Heading South

In between my packing and last minute shopping for my trip to SA, tomorrow, my mind momentarily sways between the excitement of being with my family again and Apple's launching of the new IPAD...I been waiting for this for a long time and that time is coming up on the 2nd of March. So while I'm getting ready to back track south to the comfort of much needed family love and attention, I wish you all a great week and hope to post alot more when I am back next week.





Have fun!

5 minutes of airtime

In the silence slumber of my days, the beckoning of new knowledge hung over like a dying frustration and while still not fully satisfied, some offerings have eased me over since citing Engadget's 2010 readers choice awards thereby directing my thoughts to how did Apple scoop the majority of the awards - our ramblings over how bad the smart phone is accumalated to it being voted best smart phone with best screen display, moments later!  Its no surprise that IPAD is the best gadget of the year but with HP and RIM hitting the market shortly I wonder how long it will be before IPAD starts losing customer loyalty or market share, if it does considering that it is priced cheaper than its android counterparts. For that, I have my eye on it eagerly checking my trusted TechCrunch daily.

Whether or not Qadhafi is going to step down or Bahrainis get to live their unified need, it is a thought that since the birth of 2011, its been showcasing itself with pure unrest as we, the worlds minions decide enough is enough and once again crave our 5 minutes of air time! The international flood disaster pinned the world down in each corner and it was not long after that, that Tunisia broke three decades of status quo spurring upheaval in the rest of the arab world and while oil hit higher days courtesy of the Libya debacle, travel and tour companies suffer the loss of this freedom call and somewhere in another part of the world a 6.3 magnitude earthquake got New Zealand some live time.

Facebook, the rallying supporter whose popularity doubled after much critic over its lack of security last year leaves you wondering if it and its shadow, twitter are the real evils behind the largest arab revolution of our times together - they are both after all becoming a platform for propaganda no matter how socialistically inclined they claim to be. Would we have been able to orchestrate such a huge revolution otherwise - perhaps stemming back to paper fly outs but then again, that would have taken masses of time between designing and delivering, right? No matter how rhetorical that question might be, it does leave you thought-provoked but not for long as it's time to get back to our life and for me, that means dusty windy days here in Qatar, busy work days, lifebook4life project (check out my cool badge on the right), hayfever feelings and today the announcement of the February winners for the BluePearl Awards. During February you made an impression on me:

Life of a Muslimah - February Winner

You're new in my world but I love reading your blog and this post was the best for February

خليجية *- February Winner

خليجية * all of your posts are just lovely but this was my favourite

Strangers Diary & Reviving of Sunnah - February Winner

I don't comment much on your blogs but I read both each time a new post comes out and I love them with this one being my favourite this month. 

BosnishMuslimah - February Winner

No matter which blog I go to (even my very own) I notice that you take the time to comment with only great words. In your own blog, thank you for all the wonderful informative posts about Bosnia during February

Congratulations ladies for making a difference!

One last thing, Amira, Mustika, RiaLive and RoseWater thanks for the Stylish blogger award, I appreciate it but I wont be posting it again as I already have it and to Sabirah, Happy Birthday dear darling - have fun today:)

Quiet time

This blog is on a temporary vacation...i'll be back shortly. 

In the midst of the night

Rescuing an insomniac headache, sedating this brain this night, numbing a salvaged war wounded heart forcing narcoleptic closure for the day, I met a man in my dreams. His looks unknown reeking of strange unfamiliarity. I don't remember much other than his words. He echo'ed three things to me:





You will never smile again, if you cry but if you stop crying and take a ride, you'll find a green light, cross over to that beginning and you'll feel comfort again. There is milk in the sky in between the blueness of the day - seek it, that is your compassion.



You'll succeed on the premises of a glorified heart, no matter the pain, the frustrating circumstances of life, hold that pain in, like the breeze at noon that brushes you like a spell of wintery fresh calmness - it's the peace of a patient heart that secures the treasure. Thread your heart with silk, soften its wounds with honey and hate it not for it has done no wrong. 





You can not have everything that meets the eye, perhaps dreams are the bridge to the desired need but if you create a fantasy that lives in your head alone, it will amount to nothing except for slumber comfort. If you have to have it, then you have to take it out and make it happen. You are given this much, like the hollowness of a tea cup - it is up to you whether you choose to drink of it and if you do indeed drink of it, will you only fill it half way or until its brim can take no more? Apply some consistent thought in sipping off life's pleasures.

For my mother

...You know me well, you know sometimes I just don't feel like talking just because I am strange like that but I want you to know something, even in my silent days I think about you and every day I see a little bit more of you in me...I miss taking you out on a Saturday, I miss you finding amusement in the weekly jokes column,  I miss you sitting in my room in the evenings telling me things,  I miss your cooking too and I miss sitting in your beautiful garden which is a captured essence of your beauty. 





Coming back to your qualities in me, as I get older, I see them more clearly in me with the best being courage & patience of heart. You are a braving women delivering only eloquence in what you do - I thank you for this wonderful genetic transferral, it’s made me stronger. 





Yesterday I bought new sandals and they were slippery and I as I rubbed them over tar, I realised that's you – and yes they all fine now and like the ‘monkey’ I am, I walked out of the shop wearing them with the old ones in the box…something’s never change… You know when I was choosing a greeting card – I was thinking about how we used to swop the plain envelopes for colour ones and I did it again yesterday and it made me smile! 





There's nothing more special that living our cherished memories day by day! Tt keeps me close to you.





I love you mama:)

My day

Its almost that time again

...for my birthday:)

Illusions of a perfect day

Just...

Are you a slow starter when it comes to the new year? I am very much one and it might be because I tend to mentally whine down at the end of the year and starting over again in the new year is sluggishly unwanted. Its also time for some hopes for the new beginning but  I dont make resolutions as they just don't work for me so I just live each day for itself and leave my hopes with Allah. 

Ben10 (my eldest nephew) started grade 1 today and yesterday in conversation with him, I said, "my baby, you going to look all smart in uniform, hey?", to which he replied, "I going to send you a picture but you going to get soo fwighten" *chuckles* Indeed I will because I cannot believe my baby boy who some years ago was prematurely born and soooo little, is now a big boy with great aspirations of becoming a science professor, inshallah! 

BluePearl (c) - Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar

Dear Mama celebrated her birthday over the weekend - I love my moms birthday because I get to tell her something special about her and ofcourse extend my eternal gratitude for giving birth to me. Same weekend, saw the kick off to the Asian football cup here in Doha - the kick off show hosted at the Khalifa Stadium was just amazing.  Qatar's famous fireworks displayed filled the evening skies with glamour and gitz.

Thats all from me for now...hugs and love

Its another weekend

People often question how I seem to know so much about topics far away from my profession. The answer is very simple and it's something I urge everyone to do to elevate their general knowledge curve. Every day I take time to read the news, google (research) topics either sitting in my head, that I came across by means of conversation or just hobby linked topics -  I learn something new each day however I do admit I steer away from too much of politics. I'm not a fan of it. Another thing that I do, is I make use of synonyms online instead of using the normal words, I always search for an alternative to broaden my vocabulary. 



Moving on, for all of those who are interested, the next big thing for 2011 is a concept called "Cloud Streaming" - watch Google plus Apple push cloud technology this year with the other tech brands following suit already and oh, the other one, is the much anticipated Chrome OS.  Should be exciting!





Speaking of knowledge, here is my Thursday's verses to kick off the weekend:

قُولُوا آمَنَّا بِاللَّهِ وَمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْنَا وَمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَإِسْحَاقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ وَالْأَسْبَاطِ وَمَا أُوتِيَ مُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ وَمَا أُوتِيَ النَّبِيُّونَ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّنْهُمْ وَنَحْنُ لَهُ مُسْلِمُونَ ﴿١٣٦ 

(136) Say (O Muslims), "We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been sent down to Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma'il (Ishmael), Ishaq (Isaac), Ya'qub (Jacob), and to Al-Asbat [the offspring of the twelve sons of Ya'qub (Jacob)], and that which has been given to Musa (Moses) and 'Îsa (Jesus), and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted (in Islam)."

فَإِنْ آمَنُوا بِمِثْلِ مَا آمَنتُم بِهِ فَقَدِ اهْتَدَوا ۖ وَّإِن تَوَلَّوْا فَإِنَّمَا هُمْ فِي شِقَاقٍ ۖ فَسَيَكْفِيكَهُمُ اللَّهُ ۚ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ ﴿١٣٧

(137) So if they believe in the like of that which you believe, then they are rightly guided; but if they turn away, then they are only in opposition. So Allah will suffice you against them. And He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower. [ Surah-al-Baqarah]

Have a great weekend

Even then

I just love lavendars

I am back

So i am back in Qatar but admittedly miss my family alot - it was so great to spend time with each member of my family specifically my mom, my brothers and their kids! I love them so much! I am glad I got to see my mom - she is a remarkable role model - I can never thank her enough for being a great supportive parent to my brothers and I. It is because of her that there is a sense of perfection when it comes to family and Islam. She holds us all together:)



Princess Arial (my eldest niece) hosted a tea party at her house but was so busy playing that she forgot she had guests and left mom and dad to do the entertaining. Afterwards when asked what happened to the tea hostess during the tea party, she replied " I didn't have any tea cups" *lol*. As for Spiderman (younger nephew), there are not enough of synonyms for naughtiness to describe him. Ben10 (my eldest nephew) who has already decided he is going to be a science professor who will make a dinosaur is busy investigating his love for photography currently...he left me with these photos, which I think to be amongst the best of his collection *chuckles* Are they not cute?





And oh, between visiting the nursery (which is looking beautiful by the way), driving around, doing shopping, having lots of lunches out, visiting my younger brothers new place,  I also have managed to catch up on animated movies roll too (with the little ones) - we watched Alice in Wonderland, UP, Dispicable Me, Open Season 3 and short scenes from Maters tales (with Lightning McQueen). 

BluePearl (c) - Ben10 Photography

BluePearl (c) - Ben10 Photography

Beauty

BluePearl (c) 2010

It seems as the holidays trod in that alot of blogs are on vacation  - while mines might be on some temporary vacation mainly out of lack of time and the inability to compose a post constructively due to scatter-brain syndrome, I did however, manage to put this post up today. Officially speaking though, it will be on vacation for the next week or so as I am on leave next week - off to South Africa if I can get on to the flight; the flights are really fully considering the Europe snow escapade. 

As far as tags, I just realised that I never tagged anyone for "weird things about me" so Deros, Rose Water, Rialive, Rationality, UmmAbdulAziz, Ati, Ranii, Mrs Handbag Addict, Mustika , Diaries of Bint Mahmood and CATGIRL!! consider yourself officially tagged by me.  

The weather is just so perfect on this end of the world - its winter and yet bearable enough to enjoy the open air. I just love this weather, winter is my favourite season after all next to Autumn. In the spirit of Thursday, let me leave you with this thought:





Narrated Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari:The Prophet said, "On every Muslim there is enjoined (a compulsory) Sadaqa (alms)." They (the people) said, "If one has nothing?' He said, "He should work with his hands so that he may benefit himself and give in charity." They said, "If he cannot work or does not work?" He said, "Then he should help the oppressed unhappy person (by word or action or both)." They said, "If he does not do it?" He said, "Then he should enjoin what is good (or said what is reasonable).' They said, "If he does not do that''' He said, "Then he should refrain from doing evil, for that will be considered for Him as a Sadaqa (charity) . " [Volume 8, Book 73, Number 51]

For all my dear friends who celebrate christmas, I wish you the best of the season. Do enjoy the family time and special lunches and if any of you are travelling/vacationing have fun and travel safely. 

9 Weird things about me

                           IamFarsilla dear darling, thank you for the tag.

1. I only eat the white meat of chicken and Turkey & when it comes to fish I can get sick if I see any skin on my fish - skinless and boneless pieces only.Dont give me anything else. 

2. Only my mother understands point 1 which is another thing, till this day, whenever my mother is with me, she dishes my meals and even for my brothers...we are spoilt that way...she knows what each of us like.

3. When I am in a reflective mood, I go shopping, eat smarties and don't talk much to anyone. 

4. I buy and do things in odd numbers. I'm obsessed with numbers.

5. I have misbaha (مسبحة) or Tasbih (تسبيح) in my car and in most places around my house but I never use them . I read my dhikr (ذکر) on my right hand. 



6. I always have to have lipgloss and hand cream with me...at work, in my car, in my handbag, at home...Im obsessed with them.



7. I can never bring myself to throw date stones (seeds) away so I collect them until I can through them into  a garden or some place where I think they will grow. When i was younger i used to throw them in to my mother's flower box and then all of a sudden she started noticing small little palm trees popping up. She laughed when I told her, that was me!



8. I buy feminine magazines only to look at the pictures. I find the read boring and the pictures tend to speak for themselves. The only magazine I actually read without biasely browsing the photos (only) are gadget magazines like T3 or Stuff.

9. My visual memory preceeds and I tend to tag things in my memory against pictures/visuals like I know if I seen a YouTube video just looking at the visuals but if you  blindfold me and ask to tell you if I have heard this video before, chances are I'll get it wrong! Strange one that.

To tell you of something, me

1. The weekend has been kind in offering not only some relaxing time but perhaps some momentous time-capsuling moments for the Gulf ...

- It seems the gulf has had a great celebratory few days with the Queen visiting Abu Dhabi and Oman while Oman's King has been celebrating his 40 years of ruling, UAE celebrating its 39th Birthday and dear Qatar celebrates its win for the 2022 FIFA world cup. 

- For non-nationals, its an act of balancing the scales between the joy of winning the 2022 and the strengthening Riyal which will only become stronger now with all the open doors the World cup brings. Good luck to the exchange market. I saw the dollar dip :)  Have a look at this article.

- So if you want to read up on more on Oman, visit either Dhofari Gucci or Oman - travels into Oman. For UAE blogs, visit Al-Emirati-A local take on the world or Somalian Arab princess. There is also Rationality and Khaleejia's blog to take note of.

- I saw some really beautiful pictures of Saudi, composed by Blue Abaya which I want to share with you - I am sure you will savor them too, as I did -  have a look here. May Allah also heal the Saudi King soon, Inshallah wa Allahu A3lam. By the way, my other favourite Saudi blogger is With a Saudi accent. 

2. I been busy with my Fujitsu Project tasks which has been quiet exciting. If you still interested in seeing what others along with myself have been up to, visit the Lifebook4Life blog.

3. Yesterday I had a strange desire to have some pumpkin (something I miss from back home because its so much more popular there than it is here) - so I proudly cooked some lamb and pumpkin. It is also been a point for me to get back to healthy eating as I somehow succumbed to a lazy lifestyle since I been away from home, so lets see how long this lasts. 

4. I been catching up on some knowledge quests on technology and life - educating myself on odd mind boggling questions. 

5. I been silently reading your blogs and commenting here and there but I do apologize for being quiet - I am the type of person who occasionally slips away into silent thinking with myself. I am very mindful I cut off the big world but I just don't feel like talking - just sometimes I want to not talk:) I been regrouping my thoughts, my plans and trying to center myself again...its a very hard thing to do for a person like me who lives each day for each day.

6. I want you all to read this post by All my wonders - somehow maybe slightly off topic but with good intent as the post was written perfectly. A true lesson that deserves to be shared.

7. I been missing home so much recently and hoping to be back there soon again, Inshallah. I been craving Tinkies, my mommy's love & food & everyone else at home! It has also been a self-realisation that I never really introduced you all to my dear South African Blogger friends -  so here they are if any of you are interested in reading their blogs (which are great by the way): Crafty Muslimah, Girl Talk 786, Muslim Woman Exposed, The Diaries of Bint Mahmood, The Searching Slave & Cake Mama (although she is not writing right now - wish she would come back).

8. Another self-realisation is that I am not centered or patient when I don't read my salaat which has further re-iterated the importance of Allah in my life. I really love Allah and thank Him so much for standing by me in everything I do. Allah az wa jal.

9. Have a thoughtful, appreciative, super fantastic week ahead - Can you believe its December already - my gosh...Here's come 2011 in days!

Play dough time: Fujitsu Project Task

Look what I made for my first project task - 

Make something typical of the country you live in.

 Like it?

Bluepearl (c) - play dough time

Bluepearl (c) - play dough time

A sad day

BluePearl's granny (mom's mom) passed away this morning.

انّا للہ و انّا الیه راجعون والله عالم 

May Allah make it easy for her and grant her a place in Jannah, Inshallah

I am so glad I called her yesterday and told her just how much I love her.

وَهُوَ الَّذِي يَتَوَفَّاكُم بِاللَّيْلِ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا جَرَحْتُم بِالنَّهَارِ ثُمَّ يَبْعَثُكُمْ فِيهِ لِيُقْضَىٰ أَجَلٌ مُّسَمًّى ۖ ثُمَّ إِلَيْهِ مَرْجِعُكُمْ ثُمَّ يُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ ﴿٦٠

(60) It is He Who takes your souls by night (when you are asleep), and has knowledge of all that you have done by day, then He raises (wakes) you up again that a term appointed (your life period) be fulfilled, then (in the end) unto Him will be your return. Then He will inform you of that which you used to do.

A story about a LIFEBOOK and me

"We have chosen you to become one of 53 LIFEBOOK4Life Insiders! If you are still interested, please confirm your participation under the following link..." is what the e-mail dated 3rd November 2010  read. Did I just get accepted to test the new range of Fujitsu's LIFEBOOK's? Oh yes I did!

It was only a week ago, that I saw this advertisement pop up while I played my daily game of Monopoly online at Pogo and at which stage you had to select your needs for the laptop...and now wow! I got accepted...still breathing and re-collecting, awing myself with surprise, I clicked through and entered the LIFEBOOK blog where indeed all was very much a reality.  As I wait for my laptop, the fun and challenge of testing these LIFEBOOK's will run over a 3 week period with everything being documented on the blog itself. So follow me and the other Insiders who will be sharing their impressions of a designated LIFEBOOK.

Thank you to Fujitsu and the Project Team!

Stay tuned as I uncover my new LIFEBOOK in the next few hours...

Fajr and still wide awake

I'm sleepless as they come, so let me just share my favorite verse from this mornings read

وإن يمسسك الله بضرّ فلا كاشف له إلا هو وإن يمسسك بخير فهو على كل شيء قدير

And if Allah touches you with harm, none can remove it but He, and if He touches you with good, then He is Able to do all things. 

Have a fabulous Sunday...Eid Holidays are over. Its back to work for me!

Eid holiday moments

Previously I wrote a post about desert fun, so during this Eid holidays we were invited to one of the desert camps at Um Messaied. It was a well spent time there - the pictures speak for themselve!

BluePearl (c) - view from the camp

BluePearl (c) - kids riding 4 wheelers (Rhino, Polariz, Kawasaki) on the sand

BluePearl (c)

BluePearl (c) - one of the tents all lit up night

BluePearl (c) - arabic tea being brewed

 BluePearl(c) - fun in the sand