Phew! Done at last.. the feeling of accomplishment is indescribable. I can’t believe it!
Okay here comes.. the first thing I ever did with my PSP was to watch Spider Man 2 (not that I am a big fan of the movie itself- but cuz I was dazzled by the resolution on the screen). All of the sudden the movie looked so interesting! Amazing what kind of effect a PSP could have on you. I thought it couldn’t get better than that, but then Homer and I tried to connect it to the wireless network we’ve got running at home.. after several trials it worked.. another beautiful sense of accomplishment there..
But then, he says you know they’ve hacked the PSP and you could actually connect it to the internet.. I was like o_O! no way! So I googled “psp hack web” and much to my surprise you could hack to the internet thru Wipeout Pure! And lucky me- I already purchased the game! =)
Now that wasn’t an easy job! It took me so much reading and a lot of trial and error till I got here.. hours and hours of frustration- but the end result… Ooh the end result is just… there is no proper word that comes to mind that can describe the feeling!
All I can say is yay! Yes I got my PSP to connect to the internet! Yay!

my beautiful website on my beautiful psp ;)

If you own a PSP and you’ve got a wireless connection and want to learn about the hack visit the one and only Absurd Genius and if you want more info then google it. Don’t be lazy! FYI- Sony is to release an update to support the web probably by the end of May.

As predicted, my PSP has been invaded by everyone around me- literally. It was my mistake showing it off to everyone.. but then.. if it makes them hang out in my room then I don’t mind.. I am always in need of good company.

White Fish checking the PSP out

It's my best friend's birthday today- a very special friend from Kuwait.. I've known for what seems like forever.. Bashayer... Happy birthday sweetheart.. O many happy returns of the day.. Insha'Allah all your dreams come true.. o my dream for you come true.. You know what I am talking about *wink wink*..
I know you didn't want to celebrate.. but I can't help it =)
I am glad you're back in Kuwait now.. at least I don't have to worry as much.. I miss you so much.. haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaal kether.. *kisses and hugs*..

I got an invitation to Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed’s wedding this Thursday. I still didn’t arrange for anyone to take me or for me to go with. If you’re interested in joining me for a night of fun, let me know!



I feel like the luckiest girl this weekend.. my mom got me the tickets to the concert! Yes ladies and gents.. I am going to meet up with Destiny’s Child! I’m working on getting my backstage passes! Keeping my fingers crossed for that one!



I should be heading to bed now.. my brain is overloaded.. and I’ve got the silliest smile on my face.. I can sleep peacefully now.. I’ve accomplished!

[22] diamonds (223 opened the sack)  [+] Jewel Link

I was craving for buffalo mozzarella salad all day. Picked up my niece Lil Mammy and headed to Le Bon Café. We noticed that there was a new chef in the house, and my first comment was you know the salad is going to be different! Lil Mammy said that usually train them to create the same dishes so the customers wouldn’t feel the difference.

This got me into thinking about relationships, marriage, and managing expectations. As girls, when we first get into marriage we have big expectations on how the outcome of this commitment would be like. Personally, I always thought marriage was going to be all about happiness, laughter and having fun. About dinners, movies and all that. Silly I know but that’s how we are brought up to think- or at least I was.

Most of us girls think about that perfect white gown on our wedding night and that perfect husband, but the fact of the matter is- you might have a perfect wedding, but you can never guarantee a perfect husband, nor can you insure being a perfect wife. There are couples who work really hard on making their relationship work- and it takes a lot of investment to get to a point where you are nearly satisfied.

Fairy tales usually end up with the prince and the princess getting married and living happily ever after. We never actually get to see what happens in between getting married and the living happily ever after part.

It was really difficult in the beginning, but I think I am managing it better now. I had great high expectations that I made up in my lil’ mind about how things should be. I based these expectations on the way I was brought up in my domestic home, the romantic movies I’ve watched and all the relationships I was exposed to through my friends and family members (or at least my perceptions of them).

People are different as we all know, they were brought up differently, they also have different ideas on relationships- they might also be disappointed of the outcome of the relationship. That’s why it takes the two partners to work things out.
I always thought why should I change or lower my expectations for this one person, but reality is, no matter how many relationships you have or come across you will end up working it out, cuz there is no perfect fit. There is always a flaw in there. There is always something that would be missing. You will always be craving for more.

There are many myths regarding marriage:
Marriages are always romantic- wake up! It doesn’t have to be romantic. Every relationship has its ups and downs but that doesn’t mean lack of love. You can always introduce romance in a marriage but don't expect it to be about roses and chocolates.
If we’re in love then everything will turn out fine- being in love is a bonus but it takes more than love to make things work. How many couples did you learn of who had been in love for years but got a divorce or separated in a month? I know of many. It takes understanding, respect, trust and willingness to make things work.
Arguments/conflicts mean we’re not compatible- on the contrary, arguments are good as long as you both hear each other out. As I said earlier, because we all come from different backgrounds, we are brought up in different households, we are different. Learn to listen to each other and to respect each other's opinions.
A spouse should always know what I want without me actually saying it- Hello! We’re not psychics. Don’t fall in that trap. Giving out signals thinking that your partner will interpret them right is just a trap for disappointment. If you have something to say then just say it. I can’t count the number of times I thought my signals were loud and clear and there were no reactions whatsoever! I just got angrier thinking I'm being ignored.

Remember, be flexible if you want things to work. Don’t give up your dreams for anyone. Share your dreams with the one you love, and work on making those dreams come true.
The talk of relationships is a never ending one. I will have more of it in other entries.

So, the salad came in, and as expected, it was different than the one I was used to, but still as delicious. =)

[9] diamonds (121 opened the sack)  [+] Jewel Link

I had a great day at work today. Tried to keep myself busy with things to do but ended up in Blossom’s office discussing the phenomenon of identical twins. Twins sharing identical genes that they have the same features and traits and are often mistaken for each other are referred to as mirror twins (only about a quarter of all identical twins are mirror twins). It’s astonishing when you actually come across those kind of twins. Back in school I knew two Egyptian identical twins (Asma and Shaima). The only difference that we could actually make is that one is the total opposite of the other. One was too outgoing and the other a bit shy. One was right handed and the other was left. One brushed her bangs to the right and the other to the left. Although we knew all that we still got them confused. Telepathy between twins was always something I wanted to learn more about. I’ve noticed that the twins have always had a strong sixth sense for each other. I know some might find it unbelievable and science says this power doesn’t exist but I believe its true. When one was sad the other would somehow know and feel sadness too.
Do you think telepathy only exists amongst twins? I don’t.
I’ve always had this strong sixth sense when it came to my best friend Kitty. I can’t help but feel when something is wrong or right. I don’t know if its mere coincidence but I’ve always knew what Kitty was feeling and when. I remember that I have dreams that things go wrong and I call Kitty up and I’m shocked that it’s true. I find all of this beyond belief myself.
It makes you think how great Allah is.

Blossom thank you so much for the beautiful stuffed dog! I love it. Fits in my little office perfectly and also is colour friendly to my blog. =)

Called up Virgin today to check on the availability of PSP =) and yes they had 2 left. I rushed there with Mankoosha and bought it. I couldn’t stall any longer especially after all the hype and the great reviews I’ve been reading. I am charging it right now (can’t wait!)



I felt like having Koshery, so Mankoosha took me to this alienated place where I didn’t even know existed in Abu Dhabi and spend a beautiful half an hour under a perfect full moon eating and talking about all sorts of things.



I still have a long day ahead of me tomorrow.

Kitty, I am very happy for you and I'm quite relieved after hearing all the good news. You deserve all the best. You're my best(est) friend,my soulmate and my gaurdian angel. I am very blessed to have you stand by my side all these years.

A shout out to Pink Sushi thank you so much for the Flickr pro account! *squeezing you so tight!*

[11] diamonds (164 opened the sack)  [+] Jewel Link

It’s been a crazy weekend and a crazier start for my week. I’ve had so much to get done in so little time and that’s the reason I haven’t updated in awhile.
Wednesday was a day off and I spent it with friends running some errands.

I spent the whole day on Thursday preparing for a wedding and I wasn’t ready for it at all. I thought the wedding was on the following Thursday so I booked everything for the week after. I didn’t even have the dress! Now that’s a depressing thought. I tried rebooking but in vain. It was too late. I had a weak moment; I decided not to go to the wedding anymore but then Perla’s face flashed in front of me. That was enough for me to change my mind. I decided "I am going even if I had to wear my pj’s. Had my nails done at nails. i thought they did a great job. Thank you Florence and Cathy!




I later headed to do my makeup and hair. That was a total disaster. I looked like a koala bear after the makeup! I went home and redid it myself. Everything turned out well. Thank God! Thank you Kitten too! =)
Perla, the wedding was amazing. You looked stunning! It’s a shame I missed the rest of the beautiful evening though. I heard it was grrrrrrrrrrrrreat! Insha’Allah they will live happily ever after.

On Friday, it was a gathering of my cousins and nieces and the rest of the family which was nice. I went out with the girls for a movie and dinner. We watched Hide and Seek (and didn’t really like it- very predictable!) and spent the rest of the evening singing with Toni Braxton on karaoke.

Saturday, was the start of a very busy week at work, which reminds me, I need to start clearing out the clutter in my office. I’ve got piles of paper that I need to shred! Uh! I really wouldn’t mind the help but I can’t stand it when people touch my stuff. I know where to find a document under all these piles. I’ll find it as long as no one moves anything!

Today’s is my best friend’s birthday- Daloo3ah. Happy birthday sweetheart and many happy returns of the day. I don’t believe you’re 24 at last!







What are my wishes for you?
To graduate
To get married and live a very happy life with someone you really love
To continue your higher education along my side
To have your own business soon
To be happy, cuz you make everyone around you very happy

Kisses and Hugs,
uaeyah

P.S that's what kept me busy. Forgive me for not updating for so long =) I know you understand *wink wink*

[8] diamonds (130 opened the sack)  [+] Jewel Link

Just came out of one of the most beautiful movies I’ve ever watched. Coach Carter is not like any other movie, it is filled with inspiration and wisdom. Continuous lessons that you learn through every frame of the production.
It’s a story about a man who with his love and leadership, changed the lives of many young men who had never been given a chance to prove success. They were doomed for failure by everyone around them. It was coach Carter who made a difference. He believed that the players had more to offer than just play ball. The coach uses unconventional methods to shape up his players to be winners on and off the court as well. These methods were faced by rejection from the player's families and the community, but yet it didn't stop the coach from continuing them.
The story isn’t about basketball, but about life itself. Its about applying it to our lives.
Not everything is about success, but about trying your best to reach as close as you can to your dreams. To be hungry for more and to be more of a high achiever.

There was this line in the movie that I truly loved. It said:
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness which frightens us. Your playing small doesn't serve the world there is nothing enlightening about shrinking so other people dont feel insecure around you. We were all meant to shine as children do it's not just in some of us its in everyone. And as we let our own light shine we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear. Our presence automatically liberates others."

I believe the script, the direction, the cast, and the whole production was great and because it was based on the true life story of Coach Ken Carter, it makes it extra special. Two thumbs up.

I love inspirational films. Especially when you are put in a position in life where you think that all doors are shut in your face. It gives you hope. A chance to believe in yourself again. You can excel in anything if you set your mind to it and work hard.

I suggest that you watch the movie if you haven't yet. I was so indulged as usual and was cheering at the basketball games. I know you'll enjoy it. Some might think it's a bit cheesy, but it's not. Trust me.

[8] diamonds (128 opened the sack)  [+] Jewel Link

"We ask the Creator to bestow upon us His blessings in honor of one of the greatest Beings that have walked this planet. The Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him) and help us clear all fears and uncertainty from our hearts to help us connect to the unconditional love sphere of All that is. To replace judgment with compassion, anger with wisdom, scarcity with abundance, illness with health, sadness with joy and fear with absolute love. May we all be enlightened."
I woke up this morning and read this beautiful message from a friend of mine. Shahrazad, thank you for your continuous enlightment.

I received another sms from Ahlam and I was in total shock. Being the person that I am, I usually check the integrity of the information that i receive. A petition is being raised against rasicm for minorities especially Islam in PalTalk. Since I never used the application before, I asked a friend of mine to log in and she joined one of the rooms with other paltalkers who happen to be very ignorent and talked viciously about the prophet. Please sign the End the Hate petition against the ignorant users in PalTalk.

To read more about it please visit MaxForums

I can't take long. I am having yet another interesting dialogue with someone right now. I just logged in for a quick update. Have a great day tomorrow. o kil 7ool o into salmeen.

Kitty You always make me feel 6 feet taller. I am very proud of you.
Yazooy I hope you feel better soon. Insha'Allah you'll be back safe and sound.

On a final note: UAE Dragon has redesigned his blog. Have a look and sign his guestbook =)

[2] diamonds (100 opened the sack)  [+] Jewel Link

Thank you everyone for your beautiful thoughts and support. I feel blessed having you all in my life whether its online or offline. I am surrounded by angels. You guys made me see how life is still good no matter how it takes detours that we don’t expect, we can always find a way to guide us back to the main road. Regarding my post on Trust and Deception, well I’ve taken sometime out and I still thinking of ways on dealing with the situation I'm in. I’ve got a plan in place but I am going to delay the execution for a bit. I don’t want to react right away. I think its best to take things slower and to get another person involved. A person who I believe might have a tremendous influence on both of us.

On a happier note, I am back to work and I’m overloaded with stuff to do and get done. It’s been crazy. On my week’s to do list the first point was to surprise Kitten with a visit. I had this post it note prepared just in case she wasn’t there. It read “uaeyah was here :) XOXO”- so went to her office and she looked desperately in need of company. I said “guess who!” and she gave me all these weird looks :S and I just stuck the post it note on her laptop and you could hear our screams all over the floor. LOL – we took it from there and started chatting about different things. I seriously needed a change of scenery after such a long day.
Kitten it was grrrrrrrrrrrreat seeing you. I should do it more often. You’re company is such a delight.

Anyways, something that came to mind today. I got this visit from a student studying in a college in the UK, preparing for his masters on Knowledge Management and he walked into my office with his chest puffed up and with such a confident note- he introduced himself and said “I heard so much about you and I am very impressed. I couldn’t wait till you got back cuz I’ve got a million things to talk to you about. I think you can help me on my research” – of course I got all excited and we started talking about different issues regarding Knowledge Management and Management Information Systems. Much to my disappointment, I felt that student was clueless. He started criticizing the way work in the company and elaborated how we are so behind when it came to technology. I was in shock but I really wanted to understand where he was going with all this and where it all came from. I knew he had no idea whatsoever on the systems we have in place for KM and MIS. He just assumed they didn’t exist cuz we’re in the UAE and there is no way that we can compare to the systems that he has been exposed to in the UK.
Anyhow, I became defensive and started showing him everything that we had in place and how we too keep our systems as per the best practices of international standards. I kept going on and on till we got to a point where he had nothing to criticize.

Why do we always undermine the Emirati capabilities and skills?

I am not saying that we have better systems than the ones in the UK but I am saying we are equally good. I asked the student to understand what we’ve got to offer instead of him passing a judgment based on us being a governmental institute.
He said that he thought there is still room for improvement. I totally agree. There is always room for improvement as long as you know how to convey the message properly. I told him that he should work on finding ways to communicate by giving constructive feedback instead of bombarding me with criticism. I am going to be spending the next few days with him and I will keep you updated.
I just hope I don't end up beating him up! =)

[6] diamonds (125 opened the sack)  [+] Jewel Link

I hold trust in a very special place. A place that is very fragile that just the thought of deception might cause it damage. I’m friendly to everyone around but it takes me awhile trusting anyone and when I do, I just give them my all. Today, I felt like that someone I trusted has broken the circle of trust. I can’t even elaborate on how much that hurts. I am into giving people second, third and fourth chances but with this person it isn’t working. I am trying real hard and I don’t think I can do it anymore.
I kept a blind eye on things the person did, just to avoid arguments but deep inside everything is just shattered like broken glass. I am living a lie.
I base trusting anyone on respect. Respect means that I won’t lie and I won’t cheat. I respect you enough to treat you like an adult and have open conversations about anything and everything.
Cheating and lying means you don’t respect the person you’re with. If you got a problem with anyone then just have the audacity to talk about it. If you’re not happy with someone just tell them and work your differences out and if you want to bail out then just do it instead of wasting your time and theirs. It will hurt but its better sooner than later.
It took time to earn that trust so don’t waste it with a lie!
I am very disappointed.
I spoke with Bliss about this problem I’m currently facing. I am feeling a lil better. I shouldn’t be blaming myself for other people’s mistakes. I am not sure on how to deal with it yet. I am emotionally drained.
Bliss thank you for listening. You’re always the shoulder I cry on. *hugs*

Let me just wrap up this topic with this image that Gemini created.

I know. It's quite strong. I am not the type to revenge though, I just thought the poem was very powerful to express the pain within. I am not angry yet, I am just very sad.

I’ve got Fat Albert playing on my DVD right now, I think it’s a sweet. Its making me smile.

[14] diamonds (151 opened the sack)  [+] Jewel Link

Oh my.. this was such a long day! well a long day although I woke up so late in the afternoon and started off my day with a kick of caffeine.
Spent almost the whole day studying for my exams in June. I am preparing for the CFA level 1 examination. The countdown has already started and I’ve only got 51 days to go! And I still have a lot to cover. There are 6 of us in the study group and we’re all facing the same type of pressure and we’re totally anxious about taking the test.
I am never worried- but now I am. Probably because I am more of a technical person than I am a financial one. I never felt so comfortable with financial terms. I am trying to change that though.
Did you ever feel really sleepy whilst studying? I mean I felt that when I was younger and now with every flip of a page, my eye lids feel heavier that I’m struggling to keep them open. It’s like my lashes are being pulled by weights.

The more I study, the more my right hand becomes numb! (yeah you think I am making up excuses to not study) but its true. It becomes numb that it really hurts. So my father-in-law got me this cute red ball to stimulate circulation of blood in the hand. The thing is- it hurts more when I use it! Anyways I just keep it handy and whenever he’s around I get hold of it and use it.. =) he’s such a sweetheart.
Speaking of sweethearts, Peachy thank you a bundle for the msg this morning. I mean- you are a life saver! Its good to know that I can depend on you to keep me safe and sound. Did I just make it sound like you were my bodyguard? I didn’t mean it that way.. all I’m saying that it’s a blessing having a friend like you. *hugs*
I had Greek Salad for dinner and I didn’t enjoy it a bit. I am becoming more picky about food now. I can’t have chicken, nor can I handle meat. I am literally living on salads, rice, dairy, and cerelac!
Right this second, my brain is overloaded with CFA
Thank you guys for the continuous support. It means a lot.

[7] diamonds (136 opened the sack)  [+] Jewel Link

One of my favourite events every year is the Book Fair at the Cultural Foundation. I usually spend at least four days in there shopping for my book supply for the whole year. This year though, I only spend two days but tried my best to get the books that I wanted. Arabic titles are hard to get hold of (was lucky to get about 50 books this year). There are only two book fairs that I would make an effort to go to, the one in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. The Sharjah event is BIGGER! But I don’t always get someone to drive me there plus its in December- and for some reason in that particular month it’s a challenge to persuade someone to drive for 2 long hours.
Yes I am a bookworm! It all started when I was a child, of six years. The first book I read was Thousand and One Nights (the simplified version) and I was hypnotized- it became my favourite pastime hobby. I always loved reading, although there were times where I enjoyed other hobbies, but I always ran back to my books.
My mom always enjoyed reading and being the only girl between all these brothers I used to spend my time with her. That’s how I inherited reading. I started off with novels and biographies and topped the cake with history books that I found fascinating. Right now, I chew on every kind of book- not just novels. In the past several years I started adding business books and programming books into my list. Amazon is a great place to shop for English books.
It’s becoming harder trying to find time to read but I try to squeeze as much time as I can afford. The thing is- the more you read, the easier it becomes. You become faster, and with time you can tell what is a good book and what is a total waste of time. I love books that are beautifully written, books that keep you hungry for more.
Book clubs are a great way to keep you motivated on reading. I’ve always enjoyed sitting with friends discussing books and characters.
A good book club in Abu Dhabi is Shahrazad’s Book Club down at the Abu Dhabi Ladies Club. It’s every Tuesday from 5 to 8 pm.
That’s the update from me for now. I am going back to my books. I still have a question though: what’s your favourite book?

[10] diamonds (130 opened the sack)  [+] Jewel Link

As you may have noticed, I’ve been away for awhile with dns problems. I was working on updating the site on the 3rd of April when all of the sudden I couldn’t connect to my site anymore. Called up my host on their 24/7 number and it was diverted to an answering machine!! How annoying. I got in touch with them at last (days later) and was told that my site was attacked! I mean seriously.. why?? Why would anyone do that! The real depressing part is my backup was like a week old. I am always very particular about my backups but when bad luck strikes, it strikes hard!
I’ve been struggling with my host to get the site up and running but in vein. It’s very frustrating and depressing at the same time. I learnt a couple of anger and frustration management lesson during the event.

I received this email from the host- and it made me fly with joy:

Hello uaeyah,

As you probably know, we have been experiencing tremendous problems with the server. From the kernel panics, the OS reload, the memory failure, etc. it seems as if this server's problems are insurmountable. For that reason we decided to transfer your account from to a more stable server.
The server moves began last night and are still going on throughout the morning. It appears that your website has already been transferred. Your site is currently up and running off of the new server. You will not need to update any DNS name server information. Should you have any further questions or inquiries please do not hesitate to reply.

Sincerely,
Rebecca

Nothing works better than a chilled mint and lemon drink when you're really angry to cool you down. Its magical...
So here you are! I just feel like partying right now. I still need to fix some php code in the journal templates. If you’ve got comments please let me know of them.

[4] diamonds (121 opened the sack)  [+] Jewel Link

We had planes swooping over our heads all afternoon.. that was enough for my bro White Fish to pack the camera equipment and head to Abu Dhabi Corniche. I didn't join him cuz I was having this really interesting discussion with my parents and didn't want to miss that for the world. Got a call from White Fish half an hour after he left saying that the place is packed and he's still stuck in traffic. He had to park the car 2 kilos away and walked all the way to the show arena.
The gravity defying aerobatic show was amazing! He came back 4 hours later with loads of pics- i am just displaying some of them. (pssst.. Fish.. i think you're pictures are grrrreat!)

[3] diamonds (139 opened the sack)  [+] Jewel Link