GARFIELD

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE YOURSELF OR OTHERS

Sometimes, we underestimate a person's potential, worth or ability. We might later come to know that the most unassuming person we didn't think much of, might be a reservoir of talent or have some great quality or turn out to be much more knowledgeable, resourceful or productive than what he appeared to be. By the way, do you underestimate yourself or your abilities? Let me share some interesting facts about real life people I know. 

While I write this, I am reminded of a girl from class, back in my school days, a pleasant girl, with simple looks and a bit on the heavy side, who sat at the back of class (back benchers were the non-studious and tried to steer clear of being noticed by teachers). I’ll call her Sarah to protect her true identity. Sarah was picked upon by some teachers, scolded as she could not answer their questions in class. She just managed to pass her test and exams. After school, a lot of us lost touch. Many years later, I heard through a good friend, Sarah held a top post at World Bank in USA! 

Many years ago, during my teaching days, one of my students, a tiny frail boy was extremely shy who disliked mingling with any students, had no friends and I used to be worried about him as few weeks passed by with no change. I had several meetings with his mother, whom I found to be EXTREMELY shy, conscious with a lack of esteem. As we got a little more friendly, this lady once brings to me awesome hand painted T-shirts, and hand painted dresses using fabric paint and she was having a Bazaar at home. I didn’t realize, she was so talented. Years passed and recently I came to know, the little boy turned into smart young man who went to Medical School. 

About 16 years ago,  a young lady, a high school graduate and mother of three, left her estranged husband and came to Kuwait to work as a Nanny. She was brought to Kuwait by a well known family friend of hers to take care of their special needs child. Sadly, she was paid meager wages and realized she would never be able to provide a better life for her children whom she left in the care of her mother back in India. When I first met her, she was so unassuming and quiet. I thought, what a big mistake she made by coming here as there seemed to be no future for her in the house in the worked. After 2 years of facing much hardships, she joined as a salesgirl in a Bookshop. She later worked for a store dealing in Personal care products, followed by well paying job currently in a Computer firm. She was able to buy a house, educate her three children and they are doing quite well for themselves.   It's nice to know how things have turned out for  this unassuming person, who is truly resourceful and capable.   
 
How often were you put in situations, where you gave in your best,  went beyond your capabilities to achieve or accomplish something good. Perhaps you discovered how resourceful you truly are or stumbled upon a hidden talent within you? We are all capable in so many different ways, which is gift of nature. Never underestimate another person and Never underestimate yourself!

T SHIRTS THAT CAPTURE ATTENTION

Sometimes i'ts amusing when you enter a store and look at T-shirts and find a funny or interesting slogan or saying that either makes you smile or even wonder what is the intended meaning. Here are pictures I took of two T-shirts I saw in shop recently.

Zoo York is U.S. brand of apparel for Men and Women, skateboards, sneakers and accessories. Zoo York is a style and social philosophy inspired by the New York City graffiti art of the 1970s.The name originates from a subway tunnel called Zoo York Tunnel or just 'Zoo York', running underneath the area of the Central Park Zoo. 

An evening to remember! However, what Puma expresses on their T-shirt is 'Let's make (soccer/football) tonight'. Wearing this T-shirt lets you show off your love for football. Puma love = Football! Hmmm...

DOPIE INNOVATIVE COMFORT FOOTWEAR FROM TERRA PLANA

DOPIE  the minimal footwear of  interesting design and shape, yet absolutely comfortable on the feet, was designed by Matthew Harrison while studying at the Royal College of Art in London and developed together with Terra Plana into a finished product that is super comfortable, moulds to your feet and straightens out your toes. Terra Plana works with companies who make materials in a range of environmentally friendly ways. 

Dopie is available in attractive as well as soft interesting shades at AL SIRHAN SHOES in Salmiah. Sirhan Shoes is having a Sale on their collection of different footwear. However, there is no sale on Dopie footwear. It's around K.D. 13/-

Location : Sirhan Shoes, Hamed Mubarak Street, Salmiah (beside Li-Ning sportswear )

STICKING TO THINGS

RESTAURANT - ZAFRAN

If you plan to eat out in the weekend, Zafran in Salmiah, is a great restaurant to have lunch or dinner. I have blogged about Zafran  earlier, when it had first launched, with a lot of pictures.   Zafran offers great ambience and great food, which anyone would enjoy. I like the decor which compliments the wonderful dining experience. Zafran serves Indian contemporary cuisine with a modern twist. Don't worry about the spices, as they are mild and the food is delicious. They have  a Main Restaurant Area for lunch and dinner with an  elaborate menu you can choose from. They have two more areas, the Lounge Area and Sheesha Lounge which has a separate 'Lounge Menu' that serves snacks, beverages and different mocktails and juices.

Location : Next to Landmark, Salem Al Mubarak Street, Salmiah

Tel: 25750647 

Here are some pictures during our lunch at Zafran.

Reception Area

Menu

Zafran salad (a very refreshing salad with green leaves, chicken, tomatoes and cucumber)

Mixed grilled platter (Shrimp, Meat Ribs, chicken, hamour fish)

Achari Biriyani (Rice with meat) cooked in aromatic spices

A beautiful dessert (white - baba doi, brown- gulab jamuns)

MOVIE: PAUL

Do you believe in Aliens? Well, whether you do or not, there is nice comedy-science fiction movie PAUL (released March 2011), which you could watch on DVD. It's about this Alien named Paul, whose spaceship crashed and was held captive on a secret military base on earth for 60 years. Paul manages to escape and meets two earthlings.... no three, who become his friends. Paul wants to return to his planet and his friends want to help him. It's not easy with several earthlings chasing Paul. So does he make it? Its full of fun, adventure and fantasy, with a rating of R for language and other strong references (and a few scenes). Those with children under 18, may not want them to watch it.

The movie stars Nick Frost and Simon Pegg and is directed by Greg Mottola.

RAT FASHION SHOW 2011 IN NEW YORK

Rats and mice as we all know, are used for experiments in science. But how about in Style and Fashion shows? What follows are pictures of Rat Fashion show at the NYC Fancy Rat Convention in New York City on May 29.

 The rats showed their lovable and fashionable side contrary to the creepy pests they are considered to be. These rats look very cute adorable in their outfits. "Rats are very popular these days and the owners love to dress them up," said pet fashion designer Ada Nieves, according to Oddity Central.

PAPER ART

Calvin Nicholls is a very gifted and talented artist from Toronto, Canada . His  realistic wildlife paper sculptures, is an amazing work of art and precision. His paper sculptures are eco-friendly . 

OLIVE OIL AND IT'S HEALTH BENEFITS

Using healthy oil for cooking and salad dressing is very important. High quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil, has a lot of health benefits and is the best choice. Olive Oil has a great aroma and beautiful flavour. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is obtained from the first "pressing" of the olive,  extracted without using heat (a cold press) or chemicals. The olive tree is considered a symbol of peace

Here are some wonderful benefits of Olive Oil (especially Extra Virgin)

* Contributes to healthy heart

* Anti skin ageing

* Controls blood pressure

* Restricts kidney stone formation

* Controls diabetes

* Controls liver activity

* Minimizes clots 

* Good for eyes

* Enhances digestion 

* Rich in Oleic acid (Omega 9) which aids in keeping our arteries supple and helps prevent cancer.

* Contains Vitamins A, K and E and lot of essential nutrients that contribute to good health.

* Rich in polyphenols (a powerful antioxidant) and mono unsaturated fat that helps in lowering cholestrol.

* Promotes secretion of bile and pancreatic hormones naturally and lowers formation of gallstones. 

* Olive oil is well tolerated by people having ulcers and gastritis 

* Olive oil is also used in personal care - in bath water, as a massage oil for scalp and body.

There are different varieties of Olive oil, depending on it's processing

Extra virgin - least processed, contains oil from the first pressing of the olives.
Virgin - oil obtained from the second pressing of olives.
Pure - Contains extra virgin and refined olive oil and undergoes certain amount of processing (filtering and refining)
Extra light - Has a very mild olive flavour (as it undergoes considerable refining) and may contain other vegetable oils

WHAT IS INSIDE US

HUMOUR - A CHILD'S VISION 'WHEN I GROW UP'

KNOW YOUR VALUE

A well known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. 

In the room of 200, he asked:
"Who would like this $20 bill?"

 Hands started going up. He said:

"I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first,
let me do this."
 

He proceeded to crumple the dollar bill up.
He then asked:
"Who still wants it?"
Still the hands were up in the air.


"Well," he replied, "what if I do this?"
And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into
the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty.
"Now who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air.


"My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson.
No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because
it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20.


Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground
into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that
come our way. We feel as though we are worthless.
But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you
will never lose your value. To those who love you, you are
priceless.


The worth of our lives come not in what we do or who we know
but by who we are!

GIFT SHOP AT BAYT LOTHAN

The beautiful Gift Shop (Al Dukan) at Bayt Lothan in Salmiyah that has so many wonderful things worth taking a look at. They have antique jewellery, ready to wear artificial jewellery, semi-precious stone jewelry, Ladies gowns and colourful Daraah, paintings, a variety of interesting curios, show pieces, copper ware. Oh..there are so many things....If you are in Salmiah or decide to visit Salmiah, do drop into the Gift Shop and you might find something really interesting.  Bayt Lothan, as you know, offers courses and classes in music, drawing painting and photography and hold various workshops related to the same. As you might be aware, time to time, cultural, art and fashion exhibitions and musical events are held at Bayt Lothan. 

Location : Gulf Road, Near Marina Mall and Corniche Club

Website: www.baytlothan.org 

Phone : 25755866 or 25727388
Opening hours : 9 am to 1pm, 5pm to 9pm 

 
Here are some pictures I had taken of the Gift shop at Bayt Lothan