Winter is here...

and to my suprise I am kinda enjoying it. I love to wear my high boots, parka, gloves and mittens, but I know that likeness will not last for long...winters here can be very brutal.

I have finally finished my Master's thesis and am finished with school overall, I feel this is a huge chapter that has finally come to a close in my life. I started on my Master's degree when I was 21 years of age, got married, moved, had a baby and finally finshed at the age of 29! I guess I have accomplished a lot in between, not to mention I had to change schools twice, yes, I attended three different graduate schools for the same degree..what a pain, but quite and experience.

Its been a while since I've written, I know, so much as happened since the summer. Iman is talking like crazy, work is going well and I have no complaints. We are headed to Houston next week, so I am really excited about that.

Everyone seems to be asking me "when is the next one coming", although I do want another child, I am so comfortable with the way things are, at this point. My career is only going to move forward, now that I have my masters (inshallah), my body is at its healthiest peak, now that I have returned to the gym on a regular basis, Iman is finally sleeping through the night (most nights anyway) and lots of other stuff. Yes, a baby is a blessing in every way, but just not sure if I am ready for the second one just yet, ah well, its all in Allah's hands, we will see.

I went to Chicago recently, for business, my cousin and I treated ourselves to a spa, and it was great, it was my first time. I've treated myself to a massage here and there, but never actually recieved a treatment at a proper spa. After that experience, I feel all women should treat themselves to a spa at least twice a year, I plan on taking my sis an mom when I go to Houston.

Well, other than that, things are going pretty well, maybe I will have some more interesting material posted after my trip to Houston, but as for now, things are the way they are---which is good.

Love Samia--stay tuned and Happy Holidays!

Summer's End Update.

Soo, I vowed I would make more of an effort to write more often, unfortunetaly it just didn't work out that way, and now summer is coming to an end. I guess I will just have to give you a quick status update.

My family, and two cousins came to visit from Houston, and we really had a blast. I took them to the Empire state building, china town and other touristy places around the city. Then, a week later my three best girlfriends came to stay for four days, that was also soo much fun, I went out to a restaurant after a long time, with out Iman, I mean. They are such fans of "Sex and the City" we even took a dorky picture like the show. What I realized when my family and friends were here is that hosting house guests is a lot of work, but I do enjoy every minute of it..to me its no chore, but a real pleasure. I also realized, hanging out with my friends, that there is humor in everything, and I feel like I have forgotten that as time has passed. I managed to get them lost three, yes three, times, once in the city and twice in Jersey, but I heard no complaints, just laughter at how useless and dorky and how funny the situation was..I love that. They know how to read me and they know the true person I am, and slowly I am going back to the my true self and drift away from the wholly structured and "all rules must apply" self. I love them so much and I truly think of them as my sisters.

Speaking of "getting back to thyself"..I just came back from Houston, where my parents threw me a surprise b-day party..we really had a good time. Just getting away from the hustle and bustle of routine life made such a difference for me. I feel refreshed, energized and well rested. Iman's aunties manage allow me to have a break...especially Aisha Khala! I wish I could go back every month, now that my mom knows my routine she and my dad refuse to let me do anything when I visit, I honestly appreciate and love that about them, although I try not to take advantage.

When I returned home, Iman and I received a warm welcome from the hubby, six days can be a lot for a dad. We indulged in a quiet evening at home and enjoyed each other's company. Sometimes time away is just what a relationship needs to get back to the basics and pleasures of each other..and our separate trips did just that.

What else..today is the first day of the last semester of my graduate career and I can't wait till its over! I am taking one class, only on Wed and working on my thesis, which I have yet to start. School is over Dec. 22nd and then I will finally have my masters..something I've been striving for since the age of 21! Inshallah, I hope and pray I am successful completing this final semester.

On a somber note, a co-worker friend of mine lost her mother a week ago. Her mom's death was so sudden and unexpected and her mom happens to be the same age as mine. As a Muslim sister, all I can really say is that she is in my prayers and blessings, and my God keep her and her family strong during this trying time. I personally, dread that day, the day I loose my mom or my dad. My parents are my best friends in the world..especially my mom. My friend said that she feels a piece of her heart has been separated from her body, a piece of her. I can't imagine the pain and grief she is going through...my mom always says I will have to be strong one when that day comes..but I know I am not strong enough. Instances like this remind us of how we treat out parents and how much time we dedicate to them. We should cherish every phone call (although they might come at annoying times) and cherish all the laughter and joy and moments of tenderness and even anger. My friend says she just seems to wait for her mom to call during her lunch break..something my mom ALWAYS does. The thought of her not being there terrifies me....inshallah, may Allah give all of our parents healthy, happy, long and joyous lives. I love moms!

Alas...

the weekend is coming up. It’s kinda sad how the weekends are our only times to rest and relax, shouldn't we set aside time everyday to just chill? Besides taking about 20 minutes to watch Young and the Restless every night, I do not get a chance to relax at all..ahhh. the life of a working mom. I remember the days when I would come home and dinner would be ready for me, all I had to do was plop down on the couch and eat and watch TV. for about three hours..then, I would talk on the phone for an hour or chat on-line. Now, things are so different and just non-stop...it has its good points and bad points.

Anyway, tomorrow I am hosting a slumber party..ha! Remember those??
The hubby is going to Atlantic City for the night with some of his boys, so I decided to take the opportunity to invite some close girl friends over, cook dinner, and have them spend the night. I am looking forward to the laughs, jokes, and some well over-due bonding. Funny, I thought I'd never meet people whom I could call "true friends" here...but turns out, there are a few cool people on the east coast...haha!

Well, the hubby and I are working on cleaning out the second room we have in our apartment. We used the second room for storage, so it was full of boxes..now we are finally emptying it out..due to my family's visit at the end of July. I didn't realize how much work it would be to take on this task. We are working on it everyday, and hopefully but the end of this weekend we can have it cleared out. Weekends for relaxing??? Hardly!

So, I was talking to and old and dear friend of mine and we were discussing how old we've all grown. How our University (Go Coogs!) has changed so much and no longer does the old library exist, the UC has transformed even further and the whole campus overall seems like a different place. Seems like just yesterday I was meeting my friends for lunch in the Satellite lounge (food from Taco Hell!), or people watching with my best friends at the UC. We used to hang out in the "Underground" a lot as well, that was our place to chilllz. Now, most of us are married, have careers, own condos/houses….and not too long from now, we will be receiving texts or calls from our kids saying that they will be at school late..studying for that Psychology final at the library...6th floor..woohoo!

Can't believe I will be 29 this August! Where has the time gone? Well, all we can do is remember those lazy and fun filled days....and hope that, inshallah, there will be more fun filled and lazy days to come. We all seem to enjoy different joys in life now, our significant others, our children, the warm company of our parents and friends. We look at what’s more practical rather than what’s more trendy. We look to find bargains rather than spend money we don't really have (credit cards..eek), we look towards worshipping our religion as a privilege and a blessing rather than a task or something we "have to do"...ah yes,..times have certainly changed. I am just blessed that the character and personalities of the people in my life have not changed with them. My friends are as goofy and true to themselves as ever, my sisters are just as close as ever and my parents are just as concerned and loving. I love that!

Back due to Popular Demand...

my blog!

I am pleasantly surprised by the number of people who have asked me to update my blog. Wow, this is great, but unfortunately I am going blank on what to write about, eh, maybe it will just come to me.

So, baby Iman is seriously teething, I have to get up several times a night to calm and console her…but then I think, when she becomes a teen, I will so long for these days. Time seems to be flying by, next month she will be a year and a half, mashallah. Seems like I was just married yesterday (in Dec. it will be 5 years!).

Well, I am making a solid attempt to establish a work out routine, yes; I am finally making time to focus on myself. The hubby bought me some dumb bells and a rope stretch thingy to help me with my endeavor, so I will keep you updated on that..I really have to tone up.

What else? Summer has officially arrived and I am enjoying every moment of it. I love the fact that I can wear short sleeves with out feeling cold or chilly and that I can show off my toes. I really don’t know how people can live in places where it is cold year round. Iman is enjoying the baby pool at grandma’s house and I am enjoying slurpies and frappacinos. I am dreading the arrival of winter again..why can’t it just be hot all the time?

Enough about boring weather updates. It’s funny how some people can still spot my “accent”..I put that in quotes, b/c I feel I don’t have one. Anyway, I really can’t stand the New York accent, I find it hideous and grotesque. Well, I know I am being pretty random..but I honestly don’t have much to write about. I am trying to refrain from writing deep thoughts today, considering this is supposed to be a light hearted blog.
So I will graciously end this entry now, but first I have to make one some shout out.

Congrats on the engagement, butter jack fruit snicker doodle!

Ahhh..How Things Change

So, last Friday, I met up with some dear friends, and I decided to take Iman along. After picking her up and bringing her back into the city, I was eager for them to meet her. We were meeting at a resteraunt. As I walked up to the place, I realized how much has changed. There I was, pushing a stroller and trying to figure out how I would get passed the crowd. Yes, crowd, it was an "after work" spot, complete with a bar and eating area. It was not the fault of my friends for choosing such a non-baby friendly place, but it was just a nice spot for them to hang out. Hanging out after work was like the norm in the past for me. I would just call the hubby letting him know I would be late and hang out with the girls and eat and sometimes shop and chill. What i had failed to realize is that they were still in that time..they were still in that time in their life where things like this were routine and fun. However, now I had a baby to consider. Which is fine..we had fun anyway..I hung out for a few, but then me and a friend of mine split. We actually had dinner at McDonalds and watched and chased Iman around 60th and 3rd. I still had a lot of fun catching up and seeing them all, and they instantly fell in love with Iman. The trip was worth it. But, just put things into perspective.....in the sense that not everyone is in the same place in life where you may be..everyone goes on with life in its different stages at their own pace..which is just fine. Nice to also know that you can still meet friends that will be there for life!

Other stuff:
So enjoying my days off from school..can't wait to be done with it, considering doing an MBA, but not now, not until my babies (no, i am not expecting, in the future i mean) are in school. Looking forward to my parents, sis and cousing visiting. Have been doing a lot of shopping lately, I need to calm downnn!

Okay, will write some other time during week. Thought you may enjoy this pic of baby IMan, now 16 months, mashallah.
:-)

Hello Friend...

Ahhh yes, I feel that I've been ignoring my poor blog. So much has happened since the last post. Summers is finally here and so are water activates bbqs, trips, open toes, short sleeves, colorful bags and sun block! Iman is definitely enjoying the summer; I am trying to do as many activities outside as I can with her. Last weekend we went to the Children’s Museum and she had a blast. Her favorite word is "no", but she says that to any question you ask her. I think she recognizes the tone of a question and then she answers "no". I am doing my best to have her speak Urdu, but seems like the odds are against me. I only speak to her in Urdu (native Pakistani language), but so far she only seems to speak English words like "ball" and "no" and "Dora". I feel that it is soo important to know how to at least speak your native tongue; it has to do a lot with defining who you are and how you see yourself.

Growing up my father did not answer us if we spoke to him in English (although our mother would), but I am so glad that he did that, b/c otherwise we would have eventually lost practice and would have stopped speaking altogether.

The hubby does not speak Urdu, but he does to Iman, commands at least..like sit, stand up, come here, eat ..ECT. It’s truly delightful to me when he speaks Urdu. I don't say anything, as to not make it a big deal..but I am very happy that he sees the importance teaching Iman Urdu, although he does not speak it himself.

Anyway, enough baby talk. However, returning to culture. Recently, we went to an Islamic Muslim Picnic. A family friend went with us and chatted the whole way there (2 hour drive by the way..uggg) about how she does not allow her daughter to go to any school functions and how she is not allowed to go to any of her American friend's houses and how she restricts her in many aspects of her life (14 old daughter). Well, I agree that I want a Muslim culture and atmosphere for my child's life, with out a doubt. But, not being involved with school activities and not making friends of different cultures, religions, and backgrounds I feel is wrong. My experience with restrictions has been this, the more you restrict them the more they lash out and experiment and rebel when they get older. This is my theory: Because everything is new and fresh, they are curious..they want to go clubbing and want to drink and want to do all the things that were soo taboo when they were kids.

My parents provided us with an Islamic atmosphere, but did not restrict us from any school activities or things of that nature. Granted, we were never allowed to spend a night even at a Muslim friend's house, but we could always attend b-day parties and make up parties and stuff like that. I have to say, nothing was really a surprise when I got older and I was never tempted by alcohol and I always surrounded myself with positive people, and turned out okay. You just have to know your limits and parents have to realize, that yes, we are Muslim, but we are American too, and we live in an American society, therefore you have to make us aware and cautiously teach us what is wrong and right in American society, b/c it seems that when kids find out for themselves they are not able to differentiate what is right and wrong and are tempted to experiment with the wrong.

Okay, let me get off my soap box.
It is so hot here in NY. But I am enjoying every minute of it. It seems that everything good to eat in the summer, like ice cream, frappucinnos and fruits seem to irritate my tummy, I am hoping my tummy learns to adapt to the flavorful fruits of the summer and behaves.

Well, this entry was longer than I had planned...will definitely try to make time to write more often. Today, I discovered that I DO have a small audience, which is awesome..SUCCESS! So will try harder to make time to write.

Blog on..Bloggers.

Pointless.

So, sorry I havnen't posted in a while..life has been crazy busy. The continous struggle continues with finals, work, and baby care. But enough about my tiresome routine.

Yesterday, I purchased a halal chicken kabab from the street, and it tasted like butt. Amazing how something can smell soo good, but when you get to eat it ..its pretty gross.

Don't have many plans this weekend, probably going to stay home enjoy the weather, and take iman to the park.

Feeling really lethargic and tired..so this will be a short, kinda boring entry.

Thanks for your undivided attention and support.

Long live UH Cougars!

Spring Changes

Well, seems like spring has finally arrived, so, in honor of spring and my horrible hair, I decided to chop it off. I got my haircut to my chin, I think it looks fabulous and so does everyone else who has seen it.

It is so warm outside that I decided to treat myself to a frappucino, and it was delicous.

This weekend:
We went to the zoo on Sunday, but got incredibly lost trying to get there. Iman enjoyed it immensly, but I realized something. When I was little, you could see lions and monkeys from like big cages or over a guard rail, and now you have to see them through windows or glass...that sux! Where is the adventure and the sense of contact? When I was there, showing Iman all different types of animals, looking forward to see her reaction, I realized another thing. Will these animals even exist by the time Iman has children? At the rate the human race is destroying the earth, I am not so sure.

I find myself making an effort to recyle more and hate the fact that some people still use stiraphome (excuse the spelling) plates even after they know the kind of damage it does to the environmnet. After watching "An Inconvinient Truth" I was truly scared out of my witts! I believe everyone should watch that film and make an honest effort to saving our planet, sorry to sound like a tree hugger, but its the truth.

Well, the week is just starting out and I already feel tired, you realize that you are getting old when your limbs ache on a Monday, instead of a Friday, can't wait for a break!

Oh yes, I would like a few minutes to mourn the death of me plant. It was cute and sweet, but today, it passed.

Space Heater

So, like there is this guy who sits one cubicle away from me..he is so gross..he is makes bodily noises through out the day..anyway...when he is here, he uses two computers and when i turn my space heater on, the power goes out in my cube, my neighbor's cube and his cube and everyone has to reboot their comps. Anyway, the point being ..that he is on vacation and i am utilizing my space heater to the fullest. It is 55 degrees outside and toastie inside, but i am putting it on b/c i love the warmth on me toes..silly eh?

This leads me to my next observation...why do people order notfat, skim lattes with extra whip? Helloooo..when you add the whip it is not longer non-fat anything...grrr. Sorry, just venting on people who pretent to watch their diet.

Well, I have school tonight and I keep forgetting my ipod at home, why? I see so many people with little white headphones connected to their head. Its like people want to zone out the city and its surroundings and just surrender into the music..that way they don't have to hear the beggers on the street asking them for a nickle or babies crying due to their negligant nanies or even people shouting profanities from their cars to other drivers. But who am I to judge, I really miss my ipod today.

Nonsense

Yes, I did mention this on facebook, but I have to mention it again! When I came back from lunch at work, my cublicle smelled like fart, bigtime. I think that while I was away someone farted in my cube..so GROSS!!!

Wouldn't the world be a better place if God made our farts smell like different types of high quality perfumes..then farting would actually accepted in society as a noble gesture, a enhancement of air, if you will. Well, enough about bodily funtions and gases.

I had lunch with a friend of mine and on my way back I came across this wonderul and glorious candy store, the store itself was very small, but it had just about any kind of candy you can imagine. As you might have guessed, I am a sugar junkie, but I stayed strong and stopped myself from indulging in the pleasures of sugar bliss. I am proud of myself, thanks.

Its only wed and I cant wait till the weekend starts, plan on going to the zoo on sunday,pretty excited about that...Iman will love it!

well, thats enough nonsense, I am also excited that my blog audience is growing, long live blog farmers.

s

Been a while...

since the last update. Well, turns out I am pretty dehydrated, so I've been chugging gatorade like there is no tomorrow. A friend of mine introduced me to facebook which as enhanced the entertainment factor in my life, its pretty fun.

Yes, it has finally stopped raining and he weather is actually beautiful here right now, but it could snow tomorrow, you never know. Due to the weather change, i feel that my wardrobe is not fit for the warm days..i really need to go shopping..which has led me to make a wish list.

wish list:
short sleeved shirts (the comfortable and cute kind)
new open toed shoes with a little heel
a big white bag...oo so cute
a haircut (this will be done on sat...can't wait to get it chopped off)
new makeup
new sleeping clothes
shorts and short sleeved shirts for iman
swimsuit for iman
haircut for iman (desperatly needed) she is a hairball
more sandals for iman
nightees for iman
t-shirts for the hubby
ah yes, i think that sums it up

OH, i am heading out of town in a couple of weeks, very excited about that...looking forward to seeing some old friends.
:-)
peeece

Just Randomness

Well, i am trying to get the word out on me blog. I am finally allocating an audience.

I think that everyone should watch HOUSE M.D. it is a fabulous show, I also thing that it is very horrific how Y&R got rid of Drucilla, and I can't believe they did that..I really hope she comes back. Enough t.v. talk.

I have a meeting with big wigs at work today, those meetings always turn out interesting, b/c ppl end up arguing..hahahah.its fun and everyone gets free cookies and soda as well.

I am uploading the new Dohtery (excuse the spelling) cd on i-tunes. I am so happy for him, I am glad he "made it"..enough idol talk.

What else. I am considering changing the name of my blog to "SamAnitas"..that is the name of the resteraunt my best friend and I plan to open sometime in life. If anitha was a guy i would totally have married her..b/c she is hilarious and witty, which is always a plus.

I am trying to drink more water these days, i feel that my skin can use it, besides the fact that it is a necessity in life.

More randomness: My umbrella should be coming soon and I can't wait till my freind has her baby!

Still Raining!

Well, I can't believe it, but it is still raining! I was listening to cold play on the bus on my way to work, I always tend to think of sad events and losses in my life when I listen to that band, I ended up trying to hold back tears. Weird how, that band always puts me in that state.

I realized this weekend, that errands occupy so much time. Errands--somethings we have to get done that we could not do during the weekday. I wish weekends were always three days long, two days are just not enough.

I sit in cubicle and some one is enjoying onions in their cube. I can smell the onions right now, and its starting to make me naucious (excuse the spelling).

More weather talk---I can't wait till it gets hot here, can't wait to take iman to the pool and enjoy the sun.

Well, stay tunes, b/c next time I write I will have a wish list (yes, I am copying my cousin's idea).

Rainy Thursday

It has been raining here allll dayyy. It only seems to rain the days I have school, this sucks. My cousin and I ate at "Rice" today, amazing how much I love rice. The hubby bought me a pink umbrella today, you know, so I can walk around New York as low key as possible, but it was nice of him.

Iman is hilarious, she always wants to do "itsy bitsy spider". She always cries when I fix her hair, and ends up taking the pony tail holder out.

I think that Labib is like the funniest guy I know, I got such a laugh from his "beta thats just behuda" album.

Well, thats enough randomness for today.
Log in tomorrow for more of my thoughts ...heeheee.

Bored at work

Yes, I am so bored at work today. I wish I worked at a high profile investment bank as a busy investment banker or a pet shop.