1.Ignorance is bliss: I was shocked to find out the buttery spread, "I can't believe it’s not butter" has gelatin in it. Along with select Frito Lay chips [Doritos, Cheetos] and some discount coated vitamins; are no longer vegan, kosher or halal friendly. Why must there be pork and animal fat in everything? Always read labels and ingredients list. In fact now days, whether or not you eat Halal or kosher, it’s always beneficial to educate yourself on what you are consuming. High fructose corn syrup, sugar, high amounts of sodium and unbelievable amounts of fat, are on my alert list. For me, it’s mostly about weight loss, but more than that it’s about eating pure foods that are preservative free. Ever since I started eating clean my migraines became less frequent. I have said good-bye to all canned foods and prepared sauces. I am happy to admit I have been fast food free for almost 4 years. I have also started cooking flavorful but less layered South Asian dinners. Just streamlined it a bit. I use lesser amounts of spices and oils. I eat more grilled fish, chicken breast and vegetables. I limit red meat to a few times a week-if at all. In fact for a short while [8 weeks] I was vegetarian. Even though, results are based on calorie, protein and carb intake; I feel lighter spiritually. My only addiction left to conquer unfortunately is carbonated light energy drinks. I really need to curb that.
2. Save the Drama for the Mama: At some point people need to start securing their drama in their own confines. Why not harbor a more mature outlook and tackle problems on your own? Why do people feel the need to share their dirty laundry in a community kitchen? What good can come of this? One minute you are low and chatting up a negative smear campaign, and 30 seconds later all is peachy. What do you think people remember? I just don't think it helps a person's integrity to talk smack one second and turn around and demand respect a second later. People won't tell you if you are out of line or that you share too much negative personal information-but they will remember. One shouldn't care what others think, but one must be consistent and stand behind their words. This of course is my opinion. I believe if something is troublesome, you are going to go to trusted peoples in your life for support. It should be limited to that select list of confidantes. Because, news spreads like fire, and if it’s the malicious kind, when in the wrong hands, spreads like a wildfire.
3. Tips are appreciated: I am very much a relationship client, it takes a couple of visits for me to feel secure with my aesthetician, hair stylist or nail tech. I guess years of working in the Spa business, I know what to look for in a good service. I also know what kind of wages Spa Professionals make. I understand the importance of 18 percent gratuity and what it means to the Employee at the end of the day after taxes. Gratuity is important when you are getting an intimate service done, i.e. waxing or nails. It's just nice. Last week I got the usual Pedicure, but the Lovely Lady I am accustomed to going to wasn't available. I didn't fret. What did happen was I sat through 60 minutes of a blah service. No relaxation, no detail at all. The Nail Tech was very sweet, which only made it worse. She was quite the chatterbox. I listened behind my novel. I looked and smiled. Right before the polishing of the toes, I look forward to a 10-minute massage. It's truly is the best part of the service. The massage was horrendous. I mean either my legs were numb or she wasn't applying any pressure at all. I sat there smiling, while she was slathering oil, and the whole time she was telling me about her kids. I felt bad asking her to massage deeper, but she clearly was in her own world. Many times her cell phone went off and she answered it. I figured, well, this is her income source; I am going to be gracious and let her finish. At the end of the pedicure, she asked me if I had any cash for her tip. Right out front. Of course I was going to tip her, but I didn't feel the need to let her know how much. I should have demanded a free service, since I paid for the whole visit. In fact when I managed a Spa, if this was a particular scenario, we would give a complimentary service. Oh well. I am nice, so I tipped-and now I just posted a rant!
4. Juicy: You know what I find extremely gratifying these days? Fresh extracted juice from my new juicer. By far it pales in comparison to my old citrus juicer. Now I can toss in a carrot, apple and pulp it till I have a glass of fresh juice. Honestly, when I am stressed out, I love juicing fruits and vegetables. I think it’s the sound of the grinder. Hehehehe. Kidding. Anyways, it’s safe to say I make use of every veggie and fruit in my fridge. You can do a google search for juice recipes. My favorite right now is Carrot Orange Apple Juice. 2 carrots, 1 Fuji or honey crisp apple, 1 Valencia orange and for a kick, a sliver of fresh ginger root. Served over ice it's extremely invigorating.
5. "Gone Fishing”: I am happy to announce I am not suffering from Writers' or any other kind of Creative Block. But I am opting to keep things under wraps for a while. I have placed my camera, my xh-a1 and my pen & paper, in the coziest place in my study. I actually am kind of resistant to document everything I do or think these days. I am also; kind of slow to respond on various social networks too. I am sure I can get into psychoanalytical mode and sort this out, but I rather not. I will save my thoughts on social networks for a future post. I rather explore and live without the need to document for a change. It’s so much more refreshing.
6. A Flattering Moment: I met with a bunch of young liberals last month at a meet-up. A few of the guys and gals were making introductions about the new people. The entire group was under 25. Imagine my horror. I am 120 days from being the big 31. The cat got out of the bag and it was revealed that I was a thirty-year-old hippie. To that someone said, "Wow, you look so young for your age." WOO HOO. It must be the diesel sneaks and the frames that give off the ever-timeless nerd vibe. I asked, "Really? How old did you think I was?" She said, "23". Cool.
7. Bundles of Joy: My best friend Sara and her Hubby are new parents to an adorable little boy Auzan. Mashallah! I cannot tell you how happy I am for them. My friend and I met in college, and she is more than a friend, she is totally like my Sister. I unfortunately, have not met her after the birth, but it is on my right away list. Congrats Sara!! May Allah always bless your family with tons of goodness and abundance. : D I will look to her for candid advice and words of wisdom when it’s my time. She gives some great no hold barred advice. Love ya'!
8. Light Up: Lately I have been seeing so many flickers of lights in my backyard. Fireflies [or glow bugs or light bugs] are in my opinion one of those cool sci-fi-esque God's creations I just adore. It is a pure delight to see my cat Goldie out in the back yard trying to chase the fireflies at night. Much better than the dead possum my cat found in the back alley. That was incredibly mortifying. I have a history of bad experiences with rodents and creepy crawly night critters.
9. What’s my Motivation: For a while I have been indulging in the idea of taking acting lessons. After reading, "How to Direct Actors for Film/TV", I decided in order to be a better Director I need to really be able to process characters like an Actor. It would be just a little bit easier to find that motivation actors are looking for when they are being directed. I was throwing this idea around for the past year, and it was only recently a friend of mine told me she thinks I should pursue it. Her positive encouragement really launched it. I guess I needed a little nudge. I have my moods and can find myself drawing out emotions when I read a good book or poetry. I figured the exhibitionist side of me has been dormant for a while, and I do need another creative outlet-a new experience. So, I am researching the right program or part time acting school. Who knows what this will bring? Whatever it does, I am sure it will be great for my creative process. I will make sure to tell you all when I am ready set go.
10. Passion for Fashion: Not lately. I was chatting with my girlfriends and it seems I am not the only one who thinks today's fashion trends are not very flattering or Muslim Women friendly. I mean, if you are modest Muslim Woman. Either the shirts are God-awful Tents with empire waist or then they are cleavage enhancing sleeveless neon explosions. I am so waiting for the current trend to change, because, I am not liking what I see for the most part. The good thing is if you have those classic pieces you can stay current with accessories. I am still buying handbags, shoes, beads and baubles. You can't stop me. I don't really cover my hair but I am very particular about wearing anything too revealing. It's a religion thing yes, but also, my personal style if defined would be minimalist chic. I like clothes that make a bold and edgy statement, that just give a snippet of my female vibe. Designers I love right now are Stella McCartney, Versace and Burberry. Why can't I find a decent long skirt for summer? All the dresses and skirts are only a few inches below the knee or mid-calve. If you're a Muslim Chic you feel me. I guess for now I will stick with pants. Darn Texas Summers.
