BBPA

Its been over 18 months..

2009-01-15T22:16:00.002-05:00

Wow. Its been a while since I have wrote..
I guess a lot has changed. I now have a baby who is beautiful. A new house and 30lbs of extra fat!! Work is crappy. I really need to find a new job., but I am scared. The market is so volatile right now. Layoffs everywhere..

Watching President Bush final speech.. THANK GOD!! He needs to leave..

I feel sooo FAT, the fattest I have ever been. I need to step up and diet. I ate pizza, cake and chicken sticks today. What is my problem?? I need to stop eating this crap and do some exercise.

Its sooo cold. Need to use the treadmill.

Who are the true Muslims - them or us?

2007-07-06T14:13:00.000-04:00

It’s the 6th of July . Nearly two years to the day from the 7/7 bombings in London.

It makes me so sad thinking about the pain that the victims went through then and what they are going through now.

I know that it doesn’t help with the attempted bombings in London the other day. What are these people thinking?? I am a Muslim and I don’t understand why people decide to be so extreme.

My mum and dad brought us to be GOOD PEOPLE and GOOD Muslims. Follow the five pillars (being a muslim, prayer (namaaz), Zakat (donation), Fasting and going to Hajj (pilgrimage)

They told us to respect other people’s belief and not to be disrespectful to others. I remember reading a story about the prophet who protected ants from being trampled because they were a living thing. That's the kind of stories that I listened to growing up, respect for others, for life

So I don’t get how people can hurt others in the name of Allah?? I feel that my religion has been hijacked by extremists’; meaning when non Muslims think about Islam they associate it the extremists! The reality is in my whole life and I am sure others agree I have not met any Muslims who thinks being a good Muslim is to hurt others.

I know a lot of devout Muslims who are appalled by the actions of these so called Muslims. I think they are terrorists who will never get to Heaven if they tried. Suicide guarantees you a one way ticket to HELL

I am so pissed and sickened by these wack jobs that have so much hatred and lack of respect for life

As the article says below:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/6275772.stm

Whoever kills an innocent soul, it is as if he killed the whole of mankind.
"And whoever saves one, it is as if he saved the whole of mankind."

Read this today ..My hurt hearts

2007-05-02T13:22:00.000-04:00

I am so proud of being so many things including being of Pakistani heritage. Although I have not been back in 14 years, it is still where my parents are from.

It breaks my heart to see the article below?? There are using the minority to paint a sterotype. First being Muslim is tough, now being Pakistani adds to your issues!
Terrorists and crazies can be any race and any religion.

US 'wants British Pakistanis to have entry visas'
To see this story with its related links on the Guardian Unlimited site, go to http://www.guardian.co.uk

US 'wants British Pakistanis to have entry visas'
Matt Weaver
Wednesday May 02 2007
The Guardian

The American government wants to impose travel restrictions on British citizens of Pakistani origin because of concerns about terrorism, according to a report today.

In talks with the British government, the US homeland security secretary, Michael Chertoff, called for British Pakistanis to apply for a visa before travelling to the US, according to the New York Times.

The newspaper claimed that US officials were concerned about the number of terrorist plots in Britain involving citizens with ties to Pakistan.

But today the Foreign Office made it clear would resist the idea. It said it would oppose any attempt to exclude particular ethnic groups from the US visa waiver scheme that allows citizens from 27 countries, including the UK, to travel to the US without a visa for up to 90 days.

A spokesman said: "We are in close touch with the US about entry clearance, and they are aware of our view that changes to the visa waiver programme could cause economic damage to both our countries without materially enhancing the security controls over immigration."

He added: "The Muslim community in the UK, including those of Pakistani origin, are an important part of our society and we would oppose strongly any proposal to single them out in response to the actions of terrorists. Furthermore, we will oppose any measure based on broad categories of religious, ethnic or other criteria, and will continue to emphasise the importance of the current risk-based approach."

Mohammad Sarwar, the Labour MP for Glasgow Central, described the proposal as "unbelievable and shocking. Every British citizen must have the same rights. I don't think America has any right to interfere in this way."

Mr Sarwar, who was born in Pakistan and became Britain's first Muslim MP in 1997, urged ministers to reject the idea.

Ahmed Versi, the editor of Muslim News, agreed. He said: "They [the Americans] are trying to paint the whole Muslim community with the same brush. It's racist. There would be a huge outcry from all Muslims whether they are Pakistani or not."

He pointed out that many British Muslims were already put off from the travelling to the US for fear of the unwelcome reception they would receive.

The report of America's concerns follows the conviction earlier this week of five British men for planning a series of attacks across the UK. Four of them were of Pakistani origin. But according to the New York Times, talks on travel restrictions for British Pakistanis have been taking place for some "months".

Last month, Mr Chertoff held talks with the home secretary, John Reid. It is believed they discussed the visa waiver scheme that allows citizens from 27 countries, including the UK, to travel to the US without a visa for up to 90 days.

In an interview with the Daily Telegraph on the eve of the talks, Mr Chertoff said: "We need to build layers of protection, and I don't think we totally want to rely upon the fact that a foreign government is going to know that one of their citizens is suspicious and is going to be coming here."

At the time he did not mentioned restrictions on British Pakistani, but he expressed concern that the terrorist such as the July 7 bombers, three of whom were of Pakistani origin, could have used the visa waiver scheme to enter America.

Billy Blanks and Russell Peters

2007-04-23T14:42:00.000-04:00

So I did a taebo class at the sym on Friday with Billy Blanks. There was over 300 people there but he was right there, sweating like the rest of us. I have to say I am surprised that I made it, because that was some tough stuff. Thankfully my back is not hurting!!

Busy weekend , last night I went to the Russell Peters show. He was hilarious. He takes the race and sex jokes to the next level.

Fish and Chips

2007-04-17T19:40:00.000-04:00

Soo a lot has happened including a new job and some of the best fish and chips that I have tasted in the states

Went to ‘A Salt and Battery’ in Greenwich Village, NYC.. Bobby Flay featured this shop on his show ‘Throwdown’ saying that this place had the best fish and chips. I would say that I had to agree. The place looked like a chippie that I went to back home.

I loved it!!! Nothing like some good old fashioned fish and chips!!

So far I like my new job, lets see what I have to say in a month The people are super nice which really helps!!

Confused

2007-04-12T12:38:00.000-04:00

Do you ever think that you know a person, but you really don’t at all?
The last couple of years have been a lie? They say one thing but mean another

Cakes and all things sweet

2007-03-24T22:15:00.000-04:00

So Camberly homes are opening a new commumity in Ellicott City. The houses are luxury houses that unfortunately are assigned to some crappy schools.. I dont get it..

Anyway that wasnt the reason for this blog. There was a grand opening for the model home, which by the way was absolutely gorgeous. It had the best basement that I had seen. It was awesome!!

They had Warren Brown ( owner of Cake Love , Sugar rush - Food network) there doing cupcake making demo. It was so much fun, he was really nice and it was the closest that I have been to a Food Network celebrity!

It was fun:)

Seeing Warren inspires me to try to be a better cook.

I may still become the semi homemade desi diva:)

Cricket..Then and Now

2007-03-23T09:54:00.000-04:00

So I grew up in London watching Cricket with my Dad. We spent many a days watching matches on telly and the occasional match at Oval.

Being from Pakistani heritage, we would always support Pakistan. I remember when they won the World Cup. It was a HUGE deal.

If Pakistan was out, I would support India, and then England. It was funny how easy it was for me to start supporting for the next team that had a chance to win. That was the good ole days, watching Cricket was bonding time for my family.

Now in 2007…

Pakistan loses to Ireland and then the devastating news that the coach has been murdered.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070323/ts_nm/cricket_world_woolmer_murder_dc

This news has overshadowed the tournament. There are many conspiracy theories, one of them being that some sort of gambling mafia was involved. It’s so sad.

Pakistani youth always found solace from watching cricket. What message does this send now?

No more warm fuzzies.

Changes

2007-03-15T14:47:00.000-04:00

Wow, its been nearly 9 months since I published anything.
The biggest change for me is that I now have short hair! I took the plunge and basically said "Who cares if it goes horribly wrong, I dont have anyone to impress"!
Thankfully it looks good, very different. I needed a change. I have had the same hairstyle ( not including layers, color) , since I was 15!!

I started a cake decorating class. Not sure if I will stick with it. Its a lot of prep and it is messy!
I dont like the taste of buttercream, need to find out how to decorate with whip topping:)

I am trying to lose weight. Tried some weight loss medicine that was meant to reduce belly fat; I lost zilch!!

I am going to continue to exercise and maybe try this gum 'Nutra-trim'. My co worker lost 2lbs in the last 2 weeks.

England!!

2006-06-16T11:04:00.000-04:00

Its funny that I am more patriotic now that I am living in the states. England played Trinidad and Tobago yesterday in the World Cup. A couple of us when to the pub to watch the game. England barely won the game, scoring 2 in the last 10 minutes. They really need to tighten their game to have any chance beating the other teams!

Its Friday..yeaaahhh

......

2006-06-01T11:35:00.000-04:00

I am soo anxious right know.

You know when you are feeling down and you just dont know why you feel that way.
The feeling that are on the verge of bursting into tears.

I know that certain people have disappointed me and made me think if I really know them. Even though I have been living in the US for 9 years, I still have to question if I made the right choice to leave my family to move here. Sure, I know London is a financial sh*t hole and has it flaws but it is where my family and friends are.

I hope I can snap out of this, I hate feeling this way

A good message---beautifully stated...

2006-05-12T11:54:00.000-04:00

As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that
wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will.
You will have your heart broken probably more than
once and it's harder every time.
You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken.
You'll fight with your best friend.
You'll blame a new love for things an old one did.
You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose
someone you love.
So take too many pictures, laugh too much,
and love like you've never been hurt because
every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of
happiness you'll never get back...

Reading News - is it worth it?

2006-05-10T14:28:00.000-04:00

Reading the news pisses me off more than anything. Today it really disturbed me.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060510/ts_nm/crime_school_dc_2
I cant believe that 8 year olds are being so cruel. I cant help worrying about my own kids and what they will have to face when they get older.
Its like you cant trust anyone nowadays.

I rarely ever read GOOD NEWS, something that brings a smile to my face..

Advice..right

2006-05-09T08:30:00.000-04:00

So my pet peeve is when people call you up and they say that they REALLY need to talk to you, whilst you are running late for something else.
I feel bad and listen..
They proceed to tell you about the problem they have. I listen, and then offer my advice. What really gets on my nerves is when it is not advice they wanna hear, ie they are maybe being too rash, irrational etc.. They are like okay, whatever, gotta go!!

My thing is, if they DONT want to hear someone else's opinion and just want people to agree with them, they need to go and sit down and talk to a mirror or something...

Dont call me up and then say WHATEVER!

Kal Penn is hot

2006-03-15T23:01:00.000-05:00

Yep, watching 'Harold and Kumar ' again for the 50th time. I cant wait for the Namesake to come out. I really enjoyed the book, hopefully Kal will kick ass as Gogal. I am sure it will be stange to see him in a serious role. Tabu is going to play his mum.. Mira Nail (?) the lady from Monsoon Wedding will be directing.

Anyway had a test today, it went well. Menace and her better half are still here.Bichaaree has busted her foot. Hopefully she will get better soon!

Cheese Cake

2006-03-07T14:44:00.000-05:00

So my mum and sister have been here. I can’t tell you how wonderful it has been!

Although we have not really been out and done much stuff, it’s been nice to spend some one on one time with my mum. When I go to London it is always hectic.

We went to the “Cheesecake Factory” yesterday. The food does not taste the same as it use to. Or maybe the novelty of the big portions has worn offJ I need to go on a serious diet, as all this weight is slowing me down. Joined EDiets, hopefully that will work.

All else is well. Fayyaz is crazy about basketball...

Layla walked into a table and now has a bruise across her cheek.

Valentines Day

2006-02-15T12:01:00.000-05:00

My evening was lovely.

Smelley set up a candlenight meal with take out and cheese and crackers:)
It was nice. I was busy studying, and the kids were being a handful but we still
managed to have a laugh.

Its been forever since I went to London. Funnily enough, I am not really
homesick. I know its partly because that I am really busy with school
and that my sisters have been over.

My mum comes here in two weeks so I am really excited about that.
Layla now says - this, yum- yum, ammma, dada, 'bi-da' - no idea what that means!!

Happy New year - BELATED!

2006-01-30T11:09:00.000-05:00

Yep, its been a while since I posted anything. I decided that I really should post something before January is over!!

It’s a big day for me today; I go back to school. My first class is “Fundamentals of Microbiology”. I am nervous, hoping that it will not be too rough. Menace left today. She has been so helpful since she has been here. She totally took care of the little rug-rat. I was getting spoilt:) Its back to reality. Smelly and I will be back to our juggling schedule.

Nothing new with me; I had a busy weekend with friends and family being over.
Missing my family; I am hoping I can make a trip in Spring break.

Thanksgiving

2005-11-23T22:16:00.000-05:00

So I am feeling like crap. My throat hurts and my glands are swollen. I am so hoping that I will feel better by tomorrow. Really looking forward to eating the turkey and all the other good tomorrow. Beth does a great job.

Anywhooo I am off, its no fun sitting in front of a laptop when I feel like SH%T

Life

2005-11-15T02:10:00.000-05:00

I passed the CSTE, any other day I guess I would be happy. Just found out that one of my friends younger sister(Jinz) is sufferring from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) . She just got diagnosed, according to my friend she has had it since 9 but kept on getting misdiagnosed. Typical, for the NHS. The health care in England sucks. Jinz is only 23 years old..so sad. She is the same age as one of my sisters.

When shit (mind my language, but i feel bad at the moment)happens you realise how you take your health and life for granted.

I really hope that she is going to be okay.

Wilma ...

2005-10-22T00:26:00.000-04:00

Its been a while since I have been on…
So quick recap…

September was really busy and hectic. It was the kids birthdays, then my family was over and then I had to fly to the middle of nowhere to take an exam for work.

Omaha, was okay, I guess, the people were friendly but 3 days there were long enough. I guess the exam and basically just the craziness of everything made me really stressed out, I ended up getting Bells Palsy again. Luckily it wasn’t as bad as last time and the steroids fixed it quick…

So since then I have been trying my best to keep my stress levels low.

October has been pretty good, just busy fasting and hanging with the kids. Work is okay, don’t know how long I wanna be there for.

So we were meant to leave for the Bahamas yesterday, but the plans got rescheduled because of Hurricane Wilma.

I am not too bummed; I would rather be at home then being stick in a hotel watching the rain pouring outside:)

I can see a ferry..

2005-08-16T09:54:00.000-04:00

So I am working in NJ for a couple of days. The office view is awesome, you can see Manhattan and over the Hudson River. I got here last night. It was nice to see people walking around instead of driving!

Tonight we are going to go into Manhattan. Its great to be in city again, I miss walking so much. Being here reminds me of London.

When is a good time?

2005-08-12T10:02:00.000-04:00

A lot of people I know always put off this and that until things settle down or there are less than things to do. As far as my life goes I know that I am constantly juggling my home life, social activities with my HUGE extended family, working and hanging out with my friends. I do feel overwhelmed at times, but I know this is what life is and what I have chosen it to be.
I dont want to give up my friends or job or compromise time with my family !!!

Ending Note:
I have come to the conclusion that there never will be a right time...

""You've got to roll with the punches!!"

In the words of Mahatma Ghandi:
Live as if you will die tomorrow but learn as if you will live forever

Maybe I will have some inspirational words one day!!

BBPA ??

2005-08-08T14:00:00.000-04:00

You are probably thinking what BBPA mean???

It means British Born Pakistani American. I was born in London to Pakistani parents, got married and then became a naturilized US citizen.....

I have been thinking about what that means a lot lately, especially after reading the article below

http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30000-13404785,00.html

I have been trying to work out what defines me the most being British Born, Pakistani or American???