Tuesday, June 24, 2008

persia

I want to visit and experience Iran. A nation with it's rich culture and ways of life. I hope you enjoy this lovely post on Iran as much as I. Wonderful writing.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

the lion sleeps tonight

One of my favourite albums is, Return to Pride Rock. The album has an age old soulful track - "The Lion Sleeps Tonight". The tune has a captivating African soul. Personally, the song reminds of kindergarten days, times with mom and carefree infancy memories of an era gone by.

Whilst home last Christmas I gifted a copy to my sister in law, who'd just become a mom for the second time. My niece, Norah, loves listening to the track - The Lion Sleeps Tonight. Norah turns an year old this August. Obviously she does not understand the lyrics. However, each time she hears this track, she becomes all cheerful, smiley and calm on her way to sleep. This one is for you angel, sweet dreams.

Monday, June 16, 2008

a post

Sometimes we try and write up intense thoughts & emotions within, and as easy as it may seem, it's actually not. However at times we sort of stumble on few simple words from fellow beings who probably are going through similar phases in life.

Came across this post at fellow blogger Yazan's blog. For me, personally, the simple words below capture much of the angst and melancholy within, especially the past couple of years in my life. Reading thru, I find bit of solace and some solitude. It's nice to be honest with yourself.

"I can't sleep until I'm too tired to open my eyes, and once I do, I never want to wake up. I have dreams of everything I wanted to do, and nightmares of everything I did.

I struggle to concentrate, I struggle, I truly, struggle to be interested in anyone, or anything around me.

I feel as homeless as can be. And it's choking me alive. There is nothing worse than this feeling of alienation from everything that used to be your home. This disconnection, this continuous state of denial. I think I've forgotten how to belong anymore."

Saturday, June 14, 2008

summer days

It has been a busy few weeks - work was a little more than I could handle, and personal life was just about OK, I think(?)

Summer has arrived with a bang! The city's been sweltering at 105+ degrees. It was pretty bad the past two weeks. Had a major thunderstorm this evening, so hopefully the heat shall mellow a bit in coming days. I must admit, am not a summer person. I turn into this completely different *creature* during summer - mostly do everything indoors, from playing tennis, running, or just chillaxing at home. My friends think that's odd, given I was raised in the Middle East (I don't get it either). Honestly, I don't know what it is about summers - I sort of want to stick my head in a freezer.

Beside the steamy weather, something I do not appreciate is summer wear. To be precise what some women wear during summer. Every year, the tops, shorts, skirts an' all seem to get shorter and shorter - from barely there, to the *not there anymore*. This year, I've seen tops & shorts/skirts, which in terms of size can only be defined as a headband and/or a wristband. It's funny 'cause the accessories (10 inch heels and extra large handbags, which could be used as a makeshift live in tent) are more in volume than the actual clothes on these women. Am not sure if it's to be comfortable, or attract attention - am guessing the latter. I understand it is summer, and people need to dress comfortably. However, I can't appreciate the lack of clothes on some people (both men & women). There are a hundred alternatives that offer comfort as well as modesty. Being modest or modesty in itself, isn't that subjective, I think.

Summer season is also brisk tourist season in NYC. People from all over the world flock into the city. It's fantastic to see the city buzzing with tourists. It's also nice to have random folks with different accents, gestures, greetings, approach me for directions, have pictures taken, ask away about the city, Broadway shows, central park, subway system and smile at what they think is a New York accent - which isn't true, 'cause I do not have an NYC(or an American) accent.

Am not travelling on work for the next few weeks, so that's good. Am thinking of selling my place and getting a larger one. Apparently home prices have come down a bit everywhere, except where I live and there is plenty of brand new inventory in the market. Mom was scheduled to visit this July - she changed her plans, again at the last minute. So am having n-o-b-o-d-y visit me from home, this summer as well - blah!

Well that's about it from the past few weeks. Usual city life, with work, friends, social life, summer and all - oh! I turned 32 on the 7th, so belated sana hilwa to me :)