27 | Friendships
27 years ago yesterday, my mother gave birth to me in a little hospital in Saida, Lebanon. Usually around the time of my birthday I get supremely depressed. This can be attributed to the fact that every year that passes by I always feel as though I’ve failed in my one main goal in life. I’ve failed in this goal yet again, as I have yet to publish my first graphic novel. To be honest that’s another post for another time altogether.
However surprisingly this time round I didn’t get depressed. You’ll have probably noticed that I haven’t been posting to the site with that much regularity, which is due to the fact that I’ve been having an extremely rough time in my life right now. Work has definitely not been a source of much enjoyment for me, mainly because of the stage most of my projects are currently in and the work involved on them. It really feels soul destroying sometimes. Outside work, the destruction of my country once again has obviously had a serious effect on me as I start wondering if it’s all worth it or not. Creatively things have been heading in a bit of upturn (although because of the above was pretty stagnant), mainly because of my switch to Ubuntu. It’s been a bit of a struggle getting everything aligned the way I want it, but it’s definitely paying off.
The only thing that has been going well for me, are my friends.
I’ve been living away from home since the age of 18, so I had to find a substitute for my family who provide me with such undivided love and care. This came in the form of my friends. As you can imagine I take a lot of stock in friendships, more so than relationships, one of the many reasons I’m still single. As I take friendships this seriously I make sure I don’t give my friendship away easily. Those people I don’t like, simply don’t hear from me. Life’s far too short to worry about assholes when you can devote your time to people and things that you care about. Yesterday was one of the best birthdays I’ve had and that’s completely down to being surrounded by all my friends and phonecalls and emails and messages from people.
The day started of at 12 o’clock on the 22nd, while I’m talking to my brother, Sylvane and Laurent (my housemates) switched the lights to my room and brought in the birthday cake. If I was more feminin I’d have shed a tear (thankfully I kept my composure, but it was an incredible cool gesture on their part).
The ‘proper’ day continued with my family who gave me a ring wishing me well, as did my one of my two bestest buddies from Greece, Katerina.
The day took a bit of a downturn as I was onsite for like 4 hours but once I came back there were some really cool little presents sitting on my desk. Traditionally I’m extremely crap at giving presents or even birthdays in general. I try and make up for it throughout the actual year by doing other things that compensate (I hope) for this foresight on my part. With that in mind, you can imagine just how humbled I felt when I got several presents. For me it’s not about the present itself but it’s just the fact that someone actually thought about me in advance and went to the effort to think about what they could get for me is a feeling greater and more special to me than the present itself in many respects.
So I just want to thank (in order of me getting them, no other order so guys please don’t be coming back at me like you did about the list in which you came on the email):
- Dildora got me this little figurine from Uzbekistan.
- Ana brought me two of the coolest toys I could have gotten, a Guido and Luigi stuff toys (from Cars)
- Morwenna made me a card with Guido on it (I must have been talking about that car for far too long).
- Yasmina got me a pretty comprehensive collection of Asian cinema (which I’ll be sure to review once I’ve gone through them).
- Anna who got me my first pocket Moleskin book that I’ll be sure to fill with all manners of ideas in the coming year.
- Stathi and Maria for the wicked shirt.
- Tracey for the wall clock (funny story, went into a store, saw this clock “Hey mister can I have this clock?” “Sorry sir, we’re out of stock.” “How long till you get a new one?” “We can order one for you, it’ll take 4 weeks” “Erm Mister, this is a complete impulse buy, if I don’t get it in the next 5 minutes it’s not happening”. Thankfully someone else has got a bigger attention span than I do).
- Naoto for the weird Japanese wig.
- Franchesco for the butterfly and box of…I don’t even know what that stuff is to be honest..but thanks for that as well).
- Martina for the card.
- Laurent and Gladys for the mini book on websites.
I’m over the moon that so many people that I invited whom I thought wouldn’t make it, actually made the effort and turned up to say hello, which honestly gave me an even dopier smile than I traditionally wear on a constant basis anyway. So what this ramble of words is effectively trying very hard to say is that I love you guys. When I review 2006, (I’ve said this before, it ranks as one of the worst years for me personally in recent memory) this day will be marked as one of the shining highlight, I’m glad you’re all a part of my life. Now were is that remedy for hangovers?
As a very happy user of Rin, I thought I’d check out your site to see what the creator was up to. I’m glad to see that even though you’re going through a tough time, you’re clearly fortunate to have such a thoughtful and supportive network of people in your life. That is a rare and precious thing, and it’s good to know that you’re not left on your own to face your challenges.
Happy belated birthday and hope that the rest of 2006 (and the years to come) continues to be positive for you.
Thanks again for the Rin theme, which has brought great joy into my life.
Cheers from the USA,
Brian
↓ Quote | 24/8/2006
Well, Happy Birthday then! :)
I hope that the rest of 2006 will take a better turn for you and that 2007 will be even better!
Take care,
Laurent B. (from France)
↓ Quote | 24/8/2006
If you ever need anyone to spar ideas or thoughts on your upcoming graphic novel with, I’m at your service.
Oh, and congrats :)
↓ Quote | 24/8/2006
Happy birthday!
Remember, one should always have unfinished goals and unfilfilled ambitions. What would be left without dreams?
↓ Quote | 24/8/2006
Happy Birthday bro..
You’de never believe me if I told you that I shared your birthday. Here is an old post from my “old blog”:http://blinglish.blogspot.com/2005/08/star-was-born.html.
Make that 2 Stars. Chin up!
↓ Quote | 24/8/2006
Happy Belated Birthday Khaled! I’m glad to hear that you have had a wonderful day with your friends. Birthdays are always made better by those who put in the small details.
I also know how hard it can be to not be in your home country and watch as things go from bad to worse. I hope you can find a way to lift your spirits, things will one day get better.
Many wishes for you!
↓ Quote | 24/8/2006
Happy Belated Birthday Khaled. :)
↓ Quote | 25/8/2006
Thanks for the wishes everyone, as I lead a double life online as well, I of course love you all as well :)…some more than others :).
Michael - The plan is to actually finish off most (with the exception of 1) online projects by the end of september. After that all I’ll be doing is writing my script and drawing. I’ll obviously be writing, but no real active involvement in a lot of areas of the web. When I’m a bit further into the stories (there are more than one, many many more) I think a swap will definitely be in order.
DS - Happy birthday to you to :). I’ve only ever met two people who share the same birthday, you’d think it would be more common, statistically speaking, but I guess it’s one of those rare days :).
↓ Quote | 25/8/2006
Happy birthday man.
Although we won’t be living together anymore from next month, I do hope we’ll be able to meet as often and even more so that we wont stay under the same roof.
I enjoyed those 2 first years very much and will always remember your help on my few first days to try and get me aroudn london etc.
you now find yourself a girl. as you said. friendship is unvaluable, and that faith is reciprocical. You wont lose us just like that. so dont be scared or use taht as an excuse to remain single! =)
yes i am in a good position to tell you what to do…obviously as i am single too!
anyway. am glad to see how much u enjoyed this birthday. it can only get better..just like wine..
Laurent.
↓ Quote | 25/8/2006
Happy Birthday Khaled! 生日快樂!
I am jealous of you for having so many lovely and caring friends. That’s really an valuable treasure in life that one can have. Recently, I have been going through some rough times in life, and indeed friends are my only source of solace.
Friend, I wish you the best in the next year, and hopefully you dream/goal will be fulfilled.
↓ Quote | 25/8/2006
Happy Belated Birthday Khaled!
I know exactly how you feel, being away from home and family is really tough and when, even the smallest gesture from freinds shows how much they care about you, it means the world. Glad your birthday was filled with all that love. So, here’s hoping that all your dreams and wishes come true this year!
Rana
↓ Quote | 26/8/2006
Happy Birthday dude,
I had a pretty fairy tell me, glad to see you had a good one though.
For without words, in friendship, all thoughts, all desires, all expectations are born and shared, with joy that is unacclaimed.
All the best wishes for the following year
↓ Quote | 26/8/2006
Whishing you a very happy birthday and good fortune for the coming year!
↓ Quote | 26/8/2006
Happy Birthday 5 days ago Kal!! Good luck with Ubuntu. I installed it two months ago. Couldn’t get my wireless internet working with it so gave up. The French guy who stayed with me preached about how good it was for 4 weeks. When I gave in and let him install it, he worked to try to get wireless working for 2 days. No joy. I’ve now given up on it. What’s an operating system without the internet. I liked the idea though… maybe I’ll give it a try again soon…
↓ Quote | 27/8/2006
AsceticMonk said:
Thanks George, man the sooner friggin 2006 is over the better :).
James/Rana/Sleiman - Thanks guys, much appreciated.
Rich - Hey boyo, you’re right, Ubuntu without the net is not worth it, it doesn’t come into it’s own without internet access as far as I’m concerned. However I have heard several things about Wifi problems with Ubuntu, and it’s an issue they are definitely trying to address in the coming release this october. I’d give it a whirl sometime around then, and then do a quick search on the forums, chances are someone has already been through the pain and written a tutorial about it as well.
↓ Quote | 27/8/2006
You forgot to mention the “infinite landscape”.
How could you ;-)
The little box is full of Guatemala Trouble Dolls:
http://www.sciencejoywagon.com/kwirt/mayan/
They are there for your worries: if you have a trouble, then share it with a worry doll; before going to bed, tell one worry to each doll, then place them beneath your pillow; whilst you sleep, the dolls will take your worries away :)
Ciao ciao.
↓ Quote | 28/8/2006
Hehe, thanks Franchesco, now I know what those guys are all about. Very cool idea, dunno if it actually worked for me (I tried it last night, spent about 15 minutes telling the little guy my worries, I think he got bored after a while which is why a couple of them are still there). Strange that you should give me this, does my face really look that worried? :)
↓ Quote | 29/8/2006
Sing with me, brother.
Some people stand in the darkness
Afraid to step into the light
Some people need to help somebody
When the edge of surrender’s in sight
Don’t you worry
It’s gonna be alright
Cause I’m always ready
I won’t let you out of my sight.
I’ll be ready
I”LL BE READYYYY
Never you fear
NOOOO DON’T YOU FEAR
I’ll be ready
Forever and always
I’m always here.
In us we all have the power
But sometimes it’s so hard to see
And instinct is stronger than reason
It’s just human nature to me
Don’t you worry
Its gonna be alright
Cause I’m always ready
I won’t let you out of my sight.
I’ll be ready
I”LL BE READYYYY
Never you fear
NOOOO DON’T YOU FEAR
I’ll be ready
Forever and always
I’m always here.
(Instrumental)
Cause I’m always ready
I won’t let you out of my sight
I’ll be ready
I”LL BE READYYYY
Never you fear
NOOOO DON’T YOU FEAR
I’ll be ready
Forever and always
I’m always here.
Forever and always
I’m always here.
Boing, boing. Dude, the only cure is to keep on drinking.
Happy belated birthday.
↓ Quote | 4/9/2006
Funny , that I am much closer to my friends than my family. Why are friends so easy to relate to all the time? Am I the only one who prefers to be with friends rather than be with the family?
↓ Quote | 6/9/2006
You famously do not choose your family.
↓ Quote | 6/9/2006