I cannot upload any pics on this blog - annoying!
So another topic for now.
I read dody's blog enty about a ruling in Malasia about the Muslim who wanted to convert.
A government's job is to guarantee the well-being of its citizens on earth, not in heaven. They should work on making people live well, not ensure they go to heaven!
So maybe the problem is that in countries that are predominantly Muslim the government just has a different Job Description!
That explains a lot of actions that governments take.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Madonna takes it a step too far
This is a step too far!
feels like a deperate cry for more attention and controversy - have people lost respect to all what is sacred?!
Whatever kaballah she believes in shouldn't allow her to do this, and if it does - then it ain't such a good thing!
I hate how it's become cool to disrespect religions and take believers lightly - and all those new hip "religions"?!
I sometimes feel that the world has lost sight of what really matters and why we are here on earth!
Saturday, August 05, 2006
On Vacation!
The longest vacation i have taken for a while; 16 days!
I am in a place with AirCon, better weather, good home-cooked food, my own car, someone that does my laundry, someone that cleans my dishes, and someone that makes sure the house is clean.
It's home :)
Wana visit?
Note to self: keep resiting checking work mail!
I am in a place with AirCon, better weather, good home-cooked food, my own car, someone that does my laundry, someone that cleans my dishes, and someone that makes sure the house is clean.
It's home :)
Wana visit?
Note to self: keep resiting checking work mail!
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
competition?
"who can diss egypt more"
Apparently there's a competition between nevernever and etravels on nomadlife
you ask me why i hate trainees?
Apparently there's a competition between nevernever and etravels on nomadlife
you ask me why i hate trainees?
Aiden proposed to Carrie yesterday!
She said yes - after he got the right ring.
Since i am such a wuss when it comes to making life changing decisions i have to work on my
"uhm, yes! No, maybe,,i dunno - you think?" reply. luckily i do not have to worry about that any time soon!
For now, i will enjoy the double-bill of Sex and the City re-runs at 1 am!
It is so worth sleep-deprivation
She said yes - after he got the right ring.
Since i am such a wuss when it comes to making life changing decisions i have to work on my
"uhm, yes! No, maybe,,i dunno - you think?" reply. luckily i do not have to worry about that any time soon!
For now, i will enjoy the double-bill of Sex and the City re-runs at 1 am!
It is so worth sleep-deprivation
Monday, July 31, 2006
my favorite drug
Once a month i am reminded how much i love ketofan!
It's a known fact that any girl will have ketofan in her bag along with the essential 3 (keys,wallet and mobile)
It's a known fact that any girl will have ketofan in her bag along with the essential 3 (keys,wallet and mobile)
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Isn't this hillarious!
"Bush: What about Kofi Annan? I don't like the sequence of it. His attitude is basically cease-fire and everything else happens.
Blair: I think the thing that is really difficult is you can't stop this unless you get this international presence agreed.
Bush: She's going. I think Condi's (U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice) going to go pretty soon.
Blair: Well that's all that matters. If you see, it will take some time to get out of there. But at least it gives people....
Bush: It's a process I agree. I told her your offer too.
Blair: Well it's only or if she's gonna or if she needs the ground prepared as it were. See, if she goes out she's got to succeed as it were, where as I can just go out and talk.
Bush: See the irony is what they need to do is get Syria to get Hezbollah to stop doing this shit and it's over.
Blair: Cause I think this is all part of the same thing. What does he think? He thinks if Lebanon turns out fine, if he gets a solution in Israel and Palestine, Iraq goes in the right way, he's done it. That's what this whole things about. It's the same with Iran.
Bush: I feel like telling Kofi to get on the phone with Assad and make something happen. We're not blaming Israel and we're not blaming the Lebanese government"
"I think Condi's going to go" - (insert sarcasm here) Nice to know Mr President is aware of what Condi's up to!
Blair: I think the thing that is really difficult is you can't stop this unless you get this international presence agreed.
Bush: She's going. I think Condi's (U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice) going to go pretty soon.
Blair: Well that's all that matters. If you see, it will take some time to get out of there. But at least it gives people....
Bush: It's a process I agree. I told her your offer too.
Blair: Well it's only or if she's gonna or if she needs the ground prepared as it were. See, if she goes out she's got to succeed as it were, where as I can just go out and talk.
Bush: See the irony is what they need to do is get Syria to get Hezbollah to stop doing this shit and it's over.
Blair: Cause I think this is all part of the same thing. What does he think? He thinks if Lebanon turns out fine, if he gets a solution in Israel and Palestine, Iraq goes in the right way, he's done it. That's what this whole things about. It's the same with Iran.
Bush: I feel like telling Kofi to get on the phone with Assad and make something happen. We're not blaming Israel and we're not blaming the Lebanese government"
"I think Condi's going to go" - (insert sarcasm here) Nice to know Mr President is aware of what Condi's up to!
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Signs doesn't come bigger than this
Well i got my sign - as much as it hurt my pride - i am happy i got it. It's a little late, but not too late.
I find it incomprehendable that my proactivity and willingness to learn is held against me! I guess i am in the wrong place.
With a very hurt ego, and a kick in my butt for not listening to my instincts i resort to my everything-is-gona-be-alright combo of "friends" and "my big fat greek wedding" and i will try to call it a night early.
Tomorrow things won't look any better but it's one step closer to whatever it is out there.
I can't believe in only 9.....
I find it incomprehendable that my proactivity and willingness to learn is held against me! I guess i am in the wrong place.
With a very hurt ego, and a kick in my butt for not listening to my instincts i resort to my everything-is-gona-be-alright combo of "friends" and "my big fat greek wedding" and i will try to call it a night early.
Tomorrow things won't look any better but it's one step closer to whatever it is out there.
I can't believe in only 9.....
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Egyptians are cheap
What's happening between Hizbullah and Israel is shameful and wrong! Innocent people die and suffer is never right.
But i must say, i find it impressive the lengths that Israel goes to to protect and defend its citizens. To go as far as wage a war over two soldiers - though really out of proportions - shows a county that really values its citizens.
It makes me understand why so many stan firm behind their country.
A while back 2 Egyptian soldiers were killed by Palestinians trying to sneek into our country. The next day Mubarak was expressing solidarity with Palestinians.
Don't get me wrong i am not advocating going to war or bombing anyone, it just makes the Egyptian people feel so cheap compared to the Israeli ones
But i must say, i find it impressive the lengths that Israel goes to to protect and defend its citizens. To go as far as wage a war over two soldiers - though really out of proportions - shows a county that really values its citizens.
It makes me understand why so many stan firm behind their country.
A while back 2 Egyptian soldiers were killed by Palestinians trying to sneek into our country. The next day Mubarak was expressing solidarity with Palestinians.
Don't get me wrong i am not advocating going to war or bombing anyone, it just makes the Egyptian people feel so cheap compared to the Israeli ones
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
WTF !?!?!
Zidane Head-butt
THIS is the best player of the world cup?!
Some role model huh
FIFA has gone MAD!
THIS is the best player of the world cup?!
Some role model huh
FIFA has gone MAD!
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Heart-broken!
Yesterday Germany played its last game in the world cup and this picture describes how i felt (minus the cute guy hugging me - goddamnit)
Though i have been to germany and spent the worst time of my life there and though i suck at german in an embarrasing way and though germans are not exactly my cuppa tea, my 14 years of German education did teach me one thing: Egypt's number One, Germany is number Two, everyone else is number 3!
I find that extremely strange since i spent my school years hating everything about the German School, but 6 years from my graduation i can't help but be heart broken that Germany lost, and proud of them for hosting such an amazing world cup!
The thing is, it's not just about football!
I did some investigation and i found out that the Alumni of the German School go in two ways:
- They want nothing to do with Germany
- They feel some tiny loyalty towards it
There is no relation to their attitude or grades during school times.
There is also no clear relation to the number of times they have visited Germany
I am going to get to the bottom of this!
P.S. i removed this last sentence coz i realized i really don't give a damn :)
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Funny!
Your results:
You are Supergirl
Click here to take the "Which Superhero am I?" quiz...
You are Supergirl
| Lean, muscular and feminine. Honest and a defender of the innocent.  |
Click here to take the "Which Superhero am I?" quiz...
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Cairo-Rome-Milan-Stockholm-Milan-Cairo
This is my itinerary for the past week.
I am now in Milan (second time)
Loadz of flying huh?
Stories to come later!
Note to self: never NEVER fly Alitalia again!
I am now in Milan (second time)
Loadz of flying huh?
Stories to come later!
Note to self: never NEVER fly Alitalia again!
Friday, June 16, 2006
Simple guide for learning Italian
Step 1: Learn French
Step 2: Identify french word you want to say
Step 3: give word some italian feel in pronunciation
Step 4: say word
Step 5: accept some minor pronunciation modification from people
Or you can go for the easier option which is sticking a post-it on your forehead saying
"STUPID TOURIST"
Step 2: Identify french word you want to say
Step 3: give word some italian feel in pronunciation
Step 4: say word
Step 5: accept some minor pronunciation modification from people
Or you can go for the easier option which is sticking a post-it on your forehead saying
"STUPID TOURIST"
Saturday, June 10, 2006
I've been dissed, and dismissed!
I received a call yesterday from a friend who was browsing the web, and found this blog which has devoted an entire blog entry and some comments to diss me.
What's sad is that they did not just diss my views, they took it a little personal.
What's even sadder is the inappropriate use of the arabic language to describe me and my views.
Though i expect people not to agree with me - and it doesn't bother me - it was a different thing being dissed and dismissed by a group of my peers!
So i have decided to write an email to the bloggers, even though they are quite busy since one of them is being jailed for expressing his views ( aren't we proud of our dear egyptian governtment!)
And here goes:
"Dear Manal and Alaa,
A friend of mine was browsing the web and saw this post - where you have commented on a blog entry of mine.
I have checked your blog sometimes, and i recognized you as passionate egyptians who want to be agents of change to bring our egyptian community forward. Though i may not always agree with your views, that doesn't undermine you or your views whatsoever. You, however, did not give me that same right that i gave you.
I was deeply offended by your blog entry - not by your opinions in what i say, which are completely valid and i would gladly discuss in an organized civilized discussion.I realize that what i believe in is sometimes outside of the ordinary, and sometimes elitist due to my upbringing - however i am willing to discuss things and to be convinced with otherwise.
I was deeply offended by:
1) The way you manifested your objection to what i have said especially by your use of swear words. Throughout your lives as political activist you will face many people who you will disagree with, and swearing at them does not make you look good. It is not the way forward, it's the way backward. In the future, if you disagree with me please refrain from swearing at me and let's discuss it like civilized adults
2) You linked my views to the organization i work for. I am not who i work for - i am an individual person working for an organization i am passionate about. My views do not reflect AIESEC's views what-so-ever. AIESEC is a great organization that does not discriminate against race, religion ethnicity or social class. It develops leaders who are global citizens and who support cultural dialogue and live and interact with diverse people.If i work for Coka-Cola, would you say that my views represent what coka-cola believes in? I think not. The same should go for AIESEC or any other organization i am or will working for.
3) You made false assumptions. FYI i am not an AUCian and i am not some rich spoiled girl. I studied at the University of Alexandria in the Faculty of arts, and at the Arab Academy for Science and Technology. And i was in this private university on Scholarship. If you had bothered to talk to me about my views you would have found out that i have had nothing handed to me on a silver plate, and i worked really hard for everything i wanted, and i do not usually get what i want.
And at 23, i am completely independent from my family and anyone else and making it through life alone with no financial help from anyone whatsoever, which i am positive not many people - including yourselves - could say.And i know many AUCians - and the stereotype you have of them, and that i once had, is completely untrue.
I would love to discuss my views with you and have an open conversation about this that would leave us both enlightened and with more knowledge.
However your improper use of language leaves me worried since i cannot compete. My values and principles would prohibit me from matching up to that language
Good Luck with your current challenges.
This email will be published on my blog superluli.nomadlife.org "
What's sad is that they did not just diss my views, they took it a little personal.
What's even sadder is the inappropriate use of the arabic language to describe me and my views.
Though i expect people not to agree with me - and it doesn't bother me - it was a different thing being dissed and dismissed by a group of my peers!
So i have decided to write an email to the bloggers, even though they are quite busy since one of them is being jailed for expressing his views ( aren't we proud of our dear egyptian governtment!)
And here goes:
"Dear Manal and Alaa,
A friend of mine was browsing the web and saw this post - where you have commented on a blog entry of mine.
I have checked your blog sometimes, and i recognized you as passionate egyptians who want to be agents of change to bring our egyptian community forward. Though i may not always agree with your views, that doesn't undermine you or your views whatsoever. You, however, did not give me that same right that i gave you.
I was deeply offended by your blog entry - not by your opinions in what i say, which are completely valid and i would gladly discuss in an organized civilized discussion.I realize that what i believe in is sometimes outside of the ordinary, and sometimes elitist due to my upbringing - however i am willing to discuss things and to be convinced with otherwise.
I was deeply offended by:
1) The way you manifested your objection to what i have said especially by your use of swear words. Throughout your lives as political activist you will face many people who you will disagree with, and swearing at them does not make you look good. It is not the way forward, it's the way backward. In the future, if you disagree with me please refrain from swearing at me and let's discuss it like civilized adults
2) You linked my views to the organization i work for. I am not who i work for - i am an individual person working for an organization i am passionate about. My views do not reflect AIESEC's views what-so-ever. AIESEC is a great organization that does not discriminate against race, religion ethnicity or social class. It develops leaders who are global citizens and who support cultural dialogue and live and interact with diverse people.If i work for Coka-Cola, would you say that my views represent what coka-cola believes in? I think not. The same should go for AIESEC or any other organization i am or will working for.
3) You made false assumptions. FYI i am not an AUCian and i am not some rich spoiled girl. I studied at the University of Alexandria in the Faculty of arts, and at the Arab Academy for Science and Technology. And i was in this private university on Scholarship. If you had bothered to talk to me about my views you would have found out that i have had nothing handed to me on a silver plate, and i worked really hard for everything i wanted, and i do not usually get what i want.
And at 23, i am completely independent from my family and anyone else and making it through life alone with no financial help from anyone whatsoever, which i am positive not many people - including yourselves - could say.And i know many AUCians - and the stereotype you have of them, and that i once had, is completely untrue.
I would love to discuss my views with you and have an open conversation about this that would leave us both enlightened and with more knowledge.
However your improper use of language leaves me worried since i cannot compete. My values and principles would prohibit me from matching up to that language
Good Luck with your current challenges.
This email will be published on my blog superluli.nomadlife.org "
Friday, June 02, 2006
Blocked
I haven't been blogging for over a week.
I am out of things to say.
Made some life decision, and i am learning to come to terms with them
Till something interesting happens - looks like this blog's gona get even more boring than it already is!
I am out of things to say.
Made some life decision, and i am learning to come to terms with them
Till something interesting happens - looks like this blog's gona get even more boring than it already is!
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
A productive and creative day for luli!
Yesterday was a great day for productivity and creativity.
I started my day at work - and i spent it adding some art and new ideas to the boring thing i do!
I also got a new RAM, which was a motivating factor.
Around noon i started thinking what i would do tonight - and all i wanted to do was cuddle up on the couch and watch a good show. I remembered my TV sucks, and my computer is super slow so i cannot watch anything on either of them.
So i got Showtime! I made the quickest purchase ever called the agent asked for info, then called 3 minutes after saying "come install today" - Fast Forward 10 pm, i am watching Desperate Housewives!
And while some roommates like to grow plants, others grow weed - my roommate has a new found interest in growing fungus on our plates and attracting ants to our sink.
So my clean-freak genes kicked in - and now our kitchen is fungus free (well almost - i still gotta inspect the fridge) and it smells like dettol - my favorite perfume!
Our house this past week has had a few frequent visitors - Geckos - which i gladly blamed my roommate’s smoking habits for. But apparently i was wrong (yes! let this be carved in the books of history that I was wrong- it only happens a few times) . Our frequent visitors come from the AirCon hole we have in the living room, not from the window left open while Nisrin develops lung cancer on the balcony!
So after 30 minutes of chasing the gecko out of the house and taping 6 A4 papers together - the hole in the wall is now sealed with paper and scotch tape! I hope our visitors get the message!
With good ol' Domino's and a can of pepsi - i put an end to that productive day, where for once i only got one nasty comment about my weight! ONLY one!! Hurraaay! oh wait, they were two!
.....crap
I started my day at work - and i spent it adding some art and new ideas to the boring thing i do!
I also got a new RAM, which was a motivating factor.
Around noon i started thinking what i would do tonight - and all i wanted to do was cuddle up on the couch and watch a good show. I remembered my TV sucks, and my computer is super slow so i cannot watch anything on either of them.
So i got Showtime! I made the quickest purchase ever called the agent asked for info, then called 3 minutes after saying "come install today" - Fast Forward 10 pm, i am watching Desperate Housewives!
And while some roommates like to grow plants, others grow weed - my roommate has a new found interest in growing fungus on our plates and attracting ants to our sink.
So my clean-freak genes kicked in - and now our kitchen is fungus free (well almost - i still gotta inspect the fridge) and it smells like dettol - my favorite perfume!
Our house this past week has had a few frequent visitors - Geckos - which i gladly blamed my roommate’s smoking habits for. But apparently i was wrong (yes! let this be carved in the books of history that I was wrong- it only happens a few times) . Our frequent visitors come from the AirCon hole we have in the living room, not from the window left open while Nisrin develops lung cancer on the balcony!
So after 30 minutes of chasing the gecko out of the house and taping 6 A4 papers together - the hole in the wall is now sealed with paper and scotch tape! I hope our visitors get the message!
With good ol' Domino's and a can of pepsi - i put an end to that productive day, where for once i only got one nasty comment about my weight! ONLY one!! Hurraaay! oh wait, they were two!
.....crap
Sunday, May 14, 2006
I do, I do, I really do
After having left London 2 days ago, this is what i come to find!
| You Belong in London |
 |
What City Do You Belong In?
Sunday, April 30, 2006
It's not going downhill yet
Yesterday i turned 23! I am gettin' old, but am not 30 yet!
I spent the last weekend at my Last AIESEC conference. Turning 23 marked the last day of my last conference - says something huh?
Well i cannot remember the last time i had such a great time at a National Conference since this one.
It was awesome - i was not busy running the conference or making sure my VPs were awake and attending and keeping an eye on my newies misbehaving.
I slept till late - swam in the pool, stayed up all night lighting papers who were jammed in people's toes - it's called rocketing someone - sang at the top of my voice, and sat on the swings.
I had time to chat with some of the members, and i finally know most of their names.
and on midnight on Friday everyone sang happy birthday to me and to 2 other dudes whose birthday it was on a nice cake - and martha made me give a speech. I am yet to master those impromptu speeches.
Then we spent the next couple of hours singing every song we could remember and eating big bags of chips.
The hour after that, we started pushing everyone in the dirty pool! the pool was jammed with 200 people the day before, so it was filthy - everyone was thrown in the pool, except for me and tamer of course, members were too scared of us :)
I would have jumped myself if it wasn't for the water.
Then i stayed up all night with May, an LCP Elect, who rocks - and will be MCP one day. We watched the sun set and talked all night.
At 8:30 i had breakfast, then spoke at the Prep Seminar, slept for a little then wrote some sugar cubes and headed home.
After 3 hours of playing charades with the members of AIESEC Alex, who kick ass by the way, i arrived home at mid-night, to put an end to my 23rd year of existence and to metaphorically turn the page of my AIESEC career.
Still got two months - and i am gonna make ‘em great ones!
As for turning 23, well, i still got a few years before i absolutely need to grow up.
I spent the last weekend at my Last AIESEC conference. Turning 23 marked the last day of my last conference - says something huh?
Well i cannot remember the last time i had such a great time at a National Conference since this one.
It was awesome - i was not busy running the conference or making sure my VPs were awake and attending and keeping an eye on my newies misbehaving.
I slept till late - swam in the pool, stayed up all night lighting papers who were jammed in people's toes - it's called rocketing someone - sang at the top of my voice, and sat on the swings.
I had time to chat with some of the members, and i finally know most of their names.
and on midnight on Friday everyone sang happy birthday to me and to 2 other dudes whose birthday it was on a nice cake - and martha made me give a speech. I am yet to master those impromptu speeches.
Then we spent the next couple of hours singing every song we could remember and eating big bags of chips.
The hour after that, we started pushing everyone in the dirty pool! the pool was jammed with 200 people the day before, so it was filthy - everyone was thrown in the pool, except for me and tamer of course, members were too scared of us :)
I would have jumped myself if it wasn't for the water.
Then i stayed up all night with May, an LCP Elect, who rocks - and will be MCP one day. We watched the sun set and talked all night.
At 8:30 i had breakfast, then spoke at the Prep Seminar, slept for a little then wrote some sugar cubes and headed home.
After 3 hours of playing charades with the members of AIESEC Alex, who kick ass by the way, i arrived home at mid-night, to put an end to my 23rd year of existence and to metaphorically turn the page of my AIESEC career.
Still got two months - and i am gonna make ‘em great ones!
As for turning 23, well, i still got a few years before i absolutely need to grow up.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
I joined the club!
If you can beat em, join em
My newest gadget
Yes it's fuschia - matches my house and my wardrobe!
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Moving On
So i guess it's time for me to move on to the next stage of my AIESEC Experience.
Over 6 months ago i was wondering how people deal with the fact that they are not part of AIESEC anymore.
To be honest, it seems easier that it sounds.
So now i guess i really need to fix my plumbing!
Over 6 months ago i was wondering how people deal with the fact that they are not part of AIESEC anymore.
To be honest, it seems easier that it sounds.
So now i guess i really need to fix my plumbing!
Monday, April 17, 2006
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Enough is Enough!
I am sick and tired of defending my faith!
It shouldn't be that hard!
It should make my life easier, not turn my brain into an automatic defense program.
It should make people better, not turn them against each other.
I am calling it quits! I am detaching myself of the masses who currently follow this faith.
Now i just need to develop a name for the faith i DO believe in, since the original one is already taken, creates negative associations and is somewhat misleading now.
It shouldn't be that hard!
It should make my life easier, not turn my brain into an automatic defense program.
It should make people better, not turn them against each other.
I am calling it quits! I am detaching myself of the masses who currently follow this faith.
Now i just need to develop a name for the faith i DO believe in, since the original one is already taken, creates negative associations and is somewhat misleading now.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
So close!
So on my way from Purvi's house in North London to Heathrow Airport, i had a bigass feeling that i would miss the plane.
Arriving to the airport 1 hour and 15 mins before my flight i was breathless.
I arrived at the check-in desk and i was not too late - thank god.
The plane seemed to have been overbooked - so they were looking for volunteers to take the next flight, same time next day, and those would get accomodation and food plus either a voucher for 575 Sterling pounds or receive 420 Sterling pounds cash ( that is 4200 Egyptian Pounds). So i was more than willing to volunteer!
While waiting to see what happens for 35 long minutes i kept thinking what i would buy with that amount of money.
After those lovely 35 minutes they did manage to find a place for me on the plane.
It was such a bummer!!
At least it was business class :S
Arriving to the airport 1 hour and 15 mins before my flight i was breathless.
I arrived at the check-in desk and i was not too late - thank god.
The plane seemed to have been overbooked - so they were looking for volunteers to take the next flight, same time next day, and those would get accomodation and food plus either a voucher for 575 Sterling pounds or receive 420 Sterling pounds cash ( that is 4200 Egyptian Pounds). So i was more than willing to volunteer!
While waiting to see what happens for 35 long minutes i kept thinking what i would buy with that amount of money.
After those lovely 35 minutes they did manage to find a place for me on the plane.
It was such a bummer!!
At least it was business class :S
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
London - bay-bee
I am HERE!!
I am busy at work, attending meetings with all the BIG HR dudes of Ericsson - very informative.
It's interesting how AIESEC prepares you for that stuff!
I am here till monday - which is awesome.
Work finishes tomorrow at 4 then it's non stop FUN !
Friday, March 31, 2006
ahh Egyptian Traffic!
The beauty of Egyptian Traffic is that you can easily say
"Today i got hit by a car"
Well that's my story. Hailing a cab and ther goes this perfect gentleman (note the sarcasm) and hits me in the side. It was some feeling having his mirror dive into my ribs.
So far i am fine - we'll see in the morning how bad the damage is - but no broken parts - this ship is still sailing!
The funny thing is that he wanted me to fix his car
I am contemplating faking a disability in my right arm and suing!
"Today i got hit by a car"
Well that's my story. Hailing a cab and ther goes this perfect gentleman (note the sarcasm) and hits me in the side. It was some feeling having his mirror dive into my ribs.
So far i am fine - we'll see in the morning how bad the damage is - but no broken parts - this ship is still sailing!
The funny thing is that he wanted me to fix his car
I am contemplating faking a disability in my right arm and suing!
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Woha! slow down
After a few slow relaxing couple of weeks where the highlight of my day is the dinner with Dody and Ziad and Carlos the gear shifts fast.
Next week, Tom arrives, Jen arrives, I go to visit this howebagger in london, attend my UK Ceeder/roomie/good friend's wedding (no, not her, the other one) and i have a big deadline.
It's 12:56 and i have finished my work for the day.
Time for shower?
Next week, Tom arrives, Jen arrives, I go to visit this howebagger in london, attend my UK Ceeder/roomie/good friend's wedding (no, not her, the other one) and i have a big deadline.
It's 12:56 and i have finished my work for the day.
Time for shower?
Monday, March 27, 2006
the monthly "statement"
After 4 years of studying business, you'd think i would understand a bank statement!
Well i don't! every time i open the HSBC envelope - i am reminded about how it feels to read a chinese newspaper!
Well i don't! every time i open the HSBC envelope - i am reminded about how it feels to read a chinese newspaper!
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Thursday, March 16, 2006
The best thing after a stressful day of partnership negotiations, and funny rumors all the way from the AI office, is a night at the opera listening to some good looking austrian men, with really shiny shoes playing symphonies and arias by W. A. Mozart.
The added bonus of teasing the only american in the opera house about what W. A. stands for, was also nice!
The added bonus of teasing the only american in the opera house about what W. A. stands for, was also nice!
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
JINXED!
Okay i finallyhave to admit that i am jinxed when it comes to computers.
When my first laptop got smashed in a car accident and left without a screen, i thought it was bad luck - it turned out to be a series of endless incidents!
So i worked with an external monitor, untill one day i found a screen i could afford.
Then the computer started to get busted, it wouldn't open, and after too many attempts i couldnt fix it.
So i took the hard drive out, and gave up.
Then i got my sister's old laptop, and she bought a new one, less than a month since i have had it and the windows crash! so i go to have it formatted, and the hard drive is busted, and needs replacement. So i give the guy my hard drive from the old computer, and that doesn't work coz one of those tiny metal pointy thingies is broken, and apparently that's important.
So i gotta buy a new harddrive! Of course my financial status does not allow that.
Then nisrin, FINALLY , decides to pick up her AIESEC US laptop from Toshiba, and gives me AIESEC Egypt's laptop. And as soon as she gives it to me the screen starts going banana and disconnects every 5 minutes.
Is it me?! or do computers not like me?!
When my first laptop got smashed in a car accident and left without a screen, i thought it was bad luck - it turned out to be a series of endless incidents!
So i worked with an external monitor, untill one day i found a screen i could afford.
Then the computer started to get busted, it wouldn't open, and after too many attempts i couldnt fix it.
So i took the hard drive out, and gave up.
Then i got my sister's old laptop, and she bought a new one, less than a month since i have had it and the windows crash! so i go to have it formatted, and the hard drive is busted, and needs replacement. So i give the guy my hard drive from the old computer, and that doesn't work coz one of those tiny metal pointy thingies is broken, and apparently that's important.
So i gotta buy a new harddrive! Of course my financial status does not allow that.
Then nisrin, FINALLY , decides to pick up her AIESEC US laptop from Toshiba, and gives me AIESEC Egypt's laptop. And as soon as she gives it to me the screen starts going banana and disconnects every 5 minutes.
Is it me?! or do computers not like me?!
I know purvi, you will hate me for this, but I thought Mr. and Mrs. Smith was cute!
How at the end they stayed together, and started sharing everything - it was kinda endearing!
I am reading the book now - giving it a second chance.
Been busy - too many funerals man!And funerals mean seeing that side of the family that enjoys pestering one another, it's funny until they turn against you!
How at the end they stayed together, and started sharing everything - it was kinda endearing!
I am reading the book now - giving it a second chance.
Been busy - too many funerals man!And funerals mean seeing that side of the family that enjoys pestering one another, it's funny until they turn against you!
Monday, March 06, 2006
And that's when i decided to stop reading
So the book i got seemed good, pulizer prize winner, not so expensive and had an intriguing opening line.
When the grandmother of the heroine/hero (it could be either, she/he/it is confused) marries her brother, that's when i decided to stop reading.
Now homosexuality and other gender issues, i have learned to tolerate - but i draw the line at incest!!
So now i am shopping for a new book! A book that doesn't challenge my worldview THAT much!
When the grandmother of the heroine/hero (it could be either, she/he/it is confused) marries her brother, that's when i decided to stop reading.
Now homosexuality and other gender issues, i have learned to tolerate - but i draw the line at incest!!
So now i am shopping for a new book! A book that doesn't challenge my worldview THAT much!
I am having the worst day!
So far i have had my finger on one hand jammed between two doors, I have had my other finger stung by boiling water, i have been told that my Laptop's hard drive will not work again.
And it is only 10:22
I guess my resolution to be positive every day is failing miserably.
Can't wait for this day to end
And it is only 10:22
I guess my resolution to be positive every day is failing miserably.
Can't wait for this day to end
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
AIESEC Egypt - in Al Ahram!
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
My Enemy!
Well now that we've established that Israeli's are not my enemy 
THIS is who i call my enemy!
Last week i got the pleasure of having one of them
take a stroll on my foot becuase SOMEONE forgot
to put the lid on the drain!
My screams almost gave my mom a heart attack
I will give a Million Dollars to whoever completely causes them to get extinct!
(it is because of 3 of those, that tom got the privilege of seeing me in a relativeley small towel)
THIS is who i call my enemy!
Last week i got the pleasure of having one of them
take a stroll on my foot becuase SOMEONE forgot
to put the lid on the drain!
My screams almost gave my mom a heart attack
I will give a Million Dollars to whoever completely causes them to get extinct!
(it is because of 3 of those, that tom got the privilege of seeing me in a relativeley small towel)
Friday, February 24, 2006
no to stress
My life's pretty boring right now.
This past two weeks i have put all my energy to de-stress and be relaxed.
And i think i have no need to stress - i work 3 days a week, the rest of the time i do AIESEC, where i do not have to get up early or work really late.
So i decided to say No to stress.
Now i think i am quite relaxed - i might actually enjoy myself Cairo!
So what is my plan? I am gona do something i like!
1) I am gona sign up for dance classes.
I was gona sign up for the gym - but i hate that, it could wait, i still have some time before i hit the 200 pounds mark! haha
2) I am gona go to Dream park - yes i want to go on the roller coaster, and i will do it!
3) gona go to the Arcade! play some air hockey and kill some cockaroaches and maybe fall on my ass again while bowling! but i need a partner in crime - wana join?
i also wana join a choire - but that'll have to wait for next time
i am planning the up coming vacation from the 20nd till the 25th of April - do i want a nice chilled tanning session at basata with my sis? or a big party thing in Hurghada? (i do not DO sharm anymore, the water's too poluted now)
This past two weeks i have put all my energy to de-stress and be relaxed.
And i think i have no need to stress - i work 3 days a week, the rest of the time i do AIESEC, where i do not have to get up early or work really late.
So i decided to say No to stress.
Now i think i am quite relaxed - i might actually enjoy myself Cairo!
So what is my plan? I am gona do something i like!
1) I am gona sign up for dance classes.
I was gona sign up for the gym - but i hate that, it could wait, i still have some time before i hit the 200 pounds mark! haha
2) I am gona go to Dream park - yes i want to go on the roller coaster, and i will do it!
3) gona go to the Arcade! play some air hockey and kill some cockaroaches and maybe fall on my ass again while bowling! but i need a partner in crime - wana join?
i also wana join a choire - but that'll have to wait for next time
i am planning the up coming vacation from the 20nd till the 25th of April - do i want a nice chilled tanning session at basata with my sis? or a big party thing in Hurghada? (i do not DO sharm anymore, the water's too poluted now)
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
that damn chill
so i came accross this blog of an Israeli - i am assuming it's a girl, i do not know why.
and read this post
www.israellycool.com/blog/ModerateArabsandMuslims
I have always been a firm believer that Israel is not an enemy, and that you cannot hate someone just coz they are israeli. I am all for peaceful relations, and active peace between Egypt and Israel.
But this blog let me see the other side, especially that sentence "it doesn't change my opinion that Egypt is no friend of ours"
I realized - well if most of the Egyptian population hated Israel so much, and would do horrific acts of brutality if they come across an Israeli, then this must be reciprocal.
Israeli's would feel pretty much the same towards us.
The idea that someone hates me so much - without even knowing me, sent a chill through my body!
It's scary
(I still stand behind my opinion, that Israel is no enemy of mine)
and read this post
www.israellycool.com/blog/ModerateArabsandMuslims
I have always been a firm believer that Israel is not an enemy, and that you cannot hate someone just coz they are israeli. I am all for peaceful relations, and active peace between Egypt and Israel.
But this blog let me see the other side, especially that sentence "it doesn't change my opinion that Egypt is no friend of ours"
I realized - well if most of the Egyptian population hated Israel so much, and would do horrific acts of brutality if they come across an Israeli, then this must be reciprocal.
Israeli's would feel pretty much the same towards us.
The idea that someone hates me so much - without even knowing me, sent a chill through my body!
It's scary
(I still stand behind my opinion, that Israel is no enemy of mine)
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
the demographic of the progressive Egyptians
Recently I have been checking loads of blogs, mainly of Egyptians.
When I read some of them I feel elated! It is great to have Egyptians that think and even better when they think like me - haha!
Okay seriously, it's a sad truth that the amount of Egyptians that actually use this brain that they possess to make sense of what happens around them and try to learn more and develop analyses for what happens.
I would like to believe I am one of those, despite of my few readings in the issues I care about - my concentration span is really limited, watching a whole movie is an effort.(yes mom, I am working on it wallahee)
So some blogs that have blown me away are Freedom For Egyptians, Egyptian Sand monkey, Manal and Alaa, Snefru and that is only to name a few.
So my quest is to find out, who exactly are those people - their identities are not shown - well with their views it is understandable.
What are the demographic of the Egyptians that give me some hope?
First of all, they blog A LOT! and have good language skills - Arabic or English - which leads me to believe they may be journalists who use blogs as a futile attempt to satisfy their need for Freedom of Speech.
Second of all, quite a number of them write English is really well, and they have a lot of references to the US, and its culture. Which leads me to believe they have lived or experienced the US culture.
This is a good and bad thing - it's awesome that those people chose to direct their energy towards their country and towards making themselves heard. But it's bad since it means that the Egyptian system of education and the Egyptian upbringing does not nurture those minds.
I guess I would be the exception here :)
Third of all, this has been a debate between me and roomie, fellow blogger and fellow AIESECer Nisrin, their age.
They kefaya movement has been driven by people who are in their 40ies on average. Look at them, they are OLD!! Opposition and demonstrators when it comes to Egyptian issues are also in their 40ies on average. Young demonstrators of the AUC, Cairo University and my all time favorite Alexandria University ( Yay for the Faculty of NO Arts) demonstrate about evil United States, poor Iraq and the innocent Palestinians (please note sarcastic tone), but they rarely demonstrate about their own country.
The necessity and rationale and effectiveness of demonstrations are not in question here, but it merely demonstrates the areas of passion for the people.
So Nisrin thinks that those bloggers must be in their mid thirties, to forties to fifties. Professors, or Journalists, or better Journalism Professors.
Though it does make sense - but I am hoping that they are not that old and they are in their early twenties like me, University Students and Fresh graduates who want to change things. Or should I loose complete hope in the youth of today.
I blogged last year about Egyptian Youth in my eyes - University of Doom and Gloom
Wondering how to end this post…
When I read some of them I feel elated! It is great to have Egyptians that think and even better when they think like me - haha!
Okay seriously, it's a sad truth that the amount of Egyptians that actually use this brain that they possess to make sense of what happens around them and try to learn more and develop analyses for what happens.
I would like to believe I am one of those, despite of my few readings in the issues I care about - my concentration span is really limited, watching a whole movie is an effort.(yes mom, I am working on it wallahee)
So some blogs that have blown me away are Freedom For Egyptians, Egyptian Sand monkey, Manal and Alaa, Snefru and that is only to name a few.
So my quest is to find out, who exactly are those people - their identities are not shown - well with their views it is understandable.
What are the demographic of the Egyptians that give me some hope?
First of all, they blog A LOT! and have good language skills - Arabic or English - which leads me to believe they may be journalists who use blogs as a futile attempt to satisfy their need for Freedom of Speech.
Second of all, quite a number of them write English is really well, and they have a lot of references to the US, and its culture. Which leads me to believe they have lived or experienced the US culture.
This is a good and bad thing - it's awesome that those people chose to direct their energy towards their country and towards making themselves heard. But it's bad since it means that the Egyptian system of education and the Egyptian upbringing does not nurture those minds.
I guess I would be the exception here :)
Third of all, this has been a debate between me and roomie, fellow blogger and fellow AIESECer Nisrin, their age.
They kefaya movement has been driven by people who are in their 40ies on average. Look at them, they are OLD!! Opposition and demonstrators when it comes to Egyptian issues are also in their 40ies on average. Young demonstrators of the AUC, Cairo University and my all time favorite Alexandria University ( Yay for the Faculty of NO Arts) demonstrate about evil United States, poor Iraq and the innocent Palestinians (please note sarcastic tone), but they rarely demonstrate about their own country.
The necessity and rationale and effectiveness of demonstrations are not in question here, but it merely demonstrates the areas of passion for the people.
So Nisrin thinks that those bloggers must be in their mid thirties, to forties to fifties. Professors, or Journalists, or better Journalism Professors.
Though it does make sense - but I am hoping that they are not that old and they are in their early twenties like me, University Students and Fresh graduates who want to change things. Or should I loose complete hope in the youth of today.
I blogged last year about Egyptian Youth in my eyes - University of Doom and Gloom
Wondering how to end this post…
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Mixed Feelings
1) poo was here :) , then she left :( - I offered her 100 dollars to stay and nassef offered her another 100 dollars but she still left!
2) Friends is doing more episodes - WTF?! We liked them, but move on bee-bolz!
3) We won the friggin Africa cup - in your face Tunisia and Morocco!!
4) Egyptian Sandmonkey's blog is cool! It will keep me entertained at work
5) More anger around the cartoons - again WTF?! More about this later
6) AIESEC Egypt has an MCP - Congrats Samy, I hope you induce a cultural change in this organization towards excellence and value-orientation. God knows i tried!
7) 1000 people are dead - it's like Titanic, without the love story
8) My 23rd valentine's day is here - and since I do not like change, it will be spent like every other 22 Valentine day
So about the cartoons:
In AIESEC you get taught the basics of cultural sensitivity. Meaning when you travel to another country you need to sensitive of its culture.
Does that mean that when you are in your country you only need to be sensitive to your own culture and not to anyone else’s?
Forget what we should do, what does actually happen?
Are we as Egyptians culturally sensitive and aware as not to offend any belief or culture outside of our own?
Don't we make fun of Indians, and their religious practices?
Don't we think it's gross for the French to eat frog's legs?
Don't we make fun of re-incarnation?
Don't we call Africans "3abeed"? (Arabic for slaves)
if we give ourselves the right to be insensitive to other cultures outside of our own, then we need to give others the same right.
If a Danish newspaper decides to be culturally insensitive to those living outside its boarders, then why are they wrong? Noting that Muslim Danes support the Freedom of speech they have, so they have not been offended.
Another case of Arab double standards i guess!
I am happy that the African Cup took the entire spotlight away from all the events of the world; at least Egyptians haven't done anything stupid about these cartoons.
But it also meant people forgot about those 1000 people dead in the bottom of the sea - no help is being sought for those victimized families or survivors.
2) Friends is doing more episodes - WTF?! We liked them, but move on bee-bolz!
3) We won the friggin Africa cup - in your face Tunisia and Morocco!!
4) Egyptian Sandmonkey's blog is cool! It will keep me entertained at work
5) More anger around the cartoons - again WTF?! More about this later
6) AIESEC Egypt has an MCP - Congrats Samy, I hope you induce a cultural change in this organization towards excellence and value-orientation. God knows i tried!
7) 1000 people are dead - it's like Titanic, without the love story
8) My 23rd valentine's day is here - and since I do not like change, it will be spent like every other 22 Valentine day
So about the cartoons:
In AIESEC you get taught the basics of cultural sensitivity. Meaning when you travel to another country you need to sensitive of its culture.
Does that mean that when you are in your country you only need to be sensitive to your own culture and not to anyone else’s?
Forget what we should do, what does actually happen?
Are we as Egyptians culturally sensitive and aware as not to offend any belief or culture outside of our own?
Don't we make fun of Indians, and their religious practices?
Don't we think it's gross for the French to eat frog's legs?
Don't we make fun of re-incarnation?
Don't we call Africans "3abeed"? (Arabic for slaves)
if we give ourselves the right to be insensitive to other cultures outside of our own, then we need to give others the same right.
If a Danish newspaper decides to be culturally insensitive to those living outside its boarders, then why are they wrong? Noting that Muslim Danes support the Freedom of speech they have, so they have not been offended.
Another case of Arab double standards i guess!
I am happy that the African Cup took the entire spotlight away from all the events of the world; at least Egyptians haven't done anything stupid about these cartoons.
But it also meant people forgot about those 1000 people dead in the bottom of the sea - no help is being sought for those victimized families or survivors.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
My 5 cents to whatever's been goin on
So i saw the cartoons, and yes i was offended. Uhmm but it is just a catroon at the end of the day. many movies, cartoons, and people offend god, mohamed, jesus, moses - makes me upset, disgracing holy figures offends me because i believe in them.
if someone offends budda, or an indian goddess i would not give a damn, i do not believe in them anyway, so why should i care.and i am being honest here - that's how i would feel.
so i am sure this reporter thought the same - i do not believe in them, so why should i care.
tayeb, he can say whatever he wants, doesn't mean it is true, doesn't mean i have to believe it.
so if you haven't noticed yet - it is JUST A CARTOON for heaven's sake, stop fussing, there are more important things in the world that needs our attention, and for this poor editor or cartoonist, i am pretty sure god can defend his name and his prophets in the right time - don't think he needs us to do that for him.
I am more concerned with the 1000 people that died on the ferry. makes me wonder what is worse: dying for a cause, dying for hate, dying for love or for just plain stupidity!!!
I am pissed!!
and one last thing - GOOD LUCK to Egypt in the semi-finals!!!!
if someone offends budda, or an indian goddess i would not give a damn, i do not believe in them anyway, so why should i care.and i am being honest here - that's how i would feel.
so i am sure this reporter thought the same - i do not believe in them, so why should i care.
tayeb, he can say whatever he wants, doesn't mean it is true, doesn't mean i have to believe it.
so if you haven't noticed yet - it is JUST A CARTOON for heaven's sake, stop fussing, there are more important things in the world that needs our attention, and for this poor editor or cartoonist, i am pretty sure god can defend his name and his prophets in the right time - don't think he needs us to do that for him.
I am more concerned with the 1000 people that died on the ferry. makes me wonder what is worse: dying for a cause, dying for hate, dying for love or for just plain stupidity!!!
I am pissed!!
and one last thing - GOOD LUCK to Egypt in the semi-finals!!!!
Sunday, February 05, 2006
The longest ride
Yesterday, we had the longest ride driving back from our National Conference.
Though it should have taken us an hour to get to Cairo, it took much longer, and felt longer than the drive from Alex to Sharm el sheikh.
The second bus carrying half of AIESEC Egypt, had a huge accident on the way, where the bus ran into a truck, that suddenly slowed down.
While everyone was fine, just some minor injuries, it was torture for us to have a phone call from girls crying histerically, and having to wait to find out how bad it was.
They were trapped in the bus for a few minutes since the front of the bus was very damaged and the door could not be opened, until the boys broke the windows and jumped out.
Their first instinct was to run after the truck driver and kick his ass - but the driver ran for his life, and they did not catch him - thank god for that, he would not have survived.
With a few injured people and a few girls in shock, we headed back to cairo after hours of trying to arrange everything.
The "men" assumed control of course and tried to manage the crisis - which of course could have been done more effectively, had the MC been in charge of the situation.
But the long night ended well, when we returned safely, to Cairo.
An unforgettable experience - a horrible night, with a good ending.
But i guess "Ende gut, alles gut!"
Though it should have taken us an hour to get to Cairo, it took much longer, and felt longer than the drive from Alex to Sharm el sheikh.
The second bus carrying half of AIESEC Egypt, had a huge accident on the way, where the bus ran into a truck, that suddenly slowed down.
While everyone was fine, just some minor injuries, it was torture for us to have a phone call from girls crying histerically, and having to wait to find out how bad it was.
They were trapped in the bus for a few minutes since the front of the bus was very damaged and the door could not be opened, until the boys broke the windows and jumped out.
Their first instinct was to run after the truck driver and kick his ass - but the driver ran for his life, and they did not catch him - thank god for that, he would not have survived.
With a few injured people and a few girls in shock, we headed back to cairo after hours of trying to arrange everything.
The "men" assumed control of course and tried to manage the crisis - which of course could have been done more effectively, had the MC been in charge of the situation.
But the long night ended well, when we returned safely, to Cairo.
An unforgettable experience - a horrible night, with a good ending.
But i guess "Ende gut, alles gut!"
Monday, January 30, 2006
words that make me snap!
Working in a company with mainly engineers, you have to deal with the fact that they think anyone who is not an engineer is a secretary, assistant or administration!
So on my list of words you would call me that make me snap, the new entries are
Office Manager
Secretary
Assistant
Admin
in addidtion to the old entries such as
Madam
and Lady
2 Bachelor degrees, one honors and 4 Leadership positions, to be called and treated as a scretary - makes me wonder why did i go through that much trouble!
So on my list of words you would call me that make me snap, the new entries are
Office Manager
Secretary
Assistant
Admin
in addidtion to the old entries such as
Madam
and Lady
2 Bachelor degrees, one honors and 4 Leadership positions, to be called and treated as a scretary - makes me wonder why did i go through that much trouble!
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Roomie Number Two
My newly acquired Roommate - and bedmate for that matter - is awesome.
She makes my bed everyday, and she doesn't realize I never do it myself - but no reason for her to find that out.
Now all she needs to do is to make me a home cooked meal by the time I come home from work - and I will keep her for life.
My Jencp!
She makes my bed everyday, and she doesn't realize I never do it myself - but no reason for her to find that out.
Now all she needs to do is to make me a home cooked meal by the time I come home from work - and I will keep her for life.
My Jencp!
Monday, January 16, 2006
AIESEC Egypt Rocks DA HOUSE!
This year we have THREE MCP applicants
and sofar EIGHT Egyptian MCEB Applicants (and expecting one more Egyptian)
I am impressed - after years of having 2 or 3 applicants for MC now we are up to ELEVEN
Hooraaay for AIESEC Egypt
Good luck to you guys
and sofar EIGHT Egyptian MCEB Applicants (and expecting one more Egyptian)
I am impressed - after years of having 2 or 3 applicants for MC now we are up to ELEVEN
Hooraaay for AIESEC Egypt
Good luck to you guys
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Algeria, Algerio, Algeriee
My AI and Internship plans are on hold -
Expanding into Algeria
Should I?
Can't stop thinking about it
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
time flows by
The babysitter's club
Beverly Hills 90210
Dawson's Creek
Party of Five
Saved by the Bell
As a girl who probably had a TV inserted with her in her mom's womb, and the holder of the lifetime couch potato award, these shows were a big part of my childhood, and teenage years.
Yesterday MBC2 aired the baby sitter's club, and oh my god! they were so tiny.
I remember seeing it and reading about the movie, and all the goodies and thinking i wana do that when i "grow up"
And dreaming of great nights like the ones in "she's all that" and cute scenes from Pacey and Joey on Dawson's Creed?? that's like junior high! I still thought it would happen, untill i saw the movie and realized - my baby brother is their age now.
So this week is all about realizing that having a baby sitter's club, ain't gona happen, and i will never have a real prom, and i will not have two gorgeous guys (well P definetly is, D? no not really gorgeous at all!) who will go into a fist fight, and argue about who gets to go to the prom with me and i will probably not be homecoming queen in this life.
I will leave getting over the "college life" dream (the parties, the drinks, the dorms and the experimenting etc) to next year - afterall it took me 4 years to get over junior highschool stories!
I guess i should stop reading Sweet Valley High too huh? maybe switch to sweet valley univeristy?! haha
when exactly was it when we grew up?
Beverly Hills 90210
Dawson's Creek
Party of Five
Saved by the Bell
As a girl who probably had a TV inserted with her in her mom's womb, and the holder of the lifetime couch potato award, these shows were a big part of my childhood, and teenage years.
Yesterday MBC2 aired the baby sitter's club, and oh my god! they were so tiny.
I remember seeing it and reading about the movie, and all the goodies and thinking i wana do that when i "grow up"
And dreaming of great nights like the ones in "she's all that" and cute scenes from Pacey and Joey on Dawson's Creed?? that's like junior high! I still thought it would happen, untill i saw the movie and realized - my baby brother is their age now.
So this week is all about realizing that having a baby sitter's club, ain't gona happen, and i will never have a real prom, and i will not have two gorgeous guys (well P definetly is, D? no not really gorgeous at all!) who will go into a fist fight, and argue about who gets to go to the prom with me and i will probably not be homecoming queen in this life.
I will leave getting over the "college life" dream (the parties, the drinks, the dorms and the experimenting etc) to next year - afterall it took me 4 years to get over junior highschool stories!
I guess i should stop reading Sweet Valley High too huh? maybe switch to sweet valley univeristy?! haha
when exactly was it when we grew up?
Thursday, January 05, 2006
goin home!!
Yup Yup Yup
Tomorrow my vacation starts! and goes on for 9 whole days.
So i will pack my bags and head home for Eid.
I have not been home in 3 weeks now, and i have not been home for that long since June.
It will be nice to have someone else do the cleaning and the dishes and the cooking.
I hope i could survive the entire 9 days!
it will be nice to sleep in every day though - :)
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
For the first time..
Yes! I finally did it!!
My first pot of Rice - i can do anything now. ( and it was gooood)
And for the first time in a long time i went to the Pyramids - and rode a camel!
Lara and Rema, my friends visiting from England - We had a BLAST!
(Me, Lara and Rema on Camels)
(Me! sweet huh?)
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Apparently it's not just being "Middle Eastern" that would mean you are fucked wherever you go, from the west all the way to down under,
It's also being Muslim.
I had an interesting conversation at work, while the Internet was down - again, with a half-British, half-Swedish woman, married to an Egyptian.
She's Muslim, and lives here for a while so her kids would learn Arabic. She is veiled, so the inevitable question that I asked her, was how she gets treated in Sweden.
She told me she, and many of her Muslim but non-Arab women she knows, only get veiled in the Arab world, when they go to their countries - being it US, Sweden or wherever - they take it off.
The woman is as white as anyone could be, blue eyes, blonde eyebrows (a true sign of being a true blonde), the few hairs you do get to see are ash blonde, yet she's still not comfortable enough to walk with her veil.
So basically, you are veiled --> you're fucked, you look "Arab"--> You're in quite a pickle, you ARE Arab --> you're fucked!
Despite of all that, I still maintain that the Muslims/Arabs brought all of this on them, and it's like 90% their fault.
It's also being Muslim.
I had an interesting conversation at work, while the Internet was down - again, with a half-British, half-Swedish woman, married to an Egyptian.
She's Muslim, and lives here for a while so her kids would learn Arabic. She is veiled, so the inevitable question that I asked her, was how she gets treated in Sweden.
She told me she, and many of her Muslim but non-Arab women she knows, only get veiled in the Arab world, when they go to their countries - being it US, Sweden or wherever - they take it off.
The woman is as white as anyone could be, blue eyes, blonde eyebrows (a true sign of being a true blonde), the few hairs you do get to see are ash blonde, yet she's still not comfortable enough to walk with her veil.
So basically, you are veiled --> you're fucked, you look "Arab"--> You're in quite a pickle, you ARE Arab --> you're fucked!
Despite of all that, I still maintain that the Muslims/Arabs brought all of this on them, and it's like 90% their fault.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
I love Internet!!
The Internet is an awesome Invention!!
I found my family tree online,, along with information and pictures of each generation.
http://www.egy.com/people/chamtree.htm
It's quite impressive, I wish I had seen it before I went to turkey - apparently we have a Mosque there. I have one more reason to go to Turkey again!
Although the links to the grandchildren of the corrupt presidents of Egypt is not something I am particularly proud of.
My grandma was quite amused by this family tree.
I found my family tree online,, along with information and pictures of each generation.
http://www.egy.com/people/chamtree.htm
It's quite impressive, I wish I had seen it before I went to turkey - apparently we have a Mosque there. I have one more reason to go to Turkey again!
Although the links to the grandchildren of the corrupt presidents of Egypt is not something I am particularly proud of.
My grandma was quite amused by this family tree.
Friday, December 09, 2005
poll - what do you think?!
I am contemplating changing the colors of my blog
you think?!
note that my favorite color on earth is Pink!
I cannot promise a free election, i am after all from the land of Mubarak - he has to rub off on me!
you think?!
note that my favorite color on earth is Pink!
I cannot promise a free election, i am after all from the land of Mubarak - he has to rub off on me!
you know you work for Ercisson
when you make ur appointments in swedish time,
when the other person automatically shows up on time, eventhough you did not specify it's swedish time
hey you greet people with Hej!
and count your money in SEK
and you actually know what the hell SEK is!
when the other person automatically shows up on time, eventhough you did not specify it's swedish time
hey you greet people with Hej!
and count your money in SEK
and you actually know what the hell SEK is!
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
I wanna job where,,
I spend April to September in Egypt,
And October to March in Australia,
I can't believe it's summer in Australia - lucky bastards
It was 29 degrees last week, but it's getting cold again :(
(yes 22 is COLD!)
And October to March in Australia,
I can't believe it's summer in Australia - lucky bastards
It was 29 degrees last week, but it's getting cold again :(
(yes 22 is COLD!)
Saturday, December 03, 2005
The Merchant of Venice! wow!
Yesterday i went to see the Merchant of Venice, i assume it was a british production.
It was breathtaking!
Al Pacino's perfromance was simply divine! The story itsself, and the words, the verses everything was awesome. It's definetly one of Shakespeare's finest!
I have read some of his work but not this particular one, and i regret it now.
The best scene was the monologue that Al Pacino did, in the middle of the movie about how Jews breath the same air as christians, eat the same food - etc.
I had to fight to urge to stand up and cheer and applaud.
I am definetly going to go see the movie again,
I will put the book on my reading list, however the book will not have that big of an effect - since my imagination is now limited with the movie and i cannot picture it myself.
I urge everyone of you to go see it - it's fantastic!
It was breathtaking!
Al Pacino's perfromance was simply divine! The story itsself, and the words, the verses everything was awesome. It's definetly one of Shakespeare's finest!
I have read some of his work but not this particular one, and i regret it now.
The best scene was the monologue that Al Pacino did, in the middle of the movie about how Jews breath the same air as christians, eat the same food - etc.
I had to fight to urge to stand up and cheer and applaud.
I am definetly going to go see the movie again,
I will put the book on my reading list, however the book will not have that big of an effect - since my imagination is now limited with the movie and i cannot picture it myself.
I urge everyone of you to go see it - it's fantastic!
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
A prize Idiot!
Yep, that's me!
I mess up so often, if there was ever a prize for dorkiness, it would be me!
I just emailed 400 people with an announcement, that had the first name of a top manager, and the last name of another top manager merged together in one name!
Though recalling the email was not 100% effective, but thank god for outlook
I mess up so often, if there was ever a prize for dorkiness, it would be me!
I just emailed 400 people with an announcement, that had the first name of a top manager, and the last name of another top manager merged together in one name!
Though recalling the email was not 100% effective, but thank god for outlook
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
My own version of Sidi bou Said
When i got home from Tunisia and while flipping in my mom's old photo album and saw her pictures there, 30 years ago when she was just about my age.
Saturday, November 26, 2005
a flame that is dying out
The parliamentary Elections have been ongoing for a while now, and i keep distancing myself from it further and further.
I buy various newspapers in hopes of keeping me up to date, but i end up throwing them away, and take comfort in my fictitious Novel(Codex by lev grossman).
Whenever i am faced with it on blogs and on TV, i keep reminding myself to apply for those Green Card ads in the newspaper,just in case.
I have hear that christians here in egypt go to the US embassy and claim that they are being discriminated against here, to get religious assylum and move to the States.
If the Muslim Brotherhood takes over, that will be their way out.
I wonder what will be ours!
I buy various newspapers in hopes of keeping me up to date, but i end up throwing them away, and take comfort in my fictitious Novel(Codex by lev grossman).
Whenever i am faced with it on blogs and on TV, i keep reminding myself to apply for those Green Card ads in the newspaper,just in case.
I have hear that christians here in egypt go to the US embassy and claim that they are being discriminated against here, to get religious assylum and move to the States.
If the Muslim Brotherhood takes over, that will be their way out.
I wonder what will be ours!
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
3 days, 3 nights
in tunis...
So work sent me on a three day assignment in Tunisia - following "Glamour's" advice in their last US issue, i shall not blog about my work.
What i will say though is that they put me in a sweet hotel, but VERY far away from anything even the airport!
So here's what i know now
1) Tuna in French is called "thon" - and boy you see that everywhere here, on pizzas, sandwiches, pasta you name it
2) the 7th of november is a REALLY important date for tunisians
3) The taxi's are nice - but expensive!
4) i have been ripped off in the market - but i guess there is some sort of justice in that since people get ripped off all the time in Egypt
5) Sidi bou seid is Beautiful !! simply divine!
6) Barsha - means a lot in tunisian Arabic
7) 5 minutes = drj in tunisian Arabic
8) my leabanese arabic is better than my tunisian arabic - if you know how good/bad (depending how you look at it) my lebanese arabic is like, you would understand what i mean, if not check with my roomie she can explain
9) Tunisians greet you with Maa'Sleme - which means bye in Egyptian arabic, so you can understand my level of disorientation
10) I understood a third of what has been said to me, simply because that third was in French!
Great three days!!
So work sent me on a three day assignment in Tunisia - following "Glamour's" advice in their last US issue, i shall not blog about my work.
What i will say though is that they put me in a sweet hotel, but VERY far away from anything even the airport!
So here's what i know now
1) Tuna in French is called "thon" - and boy you see that everywhere here, on pizzas, sandwiches, pasta you name it
2) the 7th of november is a REALLY important date for tunisians
3) The taxi's are nice - but expensive!
4) i have been ripped off in the market - but i guess there is some sort of justice in that since people get ripped off all the time in Egypt
5) Sidi bou seid is Beautiful !! simply divine!
6) Barsha - means a lot in tunisian Arabic
7) 5 minutes = drj in tunisian Arabic
8) my leabanese arabic is better than my tunisian arabic - if you know how good/bad (depending how you look at it) my lebanese arabic is like, you would understand what i mean, if not check with my roomie she can explain
9) Tunisians greet you with Maa'Sleme - which means bye in Egyptian arabic, so you can understand my level of disorientation
10) I understood a third of what has been said to me, simply because that third was in French!
Great three days!!
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
ramz el Shisha! (symbol - Shisha)
For all of you non-Egyptians, in Egypt every parliamentary candidate has a symbol so that the 50% of the Egyptian population that cannot read or write can recognize him/her.
Once again I will not be able to vote - Elections in my home town (Alexandria) are on Sunday, and on Sunday I am leaving to Tunisia insha'allah.
My disappointment is not that great - nothing can be done now. Another elections pre-determined.
In light of this, I was having a conversation with my driver today, he asked me what I would vote. And I bravely responded, well anything but NDP or Islamic. And the discussion began, why not Islamists!
I wonder what he thinks of me after this discussion, he will probably stop playing his koraan tapes whenever i am in the car!
I was reading the blog of Kareem Amer who was arrested for his writings about the recent incident in Alexandria. He wrote about how those Muslims do not tolerate the different and have high double standards.
My conversation today showed exactly that. I asked my driver, "If we allow the Islamists to have their "Islamist Party" then we should allow Christians to have a "Christian Party" right?"
His reply was "you cannot equate the Muslim religion with the Christian Religion"
The religions are different but the people that practice them must have the same rights, those double standards in the Egyptian Society are ridiculous!
There are double standards everywhere!
Equality and acceptance are just not in the Dictionary!
and tolerance (which is the minimum you can expect from anyone) is a rare thing.
And you wonder why people fear Muslims!
Once again I will not be able to vote - Elections in my home town (Alexandria) are on Sunday, and on Sunday I am leaving to Tunisia insha'allah.
My disappointment is not that great - nothing can be done now. Another elections pre-determined.
In light of this, I was having a conversation with my driver today, he asked me what I would vote. And I bravely responded, well anything but NDP or Islamic. And the discussion began, why not Islamists!
I wonder what he thinks of me after this discussion, he will probably stop playing his koraan tapes whenever i am in the car!
I was reading the blog of Kareem Amer who was arrested for his writings about the recent incident in Alexandria. He wrote about how those Muslims do not tolerate the different and have high double standards.
My conversation today showed exactly that. I asked my driver, "If we allow the Islamists to have their "Islamist Party" then we should allow Christians to have a "Christian Party" right?"
His reply was "you cannot equate the Muslim religion with the Christian Religion"
The religions are different but the people that practice them must have the same rights, those double standards in the Egyptian Society are ridiculous!
There are double standards everywhere!
Equality and acceptance are just not in the Dictionary!
and tolerance (which is the minimum you can expect from anyone) is a rare thing.
And you wonder why people fear Muslims!
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Rice Fiasco Part II
I am getting sick of this,
my second attempt at rice - this time it IS chewable, just a little too much!
and i have to eat it for 2 days!
and while i was drowned in my disapointment - nisrin was very amused!
my second attempt at rice - this time it IS chewable, just a little too much!
and i have to eat it for 2 days!
and while i was drowned in my disapointment - nisrin was very amused!
Monday, October 24, 2005
15 hours of sleep later...
Our National Conference for 2005 is officially over!
Today there were no roll calls in the morning, just the school a block away singing the National Anthem.
I would have loved to post up the logo of NLDS 2005, but I fear being sued for plagiarism.
Now life gets more organized, and more work is done!
The next few months are going to be awesome!
I am looking forward to my company visits lined up - and my LC growing and kicking ass!
And I am looking forward to my long weekend at the beach - in 2 mere weeks!
Today there were no roll calls in the morning, just the school a block away singing the National Anthem.
I would have loved to post up the logo of NLDS 2005, but I fear being sued for plagiarism.
Now life gets more organized, and more work is done!
The next few months are going to be awesome!
I am looking forward to my company visits lined up - and my LC growing and kicking ass!
And I am looking forward to my long weekend at the beach - in 2 mere weeks!
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
I am on the IC Master Output :)
AIESEC 2010 session was one of the best and most inspiring sessions i have ever attended (thanks to mike from AI)
We had clay so i played around with it while i was deep in thought about all the life changing stories i just heard, and this is what i came up with!
I had it on my computer for ages, and just as i am reading the IC master output i found it there.
I know it's stupid, but i like it :D
Monday, October 17, 2005
Injustice!
On Friday we had an Iftar with work, I was planning to go, but due to an unfortunate event I needed to be in Alex for the weekend.
I don't know those people from work that well, anywayz - so i went home for a nice meal with my mommy :)
Apparently they had a raffle, and they drew my name out - and I won a DVD player!
Yaay first time for me to win anything!
Well tecnincally i won!
Because I was not there, they drew another name out - and that person got my DVD player!
GRR!
Could I be more unlucky?!
My consolation is that the girl who got it, is the really nice secretary - who is superduper friendly and nice to me.
I don't know those people from work that well, anywayz - so i went home for a nice meal with my mommy :)
Apparently they had a raffle, and they drew my name out - and I won a DVD player!
Yaay first time for me to win anything!
Well tecnincally i won!
Because I was not there, they drew another name out - and that person got my DVD player!
GRR!
Could I be more unlucky?!
My consolation is that the girl who got it, is the really nice secretary - who is superduper friendly and nice to me.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Are we free or are they just plain ignorant!
At work I have a lot of free time, so I have been checking many random blogs especially those for Egyptians.
I am yet to come across a pro-mubarak blog - but I guess people who have access to internet and would blog are the type of people with a better worldview and education - so they know better than to be pro-mubarak (I hope!)
The interesting thing is that so many anti-government blogs are out there, and no one controls them. There are news about people all around the world being arested for things they say on their blogs, but in Egypt? no one knows about it except the bloggers.
This makes me wonder - is it not controlled because the government does not know it exists? or because we are actually free to say what we want?
On a different note: If you want to get a Nobel Prize, be born in Egypt, just don't live there!
I am yet to come across a pro-mubarak blog - but I guess people who have access to internet and would blog are the type of people with a better worldview and education - so they know better than to be pro-mubarak (I hope!)
The interesting thing is that so many anti-government blogs are out there, and no one controls them. There are news about people all around the world being arested for things they say on their blogs, but in Egypt? no one knows about it except the bloggers.
This makes me wonder - is it not controlled because the government does not know it exists? or because we are actually free to say what we want?
On a different note: If you want to get a Nobel Prize, be born in Egypt, just don't live there!
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
How to make the world's worst pot of rice!
Following up on trent's post "Zen and the Art of Steaming Rice", and my latest cooking lesson, here is how to make the world's worst pot of rice:
Get rice out of bag - wash rice thoroughly (it's the worst one not the dirtiest one) until the water is clear and transparent
then put rice in pot
forget to put butter
put water - don't boil it, coz you just don't know that you should boil it before hand
water should cover up the rice by 1.5 to 2 centimeters - you have to get one thing right huh?!
remember butter and just add it in there
turn stove on
leave till the water is no longer there - I have no idea what happens to it
then put it on low temperature, and cover it and leave it for 10 minutes!
Result? The world's least edible rice!
now try that for ifar when you have been fasting for 12 hours, you will love it anywayz
keep in mind - Pizza hut's number is 19000
Get rice out of bag - wash rice thoroughly (it's the worst one not the dirtiest one) until the water is clear and transparent
then put rice in pot
forget to put butter
put water - don't boil it, coz you just don't know that you should boil it before hand
water should cover up the rice by 1.5 to 2 centimeters - you have to get one thing right huh?!
remember butter and just add it in there
turn stove on
leave till the water is no longer there - I have no idea what happens to it
then put it on low temperature, and cover it and leave it for 10 minutes!
Result? The world's least edible rice!
now try that for ifar when you have been fasting for 12 hours, you will love it anywayz
keep in mind - Pizza hut's number is 19000
Sunday, October 09, 2005
What i want, but can't afford
I was arguing with my sister the other day, i think i am not a big spender - yes nisrin!! i'm NOT - and i could live happily with just a little more money. She thinks i will always want more.
So i am going to document what i want but can't afford now, and once i get all of them i will prove to her that i do not need anything else:
1) a laptop (with a working screen)
2) a small i-pod, or another creative mp3 but with 1 GB memory
3) 2500 L.E.
4) an external hard disk
5) a new 14'' TV
6) Channel 4
see that's not too much!
the amount i spend on that is how much bill gates spends on a breakfast out!
So i am going to document what i want but can't afford now, and once i get all of them i will prove to her that i do not need anything else:
1) a laptop (with a working screen)
2) a small i-pod, or another creative mp3 but with 1 GB memory
3) 2500 L.E.
4) an external hard disk
5) a new 14'' TV
6) Channel 4
see that's not too much!
the amount i spend on that is how much bill gates spends on a breakfast out!
Friday, October 07, 2005
The palestinian Dilemma
So here in Egypt people march down the road, and protest against what is happening in Palestine, the go on a massive funeral for yasser Arafat and shed a considerable amount of tears when he dies.
You sit those people down for a cup of tea and a conversation and ask them what they think about yasser Arafat, and they start going on about how he's a thief and how he's to blame for most of the suffering that the Palestinian go through. They don't think very highly of him
Same goes to the Palestinian population. Egypt has Palestinians living here in Egypt, quite a lot I may say.
However Egypt has a wall between its boarders with Palestine, and if your mother is Egyptian and your father is Palestinian, getting the Egyptian passport is as easy as getting to mars.
Most young kids at Uni want to go and "fight" in Palestine and want to sacrifice their lives for it. But when a Palestinian is interested in their sister, they politely decline - the reasoning "he's Palestinian".
At university Palestinians have their own clubs and socialize very little with the rest of the Egyptians - and I have experienced that first hand in both a private and a public university.
Every person you talk to has a negative experience with a Palestinian.
I have often tried to understand why this big discrepancy - and the reply is usually the famous Arabic quote
"Me and my brother against my cousin,
Me and my cousin against the stranger"
As for what I think, well since i do not belive in this whole arab "unity" thing, so palestinians for me are just like guatemalans. If religion and language unite us, then they can divide us - and that is not right.
You sit those people down for a cup of tea and a conversation and ask them what they think about yasser Arafat, and they start going on about how he's a thief and how he's to blame for most of the suffering that the Palestinian go through. They don't think very highly of him
Same goes to the Palestinian population. Egypt has Palestinians living here in Egypt, quite a lot I may say.
However Egypt has a wall between its boarders with Palestine, and if your mother is Egyptian and your father is Palestinian, getting the Egyptian passport is as easy as getting to mars.
Most young kids at Uni want to go and "fight" in Palestine and want to sacrifice their lives for it. But when a Palestinian is interested in their sister, they politely decline - the reasoning "he's Palestinian".
At university Palestinians have their own clubs and socialize very little with the rest of the Egyptians - and I have experienced that first hand in both a private and a public university.
Every person you talk to has a negative experience with a Palestinian.
I have often tried to understand why this big discrepancy - and the reply is usually the famous Arabic quote
"Me and my brother against my cousin,
Me and my cousin against the stranger"
As for what I think, well since i do not belive in this whole arab "unity" thing, so palestinians for me are just like guatemalans. If religion and language unite us, then they can divide us - and that is not right.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
ahhh Ramadan!
The hardest thing about Ramadan is not the fact that you cannot eat or drink during the day. That is a piece of cake!
The hardest thing is to stop swearing!
I woke up in the morning looked at my alarm clock and thought "A7a, it's 7 am" , then i remembered it's Ramadan, and you shouldn't swear, so i though "fuck luly, you shouldn't swear"
then i realized that i just swore again and thought "Oh Shit".
I decided to get up and go to the bathroom and STOP thinking!
The hardest thing is to stop swearing!
I woke up in the morning looked at my alarm clock and thought "A7a, it's 7 am" , then i remembered it's Ramadan, and you shouldn't swear, so i though "fuck luly, you shouldn't swear"
then i realized that i just swore again and thought "Oh Shit".
I decided to get up and go to the bathroom and STOP thinking!
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Mastering Inefficiency
When you have to work for 8 hours with tasks that could be done in maximum 4 hours (on a good day) you need to learn how to be inefficient.
It is the higher "authority" that dictates these longer than necessary hours, and being a slave to the wage, you gotta do what big brother wants you to do.
So the first while, you finish your work in 4 hours, then spend the rest of the time bored to tears, bumming around or checking random blogs of people who you don't even know.
Then you learn to master inefficiency.
You can actually do the work in the 8 hours, by doing one zillion things at a time. So you are constantly working, but at the same time blogging, checking your email, chatting with colleagues etc.
Even though it's the same thing - but it gives you the fake feeling that you are at work 8 hours a day because you need to and not because big brother wants you to.
It is the higher "authority" that dictates these longer than necessary hours, and being a slave to the wage, you gotta do what big brother wants you to do.
So the first while, you finish your work in 4 hours, then spend the rest of the time bored to tears, bumming around or checking random blogs of people who you don't even know.
Then you learn to master inefficiency.
You can actually do the work in the 8 hours, by doing one zillion things at a time. So you are constantly working, but at the same time blogging, checking your email, chatting with colleagues etc.
Even though it's the same thing - but it gives you the fake feeling that you are at work 8 hours a day because you need to and not because big brother wants you to.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
i want a maid :'(
Today, after 2 painkillers i was able to move.
dusting, cleaning, mopping ain't a picknick.
I wonder how our maid at home is so big, she should be a supermodel by now.
My mom disagrees with getting a maid and thinks that cleaning after myself will be a good discipline.
My strategy is next time i will fake an injury in my back, and call her crying.
If that doesn't work, then my starategy is what mommy doesn't know, won't hurt her.
As for nisrin, i will revert to the great tool of brainwashing, and nagging and pestering!
and if it doesn't work, i will get the maid to come for the two weeks i have to clean in, and nisrin can do the other two weeks :P
You can tell i have spent a great deal of time contemplating tbout this, that should give you an idea about how i feel :)
dusting, cleaning, mopping ain't a picknick.
I wonder how our maid at home is so big, she should be a supermodel by now.
My mom disagrees with getting a maid and thinks that cleaning after myself will be a good discipline.
My strategy is next time i will fake an injury in my back, and call her crying.
If that doesn't work, then my starategy is what mommy doesn't know, won't hurt her.
As for nisrin, i will revert to the great tool of brainwashing, and nagging and pestering!
and if it doesn't work, i will get the maid to come for the two weeks i have to clean in, and nisrin can do the other two weeks :P
You can tell i have spent a great deal of time contemplating tbout this, that should give you an idea about how i feel :)
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Bye Bye German
Today I worte an email to my favorite german teacher, in german.
I just butchered the german language and scarred it so bad that it will eternally suffer.
Damn that american University system - hehe
on a different note, today is cleaning day!
Part of being an independent person is cleaning after yourself (and sometimes your roommate)
Let's see how that goes
Something new every day huh?!
I just butchered the german language and scarred it so bad that it will eternally suffer.
Damn that american University system - hehe
on a different note, today is cleaning day!
Part of being an independent person is cleaning after yourself (and sometimes your roommate)
Let's see how that goes
Something new every day huh?!
You know you've become too lazy when...
You go check out the gym
and wish they had escalators instead of stairs!
and wish they had escalators instead of stairs!
Monday, September 26, 2005
A new Race in town
With the Race for becoming President of Egypt over, a new race is in town.
The Race for the biggest presidential ball-sucker in Egypt.
And it's a tough one. Hundreds of prominent individuals are trying to guarantee their place, hanging big-ass signs and billboards costing thousands of Egyptian Pounds.
According to those business men's common sense, it is better to invest thousands of pounds in ball-sucking than donate them to the poor, or start a small project to help underprivileged families, or provide a few jobs for that endless supply of unemployment.
And the race is ongoing, so far the candidate that is ahead in my humble opinion, has a BIG giant billboard with fireworks and says "Mabrouk Mubarak" which was hung only few days after Mubarak's re-election. I guess it helped to know the results before hand huh?
The Race for the biggest presidential ball-sucker in Egypt.
And it's a tough one. Hundreds of prominent individuals are trying to guarantee their place, hanging big-ass signs and billboards costing thousands of Egyptian Pounds.
According to those business men's common sense, it is better to invest thousands of pounds in ball-sucking than donate them to the poor, or start a small project to help underprivileged families, or provide a few jobs for that endless supply of unemployment.
And the race is ongoing, so far the candidate that is ahead in my humble opinion, has a BIG giant billboard with fireworks and says "Mabrouk Mubarak" which was hung only few days after Mubarak's re-election. I guess it helped to know the results before hand huh?
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Luli's Joint :)
No, it's not a cigarette full of "herbal remedies".
It's actually my new place!
- A newish fridge,
- No cockroaches anymore - well there are still some suvivors but they will DIE very soon!
- running water - finally
- a "haraami dish" (some cable that gets you some cool cable channels for 20 pounds a month)
and yes Susanne - haraami comes from haraam :P
- an awesome balcony - where your clothes dry off in exactly 6.5 minutes (I swear)
- pink wastebaskets
- a quilt with pink flowers on my bed
- 3 computers
- Elevator - HAH I wish! (I live in the 6th floor)
and last but not least a cool roommate!
Casa de Luli and Nisrin is up 'n running
It's actually my new place!
- A newish fridge,
- No cockroaches anymore - well there are still some suvivors but they will DIE very soon!
- running water - finally
- a "haraami dish" (some cable that gets you some cool cable channels for 20 pounds a month)
and yes Susanne - haraami comes from haraam :P
- an awesome balcony - where your clothes dry off in exactly 6.5 minutes (I swear)
- pink wastebaskets
- a quilt with pink flowers on my bed
- 3 computers
- Elevator - HAH I wish! (I live in the 6th floor)
and last but not least a cool roommate!
Casa de Luli and Nisrin is up 'n running
Victory over Cairo!
I have finally had victory over the Streets of Cairo.
Today I showed the taxi driver a new route to go to maadi - well it was new for HIM!
and he actually thanked me for teaching him a new road.
On a different note, every time I go to work, and when the stupid taxi driver takes the route I tell him to take (which does not happen very often) I get on a bridge and see one of the most beautiful scenes in Cairo.
It's a view of the Nile, from one side there are big buildings but the other side has this big green area with trees and plants for agricultural purposes. That view is just awesome, in a grey city like Cairo.
It brings a smile on my face.
Today I showed the taxi driver a new route to go to maadi - well it was new for HIM!
and he actually thanked me for teaching him a new road.
On a different note, every time I go to work, and when the stupid taxi driver takes the route I tell him to take (which does not happen very often) I get on a bridge and see one of the most beautiful scenes in Cairo.
It's a view of the Nile, from one side there are big buildings but the other side has this big green area with trees and plants for agricultural purposes. That view is just awesome, in a grey city like Cairo.
It brings a smile on my face.
Monday, September 19, 2005
The biggest dumbass?!
I think I am the biggest dumbass in nomadlife who still cannot put pictures up on her weblog!
On another note, my quest for independence is still ongoing and not that pleasant at the moment.
Moving out is harder than I thought
On another note, my quest for independence is still ongoing and not that pleasant at the moment.
Moving out is harder than I thought
Thursday, September 15, 2005
MENA Number 1
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Thank you India !
So I am back in Egypt after 17 AMAZING days in India.
At first I had something to look forward to when I came back, but as it looks that thing is not happening.
So now I wish I were in India now ....
What I will miss about India:
1) the awesome parties :)
2) seeing old friends
3) Paneer!!
4) Naan
5) the elephant ride
6) driving next to a camel! - yes even for an Egyptian this is a first
7) the confusing traffic, crazy and on the wrong side (or right depending how you want to look at it)
8) Paneer and Naan
9) the rickshaw (or toktok)
10) the nice colorful clothes, and the beautiful scenery
Well, back to reality now - it's time to see what I want to do with the rest of my life, since in the society I am in, being female and 22 ain't fucking easy
At first I had something to look forward to when I came back, but as it looks that thing is not happening.
So now I wish I were in India now ....
What I will miss about India:
1) the awesome parties :)
2) seeing old friends
3) Paneer!!
4) Naan
5) the elephant ride
6) driving next to a camel! - yes even for an Egyptian this is a first
7) the confusing traffic, crazy and on the wrong side (or right depending how you want to look at it)
8) Paneer and Naan
9) the rickshaw (or toktok)
10) the nice colorful clothes, and the beautiful scenery
Well, back to reality now - it's time to see what I want to do with the rest of my life, since in the society I am in, being female and 22 ain't fucking easy
Thursday, September 01, 2005
The Graduate!
Yes! I am officially a graduate!
My graduation ceremony was yesterday night, and i celebrated in style!
The ceremony took place in Alexandria, Egypt - miles away from where i am.
Yet i celebrated by watching a bunch of guys, dressed up as girls giving lap-dances to poor AI dudes at the Miss IC party (great performance from Abhinav haha).
Only In AIESEC huh?!
So i guess this is the End of an Era, i am officially an adult now.
oh and by the way, ingrown toe nails SUCK!! 9 years of suffering and they are still going on - even in india - grrrrrrrrrrr
My graduation ceremony was yesterday night, and i celebrated in style!
The ceremony took place in Alexandria, Egypt - miles away from where i am.
Yet i celebrated by watching a bunch of guys, dressed up as girls giving lap-dances to poor AI dudes at the Miss IC party (great performance from Abhinav haha).
Only In AIESEC huh?!
So i guess this is the End of an Era, i am officially an adult now.
oh and by the way, ingrown toe nails SUCK!! 9 years of suffering and they are still going on - even in india - grrrrrrrrrrr
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Branding Fiasco!
We just received our business cards today and my heart is broken!
The colors were totally wrong and AIESEC in Egypt is the "International Platform for young paople to discover and develop their potential"
GRRR - I am sooo Pissed!!
So now we can't hand out those ones :S - how can i be on the global communications team and have the WRONG LOGO!
It's like having a phone that says Mokia, or going to Pizza Hot and MacDonaaalds.
I am sad :(
The colors were totally wrong and AIESEC in Egypt is the "International Platform for young paople to discover and develop their potential"
GRRR - I am sooo Pissed!!
So now we can't hand out those ones :S - how can i be on the global communications team and have the WRONG LOGO!
It's like having a phone that says Mokia, or going to Pizza Hot and MacDonaaalds.
I am sad :(
Friday, August 26, 2005
Live from India I
So I am Finally in INDIA!!
YAAY!
So we left Egypt Tuesday night to Amaan, where your 21 hour transit became a 25 hour transit!!
Luckily Royal Jordanian Airlines were Angels and gave us a hotel! We got to tour the city for 3 hours. Jordanians were really nice to us, and some of them were really hot!!
In the Airport we waited for like 5 hours for our plane since it was delayed so we spent our time singing, and entertaining/annoying (however u wana look at it) our fellow passangers!
Surprizingly there were many Israeli's in Jordan - we sat next to quite a few - chatted with them for a while.
We also talked to a friendly indian woman who was surprized at how happy and jolly we were despite of that delay. She of course did not know how much we had been through to get to india!
SO after a long plane ride - not interesting at all, no turbulences at all - much to my dimay!
We arrive at the Airport and again surprisingly the Congress Committee IS ACTUALLY WAITING FOR US!! yaaay!! good job there boys!
We exchanged all our money and walked around with humungous stacks of money - IT FELT GREAT!!
My first surpize was that people drive on the other side of the road, it totally slipped my mind. I realize that i cam totally unprepared for this country, i had no time.
The weird thing is that all those cows in the street did not strike me as odd at all. I didn't notice them untill someone pointed them out.
when i looked outside my window it felt like i am still in Egypt, but in the smaller poorer cities like banha and the oasis and those places.
The women in their sari's are really cute, i think i may get one!
I slept for most of everything in the trip - in the hotel, on the plane, on the floor waiting for the bus, on the bus! and everyone was soo jealous of me. Comon i haven't slept in ages - i need some sleep sometime.
Indian time is worse than Egyptian time! can you imagine that?! the bus was meant to be leave at 1:30 and it left at 3:00!! in egypt you'd be 30 mins late, and hour tops - but 1.5?!
so you ask indians how long does the bus ride take and they say 3 to 5 hours! 3 to 5 hours?!! it's either 3 3and a half 4 4 and a half or five!! not from 3 to 5?! i found that funny.
I was talking to one indian frriend a minute ago and he is in AIESEC Switzerland now - amit
and he went to visit his family. so i asked him how far away they are from here he said 8 to 10 hours!! so i HAD to laugh!! 2 hours approximations are funny! so he commented " oh well i guess i am back on indian timing haha"
Now the conference site is breath taking!! it's huge! and very nice. The rooms are really nice with everything you can think of. Also there are gardens, pools and a beautiful scenery.
There are also monkeys!! Today while attedning one of the sessions i glanced out of the window and saw a monkey walking around. Quite interesting. On my window door it says do not open as there are monkeys outside. Now that was a surprize!
The food is okay - a bit too spiciy for my taste but bearable.
Sofar things are great!
that's it for now!
YAAY!
So we left Egypt Tuesday night to Amaan, where your 21 hour transit became a 25 hour transit!!
Luckily Royal Jordanian Airlines were Angels and gave us a hotel! We got to tour the city for 3 hours. Jordanians were really nice to us, and some of them were really hot!!
In the Airport we waited for like 5 hours for our plane since it was delayed so we spent our time singing, and entertaining/annoying (however u wana look at it) our fellow passangers!
Surprizingly there were many Israeli's in Jordan - we sat next to quite a few - chatted with them for a while.
We also talked to a friendly indian woman who was surprized at how happy and jolly we were despite of that delay. She of course did not know how much we had been through to get to india!
SO after a long plane ride - not interesting at all, no turbulences at all - much to my dimay!
We arrive at the Airport and again surprisingly the Congress Committee IS ACTUALLY WAITING FOR US!! yaaay!! good job there boys!
We exchanged all our money and walked around with humungous stacks of money - IT FELT GREAT!!
My first surpize was that people drive on the other side of the road, it totally slipped my mind. I realize that i cam totally unprepared for this country, i had no time.
The weird thing is that all those cows in the street did not strike me as odd at all. I didn't notice them untill someone pointed them out.
when i looked outside my window it felt like i am still in Egypt, but in the smaller poorer cities like banha and the oasis and those places.
The women in their sari's are really cute, i think i may get one!
I slept for most of everything in the trip - in the hotel, on the plane, on the floor waiting for the bus, on the bus! and everyone was soo jealous of me. Comon i haven't slept in ages - i need some sleep sometime.
Indian time is worse than Egyptian time! can you imagine that?! the bus was meant to be leave at 1:30 and it left at 3:00!! in egypt you'd be 30 mins late, and hour tops - but 1.5?!
so you ask indians how long does the bus ride take and they say 3 to 5 hours! 3 to 5 hours?!! it's either 3 3and a half 4 4 and a half or five!! not from 3 to 5?! i found that funny.
I was talking to one indian frriend a minute ago and he is in AIESEC Switzerland now - amit
and he went to visit his family. so i asked him how far away they are from here he said 8 to 10 hours!! so i HAD to laugh!! 2 hours approximations are funny! so he commented " oh well i guess i am back on indian timing haha"
Now the conference site is breath taking!! it's huge! and very nice. The rooms are really nice with everything you can think of. Also there are gardens, pools and a beautiful scenery.
There are also monkeys!! Today while attedning one of the sessions i glanced out of the window and saw a monkey walking around. Quite interesting. On my window door it says do not open as there are monkeys outside. Now that was a surprize!
The food is okay - a bit too spiciy for my taste but bearable.
Sofar things are great!
that's it for now!
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Salaam re-cap
So after the second year of the Salaam Program running, I have concluded that I may like the old salaam trainees better, but I have learned more from the new ones.
I learned more about my country, about AIESECers and about Americans.
The most interesting thing was the Jewish/Israeli issue that came up, as we had a few trainees that were either Jewish or Israeli.
Since I communicated with State Security about our situation I have realized that our government is not as closed minded as I thought it would be. No extra special procedures have been done for the Israeli and Jewish trainees. It was the same old thing. They were also more flexible with them going to Israel and the Westbank then previous years. One interesting comment I received when we informed them that they will be going to the Westbank, they said " westbank is Israel"
But in a nutshell, things went smoothly. My only problem was that most trainees were not very helpful in the process of communicating their travel schedule - which is a mean for us to guarantee their safety and to keep the officials updated about our activities to maintain their support.(that needed to be done for all trainees regardless of origin, religion or nationality).
The other interesting thing was seeing and hearing how people react to meeting and dealing with Jews or Israel's - it was just like I expected. And it proved that educated people are not necessarily cultured people.
Mixing the word Jewish and Israeli did not only happen with us Egyptians - but it happened when the trainees threw a Jewish dinner serving Jewish food. Sadly I couldn't attend as I was visiting my parents.
I wonder though - is there Muslim food? or Christian food? How come I have never tasted them !!
I have interacted very little with the Americans here, mostly because whenever I visited them I felt welcome by only a couple of individuals. But this little interaction gave me a better insight of what Americans are like.
Last year I thought they were amazing - and I was dying to go visit all of them in the US.
This year gave me a more realistic view.
I learned more about my country, about AIESECers and about Americans.
The most interesting thing was the Jewish/Israeli issue that came up, as we had a few trainees that were either Jewish or Israeli.
Since I communicated with State Security about our situation I have realized that our government is not as closed minded as I thought it would be. No extra special procedures have been done for the Israeli and Jewish trainees. It was the same old thing. They were also more flexible with them going to Israel and the Westbank then previous years. One interesting comment I received when we informed them that they will be going to the Westbank, they said " westbank is Israel"
But in a nutshell, things went smoothly. My only problem was that most trainees were not very helpful in the process of communicating their travel schedule - which is a mean for us to guarantee their safety and to keep the officials updated about our activities to maintain their support.(that needed to be done for all trainees regardless of origin, religion or nationality).
The other interesting thing was seeing and hearing how people react to meeting and dealing with Jews or Israel's - it was just like I expected. And it proved that educated people are not necessarily cultured people.
Mixing the word Jewish and Israeli did not only happen with us Egyptians - but it happened when the trainees threw a Jewish dinner serving Jewish food. Sadly I couldn't attend as I was visiting my parents.
I wonder though - is there Muslim food? or Christian food? How come I have never tasted them !!
I have interacted very little with the Americans here, mostly because whenever I visited them I felt welcome by only a couple of individuals. But this little interaction gave me a better insight of what Americans are like.
Last year I thought they were amazing - and I was dying to go visit all of them in the US.
This year gave me a more realistic view.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Life - or something like it
So lately I figured out why people disappear once they start work.
I have now slipped back into my much anticipated routine of working from 9am till 10 pm!
with AIESEC and Ericsson there's always something to do.
Lately things have been quite crazy though. Too much work and no play!
I am in desperate need of a good laugh - but neither kaitlin, nor shady nor poo are here.
I am looking for my own place.
Also I am planning to go to India next week, still having trouble with the Airline as the Travel agent screwed us over big time.
It's voting time in Egypt, and sadly if I go to India I will not get to vote, as I will be missing my First presidential Elections and that means I have to wait for 6 more years for the next one.
I do not know what I want more - go to India, or vote!
But since my vote won't be counted, I guess India is the priority.
I would also be missing my graduation - which takes place on the 31st of August. So that's for the cap and gown I will never see. It would have been nice to be there, especially since my name will be the second name called in my class :) would have been a nice memory
Sometimes I think AIESEC asks too much of you.
Cairo is a chaos, I finally know my way a little better and can get myself to work without getting lost.
After IC I am planning to go have a retreat in Hurghada in September. Probably gona go solo for that one!
This summer I have become Tan-less! I have not been to the beach once! But I am now allergic to the crowd, which makes the beach a no-go for me.
That's all from louly's corner - now I will go back to my mega-ass to do list for the day.
I have now slipped back into my much anticipated routine of working from 9am till 10 pm!
with AIESEC and Ericsson there's always something to do.
Lately things have been quite crazy though. Too much work and no play!
I am in desperate need of a good laugh - but neither kaitlin, nor shady nor poo are here.
I am looking for my own place.
Also I am planning to go to India next week, still having trouble with the Airline as the Travel agent screwed us over big time.
It's voting time in Egypt, and sadly if I go to India I will not get to vote, as I will be missing my First presidential Elections and that means I have to wait for 6 more years for the next one.
I do not know what I want more - go to India, or vote!
But since my vote won't be counted, I guess India is the priority.
I would also be missing my graduation - which takes place on the 31st of August. So that's for the cap and gown I will never see. It would have been nice to be there, especially since my name will be the second name called in my class :) would have been a nice memory
Sometimes I think AIESEC asks too much of you.
Cairo is a chaos, I finally know my way a little better and can get myself to work without getting lost.
After IC I am planning to go have a retreat in Hurghada in September. Probably gona go solo for that one!
This summer I have become Tan-less! I have not been to the beach once! But I am now allergic to the crowd, which makes the beach a no-go for me.
That's all from louly's corner - now I will go back to my mega-ass to do list for the day.
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