I'm Back................

I've been back in Saudi Arabia for a week now. It's always hard for me to get back on track with everything (workouts, assignments, projects, etc.) when I've been gone for 4 weeks...this time I was gone for 8 weeks. So...I'm way outta whack and off track. 8 weeks of nothing to do except for what you want to do. So...I over indulged in everything that I like to do. LOL. One of those things being Mexican food. I love, love, love Mexican food. Oh Yea...and cookies and cupcakes. I didn't over do the cupcakes too much...but the other stuff....gawd...I was all over it. And, guess what? I brought some of it back with me in the form of 15 extra pounds of fat on my stomach, ass, and thighs. The good news is that I've already lost 4 of the 15 pounds. I have to lose the other 11 pounds before 5/20. I'm not concerned...I know I can do it.

See...what happens is this...while in SA I can never (okay, hardly ever) find the really good stuff that I like. I think anyone who is living away from home, has certain things they miss. So..when I'm about to go home, all I can think about is....I'm going to Mama Testa's (Mexican food) or Uncle Biffs (cookies) or Cupcake Royale or King's Fish House, or.....So, you can see how I can easily put it on...then when I wasn't eating...I was lounging. I did a lot a travel back and forth between San Diego, Los Angeles, and Seattle. In each one of these locations, I have my favorite food.

I took TONS of pictures. As I sort through them, I will post for your viewing pleasure. :-)

What else, what else? Oh yea...I spent time with Henry (my son)...it's always good to see him. He's quite handsome I must say...and has turned into a nice young man. It's kinda a trip to see your baby with a "man" body and man muscles. And, pretty much living his life. And, he's not doing too bad. Gawd. I'm getting old. But, not old enough for grandchildren, so I hope I don't get that surprise before 2015.

Anyway...I'm glad to be back in my place with my things. I will try to post more often...but it's always the same 'ol same 'ol so....

Decided Not 2 Go Back

So...we're on vacation in San Diego. Traveling back and forth between San Diego, & LA. The weather was nice....I was in my element. My element being; I'm driving, my music is semi-cranked, my sunroof is open, and I'm just cruising. I go by Starbucks...pick up my drink; a double shot of Espresso, and a Iced Passion Tea Lemonade (I like to think of it as 2 shots and a back lol)...then I head to Venice Beach (it could be any beach for that matter, but in this case it was Venice beach). I'm cruising. The day is beautiful...people are hanging and I'm people watching. That's when I do it. I decide I need more time...Im not ready to go back to Saudi Arabia. So...I'm staying a few extra weeks.

Forgive me for being incommunicado but, I'm having too much fun. I'll be back in the Sand Pit in a coupla more weeks. Then when I've recovered from jet lag...and I'm back to the "routine"...I'll be back to blogging.

These photos were taken while I was driving to Venice Beach on that very day. This is what I saw, and all I could think was...I don't want to leave.

Saudi Bloggers...

...are making news. Check out this article post on the Fox News website regarding Saudi bloggers. Really interesting. I actually visit these sites on occasion. It just goes to show...you never know who's reading.

Saudi Bloggers Shatter the Kingdom's Silence and Censorship

Still on Vacation

Yes...I'm still on vacation and playing "hometown tourist" in San Diego. Went to Sunset Cliffs today. Back in da day...this was a spot that we'd (my friends and I) hang out at...and do stuff that young people do. ;-)

You can check out the beauty of this locale here: Sunset Cliffs National Park

Not in Saudi...

I'm in San Diego...crashing at my Mom's place. It's 4:04AM...I'm up up up. This is the routine. Which is why wasn't really looking forward to coming back to the San Diego. I was just here last November '09 and the jet lag was horrible. For some reason, it affects me more so than Roland...because as I type, he's in there sleeping hard!! When I return, it will be even worst. Okay...no more whining.

I think I'm gonna go lay down. I hope I fall asleep.

Introduction

Hello Fellow Bloggers!!

My mom has a friend who has taken a job and moved to Bahrain. She's a newbie to the Middle East. So...let's give a warm welcome to Jorgi. You can keep up with here adventures here: http://overseasadventures.wordpress.com/

Photography...

I joined the RTPA (Ras Tanura Photography Association). We had a session on "light painting". I've never heard of this technique before. Not that I would have since before Christmas...I was exclusively a Point n Shoot gal. It wasn't until I started working on my travel writing that I decided to up my photography game. And, I love it!! Who knew I had an eye...I sure didn't. I'm still in the infant stages when it comes to learning my camera, and how to use the shutter speed and aperture to get the best effects, etc. etc. But...learning is part of the fun. I'm also, taking what is equivalent to an online photography course taught by a photographer who lives on camp. It's getting me off of the "preset" settings, and working more with the advanced settings. Which is cool. I hope to one day take the Photographer Expedition Weekend with National Geographic.

The 2 photos I'm sharing are pics that I've recently taken. I love the one with the palm tree. But, if you look closely you can see the shadow of my big head in the frame. Argh!!!!! But...these are the things I'm learning and working on. The Guitar is one of the light painting technique photos I took last night. It was my best photo of the evening.

Anyway...this is just a brief update as to what I'm doing in the sand pit.

Peace Y'all!!

The Portal Was Open

A few days back I was standing in line in the produce section of LuLu's. There is a area in which you can have your fresh pineapples, peeled and sliced for you. So, while we're standing there, waiting for our turn, the Saudi lady (completely covered, with the exception of her eyes) standing in front of me, just started talking to me. I have NEVER had this happen before. Ever!! She asked me if I was from South Africa. I told her no, that I was American, from California. She said that's nice. She then commented on the price for the pineapple cutting service, blah, blah, blah. But the funniest past was when she asked if I was married, I said, "yes, this is my husband right here". And, she looked at us and said "oh...you don't match". LMAO!!!! Oh-mi-god. Roland said something, I can't remember now, but we all laughed. And, the fact that she spoke to me...I just loved that. Some times I want to speak, but honestly, it's kinda intimidating to speak to someone who you don't know and their face is covered. I'm glad she reached out.

Then, while in Tamimi's (Safeway/Vons in the states) this Saudi man overheard my distress over the guy at the deli counter telling me that they didn't have any of the Palestinian Olive Oil (This stuff is the sh*t). He goes, "there is a store, not to far from here, and they sell Palestinian food products". After it was all said and done, this guy had drew us a map, told us to bargain (despite the price marked), and to sample before I buy (sometimes they will try and foist the cheaper stuff on you). After we thanked him profusely, he was like, "no problem. I lived in the United States once, and people helped me". Can you believe this guy? Freakin' Awesome!!

Then...(yes there's more). We're on our way home from Al-Khobar (the location of LuLu's and Tamimi's) and while at a red light, the guys next to just started bobbing their heads to the Reggae music we were playing. Then they turned up their stereo so we could hear what they were listen to. At this point we rolled our window down further and asked them what they were listening to, and they said Arabic music. We said, "cool. we're listening to Reggae". and they're like, "yea, we know...we like it". The light turned green, and we all smiled, waved at each other and went on our way.

I tell you...the portal to the Saudi people must have been open that day, because I've never had this experience, let alone all in one day. So...I'm still trippin' off of it. And, I laugh every time I think of this lady saying, "But, you don't match". LMAO!!

It's a Small Small World

In April 2006, Roland, my mother and I went on a 12 day trip to Thailand (Bangkok and Koh Samui). At 1:30am as Roland was handling the bags, I went to the counter to check us into our hotel in Bangkok. While in line I notice a Black lady speaking "American" english to the desk clerk. So, when she was finished with her transaction, I asked her where she was from, she stated that she was from Oakland, California, but was currently residing in Saudi Arabia. As I was checking in, she went on to tell me a little about her life in Saudi Arabia. At that point, I think she said she had been there 4 or 5 years, and that she was working there as a nurse. She went on to tell me all these other things she liked about living in SA. Then I started telling her how Roland had heard about a job opportunity in Saudi Arabia...but that things hadn't come together yet for him. I asked her what company she worked for, and she said, Aramco. And, I'm like, ohmigod. So now I'm getting Roland's attention, and introducing them and telling him how this lady works for Aramco. Blah, Blah, Blah. We exchange email addresses. But, that was really the end of our contact, there were a few (and I mean about 2), email exchanges, but we never really connected.

Well...today, we were in Dhahran, taking care of some banking business. Of course...there is a wait at the bank, so I go to the car. After a while, I decide to go back into the bank. I locate Roland and I see him talking to this black chick. I go over, and he introduces me, and we looking eachother in the eye, and at the same time, we were like, "ohmigod, you're the person I met in Thailand". LOL...we jumped up, hugged eachother, and tried to get caught up...as if we had known each other all our lives. LOL. It was so cool. She asked how my mom was, she updated me on her stay in Saudi.

Whenever this sort of thing happens to me...I view it as a sign that I'm exactly where I'm suppose to be in my life.

I said all that to say...it's a small small world

Masalama...

kinda means...go with peace.

This past weekend I attended a party...it was fabulous. Food....DJ....Dancing...the whole nine. That was the up side...the down side, was that it was a Masalama party. These are parties in which the person who the party is for is leaving The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I will go to another such party in February. Even though...as I've stated that most people are here for the money (not saying there aren't other benefits, but this is the main one). But, what makes your stay fun, and doable are the great people you meet along the way, and develop friendships with. This is one of my favorite things about living here. I'm meeting people who come here from all over the world. It makes for meeting a variety of interesting characters. However, at some point, you're going to be saying goodbye to some of your best friends, whom you've met here, hoping that one day your paths will cross again.

See...the thing is, we all have an expiration date. Once we've hit our date, either by their choosing or our own choosing, either way, eventually, you will be leaving the Magic Kingdom. It makes for mixed feelings when you're attending a Masalama.

Arab Rappers? Who Knew...

My first music genre of choice is, R & B, then Hip Hop, then, Pop (top 40), but I can appreciate a lot of music. I came across this video. Arab Rappers. Arab Hip HopFemale Arab Rappers? Who knew? Well...now I do. Check it out. Listen to the interviews... It's really interesting.

This Shout Out Is For Ali

So...I'm at a party last night...doing my thing...;-) when a good friend of mine shows up...with 2 young guys in tow. She was at another social gathering, and basically brought these 2 guys along for the ride. As her and I were walking outside so that we could talk and catch up (since the music was really loud inside the house)....this Saudi guy looks at me and says "you're the girl on YouTube". My 1st reaction was, "oh no". If some of you have kept up, you will know that there have been some who don't like my blog, and what I'm writing about....naturally, it has made me kinda defensive. So...when I hear someone I don't know, mention either my blog or my videos, my natural instinct is to put my guard up. Because it's like, they see me and know (or think they do) who I am...but I don't know who "they" are. When I made the videos and created my blog...I had no idea people outside of my friends and family would ever read this thing. Seriously. I only put the videos on YouTube because I needed an embed code to put the videos on the blog (there are space limitations to uploading videos directly to a blog). Personally...I NEVER read a blog before I stared mine, nor do I watch other peoples videos on YouTube. Who knew people were out there just reading random blogs, and scanning videos? I didn't and still to this day...I have very few blogs that I read. So...I'm like, no, no, no. But, he's like, "ohmigod. I love your videos!!! I even put a link to one of your videos on my Facebook status" Uh? What? Again, this reminds me of just how small this world is. Anyway...with those words, "You're that girl on YouTube" began a conversation that lasted for over an hour, with this guy telling me to make more videos, and giving me ideas to what to shoot next, who I can interview, festivals I should go to, etc.etc. It felt so good to have someone who is Saudi tell me, I love your videos, you're speaking the truth from your position, and you should do more.

He really got me thinking....he has inspired me to see how I can make my experience and my sharing of my experience, bigger and better. So...Ali...this shout out is for you. And....

Thank U!!!

Peace!

Saudi Arabia in January

This past few days, well, more like weeks, have been absolutely gorgeous. The weather in SA in January is perfect. It is sunny, with a slight cool breeze. The average temperature during the day is about 75F and in the evening it gets down to about the mid-50s. It actually gets kinda cold at night requiring a light jacket when you're out, and when you're in...you turn on the heat (at least I do). Another thing I like about his time of year is that it seems that the Geckos go somewhere....because I haven't seen them hardly at all. This allows me to enjoy my courtyard in peace. For the record...the geckos don't mess with you...but I'm still somewhat scared of them. LOL And, when one is in sight, I still can't relax. Hey!! I'm a city girl!! LOL...But, I'm getting used to them....and that's progress.

Incredibly Clear Days

On our way back from Bahrain on New Year's Day, as we crossed the causeway we couldn't help but notice how incredibly clear it was that day. We could see Al-Khobar from Bahrain. This isn't typical. What's typical is the "sand haze", which makes the sky a mixture of light blue and tan. If you're familiar with California...you can equate this with the smog haze that lingers over LA. You can tell the difference in these 2 untouched up photos, the one with the Saudi flag (the green one) which was taken on December 31st around 10:30AMish, you can see the haze, the one with the Bahrain flag (red and white) was taken on January 1st around 12:30PMish is crystal clear.

Today...is pretty much the same. So...I'm gonna share some photos in the slideshow below. Hope you enjoy.

Have a Great Day!!

My Bad!!

It just occurred to me while on my morning walk that I didn't mention my New Year's Eve or Wish Happy New Year to the Blogosphere. My Bad!! I've been a bad girl. ;-) LOL So...Happy New Year!!!

We brought in the New Year in Bahrain with a great group of friends, partying, and dancing right up until the new year rang in. We attended the Fire and Ice Gala at the Diplomat hotel, in Bahrain. I stayed on the dance floor quite a bit. Which I loved, loved, loved (did I mention I love to dance? hehehehehe). But...being that I started partying too early, when the clock struck Midnight, and after all the hugs, kisses, and well wishes. I was out da doe! I couldn't do any more. Once you start feeling woozy from the drinks...it's time to go, stop, or something (and something does not mean more drinks). And, since we had a room at the hotel, Rolle and I decided to call it a night and head towards our room. It was a fun evening. And, what's even better was that I wasn't hangin' over the next day. =)

For your viewing pleasure (lol)...I've created a slide show of a few pics from the evening.