YouTube Tuesday: She Lives!

I know, I know. I've used that title before. And the reference, too. (*cough* Mulan *cough*) I'm not even searching for the clip. It's a mental video you'll have to conjure.

We've been here, done that and bought this t-shirt so many times I could open my own t-shirt store. I know, I've been delinquent. Truthfully, I'm really working on making my own blog. Yessiree, my own, my precious. It's not anywhere near being ready to launch, so don't worry. When it's ready, you'll know. The biggest holdup is the name of the blog. I've changed this blog's title once and I don't want to do it again. The reason I want a separate blog? I'd like to put the more personal, family stuff private & let the rest all hang out. Maybe I'll get some input if I get really stuck.

But now, on to the real star of the day. The YouTube Video! I have to brag just a little because I found this channel all on my own, with just a little help from Me, Myself & I. And do you know who was on The Ellen Show yesterday? (hint: not me) Yousef, the guy who makes these videos. He plays all the characters, he is awesome. I did have a hard time narrowing it down to just one video. That's why there are two! You have to promise me that you will go see his other vids. Start with: 'You Know You're Arab When . . .', then move onto the 'Middle Eastern Family' episodes. 






 

 

Trashy Treasure

A science fair is one of the 'End of the Year' projects we are working on. Well, worked on; Grant is done, the fair is on Thursday. Don't worry, there are still more projects to be had by all the kids. Isn't that just fabulous? Yes, we still have another month of school. Not fluffy school, real school. Sigh. Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.

Rotten Thumb

I have been falsely misled into thinking I have a bit of a green thumb. I planted ornamental sunflowers about 2 weeks ago. The package said sprouts would appear in 7-10 days. And that they do best in full sun. And to water them frequently. Yes, I have to be reminded to give nourishment to things I am responsible for. (I may or may not be referring to other non-plant growths that need to be fed) 

Just 5 days after doubtfully planting my seeds, little green sprouts poked out of the black soil. Yay! I can grow something! I tended them dutifully; preparing myself for a few empty spaces in between the other sprouts, there have to be duds in every packet. Actually, I only had 5 out of the two packets not sprout. I also know that some will not make it to full size; there have to be sprouts that die, either through natural selection or thinning. I watch National Geographic, I know the circle of life. I'm still surprised that the hordes of doves, pigeons, and sparrows haven't turned it into their own personal buffet. 

The past two days, though, my little sprouts have been shriveling up and dying. Wha...? I've only got about 30 percent of the original successes. I've moved them out of the full sun, contrary to the packaging directions. I know Bahrain's weather can be harsh; we've been hitting the century mark daily for the last month. This was supposed to be the perfect conditions for them, too. I saw the same sunflowers thriving last year. There are even ones that sprang up spontaneously and are being ripped out and treated like weeds. 

Last Saturday, the kids came running inside and said they discovered a tomato plant with little red tomatoes on it!. I told them to leave it alone because it's not our plant. But they insisted that it was right beside our door, so it must be ours. I went outside and looked under the tree that overhangs our steps. Lo and behold, two hardy cherry tomato plants, each bearing 2-4 red fruits and at least a dozen green ones between them. There's even a monster basil plant right near it. Seems like the previous tenants had a little tomato sauce garden going here.




So, I give up. Little seeds of any sort, stay away from me. If you are planted by me, it is surely a death sentence. I guess the green on my thumb stands for rotten. If only plants grew spontaneously around me, that would be a great superpower. ::*plant powers turning on*:: I command squash, strawberries, watermelon, and chilies to pop out of the ground. I promise I won't touch you until you're ripe.