So, I've found myself in an interesting conundrum. On Monday I have my interview with Northeastern, yay. If that doesn't work out, I have an interview with CIEE when I get back to the States. However, I also just got invited to interview for a position as Human Resources Officer for United Planet.
United Planet is a fantastic organization that I have a great deal of respect for and would love to help in their mission. The problem is, its a full-time unpaid position. It would be excellent experience, and I certainly would feel good about myself, but it just doesn't seem smart to be accepting work without a paycheck at this point in my life. So, I think I might wait til after my interview with Northeastern and then decide what to do about UP, but I would appreciate any suggestions along the way.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Clearance Delay
I have a feeling that the DHL website is going to stop accepting me. For the last three days I have been constantly checking the progress of my shipment. I sent home most of my possessions that I accumulated while in Qatar. Much of the shipment is books, but there is also a box of souvenirs, another of personal items, and some very valuable rugs. This is the first time I have ever shipped personal items overseas, and needless to say, I am quite anxious for them to arrive and be check for any breakage or loss.
Unfortunately, they are currently being held in Customs in New York City. I know that this is supposed to be routine, but it is highly aggravating. Especially since the status has not been updated in 21 hours, and I really want to know what's going on. Roar.
In order to distract myself, I am loading some old, but good, pictures onto Flickr and editing them. With my ridiculously slow internet, its a great time consumer.
I am ridiculously excited about getting home. My interview has been officially set for Monday at 6 pm Arab Standard Time (11 am EST). I am trying very hard not to get too excited about it, but the opportunity is so appealing.
Regardless, when I get home, I hope to take a week or two to unwind and get my feet on the ground. I plan to play tourist in Boston a bit, soak up Nantasket beach with Sophie and the family, and even spend a couple days in Boston eating good food, seeing the Sea Dogs, and visiting Sophie's family. Of course, I would be more than happy to have the pressure of finding an apartment added to that, but one step at a time.
I received 3 job references from CS&A (the placement agency that is trying to help me find a job in independent schools). All three are internships, and I know I should follow up, but I am really hesitant to pursue something that doesn't pay. Its a conundrum.
Guess what?! In the time it has taken me to write this blog entry, there has been absolutely no change in the status of my shipment. Still in clearance delay. Damn.
Unfortunately, they are currently being held in Customs in New York City. I know that this is supposed to be routine, but it is highly aggravating. Especially since the status has not been updated in 21 hours, and I really want to know what's going on. Roar.
In order to distract myself, I am loading some old, but good, pictures onto Flickr and editing them. With my ridiculously slow internet, its a great time consumer.
I am ridiculously excited about getting home. My interview has been officially set for Monday at 6 pm Arab Standard Time (11 am EST). I am trying very hard not to get too excited about it, but the opportunity is so appealing.
Regardless, when I get home, I hope to take a week or two to unwind and get my feet on the ground. I plan to play tourist in Boston a bit, soak up Nantasket beach with Sophie and the family, and even spend a couple days in Boston eating good food, seeing the Sea Dogs, and visiting Sophie's family. Of course, I would be more than happy to have the pressure of finding an apartment added to that, but one step at a time.
I received 3 job references from CS&A (the placement agency that is trying to help me find a job in independent schools). All three are internships, and I know I should follow up, but I am really hesitant to pursue something that doesn't pay. Its a conundrum.
Guess what?! In the time it has taken me to write this blog entry, there has been absolutely no change in the status of my shipment. Still in clearance delay. Damn.
Monday, July 21, 2008
It's Been a LONG Time...
Well, I haven't blogged in ages. I kinda lost interest in it, as expected. But, I'm approaching a move again and need to order my thoughts some, so here's another shot. I am moving back to the US in exactly two weeks, and I'm very excited. Oliver is not pleased with me. He is sitting on the arm of the couch, glaring at me. I think he knows that he's not coming with me, and even though he's going to a wonderful family, he's a bit pissed.
Speaking of pictures, I have been up to that lately. I purchased a professional account on Flickr and have been adding, editing, and showing pictures. I have always loved photography, but this is giving me the chance to show off a bit.
As far as moving back to the States, the specifics are still a bit up in the air. As of right now, I'm moving to Boston and hanging out with my parents and Sophie until I get a job. Fortunately I have a very exciting interview with the International Admissions department at Northeastern University coming up this week. Later, I have an interview with CIEE, but I'm hoping to be in Boston, so we'll see about that.
Please keep your fingers crossed for me as I get ready to move and go through these interviews.
We'll see if I keep writing in this thing. Thanks for reading!
Speaking of pictures, I have been up to that lately. I purchased a professional account on Flickr and have been adding, editing, and showing pictures. I have always loved photography, but this is giving me the chance to show off a bit.
As far as moving back to the States, the specifics are still a bit up in the air. As of right now, I'm moving to Boston and hanging out with my parents and Sophie until I get a job. Fortunately I have a very exciting interview with the International Admissions department at Northeastern University coming up this week. Later, I have an interview with CIEE, but I'm hoping to be in Boston, so we'll see about that.
Please keep your fingers crossed for me as I get ready to move and go through these interviews.
We'll see if I keep writing in this thing. Thanks for reading!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Trip to Turkey
Sunday, March 9, 2008
And I Think to Myself...
The past week I got to spend with Sophie. Incredibly, the eight nights were the longest that we have ever been able to spend together. And it was certainly what I always imagine it to be. Comfortable.
During her stay I showed her around Qatar, including trips to Souq Waqif and the inland sea. I even sucked up my fear of cars and went duning with her. While I'm on that topic, what retard thought it was a good idea to drive 80 miles an hour across fucking sand dunes?! To hell with that. But I did it, again, and she had fun. So, that was worth it.
Anyways, the best part of having her here was simply to be able to live together for a little while. Its incredible how easy it is too feel at home with the right person. I never once had an issue about personal space or crowding. It was simply right to have her there.
So, thank you to Sophie for the wonderful time. And for everyone reading this, please keep your fingers crossed that everything will work out and I will receive a contract extension and her an offer to work in our library for next year.
During her stay I showed her around Qatar, including trips to Souq Waqif and the inland sea. I even sucked up my fear of cars and went duning with her. While I'm on that topic, what retard thought it was a good idea to drive 80 miles an hour across fucking sand dunes?! To hell with that. But I did it, again, and she had fun. So, that was worth it.
Anyways, the best part of having her here was simply to be able to live together for a little while. Its incredible how easy it is too feel at home with the right person. I never once had an issue about personal space or crowding. It was simply right to have her there.
So, thank you to Sophie for the wonderful time. And for everyone reading this, please keep your fingers crossed that everything will work out and I will receive a contract extension and her an offer to work in our library for next year.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Family Trip to Oman
Recently my family visited me here in Doha. It was wonderful to get to see them all again and show them around where I live. I also took them down to Muscat to show them where I studied. Here is the photo album of that trip:
 |
| Oman |
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Witness
I'm not a big fan of celebrating events as 'history in the making.' It just seems to me that we will rarely know at the time what will be considered important against the test of time. The invasion of Afghanistan seemed momentous but was quickly overshadowed by the invasion of Iraq. However, Afghanistan might prove a longer ordeal than Iraq, and the history will be written with all of the events past.
Regardless, I believe that at the moment we are witnessing a moment that will make all of the American history books. There are three people in the race for President right now, no offense to Mike Huckabee, Ron Paul, or Mike Gravel, but they are all playing bit roles now. Those three people? An old white man, a white woman, and a young black man. The one with the best shot at winning it all, in my opinion? The black man.
For the last half decade, I have had little good to say about the politics of my home country. But right now I am honestly proud. Sure, I am a bit sad that it has taken this long to get some diversity in the final round of the highest election. We still have to wait and see which of the three actually becomes the President, but the options have me excited to be an American at last. I believe that we are at last proving a commitment to diversity, to equality, and to opportunity. What makes it even more exciting is that I have seen this manifesting in the way non-Americans see the American system. For the first time since I began working with Arabs, I am beginning to see true excitement and respect for American politics. I hope that we do not let them down.
Regardless, I believe that at the moment we are witnessing a moment that will make all of the American history books. There are three people in the race for President right now, no offense to Mike Huckabee, Ron Paul, or Mike Gravel, but they are all playing bit roles now. Those three people? An old white man, a white woman, and a young black man. The one with the best shot at winning it all, in my opinion? The black man.
For the last half decade, I have had little good to say about the politics of my home country. But right now I am honestly proud. Sure, I am a bit sad that it has taken this long to get some diversity in the final round of the highest election. We still have to wait and see which of the three actually becomes the President, but the options have me excited to be an American at last. I believe that we are at last proving a commitment to diversity, to equality, and to opportunity. What makes it even more exciting is that I have seen this manifesting in the way non-Americans see the American system. For the first time since I began working with Arabs, I am beginning to see true excitement and respect for American politics. I hope that we do not let them down.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Practice Peaceful Ideation
I am quite excited right now. I just finished playing "Peace Maker," an incredible video game that puts you in the position of either Palestinian President or Israeli Prime Minister and then allows you to make decisions that will either led to peace or violence in the region. The game is outstanding in both concept and application and provides an amazing opportunity to test your own notions and ability to handle events. I think that this program presents an incomparable educational opportunity to students from high school up. Please look here for more information.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Bye Bye Dennis
I am sad to note the departure of one of my favorite candidates for President, Dennis Kucinich. You will be sorely missed (until the next time you run). I know that you're not exactly an inspirational speaker or a natural born leader, but damn it, you have some great ideas (Department of Peace) and a hot wife. Ok, there, I said it. I'm also going to miss Elizabeth Kucinich on the campaign trail. Issues aside, I would follow a man like Dennis based solely on his ability to attract Elizabeth. You rock. Now, please take the next 4-8 years learning how to excite people on the campaign path, and you just might get my vote next time.
On a different note, am I the only one that is getting a bit sick of Hillary? Obama is looking better each day...
On a different note, am I the only one that is getting a bit sick of Hillary? Obama is looking better each day...
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Peace
Google the term 'war' and you get over 1,000,000,000 hits.
Google the term 'peace' and you get over 3,500,000.
You get twice as many hits by entering 'war game' versus 'peace game.'
More than four times as many 'war movie' versus 'peace movie.'
Almost three times as many 'war book' vs. 'peace book.'
Get the idea yet? It seems that the idea of war is far more pervasive in our society than peace. Yet ask you friends and loved ones if they'd rather have war or peace, and the answer is overwhelmingly peace. So, why the fascination with war? Why is it so easy to sell a video game about killing, but next to impossible to even conceive one about saving?
The easy answer is that war and violence are easy to capture. They are by nature episodic, action-filled, and encourage those adrenaline surges that sell. It is very difficult to capture the thrill of peace. Peace is a state, war is an event. However, peace is a much more difficult process than war. It is easy to drop into violence, it often seems like the quick an easy answer. But the conditions that must be there to create peace are unending.
Peace is a result of a society that ensures hope for all citizens. It is a state where the economy is growing, the legal system is solid and trusted, and basic personal security is protected. It is also a place where education is available and fosters the understanding that you can always find a peaceful resolution. Where the leaders are committed to peace and know that the damage of war is far greater than a loss of prestige. Education must foster creativity and critical thinking, skills that go on to create flexible leaders. It is laborious and unceasing.
Here is an interesting challenge. How would you film a movie about peace?
Thinking about that question, I imagine a short film. The setting is a prison in Belgium. Surrounded by imposing stone walls and under the shadow of razor wire and pacing guards, a scene unfolds on a small, well-kept lawn. George W. Bush is seated at a small table laid out in the middle of a game of checkers. He scratches his head, pondering his next move as his opponent leans back in his chair stroking his beard. Finally, he moves and it is Osama bin Laden's turn. As the pieces shift back and forth, the two return to their favorite topic of debate, which one God was actually leading. They have had this discussion many times before, and likely will have it many more as each waits for the decision of the International Criminal Court on their charges of crimes against humanity. By now, the world has forgotten the pair, and moved on to other concerns and the never-ending pursuit of peace. But in this tiny prison yard, the debate rages on. Only the silent guards hear the argument that at one point ignited much of the world. As Bush slams his fist on the chessboard in disgust, the guards move in and lead each old man back to his cell, into the shadows of a forgotten prison in a forgotten town in a world that finally decided that enough was enough.
Google the term 'peace' and you get over 3,500,000.
You get twice as many hits by entering 'war game' versus 'peace game.'
More than four times as many 'war movie' versus 'peace movie.'
Almost three times as many 'war book' vs. 'peace book.'
Get the idea yet? It seems that the idea of war is far more pervasive in our society than peace. Yet ask you friends and loved ones if they'd rather have war or peace, and the answer is overwhelmingly peace. So, why the fascination with war? Why is it so easy to sell a video game about killing, but next to impossible to even conceive one about saving?
The easy answer is that war and violence are easy to capture. They are by nature episodic, action-filled, and encourage those adrenaline surges that sell. It is very difficult to capture the thrill of peace. Peace is a state, war is an event. However, peace is a much more difficult process than war. It is easy to drop into violence, it often seems like the quick an easy answer. But the conditions that must be there to create peace are unending.
Peace is a result of a society that ensures hope for all citizens. It is a state where the economy is growing, the legal system is solid and trusted, and basic personal security is protected. It is also a place where education is available and fosters the understanding that you can always find a peaceful resolution. Where the leaders are committed to peace and know that the damage of war is far greater than a loss of prestige. Education must foster creativity and critical thinking, skills that go on to create flexible leaders. It is laborious and unceasing.
Here is an interesting challenge. How would you film a movie about peace?
Thinking about that question, I imagine a short film. The setting is a prison in Belgium. Surrounded by imposing stone walls and under the shadow of razor wire and pacing guards, a scene unfolds on a small, well-kept lawn. George W. Bush is seated at a small table laid out in the middle of a game of checkers. He scratches his head, pondering his next move as his opponent leans back in his chair stroking his beard. Finally, he moves and it is Osama bin Laden's turn. As the pieces shift back and forth, the two return to their favorite topic of debate, which one God was actually leading. They have had this discussion many times before, and likely will have it many more as each waits for the decision of the International Criminal Court on their charges of crimes against humanity. By now, the world has forgotten the pair, and moved on to other concerns and the never-ending pursuit of peace. But in this tiny prison yard, the debate rages on. Only the silent guards hear the argument that at one point ignited much of the world. As Bush slams his fist on the chessboard in disgust, the guards move in and lead each old man back to his cell, into the shadows of a forgotten prison in a forgotten town in a world that finally decided that enough was enough.
Check Your Local Listings
Well, I just might be on TV's around the world today and tomorrow. I am in the audience of the most recent Doha Debate. It's going to be aired on BBC World six times over the next couple days and then will be available here.
However, far more exciting than seeing my ugly mug on the TV is the opportunity to watch the debate itself. If you are unfamiliar with the Doha Debates, it is a two-sided debate show with invited guests who argue big issues and then have to respond to questions from the audience. It is, in my opinion, the most exciting and fascinating example of free speech and discussion in the world. No, not just the Middle East, a bastion of restricted press and speech, but the whole world. Qatar Foundation and BBC do an incredible job of selecting speakers and Tim Sebastian (the host) is a master at forcing a speaker to cut to the chase.
This debate centers around the question of whether or not the Arab governments care about the situation in Darfur. It turned into one of the most animated debates to date, and was quite informative and amusing. But what truly makes it incredible is watching Arab students openly damning their governments for inaction. It is hearing other Arabs questioning the bases of their government. It is an entire room laughing incredulously at a government official who claims that there is nothing going on in Darfur. All without fear of reciprocal action. It is the beginning of societal shift, and it is incredible to watch.
I strongly encourage you to watch the debates, not just this one. Watch the world change.
However, far more exciting than seeing my ugly mug on the TV is the opportunity to watch the debate itself. If you are unfamiliar with the Doha Debates, it is a two-sided debate show with invited guests who argue big issues and then have to respond to questions from the audience. It is, in my opinion, the most exciting and fascinating example of free speech and discussion in the world. No, not just the Middle East, a bastion of restricted press and speech, but the whole world. Qatar Foundation and BBC do an incredible job of selecting speakers and Tim Sebastian (the host) is a master at forcing a speaker to cut to the chase.
This debate centers around the question of whether or not the Arab governments care about the situation in Darfur. It turned into one of the most animated debates to date, and was quite informative and amusing. But what truly makes it incredible is watching Arab students openly damning their governments for inaction. It is hearing other Arabs questioning the bases of their government. It is an entire room laughing incredulously at a government official who claims that there is nothing going on in Darfur. All without fear of reciprocal action. It is the beginning of societal shift, and it is incredible to watch.
I strongly encourage you to watch the debates, not just this one. Watch the world change.
Friday, January 18, 2008
My Kingdom for Some Nyquil!
I have a nasty cold right now and I went to the store to get some Nyquil. Turns out that they'd only give me industrial strength sudafed. So I guess that its easier to make crystal meth in Qatar than get medicine with a bit of alcohol in it. Oy. 
Oliver tried sucking the cold out of my toes, but sadly, it didn't work.
Oliver tried sucking the cold out of my toes, but sadly, it didn't work.
Tripping
Well, I guess that its about time that I blogged in 2008. I've been busy this year so far, but that's no excuse for not writing. So if you're one of those elite few that actually keep up with my blog, thanks for waiting!
This year started off with quite a bang. My coworker and I took a group of 15 students to Pittsburgh for just over a week. Part of the week was focused on 'arts and entertainment' and we did our best to show them a wide variety of what was available along those lines in Pittsburgh. We went to some incredible museums like the Carnegie Museum of Art and Natural History and the Bodies Exhibit, as well as shows like Second City and the Broadway version of the Lion King. Then, for the last part of the week, the students broke up and participated in a variety of activities on the main CMU campus. During this period I was blessed with a visit from Sophie, which was absolutely wonderful.
The whole experience was very interesting. Darbi and I were both very concerned with the safety and well-being of the students. I think that at times this concern might have made us a bit too careful, bordering on restrictive. But, in the end, I think that safety is paramount, especially when it is a school-sanctioned trip. It has been interesting to me to read the responses of the students to our chaperoning. It seems that many of the students would have liked us to be more of friends than chaperones, but we couldn't have done that. It raises the question again about us being only slightly older than the students we are supposed to be mentoring.
Seeing Sophie was wonderful, though. I still can't believe how patient she is with me and how easy it is just to slip right back in beside her. There really is no awkwardness or uncertainty. I have never had anyone in my life that I'm so completely comfortable around. What a blessing she is.
Oliver wanted to come to Pittsburgh too.
This year started off with quite a bang. My coworker and I took a group of 15 students to Pittsburgh for just over a week. Part of the week was focused on 'arts and entertainment' and we did our best to show them a wide variety of what was available along those lines in Pittsburgh. We went to some incredible museums like the Carnegie Museum of Art and Natural History and the Bodies Exhibit, as well as shows like Second City and the Broadway version of the Lion King. Then, for the last part of the week, the students broke up and participated in a variety of activities on the main CMU campus. During this period I was blessed with a visit from Sophie, which was absolutely wonderful.
The whole experience was very interesting. Darbi and I were both very concerned with the safety and well-being of the students. I think that at times this concern might have made us a bit too careful, bordering on restrictive. But, in the end, I think that safety is paramount, especially when it is a school-sanctioned trip. It has been interesting to me to read the responses of the students to our chaperoning. It seems that many of the students would have liked us to be more of friends than chaperones, but we couldn't have done that. It raises the question again about us being only slightly older than the students we are supposed to be mentoring.
Seeing Sophie was wonderful, though. I still can't believe how patient she is with me and how easy it is just to slip right back in beside her. There really is no awkwardness or uncertainty. I have never had anyone in my life that I'm so completely comfortable around. What a blessing she is.
Oliver wanted to come to Pittsburgh too.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Oliver's Battles
This is the kitten that I am taking care of, Oliver. Oliver often gets bored, so in order to amuse himself, he has epic battles with...himself. I've been able to capture a couple of these skirmishes on film, although often the fights are much more intense (and therefore nearly impossible to film). Please enjoy.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
The Sweetest Story I Know
I am an extremely lucky man. I have the absolutely most wonderful woman in my life. Better yet, she loves me as much as I love her. Incredibly, I realized today that I have written little about her in respect to how much I think about her.
The best way I can do so is to tell the story of how we met. I still think that it is one of the best stories I know, so I will share it with you.
Two years ago I left the US to study in Oman. While there I met a wonderful girl named Deanna who became a fast friend to this day. We became quite close over the course of the semester. It turned out that she lived in Chicago, not far from where I grew up and went to Kenyon College, not far from where I went to college. Throughout the trip I pined after and worried about the girl that I had left to come to Oman. From 7500 miles away, I was watching her steady decline into self-destruction. Deanna helped me find myself in the ugly situation and move on. Near the end of the trip, she began to tell me about a friend of hers from college who also lived in Maine.
Intrigued, I pressed her for details, and usually came up with nothing. She was very nice and fun, Deanna claimed. As for where in Maine, somewhere near Portland, maybe. Particularly useful if you understand that most of the people in Maine live somewhere near Portland. Eventually, I gave up digging for info and resolved to see how things took their course. Besides, I wasn't exactly dying to meet a new girl, more interested in finding a friend in Maine.
When I returned home, Deanna sent me the girls name and encouraged me to look her up on Facebook. I thought that it was slightly strange and stalkerish, but I did so. When I could see her profile, I found her address and looked it up on Yahoo Maps. I didn't pay too close attention to the town or details and was expecting to find some sort of hour drive or other impediment. You can only imagine my surprise when I found that her house was 0.4 miles away from mine. Just down the road really. Amazing.
We sent a couple messages to each other and agreed to meet for some ice cream at the store that is almost equidistant between our houses. We were both a bit weirded out by the entire endeavor of meeting someone random from the internet, but we both trusted Deanna. Besides, I had no good friends in Maine and all of her high school friends had left the state. So we each made the short walk to Food Stop. I got there first, and waited somewhat nervously, leaning against the guardrail set up to prevent cars from driving into the ice cream window. Only a couple minutes later, a beautiful girl strolled into the parking lot and I know it was her. We met, we talked, we walked, and we ate ice cream. We did the same thing the next day. And the next. Soon we were spending hours together each day, meeting whenever we had the time and when we didn't, sneaking out to sit together under the stars late at night.
Our first kiss was quick. The ones that followed lasted much longer. I was hooked. However, I was still scared of starting a new relationship after the disaster of my last one. She didn't feel the same, she wanted us to be official if we were going to continue seeing each other. I was terrified, but I could feel something special about her. So, I caved. I asked her to be my girlfriend and promised that it wasn't a summer thing.
It wasn't.
And now, well, as of tomorrow, we have been together for 18 months.
Sure, there have been bumps along the road. But through thick and thin, emotion and ration, we have remained in love. She is the most wonderful thing in my life. It is painful to be so far away from her, but so amazing that she is understanding and patient. I know that someday I will be able to give her that companionship she deserves. She is the best decision I've ever made, and I love her.
The best way I can do so is to tell the story of how we met. I still think that it is one of the best stories I know, so I will share it with you.
Two years ago I left the US to study in Oman. While there I met a wonderful girl named Deanna who became a fast friend to this day. We became quite close over the course of the semester. It turned out that she lived in Chicago, not far from where I grew up and went to Kenyon College, not far from where I went to college. Throughout the trip I pined after and worried about the girl that I had left to come to Oman. From 7500 miles away, I was watching her steady decline into self-destruction. Deanna helped me find myself in the ugly situation and move on. Near the end of the trip, she began to tell me about a friend of hers from college who also lived in Maine.
Intrigued, I pressed her for details, and usually came up with nothing. She was very nice and fun, Deanna claimed. As for where in Maine, somewhere near Portland, maybe. Particularly useful if you understand that most of the people in Maine live somewhere near Portland. Eventually, I gave up digging for info and resolved to see how things took their course. Besides, I wasn't exactly dying to meet a new girl, more interested in finding a friend in Maine.
When I returned home, Deanna sent me the girls name and encouraged me to look her up on Facebook. I thought that it was slightly strange and stalkerish, but I did so. When I could see her profile, I found her address and looked it up on Yahoo Maps. I didn't pay too close attention to the town or details and was expecting to find some sort of hour drive or other impediment. You can only imagine my surprise when I found that her house was 0.4 miles away from mine. Just down the road really. Amazing.
We sent a couple messages to each other and agreed to meet for some ice cream at the store that is almost equidistant between our houses. We were both a bit weirded out by the entire endeavor of meeting someone random from the internet, but we both trusted Deanna. Besides, I had no good friends in Maine and all of her high school friends had left the state. So we each made the short walk to Food Stop. I got there first, and waited somewhat nervously, leaning against the guardrail set up to prevent cars from driving into the ice cream window. Only a couple minutes later, a beautiful girl strolled into the parking lot and I know it was her. We met, we talked, we walked, and we ate ice cream. We did the same thing the next day. And the next. Soon we were spending hours together each day, meeting whenever we had the time and when we didn't, sneaking out to sit together under the stars late at night.
Our first kiss was quick. The ones that followed lasted much longer. I was hooked. However, I was still scared of starting a new relationship after the disaster of my last one. She didn't feel the same, she wanted us to be official if we were going to continue seeing each other. I was terrified, but I could feel something special about her. So, I caved. I asked her to be my girlfriend and promised that it wasn't a summer thing.
It wasn't.
And now, well, as of tomorrow, we have been together for 18 months.
Sure, there have been bumps along the road. But through thick and thin, emotion and ration, we have remained in love. She is the most wonderful thing in my life. It is painful to be so far away from her, but so amazing that she is understanding and patient. I know that someday I will be able to give her that companionship she deserves. She is the best decision I've ever made, and I love her.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
To My Friend, Emily
People are worth the effort.
I learned that lesson over the last couple months. Four months ago I met a girl who quickly convinced me that she was a blithering idiot and a surefire wear on my patience. She spoke too much, too loudly, and seemingly without thinking. She blatantly insulted me and didn't notice. In fact, months ago I wrote a passage in this blog about her and how much she had pissed me off.
Fast forward to yesterday and you find me driving back from the airport with tears streaming down my cheeks after dropping her off. I had said goodbye to a wonderful friend and was missing her presence within minutes. I had said goodbye alone, at four in the morning, because she had wanted me to be there for one final hug.
So why the change? How did I swing from derision and distaste to a platonic love?
It began as another of my friends and I began to search for a destination to travel to over Eid break. We settled on India, but soon our travel companions decided instead to go to Thailand. So we put out that we were looking for others to join us, and Emily (the girl this entry is about) jumped at the opportunity. I'm pretty sure that I set a world record for groaning and eye rolling when I heard that she'd be coming. But, I knew we needed more people in the group, so I didn't object. And I made a fateful promise to myself. Over the next couple weeks before we left for India, I decided to get to know Emily and find a way to handle her presence. I was not going to let her ruin my trip to India.
So I started hanging out with her more often. At first it was with others, and then the two of us alone. We watched movies and I tried once (unsuccessfully) to teach her squash. I went to her board game night. And we talked. Check that, she talked. And talked. And talked. Finally, one night, I talked too, and told her how much she pissed me off. It worked, and we began to talk openly and honestly with one another. And as time went on, we became comfortable doing just that. She no longer felt the need to show off her (honestly vast) intelligence and I know longer felt the need to sit there quietly contemplating murder. I learned to tell her when she upset me, and she learned to relax and be pleasant.
By the time we left for India, we were at a comfortable level. I wasn't ready to consider her a close friend, but I understood her and why she did the things she did. She ended up being a wonderful addition to our group, even if we ended up spending a good deal of time waiting for her to finish sari shopping.
When we got back, we continued to hang out. No longer out of necessity (in my mind) but now out of mutual pleasure and shared experiences. We grew closer and closer. Slowly, she became the person that I was able to complain about work to, cuddle with when I missed my girlfriend, and play games with when bored. I found out all about her passion for computer programming, baking, beading, and cats. She found out all about my passion for Sophie, cats, cooking, and much more. We bonded together over fear and confusion about our respective career futures and commiserated over missing loved ones.
I have a lot of wonderful friends here in Qatar that I love very much. I wouldn't trade any of them for the world. But remarkably, after such a rocky start, she became the closest. She was my confidante, my cuddle buddy, and my dependable presence.
Now she has gone back to the States, where I pray she will get the job she is interviewing for in San Francisco. Our lives have separated, and we will surely go on as before. I have my friends, my family, and my darling girlfriend, and she has hers. But I will never forget how she touched my life and taught me not to disregard people. For that and the months of friendship that came as a result of it, I thank her and love her.
Emily, you made me a better person.
I learned that lesson over the last couple months. Four months ago I met a girl who quickly convinced me that she was a blithering idiot and a surefire wear on my patience. She spoke too much, too loudly, and seemingly without thinking. She blatantly insulted me and didn't notice. In fact, months ago I wrote a passage in this blog about her and how much she had pissed me off.
Fast forward to yesterday and you find me driving back from the airport with tears streaming down my cheeks after dropping her off. I had said goodbye to a wonderful friend and was missing her presence within minutes. I had said goodbye alone, at four in the morning, because she had wanted me to be there for one final hug.
So why the change? How did I swing from derision and distaste to a platonic love?
It began as another of my friends and I began to search for a destination to travel to over Eid break. We settled on India, but soon our travel companions decided instead to go to Thailand. So we put out that we were looking for others to join us, and Emily (the girl this entry is about) jumped at the opportunity. I'm pretty sure that I set a world record for groaning and eye rolling when I heard that she'd be coming. But, I knew we needed more people in the group, so I didn't object. And I made a fateful promise to myself. Over the next couple weeks before we left for India, I decided to get to know Emily and find a way to handle her presence. I was not going to let her ruin my trip to India.
So I started hanging out with her more often. At first it was with others, and then the two of us alone. We watched movies and I tried once (unsuccessfully) to teach her squash. I went to her board game night. And we talked. Check that, she talked. And talked. And talked. Finally, one night, I talked too, and told her how much she pissed me off. It worked, and we began to talk openly and honestly with one another. And as time went on, we became comfortable doing just that. She no longer felt the need to show off her (honestly vast) intelligence and I know longer felt the need to sit there quietly contemplating murder. I learned to tell her when she upset me, and she learned to relax and be pleasant.
By the time we left for India, we were at a comfortable level. I wasn't ready to consider her a close friend, but I understood her and why she did the things she did. She ended up being a wonderful addition to our group, even if we ended up spending a good deal of time waiting for her to finish sari shopping.
When we got back, we continued to hang out. No longer out of necessity (in my mind) but now out of mutual pleasure and shared experiences. We grew closer and closer. Slowly, she became the person that I was able to complain about work to, cuddle with when I missed my girlfriend, and play games with when bored. I found out all about her passion for computer programming, baking, beading, and cats. She found out all about my passion for Sophie, cats, cooking, and much more. We bonded together over fear and confusion about our respective career futures and commiserated over missing loved ones.
I have a lot of wonderful friends here in Qatar that I love very much. I wouldn't trade any of them for the world. But remarkably, after such a rocky start, she became the closest. She was my confidante, my cuddle buddy, and my dependable presence.
Now she has gone back to the States, where I pray she will get the job she is interviewing for in San Francisco. Our lives have separated, and we will surely go on as before. I have my friends, my family, and my darling girlfriend, and she has hers. But I will never forget how she touched my life and taught me not to disregard people. For that and the months of friendship that came as a result of it, I thank her and love her.
Emily, you made me a better person.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Should've seen this coming...
It took less than a day for Bush to speak about the NIE that reported Iran's lack of a nuclear weapons program. Did he announce a bold new initiative to reengage Iran diplomatically after proof that Iran was willing to make concessions? No. Did he call for a reexamining of our strategic position? No. Did he act like he knew what this report meant? Incredibly, no.
What he did do was continue to label Iran as "dangerous" and harp on it as a threat. Sure, now he's talking about a potential threat, but that didn't stop him from invading Iraq. According to the President, Iran is still dangerous because it has the potential to build a nuclear weapon at some point down the line. Basically, that's like worrying about someone learning how to sharpen sticks of metal based on the fear that someday they will make a pair of scissors and then proceed to run with them. This is, of course, still ignoring the greatest tool towards preventing international hostility in the American toolbox, direct diplomatic contact.
Am I the only one who is terrified of what imbecilic actions Bush will take as he enters his last year in office. The man has paid little regard to consequences so far, what will he do when he is a lame duck?
Kudos to Joe Biden for speaking up for everyone not in the Bush administration.
And a hearty fuck you to Republican National Committee spokesman Brian Walton who attempted to raise the bar of American political discourse with this little gem, "Apparently Joe Biden has seen recent polling that shows his statistical insignificance and is looking for relevance in the debate by offering heated rhetoric."
This is a very good analysis of the situation by Michael Hirsh.
What he did do was continue to label Iran as "dangerous" and harp on it as a threat. Sure, now he's talking about a potential threat, but that didn't stop him from invading Iraq. According to the President, Iran is still dangerous because it has the potential to build a nuclear weapon at some point down the line. Basically, that's like worrying about someone learning how to sharpen sticks of metal based on the fear that someday they will make a pair of scissors and then proceed to run with them. This is, of course, still ignoring the greatest tool towards preventing international hostility in the American toolbox, direct diplomatic contact.
Am I the only one who is terrified of what imbecilic actions Bush will take as he enters his last year in office. The man has paid little regard to consequences so far, what will he do when he is a lame duck?
Kudos to Joe Biden for speaking up for everyone not in the Bush administration.
And a hearty fuck you to Republican National Committee spokesman Brian Walton who attempted to raise the bar of American political discourse with this little gem, "Apparently Joe Biden has seen recent polling that shows his statistical insignificance and is looking for relevance in the debate by offering heated rhetoric."
This is a very good analysis of the situation by Michael Hirsh.
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