Back!

I know I've been long gone, but well I have my reasons... you know with getting married soon and all ;)

My parents have finally agreed to talk to him and well, alhamdullilah they like him so much more now. I think my parents wanted me to marry Prince William so anyone else was the wrong choice!

I think we'll have the wedding here in the US. We don't have many relations or family in Egypt. Besides, we can have another small party in Egypt when we get there later.

I also think we won't move to Canada right away.

I'm so happy... I mean I'm so worried about lots of things... but that's normal, right? I know deep in my heart I'm making the right choice and to those who thought they didn't believe in Destiny, I'm a very good example :)

Take care you all!

The Last

thing I ever thought was that I would be married in a matter of days...

I have been getting lots of emails from friends and comments asking me what exactly is going on.

In short, this is the man of my dreams, the love of my life. We were never really in a relationship. We met at the wrong time and place. And when he was free, I was with the ex-moron.

But I dearly loved him. Only I could not do anything about it. We never went out together back then or phoned. But somehow due to many reasons, we got to know one another well.

My parents didn't even get the chance to know him well.

I thought of him again when my granny was sick. I emailed and sent him txt messages him and he responded, telling me he had never really got over me and that he would do anything to be with me. He told me he was now in the US.

So, when my parents and granny suggested we went to the US, I took it as a sign and told him. He was so thrilled he cried that day when I told him.

I met him that day Emma and I went to Central Park. I hadn't told Emma anything about him. He met us there. I introduced him to her as an old friend. Luckily, Emma decided to take a walk around the place, leaving us alone. We talked for a whole hour. Then he asked to see me the following day.

We met and 30 minutes later, he got down on one knee and proposed.

I wept.

That must be love. I know.

I have no freaking idea why my parents don't like him. The guy is very genuine. He's also very religious and sincere. And no, he's not after my money. He's richer than us.

He's an Egyptian by the way, but holds the Canadian nationality.

So, we're going to live in Canada :)

Where am I now? I'm still in the US, but it's only a matter of days...

Where am I staying? I've decided to leave my parents' house. I wanted to stay at a hotel, but he refused. I'm actually at his mother's right now (his dad is dead) and sister's. And they are beyond kind to me. Makes me feel more ashamed about my parents' attitude.

More later. I have to go now. Wish me luck and happiness.

Forgive Me

Mom,

I know you've been crying and worried about me. I'm fine. I assure you I am. I haven't lied to you as you told me in your email. I swear to you I was going to travel the world with Emma and had indeed prepared everything.

He came along and changed everything. Why don't you get that?

You and dad didn't want to give him any chance. You didn't even want to listen.

He's the love of my life. I lost him once, mom. I can't lose him again. I won't forgive myself. He's done everything for me, mom. And no, all this time we were NOT talking. I hadn't talked to him for three whole years until recently when we met in the US.

Remember the day I went to Central Park and came back with that dazed smile? I saw him that day and we talked and talked...It was like a movie. Out of nowhere, he was there before me. I only got in touch with him when I was in England and was scared shitless next to granny at the hospital. I emailed him because he made me feel safe.

I emailed him because I loved him.

I'm more than fine, mom.

I only wished you were there with me on my wedding day.

Take care,

J

Friends, please post nice comments only.

Salam.

So, can you tell which one I am? :)

And yes Ra3d, I'm in New York.

Remember when I said earlier I was about to do something amazing and unbelievable? Well, Emma and I have decided to...well...TOUR THE WORLD!

I'm not kidding. Of course, it will not be possible to visit every country. It all started when we sat down together one day and started listing all the places we want to go. It hit me then. Why don't we do it? What are we waiting for? If not now, then WHEN?

She totally agreed and was so excited. Apart from having a VERY hard time talking my parents INTO the whole thing, I've succeeded. Right now, I'm with my parents, Emma and grandmother for a while in the US. I won't tell you about our list of places to go. I'll do it one at a time. I've been to the US before so it doesn't count :D

I just hope Emma and I don't get tired or bored or whatever in the middle of it and that nothing ruins our journey and we return home safe and sound.

I know many people will disapprove of the idea of two girls traveling the world alone. My father has repeatedly suggested going with us. I love you dad, but please I need to do this alone.

I need to clear my mind and figure out what I want in life. It's not that I'm confused. I'm just blurred and need some fun :-)

And some of you might be wondering in your little evil heads about how FAR I would go with guys I meet. I would be alone and vulnerable, right?

Wrong.

My answer to you is "No way! I'm not cheap and I believe in marriage. Would never sleep with anyone but my husband."

We have been here for a week. Emma and I went shopping today. We went to Staten Island Mall and we bought some fantastic clothes!

Yesterday, we had lunch at Hard Rock Cafe International. The day before we spent most of the day at Central Park. This is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to!

Have to go now. More later.

Where Am I?

So, where am I now?

Guess...

OK, it starts with an "n".

Haven't been around lately, I know. I'll tell you all next time.

Oh and it turns out I know Italiano in real life. His mom knows my mom. Hehe. I mean I was sure I had seen him before. We have only met twice or so before. He's not as toxic as he seems on his blog, by the way. Don't let him fool you. He's very nice ;) LOL.

Till next time...

I know this sounds crazy. I'm so excited and in such a hurry now I can't explain, but I'm preparing for, may be, the most amazing experience of my life. I'll tell you all next time. Can't spoil the surprise now.

Oh and by the way you all thought I was hiding something from you when I told you about that guy (half Lebanese, half English) last time, but I really was NOT! I mean I swear there's nothing to say. We haven't even been out. He asked me out actually but I turned him down. I don't need the confusion and distraction now. I mean he's very sweet and I saw him ONCE later and I was with Emma and we talked a lot. We only emailed and talked online and that was that. He wanted more, but as I said he's NOT the one for me. What's WRONG with that?!

I'm so happy (and proud since well...I started it :P) so many people have answered the tag. I'll go read you all now :) Here are mine:

1. What are your ambitions, things you hope to achieve in life and what are your goals?

I have many dreams. I actually don't know where to start! I want to be a well-known chef and have my own restaurant or even bakery one day. I want to travel the world. I want to write a novel one day. I want to be happy and get married. And I also want everyone around me to be happy. This is VERY important for me and that includes my parents, family and friends.

2. What is marriage to you?

Friedrich Nietzsche said, "It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages."

I couldn't agree more. For me marriage has no definitions. It's an eternal friendship and absolute love, acceptance of who the other person is and living WITH not against that. It's giving without questioning and being happy without asking why. Am I making any sense?

3. What are the traits that must be present in YOUR someone?

Honest, handsome, loyal, loving, romantic, tender, caring, understanding, attractive, he must have a great sense of humor, not a workaholic, but not lazy either, intellectual, fun to be with, has a great mind and his own way of thinking, hopeful, religious, NOT moody or a miser, does not smoke, does not have 1243 girl friends (or exes), can not be abusive in any form (and you'll be surprised to know abuse exists A LOT), does not yell, must love and take care of me ;)

4. Do you think having a child (or conceiving one) in the first year of marriage is a must/obligation?

NO! But if he wants that, we can talk and see what's best for us.

5. Are there any illnesses you suffer from?

I'm allergic and used to be asthmatic years ago. I'm also overweight (or pleasantly plump as I like to call it) so if that's an illness I should I mention it.

6. Are you social? Who are your friends?

I'm not really that social. I have many friends and I go out with them when I have the time or feel like it. I don't like parties or crowds much though.

7. What's your relationship with your parents/brothers/sisters?

I argue with my father from time to time but I love him so much. Mom and I are very good friends and I am a lonely child :(

8. What are your hobbies? How do you like to spend your free time?

Reading, writing, baking and cooking, walking, listening to music and watching TV.

9. Do you do any voluntary/charity work?

Right now, no.

10. How would you feel if my mother or yours interfered in our relationship or life later?

I don't think I'd be okay with it :D

OK, most of you have been asking me to blog more about that "someone". Oh well, here I am.

I met him at Julia's engagement party which I proudly catered sometime ago. He's actually half Lebanese, half English. He's very handsome and very ...I don't know - sweet, I guess :)

But I don't think he's MY someone, if you know what I mean. He is still confused about life, himself and what he wants, finding a decent job...etc. The usual stuff, you know.

And I think he wants to stay in England for a long time. OK, I love England, but I can't see myself living here for long years. I don't know.

Mom wants to me to return to Egypt, but I might go with my dad for a while to the US :D

Anyway, a friend of mine read this book and was telling me that there are TEN questions to ask the one you're about to marry or who has proposed to you just to make sure they're the one for you (applies to both males and females):

1. What are your ambitions, things you hope to achieve in life and what are your goals?

2. What is mariage to you? (I used to ask guys who proposed/been introduced to me that questions and they'd either turn blue or smile like idiots. Believe me, it's a very hard question!)

3. What are the traits that must be present in YOUR someone? (Used to ask that, too. I should write a book, people!)

4. Do you think having a child (or conceiving one) in the first year of marriage is a must/obligation?

5. Are there any illnesses you suffer from? (I don't think many people will be 100% honest with you on that one.)

6. Are you social? Who are your friends?

7. What's your relationship with your parents/brothers/sisters? (It doesn't need a question, you CAN often easily notice such things)

8. What are your hobbies? How do you like to spend your free time?

9. Do you do any voluntary/charity work?

10. How would you feel if my mother or yours interfered in our relationship or life later?

Let's consider this a questionnaire and I really want my friends here to be honest and answer. No one's watching so just vent away! I'm tagging (ba3d eznokom ya gama3a ya3ny and if you don't feel like it ignore my humble request :P) Kareem, Ra3d, Italiano (whose last post cracked me but I haven't posted a comment yet), Engy, Sou, Mak, Nerro, Nesrina and anyone else willing to share his thoughts.

I'll post my answers tomorrow insha2Allah. Gotta go now.

Oh by the way, I think you should also ask how important religion is to that person, if he prays regularly..etc. This is extremely important for religious people.

P.S. I loved your last post, Kareem but for some reason Blogger didn't allow me to comment and totally ignored me :(

Tagged by Ra3d, one of my friends.

Section 1 - Last First

1. last beverage? Pepsi
2. last phone call? Mom
3. last instant message? Someone ;) (which reminds me I need to blog about that someone :)
4. last cd played? I have and still am listening to some music on the radio. Haven't played a CD in a while.
5. last time you cried? I think it was 2 weeks ago. Won't say why :P

Section 2 - 6 Have You Evers:

1. dated someone twice? Yes, sadly.
2.been cheated on? Not that I know of, no.
3. kissed someone & regretted it? Yes :( and I wish I'd take it back.
4. lost someone special? YES!
5. been depressed? Yes, very, a lot, so much...kefaya keda?
6. been drunk and threw up? I never drink in the first place.

Section 3 - List 3 Favourite Colors

1. Black
2. Red
3. Pink

Section 4 - This month have you:

1. Made a new friend? No
2. Fallen out of love? Hmm...No.
3. Laughed until you cried? Yes, with Emma (my cousin).
4. Met someone who changed your life? I hope he could change my life. Can't say yet ;)
5. Found out who your true friends were? I already know :D
6. Is there something you want to tell someone? Yeah, my infamous ex, "Go to He**, you sick psycho! I pity Satan who'll be sharing his hell with you." Haha! I'm evil, sa7?
7. Would you kiss anyone on your top friends? What does that question mean for God's sake?
8. How many people on your top friends do you know in real life? ????
9. How many kids do you want to have? Two, may be.
10. Do you have any pets? Used to have a cat and a dog.

Section Five - What Else

1. Do you wanna change your name? I love my name. Never.
2. What did you do for your last birthday? I don't remember :P
3. What time did you wake up today? 10, I guess.
4.What were you doing at midnight last night? Reading, probably.
5. Name something you CANNOT wait for? Getting married and having my own restaurant one day, hopefully.
6. Last time you saw your father? Two-three months ago. I'm in England with my grandmother.
7. What is one thing you wish you could change about your life? I wish I were thinner ;) or better yet I wish I found my someone soon ba2a!
8.What are you listening to right now? The radio
9. Have you ever talked to Tom? Tom Cruise wala Tom meen? No, bardo.
10. Have you ever talked about someone behind their back? Not often, no.
11. What’s the last piece of clothing you borrowed from anyone? I don't borrow clothes :P
12. Who’s getting on your nerves right now? My mother who insists I should go back :(
13. Most visited webpage? Blogs, Hotmail
14. Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi
15. Have you kissed or been kissed by anyone in the past week? By my grandmother only.
16.Mac or PC? PC

I'm tagging Sou, Engy, Jayda, Nesrina and anyone else who wants to share.

I know I haven't blogged for a long time. My granny was sick at hospital and had to undergo more than one operation. I thank God I was here in the UK to take her to the hospital and help her. On the other hand, I've been so tired and exhausted. She's been home for a few days and she's getting better, thank God.

I was supposed to cater a couple of coming parties but of course, I didn't.

I'll blog again soon.

Let me tell you about my first ever catering gig/party :D

It was held Feb. 12th (two days before Valentine's Day). Julia (the bride) had already told me about her likes and dislikes. I also met with her fiance, Eric (who I didn't like at all being really snobbish and stupid). Julia is really too good for him. All he did that day was list the items he did not want to see and they were like 100!

Anyway, my grandmother and Emma helped me a great deal. I couldn't have done without them so thank you so much Emma and Granny :)

The party was held at Julia's parents' house. They have one amazing REAL English garden. Julia told me she was bringing a small band as her friends and the fiance's felt like dancing.

Number of guests = 50

I made up a lovely menu. I had also agreed with Julia I would set the place up for her. I know a thing or two about decoration. Emma did more in fact and I really liked her taste. Julia's favorite color is lilac and almost everything that day was in lilac including table cloths and decorations. She just loved it. I also made Emma in charge of anything wine-related; from purchasing to food pairing. I don't drink and don't know that much about it :) And thank God, Julia didn't want pork on the menu. I know how to cook it, but I hate its smell and again, I don't eat it.

Back to the kitchen. Here's my humble menu:

Appetizers and Salads

Mushroom Fries
Asparagus Pasta Salad
Taboulah (of course! And they loved it!)
Californian Salad
Greek Salad
Mozzarella Sticks

Main Dishes

Fried Chicken (she begged me for it so what can I say?)
Chicken Risotto
Salmon and Spinach Lasagne
Chips and Fish (by demand as most English adore it)
Baked Penne with Roasted Vegetables
Meatballs

Desserts (next to the Engagement Cake which I proudly baked)

Apple Pies
Banana Tartes
Chocolate Tartes
Chocolate Souffles
Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti
Chocolate Mousse (yes, by now you realized how Julia LOVES chocolate!)

And of course there were many non-alcoholic drinks as well.

Julia didn't want any waiters or waitresses at the party except for someone to pour drinks for the guests at the small bar and another someone at the buffet. She insisted it was a friendly gathering and she wanted nothing formal about it.

I just hired a waiter for the bar and watched the buffet myself.

I'm still sore, believe it or not. I hadn't slept for days before that and didn't rest a minute that day. I'd thought about calling the whole thing off and had cried right before the party.

I went there in a pink coat, black pants and a black scarf around my neck. Yes, professional and classic.

The party was great. Julia was really pretty and her friends were really nice. I was even asked if I could cater other parties :D I also met someone really interesting there *wink* but more later.

But I also earned a good sum amount of money.

If you like any of the dishes I mentioned above, I can email you the recipe. But then I'd have to kill you. Kidding. Just tell me.