My two cents

Utter sadness.  Those two words adequately describe my feelings for the last few weeks (they have been hard on me).  Not because of anything in my personal life,  but rather world events.  My soul has been disquieted most by the plights of the Palestinians, and the events in Iraq.  Mostly because I feel helpless; my only contribution to the horrors being the tears I shed daily for the innocents.  My prayers seems to land on deaf ears, my actions seem to make no difference, and hashtags are useless.  My facebook; smothered by the constant onslaught of horrific videos, pictures, testimonials; feeling like I am hurtling through space (wind rushing against my face) unable to catch my breath.
I stand for the people of Palestine and the people of Israel both deserve peace.  Of course I have anger against both governments for having caused the deaths of so many children.  Aside from a few "bad apples" calling for the end of Israel or death to Arabs I wholeheartedly believe most people just want peace.  My personal thoughts are that Israel and Hamas (until the Palestinian people vote them out) need to trust and respect each other.  Yes, that will be VERY hard, but it can be done.  Israel needs to trust that Hamas will not call of Israel's end (as they have removed it form their charter in 2006) and Hamas needs to trust that Israel will end the occupation.  Will that bring forever peace? No, off course not.  Violence and hatred will always exists but the governments need to work together to fight against that and not blame entire peoples.  I.e. no communal punishment. No doubt the events that have taken place in the last few weeks have planted more seeds of terror (see video below).  These children will need to be taken care of and given proper psychological treatment.  We cannot ignore them.  We cannot forget them. Long idea short, both sides just need to STOP.  Count to 3 and STOP. at the same time. The whole Israel/Palestine situation just makes me sad, and frustrated because I feel the solution is easier than most people expect. We just need to stop playing the blame game.
The situation in Iraq makes me just as sad, but ISIS simply pisses me off.  There is nothing more to be said for them other than the fact that ISIS people are a bunch of deranged thugs that need to institutionalized and quarantined.  Is that PC enough? As if blowing kids (Israel) up was not bad enough, beheading them is truly the work of a devil, and deserves a place in the deepest spot of Hell.  Maybe ISIS pisses me off so much because they decided to hijack my faith.  Really, just for that I would send them to Hell.  However, ISIS has gone beyond that they show complete disregard for human life and dignity.  No compassion, no option for compromise, just vicious disregard.  I am not going to blame the emergence of ISIS on forever long disputes between sects or people. Why?  Because I know for a fact that Iraqis of all faiths and cultures have lived together (as neighbors) in peace and will again.  So what caused this?  A power vacuum. That we caused when we invaded Iraq for not good reason.
Yes, Saddam was a terror, a dictator.  But we had no right to remove him.  If the Iraqi people needed liberation from this dictator they needed to rise up on their own volition.  That may have taken a while (even forever), but I would hope that the time it would take the people to rise up against their own dictator they could have worked out plan together (without outside intervention) on what to do after. What would our (USA) possible role have been? Advisers. Not how to topple Saddam but to give advise to NOT topple him until a post Saddam plan was agreed upon. That is it.
Sadly, hindsight is 20/20.  what do we now? We have to advise the Iraqi people to come together to work together, and then stay out of it.  If they want to split into 3 countries then so be it. If they want to stay together than so be it. While that is happening we need to fight militarily with ISIS. We should not add fuel by arming any group. We all know how that ends.  Lets finally learn from our mistakes.  We don't need to un-arm anyone lets not arm them MORE. Why am I not calling any Middle-east country to come to aid?  Well, not that they should not.  But I simply have more confidence in the might and capabilities of my country (America).  I don't trust anyone else to have the guts to follow through (as needed). We can arm and educate a people but we cannot give them guts or a spine to stand in the face of evil and defeat it.

At the end of the day, I am a Mama of two beautiful angels, and I stand for peace.

Stovetop Roast Chicken with Lemon-Herb Sauce

Stovetop Roast Chicken with Lemon-Herb Sauce
From America's test Kitche: Season 10: Sensational Skillet Recipes

Serves 4

A whole 4-pound chicken, cut into 8 pieces, can be used instead of the chicken parts. Use a splatter screen when browning the chicken.

Ingredients
Chicken
3 1/2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken parts (breasts, thighs, and drumsticks, or a mix, with breasts cut in half), trimmed of excess fat (see note)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 - 1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth Lemon-Herb Sauce
1 teaspoon vegetable oil 1 medium shallot , minced (about 3 tablespoons)
1 teaspoon unbleached all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 1/2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves 1 1/2 tablespoons minced fresh chives 1 tablespoon cold unsalted butter

Instructions
1. FOR THE CHICKEN: Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken pieces skin-side down and cook without moving until golden brown, 5 to 8 minutes.
2. Using tongs, flip chicken pieces skin-side up. Reduce heat to medium-low, add 3/4 cup broth to skillet, cover, and cook until instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of chicken registers 155 degrees for breasts and 170 degrees for legs and thighs, 10 to 16 minutes (smaller pieces may cook faster than larger pieces). Transfer chicken to plate, skin-side up.
3. Pour off liquid from skillet into 2-cup measuring cup and reserve. Using tongs, wipe skillet with paper towels. Add remaining teaspoon oil to skillet and heat over medium-high heat until oil is shimmering. Return chicken pieces skin-side down and cook undisturbed until skin is deep golden brown and crisp and it reaches 160 degrees for breasts and 175 degrees for legs and thighs, 4 to 7 minutes. Transfer to serving platter and tent loosely with foil. Using spoon, skim fat from reserved cooking liquid and add enough broth to measure 3/4 cup.

4. FOR THE SAUCE: Heat oil in now-empty skillet over low heat. Add shallot and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 1 minute. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, 30 seconds. Increase heat to medium-high, add reserved cooking liquid, and bring to simmer, scraping skillet bottom with wooden spoon to loosen browned bits. Simmer rapidly until reduced to 1/2 cup, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in any accumulated juices from resting chicken; return to simmer and cook 30 seconds. Off heat, whisk in lemon juice, parsley, chives, and butter; season with salt and pepper. Pour sauce around chicken and serve immediately.

How I stopped my daughter from sucking her thumb

The day we stopped swaddling my daughter, was the day she started sucking her thumb. Of course my Mom warned me against allowing her to do this, but there were days that it would be the only thing that would calm her down (and she was cute). As any new parent I did my online research to see if there was anything wrong in thumb sucking and found that most doctors said it was OK. So I left it at that.

However, as Inaara started to crawl and get her hands into more things I began to worry about germs and her getting sick. I tried to pull her thumb out when she put it in her mouth, but that made her more upset. I tried rubbing raw garlic, vinegar anything non-harmful and nasty tasting on her thumb so she would be put off by it. As it stands, my lil Angel out loves garlic, vinegar and spices. What worried me more was Inaara's thumb was now forming calluses. Yucky, at best. I asked my pediatrician what I should do... his answer, "Well, she does it as a form of comfort, try keeping her busy in something else." What I learned form that was when Inaara wanted to relax there was nothing I or anyone could do to stop her.


I went back to the Internet. There had to be away to stop her thumb sucking. I found sites where I could buy gloves and plastic thumb covers, but I was not going to spend money on something she would not wear. Plus how would she play and color with a weird contraption on her hand. I read about applying slaves (been there done that). I came across suggestions of putting a band aid on her thumb, but she sucked her thumb so hard I was afraid it would become a choking hazard.

Then one day my mom stumbled across something. If she gave Inaara a snack (ie almond) she would take her hand out of her mouth long enough to eat. So if we kept her busy with snacks we were good. I did not like that idea for very long because now I was teaching her food = comfort. Plus Inaara caught on soon enough. As my frustration grew, my mom's was worse and Inaara's thumb transformed into a nasty (sometimes tearing) callus.

Finally, at her 2 year check up I again pleaded with her doctor to help. His response "Well, she does it as a form of comfort, try keeping her busy in something else." Yes. That should sound familiar. It was the SAME thing he told me every other time. Dejected and worried about my daughter's habit and increasingly ugly and stinky thumb I went home.

Two nights later while trying to fall asleep it came to me. She was sucking her thumb to comfort herself. It was all PSYCHOLOGY! If I could do something to ruin her comfort when she sucked her thumb I had a chance to train her to think that sucking her thumb would not bring her comfort. But what would I do? I had recently begun to notice that Inaara was developing a slight fear/repulsion to bugs... and that was my key. The next morning as I woke up to the sound of Inaara sucking thumb I woke her up telling her that a bug had approached her because she was sucking her thumb, and I made the necessary moves to move/kill said bug. She immediately removed her thumb. That day anytime she made a move of putting her thumb in her mouth I would make a scene abou

t a bug and blame it on thumb sucking. My reactions were similar to what they would have been if I had spotted a black widow spider about to attack her. So yes, they were aimed to scared and make her uncomfortable. One day was all it took to cut Inaara's thumb sucking by 80% percent. In three full days she had stopped sucking her thumb. My husband made the comment that I was creating a new fear for her, but I am OK if she is afraid of bugs. I am not completely ruthless though, I did take the opportunity to teach her difference between "ok" bugs and "dangerous" bugs. Living in So. Cal, we have quite a few black widows.. at least 3 are in my garage right now. So I am OK with Inaara being scared of them, at least she is not sucking her thumb anymore.

20 Things about Me

50 Random Questions

1. Where were you 3 hours ago?

In front of my laptop as I am right now.

2. Who are you in love with?

My husband Kamran and my sweet baby Inaara.

3. Have you ever eaten a crayon?

No.

4. Is there anything pink within 10 feet of you?

LOL..YES!!! Pick robe, pink socks, baby dressed in all pink, pink toys.

5. When is the last time you went to the mall?

Good question. I do not honestly remember, I believe in December 2008.

6. Are you wearing socks right now?

Yes. Keeping my feet warm and soft.

7. Do you have a car worth over $2,000?

Yes... I am "Mad Mom in mini-van"

8. When was the last time you drove out of town?

2 Weekends ago

9. Have you been to the movies in the last 5 days?

No

10. Are you hot?

You tell me.

11. What was the last thing you had to drink?

Water.

12. What are you wearing right now?

My PJs

13. Do you wash your car or let the car wash do it?

Let the Car wash do it.

14. Last food that you ate?

lasagna

15. Where were you last week at this time?

Same place, but getting ready to go to Orlando, FL

16. Have you bought any clothing items in the last week?

No

17. When is the last time you ran?

Sunday.

18. What's the last sporting event you watched?

Super Bowl 2009

19. What is your favorite animal?

Tiger

20. Your dream vacation?

Somewhere where there are clear, skies, beaches and fun stuff to do.

21. Last person's house you were in?

My neighbors.

22. Worst injury you've ever had?

Fractured right wrist

23. Have you been in love?

yes..I still am

24. Do you miss anyone right now?

Yes. My family and my sisters.

25. Last play you saw?

Lion King

26. What is your secret weapon to lure in the opposite sex?

My kindness

27. What are your plans for tonight?

stay home with the hubby

28. Who is the last person you sent a MySpace message or comment?

no one

29. Next trip you are going to take?

Business trip to San Jose

30. Ever go to camp?

yes

31. Were you an honor roll student in school?

yes

32. What do you want to know about the future?

nothing

33. Are you wearing any perfume or cologne?

not at the moment

34. Are you due sometime this year for a doctor's visit?

yes

35. Where is your best friend?

Out of state

36. How is your best friend?

Well

37. Do you have a tan?

always. :(

38. What are you listening to right now?

my baby play

39. Do you collect anything?

used to collect coins

40. Who is the biggest gossiper you know?

can't say...

41. Last time you got stopped by a cop or pulled over?

3 years ago.

42. Have you ever drank your soda from a straw?

yes

43. What does your last text message say?

"on our way to florida... I LOVE YOU"

44. Do you like hot sauce?

YES!

45. Last time you took a shower?

In the morning

46. Do you need to do laundry?

yes

47. What is your heritage?

Pakistani

48. Are you someone's best friend?

yes

49. Are you rich?

no

50. What were you doing at 12AM last night?

Sleeping

Top Car Insurance

Top Ten List - Best Myspace Quizzes

NOT IN MY NAME!!!

Not surprisingly I have been bothered by the recent attacks in India by Muslim extremists. Once again I have to wonder why and how my religion which does teach tolerance and peace can be used by people who only accomplish the opposite.
When other Muslims react with a "victim" card I am always surprised. Yes there are atrocities that have and been and are being committed against Muslims around the word; innocent people are being tortured and killed, kicked out of their homes because of what they believe in. However, does that really mean that Muslims should get so upset as to kill other innocents because of what their beliefs may be? Is that really what God would want? Not in my belief.
I know Muslims believe that a crime against one Muslim is a crime against all of us, and many confused souls act out with such a belief. That being said can we as Muslims really blame the world when a wrong done by one of us is used against all of us?
I wish that was not the case but it is. I wish when Muslims take to the streets, write letters to their representatives and peacefully speak about what is upsetting them others would listen. I wish that when a wrong is committed by another Muslim, other Muslims would not try to offer excuses, even though that may be only time they are heard. I wish that after any terror attack, whether it be by an army or a group of kids that we condemn it with our hearts, minds and voices.

All that being said one thing still leaves me puzzled. I am an American, why do my fellow Americans draw a line between me and themselves and say "You are Muslim, you should do something. Why don't you d anything?"

What should I do? What can I do? How am I different from you?


To all the angry, lost souls, Muslim and Non-Muslim all I can is... NOT IN MY NAME!!!

EID MUBARIK!!!!

Yesterday was Eid Ul'Fitr official marking the end of another great Ramadan. Every year Eid is a bitter sweet moment for me. I am happy for all spirituality I have gained and the perspective that Ramadan teaches me, yet I am sad that it has to end. It is a surreal feeling to have felt so close to God for an entire month and one can only hope that we can continue on that same path after Ramadan. During Ramadan I have noticed that things all seem to go a little smoother a little slower, and a little better, I like to compare it to a steady sound of waves crashing on a quiet beach and the sun warming the sand inviting you a to a perfect nap. I cannot wait till Ramadan '07. :)

Eid was (as always)a blast. I love spending time with the family and dressing up. :) It is the perfect ending to a perfect month (Alhumdullilah).

Four Things About Me

I read this on my hubby's blog and thought I'd use it to tell you a little about myself:

FOUR THINGS you may not have known about me.....

A) Four jobs I have had in my life:

* Flower girl at Conroy's Flower Shop
* Greeter at UCI Student Health Center
* Responce Center Consultant at Network of Academic Computing, UCI
* Senior Specialist at Conexant Systems, Inc.

B) Four places I have lived:

* Dubai, UAE
* La Verne, CA
* Upland, CA
* Carlsbad, CA

C) Four TV shows I love to watch:

* Blade on Spike TV
* Arrested Development (watching it on DVD cause its canceled)
* Entourage (Haven't seen any of the Season 3 eps yet)
* General Hospital

D) Four places I have been on vacation:

* Maui, HI
* Las Vegas, NV
* Savanah, GA
* Vancouver, CA

E) Four websites I visit daily.

* latimes.com
* bbc.com
* eonline.com
* kamranahmad.blogspot.com/tanookie.blogspot.com

F) Four of my favorite foods:

* Anything Kamran makes
* Jeno's Frozen Pizza
* Chopped steak
* Chocolate!

G) Four places I would rather be right now.

* Home with Kami
* Maui
* Travling through time
* EUROPE in a castle!


H) Four friends I think will respond:

* Kami (he alreday did this)
* Christina (she already did this)
* Dost
* Mehwish


Now, here's what you're supposed to do...

Add a comment to this post with your answers :)

True Bliss

Hey Everyone loooong time no write. :) Well I am back. Things at work have started to slow down, and Ramadan starts tomorrow! Woohoo I am sooo excited!

A lot of things have happened since I last wrote...to recap: we went to Hajj (in December) I still have to post my notes from that time, preparations for Sam's wedding have gone into high gear, I got promoted and got a raise at work, my two Uncles who suddenly got very sick are now doing alot better (Alhumdullilah) and a ton of other things. Through all this my wonderful Hubby has been by my side, and when things got tough he was there to help me through.

One thing most people do not know about Kamran is that he is an EXTREMELY good cook. A few days ago, I had an incredibly hard day at work, and was exhausted. On my dirve home I kept thinking of the gorcery shopping I had to do and how there was nothing at home that I could make fresh, oh, and don't forget the cleaning .... the little trickle of stress and frustration started to creep up my back.

As I went up the stairs to our apartment a wonderful smell was in the air. Folks this was a GREAT smell, and I wondered what someone was cooking cause I wanted a tasted. The closer I got to our apartment the better the aroma got. And soon I was at our door, Kami was holding it open with a nice big smile on his face. The apartment had been cleaned there were flowers on the table, the grill was going, and all my stresses just melted away. My hubby had made an INCREDIBLE dinner of burgers and salad. I was so happy!

I wish you could taste or smell these burgers there were the best I have EVER had. In fact my mouth is watering just thinking about them.

To top it all of I even got a wonderful massage. It is true bliss to know that the grass is always greener on my side.