August 2009

Hey guys,

This reminds me of when I was filming my confession with Mary and I had to repeat the exact same words over 3 times in a row. Each confession was more than 10 minutes long.  I just spent an hour trying to write something and my PC just slaps me in the face and shuts down.. The new age of technology .. How I miss the simplicity of a pen and paper..

Back to what I was trying to write :
It was 3 a.m. but now its 4 a.m. on a Friday night in the city that never sleeps , Beirut. And no, I did not just come back from a great evening; I had a rather different day. A day that made me realize: Lama, you gotta get your life together before this goes on further. Today I was held in strangers arms and taken into an ambulance after having heart pain and shortness of breath. (Hamdillah I feel much better now). Just sitting there and actually realizing that I’m in an ambulance going to the hospital made me realize how precious life is. I gave my parents and my sister a big scare and I wouldn’t want them to go through it again. And so the doctors said “Lama , you gotta take it easy on yourself.”

The funniest thing ever is that last night I was with the boys playing paintball and was shot on my neck which unfortunately looked like a hickey. It was the funniest thing ever trying to explain that to the doctors and my parents– now that should have been caught on camera. I can’t believe this is my first blog; I really do apologize Lyzz, I have just been so busy with work and relatives. And wait until you met the relatives we have here in the Middle East– the Masri family can form an army by itself.

Today’s lesson learned is to take life easy and not to stress, nothing is worth your health.

Cast and Crew, I’ve missed you all so much. On the Road in America was really my escape from reality whereby I was, ironically, filming a reality show. It was a trip that taught me reality, taught me patience and to think before I talk. You should here my mother telling me that: “Lama, think before you talk.” And its only when you have a camera and a mic that makes you realize …hmmm.. this is gonna be shown worldwide.. Interesting ..

So I have to say this: I really hope I was able to portay the “Arab Muslim woman” in the best manner possible. Because this is my biggest fear, for the Middle East is so diverse that even in the same religion, people interpret religious scriptures differently and pray differently and have different cultural traditions. It was hard but worth every second of it. It’s the fact that the crew are sitting there in post-production trying to make a show of 40 days fit into a mini-series that scares me. How one is to edit a scene whereby you intentions mean one thing and the image is portrayed in a different manner. Inshallah kheir (With God’s will, it be alright)

Sara, I’ve missed waking up in the morning and finding you right there. The laughs we’ve had. I can’t believe you work a block away from my house and it was only till yesterday that I saw you. Can’t wait to see you more often sis.

Joseph, how’s LA treating ya ? whatever it is you’re doing , I know you’re doing your best at it. Proud of you and you always will and have made us proud. Represent !

Basheer… ya MASRIII …(Masri in Arabic means Egyptian )…. Wallaa … How are you and where are you? I’d love to hear your updates.. Hope you’re taking care of yourself and found what you were searching for in America.

Guy , wow its been forever.. You really were like a father to me.. God bless you and your family .. I hope you’re doing great but I know you are.. Thank you for everything 

ADISA BABA.. I am soo sorry … I did not forget AFRICA… trust me I’m IN .. Let me know the details and I’ll fly over  missed you bro.

Cecelia … Hola bella … I know you’re doing great things .. You really deserve the best. xoxo

Rest of the Crew , miss you all and love you all. Cant wait to see you all soon. You guys know there is an open invitation in Beirut waiting for you guys and you never know when I’ll be popping back just to say hi.

Don’t worry Lyzz , this isn’t my last blog lol .. I’ll be back .. Bonne Nuit.

–Lama