A Little Fun

I found these on Askandarani's blog. Try them out :)

Your Love is Based on Affection

Your need for love is very primal and basic. You can't imagine living without love. And for you, love is something that's best expressed through touch. You're always up for a hug or a cuddle. And you feel a bit rejected when you don't get enough affection. Whether you're sharing a blanket or sharing an order of fries, you thrive when you're close to the person you love. Why your love can last: You express your love freely and frequently Why your love can fail: You can come off as clingy, and this freaks people out

What Is Your Love Based On?

Your Love Style is Storge

For you, love and friendship are almost the same thing And your love tends to be the enduring, long lasting kind (You've been known to still have connections with exes) But sometimes your love is not the most passionate Leap before you look, and you'll find that fire you crave

What's Your Love Style?

Harassment Again

It has been almost a year on the incident when I was sexually harassed in the safe streets of Cairo. I was out with my cousin when out of no where appeared an old guy, old because I think he is around 50, wearing a suit and looks decent and started showering our ears with dirty sexual comments. And because we was taught that whenever someone starts talking like that in the street the best way is to walk faster and leave him behind, so we did. But the old, seemed to be decent man started running after us. My cousin actually started turning yellow and I was the older supposedly wiser and I made a decision to face the harasser. I suddenly stopped and turned to face him. I had many scenarios that all flashed in my mind in a fraction of a second. Scenarios that ranged from that he will run the moment I turn, or that I will actually has to physically engage in a fight. I started remembering all the defense moves my brother taught me and all the sexual harassers’ psychology HH has been teaching me, all in a fraction of second.

And I faced him. Every time I remember that moment I get a cold shiver. The guy’s pants were unzipped (imagine the view!)and he was talking dirty. It was scary and I was alone because I left my cousin behind and she was in shock. The crowded streets of Cairo all of a sudden seemed empty and the only sign of help was a speeding car that stopped a 100 meters from where we were. And I started yelling at him. He didn’t move at 1st but when I took a step towards him yelling he started running from me so I started running after him yelling and cursing till he disappeared.
My cousin suggested that we should not tell our parents about that incident because they might get worried. I agreed because it wasn’t the 1st time for me to get harassed in the safe streets of Cairo yet it was the 1st time to be that scary. Usually sexual harassment in the streets of Cairo will take the form of dirty talks. A typical scenario will be a woman minding her own business in the street and a man suddenly getting close to her whispering something dirty, really dirty. But recently things started taking different forms.

I remember that I came back to blog about that incident and the only thing that I had in mind was, what if I was alone. The fact that my cousin was in the background gave me an advantage. Though she was yellow and barely breathing yet for the harasser she was another set of hands and legs that could at any time start kicking his ass. Or even noisy vocal cords that could start screaming at anytime. She was an advantage. She wasn’t covering my back but I wasn’t alone. But what were my chances winning in that situation if I was really alone? What if the speeding car I thought help wasn’t really help and the guy in the car didn’t really notice that I was in trouble or better noticed and was just watching out of curiosity. What if the harasser used his physical strength? What if he wasn’t one? Would I have had the chance to get back home safe?

I got over that incident and almost forgot it till yesterday when I found her blogging about a similar incident. She was harassed by a group of teenagers. And she called the police. A police officer came to the rescue and one of the guys harassed her was caught. She filed a report and things seemed like justice will finally prevail.
Now, people are pressuring her to withdraw her charges against the boy. They are twisting facts to put her in the frame of a criminal and making a victim out of him just because he is 19. They are using twisted words like you are taking his right for a future. I read comments on her blog asking her to not make a criminal out of the boy. There are actually people who are asking her to give that guy a chance to go harass more women. They are asking her to give a card blanche to such males to think of women as sex toys.

There are even people talking about that she deserved it because she isn’t veiled.
I am veiled. I don’t wear make up. I don’t wear high heals. I walk like a soldier. I wear a frown to the street and I still got harassed. I didn’t report it because I was never taught to report it. I am someone who is familiar with law. So, I know that there is a law to put these harassers in jail and yet I never reported it because I was always scared that people will accuse me of being the bad one. I was always scared because I know that in such incidents it is my word against his. And reporting such incidents means a scandal. So, I’d rather keep to myself and pretend nothing ever happened.

I keep it to myself because everyone believes I am a sex toy. And I will be accused of arousing the dead manhood of any given male just because I happen to be a female. So, in any harassing situation it will always be my fault.

It is always my fault because I was born Egyptian, in a community with a serious identity problem. It is my fault because I am a woman and a genius spread the word the women are just sex toys!

I don’t know what I would have done if I were her. It is a really hard choice. It would have been easier if there was a law to ensure the criminal will go to trial whether the victim continued with her charges or not. It would have been easier if the law didn’t make it personal between the harasser and the victim. It would have been easier if the guy’s family didn’t play the future card. It would have been easier if they didn’t try to play on the mother inside her. It would have been easier if the smart asses claiming that the veil is the answer for all problems would have kept their opinions to themselves. It would have been easier if we lived in a community where women aren’t viewed prostitutes by default. (Though even a prostitute has the right to walk safe in the streets)

It would have been easier to decide if she wasn’t deciding for every female.

What would you have done if you were in her shoes?
I pray for her to have the courage to decide. I pray for her to have the peace of mind amidst the pressures around her. I pray for her to get through this tough time. I pray for justice to prevail.

Because without justice savages will possess the world!

P.S.

You can find her post here http://amyasser.blogspot.com/2009/02/blog-post.html

Quote of the Day

It is not enough to have a good mind; the main thing is to use it well. Rene Descartes

I wish I were a fish!

I had many moments when I wondered why I was created human. I had many moments starring at cats wondering how my life would be if I was one. Being a cat would have been a great thing. I would have been fury, cuddly, cute and playful. I would have enjoyed that utter peace of mind. A cat literally has nothing to worry about compared to humans. Given I was born a cat and was destined to the worst a cat can be and live in the streets of Cairo that would have been far better than being human. A cat in the streets of Cairo will fear boys, cars and dogs which are the things I fear too. My brother pointed out that it will be an awful life because I will have to eat off trash cans, but hello! Trash cans sounds like a feast for a cat. I could have lived with this. And who knows maybe I was to be a fortunate cat who is a spoiled pet in a comfy house. Could anyone tell me, what “fluffy” has to worry about?

Humans are arrogant species. We, humans, believe that the whole world is ours. Those who believe in God think God created this whole world for us. Those who don’t, believe that a serious of very clever fortunate events has put humans on top of the chain of life.
And out of this belief and this arrogance most of us question their existence. We think of things like who am I to the world or what did I contribute to the world and we think of big things like change and how we can push it down the throats of everyone to save humanity.

But do you think a Giraffe has such thoughts? Do you think an elephant wakes up in the morning saying it is a good day to save lives? Do you think a gorilla wonder about the value of her job or even a parrot thinks why he is alive?

I really envy them for knowing that they are too small to wonder. I envy them for living in that clear world. In the world of birds, animals and plants none of them do something out of ability. They don’t kill because they can; those who kill do it to live. Those who got killed know when to give in to destiny and those who are left behind know how to go on.
In our side of the world we do things because we can, not because we need. Even our needs are mostly irrelevant to our capabilities and it is actually called ambition and it is praised.

I just can’t help but wonder how in our side of the world we fight to prevail not to co-exist.
I can’t help but dreaming how life would be if I was just a tiny colorful fish calling a beautiful coral reef home and wise enough to know that the beauty surrounding her wasn’t created for her own pleasure. It would have been wonderful to not to think too much. It would have been a blessing to be tiny and never mind.

I really wish I was that fish

Farce!!

I couldn’t help but sharing what I thought is a very funny joke.
These are the qualifications needed for a candidate to fill a secretary position

Job Description:

1. Attends meetings with the company president, including night meetings (Sometimes) & Sometimes will be outside Cairo. Takes and transcribes notes, prepares draft of notes on word, Types letters, memoranda, reports, etc., from dictated, handwritten, or other sources.

2. Organizes and maintains files and records, answers telephone related to the company president, Operates word processing equipment.

3. Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

4. Will be responsible about his daily schedule and reminding him everyday.

5. Managing all the office work related to Company President.

6. Working hours from 10:00 – 6:00 & Thursday from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm & (2) days OFF (Friday & Saturday) BUT sometimes working hours will be flexible depending on the work and depending on the schedule of the President.

7. The design of the Forms & Reports that she will be using.

8. Arranging his Desk.

9. Attending with him different Parties and Receptions related to work.

Qualifications:

1. Recognized office administration qualifications.

2. Good English.

3. Excellent Computer & Internet Skills.

4. Very well organized person.

5. Looking for Non-Routine & Non – Boring Job.

6. Very Caring about her Boss.

7. Very Very Outgoing Personality.

8. Have Experience in organizing and managing office of her boss.

9. Very Smart.

10. Can work under stress.

11. Can work for long hours.

12. Loves Traveling.

13. Loves Fashion & Very Selective in the style of her cloth.

14. Very High Self Confidence.

15. Very Loyal to her Boss.

16. Very Active & Very Dynamic.

17. Excellent Communication & Interpersonal Skills.

Am I just being paranoid or this ad is about having a girl friend not a secretary. C’mon, parties, loves fashion, caring, confident and loyal!
Can this be only business?!

Alexandria … Again

I don’t know if I have become too lazy or time has become so tight. I feel that my days are shorter, my nights aren’t enough and I am always running late for something. I don’t even have time to communicate with the world. I miss my friends and family because I can’t manage to spare a couple of hours to chat, email or talk.

But some how I managed to spare a day. Actually I didn’t spare it; I just did what I am best at doing. I pressed the pause button of my life and put everything on hold to go pay an old friend a visit in my new favorite city, Alexandria.

It was completely worth it. Catching up with an old friend worth more than pausing a day. A good company on the road is everything a one can ask for. The few minutes we took figuring our way in a strange city was worth it. And the few minutes I stood facing the calm sea, and maintain a conversation that I can’t remember any of it was worth it.

The view was majestic. The wide open sea and the cold winter breeze, sometimes I really hope my eyes are a camera so that I can let people enjoy things the way I see them. and as I was enjoying the combination of company and place I spotted a small fishing boat in that large sea and I couldn’t fight the temptation to remark that I would really love to be in that boat.

My friend commented that sea in such a small boat will be scary. And the coward me replied that sea is scary regardless how big the boat is. Then the conversation found its way to other things but my mind didn’t. It just stopped there in that boat in the middle of that sea.

The thought didn’t seem scary, probably because it was hypothetical. But this hypothesis opened a small window for me to wonder. What if I was to get into such a boat, who I would take with me? To my surprise I couldn’t really think of someone. I was puzzled whom to choose. I can’t swim; at least I don’t think I can do in open sea. So will it be wise to take someone who can? What if in the time of need this someone decided not to save me? Will it be wiser to take someone reliable, who won’t at least leave me die alone? Should I take someone who knows the sea? Is an experienced company is the safest company?

Some how that boat managed to carry my thoughts to a sea that’s bigger than the Mediterranean. What if my feelings about that boat are just a mere reflection to my feelings towards life? That boat is me and my life and the big sea is the big world around me. I know I want to get into that boat but something inside is telling me that I don’t want to be alone. Not because I am not brave enough to face the sea but I believe it will always be wise to face the unknown in company. But yet again, who said I was ever wise?

My Personal DNA

My personalDNA Report


You are a Dreamer

Your combination of abstract thinking, appreciation of beauty, and cautiousness makes you a DREAMER.

You often imagine how things could be better, and you have very specific visions of this different future.

Beauty and style are important to you, and you have a discerning eye when it comes to how things look.

Although you often think more broadly, you prefer comfort to adventure, choosing to stay within the boundaries of your current situation.

Your preferences for artistic works are very refined, although you vastly prefer some types and styles to others.

Though your dreams are quite vivid, you are cautious in following up on them.

You are aware of both your positive and negative qualities, so that your ego doesn't get in your way.

A sense of vulnerability sometimes holds you back, stifling your creative tendencies.

You're not afraid to let your emotions guide you, and you're generally considerate of others' feelings as well.

You prefer to have time to plan for things, feeling better with a schedule than with keeping plans up in the air until the last minute.

You do your own thing when it comes to clothing, guided more by practical concerns than by other people's notions of style.
If you want to be different:


Your imagination is a wonderful asset, but don't just dream—be bold enough to take action and explore new things!

Consider a wider range of details and possibilities when thinking about the present and the future—don't be too set in your ways.

You are Generous

Your awareness of those around you, along with your nuanced perceptions of the world at large, makes you the GENEROUS person that you are.

You value time to yourself and understand how rich your private world can be—you know that you don't have to go wild to have a good time.


You are excited and energized by ideas and often enjoy things more through observation than through experience.

This tendency gives you an appreciation for different perspectives and opinions about the world.


Being as aware of others as you are doesn't mean you find it easy to trust them immediately—this is something that happens more slowly for you.


Despite this, you are aware of the complexities of many situations and are reluctant to pass judgments on others.

Although you have fewer friendships than some people, those that you have are meaningful and are important to you.

You value spending time alone—it is while reflecting on the world around you that you often learn something new about yourself or begin to understand something that's been bothering you.

If you want to be different:

Given how attuned you are to others' thoughts and feelings, you might find that trusting people more is a way to broaden your perspective even further.


While you know how much can be learned from observing the world around you, remember that much of life can be lived by experiencing it, not just by understanding it.

01-01-2009

It is a new year. I am still that very same person who won’t propose a toast for ends and new beginnings. I am a person who worships continuity and despise sudden changes. A new year isn’t really a sudden change. It is a change that most of us wish upon.

But this post isn’t about change. And apparently it isn’t about New Year. But it is sure about a toast. Today is Brad’s wedding. I am a person who would happily adapt the toast custom in Egyptian weddings. Yet again, I am not the type of person who would propose a toast to the lovely bride, or to a happily ever after life. I can’t propose a toast to love, not because I am not a believer but because it isn’t always enough.

If I am to propose a toast it will be to the journey, the road, and the company. May this New Year be the beginning of a wonderful journey, the first step on an endless road and the start for a scared companionship that’s cherished by both of you!

Happy New Year :)

Just out of Habit

It isn’t that I don’t have anything to write about that has been keeping me from writing. Actually I have plenty of thoughts to share. And it is not really that I can’t hunt the words to form a meaningful sentence because most of the things I posted here didn’t make any sense.
The thing is I am cornered in my old favorite “loser corner”. Simple incidents trigger infinite loops of, I don’t really know if this describes it well, “I am nothing”.

So, now you will get me when I tell you that the fact that I am feeling “I am nothing” is the major factor contributing for my reluctance to share my thought-less thoughts. you will understand that sharing ideas like maintaining lists of little things that might make my life happier or lists of the little silly things I pray God for or the last list of the people I think will cry me if I died, sounds so silly. Yet out of habit I just shared it anyway.

You will understand that I didn’t find it as cheerful to celebrate the second anniversary for the blog. I really wanted to do but I didn’t really know what to celebrate. Should I celebrate that I have been doing the same thing for the last two years without losing interest?! I can’t claim that I didn’t have multiple thoughts about taking a long break like what Fadfadation did or maybe disappear from the whole blogosphere like what Arima did.

I can’t claim that Brad’s words about how superficial my ideas are and how they lack depth really got to me. I can’t deny that his words got to me because I am really writing to be read. I am really writing to communicate certain things I have in mind. Though I have always believed that I have always been writing anyway but as my sweet brother pointed out. You have always been writing but as far as you are posting in a public blog you are no longer doing it for yourself.
So being superficial and boring as Brad pointed out is an enough reason for me to quit. I am a narcissist constantly moaning about her life, who would really like to read this?! I occasionally get outside that shell and start talking about the world. But yet again, I am writing about the world from my narcissist view. These are enough reasons for me to stop, but yet again out of habit here I am moaning about what I think and really not doing anything about it.

And again out of habit, I decided to take one more into my narcissist world and tell you why I believe you should do start your own lists of little things. You can’t even imagine how little the things that are really getting under your skin are. Juts by writing out the little things that if ever changed you will be happier. I discovered that things as little as a missing pair of shoes can really ruin my mood. You can’t imagine the amount of blessings you have until you start writing out the little things you pray for God for and how many times God granted your wish. I discovered that I pray for things as little as finding a taxi and things as big as getting back home safe because that taxi driver was carelessly driving. You won’t know how many people out there really love you unless you start writing the list of people you believe will cry you when you die. I discovered that I have people who will really cry me. I discovered that I am being loved. I discovered that even long after I will go I will still be remembered. And I discovered that this deserves more work. I discovered that I should invest more in certain relations and I discovered which relations that I have really over invested in. and though I stopped planning for new years and I am officially hope-less person yet this year I decided to start wishing for others. I decided to start wishing for those people I think will cry me if I died. I decided to start hoping for them as long as I can’t come up with something to hope for myself.
And just out of habit I have to say this, it is the seasons of wishing. So wish, wish, wish, may all your wishes come true.

Current Thought - Children

I never thought of having children. I am few months away from being thirty and it seems that my biological clock isn’t really working. I still didn’t get the urge of being a mother. And regardless how hard I try the longest time I can spend with a child is two hours.
Recently I have been spending more time around children. Nothing of my choice but it happens that most of the people I know got married and got kids. So their children became part of the package. The time I spend with my friends and their kids makes me appreciate my single status more.
I am not sure if I am a mother material, the same way I am not sure if I am a marriage material. I don’t know what makes a mother material. Motherhood is tricky on many levels. It starts way before getting married. I believe women should plan their motherhood early in their life. First by being healthy, we waste our health on many levels believing that our bodies belong to us. But the truth is, our bodies belong to our unborn children. Next comes choosing the father. Most women forget that factor while choosing a partner. We look for many things, we fall for different people and the least we think of is if they will ever be good fathers.
And when we eventually get married we just get pregnant because this is how things are done. Pregnancy is unplanned decision. There is even a common saying in Egypt, “that child was a mistake”. We are all children of mistakes. Our mothers and fathers never planned the time of having us. They just got us because this is how people get babies. Even after pregnancy the myths control the mother. A woman will probably believe old wives sayings rather than believing her doctor. A mother won’t put a delivery plan. The default option is natural delivery and a c-section only if there were complications. I rarely hear of women who opt for c-section because if it was her decision she would take lots of criticism.
When the baby is born, they would probably react as things occur. No one gets ready ahead. Out of the people I know only a couple invested some time reading about raising children and children psychology. Only few read about what to expect as their children grow. And only these few are the ones who thought of the principles they would raise their children on.
Only these few earned being mothers. The rest are those who give their children different complexes.
I am not sure if I will ever be a mother, I still didn’t plan it anyway. But if I ever to be a mother I think there is one thing that I want to teach my children. I want to teach them that anything isn’t right because everyone is doing it. An action can be wrong though it is widely accepted as right. I want to teach my children to believe in the right things they do even if they are the only ones who are doing it. I want to teach them the story of the little boy called Ibrahim who rejected the Gods his people worshiped and followed his instinct to truth.
I will teach them to stick to what they feel is right even if it was against my own beliefs.

What would you teach your children?