Help me help you

Just wanted to pop in for a little update. I’m back to my usual self, alhamdullah not so gloomy any more all thanks to my sister, sister-in-law and your wonderful comments.

I am thinking about a lot of things lately. One of which is this place. I want to skew my blog into a new direction. Little less about me and more about you! I want to do something more than just a personal blog. I just don’t know what yet. My sister suggested I change it into an “advice column” blog and give advice. I just don’t think many people would want to take advice from a first-year psychology student . Not so high on my credentials. My other sister suggested I do book reviews about the self-help/inspirational books I read. A lot of wonderful ideas. I just don’t know yet. I’ll have to keep on thinking

What do you think? What would you like to see in a blog that would help you? Do you have anything in mind? I am open to all suggestions

Battery low

There are so many things I want to say. So many emotions and thoughts I want to sort out, but I don’t have the energy. Maybe because I’m overwhelmed and stressed I can’t seem to think about things just yet.

I promised myself that I would work on this depressed mood I’ve developed around the beginning of my teenage years, but now I’m letting it take over.
I don’t have the energy to fight it.

Sorry for being emo.

Be happy.

Twenty Ten!

It’s that time of the year! Or end of the year. Although I’m gonna miss 2009, I can’t wait for 2010. We all need new beginnings in our lives, don’t we? God knows I screw up more than I succeed and this is why I need a new page in my life.

I sat down yesterday after watching Alvin and the Chipmunks (Which has to be on your movie list next to It’s Complicated) and decided to jot down what I want to achieve for the next year. You know, the cliche-ish”new year resolutions.” I started out with 10 and today I finished off with 34 It seemed too much and so I went back to 10. Along with the  goals I want to achieve before I’m thirty, I created a list of goals to achieve to make a better me.

1) Remember, read, pray to Allah and understand who prophet Mohammad (PBUH) was.

2) Keep my PT, gym membership and exercise in between

3) Comment on blogs often and write on my blog at least twice a week.

4) Read the three books I bought and bye some more

5) Find an internship

6) Find a professor to assist on research\ Create my own research

7) Keep in contact with friends

8- Make straight A’s

9) Go to GRE tutoring\classes

10) Develop a better relationship with my mother

I’m ready iA!

I want to make this a tag! So, I will tag the following….. Hmmm I tag whoever reads this post!

If you prefer to post your new year resolutions on my blog than yours, you are more than welcome to do as you please!

I can’t wait to read your goals!!

IM is still here!

YOU GUYS! I went to New York!

Goodness, seems like ages since I’ve updated. Twitter, you guys, is addicting! It’s like my own mini blog that I can take wherever I go. I can’t stop twittering long enough to blog about anything.

But, I’m here. I’m up. I’m typing. And like I said, I went to The Capital of the World! It’s my third time, but it seems so special this time

Lets start off with the best and the worst.

Best part: No parents!

Worst part: No brother

He left for a 5 month trip to Saudi last Tuesday. I mean seriously! Why would he do that to me . Anyway, let’s just say that no matter how solid and warm fuzzy feeling you think a brotherly love is, it sucks once they leave

I was wounded about this and spent half of the time in New York… sad. But, my brother and sister were the best! They were awesome! They had the best attitude and were so patient with my shitty attitude. They even got tickets to see Hamlet on Broadway, and they hate Shakespeare! aaah Gracias por mi familia !

That play was very therapeutic for me. Who knew the tragedy would cheer me up . Originally, Jude Law was to play Hamlet, but they had an alternate that evening. He was OK. No scratch that. He was brilliant It was my first Broadway show and was very entertaining!

The next day was even better! I shopped at Soho. I went to every store and bought everything I laid my eyes on. Was I doing some retail therapy? Who knows, but it was very fun right right? It’s about the fun, not the money riiight?… screw money… we own money, it doesn’t own us….who cares about a green piece of paper… HA! i spit on money!…

oh god i’m broke

Anyways, I wont bore you with much detail.. Look at these pictures

My brother looking like he didn't know his picture was taken Classic

It was fun

There was still so much to see! I didn’t get to see lady liberty or go up the empire state building or see the wax museum… but there is always next time insha allah.

Now, If you are ever in New York make sure you: Never eat at Times Square! – that’s the best tip I can give you!

That’s it for now, adios!

Surprise, surprise!

A recent ubiquitous report in the New York Daily left many Saudis angry and humiliated. Saudi student Abdulsalam S. Al-Zahrani was charged with second degree murder in stabbing and killing professor Richard T. Antoun. His act left no indication of religious or ethnic motivation. However, many Saudis who carry tribal last names disagree on the ethnic part. This news was the talk of many dinner table conversations, Saudi gatherings, Saudi students and so forth.

Because Abdulsalam carried the last name, Al-Zahrani, many people’s remarks were, “Ugh those ‘Zahranis’ are rediculous!”, “Expected from Jizani people!”, “May God Damn those ‘Zahranis’.”

I was at Starbucks with two of my friends and the subject was brought up. We were discussing it, when one particular friend -who I find is on the same level of reasoning as I was- blurted out, “Puh-lease!! ‘Zahranis’ are known for that.” They laughed and continued their racist comments. I was too shocked. It was unexpected.

I went home and discussed what happened to my siblings and to my never ending surprise, they laughed and didnt see anything wrong with it.

I don’t know if I am the only one but I was offended! Him being a Zahrani had nothing to do with the murder. His act was wrong and he deserves to be punished. However, what ever his motive was, I bet my life that his last name was not part of it.

The type of racist comments those people said about the “Zahranis” are the same type of racist comments many people said about Islam and the Muslim world after the 9/11 terrorist attacks took place. You see why this is so shocking and why I can’t fathom this?

I’m going to stop. I don’t know what to say anymore.

People keep on surprising… and not the kind of surprise you get in a birthday party.

Question of the day

This question has been running through my mind all week. Lets say a time machine exists and you decide to take it for a ride to the year, umm, to the year where the most rigorous task of the day is herding sheep. Most of us would be fascinated, intrigued and awestruck. But, we’d be on the next time machine heading back to 2009. We’d never want to live their lives. I mean, no internet, no high blood pressure, no movies, no ADD, no coffee, no cars, no pollution. It’s not normal!

However, lets say a person from that time period visits 2009, what do you think they’d choose? (This is what studying for exams does to ya, bear with me )

Things I’ve been thinking about

• I ask you, seriously, why do Saudi moms worry so much about what other Saudi moms are thinking? The problem is, both sides worry what’s in the head of the other and the result is a substantial fraction of their time lost. I only wish they took that fraction and used it more effectively.
• My mom wouldn’t let me go to Eid prayer because she was worried what others might think once they see me without her.Nice excuse, mother.
• What are the dudes doing that just chill at the gym? You know, the ones that just pace around machines with their workout clothes, but absolutely no intention of working out except to adjust a seat, sit down, then get up again? Are they just scoping people out? The thing is, I stare at them and all their weirdness, but what I’m really doing is desperately trying to do anything besides think about how many minutes are left.
• President Obama is so clever. I read a headline that stated, “30,000 troops to Afgahnistan” which contradicted Obama’s plan to end the war. I was confused because it didn’t make sense. I watched the rerun of his address, and it was abseloutely convincing. Things like, “We have forged a new beginning between America and the Muslim World…mutual interest in breaking a cycle of conflict” and “As President, I have signed a letter of condolence to the family of each American who gives heir life in these wars.” and “I do not make this decision lightly. I make this decision because I am convinced that our security is at stake” make you OK his plan even if you disagree his sending troops abroad. Or maybe not, but it did for me
• Hell week is emerging. Exams are around the corner and research papers are due. What am I doing? Enjoying delicious Joy! chocolate and watching reruns of my favorite shows.
• My heart goes out to the families of the victims of the Jeddah flooding disaser. I don’t know why we start being productive after lessons hit hard like a slap in the face.
• I’ve been a lazy blogger, but trying to catch up on my google reader.
• That’s it
• Have a wonderful week

Happy 5aroofgiving!

Here is something that upsets me. I have eaten so many peanut butter brownies over the last two days that I am SCARED and AFEARED to put real pants on.

It’s OK though, my PT* doesn’t know I’m healed from the swine yet, so I’m enjoying my last days before I hit the gym again .

OK OK so lets get to what I really want to say. Since 5aroof Eid is coming up, I’ve created something really good to serve on the special day!! like really good!! like super really delicious dessert that will leave you eating your fingers … (Arabic expressions don’t work that well in English)

Anywho, I’ve created it to surprise my family on Eid . It’s something I mushed up and called “The Lonely Women’s Dessert”. Here is the RECIPE!

the fruit basket isn't part of the recipe I just wanted to show that we have healthy food around

INGREDIENTS:

1)1 package of Dream Whip

2) 1 kaas jobin (glass) of milk

3) 3 three musketeers bar

4) 1 package of tea biscuits

5) 1/2 can of condensed milk

6) 1 package of cream caramel

7) (not seen on picture, but required) 6 pieces of Kerri cheese (Philadelphia cheese will work also)

8 ) a glass container minus the lid

A glass container is not an ingredient, but you get the point.

Please replace the whisk and mixing bowl with a blender. It will save you a whole lot of time!

So, what you do is add all those ingredients (except for the tea biscuits) into the blender and mix . While blending, open the package of tea biscuits and place pieces on the glass container until it is covered with tea biscuits (about 10-15 pieces will do the job).

When you’re done blending the ingredients, pour them on top of the tea biscuits on the glass container. Remember to control the urge to dip your finger into the container . However, you are always welcome to lick whatever is left on the blender . It tastes better anyways

After you’ve done what I’ve said above, take out two or three pieces of tea biscuits and crush them into tiny crumbs. Then, spread them on the top of the dessert, to add a little decorative flare . (If you want you can also add Hershey syrup)

It will look something like this! (I hope)

Place it in the fridge overnight to harden, and take it out 15 minutes before you serve it .

And there you have it! A sweet dessert to add to your Eid meal

I hope you enjoyed my little cooking demonstration .

What are you doing for Eid? Anything special? Have you bought your 5erfan?

* personal trainer

Get out of jail free card for men!

Guys, this post is for you!

Please keep in mind that I am not in any way attempting to disparage men in this post. On the contrary, I am advising and you have the right to agree or disagree

Amma ba3d ..

I’m in love. I’m in love with not being in love – so in love that I’m considering  asexuality. Since the relationship hype started among Saudi females, I’ve been the target for constant complaining and nagging to from my friends. Even married women think I would be some sort of help. I don’t mind it really – it just gets so redundant. ALL. THE. TIME.

It doesn’t matter if they’ve just started dating or have been married for awhile, they tend to have the same problems. It’s always the men who don’t understand, and although it is not entirely true, it was my inspiration for this post.

Men, I know that you could care less about her problems as long as things go back to normal. I’ve even got proof!

If a man hears much that a woman says, she is not beautiful.

- Henry S. Haskins

Haskins is the spokesperson for all men and therefore all words that come out of his mouth are true

Don’t worry though, that’s great that you want to end a conflict fast and easy, just please stop thinking like a guy and that will get you back to home base. To get you started, I have thought about some pointers to help you should you encounter a rough patch with your lady.

The problems in relationships tend to show the same trend. It’s usually the woman wanting extra attention from her man, but he’s too busy at work or watching soccer games or out with his friends. Obviously, she doesn’t tell him about her wants because it’s equivalent to trying to explain a joke after it’s told -not so funny anymore. She expects him to take a hint. He, however, remains clueless. Meanwhile, the woman gets to the point where she is ready to explode.

She starts ignoring him, going out with her friends, ignoring his calls. Then he asks her what’s wrong. She tries to tell him, then he starts to think she’s childish for ignoring him over something stupid ( I feel you girls).

Once they start a fight it turns disastrous because both of them think the other doesn’t understand, when really the misunderstanding comes from both partners.

Men, I want you to understand why your woman is angry when you think you’ve done nothing wrong. Here’s an example:

“W calls M when he’s at work. W: “Hey! how are you?”. M: “Hey! I’m so busy, the boss just announced that we have to present our business proposals and blah blah blah”. W is thinking, He used to ask about me. Is he going to say I miss you? Or I wish I was with you? hmm i’ll wait and see. M is thinking, she called to find out about me and I’m telling her. At the end of the call, M: “Anyways sweety I got to go I have too much work and no time to speak”. W: “Hmm well you found time to complain about work”. M: “what?”. W: “nothing”. M: “are you mad?”. W: “No, I gotta go”. M : “OK”. Click.

Oh believe me she’s pissed! She’s thinking about revenge while you go about your day thinking she isn’t mad. Men, you just got yourself a Go to jail card. In order to get out you need to pay your dues. Please don’t think about doing this your way – it won’t get you anywhere.

Women love to hear, “I was a jerk and I apologize.” That will win you a  HUGE get out of jail card! Saying it’s your fault basically gets you out of any fight. Keep it in mind.

Call her, text her, or email her at least once a day. Yes once a day even if you’ve been married for a while. Say, “I can’t wait to see you!”, “I miss you today more than ever“, “Insert something cute here“. Being in a relationship is a full time job, and you need to score points in order to get promotions. If you choose not to, then it will stir up a fight.

Which brings me to anger management. A lot of men lose their temper easily in fights (you know who you are). They start to say things they will regret. A certain friend of mine is married to a guy who used to be unable to control his outrages.  It took a threat to leave him to get his act together.  Since then, he has re-conditioned himself to know when to stop, breath, step out of the room, then come back when calm so they could start discussing their problem. If you have the same problem, it is OK to stop yourself and let your partner know that you need to calm yourself down (this advise should be considered from both sexes). Now, that doesn’t mean saying:

Get away from me. I need to calm myself down. You are making me really angry and I might say something that will hurt you.

Um, that will just make you look like a douchebag . So, try a different approach. Try to be sweet when you are mad. OK I’m pushing. How about trying this:

I am really mad at this point, so I need to step out for a little while to calm myself. If I stay here I know I will say something I will regret.

She, my friend, will let you go. She will also respect you more.

Trust me guys – women find compassion, sweet-talk, charm, positive attitudes, respect and so forth much sexier and attractive than just the looks. Unlike you however (yeah, I went there ).

I won’t sit here much longer and ramble about relationships. I just wanted to give you a little bit of help on how to keep you and your lady happy . If you read this and end up forgetting everything I’ve said, please try to remember that women are simple. We don’t need a Fendi bag and Prada shoes to make us happy. Compliments, flirts and being sweet in general will score you high points.

Adios!

Swine flu and the Fiscally Irresponsible

Warning: Sick person talking about shoes up ahead!

For those of you not following me on Twitter you might be interested to know that I have the bacon flu. Or whatever.  Apparently the $400 spent on the vaccine did not work for me. It’s OK though, I can manage it (with the antibiotics, flu shot and other medicinal things injected into my body). It’s not so bad, really. I mean it’s not like I’m in my death bed writing my will or anything. I just feel – like I have a flu . Maybe I’m just high on medicine, who knows.

I haven’t gone to classes yesterday or today nor have I worked out and the only productive thing (after prayer) I have done is  shopping. I regret it. I thought I was fine this morning, I don’t know what happened but I’m paying for it now. This is why education is necessary. For one thing, It keeps shopaholics (like moi) in check.

I bought too many pairs of shoes today at Target (similar to that of Debenhams). I know, I know you’re thinking, “Is that even possible?” I feel a little guilty about it. Particularly because I bought the same pair of shoes in three different colors. The thing is I haven’t bought any shoes since er…summer or so (flip flops do not count) and these were from Target , as I mentioned in that sentence up there, so I’m pretty sure they don’t count either.

The thing with Target shoes is you have to be careful about the plastic-y leather ones which will bite your heels painfully because they are made entirely out of old, discarded Trapper Keepers. I was smart, though and went for the faux suede moccasins which are made entirely out of old, discarded um, moccasins. So soft. So hard to resist.

I guess here is where I should tell you about the fringe-y boots I also got. I was in some kind of eighteen year old frenzy. Obviously, at some point today, I  thought these would come in handy for my early morning European History class.

I asked my driver If I looked like Pocahontas and he said only if you met John Smith. I wasn’t sure what he meant by that. I never saw that movie. I did see Mulan, however, which I think is the same thing but with more war .

OK, I’ve gone way off topic. What was I saying? Oh yes shopping while sick is a bad thing. Shopping while sick and fiscally irresponsible  is a very bad thing. *cough* *cough* *cough* *some more cough* I’m going to bed now. Be safe!

Post Script: I went to Target with a mask on which was strangely comforting. For one thing, people were nice to me