Think About It

Eid AL Adha In Libya 2009

Well , the Eid is over for another year . It was a very strange Eid here in Libya this year . The government issued a statement that said the 1st day of Eid would be on Thursday , but Saudia said the 1st day would be on Friday . So , we had some people celebrating on a Thursday , but many more waited until Friday to sacrifice their sheep . This was the 1st time ever , living in Libya we were not awakened by the mosque calling for the special Eid prayers . It was even stranger still on Thursday to know that it was SUPPOSED to be the 1st day of the 3 day Eid celebration , but it NOT being the 1st day .

No noise , no children running around getting under your feet , begging for more BBQ .It was like business as usual in the City with many shoppes open on Thursday . But come Friday morning , we had all the normal Eid activities ;shouting , the commotion of the sacrifice , the sheep bleeping , the kids running and laughing , the men yelling where was this thing or that thing , the women moaning about having to do all this extra work , all the while just as happy as the kids .Smoked filled air wafting around your head making you starving for MORE BBQ , even though you aren't too sure you could eat another bite , well ,at least until supper time ,lol

Tomorrow is the official 3rd day of the Eid and the last day that is normally spent visiting friends and family , but with the Eid the way it was this year here in Libya , am not too sure what will happen tomorrow .Typically the 1st day is spent doing the sheep and cooking . The 2nd day  people got out and visit with family and / or friends . The women choose this day to go to their families , since the 1st day is normally spent with the husbands family . The 3rd day many will try to see the remaining family and friends not yet seen .So , you seen why I wonder what will happen on Saturday . And if today(FRIDAY) is the unofficial 1st day , then will the people try to extend the Eid into Sunday  for the unofficial 3rd day ? Never a dull moment here in Libya , lol. 

We had a great Eid . On Thursday our son and his family came over to spend the day . We BBQ untill we were stuffed like the Thanksgiving turkey I had prepared for the dinner later in the evening to celebrate Thanksgiving .Friday , we did the sheep thing . I think Saturday we will just rest and recouperate ! Hope your Eid was uneventful and happy . And for all you Americans out there , I hope your turkey was nice and moist , the pies yummy , and the dressing tasty ! We all have so much to be thankful for and need to remember to count our blessings while giving thanks to God for our riches .

Mabruk Al Eid !

May you have a peaceful Eid ,filled with faith and love .

On The Edge

Eid ,Flu, Fight, and 1 Birthday

I can't believe this, but  Libya STILL hasn't decided WHEN we will be celebrating the Eid . It is supposed to be the 10th day after the new moon in the Islamic month of Dhul  Haj , so that means it SHOULD be on Friday .I have heard it might be Thursday , then it was said to on Friday . NOW I was told by a source that Libya might be celebrating it on Saturday . I just want to know so I can get my projects in motion around here in the Condo.I really don't see why there is all this confusion .

Several friends have the flu here in Tripoli . One went to a private clinic for treatment .That person was told to stay in bed, drink plenty of fluids , take anti biotic , vitamins , and panadol .The other went to a government hospital here and was told the same thing and also prescribed the same basic treatment .BUT both persons was baffled because neither one was tested for the H1N1 flu or offered Tammy flu .I said what difference does it make whether or not you have one flu or the other , since you are sick either way .And if you become sicker , you go back to the hospital for more treatment .It seems as if the flu comes in waves . 1st group gets over it and then a new group comes down with it , spreading all over the place .Around and Around it goes .

The other day Moe and I went into town to do the shopping , stocking up on things we will need for the Eid and I was amazed at the prices of things. From the basics to the exotic , prices are higher all across the board. Our meds have sky rocketed to the outer stratosphere.I really don't know how large families here are able to make ends meet .

While we were at the meat market , I witnessed a horrific knock down drag out fight between 2 young men .It left me shaking when it was over , from fear that one or both boys would ended up dead .Knives were evolved ,one boys head was hammered into the bloody pavement , until I thought his head would crack open . The sad thing of it was , a whole souk filled with men of  all ages, no one stepped up and tried to stop the fight until I yelled that one of the boys had grabbed a knife from a butcher shops unseen .THEN several men stepped in and separated them , allowing one weaker boy to run away from his assailant .I was sitting in the car waiting for Mohamed to return from the shop he had gone into when this fight took place , so he didn't see or hear about it .He couldn't understand why I was so upset . He said it was just a guy thing , but he didn't see it happen .All I could think about and still do, is if that had been a son of mine I would have wanted someone , anyone to stop the fight before anyone was seriously hurt .

On a lighter note , my oldest daughter turns 35 in a few hours .I remember the stormy wee hour morning she was born into this world .How happy I was to have a little baby girl . I couldn't stop the tears of joy from falling onto her when I held her for the 1st time .Have a wonderful birthday Rosebud !

Pilgrims , BBQ, And The Eid

It looks like the Eid Al Adha might be either this coming Thursday , which is Thanksgiving in America , or Friday , which I am mentally geared up for .You might remember that the Eid Al Adha is when the Muslims honor the obedience of Abraham ( Ibrahim) to Gods command to sacrifice his son Ismael .Which so pleases Allah , that He tells Abraham to sacrifice a sheep instead . It is also the end of the Haj for many that make the Pilgrimage to Mecca . Rather fitting that the Eid should come during the American Thanksgiving , don't you think ? Both having something to do with Thanksgiving and Pilgrims .

Here in Libya the 1st day of the Eid is spent traditionally killing the sheep , cooking the sheep , then eating the sheep. Among all the different foods prepared of mutton on that day, the all time favorite is BBQ . And with that in mind, I am posting the joke below as a homage to the all important BBQ of the day .

BBQ  RULES
We are about to enter the BBQ season .  Therefore it is important to refresh your memory on the etiquette of this  sublime outdoor cooking activity.. When a man volunteers to do the BBQ the following chain  of events are put into motion:

 Routine....
(1) The woman buys the food.
(2) The woman makes the salad, prepares the vegetables, and  makes dessert.
(3) The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a  tray along with the necessary cooking utensils and sauces, and takes it to  the man who is lounging beside the grill .
(4) The woman remains outside the compulsory three meter  exclusion zone where the exuberance of testosterone and other manly  bonding activities can take place without the interference of the  woman.

 Here comes the important  part:
(5) THE MAN PLACES THE MEAT ON THE  GRILL.

 More routine...
(6) The woman goes inside to organize the plates and  cutlery.
(7) The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is  looking great. He thanks her and asks if she will bring another drink while  he flips the meat .

 Important again:
(8) THE MAN TAKES THE MEAT OFF THE GRILL AND HANDS IT  TO THE WOMAN.

 More routine...
(9) The woman prepares the plates, salad, bread,  utensils, napkins, sauces, and brings them to the table.

 (10) After eating, the woman clears the table and does  the dishes.

 And most important of all:
(11) Everyone PRAISES the MAN and THANKS HIM for his cooking efforts.

 (12) The man asks the woman how she enjoyed 'her night off' and, upon seeing her annoyed reaction, concludes that there's just no pleasing some women!
Painting  by Diane Whitehead , entitled Fun, funny Family

Moan And Groan Time

Disclaimer : If you don't like to read about other peoples pet peeves THEN READ NO FURTHER !I am dedicating this post to the things that are on my very last nerve these days .

Where to begin ? Hum , mosquitoes maybe ? Yes , you read correctly . We have nice cool weather these days  but still have jumbo jet size mosquitoes that would make the mosquitoes in Texas jealous ! I have killed maybe 10 tonight while sitting on the computer , well not really sitting on the computer , but you understand what I mean , right ? One would think that cool weather would kill the blood suckers off by now , but NO ! They are here to stay it seems .

This leads to another thing that is really making me angry ...... the SMOG/ SMOKE from the City burning trash late at night at the dump .It is a total health hazard . I woke up coughing my lungs out last night because the Condo was filed with smoke from the burning trash and this isn't the only time , sad to say . It happens a lot . You should have seen the smog hanging like a mourning pall , black, over the sea this morning . Made me wonder how many people this was effecting besides me .When the wind blows the smoke out to sea or in land, it isn't so bad , but on nights like last night , no wind , the smoke just stagnates until the sea winds come at dawn to blow it out and away from land .No one seems too concerned over this Green House Effect causing problem .

Next on the list are the people who are ill and still insist on co-mingling in the general population , spreading their JOY Of BEING ILL with all and sundry .That means that I am the one that ends up sick most of the time .UGH ! They want to ignore being sick . Pretending it isn't so bad , so they go out and VISIT people that are WELL , spreading their GERMS ! Even to newborn infants ! OMG ! What Are They Thinking ? Oh , I know ....... THEY AREN'T THINKING !!!

Here comes a BIG PET PEEVE ..... Why is it that in the summer , there are still some people here that would rather suffer the heat , than turn on the AC? Because they think they will get sick from the cold and maybe die. OK ..... then WHY are those the same people that in the WINTER OPEN ALL THEIR WINDOWS to let in the cold air .... BECAUSE the warm air from the heater will make them WHAT????? SICK ! OMG ! Somebody , any body , tell me where the logic of this thinking is found . ANYONE ? Save me PLEASE!

Here"s another one .... Why post a traffic policeman  at a intersection , or anywhere else , to have them just ignor all traffic violations that are commited right under their faces ? What's the whole point ? Somebody ??

This one is plain weird..... there are no clothes for children ages 10-12 in their correct sizes  here . As far as I know , in the last twenty years, there hasn't been any clothes that properly fit children in that age group . All kids go through that age and parents can't seem to find anything to fit them .Why is that ? They either have to wear clothes too small for them or too large . I felt so sorry for my youngest daughter when she was 10. I have a friend who's son is 10 and she can't find anything for him to wear this winter .When the new clothes come in to market , there are maybe 10 models for that size range . Needless to say , they go quickly .

Another thing ...... WHY can't the hardware stores sell washers for the faucets ? NO , they will sell you the whole entire faucet set , but ask for a washer and they look at you like you have a wart on your nose .They don't even stock them.More money , I know ... but still why do I have to buy an entire set just because I need a washer only ?

Just one more thing ..... dosen't anyone here know it is impolite to STARE at other peolpe ? In the Quran it is stated that you may have ONE look and only ONE LOOK . After that is it is just rude .

Hum , I think that just about covers it . I feel much better now .

Bet You Can't Do It !

ALL THE DOCS PLEASE EXPLAIN

HOW SMART IS YOUR RIGHT FOOT?

This is hysterical.
 You have to try this.
It is absolutely true.
 I guess there are some things that the brain cannot handle.

HOW SMART IS YOUR RIGHT FOOT?

You have to try this please, it takes 2 seconds.
 I could not believe this!  It is from an orthopaedic surgeon............
 This will confuse your mind and you will keep trying over and over again to see if you can outsmart your foot, but, you can't.
 It is pre-programmed in your brain!

1. While sitting at your desk in front of your computer, lift
Your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles.

2. Now, while doing this, draw the number '6' in the air
With your right hand. Your foot will change direction.

I told you so! And there's nothing you can do about it!
 You and I both know how stupid it is, but before the
 Day is done you are going to try it again, if you've not already done so.

Ponder This

The Universe is change and our Life is what our thoughts make it .

Marcus Aurelius


The Marcus Aurelius triumphant arch in Tripoli , Libya

Hitting The Nail On The Head

I received this today in a e mail . Thought it was interesting to see art in a unexpected medium , nails .Nails used as a art form isn't  something one would expect to see , but here it is . See what you think . This comes to from the Arabic web site AbuNawaf .Sorry I don't know the artist name . He is very talented , don't you think ?

Everybody Has To Feng Shui Tonight

Have you tried Feng Shui yet ? Here is a Feng Shui personality test for ya to try out.

Last Weeks News

Just wanted to let you know Moe and I are finally on the mend . The flu seems to have flown ( pun intended , lol ) the coop thank goodness . We have a residue cough but other than being a little tired , we are ok .

Last week was pretty busy for me .A good friend decided to throw a baby shower for my daughter in law in her home . That was a lot of fun .  She received some really wonderful presents . I don't think she will have to buy either one of the boys any clothes for the next 100 years , lol . She was so surprised at how nice relative strangers could be toward her and her sons .I told her that's what friends are for , to give support when you need it.

The day before that, my sister in law that is here visiting from London, wanted to visit my daughter in law and see the new baby before she leaves for Haj with her husband . So , off we went to see the baby's . I had a ball playing with Haroun . He grew, I think, 4 Cm in just 1 month . I swear ! He no longer looks like a baby , but like a little boy now . He is trying so hard not to be jealous of his new baby brother . For a 2 year old ,I think he is doing very well . Yousef has gained a ton in 3 weeks and grew, oh ,maybe 2 Cm's too .He looks like a little teddy bear . So cute ! My camera has decided not to work except when it wants to , otherwise I would have posted pictures of them for you to see . Hopefully I can get a new one soon.

Then before that, earlier in the week we had to do some needed shopping .I have got to where I dislike shopping of any kind . Now , if you are one of the few people out there that know me , you are probably finding this impossible to believe, I know , lol .I was once a " shop until you drop" shopaholic .

The day before yesterday was Halloween . One of our all time favorite holidays in our family . My daughter sent me a picture of Gail dressed as a ducky for Halloween . Oh , she was so cute . In the video , she has her head down and filmed from above , she looks like a ducky . She even walked like a duck . Hum , does that mean she's a duck ? No , she doesn't sound like a duck , phew , that was close .

The weather here has been gorgeous ! We have had rain , cool tempratures , sunshine, and northerly winds off the Med. All in all , it makes me soooooo homesick . All I can think about are the Fall Festivals I am missing in Houston . The World Series for baseball , and the football games that come around in the Autumn .It's the cool air that does it to me .Well , I guess that's all my news in English for now . Take care , OTE

In Memoriam

 
Remembering Loved Ones

Stanley Studney

Elizabeth Studney

Salem Sharif

Virginia White

George Pearson

Haj Mustafa Benlasher

Haja Fatuma

Haja Ayada Adulrahman

Sebastian/ Bashire Mutawa

Khalifa Sharif

Mohamed Sharif

Charles Deffenbaugh

Marsha Bowman

Aurthur Kelly

Florence Baker

Don Roy Baker

Haroun Hamed

Lorin Baker

Eileen Deffenbaugh

Saundra Kelly

Carole Anne Sedita

Dr. Ali Benlasher

Cathrine Ann Studney

Raygaya Sharif

Sabheya Hamid

In our hearts never to be forgotten .