I'm super busy but here's a survey while I'm at it...

I've been ridiculously busy since I've come back from Lebanon - not a spare moment. This week especially has been pretty hectic and has been a strain on my mental health. I'm looking forward to taking this weekend off from using my brain and maybe doing something mind numbing like (wait for it) watching a movie. Yup, you heard me right Momo, I think I need some 98% fat free microwave butter popcorn and a good filum.

Yesterday, in between waiting for things to download and people coming back to me I filled out a survey in my email. I thought I should post it here since I've got nothing else to say at the moment. Anything in italics is my comments from today... Enjoy some easy reading...

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Best:
1. Male Friend: Mr. Seroo
2. Female Friend: A combination of my old friends and my sister - always
3. Vacation: probably driving to Cornwall with Wally

Worst:
1. Time of the day: I think it's probably 6 a.m.
2. Day of the week: Sunday
3. Color Crayon: White - it was just useless

Today:
1. What are you doing now: taking a break from reading construction contracts (Today: Actually, right now I'm stressing, just stressing)
2. Wearing: a skirt and cardigan (I'm at work) (Today: Black cardigan and a black and blue dress with black shoes)

Tomorrow:
1. Is: Thursday… thank God (Today: Since today is yesterday's tomorrow, today's tomorrow is a Friday which means tomorrow is going to be a day away from the office, fingers crossed)
2. Got any plans: spending some time with my family, going to a theme party (Today: plans for tomorrow will be to chill out... Momo, I was serious, I may just want to watch a movie... crazy isn't it?)
3. Goal: to have my car sorted (Today: My goal for tomorrow is to relax and maybe go for a spin with Momo in my car...)
4. Dislikes about tomorrow: it isn't coming fast enough (Today: no change, I want tomorrow to come now)

Favorite:
1. Number: 4, because we are four kids in the family
2. Song: At the moment I can't stop singing "We can go to the tropics, sip pina coladas…" (Today: There is no singing in my head, just zoning codes and plot numbers)
3. Color: pink, always

Currently:
1. Missing someone: Yes - my parents who I only briefly saw at breakfast and haven't seen in a few days, my brother and sister who I haven't seen since last Friday, my other brother who I saw in Dubai this weekend and won't see for another few months and my nieces and their mum who are on holiday. Oh, and Mr. Seroo who's been on call. And my friends who I never get to see because I'm always working late. And Iris who is back in London, home alone, without me. And... (Today: Case is the same)
2. Mood: Indifferent - maybe a little tired. (Today: Stressed out, but smiling thinking of getting away from it all this weekend)
3. Wanting: another vacay (Today: bigtime)

TRUE/ FALSE:
1. I am a cuddler: true, cuddles more than hugs even.
2. I am a morning person: true, I like feeling productive
3. I am a perfectionist: false - I've never thought about it so I probably am not.
4. I am an only child: False - I am blessed with 3 cool siblings
5. I am currently in my pajamas: False - my boss wouldn't appreciate it if I were
6. I am currently pregnant: False *whew*
7. I am currently suffering from a broken heart: False
8. I am left handed: False
9. I am addicted to Blogging: False - but addicted to reading blogs? True
10. I am online 24/7: True
11. I am very shy around the opposite gender: False
12. I can be paranoid at times: At times, true I suppose.
13. I currently have a crush on someone: I've got more than a crush on Mr. Seroo...
14. I currently regret something that I have done: Putting sugar in my morning oats rather than honey, tsk tsk tsk... (Today: Nothing, haven't had time to regret anything)
15. I enjoy country music: True sometimes
16. I enjoy talking on the phone: True
17. I have a hard time paying attention at school/work: True sometimes, I'm doing this right now!
18. I have a hidden talent: True - like we all do
19. I have a lot to learn: True
20. I have a secret that I am ashamed to reveal: True

Anger:
1. Are you currently mad at someone? Yousif, our tailor who hasn't brought our clothes back… grrrrr... (Today: I'm angry at the Ministry of Municipalities for being vague with their planning maps.... grrrrrr...)
2. Which of your friends has the worst temper? I'm not really sure, I think everyone has their bouts sometimes..
3. Have you ever thrown something at anyone? Yup, I throw stuff at Mr. Seroo all the time
4. Ever had something thrown at you? Mr. Seroo once threw a box of chocolates at me and Iris
5. When you’re mad do you prefer to stare angrily or yell and scream? I'm not a confrontational person

Excitement:
1. Has anyone ever thrown you a surprise party for you? Yes! How fun!
2. Are you easily excited? I am ashamed to say yes :)
3. What are you most excited about? Oh I don't know, probably seeing my nieces walk through the front door every Friday morning… joy :) And getting a new car very soon inshallah!
4. If you won a million dollars what would be your first thought? El7emdillah - now I can buy myself new feet. (Today: Or take a 6 month sabbatical from work)
5. If you could have anything right now what would it be? A hug from Papaya - I miss her

Self-Discovery:
1. Name: Sara, Hebrew Princess
2. Where were you born? The International Hospital
3. What’s your main goal in life? To be good to others and to myself
4. How do you want to die? However God wills (this is turning a bit morbid, isn't it?)
Opinions:
1. Sex before marriage? I won't judge
2. Gay Marriage? Garriages? Why not?
3. Lower the Drinking age? Doesn't really matter, if they want to get their hands on it they will...
4. Recycling? A must - we need to sort out this planet of ours before it disappears

Dreams:
1. What was your latest dream? I can't remember, I've been having quite a few involving some friends coming over for breakfast… makes me feel like I should be inviting them over soon...
2. Have any of your dreams come true? Yes
3. What was the weirdest dream you’ve ever had? I had an awesome sci-fi dream with alien dinosaurs roaming the earth… it was wicked...

Personal:
1. Straight, Gay, Bi? Straight
2. Do you have a gf? I have many - yes!
3. Do you have a crush? On Mr. Seroo, he makes me swoon (sometimes).
4. How many beds did you lay in yesterday? Just one
5. What color shirt are you wearing? Just a cream cardigan, nothing fancy. (Today: A black cardigan)
6. Name one thing that you do everyday? Take off my makeup, every night
7. What color are your walls? At the moment, they're an off white.
8. How much cash do you have on you right now? maybe BD3? And AED 100 and US$ 1. (Today: Just the Dirhams and Dollars, I need to go to the bank)
9. When was the last time you saw your dad? This morning while he was having breakfast and I was heading out to the gym. I love him. (Today: Still the same, haven't seen him since yesterday morning. I took a peek to see if he was sleeping last night when I got home from work, which he was)
10. What did you have for dinner last night? McDonalds double cheeseburger and french fries and it was good but lacking BBQ sauce. Don't judge me! (Today: Leftover Kebab from yesterday's lunch, gross I know. My eating habits have gone down the drain)
11. What’s the last piece of clothing you borrowed from someone? I wear Mr. Seroo's scrubs to sleep that I've (borrowed).
12. Does anything hurt on your body right now? My arms (znood) from my workout this morning, which is a good sign. (Today: My punctured soul, I'm feeling drained)

Have you ever:
1. Have you ever failed a class? Nope
2. Have you ever sung in front of a crowd? Yes! I rapped Britney Spears' "Hit me baby one more time!" and the few karaoke tunes here and there...
3. Have you ever not taken a shower for 3 days? Probably not.
4. Have you ever slept with a night light? Yes but I can't anymore, I have to sleep in pitch black.
5. Have you ever danced in the rain? Yes :)
6. Have you ever lied? Yes
7. Have you ever had contacts? I used to wear contacts when I was much younger, I think it was a vanity thing. It only lasted a few months until I switched back to glasses.
8. Have you ever tripped over something stupid? Probably, I stub my toe a lot.

Pick One:
1. Sambosa, Pakora, Kebab: KEBAB for the meat, yum yum.
2. Bollywood, Lollywood, Hollywood: Lollywood, the industry just makes me laugh
3. Love marriage, Arranged marriage: Whichever works
4. Honeymoon, no moon: I haven't gone on one yet but I suspect I'll want to go on more than just one...
5. How many kids would u like 1,2, 3+: As many as God will give me inshallah
6. Kulfi, Ice cream: Mango Kulfi, Vanilla Ice Cream
7. Shah ruk khan, Orlando Bloom: Orlanado, my Chaucer Tale's homeboy!

"There's more to this place than ancient ruins and really good almond pastries"

I'm off tomorrow to Lebanon to attend a wedding. The big day will start off in a dusty village in the mountains (this is how I imagine it anyway), then will move to another dusty village on the other side of the mountains before continuing onto Beirut. I am only going for a few days but I can imagine they will be busy days and nights.

Having only ever been to Lebanon once before, I can sadly say I don't remember much other than smokey restaurants and busy streets, the leething lotharios of Hamra and the delicious street food. This time, I'm more excited about the company than the actual trip since I'm lucky to be travelling for the first time with my closest friends and the Mr. - I am very excited.

I knew this wouldn't be entirely a sightseeing trip, but I still thought I'd look up what the Lonely Planet has to say about my holiday.

"Overview: Lebanon packs a lot into its modest borders: ancient cities, ski resorts, impressive architecture and striking landscapes are just the start. Then there's great food (reputedly the best in the region), and great nightlife (Beirut claims to be the party capital of the Middle East). (So far so good, I like ancient cities, impressive architecture and striking landscapes. I like good food and I'm ready to hit the nightlife)

Best Time of Year to Go: The best time of year to visit Lebanon is spring (March to May) when the weather is mild and wildflowers are in bloom. (Not good, I'll have to bear the stifling heat)

Sights

Aanjar: Aanjar is Lebanon's best-preserved Islamic archaeological site and is the only significant Umayyad site in Lebanon. It's a wonderful place to spend a day. The most impressive remains at the site are those of the great palace, one wall and several arcades of which have been reconstructed.

Beiteddine Palace: Beiteddine (House of Faith) is the name of both the village and the magnificent palace complex that lies within. The palace, perched on a steep elevation, rises from the surrounding landscape like a fairytale vision, a Scheherazadean delight rendered with Italianate flair (in fact, the architects were Italian). (more on website)


Jeita Grotto: This grotto, with its extraordinary stalactites and stalagmites, is definitely worth a visit; the ticket includes a boat ride through part of the grotto, an informative film about the history of the caves, and access to a cafe and restaurant. The vast honeycomb of galleries and ravines was first surveyed in the 19th century and opened to the public in 1958."

Lonely Planet doesn't have much else, but I'm not worried as we're travelling with some Beirutites and the itinerary we have looks pretty packed. We've been recommended dozens of restaurants that I don't think we'll be able to fit into a five day trip including the ever so romantic Julias and one of our friends has been generous enough to book a nice intimate dinner there for me and Mr. Seroo. We won't have time for shopping but if we do I'll be stopping off at some boutiques for dresses and accessories, recommendations anyone? Apparently the Virgin Megastore is excellent so I'll probably make a pit stop there for books & DVDs. Anything else we should do?

Will be back next week, looking forward to a much needed break...

Do I have to support QPR Now?

I remember once how Michael Parkinson gave a speech on Sky Sports about how important Barnsley are to him and how important it is to support your local team. He spoke about how it's part of the social-history of the town and how you "can't choose who you support, it chooses you."

I never grew up watching local football, although I did watch our national team in "big" matches when they would almost-could-have-should-have made it to bigger tournaments. I envied people who used to spend every Saturday morning in their local stadium supporting their team, whether they were any good or not, because you could see it was a part of them. I so badly wanted a team to be a part of me too, even if they were pretty rubbish - isn't that the beauty of the game anyway?

Somehow, the English premiership was always more appealing to me. Looking up to a certain older brother and becoming best friends with an Arsenal supporter when I was younger pulled me into becoming a Gooners fan, which included watching matches on weekends and chanting the usual hooligan profanities when necessary. People were skeptical I wasn't a North London Skinhead, but eventually the regulars at my first local (Woody's) took me in. So when asked if I supported any football teams, I always said yes to the Bahraini National Team and Arsenal.

Now I read this: Gulf Air to sponsor QPR? Is this even right? I looked around the QPR official website and didn't see anything that said so - but maybe I just haven't had the time to read up on sports news. So this is a pretty big Bahrain stamp in international football, does this mean we have to all start supporting this team?

The GDN put up a sneak-preview photo of their new footie shirt:

I always liked the J-Crew Sailor stripes, so good enough reason?