Why aren't you making this easier for me? I wish you would. You're suppose to. It's what you do best, isn't it? Just get fucking settled there and come back to me. I need you.
28 days later and I still feel as if the air has been knocked out of me.
------------
Kuwait Culture has not made my applying to university any easier. Out of the 17 universities I'm permitted to apply to, 7 are only applicable for a Masters degree. The rest are either shit, or require me to enter in fall '09. Which I do not want. Leaving 3, which are:
Earlham College: Indiana
Guilford College: North Carolina
University of Missouri- Columbia: Missouri
I'm practically in love with Earlham College. It's a national, selective Quaker liberal arts college with a small student body. Its Peace & Global studies program is one of the best in the nation. And about 70% of its students study abroad (they have amazing study abroad opportunities.) I've read nothing but good reviews about the College, its primary con being that the College itself is in the middle of nowhere (Richmond, Indiana). Which honestly, I'm fine with as I believe the people make the place and if luck permits, I'll find the right crowd. Earlhams campus is breathtaking. Words enough can't describe how beautiful it is. Honestly.
Best of all, International students cannot apply for Spring term. After sending an email to them explaining my situation, I was permitted to apply for Spring '09! Which I'm in the process of doing!
As for Guilford and Mizzou. They're hopefully safety/backup schools I wont have to ever attend. Especially after coming across Earlham.
Wednesday, 27 August 2008
Wednesday, 13 August 2008
I apologize
Sorry about the unexpected hiatus. I've just moved into a new house and it's been quite hectic. Thanks to the highly reliable Global Direct, the internet has just been administered to us rather than the promised 28th of July. Apart from that, plenty has happened but I prefer not to get into that just yet.
Thursday, 17 July 2008
Spin another bottle in a low-lit room
Truth? Dare? Either way, we have ourselves a winner instead. This game of luck has luckily ran out. I'd rather receive than ask.
2:10 this afternoon. I received an sms from the MOHE congratulating me on my acceptance into their scholarship program. My major? The first (and only) choice I put down because I thought to myself, it's this or nothing. They deemed me crazy for doing so, and I even had to write down 'I only registered for one major' and sign it... apparently it has never happened before. I guess there's always a first. Destination? US of A.
I would have to say apart from getting what I wanted, I'm happy I didn't play dirty and work up some wasta. Not that we would anyway but there is something in that. My dad, like any other Kuwaiti, does have connections but he, unlike them, dislikes wasta immensely. Simply because he does not like granting favours for people and so chooses not to ask for any to begin with. He prefers to play by the rules and believes you will get what you want/deserve in the end if you work for it. For once, I agree with him.
What's next? I'm not quite sure, but I believe it involves a series of vaccinations and form/application filling. Yippe.
2:10 this afternoon. I received an sms from the MOHE congratulating me on my acceptance into their scholarship program. My major? The first (and only) choice I put down because I thought to myself, it's this or nothing. They deemed me crazy for doing so, and I even had to write down 'I only registered for one major' and sign it... apparently it has never happened before. I guess there's always a first. Destination? US of A.
I would have to say apart from getting what I wanted, I'm happy I didn't play dirty and work up some wasta. Not that we would anyway but there is something in that. My dad, like any other Kuwaiti, does have connections but he, unlike them, dislikes wasta immensely. Simply because he does not like granting favours for people and so chooses not to ask for any to begin with. He prefers to play by the rules and believes you will get what you want/deserve in the end if you work for it. For once, I agree with him.
What's next? I'm not quite sure, but I believe it involves a series of vaccinations and form/application filling. Yippe.
Wednesday, 9 July 2008
Cut! Print It
After running about for hours collecting documents here, getting some stamped and signed there, I am finally done with opening a scholarship account with the ministry.
The private education building was a joke. Three hours was spent there. The first to convince them that the school I attended abroad actually exists, the second was to do more of what was mentioned above, and the third to get photocopying done. Only in Kuwait will you find grown men shoving a 17 year old girl aside and 'slipping' the photocopier guy KD0.250 to get some copying done ahead of everyone. It was pathetic. I waited 'in line' (alone, my father is out of the country) for 30mins and they just kept cutting ahead. When I spoke, they simply ignored me. After that the guy handling the machine went away because clearly he was getting annoyed. You then had a bunch of alpha-males throw themselves at the machine trying to work it. They ended up jamming it and then staring at the thing for 10 mins, pressing buttons, banging the machine... basically not knowing what they were doing (oh no! apparently removing the plug from the wall socket and putting it back in didn't work the damn thing!) I politely asked to get through, fixed the thing up, ended up copying a dozen or so papers for this sweet old man who was behind me the whole time (who also kept speaking up about 'letting the little girl who was waiting forever copy her stuff' but was ignored as well) and then my stuff. Afterwards, the alpha-males shoved papers at me to copy, expecting me to do it for them. No pleases. Nothing. Just a 'copy yallah'
Boy, were they wrong.
The private education building was a joke. Three hours was spent there. The first to convince them that the school I attended abroad actually exists, the second was to do more of what was mentioned above, and the third to get photocopying done. Only in Kuwait will you find grown men shoving a 17 year old girl aside and 'slipping' the photocopier guy KD0.250 to get some copying done ahead of everyone. It was pathetic. I waited 'in line' (alone, my father is out of the country) for 30mins and they just kept cutting ahead. When I spoke, they simply ignored me. After that the guy handling the machine went away because clearly he was getting annoyed. You then had a bunch of alpha-males throw themselves at the machine trying to work it. They ended up jamming it and then staring at the thing for 10 mins, pressing buttons, banging the machine... basically not knowing what they were doing (oh no! apparently removing the plug from the wall socket and putting it back in didn't work the damn thing!) I politely asked to get through, fixed the thing up, ended up copying a dozen or so papers for this sweet old man who was behind me the whole time (who also kept speaking up about 'letting the little girl who was waiting forever copy her stuff' but was ignored as well) and then my stuff. Afterwards, the alpha-males shoved papers at me to copy, expecting me to do it for them. No pleases. Nothing. Just a 'copy yallah'
Boy, were they wrong.
Thursday, 26 June 2008
Almost... lovers?
Pushing the cover aside, her fingers lightly brushed over the glossy paper. Her eyes devoured the vivid colours that brought her pain and pleasure. Pleasure in the talent and devotion taken to create them. Pain when her mind turned to reflect on the past, and the period in which she acquired the works of art.
Familiar names sprang to life. She did not know them, they were merely familiar in the sense that she could match the artist with the piece. As the pages turned, one particular name caught her eye.
In bold blue font, was the name of a man she had come to know so well. Too well.
And then, it hit her. She was dumbstruck.
Years ago, the name before her was one of a complete stranger. She did not know who he was, or where he was from. Whether he enjoyed summer days, or winter nights. How old he was, or how he liked his tea. At present, the name printed on the paper struck something within her. Something deep, surreal, and extraordinary. Something she could never think to live without. He use to be a nobody, a nothing. Now, he meant the world to her.
A smile touched her lips as she sacredly closed the booklet.
His work once swept her off her feet. As it appears, he has as well.
The irony of it all.
Familiar names sprang to life. She did not know them, they were merely familiar in the sense that she could match the artist with the piece. As the pages turned, one particular name caught her eye.
In bold blue font, was the name of a man she had come to know so well. Too well.
And then, it hit her. She was dumbstruck.
Years ago, the name before her was one of a complete stranger. She did not know who he was, or where he was from. Whether he enjoyed summer days, or winter nights. How old he was, or how he liked his tea. At present, the name printed on the paper struck something within her. Something deep, surreal, and extraordinary. Something she could never think to live without. He use to be a nobody, a nothing. Now, he meant the world to her.
A smile touched her lips as she sacredly closed the booklet.
His work once swept her off her feet. As it appears, he has as well.
The irony of it all.
Saturday, 14 June 2008
Blind to what you hear
You're right. You were in the wrong to gain custody of us six years ago. It's good to hear that you finally admit to it.
Now tell me, about that so-called serious, adult-like talk we had earlier. Are you bluffing? Or do you really want to get rid of me? This whole i-taught-you-now-you-roam-free is a bunch of bullshit to my ears. It reeks too.
But to hell with that. Like I said, I don't give a damn. Not anymore. This approach fits too. Me being a bad influence over your new daughter and all.
A or B?
Two weeks to decide.
Now tell me, about that so-called serious, adult-like talk we had earlier. Are you bluffing? Or do you really want to get rid of me? This whole i-taught-you-now-you-roam-free is a bunch of bullshit to my ears. It reeks too.
But to hell with that. Like I said, I don't give a damn. Not anymore. This approach fits too. Me being a bad influence over your new daughter and all.
A or B?
Two weeks to decide.
Prostitution. Gambling. Drinking. Cheating.
I'm tired of hearing them throw these goddamn insults at each other. It has gotten to the point where I don't give a damn and I'd rather you 'adults' sort your problems amongst yourselves. Principles? You think I don't have them? Why not take a hard look at yourself and then talk. Quit acting like children, and quit living in the friggin past. You've both moved on, and its crystal clear; you with your new marriage and child and the other with a fiancé. Or do you do it to simply spite the other? Truth be told, that wouldn't surprise me at all. It'd just merely be another failure to add to your list of childish maneuvers.
And for Gods sake, leave me out of it! I'm not a message carrier, and vengeance isn't my forte. Frankly, I've put up with this for far too long and I just want to get the hell out of here. Never have I thought 'oh please let mommy and daddy be happy again..together.' Hell, when were you two ever? All I have to thank you for is a joyous and wonderful childhood (if only i had one.) Too bad neither of you were ever there and when you were, were too absorbed in your fighting and drinking to ever take notice. Then again, perhaps I'm being selfish (as you always deem me to be.) After all, you did put food on my plate and send me off to a decent school. So really, thank you for that.
But all this? I'm done with it.
Also, that little remark of yours?
Tell her this is war and you girls will be put in the middle of it
Why thank you, I didn't know you cared so much as to directly involve the welfare of your children. Really, it's an honour sir.
And for Gods sake, leave me out of it! I'm not a message carrier, and vengeance isn't my forte. Frankly, I've put up with this for far too long and I just want to get the hell out of here. Never have I thought 'oh please let mommy and daddy be happy again..together.' Hell, when were you two ever? All I have to thank you for is a joyous and wonderful childhood (if only i had one.) Too bad neither of you were ever there and when you were, were too absorbed in your fighting and drinking to ever take notice. Then again, perhaps I'm being selfish (as you always deem me to be.) After all, you did put food on my plate and send me off to a decent school. So really, thank you for that.
But all this? I'm done with it.
Also, that little remark of yours?
Tell her this is war and you girls will be put in the middle of it
Why thank you, I didn't know you cared so much as to directly involve the welfare of your children. Really, it's an honour sir.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)