Calgon, Take Me Away!

2003-07-10T11:35:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I posted but I am here now. My life has not been very exciting lately. Who knows when we will go on a cruise, the poor trees that I purchased in June still have not become one with the earth and me, well I have NOT been exercising. I think about it everyday, but in the evening I am too tired. I think that I will try to exercise at the beginning of the day. Inshallah.

My husband got a job. I don't think we are going to be rich yet, but it is more money than he was making.

I went to the movies... I saw T3. It was pretty good. It seems he might be back yet again.

Hasta la vista Baby!

2003-07-03T10:40:00.000-04:00

He Passed!!! He Passed!!! He Passed!!!

Allah has been most generous to us. I am so happy! We have waited a long time for this.

2003-06-24T19:02:00.000-04:00

I want to go on a CRUISE!!!
Calgon, Take Me Away!

Ok, now I am ready to go to the Bahamas but I can't find a room on a ship. Go figure! I shall continue my search.

Why does my stalker think that I am Suzzy. Oh to be 17 again NOT once is enough. I have already told all my friends that I am 34, you know twice 17, really!!! I don't act like I am 17 and dear Suzzy doesnt act like she is 34, so why does my little pal (stalker) think this???

I do like Miss Suzzy, but I am not her. I am me, you know Mistaken Identity... Is this not exactly that? A case of Mistaken Identity.

2003-06-20T10:29:00.000-04:00

Blogging, Cindy and New York City...

It seems like that I haven't been able to blog for the longest time. The reason for this is that my husband has been home alot lately. When he is home I can't blog at leisure. You see I haven't told him about my blog. I figured this would be a place for me and me alone. And of course you folks too!

Where did Cindy go? Does anyone know? Maybe I will start a blog called Where is Cindy? forget Raed, Where is Cindy? May Allah keep her well.

We have a wedding to go to in NYC. It will be at the end of July. I am not sure if we will be able to go. As my husband will probably be starting his new job just then and it would not look good if he asked for time off right away. It would be nice to go though. I always enjoy visiting the city of my birth. New York is fun and exciting and there is so much good food there. I just can't imagine myself living there again though. It is too crowded for me now.

If I go I will have some Mr. Softee ice cream, it is the best ice cream ever!!!

2003-06-17T02:20:00.000-04:00

My hubby got a job!

My hubby got a job! All we need now is the board results. InshaAllah he will pass.

He is going to be the clinic director. I am not exactly sure what that means, but I do know that we are going to have more money! I am very excited.

I am having a hard time waiting for the results though. They wont be here until the first week of July. I seems like a hundred years from now. I think I will go check the mailbox now...

2003-06-17T02:14:00.000-04:00

This-or-That-Tuesday

June 17: Reading

1. Newspapers or magazines? Whatever I can get my hands on.

2. Books-on-tape or regular books? I love the feel of a book in my hands, so regular books it is.

3. Paperback or hardcover? Whatever, I'm easy to please.

4. Fiction or non-fiction? Fiction mostly, but sometimes I will read non-fiction and alot of how to books.

5. Sci-Fi/Fantasy or romance novels? Sci-Fi/Fantasy, definitely.

6. Borrow from library or buy books (either new or used)? Always borrow from the library, I would spend all of my money on books if I bought all the books I read.

7. Subscribe to magazines or buy on newsstand? I usually subscribe to stuff I must read. For example I have a subscription to Reader Digest and a couple of computer magazines, also a Travel magazine, exciting huh?

8. Current best-sellers or classic literature? Best sellers and whatever my interest is at the moment.

9. Read books once, or re-read favorites every so often? Once is usually enough.

10. Here in the U.S., we have two hot best-sellers...former First Lady Hillary Clinton's memoirs, and the new Harry Potter book (coming out June 21). If you had to read one, which one...Hillary or Harry? Why?
I would probably read Harry. I don't like Hillary.

I really do love to read. I just wish I had more time for it.

2003-06-09T11:15:00.000-04:00

Laundry, Cruises and Chiropractors...

Today I spoke to my friend in Jordan. She says she can't get used to living there again. She has been washing clothes since morning and now it was Asr time and she was not finished yet.

This makes me realize how we (meaning I) take things for granted. I just put my clothes in the machine and go on with my merry business. Later, when I remember, I hang up or put in the dryer the clothes. I don't think about it much. I just do it. But my poor friend is shackled to her laundry and it is taking her all day long :( Poor girl.

I still have not gone on my cruise. It seems that it wont stop raining in the Bahamas. Everytime I want to make reservations, I check the extended forecast and it is RAINING. I think I might have to wait until July. I hope we get to go.

My husband is looking for a new job. He has gone on a few interviews, so InshaAllah something will work out. Did I mention that he is a Chiropractor? Well he is and he just took the last exam to be licensed in this state. Up to now he has been working as a teacher, until he gets licensed.

The big debate in my house has been whether he should work for someone else or start his own practice. They each have their pros and cons. If he works for someone else, he would have a steady paycheck, he can go on vacation, he wont have to worry about marketing, but of course he won't be making as much money as if he worked for himself. Now if he starts his own practice then he will need alot of money to start it, which we dont have. And he would be taking all the risks as well as all the rewards.

I just don't know. We have been making duah, May Allah lead us to the best path. Ameen.

Oh, before I forget we will get the results of his state exam in the beginning of July. I will let you know when we get it.

2003-06-04T21:10:00.000-04:00

Floundering....

I am. I am adrift in a sea of .... I don't know.

2003-05-30T11:06:00.000-04:00

This was the trip that never ended, it just went on and on...

Yesterday, I went on a long road trip with my husband. He had to go to a job interview and I went along to keep him company on the road. We made a few wrong turns and almost ended up in Albuquerque (not really). It was long and I missed my kids. When I came back it was so nice to see them. I feel bad for women who have to go to work everyday and spend most of the day away from their little ones.

This morning I was holding my 3 year old and it felt so good. I just wanted that moment to last forever. They really do grow up too fast.

I was reading about Sultaana Freeman and I am amazed at how brave she is to take on the state of Florida in court. I don't know that I would have had the courage to do something like that. May Allah help her during these trying times. Ameen.

2003-05-29T07:13:00.000-04:00

Dreams, Cruises and other stuff!

Wow, it's been a week since I posted! I still have not put the plants in the ground yet. I have exercised twice this week! Yeah!!! (I shall take my standing ovation now.) My life has not been too exciting lately. However, it is about to get exciting.

My husband wants to go on a cruise!!! He is getting some extra money and he wants to go pronto. So in the next couple of weeks we may be going, Inshallah. I can't wait to go snorkeling. I enjoy it sooo much. Did I tell you that the last time I went, I had fish coming up to me? Not just any fish but beautiful tropical fish! It was like a dream and very romantic too.

Also I have been thinking about a home business. I was supposed to start one before on the internet but that kind of fizzled. So now I am thinking about something else. I am thinking about selling cruises from home. What you do is you take some classes and sign up with a company and then put your number in an ad in the phone book and advertise on the Sunday paper and when people call, just give them good prices and before you know it, I am going on cruises with my new earned money! Well, maybe it wont be sooo easy, but you get the picture.

I have been debating whether or not to put this here. I figure it would be ok, I hope. Next week, a lady and her 2 kids are going to be moving in with us. Suffice it to say that she is a Niqabi, a widow and very nice. Please make duah for us that this works out, Inshallah. I will keep you posted.

2003-05-22T21:33:00.000-04:00
The Black Thumb thing

Ok, those 3 cute trees that I bought last week are still sitting in their pots, in front of my garage. My neighbors must think that I bought these as decorations. They need to go in the ground. I hope they get there soon. Thank goodness it has been raining, they are still alive. This weekend, Inshallah they will be one with the earth again.

2003-05-22T14:25:00.000-04:00
I am feeling a little better!

Actually, I am feeling alot better.

Yesterday something terrible happened. My oldest broke one of my new dishes. One of my beautiful dishes is now broken. My set is now incomplete. The horror of it!!! Oh well, I did buy two sets, you know with having 5 kids and all. But still, it hurts! I will somehow manage to go on, I hope...

2003-05-21T10:59:00.000-04:00
I am sick

Today I am feeling very sick. Really it started yesterday. I think I have a cold or some kind of sinus thing going on. I hate to take medicine, especially because I am nursing.

I think that I will lay down :(

2003-05-20T19:39:00.000-04:00
So what do you think of my new look? I am still working on it.

Oh by the way Sum1 thinks that they know my secrets. I do have lots of them, so I will have to be careful!

2003-05-20T07:00:00.000-04:00
This-or-That-Tuesday

1. Large or small family? Large family all the way. I love kids, especially my own! I grew up all by my poor lonesome and I had no one one to play with :( My mom, had another baby when I was 16 but by then I was having my own, so it was too late :( But fear not, the sound of little children fills my house!

2. Potato chips or pretzels? Does that include, chocolate covered pretzels?

3. House or apartment? How could I possibly fit all my little ones in an apartment? I have to have a house, and a big one at that.

4. Zebras or giraffes? Zebras, because they all have different stripes. Kinda of like me.

5. Candles or potpourri? Candles, I like the ones that smell good.

6. Flowers or trees? Trees, they are more durable. (black thumb remember).

7. Right or left-handed? I am left handed and you know what they say about left handed people!

8. Model trains or dolls/stuffed animals? Really neither.

9. Comedy or drama? Comedy, laughing is good for the soul.

10. Thought-provoking question of the week: The city of Boston has recently banned smoking in all restaurants and bars. Would you want to see such a law passed in your city/town/country, or not? Actually, there is a similar law in my state. I think it is great. Before this law, restaurants would have smoking sections and you could smell the smoke in the non smoking section, it was a joke. But now I can dine out and not smell smoke.

2003-05-19T07:19:00.000-04:00
Long Distance Phone Calls

This morning I tried to call my friend in Jordan. She wasn't there. I had to talk to her sister. She doesn't speak English, I don't speak Arabic. She did manage to tell me, that my friend would be there on Wednesday at 2 pm. So Inshallah, I will try again then. I used a Union calling card and I'm not sure how much time I have left on time. I guess I'll find out on Wednesday. I tried to look for other card to see if I could get a better deal but I really couldn't find anything.

2003-05-18T06:20:00.000-04:00
Weird

Someone typed in "Hobbits wearing diapers" and my blog came up. From now on there will be no more hobbits wearing diapers in this page. Only babies get to wear diapers here!

Another weird thing that happened to me, well actually this happens alot is that yesterday I went to my local cooperative extension office. They were having a plant sale. Being that I want to be a great gardener I went. A nice lady comes up to me and asks if I am hot in my jilbab. She asked is she could feel the fabric to see how hot it is. I said sure, she seemed harmless enough. Well she wasn't content with just feeling mine, she also wanted to feel my daugters' jilbabs. Any way she went on to ask if we were hot. I told her that we might be a little warmer than her but that was all.

Anyhow, now that a bought a few plants I am going to become a super gardener. I bought 2 avocado trees and one starfruit tree. Let's see which one dies first.

I have to tell you that when plants see me coming in the store, they start screaming "no please, not me", "I'm too young to die". You have to be pretty hardy to survive under my care. Thank God, I am better at taking care of children!

2003-05-16T21:52:00.000-04:00
Jummauh

Today I went to Jummauh prayer. Got there late. Blocked a car in. Had to leave quickly, so the poor guy could leave. It was hectic. But everything is alright now...

I still didn't write to my friend. But I will. This time it will not be like other times. I will keep in touch with her. I will, I will, I will... Most likely.

2003-05-16T11:08:00.000-04:00
The Matrix Reloaded

I went to see the Matrix and it was great. I really liked the fight scenes. They are so cool, flying in the air. I think that I want to be Neo, when I grow up. I want to FLY!!!

2003-05-16T11:04:00.000-04:00
Friday Five

1. What drinking water do you prefer -- tap, bottle, purifier, etc.? Purified, we have a reverse osmosis filter and I am spoiled.

2. What are your favourite flavor of chips? Plain.

3. Of all the things you can cook, what dish do you like the most? Byriani. It takes a long time to make but I love how it tastes!

4. How do you have your eggs? Well cooked.

5. Who was the last person who cooked you a meal? How did it turn out? My mom when she was here and the food burned a little. She is not used to cooking in an electric stove. She prefers gas. Go figure!

2003-05-15T07:49:00.000-04:00
Oh by the way today, The Matrix Reloaded is coming out. I am a great fan of The Matrix. I have been waiting for this for a long, long time. I am actually considering joining them. Well I'll let you know how that works out.

I had the original movie but it got run over by a car. Really. I was moving to Florida and we had alot of stuff in our van, so my husband decides that he's going to tie some stuff to the roof rack of the van. So he does and as we are driving, I keep on hearing flapping. Well anyhow, some stuff had gotten loose and fallen, my stuff was all over I-95. And the worse part, the worse part was that The Matrix got hit by a car, oh and also my Tae Bo tape. But I really didn't use that. Now The Matrix, I had seen that many, many times. Actually, I got it when I was in Scotland.

My favorite part is when they go into that building and the security people ask them if they have any weapons. And Neo opens his coat and .... well you know the rest.

Remember this is not real....

2003-05-15T07:41:00.000-04:00
My friend is gone. I already miss her. She is one of those people who really tries to do what's right. You know how there are some people who you meet and feel that they are good. Well that's how it is with her. I have learned alot from her, especially about Islam.

I think that I will write her a letter. So off I go to write my letter...

2003-05-14T07:12:00.000-04:00
Running, Bombings and Foster Care.

My life has been kind of hectic lately. A good friend of mine is going to Jordan today and I am feeling sad. She is not sure if or when she is coming back. May Allah SWT make her journey easy. Ameen.

Today is Wednesday, so that means I have to take my little ones to Gymnastics. My 3 year old daughter has been reminding me since Monday that today is gymnastics. I don't know how she knows what day it is but she was right. (Sometimes I'm not sure what day it is.)

I have been hearing alot about the bombings in Saudi. I think that when you live in a Western compound you probably become an easy target. I also think that nothing is going to happen to you that wasn't meant to happen. So I still hope my husband gets that job. I think that the benefits from living in Saudi Arabia are going to outweigh any risks we might have.

Did I mention that my husband and I used to be foster parents? We were, when we lived in Texas. We took care of over 30 kids in total in a period of about 3 years. One particular set of kids that we became very fond of, were a sibling group which consisted of two sister and a brother. These kids had an American mother and a Saudi father. The mother seemed not to be ok upstair. So they were removed from her care. Child Protective Services had to locate their father in Saudi. They eventually did find him and the kids moved with him to Saudi Arabia. They were very nice children and I know its a very long shot but I hope that if I get to go to Saudi, I will meet them again.

2003-05-13T07:35:00.000-04:00
This-or-That-Tuesday

1. Packrat or minimalist? Minimalist trapped in a packrat's body. Ever since I was a little girl, I knew that I was really a minimalist but I just kept on acquiring things that I could not get rid of!

2. Computer: desktop or laptop? Laptop. They are so small and take up little space. So I have more space for other stuff. See question 1.

3. Seashore or mountains? I love the sea. So Seashore it is.

4. Carpeting or bare floors? I have carpeting but in my next house I would really like to have wood floors, they are better for your health.

5. Drinking water: bottled or tap? Bottled or in my case filtered.

6. Shopping websites: eBay or Amazon? eBay, eBay, eBay, did I say eBay.

7. Cute little kitties or big scary tigers? Little kitties please.

8. Front door or back door? Always the front door.

9. Lots of jewelry, or little/none? I would like to wear lots of jewelry but with all I have to do, I usually only have time to put on my hijab and jilbab before I go out. Correction--I ALWAYS have time to put on my hijab and jilbab before going out.

10. Thought-provoking question of the week: At the last minute, you obtain tickets to an event you're dying to attend. However, you have to work that day! Do you ask the boss for the time off, or just call in sick?
I am afraid I might have to call in sick. Isn't that what sick days are for!

2003-05-12T08:09:00.000-04:00
Job in Saudia!

My husband has applied for a job in Saudi Arabia. I would really like to go. Although I am trying not to get my hopes up because these things usually don't work out.

If we go, I would like to learn to speak Arabic and to go to Umrah. I would get sooo many jilbabs. I am afraid though that they might say no to us because we have so many kids and because we have 2 teenagers. From what I understand they don't like to hire families with teens because they don't want to have to deal with them.

Allah is the best of all planners, so whatever he wills, will be fine with us.

I will post whenever we get a response.

2003-05-09T09:55:00.000-04:00
The Friday Five, on Friday!

1. Would you consider yourself an organized person? Why or why not? I am not a naturally organized person. I just can't seem to make it work. I try though.

2. Do you keep some type of planner, organizer, calendar, etc. with you, and do you use it regularly? I have an organizer. I used it for about a month. I think I will start using it again. I do however keep a calendar in which I write most of my appointments and reminders.

3. Would you say that your desk is organized right now? Pretty much. But remember my mom was just here.

4. Do you alphabetize CDs, books, and DVDs, or does it not matter? No, I am lucky if they get put back on the shelf.

5. What's the hardest thing you've ever had to organize? I guess it would be my kitchen cupboards.
Not very exciting, huh?

2003-05-08T07:00:00.000-04:00
The Visit

My mom and my sister came and went, and the world didn't end. My house was not perfect but it was ok. I don't know why but I get so much anxiety when someone is coming over.

My mom's visit was nice. We got a chance to chat. It had been over a year since I had seen her. She got a chance to see the kids and meet the baby. I would say over all, it was a good visit. And it gave me an incentive to clean up. Now my sister I wont mention, for fear of sinning. But let me just say that she is 18 and very much into pop culture. She fits most of the stereotypes of American teenagers. Enough said.

Anyway, now that the visit is over, I can actually start thinking about my quilt again. Did I mention that I wanted to buy new fabric because I want it to be made of solid colors instead of prints? Well, I think that it will look better that way. So I shall buy more fabric.

I was telling my husband the other day that I feel that cleaning is sucking up my life. I can't do the things that I want to, because I have to clean all the time. I wish I could hire a maid. That would free up so much of my time. I could partake in the fun things in life, without having to worry about picking up bread crumbs off the carpet!

2003-05-06T07:57:00.000-04:00
This-or-That-Tuesday hey and today is Tuesday!

The Media Edition

1. TV or radio? TV, I like to see the little people.

2. On the radio: talk or music station? Talk, no music please!

3. Actual books or books-on-tape (or e-books)? Actual books, they are so good to hold.

4. Actual newspaper, or web version? Actual newspaper.

5. Wall Street Journal or National Enquirer? I don't know. I don't read either!

6. TV news...news channel such as CNN, or your local broadcast news? Local news, I like to know what is happening around here.

7. A movie you've been looking forward to seeing gets bad reviews all around. See it anyway, or pass? I see it anyway. Sometimes I enjoy the movies even though they get bad reviews. I think that the critics may be looking at different aspects of movies than I would.

8. See movies when they first come out, or wait a few weeks for the lines at the theater to get shorter? Depends, for example, The Matrix Reloaded, I will be there when it comes out!

9. TV: cable, satellite dish, or just plain old antenna? Cable, so many choices!

10. Thought-provoking question of the week: If you had to choose only one form of media to come into your home, which would you choose...print (newspapers, magazines) or electronic (TV, internet)? Why?
The internet! As if. You get the world with the internet.

2003-05-03T21:34:00.000-04:00
Update to previous entry!

My husband came home and saw the dishes. He finally asked how much they were. I said that he didn't want to know. He said he did. Just then I got a great idea. I said to him, "how about if this is one time when you don't ask." Amazingly, he said alright. And that was that.

Tomorrow I'm going back there to buy some more accesories. I'm very excited...

2003-04-30T23:21:00.000-04:00
Today I went to a factory outlet. I was supposed to buy a new set of dishes. I have needed one for a long time, so my husband told me to go and get one. So I went and looked and looked. I finally ended getting some at Mikasa. They are very pretty. But were a little expensive (actually very expensive for us). My hubby is out of a town and when he called he asked about the dishes. I told him they were white and nice. Amazingly, he did not ask how much they were. That's usually the first thing that he asks. Well I'm safe for today. When he comes home tomorrow he will probably ask. I am planning on having them in the cupboard by the time he gets home. Wish me luck!

2003-04-29T02:17:00.000-04:00
Hey, look I'm up at 2am. I am up much later than The Usual Suspect. Just thought you should know.

2003-04-27T11:39:00.000-04:00
Missing in Action, still

The gerbil is still missing. How long can he last? We heard him last night behind a dresser. There was no way we were going to move that massive dresser though, so he is still on the run. Sooner or later...

2003-04-27T03:38:00.000-04:00
American or UnAmerican

I am tired of hearing people on tv and the radio talk about unAmerican people. It seems that if you question the goverment, you are unAmerican. Since when, is it unAmerican to question what our elected officials do? Is it American to follow blindly? Isn't questioning and having expectations of our public officials part of what makes this country a democracy? If you can't question the government then we call this type of goverment a dictatorship. He dictates, we follow. But not here, not in America. So I feel that it is my American duty to questions and ponder what our leaders do. So please Mr. Media Man, don't call me UnAmerican, call me very American.

2003-04-26T23:19:00.000-04:00
Friday Five, better late than never!

1. What was the last TV show you watched? John Doe, I really like this show. He is so cute!

2. What was the last thing you complained about? Cleaning, don't ask.

3. Who was the last person you complimented and what did you say? My oldest daughter. I complimented her for doing such a good job cleaning up. I said "that was great!"

4. What was the last thing you threw away? Some government evidence against me from the Iran Contra Affair. ATTENTION Internet Police: I am Just Kidding! ;)

5. What was the last website (besides this one) that you visited? Ebay, my most favorite place!!!!

2003-04-26T22:07:00.000-04:00
Today it has rained. In the morning I thought the rain would not stop, but it did, eventually. We went out. We were going to a presentation that they were having at our Cooperative Extension Office. One of the things they were going to talk about was butterfly gardening. We got there late in the day and it turned out that they had postponed it til May 17. I drove 1/2 hour for nothing. Well on the way back we saw a quilting store. It was out in the middle of nowhere. Literally it is in a corner, where the other 3 corners are empty fields. We decided to get out and look around, so that our trip would not be a total waste. I bought a template.

So now I am ready to start cutting, but I am afraid. I am afraid, I am going to cut it wrong and mess up the fabric.

I'm still try to clean up in preparation for my mom's visit. She will be here FRIDAY. I am not ready. I want to clean the grout in the kitchen. It's a big job. Inshallah, it will get done before Friday. I also want to clean my carpet. Actually, I don't want to, but I think I should. This is causing me alot of stress. I am probably going to be up all night Thursday night trying to get ready.

Calgon, Take me Away!!!!

2003-04-24T08:15:00.000-04:00
This-or-That-Tuesday, I know its Thursday but in some parts of the world it might be Tuesday! Well, ok, no but still, here it is.

1. Yummier: Chocolate ice cream or strawberry cheesecake? I must say chocolate anything is yummier!

2. Better to watch on TV: Movies or sports? Movies!! How about Casablanca! My favorite line is "Round up the usual suspects" I always laugh when I think about that. Hey, now we have become the usual suspects here.

3. A better web browser: MSIE or Netscape (or tell us your own favorite!) I don't know.

4. A better way to travel: Automobile or bus/train? Train because you can read or talk or go to sleep.
When I am driving as soon as get about 1/2 hour away from home I start getting sleepy. I think that there is a signal being sent out from my house that gets weaker the further away I get.

5. Your preferred camera: Digital or film? Well, now that's a tricky one. I take alot of digital pictures which I love because we don't have to wear hijab. But I also take film pictures to send to my mom or just to keep.

6. A Cooler Vehicle: Motorcycle or sports car? Motorcycle, you really feel the wind in your hair or scarf, whatever.

7. More fun: Video games or board games? Board games, you get to interact with your family. We like to play Monopoly.

8. Sexier: A perfect body or an intelligent mind? Me thinks, intelligent mind. A person who can make you laugh and help you work thru your problems is going to be alot more fun than the perfect body (anyway how long can you keep that body for anyway, 5 minutes).

9. A stinkier smell: Skunk or gasoline (petrol)? Definitely Skunk.

10. Thought-provoking question of the week: What is more important to you: making a ton of money and being at the top of your field, or finding your soulmate and living a comfortable but not wealthy life? See, for me it has already happened. I found my soulmate and live a happy life, with lots and lots of babies!

2003-04-24T07:26:00.000-04:00
We have a pet gerbil. His name is Hamtaro, my 5 year old named him. He has been missing from his cage for about 5 days. I keep on looking out for some peculiar smell to lead me to his body but he still seems to be alive. What I wonder is where is he getting water from? He has been spotted a few times but we have been unable to catch him. Just this morning before Fajr, my daughter saw him in the bathroom but by the time I got there he was gone. I just hope he doesn't become another sad statistic. BTW can statistics be sad? I always hear that on TV, but how can a statistic be happy or sad. Maybe I just should stop watching the deadly tube. Well anyway I think that I will go hunt Hamtaro down.

Also I had made another entry about missing Bernie Mac and Wanda at Large yesterday but somehow it didn't go up. Well no big deal, there is always next week.

2003-04-24T07:17:00.000-04:00
I took down the Weather Pixie, didn't approve of the way she dressed. Hey, it's my blog. I may not be the Queen of Arabia, but I am the Queen of my own blog. Well, if the Weather Pixie can get a jilbab, maybe she'll be allowed back.

2003-04-23T20:33:00.000-04:00
Hey you guys, I think that someone has been looking through my blog. I don't know but when I got here tonight, I just got the feeling that someone had been looking thru my archives. I am not sure if anything is missing but I think I might file a report with the web police. Does anyone have their number? I think its 555 something. Well anyhow, I will be installing some locks and other devices. Any advice would be appreciated. Oh also if you see anyone here when I'm out let me know.

2003-04-23T11:48:00.000-04:00
I am always reading on other peoples blogs about them having to study or get ready for exams, I commend them for their hard work, really I do. But I must say that I do not envy them. I remember when I was in college and it was very stressful for me. I like not having to study. When I was in school and I would be reading a book or watching a movie, I would think, do I have anything due, is there some studying that I should be doing? But not anymore. Now I just read my books, watch my movies and basically enjoy life without lurking thoughts in the back of my head about unfinished work that I should be doing. Of course now I think that I should be cleaning but that's another story.

2003-04-23T11:41:00.000-04:00
I want to comment on something that really bothers me. It is when I see women bottefeeding their babies. I don't understand why this is such an accepted thing. Breasts are not just for show, they have a very useful purpose. The milk that we produce is the perfect food for babies. So why would anyone give their precious child something out of a can. I am always surprised when I see Muslims doing this and seems that just about every person in my Masjid with an infant botte feeds. I think that it should become against the law! Really. I think that if WIC didn't give out formula for free more women would try harder to breastfeed. So basically the government is working against us by giving formula away, not to mention how much extra trash there is all the cans that get thrown out. They would also save so much money in healthcare if more people breastfed because breastfed babies are healthier. Okay now I will step down from my soapbox.

2003-04-22T21:48:00.000-04:00
I just read that Suzzy lost 9 pounds. Isn't that GREAT!!! I think I too may go Atkins too. I must tell you that I tried the Atkins diet a little while ago. I did it for 2 days and I felt like that I was going to die. All I could do was lay on my couch. I had zero energy. So I had to stop. My husband couldn't take the whining anymore!

But now I would like to try it again. I think that perhaps I won't go cold turkey this time. You see I like to drink Pepsi, everyday. I think that I might have problem with sugar. I drink chocolate milk, juice, you know stuff with alot of sugar. So I think that I need to do something before I get diabetes. My husband says that if I keep on going this way that is whats going to end up happening.

So that's it I am going to try again. I will let you know what happens. I think I am going to start the first week of May. I am going to start cutting back on the sugar and the carbohydrates from now though. So wish me luck.

2003-04-22T19:01:00.000-04:00
I was just looking at my blog and I saw an ad for the Red Cross. It reminded me of when I lived in Germany. My neighbor who was German, was married to an American soldier. Well, she used to volunteer for the Red Cross. She was nice but a little different. Well, she came home one day and said that she had gotten fired from her job at the Red Cross. I didn't realize that you could get fired from a place where you volunteer.

Another thing that was kind of strange about Germany was that people would leave their babies in the strollers outside the store, while they went in to shop. I am refering to small stores but still. Keep in mind that this was all about 14 years ago.

Did I mention that I loved Germany. It is one of my favorite places in the world. I lived in a town that had cobble stone streets. Some of the houses had large portals that were used in the past to let horse carriages in. It was like living in a fairy tale. I even had a baby over there. In a German hospital. The anniversary of my delivery is in a few days. What du ya know!

2003-04-22T08:08:00.000-04:00
OFFICIAL NOTICE TO ALL VISITORS

Pictures from this blog have been seized by the Web Police. They are being held without bail. Due to the fact that they have been detained we have no choice but to replace them. Substitutions are being currently considered. More to come....

2003-04-22T07:22:00.000-04:00
This morning I tried to link Princess Honey but instead I ended up with a blank space. I am going to have to wait until Technical Support wakes up so she can fix it for me. For those of you who don't know, Technical Support is my oldest child. Well anyhow, I have been surfing and I saw a couple of really cool blogs. One was the Queen of Arabia. It is so funny and she is paranoid too, see I am not the only one. Oh, how I wish I were a Queen too. (I am wiping a tear from my eye!) Maybe when I grow up I can be a Queen! But for now I will have to settle for being me.

2003-04-21T11:25:00.000-04:00
I was reading a story in the paper about the murder of Laci Peterson. The pregnant lady who disappeared around X-mas time. They have arrested her husband. I am always surprised when I hear about things like these. Haven't these people ever heard of divorce? It is a very popular thing here in the US. Is his new girlfriend so wonderful that it justifies killing his wife and unborn son. I just can't believe that there are people like that out there!

I pray that my children will grow up to be good muslims, that they will have happy marriages. I hope Allah gives strength to Laci Peterson's family to deal with all the pain they must be feeling. What upsets me the most about all of this is that she was pregnant. There must be a special punishment for the murderer, and I don't just mean thru the legal system. Allah knows best and to him we shall all answer.

2003-04-21T10:26:00.000-04:00
My mom is coming to visit. She will be here on the 2nd. So that means that I have to clean up ALOT. I have made a list of things that need to be cleaned and I am going to tackle a couple of them a day. So I figure everything should be done by D-day. I get really stressed out when my mother visits. Really I get stressed out when anybody visits. I don't know why, but I do. I must have one of those phobias. You know don'thaveanybodyovereverphobia. I am sure there is a phobia for that. There is even a phobia for being afraid of phobias!

2003-04-17T11:48:00.000-04:00
I just saw a poster on Sister Kasheurkoor's Blog about hugging a Jew and it made me think about how I feel about Jews. To be perfectly honest, when I see someone that I recognize to be a Jew, I feel stress. I know that this is not the politically correct thing to say but I really do feel stress. My stomach kinda hurts. Now this was not always the case. When I was growing up in NY. I knew alot of Jews. I never had a problem with them. But after I became Muslim and I learned about Palestine and Israel. My feelings changed. I know that when they see me they don't see a Hispanic woman, they see a Muslim. When I see them, I wonder if they support Israel. If they feel that Israel is their right no matter how many Muslims have to die. I hope not.

The other day when I was at Disney I saw a Jewish woman waiting on line to get on a ride and she smiled at me. It was a little smile but she did. I am ashamed to say that I could not bring myself to return the smile. It's like I go on high alert when I see them. I think maybe I am paranoid. But I will try to be better.

You guys have never seen me but I am a person who smiles alot. The next time I see a Jew I will try to smile. NO MORE RED ALERTS! (hopefully!)

2003-04-17T10:48:00.000-04:00
I can't believe I have been gone for so long. Life has been crazy for me lately. I have gone to 2 amusement parks in the last week and it was great. Of course my babies got tired and were kind of crabby but we had fun nonetheless.

Last night I spoke to my mother in law and she proceeded to tell me that I should not have anymore kids. I was surprised because she is Muslim and she shouldn't be saying things like that. My mother always tells me stuff like that but she isn't Muslim and doesn't understand that Allah provides for us and that children are our wealth in this life. So she (my mother in law) thinks that 5 is enough. I am not so sure. Only Allah knows. I am 34 already so there can't be that many more but who knows :)

2003-04-12T07:17:00.000-04:00
Yesterday, I saw a real life Amish couple. I could not believe my eyes. I have been talking about them and reading about them and then there they are, in the flesh. I must say though they looked like fish out of water. They looked pretty young. I'm guessing they were out in the world and had not been baptized yet.

2003-04-10T07:24:00.000-04:00
I am slowly coming to the realization, that, I am better at reading about things, than actually doing them. By now I should know how to quilt with as many books as I have checked out of the library. But would you believe that I am afraid of cutting the fabric. I bought the fabric, this cute round cutter thing (rotary cutter) and a few other things needed, but I am afraid of cutting the fabric the wrong size. I think today that fabric is going to get cut, one way or another!

I got a book from the library on Amish Quilts, and it also talks about the Amish lifestyle. It says that the Amish have no electricity, so that means, no tv, no radio, NO INTERNET. It says that they spend their evenings visiting friends, playing games and talking. Can you believe how old fashioned they are? They actually spend their evenings talking! In my house sometimes talk about what's on tv in the evenings, but only during commercials. Which brings me to another topic. Did anyone see Wanda at Large?

I really like that show. She is so funny. I also like Bernie Mac. I kind of feel like him, you know when he talks to America. Maybe he should get a blog, but I guess he doesn't need it, he has a tv show. Did I mention that when I was a little girl, I used to do commercials. I did one on tv and a couple on the radio. I was an extra in a couple of movies. I was headed for the bright lights of Hollywood. I don't know what happened to me because now I get nervous if I have to talk in front of a group. I guess it wasn't meant to be.

2003-04-08T13:06:00.000-04:00
I am here, the kids are still sick but somehow we are surviving. I have been reading a book called The Perfect Store it's about eBay. You know my favorite place, after this one of course. Well it has alot of interesting stuff in it. I am trying to figure out a way to start a business but I am not sure what to do. I want to make lots of money and stay at home with all my babies. Did you guys know that the guy who started eBay, his parents are from Iran. I wonder if he is Muslim? Well anyway in 4 years eBay was worth 4 billion dollars. You know, I am looking to start a business like that. ;)

2003-04-07T13:51:00.000-04:00
My little ones are sick. So I can only stay a minute. My 5 yr old has croup and the other 2 little ones might be getting it. We spent the whole morning at the doctor's office and we are finally back. Oh woe to we.:)

2003-04-04T13:21:00.000-05:00
FridayFive, here it is!

1. How many houses/apartments have you lived in throughout your life? Oh my gosh, too many. 15

2. Which was your favorite and why? My favorite was when I lived in Scotland. It was a beautiful place and I was able to relax and enjoy it.

3. Do you find moving house more exciting or stressful? Why? Both, stressful because of all the work involved and exciting because there is something new to look forward to. A new adventure awaiting!

4. What's more important, location or price? Location.

5. What features does your dream house have (pool, spa bath, big yard, etc.)? My dream house has lots of bedrooms and a big pool and yard. You know I need alot of space with all my kiddos. I would also like to have horses and cows and chickens. (You can tell that I'm from NY, right?)

2003-04-04T13:14:00.000-05:00
Okay, this is the 3rd time today that I am trying to post. The first time I messed it up and the second, my son decided that he wanted to play a game. Well here we go again.

I went to sister Um Mouhammed's blog and she has a really good post today. She talks about women and work. I agree with her points. She writes alot of interesting things.

I remember when my husband was in the Army. Female soldiers had to go back to work when their babies were 6 weeks old. That is really not enough time to bond with your baby. I think that if mothers were at home, our society would be better off. I am very grateful to Allah that I can stay home with my babies. Alhumdullilah!

2003-04-03T11:14:00.000-05:00
Yesterday I took my little ones (3 & 5) to gymnastics for homeschoolers. It was alot of fun. They really enjoyed it. When my older girls were little they used to go to gymnastics too. I think that it is good for kids to do things like that. When I was a teenager I took karate lessons for a little while. My husband used to take karate lessons too. He was pretty at it and did it for many years. Me, I did it for a few months but was unable to become a ninja. Which of course was why I took the classes.

When I was growing up they used to show karate movies on Saturday afternoon. I used to always watch them. I'm not talking about the Karate Kid or Jackie Chan movies. I'm talking about real karate movies with real Chinese people like Bruce Lee and some other ugly fellas. These movies were dubbed in English and they sounded really funny, but they had some good karate.

I think maybe now I would like to try yoga, I hear it's really good for you but of course you can't become a ninja with it.

2003-04-02T07:03:00.000-05:00
This is my This or That Tuesday, I know that it is Wednesday but I was not myself yesterday. Inshallah today will be a better day :)

April 1: The Jambalaya, Crawfish Pie, Filet Gumbo Edition

1. The Bogey-Man or Henry Kissinger? Definitely the Bogey-Man, alot less scarier than politicians.

2. Whips 'n chains or soft ropes with furbound cuffs? I'll plead the fifth on that.

3. Fish sticks or Amazon.com? Amazon.com for sure, hate fish sticks.

4. Whitewall tires or color TV? Don't like whitewall tires, love color TV.

5. Leather or lace? Lace is itchy, love leather. You know all cool superheroes wear leather.

6. Abraham Lincoln or leftover turkey? I'll go with Abe, you gotta love a guy who was homeschooled!

7. Movable Type or Star Trek? Beam me up, Scotty!

8. Happy Happy Joy Joy or Bounce Bounce Bounce like Tigger? Happy Happy Joy Joy!

9. The Michelin Man or the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man? I'll the Michelin Man. (The Marshmallow guy might have Gelatin.)

10. Thought-Provoking Question of the Week: If you HAD to marry one of the talking M&M's in the TV commercials, would it be the red one or the yellow one? Why? I'll definitely take the red one, because they are yummy and also because the red one must be a superhero since superheroes usually wear red. ;)

Have a good one, dudes and dudelettes!!!

2003-04-02T06:55:00.000-05:00
This is a test for Real Superheroes so all of you regular people, don't take the test. Ok?

Take the "Which Marvel Comics Hero are you" quiz!

2003-04-01T20:25:00.000-05:00
I am depressed. I read the story about all the women and children that were killed yesterday in Iraq and my heart aches. Sometimes I watch tv and I see all these injustices and if feels unreal. But sadly, I know it is real. It is some else's reality. Sometimes when I laugh at something I feel guilty that I could enjoy my life while so many people are suffering. I am here watching tv, writing on my computer, while there are people who are literally fighting for their lives. I just don't know how to resolve this. :(

2003-03-31T07:13:00.000-05:00
Zoo, Movies and Food. What else is there?

Hello, there :) I had a pretty good weekend. I hope all of you did too! I went to the zoo on Saturday and had a pretty good time. We saw lots of animals and people (not people that looked like animals, just people). We did it all in 2 and 1/2 hours. Got a late start but anyway good fun was had by all. We paid $40 to get in, if we would have bought a family pass it would have cost $55 and we could have gone in for free for the rest of the year but I didn't realize this until it was too late. I wanted to kick myself, but don't worry I didn't. At the end of our excursion thru the zoo the kids got to play in a water fountain they have there. That would be the little kids (3 & 5) they had a good time and left soaking wet. It is a good thing that I had some old clothes that we were supposed to give away in the van. So they wore old clothes home but at least they were dry.

On Sunday, my two oldest daughters and I went to the movies. This is a rare treat for us because I usually go with my husband and they go together. But yesterday the three of us went. We saw Head of State it was very funny. Funny in a dorky kind of way though. Not classically funny. But nonetheless we laughed alot. I think I'll take the dorky part out, it was funny. I really like Bernie Mac, he's got this evil sort of way about him but he's still funny.

We were also planning on eating out but my husband called and said that the baby was hungry so it was Mom to the rescue, I had to hurry home. But Inshallah we shall eat out soon.

We were going to go to this gourmet deli. They have the best pastrami sandwiches. I love pastrami. It has got to be the most delicious cold cut there is. My love affair with pastrami started when I was 16. I was working as a cashier in a Supermarket in NY called Dan's Supreme well they had a salad bar and they also made sandwiches. Another cashier was the girlfriend of the guy who made the sandwiches and he used to make us some outstanding pastrami sandwiches. I have never had any that were so good. Well Dan's Supreme is no longer there and I am still in search of that perfect pastrami sandwich.

2003-03-28T06:56:00.000-05:00
I got up late this morning and missed Fajr. Also I am not going to the happiest place on Earth tomorrow. It seems that we will go in a couple of weeks. My husband thinks that it will be too crowded on a weekend so we are going on a Monday, Inshallah.

2003-03-27T23:14:00.000-05:00
I got a book from the library called Quilting for Dummies. Don't make any deductions about me based on the title :) Anyway I have been wanting to make a quilt for a long time. A couple of years ago I passed by Lancaster, Pennsylvania and visited the Amish Museum (it was some kind of museum and it had lots of Amish stuff) Anyway I saw some really qool quilts. I was reading that back in the old days a family would not let a girl get married until she had several quilted things in her hope chest. I guess they were hoping she wouldn't be cold :)

So, Inshallah I am going to make a quilt with my daughters. One is more willing than the other but they will both contribute. My dream is to make three big quilts, one for me and one for each of them to take when they get married. You know quilts are supposed to last forever. We shall test that.

Did I mention that I have always found the Amish very interesting? They seem to have stopped the clock. I think it is cool how they are so self sufficient. You know it's not easy being different, unless you know that you are right! :)

2003-03-27T08:03:00.000-05:00
I think perhaps this weekend I shall go to Disney World. I have never been. I have lived in Florida for over 2 years and have not gone. I wonder what it will be like? Will people stare at us? Maybe the kids will think that we are part of the entertainment.

Have I mentioned that my 2 oldest daughters (17 and 14) also wear hijab and jilbab? Well they do. It makes me very happy but it also gets people to stare sometimes.

When I was a little girl growing up in NYC, I used to see how other people of other religions dressed and think that the men usually get to wear the cool clothes. Let me remind you that I was Catholic. But in Islam women get to wear cool clothes. I love wearing my hijab and jilbab. I think that it is very feminine and pretty. It is nicer than any other clothes I have ever worn through out my life. I used to wear jeans and skirts and stuff like that before but I think this is so much nicer. I feel like a princess when I put it on. Isn't that something?

I used to think that I could never be a good muslim because I didn't wear hijab but when I accepted that this is what I was supposed to do, then I started liking it. And now I really love it. Truly Allah SWT did turn my heart. I only wish I had started earlier.

I wish I had always been Muslim.

2003-03-26T07:53:00.000-05:00
Assalam Alaikum

I was reading a sister's blog, Veiled4Allah and it is wonderful. It has so much information. Good stuff that we need to know. I just kept on going from one article to another and then I had this realization. I thought was is all this drivel I have been writing. All the gibberish that I have been posting. It's taking up good web space. Sadly this is my life.

Can I be interesting and thought provoking like that? No, so just follow the link and when you want to hear nonsense come back here.

The site is amazing, she obviously puts alot of time into it. I wish I could donate some money to keep it up. I don't know how she finds the time, I will make duah for her and ask Allah to reward her for all the good she is doing.

Me, I hardly have time to sit here and write this. What with all the breastfeeding, and changing those cloth diapers and cleaning. Did I mention cleaning? It never ends. I am waiting for my husband to start making alot of money so I can hire a maid. So all the cleaning can be someone else's problem.

I did want to mention though that my kitchen cabinets are still looking great! It's just the rest of the house that I now need to worry about. Well I'm off to clean! Not really, I might go back to sleep and then I'll clean!!!

2003-03-25T20:12:00.000-05:00
This is my first This or That Tuesday!

1. Cold frosty ski slopes or warm sandy beach? Sandy Beach, I love snorkeling!!
2. Chevy or Ford? Neither, give me a Jaguar.
3. Mac or PC? PC all the way.
4. Dial-up or high speed internet access? High speed access without brakes!
5. Small *family-only* wedding or large 200+ guest wedding? Small wedding, take the money and go snorkeling.
6. Would you rather be the bridesmaid or the bride? Always the bride, you know be a princess for a day.
7. AC/DC or ABBA? What? I try not to listen to music anymore.
8. Roses or daisies? Roses.
9. Trashy romance novels or classic literature? I personally like murder mysteries.
10. NEW! Thought-provoking question of the week...If you had to choose one...would you rather be blind or deaf? Why? After much thought I have decided that I would rather be deaf because I would still be able to see and communicate with others and of course there is closed caption tv.

2003-03-24T11:29:00.000-05:00
Cleaning, Oscars and Videotapes

This weekend the internet was out for most of the weekend!!! I don't know how I survived but somehow I managed. Some fiber optic cable was cut and most of my area was out. On top of that it rained most of the weekend. Not only all of that but on Friday I had the great idea to clean out my kitchen cabinets (for no good reason) Actually I wanted to organize them like I had read in a book. Well that ended up taking all weekend. It is finally starting to look decent in there. The cabinets do look very cute. If someone were to come over they might even think that I am organized. (Boy would they be fooled!)

I watched the Oscars last night and my favorite part was Michael Moore's speech. He told it like it is!!! I shall write him a note to congratulate him on his valor.

Now those horrible pictures of dead soldiers did upset me. I wish this war wasn't so. I feel bad for our guys and for the poor Iraqi civilians and even the soldiers. I hope all of this is over soon. I have a good friend whose husband is in the Army and he is over there. I had not spoken to her for a long time and she called on Saturday and told me how their kids are having a hard time with this. She seemed to be in favor of the war and I wanted to ask her why. But I decided that there was no point. Her husband is there and she has to believe that he is doing the right thing.

2003-03-21T09:40:00.000-05:00
My Adventures in Scotland

Yesterday I was surfing the net and I came across a blog by an American in Scotland. A girl from Dallas! She has a very cool blog. It is beccalog. Well this got me thinking about my short time in Scotland. I spent most of 2000 in a little town near Glasgow called Greenock.

Greenock is such a beautiful place, filled with very friendly people. The first thing I noticed when I got there was the rain. It rains every single day, really!!! I moved there from Dallas, where it never rains. Dallas has got to be one of the sunniest places on earth. So I moved from the sunniest to the cloudiest. I remember a man where my husband worked once told us take advantage of the dry weather we were having, well I looked around and the ground and everything else looked quite wet to me! But of course he meant the short break from the rain. Well as spring came around the rain let up, some.

But back to the wonderful part, we lived on a hill, a very steep hill. We did not have a car as my husband only worked about 8 blocks from our flat, for the UnScottish that's what our place was called. Actually it was called a Garden Flat. Isn't that cute? But what it really means is a first floor apartment that resembles a basement. Anyway, we walked everywhere and its a good thing I decided to buy a double stroller because we really used it. I had even gotten a plastic cover for it just in case and boy was that worth the money with all the rain.

So we walked all over the place and what a beautiful place it is. We used to go downtown, to Westblackhall st. That's where most of the stores were. At the end of this street was the mall and on the other side of the mall was the library and just below that was one of the many pubs in town. I always thought it was kind of funny that there was a pub right below the library :). Also on this street was this place called the Blue Lagoon. They have the best fish and chips there. I made it a point of trying fish and chips everywhere I went.

So on most days we would go downtown and walk around and buy stuff. What with my 2 favorite places, the mall and library being right there what else could I do.

Now one thing that was quite surprising to me was that all the stores and even the mall closed around 5pm. Can you believe that? I had just moved from a place that had recently opened a 24hour Wal-Mart and these guys closed at 5. Well it took a little adjusting but we survived. This reminded of the time we lived in Germany, they also close at 5. There, I almost didn't survive.... I shall tell you more Scottish tales and maybe some German tales at another time. Today I shall have fish and chips, anyone care for some?

2003-03-20T08:02:00.000-05:00
Last night, my husband told me that he didn't want me or the kids to go out for a couple of days. He is concerned about our safety. I must say that the thought had not crossed my mind. I have read about Muslims being attacked but I didn't think about the kids or myself. I don't want to live afraid.

Talk about afraid, I was wondering what the people of Iraq must be feeling today. Last night I was watching the news and saw that Iraq was being attacked. They showed Iraq and it seemed to be just after Fajr. My thought was, I hoped they prayed Fajr. I feel very sad for the Iraqis and have been making duah for them. May Allah protect the innocent.

I was also thinking about Rachel Corrie, what a brave girl she was. She had the courage to do what all of us should be doing. May Allah reward her and her family. Did you know that Rachel means lamb? I hope Rachel's death won't be in vain. I hope that this makes the world see what Israel is doing. How can our tax dollars support the injustices that Israel is commiting against the Palestinian people?

2003-03-19T12:37:00.000-05:00
To War or not to War? But the questions should really be Why? Is it because of the nuclear arms? What about Korea? Is it because of the UN resolutions? What about Israel?

Why, oh, why is Mr. Bush doing this? I bet if his daughters were in the service he might think about it a little more?

My mother called me yesterday and told me to go to the supermarket and stock of on groceries. First of all where would I put them and second what if everybody did that. Well the clock keeps ticking but of course Saddam already told us where we can go but I guess Bush said he would give him x number of hours and he is a man of his word :)

I wonder if this is going to change things for us? Or will life go on as usual? Of course what can we do but go on eating, working and sleeping. May Allah bless us all!

2003-03-19T12:09:00.000-05:00
Not too worry I am back up. What must you think of me???? Actually I have been up for a little while, you know surfing the net. I have found some very interesting homeschooling blogs. I also joined a couple of rings. Check them out!

2003-03-19T08:02:00.000-05:00
AA,

I think I shall go back to sleep now.

2003-03-19T07:06:00.000-05:00
I like to read. Whenever I move to a new place one of the first things that I want to check out is the library. I like the library so much, that I have even worked at a couple. So I always check out alot of books, now I don't always have time to read them. As you can imagine sometimes its hard to find time when you have 5 kids. So whenever I see something interesting I go to the computer and put whatever books on hold. Over the last couple of years I have been reading alot about organization and cleaning. I really like to get new ideas on how to do things. Now my husband says that if only I would stop reading about it and actually doing it--the house would be much cleaner. But anyway I was reading this one book called Confessions of an Organized Housewife is that a cool title or what???? Well she has alot of good ideas, like for example if when you load the dishwasher you put all the forks and spoons and knives together then after its easier to put them away. Now isn't that a good idea!!!

I think I started reading about these things after I saw that organization lady Julie something on Oprah. Did I mention that I also like watching Oprah. I have been watching her show on and off pretty much since she started. I always remember when she went on that stage with that bag full of 60lbs of fat and said "this is how much weight I have lost". I thought wow, if she could do it so can I. But I didn't. Well anyway there was a time there when she was so skinny that her head looked too big. Now that was weird.

My love affair with tv doesn't end with Oprah. When my husband was in the Army and we were stationed in Germany. AFN (armed forces network) the only English channel had 2 soap operas in the afternoon. They showed General Hospital and Guiding Light. So I decided to pick one and I watched General Hospital for 10 years. Can you imagine all the blogging I could have done during that time??? Well I had to stop watching GH when I moved out of the country again in 2000. It was something very painful. I would follow the stories on the internet for a while until eventually it was ok. Well when I came back I decided that I wasn't going to that to myself again. So no more soap operas for me.

2003-03-18T10:46:00.000-05:00
Last night I had a dream about American Idol I was in the audience and it was being taped in Madison Square Garden. They made an announcement that Simon Cowell had picked 2 contestants and was giving them recording contracts, so they would leave the show. The audience members started booing and yelling. That was basically it... Imagine that me sitting in Madison Square Garden. I haven't been there in a very long time. I think that the last time I went was to see Menudo in concert. I must have been 14. That was just after I met my husband.

2003-03-18T07:09:00.000-05:00
Ok I didn't exercise yesterday but I will definitely do it today, InshaAllah. Yesterday we went to look at swimming pools. We are thinking about getting one put in but I am not sure because I have the feeling that we are not going to be in this house for too much longer. This summer we could end up moving away. A pool would be so nice though. I have always wanted an indoor pool, where we could go swimming day or night, summer or winter, whenever. Now that would be good exercise.

2003-03-17T11:50:00.000-05:00
In answer to Yasmine's question. The pictures that appear on top came with this template but I am planning on replacing them with my own. You will get a little pick into my world

2003-03-17T11:39:00.000-05:00
I don't think that I have mentioned this before but I am a convert. I am Hispanic and I have been thinking about doing a blog in Spanish but I am not so sure. I am really enjoying doing this one and I don't want to take on too much.

You know I converted to Islam when I got married, many eons ago. But I really did not accept Islam into my heart until a few years ago. I used to tell people that I was Muslim but I really did not practice. Then one day a few years ago after I had my third child I starting feeling that something was missing from my life. I felt that my life was empty. I started thinking about religion alot. I even considered going back to Catholicism. Of course that never did it for me or I would not have converted so easily. It was then that I decided to learn more about Islam. I started to read everything I could find. The more I read the more it felt right. Then one day I decided that I was going to start wearing Hijab. I put on a Hijab and a Jilbab and said that I was going to wear this from now on. (Keep in mind that I had been wearing shorts a couple of weeks before.) Well my husband said that I really didn't have to do that. I told him that I did because it says so in the Qu'ran. He said that I should start slowly, you know wearing long sleeves and long skirts. But that is just not in my personality. I either do it all the way or not at all. So I told him that this was what I wanted. He later told me that he was afraid that I would start and then stop. But Alhumdulillah its been almost five years and I have not stopped.

When I started wearing hijab I also started praying 5 times a day and I haven't looked back. I am not going to say that my life has been perfect since I accepted Islam in my heart but the bad things have not seemed so bad, because bad things are easier to take when you know that you are not alone and that your life does have a purpose.

2003-03-17T07:11:00.000-05:00
This morning I was doing a search on the internet and I noticed that there are alot, alot of blogs. What does this have to do with anything? I don't know but there are alot of blogs out there!

I have decided to write on my blog in the mornings. On the weekdays I get up for Fajr and then make my husband breakfast, after he leaves for work I usually sit at the computer for a little while. Usually I just read my email and the news and then I change the baby and go lie down and feed him, until I get up again about 9:30 or 10 am. Not too bad, huh!!! Well now in between the email and news I shall write in my blog.

I sold some stuff on Ebay last night, made about $17. Of course I still have about 10 things that I need to list but I just can't seem to find the time to sit down and list them. And of course you just can't put them on at any time, you have to figure when would be a good time for them to end. They have this thing where you can list them anytime and then for 10 cents you can pick the time they will be listed. I am going to do that as soon as I find the time.

Oh good news... My husband figured out how to burn the picture onto the cdroms. So I will be emptying out the harddrive on my laptop pretty soon. As soon as I have time.

Do you see a common thread here? I have a hard time finding time to do the things I need to do. Maybe instead of doing this I should do the things that I need to do? This sounds like a good idea but it will never work, because I need to do the things that I like to do or how will I go on???

2003-03-17T00:57:00.000-05:00
I made my husband get a treadmill, I promised that I would use it everyday. I said this is what I need to exercise and lose weight. I was sure that I would use it and then we finally got it. And you will never guess what happened.... That's right I have not been using it. But do not fear, Today I got on it again. It has been a long time but I have once again begun and Inshallah, I shall continue. Before you know it I will look better than J. Lo. You never know!

2003-03-16T17:11:00.000-05:00
Oh My God, this whole tag board thing is a little more complicated than I expected. But very cool nonetheless.

2003-03-16T15:30:00.000-05:00
Today I am going to work on the yard. I hear that in Ecuador people don't have backyards like we have here. Did I mention that I live in beautiful sunny Florida? This place is so beautiful. I live near the ocean. Once my husband and I went to sit by the water, just to chat and we saw 5 dolphins passing by. For a girl who grew up in NY this was like a dream. I don't know why I didn't get here sooner! Well I gotta go because my husband is out in the yard waiting for me.

2003-03-15T15:19:00.000-05:00
Oh boy, I don't like it that sometimes I write something and it doesn't get posted so I lose it. It just happened again. Well I was saying that the trip to the mall yesterday was not worth it. The Gap did not have any great sale. I ended up buying an outfit for the baby at Old Navy, it is really cute. He wore it for a little while then barfed on it. With all the rushing I forgot to take his diaper bag to the masjid so I had to borrow a disposable diaper from someone. He ended up wearing a pink pullup. But not to worry he is back in his cloth diapers now.

So far this weekend we have just been discussing Ecuador. I am not so eager to go anymore. But only Allah knows what going to happen. Well I gotta go.

2003-03-14T12:07:00.000-05:00
I am ready to go but my second oldest is not! How am I supposed to go shopping and make it to the masjid on time for Jummuah prayer if she doesn't hurry up? I just don't know!!!!! I will let you know what great purchases I made when I get back. Although I may not be able to tell you until Monday because my hubby will be home and he doesn't know about this blog. Cause how am I supposed to tell you everything I think if I know that he will read it? Cause I am sure that in the future there may be some complaining about him? I don't know but there have been in the past. But who knows maybe life will be perfect from here on because I know have this Blog! Welll Ta ta!

2003-03-14T11:45:00.000-05:00
How do you like my quote? Pretty cool huh? You know I am a little paranoid, I just try not to feed it or I might end up like the guy in the movie. But really though I sometimes think about the FBI listening in on my calls, right after 9/11 I kept on hearing clicks on my phone but who knows. I just hope they are not reading this. And if they are, how do you like my quote G-Man!

I really like to go to the movies, I know some Muslims think that we shouldn't but I think they are wrong. I have always gone to the movies. When I was growing up my mom and me would go to the movies alot. First we would go to McDonalds and then to the movie theater. It was in NY and there were these old theaters that had 2 floors, it was cool. It seems that sometimes we would go every weekend but of course that was a long time ago. Well how old do you think I am. I'll tell you that I just had a birthday. ---don't tell anybody---- but I just turned 34. That's right 34 but I still don't think I'm old. Actually the older I get the older that old gets. So now I think old is about 60 or 70. But I'll tell you that I would not want to trade places with anybody. I like being this age, I am now a woman. OK I feel like breaking into song. I am woman hear me roar.... well you what I mean.

Well back to the movies I really liked Lord of the Rings! It was very cool. I now proclaim myself Queen of the Elves!.. For now or maybe Lady of the Wood! Hear ye, hear ye, from now on we will fight the orcs and eat alot of meals like the Hobbits do. You know I have tried to read the book the Hobbit a few times but I had not been able to finish it, but I didn't have any trouble finishing the movie. Ha, ha!

I like to read alot, we actually I go to the library alot and pay alot of fines. My husband says that the library is supposed to be free but what does he know. I have to go, I heard thru the grapevine that there is a sale at the Gap. I usually don't shop there but if there is a sale, I must go!!! (you know that's kind of like fighting the orcs!) It's the noble thing to do... Bye

2003-03-14T11:02:00.000-05:00
Ok I'm back... I was just telling my oldest daughter that this is so therapeutic. I feel like that I'm in therapy except without the bills. Yesterday I kept on thinking about all the things that I wanted to write on my blog about. But now I can't remember. Just kidding!

I really like to shop on Ebay. I told my husband that Ebay would be a good way to make some money selling stuff, but so far I have spent far more than I have made. Everytime I think of something I need I say I could probably get this on Ebay and I usually do. You do get some good deals there. Like I got a $350 printer for $200. Everytime I look at it I get excited.

I have been thinking about starting my own business for a little while now. So I finally got the financing and was pretty much ready to start but what do you know, my husband has gotten a job offer in Ecuador. So I really don't think this would be a good time to start my business. So ever since this Ecuador thing came up, all we talk about is whether we should go or not. Sometimes I wake up ready to go and sometimes NOT. I just don't know. This has been going on for about a week now. Most of the time I think yes. I really like to travel and see new things but I just don't know....

I have been very fortunate in that I have gotten the chance to live in a few different places and there is something in me that is always looking forward to that next adventure. So that part in me has her bags packed but the rest of me is not so sure.

Well enough about that. Now about my business, (I am sorry :( but I can't tell you what it is because then you might want to do it!) I am going to be a Millionaire NOT but who knows. It's something that I can do from home so I can still care for my weems (in case you don't know that's Scottish for Babies) Did I tell you that I live in Scotland for a little while, I am practically Scottish. I love fish and chips. There was this place called the Blue Lagoon and it was wonderful. You can take it out and they wrap in paper and you walk down the street eating it. Well back to the business I guess it will be on hold for now.

2003-03-13T23:08:00.000-05:00
I just got my first visitor! Wow this is so cool, I didn't think I would care but I do. My daughter told me that I had gotten some hits. I just came back from a homeschooling meeting. They were telling me that the baby is so cute. Well he is :) I feel that Allah has really blessed me with my children because they really are wonderful. Don't get me wrong, we do have our bad days but even at the end of those I still feel very fortunate.

I bought a cd burner a couple of days ago because I have a laptop that has more than 600 pictures on it. I just kept on taking picture and taking pictures and now the hard drive is full. I didn't realize that, that could happen, but it did. So I got the cd burner and started burning cds but as it turns out I can't open them. They have the picture number but it ends with .dat. My computer can't open them, so I had my husband try to open them at his job and he couldnt either. So yesterday I sent an email to technical support and I still haven't heard back from them. Oh well. Well now I really must go, because I have 5 kids to put to bed. And here on the Eastern seaboard it is 11:07 pm. Goodnight.

2003-03-13T12:45:00.000-05:00
Assalam Alaikum

Hi, I am Mistaken Identity! I am the mother of five, that's right 55555 kids. I homeschool them or sometimes they homeschool me. But anyway. I am also Muslim, which is a big thing to me because it dictates how I dress, act and live. I like to snorkel, well actually I have only done it a few times but I really liked it. I got a chance to go to the Bahamas on a cruise last summer (you know before everyone started getting sick on the ships) well anyway it was wonderful So I consider myself a snorkeler. We also went to the Florida Keys to go snorkeling but it was too cold. So only me and my oldest daughter and of course the little ones who didn't know any better went in the water. The water was freezing but my husband said that if I go in the water he would cook for a week so I did. It was fun. My kids are 17, 14, 5, 3, and 4 1/2 months old. My older ones help me out ALOT! But I still live in chaos, You know (can't have anybody over syndrome.) When my doorbell rings I panic. But believe it or not we clean every single day. Well just about everyday. Sometimes we go out and when we come back we have to hurry up and clean up and cook before my husband gets home. I also breastfeed and use cloth diapers. It makes me feel like mother earth or something. I think that I am saving the world. You know its a trip I go on.