After various complaints and requests to check my template because of a weird pop-up jungle video thingy that wants to send readers special mobile ringtones, I guessed it was time to do a little housekeeping. I like the older theme colors better, this one is a standard blogger template where I changed the colors a bit - nothing original or artsy. Maybe one day when I'm bored enough
So readers, jungle video pop out vanished to the dark or my powers to conquer evil are not strong enough?
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
You had me at hello KK . . .
Had a job interview early yesterday at 9 am which means I woke up at 7:30, once the alarm rang I realized this was going to be the rest of my life and a little part of me died. I’m just not a morning person. I will never be a morning person.
The job interview went really well I think. I’m hopeful about this one. I was a bit nervous the first five minutes but once I started talking and got a vibe for the place and interviewer it was smooth sailing. I meet with 3 different people from different divisions and I’m probably going to go next week for another in depth interview/meeting.
I had a craving for doughnuts after my pilates class on Sunday so I headed out to Dunkin’ Donuts which I haven’t tried since they open in Oman and was really disappointed. They tasted horrible. Krispy Kreme you had me at hello.
National Day is soon and the streets are being all glamed up with decorations. I missed them last year, personally I think they are nice but its time we let go of them. It’s a lot of work to put them up and take them down. Plus the electricity the lights consume and emission cant be good for the environment and probably expensive. I wonder who pays the electricity bill? H.M? The municipality? Diwan? What difference does it make I suppose? Its all one big pocket right? I only look forward to the fireworks and I’ve got a great view. Wonder when the holiday is going to be, it obviously wont be the same day as National Day (18th of November)cause they like it for people to be in town and in the country for it. But why the secrecy? Why cant they just announce Eid holiday and national day holiday in advance so people can organize and plan their holidays, book tickets and hotel reservations. Build up suspense? Another retarded issue we put up with cause who would we complain to.
The job interview went really well I think. I’m hopeful about this one. I was a bit nervous the first five minutes but once I started talking and got a vibe for the place and interviewer it was smooth sailing. I meet with 3 different people from different divisions and I’m probably going to go next week for another in depth interview/meeting.
I had a craving for doughnuts after my pilates class on Sunday so I headed out to Dunkin’ Donuts which I haven’t tried since they open in Oman and was really disappointed. They tasted horrible. Krispy Kreme you had me at hello.
National Day is soon and the streets are being all glamed up with decorations. I missed them last year, personally I think they are nice but its time we let go of them. It’s a lot of work to put them up and take them down. Plus the electricity the lights consume and emission cant be good for the environment and probably expensive. I wonder who pays the electricity bill? H.M? The municipality? Diwan? What difference does it make I suppose? Its all one big pocket right? I only look forward to the fireworks and I’ve got a great view. Wonder when the holiday is going to be, it obviously wont be the same day as National Day (18th of November)cause they like it for people to be in town and in the country for it. But why the secrecy? Why cant they just announce Eid holiday and national day holiday in advance so people can organize and plan their holidays, book tickets and hotel reservations. Build up suspense? Another retarded issue we put up with cause who would we complain to.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
This week in kay's world . . .
This week has been great. Less hormonally and pmsy then last week back to sunshine and happy kay despite stupidly scratching my car on Tuesday : ( its just a car its just a car I tell myself. A preventable scratch I have only myself to blame. I was out and came back home to pick up my mother and go out again. I thought it would be rude to wait outside the house for her and so I entered the garage but didn’t go all the way inside which I should have and the stupid electric garage door started to close and scratched the back bumper. I swear I did not know that would happen I didn’t think I was that close to the garage and I didn’t hear the impact so I thought I was safe. It wasn’t till I clicked on the remote to open the garage to leave and it didn’t open I realized something was wrong. The stupid garage door wheels moved out of the rail after hitting my car so it got stuck and dad had to come push it and that chipped the wall. Yesterday dad said he wont fix or replace the bumper once I start working I fix it myself. He’s joking right? He has to be joking. . . . .
I started pilates classes this week for the next 8 weeks. It was very relaxing and I enjoyed it. My shoulders and back felt less tense for two days after the class but yesterday I felt all sort of knots again. What can I seriously do about this chronic back and shoulder pains?
Yesterday I finally got to go to Cafe Ceramique with two friends. Basically it’s a café/ artsy painting place with all sort of different ceramic pieces you purchase and paint in the café. You get to choose seven colors and pick your piece a week later after its been in the oven and glazed. The food was alright and service was friendly, they replaced my thai ice tea I didn’t like with a regular ice tea without charging me for it. The real fun was in painting. Warning I am severely artistically challenged. I have the worst handwriting and cant draw to save my life; the easiest thing was to pick out a mug and just paint different colored vertical lines on it and even I managed to mess that up with uneven wobbly lines.
Check out Bluchi’s review on Café Ceramique ( link ).
I started pilates classes this week for the next 8 weeks. It was very relaxing and I enjoyed it. My shoulders and back felt less tense for two days after the class but yesterday I felt all sort of knots again. What can I seriously do about this chronic back and shoulder pains?
Yesterday I finally got to go to Cafe Ceramique with two friends. Basically it’s a café/ artsy painting place with all sort of different ceramic pieces you purchase and paint in the café. You get to choose seven colors and pick your piece a week later after its been in the oven and glazed. The food was alright and service was friendly, they replaced my thai ice tea I didn’t like with a regular ice tea without charging me for it. The real fun was in painting. Warning I am severely artistically challenged. I have the worst handwriting and cant draw to save my life; the easiest thing was to pick out a mug and just paint different colored vertical lines on it and even I managed to mess that up with uneven wobbly lines.
Check out Bluchi’s review on Café Ceramique ( link ).
Monday, October 27, 2008
Big cities
I miss Melbourne. I miss the lights, the sound, the people. More importantly I miss the anonymity of a big city. I don’t even mind the traffic. I loved being in the city. I miss the street art and performances. I miss the jazz bars and the live music scene. I miss my surrogate family of friends. I miss people watching on public transportation. I miss the restaurants and cafes. I miss the different weather seasons in one day. I miss planning my weekend where there was always more to do then just dine and watch a movie. I miss the diversity of random people.
Friday, October 03, 2008
How did you spend your eid?
Eid Mubarak.
Another Ramadhan has passed and while I love the spirit of Ramadhan and the familyniess after week 3 I was over it. I honestly don’t like fasting. There I said it. Shot me. Its not because I cant drink coffee or smoke cause I do not indulge in either habit, there is nothing to be cranky about like most people who have issues with fasting whine about. It messes up my sleep, cuts back on my water intake and the day is wasted. Plus I just get really tired and dizzy. One time I almost fainted in the shower, could have been the hot water.
L_oman writes a good post on how her family spends their Eid (link) . While ours is almost similar its also a bit different. On the 29th day of Ramadhan we are all glued to the TV waiting for the Eid announcement or if we are fasting 30 days. Once that’s over with, it’s a mad dash to the hairdresser for a quick blow dry. Back home where everyone is making sure their eid clothes are ironed and accounted for. Paint my nails (this year I choose black) and try to sleep early. Eid day wake up at around 7 am in the foulest mood, stay cranky till at least 9iesh. Uncles, aunts, and cousins from my paternal family come over for 3ursia breakfast which my poor mother has been slaving over in the kitchen since fajer prayer (5am). After tea and gifts and money exchange a few family pictures are taken, 3ood and bu5oor mijmar is passed along. Everyone hops into their cars and the tour begins. Driving all around Muscat from house to house wishing family a eid mubarak while trying to compliment the host in eating from their very elaborate eid sweets table. Seriously, how can any expect you to eat so much sweets and 7alwa after 3ursia?? I think I’ve had to explain why I don’t drink coffee at least a dozen times the past two days. Finally, after a long afternoon driving around in the heat we make it to my grandmother’s for lunch stay there till sunset and head home. Sometimes we’d go out for dinner. This year no body made reservations anywhere and after eating the whole day the last thing I could think about was more food. I took a shower and put on my new pjs at 7 pm.
At ten pm I had to go to shatti to pick up my younger brother from the movies. I actually left in my Pjs cause I was too tired to change and franky did not care. Traffic was horrible in shatti and it didn’t seem like anyone was really going anywhere. More then half the guys were just ‘3azing (aka cruising) I kept thinking to myself if you had to pay $80 to fill up your car with petrol there’d be less of you on the streets driving around in your daddy’s menz and ranges. I was quiet amused for the 30 minutes I was stuck in Shatti plaza parking lot people watching. Kids have really stepped it up. I didn’t think I’d see the day teenage boys would be wearing bling bling rapper chains. The tacky vulgar Ed Hardy caps, low low waist jeans with the boxer labels showing, the gelled up hair. Of coarse we cant forget the boy bands in their matching identical outfits. Oh the girls - that’s a whole different post, the hair the makeup and the clothes! And there was kay in her black and white cotton pajama pants and white “I heart sleep” tshirt in flipflops and a headband to keep my hair away from my face and no make up, not even khohl. People must have thought I was the maid/driver hahahaha.
Second day of Eid, woke up at ungodly hour again – 8 am this time – to hit the road to Sharqiah to visit the extended family and have lunch there. I’m not a morning person. I spent the entire car drive of two hours not talking to anyone and listening to my iPod. Once we arrive there, from house to house more 7alwa more meat more sweets more I don’t drink coffee. Lunch and back to Muscat by 5 pm. The weather in sharqiah was at least ten degrees hotter then Muscat and the sun was unbearable. El hawa 7addah ‘3arbee reminds me of this song by Rabi7 Saqar “El hawa Sharqee oo qalbee hawee el shariqaa” he is referring to the Saudi Sharqiah region but we’ve got one too. Went out for dinner last night at Japengo where we sat in the upstairs outdoor section the weather was nice a warm coldish breeze. My only complaint was the music in Japengo its AWFUL. Does not go with the ambiance of the place at all. I think I’m going to make them a mix cd and drop it by on my next visit.
Third day of Eid, I finally get to catch up on some sleep and yaay its Shuwa day.
Tada
Eid is over. Back to work ladies and gentlemen.
Another Ramadhan has passed and while I love the spirit of Ramadhan and the familyniess after week 3 I was over it. I honestly don’t like fasting. There I said it. Shot me. Its not because I cant drink coffee or smoke cause I do not indulge in either habit, there is nothing to be cranky about like most people who have issues with fasting whine about. It messes up my sleep, cuts back on my water intake and the day is wasted. Plus I just get really tired and dizzy. One time I almost fainted in the shower, could have been the hot water.
L_oman writes a good post on how her family spends their Eid (link) . While ours is almost similar its also a bit different. On the 29th day of Ramadhan we are all glued to the TV waiting for the Eid announcement or if we are fasting 30 days. Once that’s over with, it’s a mad dash to the hairdresser for a quick blow dry. Back home where everyone is making sure their eid clothes are ironed and accounted for. Paint my nails (this year I choose black) and try to sleep early. Eid day wake up at around 7 am in the foulest mood, stay cranky till at least 9iesh. Uncles, aunts, and cousins from my paternal family come over for 3ursia breakfast which my poor mother has been slaving over in the kitchen since fajer prayer (5am). After tea and gifts and money exchange a few family pictures are taken, 3ood and bu5oor mijmar is passed along. Everyone hops into their cars and the tour begins. Driving all around Muscat from house to house wishing family a eid mubarak while trying to compliment the host in eating from their very elaborate eid sweets table. Seriously, how can any expect you to eat so much sweets and 7alwa after 3ursia?? I think I’ve had to explain why I don’t drink coffee at least a dozen times the past two days. Finally, after a long afternoon driving around in the heat we make it to my grandmother’s for lunch stay there till sunset and head home. Sometimes we’d go out for dinner. This year no body made reservations anywhere and after eating the whole day the last thing I could think about was more food. I took a shower and put on my new pjs at 7 pm.
At ten pm I had to go to shatti to pick up my younger brother from the movies. I actually left in my Pjs cause I was too tired to change and franky did not care. Traffic was horrible in shatti and it didn’t seem like anyone was really going anywhere. More then half the guys were just ‘3azing (aka cruising) I kept thinking to myself if you had to pay $80 to fill up your car with petrol there’d be less of you on the streets driving around in your daddy’s menz and ranges. I was quiet amused for the 30 minutes I was stuck in Shatti plaza parking lot people watching. Kids have really stepped it up. I didn’t think I’d see the day teenage boys would be wearing bling bling rapper chains. The tacky vulgar Ed Hardy caps, low low waist jeans with the boxer labels showing, the gelled up hair. Of coarse we cant forget the boy bands in their matching identical outfits. Oh the girls - that’s a whole different post, the hair the makeup and the clothes! And there was kay in her black and white cotton pajama pants and white “I heart sleep” tshirt in flipflops and a headband to keep my hair away from my face and no make up, not even khohl. People must have thought I was the maid/driver hahahaha.
Second day of Eid, woke up at ungodly hour again – 8 am this time – to hit the road to Sharqiah to visit the extended family and have lunch there. I’m not a morning person. I spent the entire car drive of two hours not talking to anyone and listening to my iPod. Once we arrive there, from house to house more 7alwa more meat more sweets more I don’t drink coffee. Lunch and back to Muscat by 5 pm. The weather in sharqiah was at least ten degrees hotter then Muscat and the sun was unbearable. El hawa 7addah ‘3arbee reminds me of this song by Rabi7 Saqar “El hawa Sharqee oo qalbee hawee el shariqaa” he is referring to the Saudi Sharqiah region but we’ve got one too. Went out for dinner last night at Japengo where we sat in the upstairs outdoor section the weather was nice a warm coldish breeze. My only complaint was the music in Japengo its AWFUL. Does not go with the ambiance of the place at all. I think I’m going to make them a mix cd and drop it by on my next visit.
Third day of Eid, I finally get to catch up on some sleep and yaay its Shuwa day.
Tada
Eid is over. Back to work ladies and gentlemen.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Snooze Fest Eid movies
What's up with the crappy movies showing on Eid weekend??
Seriously nothing remotely interesting. Two testosterone intense "action" movies starting Jason Statham and Vin Diesel, a movie about a spoiled Beverly Hills Chihuahua, an animtated Star Wars movie and finally a step up/save the last dance Drama Musical about rapper/dancer from the hood "making it".
Yawn.
Seriously nothing remotely interesting. Two testosterone intense "action" movies starting Jason Statham and Vin Diesel, a movie about a spoiled Beverly Hills Chihuahua, an animtated Star Wars movie and finally a step up/save the last dance Drama Musical about rapper/dancer from the hood "making it".
Yawn.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Internet upgrade rant
Like all citizens and residents, we all have an Omantel war story or two to share. Personally, I’ve never had any beef with Omantel and their customer service. But the past few months they hit a low with me. I applied for the ADSL upgrade from 512 kbps to 4 mbps in July. I have to mention how retarded and stupid it is that you cant apply for the upgrade online through their website. You have to physically go Zakher mall Omantel showroom, get an application fill it out and apply. You cant even download an application online. Since the account isn’t in my name, I had to get the application, have my dad sign and fill it out and go the next day. Even though I took his ID card with me and I had my ID card with me to prove I was his daughter. The lady at the counter refused to process my application without an authorization letter from my dad!! So for the third day I head back out to Omantel and hand in the application authorization letter. It was a Tuesday, she promised by Saturday upgrade will be in effect. Saturday comes and the next Saturday comes and no upgrade! Typical Omantel. I call their customer service and they mumble something about system being down. I’m sure that’s their default answer for anything they have no answer to. During this period our internet was on and off for a few days. Then the land line on our street was interrupted and of coarse no land line signal n adsl – of any speed. The first two weeks of August I kept calling them but it doesn't go through all they do is keep on insuring me how much my call is important to them. Lying apes.
The icing on the cake, after two months of waiting for the upgrade, we get August’s internet bill 186.573 Omani Rails. SAY WHAT?? You’ve got to be kidding me. That’s 485 USD. I call customer service right away. What the hell is 135 rails for September service charge??
I dial 1313, then 1 for Arabic, again 1 for bill inquires. I ask him and the dude has no clue what I’m talking about. I begin to explain s l o w l y. This time he tried to spin it off that the charges are usage charges. The rest of the conversation goes something like this:
Kay: You think I’m stupid and cant read a bill?? It clearly says ADSL monthly charge for September 135 and the usage a few lines below that at 14 rails
Omantel CSR: Default answer: please go to a showroom and talk to someone there. We only help with technical inquires.
Kay: then why do you have a billing inquiry option?
CSR: we only tell are able to tell you how much your current or outstanding bill is at.
Kay: if I’m calling the internet help desk and I presumably have internet, why would I call to find out how much my bill is at, when I can check it online?
CSR: . . . . . . . .
Kay: ok I’ve got a technical question for you, what is service charge exactly? Line rental? Package monthly tariff?
CSR: Please visit the showroom to get your answers.
Kay: Can I please speak to your manager or someone that can help me?
CSR: allaah esam7ik ( god forgive you, like I was insulting or offending him in some way )
Kay: you don’t seem to be able to help me and I need an answer. Ok I’ve got another technical question for you. I’ve applied for the adsl upgrade two months ago and haven’t gotten it yet. Can you check in your magic systems what package we appear to be on.
After being on hold for a bit.
CSR: 512 kbps.
Kay in her head: you’ve got to be freaking kidding me you %$#^(^%$#
CSR: please visit Omantel nearest you.
I hang up.
After the weekend, I make the visit to Omantel in Zakher where I meet with head of internet customer service. Turns out the 135 OR charge is for businesses and not home adsl plans. Now couldn’t the CSR know this? Billing fault or not. They should know the plans and how packages are billed. Also our upgrade was finally implemented last week. Alas, this isn’t the end of the sage just yet. We’ve only gotten an upgraded speed of 1.3 – 1. 5 mbps when we have applied for the 4mbps! I really don’t want to call 1313 again or go to Zaker to deal with their inefficiency at handling a simple simple upgrade. I’m this close this close to closing my Omantel internet account and applying for Nawras 3G internet.
The icing on the cake, after two months of waiting for the upgrade, we get August’s internet bill 186.573 Omani Rails. SAY WHAT?? You’ve got to be kidding me. That’s 485 USD. I call customer service right away. What the hell is 135 rails for September service charge??
I dial 1313, then 1 for Arabic, again 1 for bill inquires. I ask him and the dude has no clue what I’m talking about. I begin to explain s l o w l y. This time he tried to spin it off that the charges are usage charges. The rest of the conversation goes something like this:
Kay: You think I’m stupid and cant read a bill?? It clearly says ADSL monthly charge for September 135 and the usage a few lines below that at 14 rails
Omantel CSR: Default answer: please go to a showroom and talk to someone there. We only help with technical inquires.
Kay: then why do you have a billing inquiry option?
CSR: we only tell are able to tell you how much your current or outstanding bill is at.
Kay: if I’m calling the internet help desk and I presumably have internet, why would I call to find out how much my bill is at, when I can check it online?
CSR: . . . . . . . .
Kay: ok I’ve got a technical question for you, what is service charge exactly? Line rental? Package monthly tariff?
CSR: Please visit the showroom to get your answers.
Kay: Can I please speak to your manager or someone that can help me?
CSR: allaah esam7ik ( god forgive you, like I was insulting or offending him in some way )
Kay: you don’t seem to be able to help me and I need an answer. Ok I’ve got another technical question for you. I’ve applied for the adsl upgrade two months ago and haven’t gotten it yet. Can you check in your magic systems what package we appear to be on.
After being on hold for a bit.
CSR: 512 kbps.
Kay in her head: you’ve got to be freaking kidding me you %$#^(^%$#
CSR: please visit Omantel nearest you.
I hang up.
After the weekend, I make the visit to Omantel in Zakher where I meet with head of internet customer service. Turns out the 135 OR charge is for businesses and not home adsl plans. Now couldn’t the CSR know this? Billing fault or not. They should know the plans and how packages are billed. Also our upgrade was finally implemented last week. Alas, this isn’t the end of the sage just yet. We’ve only gotten an upgraded speed of 1.3 – 1. 5 mbps when we have applied for the 4mbps! I really don’t want to call 1313 again or go to Zaker to deal with their inefficiency at handling a simple simple upgrade. I’m this close this close to closing my Omantel internet account and applying for Nawras 3G internet.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
130 and counting . . . .
I just realized I started this blog June 2005, which means its been 3 years and guess how many posts I've managed to get down? 130 - not including this post. If there is an award for the laziest blogger I present it to myself. Dont worry there is no acceptance speech. I'm too lazy for that kinda stuff. My friend says its a miracle I get out of bed everyday. Trust me, there are some days I wish I hadnt.
Wasteland
- Wake up at 2 pm.
- Tv in the background as I surf the internet
- Iftar
- Sit with the family
- After 8:30 go out till 11evenish (sometimes I stay home)
- Go online or watch downloaded tv shows or movies till 5 am
- Sleep
Repeat tomorrow (or at least till the end of Ramadan where it will be the same just the sleeping and eating schedule will vary)
- Tv in the background as I surf the internet
- Iftar
- Sit with the family
- After 8:30 go out till 11evenish (sometimes I stay home)
- Go online or watch downloaded tv shows or movies till 5 am
- Sleep
Repeat tomorrow (or at least till the end of Ramadan where it will be the same just the sleeping and eating schedule will vary)
Friday, September 05, 2008
Freelance What?
A few months ago I read Karen Armstrong’s A memoir and its sequel ; Through The Narrow Gate: A Memoir of Life In And Out of the Convent, and The Spiral Staircase: My Climb Out of Darkness. As an avid read of fiction, I was intrigued by her honesty and insightfulness. For a while, they made me forget about fiction.
What stuck with me the most was how Armstrong describes herself as a freelance monotheist, drawing nourishment from all three religions of Abraham. To quote “ I can not see in the essence any one of these three faiths as superior to any of the others and certainly do not regard any one as having the monopoly of truth. I suppose one of my hopes in life is to try to get Jews, Christians and Muslims to realize the profound unanimity, the unanimous vision that they share, and to join hands together to stop the kind of cruelty, violence and obscenity, moral obscenity that we saw on September the 11th.” Even more after writing about Buddhism and Hinduism in her more recent books, her comparative studies on the major religions and how these faiths are deeply similar. Each has its own particular genius, each its peculiar weakness. A melting pot, if you wish, of all that is good and generous into one. This idea of a supreme spirituality I really appeals to me.
A freelance monotheist.
This is what I want to be when I grow up.
Karen Armstrong on Wiki
An Interview With Karen Armstrong
What stuck with me the most was how Armstrong describes herself as a freelance monotheist, drawing nourishment from all three religions of Abraham. To quote “ I can not see in the essence any one of these three faiths as superior to any of the others and certainly do not regard any one as having the monopoly of truth. I suppose one of my hopes in life is to try to get Jews, Christians and Muslims to realize the profound unanimity, the unanimous vision that they share, and to join hands together to stop the kind of cruelty, violence and obscenity, moral obscenity that we saw on September the 11th.” Even more after writing about Buddhism and Hinduism in her more recent books, her comparative studies on the major religions and how these faiths are deeply similar. Each has its own particular genius, each its peculiar weakness. A melting pot, if you wish, of all that is good and generous into one. This idea of a supreme spirituality I really appeals to me.
A freelance monotheist.
This is what I want to be when I grow up.
Karen Armstrong on Wiki
An Interview With Karen Armstrong
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Getting rid of old Computers
I have a 2002 Compaq desk top and a laptop (before the HP Compaq merger) and an old HP printer we no longer use at home. Anyone know of any place I can donate them? Or dispose them in an environmentally friendly way?
Friday, August 08, 2008
Thank you for renting your marriage . .
Marriage was once an unbreakable promise. Now, marriage is like renting a car. Thank you for using our service, we’ll pick you up and when you are done with the vehicle we’ll take you home again. Get all the insurance you can get up front, loss damage waiver, whatever, and the risk is nothing. You crash the car, you walk away with nothing to pay. They don’t make no glass slippers no more. They closed that fantasy. The factory that grew pumpkins to turn into carriages shut down. They don’t make no princes anymore.
Its really none of my business and I always tell myself not to judge from a distance, but seriously?? What is up with people getting married so young now? I’m sorry but at 17 you are in no condition or mature enough to make that life altering decision of who you want to marry and spend the rest of your life with. Divorce rates are higher ( I don’t have any studies, stats or articles to back this claim, but all you need to do is listen to a couple stories and women around a cup of coffee and chocolate cake to get the impression). Also, I’ve noticed the stigma once attached with divorce has diminished somewhat, especially, the stigma and shame once attached with a divorce women in our conservative society. A few years ago, not a lot of women had the guts to ask for a divorce. But now women feel more empowered and will not put up with any sort of crap. Of coarse this doesn’t apply to the wider Omani society outside Muscat. Again this is just the impression I’m getting from my surrounding.
Getting married is ridiculously expensive now and getting divorce will not be cheap. Choose wisely and don’t get married because you are horny for someone and it just happened to be the trendy thing now
Its really none of my business and I always tell myself not to judge from a distance, but seriously?? What is up with people getting married so young now? I’m sorry but at 17 you are in no condition or mature enough to make that life altering decision of who you want to marry and spend the rest of your life with. Divorce rates are higher ( I don’t have any studies, stats or articles to back this claim, but all you need to do is listen to a couple stories and women around a cup of coffee and chocolate cake to get the impression). Also, I’ve noticed the stigma once attached with divorce has diminished somewhat, especially, the stigma and shame once attached with a divorce women in our conservative society. A few years ago, not a lot of women had the guts to ask for a divorce. But now women feel more empowered and will not put up with any sort of crap. Of coarse this doesn’t apply to the wider Omani society outside Muscat. Again this is just the impression I’m getting from my surrounding.
Getting married is ridiculously expensive now and getting divorce will not be cheap. Choose wisely and don’t get married because you are horny for someone and it just happened to be the trendy thing now
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Smelly Fish
What's up with nasty smelly fishy smell around town? Even in areas not near the beach. The humidity makes it even worse. Someone told me it was fertilizer. Did someone spray the city with it?
* Update : Apparently, the stinky nasty fishy smell is a phenomenon called "Red Tide". Dead sea weeds, dead fish and algae, as a result of hot weather, humidity or other reasons caused by human activity are pushed to the shore, resulting in this "fishy" smell.
The smell is gone now - Thank God. Ever since Guno happened and now this, I'm thinking property by the beach not a good idea. High up in the hills and mountains is the way to go.
* Update : Apparently, the stinky nasty fishy smell is a phenomenon called "Red Tide". Dead sea weeds, dead fish and algae, as a result of hot weather, humidity or other reasons caused by human activity are pushed to the shore, resulting in this "fishy" smell.
The smell is gone now - Thank God. Ever since Guno happened and now this, I'm thinking property by the beach not a good idea. High up in the hills and mountains is the way to go.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Poe Poe in a Box
I’ve only been back in
Snapshots
Max Brenner - The love of my life
Sleeping Koala
I can see my apartment building - Picture taken at the Eureka observation deck in Melbourne. Win a car if you can guess which building it is.
I went to my first soccer (football) game between Melbourne Victory and the Italian Juventus. My first reaction was "where is the commentary?" No one told me there was no commentary at the stadium. Classic dumb blonde moment.
Salsa night!
Trannies on the street of Melbourne. (I heart Melbourne and its randomness)
A taste of Brazil in Melbourne.
Those rare moments I actually cook a meal. This is a "before going into the oven" picture. Nobody bothered to take an after picture - too busy eating.
Beautiful sunny day on campus - Building is where most of my lectures were held.
Day at the beach
Rain and more rain driving back to Melbourne during Easter break road trip to South Australia - Adeliade.
"Sex it up" sexual awareness week in Uni - click on picture to check out the week agenda.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Guess who's back . . . .
So I’m back in Muscat, arrived Thursday 17th of June. A few days after results came out and I officially graduated. Sad as I was to leave Melbourne, the last week I just accepted it and I was ready to leave. My brother and sister came to visit for about three weeks where we did a lot of dining, sightseeing and shopping. Even went on a trip to Gold Coast and Brisbane. The city I mostly wanted to visit and I didn’t manage to do so was Sydney. Maybe then I’ll have an excuse to go back and visit. A lot of my friends are still in Melbourne. Who know’s maybe I’ll go back for graduation in October? In the mean time I’m polishing my CV, languidly contemplating looking for a job, and spending time with friends and family. I deserve a break don’t I? At least till after Ramadan. Maybe do a little traveling. I really want to go backpacking around India or Europe with a few friends. But I’m probably too high maintenance and a spoiled khaleeji princesses for that sort of thing. I can never travel light. And I do NOT do backpackers hotel/motels. But it would be a great challenge to overcome. Its good to be home. Lets see how long I last before I start to get annoyed by the general incompetence special to Oman, men staring and the bad driving.
Stay tuned for the next blog entry - a photo journal of the last 6 months of my life.
Stay tuned for the next blog entry - a photo journal of the last 6 months of my life.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
What's in your Fridge?
I’ve been tagged! Here are the rules.
1) Go to your refrigerator, and describe the contents in the style of a movie tag line
2) Locate the least popular condiment in and tell us what it is
3) Name the most embarrassing thing in your fridge / freezer and justify it's presence there.
4) Tag five people, and acknowledge who tagged you
1- Greek yogurt rules this lonely planet. We do not cook. We do not re-heat. We only do take away and deliveries. Enter if you dare.
2- I like visuals. So I’m going to let the picture do the talking. If I had to choose something it would be the capsicum dip which has a funny taste. I like to snack crackers with dip when I’m watching tv or reading the many many journal articles for school. I remember spitting out the dip when I first had it and I have orange spots all over one of my papers.
Pretty basic for a student that lives alone. I havent been spending much time at home. Mostly in the library so I tend to eat out a lot.
3- Humm the milk?
4- Suburban over at Other Oman tagged me and I’m tagging her back for pictures of her fridge.
1) Go to your refrigerator, and describe the contents in the style of a movie tag line
2) Locate the least popular condiment in and tell us what it is
3) Name the most embarrassing thing in your fridge / freezer and justify it's presence there.
4) Tag five people, and acknowledge who tagged you
1- Greek yogurt rules this lonely planet. We do not cook. We do not re-heat. We only do take away and deliveries. Enter if you dare.
2- I like visuals. So I’m going to let the picture do the talking. If I had to choose something it would be the capsicum dip which has a funny taste. I like to snack crackers with dip when I’m watching tv or reading the many many journal articles for school. I remember spitting out the dip when I first had it and I have orange spots all over one of my papers.
Pretty basic for a student that lives alone. I havent been spending much time at home. Mostly in the library so I tend to eat out a lot.
3- Humm the milk?
4- Suburban over at Other Oman tagged me and I’m tagging her back for pictures of her fridge.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
When life gives you lemons...
Maybe its time I pull the plug on this lonely space? It’s getting harder and harder to update. In between graduate school and life and all the commitments in between, I’m finding it less fascinating to have my blog out there. The novelty had wearied off and facebook has taken on a life of its own. Plus I am no longer anonymous; tons of people who know me personally or as a result of my blog now know my name and family. Some of my readers are members of my family. This blog was never intended to be a personal journal though it did take that tone a few times. I haven’t been bloging mainly cause of the things that I feel like writing about are unbloggable (is that even a word?) and too personal. But that’s a different post all together.
I haven’t been in Oman the past year or so only for holiday. I spent December, January and February in Muscat. Aside from the obvious road changes, everything was the same. My year aboard had changed me and I grew up so much in it and I suppose a little part of me expect to see something different about the people as well.
I graduate this semester (in three weeks my last assessment is due and then I’m done), however, I DO NOT want to go back. Don’t get me wrong I LOVE Oman and Muscat specifically. Additionally I Adore my family but I hate after living on my own for a while I'm confined under their roof, living by their rules, and forced to live my life in relation to theirs. In accordance to theirs. In compliance with THEM. Why? I do want to start my adult life and get a job, make my own money and stop depending on daddy dearest finically. But right now my life is in Melbourne. I heart Melbourne. This phase of my life is not over yet. Sometimes in moments of frustration I seriously contemplate deliberately failing a unit to stay for at least till October for another semester, but I don’t have the balls to do that. It would be humiliating and I wouldn’t be able to face my parents. Plus to have that on my record when I’ve never failed anything academically before, I’ve come close a few times but I’ve always passed. So scratch that idea.
When life gives you lemons, make Mojitios
P.S this post is dedicated to suburban, who without that little push I may have never updated. I promise to blog more often.
I haven’t been in Oman the past year or so only for holiday. I spent December, January and February in Muscat. Aside from the obvious road changes, everything was the same. My year aboard had changed me and I grew up so much in it and I suppose a little part of me expect to see something different about the people as well.
I graduate this semester (in three weeks my last assessment is due and then I’m done), however, I DO NOT want to go back. Don’t get me wrong I LOVE Oman and Muscat specifically. Additionally I Adore my family but I hate after living on my own for a while I'm confined under their roof, living by their rules, and forced to live my life in relation to theirs. In accordance to theirs. In compliance with THEM. Why? I do want to start my adult life and get a job, make my own money and stop depending on daddy dearest finically. But right now my life is in Melbourne. I heart Melbourne. This phase of my life is not over yet. Sometimes in moments of frustration I seriously contemplate deliberately failing a unit to stay for at least till October for another semester, but I don’t have the balls to do that. It would be humiliating and I wouldn’t be able to face my parents. Plus to have that on my record when I’ve never failed anything academically before, I’ve come close a few times but I’ve always passed. So scratch that idea.
When life gives you lemons, make Mojitios
P.S this post is dedicated to suburban, who without that little push I may have never updated. I promise to blog more often.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Concerts and Horse Races In the land Down Under
I’m back in Muscat. Been back for a week now and staying till mid February. Past few weeks have been great. I’m not sure where I should even start. The main highlights are The Linkin Park show (High up on the top ten moments), finals and mark of the end of two thirds of my master’s degree, Melbourne Cup Races, and Justin Timberlake concert.
Both concerts were amazing, I’m not sure which one was better because they are of different music genres. The Linkin Park was slightly more hardcore. All around us, the air was buzzing. Entry was chaotic, with masses of bodies squeezing into tiny entrances. My friend and I managed to enter the arena. With generic rap metal music playing on the PA we waited and waited. Chris Cornell and his band played for an hour, the crowds clapped and sang along. But it was really just warming up for Linkin Park. What seemed like a long short break to set up the stage for them, the lights dimmed and the familiar sound of vinyl being scratched was heard and I think I missed a beat. The lights blasted to reveal the band spread across the stage behind the large curtain. The drums and deejay set occupied the top center of the stage with a massive Linkin Park light mural covering the back of the stage. And then it began, for the next two hours a rising wave of sound and screams. Even when I listen to the songs now, after the concert they seem a little different and get a little chill.
*note: taken from youtube - Opening of the show "No more Sorrows"
*note: 'Shadow of the day' + this footage was taken by me
I went to the last show of Justin Timberlake’s Australian tour on the 18th of November with a friend. First off there are two things you will hear in that concert, one is the music and second is the high pitch scream of every women and girl, including myself. Sold out four Rod Laver Arena engagements, all at a capacity of 15,000 (of which I’m sure were 90% female), the huge supporting cast of musicians and dancers was accommodated on the flexible, rotating stage. I suppose for a show shows of this size is that they lack intimacy and personality. But that's missing the point. It did seem a little too rehearsed and mundane for Justin, the dancers and musicians, after all they have been touring the States and Europe for over a year now. This is probably the only main different between the two concerts.
In between the two concerts, I had finals and I’m on my summer break now. In November and right after finals I went to Stakes day and Oaks day- part of Melbourne Cup – Australia’s major annual thoroughbred horse race or the Spring Racing Carnival series, billed as The race that stops a nation. It was a great vibe going on and the great weather was starting after a really cold winter. The first Tuesday of November is Melbourne Cup Day, the biggest race – big enough to warrant a public holiday- and the Saturday before is Derby day. I didn’t go to the first two races as I had exams. It’s a lot of fun when you go with a group of friends. Everyone is all dolled up and dressed up for the occasion, suits and dresses, hats and lots of champagne is involved. It’s not really about the horses but mostly about the betting. I didn’t think it was as serious, but once you experience it, it’s a lot of fun. I managed to make some money on Stakes day; I think it was beginners luck or something. I just picked horses at random based on the probabilities of it winning that are available on the boards.
As for my summer holiday, I’ve joined the gym today and going to learn how to cook, start packing and moving houses soon. My dad loves moving us around every few years. Hopefully this last one will stick.
Both concerts were amazing, I’m not sure which one was better because they are of different music genres. The Linkin Park was slightly more hardcore. All around us, the air was buzzing. Entry was chaotic, with masses of bodies squeezing into tiny entrances. My friend and I managed to enter the arena. With generic rap metal music playing on the PA we waited and waited. Chris Cornell and his band played for an hour, the crowds clapped and sang along. But it was really just warming up for Linkin Park. What seemed like a long short break to set up the stage for them, the lights dimmed and the familiar sound of vinyl being scratched was heard and I think I missed a beat. The lights blasted to reveal the band spread across the stage behind the large curtain. The drums and deejay set occupied the top center of the stage with a massive Linkin Park light mural covering the back of the stage. And then it began, for the next two hours a rising wave of sound and screams. Even when I listen to the songs now, after the concert they seem a little different and get a little chill.
*note: taken from youtube - Opening of the show "No more Sorrows"
*note: 'Shadow of the day' + this footage was taken by me
I went to the last show of Justin Timberlake’s Australian tour on the 18th of November with a friend. First off there are two things you will hear in that concert, one is the music and second is the high pitch scream of every women and girl, including myself. Sold out four Rod Laver Arena engagements, all at a capacity of 15,000 (of which I’m sure were 90% female), the huge supporting cast of musicians and dancers was accommodated on the flexible, rotating stage. I suppose for a show shows of this size is that they lack intimacy and personality. But that's missing the point. It did seem a little too rehearsed and mundane for Justin, the dancers and musicians, after all they have been touring the States and Europe for over a year now. This is probably the only main different between the two concerts.
In between the two concerts, I had finals and I’m on my summer break now. In November and right after finals I went to Stakes day and Oaks day- part of Melbourne Cup – Australia’s major annual thoroughbred horse race or the Spring Racing Carnival series, billed as The race that stops a nation. It was a great vibe going on and the great weather was starting after a really cold winter. The first Tuesday of November is Melbourne Cup Day, the biggest race – big enough to warrant a public holiday- and the Saturday before is Derby day. I didn’t go to the first two races as I had exams. It’s a lot of fun when you go with a group of friends. Everyone is all dolled up and dressed up for the occasion, suits and dresses, hats and lots of champagne is involved. It’s not really about the horses but mostly about the betting. I didn’t think it was as serious, but once you experience it, it’s a lot of fun. I managed to make some money on Stakes day; I think it was beginners luck or something. I just picked horses at random based on the probabilities of it winning that are available on the boards.
As for my summer holiday, I’ve joined the gym today and going to learn how to cook, start packing and moving houses soon. My dad loves moving us around every few years. Hopefully this last one will stick.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
The past few weeks I've . . .
I'm still alive and kicking...
A lot has happened since the last post. Was in Oman, flew back to Melbourne. Miserable horrible flight, I still cringe a little when I remember it. So not looking forward to my next flight back. I was sick the first two week I was here. In August, seven friends and I went skiing to Mt. Baw Baw. It was soo awesome, I didnt last so long on the slope - I did more falling down and then actual skiing but it was a lot of fun. Very long day trip but it was so worth it. The weekend after, we went go-karting which was also fun but kinda bleh as well. I sort of got bored at the end of it, I missed not having music so I started singing to myself. Needless to say, I came in last. But in my defense, I have never go-karted before, two people from the group where actual racers back home on the national team, and with a male dominated group it wasn't a real surprise. I think I'm more into cruising then racing. A few night later, I went to an Indian night with friends, it was interesting and fun as well.
The semester is almost ending with only two more teaching weeks plus one week revision and then finals. I'm so swamped with assignments, reports, projects and presentations to prepare for the last 2 weeks. I'm slowly going crazy. The only reason I probably even started with this post; my lame attempt at procrastinating.
Its almost spring down under, I'm really looking forward to that. I hate the cold climate, rain and wind. I cant wait to put aside my winter clothes.
Ramdhan Kareem to everyone. Ramdhan anywhere else from home just sucks. It sucks. Royally. Friends and I have tried to make a habit of getting together for iftar on weekends so far the first two weeks we've been successful , but with so many deadlines and school work piling up I dont see it happening the next two weeks. Last weekend we went to this great Morrocan restaurant La Paella that serves my fav soup harrira ,it wasnt as good as mom makes it but good enough.
I finish finals on the 6th of November. Will be staying for 3 weeks before I fly back to Muscat for the summer break. In that time will be apartment hunting and hopefully moving in, relaxing and sightseeing.
- My iftar today.
- Tickets to upcoming Linkin Park concert on the 14th of October.(click on image for better view)
- View from the ski lodge up on Mt. Baw Baw
A lot has happened since the last post. Was in Oman, flew back to Melbourne. Miserable horrible flight, I still cringe a little when I remember it. So not looking forward to my next flight back. I was sick the first two week I was here. In August, seven friends and I went skiing to Mt. Baw Baw. It was soo awesome, I didnt last so long on the slope - I did more falling down and then actual skiing but it was a lot of fun. Very long day trip but it was so worth it. The weekend after, we went go-karting which was also fun but kinda bleh as well. I sort of got bored at the end of it, I missed not having music so I started singing to myself. Needless to say, I came in last. But in my defense, I have never go-karted before, two people from the group where actual racers back home on the national team, and with a male dominated group it wasn't a real surprise. I think I'm more into cruising then racing. A few night later, I went to an Indian night with friends, it was interesting and fun as well.
The semester is almost ending with only two more teaching weeks plus one week revision and then finals. I'm so swamped with assignments, reports, projects and presentations to prepare for the last 2 weeks. I'm slowly going crazy. The only reason I probably even started with this post; my lame attempt at procrastinating.
Its almost spring down under, I'm really looking forward to that. I hate the cold climate, rain and wind. I cant wait to put aside my winter clothes.
Ramdhan Kareem to everyone. Ramdhan anywhere else from home just sucks. It sucks. Royally. Friends and I have tried to make a habit of getting together for iftar on weekends so far the first two weeks we've been successful , but with so many deadlines and school work piling up I dont see it happening the next two weeks. Last weekend we went to this great Morrocan restaurant La Paella that serves my fav soup harrira ,it wasnt as good as mom makes it but good enough.
I finish finals on the 6th of November. Will be staying for 3 weeks before I fly back to Muscat for the summer break. In that time will be apartment hunting and hopefully moving in, relaxing and sightseeing.
- My iftar today.
- Tickets to upcoming Linkin Park concert on the 14th of October.(click on image for better view)
- View from the ski lodge up on Mt. Baw Baw
Saturday, July 14, 2007
I'm home !
Note: Replace PHD with MSc.
A lot has happened between the last post and now, more importantly Guno happened. The first semester ended and I got my results two days ago. I did pretty well but I suppose there is always room for improvement. I’m currently in Muscat for a short holiday, and leaving on the 21st. I cant begin to describe how devastating it was at first to see how everything was in Muscat. It's shocking and heartbreaking: Thousands of homes damaged. People living in shelters losing everything they own. Roads and bridges collapsed. Cars piled up everywhere. I’m grateful no one from my family and friends was seriously hurt or injured. Slowly recovering and in some places you couldnt tell Guno passed but in other areas, there is still a lot to do.
In 6 days from today I'll be back in Melbourne and honestly I'm ready to go back. I miss the life I've made for myself there and my "family" and friends there but it was good to touch base and just relax in between semesters.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
What does Gonu mean?
Remember when it was Hurricane Katrina two years ago, I posted where and how hurricanes get their names. (Link) Apparently Gonu means a bag made of palm leaves in the language of the Maldives.
Tropical storms or cyclones in the south west Indian Ocean are given their names by the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center in La Reunion Island, which has responsibilities for the Southwest Indian Ocean basin.
Currently, in the North Atlantic and Northeastern Pacific, feminine and masculine names are alternated in alphabetic order during a given season. The gender of the season's first storm also alternates year to year.
But unlike in the north Atlantic, in the Meteorological Center at La Reunion Island, new names are made up for every storm year and not recycled cyclically. This is the only and only Guno hurricane.
Personally I'm calling it Hurricane Sabeecha or Moza. What ever tickles your fancy more.
Source. Link
Tropical storms or cyclones in the south west Indian Ocean are given their names by the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center in La Reunion Island, which has responsibilities for the Southwest Indian Ocean basin.
Currently, in the North Atlantic and Northeastern Pacific, feminine and masculine names are alternated in alphabetic order during a given season. The gender of the season's first storm also alternates year to year.
But unlike in the north Atlantic, in the Meteorological Center at La Reunion Island, new names are made up for every storm year and not recycled cyclically. This is the only and only Guno hurricane.
Personally I'm calling it Hurricane Sabeecha or Moza. What ever tickles your fancy more.
Source. Link
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Tropical Cyclone/Hurricane Guno to hit Oman!
Its official. Tropical cyclone GUNO is heading directly to Oman.
I don’t know about you, but I’m terrified. And I’m in Australia. Seriously. Who wouldn’t be? This has never happened in Oman. EVER. A little heavy rain and the country goes into complete chaos (flashbacks of last December here and here ).
The Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) and Royal Oman Police (ROP) and other authorities have declared a state of emergency. The category 5.5 cyclone Gonu is expected to hit the coast near Masirah Island by tomorrow night or early morning on Thursday. Masirah's population is estimated at 7,000 who have been evacuated to mainland. Gonu could whip up maximum sustained winds in the region of 185 - 200 km/h for a minute!
Expect to hear a lot of rumors about what is going on in the coming days. Like the one i heard about the airport being shut down for 36 hours. Fishermen have been advised to stay off the sea.
Watch this space for updates. Hope everyone stays safe.
Links:
Times of Oman - Cyclone may hit Oman
Gulf New - Oman mobilises 7,000 men to handle cyclonic storm's ravages
OmanForum - Tropical Cyclone to hit Muscat
OmaniCrib - Bad Weather
English Sabla - Hurricane to Hit Oman
I don’t know about you, but I’m terrified. And I’m in Australia. Seriously. Who wouldn’t be? This has never happened in Oman. EVER. A little heavy rain and the country goes into complete chaos (flashbacks of last December here and here ).
The Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) and Royal Oman Police (ROP) and other authorities have declared a state of emergency. The category 5.5 cyclone Gonu is expected to hit the coast near Masirah Island by tomorrow night or early morning on Thursday. Masirah's population is estimated at 7,000 who have been evacuated to mainland. Gonu could whip up maximum sustained winds in the region of 185 - 200 km/h for a minute!
Expect to hear a lot of rumors about what is going on in the coming days. Like the one i heard about the airport being shut down for 36 hours. Fishermen have been advised to stay off the sea.
Watch this space for updates. Hope everyone stays safe.
Links:
Times of Oman - Cyclone may hit Oman
Gulf New - Oman mobilises 7,000 men to handle cyclonic storm's ravages
OmanForum - Tropical Cyclone to hit Muscat
OmaniCrib - Bad Weather
English Sabla - Hurricane to Hit Oman
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wishful thinking
Today I had a thought ... what if I'd never met you?
I keep thinking how different my life could have been. How different I could have been. And it makes me want to bang my head on the wall. Repeatedly. Maybe "it" would go away.
I keep thinking how different my life could have been. How different I could have been. And it makes me want to bang my head on the wall. Repeatedly. Maybe "it" would go away.
Be grateful for your education
Semester has ended, and the hundred of students who have come to invade the library to cram for finals have made their place and corners known. Some of us are here for the first time, while some are ending their second or final years. Among both groups there are the enthusiasts, the ones who turn up early for lectures and consistently hand in perfectly crafted assignments with a smug little smile, 3 weeks before the deadline. Then there are the rest of us, who perhaps party a bit much, don’t get started reading quite early enough and finish up the term as bleary-eyed, children of the night beings, addicted to caffeine and totally disenchanted with this place of cruel torment they call Academia.
If you belong to the first group, good on ya (said in a very strict aussie accent - one of my fav aussie terms), but if you’re part of the second, it’s good to take some time out every once in a while to look at the world with a broader perspective.
When exams are approaching, it’s easy to forget how lucky we are, but we shouldn’t forget that the vast majority of the world’s population never get the chance to go to university, in developing countries only about 60% of 15-19 year olds are enrolled in secondary school, and among these far fewer are actually able to attend full time, let alone progress to university, or even attend university abroad. Most of my peers have part time jobs, I routinely get asked in class during breaks “where do you work?” when I answer that I don’t work, they assume I must be very rich. Well I’m not. I’m just very very fortunate to have my family provide everything for me and even a little extra.
Statistics, of course, only tell a rather abstract story, so it’s good sometimes to connect with stories on a more direct, personal level. Of course we can’t all hop off to Zimbabwe or Peru every term for inspiration to work a little harder, but we can all go to the cinema, read books and articles, or even do a little online search. There are some great films and documentaries out there which portray desperate realities of poverty and hopelessness which many of us have no idea, or have simply forgotten exists.
I start finals in two weeks. Wish me luck!
If you belong to the first group, good on ya (said in a very strict aussie accent - one of my fav aussie terms), but if you’re part of the second, it’s good to take some time out every once in a while to look at the world with a broader perspective.
When exams are approaching, it’s easy to forget how lucky we are, but we shouldn’t forget that the vast majority of the world’s population never get the chance to go to university, in developing countries only about 60% of 15-19 year olds are enrolled in secondary school, and among these far fewer are actually able to attend full time, let alone progress to university, or even attend university abroad. Most of my peers have part time jobs, I routinely get asked in class during breaks “where do you work?” when I answer that I don’t work, they assume I must be very rich. Well I’m not. I’m just very very fortunate to have my family provide everything for me and even a little extra.
Statistics, of course, only tell a rather abstract story, so it’s good sometimes to connect with stories on a more direct, personal level. Of course we can’t all hop off to Zimbabwe or Peru every term for inspiration to work a little harder, but we can all go to the cinema, read books and articles, or even do a little online search. There are some great films and documentaries out there which portray desperate realities of poverty and hopelessness which many of us have no idea, or have simply forgotten exists.
I start finals in two weeks. Wish me luck!
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