Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Panda Diplomacy

In such a powerful city, where contention and arguing are de rigur and inside the Beltway means your job often hinges on who is living in the White House, one little guy has brought everyone together, Tian Shan (sp), the new baby panda.

Washington DC's baby panda had his first public viewing yesterday - it was mad crazy, tickets were given out a few weeks ago and gone in minutes!! They were being sold on EBay (though given out for free). It was so insane, some diplomats from other countries couldn't even get in. I hope to see him in the spring, check out the site - he is so cute, no?

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/

Monday, November 28, 2005

Wedding Weekend III - Scotland Edition!

Thanks to everyone for their lovely Thanksgiving well wishes, I hope everyone had an equally good time (guess I'll have to bop to everyone's page to see, giggle). Below is my travelogue.


This trip to Scotland for this Thanksgiving break has been in the works since May (or was it April), when my good friend from college sent out a note saying she had gotten engaged! I was so excited, I self-invited myself to her wedding. Thankfully, being the good person she is, no offense was taken and plans were made.

This was my first trip to this part of the United Kingdom. I am not sure what I was expecting, but Edinburgh (where my friend lives and the wedding was to be), was not exactly how I pictured it. It reminded me of a sort of a smaller version of London, definitely European, but not this huge sprawling metropolis as I had thought. Dark old buildings housing department stores and pubs, next to blocks of green fields. Much colder than I realized. It seemed the only time I was truly warm was bundled in bed or under the hot shower. Heck at the wedding I kept on my big winter jacket, so cold. Plus it seems there are not a lot of Scottish people in Edinburgh. Edinburgh was just a hodge-podge of accents - all blending together for this American: lots of English, some Irish, South African/New Zealand/Australian peppered in there, one big stew. But not a lot of what we Americans traditionally think of as Scottish (with those, "wee's" and "acks" a la the one guide all Americans use to learn about Scotland, the movie Braveheart and/or Scrooge McDuck). Astonishingly enough, I noticed myself falling into a bit of an accent - I suppose if everyone around you sounds a certain way, you adjust your tone?

First day was a blur, traveled over with a super duper good friend. She paid for a ticket and flew in coach. I flew free stand-by and got business class. Gotta love the airline industry (but to be fair we flew two different carriers). Ran around the obscenely big Heathrow (does it qualify for its own postal code?) to get on a flight to Scotland. Boarding the express bus to central Edinburgh, I heard someone say, "Hey Virginia Gal." Turned around, it was my friend! How peculiar! We had left Washington DC at different times with differing connecting flights in London, figuring that we wouldn't see each other till we got into the place in Edinburgh we were staying at. Unusual, but than things have a way of working themselves out no?

After the usual questions, we rode into town and met up with the bride to be, our friend, K! It was so nice to see her, it had been three years since either of us had seen her. In a total cliché, she was glowing (of course it could also have been because the winds were whipping all over). She kept us up for five hours, so our bodies would adjust, giving us a quick overview of her city. I remember very little - my head was pounding and my ears were clogged. But we did stop into the Waterstones that one Ms.J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter) drops into. Surprisingly, it seemed other Scottish authors were more prominently featured (Mcall Smith, Rankin). Strange, wonder what that is about?. Crashed at 7pm.

Second day was when my friend and I really explored the city. After waking up, embarrassingly late, noticed the snow on the ground and tried to dress appropriately, we jetted out to the Royal Scottish Museum, so we could learn a little history of the place we were in (plus I was getting more sick and didn't want to stay out to much). Fascinating stuff (seems it was a bloodless merger between Scotland and England). After that, went to the spooky Greyfriers church and than walked around the old town, bopping into shops but always keeping the castle in sight. The Edinburgh Castle sits atop a hill, over all of the city, though no royalty lives there anymore. Ended up going behind the castle, past the old king's stables, through a park and dumping out on the busy Princes street (a high street if I ever saw one). Per K's advice, took tea up on the top floor of Debenhams and got to see the lovely Christmas lights of Edinburgh. Very pretty, lights on trees and the Ferris wheel, old buildings, done in blues and golds, like something out of a fairytale. Had a delicious dinner with the our perfect hosts.

Saturday was D-day, the wedding. Spent the morning grading papers with my friend and generally taking over our host's gorgeous living room.

The wedding started at 1:30pm in Old Saint Paul's church. It is one of those typical European Churchs that one visits on any perfunctory trip to Europe. Cold, gray stone, big alter, stain-glassed windows, lots of holy pictures, statues of Jesus (pbuh) on the cross, little alters/prayer rooms on the side. But this is the first time in my life that I got to see one of these church's in use, most of the time I go in and just walk around - other non-descript tourists as my companions. It was a nice change! The service was lovely, very open and embracing, having both a man and woman officiating. I felt like I was back in college listening to my old chaplain, who would have felt right at home at this wedding, with the sermon (if that is the right word) being both humorous and philosophical. The choir sang and the congregation joined in for hymns.

I think I can safely say I was the only Muslim at the wedding, hee hee. But I didn't feel odd or out of place. As I was telling K, probably because Jesus (pbuh) is recognized in Islam, his teachings being important to the foundation of my religion, I didn't feel alien. And as usual, I firmly believe it doesn't matter what religion, praise and love to God is a good thing.

Following the ceremony (in which we, the audience, forgot to clap when the couple was pronounced man and wife, d'oh), everyone went for appetizers and drinks in the hotel. The men sat around following the Scotland vs. New Zealand All-Blacks rugby game, we women just chatted. The reception was a cozy affair, with about 50 people tops. It was in this nice warm room at a posh Edinburgh hotel. Dinner was a three course affair. Food was English (God bless'em but they don't know anything about spices). Speechs were funny and provided my friend and I with some insight into the man our friend married.

Despite my increasingly waning voice, got to talk to many of K's friends, people in her Young Adults Christian's group. Everyone was so nice. Do you ever notice that your friends friend's, could be your friends? I think if I lived in Edinburgh, I could easily be friends with these people, so warm and inviting. I joking told the head of the group, "hey I could be your first Muslim in the group." He laughed (thank God, as I risked complete embarrassment). The time just flew by. Before we knew it, my friend and I were blurry-eyed travelers waiting for the airport bus at 4am in the morning.

From what I was able to see, Edinburgh is a pretty little town, if the people are any indication, this is one of the friendliest places in all of the United Kingdom.

Hope everyone had an equally good Thanksgiving.

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Happy Thanksgiving me Mcfriends!


Wishing everyone a happy healthy and safe Thanksgiving!

I'm off to Edinburgh, Scotland for the holidays - a friend from college is getting married!!

What I'm Thankful to God for:
My family alive and well* My health* Not being in debt and having money saved* Being a woman born and raised in America which has allowed me freedoms unknown to millions around the world* Having a cool job that lets me see the world *My eyesight so I can enjoy the world (and read) *My sanity and keeping depression at bay *People around me, including in cyberspace, who care about me and think I'm special and good.

Peace and blessings of Allah.

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

Skip a Meal


The task is simple. The impact is enormous. The need is great.

In every nation on earth, more than 850 million people go to sleep hungry, even though our planet produces enough food to feed every man, woman, and child. As we approach Thanksgiving, we shouldn't forgot these people, some who may be living closer than we think.
Fast for a World Harvest is one way we can work together to ensure every person on earth has nutritious food to eat.
On November 23rd, the day before Thanksgiving, skip a meal to remember the more than 850 million people who are hungry. Then, contribute the money you saved to a world food organization.
Or choose another day to skip a meal. After all, for millions of poor people in every country, every day is a day for hunger. That makes today, tomorrow, and every day a good day for the Fast.

You can make your donation on-line to one of the charities below combatting hunger:
Oxfam America - www.oxfamamerica.org. Oxfam America, an international development and relief organziation, has been finding lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and social injustice for more than 35 years. Since 1974, when Oxfam has been holding these fasts, more than $10 million has been raised.
Action contre la Faim - http://www.actioncontrelafaim.org/. French organization that a friend of mine works for. Their objective: to fight against the hunger by emergency operations, then to support the autonomy of the populations helped by programs of post-urgency and rehabilitation. The first strong time of our association was the assistance with the Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
The Food Project - http://www.thefoodproject.org. The Food Project's mission is to create a thoughtful and productive community of youth and adults from diverse backgrounds who work together to build a sustainable food systems. Food Project wants to ensure food security for all.

I personnally believe in this, part of why we Muslims fast is to understand/empathize with the plight of our less fortunate brethren. For those of us blessed to be living well, skipping one meal is not a big deal, but to so many, even one meal a day is a treasure to be prized. In light of the recent budget passed by a Republican controlled Congress, personnel charity is becoming more and more important (since clearly the federal government is not going to be there).

Donating will help not only feed a man for a day but teach him how to fish for a lifetime. Thanks.

Monday, November 21, 2005

Wedding Weekend II

This weekend was the second of three weekends in November, where I have to attend a wedding. Wedding number two was for a friend of mine, more an aquantance. Her mother and my mother are the connection (they are closer friends).

I tried to keep an open mind about the event, but I tell you after this weekend, I'm done! I can't stand going to Indian Muslim weddings anymore!!! They make me feel like crap. The wedding itself was nice. It was a short ceremony, thankfully we were seated at a table with friends, right next to the door and the annoying flash bulb light for the professional photographer (gee can you tell of what importance we were to the bride) and my outfit wasn't totally uncomfortable. My friend decided to go with American food instead of traditional Indian food - interesting choice. I had the chicken with mashed potatoes. But good Lord the portions were huge!

All of this aside, throughout the two-day event, I felt about as big as snail. In Indian Muslim culture, the worth of a girl is defined by if she is married or not. Come age 21, you should be actively looking for your spouse and if you are not married by 26, everyone starts asking, "what is wrong?" It is assumed there is something wrong with you (what I love also about this is that boys never get these questions, only girls). People think it is their God-given right to come up to you and ask you all sorts of personnel questions about this subject. I am tired of going through this. I followed the rules the first time and look what that got me, a scarlet "D." Sitting at this wedding, through each smile and joke, I knew everyone was thinking that, that I was worthless, "bechari (poor girl) single and alone."

I will continue going to non-Muslim weddings, but after my one friend in December gets married, I'm through with my community until it is my own wedding!

Friday, November 18, 2005

Smile and the world smiles with you


It's another wedding weekend for me (ugh!). Perhaps this is why I didn't want to come back from Buenos Aires, having to face life (and my sad non love-life) again.

Going to try to start on the right foot - with laughter. Love this comic strip, it's new and oh-so funny! Enjoy and have a good two-day break!

Thursday, November 17, 2005

Pinging Thoughts

A lot going on in my head so will just post a few random thoughts for this Thursday....

The Apprentice Martha Stewart - So good last night, I love Jim! Looks-wise, he reminds me of my favorite uncle in India. Last night while being a regular Martha Stewart myself (baking cookies and making egg rolls while at the same time folding laundry and hand-washing some skirts), I watched the show. Jim was so nice to Marcella, giving her advice to fight for herself in the board room, for that alone he deserves to make the top four. I just hope he doesn't go crazy next week, as the previews are alluding too.

This story about the kid in PA who killed his girlfriend's parents is very sad and I'm sorry if there are those of you who will disagree, but it reiterates my opposition to home schooling. I went to college with a number of girls who were home schooled, and while nice, they were socially stunted and I can't say that they had better educations than I did, coming from a public school. A lot of those girls were like the way the Brady Bunch children were in the movie "The Brady Bunch Movie." I just think the social aspect, meeting with others your age, going through the rites and rituals (including being teased) is a part of growing up that is necessary, part of one's education (I know a run on sentence). I think it is foolish of parents to think that home schooling will somehow protect your children from the evils of the world. To truly protect your child, you need to give them a firm foundation to stand upon so when they are faced with tough decisions, they make the right choices. This story is just sad all-around.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/15/AR2005111500159.html

Virginia Gal Driving Rules Re-lesson - WHEN THE LIGHT IS GREEN, MOVE!!!! God I hate Northern Virginia traffic!

Book Review - Just finished Maeve Binchey's Scarlett Feather. I like Maeve Binchey (she wrote Circle of Friends), she gives you a feel of contemporary Ireland, always funny yet poignant. This was a good book, though a totally surprise ending from what I had expected. She touches upon the Irish dispora in America, actually making fun of their antiquated ideas of what Ireland is or was (everyone doesn't learn step dancing and eat corned beef and say "top o' the morning," hee hee). The story starts out fun, drags a bit in the middle and than leaves you anxious in the end to find out what happens. Though Evening Class is still my favorite Binchey, this is a good read, especially when traveling to Argentina. (oh and Merci also finished Good-bye Nobody, it was an easy read, but I hated the non-ending, dangnabbit, what does Kate decide to do with her life. I think Jennifer Weirner left it open for a sequel).

Hoping to see Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire this week-end. I wonder how they will condense a 700 page book into 2 hours? I have to keep reminding myself that that kid Daniel Radcliffe is NOT Harry Potter :-) .

Should I get involved in the local mosque committees where internal politics make the whole situation iffy...not sure, will contemplate it more.

Calvin (from Calvin and Hobbes) "They say the world is a stage. But obviously the play is unrehearsed and everybody is ad-libbing his lines. We need more special effects and dance numbers."

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

Say Anything

One day back and already I'm getting political. Sigh. But this was too good to pass up, Ninja Poodles had it on her website and I absconded with the idea (thanks Belinda!).

I usually don't agree with actors spouting out about politics, but when you're right, you're right and in this instance, Mr. John Cusack (who I've loved since Sixteen Candles) is dead on. He nails not only the hypocrites in office but takes to task the Democrats also for inactivity (which I whole heartedly agree with, wake up stupid Donkeys!). He has a call to action and that is most important, not just ranting but providing a bit of a solution. So go to the link, enjoy the thoughts and opinions of a fine thespian.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-cusack/on-bush-the-dems-jon-st_b_10485.html

ps - I loved him in Better Off Dead, such a good movie! Did anyone else see that, or Serendipity? Both cute flicks in different ways.

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Don't Cry for Me Argentina

I'm back!

Buenos Aires was lovely!!! I can't believe I'm back to this cold and dreary place and left the warm and deliciously perfect weather in Argentina (it is their spring), girls in tank tops and mini skirts everywhere.

Having only three days in this exciting city of South America (we work for airline, which means free flights but little to no vacation), my friend and I tried to cram as much as we could in without getting tired or bored on monuments.

Our first day there we stayed in the heart of downtown Buenos Aires, a bit like Times Square. It was perfect, letting us explore but not getting us lost. We had fun trying to cross 9 de Julio Avenue, Buenos Aires's 12 lane main street. Pay attention to the crosswalk signs or you'll nearly get yourself killed (as I did, I tell you, getting hit by a car will be how I die). Saw the Plaza de Mayo, took pictures in front of the Pink House, the president's house, which is where Eva Peron gave her speeches and where Madonna sang for the movie Evita. Also it is in this square that the mothers of Plaza de Mayo march, demanding to know what happened to their children, teenagers or young adults who disappeared during the, "dirty wars" of the 1970's (which ps no one in Argentina mentions). Spent hours at dinner that first night, just sitting in this busy resturant, taking everything in (just like Italy, they don't rush you to finish your meal here)...it was so much fun!!

Second day was jam packed. Moved to our second hotel in the Recolata area (posh section of town). On a side note, turns out the reason hotels were scare in BsAs (they Argentinian way of abbreviating their capital city), was that Brazil was having school holidays. Sheesh, didn't they know I was coming and would need a room?!

Right, on the second day, we stopped into the Recolata cemetary where Ms. Eva Peron is buried as well as many other lumaneries and well-to-do people of Buenos Aires. It is creepy walking around all those masoleums, each with their own section for relatives to come and pray in (say rosaries or something I suppose). I felt like I was in the show "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and was happy to leave. In the evening we went to a tango show and finally got to eat our steak. Heaven, those Argentians know their beef! Perfectly flavored and cooked. I could eat steak everyday if I lived in Argentina. The dancing and singing in the tango show was fantastic - you watch those gorgeous girls in fishnet stocking and black flowing gowns and drop dead handsome men on the stage and want to get up yourself and dance! They make it look so easy.

Last day in BsAs, we shopped! Went to two fairs, San Telmo and Recolata. It seemed everyone else in BsAs had the same idea. Mad fun though weaving through the crowds (beware of the dog dodo though, it is the one big downside to BsAs, no enforcement of pooper scooper laws, very gross!). Got tango shoes, skirt, a ton of purses. Much to much shopping, I left the city with only $20 in my purse. Flying out on stand-by, of course always a nightmare, but glad we made it out (since I only had $20 left).

Flying to go to Buenos Aires, I should have taken a sleeping pill as soon as you got on the flight, cause it was VERY turbulent (lots of tropical storms over South America). At one point even I started praying (and I usually don't cause I'm use to turbulance).

Buenos Aires is a lovely city, a mix of styles and cultures, European, Spanish, Indian, even some traces of USA creeping in. The city reminded me a bit of India, just with a lot less people. Everyone there was so nice. If you go, you must know some Spanish. Thankfully my five years in grade school helped out a great deal. It is amazing how much of a language will come back to you when it is needed (if I spend a month there I think I would be fluent), besides the people were all so happy that I was just trying their language and that I knew a little bit they were more than willing to speak slowly and at times use universal hand signs. Actually, what I found funny was that so many of them would ask me, "where are you from?" (in espanol) and I would say, "Estados Unidos" and they would say, "no where is your family from?" For some reason, they were thinking I was from some other Latin country. I always had to say, "mi familia son de pais de India."

The only snobby people in BsAs were fellow Americans who were fluent in Spanish and thought this somehow made them better. Hey why don't you go to a country where you don't speak the language and than tell me what a bigshot you are!

I'm sure I've left out tons of details, but I'm still a bit jet lagged. If you haven't been to this wonderful city, put it on the list, you won't be disappointed!

Thursday, November 10, 2005

Viva Argentina!

Month of fasting is over - I'm back traveling!!!

Estoy viajando a Buenos Aires, Argentina hoy. !Estoy excitan! Mi primer viaje a Suramérica!
(I am flying out to Buenos Aires, Argentina today. I am very excited. My first trip to South America!).

Mi español no es tan bueno. Deseo que había continuado tomando clases españolas en universidad. (My Spanish is not so good. I wish I had continued taking Spanish classes in college).

Espero tomar una clase de Tango y ver el sepulcro de Evita Peron. (I hope to take a Tango class and see Evita Peron's grave).

Hable a cada uno la semana próxima en que consigo detrás. (Speak to everyone next week when I get back)!

Adios!

*A few of the Spanish phrases used here were translated by Altavista Babelfish. I told you my Spanish is not so good, sheesh.

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Wedding Weekend I

his past weekend marked the first of three weekends in November where I will be going to a wedding. Normally I love weddings, heck in college I was addicted to the TLC show "A Wedding Story," but of late, being so sadly single, weddings bum me out. If this weekend is any indication of how the rest of the month is going to go, I should really just call it quits today.

This first wedding was my cousin's, up in Jersey. Some other cousins came up from Florida and together we all drove up to Jersey. 9 people in a tiny rented SUV did not make for a pleasant experience, but oh well, we thought, it is for the fun of the wedding. How wrong were we..the wedding was tame and well, boring. We knew only each other so we just sat at our table and talked, but having been up since 6am to get to Jersey, we were alternating between slurring our words and all out sleeping. The bride and groom probably would not have even noticed if we hadn't been there. Our relatives were busy and I'm not sure if they even cared about us coming out. I started to dance (which was the only saving grace of the wedding, that and the awesome desi food!) but had to stop cause my clothes were getting ruined by my sweating. So annoying!

If it hadn't been for us four girls getting together (my sister and two cousins) this weekend would have been a wash. Weddings are starting to really depress me....I fear I shall never experience one myself, were I'm the bride and I'm happy. Sigh

ps - doing a happy dance, we Democrat's came away with some very happy successes last night throughout America! Importantly, Kaine won for governor of Virginia - yay!!!

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

Election Day!!!


VOTE!!!!
Today is election day in the United States. For my home state of Virginia it is a very important election, the race for governor is neck in neck and its outcome will say a lot about the state of political affairs in America (enough disatisfaction with one party or another).
If you live in the Old Dominion, please take a few minutes out of your day to cast a ballot (for the winning ticket of Kaine, Byrne and Deeds!). Polls are open from 6am to 7pm. Remember a lot of people have fought and died for your right to vote - don't waste it!

Monday, November 07, 2005

Missing Monday



LYON, JAY RICHARD

White male, 61 years old, 5’10”, 150 lbs., Brown hair and hazel eyes

Last seen walking northbound Richmond Highway between Telegraph Road and Pohick Road in Fort Belvoir.
Mr. Lyon was reported missing after he failed to contact anyone in his family. He suffers from emotional and other mental problems which were being treated with medications. It has been several weeks since he has taken any medications and may be in distress.
He owns a silver 4 door 2001 Toyota Camary with Virginia registration JME-4385, which appears to be missing at this time. His name, information and car are in NCIC/VCIN.
IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION CONCERNING THE ABOVE PERSON CALL DETECTIVE STEVE MILEFSKY AT (703) 246-7860 OR THE FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE AT (703) 691-2131 OR CRIME SOLVERS AT (800) 673-2777.

Someone from my neck of the woods, last seen in April of 2005 - InshAllah (swt) someone has spotted him and we can get him back to his family.

http://www.vsp.state.va.us/cjis_missing_persons.htm

Friday, November 04, 2005

A Royal Affair





http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/03/AR2005110302423.html

Clearly my invitation to Wednesday's dinner at the White House with Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall was lost in the mail. Perhaps also the Prince's office didn't want to stir up the pot as I am firmly pro-Diana and still harbor resentment towards this Camilla character (I wasn't even invited to the civil cermony held earlier this year).

Yet, I'm rather glad I made all those tiny cucumber sandwiches last night during the Apprentice because I am sure when his Royal Highness calls, as he often does when in Washington DC, I can invite the newlywed's over for tea!

Have a good weekend y'all!

Thursday, November 03, 2005

Eid Mubarak!


Today is the Muslim holiday of Eid, to mark the end of the month of fasting! It is a happy celebration, spent with family and friends. We greet each other with the wishes of a happy Eid by saying, "Eid Mubarak." Perhaps the best description is from eidgreetings.com:

Eid ul-Fitr commemorates the month of Ramadan, marking the end of the month-long fast. Fitr means to break and therefore symbolizes the breaking of the fasting period and of all evil habits.
It's a joyous occasion with significant religious significance. Happiness is observed at attaining spiritual uplift after a month of fasting. Muslims dress in holiday attire and attend a special congregational prayer in the morning. After the service, worshippers greet and embrace each other in a spirit of peace, love and brotherhood and visit friends and relatives.
For Muslims, Eid ul Fitr is a joyful celebration of the achievement of enhanced piety. It is a day of forgiveness, moral victory and peace, of congregation, fellowship, brotherhood and unity.


In this month of fasting I have tried to gain more faith, staying away from the evils of self-doubt and impatience (easier said than done). It still amazes me how quickly the month flew by, InshAllah (SWT), good things will continue throughout the year. Eid Mubarak!!!

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

Annoying Office People

I work in an office - actually the corporate headquarters of an airline. I love working for an airline because of one BIG benefit - free flights. Anywhere my carrier flies, I get to go for free, as long as there are seats (I fly stand-by) and I get nice reduced tickets on other carriers ($100 rt to Australia, can't beat that!).

The downside is having to work 9-5 in a Dilbert-esque office setting. It's funny actually, but when I was in college I use to laugh at those Dilbert comics and thought, 'no way are those real.' Now that I work in a gray building with gray ugly cubicle walls, I realize how sadly true those Dilbert comics are. All the annoying characters in that comic strip are alive and well in my office: - the anal retentive administrative assistant who monitors every piece of copy paper used.
- the rude analyst who can't even use basic Microsoft Word.
- the mean receptionist who can't be bothered to do...well...anything.
- the dingbat co-worker who can't seem to find any office supplies in the office supply cabinet even though they are there in plain sight.
- the out of touch vice president who thinks little certificates and slaps on the back consititute a reward for a job well done.
- the manager who follows everyone's comings and goings but comes and goes as she pleases.
- the director who adores pointless and time-wasting meetings (I hate meetings with a vengence!).
But my favorite is...
- the manager who gets paid three times my salary but can't refill the paper in the printer or fax, change said printer's toner and when the copier gets jammed, comes running to me whining, "Virginia Gal, there is something wrong with the copier." Which interpreted means "Virginia Gal, you lowly servant, go fix it, I am so highly educated my brain can't deal with such trivial matters." I guess I look like I enjoy getting down on my hands and knees and pulling out paper and getting toner all over me, "oh thanks mast'a" I feel like saying. Sheesh.

on a sidebar note anyone else notice the fear factor tactic being employed by the Bush administration again? Rove and company have come up with, "don't look at our messes and how we rigged a fake war, be afraid, very afraid of the......bird flu!!!" I hope people are not as stupid this time around, though I wouldn't be surprised if they were.

oh and following a page from Joe in Vegas here are three good things in my life:
1. Having my cousins come up from Florida tomorrow - we always have a grand time together!
2. No one in the family getting majorly sick during the month of fasting.
3. Watching Martha Stewart Apprentice with my dad.

Tuesday, November 01, 2005

Book Review

I just finished slogging through the "The Time Traveler's Wife" by Audrey Niffengener (sp). Two different people recommended it to me. The book centers around this couple and the true love they share despite the man's very dibilating (but made up) disease of suddenly time traveling. I'm not sure if this was the best book to read for someone who is sadly single and depressed about the fact that she might never find love. Besides I couldn't wrap my head around the whole time traveling subject, I didn't get it. It took me almost 200 pages to really start to even remotely enjoy this book. Very confusing. I was kinda hoping the book would be about some H.G. Wells character or something more fascinating these two semi-selfish people who got lucky in love. Main characters Henry and Clair did not endure me to them at all, as well as their annoyingly syrupy kid Alba. Ugh. Honestly, I love my friends, but they seem to have no idea what I like to read - this Time Traveler's Wife was not my cup of tea.