Rummy's Scribblings

Is it Oman or Qatar?!

2012-02-01T16:22:00.001+04:00

So a lot of you must have heard that Muscat was named the Arab Tourism Capital for the year 2012. Last night, the website www.muscat2012.com was launched in a lavish gala dinner in Bustan Palace Hotel, but what was surprising was the fact today, the website still says coming soon. It's basically non-existent. A lot of complaints came through saying how unprofessional it is to have a launch ceremony the night before when the website is actually not even available when you type in the address.

But what happened in twitter cleared up the reason why the website still says coming soon. Someone captured a screenshot of the website before being taken down. You can obviously see the biggest mistake ever with the image. Now this is about Muscat which is in OMAN, but funny enough the fort has a Qatari flag fluttering on the top of it. I can't understand how it got passed off and launched without thoroughly checking the website for any errors. And that's one major big fat mistake that's visible a mile away.

The Ministry of Tourism have a lot of explaining to do...

Ladies Coffee Morning : Something Borrowed

2012-01-28T12:48:00.000+04:00

Finally another coffee morning after a long hiatus from City Cinema Shatti. I'm so eager to actually go as I have had my eyes set to watch this movie but never got the chance. Any ladies out there want to join? It's on Saturday the 4th of February 2012.

Y U No Grow Up?

2012-01-11T11:57:00.000+04:00

This cartoon made me laugh out loud, reminds me of the constant complaining and whining from every single Omani person I know that their salaries are not enough and what not. Is it really the Omani thing to do? To always complain that the workplace you are in is not treating you well? Or that they aren't being paid enough? Or to complain how terrible it is that you don't get a bonus?

I have come to the conclusion that many of us (at least those in Muscat) don't really appreciate or take a chance that's right in front of our nose but rather prefer to sit in coffee shops talking about inflation while having a really expensive brew of coffee which you can have for half or quarter of the price, if you just went home instead. I know many would attack me for saying this, but really until when are we going to continue to depend to get things on a silver platter? We don't have enough universities, all because of the government. We don't have a raise this year, it's all because of an evil boss, we don't have food at home, all because of mom not cooking. Ya3ni till when? It's high time we become thankful for what we are blessed with and not whining like a broken tape recorder for what we don't have. You don't like anything, change it instead of having an attitude about it. Omanis Y U No Grow Up?

Trust takes you a long way..

2012-01-09T16:15:00.003+04:00

A police patrol in Kuwait had to step in to stop a brother from completely shaving off his sister's hair after he suspected her of receiving flirty messages.

The brother reportedly had doubts that his sister was getting love expressions on her mobile and managed to sift through the content of her inbox.

Upon finding messages, he confronted her, but she told him that they were classmates.

However, the infuriated brother was not convinced and he started shaving off her hair to punish her despite pleas from their worried mother.

Now this is something I would never understand. Why would a brother be so controlling and act as if he is her guardian when her parents are alive and well? I mean yes, siblings are there to scold you when you are doing something wrong but that's about it. Going the extra mile is none of your business, in the end they are all mature enough to know what they putting themselves in. I never was blessed with having an older brother but I am the eldest of my siblings, and I know everything with being over protective but acting on a hunch or suspicion and to top it off go search and dig out secrets was never the way.

I might sound weird to a lot of Arabs who are used to having an older sibling watching their every move but truth be told what would you accomplish? Nothing. Trust is a small word but with a big meaning, that many brothers still don't understand.

Fight for them or Eat them?!

2012-01-07T11:38:00.002+04:00

Time: 8 pm
Place: Marbella, Spain
View: Amazingly breathaking

Sitting in a comfy orange beach chair sipping some fresh cool refreshing mango juice, the salty smell of the beach penetrated into my nose. The sandy beach and calm sea was right in front of me to take in. The feel of the nice breeze brushing over my skin made me go ecstatic. It took me to another world. The sea was my safe haven and always will be. It's the only place where I could spend hours and days just meditating and contemplating at its underwater wonders.

Given the fact of my fasicnation of the sea and marine life, I decided from a very young age how amazingly cool and awesome it would be if I could do something to be a sea superhero. I had an uncle who was a marine biologist and he always locked my brainwaves in an awe when he started talking about the sea and how magnificent its creatures are. How it is sad that we humans are really causing a lot of trauma, depeletion and loss.

YES I'm a marine scientist, but then a big question mark gets raised every single time someone sees me feasting on a yummy mouthwatering lobster thermidor, or a nice sour hot hamour. Why are you eating them? I thought you were against it? That's the number one question that I get bombarded with. I am NOT against eating fish, in fact I find it the most nutritional among any other type of protein.

Studying and being fascinated about the sea doesn't necessarily mean that I refrain from eating seafood, I just strive to look into what would sustain a better environment, after all they are living creatures that deserve to live comfortably as they have since the beginning of time. I would only refrain if I know that the seafood on my plate is an endangered species which would lead to a whole issue on how the supplier got his hands on them in the first place. Otherwise its all good, I do EAT seafood.

Happy 2012

2011-12-31T11:29:00.001+04:00

Just wanted to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy New Year, kel 3am w intu b5eir. So what resolutions are you planning to work on from tomorrow. I'm starting my MSc. thesis proposal tomorrow, so I'm pretty excited *gets all hyper*

Jamal Abdul Nasser & Hijab

2011-12-29T17:03:00.000+04:00

I stumbled upon this video a while ago, it's surprising to see how if we brought this issue up now, a lot of hostility would have gone on the leader, but then a good 60 years ago, people would laugh at its absuridty.

I still do stand by the opinion that hijab is never forced upon but should be taken and worn around your head at your own time and conviction. When it is what you want to do and not what your family, tradition or culture tells you to.

Black Magic for a Black Abbaya...

2011-12-28T12:32:00.002+04:00

My sister sent me a pic of this, and I couldn't handle but crack up.

For those who don't read Arabic, it's basically a notice asking the person who stole a certain abbaya with brown embroidery to return it back or else the owner will do black magic and let the thief regret ever stealing it.

Black magic for an abbaya? I mean if it was a diamond ring I'd understand but ABBAYA? The one which will be thrown away after a while because its torn, short, ...etc?! Really?! She must be very fond of it, which makes me think, what made her remove it in the first place?!

A New Dawn & A New Day...

2011-12-26T11:04:00.001+04:00

It's 8 in the morning, freezing cold (I get cold pretty easily), and hungry. I am stuck at some random computer typing and jotting down my thoughts on 2012. Some say its the end of the world and some well don't care, it's a regular day anyhow no?

But given we are few days away, I think it's the perfect time to formulate some resolutions. So here they are:

- Start training for a half marathon

- Start on my MSc. Thesis

- Pamper myself with treatments and spa visits

- Have a grand 25th birthday party (never organized myself a party & what better way than my 25th eh?)

- Get myself a tablet and an iPhone

- Get myself more piercings (one in each ear sounds good)

- Be better at my job (I'm always there on time, I just need more quality enhancement)

- Get my jeans, skirts and abbayas trimmed (I'm too short for any off the rack clothes to fit)

- Be much more spiritual and in touch with Allah

- Memorize the long surahs

- Buy myself a land

- Have a birthday wish list (maybe this time I'll actually get gifted with what I need and want)

- Spend more quality time with family

- Be more active in the social scene

That basically sums it all up. So what resolutions do you have for 2012?!

Sex School: Sexy much?!

2011-12-14T10:38:00.002+04:00

Ylva-Maria Thompson has opened the world's first international sex school to teach its students how to be better lovers.

The Austrian International Sex School in Vienna offers 'hands on' lessons in seduction for £1,400 a term.

The 'headmistress' says anyone over the age of 16 can enrol at 'the world's first college of applied sexuality'.

Students live in a mixed sex dormitory block where they're expected to practise their homework.

And at the end of the course, they are awarded a qualification.

The new school head said: 'Our core education is not theoretical, but very practical. The emphasis is on how to be a better lover.

'Sexual positions, caressing techniques, anatomical features. And we teach people hands on.'

School spokesperson Melodi Kirsch added: 'We are confident that the school will be a great success.

Seriously, where has the world come to? This got my jaw to drop to the floor and what's shocking about it is the fact that it's practical. I am lost for words to be honest. So would anyone enrol in the school? It's like paying for sex :o .

Why Can't We Smile?!

2011-12-12T08:24:00.000+04:00

So yeah why on Earth can't we just smile for crying out loud?

On a serious note though, there's so much I would want to write about but December has proven to be a hectic month.

Pizza is a vegetable? Really?

2011-11-30T16:57:00.000+04:00

I absolutely don't get how such petition actually made it to congress
No comment xD

400,000 colors vs. 4 colors

2011-11-23T10:21:00.002+04:00

To this day, I still find it hard to believe that out of all the wonderful designers, artists, photographers, and talent we have, we chose one who designed the SIX doves (which represent 400,000 peace doves) with millions of colors on top (these colors were referred to as the colors of love). What did the purple have to do with anything? Or the yellow? What about the clash of horrible colors in the middle? I'm still infuriated to be honest.

And now this comparison comes along where it's shows the difference between Oman's 40 years logo and UAE's 40 years logo. I'll be honest and say it, theirs is absolutely beautiful and makes you relate to it immediately whether you are a foreigner or a local. A pity that we never tend to learn from this. We'd have to wait for the 45th year celebrations to see what ideas come to the surface.

Until then, May God Be With Us..!!

Cover Your Eyes, They Are Tempting...

2011-11-22T09:38:00.002+04:00

Women with attractive eyes may be forced to cover them up under Saudi Arabia's latest measure.

The ultra-conservative Islamic state has said it has the right to stop women revealing 'tempting' eyes in public.

The proposal was made after a member of the committee was attracted by a woman’s eyes as he walked along a street, provoking a fight.

The woman was walking with her husband who ended up being stabbed twice in the hand after the altercation.

And what happened to the Islamic preaching that men should abstain from looking at women? For crying out loud, this is becoming outrageous. Tempting eyes?! What made you stare at someone's wife to begin with? Where's the respect? I won't go about parading about claiming all the female activists slogan of having the right and so forth, I'll just say one thing. If the members of this committee put themselves in the women's shoes I betcha they wouldn't be able to handle a quarter of what they go through. A pity that common sense is never used.

Sauce

The Nude Blogger

2011-11-19T12:43:00.001+04:00

Wearing nothing but a pair of stockings, red ribbon in her hair and a pair of flat red shoes, the black and white shot would not look out of place in a nude photography book.

But this is no ordinary art project. It is the work of a feminist Egyptian activist who is making a bold and potentially dangerous statement.Aliaa Magda Elmahdy, a 20-year old university student from Cairo, has sparked outrage in the Middle East with the controversial full-length image, posted on her blog last week.

Now seriously what on Earth is this? What do you think a brave act? or plain stupid foolish act?

Sauce

Bokra

2011-11-13T09:24:00.001+04:00

Now this song has been the talk of town since a couple of days, and to be honest I can understand why. I absolutely love everything about it. Though just kept on wondering why Akon had to be there if it's all about Arab's uniting for a better tomorrow?

Will We Ever Learn The Lesson?!

2011-11-03T14:59:00.002+04:00

So this was the front page of Al Shabiba Newspaper today, and the title says it all 'We never learnt our lesson'. As much as I agree with this, I'm actually infuriated with how the whole issue was handled. The Civil Defense went as far as to say 'Enjoy, relax and have patience till this is over'. It's been FIVE years since Oman became a zone of tropical systems, some were bad, some were serious and some were normal but to reach to an extent that no alarm or notice was issued makes me question how serious we take these conditions when we get hit.

Many people went on minding their own business, heading to work, attend meetings and what not but only for them to get stranded, injured or killed as a result of this. Is it negligence from our side? Is it taking it for granted by the authorities or is it what? Hospitals collapsed, buildings got affected, cars got taken away by the wadis and flash floods, roads got blocked and lives got endangered; 49 people died in 3 days. Seriously?! RISK MANAGEMENT is seriously in need here.

Damas here I come ...

2011-11-01T12:08:00.000+04:00

So are you going to be off to shop for Jewelry? Damas is giving out 50% off to any Bank Muscat Card holder at its branch in the Bank Muscat Headquarters by the airport. I'm rushing off as we speak to get me some sparkly stuff :L .

Muscat named 2nd city in The World to visit...

2011-10-31T08:47:00.001+04:00

London has been named the best city in the world to visit next year by influential travel guide publisher Lonely Planet.

Muscat, Oman came in second place and Bengalaru (Bengalore) in India was voted third in the list, which was released to mark the October 28 release of Best in Travel, priced at €9.99.

Top 10 cities

1. London
2. Muscat, Oman
3. Bengaluru (Bangalore), India
4. Cadiz, Spain5. Stockholm
6. Guimaraes, Portugal
7. Santiago, Chile
8. Hong Kong
9. Orlando, Florida, USA

Now this was great news, Oman's capital was named the second city to visit as tourist destination after London ^_^ .

50 years old in a few days...

2011-10-30T10:24:00.000+04:00

Nguyen Thi Phuong switched her medicine to treat an allergic reaction to seafood. She was only 23, and what she didn't know was that this would cause her skin to become sagged and wrinkly within a few days!

Doctors are still trying to figure out what happened. Their best theory is that she has a rare syndrome called Lipodystrophy. This syndrome causes the fatty tissue beneath the skin to disappear and make the skin saggy because it's still growing!

While they're still testing to see what the cause to her problem is, doctors think they might be able to restore about 50 to 70% of her skin. As of now, she still has the voice of a young woman, as well as black hair. They're the only visible signs that she's not 73!

It's absolutely scary. Take care what meds you take...

Dubai Cola

2011-10-25T10:26:00.000+04:00

Dubai Cola will not be made in the UAE.

It is being produced by a German company that hopes to cash in on the luxurious image the emirate has abroad, said Sophia Grewe, the sales and marketing manager for the Dubai Cola Company.

"We could have called it something else, like Date Cola," Ms Grewe said at the Gulfood exhibition in Dubai, where the drink was launched yesterday.

"But Dubai is really a name all around the world that is connected with luxury."

So would you try this date flavored cola? I'm actually dying to try it out and check how it simply tastes.They have their own dedicated website for it http://www.dubaicolacompany.com/

Would you exercise to this?

2011-10-24T09:39:00.000+04:00

This made me smile and laugh at the same time. Now if that wasn't an initiative to get you to work out then I don't know what is. I'd definitely excercise to this..!!

Search For Impossible

2011-10-23T09:06:00.002+04:00

So apparently there's this Omani movie titled: 'Search for Impossible' screening in City Cinema. I have no idea how good it is but it's actually surprising that there's an Omani movie showing for a change. Even though, crime and thriller movies aren't my type of thing but I think I'll give it a try since it's Omani? I'm just curious to know aboout the quality of this movie and the storyline. The synopsis on City Cinema's website says:

Story about a man who dies due to alcohol intake and CID tries to trace the source of supplier.

Hmmm interesting much? Anyone watched it?

Update: I just found the links of the 2 trailers on youtube

Stupidity or Genius?

2011-10-22T09:21:00.000+04:00

The other day as I was having lunch with a bunch of acquaintances, basically a bunch of peeps who I haven't had proper conversations with but for the 'Salam 3aleikum w 3aleikum salam keif 7alish' scenario, I was astounded by how they actually were so open with everything that happened in their lives.

These girls were ready to mingle but well not really because they have boyfriends? It's a very complex definition which I haven't had a term for yet. But yeah that's how they define themselves? Anyhoo, so they went on and on about how intimacy is such a really big factor in their lives and how they can't live without it. What was even astounding was them admitting that they don't care what people might think so long as she is content and happy. All I had to say to that was 'You go gurl, good for you'. It's not everyday where you find girls who don't remotely consider the so called 'reputation' as many of our good fellow male counterparts label it.

But then as we proceeded with having our lovely lunch, which was to die for, one of the girls turned to me and asked me a weird question: 'So Rummy, men illi ye9ref 3aleesh?' (Rummy, who is the one who pays for you?) And I couldn't help but almost choke on my mushroom soup that was delicious btw.

'Excuse me?'
'C'mon, Rummy don't be shy, who is he?'
'Errrm, my father if that's what you mean? He pays for the ....'
'No silly Rummy, you still don't get it, who's the one you love?'
'He's name is called none of your business?'
'So you have none? Poor you wallah'

What poor me? I still couldn't get what she was trying to hint out. Was it because I had no interest in what they were talking about or was it just pure female curiosity? I ignored her and continued having my soup until the other one said 'Well the one who takes care of my bills is a pilot, and the one I love is a legal assistant'. Ohhhh so that's what she was referring to. My mind couldn't help but scream out 'Polygamy, OMG POLYGAMY..!!!' as my jaw literally dropped to the floor while they turned their heads to look at me.

Now their justification on their actions was even more epic. They explained that a girl in Oman has to have two men to look out for her; one to pay for anything she asks for and the other is the boyfriend who satisfies her in other intimate ways. Basically the one who pays for her is the ex-boyfriend who she dumps. Usually, it's a married guy, preferably one who is 20 years her senior. This guy pays for absolutely everything, from phone bills, giving her a monthly allowance to shop and one of the girls actually had her Sugar Daddy get her a brand new car. To top it all off, the Sugar Daddy is the one who gets the actual real boyfriend gifts. Their excuse was, 'I'd never ever take out my money to buy him a gift since the other guy is in the picture. Why waste my money?' So what they do is, get the ex to buy the expensive present, wrap it and then deliver it to her. She takes care of the rest, which is basically giving it to the boyfriend. Most of the time the other dude; the lover, is in the dark and has no idea whatsoever on this other ex.

This not only shocked me, but it absolutely got me flabbergasted and wondering if what they think is a genius plan was in fact just plain stupid. What has the world come to? Here we are getting women that cry out for equal rights between men and women and on the other hand we find women who play men like a deck of cards and take advantage of them to the core. Although I feel a hint of satisfaction since they are getting punished in an unexpected way, for cheating on their wives. But still, what do you think? Is it purely clever and genius or just plain dumb and stupid

Omani Women's Day...

2011-10-18T12:15:00.002+04:00

So yesterday was Omani Women's Day, most big shot Omani women got invited to several events marking the occasion, some were presented with awards, some gave out speeches and some renewed their vow to conquer the culture of controlling men and vowed to raise their voice. But then there's another faction of Omani women, mostly those who are amongst the majority who cry foul play. They don't believe in having such a day. They find it distasteful and a disgrace. They actually mention that this is just another way to show that women are vulnerable and weak. Their feminist claims are women are equal to men and a day in jubilation of being a woman is just purely overboard and not fair to the entire Omani female population.

I actually didn't know that a lot of my peers felt that way to be honest. I felt proud to be congratulating throughout the day and wish every lady a Happy Omani Women's Day. Do I support this day? Well of course I do, in the end it's very rare to find such a thing in this part of the world. Would I cry out saying that I am equal to men? No, because let's face it we never will be over here so it's time to just suck it up and agree to the fact that even though we are free to do whatever we want in this country, culture still depicts a lot of your life no matter how feminist you turn out to be. I am not trying to say not to fight back but I have come to peace with that fact and it actually makes my day blossom to an even better day than I would expect it to be.

I am thankful for all the chances and opportunities my country has given me but going out screaming that what your country is doing is wrong is purely unjust. If you want to show your teeth and your evil side then unleash yourself in front of the face of culture and not the government.

What do you think? Are you for or against this whole jubilation of Omani Women's Day?

P.S: It's funny how those who claim these feminist claims are born and raised in Muscat. I wonder how they would have viewed the issue if they actually lived in other regions of Oman.

Gasland

2011-10-17T12:06:00.000+04:00

A good professor of mine once said: 'Politics and Economy will always be above Environmental Protection'. I actually had a frown on my face when he said that. Why? Why are we taking mother nature for granted? That's not even fair. Then he continued saying: 'Whatever the government feels is a necessity to sustain is kept at a higher priority than what the environment might need to keep going'.

With those words still haunting my mind, I couldn't help but yell at the top of my lungs (well metaphorically speaking) and agree that most of us take the approach that everything will be taken care of by God or well, Evolution.

I actually watched this documentary yesterday and boy was I shocked. Everything that the wise professor said materialized into something absolutely true. If you haven't watched this documentary, it's a must watch definitely.

Why?! =(

2011-10-05T16:44:00.000+04:00

Tom, Dick & Harry = Majlis Al Shura Candidates

2011-10-02T12:20:00.000+04:00

If you have been to Oman recently or live here then you most definitely have witnessed the big billboards and ads that have been all over the place currently. Apparently every Tom, Dick and Harry wants to be elected so then maybe one day they can be ministers. Well everyone has the right to dream and I won't be a person to stop in their way. But what annoys the hell out of me are some specific people who want to step on everyone's toes so they get on top.

An incident that happened recently, well last week got me raged. A certain candidate called for a secret meeting for all the ladies she knew. The meeting was all about asking these 'ladies' to help her get elected. Apparently she is prepared to pay cash for phone bills, give them 'ladies' extra cash as a bonus and if she gets elected she'd pay God knows what to them. But then everyone was wondering what was secretive about the meeting since almost every one running for office is luring everyone with almost similar lucrative offers?

And then comes the big fat chunk that makes it secretive. This certain candidate actually wants women to camp at the polls around Oman and take advantage of old women who are illiterate. So basically act like you are helping the old lady but instead just get her voting slip and use it to vote for this candidate. Seriously? Is she actually dead serious that she wants that? That was the reaction she got and she replied back with 'Well, all we are doing is helping these old women who know nothing and have no knowledge'.

Outrageous and absolutely disgusting. She wants to run for office when she actually believes that old women are fools? Let me tell you something missy, these women are Oman. We would have been nothing without them. They raised us and made Oman what it is. How dare you say that illiterate women know nothing? Yes, they don't read and they don't write but they by far surpass our knowledge by a clear mile. Absolutely disrespectful.

Live For The Day...

2011-10-01T12:39:00.000+04:00

I absolutely won't be able to even attempt on eating this. Sickening much? What do you think?

Liebster Blog Award...

2011-09-28T16:13:00.001+04:00

Awwww I got another award from Standy. Thank you so much, and you are an amazing blogger. You should check out Standy's blog if you haven't. She has a super fun blog and her quest in getting those 1000 Rials is such a relief if you are going through a rough day :P .

The Liebster Blog Award is given to bloggers with less than 200 followers, all in the spirit of fostering new connections.

Rules:

1. Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.
2. Reveal your top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
3. Post the award on your blog.
4. Bask in the love from the most supportive people on the Internet—other writers.
5. And best of all – have fun and spread the karma

I award this to:

1. Chick Flick Journal
2. Samaher
3. Amase
4. Ckz

5. Omani Jewel
6. r.alsharif

Seriously?

2011-09-27T11:22:00.003+04:00

So apparently the Ministry of Education have been talking for ages about plans to refurbish the teachers' rooms across public schools because in all honesty they are aboslutely awful. They expect teachers to pay from their own pocket to make the place look pretty when chairs and tables in the room aren't enough, when you have around 40 teachers if not more crammed in one room and sharing three to four mid size tables that fit 4 to 6 people.

Anyhow, my friends who are teachers kept on piercing my ears with the same news for months now as if I was listening to a broken tape recorder. The news was that new furniture would be around when they show up for the brand new academic semester. And lo and behold, here's the furniture they got. A couple of uncomfortable chairs and a couple of tables, when the count of teachers surpasses those numbers. Seriously?

To enjoy reading the comments in Arabic, Click ME

The X Factor - Melanie Amaro

2011-09-26T12:36:00.000+04:00

This is by far the best audition I've ever watched. Absolutely an amazing breathtaking voice. She actually gave me goosebumps when I listened to her for the first time.

One Lovely Blog Award...

2011-09-24T12:20:00.000+04:00

Wow and the awards keep on coming...

Big thanks again to lovely Standy, you're ah-mazing and stay that way

So I have to write 7 things about myself...
1. I absolutely can't stand the hospital sanitary smell, it literally makes me throw up and faint.

2. I used to cry from anger whenver I was absent. I absolutely hated not going to school. Yes I loved school that much.

3. I am a very very loud person when talking.

4. I published my first scientific paper at the age of 19.

5. My bestest friends I have in this whole wide world are my sisters who are 21 and 17.

6. My music taste is all about how emotional it can make me be.

7. I speak more than 3 languages...

I forward this award to:
1. Amase
2. Ckz
3. Hope
4. Samaher
5. Kitten
6. r.alsharif

The Alphabet Tag

2011-09-22T20:10:00.001+04:00

Tagged by Standy

A
– Available: Maybe I am
– Age: 24
– Animals: Got a persian cat called Rio

B
– Beer: Nope, 7aram
– Best friends: My 2 sisters
– Body Part on opposite sex: Broad Shoulders and Big Eyes
– Best feeling in the world: When I get a hug from my little brother when I really need it.
– Best weather: Summer in Spain...
– Been in Love: Yes
– Been on stage: Yes
– Believe in Magic: Yes
– Believe in Santa: No
– Brand: Hmmm, don't have a particular favorite.
C
– Candy: Only if it's candy floss
– Color: Orange
– Chocolate/Vanilla: None, I'm a caramel type of gal.
- Chinese/Indian/Italian: Italian
- Cake or pie: Cake
– Cheese: Mozzarella :L .

D
– Day or Night: Night
– Dancing in the rain: No, I hate rain...

E
– Eyes: Brown
– Ever failed a class: Yes, physics due to the death of my grandmother
– Enemies: Had plenty ever since I was 10
– Exercise: Almost everyday
F
– First thoughts waking up: 7amdillah I'm alive for another day.
– Food: Best thing on Earth...
G
– Greatest Fear: Losing someone I love.
– Get along with your parents: Most definately

H
– Hair Color: Light Brown
– Happy: Yes I am 7amdillah
– Holiday: I want a holidayyyy

I
– Ice Cream: Prefer Frozen Yoghurt

J
– Jewelry: A Big Fan
– Job: Yes I have one 7amdillah.

K
– Kids: I'd want a full football squad
– Kickboxing or karate: karate
– Keep a journal: Yup this blog :D .
L
– Love: a sign that spring is just around the corner
– Laughed so hard you cried: a lot
M
- Milk flavor: Plain milk is fine with me
– Movies: Romantic Comedy or Mafia movies
– Motion sickness: Only when I'm at the back seat of a car
N
– Number: 7

O
– One wish: to live my life fully

P
– Perfect Pizza: Hmmm nso long as it has extra cheese it;s perfect.
– Pepsi/Coke: Coke
– Perfume/Cologne: Cologne on a guy just drives me gaga. But I love perfumes on moi.
Q
– Quail: not a fan of french cuisine

R
– Reason to cry: when I want to let it all out.
– Reality T.V: The Kardashians
– Radio Station: Hmmm should I really say that?

S
– Song: Like A Star - Corraine Bailey Rae
– Shoe size: 37-38
– Salad Dressing: Balsamic Vinegar :L .
– Skinny dip: One day I might...
– Strawberries/Blueberries: Strawberries
– Sport: Footy
- Sex: is all about animal instincts
T
– Tattoos: Henna
– Thunderstorms: a reason why I hate rain
U
– Unpredictable: my middle name
V
– Vacation spot(s): Anywhere with a beach :L .
W
– Weakness: Family
– Who makes you laugh the most: Someone very special
– Worst Weather: Dubai's humidity..

X
– X-Rays: are useful

Y
-Year it is now: 2011
-Yellow: my way of saying hello

Z
– Zoo animal: A Dolphin

I tag:

- Ckz
- normal,is. overrated
- Amase
- Maria

And anyone reading this page ;) .

Mango or Chocolate

2011-09-21T12:18:00.002+04:00

This was the cover of the Mango Ice Cream container my dad got for us, weird eh? There's no hint of chocolate anywhere in the ice cream :P .

New Story...

2011-09-19T13:42:00.000+04:00

Yippeeey, I'm on a roll recently. Just started my brand new story...

Trying out something different and hope it does work out the way I want it to in my head...

T.G,I. FRiDAY'S

2011-09-14T11:55:00.001+04:00

So it's finally here, and it's finally getting opened tonight. Can't hardly wait to enjoy those tropical mojitos and some rack of lambs yum yum...

Who else is planning to join the band wagon and flood the streets of Al Khuwair that have no parking to begin with?

Racing Track Dream Turn To Reality

2011-09-11T11:19:00.003+04:00

And finally following up to that tender announcement. We are finally getting drag and drift racing tracks. It's about time wohooo...

It is said that the first to open will be in November, I truly hope so...

It's Friday, TGI Fridays...

2011-09-06T13:55:00.003+04:00

Hahaha this parody cracked me up so much. Especially the wizar w faneela* haha.
Enjoy..!!

* Wizar w faneela: Vest or a simple white T-Shirt & Sarong which are the undergarments Omani men wear underneath their dishdashas.

Band Score 8.5

2011-09-05T11:30:00.002+04:00

And there we go I spent money to prove something I already know :@ . Lo and behold, Rummy is good at English. At least now I got the unconditional approval and am off to start a new chapter and a second MSc. I shall be kicking off with studies on the 17th of September wish me luck :$ .

You pass or fail because of your weight...

2011-09-04T12:55:00.000+04:00

Schools across Malaysia are giving students another reason to dread their report cards by grading them on their weight.

The move is part of a government push to curb obesity that includes banning school cafeterias from selling junk food and sugar-laden soft drinks.

Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai says report cards will soon add students’ body mass index to the traditional academic grades so parents can decide if their children should watch their diet. Body mass index is a measurement based on weight and height.

Liow announced the policy, effective immediately, in a speech published in Malaysian newspapers Monday.

The Health Ministry estimates that about a quarter of Malaysian children are now overweight and more than 10 percent are obese.

Hmmm now isn't that a bit extreme. I mean I understand condemning parents but weight has a grade on your report card. That's just plain cruel in my opinion. What if it's hereditary would that mean that you'll always fail and what if you were anorexic would that mean that you'd get a full mark. It's just plain outrageous.

Eidkom Mubarak

2011-08-29T12:44:00.001+04:00

Just wanted to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy Eid. 3asakom men 3awada and enjoy it to the max.

P.S: I'm waiting for my eidiya :D .

Ramadan in Oman = 30 days

2011-08-23T12:14:00.001+04:00

August 30 will be the last day of Ramadhan, and Wednesday, August 31 will be the first day of Shawwal and the first day of Eid al Fitr according to astronomical calculations, the Main Moon-sighting Committee has announced.

A statement issued by the committee said: “Because of what is confirmed by astronomy concerning the conjunction of the absence of Shawwal crescent on Ramadhan 29 this year with the absence of the sun in most of the Sultanate’s region and after four minutes in some other regions that would make it impossible to see the crescent this day, so reports from the people will not be accepted because of the contradiction with the reality and science as the scientific facts strictly reject the possibility of sighting the moon.

Accordingly, the committee announces that Tuesday, August 30, 2011 will be the 30th day of the holy month of Ramadhan, and Wednesday, August 31, 2011 will be the first day of Shawwal and the first day of Eid al Fitr.”

So apparently we are continuing an entire 30 days of fasting when my insides are telling me that the rest of the world will be fasting 29 days as per usual. Somehow Oman has to always stand out and be different and unique. And I'm even surprised that this came out a good TEN days before the end of the month. I have so much to say about this but I'll just stick with Allah yester...

Yanni coming to Oman.. YAY..!!

2011-08-16T16:28:00.000+04:00

So I got the news yesterday that Yanni is to play in Oman. The news got me goosebumps, and super excited. So now Muscat is going to join the Forbidden City and Taj Mahal as a venue of Yanni's music *sighs*. The concert is a charity bid for the blind and all returns will go for the benefit of Al Noor Association for the Blind.

Update: Just got info that it is going to be held in Sultan Qaboos University's cultural center and it is organised by Black & White Oman.

Now it shall be my quest to get a ticket to go and have a BLAST.. Can't hardly wait...

Anyone interested in joining?

Gurl Action Much...?!: The Ramadan Saga Continues

2011-08-14T11:47:00.000+04:00

Remember the gurl-gurl action that happened last Ramadan while I was at the gym? Well this time it's not only two, there are almost eight of them with full fledged nudity. I mean seriously, when will people learn that nobody is interested in seeing your private parts? Ista'3ferellah...

Omani BB Boycott

2011-08-12T17:41:00.000+04:00

So apparently a boycott is going to be taking place for those who have Blackberry phones in Oman come Monday. The demands are to increase the MBs size of the service, lower the price of the plan and as well to activate BB app world since we have no access to it.

I find it well worthy given in comparison to other neighboring countries our service sucks to the core. We don't have something called unlimited MBs since it is as expensive as ever. In other GCC countries, an unlimited service plan equals to less than 10 Omani rials while for us here in Oman to have the same we'd have to pay not less than 29 Omani rials for a service plan that doesn't work 3/4 of the time. And for those who have prepaid it costs 9 Omani rials for 50 MB per month which finishes off in a few days, that is if you try to use the BB service for anything other than the BB Messenger.

What do you think? Is it worth making a scene and call out for its boycott? Or should Omanis just be thankful that they have a BB service in the first place?

If you live in the tallest builiding in the world, you should fast longer...

2011-08-10T12:54:00.000+04:00

“Residents on 80-150 floors should also perform evening and night prayers two minutes late and dawn prayers two minutes earlier while those above the 150th level should delay their evening and night prayers by three minutes and bring forward dawn prayers by three minutes,” he said.

“This difference in timing on the 160-storey building is because sun sets later for residents on top floors while these residents are the first to see the sun at dawn.”

I never knew about this fatwa until I read the newspaper. So there you have it, no having iftar to the sound of the athan on the TV though why hasn't the fatwa come earlier though? Burj Khalifa existed last year as well.

Lady Ghagha

2011-08-07T12:48:00.002+04:00

This episode cracked me up so much that I thought I should share this with you all. Enjoy it peeps ;)

All GENDERS can breastfeed...

2011-08-03T16:26:00.001+04:00

While my husband David had no interest in nursing our son, we both were intrigued with the idea. We had just had our first unassisted home-birth and were excited about applying our positive thinking techniques to other aspects of our lives.

David began telling himself that he would lactate, and within a week, one of his breasts swelled up and milk began dripping out. When we excitedly showed my father (a physician) David's breast he said, "Obviously there's something physiologically wrong with David." The fact that David had willed himself to do this, did not impress him. We knew, however, that this was yet another example of the power of the mind.

I read this as I got intrigued when I heard a few peeps talk about men lactating. To my surprise, I totally and I mean totally feel disgusted. I still don't understand how the power of mind has to do with anything. If that was the case then I would have been able to lactate if I put my mind to it, which won't happen or get pregnant whenever I wanted to without the need of any scientific explanation or better yet stop my menstruation cycle and never ever get those cramps ever again. I mean seriously?! What has the world come to? How about we try this power of mind vs. science game?

IELTS = Stupid way of wasting money

2011-08-01T18:48:00.000+04:00

Is it me or does everyone go through this whole bureaucracy thing? Why do governmental offices everywhere require tons and tons of paperwork even if you show them that a simple issue can be dealt with professionally and in a very short time span rather than taking sometimes years. Why does it have to be this way in this part of the world?

A few months ago I applied for an MSc. Research program in Sultan Qaboos University where I was told by the faculty that I have excelled the selection criteria and should be hearing from them about being admitted into the program. Three months down the line, I get a conditional acceptance letter stating that I have to do IELTS. Seriously you'd get surprised on the little knick knacks you'd have to do. What's surprising was that the head of the faculty said I didn't need to do it. But as per usual there's always no mutual cooperation between faculties of colleges and the admissions deanship which I find so bizarre, and I am obliged to waste money on something that I seriously do NOT need. Why on Earth?! Aren't the faculty more knowledgeable on who knows English and who is the best candidate to be admitted to the program? Seriously? I'm still annoyed that I'm wasting money on something that just needed a waiver if cooperation actually existed in governmental departments here in Oman. Allah yi9abarana (God gives us patience) inshallah

Ramadhan Mubarak

2011-07-31T20:54:00.000+04:00

Why hello hello...

I missed you guys, and yes yes I know I suck big time for not updating but seriously life has been very much chaotic and only recently did I get myself back with a grip on things. Anyhow, there's no better perfect time but to come back and revive this blog now. Kel 3am w intu b5eir and hope you have a fantastic pleasant Ramadhan inshallah filled with happiness and rejoice with your families and friends.

I'll be back tomorrow with a major update on why I have been MIA.

Loads of love and hugs,

Watermelon Bomb...

2011-06-28T16:30:00.002+04:00

Watermelons have been bursting by the score in eastern China after farmers gave them overdoses of growth chemicals during wet weather, creating what state media called fields of "land mines."

About 20 farmers around Danyang city in Jiangsu province were affected, losing up to 115 acres of melon, China Central Television said in an investigative report.

Prices over the past year prompted many farmers to jump into the watermelon market. All of those with exploding melons apparently were first-time users of the growth accelerator forchlorfenuron, though it has been widely available for some time, CCTV said.

How funny or sad is this? I can't imagine going and walking around a watermelon field on a bright sunny day for the field to turn into a land mine. I just hope nobody got injured. Genetics is very tricky and I hope these farmers get training and know the side effects and its benefits and how it should be properly administered.

Fast Food Lasagna

2011-06-26T16:39:00.001+04:00

This got me to crack up but got me to grow sick in the same time. I mean I don't mind having it once (well the halal version at least), just to experiment but imagine seeing someone having that. God have mercy. Would you try it?

Safe Style or Studded Fashionable Sex?!

2011-06-21T11:22:00.001+04:00

So it's a no brainer that we all have it registered in our brains that 1 dollar condoms are something of a necessity to those who are sexually active blah blah blah. But what cracked me up was the fact that even condoms had designer written all over them. Why? When it's going to be used and thrown away anyway? It's like having Dior tissue paper all over your house that equates to a tiny fortune. But Marc Jacobs & Chanel condoms for $279 for a 12 pack of condoms? Honestly? Even the packaging bears the iconic Chanel logo with the text stating “FOR USE BY TRENDY SLUTS”. You don’t get much cooler than that? Are you serious?! *shakes head*

Well at least that's better than the newest invention, the condom gun. Apparently it's user friendly as it is stated. The gun is a white plastic gun with the script “Rubber for Lover” artfully placed on the barrel. The condom itself goes in place of bullets in the cartridge. What it is said that many men would feel super awesome and confident by pulling out this gun. Hmmm is that so guys?!

All hail the advancement of the human brain as I crack up and roll laughing from all of this.

Heart wrenching...

2011-06-19T15:40:00.001+04:00

Is what happens when you don't use protection. Why would you go along and believe a guy and his love or his lies when you couldn't handle the consequences? I actually had my heart stop when I was told about this story. A little newborn that was found by the Lulu hypermarket trash bin today morning by cleaners in a friggin' plastic bag. How can you be so heartless and not cover it with warm covering? I can't believe this came out of a mother. They say mothers have the biggest loving and caring hearts ever?! What happened to that? What's ironic is this is on Father's Day where everyone supposedly worldwide celebrates having that male figure who was and will always remain your superman. Poor baby, she doesn't even have a father to look up to. I can't write more about this as my heart just gets torn to pieces.

I just pray she gets the love she really needs.

Times Of Oman, YOU made a boo boo..!!

2011-06-15T16:58:00.002+04:00

Seriously Times Of Oman?! You made a boo boo and it's a big ONE. You put a picture of people deep throating cucumbers?! Why not wait till they reached the tomatoes?

No comment *shakes head*

7ukm el koosa (The ruling of the zucchini)

2011-06-14T12:49:00.001+04:00

Firstly I apologize for not updating lately, I have been so busy and caught up with work that I wished there were more clones of moi. Anyhow thought of sharing this since this cracked me up so much. And sorry for the non Arabic speakers, I'll be posting something soon in English ;)

Don't Stop The Partaay..!!

2011-06-04T12:59:00.002+04:00

So last Thursday, our very own Standy hosted a big ass house party that was the highlight of my weekend. Everything from stiletto heels, stylish chic dresses to party lights and loud music made the night perfect. The food was more than amazing as well. It kicked off at 8 pm and we stayed up dancing all night till the crack of dawn, after 3am. DJ Nas mixed the music and they were some fine sick beats I tell ya. Everyone was in the zone, even the pregnant ladies didn't want to miss out on the fun.

But then lo and behold, I woke up the next daywith a really bad split headache, my body ached and the hangover kicked in with bang. I stayed my entire Friday indoors in a dark room trying to recuperate. But to be honest, it was worth it and I wouldn't mind doing it again.

So on behalf of us all, thank you dear Standy for the big party and it was just splendid to get our groove back.

And here's the song of the night..!!

P.S: For any guys out there, it was a ladies exclusive party 3an yeroo7 tafkeerkom ba3eed :p .

I'm DONE..!!

2011-06-01T13:56:00.000+04:00

And finally I'm done with my second story ever..!! It was quite a roller-coaster trying to get it done when loads of things were happening around me, hence delaying it for what seemed to be ages. But' I'm happy that I finished it till the end. Hmmm, now I might start another one given that I'm in the writing mood. Although, it will be once I get all my things sorted out in regards to work. So read away and give me your comments as I really need it to better my writing ;).

Click Me..!!

Who Run The World?!

2011-05-31T15:08:00.000+04:00

I love Beyonce's sentiment when she sang WHO RUN THE WORLD? GIRLS GIRLS *sings*, but this girl is just AWESOME..!! She rules, I love how sarcastic she can be :L .

AutoBloid

2011-05-30T16:42:00.000+04:00

So there's a new tabloid coming up in Muscat every mid month, and yes it is dedicated to Car freaks like myself, well at least I call myself one before anyone jumps on me explaining I am not.

I think this is a great step to be honest, it gives those who can't afford paying for car magazines something to look forward to every month.

Bin Hammam & FIFA...

2011-05-29T11:10:00.000+04:00

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) chief Mohamed Bin Hammam has sensationally withdrawn his candidacy from the Fifa presidential elections, which were due to be held on Wednesday June 1.

The AFC supremo was the only challenger to current incumbent Sepp Blatter in the race for the organisation's top job, but with the 62-year-old due to face Fifa's ethics committee on Sunday amid allegations of bribery, he has taken the decision to remove his name from consideration.

As a result, Blatter now looks set to be inaugurated for another term in the position he has held since succeeding Joao Havelange in 1998.

Bin Hammam, in addition to Blatter and Concacaf chief Jack Warner, will be questioned by the committee as accusations of corruption continue to blight the governing body, in respect of the recent World Cup 2018 and 2022 bidding process.

The Qatari official was thought to have been trailing Blatter as both men looked to garner backing for their respective bids, but his decision to take himself out of the reckoning will still be regarded as a major surprise.

Bin Hammam said on his official website: "I made the decision to run for the FIFA presidency because I was and remain committed to change within FIFA.

"However, recent events have left me hurt and disappointed - on a professional and personal level."

Hurt and disappointed were you or just running away from a big fa'9ee7a (scandal)? Something smells fishy, you leave the race, just in time when the ethics committee were investigating the alleged bribes that you might have took?

I am thankful that he stepped down had he had something to hide. But then again, you are running for a sports governing board didn't you think they would investigate? My sisters responded with the oh so famous phrase we use 'Typical Arab' along with a saddening frown. I don't know if I should feel ashamed or happy? Is this typical us?

Happy Tree Friends = Memories

2011-05-28T11:00:00.001+04:00

Do you remember Happy Tree Friends? When you'd just exchange the videos through your brand new phone that just got in? Colored screens and Bluetooth was the shiznit then. Gosh I remember how there were even Omani dubbed versions of it that cracked us up during high school and uni days.

Here's a clip that was dubbed, excuse the quality because I know it's not good at all.

Ain't memories fun?!

Happy Birthday Sis..!!

2011-05-25T12:21:00.000+04:00

These were pictures of the surprise we did for my sister, we filled her room up with balloons and gifts all over the place. She's finally legal and can vote wohooo, she's 21. Even though we were all caught up with our busy schedules I'm glad we did something for her.

So share with me, what were surprises you have done before?! It'd be good to hear some ideas to keep in mind for the future.

My Hollywood Smile...

2011-05-24T11:09:00.001+04:00

As I visited my dentist for my routine six months check up and given that my dentist was one sweet soul, he offered to throw in the Zoom! teeth whitening for me at the very mere low price of 75% off its original cost. The reasoning was? I have been a very loyal customer. And since I just love discounts, I thought, why not ? In the end, there's no harm because I am paying peanuts in comparison to what others pay and agreed to the offer on the spot.

Now that was one huge mistake since I didn't even research anything about the procedure and what to expect from it. As I sat on the patient's chair, my mouth was left wide open and my lips started to get covered up and sunscreen applied to the rest of my exposed face. And then there was light which was super cool. I closed my eyes to get even more comfy and BAM out of nowhere unbelievable shooting pains started creeping into the core of my teeth, shooting pains that literally got me to tear. I think in comparison to the sympathy pains I endured last year, this is a close rival and number one from the list of pain I have ever experienced.

Overall though, my smile as breathtaking as it was before became even waaaay better, super pearly whites that would equate to the so called Hollywood smile, so it was worth the pain but would I go through whitening my teeth again? I'd say NEVER..!!

P.S: I can't stop smiling and checking every tooth in the mirror :L .

Qatar may be stripped of 2022 World Cup...

2011-05-22T16:15:00.000+04:00

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has refused to rule out a re-run of the vote to host the 2022 World Cup if allegations that Qatar paid millions of dollars in bribes to secure its win are proven.

Blatter, who is seeking re-election next month for a fourth term, said the whistleblower at the centre of corruption claims made by The Sunday Times had agreed to go to FIFA to give evidence in person and a full investigation would take place.

The paper claimed the whistleblower alleged FIFA members Issa Hayatou and Jacques Anouma were paid $1.5m each to vote for Qatar, which controversially won the 2022 bid in December.

The Qatar Football Association has branded the allegations as “entirely false”.

Just read this off of Arabian Business and was shocked. I do hope that these allegations are not true and are labelled as stupid or as we Omanis call it 7asad (being envious). I'm actually speechless, what say you?!

Sauce

ATB - My Everything (cover by Pavel Zhuravlev)

2011-05-22T11:53:00.000+04:00

I just love this instrumental version, have always loved this song and this just gives it an umph factor since it's just plain and simple with no singing involved.

Here's the original in case you haven't heard it.

It's Doomsday & I'm still alive. Or am I?!

2011-05-21T11:18:00.001+04:00

So it's the 21st of May 2011, woke up with a smile on my face and refreshing start. The sky was clear and the sun was shining. Of course, the heat was another story, but it's all well. I just want to know the reaction of peeps who actually did claim it was the end of the world today only for them to be disappointed. I'd have to wait and see then.

So what have you done, had you woken up and were certain it was the end of the world today?!

Omani Halwa met geen Suiker..!!

2011-05-18T11:24:00.000+04:00

For those of you who started scratching their heads when reading the title, and figured out that it must be about Omani Halwa. Then you're right, this post is Omani Halwa exclusive :p . And no I'm not going to write the usual traditional stuff like you have to taste our halwa and the history behind it blah blah blah. No, this is about a psecial kind of Halwa, why special you might say? Well, it has NO SUGAR.

I just read an article that talks about the efforts of a bunch of guys who are searching for ways to create Halwa with no sugar and no fat. It just threw me off into thinking how on Earth could you get Halwa without using those two crucial ingredients? Then as I continued they talked about the procedure on how they would go about with it. Simply done by using substitutes for fat and sugar. I find it very much creative given that the rate of diabetes is on the role, but yet I still don't know how it would taste like. Substitutes even if it were as natural as ever haven't appealed to me at all. But it's still worth a try no? Would you give it a taste?!

You can read the full Arabic article here..!!

P.S: The title is in Dutch by the by, and literally means: Omani Halwa with no sugar.

Let's chuck out those RINGS, shall we?!

2011-05-17T11:52:00.000+04:00

The diamond industry, in its infinite marketing savvy, seems to have convinced young couples that the only way to declare a lifetime commitment is for a man to ruinously spend two or three months' salary on the proper rock. Men write to me to say that they're ready to get married, but given school debt and the depressed economy, they simply can't afford a good enough ring, and they despair whether they'll ever be able to pop the question. Here's a secret that the folks at De Beers don't want young people to know: All you need to do to become officially engaged is tell everyone, "We're getting married!"

There is another major problem with the ring. It turns young women — otherwise independent, successful strivers — into passive recipients, waiting for their prince to rescue them from their single state. In what other aspect of their lives do young women so totally turn over their future to the decisions of others? I get letters from women who regularly scour their beloved's sock drawer, hoping to see a ring box, evidence that marriage is in their future. The ritual of the engagement ring means he decides, he buys, he proposes.

Throwing the ring out of the equation encourages the progression toward marriage to be more of a continuing discussion, a joint decision.

The desire for a substantial ring also encourages an unsightly side of one's character. I hear from young men distressed at the broad hints from their girlfriends about the number of carats required to impress her friends. I also hear from women who have happily said yes to a proposal but are now stuck with a ring they think is hideous. Yet how to trade in a piece of jewelry so freighted with meaning?

Compare the engagement ring with the wedding band. Basically, everyone's looks alike. There's no envy, no angst, no credit card debt. It's simply a handy way of signaling, "I'm taken."

This is an article I read off the Washington Post and it just got me to think, seriously? Heck I want an engagement ring. I wouldn't over pressure on the type that I want even though if I get one humongous gigantic canary one, I would just call of the whole idea of having a wedding reception really and settle looking at the sparkle for the rest of my life and a marriage contract from City Hall. That's how important it is, well at least to me. I just want to shove it in people's eye balls, and yell "Look I'm friggin' married and yes it's a beautiful ring".

People in the west fret about the engagement ring when I really pity men here, not only does the engagement ring put you on the verge of bankruptcy but it's the dowry, the car, the apartment and the minimum two huge wedding parties that would just kill you off.

So sorry dear columnist, but this chucking the rings idea won't work here AT ALL..!! What do you think though?! She right or just plain off.

Sauce

P.S: I'm not even asking for a wedding just a huge chunk of ICE please and I am happy to be your wife..!!

Vegetarian Shoes...

2011-05-16T12:43:00.002+04:00

Look at these cute shoes. Aren't they just comfy to wear? Especially in the summer? My eyes sparkled and my feet felt they were about to feel heaven from wearing the constant killer heels, the moment I laid my eyes on them. And they were pink which would match perfectly with my pink scarf. But then...

But then it all came to a halt the moment I read the two words which made my jaw dropped to the floor "Vegetarian Shoes".

What on Earth is that? I mean I never knew some people took vegetarianism to this extreme. Vegan shoes is one whole other dimension of a world I never knew existed. So I got very curious to know more about it and guess what, they have a whole website for such shoes. Wow, this is really something I thought and just left it to that. But honestly I would have given it a go for sure.

So what do you think? Would you try them out?

I still can't get myself out of it, Vegan shoes really?!

Damsel in Distress

2011-05-15T11:18:00.002+04:00

I never really understood why women in novels and movies most often refuse the concept of being RESCUED. I mean seriously after the guy fights and stands up for her or even saves her from something life threatning, the whole 'Thank You but I didn't need your assistance, I was fine on my own even if you came along and saved the day'

Seriously yes you did. You actually needed him, since you were in deep trouble had he not come along.

In my personal opinion, I find it nice to be saved. To have a hero. Someone who makes it all go away. I myself would cause a catastrophe if I were left on my own for a long time. Maybe that's why. It also might have something to do with the fact that Pisceans like to be led and protected like I once read somewhere. I don't know..

Boy, aren't I the typical damsel in distress.

What do you think?

The Royal Wedding

2011-05-14T11:13:00.000+04:00

I got this through my sister yesterday and I just couldn't believe the resemblance. Cinderella Story much?!

Doesn't Make Sense, Or Does It?!

2011-05-11T15:33:00.000+04:00

Jordan & Morocco to join GCC, that title itself was enough to surprise and stun the living daylight out of me vand everyone at work.

Yes the Gulf Cooperation Council agreed to think of having Jordan and Morocco in the council. I mean seriously and it seems that they will accept the requests. According to my geography neither Jordan nor Morocco are on the Arabian Gulf. The only Gulf Jordan has got is the Gulf of Aqaba , other than that I don't have nor see any relation between Jordan and the Gulf states except the very old fact that Abdullah the First was actually from the Hijaz Region.

In addition, what connection or relation does Morocco have with the GCC? I mean I understand we are all Arab in the end and all hail from Arabic countries, but really? I mean we don't even come from the same region for crying out loud. And coming to think about it, didn't Morrocco want to join the EU?!

Why would Morocco and Jordan join the GCC while Iraq is not?! I do not need to mention Yemen because it is actually not on the Arabian Gulf amazingly just like Morocco and Jordan..!! Why is it this way? Is it because the monarchies (who are the only ones left in the entire MENA region) want to join forces together and remain in power? I don't understand this at all.

To top this all off, the no expat marriage policy here just made everyone happy because the only ones waved off of this are GCC nationals which means that many of Omanis (at least the ones I know of) would be flocking to marry Morrocans and Jordaninas like there's no tomorrow because their dowries are way less than those from the GCC countries.

A little history lesson to some: Mubarak wanted Egypt to join the GCC in 1991 but Iraq invaded Kuwait and suddenly the project became history. Again I do not know why he wanted to join the GCC either.

2011 has topped the mark of the weirdest year ever..!!

No Towels or you'll get SUED..!!

2011-05-10T12:24:00.002+04:00

Welcome to the world of malpractice lawsuits. I read this off a newspaper the other day and was shocked. Apparently a lady from Sur named Zakia Al Alawi is suing her doctor and some other medical staff for medical malpractice. What happened was the doctor actually forgot and left a towel inside of her abdomen when Zakia was operated on. The lady is asking for 5000 Omani rials as cost for the surgery to remove the forgotten towel and another hefty amount of 60,000 rials as compensation to the damages caused by the towel. In addition, she as well is claiming an additional 1000 rials for her lawyer's expenses.

Now how on Earth could you not notice a towel left inside someone is beyond my comprehension, I mean even if the doctor forgot what about the other nurses and staff who were assisting in the Operating Room? They were all suddenly asleep or was it so much soaked in blood that they actually miraculously thought 'Oh hey, that's just another velvety looking organ'?. I wouldn't want to be in such a situation or else I would have killed the ones responsible.

i-Restaurant

2011-05-09T10:52:00.001+04:00

Seriously?! *cracks up* Some restaurants have weird names indeed.

Buena Vista Social Club

2011-05-08T14:08:00.000+04:00

I just L. O. V. E. this band. The history behind it is even way more appealing.

Ya Mar7eba eb Snoop

2011-05-07T10:55:00.000+04:00

So Snoop Dogg held a concert in Yas Island in Abu Dhabi yesterday and a bunch of friends who attended sent me this picture.

Snoop actually wore the traditional UAE clothing throughout as he took the stage by storm. How cool is that? Imagine a rapper comes to Oman and wears the Mu9ar (turban) and dishdasha. How awesome would that be?

7azoo8a

2011-05-04T12:50:00.003+04:00

Lately, I have been getting constant hiccups that lasts for hours especially in the morning. Anyhoo, as I was getting very annoyed about the whole thing. I decided hmmm, how about I search for some useful tips that might really help me in my ordeal. And boy did I get remeides. Some were just plain dumb stupid and funny and some did really make sense. I decided I'd share the most bizzare out of them with you all. Enjoy..!!

The Native-American Indian Method

Sit in a chair.
Close your eyes.
Have a friend press their pointer and middle fingers on both of your eyes simultaneously. Apply pressure until you see "white specs".
Then slowly release pressure.
Your hiccups should be gone!

Water and Knife Method

Fill up a glass of water and get a butter knife.
Put the knife, blade up, into the glass.
Drink the water with the blade pressing on your forehead until it is all gone.

Water Cure

Fill a glass with water.
Bend over until you are as upside down as possible, then drink the water.
Don't stop to breathe! That should cure your hiccups.

The Drinking Method

Get a 12 ounce glass of water
Plug your ears with your fingers
Plug your nose with other fingers at the same time
Now pick up the glass with the remaining fingers
Drink as much as you can as fast as you can
Repeat the steps, if necessary.

Straw Method

Get a glass of water and two straws.
Put one straw inside the glass as usual and the other straw pressed up against the side of the glass on the outside.
Put both straws in your mouth at once, drink the water like you would normally, taking as big of gulps as possible.
Drink a couple of gulps and then your hiccups should be gone!

The Aneta Cure

Say the name "Aneta" (Uh-net-uh) each time you hiccup. It will reset the way you breathe and the hiccups will vanish.

The Fish Cure

Have someone ask you "what swims in the ocean?"
Answer "fish" and your hiccups are gone

The Styx Cure

Listen to "Renegade" by Styx
Repeat until hiccups are gone.

Vroom vroom..!!

2011-05-03T11:06:00.000+04:00

And finally we are soon to get racing tracks all around the Sultanate. It's about time ..!! Mabrookeen fellow racing enthusiasts.

For my non Arabic reading followers, the above picture is a newspaper ad about tenders regarding consultancy services for designing specialized car racing tracks for racing enthusiasts. Hip hip Hooraay..!!

Karmin vs. Nicki

2011-05-02T10:56:00.000+04:00

Now if this duo isn't putting Nicki Minaj and her ego to shame then I don't what would...!! Super amazing rapping skills. She nailed Lil Wayne's and Busta Rhymes rapping to the T.

Hired...!!

2011-05-01T09:57:00.000+04:00

Wohooo..!! It feels good to be emancipated from a corporate job just to join another no?!

'What kind of bra will you be wearing today, honey?'

2011-04-26T22:48:00.002+04:00

Now why on Earth would I want to wear a bra that costs more than my house? This is apparently a pair of diamond and jewel crusted cups to cover them unmentionables, which equals to 1 million Omani rials. Shocking much..?!

If it's any consolation it's for an Arabian princess...

Color Recognition Test...

2011-04-25T10:31:00.000+04:00

I got the link from Kuwaitiful and thought hey why not just try it out and check what score I get..!!

Amazingly I scored a 7 which at the beginning made me panic thinking I was color blind until I got it together and realized oh yeah it's the opposite of what I think it is. The lower you score, the higher you eyes are sensitive to color. So that was good news although I do really feel bad for Kuwaitiful but for what it's worth, it did seem confusing when your eyes suddenly fuse all the blocks into one color.

So hey why don't you check it out and try it? Click ME

Hello Summer...

2011-04-24T12:21:00.000+04:00

This was 8 in the morning today. I think we'll end up being bombs of sweat before Summer approaches :( . Allah yester..!!

Ghedex = EF...

2011-04-23T12:03:00.001+04:00

Now I have always loved the fact that such an exhibition exists in where opportunities are available where soon to be high school graduates get to interact directly with university and college represatitives with all the questions, doubts and information they want and need in order for them to settle on a satisfying choice to them and of cousre their families. I do applaude such efforts and have always asked for encores with better organisation and more higher education institutes to be involved. And not only is it exclusive for high school goers but even people like myself who have decided well maybe another Masters degree won't really harm me and would give me the much break I want.

Anyhow, the exhibition kicked off on Tuesday and as we all know no high schooler who has strict parents would be allowed to go on a school night to an exhibition no matter how crucial it is to their future. 'You are still not done with school, that means you need to sleep to go to school early as always. Mashi 6al3a'. That case was my sister's case when she tried convincing my parents to go. So we decided since we got a text message from Ghedex themselves informing us that it's a three day event, then we could easily go on Wednesday the 20th or Thursday the 21st. Alrighty then no problem there.

To cut a long story short, we ended up going the last day on the 21st. We arrived there and were told 'Sorry it's closed ' Now how on earth would you close on a Thursday evening and that's when most of the students are actually free and capable of visiting? Not everyone works a governmental job that allows them to visit on Wednesday or Thursday morning for that matter. Why didn't they take that into consideration? And why would you say it's till the 21st when you actually decide to close by 4pm? Many of those I know never got the chance to visit because of this, since we all retreated like a bunch of defeated soldiers in a war against time.

Ghedex this time was an EPIC FAIL..!!

Win it but break it..!!

2011-04-21T13:49:00.000+04:00

Real Madrid waited nearly three years for a trophy and immediately broke it.

Madrid defender Sergio Ramos dropped the Copa del Rey from the top of the team bus during celebrations early Thursday morning and the bus then ran over the trophy.

Emergency services gathered up the broken pieces and returned them to the bus, but the trophy did not reappear at the club's traditional celebration spot at the Plaza de Cibeles in central Madrid.

"The cup fell, it fell,'' Ramos said, according to Europa Press agency. "But the cup is OK.'' Madrid beat rival Barcelona 1-0 in the Copa del Rey final on Wednesday, with Cristiano Ronaldo's extra-time goal giving the club its first domestic cup in 18 years.

Spanish reports placed 60,000 fans at Cibeles as Madrid celebrated winning its first silverware under coach Jose Mourinho and first since a Spanish league trophy in 2008.

"After two complicated years, winning the Copa del Rey is a relief,'' Madrid captain Iker Casillas said before following the tradition of wrapping a Madrid insignia and club scarf around the Roman goddess that marks the square.

It's about friggin' time they won but it's sad that they had to break it after waiting for almost three years for it.

I Quit...

2011-04-19T09:58:00.000+04:00

And I finally got the guts to do it. I RESIGNED..!! Feels good to be a free bird for a while :L .

Even the walls of the empty corridor halls cried...

2011-04-17T08:26:00.000+04:00

A traffic accident happened where two cars collided with a bus filled with SQU students going on a field trip to Salalah. The bus moved out of the road and toppled over to fall 30 metres beneath the flyover. The result, the death of four people; three students and a technician.

The news of traffic accidents isn't really a new thing, I have grown so accustomed to it since nowadays we discuss it rather than have it strike a cord. After all, who can blame anyone when it's the number one cause of deaths here. But once you are told that a connection exists between you and the deceased. You take the blow in a very different way. They were students who I once upon a time talked to and joked around with, students that whenever I'd cross the hallways and corridors would greet me and give me the utmost respect because I am an alumna of the same major. They were students who were so close to graduating and told me that they'd invite me over for a victory DEW drink once the mission was accomplished. Students who once said that they'd make it to the 10 o'clock news with their full names mentioned. Little did they know that it would be to announce their deaths.

Now all that everyone has is the memory of them lighting up a room every time they'd walk in. The hallways and corridors were empty, not a single soul would you hear if you visited the college. Everyone was mourning, even the walls were mourning their loss.

Now what I would never understand is the reason behind taking a bus to the South of Oman which roughly means around 18 to 20 hours drive in the most scariest of roads when there are planes that fly to Salalah for merely 40 minutes. The road to Salalah isn't the safest and given that the faculty knew the dangers of the roads, they still managed to sacrifice students's lives for a mere cut in the budget. I mean c'mon they can easily manage to let alone get sponsors but get the Armed Forces to transport them on their private planes to Salalah (I know I have been on one and it only took an official letter from the College's administration requesting transport from the Armed Forces). Now the students woke up and are demanding better travelling conditions. It's a pity that they had to see lives taken away for them to make a move.

Allah yer7emkom w ye'3ammed roo7kum el jannah ya rab.

Temporarily...

2011-04-12T16:14:00.000+04:00

One Less Lonely Girl...

2011-04-10T08:52:00.000+04:00

The beauty expert teen girls trust? A 16-year-old boy.

Mop-topped pop star Justin Bieber can add "nail polish magnate" to his list of accomplishments. Bieber, who started a line of polishes with Nicole by OPI, has sold one million bottles of the stuff since mid-December. Nicole by OPI announced that to meet the massive demand, they have shipped triple the typical number of bottles to be in stores by the time Bieber's movie, Never Say Never, hits theaters. And it's not such a bad thing; the collection raises awareness of Pencils of Promise, a nonprofit Bieber supports that aims to build schools around the world.

Bieber's line is called The One Less Lonely Girl collection, named after one of his songs. (Certain shades are also Bieber puns, like "Baby" Blue.) And maybe, just maybe, one million tween fans will feel one step closer to the heartthrob with the "One Less Lonely Glitter" shade on their fingers and toes.

I don't know what's disturbing, that Justin Bieber stepped out of the box BIG TIME or that he has proven those doubts people have of him all along. Why not perfume, shoes or something? Did it really have to be nail polish? On a side note though, I can see some of those colors primping my nails soon..!!

bX-67oaj1

2011-04-07T12:14:00.000+04:00

The lovely AmasE°♥ yesterday informed me that every time she tried clicking the older posts icon from the homepage, the above error would show. I'd like to inform you all that the problem is fixed you can click on the older posts icon and it would indeed lead you to the older posts error free.

A very big thank you for bringing it up AmasE°♥ , I owe you one. Turns out it is a common problem that is caused by Google's blogger server. A few tweeking of the HTML code here and there was enough for it to be up and running.

So read away followers :L .

There's a parallel universe somewhere...

2011-04-06T10:47:00.001+04:00

What if there was a parallel universe? There'd be a girl named Rummy as the one here but her life would be different. She'd probably still choose to become a doctor and graduate this year, or might even get married and have a bunch of kids by now or better yet, she might not even have a blog since she has chosen a different set of paths to follow rather than the ones she leads now in this current universe.

What if you chose to not do what you have done, do you believe that a parallel life where you exist in it leading a different life is real? Do you believe in such a thing? Are you a believer that quantum physics would be the solution to all those unanswered and unexplained questions? Does pseudoscience really exist?!

Just a thought that popped into my head when I was fast asleep...

Sing sing sing...

2011-04-05T09:58:00.000+04:00

Celebrity sun-wisp Gwyneth Paltrow is apparently close to signing a deal with Atlantic Records, meaning she will be making a singing album of her very own, that we can listen to while we make homemade molecule-free bread in our outdoor pizza ovens in our London triple-gardens. Apparently the sound of the music might be “country pop,” which makes complete sense for someone like Gwyneth Paltrow.

Why on Earth do we need more singers?! I honestly find her voice unappealing at least to me. Hearing this got me to have flashbacks of Scarlett Johansen singing.

Sauce

ATM on Windows?

2011-04-04T09:03:00.001+04:00

Now isn't this a weird scene to see at an ATM?! I thought ATMs run on a stripped version of Unix/Linux AFAIK :S . What's even stranger is mostly screen savers at ATMs are advertisements we see for loans and other bank services, but not the default Windows one.

Kooky much?!

2011-04-03T10:57:00.001+04:00

As I write this my skin feels soft and like a baby's bum, my complexion bright and glowing :L and it's all thanks to my diet and moisturizing. No weird-ass facials have ever got in contact with my face whatsoever. Anyhoo, ever since I came across that horrific weird facial on Earth; the cockroach facial, I got intrigued into finding out some more weird facials that have been going around lately. And boy oh boy was I gobsmacked with some very grotesque dreadful ones and no I don't mean the chocolate facial nor the 24 carat gold one, some are by far more worse than a pleasant experience.

Since I stumbled on a bunch, I think it's only fair to share it with you all no? Fair enough? Okay so let's start....

Sweet Cheeks Facial is one that I thought oh that's great it targets the cheeks which is good. But no it's not since the target my dear peeps is the other set of cheeks we have; the cheeks that we sit on? Weird enough for ya? Well listen to this, it is offered to both females and MALES. Hmm, who wants a soft baby bum?

Galvanic Facial starts off with a deep, manual pore cleaning. Afterwards, the esthetician uses a galvanic current to draw a highly concentrated vitamin C serum into your skin. A pad transmitting a negative charge goes under your back, while a positive charge travels through a conical mask on your face. As the electric current goes through your body, you might even experience a metallic taste in your mouth. So who's up to get electrically shocked?!

Bird Poop Facial is a soft grainy scrub comprised of nightingale poop and rice bran which should feel moist and effective without being rough. And, in case you're wondering, the poop is sterilized using ultraviolet light. So anyone for bird poop?

Buccal Facial is an intense facial massage performed INSIDE THE MOUTH. A trained therapist actually puts their hands inside your mouth and massages parts of your musculature where tension is stored in order to promote blood circulation and oxygenation of the skin. Celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Scarlett Johansson, and Kate Moss have reportedly already opened their mouths and tried it.

Have women just gone plain crazy?! Why on earth would you get poop, electric shock and mouth massages when you can go the old fashioned way? Women would you try it? Men do you think it's worth it if it meant touching softer skin on your spouse?

Omani Beer...

2011-04-02T09:25:00.002+04:00

Our version of beer is the one and only....

An Omani guy usually would not dine in if there isn't dew available unless they are trying to impress a girl by ordering a mocktail or is banned to drink it by his wife because he has diabetes :p . Found this out of a bunch of old photos. Don't they just look vintage? I wonder how our kids would be like when they point out at our bottles and soda pop cans and say the same thing.

P.S: I said usually before any of you Omani dudes attack me.

Cockroach Facial?!

2011-03-30T09:21:00.001+04:00

No Comment

We Care...

2011-03-29T09:12:00.000+04:00

Anyone wants to join moi?!

Impressive but would it work?

2011-03-28T10:28:00.000+04:00

As much as there is awfully disturbing and heightened blood pressure levels in the Arab World that makes you lose hope that anything is ever going to settle. I still have hope that one day and I mean soon we would all be together and standing united hand in hand as one tight unit, that day might be the World Cup 2022 in Qatar or even sooner inshallah.

Of course we all know that the event is going to be held in the summer and remarkable efforts have been put out to ensure that our brothers and neighbors, Qatar, are able to pull it off especially after snatching the opportunity from the US. Big plans to combat the heat are in place, one being a solar powered shade that is going to be propelled up to the sky to provide proper shading from the scorching sun. The shade is remote controlled and would be hovering around above the stadium to give out a cooling effect.

Another proposed plan is to design artificial clouds to cool the stadiums and audiences all around. One thing I worry about is the rather increased humidity this idea might cause. I hope they can manage to keep the humidity saturation low though I wonder how they'd be able to do so. The estimated cost is around half a million dollars per pop. These ideas somewhat reminds me of the Simpsons episode when Mr. Burns had a gigantic sun blocker in place to cover the sun, hence the reason I put the first picture.

Do you think these proposed systems would work?