2005 resolutions

by | Dec 31, 2004 | Everyday me!

It’s New Year’s Eve and I’m feeling contemplative. I have high hopes for the year 2005. I even took the time to write down some resolutions. Below are just a few:

  • Stay positive
  • Lose a minimum of seven kilos (I know it’s a pie in the sky, but I will do my best)
  • Improve my cooking skills, which means learning more recipes and trying to make food of my own design more often
  • Practice my Spanish more regularly by reading books, magazines and perhaps joining some sort of a Spanish speaking group
  • Read more Arabic books
  • Start working on some of my personal projects

Happy New Year Everyone!

Michael is here

by | Dec 30, 2004 | Mi Familia, Shutterbug, Tidbits

Michael and Me

Yesterday was a good day. My nephew, Michael William Connally, came to life. Both he and Brigitte are in a good health after three hours of labor. We were very lucky that Michael arrived while we were still in Amman, allowing us to spend some time with him right before we return to Doha Sunday. He is just so adorable.

I know it might be too early to say, but he really takes after his dad. It is also worth mentioning that he is the first nephew in a family dominated by the female presence, so the excitement over his arrival has been duly doubled.

Jeff created a photo album of the occasion. Click here or the picture to share our joy.

A ride on ‘The Polar Express’

by | Dec 28, 2004 | Film

The Polar ExpressThe other day, we headed out to the movies to watch the Christmas film The Polar Express (Yes, I’m still in a holiday mood). What did I think of the movie? I was disappointed. I expected more vigor, more music and more entertainment. Instead the movie dragged along forever and bored me tremendously. This is just not supposed to happen in a big Christmas movie!

But to be fair to the film I must say that the animation was quite impressive. It was fascinating to see how the animated characters looked so human, particularly the train conductor (modeled on Tom Hanks — who also was responsible for most of the main adult voices in the film). My advice for anyone who wants to see it is to wait until the DVD comes out and rent it. It really is not worth the money for a viewing on the big screen.