally cracked down and got one. The irony is it’s a 900 number! For a good time call 900-5913 :)

So do I regret moving back? HELL NO! To wake up every morning in my own home and see my parents faces, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I am very blessed to have a terrific honest relationship with my parents. I can talk to them about everything and not think twice. Sure they’re getting old, and their patience is dwindling, but I’d rather be here than far away. Plus it gives me a chance to serve them, I can’t wait to get a job and help them out financially Inshalla. Another very important person here is Mickey, my 20 year old Siamese companion. Mickey means the world to me, and having his head on my shoulder when I wake up just makes life all the better. Another great thing about Kuwait is that in the huge Marina Mall they have a Virgin Megastore. They have the BEST world music collection I have ever seen. Once I get salaried I think I’ll make a weekly trip to the mall and my CD collection will expand…

Nidal and Nuvelle were visiting for the last 3 weeks and having them here was just great. We took them to all the amazing restaurants here and they devoured the HALAL burger at Chilli’s and the HALAL steak at Al Boom. While they were here we had a big reception in their honor where 150 people showed up. It was like another wedding! One Friday morning we all woke up for Fajr and headed out to the beach with a ball, a camping stove and some eggs. We watched the sun rise and went in the water – my mother and I almost did some yoga and pretended we’re in the Ganges river :) Baba made omelets and we threw the ball around. It was so amazing…the calm Arabian sea reminded me a bit of Lake Monroe.

Some of you will be glad to know I finally painted my room red! My parents were a bit weary of my choice in color, but after it was done they think it’s the best room in the house. I was inspired by my favorite place in Bloomington: Borders Café. I decided I wanted to mimic the red walls. Even feng-shui claims red is good for passion. The color gives it a real majestic feel. I put up all the art you gave me Dita, and the poem from Alaa too. All my wrinkled posters are up there too. With my dim lighting, I call my room Abeer’s Café. 

With that, I’ll sign off now. I’m sorry this turned out to be so long, but I didn’t want to leave anything out.

Love you all, and I think of you often.

Abeer

PS: I know I suck at keeping in touch. But I promise I’ll write you back (I don’t have anything to do) so please do keep in touch!!  (abeer81@yahoo.com)

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