My Recipes Featured in Local Newspaper

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When my brother Ayaz emailed me a link to a tweet by our local newspaper asking for our favorite pizza pie recipes, I let it sit in my email box for a few days before going, "what the heck, I'll share my Bubble-up Pizza and my favorite pizza recipe.

I figured that would be it, a RT (retweet on twitter) at the most.

Surprisingly, shortly thereafter, I got an email from the Social Media Editor affiliated with the newspaper. She asked me whether I would mind sharing some of my recipes on a post they would be featuring for Pi Day (today), how I started cooking, and why I post my recipes on my blog amongst a few other things.

As a result, my Pi Day recipes from last year (Chicken Pot Pie and a Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie) are part of their Pi Day feature in their newspaper's website today [alongside a link to my "What's for Dinner" secton of the blog!

Click here to see the full article (mine is the last one). Below, I took a screen shot of my portion [because I'm not sure if the link will work for everyone or not.):

Purses

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See, it is the next task I took on... just six months later. And by accident.

Some a long time ago, like back at the end of August two days before a party at our house when I had a million other things to be doing, I decided that I needed to reorganize the way I organize my hijabs because they currently use up 4/6 of my dresser drawers. Not that I had other priorities at the moment or anything with 80+ people invited.

When that plan failed in under 60 seconds, this happened:

This door pocket organizer [that I've had at the bottom of my closet for the almost three years I've lived in the house] now houses some of my clutches, wristlets, small purses etc.

The main reason I didn't end up storing some of my hijabs in this pocket organizer? The pockets weren't opaque. I couldn't see them unless I pulled them out, and that defeated the purpose. I wasn't about to pull out each hijab trying to find which one I wanted to wear. I'm an out-of-sight, out-of-mind type of person for sure for things like this.

Any ideas for the larger purses and bags? I'm thinking of just throwing them in a basket like container and storing it inside my closet, but let's see.

...and while we are it, any ideas for organizing hijabs? I'd like my 4/6 dresser drawers back...

Papa and Me Time

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Family is family and there is nothing like family. One of the hardest things I have had to do in a very long time [if not ever] was to say goodbye and head back home hours away this past Tuesday night after spending a wonderful week by Papa's side.

There is no one better to take care of [your loved one] than a caring and loving family member. One who knows what they like and dislike, one who gets them, one who can comfort them and reason with them.

Of course, it's not easy. And everyone's circumstances are different and you have to do what you have to do. But a stranger can never replace the level of care a family member can provide: because most of all, [your loved one] just wants some good old company. Someone to sit by their side and talk. Or do absolutely nothing. They need to be shown how much they mean to us, that they are loved, taken care of, and an important part of our life!

I am blessed beyond words to have Papa in my life, and I loved every minute of the almost six days I had with him- the "Papa and me" time will always hold a special place in my heart. The last few days of my trip involved a lot of tears from my end, because I couldn't imagine leaving him- what I wouldn't do to be able to stay there longer by his side. My six days revolved completely around Papa, from the moment I woke up to the moment I fell asleep, so you can imagine who weird it felt to be back home and only speak to him via the phone.

Life Lessons

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While you are busy planning for it, life happens. And you just learn to deal with it.

Things I've been reminded about lately:

1. Everything that can possibly go wrong, most likely will. Deal with it. Like the air conditioning deciding to stop working on us with about 80 people in the house on a hot/humid summer day in August. With the oven on constantly all day and burners under the chafing dish[es] running all day. Fun.
2. Cherish the moment. You'll never get it back. Because of Papa's dementia, I have learned very quickly to just stop and savor the moment. As I was sitting with Papa last night , I realized to just sit there by his side and do absolutely nothing else... there is no where I'd rather be when I am lucky enough to have him nearby. Everything else can wait.
3. Family first. Always. Nothing is more important. Period. There's no one else that will always have your back.
4. Eat healthy to live healthy. I found myself in a healthier eating habit I'd say almost a year and some change back and I can honestly say it makes a difference. Lately, often times I've not been home enough for meals or I'd eat something I normally wouldn't... or eat late... and I can tell the difference. When you eat right, it helps you feel better inside and out.
5. Just when you would like need the time to slow down a little is when it seems to speed up even more. Plus throw more chaos into a very hectic schedule already for more fun.
6. If you don't laugh about it, you'll cry about it. Unfortunately, I have cried about it several times in the last few days.
7. This, too, shall pass. For as long as I can remember, I have repeated this to myself on not-so-easy days/times. There are better days ahead.
8. Glass is always half full. It could be oh so much worse. 

Dementia

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"... among you is he who is returned to the most decrepit [old] age so that he knows, after [once having] knowledge, nothing." [22.5].

Dementia. I don't know whether it's nice to hate something, but I do. I hate dementia. With every ounce of me.

It's taken away my maternal grandfather mentally from us, and that is something that breaks my heart. The signs were there for so long, but I can't begin to explain to you the rapid changes in just one month's time. You just had to see it to believe it. I don't think I would have believed it if I wasn't experiencing it in front of my very own eyes about someone so near and dear to my heart. For someone with so much worldly knowledge and experience, to now suddenly succumb to something like this and so rapidly... I can't put into words how much I detest it.

I don't say this because our family can't handle it. That couldn't be further from the truth. Each person in the immediate family has stepped up their game and done more than their share. And done it because they want to.

Even when in your heart you already know [and we knew], when it was finally confirmed by medical professionals: it was so hard to digest and believe. Or even fathom. How could this be?

This too is a test from Him above, and together we will conquer it. It hasn't been easy, and I know it won't. But for someone that I have looked up to from day one? I would do anything I possibly can for him.

In some ways, it truly is like having a newborn/toddler around. You learn to have patience, and sooth their mind. You can't leave them alone at all, and your senses need to be at the top of their game 24 hours a day. Yes, even at night when sleeping. You do things for them, and help them with other stuff. They lose their independence and they become dependent on you. Worse, they feel like a burden. How in the world do you explain to, no scratch that... not just explain, BUT show them they are anything but? We would go to the moon and back without a second thought.

And just like when a child's toy is broken and they bring it to you to fix, you wish you could fix this for him just as easily. But you can't. It's broken and we can't do anything about it. We can, only, help him physically, but that will never seem to be enough.

Amongst the family we have been talking about how so often we remember in our prayers our physical abilities, but how often do we pray to retain our mental abilities? Each part of the human body, plays such an intricate role and together makes the human body whole. Even with one deficiency, it's as if the whole person is effected.

I've thought a lot about dementia lately, and every time I see Papa react a certain way, I wonder if he feels it. If he feels confused or senses something isn't right. We, obviously, know things aren't right. That he is confused to say the least. But we can deal with it. But I hope to God that to Papa, inside, he doesn't sense that.

I pray to Allah SWT to make it easy on Papa. To give his mind peace. To give us strength to take care of him in the hardest of days. And that we continue to do it whole-heartedly.

Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

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Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

The fact that this verse is repeated 31 times in Surah ar-Rahman [#55]... I don't think that is by accident. It's without a doubt, one of my favorites ayats [verses] from the Qu'ran.

The verse reminds us time and again for the many blessings we take for granted on a daily basis [and to be thankful for them]. Whether it be in terms of money, food, wealth, health... or anything and everything else: tangible and intangible.

If there's anything I've learned through life experiences over the past several years, it's let go and let god. Everything happens for a reason. You just don't know it [yet]. By that, does it mean that you live carelessly and expect greatness? Absolutely not, of course. It means: you live following the right path, and when unexpected hurdles fall your way- you keep faith that this too shall pass.

In the beginning, several times, the inevitable why is this happening to me popped up in my head... but now I am quick to brush that though away if it does occur. Why not me? What makes me better than the next person to make me immune? And there's always that belief that He, the all-knowing, doesn't throw more at you than you can handle.

But this isn't about the hurdles. It's about the blessings [in disguise].

Like I have talked about several times over the course of time, why do we so easily ask "why me?" in difficult times, but not in good times? How often do we truly stop to be thankful for everything we take for granted on a daily basis? Just look around your own circle of network because you won't have to look to far to find an example of someone that has it much worse than you, yet is [probably] handling their circumstance(s) a lot better.

If we truly took the time to count the blessings, we'd realize it's impossible because it would be endless. They are infinite. But we don't. This theme is repeated in various Surahs in the Qu'ran. Several examples:

1. From Surah Ibrahim: "And He gave you from all you asked of Him. And if you should count the favor of Allah , you could not enumerate them. Indeed, mankind is [generally] most unjust and ungrateful." [14:34]
2. From Surah Nahl: "And if you should count the favors of Allah , you could not enumerate them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful." [16:18]

Just think of the basics that we consider necessities that not everyone has the luxury of: roof over our head, food on the table, clothes. I'll be the first to admit, that I, wait cross that...not just me, we are spoiled.

Even down to breathing, seeing, hearing walking, talking: most of us take it for granted because it's just a natural part of life to most. Those with issues pertaining to any of the above will tell you otherwise. It irks me to no end when in the public, you come across someone with a limb missing and people just stare. If anything, it should be yet another reminder for gratitude.

Note: I don't blog about religion very often, because I don't think I'm by any means qualified to do so, but this is a good place for me to express my thoughts- and thoughts alone... that's all they are. Other topics I've done in the past: Halal vs. Zabihah (Meat) and Organ Donation. Adoption is a topic that weighs heavily on my mind a lot, so perhaps I'll tackle my thoughts on that next.

25th Birthday

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A quarter of a century old. That's me today.

Where has the time gone and why is it going by so fast?! Sheesh. Can it slow down just a bit? I feel like 2013 just started and it's already more than half over.

Back to the birthday. Did I post here about how I lost a year? Really, I did. For the longest time (or since my last birthday I suppose), I kept thinking I was 23. That's the answer I gave when people asked me, and that's the answer I whole-heartedly believed.

Then my brother's birthday came around in April. And when people asked how old HE was now, I told them 25. After calculating he is 15 months older than me.

Then, he overheard someone asking me. His response? "I'm 26 you goofball!"

Aaah, it couldn't be. That would mean I am was 24... and worse, about to turn 25 in a few short months (today!) How could I really not know how old I was?!

So that brings me to today.

A quarter of a century old. And apparently already effecting my memory. (Just kidding - thank goodness my memory is as sharp as ever. Sometimes too good in remembering unnecessary details).

Maximum Potential

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"What if the cure for cancer is trapped inside the mind of someone who can't afford an education?"

I came across this quote late one night last week when someone shared it on Facebook. It was in the middle of the night, but it got me thinking right away. It hasn't left my mind since.

Most of us live such a blessed life, that we often take for granted so many aspects of our lives. Our education? One of them. The roof over our head, the many clothes in our closets, and the plentiful food on the table being among some of the others.

So many people go through the twelve years of mandatory schooling years and learn not a single thing. It's not because they aren't smart enough, but rather: they just don't take it the opportunity seriously.

People across the world? They would give anything for even an ounce of the education and knowledge we have been blessed to have the opportunity to take for granted.

Then we get to college level education. Enter a-crazy-amount-of-loans-and-debts. For what? A job. And if you are lucky enough to even get a job:  then, spend many years paying off aforementioned loans and debts.

But what about those who can't afford the education? Even after grants and scholarships, the loan I had to take out for a bachelors degree? Scary. Not to mention the fact that I still haven't found a full-time job to even start paying it off.

Makes you wonder how many brilliant  people out there who can't afford the education aren't living up to their fullest potential. Because let's face it: in this economy and job market -- you need at least a bachelors degree to even have a chance at landing a decent job.

So when I stumbled across the quote I began this post off with? That feeling of angst and annoyance and I don't even know how to describe it... it's been bothering me since.

There just HAS to be a cure for cancer, HIV, and other deadly diseases. Can you imagine IF the ONLY thing holding the cure back is that someone wasn't given the chance? Ill health effects us all - whether it's you suffering, or a loved one... it doesn't discriminate and effects all.

The amount of money in your pocket should not dictate who you are and what you are capable of. Shouldn't everyone have an equal chance to fulfill/maximize their potential? That's not just the American dream... that's the human(e) dream. 

Just a Dream

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I never remember my dreams. I don't think I stay in REM sleep long enough to even have many...

So imagine my surprise when last night not only did I have a dream that I woke up remembering... but a very vivid one. Why couldn't it be a pleasant one at least?

It's just my mom and I at home. I am in the kitchen, and suddenly hear we sirens that I somehow know is a tornado warning siren. In real life, I have never experienced it so I wouldn't even know what it sounds like.

I laugh it off to my mom, and then turn to face kitchen door. And what do I notice? VERY dark, like almost black [if not black] clouds near the back right side of my house. Oh, and a humongous funnel cloud that seems to be right at the tip of where our fence meets our backyard neighbor diagonally.

And what do I do? I run upstairs to change. Yes, that's exactly what I did. Even as I am changing, I can see it approaching by my window... inching closer and closer.

The details? Not fuzzy. Just ridiculous. Mainly because who in their right mind goes to change their clothes in such circumstances.

It's just a dream. I know that. But do you ever wonder if they mean something more? No, I don't mean that it signifies a crazy tornado happening in New Jersey. I certainly hope not! I mean, if it signifies something more? Like if the connotations mean something?

P.S. Too late for it now, but are you not suppose to share good dreams or bad dreams?

Locked Out

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So you know what I did this weekend?

I locked the keys in the car. In the trunk. In a rental. In another state. Ugh.

Oh and I managed to do this the night of my cousin's, Naairah, graduation party.

On the positive side, I guess it was a good thing that we were already at the hall, and we didn't realize the mishap until near the end of the party.

It was an innocent mistake, but I felt terrible. Paraphrasing my brother's words: Niagara falls of tears were shed [by me]. I'm a crier. A big one. Happy moments, sad moments, mad moments. I guess add stupid moments too.

My cousin, the graduate, needed to borrow blush. It was in my luggage in our rental, so I borrowed the keys from Faraz and we headed to car. Opened the trunk, took out bags covering my luggage, somehow managed to set the keys in the trunk in between, opened my luggage and dug out the blush. She used it, we put everything back in it's place, shut the trunk with all my might [it was heavy!] and headed back in.

No keys. Little did I know though at this time.

It wasn't until much later, near the end of the party, when Faraz asked my for the keys. My response? I don't have the keys. His? Yes you do, you took them from me.

Panic mode as I check my belongings and head back to the car. My thinking [or hope]? The trunk wouldn't have locked with the keys in it. I immediately knew it was in the trunk because I remembered not coming back in with it. Especially because I used both hands to shut the trunk door.

Nonetheless, we searched the hall, I retraced my steps, checked the bathroom, told the hotel workers [in case it showed up], etc. Finally, called Triple A who came to the rescue. A couple of hours later.

It doesn't end there though. When they get there, they tell my brother and dad that they don't think the keys are locked in the car because if that was the case the car wouldn't have locked [BMW 2013 model]. Yeah, well, that's what I thought too.

Oh, and the car alarm starts going off as soon as they unlocked the car through the back window. So my brother climbs in, and heads to the trunk, emptying our trunk... until finally: the key is found!

And so all of this. And all because of blush.

This will be a weekend to remember. Not just because my cousin graduated, or how great the keynote speakers were at her graduation (the best I've ever heard), or pretty much the whole family got together, or the crazy weather that first day... or anything like that: but because of the car. and blush.

Summaiyah's Home Cooking

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"What's for dinner?" A question many, if not all of us, face on a daily basis. For me, "What's for dinner" has been so much more: it has represented my passion for cooking [for myself, my family, my friends, etc.] over the past few years by being the signature of my cooking/food.

When I started cooking for fun some years back I never fathomed it could be anything more than the occasional experiment in the kitchen. Years later, it is still that: fun.  Just the way I want it.

In the past, I have been encouraged by many to start a catering business- something I didn't think twice about. Until recently when an opportunity presented itself. It may have been the push I needed.

Why not share this passion with others? There is nothing more humbly satisfying than feeding a good meal. I'll continue to offer to "cater" to others, as the occasions arise, keeping this in mind: cooking is something I enjoy and I wouldn't want it any other way.

It's still in the works, and logistics are still being thought about-- but I couldn't not share it here first: "Summaiyah's Home Cooking" is where it seems to be heading.

Thank you everyone [you know who you are] for all the encouragement and support that you given me. It means more than I could ever put into words.

First 'Catering' Order!

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As I went to create this post, I realized this is my 500th blog post on this blog: how incredible! And about something so neat too! This blog has been so great to me -- I've used it to vent, reflect, share... and so much more! Some things are just better expressed written, don't you think?

Now onto the post itself...

So earlier today, I had my first small "catering" order picked up. Perhaps, it will be the start of something? I love cooking, so this was a fun experience. Who knows, maybe sometime in the future "What's for Dinner" may lead to something so much more.

My friend's mom placed an order of a few different things, and I'll admit: I was excited and nervous at the same time. Cooking for your family/friends is one thing, but there is added pressure when you are being paid to do it. Suddenly, there are expectations. You know what I mean? It's not just experimenting in the kitchen to see what/how the end result will be. It's don't mess up someone else's dinner. When I go out to restaurants, I expect my food to be a certain way [and don't like to be disappointed]. I don't want to disappoint either.

As I was thinking of my favorite dishes to make, I realized something-- a lot of the things I make are best served fresh. Isn't that the case for most meals? How does one go about using that in the catering world? Dishes just aren't the same after a while, even if they are reheated. I feel like that will be a challenge for the perfectionist in me.

I guess in that sense, desserts are so much easier. Some get better as they sit, others can be refrigerated  There are options to work with. Yes, there are desserts that need to be eaten warm, etc. but you aren't limited.

I can't end this post without thanking my friend Maria. I've had so many people encourage me to advertise and start a home-based catering service for so long, and I have always been so hesitant. This may have just been the push I needed. If it is, indeed, the start of something more -- I hope all those that have encouraged me so far will keep me humble... and be the constant reminder to me, that first and foremost: this is something I like doing.

It's personal first. Business second.

42

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It's not often I watch movies [or TV in general], let alone go to a theater to watch one. My attention span is horrible. As in: it has to be incredibly captivating/interesting for me to be able to sit and watch something for more than a few minutes.

Yesterday, I ended up seeing "42" with my brothers. This two hour movie? Didn't seem nearly as long. For those of you that are not aware: it's about Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play in major league baseball... and more importantly: the racism he deals with in the process. 

The movie does a great job in portraying/ emphasizing the social matters, and I wouldn't say it's a "baseball movie". As I was watching the movie, I couldn't help but think "I couldn't imagine living in a time period where someone was treated so differently because of the color of their skin". I think it was a scene that showed the "white only" restrooms.

I then shuddered. Because, so many years later we still live in a nation full of discrimination.

Just in the recent few weeks, three stories pop in my head right away:
Wilcox County High School in the state of Georgia held its first combined prom for whites and people of color. Really?! You are kidding, right? How is that even possible?!

Then there were the stories of someone [in NY I believe] vandalizing homes and worship places of the Jewish faith.

Lets not forget the backlash again Muslims in the aftermath of the Boston bombings when it appeared that the two suspects associated themselves with Islam. I hate to say this, but I use the term Muslims very loosely when talking about the suspects. I am not one to judge anyone (only He can do that). But to use religion [whichever one it may be] to defend your cowardly and hideous actions... that's no man of faith right there.

And who were the immediate "suspects" that the media and the general public pounced over in the aftermath wrongly? Without any proof whatsoever. Just because of who they were. Not what they did. Or didn't do.

I'll be the first to admit that in the immediate aftermath, one of the first things I said to my family is "this better not be the act of a Muslim". It's like a gift for the media to grab a hold of extremism and use that against Islam and Muslims as a whole. From Fox News? I expect nothing less. From actual "news source": the naive in me hopes for a little more educated response.

When news broke that their background is actually classified as "white", someone on Twitter made a joke: "What every Caucasian male has been dreading has come true: it was one of us". But it hits a much broader note, doesn't it? How many white people face the reprise in the aftermath? Do we discriminate again all Germans because Hitler was a German?

I don't remember religion being a factor in the Oklahoma City bombing, the Tuscan shooting, the Aurora shooting, the Newtown massacre. See a pattern? The suspects were all white.

What creates so much internal hatred towards another? And if that must be the natural response, why isn't it the response no matter who commits the atrocity? Not just when someone of a certain faith does it.

You want to voice your opinion? Voice your opinion for the poor across the world who suffer daily. Voice your opinion against violence. Voice your opinion for equal pay for equal work [for women]. Voice your opinion against discrimination. Voice your opinion for stricter gun control laws.

Voice your opinion, when in your heart, you know you are doing right. Not because it's what everyone else is doing. Stand up for one another, not against each other. Voice your opinion against hideous and atrocious acts by mankind. Not against what makes up that man. We should all be judged for the things we do, not for who we are.

Have we made great strides? I'm not denying that. But we have a LONG way to go. When will we come to accept each other, learn to judge every individual on their actions and not a group they identify with? Whether it be a group they associate themselves with [religion, beliefs], or it's something innate [sex, race, etc.]... that doesn't matter.

Pray for Humanity. Pray for Boston.

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Imagine living in a world of peace and humanity.

One where kids can freely run around outside without their parents worrying.

One where you don't have to think twice about whether that loved one of yours that just left home... whether they'll make it home safe and sound.

One where you don't get that feeling in the pit of your stomach when you are flying on an airplane. Or in a movie theater. Wait. Or at a school. A school?!

Apparently, add a public spectator event like a marathon to that list while you are at it.

Naive of me? Perhaps. Probably.

What's next? Or should I say where?

How can anyone be so inhumane? What, psychologically, makes someone do such hideous acts? Who is responsible this time? Why do people deliberately cause other people harm? When will it stop?

Where are we safe?

Pray for Boston. Pray for Humanity.

No Place for Guns

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I believe I was around the age of 6. I had to be younger than the age of seven because we moved by then.

We had just left a family party, when suddenly we had to turn around and go back because my grandfather had forgotten something. I guess now would be a good time to mention that this house? It was next to a police station.

While my father went inside to retrieve said item, we waited in the car outside their "compound". I guess that is what you can call it? Houses in Pakistan are gated separately, and usually a guard... guards them.

Well, I am not sure what exactly happened next except to say that we found ourselves in a crossfire between "the bad guys" and "the police" I suppose. We were literally in the middle: one of the shooting parties directly in front of us, and the other right behind us.  The details are fuzzy, but the sounds of gunfire? That is not.

Did I mention that the van we were in... the door would only open from the outside? Wonderful.

I remember waiting until our dad came rushing out to open the door and taking my mom, brothers, and I back inside in the midst of the shooting.

Later we found out that the bad guys had tried to raid the police station in order to help one of their own escape that the police had imprisoned [or free him?]. There were causalities involved.

The details? What exactly happened or why it happened? They just don't matter at the end of the day.

It haunted me so much in the immediate aftermath that I apparently stopped wanting to go out [especially at night] out of fear. One of my parents would stay home with me always. My parents say it's one of the reasons we moved away [to Canada] in the first place. My teacher at the time told my parents that I'd blank out at any sudden or loud sounds.

That family's house where this event transpired? Never went back there again.

My point, you ask? 

Hearing the sound of gunfire as a child literally RIGHT THERE in front of you? I don't think it ever leaves you. The surviving [and oh so young] victims of Newtown? It's something that will remain in the back of their minds for a very long time, if not forever.

So when the NRA conjures up all these ideas about having armed officers at schools, like last week when it's latest recommendation was for there to be guns in every school in America? I think seeing guns is the last thing these students would want.

Guns have no place in our society in the hands of an average citizen. If they weren't so readily available, the wrong people wouldn't have such easily access to it. Yes, I realize that the counter argument [over and over and over again] is that stricter gun laws just limit those who follow the laws anyways, and the "bad guys" always find a way around loopholes or whatnot. But if guns weren't so widely available, that would, sort of, eliminate that problem, wouldn't it?

I'll be the first to admit: I, too, firmly believe that schools have to up their security system. How so? That is what we need to figure out as a community.

Back in 2009, I referenced in a post of the lack of school security and I'll continue with that example. Walking into my former high school that day, without having to sign in as a visitor... without having to inform anyone who I was and what class I was visiting... without a name tag identifying me [as a visitor]:

I could have been anybody, and I could have done anything had I wanted to. It was a chilling thought to ponder over later how unsafe MY school was. This was MY former high school - and it needed better security.

Whether it be metal detectors, security checks, security guards. At the least, anyone going into the school should be identified and be easily identifiable [via a pass, visitor sticker, etc]. For goodness sake, we had to sign in and out AND take a visitor pass to use the restroom WHILE we wore school IDs as students.

But guns? Guns are not the answer. They never will be.

Too many possible. "what ifs". Too many accidents waiting to happen. Preventable safety measures need to be addressed. Guns, however? Schools are no place for guns.

What would be next? Parks? Malls? Where do we draw the line?

P.S. This post is just one of a series of posts I've done in the aftermath of the Newtown tragedy. You can read the others by clicking here, here, and here.

[Dresser Drawer] Organization

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Slowly, but surely, I have been trying to organize my drawers. Apparently very slowly: months later and all I have to show for it are 4/6 drawers in my dresser.

So what, you ask? Well, apparently it's more of a daunting task than you would think.

For starters, why don't they make organization sets that when you put together use up the drawers space maximally? Ideas anyone?

Let's talk about what I've done so far with my dresser drawers.

I have a bracelet tree that sits in the left most corner of my dresser. And I LOVE it. But considering I wear bracelets quite frequently, and have quite a few of them... I still needed to figure out a [compact] way to organize the rest of my bracelets. Plus my rings, and earrings. I don't really wear necklaces too much as of yet, so that dilemma doesn't apply to me. One less thing to worry about at least.

Several months ago, I found the organizers pictured below and implemented them. I currently have three of them: one for rings, another for earrings, and a third one for the bracelets that I don't have hanging on my bracelet tree.

The good thing about them: they allow me to organize the jewelry in separate compartments [for the most part] and are easy to choose from, keep organized, etc. The bad: the organizers are stacked upon one another inside my drawer. This means that when I need earrings or rings, I need to pull the organizer(s) on top of them out first to reach them. Nuisance. Worse? Wasted space. See picture below:

You see the wasted space I'm talking about?

What in the world am I suppose to do with that space?

Ideally, I'd like to figure out a way to utilize the space in my drawer in a more effective manner [and use the maximal space] and have everything side to side... so when I open the drawer I can see the bracelets, rings, and earrings at one glance. I'm open to stacking less used of all of the jewelry below the more commonly used ones.

What I basically want is: have the drawer divided into three [one each for bracelets, rings, and earrings] that are then divided into smaller compartments like in my jewelry organizer above. I wish they organizers came in smaller sizes that you could combine like puzzle pieces to fit the way you want. ;)

By the way as a side note: for earrings, I found a neat collapsible/fold-able organizer. Unfortunately, it would only work for studs or other small earrings so it was of no use to me. Most of mine are the dangling ones.

Next project I tackled? A never-ending dilemma faced by a Muslim girl/woman who wears a hijab: how in the world to organize said hijabs.

I've tried a basket in my closet, but it was annoying to dig through them to find the one I wanted. Plus, if I don't see it, I don't usually remember it's there as an option.

I considered the shoe hanger behind the door method and the hangers for scarves they have now for your closet. Both would require me to iron them for each use. Yeah, that's not happening either. I don't mind ironing them once in a while, but I don't want to have to sit there ironing a completely wrinkled hijab each time. Also the visual problem was there again for the hanger(s) in my closet. I also considered buying individual drawers to put at the bottom of my closet, since that is space I wouldn't be taking from anything else.

I thought I had posted about it on my blog when I organized the hijab drawers this way, but apparently not. Only on twitter and instagram at that time. So since this post is about drawer organization, I figured I'd throw it in this post. You know, considering the hijabs currently take up three out of six of my dresser drawers.

What I ended up doing several months ago, finally, is this: I took the hijabs I wear frequently/regularly and rolled them up. I then organized them by color, and lay them in rows. It's convenient, compact, and organized: which is just what I wanted.

Pictured are two of the three drawers. It has been several months since I implemented this, and so far I like it a lot. 

Now I can just pull open the corresponding drawer [based on what I'm wearing] and see all of the hijabs at once to pick and choose from, rather than digging through a pile of them or anything of that sorts. This method also keeps them organized, because you only pull out the one you need - and are not going through several to get to one at the bottom, for example.

I was, pleasantly, surprised how many hijabs I was able to fit in each drawer this way! And, by the way, another pleasant surprise: rolling the hijabs keep them from wrinkling too - which means less ironing.

Last week, I tackled the drawer with makeup/everyday necessities/ items I frequently use.

This is what I am using for on-top of my dresser

In the organizer on  top of my dresser, pictured above, I housed the lotion, make-up [moisturizer, liners, gloss, lipstick, blush, eye shadow] body spray, deodorant that I use regularly.

All the others [party wear or once in a while use ones], pictured below, I put in the organizer on the front left of my drawer. Don't get me started on the wasted space in the back. Hair ties and clips are on the right [with humongous eye-shadow palette hidden below].

Clothes in my closet? Organized by color. Light to dark: starting with white on the extreme left, black on the extreme right.

Next task? Purses. Probably. I think. But don't expect anything for a few months at this rate. And while I am at it, I should think of a way to organize my cabinet of herbs and spices. Lets see.

Jury Duty

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I realize that I am probably one of the few people who actually was looking forward to be summoned for jury duty... and enjoyed the experience when it happened.

I was originally summoned last May/June [2012], but I had to defer it for one reason or another [schedule conflict]. Anyways, they were nice enough to give me a list with several different weeks as choices that were for many months later.

Ample time to plan around it, wouldn't you think? Of course, several things creeped up last minute this week... but it did end up working out okay, considering I only had to physically go in on Monday so far this week.

Monday morning, I had to get to the courthouse at 8:30 AM. Let me tell you there is nothing worse than having to wake up early. This might sound silly considering I'm an early riser (usually up for the day around 6-7 AM at the latest for the most part).  But it's just something different when you know you have to do something, you know what I mean? Plus, just because I wake up early regularly that doesn't mean I like to function that early. In fact, I usually don't get out of bed right away. It must be a psychological thing, I suppose.

It was an internal battle of wanting to be on a jury panel vs. not wanting to because of the things I mentioned above that creeped up. I'd say I got a compromised version of the experience. I didn't have to sit in the jury assembly room all day just waiting [as is the experience of many people I'm told]. Instead, after sitting through the orientation portion of it and a quick 20 minute [useless] break, pretty early in the day, near 10 AM, our whole jury group was summoned into the courtroom for the selection of a jury panel for a civil case (instead of just a select group of people).

We were given a little background info on the case on hand by the judge, introduced to the lawyers and parties involved, and then the jury selection began. It was a civil case, so there needed to be 8 members selected. The process to get those 8 members took a little over 2 hours!

The process seems long and tedious, but it says so much about the bigger picture. It's amazing how far our court of law goes to make sure the jury is unbiased, diverse, and so much more.

At the end of the day, it was so nice to see the system working and be involved in the process. We are truly blessed to live in a society, in this instance, where we are judged by a diverse group of our peers. We take so much for granted on a daily basis and it was nice to reflect on that during the time frame.

I'm on call for the rest of the week, but at this point, I doubt I'll be called in again.

God & Tragedies

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In times of tragedy or hardship, non-believers/atheists always bring up the question "where was God in this?" or "how could God let this happen" or even more specifically "IF there is indeed a God, then WHY would He let this happen?"

All fair questions indeed. And ones to ponder. For many, hard times bring them closer to their faith (and therefore, the Creator). For others, if even for a moment, it makes them question and doubt.

Note: I started this post in the aftermath of Newtown... but lack of time got the better of me. I still think it applies, nonetheless, in general to many situations... regardless of what scale it is at.

A friend who I've know for many years, an atheist, in several different situations has brought up these questions directly to me. In the immediate aftermath of the Newtown tragedy, it was, of course, brought up again.

To begin, I would like to point out that I don't like labeling this person as an atheist in the post. We don't go around labeling people as "believers" or more specifically as a "Christian", "Muslim", "Jew", etc. and I don't think it is appropriate to do so in terms of atheists either.

I also don't think that anyone, of any belief, can honestly say that at one point or another they didn't question Him. If they did, they aren't being honest.

While I firmly believe in (and always have) fate, and the fact that everything happens for a reason and that He knows and plans all, I can also understand why it's hard for someone to not only question why, if there is indeed a God, would He let disastrous events occur BUT more importantly why it was destined to happen.

I get that. I just think there's a bigger picture that is being missed. That, [verily] with every hardship, comes ease.

This world is, indeed, about tests, trials, and tribulations.

And why do we immediately blame God in the midst of tragedies, when we don't autonomously turn to him in good times as well? It's so easy to say "why me?!" in bad times, but how many of us say that in good times?

What do you say to someone with this argument? I'm not trying to win an argument, or to say I'm right and you are wrong... or anything of that nature. I value their opinion and point of view. I just want something substantive that highlights my point of view all at once.

Your thoughts?

Goodbye 2012, Hello 2013

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2012: what a year. It's been filled with challenges and bumps in the road. But those were great life lessons indeed.

It hasn't been easy and I've written vaguely about some parts here. Nonetheless, life experiences are what it is all about. It can't be full of roses all the time, now can it? How would we ever learn to appreciate the good times without the bad not so good times?

It truly is what you make of each experience. Here's to hoping that 2013 has more good experiences than the not so good ones.

Wishing you and yours all happiness and most importantly health in the new year and for years to come!

Psychological Issues and the Blame Game

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Additional/continuing thoughts after my post from Friday night:

I'm sick and tired of hearing about the psychological issues in the aftermath of a horrendous massacre like this. Why isn't something done before? Why is it gone unnoticed? Psychological issues leave many hints of problems, why aren't they caught earlier? It's not like one day this it is developed, and the next something goes awry. If I'm not mistaken (and correct me if I'm wrong), most are born with it!

I'm not saying that every mentally ill individual will be a mass murderer or do something insane like this, but the bottom line is there needs to be better regulations to prevent tragedies like this. It is always better to be safe than sorry. The sick individual deserves that, and so does the potential public that could be caused harm as a result.

On a side note, as I was watching news coverage earlier this morning today, it was pointed out that there is no evidence that this murderer even had a psychological problem (although it's hard to fathom how a sane person can do something so horrendous...). He was known to have autism and Asperger's Syndrome, but both of these are personality disorders - NOT a mental illness. It is quite important to distinguish between the two! I'm not sure where that puts this scenario.

I've always firmly disagreed that committing a horrendous crime shouldn't automatically classify someone as mentally ill, because they can just be an evil individual with evil motives... but something like THIS -- I don't know if a sane person can be blamed.

I shared this terrifyingly honest blog post (see UPDATE on this post down below) by a mother of a mentally ill child on Facebook and Twitter earlier. If you haven't read it, read it now. It gave me the chills and I don't think I'll be able to forget the words. If enough people read this, maybe that will be a catalyst for change. A change in the stigma of the mentally ill in this country. A change in the healthcare provided for these individuals. A change in the regulations to protect the families involved. It broke my heart that the aforementioned blog post notes that she was advised to press charges against her son and send him to jail as that was the only option she had to have them be taken seriously and get help.

We need to stop playing the blame game. We can't afford to make any more excuses. We can't just say in the aftermath that so and so had this mental illness that caused them to explode and do this and leave it at that. Why wasn't this disease caught on earlier? Why wasn't it treated? WHY wasn't this tragedy prevented?

This time must be different. This time MUST be the time that we say ENOUGH.

Why is the stigma so different for  mental illnesses in comparison to diseases like cancer? Each needs treatment, so why is one ignored and belittled? Especially considering how much damage mental illnesses can cause not only for the individual, but as a result to their family, and the larger public?!

If not now, when? We as a nation deserve better.

UPDATE: So my brother shared this link with me earlier that questions the validity of the first blog post. If it is indeed true that this mother is exploiting her child in such a sick manner, I don't even know what to say about that. At the end of the day, I still do believe that the words written are still true for other families in this country, and should still highlight the changes we need in relation to mental illness (it's stigma, regulations, etc).