My son has swagger

Simba likes to pose and his pictures always look fantastic but Buddha must have taken some lessons from his older brother. This picture reveals his baby blues and his inner Casanova!

Shahs of STUPID

I was recently introduced to the show "Shah's of Sunset". It is a show about Iranian Americans in Los Angeles. Scratch that, it's about spoiled rich Iranian Americans living in "Tehrangeles". I'm not sure how these people were found but they are NOT a good representation of Iranians. Sure, Iranian people are gossips, wear a lot of makeup and do believe in plastic surgery but it is not accurate to represent the entire people as all of these negative character traits. I was disgusted watching these petty, pathetic individuals talking behind each others' backs and wasting money. On the very first episode, one of the females got mad at another female because she thought she had said that her dress was from the store H&M. She nearly lunged at the woman from across the table.
Should I be surprised? It is "reality" television after all and if there weren't disgusting individuals and everything was "normal" would people even watch? However, as an Iranian I would like to make it clear that not all Iranians are the same. Some of us have never had plastic surgery, don't have to wear only Gucci, drive designer cars or gossip at every chance. There is some truth to some of these stereotypes. Here are a few fun non facts about Iranian Americans:

1) Iranian men are totally mama's boys. Yes, they are. Sure there are exceptions to this rule but it is disappointing that this flaw from the old country has followed to America.

2) Iranians have to show one another up. If I have three degrees my cousin has to have four. If I am a nurse, you have to be a doctor. It's always competition. This type of competition shows how sad their lives are that they have to always compete even with someone who is NOT competing.

3) Iranians are doctors, lawyers or engineers. TRUE! It used to mean that a person who was not one of these preferred professions was a loser. The times are changing but there are still many in the community that hold true to this belief.

4) Iranians gossip. YES. I feel like  most people gossip but Iranians do generally have a special talent for gossiping. Indeed we are notorious for it. In fact, I do recall a time when an Iranian girl was gossiping about me two feet away from where I was standing. I hate gossip so I confronted the girl upfront. Plenty of us Iranians don't gossip but hey it's indeed a work of art. ;-)

In a time when Iran and Iranians are getting a bad rap in the media, it was in poor taste to allow this show to air. We already have to fight other issues on an international scale but this just adds to all the misunderstanding of our rich, ancient culture.

Red Buddha Photography

I have had a lot of time to think about the things that make me happy during my illness. I have meditated on how to get healthy again and how to turn my hobby into something more. I have more and more people asking for photographs and I am excited that it gives me something to focus on besides law. So Red Buddha Photography was born! I really love capturing photos of our furry friends because there are so many different kinds and I think the camera can truly catch their essence. Humans are cool too but I am totally in love with taking photos of animals, especially dogs.

Anyway, I can't wait to see what this new chapter in my life brings!!

And One Day...

I woke up and the left side of my face was paralyzed. I had complained of jaw pain for about four days prior and even went to see a dentist about it. Everything check out fine! No cavities, no drilling. The very next day I had no control over my eye, nose or mouth. My left ear became extremely sensitive and the pain in my jaw flared to the rest of my face. It wasn't a stroke but the tests began quickly. The ER doctor calls it Bells Palsy. He took no more than five minutes to examine me. I had to get him to come back because I had questions. He was very nonchalant about it. Wrote several prescriptions and told me there was nothing that he would be able to do for me. My neurologist pretty much said the same thing. An MRI was ordered and it turns out my brain is kind of cute! No tumors, no indication of trauma or pinched nerves. I came away from that MRI a little stronger because I was afraid of getting shoved in that tube. But I didn't flip out, didn't crawl out or pass out! So now I am the proud owner of a cool CD with my brain images on it. SWEET! The blood work showed nothing unusual. No lyme's disease, no weird stuff floating around. Three doctors, one diagnosis: Bells palsy. Sadly, none of them had a clear reason as to why this happened to me or to anyone else for that matter. It can be brought on by a virus or stress. It's unclear whether steroids actually help and all you can do is wait it out. It's frustrating to know more about an illness than three superb doctors.

The waiting game is not one that I enjoy. It's been about a week and two days since this happened. I am going to acupuncture, I keep my face warm, my eye lubricated and even massage my face. I have a nifty eye patch that my friend decorated. I am wearing it at work right now. I don't even care how hideous this pirate ensemble is as long as it works. And hey at least my dogs still love me. Lopsided or not, I am still providing them with love and more importantly FOOD!

Scorched Earth

Divorce ravages everything. All the joy and beauty that existed between two people when they decided to embark on forever is smashed to bits and pieces in divorce proceedings. Remember that beautiful furniture you picked with such zest with your significant other? If you both loved it so much then there is a great chance that you will be fighting tooth and nail to get it if you are going through the divorce. And for what? Memories perhaps, revenge partially?

Today a client sat before me with deep misery in his eyes. He has to file for bankruptcy after maxing out all his credit cards and losing all assets due to his recent divorce. There are also the monthly maintenance fees that must be made under the divorce decree. Don't stop making those payments because the courts will get you GOOD. There is nothing left in his paycheck after it has been purged by court mandated garnishments. Many people get divorced and for some it is truly necessary. I have rarely seen a divorced person who does not get out with battle scars. People fight over the pettiest things but then there are real issues as to who gets the house, the car, the kids, THE DOGS! Yes, DOGS! Dogs are property and can be awarded to one person over the other. Clearly, there are details involved in who gets what and what is a marital asset versus personal but I would be devastated if my dogs were taken from me and on the other hand, separating them would be horrible for their mental health. Yes, dogs get depressed and have anxiety problems too.

This is not legal advice but if you are going through a divorce you should really consider getting an attorney ESPECIALLY if the other side has one. I have seen too many people sign documents that they did not fully understand only to be committed to that piece of paper for many years to come.

Sleepy Time

Simba is a stubborn young Shiba. He can't just go to sleep. He has to know what is going on around him at all times. He loves taking naps in the car but will only do so when he has fully inspected everything to make sure no remnants of treats are lurking about. Then he peers outside, scratching at the window. The other day he even tried to commit suicide by sticking his head out the window and opening it further. I had to pull him by the collar to drag him back in. After he has gotten his fill of the assorted scents he begins to feel euphoric enough to settle down. However, Mr. Simba does not go to sleep so easily. He holds his head up high and fights it. Then the eyes begin to flutter and the head bobs as he struggles to hold himself up. It always makes me chuckle because he can't just relax. If he is trying to nap at home, he always finds the best location so that he can see where everybody is located at all times. Forget doggy beds! Simba wants human beds and he doesn't particularly like to share. He will leave you high and dry. So if you're thinking of cuddling you better hold on tight because he will use all of his strength to get out of the Kung Fu grip!