Birthday Month!

Another year older. Alhamdulilah. I have the propensity to get afflicted with poor health right around birthday week. Could it be out of fear of getting old? I do not know.
I am usually excited when May rolls around but this time round I have been lackluster for lack of a better word. Not as excited, not as energized and most of all fatigued which I guess were symptoms to pending poor health.
AS the years go by; they leave us with something new. And this is no different. The last year was my most definitive year. Everything came together and dreams I had long forgot to dream finally came true. I learnt so much in the previous year than I probably will in another life but then again life in itself is a learning experience.
I once told my brother that my entire life is a study on patience and it couldn’t be an truer. Everything I want out of life happens through patience. Patience with myself, the people I am surrounded by and life. There is no better teacher on patience than God.
We all have that mental picture on how our lives should be wherein we are not willing to adapt ourselves to reality. Oftentimes, the picture in our minds never comes to pass because of our failure to change mindsets. I have learned that for one to have the life they picture themselves in, they have to be willing to change. Try to fit that mental image to reality and it will get you where you want to be.
That little thing called family/sibling loyalty no longer exists in this millennial generation of ours. Nope. Today’s siblings are as divided as the breasts they suckled on. This took hold after I watched the six season of Beverly Hills Housewives. Throughout the season, Kyle was trying to mend fences with Kim and her efforts went by unappreciated. It taught me that however much you may want to improve some relationships, it is better to leave things as they are.
What the heck am I sipping on to be in the reflective doldrums? Is this what it feels like to get old? Sitting on your porch with a cup of tea and looking back on your life like an old biddy in her senior years? If this is what I have to look forward to then I want none of it.
However, it is good to reflect on your life each passing year. Note your key achievements and the lessons that came with it. If you are a planner, go ahead. Plan. Although I would not encourage you putting much stock in the plans. Life never goes according to plan. It is full of sharp corners to cut across and intricate hairpins no one ever sees coming. Let everything happen as is or was meant to then you won’t be disappointed.
Happy birthday to me and all the May Babies that share this month with me. !!!!!!! :)


 Photo Credits: google

A Pretty Bad Week

Rihanna

 

The past week has been one of the most trying weeks on my journey to financial independence. It almost brought to mind my first month of gainful employment. Everything was such a challenge back then and I never thought I would get through if not for my brother.
It was nothing short of impossible to get through. There were days when I would wake up in the wee hours of the morning just to cry -for a good hour then I would suck it up and get ready after the alarm went off. Go to the one place where I literally have no friends and work with someone bent on making me throw in the towel.
I have hit a couple of rock bottoms but my worst yet is not giving a crap as to who sees me cry: when and where. Yes, tears would just flow at any moment without warning. I haven't been this unhappy in one entire week. What made it hurt the most is the lack of physical and emotional support. I could have used lots of shoulders to cry on and several emotional hugs. But, what I really need is an anchor. My brother used to be it and since he is gone, I have no one. I have to get used to the idea of being my own super woman . Much as I needed a physical shoulder to cry on ; the virtual ones were more than enough. I appreciate each and everyone of my friends for listening to me. It is so uncanny how most of them shared the thought: I have toned down my personality and lost my touch. I am as vocal as they come and to stand what I am going through without so much as a hiccup is not me. Well, I am trying to reign in the temper and tongue that gets the best of me sometimes. You know it's been a pretty bad week when you get involved in a little accident to top it off. Thankfully; my third leg didn't break and all I got was a busted lip and a few sore spots. Everything is so up in the air. My mood, the work issues I am trying to deal with in my own time and my good humor. I have had little to smile about the entire week and it shows. How can I have a perpetual smile on my face when deep down my heart is not happy? Even the romance novels that used to help me deal in moments like these don't seem to cut it.

J’Adore: Caricatures.

My sister did these caricatures of us – me, her and our brother and I couldn’t be more amazed. I have been fascinated by caricatures of people for the longest time and thought to have many of my family as decor for when I am finally blessed with a home and house of my own. I find them really amusing, unique and fun to have. No one ever thinks of them as decor but they are quite impressive when done right. You either have a big head with the tiny body or one of your limbs as the focal point for the drawing while everything else is small.

Me and my siblings

When she shared these, I couldn’t get over the wonderment of it all most especially my mother’s! When I look at them (which I do all the time) I keep seeing her smile – she just shows teeth and her eyes. It is really her. I’m not saying my brother’s and sister’s aren’t like them just that my mother’s made quite the impression which I love.

My Mother

 For clarity, I am the one on the left in the upper picture (she even got my signature hair right the side-swept bangs), my sister Sue then Sad our brother, and below is our mother.

The Good From 2013 Continued…

“Everyday may not be good but there’s something good in everyday.”

A continuation to this post:

24/08/2013 – Received a pink jewelry set from my cousin Shakira.

31/08/2013 – My brother’s marriage. He’s wanted to get married for so long that I am glad it happened and seeing him happy makes me happy.

3/09/2013 – Had a jewelry re-sale and made a bit of money from it.

04/11/2013 – Simply Shanah is three years old!
                   - Exchanged numbers with a boy I really like. I last exchanged numbers with a guy I’m into four years ago, I think. Much as I like him, it is blatantly obvious it’s going no where.
                  - My maternal Grand Father’s death anniversary. I’m grateful to my family for the memorial prayers they hold in his stead every year.

6/11/2013 – Positive friends who listen when you need it and give advice when you least expect it.

11/11/2013 – My girl Claire’s generous soul.
                  - Brainstorming sessions with my friend Ama. These get the creative juices flowing and I lover her for her unwavering support.

20/11/2013 – Made a pair of rings out of stones for a necklace. Second time I pimp up a ring or two.

21/11/2013 – Cut my hair into bangs or a fringe.

22/11/2013 – Made a necklace out of black squares from my sister’s dress.

24/11/2013 – Need to nurture my accessories design and see how far I can go with it.

01/12/2013 – New month, wonder what it has in store.

06/13/2013 – Woke up to news of Nelson Mandela’s death who died on 5/12/2013.

08/12/2013 – Attended my cousin Farida’s wedding. Happy to have been there and see it happen.
                   - Love the gifts from Farida’s in-laws.

10/12/2013 – Nelson Mandela’s memorial service. A fitting farewell to Africa’s purest heroes.

12/12/2013 – Grateful for beautifully fierce and its subsequent social media pages. Maintaining it and the pages gives me a sense of purpose.
                 - The possibility of attaining a new phone looms in the near future.
                 -  Hearing from my friend Ossy who I haven’t seen since November.
                 - Time; being in peace and at peace with everything so far.

15/12/2013 – Seeing the Nelson Mandela funeral telecast reminded me of my maternal Grand Father’s funeral.

16/12/2013 – The Whatsapp text from one of my oldest best friends, Joy, made my night. It reminded me of our friendship in primary school then the one at University. I can’t wait to see her after years.
                  - Sighted a butterfly and I remembered  The Alchemist. They are good omens and we should believe in them.

19/12/2013 – Catch up session with my friend Malcolm. A really old friend from Primary School and University.

20/12/2013 – My uncle Uthman’s 40th birthday celebration. I love family gatherings like these because we get to be together in one place with the cousins and catch up on everything as we are all at different stages and paths in our lives.
                  - One of my creations found a new home. I am glad it went to someone who really loves it.

24/12/2013 – I received pretty little accessories from aunt; a little pink purse and a huge cocktail ring.
                   - News from Chingy about her departure from the country. She’s wanted to go for so long that I am glad Allah finally made it possible for her.

29/12/2013 – My aunt Saudah’s graduation dua. So glad to see this was done for her for she has achieved quite a lot. We’re so close that I hardly refer to her as ‘aunt’. I love moments like these because I get to see some of my favourite people in the world like my girl Smooch. Seeing her and catching up with her means the world to me, then there is Shaffy and Baker.

30/12/2013 – What a day chockfull of surprise visits! First my girls Smooch and Baby Jara ( I was aware of their pending visit) then Leila (baby on board) and Shaffy! These are what memories are made of. The thing about family is; however long you’ve taken to see each other, there is always something that binds you and makes the eons of distance slip away.
                - I have been so creative this year that I am proud of my artistic talent. This is one of my best highlights.
                - My uncle Omar made Haj and the one to whom I am best niece is in the process of preparation for the trip. I pray God makes it possible for him and glad for it to have happened for Uncle Omar (both of these are faithful readers)
                - Grateful to God for my life, family and friends. Y'all are everything to me. 
                - Totally unrelated but I am so glad that Justin Timberlake is BACK on the music scene. Yup, this was his year along with Eminem and Robin Thicke.


On that really nostalgic  note; Happy 2014 Everyone. Be Safe.

Third Anniversary!

My baby (Simply Shanah) is three years old now. Wow!
Before it dawned on me that 4th of November is the same day my maternal Grandfather passed away in 2005 and the day I started up this blog in 2010, I had toyed with the idea of writing a birthday post and publishing on the actual day. Seeing that the days coincide, writing an anniversary post on the exact day will not be happening anytime soon. On the 4th of November, we hold memorial prayers for my Grandfather as a family and it is a big thing. And it is what we were doing on Monday.I rarely talk about him because I miss him the most when I do. I miss him a lot.
Well, the day before the 4th, I got out of hibernation to attend my cousin’s small do. She brought her boyfriend to officially meet the family and make things official. I rarely see her but, when I do, it is such a pleasure. I can’t believe she is getting engaged and married. She asked whether her boyfriend passed muster and he did. He is tall, dark and handsome…just like I like them. LOL. I love guys with height. I’m so happy for her. She was so beautiful and she will be even more beautiful at her engagement and wedding.

From L-R: Farida (bride to be) and me, Mayi (my gurl), Maria (Farida's sister)

On the 4th; we had memorial prayers for my Grandfather. I’m proud of my mother’s family for maintaining this event in his memory. It has been eight years and not all of them easy. Being there, on that day makes it hard for all of us but I love hearing stories about my grand father from his friends or people who knew him. It keeps him alive in our memories. May Allah accept all our deeds on his behalf and bless us as a family. Little known fact, both my grandfathers (maternal and paternal) are deceased.
It’s three years of Simply Shanah… I am glad to have a platform where I can ramble on and on and have people read what I put out there. Really, I am thankful to each and everyone who takes the time to read, comment and follow not forgetting tweet. I’ve received a few positive tweets (although I deleted the old account) and they make me happy and appreciative of everyone.
Most of you ask me where I am taking this blog or rather what I want out of it. Right now, all I know is like the idea of having somewhere to keep memories, thoughts and a chronological progression of my life with room for whatever comes.
Happy 3rd Anniversary to my baby and a huge thank you to my friends, family and followers for the encouragement and positive feedback.

Off The Shelf!

The past few weeks have been a little manic that I haven’t had the time to write nor publish anything. I guess with all the madness and excitement before and after, I needed time to sit and soak in everything like the fact that my brother is married!
The week leading to his marriage was a little busier considering all the plans we had to make for his and then attending a wedding for one of my newest good friends. My friend’s wedding was a good forecast of things to come and something to look forward to when my brother’s time came. Aside from not being able to really believe that they are both off the shelf, I enjoyed their dos.

Me and my gurl Mayi at our friend's wedding

31/07/2013 will forever be kinda bittersweet as my sister put it. It’s the day my brother got married. I look at him now and still find it hard to take in. We always joke about it with him in disbelief yet it is fact. Most of my friends and family feel I am too attached to him – which is true because it was just me and him for a number of years before my sister came along. Now, I am learning to let go and not be so attached nor interfere because he is someone else’s now. I know he’ll always be my brother but it isn’t the same. What makes all this a little easier is knowing he is happy with his missus and it is all that matters. As long as she makes him happy, we are happy ;)

Me, my brother and sister

Oh. let’s not forget the line up of man candy that is my brother’s friends. Dang! The last time I saw a collection of hot males excluding my family is during Eid prayers at the mosque. There is nothing as FINE as Muslim brothas in full regalia. I had my big eyes on two only to find out my number one choice is with someone and my number two was booked for hooking up to none other than one of my sisters. LOL. Well, such is life even when it sucks.
Amazing how I can write all this and smile to myself. Before, I would frown a little and then brush it off. It’s good I took time off to just let it all soak in and be. I am a happy hussy.

PS: My sister made sure I blend in with the decor in the first picture.

I Got It From My Mama.

I recently ran into a cousin on my father’s side and I was shocked! The resemblance between him and my brother was so uncanny I failed to wrap my mind around it. We talk about strong gene pools and all like they are common occurrences but this was too much.
The last time I saw him, he was a teenager of 15 with a slight resemblance to my brother. At the time, I remember telling my brother how Bryan (cousin) looked a little like him with the exception of age and weight. Bryan was young and skinny. This time round; he not only looks like Sadat (brother) but has both his and dad’s traits – the laugh, unhurried/laidback talk, height, weight and build! I couldn’t stop myself from staring at him nor getting over it!

C'est moi et Bryan.

Sadat is a younger version of my dad. Sometimes, the people we know mistake him for my father and Bryan would pass as his twin. I think those who know both my dad and Bryan probably think he is his biological son. These are genes you can’t deny even with a DNA test! Like the ones between Eddie Murphy and his daughter Angel from MelB.

Sadat and Me!

Aside from the uncanny looks; I was really impressed with how enterprising Bryan is. He dropped out of school at 15 (actually told his dad school wasn’t for him) and went on to learn practical skills on how to become a mechanic at my dad’s garage. Now at  24, he is a mechanic and not only deals in cars old cars but trades the too. This shows you don’t have to be over 30 to curve out your own path to success.
The other reason as to why I am really impressed with him is cause he reminds me so much of my dad. My dad started out as a mechanic when young and now has lots of trucks and two garages-one for his trucks and the other for the small normal cars though he isn’t a full time mechanic anymore.

Bryan by his car.

Are you wondering where I got my good looks from? As they say, “I got it from my mama”. Yes. The big eyes, small nose and ears, fingers and chubby feet are courtesy of her. The few things I got from my dad are the character traits- he is way too quiet, a loner and I have his forehead too. LOL! I got my forehead and face from him. Other than that, I am the no relation/resemblance child.

My mom.

My sister is a cross between my mum and dad erring on dad’s side and so is Sadat. All three look a like with my sister as the female version of them and they have good height and build. The height is my only bone of contention, I am jealous of them cause they are tall whilst I am a short and petite hussy! I am as height challenged as my mum. The plus in all this genetic thing is the graceful aging on both sides of my parents. We age GRACEFULLY!!!
Sidebar; This is why height is a deal breaker for me when it comes to dating and relationships.

Hello! Hello… Hello?!

This is so random and out there but uh…I always reflect on people’s ‘hello’ whenever I receive and end a phone call. It is something I am sort of fixated with and find vastly amusing, I have observed they are different due to tone and level of excitement.

These are the types of ‘Hello’ I have observed amongst my friends and family during phone calls. For the fun of it, I am going to name the culprits so they can know where they fall.

Hello! My favourite ‘Hello’. The caller says it with a lot of gusto and an underlying pleasure. To me, it suggests; I know who I am talking to and it is a pleasure to do so. My brother Sad, friends Emma, Belle and O fall in this category. I find their tone and excitement very infectious and never fails to make me smile.

Hello… This is a funny one. The caller here says it in a small unsure voice and leaves it hanging as if they are not sure of who they are talking to and want the reply to be a confirmation. This Hello says; “I know who I have called but not sure if I am speaking to the right person?” Clare, Tracey and Ronald are the culprits in this category.

Hello?! A rude one if I say so myself. I say that because I am known to offend a lot of people by how I answer the phone sometimes. My uncle has taken me to task over this on more than one occasion.  So, yeah…I am the culprit here. This hello is said with a lot of curtness and annoyance at the disturbance. It says, ‘WTF do you want?’ IF it is an unknown number and to someone I hardly want to talk to.

Much as I am guilty for using the third Hello,  The first Hello is usually where I fall when and if it is someone I want to talk with.

Are you wondering now where you or your friends fall? Bet you’ll start noticing after this!