word of the day

kerfuffle [kəˈfʌf^əl]

n

Informal chiefly Brit commotion; disorder; agitation.

happy birthday me!

at 26-years, 1 week and 1 day i have to say that *drumroll* .....  i feel the same.

sorry to burst your bubble.

sure my social circle might have changed a little and i do have a couple ugly scars i wish i was able to avoid, but i don't really feel a day over 18. i had a great birthday that involved the sun, cocktails, delicious mexican food, cupcakes and of course great company :) out of the gifts i received, i was very happy with my new play-doh set and these two little stuffed penguins who have yet to be named. 

age is just a number. yes, i've reached the point where i use that line right left and center. on a daily basis. just let me be happy.

xx

The right bathroom for you

ever since middle school, i've had a growing interest in interior architecture and design, to the extent that i believed i was going to become the next big thing - coffee table books and all. very cute.

i decided to attend my first summer course in architectural design at new york's pratt institute when i was 16. i'm glad i attended it, because what i did find was that i'd rather wait tables at johnny rockets, and that i would never again walk alone in brooklyn. long story short, it involved me, two of my friends and a stranger who threatened to steal me if we didn't give him a dollar. umm.. is that all i'm worth?

anyway, i realized shortly after, that i was always more interested in working with the space once it was already designed. also, xacto knives and cardboard paper? not my thing. i do however have utmost respect for those who love it.

over the years i've slowly created a mental scrapbook of ideas. yes yes, i know, now there's pinterest. i should probably hop onto that bandwagon, but for now i've added some bathroom ideas below that caught my eye. i'm ALWAYS intrigued by bathrooms, more so than the actual bedroom. it's a very important room. in my perfect world i can afford any bathroom i want. so... yeah. 

space is key. this one might be a bit too large though, i'm a little intimidated.

another angle. i really love the contrast of the purple and white. very clean.

who would say no to this? if i lived by the water this wouldn't be such a bad idea. 

interesting. you'd probably have to shower like a rockstar though... in case anyone's watching.

 so much space i can do a cartwheel!! that should be the requirement, "is there enough space for a cartwheel and perhaps a round-off on a really good day? great."

 i love the fireplace. also the old-fashioned bathtub, stunning. 

more masculine. doesn't really look like a bathroom though does it. i prefer white to black.

 very zen. the candles are a must. i wouldn't necessarily need the stones in the middle. i'm too clumsy and prefer not to turn the lights on if i need to make a visit halfway through my sleep. not down for injuries.

 a bathtub and a standing shower are both a must. i love this style of overhead shower. the color is also pretty amazing.

 is that a pool?! this ones elegant but the bathtub is huge and i don't take THAT many baths. could be the angle but it looks like a whole load of wasted water from here. also i need more space. yes, need.

 love the style. although i don't think i'd want it; it's more of a guest bathroom. something about it says, don't use me, just look at me being cute, smile then leave and close the door behind you thank you.

the layout is not bad, i'd change the colors. 

 oversized sauna? i feel trapped just looking at it.  way too dark.

 playful.

what's going on in here, is it a bathroom or a garden? too much clutter, i feel like there are hidden animals and insects that are camera shy.

great standing shower! not spacious enough. 

at least i've narrowed down my requirements to:

- cartwheel friendly

- clean and playful colors

- old-fashioned tub

- modern standing shower

- fireplace

- candles

- lots of mirrors

- surround sound

- lots of natural light

 xx

long overdue random realizations

- i suddenly need a xylophone.

- sitting inside the car while getting a carwash isn't as exciting when you're alone... it's very lonely.
- i'm craving a rainy day with thunder and lightning.
- i don't have patience for people who always expect me to say hi even after we've made direct eye contact. is there some sort of social code i'm missing out on? i'll just assume they suffer from myopia and aren't aware.
- a hot shower never fails to make me feel better.
- how great would it be if we had full length instant body dryers as we walked out of the shower?

- i don't get couples who post status updates on fb while they're on their honeymoon... shouldn't you be occupied?
- i have a renewed love for strawberry jell-o.
- hate it when i try to swiftly throw my gum out but instead get it stuck to my fingers leaving me standing there wagging my hand in public. very debonair.
- do mosquitos generally recognize other bites on you and decide you must be tasty? bastards.
- getting flashed by the speeding radar on sheikh zayed road really hurts. the memory haunts me.
- it's really awkward walking up to someone you're meeting up with from a distance who's already spotted you. should you start walking faster? suddenly you're very conscious of how you walk. this quite possibly only applies to me....

xx happy wednesday 

TGITW: be artistic

i remember in uni my roommate had what i'd call a severe, slightly scary, mind controlling addiction to pens. z, don't even deny it. i would worry whenever she'd go to staples alone and in the case that she did, someone had to monitor closely. if you needed a pen in any shape color or form, chez zaina et may was the place to go to. 

i DON'T have that same problem, but during my trip to costco i was mesmerized as always walking through the aisles of bulk that i would only think to buy if i had to stock my dream underground safe-house to shelter me from the ash of an erupting volcano. (whew!) what i was most attracted to were these sharpies! you can never have enough sharpies -it's a general rule of thumb you should live by. they write on ANY surface, and that's besides the fact that this pack comes in nearly ever color of the rainbow. i still enjoy making cds for friends, so these pens are definitely my tool for design. i'm currently looking for any reason to use every single color. they should probably keep the baby away from me....

have a great weekend! 

xx

never thought i'd say this

 but damn does katie holmes look stunning on the cover of elle!! so according to hollywood, how do you reach your hottest potential? get a divorce. i don't really feel bad for her; you know she'll be dating a gorgeous actor/musician in about a week TOPS!

xx

goodbye dubai

i spent yesterday on edge dreading the thought of needing to postpone my flight to london. for the record don't attempt to renew your residency a day before leaving unless you want to risk missing your flight. never something i want when it means more time in this heat. in my defense i'm not the one who deals with it. note: always check expiration dates. i'm now 25 (not sure how that happened) and daily realize something new i need to start being responsible for. boo. what happens when we have children? speaking of those little ones, the reason i'm itching to escape is to get to san fran where my sister-in-law is due any day now! not sure how to contain my excitement of having an ickle nephew to make as weird as me. 

luckily i woke up to great news - my residency was renewed. likewise, so were my energy levels, which prompted me to have somewhat of a productive day from a more shallow angle. i managed to get what i needed from the tailor, i love him he works magic. i worked out ie. walked on the treadmill in my new zaggora pants (check them out- they're supposed to make you burn more - sweet!). i think they're actually a health hazard in the uae though. i then attempted to tan and failed. it lasted 15 minutes. so much more to do and i'm a little scared of packing, but at least i have the necessities ready:

1. passport

2. ipod

3. new book to read

4. big red

i'm set.

xx

humidity thinks it's love

humidity is such a pain in the arse this time of year. it's super affectionate and will smother you to suffocation. kind of like someone annoying who just doesn't get the point. my camera didn't appreciate the effect the humidity uninvitedly offered either - i didn't alter the photo in any way. ugh i can feel the stickiness looking at it. it'd probably be pretty amusing watching someone who relied on their specs try to get around tho.

i hope you're all able to handle it (pointless comment).

xx penguina

letting loose with pb & j

what happens when you have four girls hanging out in the kitchen after a night out? a finished jar of peanut butter and some jelly on the side. it was all fun and games till i woke up sick the next day. i blame the martini. think it'll be a while before i can have any again.

note: do not try this if you do not appreciate double dipping.

xx

good morning london :)

whenever i'm in london i have to have a daily cup o' joe from nero, specifically a soy latte (and i don't even drink coffee). it really hits the spot, especially against the morning chill. as always, i was welcomed by rain which i thought i'd hate, but surprisingly found refreshing and now that i'm all cozy and bundled up indoors, find oh so peaceful to listen to.

i hope you all have a great day!

xx penguina

recent realizations

the jellyfish always has to ruin the moment...

• can someone please design the perfect bikini for tanning that conceals yet helps avoid the tan lines? thanks.
• i really like silk.
• i get very nervous if i can't see burj khalifa. 
• any fun moment will always pass by so quickly. so inconvenient. 
• i suddenly have an urge to adopt children (in the future obv).
• i'm a little intimidated by girls who play the violin.
• change is frightening ONLY because we always feel our situation might worsen instead of improve. why are we so negative?!
• note to self: avoid maxi dresses after getting asked if i was pregnant in one.
• being around crows in fujeirah felt like i was around the ravens in game of thrones. yeah i'm a little obsessed.
• i've just accepted that i'll never find the nail polish color i'm looking for. it's not completely white, but a bit off-pink and opaque. 
• i need to start using packing organizers.
• i love midnight snacking and anyone who'll snack with me.
• the sea at night is nothing without phytoplankton.
• i find straight guys who notice every detail of a girl i.e. if her manicure is up to par, very creepy.
• being told a juicy secret is like having a live grenade attached to you. i'd rather not know. 
• i shouldn't have let peanut butter back into my life. oh well.

 xx penguina

g'morning dubai

the great thing about living in abu dhabi and having so many friends in dubai is the fun of being a nomad whenever i visit. this weekend was extra special, not only because i stayed with my ex roomie from uni who just recently moved here, but also because the view from her bedroom is prettay damn cool! i'm sure she loved how the first thing i did every morning was let all the sunshine in to enjoy the view. it's also a stunning sight much earlier in the morning when the clouds are at eye level.

this is definitely not dxb mall's best angle. i get tired just looking at it... 

xx penguina

random realizations

- today is a very sad day, as i've come to the realization that all the big red my good friend brought back from the States has finished. i'm feeling a little lost and uninterested in all other gum flavors, and life.

- something i love about working out really hard is that there's this moment when you feel like death and you're questioning what the point of life is, but if you just push yourself you completely overcome it. it's all minds play bitchesss. 

- i believe everyone should go on a spiritual journey at some point in their life. 

- glow in the dark face paint at parties is extremely underrated.

- i get a little too excited when it comes to books- i can't read just one at a time.

- tracy anderson's "abs and thigh" workout was painful and i better fricken see results.

- everyone should dance at least once a week. 

- guys who have more than 10 facebook profile photos of JUST their face frighten me. it's weird enough when girls do it.

- it's not easy to find witty charmers who bring forth challenging banter these days.

- i shouldn't spend more than $10 on my shades seeing as i'm notorious for losing them. 

- i hardly watch tv, but when i do, apple tv really enhances the moment. for me at least. 

- people need to stop asking me to cry on cue when they find out i'm an actor. i'll never understand why that's so intriguing anyway; i find an actor who is constantly crying not talented but rather very annoying.

- i truly love effortless friendships. can't say it enough times.

- i really want to watch the avengers.

- being called may during the month of may throws me a little off center; i keep hearing and seeing my name and you know when you say a word so much you start questioning if it's real? like ketchup. that's how i feel about my name: may, may, may, may, may. it's a strange feeling. 

i leave you on that note, and wish you a happy monday!

xx penguina

muslims: enter if you dare!

here at the grocery store you will find that there is a little animal farm action going on as our little porcine friend babe and his cousins get their own "special" section. you will also find a sign pointing out that it is for "non-muslims." i wasn't sure if this was some sort of friendly reminder to the lost muslim, a threat to any daring muslim, or a great way to make non-muslims feel welcome. WHAT IF I felt like perusing the different cuts in there.... i'm not supposed to feel paranoid in a grocery store.

xx penguina

random realizations

• my phone for sure has started to think falling on the ground is a sign of endearment from me. as much as i want an iPhone i'm so scared it won't withstand my harassment.
• switching between the 3 lanes to ad makes the trip so much more exciting. oh and getting pulled over by the popo.
• people need to stop skimming off the top - you know you're gonna eat it all. just enjoy every bite.
• you know you're out of it when you ask someone if they have toilet paper instead of nail polish remover and only realize after they reply "umm yeah a couple rolls, why?"
• do NOT drink a liter and a half of water then drive to dubai in a short dress. just don't.
• whys the girl always the bitch?
• mosquitos must enjoy my blood a lil too much (i say this with a puffed eye and face from 14 awkward bites).
• nutella makes everything better, and worse.
• i will soon find that all of my money has gone to baker & spice.
• that uncomfortable moment someone remembers me and i have no recollection of ever meeting them happens way too often. 
• tans make everyone look much more fit

xx penguina

random realizations

who else would it be?

• i think absofuckinlutely is such a fulfilling word and wish it was used in the professional world.
• i think everyone should do reiki.
• i'm so excited summers coming up. like abnormally excited. 
• very disappointed i have yet to hug a penguin at the mall.
• i'm honestly a little confused/hurt that one of my guy friends was shocked that i know how to drive.. what exactly does that imply?
• i need to stay put in abu dhabi for a while seeing as when i decided i'd for once go early to my trainer, i realized i was driving to dubai instead... cue pixies "where is my mind." needless to say, i was late; story of my life.
• if a taxi beeps at me again the MILLISECOND the light turns green i'm just not gonna move. 
• a lot of people in the middle east need to realize eating healthy isn't about weight loss, but maintaining the utmost energy throughout the day, having great skin and much more i.e. always looking and feeling young and fresh.
• getting your nails done with friends is such a great way to catch up when you hardly have time to. especially to talk about all the guys you've hooked up with recently. NOT. that sort of behavior does not happen in any Arab country. no really, it hardly does; the guy pool is too shallow.
• it feels SO good to leave a facebook group that's constantly sending notifications. i don't think i care enough to be part of it if i just turn them off. 
• DON'T tan until a previous sunburn is fully recovered. it's not a pretty sight and it involves little water bubbles under the skin. 
• driving from ad to dxb is vicious in the fast lane. i'm pretty sure everyone's theme song is luda's MOVE BITCH.
• i think jones the grocer can afford to add a couple more salads to their menu.
• it's been a while since i've had some really good sangria...

happy tuesday!

xx penguina

at the end of the day

n'est-ce pas?

One Way to Avoid an Eye Patch

Basically don't rub your eye after using anti-bacterial hand gel.

That's Tido btw.

Yes, I brought him to London with me, don't hate. 

Bonjour Londres

Today I awoke to the crisp gloom of London and actually welcomed it with a smile. Considering the tan I managed to get working at the Volvo Ocean Race, I’ve been craving that true winter shiver again (I won’t be writing so poetically about it in a couple days).

Not sure what the next couple weeks here have in store for me, but it’ll mainly be a family trip. Since my brother and his wife live all the way in San Francisco, being all together is always a blessing, especially with the amazing family friends we have here too.
I definitely think no matter what sort of crazy family you have, being with them is priceless and should never be taken for granted. I also know that it's beautiful how some friendships grow so strong that their genuine love and support binds you to them stronger than blood does. Cheers to that!

Happy Wednesday xx

Last Day at the Volvo Ocean Race

I brought a couple friends with me my second to last day at the Volvo Ocean Race, I convinced them it was wild. They're probably not listening to me again, but at least they got tans in the sun.  

Paparazzi shot. The fame that comes with sharing Marmo's story is really tiring.

 The first read was fun, but I'm just not understanding the weather; I'm pretty sure it was a regular summers day, I could hardly breathe while I was reading. The little girl in front of me was blinking so much I thought she was having some sort of fit. 

 What a fella

 Irish dancing - not really my thing but interesting to watch I guess. I thought it was enough to have it at the Sanya activation. Then they decided to have the girls dance on stage for what felt like 2 hours. Who watches Irish dancing for that long?! 

 It's hard not to get attached to Marmo.

 Getting ready to MC for the Puma Faas Test. Everyone was encouraged to try the Puma Faas shoes and see how fast they could run but it was mainly children. These two brothers wouldn't leave, they just kept trying over and over again. Unfortunately their scores didn't really change much. 

 Aiysha and I putting on a lil show for you on how to win 1st place... when you're 2nd. It really made sense to do at the time. 

 And that's how it's done :)

 Yeyaaa

 Even Marmo tried out... he sucked

 Trying the virtual ride, and completely miserable about the thought of getting wet, at least that's the look I was going for. Aiysha looks like a lost orphan. 

 It felt like such a long week reading that story over and over, but I think I like kids a bit more, just a bit though. 

 It's Marmo bitch

I honestly did not see that kid get in that photo, and he's posing like us also

Ahh, so adventure 1 of 2012 has been completed (so crazy I know), stay tuned for the second one xx