Days N Moods

Alex Crisses Insight Ventures Partners

2010-02-25T08:49:00.000-08:00

Alex Crisses Insight Ventures Partners is a highly educated professional that is committed to making a difference in the lives of people and communities.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Economics Science from the University of Pennsylvania in 2002, was not enough for Alex Crisses Insight Ventures Partners, who is always seeking ways to gain more and more knowledge. Thus, Alex Crisses pursued a Master in Business Administration at Harvard Business School and graduated with high distinction in June 2008.

Today, Alex Crisses Insight Ventures Partners is a top Principal at Insight Venture Partners, a company dedicated to providing entrepreneurs with a variety of targeted resources in order to reach their objectives.

And although Alex Crisses is committed to excel at what he does and expand his horizons, he never lets his ambitions get on the way of his desire to contribute to the community and give back as much he can. Alex Crisses is in a fact a supporter of the "Make a Wish Foundation", a fundraiser at the "Sergeants Benevolent Association", as well as a the former director of fundraising and executive committee member of "Minds Matter".

Alex is, I believe, a good example of young professionals who strive to succeed while at the same time, using their success as a mean to benefit the people.

In Sak Narwal's Steps

2010-01-01T15:07:00.000-08:00

I recently downloaded the Sims 3 Game on my IPhone and became (Just as I expected) completely hooked. The only thing that I really did not like much about the application is the difficulty of gathering money to get your character to upgrade his house and buy more stuff. Thus, I went on an online search for cheating codes and techniques (I know, That's goes against the game's point).

Anyhow, I was able to find that one way to have your character make more money without sending him to work, is by sending him on a fishing trip. I decided to try for myself and renamed my character Sak Narwal (After the passionate and talented fisherman Sak Narwal), and went on a fishing discovery. Not only I was able to gather more money by selling the fish I caught, but I ended up deciding that fishing in real life might not be as boring as I thought it would.

I am planning to take my first real fishing lesson as soon as the weather permits. I am not planning to compete with Sak Narwal, but only give fishing a try and see how good I can get at it.

But who knows, maybe I will end up like him after all, catching sharks in the waters off Montauk Point, bass in Dixon Lake or red fish in Louisiana. Whatever it is that makes Sak Narwal so passionate about fishing, it certainly makes him a passionate man, and God knows how much I need to learn about patience.

I undoubtedly believe that only a pro of fishing like Sak Narwal can teach you not only to catch the biggest fish but mostly to enjoy every moment of your fishing trip, awaiting the moment to yank as an exquisite reward to your patience and concentration. I cannot help but show some appreciation to a dedicated fisherman, because as any good fisherman knows, you can never master the art of fishing if you are incapable of mastering yourself first.

Flowers and Funerals

2009-12-31T16:45:00.000-08:00

My husband sadly lost his uncle Emanuel on this holiday season. I did not know his uncle that well, I had only met him once, but his daughter and son have always been good to me. So it was with great sadness and deep sorrow that I learned about his passing away.

What's even more tragic is that my husband's family did not allow me to attend the funeral, nor did they think I should go to Uncle's Emanuel's house and pay my respects, because in the Greek tradition, a pregnant woman should not be allowed in places of mourning, to emotionally spare her and her baby the trauma of having to be surrounded by so much sadness.

Thus, my husband had to go alone and extend my regrets to the family. I thought about sending flowers to the family but was not sure what kind to send and where to send it. But thanks to 1-800 Flowers I was able to figure it all out.

Before this incident, I did not even know that 1-800 Flowers offered such a wide variety of floral arrangements specific to these sad occasions. They also provide you with information about your options: whether to send the flowers home or to the funeral home, and which flowers are appropriate for each case.

I ended up ordering a funeral standing spray, from 1-800 flowers which was delivered right in time for the funerals, and although I was not able to attend, I knew that my simple act of kindness, no matter how small it was, meant a lot to his family.

Counting on American Career Group

2009-12-31T02:14:00.000-08:00

One stressful thing about quitting my job, to deliver and get to spend some time with my baby, is knowing that sooner or later, I will have to look for another job.

Honestly, I do not intend to become a stay at home mom, not only I do not see myself not running to catch a train, juggling busy schedules and working on impossible projects, but I also would not be able to afford staying home. Fortunately, my mother in law lives five minutes away and cannot wait until she gets to spend time with her grandson. And quite frankly, knowing that he will be in a loving environment, with someone that will care for him and love him as much as his Grand-Mother, makes me feel better about my decision to go back to the workforce.

However, I know for sure that in order for me to leave my son every morning and not see him until night, the job I get has to be a challenging and a rewarding one. Yet, I was a little skeptical about my chances of finding a great job in this shaky economy, so I went on the American Career Group's website to sneak a peek about what positions are out there, and I was glad to find out that this staffing company has some first-class and interesting jobs for people who, like myself, are looking to shorten the distance between a resume and a potential employer.

As soon as I typed in "Marketing Coordinator" into the American Career Group web-site's dialog box, a page full of promising opportunities opened up. So, I stay positive that my next job will be better than my last. I will just have to enjoy my last days of pregnancy, take care of myself and my baby, and when the time comes, I know I can count on the American Career Group to match me with the right job.

Buy me those Glasses!

2009-12-30T13:53:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe that I have missed Christmas presents' wish list train this year!!

I simply missed the chance to ask Santa (who happens to be my dear and loving husband) for this gorgeous and classy pair of eyeglasses by Fendi. Had I logged in to eyeglasses.com a few days earlier, I would have found a sure way to send hints to my husband about what I really wanted for Christmas.

Instead, I ended up picking whatever I could find on Christmas Eve so that, I too, can have a present to open the next day. Well, the truth is that I did get a nice watch, but now that I got to see those glasses, I am really thinking about returning the watch!

But then again, I would rather have the two, so I am thinking that maybe I should take advantage of eyeglasses.com low prices and affordable shipping rates and get the glasses as my gift to myself for my perseverance this year in accomplishing all the goals I had set for myself. After all, a girl has got to spoil herself every now and then, no?!

Finance according to Andrew Wilshire

2009-12-28T08:16:00.000-08:00

I recently came across a website full of valuable information for anyone desiring to invest or maybe just learn about investing in Gold and Metal: http://www.goldsilvernews.com/ . The website covers all topics from updated Gold and Silver news, to industry insights and readers opinions.

Andrew Wilshire, a finance specialist and advisor, is a contributor to the website, periodically submitting insightful writings about the investments trends and predictions. Thanks to a newsletter he started back in 1997, Andrew Wilshire is able to convey his market predictions and analyses.

Andrew Wilshire is also the creator and manager of Blue Goose News, an online interactive portal and social network, which enables subscribers to perform a wide variety of activities, from donating money to supporting other loggers.

As Andrew states :"Blue Goose is an interactive warehouse....where responsible citizens collaborate globally for a better tomorrow".

So do not delay, and check out what Andrew has to say, it might even make you some money!

Decorations, Flowers and Balloons

2009-10-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, My mother and sister-in-law threw an awesome baby shower in my honor. The whole thing was a big surprise as I had no idea what so ever. I thought I was attending a party to celebrate my mother's in law name day, so I baked a cake, put on a nice maternity shirt and head to my in-laws house, and there they were, all my friends and family shouting "Surprise" to the mom-to-be.

From the decorations, flowers and balloons to the menu, everything was so perfect, even Martha Steward could not have done a better job! I was truly impressed and touched, knowing that they had gone through so much trouble trying to surprise me.

From swings to bottles, I have received every thoughtful gift to keep me and my baby entertained for hours ( and certainly save me some valuable money too!). Now, thanks to my mom and sister-in-law, all I have left to do is finish up the nursery, send thank you cards and await the arrival of my sweet little boy!

K-Designers: Remodeling with Confidence

2009-10-27T20:52:00.000-07:00

Some of you may have heard of K-Designers, one of the nation’s giants in home remodeling. But for those of you who did not, let me acquaint you with this award winning company.

K-Designers has been remodeling and renovating homes for over 31 years. Its fourteen awards, earned all along its remodeling journey, are the ultimate proof of the company’s commitment to deliver excellent results. Some of the honors awarded to K-Designers are:

- Clopay Outstanding Sales and Service Award 2006
- Legend of the Home Improvement Industry 2002
- Revere premium renovation of the year for excellence in service, 2001
- Amerimax Eagle Award Commitment to Excellence, 1999…

K-Designers is, as one would expect of a practiced company, fully licensed and insured. It also provides written product and labor warranties for optimum customer satisfaction.

One other thing that differentiates K-Designers from the competition is its wide variety of financing options. In fact, they do not require any money down, until the job is finished and the customer fully satisfied.

As their mission statement states: “We want to make your remodeling experience exciting and pleasant, not stressful”. And that is exactly what they do.

SRC List: A powerful marketing tool

2009-09-29T06:06:00.000-07:00

As a marketing professional, thriving to jump the ladders and become an expert in my field, it is crucial that I stay informed of new and improved marketing techniques. And one interesting approach I heard about lately is the SRC Lists.

The SRC lists are, as the name implies, lists of targeted and qualified leads, provided to a company, to support its sales effort. As it happens, SRC Lists are supplied to companies specializing in long-term care, annuities, financial planning, reverse mortgage, debt refinance and other financial market niches, as full listings of prospects and potential customers.

Disposing of such targeted marketing leads saves the companies valuable time and money. As a matter of fact, the SRC is so confident about the competence of its lists, it has a 100% money back guarantee during the first 90 days.

As a marketer, I am well aware of the importance of surveys' data generation and data-mining: the bigger your leads, the larger your chances of signing a deal. Ultimately, it is all about knocking at the right door, at the right time.

Amos Tamam: Road to Progress

2009-09-12T09:53:00.000-07:00

You might recall an older post I had written about Amos Tamam, the man who revolutionized New York City and Philadelphia taxi payment by introducing Verifone Transportation Systems.

Not only did Amos Tamam's credit card taxi meter make it possible for taxi users to pay with credit and debit cards but it also saved them, along the taxi drivers, the hassle and aggravation of handling cash in streets as busy as those of New York City.

Well, as it happens, Amos Tamam now disposes of a Web-site, which is filled with useful and practical resources and information about Amos, his beginnings, struggles and achievements.

Nowadays, Amos is exploring the possibility of expanding nationally and introducing his innovative system in other metropolitan cities around the country.

For when a credit card taxi meter in Boston? Hopefully soon!

Tell me baby, Pink or Blue?

2009-08-05T09:55:00.000-07:00

As my pregnancy is becoming more real, thanks in part to my growing tummy and my increased exhaustion, I just cannot wait to find out what gender am I carrying!
I will be very happy and blessed with a healthy baby no matter what gender it is, but on the other hand I am a little disappointed that I cannot have the two at the same time: If only I could deliver a boy and girl at once, I won’t be so confused over which gender I prefer. Because one day I am hoping for a little boy, the next for a cute girl…It is driving me crazy! Especially when I get to the baby store and find myself unable to pick those cute little infants outfits because I don’t want to end up with a closet full of only neutral colors!
I am seeing my doctor in a week, and definitely checking in the find out the gender: I want the nursery to be perfect for the baby’s homecoming. I also want to know how to address my baby while he/she is still in the womb, and narrow down the name searchJ
I will keep you posted once I find out, until then, let me know which gender you think is easier to deal with?!

Oops I did it again!

2009-05-07T08:26:00.000-07:00

Again, I forgot one important coming event: Mothers day!

I know I still have few days until Sunday but the drama resides in the fact that my mom lives thousands of miles away. Thus, surprising her for mothers day isn’t easy. It takes quite some thinking and planning. Now, with only four days left, I have no idea how to surprise her.

I already went on 1800flowers website to take a look at their mothers day flowers, but too bad for me, they do not deliver to North Africa. Luckily, they do deliver to Canada, so I have decided I might as well send flowers to my aunt who lives in Montréal. I’ve picked a stunning pink rose & Peruvian lily bouquet for her; I hope she’ll be surprised!

Still, my dilemma is how to get mom her surprise? I am thinking maybe I will just leave work a bit earlier today, go get a nice gift and FedEx it express, hoping it will be delivered to her by Saturday at most. All the same, I feel bad forgetting about mothers day. I mean, I know it’s easy to get lost between work, laundry, moving, cooking, church, etc… But still, I cannot stop thinking that my mom went through this too, but she has never forgotten a birthday, a name-day.

I have got to make this right, so wish me luck!

It's coming....

2009-04-24T08:59:00.000-07:00

By this time, you have certainly heard, and maybe even watched Susan Boyle. This lady, who with no fear went to compete on England’s version of the American idol, was made fun of because she didn’t really look the other contestants. Her age and appearance fooled the public and the jury into thinking she is a no no; until she surprised everyone with her angelical voice.
But what I want to talk about isn’t her voice, it’s her timing. Don’t you wonder why now? I do. I wonder why she had to wait all this time, after the numerous unsuccessful auditions she went to, to be revealed. Well, to me, this only proves one thing, that everything eventually happens, but only when it is supposed to happen. We cannot just want something right her, right now, because if it is not meant to be, well it is not!
The key in my opinion is patience. But don’t go thinking I am patient. The thing about me is that I am really good at giving advice, but really bad at listening to my own advice.
Anyhow, life keeps showing the magic of timing. For instance, my wonderful mister had to wait forty years to meet his soul mate (that is me!), my boss had to wait until she had 10 kids to start making money, Paulo Coelho ( The Brazilian Writer) had to wait until a foreigner decided to publish his book…
In life, things happen, sometimes really bad things, but in order for good things to come your way, you’ll have through whatever life throws at you. Susan Boyle is a joyful example, and you know what: Good for her!

I love you Mamy!

2009-03-25T09:24:00.000-07:00

Today, I just couldn’t stop thinking of my Grand-mother. She passed away when I was 14.

I really loved her so much, and I know she loved me just as much, if not more. Everyone used to think I am a perfect copy of her when she was younger. She lived with us in the last 5 years, or so, before she departed, and I remember that even though she was sick, she was trying her best not to be a burden on my parents.

It is obvious that my family didn’t even consider sending my grand-mother to an elderly care center, mainly because they could only imagine how it would feel like for her to be away from the home she always lived in and far from her people. At the same time, my parents couldn’t leave her alone at her house, because they feared she would forget to take her medication, be unable to move to her wheel chair, make her food, or that perhaps something would happen to her and nobody would be there to help her. But I believe she got used to living with us because she felt needed. My sister and I were still very young and enjoyed gathering around her at night bugging her for a tale. I, however, think she would have felt better, maybe more free and independent if she could have stayed in her house. She wouldn’t have felt guilty every time she had to ask us for help, she would have been able to watch her favorites TV shows without worrying whether the rest of us would mind.

So when I came to America, I felt relieved to know that there are many options for older people. I just feel better knowing that if comes a day on which my mom needs supervision, I won’t have to drag her out of her house, but I will be able to provide her with Adult care assistance.

I had first heard of that through a colleague, who with her brothers and sister use the services of Phoenix Homecare, to provide assistance to their dad. As she was telling me, “knowing that someone from Homecare Phoenix is there with my dad 24/7, preparing his food, changing his clothes, making sure he gets his medicines on time..etc.Gives me a sense of tranquility.I know he is safe, I know he is happy”.

I wish we had something like this Home Care Phoenix in my country, it would have made life for my grand-mother and my parents much easier. My grand-mother would have been able to stay in her house, or as she used to call it, the cup of her life (because she had built her life there) and my parents wouldn’t have to worry that she is all by herself. I am even wondering how come nobody thought of introducing such service there?

Anyway, I really miss my Grand-mother, and I know that I have enjoyed having her around, I just hope she enjoyed it as well.

He makes me feel special....

2009-02-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

Oh my God! I am a so lucky girl...! I keep falling in love, over and over again! I love my mister, and I just keep falling in love with him everyday a bit more!

Last Saturday was my birthday, and my mister, took care of ordering the cake before hand, made me real tasty breakfast in the morning ( and even washed the dishes!) and tried his best to be a sweetheart all day ( and not even get upset when I was bitching...I am usually cranky on my birthday!).

He even got me a Gucci Leather Bag and took me to a fancy restaurant! I really had the best time ever...The best birthday ever...To see how much someone cares about your well-being and try their best to make your day special...I do not even find the words to describe my joy.

I thank God that I have someone like him, because I know that no matter how old we grow, we will still be able to have fun and care for one another!

Getting my Roses this Valentine!

2009-02-12T08:12:00.000-08:00

I think my mister finally got the message about what I want for valentine: ROSES!!
That is, yesterday before I logged out of his session, I sneaked a peak unto the history (I know that’s not so cool, but it is okay, I am a girl!) and found a link to 1800flowers.com, and another one to a dozen gorgeous red roses. I do not know what you think, but I am guessing these are for me! It is not as if he never surprises me, but let’s just say that my mister is not your typical flower guy. He prefers to show his commitment with actions, which I must say works better for me! But I still want to feel like a girl this valentine and get my roses.
I still do not have a plan for this valentine, I was thinking we will just take it easy and enjoy our day, maybe treat him to a nice dinner and massage, and that’s about it! After all, isn’t the purpose of valentine to make the other one happy? So I will get my flowers, he will get his massage and we will be all set, sipping champagne and locking eyes…ah!
My boss however has a different view of valentine. According to her, valentine is an occasion for guys to make up for all the mistakes they made all year long ( it is also her excuse to get flowers and not feel obliged to buy her husband something, pretty smart, hein?!)
So let me know what you are doing this valentine…

Who Is Valentine?

2009-01-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

As I was writing my post about Valentine’s Flowers, a question came to my mind: who anyways is Saint Valentine?So I did my homework and came out with some interesting findings about the origin of Valentine.A sure thing is that if more than 700 Christians are named valentine and are celebrated every 14th day of February, then there must have been a saint named Valentine that was executed for being Christian.The story goes that a roman priest, Valentine, was executed in 273. In 270 BC, Rome went to war and the roman emperor had difficulties getting people to join the army. The emperor thought that the men preferred to stay close to their wives and fiancés so he decided to forbid marriages and engagements. The couples then went looking for someone that is willing to unite them in marriage and they found Valentine. When the emperor knew about that, he sentenced Valentine to one year in prison. After that, Valentine had to appear before the emperor and swear to give up marrying people. Valentine refused and was killed on February 14 of the year 269.To honor his sacrifice for love, couples kept the tradition of celebrating their love at this precise date every year. Year after year, the tradition evolved to exchanging Valentine’s Day Gifts, offering valentines roses to their loved ones and so on…Of course there are many stories to how and who Stared Valentine, I just picked the one I liked the most.Hope you like it too!

Tim Arel, Rescue Me!

2009-01-20T12:27:00.000-08:00

I still did not figure out an amiable way to settle my conflict with the Landlords. I was considering getting in touch with the homeowner’s association but I cannot seem to find one. I would have loved to get in touch with North Point Management, where Tim Arel presently works, but I believe they only operate in New York (I have to get that checked however because I am not sure).

Tim Arel, if you remember, was referred to me by a friend. I was thinking that even if North Point Management only operates in New York, it might help me to drop a line to Tim Arel as he would probably have contacts in my area, or at least have some helpful insights regarding what is the best thing I could do to help my situation.

I get frustrated when I have to wait longer for a simple matter, because then it just seems to me that people are making a big issue out of nothing. I mean it is okay to take your time if you want to, but I don’t think it is fair to impose it to others. There is a French saying that says: your freedom stops where others’ start, and I strongly agree with that!

I just needed to vent, but I will keep you posted about what happens with me.

New York...Amos Tamam...Here I come!

2009-01-20T12:06:00.000-08:00

Want to hear the good news? I am finally going to see New York!! Since the time I have wished to go there. You would probably that I would have been there before, based on the fact that I live in Boston, which is not that far away, but no, I haven’t, I was too busy settling in, looking for jobs…
Anyway, it is a business trip but I am truly excited as all that I know about New York is:
1. The statue of liberty
2. Amos Tamam (You might remember my post about Amos Tamam, the entrepreneur that introduced credit cards payment service to New York Cabs!)
3. The streets they show on Sex & the City
And that’s about it! So I am now actively making a plan to make sure I maximize the use of my time while I am there, as I am only staying for 3 days. My first thoughts are of course to take a closer look at the statue, have dinner at the Buddha Bar, most likely take a lot of cabs and try Amos Tamam’s handy service, and certainly do some shopping!
But if you have any ideas about what might be interesting to do while in the big Apple don’t hesitate,

The Kenyan Media Fight

2009-01-19T08:10:00.000-08:00

I was upset to read the latest Kenyan News. Apparently, as the New Year began, the Kenyan President put into action a new media law that forces a number of boundaries on media operations.
In one of my previous post, I had mentioned how proud it made me to see the African Media spread its wings and run free from government control and influence. Linus Gitahi, who I cited as one of the very few media people fighting for the press and media freedom, affirmed that this new law gives the government the right to seize any material used by the Kenyan media. Linus Gitahi said during an interview that the Kenyan President is enforcing this law to give the government power over broadcast whenever the “country’s tranquility” is in the spotlight. I personally think that this is only an excuse to limit the media’s freedom and thus exercise a higher control over it.
As Linus Gitahi said, this law would not only affect the Kenyan Media, but the Kenyan Democracy as a whole.
How can it be that we are celebrating a happy change in America, and others are still fighting for media press, it sometimes seems to me as ones are live in the present and others are still stuck in the past. It will take some courage and a lot of patriotism from Kenyans to get things moving and grant their own change.

Babangida's Videos

2009-01-19T07:46:00.000-08:00

You might remember the post I wrote about polo in Nigeria, in which I had spoken about Mohammed Babangida being a devoted polo fan and a skillful player. Well, this morning as I was surfing on the web, I found a number of videos on YouTube that show Mohammed Babangida playing polo with his team. There is one video that shows him receiving the polo trophy as his team won the tournament. I, as well, found three videos of Mohammed Babangida’s Weddings (yes! he has two wives, as his religion permits :).
You can just go on to YouTube and type the name Mohammed Babangida to find a range of videos posted by African polo fans. You can also try typing his father’s name to get a sneak peek of one of Nigeria’s greatest leaders. Or you can simply search for Nigeria to see a world a lot different from the one you are used to.
Enjoy!

Flip with K-Designers!

2009-01-18T16:45:00.000-08:00

I just finished my post about flipping houses, and I cannot believe I forgot to mention K-Designers!
K-Designers is great contact to have for remodeling houses, changing windows, installing decks…They are simply efficient. The price is right, the timing is respected and the service impeccable. My mister originally used K-Designers Service when remodeling his house. They did not ask for down payment and provided a wide range of guarantees. He was glad he did so because even though he is a handy man, he knew it would take him a long time to get the job done, he was looking for a professional to hand the task over to and know what to expect, and that’s what he got with K-Designers.
We do not however live in his house as he has it rented out (and the truth is that I wouldn’t want to live there even if I love the house, simply because I want us to get a new house with no memories but ours! You must think I’m crazy but I guess it is a girl’s thing!).
But if I ever get a new house and need any renovation, you know where I’ll go J

Property Power!

2009-01-18T16:40:00.000-08:00

Every Saturday morning, my mister and I turn to A&E to watch one of our favorite shows: Flip This House. It is a reality show that follows realtors who go around looking for old, unattractive and/or misshaped houses, give them a makeover, and sell them for a profit.
I have always been fascinated by the Real Estate industry, especially the renovation part of it. I believe it is a very rewarding business for people who have the nerves to keep up with its high-speed feel; a little like Braden Power, a young real estate entrepreneur, who with his brother, formed Power Properties in Dallas.
I often talk with my mister about getting a start in the real estate; more than ever now that he is tired of the food business. I seriously believe he has got what it takes to succeed in this line of work; all he needs to work on is developing a clever flair for opportunity. And opportunity is important in the real estate business, I mean who would have thought that Dallas would turn out to be a lucrative real estate area, but Braden Power had a good intuition. He took the risk and did not hesitate.
Braden Power knows the property field, and mostly understands the buyer’s expectation. When he renovates a house, he makes it as good as he would want his house to be. I think that this is much more interesting than building from scratch, it is more challenging as you have to make the best of what you have in hand. I also think that working in that field makes you a stronger negotiator, a quick thinker and a excellent decision-maker.
If I ever had to be my own boss, I would certainly do that for a living!

My United American Insurance Company Card!

2009-01-17T21:45:00.000-08:00

If you have read my “Bad Week” Post you know that I had to go for a Root Canal, and I above all had to fully pay for it. $1084 for 30 minutes at the dentist and 3 days of tooth ache!
Well, it didn’t stop there, a week later, my stomach started bothering me, I go to the doctor (fully pay again) and I am told I have a Peptic Disorder. As my pains were growing, so was my medical bill, It was then that I decided to get health Insurance (don’t blame me, I just got a job! Which unfortunately doesn’t offer health insurance!)? So last week I researched a couple of health insurance companies, and finally settled for United American Insurance Company, and now I cannot wait to see how much i save on my next visit to the doctor’s office.
I lastly understood that it is more expensive not to have health insurance! United American Insurance Company was the best choice for me and my mister as we can easily afford it, it takes our age and condition into consideration and also has life insurance options, which I figured that if I start at 24 years old, I could end up leaving more than enough for my loved ones!
I however always taught that the medical bills were outrageous in America, I mean I expected health care to be affordable in such an advanced country, and then I had to face it, if you don’t have health insurance, you better be healthy! The thing is that no matter how much you care about your health, exercise, have a perfect hygiene…you just never what is going to happen. But now, I feel relieved, as soon as I get my United American Insurance Company Card, I am heading to the doctor with a banana smile!

Bad Start

2009-01-08T09:08:00.000-08:00

Oh God! I painfully started my week!
First, my tooth was hurting like crazy!!! I had to go see the dentist for a Root Canal, Which I discovered costs almost the same as my monthly rent! And so for 3 days, my tooth wouldn’t stop aching even thought I took all the world’s pain relievers!
Second, I theoretically was watching what I put in my plate last week, with the intention of losing some of the holidays’ weight, and then when I go on the scale, I sadly discovered that I have indeed gained 400grammes (still trying to figure out how, why…). Luckily, when I stepped on the scale this morning, I had lost 1 kilo!
My teenage brother is causing some troubles at school. I do not know what has got into him, he used to be such a sweetheart, but now all he cares about is his friends, looks and video games. My mother has been complaining to me about his inattention at schools (But knowing my mom I thought she was only exaggerating!), turns out things with him are far worse than that. The schools director called my dad telling him that my brother could be expelled. And I just don’t get it. I mean, my oldest sister and I have also been typical teenagers, bringing home some troubles, but we always knew that school was the way to parental independence. Now my brother is rebelling, and I just don’t know against who or what???
I know I have to call him and speak with him, try to figure out what’s going on, but I seriously do not know which attitude to have, should I be angry and yell at him, or be nice and listen to him? I have tried it all before, and I guess it didn’t work.
My real concern however is him getting hooked on drugs, because if the influence of his friends, and his need to impress them lead him to risk getting kicked out of school, it won’t be so hard for them I guess to get him started on something else!
I really hope I am just being over-dramatizing! But please, if you have any advices, they would be more than welcome!

2009 Resolutions

2008-12-30T13:13:00.000-08:00

It is around this time of the year that people start thinking about the things that need to be fixed in their lives. Some want to lose weight, get a promotion, change careers, find love, save more...

I always it was kind of naive to wait until the New Year to fix what's wrong. I only believe that you gotta love what you do until you do what you love ( Career wise) and If you don't feel them, forget about them ( Relationship wise). But this year, I am taking some resolutions too!

The reasons behind that are convincing enough:

I had quite a though year. At once, I went away from everything and everyone I was accustomed to. I had to do it on my own and learn how to be patient.

This year taught me a lot about life, its challenges and opportunities, and it mainly taught me a lot about me, How strong I can be, I am starting to see myself in a whole new perspective.

As hard as this year was, what matters is that I went trough it and ended it successfully.

Now, I do not pretend to know what the coming has in store for me, but I wanna do my best to make the best of it and avoid the mistakes I have done this year and apply my new acquired knowledge. I am not going to list each single resolution I have set for myself for 2009, but I will just shortly narrow it around these areas:

Family

Career and Finances

Health and well-being

Fun, Fun and more fun

I really want to be satisfied with everyday that I live, feel the joy of having the people that most matter to me around me, and help others as much as I can.

Concerning work, I have given myself a year to get to where I wanna be, and I believe that it is easily feasible.

Other than that, I will keep taking care of my mister and have him take care of me, and together try to enjoy what God has given us and keep on going our way. I think that we have seen so much this year that nothing surprises us anymore. The only thing we are both glad to notice, is that we tend to stick together more in a crisis situation, and that can never be a bad thing. So whatever comes our way, we will face it. We may cry, feel the sadness and the pain, but we don't give up because we are sure that each one of us knows the other is so worth the trouble.

On this note, I would like to wish everyone a great New Year, with all the happiness and success they deserve.

Praise the Good!

2008-12-21T17:57:00.000-08:00

I spoke in my previous post about the importance of free press for the Kenyan people, and I forgot to mention an influential player of the Kenyan newspaper industry, also employed as an editorial director by Nation Media Group, Mr. Wangethi Mwangi.

Wangethi Mwangi is a true believer of the free press and its mission. He understands that the manipulation of news will never benefit Kenya, because a great country cannot be build on lies. He believes that Kenyans have the right to accurate and sincere information, because he understands that until you know exactly what’s wrong, you cannot fix it.

What Wangethi Mwangi says about the role of Nation Media Group in providing true news, exemplifies his beliefs “The Nation Media Group has been one of the key players in the independence campaign for Kenya, and a champion of democracy in East Africa”. The simple fact that he is speaking about democracy shows that the path Kenyan leaders are pursuing is the path of freedom and self-improvement.

It is very important to me to point out people that are trying to make a significant change in the lives of others, or even in the state of nation, because we unfortunately always speak of the bad, but usually forget to praise the good!

If Only we Invest In Africa

2008-12-21T17:35:00.000-08:00

Earlier this evening, I was watching a documentary about elephants in Kenya on CBS; which remind me of a discussion I had with my father, when he came to visit this summer, about the Kenyan Market and Economy. My dad is always looking for opportunities to invest less and get more. It has worked for him so far, he has a very good intuition about things and his expectations rarely come wrong. He likes to share his ideas with me and sometimes ask for my opinion. But I have to admit that at first, I was surprised about his interest in the Kenyan business, mainly because most of his investments are targeted toward Europe.

He is primarily interested in Nation Media Company, the largest media firm in East and Central Africa, run by Linus Gitahi, who also worked as an executive at the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline. It goes without saying that my father’s interest in the company has been influenced by Linus Gitahi, considering the fact that Linus has an obvious success record leading companies in the direction of growth.

Nation Media Company holds a number of the national newspapers in east Africa; newspapers that strive to stick to the facts with no commercial, political or religious influence. The fair aim of the company is a result of Linus Gitahi’s leadership style and ethic, as well as a consequence of the urgent need Africans have for a trusted source of information. In actual fact, Africans have always been desperate for a transparent, independent and unambiguous voice to tell them things as they are, without beautification or manipulation.

Africa may be slowly moving, but what matters is that it is actually moving, thanks in majority to the efforts of its young educated population. Most Africans now go seek higher education elsewhere, they go to Europe, America and even Asia, and they see how things differ, but they refuse to give up the hope that matters will one day change in Africa. Instead, they go back and raise their voices, because they have learned that if you don’t ask, you won’t be given what you want.
I firmly encourage investments in Kenya, in Africa.

If Amos can...we all can!

2008-12-21T15:42:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard of Amos Tamam? If you haven’t, this is what you should know: Amos Tamam’s life is a real success story, a story that inspires me and most of the people who came to the US looking for a better condition, for a free will and mostly for an opportunity.

Amos Tamam left his engineering vocation in Tel-Aviv, and came to America longing for a different way of enjoying life, thinking life and living life. He started as a servicing agent to taxicabs in a fleet garage in New York City, and thirty years later, became the CEO of VeriFone Transportation Systems, Inc. (a company that allows taxi fleets to accept credit card payments).

I never thought that I would one day leave my country for good. My relocation here was mainly the result of circumstances, fate if you prefer, rather than a planned move and a long-thought about choice. However, the fact that I adapted to my new American life, embraced it and came to appreciate it was with no doubt a choice. A choice to give it a try and take advantage of the unlimited potential this country has to offer. Just as Amos Tamam came here believing that only his own will could stop him from heading where he wanted to get, I stayed here because I saw perspectives I couldn’t see in my country.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my country, and so does Amos Tamam, and a million others who left. But there is something in the US that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Something about freedom, something about opportunity, something about the impossible becoming possible. I cannot think of another way to describe it better than saying: “As much as you believe in you, America believes in you”.

There isn’t an age at which you are forced to quit school, not a rule which states that the son of the rich should get richer, the son of the poor must stay poor…and one example that comes to my mind that strongly illustrates this American opportunity is the November election. So in one sentence: Yes we can.

The Jared List!

2008-12-20T21:29:00.000-08:00

I recently read about a certain Jared Metz. What’s interesting about him is that he is an active player in the funding Industry, which I thought could be helpful to know since we are going trough some really bad times.

In those times of economic restrain, many businesses are faced with multiple barriers when it comes to getting loans or any other form of financing and this is where knowing about Jared Metz can come to the rescue. NYC business owners turn to him for secure funding options; too bad we don’t live there so that my man (a hard working restaurant owner) can benefit from it.

Any way, what I was reading about Jared Metz was about his fine dinning list. A list that includes many French restaurants and bistros (My favorites!). I am actually looking for a good restaurant to dine at this coming New Year’s Eve before it is too late to book a table. His list also includes some exotic cuisine places that I am very interested in trying. Jared Metz has had his share of traveling and thus his list reflects his journeys.

The Blog on which Jared hosts his list is still new but I cannot wait to see what he lists next!

About Me!

2008-12-19T13:35:00.001-08:00

It has been a long time since I last checked in to tell you a bit about where I am headed and how things have been with me. Well, you know what they say: No news, good News. And it had been really good lately! I didn’t get a job but two!!! Both of which aren’t stressful nor very far from home ( I seriously was hoping I wouldn’t have to commute for so long, Youpi !!).

Both my bosses are very kind and considerate, the truth is that at work it feels more like family than professional interaction. Thus so far so good! I am getting a free training on SQL and I couldn’t be happier. I am very busy and very tired when I get home at night, but you know what, I am not going to complain about that, because after being jobless for so long, I am just glad I was able to get active again. Retirement can wait, I have had enough vacation!

Family wise, I think that my new active life has made things better with my wonderful mister. I do not mean that things were bad, but It has contributed in making us missing each other and thus appreciate the time we have together. I also think that the boost it had on my self-confidence make me more poised, more sure of my contribution to the couple, and thus stop thinking about all the stupid things I used to think about when I had so much free time on my hands.

I also got a Christmas tree, and with the help of my wonderful mister, I am able to keep my house organized and looking good all week!! That’s all I have to share for now! I might be starting a new blog also, but will see….!

Africa Loves Polo!

2008-12-18T17:52:00.000-08:00

Yesterday after I got home from work, I went to surf on the web a bit to get an idea of what’s going on in the world ( I am totally addicted to reading the news online!), when I came across an interview with Mohammed Babangida posted on a Blog that I follow closely. I really enjoyed reading it as it spoke about Mohammed’s passion for polo, which is one of my favorite activities.

In case you never heard of Mohammed Babangida, let me as a proud African introduce him to you (I think that as a proud African I should probably write a number of posts about African People that make a difference). Mohammed Babangida is the son of ex-military President of Nigeria. He led his team, ‘El Amin’ to a number of victories, the most famous being at the Lagos Polo Tournament.

Mohammed, as the oldest son of an ex-president that is described as one of the best Nigerian presidents, takes matters to heart in following his father’s success road throughout his involvement in different businesses and in particular, trough pursuing his passion for polo, a popular game in Nigeria. He also contributes in maintaining good relationships with foreign countries’ leaders, and as a matter of fact, he is one of my country’s King good friends.

The truth is that I have been to many African countries, including Mauritania, Senegal, Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire, and Algeria… but I couldn't make it to Nigeria. I would however love to go there, be it only to try its food (I heard it was really good!). But I would love the most is go to Nigeria and be lucky enough to see a polo game with Mohammed Babangandia.

Dreams, Dreams…But you never know, they do come true sometimes!

Christmas Celebration!

2008-12-10T19:08:00.000-08:00

I finished my Christmas shopping list not long ago, but now that I have two new jobs, I really didn’t know where to find the time to do my Christmas Decoration shopping. The truth is that when you have worked all day, and exhausted all your energy, the last thing you want to do is to go stand on endless lines at stores, not to mention that weekend shopping is the worst, the stores are usually jammed, and it becomes like a chore on your day off. Luckily for me, I have access to my computer almost anywhere and at all times, and as I am becoming an adept of online shopping I figured I will give it try with my Christmas shopping.
Seriously, I think that web-shopping is revolutionary! I went from my regular three days of Christmas Decoration shopping to TWENTY Minutes! Yes! In twenty minutes I had purchased all that my house and family needs for the holidays, from cute Christmas decors to cool Christmas party games, to even quite surprising little ornaments and accessories, all in no time and way less than I had budgeted.
So yesterday, I did my best to finish work earlier, this way I could sit in front of my PC and get done with my Christmas Decoration shopping as it was becoming a growing pain. I surfed over few websites that offer holiday items, and then I found it, the one and only miracle website: Celebration.com. If you thought web shopping is genius wait until you try this website. They even had those items you would never think you could find online, like those Christmas Party Games, a must that guarantees you a fun time this Christmas.
Celebration.com not only offers items for Christmas, but for every other occasion, so it goes without saying that I will be using it whenever I am looking to save time or to get things that no other store has. Check it out quick; I am sure there are many things you are going to like!

The couple that moves on...

2008-11-16T16:49:00.000-08:00

I was sad when I earlier checked my friend's profile on facebook and saw that she divorced. It has been less than a year that she was married, and the sad part is that she's pregnant.
At the same time, I couldn't help but what wonder what could have got into their couple over such a short period of time. I couldn't help but wonder, because I am extremely happy with my wonderful mister. I am so happy that we still play like kids (maybe worst than kids, few minutes ago, I had mixed garlic with his coffee!!!!! and he made me drink hot sauce!!)
I am happy because we have more good times than bad times. I mean we have a lot pressure but we always manage to not let it affect us as a couple, we talk about, discuss it, argue it, but not all the time.
I think that if there was one sentence that would best describe us it would be " the couple that moves on". We have been trough a lot lately, but for all that I know, my wonderful mister has always been there for me, I sometimes cannot believe that I actually found someone who does not mind giving up so much to be with me, who willingly does things he would rather not do. and he knows I will do the same for him.
I try to treat him exactly the way I want to be treated, I am not afraid of compromising a little, because I know that a selfish relationship won't last long. And what is most surprising to me, is that I still get emotional when I stare at his eyes, his baby face.

Yeah, you can say I am in deep love... I don't mind it, just let me drawn!

La pensee positive ( Positive thinking)

2008-11-11T20:48:00.000-08:00

Earlier today, I was just browsing the web. Then I google " Pensee Positive" ( I browse the web in French!!) and I came across a very interesting list of positive thoughts by Louise L. Hay, that are meant to change our perception of life. The list consists of 86 thoughts, but I found it very inspiring so I wanted to share some of my favorite positive thoughts with you:

I am happy because I have so much love to give.

I am happier because I receive all the love that I give.

People are like flowers. Each has its own beauty, each opens and flourishes on its own way and rhythm.

When I look lovingly, I see clearly.

The way we see our exterior reflects our interior.

I am not obliged to work hard for a job that doesn't pay good.

I love me in all the experiences I go trough and I know I will be fine.

I share my resources and my knowledge and others share with me.

Thanks to my bills, I feel good knowing I will eventually be able to pay them myself.

To succeed you have to think of yourself as a success, not a failure.

Forgiveness has a healing power that I always have.

Everything is fine, I have all need for now.

I am never in hurry because I know I have all my life in front of me. I just enjoy the moment.

I know that when I am in a bad situation, I have something to learn.

Because we are all unique, there is no competition nor comparison.

Love is the foundation of my religion.

I deserve the best life can offer me.

The only thing you can do now is master your present thoughts. You have all the power over it.

I take care of my body and health with all the love I have for me.

Food is my friend. I thank it for giving its body to feed mine.

My ultimate goal is to be nicer everyday a bit more.

My strongest relationship is with myself.

No matter how bad my situation is, I know someone is thinking of me.

Yes we CANT!

2008-11-09T08:02:00.000-08:00

I was watching the 7 news last Friday when I heard of a story that really upset me! The story is that apparently an adult movie has been launched lately, finding its inspiration on the very new political figure, Sarah Palin. The movie star, dressed and looking like Palin welcomes to her house two Russians....and then you can tell what happens next!

I am not democrat nor republican, but this kind of degrading representation upsets me a lot. Why? Because I have never heard of an adult movie inspired by a male politician... Why not a McCain or an Obama adult movie?! The point is that it frustrates me that a woman can never be taking too seriously! For God sakes, she is a mom, a wife...just a woman trying to work her way to the top...Regardless of her succeeding or failing, she shouldn't be considered less that a man!

I am angry because for a country that few days ago was screaming "yes we can" well, i guess there is more to work on! What kind of message is that? " you women better stay hidden or you'll be made fun of???!!". Doesn't everyone has a mom, a sister, a wife, a cousin... Would you like to see happen to them.... It's 2008 and women are still begging for respect, Come on...!

The Negative List

2008-11-03T20:56:00.000-08:00

I finally feel as if my life is getting back on track. I, at last, start my week aspiring for something, be it a first interview, a second interview (this week though I am hoping a job offer!), getting my driver license, buying a car (a nice fast car!)…

I got back to what I consider success indicator wake up/sleep timing; that is: wake up early in the morning, and at night, be in hurry to get to the bed as the exhaustion consumes your body…

I guess it sounds weird for those who work ceaselessly and wish they could retire early…but I am only 24; I am not going to retire now and get active at 60!!! Maybe I would have been considering myself lucky to be fashionably unemployed (that is being unemployed but still able to be selective…) if I only wanted to work on my family, but the truth is that at the time being, even if motherhood called me really loud, I’d just pretend I didn’t hear anything!

So, as I finally adapted to my new american life, I am feeling outrageously positive, especially that the year is almost over (I am a bit superstitious and I believe that years with odd numbers work best for me…cant wait for 2009!), I think I just made the smartest decision of all to end the negativity once and for all, simply by kicking out of my days all the things and persons that bother me to the extremes…

And here my first draft of the list:

1- Stop worrying and investing so much energy in meaningless things like what’s going to happen tomorrow (am I even sure I live to tomorrow) cleaning (really fanatically I mean), trying to quit smoking (I love it, really, I know it’s bad though, so let’s say I’ll postpone)…!
2- Stop worrying about my weight (I don’t but I feel like when I worry about it less I loose more!).
3- Stop paying attention to that hypocrite guy who pisses me off every time he is nice to me (that only means he spoke too much c*** about me!).
4- Accept the fact that friendships are weird because sometimes friends just take different roads, grow up and develop different interests, but that doesn’t mean that because they are not best friends anymore that they cannot be friends.
5- Take off of facebook all those people who sent me friend requests but who actually never sent me the shortest courtesy note, message or even Hello!
6- Stop locking myself home every time it rains, snows or even gets a bit chilly (that’s why I never got used to the cold, I need to get exposed!).
7- Really stop complaining (or at least try hard) about everything…the weather, my new shoes, my belly, my health, the TV programs, the oily fatty fried dinner…

And it’s getting a little late (yeah now that I sleep early 12 am is what I consider late) so that is all I can think about for now. Hopefully by tomorrow, my list is going to be complete so I can proceed.

Bonne Nuit!

I am back!!!

2008-10-23T07:46:00.000-07:00

Well well!! Here I am, I am still alive and still swinging moods (especially now with the weather change, you know!)

Anyway. I cannot believe I didn’t write on my Blog for so long. The truth is I cannot believe I didn’t even sneak a peak at it all this time. But the truth is I was a little busy…. Interviewing!!! So it is not as if I got lazy or distracted by minor issues (right?).

Overall, most of my interviews went well, and now I am crossing fingers while I wait for the final decision (your prayers please!).

What is unbelievable however, is the economic crisis and how strongly it is affecting employers. They are hurt… In some cases, they even gave me the impression that they were looking for someone who is not only qualified for the job but who is also willing to work for free! This morning, I heard on the news that economists don’t expect this recession to be over until mid or by the end of 2010, and that is 2 years to go… and we know how long a month becomes in a depressed economy. God help us.

I believe we all know by now that no matter who wins the coming presidential election, it is going to take quite some time before we see improvement. I really don’t care that much about who wins as much as I care about who can start working on the issues from day one and show us some results – and the sooner the better.

This is a truly scary situation. I don’t know where it will take us, and it is like this all over the world. My friend in London was complaining about the price increased of the already price increased products there, in Spain and France same story, In North Africa… It is everywhere.
Really, God help us.

First Anniversary....Revealed!!!!

2008-10-05T13:44:00.001-07:00

Okay,

I might be having a small problem here, my wonderful mister happened to magically find himself navigating trough my blog, and of course, my wonderful mister happened- magically again, to read my post about me wanting to surprise him for our anniversary ( now you see why I call him wonderful; in case he happens to read this one too! But he promised he won't...!!!),

Luckily, the damage wasn't irreversible as he didn't magically happen to find himself reading the comments, so he doesn't know what I might be thinking...All he thinks I am thinking is to surprise him, but he doesn't know how exactly I wanna do it... OUF!

Anyway, I haven't set my mind to a specific idea yet.... We'll see, I still have time..

So, to get back to the subject, my wonderful and adorable mister also happened to read the post in which I am stupidly complaining about him. He didn't really care what I said, except for one thing: when I said that he doesn't cook. Thus, he promised not to magically find himself reading my posts if I confess that he is an excellent cook, the best chef ever and that he cooks all the time ( hein???)

Now, you know, my wonderful mister is simply wonderful...and does magic!

POLL CLOSED! (what's your attitude in the morning)

2008-09-30T15:33:00.000-07:00

Okay, the poll is closed, and I am glad we are 42% to wake up grateful for what we have, and another 42% to have a different attitude depending on the day!
What is most comforting is that only 1% wake up wishing the day will go by fast, and the great news is that no one said they wake up depressed.
So you got it, we all try to take the best of life and not thing of the bad, and that’s just GREAT!

First anniversary: any suggestions?

2008-09-30T09:07:00.000-07:00

Well ladies and gentlemen,

I need your help with this one. In a month; I will be celebrating with my mister the very
Special day we vowed to live happily ever after…
That day was really special and unusual as we thought we would better make it our own.
There were no guests, just us. We made it a private pact and surprised everyone!

Anyway, I have no idea as what to do for this first anniversary, so if you can help me
With some suggestions I will be more than thankful.

The basics are
1- Mister isn't a big romantic
2- Mister LOOVES surprises
3- Mister loves to eat, so culinary ideas might help
4- Mister appreciates Originality
5- Mister wants a lot of Fun, fun, fun!
6- Oh! My mister is quite lazy so anything that demands extra physical activity wont work!
7- He also doesn’t care much about clothes, fragrances, jewelry and high tech items, so I need a lot of luck in finding the adequate gift!
I think that’s it!

Women are free????

2008-09-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

Leila is 16 years old. Leila is Moroccan. She lives with her parents and four older brothers in a nasty neighborhood outside the Casablanca city.

Her parents moved from their village to the city for a better opportunity. Her father works as a clerk and her mothers is a housecleaner. All of her brothers didn’t finish school and after struggling to find and keep jobs, they have given up. They spend their days sleeping and their nights smoking hashish on the alley at the entrance of the neighborhood.

Leila however, wasn’t given the right to go to school even though she is a smart girl. Girls’ place, as her father and brothers persist, is at home, not in schools and most important not in the streets. They believe that sending a girl to school and spending money on her education is just a waste because soon she will get married and depend on her husband. Her purpose in life isn’t to study and work but take care of her husband and family.

Leila has beautiful brown eyes and long silky dark hair, so it was only natural that her father and brothers forced her to put a veil when she was only twelve.

Her days, Leila spends them cooking, sowing and cleaning after her brothers. She isn’t allowed to step outside by herself. The only time she goes out is when she accompanies her mother to the market on Friday.

When there is no one home, her older brother Youssef rapes her, paying attention though not to ruin her virginity, because without that she will never find a husband.

Leila is very unhappy and cant wait for the day a man will ask to marry her so that she can leave her parents house and have a home of her own.

Then, a man, 20 years her oldest comes to her father asking to marry his daughter. He offered two gold necklaces and a bracelet and the deal was closed. Leila wasn’t allowed to see her fiancé before the wedding night but she was so happy as her mother and aunts were preparing her for the wedding. Pictures of a nice house and a kind husband were flying over her mind.
As the night was over and the guests left the wedding scene, Leila got to see her husband for the first time. He looked old but she only hoped he would be nice to her. He made love to her forcefully that night.

The next morning she woke up to discover that she was the third wife of her husband, that the house was full with kids from his previous marriages. And from that day she would be the house cleaner, the baby sitter and the servant of his two wives. At night she couldn’t rest because she had to feed her husband, massage his feet, and satisfy his sexual needs. If she dared to complain or rebel, she would be tied and beaten savagely.

She wasn’t allowed to visit her parents but her mother came to see her once a month. And when she tried to complain to her, her mother would say that this is how marriages are everywhere and that she should cherish the opportunity she has.

But Leila cannot take anymore, she wonders why is her life meant to be so miserable, she wonders how the women she sees on television on European channels manage to be so beautiful and so joyful. She wishes if she was a boy.

Then, one day, Leila kills herself; she drinks a full bottle of rat pesticide and ends it.

( Leila is not a real name, because it is not only the story of one girl, but of many who are suppressed by religious views, male domination, and unstructured laws who still don’t give women their rights, we are not yet free as long as girls as Leila are being persecuted by the society, even when this society is one that we don’t live in)

It Doesn't Cost Much To Be Happy!

2008-09-24T08:59:00.000-07:00

It doesn’t cost much to be happy.

To feel truly content, you will only need to make someone else happy and do it with all your heart.

Karma.

I believe karma works.

I have had my best days when I smiled to someone in the street. When I didn’t forget to offer some of what I have prepared for dinner with my neighbor. When I take time to listen to someone who wants to get things out of their chest. When I brought a basket of food to church. When I donated clothes I love but yet never wear. When I did something I truly hate doing for my mister not forcefully. When I give my friends little gifts, calls, cards, for no reason, just to say that they mean a lot to me…

Whether it’s time, food, clothes, energy…or whatever it is that you can somebody give, willingly, someone always will give you something unexpectedly in return, be it just a smile, a thank you. The feeling of happiness you get from knowing that you have maybe made someone’s day, or at least tried to, is so powerful.

It is common for us to think that because people will not give us unless we ask them, we shouldn’t give neither. But why? Aren’t we supposed to do unto others, as we want them to do unto us? Why not make the first move without expecting anything in return. Do it just for your personal contentment.

I know people of great generosity and tolerance, who go out of their way to help others. They don’t have much. But as little as they have, they strive to share it. They care. They believe in others. They always remember those who most of us forget about. And thus they always are remembered.

For instance, yesterday my Grandmother, she was so generous, in the winter, she wouldn’t be able to sleep knowing that someone is sleeping in the streets, freezing. She knew she couldn’t help everybody, but everyday she tried to help one person. “If each person, in every Single Street, town, country helped one person a day, we would all be helping the world,” she would say.

It has been eight years now that she passed away, and the people she helped still remember her anniversary and pray for her. Many of them have become fortunate, and didn’t forget how someone helped them. So they go out and try to help.

Why wait for a miracle when we can make it happen.

To Really Love A woman...

2008-09-21T14:43:00.000-07:00

Love is beautiful. Love is powerful. Love is majestic. Love is easily hard, tough. We all look for love. We all don’t understand what is it, how is it, but we all want love.

As a very proud woman (I would never want to be a man) I have to say that it is not always easy for a man to keep up with his woman.

The truth is we can be very hard to satisfy sometimes, we think and analyze too much and we tend to get hurt easily. Sometimes, we, ourselves have no idea what we want…then how can our poor men identify what is it that makes us happy. And we have to admit it, we are predisposed to complain, we are moody as much as we can, and we can be pretty manipulative. I am not saying we all are impossible. But a large number of us WOMEN is.

So for the luckiest whiners who like me happen to find a man that keeps trying to calm, entertain, love, befriend, support, understand, cuddle… A man who knows all your imperfections, your weakness, your undercover faces and still stands by you… A man who doesn’t make you worry, who loves to see you smile, who shakes if you ache, calls you partner, princess, best friend, sister, mom… A man, who cries in front of you, opens up to you, relies on you, respects you and cares for you. A man who tells you that the sky is your limit, who sets you free because he knows that your heart is his and trusts you. A man who looks at you sometimes as if he never saw you before. A man who is still able to surprise you. A man who avoids conflicts with you as much as he can, and would rather worry alone than see you sad.

A man like that is not perfect. He too has some very bad habits that would probably make you want to scream. He farts, yells, and forgets to clean the bathroom after his shower battle. He doesn’t help cleaning and complain that the house isn’t clean enough. Doesn’t cook but thinks the steak is overcooked. Doesn’t know about fashion but claims your outfit isn’t appropriate. Doesn’t care that “ Sexy and the city”, ‘ desperate housewives” treat serious social issues, and believes football and baseball are serious matters…

But you know what? It is better this way, that we are both imperfect. That we stick to each other, love each other to the point where each imperfection becomes an object of affection and desire.

So for all those, men and women, who are still able to love, still willing to love, still looking for love, I say BRAVO! Keep up the good work.

Sundays Sadays

2008-09-21T09:48:00.000-07:00

I have never enjoyed Sundays!!!! that is just the way it is. I love Fridays, Tuesdays, even Mondays but not Sundays. to me they are synonymous with naps, laundry, homework, television... They are kind of passive days, and i just don't enjoy anything that is passive!

so, i was thinking, that starting next week, I am going to make my Sundays more interesting, and i am well determined, except for one detail, I have no idea how???

Well, I was thinking that going out for a brunch could be a good start. Then I could probably go for a walk, come back home, make it look clean ( I have to) and do something that enjoy; read a book, watch a comedy, write, cook some pastry.... OH, talking about pastry, I am so happy the holidays season is coming, i love making cookies and the smell it disperses in my house, it makes it feel like home, as in my parents house...mmhhhmm...

Anyway, Today is Sunday, I am feeling so sleepy....so I will go for a nap....

Thank God, I will finally quit!!!

2008-09-20T09:10:00.000-07:00

So, I am Glad to say that after 7 years, I am ready, willing and close to quiting! Smoking of course!
I started when I was 17, I thought it was cool at that age, so I had asked our driver to teach me, and I would smoke on the way home on the to school, until I finally was able to smoke all the time....
To tell you the truth, I have always loved smoking, it was just fun...when you are waiting for someone and they are late, you can just light up your cigarette and smoke! and there are moments when you can really enjoy it, like after an interview, a long flight, a happy meal, a happy ****! You can also socialize very easily when you smoke, people come to you asking for a lighter, and if you wanna talk to someone really bad, you can just pretend that you are asking them if they smoke because you don't seem to find your FIRE!!!
That is, I have always enjoyed it, until now. Now, I can easily tell that I do not smoke because I like, but more because I am addicted to it. And I hate being addicted to anything but food and shoes!
So, I asked my sister to give me the number of a guy who by a way, that I cannot describe, identify or anything yet, makes you quit. She said that he only spoke to her for few minutes and she didn't wanna smoke anymore, It has been 6 months now that she is off the cigarettes, knowing that she was a successful smoker for more than 10 years!!! So I got my appointment too, and I am taking my man with me too so he might quit as well, on October 11Th. Until then, I am enjoying my last smokes, have ash tree smell in my hair, clothes, hand and mouth, continue making the Marlboro company richer by spending my money carelessly...
I will provide you with more details once I get there and see what he is gonna do.
But, bottom line, I am very happy I will quit.

How to find a job - A challeging one

2008-09-11T13:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I am turning to you for this one. I am looking for a job, a marketing job. Simple, Hein?!
Yet, my researches show the opposite. No, it is not so simple, I would say it is almost as hard as finding a good husband.
All I keep finding is marketing positions that only relate to marketing by its name. And of course, the famous sales jobs to whom any candidate is perfect.
There was this day when I went on an interview at what I thought was a forward moving company, only to be interviewed by a finance manager who has no idea what the job he is interviewing me for is about. After a while of small chit-chat, he confesses to me that in fact they needed a sales person paid on commission, but people wouldn’t apply so they changed to ad from sales to marketing. I was so frustrated. Me? The successful market researcher who worked with the two biggest energy companies in North Africa belittled to an entry-level sales role!
My pride, my ego, my whole was aching…but I got over it of course…and kept on looking….
Thank God I am one of those positive attitude thinkers… Otherwise, I guess I would have settled for less long time ago.
I am passionate about my field of expertise, I know what I can do and how much value I can bring, so I will just keep looking, I know that sooner or later, I will find something, and it is going to be worth the wait.
However, there is one question in my mind, is it because the economy is so bad or is it because networking (my network is closer to 0 in Boston) works most?Anyway, wish me good luck!

The new blog ( I was quick on this one, hein?)

2008-09-10T12:55:00.001-07:00

Okay, I did it, my new blog is here... WANNA BE SNOB...won't say what is it about, check it out...you'll find out!!!
http://thesnobattitude.blogspot.com

hope you will like it, i only have one post so far....but i'm in the process of adding more!!

hey everybody

2008-09-09T23:26:00.000-07:00

well, I was thinking about a new blog, seriously and regularly this time...!!!

About books and writing, we'd share opinions about books, read each others writings and things like that? what do you think????

Does it matter who becomes president?

2008-09-02T14:54:00.001-07:00

I need your opinion.

I want to know whether you think that regardless of who becomes president, the coming election will boost the economy?!

Not a so happy stay home not mum after all.....

2008-05-29T13:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know, it has been such a long long long time i haven't written anything...but you will forgive me , won't you????

Anyway, after endless nights of watching desperate housewives and after a year spent home, enjoying my free time, I am starting to feel as a desperate house wife myself. So, that's it, I am back on the employment market again, I still didn't find something i like, but still it's keeping me busy, so it's not too bad after all....

so far, i am concentrating on choosing a career path that will both motivate me and make me rich, but that's hard!!!! I am thinking that I should probably go back to school for a Master degree or maybe opt for a radical career switch, but I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT JOBS ARE BEST IN AMERICA, i know i cant become a doctor or a lawyer, I will be too old by the time i graduate for that, so pleasssssssssssse help!!!!
What path shout i opt for????

Is that me????????????

2008-02-23T18:47:00.000-08:00

I feel I am somebody else when;
1- I start acting like a little spoiled girl,
2- I start some activity, project … and never finish it,
3- I doubt and question everything and everybody,
4- I think I’m not being myself anymore,
5- I stay home all day and watch television non stop,
6- I eat whatever, whenever,
7- I make my male frustrated with my mood swings,
8- I avoid meeting my sister for a girl’s evening just because it’s snowing and I’d rather be home,
9- I want to go out at night because that’s what young people do, and I’m young,
10- I want something so bad but change my mind once I get it,
11- When I know that nothing is everything for me,
12- When I read what I just wrote!!!!
what about you???!!!

Spring Oh Spring...

2008-02-23T18:35:00.000-08:00

Okay ladies, it’s about spring time, and if you are a normal average lady, when you think spring you think….DIET!!
Well, I personally do!
Luckily for me this year I only need to lose 5 kilos compared to last year’s 20…ouf!!! I had lost 20 kilos but gained 5 back since I moved to the states ( gottta say that nobody dies of hunger in America!), plus I fell in love and all the bla bla bla that can make an endless list of excuses to my weight gain…
But that’s it, I a determined to get back on track and lose it for once and for all, there are better things to do in life than worry about my weight. The thing is that I’m short, and even if I weight 133 pounds, on me it shows more like a 150 so I have to be careful what I eat, the other thing, believe it or not, is that I am able to gain weight just by looking or thinking of food, I swear!!!
Anyway, I have to get in shape before the summer so I can do the “ bronzette” (not to sure how to say it in English…no no no I think it is to tan, yeah) because you know, soon the bronzette would be only available upon a check out by body guards at the entrance of the playa to make sure you can exhibit your body in front of other people… all this to say that the physical impression you give to people has become more important than what you actually can offer them… but as long as you are not complaining you have got to play by the rules.. I hate the rules, but I love me, and because I love me, I want to look my best, and because I want to look my best I am going to lose those putain 5 kilos…Ps: I will keep you informed how is it going J

oups!!! I think I am still capricious...

2008-02-16T15:24:00.000-08:00

Yes, i confess, I am one spoiled capricious woman forever! And worst, i think i love it. I have no problem with that...but...my male has...and many!!!

I remember that from a very young age i decided spoiled girls live better, so without any of my parents offering to spoil me, i asked for it, and kept insisting until i got it and made it a rule! the thing is, as i grew up and become independent i still look for ways to be spoiled, it's just like i cannot stop, i want it all and i want it now.... My poor male doesn't understand how i can be that way with him, he doesn't know that now that my papa is not around me, all my "capriciousness" is directed towards him....What is he gonna do, that's his destiny!!!! NO NO NO, the truth is that he even encourages me sometimes to be more capricious, i guess he loves me that much to deal with it, that's what he says.

But, aren't all women capricious in some way, don't we all wish to be spoiled...The thing then is to find a very special someone that would deal with your capricious mood or......stay single!!

I'm a happy stay home not mom....!!!

2008-01-31T15:26:00.000-08:00

That's it!!! I,m done with making my life miserable thinking that I'm of no use because I do not work...
Now, I really do not care what others think, because what matters the most is what I think...and I think I'm lucky...My male has no problem with me not working, I have plenty of time to do whatever I want to do, take care of my house, prepare nice healthy meals for my male, take care of myself and exercise...Take endless walks, always be free for the sales....
in addition i do not have to worry about a furious boss, an annoying co-worker, so i'm usually zen...and when my male is stressed because of his job, I can be supportive and available....
I love my freedom...and not working doesn't mean that I'm ignorant, because you see, with all the free time that I have, I read a lot, watch the news more than ever, and even attend interesting debates all around the city....
I'll probably go back to school for a Master degree and later dor a doctorate, but then I'm sure I will not do it to impress, I will do it for me...Because i don't need anybody's opinion about me, I'm happy the way I am.

Hey America....Where is your dream????

2008-01-17T13:54:00.000-08:00

James Truslow Adams in his book The Epic of America describes the famous American Dream as:"that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement. It is a difficult dream for the European upper classes to interpret adequately, and too many of us ourselves have grown weary and mistrustful of it. It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position." (p.214-215)

Years later, as I've had enough of the African and European dream, I'm now exploring the American one. But instead of a dream, it's a nightmare that I'm observing. It's people closing their business, losing their jobs their houses,......It's a50% divorce rate....It's the American youth going for average jobs because they cannot afford college, or sometimes simply because they do not see the use of it!!! and sometimes, because the drugs and alcohol have consumed their energy and left them with no hope...!

Before, when the American Dream was in transition of its original meaning, some were complaining that it was becoming more of a 'pursuit of material prosperity' (i read that in some web page!), which refers to people exhausting themselves at work in order to afford bigger houses, nice cars, brand name clothes.....etc..., but now, even that is no longer true...Now, i say that it has become a "fight for survival" ... People still exhaust themselves at work to be able to pay the rent, eat....and of course I have to mention that American work to pay taxes.....!!

Ah, and not to forget the immigrants seeking an American Dream....to those i say, stay home, what you will gain in America, you will spend in America.

Doesn't this makes you wonder what's next....?! Is the American air become a product like any other and people will have to work to afford that too!!

Of course, there are still some that do okay, some that do good, and some that good really goooood...So, what's next??? Is the middle class disappearing in America....I don't know, I'm not an economist (well i am!!! I studied that...but I'm only blogging now!), I am just expressing my opinion, because if there is one thing i love about America it is the freedom of speech.

I do not mean to criticize... It's better than elsewhere some would say, and that's exactly what i mean : to keep better, do something about what's wrong....!!!

Be Proud Women...you can have it all...!!!

2008-01-13T15:17:00.000-08:00

Eventhough I come from a family that is so in politics, I have no clue about politics! However, I am glad to see women going for the presidency, and showing much commitment and professionalism doing so. And here, I do not only refer to Madame Clinton, but also to Madame Royale who preceded her in France last year (and who unfortunately lost against Monsieur Sarkozy, but still managed to make it to the finale) and to few others in less known countries.
I am glad because this reveals the willingness of both the population to accept a woman as a president, and the women to politically establish themselves with beneficial upgrading projects. This also attests, I think, that citizens do not vote for a person, be it a man or a woman, but rather vote for the projects they believe are right for them, which in turn; shows the voters’ ‘intelligent political maturity’.
This era of ‘womanization’ is crucial for the generations to come, because whether women candidates win or lose, they will still have crossed the line, and certainly put an end to the monopole men have exerted for so long in the domain of politics. Because after all, ‘do it once, do it twice’ so whether Madame Clinton wins or loses, she has certainly encouraged others, not only in the US but far more beyond , to step up and take the lead.
It is not that I am some kind of extreme feminist, but if this is another thing we can do that, in addition to being mothers, spouses, friends, workers, athletes, etc… Then we really can be proud… And for that, I am glad!

Why i love living with my Male

2008-01-12T17:57:00.000-08:00

This is why i love living with my male ( I apologize for the single readers)))

1- He never misses a chance to let me know if the house is not clean enough, so I daily do my best to make it look good only to avoid any remarks, and thus my maisonette is always perfecto!
2- He brings home junk food that I can eat without feeling bad…after all, it’s not like I bought it!!
3- Sometimes, he brings coffee to the bed, gently wakes me up with a kiss, and I LOVE IT, it makes my day!!!!!!!!!!
4- He loves watching football on a Saturday night, and so I get to ask him whatever I want with the theoretical promise that I’ll leave him in peace until the game is over… ;)
5- He makes feel good even when I’m having a really bad-hair day…!
6- It’s quite easy to convince him prepare the dinner when I’m having an argument with the ‘cuisine’…and most of all, he is a really good cook! And as a bonus, he also washes the dishes after….
7- He’s a close follower (and user) of the latest DVDs and technology, so I always get enjoy the newest technologically advanced home appliances and watch new movies in the comfort of my male’s arms!!!!!!
8- He understands the signs and sometimes sounds language I use to refer to a word that I don’t know…for instance, spray would be ‘the psh psh’….
9- He loves watching the History channel, and of course for a curious woman like me, it’s good food for my brain….
10- Lat but not least, he chose to live with me…and I LOVE THAT…

Let me know why do you like living with your male, or why not.....

Women's late night mood.....

2008-01-07T01:41:00.000-08:00

1:30 Am...As usual, drinking my Coca-Cola Diet, smoking and trying hard to understand why is it that i just try my best to make things bad when they are good....I think maybe because I'm smart....and oh yeah, smart women always need to solve issues, and when they are none, well they actually create some...Don't know about you, but i do...I think it becomes urgent that i find something else to solve...something that really exists, not only in my imagination....but no, that may push me to look for some other 'wrong' thing... I'd rather think of what's good....My "male" is loving (and SEXY!!!!), my options are opened, i am young and have plenty of opportunities ahead......and the list is so ever long.......
Now i can go to bed, do my late night prayer, thank God for all the good things he had given me and smile, knowing i have got good stuff to come...
Isn't that the best you could do to end your day, try it, if it works me, it works for you.... :)