Monday, May 26, 2008

saying no

Tons of thoughts, much to write - so little time, however here's something I've been thinking about.

Saying No. Am not good at saying "no", in fact, I've never been good at it. I give in quite easily to friends, family and just about whoever asks for help. And even though I say no, eventually I end up helping them, or risk feeling uneasy with an inane sense of guilt or something.

A close childhood friend, from good 'ol UAE, is visiting the apple this summer (again). I really wanna say *NOPE* to his plans. Don't wish to get into the details, however, shall say, he is a master grand slam *player*, great looking, loves women, plenty of home runs, well you get the jist. Last summer, I took him around plenty of parties in the city, introduced him to most women friends, (he caught on to the easy ones) and from all I hear, he had a Fab time, so did most women.

The issue. He is married, has been for less than 2 years. His wife, I think is just about 22 - naive, simple (also, sort of spoiled) semi-conservative girl. Am not sure if she knows of his escapades, I don't think she knows, or maybe she does, well I don't know for sure.

Anyway, he called last weekend, we discussed plans. I can see what he wants to do. He is very open and honest with me, however, if and when I oppose his views, he shall push back, disagree, prove me wrong, and distance himself for while - you know, sort of IRON the guilt with added molten asphalt, tar bitumens an' all. Ever since I've known him, he's been this way, things haven't changed over the years.

Am all for dating, flirting, whatever it takes for an open, full fest premarital search. However, not after you’ve taken the vows. Hence I just don't get why some married folks cheat and swing with multiple partners. I know a few here in the city, men and women.

Not here to judge - however, can't help thinking, don't people get hitched for love and *till death do us apart* given all the sacred vows anymore? or pick a partner, appreciate, compromise, understand, and align one another? If they are unable to do so, at the least, value traditions & sentiments on vows of ancestors, and their legacy.

So there – that's what I want to say *no* to. I realize it's perhaps the correct thing to do. Hopefully I shall keep up the strength & sensibility, over the next few weeks.

Am beat, off to snooze now.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

get a room

Something to smile about - well in a way, I suppose :)

"Jeffrey Paul Bradford, 24, and Adrianna Grace Connor, 24, both employees of Pinnacle Airlines Inc., were at a diner on Sunday night before they apparently decided to take a walk, police said.

"They told the officer they wanted to go do it in the woods, essentially," said Lower Swatara Township Police Sgt. Richard Brandt. "That's the best answer they had."

Things went awry when people who live in the neighborhood summoned police around 9:30p.m., saying they had seen a naked man and an intoxicated woman."

Silly Gooses, if there is a next time, get a room or something eh!

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

a load of nothings

Way too many thoughts in my head this evening. I was subtly forced into a rather heartless decision at work - feel low and a bit upset about it all. Don't feel like writing or thinking about turn of events today.

It's funny, life, really. At times you've got to do things to others, which you'd never hope, happen to you. Sometimes you have to make some sort of a wise ass call, to set things straight for everyone else, except perhaps for the individual whose future now seems quite possibly shoved in some dungeon.

Am afraid at times I sort of have an odd time recognizing where am heading or what I may become. Need a break from the present and head somewhere to think & feel things thru. This is not what I want to do. Man - growing up is hard!

It gets quite crowded with "friends" but horribly lonely near the top. Friends remain friends when they want something from you – especially here in the world's most populated city, where you’d find the largest number of loneliest souls. Very few are fortunate to find selfless/giving friends, those who take an interest in you, listen intently no matter what and stick thru the times.

I know about 200+ people in this city, and there isn't a single one amongst them I'd call or think as a true friend. I am, however, quite fortunate to have true friends, back home - the ones I've known since kindergarten, who know everything about my life - the present & the past. Sometimes just being in the presence of friends can uplift moods, bring about a hearty smile and wash away many worries.

Sorry if none of the above make sense. Someone at blogworld once said, writing down our thoughts, helps understand and identify better. No better place to do so, than my casual little blog space.

Thursday, May 08, 2008

flowers in the sand


Flowers in the Sand is one of those feel good blogs I've come across. Its author Frances Gunnison grew up in the suburbs of NYC and now lives in AUH/UAE. Personally, I find such pleasure and calm, reading thru her posts and view the photographs on her blog. It helps bring homes a lot closer - the world is indeed becoming a smaller place.

One of my favourite blogs is that of Ammaro, a top Bahraini blogger. This particular post, in my opinion, was quite well written, honest and well debated/argued - pleasure reading.

Saturday, May 03, 2008

optimist

I like having an optimist,or perhaps two, around. Someone with a positive outlook on life. Someone who shall always find something positive in a given bleak situation, look at the sunny side of everything and make that sense of optimism shine an extra bit. Someone who can just be as enthusiastic/happy/content given smiles & success of others as you are about your own. Someone perhaps too positive to give into worry, anger, angst or fear.

I've always had an optimist who guided silently thru life. And though I've not had constant direct guidance come my way often, I've seen and experienced she help and talk people into a positive frame of mind. She spoke her mind and held her own thru worried times, neck above water and emotions at bay. And though she has extended more than she could afford toward those less optimistic and to those who've wronged her, she's often been an optimist to many I've known. She isn't perfect, given any stretch, but she is fine. She found words and help find the spirit, if not the perfect solution, and help those feel the spirit of optimism.

Personally, in a way, I find it sort of surprising, 'cause I quite didn't realize or think much of all the above, until way thru in life, more so recently. Hence this simple post & few casual thoughts to mom, whom I've come to realize as the eternal optimist.