Kevin and I have been in talks with Ms. Christy Tillery French and we have come to an agreement to create a film based on her book The Bodyguard and the Show Dog from her Bodyguard series. We will also be bringing in elements of the series' first book to tie together the story.

We have decided on a screenplay, approved by Ms. French, and are currently working on putting together crew and cast. If any of you are interested in the project, I would be more than happy to give you further information.

And when I say 'Kevin and I' I mean, I have been in talks with Ms. French since Kevin would rather drink slushies on the roof than work on the project. Continue this and I will have to hurt you, Kevin.

[ Fatima actually came back to the States on April 2, but she's been too busy catching up on RL that she hasn't had time for the compendiums until now. ]

Seems I managed to miss the April Fool's festivities by a day. I suppose it was for the best, I do not think I would have been in the mood for pranks this year. Is it true there was a slip and slide in the Pen?

[ referring to an Egyptian killed by US military ship ]

Why, of all times, did the US military have to do something so stupid now? Warning shots should be fired in the air above the boats, not at them.

[ ... ]

The goal of this trip has just gotten harder to reach.

( Private to Kevin )

Congratulations on your marriage, May and Kilroy. I am sorry I wasn't able to attend, but I do hope you received the gift I sent with Kevin.

My building as been overrun by raging drunks loudly singing drinking songs and attempting to River Dance. I have successfully avoided them, but I fear it won't be long before they break down the door and force me to participate in their vain attempt to sing and dance.

I can hear the voices getting louder, I fear they are drawing closer. Kevin! Rescue me from the drunk masses! Be quick, I do not think I can last much longer!

Did anyone watch the first Lewis Black's Root of All Evil where they were debating which was more evil: Oprah or the Catholic Church? What was the ruling on that? I am sad to say I missed the verdict.

The going-ons in the Middle East still haunt me, even when I am an ocean away.

My brother has been quite vocal about the Israeli offensive into Gaza that has resulted in the death of 71 Palestinians since Saturday. As are many others, I am sure. It's a shame, so many innocents being killed so the Israeli armies can get to the Palestinian terrorists. I'm amazed Israel has taken such actions when they were in the midst of peace talks. Hopefully both sides will stop the violence and attempt some form of treaty. It is a high hope that probably won't occur, but I'll try to stay optimistic despite reality.

On a lighter note, my birthday is tomorrow. If you are able, Kevin, would you and Darlie like to celebrate with me? I was thinking of making dinner and perhaps picking up some pastries from a bakery. I seem to recall reading about a baker in our midst?

Once again, the phone call from my brother to determine the perfect Valentine's Day gift has come.
Catherine and he have been together for years, you would think he could come up with an appropriate gift. This happens for every day that requires a present: the Eid, Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries. I suppose I shouldn't be too hard on him. He's always been bad at figuring gifts for others.

( Private to Devin )

[ many unreadable strike outs - all incomplete thoughts on the events that happened early that morning - the pen obviously pressing down hard on the paper as it crossed the words out ]

This isn't happening.

[ cross out written in hurried Arabic, still semi-readable ]

What are these people's problems? Whine, drink, verbal molestation, bitch, insult of some form or another, drink. How am I at all related to these horrific imbeciles? Why do I even bother with all of this? I hate this stupid tale nonsense!

[ ... ]

It's nights like this I wish sleep wasn't a necessity to survival.

( Private )

My laptop has died. I am currently debating on whether I should get it fixed or just buy a new one. It was a nice machine, but I'm afraid it would require some upgrades if I did get it fixed. Perhaps a new one would be easier. I know there are those out there that understand computer specifications and the like, could I bother you for an opinion on the matter?

[ Private ]

I can't believe I wrote that. I could have easily written something that wouldn't have blatantly given my thoughts away. And it was public! I just want to hide away and never come out.

[ /Private ]


[ ... ]

There are some days I would rather just curl up in bed and never wake up.

I hate flying They always search my bag, but this isn't the time of year to be ranting about such things. It's the 24th and I wish everyone who celebrates the holiday a happy Christmas.

Celebrations of the Eid were wonderful. My parents flew in from Cairo, oh were the little ones happy to see their grandparents. I was happy as well, I don't get to see them nearly enough. Catherine cooked an amazing meal from the cow Ahmed obtained for us. And then the dishes at the local celebration! It's going to take months to work off all the food I ate.

Oh yes, I also arrive bearing gifts. Kevin, when would be a good time for me to come over to deliver yours and Darlie's presents?