Thursday, November 29, 2007
Hormonal+Lack of Sleep x Elderly Suffering = Disaster
Hope
This is not to say one keeps dreaming --- dreamers never prosper because they never wake up and implement the blueprints necessary to lead to their desires.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
HR Humor
One day while walking down the street a highly successful Human Resources Manager was tragically hit by a bus and she died. Her soul arrived up in heaven where she was met at the Pearly Gates by St.Peter himself.
"Welcome to Heaven," said St. Peter. "Before you get settled in though, it seems we have a problem. You see, strangely enough, we've never once had a Human Resources Manager make it this far and we're not really sure what to do with you."
"No problem, just let me in," said the woman.
"Well, I'd like to, but I have higher orders. What we're going to do is let you have a day in Hell and a day in Heaven and then you can choose whichever one you want to spend an eternity in."
"Actually, I think I've made up my mind, I prefer to stay in Heaven", said the woman "Sorry, we have rules..." And with that St. Peter put the executive in an elevator and it went down-down-down to hell.
The doors opened and she found herself stepping out onto the putting green of a beautiful golf course. In the distance was a country club and standing in front of her were all her friends - fellow executives that she had worked with and they were well dressed in evening gowns and cheering for her.
They ran up and kissed her on both cheeks and they talked about old times. They played an excellent round of golf and at night went to the country club where she enjoyed an excellent steak and lobster dinner. She met the Devil who was actually a really nice guy (kind of cute) and she had a great time telling jokes and dancing. She was having such a good time that before she knew it, it was time to leave. Everybody shook her hand and waved goodbye as she got on the elevator.
The elevator went up-up-up and opened back up at the Pearly Gates and found St.Peter waiting for her. "Now it's time to spend a day in heaven," he said.
So she spent the next 24 hours lounging around on clouds and playing the harp and singing. She had great time and before she knew it her 24 hours were up and St. Peter came to get her.
"So, you've spent a day in hell and you've spent a day in heaven. Now you must choose your eternity," The woman paused for a second and then replied, "Well, I never thought I'd say this, I mean, Heaven has been really great and all, but I think I had a better time in Hell."
So St. Peter escorted her to the elevator and again she went down-down-down back to Hell. When the doors of the elevator opened she found herself standing in a desolate wasteland covered in garbage and filth. She saw her friends were dressed in rags and were picking up the garbage and putting it in sacks. The Devil came up to her and put his arm around her.
"I don't understand," stammered the woman, "yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and a country club and we ate lobster and we danced and had a great time. Now all there is, is a wasteland of garbage and all my friends look miserable."
The Devil looked at her smiled and said...
"Yesterday we were recruiting you, today you're an Employee..."
Muhammad Walks - Lupe Fiasco
Check out this song to the tune of Kanye's "Jesus Walks" by Muslim rapper Lupe Fiasco
http://youtube.com/watch?v=TSIkgRLdWYQ
Lyrics:
Auzubillahi minashaitan nirajeem
(Allahu Akbar)
This is one's for all my brothers and sisters who died in Iraq, Israel, Afghanistan and right here in America
(Jesus Walks)
Abraham Talked
Muhammad Talked
And Moses split the sea
(Jesus Walk with me)
I ain't tryin to profit of the prophets so this one's for free
G's up along with Muhammad and Jesus
In the Quran they call him Isa
Don't think Osama and sadaam are is our leada
We pray for peace, but the drama intrigues us
All, so we fall for the illusions of the beast
So instead of tryin to teach we show our teeth
Saying God, different beliefs
Hijabs, Sunday clothes, yamika, kufi, same mission beneath
We all tryin to get to where the sufferin ends
In front of the Most High bein judged for our sins
Can front for the Most High, so the struggle
Continues
You, every bird, bird and tree, me, her and me
We virtually on the same boat
With the same goats, on the same sea
Tryin to stay afloat, and put the devil in the yolk
With a couple of God's quotes
[CHORUS]
ATHAN
(astaghfriullah)
And to the sisters and the mothers of ours
Who cover theyselves cause they're lovers of God
The Creator of the worlds, Sculptor of the stars,
During Hajj we walk, through Ramadaan we starve
Though you not eatin, there's a feedin of the mind
A defeatin of the demons, a seein' of the signs
A leanin on the lines from the surahs
Getting purer, God deemed it unclean
(There's no eatin of the swine)
Nor drinkin' of the wine
We all been to the wind, so I send out a message to my kind
I'm Cordial to Mr Norfull, Mrs. Adam you're the theme song when I'm battling*
Creb flow, player whats happenin
I can hear the truth in your rappins'
(No)
Sex before you marry
No grudges
You should be carry no lyin
Not supposed to be gamblin'
[CHORUS]
(I know it sounds familiar)
We all the same man
It's all a game
The devil hate each and every one of us exactly the same
(I wanna walk like Jesus, talk like jesus SAW)
You know
(uh)
And To my Akh's tryin to stay on their deen
It gets mean especially when u stay on the scene
And at the same try to stay out of trouble
But don't forget the blessing's in the struggle
The Most Forgiving will forgive it if you stay repentant
And hustle
You gotta stay on your salats, your zakats, your Quran
To my homies and miskeen
Astagfurallah,
Allah forgive us all
For we all are sinners
Bless us to be among the winners
When it ends
But until then please strengthen the mission within our hearts
All praise is due to God
(Amen)
Tellin it how it was taught me
I ain't tryin to sell it can be brought for free
This is how it is
Now how it ought to be
Muhammad talk to me
Jesus walk with me
I hope...
[CHORUS]
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
FAMILY vs YOU: Holiday Remix
Noori-Saari Raat Jaaga
By far my favoritest song to scream along to in my car! A real tension eraser -- of course you end up with a headache from bangin' your head up around but thats ok -- makes for a fabulous display to passersby in cars or those stopped at the same redlight as you. wonderful. :D
http://youtube.com/watch?v=SyKmzAtmxT4
Sari Raat Jaga Ray Jaga Ray...
Lagay Dil Hara Ray Hara Ray...
Kho Diyay Wo Lamhay Saray Ray...
Teray Bin Kaun Mein Yaara Ray...
Meri Jaan Tu Nay Jana Menay Jana...
Meri Jaan Teri Haan Meri Haan...
Dar Aya Daur Aya...
Dar Aya Daur Aya Na...
Rat Jaagi Yaadein Meray Dil Mein
Kho Diya Na Paya Jo Bhi Dil Nay...
Teray Liyay Hara Yara Ray...
Teray Liyay Saray Ghum Hain Sahay...
Teray Liyay...
Jab Teri Aankhein So Jayein...
Aur Teri Yadein Kho Jayien...
Teray Tan Mein Teray Man Mein...
Teray Ghar Ko Aag Lag Jayay...
Aur Tujhay Jag Na Ayay...
Sari Raat Jaga Ray Jaga Ray...
Dobay Man Mera Jo Hara Ray Hara Ray...
Kho Diyay Wo Lamhay Saray Ray...
Aaj Hein Dhoondtay Yaara Ray...
Rat Jaagi Aahein Meray Dil Mein...
Kho Diya Na Paya Jo Bhi Dil Nay...
Teray Liyay Hara Yara Ray...
Teray Liyay Saray Ghum Hain Sahay...
Teray Liyay...
Jab Teri Aankhein So Jayein...
Aur Teri Yadein Kho Jayien...
Teray Tan Mein Teray Man Mein...
Teray Ghar Ko Aag Lag Jayay...
Aur Tujhay Jag Na Ayay...
Jab Teri Aankhein So Jayein...
Aur Teri Yadein Kho Jayien...
Teray Tan Mein Teray Man Mein...
Teray Ghar Ko Aag Lag Jayay...
Aur Tujhay Jag Na Ayay...
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Life is Like a Water Globe
It occured to me over the weekend as I walked through Macy's Christmas displays, life is much like a water globe. Sitting idle on a shelf, globes are no more interesting to look at than paint drying. But, given a few turns, everything becomes more interesting. There is a specific moment when everything is beautiful and charged, that moment comes after shaking and right before everything settles.
You cannot control life's topsy turvy-ness, and sometimes having everything in the air can get to you, but what you can bet on everytime is that things will eventually settle and become like it once was. The things flying around the globe represent things going on in our world, but like confetti and glitter, they make a unique display, perhaps even a beautiful one.
:D
Does This Describe YOU?
Dominant in relationships. Someone loves them right now. Always wants the last word. Caring. Smart. Loud. Loyal. Easy to talk to. Everything you ever wanted. Easy to please. The one and only.
SCORPIO - The Addict - Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21)
EXTREMELY adorable. Intelligent. Loves to joke. Very Good sense of humor. Energetic. Predict future. GREAT kisser. Always get what they want. Attractive. Easy going. Loves being in long relationships. Talkative. Romantic. Caring.
LIBRA - The Lame One - Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 22)
Nice to everyone they meet. Their Love is one of a kind. Silly, fun and sweet. Have own unique appeal. Most caring person you willever meet! However not the kind of person you want to mess with... you might end up crying...
ARIES - The Liar - Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 19)
Outgoing. Lovable. Spontaneous. Not one to mess with. Funny. Excellent kisser EXTREMELY adorable. Loves relationships, Addictive. Loud.
TAURUS - The Tramp - Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20)
Aggressive. Loves being in long relationships Likes to give a good fight for what they want. Extremely outgoing. Loves to helppeople in times of need. Good kisser. Good personality. Stubborn. A caring person. One of a kind. Not one to mess with. Are the most attractive people on earth!
AQUARIUS - Does It In The Water - Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18)Trustworthy. Attractive. Great kisser. One of a kind. Loves being in long-term relationships. Extremely energetic. Unpredictable.Will exceed your expectations. Not a Fighter, But will Knock your lights out.
GEMINI - Irresistible - Gemini (May 21 - Jun 20)
Nice. Love is one of a kind. Great listeners Very Good in the you know where... Lover not a fighter, but will still knock you out.Trustworthy. Always happy. Loud. Talkative. Outgoing VERY FORGIVING. Loves to make out. Has a beautiful smile. Generous. Strong. THE MOST IRRESISTIBLE.
CANCER - The Cutie - Cancer (June 21 - Jul 22)
MOST AMAZING KISSER. Very high appeal. Love is one of a kind. Very romantic. Most caring person you will ever meet! Entirelycreative. Extremely random and proud of it. Freak. Spontaneous. Great telling stories. Not a Fighter, But will Knock your lights outif it comes down to it. Someone you should hold on to.
LEO - The Lion - Leo (Jul 23 - Aug 22)
Great talker. Attractive and passionate. Laid back. Knows how to have fun. Is really good at almost any thing. Great kisser.Unpredictable. Outgoing. Down to earth. Addictive. Attractive. Loud. Loves being in long relationships. Talkative. Not one tomess with. Rare to find. Good when found.
PISCES - The Partner for Life - Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20)
Caring and kind. Smart. Center of attention. High appeal. Has the last word. Good to find, hard to keep. Fun to be around. Extremely weird but in a good way. Good Sense of Humor!!! Thoughtful. Always gets what he or she wants. Loves to joke. Very popular. Silly, fun and sweet.
CAPRICORN - The Passionate Lover - Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19)
Love to bust. Nice. Sassy. Intelligent. Sexy. Predict future. Irresistible. Loves being in long relationships. Great talker.Always gets what he or she wants. Cool. Loves to own Gemini's in sports. Extremely fun. Loves to joke. Smart.
SAGITTARIUS - The Promiscuous One - Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Spontaneous. High appeal. Rare to find. Great when found. Loves being in long relationships. So much love to give.They meet. Their Love is one of a kind. Silly, fun and sweet. Have own unique appeal. Most caring person you will ever meet! Amazingin the you know where..!!! Not the kind of person you want to mess with- you might end up crying.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Allah's Fraternity
It is most widely noted in gang and fraternity initiations and rituals where newcomers/pledges must prove their loyalty and devotion to the group and its members, but it also can be seen in other instances and circumstances in life, such as the military and in law schools where professors attack you and ask you to defend your argument come hell or high water. The other aspects do not usually carry the negative connotation that hazing in gangs and fraternities do, but the concept is the same.
The purpose of such acts, if dissected for meaning, is to break one down and then to build one up once again, having the new individual emerge stronger, focused, confident, and more devoted.
I realized yesterday that tests and challenges that we recieve from Allah (swt) are no different. When your faith is tested, the challenges are not easy, and when you reach a certain level of devotion, the challenges become harder. Devout individuals become further plagued by Shaitan's incessant whispers, probably because it is much more of a high or thrill for him to have someone strong fall, then someone weak and easy.
Allah (swt) knows what we can handle and what we cannot. He only gives us tests that He knows we will survive and learn from, and the reward for overcoming those harder obstacles brings you one step closer to Allah (swt). Liken the challenges you receive as initiation to His club, fraternity, or invites to His facebook circle that He sends out and we accept should we be willing to put up the effort.
Looking at it in this respect, challenges, heartaches, saddness, defeat, loss all seem that much less menacing because they signify your being recognized by Allah (swt) as one of the elite with the chance to prove your worth, as someone who matters just enough to be accepted. He knows we will succeed. 'He's gotcha back!'
Why pull out of the race when you know He's cheering for you?
11-15-2007
Today is a super special day!!! Today my bestest, cutest, sweetest, huggablest, adorablest, kissablest nephew turns five! I cant believe its been five years already. It truly does seem just like yesterday. I remember he was born during Ramadan and right around sehri time. I remember leaving early in the morning and driving up to DE to go see him. He was four hours old when I first saw him. He was an angel as a baby, too; never cried or screamed until he turned 2, then his personality began to shine.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Latest & Greatest Invention Idea
Then I realize, Ive become more organized recently and I am better at remembering to bring my umbrella on the days its actually raining. Usually I have a raincoat with a hood that I use and thus it frees up my hands to hold my cup.
The it occured to me: Umbrellas should have cupholders on the metal bar! Technology is the love child of laziness, no? But its not a bad idea if you think about it, especially in areas of the world where it rains a lot and people have to use public transportation or resort to walking. I'm working on a prototype -- haha -- I'll get back to you with a sketch soon.
Speaking of laziness, I rode the train home last night with the world's most awful man in the whole wide world! I ended up getting on the last express train and express trains usually run beyond capacity, and because of that I had to stand in the aisle the entire 30 minute ride. Not a big deal, if it wasnt for McRudeness sitting in the seat next to where I was standing. As the train took off, it lurched forward, throwing everyone off balance. I didnt have a chance to put my stuff down, so it took me by surprise and slightly forced me to nudge the McRudeness, old guy nuzzled in his seat reading a book AND listening to music. He turned towards me and said something to the tune of, "Excuse me!".
It burned a hole right through me. Okay, first of all, you're a GUY sitting amongst women standing, and second you are asking me to excuse myself for bumping into you which was not on purpose because there are no seats left on the train and no men in this world willing to give up theirs! I DONT THINK SO PAL! So I stated that fact ever so sweetly, bringing it to the attention of all other passengers in the vicinity. The women cracked up as the non-female passengers pretending not to notice. I will say though there was one kid who did give up his seat to preggers, that too Im sure, because he had some sixth sense kind of knowledge about her carrying a male fetus. The pregnant lady carrying twin girls would have been asked to get out and push the train.
Jhaliya I tell ya. You cant call it a man's world when there are no more left!
Saturday, November 10, 2007
SAAWARIYA - Jab Se Tere Naina
I love love love this movie and I am so glad I was able to see it the day it was released. This is my favorite song of the movie and the picturization is perfect especially the near-nude scene of the lead actor Ranbir Kapoor. Forget six-pack abs of the yester years, this punjabi munda sports an eight-pack yummy enough to make you want to forget technological advances in heavy duty washing machines and go back in time and use his washboard stomach instead!!! :P
http://youtube.com/watch?v=TzUp7smjJZE
Friday, November 09, 2007
Look What We've Done
If it just won't sing for you
'Cause all that's left has gone away
And there's nothing there for you to prove
Oh, look what you've done
You've made a fool of everyone
Oh well, it seems likes such fun
Until you lose what you had won - Jet, Look What You've Done
So I sit here today, having finished all my work, basking in the acceptance of my comeback blog post of yesterday, wondering how and why all of a sudden my writer's block of three months has vanished. Im not any less bored at work, in fact, I have tons of more responsibilities now that someone is leaving from our team and I do have other pressing projects that need my attention. So what gives?
Then it hits me like a splash of ice cold water: I have lost my confidante and my life is off-balance. My blog works best when I have something to gripe about, something to scream about, to blow off steam, or, sadly as a last resort to having no one else to talk to.
Look what I've done.
Life has its ups and downs, and I did lots of griping -- any given day theres always something bothering Farah only you wont really hear me say it, ESPECIALLY if its about you-- but all summer I had someone to talk to, confide in, bounce ideas off of, and share silly thoughts with ranging from lunatic hair sniffers to really deep soul searching instead of blogging. I tried so many times to sit and type down a story, but like a good joke only best when told once, I couldnt even get it all out more than once. I had no use for my blog.
The past several months have been wonderful, no saddness, no real need to complain. Now, a year later, I stand to hit rock bottom again. But Ive been there before, and like a pro who's ran the race and finished the year before but looking to come out on top this time around, Im armed and ready. Subhan'Allah I am blessed with loving, concerned roomies and close friends to make up my little army that can and will bring me out of this rut, insha'Allah. (They dont take NO for an answer at all!!)
Aisha, Seemeen and Aneesah truly are the best people that have happened to me recently (collectively we make up the SAAF girls -- "saaf" coming from the Urdu word meaning clean/pure: clean intention, pure heart <3). Each different in her own right with different experiences, each gives amazing advice. (And for the record, Seemeen comes armed with Hamza's halal marshmellows and extra chocolate with almonds so that we can have a SMORE'IFIC time at Cosi. Love her!)
So you see, it wasn't writer's block at all. I just talk too much and then have nothing to write about. Is this the reason most writer's are hermit crabs? Is this why they must retreat to an undisclosed location for peace and quiet and concentration? Is this why most great writers of the past were considered odd and introverted? Would the Qur'an have been revealed in its entirety to the Prophet (saw) had he had six men in the cave with him to question, critique, and distract him? All great philosophers, artists, writers would stay months in seclusion working on their respective masterpieces and then emerge with great show at elaborate fetes, displaying their work and relaying their theories to the masses.
Emotions are a double-edged sword. On the one hand its nice to know you're capable of feeling, as opposed to being a stone but it comes at the price of, not only realizing where it all came from, but also having to learn to live with it and move on.
Maybe I just work well in seclusion? Maybe the U2 song is true and all poets are cannibals and artists theives who kill their inspiration and sing about their grief. Maybe grief is the best medium for genius eureaka momemnts of the mind and heart. Maybe I do talk too much, but everything always comes out wrong?
One thing is for sure: Its damn wicked to know a certain someone, though not on speaking terms with me, still reads my blog. :D
HAPPY DIWALI!
Got Blood?
Stalkers. Most of the time, stalkers are given a very negative connotation. The jealous ex-boyfriend. The lovestruck groupie. The ex-wife who joins a yoga class to try and get a glimpse of the new trophy wife instructor. Agreed?
Now, the stalked usually have two reactions: run scared or be extremely flattered. Depending upon just how many sandwiches short of a picnic basket crazy is, most are not flattered. Initially however, it is exciting to know someone still thinks of you, dreams of you, wants to see you, etc. Especially if the stalker is an ex.
In my case, the stalker is the American Red Cross. Yes. No trails of petals leading to my cube at work, no mysterious notes professing an undying love. No. They want my blood! And they want it ALL.
What mailing list did I accidentally join!? I made one donation and the minute they got a scent of my blood type, they've been on me like moths to a flame. Calls on my home phone, cellphone, emails, NOTES ON MY FRONT DOOR????
I always said I wanted selfish blood; the kind that can receive from everyone (universal recipient) but only give to a certain percentage (AB+ people only). This way, I'm clear for when I need it and its every man for himself when it comes to other types.
BUT! Here's the kicker: my blood type is ALWAYS in shortest supply. Not because it's used so frequently, but because its so rare (3% of the population in the US) and medically speaking, AB blood is always preferable for AB blood types. So once they find 1 individual in 29 who has AB blood, the FANGS come out and they call you all the time to schedule you into a center. I'm waiting for them to send a singing group... that would be hilarious.
Of course I understand the need for me to donate, my sisters are AB blood type, so I listen to their messages, and I make appointments when I can. People can only donate up to four times a year, so theres only so much I can do. Monday night I get a phone call and make an appointment for yesterday. Tuesday morning, yes MORNING, I find a note attached to my front door reminding me of the appointment I made the night before. Tuesday night I get a phone call on my cell at work asking for a donation. I kindly state that I am donating on Thursday. Call ends. Wednesday night I get a phone call at my apartment with a woman saying, "Remember you said you would come." What is that a threat? I thought donating was voluntary!?
But alas, they have underestimated me and mother nature entirely. Farah doesn't give up without a fight, genetically speaking of course. I happen to be borderline anemic and fasting yesterday. Not a good combo. I ended up not being able to donate anyway. And it was NOT just in my head that at the very moment they found out I am useless to them, the music stopped, babies stopped crying, everyone looked over at me. I had to walk the WALK OF SHAME out of the donor center with a scarlet "A" for anemic on my chest and NO ONE GAVE ME ANY COOKIES or JUICE for attempting!
Damn, even at the cellular level Im disappointing to someone!
:)
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Life is Like a Video Game
As we go through life, our scope shifts, ideals swop, and we may endure a change of heart. Tests and challenges come tailored to what we choose. Should we come across a test thats too hard, we have another choice: push reset and walk away, or keep going and face it.