Boyfriend? No..Friend who's a Boy..Yes

I was checking my photos recently, and noticed a HUGE decline in the number of photos I have, last ones being the New Years 2010 party pics, and the class reunion pics I had sometime in Jan. What happened since then, why aren't I taking much pics when I carry my 2 cell phones & camera in tow ALL THE TIME?

I'll tell you why...no boy friend

And no, I don't mean "boyfriend"..what I mean is that trusty male platonic friend that willingly takes pics of you while u pose away.

Big Fat Arab Wedding

I last blogged in October, 3 months ago, or a million years in Internet time. I've had writer's block, been busy, moved houses, lived a little, but most of all, missed you.

During those 3 months, I've been to several important Arab events - in other words, weddings.
This utterly important day in the life of an Arab has evolved over the years. Traditionally, people married young, where the man's main desired qualities were his manners, character and his upholding of religious values. The woman's desired qualities were her family descent, her looks, her wealth, and her upholding of religious values. As such, it was not always the case that the man had a paying job, so it was quite common that the wedding was paid for by the groom's family. It was a huge affair involving family, friends, and friends of friends. Telling the world that there is a couple who now belong to each other and they invite you to join together in the aura of their happiness.

Nowadays, the desired qualities in a man are:

1. Has a good paying job, so he can support the spouse and future kids in a comfortable fashion that the bride has or has never gotten accustom to
2. Is kind, funny, sensitive, romantic, generous, a mind reader
3. Good looking, with a full head of hair, and preferably a six pack (abdominal 6 pack, not the beer)
4. Can open jars
5. Kills spiders

Breasts

Breasts are beautiful.

Breasts cushion your fall when you find yourself flat on your face.
Breasts protect your internal organs when you find a football going straight into your chest in front of a huge audience (True story. It didn't even hurt. Ball bounced halfway to field).
Breasts are floating devices. Test it, it's true.
Breasts ooze yummy delicious healthy food. I'm referring to a baby's perspective.
Breasts are a girl's best friend, they are always there for you. They're good listeners, and even hold your tears when you're crying.
Breasts are fun. Don't you enjoy how they bounce to music when you do?
Breasts are sexy.

It would be a crying shame if we lose them.

Introspection

Life after TedxDubai...
The event was extraordinary. Though none of the speakers were briefed on what to say, there was a recurring theme of: Introspection, Positivity, Dreaming, and Persistence. To start with Introspection, I thought I'd look into myself, to understand myself better so I can picture my future in the best, most realistic way.

Well, that was a can of worms!

You see, I, like many modern Arab women, am a big bunch of confetti. Modern Arab women may know who they are, know their values, but when defining them, it's a collection of many contradictions. Let me explain....

Residence...I have lived in 3 continents. One was European, the other in the Middle East, the third in North America. I know, I know, typical Arab. And in true Arab style, our family has moved for career, education, economic and political stability, so we ended up being a mix of all the places we lived in and all the travels we've made. I have very strong patriotism to where I'm from, though I've never lived there. I love the country I'm residing in now, and it's truly, completely, undoubtedly my home. As for the European and North American cities I've lived in, transit. Can't possibly be home, even though I was born in one of them.

Courtesy in DXB

UAE is a great place to live in. Architecture is mind-boggling. The speed of growth is exponential. The diversity is wider than what you would see at a UN meeting. All religions are practiced freely. Shopping is hot. Women are hot. Nightlife is big. Everything is open till late. Now we have the Dubai Metro for a stress free and cheap commute. Weather is pleasant and beaches are open year round. Local and multinational companies are plentiful. Oh, and income is tax free. With all that the UAE has to offer, why do many forget the little detail called "courtesy".

I will zoom into Dubai as this topic is more relevant in this city than in other Emirates.

During Ramadan, strict measures were in place to ensure all non fasting people refrained from eating/drinking/smoking in public. Fasting is a test for Muslims, for Muslims to refrain from eating/drinking/smoking, yet non Muslims are asked to do that too. I would much rather have the non-fasting residents refrain from this out of courtesy rather than force.

Another example, the signs in the malls requesting people to wear decent clothes, and not show public displays of affection. Are those necessary? Isn't it clear that Dubai is an Arabic Muslim city and its values, though liberal, should be respected?