Still the funniest...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=iBzq1PHqOWg

Remember floppy disks?

Two pics I recovered from a floppy...

Booboo Jee, 2003

Me, 22yrs, same cheesy smile :D

Random

"Tera Veer Sharabi Aya, Nanday, Kunda Kol De!"

Ever wonder what Girl Talk really is? - ie DRAMA transcript

Farah979 [12:10 PM]: u know what
Aero [12:10 PM]: what
Farah979 [12:10 PM]: i thought ###### would be a good match. he seems like the perfect blend of east and west..deen and duniya
Farah979 [12:10 PM]: but hes got issues
Aero [12:11 PM]: dude, everybody's got issues
Farah979 [12:11 PM]: hes like.. house #1 for me
Aero [12:11 PM]: wait which one was that the religious guy
Aero [12:11 PM]: or the player house
Farah979 [12:11 PM]: religious
Farah979 [12:11 PM]: and i would feel ..... inadequate
Farah979 [12:12 PM]: u know its wierd.. i think i purposely seek out losers bc i know im better than them
Farah979 [12:12 PM]: but yet
Farah979 [12:12 PM]: im afraid to look for a good guy........bc im afraid i wont be good enough.. or in a constant struggle to be the better one........and then... ill give up all together
Farah979 [12:13 PM]: and i know im selling myself short by not allowing myself to step up the challenge... but its true
Farah979 [12:13 PM]: maybe its time i stepped up?
Aero [12:14 PM]: maybe it is
Aero [12:14 PM]: do you see yourself being able to be as religious as he needs you to be?
Farah979 [12:15 PM]: he asked the question of what i think of hijab.. and it was like automatically i was on the defense.......and when my guard goes up........ its war
Farah979 [12:15 PM]: i think i dont like to have ppl dictate the level of my islam
Farah979 [12:21 PM]: but then he went and said
Farah979 [12:22 PM]: he thought i was holding myself back from already being married
Farah979 [12:22 PM]: and im like ohh HELLL NAWWW!
Farah979 [12:22 PM]: and before i told him he was the last person i'd ever ask advice from again...... i was believing him
Aero [12:24 PM]: that sucks
Farah979 [12:25 PM]: i told him he was "too right" wing for me
Farah979 [12:25 PM]: the type that always is too right
Aero [12:26 PM]: so then it's done
Farah979 [12:26 PM]: yeah... but its best that way. before it even starts
Aero [12:27 PM]: so be it
Farah979 [12:37 PM]: i think the best of both worlds is when ur heart agrees with your mind
Farah979 [12:37 PM]: and mine are sworn enemies right now about every guy
Aero [12:39 PM]: so what are you gonna do then, satisfy one and leave the other hanging?
Farah979 [12:40 PM]: no u temporarily satisfy the one that means the most to you at the moment......and hope the other comes around
Aero [12:40 PM]: yes but that would you a heartless dummy
Farah979 [12:41 PM]: not if its ur heart that you follow
Aero [12:46 PM]: we need to be smarter than them at their own game
Aero [12:49 PM]: I have yet to be successful at that without having an urge to upchuck
Farah979 [12:49 PM]: hahahahahahhaaha
Farah979 [12:49 PM]: once a girl.. always a girl.. even when shes being a guy
Aero [12:50 PM]: what- can you do it any better?
Farah979 [12:50 PM]: nope
Aero [12:51 PM]: yeah I don't think any girl has the heart to do that
Aero [12:51 PM]: it's just not in our psyche
Farah979 [12:52 PM]: its the XX factor
Farah979 [12:52 PM]: guys were given a Y chromosome to never feel the need to ask for reasons or the need to analyze
Farah979 [12:53 PM]: its like they were blessed with the whys so they never have to ask questions (or directions)
Aero [12:53 PM]: hah
Aero [12:53 PM]: clever
Farah979 [12:53 PM]: and women just always feel like they need to find it
Aero [12:55 PM]: and so we go on
Farah979 [12:55 PM]: yup...same time same place hahaha
Farah979 [12:55 PM]: the saga continues
Farah979 [12:55 PM]: no wonder i stopped watching soaps... i got enough drama in my life now
Aero [12:55 PM]: haha

My search for an apt = epiphany in search for a mate

If you've been reading, you know that I am in the process of looking for a place to live in Center Stage, Philly, and I have been on CraigsList (like it was my job!) looking through countless ads and last night it suddenly occured to me how looking for a place to live is very much like looking for a husband or wife.

Follow my logic (oh, haha, in order to do that, its best if you leave your own at the door)

First of all its important to know your surrounding area. How well do I know Philly? I only know Center City but thats such a small portion of Philadelphia. I have to set boundaries and expectations, like How far am I willing to commute one way?. This parallels the importance of knowing yourself in your search for finding your perfect match. (Basically, you cant find the matching pair to a sock, unless you know what sock you're trying to find the match of.) You have to be honest with yourself and truly admit what matters most to you and what you absolutely will not compromise on. If I don't know myself, or my surroundings, I might pass up the opportunity on a great find because I failed to explore it as an option.

Most apartments on CraigsList come with pictures, but some do not. I find myself only looking for those with pictures, because I dont trust people when they say "handsome apartment with gorgeous view" and it looks like solitary confinement with a larger than life view of a brick wall. I dont think I need to spell out the parallel here. Sometimes you have to look past an apartment's shady exterior to find the warm, inviting interior. Capisce?

Trust is a huge factor especially when dealing with roommates. Its an even bigger issue when dealing with a potential spouse. Can you trust someone to remember to lock the door when they come in late? Can you trust someone not to bring home unwanted guests to sleep on your bed and use your favorite sun-ripened raspberry soap? Can you trust someone to do the right thing when you're not looking? This made me stop and wonder: I don't trust myself to make the right decision regarding my well-being. For someone who's instinct speaks out louder than a rock concert, I don't always follow its advice. I don't trust myself to really back myself in what I want and what I don't want. I dont trust myself to speak up for myself. I cant blame anybody for that. But I know this much, it has a lot to do with trusting God as well. If you put your trust and faith in God, He will never steer you wrong. Believe me, its easier said than done.

Price is also a big big factor when it comes to my search for an apartment. But does price take precedence over peace of mind? Am I willing to settle for an apartment that will save me money? Or would I just as quickly be superficial and choose the luxury apartment with all the ammenities? I think financial security matters a lot, and its not selfish to want the surity that comes with knowing you're not going to be in over your head. It's okay to want the finer things in life, but only if you can afford them. And 9 times out of 10 its NOT the fine print thats misread, its the ad headline that reads: "$450 cheap, smelly, room in rundown brownstone"! It is what it is folks, and to some degree, you wont ever be able to change it for better or for worse.

Last but not least, I come to compatibility. Do you know what it feels like to be so impressed by an apartment and so READY to throw down an offer, then you read "MALE TENANTS ONLY! Why does it seem like the good ones are gay? Or worse, married! Ok, Im joking just a litte. But, compatibility is key when making sure you can live with someone: Gender compatibility, age compatibility, biological clock compatibility, maturity, and most importantly religious compatibility. More and more I find myself being discouraged. If the world is really a bad place, then maybe there are no more good guys left. Maybe Im the only one who values honesty, commitment and monogamistic ideals. Im tired of feeling like a second class citizen based on my morals and ethics. You're either too good, or not good enough. There is no middle ground anymore. Im sure theres got to be someone out there who wants what I want, who thinks like I think (on non-PMSing days), someone who still maintains there true identity even through the toughest trials and tribulations. Im not not asking for perfection, Im asking for honesty.

Now comes the catch --- and theres always a catch. My favorite kind of catch is when everything is else is perfect but the apartment comes with three cats - not one, not two, THREE!(Here's my shameless plug for Reese and Jesse, the only two cats I adore like my own!) Or the apartment is great but its in West Philly (HA. no thanks!)

Again, what matters most to me is different than what matters most to you. Most importantly, what matters most to me is different from what matters to my family and friends, but in the end... I'm the one who has to live there. I have to live with my decision. Can you live with yours?

Sleepless in Salisbury

what is your greatest quality or trait?
My ability to still wish those who have hurt me the best in their life.

if money wasnt an issue and you could visit any place , where would it be and why?
Money has never been an issue -- I just havent picked a place yet.

which animal do you most relate to?
A human - but its not because I have the ability to think at a higher level. Its because they're the most flawed animal on Earth. :P

if you could acquire a certain skill without the risk of failure or without putting any effort, what skilll would you acquire and why?
What would be the purpose of 'acquiring' a skill without any effort? That'd be accepting a handout. Skills come from effort. You can't have one without the other.

what movie or book do you like most?
Pride and Prejudice - its taught me to never take things at face value alone, and that love is blind.

whats your greatest passion in life?
to help those less fortunate, iA.

Boro Boro - Arash

Boro Boro

Roozi bood, asheghe to boodam
Az daste to kheyli razi boodam
Aman to bad sheytoni kardi
Nazdike man naya to

Boro boro delam toro toro nemikhad
Digeh digeh nemikham bebinamet
Boro boro delam jaye digeh digeh hast
Digeh digeh nemikham bebinamet
(Repeat 2X)

Roozi bood, asheghe to boodam
Az daste to kheyli razi boodam
Aman to bad sheytoni kardi
Delam asan toro digeh nemikhad

Roozi bood, asheghe to boodam
Az daste to kheyli razi boodam
Aman to bad sheytoni kardi
Nazdike man naya to

Boro boro delam toro toro nemikhad
Digeh digeh nemikham bebinamet
Boro boro delam jaye digeh digeh hast
Digeh digeh nemikham bebinamet
(Repeat 4X)

English Translation:

Once, I was in love with you
I was very happy with you
But then you played around
Don't come close to me

Go away, I don't want you anymore
I don't wish to see you anymore
Go away, I love someone else
I don't wish to see you anymore
(Repeat 2X)

Once, I was in love with you
I was very happy with you
But then you played around
I do not desire you anymore

Once, I was in love with you
I was very happy with you
But then you played around
Don't come close to me

Go away, I don't want you anymore
I don't wish to see you anymore
Go away, I love someone else
I don't wish to see you anymore
(Repeat 4X)

Guess who's starting college tomorrow mA!!!!

Yes, my baby sister, Sarah, affectionately known as Mimi, but also known as Hooch, Jig (for jiggar), Jaanwar, Marjani, Kamini, Zeer, Sapernicus (bc obviously the world revolves around her!), Bindar, Zaleel, Meemay, Moghs, Masheesho (it started off as my sister, my seeester, then my sheesho... man we were bored back then!), Lamboo, Machari Poondi (my faveeee - cuz if you mess up and get on her nerves she will make you her problem and you will beg for death before she leaves you alone!), Gooday (to Ma only), she is my partner in crime and I dedicate this entry to her... love you lots babes!

Where do I begin? How about the beginning...



I still remember it like it was yesterday (wait, technically it was only yesterday --- for the love of God and the remainder of my sanity PLEASE tell me it was just yesterday!), June 20, 1988. We were watching Double Dare when we got the call at a quarter past 7pm that I finally became an elder sister. In my 8 yrs of age I could not grasp the profoundity of my new role, but over the years it's become clearer.

I remember the first several years of Sarah's life, then I suppose as I hit my teens, she somewhat became this pesky lil creature who wanted to do everything I did, and take everything I wanted. (And for middle children the biggest thing we crave most is ATTENTION!) I remember growing up asking to go out with friends, either to the mall, or to the game, or just.. out and being told by my parents, "take your little sister with you!" It was a way of keeping me grounded. Who were they kidding? She's a Nawaz as much as I am and she soon became my "get-out-of-jail-free" card. Me: Im just going to the mall, HEY, I'll even take Sarah with me!"

But, in recent years, my parents have wisened up, and now if I say I want to go out.. they tell me to leave Sarah at home. (HAHAHHAA..)

She is truly truly my heart and soul... she is my best friend... she's my Jimminy Cricket (my conscience), she's extremely mature for her age, she's a total trendsetter, completely calm, cool and collected, and not afraid to speak her mind, esp. when she's getting the chance to lecture me. I would be lost without her.

We have sooo many stories... sooo many memories... she's my diary -- but she'll never spill.

My most fondest memory is of taking Mimi and Semab (her childhood best friend) to the movies for the first time. (without being medicated first! hahaha) It was "Jingle All the Way" and we got into the theatre late. So naturally it was complete DARKNESS and I had to usher two children and myself into empty seats. EMPTY SEATS.. if we're lucky. Sarah was not lucky. I found a row in the back and I pushed Sarah forward and she proceeded to sit down reaching first for the flap of the seat with her hands. Suddenly, she screamed and said "Farah someone's sitting here!!!" Now it was dark for us, but not for those in the theatre whose eyes had already adjusted. So this man without saying anything watched as this all unfolded... he saw Sarah.. reaching down and then almost... sitting in his lap!

So I quickly threw the girls into the opposite direction and we took seats in the back row, embarrassed. My idea was to LEAVE before the lights came back on, but we were not that lucky either. Lights go up... and the man suddenly turns his head and looks straight at us......... EWWWW!!! He could have spoken up when Sarah was reaching for his knees... but he didnt. So ASAP.. we left!

From that day.. to this day now.. I am still ushering her around... and Im not always right... I dont have all the answers... but its been an experience like none other........and Im so glad to be able to share it with her.

Tomorrow, she starts college. I hope and pray that all her fears and self-doubts are transferred to me.. and that she never has any worries. I will be here for her.. forever and always and I promise to do whatever it takes to make sure that her creativity, brilliance, and intelligence are conditioned to fullness so that she is able to shine brighter than the sun. The world has waited long enough --- brace yourself if you get in her way... her impact will be greater than any meteor hitting the Earth... insh'Allah, she's ready to show us all up!

No matter what happens, she'll always be my Meemz... One Love babes.

The Incompatibles

So at some point in her life every desi girl must take time to evaluate past rishtas and wonder what exactly it was that was the reason behind them not working out. Me, in all my brilliance and intelligence can only come up with one main reason why things failed. They all drove Nissans. Now you may think this is superficial of me, or, if you drive a Nissan, that its a bit unfair. But, alas, I can't ignore the obvious. And Im not joking either, all my past rishtas have driven Nissans: from the manipulative Sentra, Pathfinder, Maxima, Maxima, to the control-freak Xterra.

I think its because I drive a Nissan - though not by choice. Maybe its because I don't like it? I belong to a Honda family -- and my brother-in-law (surprise surprise) drove a Honda when he got married. He's since upgraded to an Audi. But, I cant see myself with someone who drives a Honda -- thats too Family Guy for me.

So the real question isnt, "What kind of man are you looking for?", but rather, "What kind of car am I looking for in a man? Do I scream the need for speed? Nah, I need a guy who can take things slow. Do I need a thugged-out, ghettofy-ed, 'ridin' on bulbs' kind of guy? Nah, too showy. I need an honest to goodness, won't cut-out in the rain, V12, tough, Viper bodied, multi-purpose vehicle! And its got to be RED! Top optional --- oh my!

Theres tons of car companies out there... ANYTHING but a NISSAN!! Thats just got wrong written all over it. :P

The coolest license plate by far

Unlucky?

Pally: Of all the people in the world why does all the bad stuff happen to you? (referring to the psycho bitch from work) I mean, my friends and I look hard for people to piss us off so we have a reason to fight and you just have drama fall in your lap!

OK, I'm sorry but Allah if you have handed me drama because you think I like it, then we've got a communication problem.

So its been a couple days now and I suppose I can finally blog about what REALLY went down at work. (Muna - TAG you're it! This may be the only way you're going to be able to hear this...)

So psycho bitch, again, went off the deep end last Wednesday, totally blowing a fuse and attacking me, publicly, for no reason. (not physically attacking -cowards dont go there- but verbally attacking me.) Her ignorance and arrogance was constant torture, and I truly believe she is the perfect example of how misery loves company. Everyday there was a new problem, a new issue, something she would do deliberately to be purposely disrupting to the entire department. Of course, I'm leaving anyway, and Im no stranger to understanding that she's the Last of the Mohicans so to speak where our job is concerned. So naturally they would try and keep her right? Actually, this is not true. No matter how useful an employee is, employers are bound by law to ensure employees a safe, hostile-free work environment. I had to be there until my last day, so obviously I complained about psycho bitch. And wouldnt you know everything that I complained about she was reprimanded for! Here is just a taste of what it was like working with paranoid schizoprenic: She wouldnt communicate when she wanted to work the weekend in swap for a weekday - so she'd work a sunday and just not show up Monday morning leaving it to OUR imagination to explain where the F she up and offed to, she would do stupid irritating asshole things like changing the password to OUR voicemail phone without telling me while I have to find a way to listen to a freakkin message the next morning, she would divide up slides to read in advance and only read her share - even when Im off for three days which is ridiculous.. you're supposed to read slides in the order in which they are received (and she knows this rule because shes the one who read it to me verbatim), OH MY FAVORITE: she got the silly idea to hide slides from me and she got caught and then proceeded to CONFESS that she hid them so I wouldnt read them all...which, folks, makes no sense at all. She hid slides to force the rest of the dept -which was short staffed all summer - work harder. The processing ladies would bring us 150 slides, mushkil se, and they would go missing. THe processing ladies came to me saying, "Guys, slow down! We're short-staffed and you each read 75 a piece?" All the while Im thinking, "ARe you retarded, Im two days behind psycho bitch because shes already divided slides and shes already reading ahead!"
She hid slides from one whole day and would put them back in parts, so naturally I would spend a day and a half reading the whole days worth, while she was taking from the next days pile making herself look like she was ahead of me in reading and making me feel like I was behind. WHen in actuality, if you look at our slide counts, I was reading more than she was.


"It's ok, its alright!" - Timbaland

So Thursday morning I get pulled into a conference with HR guy and my supervisor. Basically they hand me an offer to make the 17th my last day, and still get paid for my vacation and til the 8th of Sept. my inital last day. Sounds like a pay-off to you too huh? Yeah, but if you think it through it makes sense... they hired a new person and they gotta make sure their dept is together before she gets there. Also they say they want to have their own investigation for psycho bitch (HR guy did not appreciate the slide-hiding stunt -- how unprofessional!!!)

Also, they are hiring a supervisor for our area (which previously had no one over it)... if you ask me that means pyscho bitch's cushy job suddenly isnt so cushion-y anymore.

But what do I care? Thursday was my last day. I basically have three weeks paid vacation. Its not a vacation at all... its hunkering down and trying to find a place to live... then moving... (And GODDDDDDDDDDD i hate moving!!)

Unlucky?? Not at all. I'm blessed, truly. A few valuable lessons learned at my first job, #1: Never take anything at face value, people are NEVER who they say they are and things are NEVER as they seem. #2: ALways be truthful - you never know who is watching and putting together vital pieces of information to un-confuse you. (Love you, Whitey!!!! Mwahh!) #3: The truth always comes out. It will not remain hidden. If someone tortures you and you remain calm, eventually it will leak out to everyone and the situation will become apparent. #4: When all else fails, take the high road and move on.

On my last day my favorite doctor came to me to say goodbye and left me with honest words: "Farah, don't be a woman and analyze this. You'll never find an answer satisfying enough. This place was never good enough for you. You deserve the chance to achieve greater things." Out of all the doctors I worked for, I admire and respect this doctor still.

...so here's to iA finding a nice place to live, wherever it may be Philly, DE, Jersey (although I really dont want to live in Jersey and pay $3000/yr for my insurance and have my windshield view blocked with so many sticker registrations - What are those for anyway?!?!), and here's to three weeks paid vacation for my honesty and sanity in completing one whole year at my first job! :P

Me and My Pally

My lil bro shares in my coffee and monopoly addiction!

Have I blogged enough today?

Virgo - Weekly Horoscope

Family:
You appear to 'do a lot' and put a great deal of work, money and emotional effort into the early part of the week from the 14th to 17th with only the 16th as a 'harmonious break,' day. Lots of talking, arm chair shrinking and support appears to be dished out, especially to children, elderly, parents, Gemini, Cancer and Taurus members. Avoid making ANY 'assumptions' about issues the 18th or end up with 'egg on your face.' Wait for 'facts only.'

---GEMINI'S MY GIRL, LOVE YOU MIMI!!

Love:
Romance may have a small challenge near the 18/19th in the from of discussions that appear 'scattered,' or covering several issues, distractions or 'multi part' discussions. Focus on one problem/issue at a time, remain calm and talk it out, especially IF you are paired to Scorpio, Sagittarius, Aquarius, other Virgo's or Pisces.

---All is fair in love and war...

Friendship:
Friends can keep you even and 'calm' but only if you chose wise, insightful, level headed buddies to share your woes with. Taurus, Cancer, Aries and Leo may be very helpful, especially if you even 'suspect,' you may have 'the wrong idea' about things. Do NOT trust 'info' this week as it can easily be misleading, even if not meant to be so.

CRABBY CANCER'S GOT MY BACK!!!!

Career:
You may have some 'fear/worry' the 14th and need to pay close attention to details to avoid problems/extra work. Keep communications returned FAST the 15/16th and double check facts for 'flaws in the process.' Make sure each 'stage' has been done correctly. Do NOT assume anything the 18th until you 'see/hear it for yourself.' Avoid office gossip, politics and any form of 'complaints.'

---too late.

How Can It Be...

...that something used for support and comfort can at the same time be so menacing?

Im sitting at my desk, minding my own business, having a conversation with one of my secretaries when all of a sudden I feel this sharp pinch. I hate bugs so naturally my first thought is, "ITS A BUG! AAuuugh!" A look and see reveals a fraction of a millimeter of my underwire sticking out from the fabric. OUUUUUUUU-CHHHH! is an understatement!

So I do the most un-ladylike and uncouth thing ever; I reach into my shirt and proceed to pull out my underwire while my secretary is standing infront of me. (Whitey's curious because she heard me scream, too!) Now I cannot walk around the hospital lopsided, so of course I have to pull out the other one, too.

Cant they use plastic instead? Im surprised I dont set-off metal detectors when going through security. ("Yes officer, Im packin'... in my bra!")

Of course now its like show-and-tell in the office with my wires. Here they are below for you to see as well. :P



I should throw down a quarter next to 'em for size reference, cuz otherwise they look huge. IM even impressed!jk ;)

Paan-pushers

http://www5.naseeb.com/tunes/?bnID=53

"Prayin' til 6 in the mornin'"...

I cant stop laughing..

My nephew is a parrott

He's only 3, but mA, he's extremely smart and loves to talk (he is of course related to me - so what else can we expect??) Its scary to be around him now because you have to be extra mindful of what you say. His mother and father had started spelling out certain words so that he wouldnt pick up on them, but remember I said he's smart? He picks up on everything.

So the other day, he was watching Arthur and Sarah mentioned how the newer series Arthur was messed up because the voices have changed. Idrees says, "Yeah, the new Arthur is S-T-U-P-I-D!"

...

And my biggest biggest worry is saying the word 'gay' infront of him. I need to be more careful. I can see it now, us sitting at the dinner table, and Idrees saying something like, "These peas are gay!"

yikes!

NEVER DOUBT ME

So the other day I called someone and they never returned my call, claiming the call never took place. I said it certainly did take place, the call is in my dialed calls, and then I proceeded to recite their voicemail message to them, obviously indicating at that point that I did, in fact, call.

They say they believe me... but I am still offering proof. Here it is guys, two pictures I took of my cell phone displaying the outgoing call placed on the 10th of August at 10:39pm. The call lasted only 31 secons. Its a little blurry, which I could not help. But the person in question, can obviously make out his name and I have done him the favor of bleeping out his number. I know MD desis are a HOT commodity. (You can thank me later RH... :P)

Results

So here it is folks, the results of my Fantasy Football Draft from last night:

B. Roethlisberger (Pit - QB)
D. Driver (GB - WR)
D. Branch (NE - WR)
Ro. Smith (Den - WR)
S. Alexander (Sea - RB)
W. Dunn (Atl - RB)
T. Gonzalez (KC - TE)
R. Bush (NO - RB)
R. Dayne (Den - RB)
M. Pollard (Det - TE)
S. Gado (GB - RB) (GADO's GADDA GO!)
M. Jenkins (Atl - WR)
P. Rivers (SD - QB)
Shayne Graham as my Kicker from CIN and Bengal DST completes my team.

This year I am the only female player on the league. Here's to hoping me and the boys have an awesome season! May the best female win, iA! :P

Two of the joys of my life...

Fatima(you can see it in her eyes): LET ME OUT & TAKE THAT FLOOR DISPLAY HEAD ON!

Me and my boo

Composite Sketch

Im a little confused...

http://sapnamagazine.com/brweekend/brweekend.html

...am I the only person alive who still refers to Bangladesh as East Pakistan?
(yes, Im joking you moron! It IS still a surefire way to tick off a Bangladeshi though.)

Bangledeshis have a reason to represent: third largest Muslim majority in the world, albeit liberal, but still third largest Muslim majority.

someone sent me the link to show me why they were coming to DC this weekend. Believe me, I was not considered "invitable"! Just 'cuz I like my rooafzah on the rocks with lime... :P

When in Rome...

ITS HERE! ITS HERE! Draft day for Naseeb's 2nd Fantasy Football League has finally arrived!

...I'm armed, and ready... so BRING IT BITCHES! :P

And they think English is hard??

Is it just me or does Urdu have more than its fair share of idiosyncrasies?

In cooking, ma says "Peyaz laal karo." Now, laal in my closet is red. In a pot, it means brown.
Sabaz means green, think sabzi. But sabaz rang can also mean well done, or dark.

In days, (and this always gets me) Jummah Raat means Thursday, not Friday night. Somehow the night precedes the day, and not the other way around. (kinda bass-ackwards if you ask me)

Dont even get me started on numbers having no rhyme or reason to them. In most languages, numbers have a pattern (twenty, twenty-one, twenty-two, Vingt, vingt-deux, vingt-trois, etc)
In urdu each number has its own name. Bechara children having to learn how to count. =(

My favorite, kal can mean either yesterday or tomorrow. Of course you can figure it out by figuring out the verb tense, but maybe if they gave numbers one less name they'd have enough for a different word for this.

Add to that the difference of pronunciation changing meanings too, as in gaal and gal (cheek and speech) and you've got one very complicated language.

Im really glad my siblings and I can speak urdu. I dont think my parents meant to teach us, but we learned inadvertently through hindi movies. Punjabi they didnt teach us at all; we learned on our own through Ma yelling at us and through bhangra. :)

Its fun speaking urdu around goras, cuz no one knows what we be sayin'. The scary thing nowadays is desis are poppin' up everywhere and you cant run through the mall screaming gallies anymore cuz they'll understand you.

Recently it seems to be the less time I spend with my family and desi ppl, the more I feel as if Im losing my skills. Last year at the Philadelphia airport Sarah and I were at this restaurant and I started joking about the people sitting next to us. I kept laughing and laughing and I look over at Sarah, her eyes wide, sitting real still. "Farah, you just said that in english!!", she says.
(NO SHE DI'INT, YES I DID!)

When my mother and her siblings were growing up they had their own made up language called Fay-ki-boli. Its not hard, you just add 'F' to the beginning of each word. Come to find out, Fay-ki-boli wasnt just their language, its an actual language recognized by many. Its a RIOT to hear my mom speak it with my khalas and mammoos. I'll have to audio-blog their conversation next time I hear it.

Hell Has Just Frozen Over...

Family/Friends.... Ma just got a cellphone!

Happy Independence Day Pakistan!

Pakistan Zindabad!

Why you cant take me anywhere...

I realize Im always jumping on everyone's verbal faux pas, and to show everyone that I am fair and just, I will highlight my very own faux pas that was brought to my attention over the weekend.

About 6 years ago my family was vacationing in Toronto and we went to the famous Girard St.(Chi-town ppl think Devon St., New Yorkers think Jackson Heights) My khala, khalu and I went into this one store after dinner especially for this one certain type of tea. I had heard my khala mention it earlier in the day, saying how it was extremely good and she wanted to make sure we didnt forget to try it. We sat down and when the waiter came I proceeded to order 3 kabaz chais. Now for those of you who dont know, I was trying to order sabaz chai (Kashmiri chai), which is this type of chai made with spices and nuts, (oxymoronically named green when in actuality its more pinkish in color) and I ended up asking for constipation chai instead. I guess I combined the 'k' from Kashmiri and '-abaz' from sabaz, and came up with kabaz. (???)

The waiter blushed, embarrassed, and my aunt quickly corrected, "Sabaz chai", explaining how I had just learned urdu yesterday.

This reminder comes on the eve of me going back to Chicago and Im just a little scared about what other verbal faux pas might come out. Can I just apologize in advance? =)

CAMP-Philadelphia Board

(L-R)Monika, Saadia, me, Sobia, Imtiaz, Toufique, Fatima, Mona at our 1st Annual Gala

A picture is worth a thousand words...

If I were hot sauce, this is what I would be!



The label reads: Hell hath no fury like a scorned woman.

E-A-G-L-E-S...EAGLES!!

Dreary, Rainy, Grey, Gross Day

Yuck!

So my office has this hugeeeeeee window spanning the width of the entire wall in it and I have the blinds open, and its making me super sad. Its just a completely blah day. This is the kind of weather where you stay at home, curled on a sofa in your comfy pants with lots of fluffy pillows with a good book. (Word to the unwise: If you choose to suggest a book to me, please make sure you read it yourself. Don't let me come at you with intellectual conversation and catch you off guard! Ahem...!)

Our Fantasy Football draft is set for August 16th....and I have yet to go out and buy my Fantasy bible! This summer is by far the strangest one yet. Its gone by so fast, but yet in slow motion. I just havent had a chance to stop and think... about anything.

Oh and get this, it turns out I will be looking for an apartment to live in, not sure whether it will be Philly or DE. Id like it to be somewhere in Center City, but if I have to commute from DE its not a big deal either.

So yeah, Im lost in football this year. I shall go to the bookstore and pick out my magazine tonight iA. Last year I played in two leagues, winning one and making the playoffs in the other. Not bad for my first time.

Ok, these slides are calling me. Im still not sure where Im going for vacation... but its only a week away!!!!!

Must See Interview

http://news.sky.com/skynews/video/videoplayer/0,,31200-galloway_060806,00.html

Genealogy

So our first ever Gala event was last Saturday and it was a huge success!! The speakers were all good including Omar Blaik, Imam Bashar Arafat of Maryland, and John Abitabilo of the Dale Carnegie Institute. The venue was amazing - Loews Hotel. The room was huge. I met lots of people, some I'd known from living in Philly and some were new. I finally got to meet the rest of the board in person and I must say, mA, I've never worked with a more creative, energetic, or friendly bunch of people in my life! We certainly set the bar high for ourselves for the upcoming year and insh'Allah we'll be having events more frequently from now on, judging by the turnout and recognizing the demands from people and their interests in being more involved.

Afterwards, I decided to come home to my parents' place, and thats when I started feeling sick. It helps to have a mother doting on you!! She wouldnt let me leave so I called out of work Monday and today. The last week before the event I hardly slept at all, it certainly took its toll. I feel much better now, so Im going back to my apartment sometime today, iA.

I've got roughly four more weeks of work left and one of those weeks Im on vacation. I hadnt decided exactly where I wanted to be that week, but Im leaning towards spending some time in our timeshare in Florida.

So I come home to head down to the beach and the one day Im feeling better it decides to be cloudy/rainy. Im still going, I dont care what happens. (Yeah, Im the cat sittin' in the sand in the driving rain under the umbrella, trying to get some sun to my pastiness. Sarah, my sister: yo, you look whiter! Ugh.)

My banana died. *sniff*. He died the day before I left for Philly. It was really sad, he was soo bechara looking.

Friday after work...
Aero [5:15 P.M.]: the conceited guy was the one who came to visit and left comments?
Farah979 [5:15 P.M.]: yeah
Farah979 [5:15 P.M.]: he drives an xterra..
Aero [5:15 P.M.]: ah
Farah979 [5:15 P.M.]: so i call him xteRra conceited
Farah979 [5:15 P.M.]: and xterra-terrestrial
Farah979 [5:15 P.M.]: since hes from another world all together.. ie his own!
Aero [5:16 P.M.]: was he at least extra cute
Farah979 [5:16 P.M.]: lol
Aero [5:17 P.M.]: I don't think I'm shallow by any means- but I have to be attracted to the guy
Farah979 [5:18 P.M.]: true, but you gotta give everyone the benefit of the doubt :P

(Author's edit: I love this girl to pieces already, and I havent even met her yet! On Friday afternoon, in all my confusion, worry, and frustration she came as a sigh of relief to impart words of wisdom, making sense of everything I was saying, or wasnt saying. This is only part of our conversation in which she was trying to cheer me up. Check out her blog guys! Its definitely straight from the heart.)


So at the event, the question of my heritage was raised and it started me thinking, How well do we know who we really are? I have tons of relatives still living able to answer this question, but we've never asked. We have fair skinned and blue eyed people on my dad's side, mostly, and olive skinned and hazel eyed people on my mothers side. I want to find out exactly what lies in our past. I asked Pa the question and he basically said as far as he knows we have Greek and Russian heritage. The Russian I knew about, but the Greek surprised me. Of all people's guesses, the most common are Greek or Italian. But what about my mom's side? They never knew their father's father, but Im sure someone somewhere is still living who remembers something. If I have to venture a guess, Id say theres bound to be some spanish on my mom's side. The Sheikh in us screams Latina way too loudly! haha... Im kidding... ok Im half-kidding. We might be spanish... but only from behind! Ma said she has one mamoo still living who would be able to crack the mystery. If not, Im sure the local government in Lahore would have some public records that might let us know who my mother's paternal grandfather was. I'll post something the moment I find out about it.

OH! THE MUNCHKINS ARE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *yay* I'm out to have a pillow fight with my nephew!

Thunderstorm vs Artillery Fire

Monday night. 11:34pm. The inhabitants of a house are panicking. The heavens are crying. The ground is shaking. Loud crashing noises. Sirens going off. Lights in the sky make it look like its 2:30pm in the afternoon. No men in the house, just women and children.

Where is this? Inside my parents' home in a usually quiet neighborhood (think: anywhere, usa) during an unusually violent, late summer storm.

Inside my parents home, in this usually quiet neighborhood, during this unusually violent storm outside, we are safe, Allhamdullilah, and dry and our biggest worry is whether or not we can find matches and candles in time before the lights go out.

Our biggest worry is whether or not we have candles and matches? "Hanna, I swear the candles are always in the drawer next to the refrigerator with the rest of the birthday stu-- (CRASH!)"

More lightning, more thunder. QUICK!, grab the children from the rooms at the back of the house thats surrounded by trees and move everyone into the upstairs hallway, close the doors to drown out the sounds and lights. "Its ok beta, Farah Khala's got you!" We suddenly plunge into deep darkness: the lights have gone off. ... ..... Then someone lights a match; candles, eventually, were found.

As I stand holding my trembling nephew close to me, his heart beating a mile a minute covering up my own heartbeat, listening to the sounds outside mixed with Ma softly repeating Ayat-ul-Qursi, I cannot help but think how blessed we are that the sounds we are hearing are thunder instead of artillery fire violating our community.

In yet another part of the world, the same scenario is unfolding. The heavens are crying. The ground is shaking. Loud crashing noises. Sirens going off. Smoke from fires make 2:30pm in the afternoon appear as if its the middle of the night. No men in the house, just women and children. A mother sits in a hallway, reciting Qur'an, trying to comfort her children. That same mother is telling her children that the noises outside are not missiles and gunfire, but rather just a summer storm, with rumbling thunder and flashes of lightning, that soon, insh'Allah, will all blow over.

What would you do if every second of every minute of every hour in every passing day you had to be saying goodbye to your loved ones, not knowing when you may never have the chance to see them again? Praying, not to ask for fancy cars or admission in top notch colleges, but that you live long enough to tell them how much you love them and how big of an impact they have had on your life, however long or short.

Our storm lasted 15 minutes. Everyone's asleep now. But, their storm is still going strong. Boycotting Starbucks and Timberlands isnt going to bankrupt Israel, and its certainly not going to influence foreign policy. I'm sad to say it, but prayer isnt going to help either. God created man to implement his own ideas, to do on his own what his free-will dictates. We are not God, but can we play God and help give life to those who otherwise dont stand a chance? The innocent in Lebanon are praying. We can hear their prayers, their cries for help. We are the answer to their prayers. We have a voice. We have minds. We have consciences. It is up to us. Do we ignore them, do we pray they find peace through Allah's mercy alone, which translates into death and the Hereafter, or do we as Muslims, put aside our differences and unite as one global army, or family if you will, and let it be known that violence towards our Muslim brothers and sisters will not be tolertated?

Now is the time for our generation to step up and show our worth for the sake of the next generation, who is already here, in the dark, in a hallway looking up at us... for comfort.

I've totally gone bananas!

The banana has moved. I did not touch it at all (I know that sounds like a Clinton line, "I did not have ... ") but I didnt. I suppose someone could have come to into my office, reached over onto my desk and repositioned Banana. But why? Theres no reason for anyone to touch anything on my desk. Nope, not at all. The Banana has magical powers. He's real.


...and no, we're not fresh out of paint thinner. :P

The Banana....day 2.

The banana and I are now friends. We are one. It spoke to me. I do not wish for it to be eaten. I wish for it to live a full life, and til rotting do us part I will cherish the banana. Even after he is gone, he will remain in my heart... forever.

Banana For Sale

ATTENTION: Butter yellow in color with exquisite brown spots, perfect in shape. No bruises, no soft spots. Must sell quick! Free or Best offer!

I feel like Im in high school again. Pa made me a bagel with cream cheese this morning for breakfast. No, I agree it was really sweet of him, and I hate myself for saying no, but Farah doesnt do bagels. So I sat and argued with him for 16 minutes (I timed it on the microwave) and finally he conceded when I offered to eat a banana instead. Im simply a "coffee, black" type of girl in the morning.

... so now I feel like a peddler trying to pawn off my banana to anyone who walks by. And I feel guilty. WHY THE HELL DO I FEEL GUILTY?!?

I feel sorry for the banana, I really do. I dont want it to go to waste. Its just laying on its side, looking sad on my desk.

I swear if it could talk itd probably say:
"BITE ME!"

haha, Im kidding.


...ah hell.... SOMEONE TAKE THE BANANA!!!!!