Goin on a short "Vacation"

Just a note to all my faithful readers that this blog will be taking a short vacation for a while. Know that we are safe, and happy and healthy. There's been a situation with students finding a youtube that was totally taken out of context. And I don't want to risk any trouble.
I will be back soon, inshallah.
Love to all
Nadine

Rain-differing perspectives

There's so much water in my homeland, I've been reading about flooding in the F/M area and thinking of everyone so much.
On an ironic note--today it rained and hailed. Classes STOPPED COLD and all students rushed outside. This is probably only the second time I've seen rain in 8 months and certainly the first time it's thundered and lightened with hail. The students were all a twitter, they couldn't concentrate. I have some pictures of people watching the rain, but it would probably mean more to me than you.
I heard from other teachers that all around the school, kids ran out of their classrooms. Some students were even dancing *harum* because of the rain.

I guess it's all how you look at things.


A shot of me by the Gulf--14 pounds lighter (thanks to my personal trainer)
Palm trees-real and artificial-ya gotta love 'em (because it's basically the only kind of tree onc can see)

Remember: Speed Kills

I've told people to stop praying for me because of the "war" and start praying for me because of the driving in Kuwait. It's totally unlike anything I've experienced before. We still don't own a car and doubt that we will while we are here. The driving makes me way too nervous.
This is a black and white photograph taken by Anna of the inside of a crashed car. She said there was blood on the mirror.

We live very near to the place we call the Dead Car Lot where the totalled cars are towed. I can only imagine how fast this car was travelling before it stopped...abruptly.

This sign is on a major highway. It would be funny if it wasn't so sadly true.

Scenes from Kuwait: a day with my camera

This is a local fisherman untangeling his net. He very graciously allowed me to photograph him.

Here are the fishing boats in the Dhow harbor ready for a day's work.

I had to be really sneaky about this one. It was noon on the Holy Day (Friday) and men were entering the Mosque. It is custom to leave one's shoes outside.

The BFFs gave me a great birthday gift. They drove me around Kuwait so I could take pictures of places, people and peculiarities that I've seen while we've been out and about. Maybe they got tired of hearing me say "Oh if I only had my camera". Here's a couple of the best shots. Enjoy

Unbelievable

**that there is flooding in Fargo. Family members are safe, for now. Other family members have been working hard to help out. Who would have dreamed there was that much water in the land o' 10,000--and neighboring states. Thinking of you all.

**that my lil' "hometown"boys BB team is in the MN State Bb finals!! Lots of cheers and excitement for a community that has been through their share of downers this year. GO VIKES.

**that I could "watch" the game via facebook and blog connections. Almost like being there. Wasn't quite the same without the fabulous PRHS Pep band. Cowbell rules.

**that despite all of the above, I can't really be a part of any of it. Tonight my husband and I enjoyed a long walk along the Arabian Gulf (remember, don't call it the Persian Gulf...sorry Allah). We walked through an amusement park, watched people dock their BIG boats after a day of boating, we took pictures (under cover) and enjoyed our favorite snack (meat, bread, cheese, and a little bit of chocolate).

Life goes on--"they" told me this would happen. I didn't believe them. Now I do.

I'm Old Enough now

...to have experienced all of the things mentioned below. I'm glad. And thanks to SL for sharing this wonderful gem.

I Believe...A Birth Certificate shows that we were born,A Death Certificate shows that we died. Pictures show that we lived!

I Believe... That just because two people argue,
It doesn't mean they don't love each other.
And just because they don't argue, It doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe...That we don't have to change friends if We understand that friends change.

I Believe....That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I Believe...That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.

I Believe... That you can do something in an instant
That will give you heartache for life.

I Believe....That it's taking me a long time To become the person I want to be.

I Believe...That you should always leave loved ones with Loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I Believe.... That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe....That we are responsible for what We do, no matter how we feel.

I Believe...That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe...That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when
it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe...That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I Believe....That my best friend and I, can do anything, or nothing and
have the best time.

I Believe....That sometimes the people you expect to kick you When you're
down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe...That sometimes when I'm angry,I have the right to be angry,
But that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe....
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had
And what you've learned from them and less to do with
how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe....That it isn't always enough,to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe...That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I Believe....That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are,
But, we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe...That you shouldn't be so eager to find Out a secret. It could change your life Forever.

I Believe....Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I Believe...That your life can be changed in a matter of Hours by people who don't even know you.


I Believe...That even when you think you have no more to give, when A friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

I Believe...That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I Believe...That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; It's about
learning how to dance in the rain.

Kuwait Textile Art Association (KTAA)

Recently, I went to a meeting of the KTAA to hear a presentation on Persian Carpets. This is one of the treasured keepsakes of living in the Middle East, and some day we will probably buy one. Although purchasing a carpet isn't like going to the carpet store back home. This is a significant, life-lasting investment. These carpets can cost thousands of dollars.

The speaker was a passionate Kuwaiti woman wiht Persian roots. She started collecting carpets at age 8 and learned from her grandmother. One of the most import things I learned is that because I don't speak Farsi (spoken in Iran), I will always get "Taken". Carpet dealers love to make deals-and I guess if you can't speak the lingo, you will pay much more.

It was an interesting evening and I did learn alot. Because the patron of the KTAA, Sheika (as in Princess) Altaf Al Sabah was in attendance (she sat right in front of me) there were hundreds of pictures being taken. I even made it into the Arab Times (newspaper!)--because I was sitting behind her (not because i was there!). There were some beautiful carpets there.

The meeting was held at the Sadu House, which is an old Kuwaiti home now in use as a museum for Kuwait textiles. The weavings and drawings on the walls are also great fun to look at. The red, white and black weavings are traditional bedoin weavings. It was a great way to experience the culture of this country, where there is very little original culture to speak of.

I so wished my sheepherder friend JE would have been with me. I tried to capture the spirit just for you!!

Party Pics-Finale-the FAVORITE

This is my favorite party shot from the Birthday Bash! Pictured is David, the BFFs, KL Violist Extraordinare (seriously), CB the VP and Me. We were totally into Bohemian Rhapsody. The reason why it's my favorite is because it shows the true spirit in which everyone participated. Proves that one is never too old to have a good time (I am the oldest one in the picture, btw!)

Party Pics Part 4

And, of course, a party isn't complete without linedancing AND Y-M-C-A!! David says we were making the c's backwards. Who cares? It was fun!!

Party Pics Part 3

I personally recommend Rockin' Out to Bohemian Rhapsody for your next party..we had WAY too much fun!
Remember, folks, we're in a dry country, this was PURE FUN!!

Party Pics Part 2

We Danced, We Sang, We Laughed, and we watched in Awe as AB performed a belly dance.

Party Pics-Part 1

Doesn't matter who these people are, just know that they were a fun-lovin' bunch!!

Favorite Things Part 7--the PARTY!

Oh my. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would have this much fun celebrating my 50th birthday. We threw me a 50th bash in our little theatre at the school, Which of course meant no booze (duh we're in a dry country anyway so there wasn't any booze to be had!) But we had great Kuwaiti food, cakes (made by newbie friend TF), Karoke (organized by the BFFs), a Sound of Music and Rocky Horror picture show singalong, Polka party dancing, AND a Belly Dancer even performed (another newbie friend AB who is FAB!) All is all, it was a Great ending to a very fun week. I took a page from my longtime friend JJS who always manages to get a least a week of celebrating out of his birthday.

YEA! Life is good, I am happy, I am secure, I am 50. Who could ask for anything more?

Pictures to follow soon.

Favorite Things Part 6

Here's a picture of my "bigBrother" having a beer for me on my birthday. The things Friends do for Friends. Thank you MR

Favorite Things Part 5

My students gave me a birthday party. This was THE best Chocolate cake I've ever tasted (Dark Chocolate...mmmmm) The candle is courtesy of my MBFF Gorgeous in MN. Life IS Good!

Favorite Things Part 4

Favorite Poem ever dedicated to me
(Thanks JC)
from the wunderblog 56572

Blow your nose and dwell on the shortness of life (for Nadine at fifty)

A cold has put me on the fritz, said Eugene O'Neill,
how can I forget certain things?
Now I have thirteen bottles of red wine
where once I had over a thousand.
I know where they went but why should I tell?
Every day I feed the dogs and birds.
The yard is littered with bones and seed husks.
Hearts spend their entire lives in the dark,
but the dogs and birds are fond of me.
I take a shower frequently but still
women are not drawn to me in large numbers.
Perhaps they know I'm happily married
and why exhaust themselves vainly to seduce me?
I loaned hundreds of thousands of dollars
and was paid back only by two Indians.
If I had known history it was never otherwise.
This is the song of the cold when people
are themselves but less so, people
who haven't listened to my unworded advice.
I was once described as "immortal"
but this didn't include my mother who recently died.
And why go to New York after the asteroid
and the floods of polar waters, the crumbling
buildings, when you're the only one there
in 2050? Come back to earth.
Blow your nose and dwell on the shortness of life.
Lift up your dark heart and sing a song about
how time drifts past you like the gentlest, almost
imperceptible breeze.

"Cold Poem" by Jim Harrison from Saving Daylight.

Favorite Things Part 3

Best Administrative Memo EVER
This was received this morning 3-16

MS staff,
In recognition of all the time teachers have spent:

Working on the “Charlie Brown” production
Attending Carnival Day
Organizing academic games
Attending and/or coaching various sporting events
Preparing for our upcoming third quarter reports and conferences


And in honor of Nadine’s birthday, our Tuesday after-school MS Divisional PD time will be cancelled.

Thank you for your commitment to teaching, learning, and working with students.
Tom (on behalf of Denise)

Favorite Things Part 2

My favorite sunset place: Brown cabin on Lake Lida near Pelican Rapids, MN USA

My favorite place in Kuwait: Friday morning Smart People Breakfast at Jean's Grill

Some of My Favorite Things Part 1 of 7

Here in the Middle East, it is customary to bring treats (chocolates) when you are celebrating something like a birthday or something good. Since I can't give you food, I've decided that every day this week, I will share some of my Favorite Things with you. It's the best I can do via electronics.

Today's offering is my favorite poem from
"Letter to a Young Poet" by Rainer Maria Rilke

Have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and to try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language. Don't search for the answers, which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer.

The new "Star" of AIS Theatre

--okay so I'm a proud Mama "Dog". She really was good-as was the rest of the cast. And of course the director was smashing. Oh and the piano player...blah blah blah Isn't bragging one of the seven deadly sins? Then I guess I'm guilty..

Feelin' Old...

Today I am exhausted. I feel my age, which I don't often feel. Maybe it's pre-anxiety about turning 50 tomorrow. Maybe the heat and dust have finally caught up with me. Probably it's because I've been running at full speed for about a month.

Instead of resting, Saturday all day I helped out at the school for Academic Games festival. It's like Knowledge Bowl and a Trivia Pursuit game all in one. It was fun and I learned a lot of useless trivia. Although if you've watched the movie Slubdog Millionaire (Do see it if you haven't) you learned that you never know when you will benefit from knowledge and life experiences. (oh I feel a really deep writing coming in my head but I am too tired to put it together...later)

Today I am giving my students a test on Charlie Brown (I made them attend..how's that for making sure we had an audience?!)The "cultural learning curve" is so far behind here because of lack of cultural opportunities (unless you count spraying foam on each other during the Liberation Day festivities). They all seem to have enjoyed it. Or else they are trying for a good grade (they ARE good at sucking up in this country!)

It's not fair to the students to be tired so I am practicing an old life mantra..."Fake it til you make it". So far, so good.

My BFFFHS will Soon Be My Neice!!

This is a picture of my Best Friend from High School (BFFFHS) and my oldest nephew 'CottieD'. (who recently turned 50 just three weeks before me!) They have known each other since 6th grade. As we all graduated together (HHS Class of '77-yeah!) they have kept tabs on each other through me. Recently, events in their lives allowed them to finally act on that 30 some year "Crush" they've had on each other. They will be getting married in May. Unfortunately I will miss the wedding (I've forgiven them for carrying on without me)BUT WE WILL PARTY THIS SUMMER!

Both of them are very special people who have endured many heartaches and deserve to be happy. Having them join "forces" is sorta scary because they each know me in a different way. One of them is a redneck and the other is allergic to anything but the finest jewelry. (the family knows who is who, right?!...smile) But I love them both and truly wish them ALL HAPPINESS.

As I told them, if my mother were alive, She would be happy and would love to dance at their wedding!! She'd say it was like a "Daughter marrying her Grandson" which leads to all kinds of weird thoughts and comments...

The morale of this story is that one should NEVER DOUBT the power of love.

Gone to the Dogs

As you can see, we are alive and well in Kuwait. This picture was taken Thursday evening right before the performance of You're A Good Man Charlie Brown. Anna played Snoopy (fabulously if I do say so myself). It was David's first Kuwait directorial debut and it was very well received. I played piano and suffice it to say, despite much anxiety, I did manage to play 98% of the notes.

Sorry for the lack o' writing for a while there, it was all I could do to keep up with teaching and rehearsals and keeping the home fires buring while David was in the states.

SO to update:
THANK YOU to all who met with David in MN while he visited. He enjoyed seeing you all and appreciated all the good wishes. I appreciated all the "hugs" he returned to me from you. THANKS for the great birthday gifts, I will be sending a personal thank you later.

The REAL Charlie Brown (in Wadena) seems to be fairing well. He's doing as well as anyone who has lost their companion and best friend can hope to be doing. His eyesight appears to be better at least now he's back to driving. Keep praying for him.

David's flights both ways were, thankfully, uneventful. It takes 24 hours to go back and forth from here to there and so he's currently trying to recover as much as he can.

We had an unexpected blessing as we got both Sunday and Thursday off from teaching duties. In celebration of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) birthday, the original Kuwait Master Calendar (if there is such a thing) had March 8 as the holiday. Well, then his birthday changed (don't ask me why) and so the Holiday was March 12. BUT plans had already been made by some teachers to travel, and so, we got both days off. We just laughed (one has to in this country at things like this) and called it a "GIFT".

The production of "Charlie Brown" went very well. The audiences here are very different in that they TALK during performances. Think of going to a movie with the worst group of teenagers you can think of. Then multiply it. We're working hard on theatre etiquette. We're making headway. Slowly.

Spring is on the move here with temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Yes folks, this is SPRING. Warmer weather is on it's way (so they tell me)

In Honor of Recent Snow Storms in MN

I saw this on a favorite Kuwait blog (thanks desertgirl) and thought it would be fun to share it with all my beloved MN friends who just went through ANOTHER round of bad weather.
Enjoy

How to amuse yourself during a dust storm: our media



Expatriate ‘lost’ at sea as rescuers abandon search in high waves
Arab Times, Local, Sunday March 1, 2009

Al-Shuaiba firefighters acting on information from the Operations Room at the Ministry of Interior undertook a fruitless exercise in bid to rescue an expatriate who was stranded on a leaking boat in the sea. Sources said the fireman gave up the long fruitless search after one of their colleagues fainted due to severe wind and high waves. He was rushed to Adan hospital for medical attention. Meanwhile, the expatriate’s whereabouts remain unknown while his cell phone also remains shut, sources noted.

It's Happening Here too

From today’s Arab Times

Price of residential homes falls as ‘meltdown’ digs in

KUWAIT CITY, March 10, (KUNA): Prices of residential homes in Kuwait have fallen between 30 and 40 percent since February, the Manazel Holding Company chairman said here Tuesday. The drop differs from one area to another, dipping by 60 percent at some areas and 15-20 percent at others, Adnan al-Nesf told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA). The prices have been on the wane since Laws 8 and 9 for 2008 were put in place. Both laws bar companies from selling or buying houses, he said.

The global financial crisis is to blame for the decline in house rates, al-Nesf added. The laws were adopted after the prices had reached record levels, but the situation could have been solved in a way that would not lead to a ban on home activities by mortgage companies, he said. Several rules and controls could be imposed on dealing in homes that directly concern citizens; including allowing landlords to sell their houses only after five years of buying, he suggested.

However, he voiced optimism that the crisis would be resolved soon, especially following a recent court ruling allowing the Kuwait Finance House (KFH) to deal in houses. An improvement in the real estate sector would surely push the economic wheel forward, he argued, pointing out that the property market was waiting for an in-the-offing rescue plan to be put in place soon. Just like other companies, real estate dealers have been negatively affected by the current world financial meltdown, he affirmed. But, he recognized that most property dealers were trying to retrench their expenses, lay off workers or cut workers’ salaries.

Coming Back Up for Air

Yes we are fine. No we haven't been sucked into the desert. We've been involved in the final production week of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown"(the musical-not my father in law-although he IS a good man!)

Pictures will follow. Life will return to normal soon (whatever that is)

Thanks for checking in...

Give the Girl a Break--she's almost 50!

I am the same age as Barbie. Alas I have never been 44-18-44 or whatever her supposed measurements are. But I think someone approaching 50 should be allowed to make a few "changes" in her life. So I'm not too shook about this news (see below) Oh for the record--while I admit to thinking about getting a tattoo, I will not be giving myself that kind of present. Too chicken
Enjoy

Tattooed Barbie Rocks the Web
by Mike Krumboltz


Barbie has changed quite a bit over her 50 years. She's been a princess, a mermaid, and most alarmingly, a NASCAR fan. But she's never gotten inked up...until now. That's right, kids. America's sweetheart now comes with tattoos, and some parents are outraged.

The Buzz is alive with articles on "Totally Stylin' Tattoos Barbie." Some parents remarked that they wouldn't buy a Barbie with tattoos, as it encourages girls to show off their bodies. To be fair, the blond bombshell doesn't come with tattoos already applied. It's up to the kids to attach the stickers where they see fit. The tattoos look to be the standard collection of hearts, stars, and butterflies. Sadly, there are no "Death Before Dishonor" or "Semper Fi" tattoos.

The doll also comes with temporary tats that kids can attach to Barbie's clothing or to themselves with a handy-dandy applicator. Despite the outrage, Barbie-maker Mattel has no plans to discontinue the doll. In fact, tatted-up Barbie is selling well. Searches are also moving at a brisk pace. Over the past day, queries on "tattoo barbie" and "buy tattoo barbie" have taken off.

It's also worth noting that this isn't the first time Barbie has done something controversial. A few years ago, Barbie's best friend Midge was pregnant. After parents complained, Wal-Mart pulled the doll. Stay tuned to see if tattooed Barbie suffers the same cruel fate, or if Mattel keeps it real

"Miss, You're Too Curious"

One of my brighter students told me this the other day when I was walking with him out of the school. What prompted the comment was the fact that there are posters all over the school talking about the wonders of the Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him). It's his birthday. Well, actually I'm not sure exactly when his birthday was (sorta like another famous prophet right?!)

I am constantly amazed and sometimes amused because of the abundance of Islamic posters, etc in our school. And it's not because I'm condemning it, but rather because I am an American and the whole "Seperation of Church and State" is a part of my thought process. Truly I took it for granted until I came here.

So, this student was watching me look at the posters in Arabic and asking him what it said and he told me I was too interested in finding out about other cultures. I was a little taken back and I told him so.
"How else can I learn about your culture if I don't ask questions"
"I know Miss but you should just not ask so much"
"Why not?"
"Because Miss it's (pause) harum" (translation: bad juju)

I didn't explain to the young lad that this is how I was raised. My parents were wonderful people (Peace Be Upon THEM!) but there wasn't a lot of school-learning between them. My mom had scarlet fever as a child and was held back a grade in school. She bore the stigma of that her whole life. She actually had a teacher tell her she would "never amount to anything". My father went to school until 8th grade and then, as was customary in that time, didn't go on to high school but rather worked to support the family. I believe they were proud of my sister and I when we graduated from college, although they didn't understand what went into the process, they always supported the idea of learning.

But perhaps the most important lesson I ever learned came from my father on my 16th birthday. He said to me:
"I'm going to tell you the secret to success. When you want something, say please. When you get it, say thank you and when you don't know something, ask".

Too curious? Never.

Five Day Forecast

Picture of David taken last fall on a lovely Gulf walk

The weather forecaster says the following five days will be
75F, 73F, 75F, 80F, 86F

It's only March, it's gonna get a lot hotter!! Do you feel sorry for me?
ah if only I could serve "Cheese" with my "W(h)ine". Ah if only I could serve wine!

The $8000 Snack

There is a new store in our large mall called Dean and DeLuca. Some of you may have seen their catalogs. It's an upscale food court place where you can buy snacks, deli items and also take home items. They've got interesting products, not my average shopping experience, but a good trip if you're in the mood for something different.

However, one of the most outrageous things I've ever seen is featured in this store. One (certainly not me) can purchase an ounce of Iranian Cavier for (are you ready) the equivalent of $8000 AN OUNCE. This truly blows my mind. Where were these people with all this money when I was looking for a sugar daddy? (just kidding honey!)

Miles and Miles of Sand

I took this picture coming home from our camel trip. What was going through my head was that this could be Minnesota (in the winter) except replace the sand with snow.

One of my favorite scenes in the movie "Fargo" is when they try to bury the suitcase in the snow and they look up and down the fence line and all they see is snow on either side for what appears to be miles and miles.

Since I'm almost 50, I can make a confession... (if any of the "Gang" is reading this, I take full responsibility because I'm sure it was my idea). In high school, we would hide our beer in snowbanks during the winter (if we didn't finish the night's allotment). Then we would foolishly think we could remember which snowbank along with fence we hid the beer. In the spring, when the snow melted, it used to be fun to try and drive around looking for the beer. We were too stupid and young to think that the beer would have become what I now know as "Skunk beer". The things you do in small towns.

Postcard from Kuwait

"Weather is beautiful, Wish you were Here!"
Love, Nadine

Mi Casa - Someone Else's Shack

These are two of the homes I saw while traveling out in the desert last weekend. If I understand correctly, these homes are only visited on weekends by the owners. They were quite large and nice (Although I would never paint a house pink and purple!)
It reminds me of the people who bought my parents farm and placed a $175,000 "hunting shack" on it for 4 weekends a year.

Students here often talk of going to the chalet for the weekend. For about the first month, I truly thought these people flew to Switzerland every weekend (the money is there). Then it was explained to me that's how they refer to their homes along the Gulf. It's like having a cabin I guess only it's right alongside the seashore. Then I find out some also have homes in the desert AND homes in London and Eqypt. Uffda.

It will be interesting to see how Kuwait fares in the next couple years with the world economic situation. David often says it reminds him of the US in the 50s (from what he's read). Stay tuned for details.

Camel Racing

The other day I went out into the desert with the BFFs in search of camels. I was complaining that I've been in Kuwait for seven months and never seen a camel except on a postcard. So off we went to the camel farms. It was a pretty cool sight.

Liberation Day Celebration

It was quite a party down on Gulf Road. The "tradition" is to dress up in National Colors and spray foam on cars and people. It was a fun time. At least no one I knew got hurt iIt turned violent later in the evening when a young man sprayed foam on a woman and the group she was with didn't like it. One death resulted.

My favorite memory was when the carload of women dressed in full covering (Abayas) rolled down their window, sprayed foam at me and yellwed "Welcome to Kuwait". I thought it was pretty cool, until my students told me it was probably men dressed up. Oh well, I enjoyed it anyway.