Kaleidoscope

Almost the End of Another Year

2011-12-13T01:47:00.000+03:00

It's almost the end of another year...2011. Like every year, it has brought about a lot of changes, life with it's usual ups and downs, quite a lot of deaths and calamities, new inventions and so on and on....

So, what's my point in blogging about this? Nothing specific. Just some random thoughts that I'd been thinking about for quite sometime.

Regardless of how short or long your life span is, there are some people who come across your life whom you will cherish, whom you will look up to, whom you will trust, whom you will care, whom you will respect. There might only be a few people who will fall into all these categories, but there definitely will be quite a lot of people who will fall into one of these.....

We've heard of a couple of deaths of famous people this year. People who have made an impact in our life, change our mindsets, true geniuses. But they were never successful in their first attempt and if they were still alive, there would have been people still criticizing them. But now since they are dead, they only have good words. That's the sadistic nature of human beings.

I've heard about some untimely deaths this year. Some of whom I knew when I was small. Even though they weren't quite close to me, just the news of untimely death is quite shocking. I just hope and pray that their family has the courage to deal with it and move on.

Moving on is not easy. There are things and people you come across your daily life. When some of them means the quite a lot to you and there is a conflict of interest, what do you do? Just let it be? Ignore them? Talk to them about it? Well, decision is dependent on the situation. But, I only hope that God gives us enough wisdom to choose the wise action and move on, hoping and praying for the best.

Most of the major decisions in our lives are not in our hands. Fate is at the hands of God, we have the choice of action. What course do we take? What guides us through? It is all a matter of the heart. When you do anything whole-heartedly, there is always a sense of satisfaction and happiness about you. If the action was wrong, we learn from it. If it was right, our happiness will know no bounds....there will never be room for regrets. But when forced to do something, there will always be a feeling of guilt. A dark stain that becomes darker and doesn't give us a peace of mind, and before long, we begin to doubt our own self. Who are we? What is our purpose in life?

And that purpose is something we have to discover for ourselves. Attain peace of mind and never, ever forget God, the Almighty, who created us as the best of creations. To whom we will return after our transit life here on the earth. We are mere travelers, and earth is our temporary station. We still have a long journey after our death, for which we have to prepare. Are your bags ready and packed for the trip? Oh, well, none of us anticipate it. We just think that tomorrow will be another day, when we can see the sunrise. What if it is not? Are we ready for it? This is a question we must answer ourselves. I'm not going to preach, 'coz I'm still unprepared and I have to find the answers myself. Otherwise there is no meaning to it.....

Random Thought: Time is Precious

2011-11-25T13:10:00.002+03:00

The more time we have, the lazier we are...
More deadlines we have, we can cram up the infinite things we have to do, in the limited time...
It is always good to keep ourselves on check by maintaining deadlines
And reminding ourselves that the time once lost is lost forever.

Well, this is a reminder for me and all the other lazy people around the world, who have so much valuable time in our hands and we don't understand what to do with it. What is our priority? What is the purpose of our life? Is it any good to waste time? It is more precious than money, and it slips from between fingers so fast that if we were to account what we did each second, we could have truly made it worthwhile. Anyways, this is all talk. I haven't practiced it for the past 7 months. I really have to get myself back in shape! Allah..help me and forgive me!

Love Once Lost

2011-11-02T22:28:00.002+03:00

Having a smile on your face everyday,
They think you might be a trivial person
For whom life may be a joke
And nothing to worry about! Oh come on!
Keeping up the smile on your face
Is not a trivial matter. The journey of life,
What it brings forth, the unpredictable ups and downs,
Nothing within your reach and in problems you will drown.
The fading smile, a result of an evil eye?
Tried hard to bring forth the smile,
But the sadness of losing your love
Overshadows the curve on your lips.
The tears withheld, to keep up the strong facade,
But in the end, tears fell, like an overpouring rain
And swollen eyes and no more smile
Just because of the love once lost....

The Mystery of the Missing Canine

2011-08-23T14:01:00.002+03:00

She was at the dentist for her annual dental check up. Ever since 3 years of age she has been to the dentist, had her teeth worked on, filled, pulled, what not and now, as everyone was suggesting, the dentist also recommended, 'When she is about 15 years, she has to put braces on her teeth'. She rolled her eyes and knew that putting braces means pulling out 2-4 more teeth and lesser chocolates.

The dentist stopped for a few minutes, checked her teeth once again and was about to leave when he noticed something. 'Hey! One of your teeth is missing. The canine, on the top right side.' The doctor ushered her dad, and said, 'You see, those two are the incisors and then the pre-molars and molars, only 6 teeth on this side. The canines are missing. If it didn't grow out, it must be hidden within the gums. An X-ray should help us find out. Please take an X-ray and return after 3 days.'

'Oh God! Now what?' she thought. She knew that her teeth has always been giving her trouble, now a missing one? Is this an Enid Blyton book, 'The Mystery of the Missing Tooth'? Sounded good, now she had a story to tell and a mystery for the doctor to solve.

Three days later, they were back at the dentist after taking the X-ray. The doctor examined it and said, 'This is surprising. There is no teeth hidden in the gums. Things are safe. But I really do wonder what happened. Either you pulled your teeth out twice or the new tooth never developed. Which is a rarity. Anyways, I just wanted to ensure that things were safe for you. Good day!'

She heaved a sigh of relief. No more dental work for this year. But had the thoughts of her missing teeth stashed in her head. When she was 15, she put the braces and she only had to pull 3 of her teeth due to the existing gap on her top right side, the tooth there was exempted. The canines never grew out, nor did it cause her any trouble and the mystery remains a mystery.....

Creative Thinking

2011-08-12T14:59:00.004+03:00

Quite often, I've opened up my blog, to begin blogging and write the thoughts that crossed my mind, a few hours ago, or a few days ago, but couldn't get the flow or the contents of what I wanted to write, except the title. So, I have quite a lot of saved posts, with just the title and to this day, some of them are haunted and some of them, which I did complete are sub-standard compared to the ideas that I had initially.

Surprisingly, most of the thoughts or ideas, come to me when I'm in the shower *rolling eyes*. Well, yes, sometimes, I would think, how much better it will be if we had a water proof laptop! Well, no, I don't like reading from the bathroom. I prefer my living room couch or bed for that. If you have followed my blog for sometime now, you must have guessed I'm quite a romantic (I don't mean romantic as in relationship, but in a dreamy sense), an occasional poet and artist. Sometimes, I just get the flow of words for the poem and I just have to sit there without thinking much and it just types out. Same goes with drawing, I just take a book and pencil and the idea for sketches come on its own. But I'm quite a novice at both, I have talent, but not quite developed. So, I can also say that the mood swings are also great. I can easily be highly elated and easily be depressed. And I've even had my biggest critic tell me that, 'most artists and poets are depressed and suicidal'! As if I wanted that!!!

Despite all this, I'm an optimist to the core and that is when I remembered a video at Ted.com by Elizabeth Gilbert on creativity. She beautifully captures the fact that creativity is something on loan for you. It comes and goes, and if you have done a masterpiece, your genie did a great job. If not it didn't show up!

You cannot blame yourself for the success and failure of your work. Just live your life by doing what you want and enjoy each moment regardless of the outcome. Talent is a gift and it is not something others can judge you for. Having a talent, developing it, trying and failing, is all a stepping stone to the next endeavor, which may or may not be a success. But if that has satisfied you, then there is nothing to worry about. Satisfaction is the hardest to obtain. People's criticism will always be there. There will be at least one person in this world whose point of view will be opposite of yours. So forget people and their criticism. Take pride in what you do. That is my advise.

Anyways, here's the link to Elizabeth Gilbert's video. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did:

Time to Rejuvenate MOI SpAcE

2011-07-01T12:17:00.003+03:00

First of All a BIG HELLO to everyone out there...or out here!!!

I've been thinking about revamping my blog for quite sometime. I reaaalllly wonder, when it transformed from an inspiring and motivational one to a depressing one. Well, maybe the Snow Queen's heart was frozen for a while and now since it is summer, it has molten a lil bit?? Who knows?? And, seriously, who cares?? Do you??

Well, yes, I think it is vital for a writer to bring forth all the emotions out in the articles. But to write only when going through tough times and neglecting the skill during good times will not help enhance the talent. So, be it the sun or the rain, I've decided, I'm going to get back to blogging. There are quite a lot of drafts from long time back, so I'll begin with them first and since I have all the time in the world with me, I'm going to add one more thing to my hobby list, 'Blogging', that is.

So, to all of you out here, 'Tadaimaaa!'

Message of Hope: Nick Vujicic in Qatar

2011-02-11T16:21:00.005+03:00

Well....this post has been due since long. Sorry for the untimely delay, better late than never....

On February 10, 2011 I had the privilege of attending a program hosted by Hope Qatar where Nick Vujicic was the ambassador of the Message of Hope. Some of you might have heard of Nick and some might not. Who is Nick and what is so special about his message?

Nick is a motivational speaker....Oh, well, you might say, we have quite a lot of motivational speakers around, so what is so different about Nick? Well, Nick is a Motivational speaker, who will M.O.T.I.V.A.T.E you even without his speaking! That is what is special about Nick. Nick was born without his limbs. No hands and legs, only one foot beneath his abdomen. When you see him, you will wonder, how the hell does this man do anything???? Well, he does most of the things we do and even more. He types, he writes, he swims, he fishes, he does everything we normally do and even more, he motivates people.

He tells us to be thankful, to look at the bright side of life. Come on...isn't it going to be easy for us, who are blessed with all the limbs and good physique. We are not born with worries. Everyone has ups and downs in life, but it is not so bad, it will go and you will feel relief. So, a man born without limbs, loved and cared for by his family, ridiculed by many people, who even thought of committing suicide, but the thought of his parents and an encouraging word or two from a couple of people changed his mind. Decided to look at the brighter side of life and live each day without regrets. Live each day with a laugh and when you do have anything bothersome in your mind, just flip it and make it light....laugh at it...laugh with it....

There were some sentimental parts during his session, which made me feel how blessed we are to have our hands. We can hold the hands of our loved ones and hug them.....

Always thank God for giving us this life and for all the blessings. We are very fortunate compared to a multitude people.....cherish each blessing...move forward, live each day without regret.

Cheers.

Lightning and Tornado

2011-01-11T21:20:00.005+03:00

Well, we don't usually have an idealistic life, do we? We have our ups and downs, the chaos, the order, etc. and on one such day, I came across this picture. (or rather I was searching for Lightning and Tornado images on google). Oh well, my mind was on turmoil, so wanted a display pic that would reflect my thoughts and a caption for that. This is how the pic n caption combo ended up and the question remains unanswered!

The little signs that ceased to exist
Creates a turmoil in my mind
Nurtures the Tornado
Wonder when the lightning will strike
And burn me from within
End up being ashes
Void of any colour or texture
In the end, am I to be blamed
Or was it just you?

Revisiting the Snow Queen

2010-10-20T16:42:00.007+03:00

Rewind 3 years and I had created my own blog space and when I had to pick a name, I was adamant to name it "The Snow Queen". Fast forward, back to the present, a few weeks back, I was wondering why I had made that decision. The Snow Queen??? Why, how and when did it take a place in my heart and an integral part of my mind, that I always prefer to use Snow or Snow Q whenever I want to remain anonymous on the net?

It all began with my Korean and Japanese drama, anime and manga addiction. During the time, I was quite obsessed with them and it was also a stress reliever during exams at university and gave me a reason to stay up at night as well, of course the excuse is studying, but what happens is 5 minutes of studying and half an hour drama or anime or manga. Frankly speaking, I'm still obsessed with manga and anime, but I've lost my interest in dramas, they are too long and I don't have the patience to go on and on.

Well, when I think about it, Snow Queen wasn't an instant attraction. It came down in steps and the strong resemblance to my personality or what I thought was and is my personality. So, here goes for those who are curious.

My first anime crush was Yuki from Fruits Basket and in Japanese, Yuki means Snow. Oh well, you might wonder why no crushes on people but anime characters, well, isn't it obvious? People are never perfect, but the characters always are and people are too much trouble to be involved. Fair enough? So there Yuki lay buried in my heart. Then came Hana Kimi manga and well, the character Sano Izumi was perfect- athletic, cool, and believe me manga characters are picture perfect even though in black and white ! Another character buried deep in my heart. Then for the final call, came The Snow Queen itself, a Korean drama which revolved around two characters, a girl, who knew she wouldn't live for long and had closed her heart for anything and everything around her and could only be bitter about it and a guy, a mathematics genius, who had lost his one and only friend due to his competency and laid all the blame on himself and again closed his heart for anything and everything around him. They meet and melt each others hearts, but destiny had something else in store for them, but with molten hearts, she lived a short life and he lived with her memories. The prologue of the story had the fairytale The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Anderson, where the Snow Queen takes Kei to her Ice palace in Lapland and his heart also freezes and is pursued by his friend Gerda to melt his heart.

The resemblance I thought was cold heart which could be molten with the right choice of people or circumstance around.

Yuki--> Snow --> Snow Queen
Sanau-->Sano-->Snow--> Snow Queen

Hmmm....my fantasies!

With frozen hearts, they thought they would just fade away
Until they met and their hearts began to melt
Alas! It was too late for one, 'coz her time had been ticking all the while
But the moments they spent together in his memory engraved!

An Obsession, A Fascination

2010-07-30T14:49:00.003+03:00

Quite often, there might be somethings that we could get obsessed with. No matter how much you want to let it go, you can't, you just keep returning to it. There could be something intriguing about it, which is difficult to explain and something magical that draws you towards it. For some this obsession can be temporary while for others, they tend to be obsessed with the same thing their whole life.

Temporary obsession, though prominent among a lot of people, is hardly noticeable, as people get off their obsession quite fast. Can this be called a fascination? I'm not sure...... Temporary obsession for songs, artifacts, hobbies, etc....I seem to be quite obsessed with a lot of things lately that I find it hard to keep a track of myself. But then, you've only got one life to live, so why not diversify your obsession ;) ?

So It Seems

2010-05-20T23:33:00.005+03:00

As darkness engulfs me....

And loneliness haunts me.....

No one to open up my mind to....

No one to listen to my heart....

When I seem to be forgotten....

When I'm almost fading away....

Nevertheless a kindled hope....

May be that you do care....

Alas! Shattered hope.....

Broken dreams....

'Coz mostly it seems

Like you never cared!

The King and His Wives

2010-03-23T22:50:00.002+03:00

Once upon a time there was a rich King who had four wives. He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies. He gave her nothing but the best. He also loved the 3rd wife very much and was always showing her off to neighboring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another. He also loved his 2nd wife. She was his confidant, and was always kind, considerate and patient with him. Whenever the King faced a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times.

The King’s 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However, he did not love the first wife. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her! One day, the King fell ill and he knew his time was short. He thought of his luxurious life and wondered, “I ! now have four wives with me, but when I die, I’ll be all alone.”Thus, he asked the 4th wife, “I have loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I’m dying, will you follow me and keep me company?”

“No way!”, replied the 4th wife, and she walked away without another word. Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart.

The sad King then asked the 3rd wife, “I have loved you all my life. Now that I’m dying, will you follow me and keep me company?” “No!”, replied the 3rd wife. “Life is too good! When you die, I’m going to remarry!” His heart sank and turned cold.

He then asked the 2nd wife, “I have always turned to you for help and you’ve always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?” “I’m sorry, I can’t help you out this time!”, replied the 2nd wife. “At the very most, I can only send you to your grave.” Her answer came like a bolt of lightning, and the King was devastated.

Then a voice called out: “I’ll leave with you and follow you no matter where you go.” The King looked up, and there was his first wife. She was so skinny as she suffered from malnutrition and neglect. Greatly grieved, the King said, “I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!”

In truth, we all have 4 wives in our lives: Our 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good, it will leave us when we die.

Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it will all go to others.

Our 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave.

And our 1st wife is our Soul. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world. However, our Soul is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go.

The Cold Stone

2010-02-21T21:08:00.004+03:00

Up the hill, behind the tree, a cold and lonely stone.

Felt the warmth when the sun shone

Glowed remarkably with a gesture

Nudging the whole of green pasture

It came in the blink of an eye

A moment's ecstasy, a year's fallacy,

The gesture that melted the ice within

Disappeared before being seen.

The cold and lonely stone, lay there in wait

For the warmth that it longed to embrace

To defy the the ice, to melt the heart,

For the sun to shine on it always

An Illusion

2010-02-19T20:43:00.005+03:00

"An illusion in this virtual realm!!!" This is how I like to express myself in any social networking site or here out on my blog!

Thatz what I am, right? What I write here, what I do here could just be a plain lie and can be deleted in an instant.

But then, what are we in reality? In this tech savvy world, when we rarely mingle with "real" people, we find solace in the virtual realm. But, do they really see what they are supposed to see? Could this virtual world be a substitute for our reality? The direct conversation, when the eyes see your thoughts even before you express them, can the virtual realm substitute them?

In the end, I am just an illusion out here. I don't write what I want to say, I don't say what I feel and you don't read my thoughts either.......

If I did disappear from the virtual realm, no one would realize it and well, I bet not many can find another way of contacting me....."Blink once I could disappear"

What the Little Boy Lost

2010-02-10T22:04:00.005+03:00

Today its a story for us......>>>>May be a reality for SOME ONE ELSE. A message from a forward email....

I was walking around in a Big Bazar store making shopping, when I saw a Cashier talking to a boy couldn't have been more than 5 or 6 years old.

The Cashier said, 'I'm sorry, but you don't have enough money to buy this doll. Then the little boy turned to me and asked: ''Uncle, are you sure I don't have enough money?''

I counted his cash and replied: ''You know that you don't have enough money to buy the doll, my dear.'' The little boy was still holding the doll in his hand.

Finally, I walked toward him and I asked him who he wished to give this doll to. 'It's the doll that my sister loved most and wanted so much . I wanted to Gift her for her BIRTHDAY.

I have to give the doll to my mommy so that she can give it to my sister when she goes there.' His eyes were so sad while sa ying this. 'My Sister has gone to be with God. Daddy says that Mommy is going to see God very soon too, so I thought that she could take the doll with her to give it to my sister..''

My heart nearly stopped. The little boy looked up at me and said: 'I told daddy to tell mommy not to go yet. I need her to wait until I come back from the mall.' Then he showed me a very nice photo of him where he was laughing. He then told me 'I want mommy to take my picture with her so my sister won't forget me.' 'I love my mommy and I wish she doesn't have to leave me, but daddy says that she has to go to be with my little sister.' Then he looked again at the doll with sad eyes, very quietly..

I quickly reached for my wallet and said to the boy. 'Suppose we check again, just in case you do have enough money for the doll?''

'OK' he said, 'I hope I do have enough.' I added some of my money to his with out him seeing and we started to count it. There was enough for the doll and even some spare money.

The little boy said: 'Thank you God for giving me enough money!'

Then he looked at me and added, 'I asked last night before I went to sleep for God to make sure I had enough money to buy this doll, so that mommy could give It to my sister. He heard me!'' 'I also wanted to have enough money to buy a white rose for my mommy, but I didn't dare to ask God for too much. But He gave me enough to buy the doll and a white rose. My mommy loves white roses.'

I finished my shopping in a totally different state from when I started. I couldn't get the little boy out of my mind. Then I remembered a local

news paper article two days ago, which mentioned a drunk man in a truck, who hit a car occupied by a young woman and a little girl. The little girl died right away, and the mother was left in a critical state. The family had to decide whether to pull the plug on the life-sustaining machine, because the young woman would not be able to recover from the coma. Was this the family of the little boy?

Two days after this encounter with the little boy, I read in the news paper that the young woman had passed away.. I couldn't stop myself as I bought a bunch of white roses and I went to the funeral home where the body of the young woman was exposed for people to see and make last wishes before her burial. She was there, in her coffin, holding a beautiful white rose in her hand with the photo of the little boy and the doll placed over her chest. I left the place, teary-eyed, feeling that my life had been changed for ever..

The love that the little boy had for his mother and his sister is still, to this day, hard to imagine. And in a fraction of a second, a drunk driver had taken all this away from him.

Please DO NOT DRINK & DRIVE.

The value of a man or woman resides in what he or she gives, not in what they are capable of receiving

Changing Seasons of Life

2010-01-30T01:34:00.003+03:00

The onset of winter and winter is almost gone....the beginning of a new year and a month is almost over.....a beginning of a new phase in life and it keeps rolling...with all the ups and downs.....with a wish that it will not end.....the onset of the new season in my life......

It is quite surprizing to see where life takes us. To places we've never dreamt of, with people we've never thought about, at times that are the most unexpected!!! And if you are a person who likes changes.....it is always welcome!

Excerpt from a Speech by Chetan Bhagat

2009-12-15T07:44:00.003+03:00

Don’t just have career or academic goals. Set goals to give you a balanced, successful life. I use the word balanced before successful. Balanced means ensuring your health, relationships, mental peace are all in good order.
There is no point of getting a promotion on the day of your breakup. There is no fun in driving a car if your back hurts. Shopping is not enjoyable if your mind is full of tensions.
"Life is one of those races in nursery school where you have to run with a marble in a spoon kept in your mouth. If the marble falls, there is no point coming first. Same is with life where health and relationships are the marble. Your striving is only worth it if there is harmony in your life. Else, you may achieve the success, but this spark, this feeling of being excited and alive, will start to die. ……………….
One thing about nurturing the spark - don't take life seriously. Life is not meant to be taken seriously, as we are really temporary here. We are like a pre-paid card with limited validity. If we are lucky, we may last another 50 years. And 50 years is just 2,500 weekends. Do we really need to get so worked up? …………….
It's ok, bunk a few classes, scoring low in couple of papers, goof up a few interviews, take leave from work, fall in love, little fights with your spouse. We are people, not programmed devices........." :)

"Don't be serious, be sincere."!

10 Ways to Increase Imaan: A Reminder for Myself

2009-12-09T11:31:00.001+03:00

1. Recite and ponder on the meanings of the Quran. Tranquility then descends and our hearts become soft. To get optimum benefit, remind yourself that Allah is speaking to you. People are described in different categories in the Quran; think of which one you find yourself in.

2. Realize the greatness of Allah. Everything is under His control. There are signs in everything we see that points us to His greatness. Everything happens according to His permission. Allah keeps track and looks after everything, even a black ant on a black rock in a black moonless night.

3. Make an effort to gain knowledge, for at least the basic things in daily life e.g. how to make wudu properly. Know the meanings behind Allah's names and attributes. People who have taqwa are those who have knowledge.

4. Attend gatherings where Allah is remembered. In such gatherings we are surrounded by angels.

5. We have to increase our good deeds. One good deed leads to another good deed. Allah will make the way easy for someone who gives charity and also make it easy for him or her to do good deeds. Good deeds must be done continuously, not in spurts.

6. We must fear the miserable end to our lives; the remembrance of death is the destroyer of pleasures.

7. Remember the different levels of akhirah, for instance when we are put in our graves, when we are judged, whether we will be in paradise or hell.

8. Make du'a, realize that we need Allah. Be humble. Don't covet material things in this life.

9. Our love for Subhana Wa Ta'Ala must be shown in actions. We must hope Allah will accept our prayers, and be in constant fear that we do wrong. At night before going to sleep, we must think about what good we did during that day.

10. Realize the effects of sins and disobedience - one's iman is increased with good deeds and our iman is decreased by bad deeds. Everything that happens is because Allah wanted it. When calamity befalls us - it is also from Allah. It is a direct result of our disobedience to Allah or perhaps a test, But whatever it may be, It is for our Best.

Warm and Cool

2009-12-03T22:02:00.004+03:00

I've always tried to figure out different patterns in pictures, paintings, numbers, words and even nature. The way they intertwine, complementing and supplementing each other.....like fire and ice, earth and sky, black and white, etc. is quite fascinating and the differences make us appreciate everything around us.

Well maybe I'm going off topic now, but then these differences is what makes things around you go in harmony and recently I realized more than ever how my parents, so different in their character, complement each other so well, that we felt we never missed a thing.

My dad is a bit strict, but quite cool too. Most of the times he likes to keep things for himself, but when he speaks, he does so frankly and it could hurt at times, but then, later you realize that it is all for your good. You know your flaws, then you learn how to overcome it.

My mom is quite the gentle and warm personality and she never keeps things in her head. She always speaks out what she thinks and what she thought about it before and what she thinks we must do about it. Always a smile and sometimes a frown.

Discussions during dinner is one of the best. We put forward our daily experiences, ask for suggestions, etc. and my dad puts forward his opinion and looks at us to make our own decisions and mom tells us what she thinks we must do.

I realized that their very differences complement them so much that we always thought we never missed a thing at home. And I should say that I'm reallly very lucky to have parents like them, Alhamdulillah. Being human beings they do have their flaws, but they are quite open to criticism as well. Well, it just doesn't feel alright when they are not together and even when we are not together. I miss you guys! Hope to see you soon!

Absent Minded Me

2009-12-01T18:56:00.003+03:00

I don't know if I'm stupid or careless or dumb or reaaallllllyyyyy ABSENT MINDED.......but for a fact today when I got in my car I realized I had left my car window OPEN since yesterday evening!!!!

Hmmm.......this could be a car adventure ;)

Other adventures for the day

- Went at 130kmph today n realized my car gives the speeding alarm at 130 kmph n not 120 kmph

- I'm still not used to taking a turn at 80kmph

- My car is so noisy that people realize ITZ coming!!!!

For You, A Thousand Times Over.....

2009-11-29T20:33:00.003+03:00

"Amir Agha, For you a thousand times over....", said Hassan

Well, a quote from The Kite Runner, which has been embedded in my mind for quite some time now. The Kite Runner was a very emotional book, I was in tears through out the book. What really touched me was the unconditional loyalty and trust of Hassan towards Amir. This day, this age, where do we find such loyalty? such sincerity? despite the way Amir treats Hassan?

Well, this quote really made me think.....will I be able to tell this to someone or anyone? 'For you, a thousand times over...' Is there anyone in my life that I place even before me and would do anything despite the consequences that may befall me? I dunno....But I do know that there are some people whom I would happily dedicate my actions to and then there are some people who make you want to do things for them...just because of their personality....

Maybe one day I would really and honestly say, 'For you, a thousand times over.....', to someone really special, someone whom I would place before myself, someone for whom I would be ready to sacrifice myself......God knows the best.....

The Little Angel

2009-11-23T22:31:00.007+03:00

Every Friday afternoon, after the Jumat services at the Central Mosque (and shortly after Al-Usrah program), the Imam and his eleven year old son would go out into their town and hand out "PATH TO PARADISE" and other Islamic literature.

This particular and fortunate Friday afternoon, as the time came for the Imam and his son to go to the streets with their booklets, it was very cold outside, as well as pouring rain.

The boy bundled up in his warmest and driest clothes and said, 'OK, dad, I'm ready!'

His 'Muâallim' dad asked, 'Ready for what?'

'Dad, it's time we gather our tracts together and go out.'

Dad responds, 'Son, it's very cold outside and it's pouring rain.'

The boy gives his dad a surprised look, asking, 'But Dad, aren't people still going to Hell, even though it's raining?'

Dad answers, 'Son, I am not going out in this weather.'

Despondently, the boy asks, 'Dad, can I go? Please?'

His father hesitated for a moment then said, 'Son, you can go. Here are the booklets. Be careful son.'

'Thanks, Dad!'

And with that, he was off and out into the rain. This eleven year old boy walked the streets of the town going door to door and handing everybody he met in the street a pamphlet or a booklet.

After two hours of walking in the rain, he was soaking, bone-chilled wet and down to his VERY LAST BOOKLET. He stopped on a corner and looked for someone to hand a booklet to, but the streets were totally deserted.

Then he turned toward the first home he saw and started up the sidewalk to the front door and rang the door bell. He rang the bell, but nobody answered..

He rang it again and again, but still no one answered. He waited but still no answer.

Finally, this eleven year old da'wah-expert turned to leave, but something stopped him.

Again, he turned to the door and rang the bell and knocked loudly on the door with his fist. He waited, something holding him there on the front porch!

He rang again and this time the door slowly opened.

Standing in the doorway was a very sad-looking elderly lady. She softly asked, 'What can I do for you, son?' With radiant eyes and a smile that lit up her world, this little boy said, 'Ma'am, I'm sorry if I disturbed you, but I just want to tell you that â€œALLAH REALLY LOVES AND CARES FOR YOUâ€ and I came to give you my very last booklet which will tell you all about God, the real purpose of creation, and how to achieve His pleasure.'

With that, he handed her his last booklet and turned to leave..

She called to him as he departed. 'Thank you, son! And God Bless You!'

Well, the following Friday afternoon after Jumat service (during which period they hold a weekly program, Al-Usrah) the Imam was giving some lectures. As he concludes the lectures, he asked, 'Does anybody have questions or want to say anything?'

Slowly, in the back row among the ladies, an elderly voice was heard over the speaker. As the voice went on, a hint of glorious gaiety and contentment was plainly evident in it even though it wasn't to be seen, 'No one in this gathering knows me. I've never been here before. You see, before last Friday I was not a Muslim, and thought I could be. My husband passed away some time ago, leaving me totally alone in this world. Last Friday, being a particularly cold and rainy day, it was even more so in my heart that I came to the end of the line where I no longer had any hope or will to live.

So I took a rope and a chair and ascended the stairway into the attic of my home. I fastened the rope securely to a rafter in the roof then stood on the chair and fastened the other end of the rope around my neck. Standing on that chair, so lonely and broken-hearted I was about to leap off, when suddenly the loud ringing of my doorbell downstairs startled me. I thought, I'll wait a minute, and whoever it is will go away

I waited and waited, but the ringing doorbell seemed to get louder and more insistent, and then the person ringing also started knocking loudly............

I thought to myself again, 'Who on earth could this be? Nobody ever rings my bell or comes to see me.' I loosened the rope from my neck and started for the front door, all the while the bell rang louder and louder.

When I opened the door and looked I could hardly believe my eyes, for there on my front porch was the most radiant and angelic little boy I had ever seen in my life. His SMILE, oh, I could never describe it to you! The words that came from his mouth caused my heart that had long been dead TO LEAP TO LIFE as he exclaimed with a cherub-like voice, 'Ma'am, I just came to tell you that ALLAH REALLY LOVES AND CARES FOR YOU!'

Then he gave me this booklet, Path To Paradise that I now hold in my hand.

As the little angel disappeared back out into the cold and rain, I closed my door and read slowly every word of this book. Then I went up to my attic to get my rope and chair. I wouldn't be needing them any more.

You see? I am now a Happy Vicegerent of the One True God. Since the address of your congregation was stamped on the back of this booklet, I have come here to personally say THANK YOU to God's little angel who came just in the nick of time and by so doing, spared my soul from an eternity in Hell.'

There was not a dry eye in the mosque. And as shouts of TAKBIR!!! ALLAH AKBAR!!! rented the air, even among the ladies, despite themselves.

Imam-Dad descended from the pulpit to the front row where the little angel was seated....

He took his son in his arms and sobbed uncontrollably.

Probably no jama'at has had a more glorious moment, and probably this universe has never seen a Papa that was more filled with love and honor for his son....... Except for One. This very one....

Blessed are your eyes for reading this message.

Instincts

2009-11-20T18:14:00.002+03:00

Sometimes instincts are really scary. Your intuition says something will happen and it really happens. At times you fear something might befall you, and you pray that whatever will happen doesn't cause you too much harm and a catastrophe does happen, but doesn't affect you so much, your prayers would have helped you. When you see that most of your instincts did occur and you get that deja vu feel and now, there is another instinct haunting your mind, all I can do is pray and hope for the best.......

Instincts can haunt you for quite some time.....

And I thought Planning and Time Management was everything.......

2009-11-19T05:42:00.004+03:00

The last couple of months have been quite busy for me. Both at work and at home. I kind of had a vague idea that things will get busy, but I thought that 'multi-tasking' was my thing....that I would be able to manage it by proper planning and time management!!! Well, so much for thoughts....for one thing, planning never works....I keep forgetting something essential, something like an absent-minded person and the other thing, time just flies, it is as if it just flows through your fingers and you can't really hold it!!!

Planning is all in the head, practicalities of life pose new challenges and exposes unforeseen circumstances. The pace at which time flies is so hard to grasp that at times I would just wish, how great it would be if time came to a stand-still!!! But then again, when exposed to a very very busy schedule, I just want to escape from it, I just tend to be lazy and do nothing! Yes, absolutely nothing, but read comics and leisure books and watch cartoons. Now I know why time is flying....and I really can't get myself to hold it and I've given up on planning as well.....Just live each moment to the fullest.....'Hakuna Matata'

At the end of the day all that matters is whether you are satisfied and happy living the way you are.......oh well, it doesn't always have a happy ending though.....

My Car Mis-Adventures!!!!

2009-11-17T18:41:00.008+03:00

Well, like any normal driver on the road, I've had car mis-adventures and the funniest thing is, it has been only during these few months that I've had quite a lot of them. Yes, as it is called, 'The Charm of Three', I've had 3 car mis-adventures in last couple of months, AND, when I have to go to a meeting from my office!!!! Well, the 1st mis-adventure had a happy ending, the 2nd one was the worst and the 3rd one was a heroic one!!!

Well, before I begin with my mis-adventures, I'll just give a background of how the car parking at our office is. Well, itz messed up, only the managers' get the reserved parking and for us 'other' employees we have a ground or dirt lot a I like to call it (refer picture above). Well, I just can't believe how people here park their cars. Well, the first few people who come park properly and then itz the time for late comers who just park anywhere and rush off to their offices, blocking some cars here and there, taking too much space and so on and on.....Frankly, I felt the car parking at our university 'Dirt Lot' was better. The students were so organized and also were quite considerate about parking properly and giving others space to go......n one of our professors even sent email to congratulate the students being impressed seeing the parking on the 'Dirt

Lot'!!!

Ok...now for my mis-adventures....One fine morning, I go to my office as usual, was about to park on the second row, but then I remembered, 'Aha...I have a meeting today, so have to leave at noon. Got to park my car somewhere accessible!' So I parked my car somewhere towards the end, thinking that late comers would just leave their cars in between the first few rows!!!So, for the meeting at 1pm, I left my office at 12:15, walked to our wonderful parking lot, and got to my car...and a surprise awaits me there.....there are 2 cars right in front n behind my car....basically my car is jammed from all 4 sides!!! Hmmm...what do I do? the meeting is in about 35 minutes and it takes almost half an hour to reach the venue.

I call up my boss, 'Hey Doc! I have a problem!'

'What is it?'

'The parking lot-My car-I can't take it out. Itz surrounded by other cars!! What do I do????'

'Any solutions???'

'I'm not sure!'

In my mind I was thinking, 'Can I ditch the meeting?', but well, itz better not to say that out loud ;)

'I'm also on my way to the same meeting, but I can't pick you up 'coz I'm half way there. Go to the 4 seasons and take a limo from there to the meeting'

'Ok...I'll see!'

In my mind, 'There is no way I'd come with you anyways!!Hmm....4 seasons, Limo, not a bad idea ;)'

So I walked back again in the scorching heat to the 4 seasons...

'Do you have limo service?'

'Yes, ma'am'

'Ok, take me to ____(my destination) ASAP, please'

'Ok ma'am. Hop in!'

Enroute, the driver tells me, 'Ma'am it costs about $30 for the drive.' My jaw drops, well, I have the money and now I'm almost halfway I can't jump out!!! But then again it is in a Jaguar, so, well, I can't help it ;) !!!

Anyways, I call up my boss to give him an update, 'Doc, I'm on my way. I might be late by a few minutes.'

'Ok. By the way I forgot to tell you, the limo service will be a bit expensive, so take the receipt and get the money reimbursed tomorrow!'

'Ok. Thanks' ^____^

So that was my 1st mis-adventure. Basically I abandoned my car at the parking lot until the next day. The meeting venue was near my dad's office, so I got back home with him and I got a ride in a Jaguar!!!!

Now for my 2nd mis-adventure....this was kind of serious. So another fine day, I parked my car in a place which I was sure wouldn't be blocked, went to my office. Meeting at 12pm...I left my office at 11:15am, the crazy elevators give me the slowest one and finally I reached my car. Alhamdulillah, it is not blocked. At this time, there was road works going on close by, so when I got in the car and was driving it, I could hear something like a bull dozer. And when I reached the round-about, I could feel that my car was kind of strange. Like it wasn't pulling. After the round-about, I was on the fast lane and the guy in the black land-cruiser was flashing lights behind me, so I took the slower lane and he comes right behind me and flashes again. And then I thought, maybe something is wrong with my car! So, I pulled my car to the side lane and Lo n Behold, I have a FLAT tyre!!! The guy in the Land cruiser gets out, and asks me something in Arabic, I give him my polite smile,

'I'm sorry I don't speak arabic!'

'Do you need any help?'

'Well, it is ok I guess....thanks....I'll call someone for help! Thank you =)'

And the guy leaves. I call my dad....he doesn't answer his phone. I call my boss, 'Doc, a problem! My car has a flat tyre and I don't think I can make it for the meeting! Do you have Mr. J's number?' Well, Mr. J is the project manager who is organizing this

meeting. 'Yes. I'll send it to you in a minute. Make sure you attend the meeting atleast through telephone, ok?' 'Ok!' So, I call Mr. J and tell him my situation and he told me to calm down, fix the car and it wouldn't be a problem if I miss the meeting. So, my dad calls back, I brief the situation and he said he would come after work to change the tyre! So, my car is parked where

the road works are going on, and I wasn't sure if it was

ok to leave it there. Since I couldn't find any workers to enquire about the same, I left my car there, with a note (refer the pic on the right) to contact me if there was anything and walked back to my office. And this part of the world is not a place where ladies walk on the main road by themselves....but well, whatever, I just had to get back to my office which was like 750 meters away in the scorching heat. So, I miss my meeting, got scolded for not trying to be in the meeting via telephone and a walk in the hot sun! Tired...tired...tired!!!

Now for my 3rd mis-adventure. I'm still ROFL thinking about what I did. But then, I always do the most unexpected things, so itz high time I get used to it!!!

Today, unexpectedly, it was a bit too early when I reached my office, and I parked my car in the first row near the temporary barricade. Well, this time, I didn't have any prior appointments, I just had to go somewhere at noon. Off again to the wonderful parking lot, and, well, there are a row of cars parked in a way that we can't take our cars!!! Hmm...what do I do? My boss always says, 'When you have a problem, think of a solution!' My Options:

1. Hit the cars , make a dent and go!

2. The temporary barricade, move it and take the car in reverse gear

Yes. Option 2 it is!!! Me, the so called 'lady' in black moves the barricade and for some reason, there were 2 barricades behind my car. Well, I just moved those barricade which was a bit heavy, got in my car, took reverse and left! I didn't bother to put the barricade back to how it was. My black dress and black gloves were brown with the dust!! It must have been quite a sight for the people on the street. But, I had to get to my destination, n this was the only 'harmless' option I had!!! Yeah...yeah...laugh all you want!!!

Oh...well...quite a big story...so I'll stop for now!!! n I'll be back soon ;)

Prophet (SAW) 's Wasiath to Ali (RA)

2009-11-04T21:02:00.001+03:00

(1) Refrain from sleeping between Subah and Ishraq; Asr and Maghrib; Maghrib and Isha
(2) Avoid sitting with stingy people
(3) Don’t sleep between people who sit
(4) Don’t eat and drink with your left hand
(5) Don’t eat those food you have taken out between your teeth
(6) Don’t break your knuckles

(7) Don’t look at the mirror in the night

(8) Don’t look at the sky while in salaath

(9) Don’t spit in the toilet

(10)Don’t clean your teeth with charcoal

(11)Sit and wear your trousers

(12)Don’t break tough things with your teeth

(13)Don’t blow on your food when it’s hot

(14)Don’t look for faults of others

(15)Don’t talk between iqamath and azan

(16)Don’t speak in the toilet

(17)Don’t speak tales about your friends

(18)Don’t antagonize your friends

(19)Don’t look behind frequently while walking

(20)Don’t stamp your feet while walking

(21)Don’t be suspicious about your friends

(22)Don’t speak lies at anytime

(23)Don’t smell and eat

(24)Speak clearly so others can understand

(25)Avoid travelling alone

(26)Don’t decide on your own but consult others who know

(27)Don’t be proud of yourself

(28)Don’t be sad about your food

(29)Don’t boast

(30)Don’t chase the beggars

(31)Treat your guests well with good heart

(32)Be patient when in poverty

(33)Assist a good cause

(34)Think of your faults and repent

(35)Do good to those who do bad to you

(36)Be satisfied with what you have

(37)Don’t sleep too much- it will cause forgetfulness

(38)Repent at least 100 times a day

(39)Don’t eat in darkness

(40 )Don’t eat mouthful

May Allah guide us all in the right path....Ameeen

The Journey of Life

2009-10-16T15:59:00.001+03:00

From a forward email

Every woman is seen off from her home on two occasions. Once when she leaves her parents' home to get married, and the second time when she leaves her home in this world to travel to her abode in the hereafter.

Each girl grows up knowing that her parents, home is not her permanent home and that she will one day have to bid her family farewell to settle in her own home. If only all young girls would wait in anticipation for and dream about their second farewell as much as they do for the first. If only they would prepare for the second one as much as they do for the first. if only each parent would mentally and physically prepare their daughters for the second departure as much as they do for the first. Although the reality is that we should prepare for the second far more than the first, for our eternal fate depends on how well we are received when we reach our final destination.

Consider the following:

*During the first farewell, there is a great anxiety about whether or not the husband-to-be will be happy with her. Whereas for the second journey we have to worry whether or not Allah will be pleased with what He sees.

*Before the first journey the girl will take a long bath to beautify herself, whereas for the second she will be bathed by others.

*During the first journey she takes a grand trousseau with her, whereas the trousseau for the second journey is nothing but righteous deeds.

*She will share her joy with every woman present at her first farewell, whereas during the second one she will be all alone.

*During her first farewell she is dressed in the most expensive of outfits to please her husband, whereas the dress that will beautify and adorn her for the second journey is the the attire of "Taqwa".

*Invitations are handed out to celebrate the auspicious event of her Wedding. here Allah Himself invites her to Jannah. And Allah invites towards the abode of peace." (Al-Quraan)

*For her arrival, her new home in this world is decorated. For her arrival in Jannah Allaah decorates Jannah such that "no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard, nor has such beauty ever crossed anyone's imagination" (Hadeeth).

*On the occasion of a wedding, the hosts welcome the guests. Imagine a celebration in Jannah, where the host is Allah and we are the guests! Imagine being welcomed by Allah, while the angels also greet us.

*When we attend a wedding we are given appetizers. When we enter Jannah each person will be given a piece of bread as an appetizer that will encapsulate all the flavours of the world.

*If the husband is happy with her, the first night the woman spends with him is most cherished, and she never ever has nor will enjoy such blissful sleep as she does on the night of her wedding. Similarly, if Allah is happy with us when we journey to Him, the Hadeeth states that the person is told in his/her grave "Sleep in the (peaceful/blissful) manner that a bride does."

*If she is not accepted at her first home in the world, there is always the option of retuning to the sanctuary of her parents' home where she will be taken care of. There could even be a second chance to build a new home. Whereas if we are not accepted in the court of Allah after the second farewell, there is no other place of refuge and no second chance.

Ponder O sister! Which farewell should we concern ourselves with more.

In Fond Memory of Her

2009-10-13T22:41:00.004+03:00

Day before yesterday, I was walking through the footpath lined with small shrubs, when I noticed some sparrows on those bushes. It sparked the memory of my grandma or uppuma as I used to call her. She had given me an embroidered pillow case with sparrows and the words 'Good Night' and 'Sweet Dreams'. With time, the pillow cases' clothes got worn out, but the embroidery she did has been intact......

She was an amazing woman. A very talented person, an all-rounder. She used to sing, tell us stories, she used to do very intricate embroidery, be up to date with politics and current affairs......a prodigy we all used to look up to. We could easily learn from her that looks never really mattered, it is the substance you are inside that makes you and your world.

Next week and it will be 2 years since she passed away. Our life goes on...but we do miss her....and the person who misses her the most, is her better half....my grandpa.....when I look into his eyes, I can see loneliness, which he tries to hide and he tries to move on as well.....and believe me he has been doing a great job at that!

Follower of the Crowd or A Trendsetter?

2009-10-10T19:57:00.004+03:00

Let me begin with a question to all of you out there, just think about it, and see how practical it is. If given the option of either being a trendsetter or a follower of the crowd, what would you choose?

The choice is upto you, but I'm quite sure most of you would've chosen to be a trendsetter. Everyone likes to be different and also be appreciated. When someone looks upto you, you'll feel great!!! But how practical is it to be a trendsetter? Especially our society (in particular my society, with people who like being typical and can't stand changes!!!) ...being a trendsetter attracts all the eyes on you and criticism and what not!!!! So, most people, even though they aspire to become a trend-setter, they tend to be a follower of the crowd. Just do what the society expects me to do and then I need not hear people's comments!

But are you really happy? Trying to live the way people expect you to live? Come on, give me a break!! People themselves have no idea what they want in life, what will you do trying to satisfy them. And even if you manage to satisfy some, you won't be able to satisfy everyone....'coz each one has different tastes. Am I telling you to be a trendsetter? No! Then am I advising you to be a follower of the crowd? No! Just be YOURSELF!!!

Being yourself is the toughest thing in life.....'coz we have our own dilemmas regarding how to be ourself. By being yourself, you bring out your individuality and tend to appreciate people for what they are, rather than who they are. Another important aspect while being yourself is that you need people around you who helps you be yourself, in which case not all are lucky!

I've lived my life so far my way. I've lived my beliefs and I've never tried to hide what I am, even though I don't necessarily open up to everyone. Being honest with myself has always given me satisfaction and peace of mind. Supportive people around me are one of my biggest strengths. I don't know if it is because of my personality or individuality, I've had people (whom I assumed to be typical) support me on the untypical things I do and telling me to go forward with my views. Alhamdulillah.

I've never tried to be a trendsetter, 'coz I don't like to be the center of attraction and I'm a human being, I have my own flaws and I hate being a follower of the crowd as well. I just like to be myself, stay true to myself, live on my whims and well, I can't hurt people around me who care for me and who have always supported me. My parents, my siblings, my friends, my extended family members.......I've always had someone or the other support me. Alhamdulillah.

I'm just hoping that things go on the same, even when seasons change.......hoping for the best....

My Virtual Realm

2009-10-01T21:50:00.004+03:00

I've been thinking about all the social networking sites and how we maintain the friends and connections out there and am quite reluctant to really go out and speak to the person when I come face to face.

Yes...this happened to me recently. There's this person on my friend's list in a social networking site and well, 2 weeks ago, she was standing some distance away from me. I wanted to go tell her 'Hi', but then I wondered if she would remember me, 'coz the last time we met was maybe 6 years back and she wouldn't really recognize me or so I thought. Maybe a smile wouldn't have hurt, but well, she wasn't looking in my direction.

That is my nature. Some might portray it as arrogance, but I'm quite reluctant to go and say a 'Hi' or even smile if I 'think' that the person might not know me, even if I know the person!!

Ironically I was reading this article in the In-flight magazine last week, 'Smileys or Smile?' and I couldn't help but reflect on myself, a social animal on the social networking sites, but very selective in real life!!! Well, this is a Virtual Realm....an Illusion.....and my very own Utopia. I present here what I want and it could just be a deception!!! Thatz one of the reasons I don't add people whom I haven't met at least once personally on any of the social networking sites, 'coz I don't want to give a false impression n neither do I want to deceive.

Sorry my dear friend(s)......for not coming to you to say a 'Hi'!! It so happened during last year that I went and told a 'Hi' to one of my classmates from high school and she didn't recognize me, that has made me even more reluctant to open myself up....in reality!

Wake Me Up When September Ends

2009-09-01T16:46:00.002+03:00

There are loads of things I want to blog about. But most of them are highly personal, so I refrained myself from writing them. This years Ramadan has been verrry different. Neverthless, it has been good so far, Alhamdulillah. I'm expecting to get busier from now on. And a dozen days without net access later this month. And maybe lesser time to blog, or come online when I'm back in Q-land. Moreover, my biggest blog critic is on vacation, so I really don't get so hyped up to blog these days!

So, I'm off...Itikimaaas....hopefully I'll be back after September and hopefully I'll be on track!!!

~~~~~WaKe mE uP wHeN sEpTeMbEr Ends~~~~~~

Eyes: A Window to your Soul

2009-08-31T18:59:00.007+03:00

The first time we met, I looked into your eyes....

The conversation we struck, embedded in my mind.....

I was confused, I knew not what to do....

Should I keep looking at those eyes?

Will they engulf me? I didn't take the risk....

I lowered my gaze lest I lose my footing....

Those eyes still play with me....

I wonder if I can see deep within....

Through the window to your soul.....

I wonder if I can touch your heart....

And I keep wondering and wondering....

And my thoughts keep wandering....

Ramadan in the Holy City

2009-08-19T22:26:00.004+03:00

2 years, i.e. in 2004 and 2006, I've been in the Holy city of Makkah during the last week of Ramadan. And as ramadan is approaching, I feel drawn to that city again. I'm travelling tomorrow, to another city, which is quite the opposite of Makkah Mukarramah.....I'm not really very enthusiatic about it. I just feel the the piety and tranquility of Makkah and Madina hitting me.

I should say that I am quite lucky to have been able to go there thrice. The experience was enthralling. Itz just like, you live, but you don't care about food. All you would like to do is pray and to be good to others around you. All the people around you are just like you. Everyone is equal. Everyone has an equal opportunity to pray to God. To break the fast, you get dates and zam zam water, just have them and your thirst will be quenched, you feel refreshed. You get to pray so many times, but you never get tired. I don't know if it is the effect of Ramadan or if it is the effect of the city. But, even if you don't eat anything, you don't feel hunger, and even if you keep walking, you never get tired.

I just loved my experience there during Ramadan and if anyone has the time and ability to go to Makkah and Madina, I would highly recommend you to do so, especially in the Holy month, when the city is bustling with people and prayers. Just imagine the multitude of thawab (reward) you get in the city. And the peace of mind you experience there is another priceless thing.

Intention or Niyyath

2009-08-19T16:52:00.003+03:00

“INNAMAL A’UMAALU BIN-NIYYATH – WA INNAMAA LI IMRI IN MAA NAWAA…”

This is the first Hadith in Saheehul Bukhari narrated by Omar-ibn-Al-Khattab[R]:

I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended."

It is necessary for us to have good intentions while doing anything. Especially as Muslims, we seek the pleasure of Allah in any walks of our life and doing things with good intention increases the bounty.

As a person, I truly believe, that if our deeds are governed by good intentions, deep within our hearts, no matter how others try to portray you as bad or pray for calamity to befall us, it will not affect us. We have the inner satisfaction of doing things for a good cause with a good intention. Mental peace, which leads to contented life. All begin from good intention.

And people with good intention will always receive good things. It is all what you have hidden deep down inside you. If you are pure in your heart, fear nothing, God is always with you and, remember, your heart is an open book to Him and only Him. He will never forsake you. Do Good, Be Good and Think Good!!!

Guilt

2009-08-18T17:06:00.003+03:00

There are a lot of times when I hurt people, unintentionally. It doesn't really strike me that I've hurt them until later. But by then it is too late. Either I don't get the opportunity to apologize properly or I don't get the circumstances to apologize. It might be about the timing. I try as much as I can not to hurt people intentionally. So, I live with the guilt for quite a long time. And when I meet the person again, either I forget about it or they forget about it (or most times, they didn't even get hurt, it was just me thinking that I hurt them.)

But it sure is tough to move along with the guilt. And as a person who likes to keep my feelings to myself, I don't share these guilts and get over with it. It just accumulates and over time, one day I just break down with everything. Most of the time while in prayer, I seek forgiveness. All my tears they keep running down my face, but I don't like it when others see. I just want those moments with God and myself to replenish me.

As Ramadan is approaching, I would like to take this opportunity, to apologize to all those people whom I've hurt unintentionally. Maybe through my words or actions. I'm sorry for letting you down and for hurting you. I just don't like to live with guilt. To Err is human, to Forgive is Divine. And I seek forgiveness from Allah, always......I just wish that my tears can erase the guilt and sooth the hearts that I've hurt.

A Cool Day

2009-08-16T22:10:00.003+03:00

Well, not exactly cool as in cold weather. Summer is still on and the temperature is around 45 deg Celsius, but the experience(s) I had today was quite, well, different and an eye-opener.

First thing in the morning, I go down to start my car to go for work, and no response. The battery was drained, so my car didn't start. Luckily for me, my dad's friend had left his car with him while going on summer vacation, so my dad told me that I could take his car!!! Well, yes, his 'King', Camry, which he is sooo possessive about and I was excited, thrilled and scared too. I have to be careful. I just loved driving this babe....it was sooo smooth. Well, not that I hate my car, my Chevy Aveo, but initially I didn't like it. But then I got used to it and then began liking it. But when you get the taste of something better, you yearn for it even more.

Then at my office, around noon, my computer froze. And I had this file with all these data, which I hadn't saved and that also went with ice. So, now, I've got to re-do it. Well, after all these, I was complaining to my colleague, not exactly my colleague, but my boss's colleague about 'my wonderful day' and when I told him about the car, he was like 'You must try driving my R8 TT.' And I was like, 'Do you mean Audi R8', 'Yeah. The 2 seater, sports car!' And I was like, 'I'll take this offer!!' Well, yes am crazy about cars and I guess I would grab any opportunity to drive a sports car!!!

Now, itz the end of the day. I thought maybe there will be a charm of 3 and I was wondering what the 3rd thing to freeze will be and I'm still wondering.......

Seasons of Life

2009-08-14T00:05:00.003+03:00

We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun.....Well, yes, a song by Westlife.

Unlike yesterday, today was quite refreshing. After a long time, I met and talked to a person who had spent a lot of time with me during our university days. It felt good to walk down our memory lane, together. And it also helped us to see the changing seasons of our life. What we were as kids, as teenagers and where we might end up as adults. It is a long road, with all sorts of twists and turns, and at times a hell of a roller coaster ride.

The college days that were warm and fun and office days when things are so so different....the competition, the responsibility, the gossips......Life is changing and so are we. Before when I thought I couldn't grow up and now, I know I have to grow up. But I will take my time, step by step, I'll head towards my future. Who knows what it will hold, but hoping and praying for the best....for myself and others......

The Sky and the Stars

2009-08-12T17:16:00.003+03:00

I happened to read an article today whicch was regarding Annual Perseid Meteor Shower this week...on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Well, when I read this article, I remembered our road trip to Saudi during Ramadan 3 years ago....it was on the 27th night of Ramadan. The road was pitch dark after we left Saudi border and there were a lot of trucks and a few cars. My sis and I were sitting in the rear seat of the car and all around us, it was pitch dark. After a while when I looked up the sky, it was beautiful!!!!! There were so many stars twinkling in the pitch dark sky. And believe me, I have never seen so many stars in this part of the world.

Then I sat there wondering, was this the miracle of Laylathul-Qadr? It is said that Laylathul Qadr falls on an odd night during the last 10 days of Ramadan and I have also heard that it could change every year. What is the significance of Laylathul Qadr? It is better than 1000 months. So, if you do a good deed on the eve of LAylathul Qadr, it is like you have done a good deed for 1000 months. It is the night when all the angels ascend down....

That night was beautiful! Subhanallah....nature is so very mystique and it engulfs me completely. I just love the serenity and tranquility it provides. Simple happiness.....

A Wish

2009-08-12T16:57:00.003+03:00

At times, how I wish I could escape reality

To run away and take solace in mother nature....

To run away to the green meadows all by myself....

Quench the thirst and gulp down the view of the blue sky....

To feel the cool wind gushing past my face

Trying to blow mw away with it.....

To lie on the green meadows and watch the birds fly in the sky....

To feel the earth beneath and the smell of the mud after first rain....

How I wish I could just run away to a place

Where I just don't have to think about anything or anyone

Just satisfy myself with what nature has to offer

To see, to hear, to feel, to smell....

But then I'm drawn back to reality...

Wherever I run to, I try to escape to

I just don't find any green meadows....

I don't feel the cool breeze hitting my face...

But I feel the scorching heat and see the barren land....

With nature changing itz color.....

How I wish I could run back with time....

How I wish I could lie on your lap....

How I wish I could listen to the water....

How I wish I could feel the breeze....

How I wish I could see the green and blue shaking hands....

How I wish you'd replenish me.....mother nature!

Today's Techie Trivia

2009-08-09T22:51:00.003+03:00

I had attended a vendor's presentation today. They were from China and were presenting a lot of techie stuff. What really caught my attention was the laptop they were using AND the laser keyboard. YESSS!!! The laser keyboard that we usually see in the forward emails was right in front of my. My boss took it from them for a while and was playing with it and his boss was asking me, 'Can you see it?' 'coz as usual I was occuppying one of the seats at the back. Yes, I had my fair share of inspecting the equipment remotely. It was just amazing!!!!

Well, technology fascinates me. I just enjoy the pace at which things are going these days and well, get quite excited with all the teknoratti around. I'm quite happy that my job allows me to be exposed to more technology :)

2 Years on Blogger and 75th Post!!!

2009-08-06T19:37:00.006+03:00

I just noticed that this is my 2nd year on Blogger.

I began blogging after I read some inspirational quotes during my summer vacation and wanted to share them with everyone. Then I began posting good forward emails on my blog, 'coz last year after I returned from vacation there were so many emails in my inbox (not to mention I have half a dozen email ids multiplied by 100 emails...LOL), that I was concerned about my friends who check their emails only occassionally and what a nuisance my forward emails would be for them and how difficult it would be for them to retrieve important emails. So I decided to be a good girl and send forward emails only to people who check their emails often or who sends me forward emails often. Then I began blogging my thoughts and when the philosopher or poet within me decides to awaken, I jot them down too. And so blogging has become an obsession(??) Not quite. I can write only when I have the mood to write and that happens...well...at times. And these days I don't get as many forward emails as I used to, so posting forward emails is also lesser.

Now I'm thinking of writing book reviews/summaries or Japanese drama/anime/manga summaries. I don't know if I'll really do it, but I had a yahoo 360 site dedicated for that, then I got bored. Well, who knows. It all depends on my mood.

And speaking of 2nd anniversary of blogging, this is my 75th post on the blog!!! Cool, huh? I never thought I'd reach this far. Thanks to all the voluntary readers, followers and commenters. And for those whom I impose to read my blog, hehehe, thanks for yielding and bearing my writing. I really appreciate all your support!

Religion vs. Tradition and Culture

2009-08-06T19:13:00.003+03:00

Well, this post is not to debate whether religion comes in front of tradition and culture or vice versa. But just my views about the same with respect to my observation. This is higly personal opinion and has no bias towards any religion or culture. Comments are welcome though.

Have you ver wondered what has always dominated most of the societies all over the world? How traditions were established and how religion was adapted? What dominates our life? Is it religion or tradition? When we speak of religion everyone has their own version of it. Some might be orthodox, highly adhering to religion or a little bit of religion here and there. Not many follow their religion to the core, not many can, 'coz of the society. Society has their own set of rules, which comes down as tradition or an established culture. And they expect everyone to follow cultural customs to the core. This influences in distorting religious outlook. Culture is made by people and it evolves over time. With time, many unwanted customs blend in with culture and it keeps evolving. And society expects people to follow culture.

Religion is God sent. It doesn't change, need not change. But the pace with which human beings run, we fail to keep up with Him, we forget Him and the obligation to Him and even to thank Him. People don't care to satisfy God, but they want to satisfy the society and believe me, society can never be satisfied. 'Coz if you are satisfying one sect of the society, there might be another sect who will not be satisfied. In the end, everyone is at a loss.

Culture and tradition keeps evolving and not everyone can keep up with the change in society. So it is better to live life your way and try to satisfy yourself and God. 'Coz in the end, you return to Him with all your deeds!

Tsubaki's Dilemma - Part II

2009-07-11T15:31:00.006+03:00

This is the 2nd part of my short story. I'm hoping to complete it with this part. If you haven't read part 1, please click here to read it. I've edited some parts there as well highlighted in blue.

Also I tend to get carried away while writing, so I've decided NOT to write short stories any more. I feel that this is quite long for a short story and well, I get too many ideas and it is a bit troublesome to merge them all.........now for your feedback :)

Story continues....

The Reunion

Tsubaki sat on her couch, staring at her packed bags, she wondered how she'd manage. Her Onii-chan had managed staying by himself beginning from his university days. So she thought she would be fine. But it was getting into her. Then suddenly, her cell phone rang, an unknown number. "Moshi Moshi, Tsubaki speaking. Who is this?" After a brief chat, she hung up the phone. She was so happy, a call from the person she never expected to meet again. Yes, this person would join Tsubaki after 2 days, even though for a brief period of a week. Tsubaki couldn't believe her luck! What a timing! But then everything in Sakura's life has been about right timing.

Yes. That was a call from Sakura, her only good friend during university days. Unlike other so-called friends who approached Tsubaki only when they needed her, Sakura was different. She was always there for her during her good times and bad. She never demanded anything and neither did Sakura need any help from her. Sakura was amazing by herself. She was good at academics, and unlike Tsubaki, Sakura was good at communicating with people and people were always drawn to her because of her personality. How much she wished she was like Sakura, but Sakura always consoled her, "You are unique Tsubaki and there will be no one like you in this whole wide world. Just be yourself and don't think about things far away. Live each day as it unravels its mysteries. Solve them!" Yes, that was Sakura's approach to life. Live each day to the fullest, tomorrow will have its own troubles that is not worth thinking at this moment. Sakura had moved to Korea after university. She only did her undergrad in Toudou, after that she took up a job and moved with her parents to Korea. Tsubaki missed Sakura a lot, during her Grad-school days and even during work. For the brief time that Sakura was in Japan after university, she used to visit Tsubaki and well, it was a relief for Tsubaki. All the happy memories with Sakura came forth at this moment.

Sakura was coming to Japan for a week for official purposes and had called to ask if she could stay with Tsubaki if she was staying alone or if Tsubaki cared to join her for a week, wherever she was staying. A week with Sakura was more than a dream come true. She knew Sakura could help her to get out of her dilemma or atleast help her stand on her feet.

Tsubaki moved to her new apartment the next day. Being the weekend, she unpacked her bags, which she thought she wouldn't if Sakura wasn't coming and tried to make the place look and feel like home. She wanted to make Sakura feel at home and well, it had been 3 years since they met, they had quite a lot to catch up on. Sakura was due to arrive that evening. She had given her the address. Sakura's company was a client of Tsubaki's company and Sakura was heading the project Tsubaki was dealing with. Sakura would have to come to Japan quite often and if Tsubaki's boss would allow it, she could be the representative to Korea.

The door bell rang, it was Sakura. What a joyous moment it was for both of them meeting after so long. One glance at the house and Sakura exclaimed, 'Did you just move in today?', sheepishly Tsubaki replied, 'Yes. I've been planning to move out for quite long and now since my project is so demanding, I'll have to stay close to my office.'

Sakura knew how attached to her family Tsubaki was. While at university she never attended any parties held by her friends 'coz her parents didn't like it and she always tried to please her parents. Sakura lived life her way. She had her own ambitions and she always balanced with many many things. It was amazing how she did that. She never sweet talked to anyone, but her personality was so pleasant that people felt like being with her doing things for her. Tsuabki often wondered if people like Sakura existed. One day, she had blatantly asked her, 'Saura, why are you always so nice to people?' Sakura was surprised. She was like, 'Am I always nice? I thought I got angry and expressed my anger quite well to people who got on my nerves or am I always good to you 'coz you are so sweet and never get on my nerves?'

Well, it was after that she noticed that there were people who were scared of Sakura as well. She hated people who were lazy and while at university, she never gave her homework for everyone to copy (unlike Tsubaki) and well, if she couldn't stand people, she showed it. It was more like she sent the 'don't approach me' signal to people whom she was uncomfortable around. But she got along many people.

Tsubaki got back to reality. Sakura hadn't changed at all and immediately made her feel at home. They talked about their parents, home, siblings, career, university days....and they had so much to talk. And then Sakura asked, 'How does it feel starting to live by yourself?' ' Frankly speaking, I'm a bit scared. But my work demands it.' 'I'll help you get settled in then. And I'm happy to see that you have unpacked your things the 1st day. How are things at home?'

'All are fine.' 'But I can sense that something is not really alright. What is it my dear? Is it anything related to your being single?'

Sakura sure was sharp. 'Yes. It is.' 'Is it your parents?' 'No, my grandmom.'

'Oh well. It is ok then. If your parents are cool about it, no worries. You'll find your knight in the shining armor at the right time!'

'How's your family life?'

'Yeah. It is fine. I live with my husband now. Got to manage house and work. But it has been fine so far. Hmmm....By the way, does that Vice President of the company get to your nerves any more?'

Well, this was something Tsubaki hadn't told anyone except Sakura. This VP guy was their classmate from university and a snobbish brat at that and a perfectionist. Sakura was the least affected by people around her. She had her own standards and she competed against herself. But Tsubaki always tried to compete with this arrogant brat, but not really succeeded. She thought she got rid of him after their graduation. But last year when she began working, she was shocked to see the VP of the company, son of the President. Now she knew where all the arrogance came from and he hadn't forgotten his old classmate, who was always at par with him. Well, he did make life tougher for her. He got her involved with almost all the major projects. Well, yes it was a boost to her career, but there were times when she wanted to take a lighter project and so on. But he always liked to keep her busy and in the office. 'Like hell, he does. I feel like running away from the place.' ' Persevere my dear persevere. Finish this project and try somewhere else if he doens't want to give you rest. Or go talk to him. Tell him you need a break. I bet he would understand.' 'As if he would. He is such a perfectionist and he believes I can handle anything.'

'But once in a while, it is good to take lighter projects and get back home to rest.'

'Yes, it is true. But it did boost my career quite a lot. I've reached a high position within this short span of time.'

'Maybe you'll take over his position, the VP.'

Tsubaki said, 'Its not impossible' and smiled.

Being with Sakura was so welcome. Tsubaki could always throw her tantrums, complain about anything and Sakura would listen and really listen and give a lighter comment or a smarter suggestion. They went shopping the next day and it was so much fun. They had such a good time together and getting her apartment set was just so easy with a person around her.

Tsubaki felt so good to get back to work on Monday. She wondered if she would get this project with Sakura and if she could travel to Korea. A change in atmosphere would be good to refresh her and forget about her personal problems. But she knew she couldn't run away from these problems. She had to face them head on, but she had to get some more time to prepare herself. It was always about being mentally strong and being prepared. She never knew how Sakura was like that, but like her name, Sakura was 'Cherry Blossoms' and always brought about a smile and warm feeling to people whom she cared about.

Tsubaki knew she had a long way to go before she could become a better person, but she knew she was better than when she was at the university and now, moving by herself was one of her strategies to be mentally strong and independent. Well, it was also trying to prove to her mother that she can be a good daughter and surprisingly she could manage her apartment quite well and with Sakura around it was heaven.

Finally, it was the day Sakura had to leave. Tsubaki did get involved with the project and would have to travel to Korea quite a bit. They both sat down and remembered their uni days, when they just had all the fun and no responsibilities, the long vacations, the bunking classes and their cherished friendship, which has been burning alive for sometime and they knew it would never fade away. They had their hearts connected no matter where they were. They were their confidants and they felt secure with each other.

True friendship is neither broken nor shaken by distance or time or whatever comes in between. They always last and no matter how, where or when you meet again, you can always see who is your true friend.

Tsubaki's Dilemma - Part I

2009-07-10T18:30:00.012+03:00

This is my first attempt at writing a short story. Could have instances related to real life or some stories, but I don't mean offence to anyone nor do I mean to copy anyone's story. Feel free to criticise and comment. All suggestions are welcome. I could put on the anonymous option for commenting as well. Have fun reading. YOSH!! Here I go.

Tsubaki's Dilemma

Loneliness

She knew she was different. Her sister used to always tell her, " Onee-chan, you are physically girl and mentally boy!!" She used to brush it aside saying, "Maybe. There is a saying that goes, don't ask a woman her age and a man his wage. Now you can ask me neither!"

Now, Tsubaki was really questioning herself. It has been more than a year since she has been working. She had always worked part-time, be it during high school or during university. She loved the financial independence she gained that way, so she didn't have to ask her parents for pocket money to buy books, accessories and all. The job she landed in was also quite a good one, what else would an acer from TouDou land in? On the surface everything might seem smooth for the others, but Tsubaki was thinking of moving out by herself, to stay at an apartment close to her work place. At 25, this was quite common in Japan, but for Tsubaki, her ties with the family was quite strong and not being able to return to her home, to her Okaa-san, after a tiresome day at work seemed quite lonely.

But no matter what, she had to move. She had late office shift these days and add to it the traffic she reached home quite late. And the project she was working on these days was quite demanding. She had managed her own finances and had always made her own decisions, be it regarding her future career or studies and also offered her suggestions to her Otou-san regarding his business. So, well, she considered herself a good son. She did cook a little bit, if instant noodles are included in that list and helped her Okaa-san with some household chores. But Okaa-san still didn't trust her to manage the house by herself. So, is she a failure as a daughter? But her Otou-san used to tell her, 'My dear, it is easy to cook. It is only getting the things ready and the aftermath of cooking that is tedious.'

Not only this, now her grandma was moving in with her parents and she couldn't really stand her grandma's talks. Not that she hated her grandma, but these days all her grandma talked about was to get Tsubaki married. She loved her grandma otherwise, they had the healthiest relationship ever. Ever since grandma's neighbour's daughter got married at 22, she had been pestering Tsubaki's mother to get her married. So that is another reason to move out.

Tsubaki didn't consider herself a marriage material. Not that she hated men, but men seemed to be intimidated by her. At TouDou, she was the acer and most people looked at her with awe. Well, it was more like she seemed to be in a different world than others. She couldn't really call anyone her friend and unlike her sis, Yuki, she wasn't the social and outgoing person. Yuki was always surrounded by friends, she always got phone calls and she was a happy-go-lucky person and she was very girly. Tsubaki was a very reserved and shy person, but she had the thirst for knowledge and her curiosity always got over her shyness.

Now, she was sitting in her room, had packed all her things. The movers would come to pick her things up tomorrow. She felt sad to leave her house and wondered how she'd manage. Her Onii-chan had managed staying by himself beginning from his university days. So she thought she would be fine. But it was getting into her. Then suddenly, her cell phone rang, an unknown number. "Moshi Moshi. Tsubaki speaking. Who is this?" After hearing the voice, she smiled. She knew who it was.

To be continued......

Glossary:

Onee-chan -Elder sister in Japanese

TouDou - Tokyo University

Okaa-san- Mother in Japanese

Otou-san - Father in Japanese

Moshi Moshi - Hello (for phone calls)

Love your Parents

2009-07-08T22:40:00.003+03:00

A short video. I've seen an email with this story floating around for quite sometime, but the video nearly brought tears to my eyes.....

Ad War: Apple vs. Blackberry

2009-06-30T20:07:00.007+03:00

This is my 70th Blog Post. Never thought I would reach here when I began writing 2 years back. Now, I've reduced the number of forward emails that I send, I know it will be a relief to many, and instead post good forwards here. Keep checking, read and enjoy my blog. If you feel like encouraging me, do comment, 'coz there have been times when I thought I should stop blogging, but a few of my faithful readers keep me going ^__^!!! Arigatou gozaimas (Thank you very much)

Now, for the blog.

Advertisement war: Apple vs. Blackberry

These days the major competition in telecom sector aimed at customers is whether to use Apple iPhone or Blackberry. I don't have an answer, since I didn't try either of them.

Anyways, the videos say them all....I really like the creativity in advertisements. Thank you Kavi for sharing this mail with me.

The 1st video: Blackberry takes a shot at Apple and the 2nd video: Apple's response. Have fun!

10 Principles for Peaceful Life…

2009-06-28T07:42:00.003+03:00

A fwd message...n a goood one toooo

1. Do Not Interfere In Others' Business Unless Asked.

Most of us create our own problems by interfering too often in others' affairs. We do so because somehow we have convinced ourselves that our way is the best way, our logic is the perfect logic and those who do not conform to our thinking must be criticized and steered to the right direction, i.e. our direction. This thinking denies the existence of individuality and consequently undermines the Intelligence and Creativity that is only attributed to God. God has created each one of us in a unique way. No two human beings can think or act in exactly the same way. All men or women act the way they do because Allah has made each one of us different, with different personalities. Be patient with one another, and mind your own business and you will keep your peace.

2. Forgive And Forget:

This is the most powerful aid to peace of mind, but also challenging to acheive. We often develop ill feelings inside our heart for the person who insult us or harm us. We nurture grievances resulting in loss of sleep, development of stomach ulcers, and high blood pressure. We further aggravate stress in ourselves by remembering, and reminding ourselves of the very persons that caused us harm. Get over this bad habit. Life is too short to waste in such trifles. Forgive, forget, and march on. Love flourishes in giving and forgiving.

3. Do Not Crave For Recognition:

This world is full of selfish people. They seldom praise anybody without selfish motives. They may praise you today because you are in power, but no sooner than you are powerless; they will forget your achievement and will start finding faults in you. Why do you wish to kill yourself in striving for their recognition? Do your duties ethically and sincerely, and only seek the pleasure of Allah through salah and ibaadah.

4. Do Not Be Jealous:

We all have experienced how jealousy can disturb our peace of mind. You know that you work harder than your colleagues in the office, but sometimes they get promotions; you do not. You started a business several years ago, but you are not as successful as your neighbour whose business is only a one year old. There are several examples like these in everyday life. Should you be jealous? No. Remember, a person's life is shaped by their destiny, which becomes their reality. If you are destined to be rich, nothing in the world can stop you. And if you are destined to be poor, then no matter what you do, you will only be what you are destined to be. Nothing will be gained by blaming others for your misfortune. Jealousy will not get you anywhere; it will only take away your peace of mind.

5. Change Yourself:

If you try to change the environment single-handedly, the chances are you will fail. Instead, change yourself to suit your environment. As you do this, even the environment, which has been unfriendly to you, will mysteriously change and seem congenial and harmonious.

6. Endure What Cannot Be Cured:

Every day we face numerous inconveniences, ailments, irritations, and accidents that are beyond our control. If we cannot control them or change them, we must learn to put up with these things. We must learn to endure them cheerfully. Believe in yourself and you will gain in terms of patience, inner strength and will power.

7. Do Not Bite Off More Than You Can Chew:

We often tend to take more responsibilities than we are capable of. This is done to satisfy our ego. Know your limitations. Why take on additional loads that may create more worries? You cannot gain peace of mind by expanding your external activities. Reduce your material engagements and spend time in prayer, and introspection. It will prevent you from thinking of matters that upset you. An uncluttered mind is a peaceful mind.

8. Make Regular Dhikr:

Dhikr, the rememberance of Allah, calms the mind and gets rid of disturbing thoughts. Try it yourself. If you do tasbih, dhikr, whenever you are free, your mind will be at peace during the day. Your mind will not be easily disturbed as it was before.You may think that this will interfere with your daily work. On the contrary, this will increase your efficiency and you will be able to produce better results in less time.

9. Never Leave The Mind Vacant:

An empty mind is the devil's workshop. Keep your mind occupied in something positive, something worthwhile and negative thoughts will not plague your mind. Actively follow a hobby, something that holds your interest. You must decide what you value more: money or peace of mind. Your hobby, like social work or religious work, may not always earn you more money, but you will have a sense of fulfillment and achievement. Even when you are resting physically, occupy yourself in healthy reading or mental chanting of God's name.

10. Do Not Procrastinate And Never Regret:

Do not waste time in protracted wondering, " Should I or shouldn't I?" You can never plan enough because you can never fully anticipate all future happenings. Value your time and do the things that need to be done now. It does not matter if you fail the first time, so long as you don't leave it for tomorrow. You can learn from your mistakes and succeed the next time. Sitting back and worrying will lead to nothing. DO NOT REGRET. Whatever happened was destined to happen. Why cry over spilt milk?

Think Positive

Are you Jealous of Me?

2009-06-26T22:35:00.003+03:00

Jealousy and envy is a common human trait. Most people don't like it when others climb up and reach their dreams or goals or succeed in life. I should put it as one of the worst human attributes. And it is even worse when you pray for their destruction. Itz the most HORRIBLE thing you could ever ask for.

Most people succeed and achieve their dreams, not just by sitting idle. If we delve further, their hard work and perseverence will be obvious. If you are jealous of their success, why not give a shot at working as hard as them? Then again, some people are "lucky" and hence they succeed. Is it really luck? I don't believe that, in this world there is something called luck. This life is a test. A test of your patience, of your gratitude, of your tolereance, of your faith towards Allah. Everything, yes everything, be it your success or failure, happiness or sorrow, everything is from Him. So, if anyone is really successful, it is a test in this world. And being jealous about it, what will you gain? Nothing!!

What if someone is really talented? And anything that person does is always good or perfect even. Couldn't that attribute also be considered as Allah's blessing? Being jealous of others talents, why not try to discover our own talent. It will be difficult, but there might be somethings that are hidden deep within us that it could take eternity to discover them. But, it will never be a waste. It is really a pleasure to do things that you really enjoy. And even if people are envious about it, you will never want to let it go.

An excerpt from the book The Ideal Muslim: " The one who weighs heavily in the balance of Islam (i.e., is successful) is the sincere man whose heart is free from deceit, treachery, envy and hatred, even if his acts of worship are few. Despite the paucity of his worship, he is like a pure, solid brick in the structure of the Islamic community. The one whose heart is filled with hatred, envy, deceit and malice towards people, weighs lightly in the balance of Islam (i.e., is a failure), even if his acts of worship are many, because he is like a weak brick in the structure of the community; this weak link and others like it, may be the cause of its collapse."

So, whenever anyone accomplishes anything, don't be envious of them. Just try your hardest to be successful. Try your hardest with a good and pure intention in your heart. Try to compete with yourself. Just be passionate about the things you want to accomplish. Work hard and Play hard. Don't stain your heart with negative feelings. All are human beings, everyone being different and unique, brings out the beauty of the world!

A Simple Gesture

2009-06-19T23:37:00.005+03:00

Ever thought how much your presence could matter to anyone? Just being there for them, in their happy or sad moment, even if you don't utter a word, makes a difference for them.

When did I suddenly realize this? Well, I have been questioning myself whether my presence really mattered to some people (whom I considered dear), when we had our cultural difference and language as a barrier. In times of happiness or sadness, I felt I never really told them what I really wanted to tell, but I was always hoping my heart would reach them, just by my gesture, just with my eyes......

Last week was quite interesting. Lots of exciting things, along with a sad news. One of my colleague's husband passed away. She didn't mingle with me that much, but when we did interact, she was quite warm with me. Others were trying to warn me not to get on her bad side. But, for some reason we hit along very well. The news of her husband's death was quite sudden for me, 'coz I usually don't dwell into personal matters of my colleagues. So the ladies in our office went to her house to offer her our condoloscence. Well, when we did get there, it reminded me of another incident this year, when one of my friend's mother had passed away. She lost her father 2 years back and it was quite a shock for us. I never know what to do or say in such situations. I just went to their places. In both the cases, I just went to them, gave them a hug.....well, I couldn't quite stand it, even though I always try to put on a brave front trying to keep my emotions within. I know they are sad and I'm supposed to console them, but how? I just gave them a hug......squeezed their hand....prayed for them. Oh Allah, I know that when we are born in this world, we will surely die. Give them the strength to bear the loss. Everything is from You and to You we shall return.

And when I moved aside, I realized, maybe my gesture did reach them. But, I feel, somewhere deep within, that our just being there for them could lessen their burden. Is it only shallow words that matter or true feelings from within our hearts? I always hope that my gesture will reach them.......no matter who they are.....I'm there for them only because they matter to me......Even if I don't say a word.....I really mean it!!!!

Contact Lens or Spectacles?

2009-06-11T18:50:00.006+03:00

When I was small, I just yearned to wear spectacles. I liked it and thought it was cool, but (un)fortunately, I didn't have to wear glasses when I was younger. And then come university, I spoil my eyes and then got to wear specs. At this point of time I wasn't very enthusiastic about having to wear glasses. Oh, but then in university, I liked my "geeky" look with the glasses....oh yeah....otherwise I would have been too pretty :P.

Well, the geeky look suited me, or so I thought and a few people thought so too. But my mama had other plans. "Honey, why don't you try wearing contact lens. I don't like your look with the glasses!" Then I go, "Hmmm...contacts??? And me? Do you think this clumsy careless tom boyish daughter of yours will be able to manage those "contacts" meant for elegant people?"

Well, she wouldn't give up. "Give it a try. You can always keep your glasses as spare just in case. Don't throw them away."

And then reluctantly, I agreed. Went and got my eyes examined, ordered a new pair of contacts. And now I was getting excited. I wondered how I'd manage. Would it even last for a few days. Most people get irritation and allergy using contacts. I told my optician to get me the best contacts that I can use for a year. I collected them 2 days later.

As soon as I went home, I couldn't hold myself back. I opened the box, followed the instructions. Washed and wiped my hands, extra clean and took the delicate contacts and tried to put it on. After a tedious 30 minutes effort, I succeeded in putting both the contacts. And, well, I felt I was missing something (obviously my glasses), 'coz I didn't feel as if there was anything in my eyes.

Now, believe it or not, this clumsy, careless dudette has been using contacts for more than 10 months. Putting it on is a bit tedious and you have to be careful not to wipe your eyes when you have them on, 'coz the contacts could go somewhere in your eyes and would be tedious to find out where it went (yeah happened to me twice and the funniest thing is you don't even know whether it is there or not!!!) But it is more comfortable than glasses, 'coz you don't get the mark on your nose and the glasses accumulate dirt easily and blur your vision. I noticed this while using the computer with glasses for long time. I also didn't maintain the hygeine of the first few days later on.

I like using contacts, but have to be careful when I go out, 'coz even the lightest bit of dust particle can irritate my eyes. Thanks to that excuse, I got myself new sunglasses :P!!!!

And now therez another problem. People who used to know me without specs couldn't recognize the me with the specs and people who were used to seeing me with the specs don't recognize me without the specs. So all in all, I became an arrogant brat who doesn't care to smile at people, 'coz they will NOT recognize me anymore!!! (Add to it my new attire and weight :P )

25 ways to be Closer to Allah (swt)

2009-06-09T18:37:00.003+03:00

1. Start off each day with ‘adhkaar al-istiyqaadh’ (waking up Supplications), thanking Allah for waking up in good shape.

2. Put Allah first in your life.

3. Broaden your horizons - learn 5 new verses from the Quran every day, travel to pray far in the mosque to brighten your day, take up a booklet having supplications and read them.

4. Pray Salaat Al-dhuhaa (after sunrise).

5. If someone says something mean to you, just shrug it off and dismiss it in a friendly, laidback manner, and pray that Allah shall forgive them.

6. When you get angry, remember Allah, and how short and worthless life is to waste in being Angry.

7. Remember that you can never have too many friends, but you can have few quality friends that help you fulfill the purpose of your creation (i.e. live for Allah).

8. When you’re happy, try to share your happiness with others. Thank Allah for that, and pray its continuation.

9. When something bad or embarrassing happens to you, just think that it could always be worse, remember the reward of patience, and thank Allah that it’s not worse than it is.

10. Do something extra of goodness once in a while, like feeding a poor person, or caressing an orphan’s head.

11. Never stop believing that you can win Allah’s love and thus work For it. Then you can win the love of Allah’s slaves.

12. Spend some time thinking of Allah’s amazing creation.

13. Always love those who love Allah unconditionally. This way you will ensure that you live for Him, love for Him, and hate for Him (those who are enemies of Him).

14. Find the righteous ways to express yourself, and if you think that what you are about to say shall cause no benefit, maintain silence (this is tough!!).

15. Every now and then, give yourself a break. Play sports, give time to your family, friends, but always remember Allah and that He is watching you.

16. Pray for blessing to come to those being lost, and pray to Allah to guide them to the right path.

17. Hug your parents, kiss their hands and heads and always obey but stop at Allah’s orders.

18. Smile to everyone, for your smile makes a big difference to him or her and you are rewarded.

19. Forgive, forget and smile.

20. Tears are not for women only… tears are for all human beings with feelings remaining in them. Don’t restrain your tears when remembering Allah.

21. When people criticize your actions and effort, revise your actions and see if they please Allah or not. If they do; then ignore and remember how the Prophet (SAW) and the Sahaba were criticized, made fun of and even physically harmed, so have patience.

22. Read the Quran daily and try to have a schedule for completing it as much as you could. As you open the Quran daily, read with observing not just passing your eyes through the words.

23. Don’t let popularity go to your head, for it never lasts and you may lose from it more than gain.

24. Never look down on anybody, for, to Allah, they may be better than you.

25. Send this to all with the intention of having a healthy society living for Allah and pray.

“This is by Grace of my Lord - to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! And whoever is grateful, truly, his gratitude is for himself; and whoever is ungrateful, (it is for the loss of only himself).

Certainly my Lord is Rich, Bountiful .” (27:40)

A Message by George Carlin: Just give it a Thought

2009-06-08T22:34:00.002+03:00

Isn't it amazing that George Carlin -
comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write something so very eloquent...and so very appropriate

A Message by George Carlin:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more
medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've
conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills
that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep
inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment
for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

The Ultimate Deception

2009-06-08T22:28:00.002+03:00

Sometimes I wonder, am I doing things that I really feel is right?

Am I doing what I preach? Or am I just deceiving people by giving them an Impression?

Am I doing things as a facade? Am I doing things what my heart tells me to do

And yearns to do? Am I following my passions and ambitions?

When at times I really want to get things done,

There are some invisible strings that hold me back.

Sometimes my heart is not at it or I fear what people might think.

So, I go against what I believe. The Ultimate deception!

But people themselves are clueless with regard to what they want.

So why should I fear them? And no one is ever right, so why deceive?

Just live your life your way. Fill your heart with ever flowing passion

That will just mesmerize everyone around you. Reap what you sow.

Beat the Heat: Falooda and Kulfi

2009-06-06T14:38:00.006+03:00

Well, itz been quite long since a few of my friends requested for some recipes to Beat the Heat. And I know I'm quite late, and itz not summer where they are, but it IS summer here and now everyday, after work, I feel like I'm sitting in an oven to be baked while driving back home. LOL

Since I've been so late, as a bonus for my friends, I'll put up 2 recipes here, Falooda and Kulfi. Another thing about my "Experiments" as I'd like to call them is, I go through various recipes and check the ingredients available at home and mix n match n continue with what I feel will look, taste and feel nice. The taste, the smell and the feel of foood... *YUMMM* I hope you'll enjoy having these, as I enjoyed making them and finishing them ;)

FALOODA

Falooda is made by pouring layers of ingredients in a glass. China Grass has to be made a day ahead and kept for setting in the refrigerator. Caramelising the cashew nuts and Sewia can be done on the same day or can be prepared ahead and used as and when required. The quantity stated here can make 4+ servings. You can decide the quantity of each layer you want depending on your taste :)

Ingredients:

1. Sewian (Semia) - 1 cup appx

Water- to soak the sewian

2. China Grass - a handful

Water - 1 Cup

Any food color - 1 pinch (red/green would be the best)

Sugar - 2 tsp

3. Milk - 3/4 cup

Water - 1/4 cup

Sugar - 2 tsp

4. Cashew nut - 1/2 cup

Sugar - 1/2 cup (To caramelize the cashew nut, if this quantity is more you can always keep this in reserve in an air tight container and use it for garnishing any dessert)

5. Rose Syrup

Kas Kas - 2 tbsp (soaked in 1/4 cup water) ( I don't know what this is called in English)

Mixed Fruits - 1 cup (diced)

Vanilla Ice Cream - 1 scoop for each serving

Cherry - for garnish

Preparation

Boil China Grass (Agar Agar) in water until it is molten. Add sugar and food color. Strain it and pur it in a bowl and leave it in the refrigerator for 3-4 hrs for setting.

Boil Sewia in water until it is cooked and keep it aside to cool.

Heat sugar until it is light brown and add cashew nuts to it. When the sugar melts and completely covers the cashew nut, take it off from the stove and keep aside for cooling. After it is cooled, crush it with something heavy, so that you get crystal like pieces for garnish.

Mix 3/4 cup pastuerized milk with 1/4 cup water and sugar and keep it aside.

For Serving 1 glass :

Pour a little rose syrup in a glass (abt 1 1/2 tbsp) and spread it around the glass, so that red color decorates the glass. Add a little kas kas and some semia to the glass. Pour some milk+water mixture, so that it fills about 1/2 the glass or less. Add some mixed fruits and china grass (sliced into small pieces). Put some caramelized cashew mix. Add a scoop of ice cream, garnish with caramelized cashew, rose syrup and cherry. Serve and Enjoy :)

KULFI

I saw a few recipes of Kulfi in videojug.com, here are the references : http://www.videojug.com/webvideo/how-to-make-kulfi and http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-make-malai-kulfi

Here is my version of Kulfi. Enjoy :)

Ingredients:

Evaporated Milk - 1 tin

Sweetened Condensed Milk- 1 tin

Dream whip - 4 sachet

Saffron - 1 big Pinch

Sugar - 1 tsp

Coarsely ground (Pistachio, Almond and Cashew) Nuts - 1/2 cup

Method:

Grind the saffron with 1 tsp sugar and keep it aside.

Prepare the dream whip according to packet instructions (Mix 4 sachets in 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup water and 1 tsp of vanilla essence).

Take a bowl and pour, the whipped cream, evaporated milk and condensed milk and blend them, little by little (pulsing it) using a blender. After it is mixed, add the nuts and saffron mixture. Mix them well, pour into a mould, chill and serve.

Hated Potatoes

2009-06-04T18:04:00.003+03:00

A kindergarten teacher decided to let her class play a game. The teacher told each child in the class to bring along a plastic bag containing a few potatoes. Each potato will be given a name of a person that the child hates, so the number of potatoes that the child will put in his / her plastic bag will depend on the number of people he / she hates.

So when the day came, every child brought some potatoes with the name of the people he / she hated. Some had two potatoes; some 3, while some had upto 5 potatoes.

The teacher then told the children to carry with them the potatoes in the plastic bag wherever they go for 1 week. Day after day passed by, and the children started to complain due to the displeasing smell let out by the rotten potatoes they were carrying.

Those children having 5 potatoes really began to feel the weight of the heavier bags. After 1 week, the children were relieved to hear that the teacher had finally ended the game. The teacher asked: "How did you feel while carrying the Potatoes with you for 1 week?" The children let out their frustrations and started complaining of the trouble that they had to go through having to carry the heavy and smelly potatoes wherever they go.

Then the teacher told them the hidden meaning behind the game. The teacher said: "This is exactly the situation when you carry your hatred for somebody inside your heart. The stench of hatred will contaminate your heart and you will end up carrying an unnecessary burden with you wherever you go.

If you cannot tolerate the smell of rotten potatoes for just 1 week can you imagine what burden it would be to have the stench of hatred in your heart for your lifetime???"

Moral of the story:

Get rid of any hatred you might have for others in your heart, so that you won't have to carry around an unnecessary burden during your lifetime. Forgiving others is the best attitude to take! Love others, even if you don't like them...

Cheers to Our Friendship

2009-06-04T18:01:00.004+03:00

A fwd email dedicated to my all Friends....Thank you Tsukasa for sending me the same :) Itz toooo nostalgic

Somewhere between the *procrastination* and thehomework ..
and the incessant forwards
and the friendships and thecalls
to each other complaining aboutCrUsHeS and
BF/GF!! Somewhere between thephone calls to old
friends and the "I miss you's ", the "I love you's" and
the " What are we doing tonight's?" And somewhere
between all of the changing andgro wing ...
somewhere between the classesand the skipping
classes...and the StUdYiNg for teStS ...And the
PRETENDING to "StUdY" forTeStS...
And the downright NOT StUdYiNg for TeStS...
I forgot--I forgot what ScHooLwas all about.

Somewhere between all theappointments, starbuck coffee , Hardees, Dunkin' DoNuTs and Mc Donald's... paying billsand then not paying bills ...
Making plans then breaking plans... Appearing, Disappearing,
then reappearing... I forgot--Iforgot what it was like to cry.
I forgot that pretending to behappy doesn't make you
happy.... And that pretending to
be SmArT doesn't make you smart.. I forgot
that you can't just forget the pastin
fear of the FUTURE... I forgotthat you
can't control falling in LoVe ..
And that you can't make yourselffall in *LoVe*
.... I learned that I can LOVE ... I
learned that it's okay to MEsS UP.....
And it's okay to ask for HELP!!!.. And it's
okay to feel like crap... I learned it's okay to cOmPLaiN
and wHINe to all your friends for a whole day.........
I learned that sometimes the things you want
most you just can't have and the things that
you look for are right in front of you.
I learned that the greatest thing about
HiGh ScHOoL and CoLLeGe and the working world
it isn't about the parties or the
DRiNKiNG or the Hookups ...

It's the*FrIeNdShIpS*, which means taking chances.
I learned that sometimes the things we want to forget
are the things which we most need to talk about ...
I learned that TIME and LOVEcan heal all things....
I learned that just when you thinkit can't get worse - it does! ...
but with the love and support of friends - you survive ...
I've learned that when you start feeling BaD
about L O S I N G touch and about those that you've lost!
They too, are feeling the same way. ...

I learned that letters from friends are the
most important things.And that sending cards to your
friends makes you feel better! But, basically, I just learned
that my friends........ Both oldand new ..... are the most important
people to me in the worldAND.......without them, Iwouldn't be who
I am today.....

So this is a THANK YOU to all of my friends...
For always being there. And even if we're not on good terms
or we have lost touch... I will always have an unconditional
love for you.. ~Always and forever ~

A Letter to the Editor by A Muslim

2009-06-03T18:28:00.002+03:00

This is from a fwd email.

A Muslim wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to Masjid every Friday. 'I've gone for 30 years now,' he wrote, 'and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them.
So, I think I'm wasting my time and the Imams are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.'

This started a real controversy in the 'Letters to the Editor' column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:

'I've been married for 37 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals, but I do know this... They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today.

Likewise, if I had not gone to mosque for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!' When you are DOWN to nothing.... GOD is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank GOD for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!

All right, now that you're done reading, pass it on! I think everyone should read this! 'When Satan is knocking at your door, simply say, ALLAH, could you get that for me?'

The Quiz about ME

2009-06-01T22:51:00.003+03:00

Ok! I'm not creating a quiz here about me and get you all to answer them. I just wanted to post a comment about one of the questions in the quizzes I posted on facebook about me. I was really surprised by the answer everyone gave and the answer I had expected. This was the question...

At times I could be.....
a) Funny
b) Serious
c) Scary
d) a&b
e) All of the above

I know that I could at times be funny and at times serious, but I never expected that I was scary. And believe me, all the people who took the quiz, YES, ALL the people, brand me as scary as well. *sob* *sob*

Then as usual I gave a thought to it and I realized, I could be intimidating at times and unapproachable at other. I could also be so damn careless during exams that I actually freak people around me. Sometimes I got to exams without studying and cooly tell my classmates, 'I didn't have time to study this!' and they don't believe me, 'coz mos of the time, I take guesses and my guesses are like, wow!! Mind you, that doesn't happen always. And then I could do things that you don't expect me to do normally, and my friends will go like, "Oh my God!! What the heck is she doing?" (I'm sorry I can't give the details here *wink*)

All in all, I came to a conclusion that, maybe my spontaneous nature is scary, 'coz I'm quite sure that I'm not scary, I don't mean to be scary and neither do I want to be scary. But, what to do, I can't change people's perception!!!

Nailing the Right Place

2009-06-01T21:54:00.006+03:00

For the past few weeks, I've been working quite well or so, I thought. But I still knew there was something missing! Somewhere, deep down, I know I'm missing something essential. But what is it? I couldn't nail.

I've been reading, skimming through documents to substantiate what I'm doing. Going from task to task, leaving a lot of tails unattended. Then going back to tie them up.....but still I know I'm missing something, I know not what!!!

Then finally today, I had someone help me put the nail on the right spot. What I was missing was DARING to do things. Do new things, dare to experiment, have the guts to fail, think logically and illogically. I'm so thankful today, I have a great start for this month! I've been revamped and really happy to know that there are people who can tell me things on my face and who knows that I can accept them, evaluate myself and move on. YOSH!!!

I just know I need to be myself, which I've always been. With ups and downs, being lazy and crazy and being a "DAREDEVIL" - Dare to do the right? NOO!! Dare to experiment and have the guts to accept failure, learn from the failure and who knows, maybe to end up the right way.

"Try and Fail. But don't fail to try!!!"

A special thanks to that someone. Thanks for listening to all my tantrums!!! :)

You are as Old as YOU want to be....

2009-05-31T17:10:00.003+03:00

There are times when people underestimate your age and ask you, "Are you in middle school?", "Are you in High school?", "Which year at uni?", and when you are with your parents, "Are you sisters?" or "Are you brothers?"

Or at times exxagerate and ask you, "How long have you been working?", "How many kids and grand kids do you have?", etc.

At times it could be a pleasure to answer these questions, "Look you are mistaken, I'm just so and so." But then at times you'd find it hard to brush off these questions, especially if they are repeated.

Having interacted with people living with various life styles, culture, religion and also at different ages, I have come to this conclusion: "You are as old as YOU want to be!!!"

Yes, your life-style and attitude to life makes your mental age quite different than your physical age. You live young and healthy with a positive outlook on life by always being active and keeping your brain working. Haven't you seen news about so many old people in the newspapers who are 90+, but still live healthy? Its all in your mind. If you have things that bother you and you really eat your head with those thoughts, then you'll find yourself growing older faster than you are supposed to.

So, let things just happen. Enjoy each moment of your life. Make life a learning experience, be like a child, always curious and eager to learn new things. Try some sports to live healthy and remain young mentally as that reflects on your face.

I had this professor for Math who has been teaching for 30+ years and still plays tennis and almost all my professors at university used to play soccer against students and the next day they come to class and tell the students, "You made me run so much y'day. I'll get back to you next time!!!"

I also noticed that when you try to interact with people of different ages, try doing things they'd like to do, so that you can find pleasure and get to know how it feels like to be at such an age. When with kids, play. When with old people, listen. Learn compassion and kindness and learn to let things go, but leave the memories to linger......

You decide your age, you are as old as you want to be......

Poem by Rumi

2009-05-24T23:43:00.002+03:00

I just loved this poem:

"In generosity and helping others, be like a river
In compassion and grace, be like the sun
In concealing other's faults, be like the night
In anger and fury, be like dead
In modesty and humility, be like the earth
In tolerance, be like the sea
Either appear as you are, or be as you appear."

- Rumi

So Blessed

2009-05-18T23:42:00.004+03:00

Being an optimist to the core, it was so unlike me to post a blog like "Leave me Alone". But for some reason (or a particular reason, maybe, *wink*) I was all hyped up and crazy yesterday, I just had to relieve my stress. And lo and behold, come Monday afternoon, I'm back to being the so called "normal".

I just feel so blessed everyday.
I'm blessed to have reached this far in my life...
Blessed to have been able to accomplish my dreams....
Blessed to live my dreams.....
Blessed to love the way I live
And live the way I love....

I take things for granted..
Every trial and tribulation in life is a test....
It comes and goes....
Every happy moment is a test....
Life keeps fluctuating.....
Are you prepared to face everything that life will throw on you?
Maybe not. But just remember,
Being able to do simple things in itself is a blessing.
Being able to walk and talk,
Read and write, eat and drink,
Touch and feel, see and think....

One of the most inspiring TV show that I watched is "One liter of Tears" in Japanese...truly a heart warming series. Just watch it and feel all the blessings bestowed on you.

At the end of it everyone will die. So why make the world a living hell? Let's make it a better place, so that human beings can co-exist.

I just love this part of a Hindi song, it always inspires me....

"Ek pal ka jeena, phir to hai jaana

Toufa kya leke jaaye, dil ye bataana,

Khali haath aaye te hum, khaali haath jaayenge,

Bas pyaar ke do meete bol chil milaayenge,

To has, kyunki duniya ko hai hasaana"

Which rougly translates to:

"A few moments of life, then we have to leave,

What are the gifts that we can take, tell me, my heart

We came empty handed, we will go empty handed,

Only a few sweet words of love we will share

So smile, because you have to make the world SMILE"

Keep smiling :) and have a great day!!!!

Leave Me Alone!!!

2009-05-17T23:30:00.004+03:00

Ever wondered how someone feels when they ask you to leave them alone???

I truly believe....no one wants to be left to themself, especially when things are bothering them. They just want some time on their own. To sort their feelings, their rage, their thoughts and even more their words.....they don't want to hurt those who are close to them.......

Yesterday, I tried being a silent spectator. Sat like a lonely bird. I don't know what got into me....but I was so not my usual boring self....I was worse than boring!!! It reminded me of fevicol advertisement.....I felt like I was glued to the seat. I wanted to be left by myself....Why? I have no idea....

Are there things bothering me? May be.....

Am I scared I'll hurt someone? I guess so.....

Do I fear missing my friends? Yes...I DO for sure.......

Walking down my life...I've understood that even though you can be greatest buddies at some point.....but with distance your closest buddy can become a complete stranger to you....I guess I fear that the most at this point of my life.......When I realized that the friendship that just happened cannot be kindled again....it just breaks my heart.....

Yesterday....I was almost in tears.....I reallly miss those days....and I really miss not being able to spend time together like usual, because we are busy with our own lives....

Did I shout a "Leave me alone" yesterday? No I didn't....but I was thinking what would happen if I just faded away like that.....If I don't take the initiative to talk to anyone.....to write to anyone.....to call anyone...to smile at anyone......I guess I would fade away and be forgotten...and I fear that even more!!!!

What is it that stops me from taking initiative? Is it shyness? Is it attitude? Is it arrogance? Is it time?? Believe me, no one has time for anyone these days.....not even for themselves!!!

Even then I have a ray of hope...I know that no matter when I call you you will try to be there for me....even if you can't, you'll try your best not to make me feel lonely...even when we are strangers....'coz at one point of our life we were inseparable......but now the distance grows.....

My Friend

2009-05-04T22:50:00.003+03:00

You don't know what I think,

But you know how I feel......

You are not always near me,

But you are always close to me, in my heart....

You are not aware of my success or failure,

But always there to encourage and cheer me.....

You don't know what I feel for you,

And I'm not sure about it either......

But I know that you will remain....

Today, tomorrow and forever......

Someone I'll cherish.....

Your memories I'll keep....

For the sadness to perish....

You are my courage forever....

......My good friend.........

A Quote

2009-05-03T20:12:00.005+03:00

"Sometimes people put up walls, not to keep others out, but to see who cares enough to break them down"

Just Miss

2009-04-28T23:13:00.005+03:00

Dedicated to all my friends......from my preschool days till now.......

Just when I thought I knew you, you became a stranger....
Just when I thought I held your hands, you seem so distant....
Just when I thought I heard your heart, you became so vague......
Just when I thought I fit in your shoe, you changed them......

It takes a lifetime to get a best friend and an instant to break their trust.

Cherish each and everyone of your friends, none can replace another,

But you know you are their friend and they hold a special place in your heart.

Thank you for being my friend,

My confidant, my support,

My critic, my partner,

My shoulder, my hand.

Thank you for being there with me,

whenever it was,

wherever it was,

I'm sure you know, you matter to me

Then and Now

2009-04-23T22:59:00.006+03:00

Those were the days, when playing in the mud,

Preparing rice in coconut shell and mud-curry,

Asking questions with round curious eyes,

Was taken in with jest and humor by the elders.....

Those were the days, when splashing mud and dirt,

Throwing balls and flying kites,

Running around the courtyard, playing hide and seek,

Had a lot of spectators from the house......

Those were the days, when interacting with nature,

Climbing mango trees, making whistles with tender mango leaves,

Making fire with wood, falling down, getting hurt,

Were all taken for granted as a part of our daily life.....

Those were the days, come holidays

And you scamper around the house with tons of energy,

Visit all your relatives, make them your friends,

Go camping to cousins places to play and enjoy......

All gone in the blink of an eye....

Yearning for it. Alas! Even the trace is gone....

The fresh breeze, flying kites, greenery,

When everything was a reality......

These are the days, when everything is virtual reality.

Children play soccer, but have never seen a soccer ball.

Schools are meant only for studying and good grades,

Everyong is losing their power of thinking.....

These are the days, when all are becoming couch potatoes,

Nature has become obsolete in our lives.

Walking to the neighbour is a hassle,

Relatives are considered a pain and your friends are your relatives.

Where have you gone? What happened to you?

The unconditional love of people.....

The caring, sharing attitude of ours.....

The practicality of our lives.....

When our intellect dominated our desires.....

When we controlled ourselves.......

Just give it a thought....don't you miss those days?

Footsteps

2009-04-23T22:45:00.003+03:00

I leave my footsteps wherever I go.

Be it sand or rock.

If your mind is like sand,

you would have washed it away.

If it is like a rock,

you'll find it engraved somewhere.

Who Am I ?

2009-04-18T22:26:00.003+03:00

It is early in the morning. I wake up, greet my parents and siblings. Do my daily rituals, then off to work. Meet a multitude of people on the way, so many cars rushing past. I know not who they are and I don't care! Or do I really not care? I'm not sure......

My world revolves around me and the circle of people around me. I could classify them as 1st circle, 2nd circle, 3rd circle and 4th circle depending on their intimacy with me. I honestly care about what my 1st circle of people think about me, 'coz they know me inside out and believe me they will be the only people who will miss me when I'm not around. And then again I ponder....who am I?

When I think about getting something done, 1st priority goes for myself-selfish interest maybe, or well, maybe not- just normal human instincts. Then for my 1st circle people. If I want things done, do I really think about others priorities? Do I need to? I'm just not sure. But one thing is for sure, this might sound strange, but I try to view myself from a stranger's point of view. And most of the time the analysis is very interesting. Any stranger wouldn't care about who I am! 'Coz for them, they are the most important ones.

What if I give a gentle smile? I get a smile back. But itz not enough to strike a conversation, being the reserved and cautious person.

What if I want attention from someone? Well....hmmm....I dunno...'coz maybe I don't attract attention, until I open my mouth that is.

What if I want someone's time? Do I take into account their priorities? Or is it me, Me and only ME, 'Gimme some of your TIME!!'??? Hmmm......for once I step out of my shoes, put myself in theirs.....would they care to give me some of their time for this particular reason? Is it insignificant? Can I do without it? May be I can......

In the end....I still wonder who am I? I'm not any celebrity or any person whom the world will remember. But I am a person who has a wee bit of ambition, a lil bit of courage, loads of optimism, a lil bit of care n concern, a lil bit of attitude, n many more........n also that I matter for my 1st n 2nd circle of people......they may or may not miss me, but I'm quite sure that I've left my footsteps in some hardcore places, where I'll not be forgotten and I'm quite sure that YOU are also the same!!!!

All that matters in life is, if you know you've brightened up someones day.....
If you know you've done your best to reach your dreams and 1 day hope to reach there.....
If you know you matter, not for others, but for yourself and your Creator.....
If you grow strong with every step you take and every stone you stumble upon.....
If you were to put yourself in others shoe, you are happy with the person you see in yourself.....

Who am I? Do I really care? I love the way I live and I live the way I love!!!!

"Life is not about discovering yourself, it is about creating yourself!!!"

What Do You Do All Day?

2009-04-07T21:44:00.002+03:00

A man came home from work and found his three children outside, still in their pyjamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front yard.

The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front door to the house and there was no sign of the dog. Proceeding into the entry, he found an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded against one wall. In the front room the TV was loudly blaring a cartoon channel, and the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing.

In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand
was spread by the back door.

He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she might be ill, or that something serious had happened.

He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls.

As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in her pyjamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went.

He looked at her bewildered and asked, 'What happened here
today?'

She again smiled and answered, 'You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me sarcastically what in the world I do all day?'

'Yes,' was his incredulous reply.

She answered, 'Well, today, I didn't do it.'

Priceless...

Interesting Handbook for 2009

2009-04-06T22:29:00.001+03:00

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
5. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, and prayer.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2008.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:

11. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all a bout.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more whil e you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn.
Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Society:

25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:

32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Last but not the least:

40. Please share this with everyone you care about

One Hell of a Roller Coaster Ride

2009-03-29T18:29:00.002+03:00

Before I begin writing about this topic, I would like to thank all the people who have been involved in brainstorming any random topic with me. This blog will most probably have ideas of people whom I have interacted with. I know I haven't taken your permission, thats because I still don't know how I'm going to end up writing. Ok...here goes my new experiment in writing. Do leave your comments after you read this article.

We always come across this term "One hell of a roller coaster ride", it mostly pertains to LIFE. Yes, life sure is a roller coaster ride with all the ups and downs. Some enjoy it to the core, some are scared to death, some like to be honest with their emotions, some just like to show that they are cool or scared or whatever......

Well, I'm not going to write much about life, 'coz I guess I haven't experienced enough of it or I feel that I have a loooong road to take. But I like enjoying it to the core, do crazy random things, live in my own utopia, creating my own little world. But, it is not always like that. There are several factors that can make your day or ruin your day. Even if there are factors that can ruin your day, don't let it leave a scar that will lay there forever. Just a small bruise, that will heal quickly. 'Coz I feel that in order to understand ourselves, the ups and downs in life are essential. It helps us become stronger and realize our hidden strength and potential. This is generally speaking about life.

What about our thoughts? Aren't there ups and downs in our thinking as well? Personally, for me, there are times when I feel I'm thinking something really out of line, bizarre ideas, maybe 'coz of my lectures in university or a random conversation with my friends. But when I let the imagination run wild, it takes me through a roller coaster ride and well, to be frank, I enjoy it!!!! I know this sounds crazy, but I'm quite sure that our brain is reallly verrry complicated and there are always things running in our subconcious mind, which we never realize. Then suddenly out of the blue, you feel all these wild and bizarre ideas, and sometimes you even come up with a decision that can surprize everyone around you, some will call you insane or crazy!!! I truly believe that this is not the result of the spur of the moment, but the subconcious background, which we never thought of giving a front stage. Well, with all these ideas (in my words, when the brainwaves are really fast), let them slowly get on you. Think logically and be practical in your action, always be ready for a change. Also, there might be times when you don't want to think. Just sit like a rock, on whom nothing reaches. Maybe 'coz the brainwaves ran too fast and now it needs some energy. Well, thatz the way it is......

One thing is sure. Everyday is different. You might think this is my day or this is not my day. But believe me, every moment is your own. Just that there are bitter experiences to make you cherish the sweet ones. And wild thoughts that can make your bitter days a BIG BIG surprise!!!

Anger and Love

2009-03-23T10:59:00.002+03:00

While a man was polishing his new car, his 4 yr old son picked a stone & scratched lines on the side of the car.
In anger, the man took the child's hand & hit it many times, not realizing he was using an iron wrench.

At the hospital, the child lost all his fingers due to multiple fractures.
When the child saw his father.... with painful eyes he asked 'Dad when will my fingers grow back?'
The man was very hurt and speechless, he went back to car and kicked it a lot of times.
Devastated
by his own actions...... sitting in front of that car he looked at the
scratches ........... the child had written 'LOVE YOU DAD'.
The next day that man committed suicide....
Anger and Love have NO LIMIT - choose the latter to have a beautiful & lovely life....
THINGS are meant to be USED and PEOPLE are to be LOVED, ..but the problem of today's world is that...
People are used. & Things are loved!!!

Prophet Muhammed's (salallahu alaihiwasallam) Last Sermon

2009-03-18T22:19:00.002+03:00

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful This sermon was delivered on the

ninth day of Dhul Hijah, 10 A.H. (632 A.D.) in the valley of Mount Arafat . The contents of the

message were collected from different narrations, and there are other parts to it that are not

mentioned here. This sermon still needs the authenticity of all of its parts to be checked.Neverthless, I'd like to share it with anyone who is interested.

"O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether, after this year, I shall ever be

amongst you again. Therefore, listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these

words to those who could not be present today.

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as sacred, so regard the life and

property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful

owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your

Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take interest,

therefore, all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to

keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer inequity. Allah has judged that there shall be no interest

and that all interest due to Abbas bin Abdul‐Muttalib (the prophet's uncle) shall henceforth be

waived.

Every right arising out of homicide in pre‐Islamic days is henceforth waived and the first such

right I waive is that arising from the murder of Rabiyah bin Al‐Harith (relative of the prophet).

O Men, the unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calendar in order to make permissible

that which Allah forbade, and to forbid that which Allah had made permissible. With Allah the

months are twelve; four of them are holy; three of these are successive and one occurs singly

between the months of Jumadah and Shaaban. Beware of Satan, for the safety of your

religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so

beware of following him in small things.

O People, it is true that you have certain right with regard to your women, but they also have

rights over you. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and

clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners

and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of

whom you do not approve, as well as never commit adultery.

O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers, fast during the

month of Ramadhan, and give your wealth in zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to. All

mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non‐Arab, nor a non‐Arab

has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black, nor a black has

any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is the

brother of another Muslim, and that Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be

legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and

willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to your selves.

Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer for your deeds. So beware, do

not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason

well, therefore, O People, and understand my words which I convey to you. I leave behind me

two things, the Quran and my example, the Sunnah, and if you follow these you will never go

astray.

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others, and those to others again; and

may the last ones understand my words better that those who listen to me directly. Be my

witness O Allah, that I have conveyed Your message to Your people."

Alahumma infa`ni bima `allamtani wa `allamni ma yanfa`uni!

OH ALLAH! Make useful for me what You taught me

and teach me knowledge that will be useful to me! (Aameen)

My Confidant

2009-03-14T14:13:00.003+03:00

Lately, I've been thinking a LOT about you.....

It seems like I have lots to tell you,

I feel like there are so many things I want to know about you

Ofcourse, we've got loads to catch up with....

After all, itz been months since we met....

Those days we spent together....

I'll never forget. The random talks,

The great secrets, only the two of us knew.

So diverse were our thoughts,

But the string that held us was quite strong.

You are irreplacable.

We've both gone ahead with our lives,

But believe me, there wasn't anyone to replace you

Many people walked in and out of my life,

Many still stay with me.

But the warmth that you gave me,

The hand that you stratched,

The humor that you spread,

I've found them all in none!!

You were and you will be

My CONFIDANT

I know you might not feel the same about me.

Neverthless, I'm waiting to meet you again......

I miss you, my bestest Buddy!!

Ladies First

2009-03-14T13:56:00.002+03:00

I had my weekly meeting with my manager, and as usual before we entered the conference room, he said "Ladies first", I said "Thank you" and entered the room. Then he asked me, "Do you know the story behind ladies first?" I was like, " No. I don't", "Well, the story goes like this:

There was a couple who was in love and both their families were against their relationship. They tried to convince them, but in vain. Finally they decided to kill themselves and went to jump off a cliff. The man jumped down first and died. The woman was about to jump, but looked down, got scared and went back. Ever since then men believed women to chicken out, so "Ladies first!!""