tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50125372011-06-07T23:34:42.372-07:00yasminenoreply@blogger.comBlogger4241100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-83494132923833675312007-04-17T14:22:00.000-07:002007-04-17T14:26:13.070-07:00

It has come to my attention that some folks still seem to be confused about this weblog - or, at least, where I blog. To put it simply, I no longer blog here, and haven't been for quite some time now. Instead, you may find me over at SWEEPTHESUNSHINE.COM. Dude, what're you waiting for?! Come wisit!Have beautiful days,-yasmine, rockstar extraordinaire

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-92165209736236629922007-03-08T11:51:00.000-08:002007-03-08T12:11:57.633-08:00

Who the hell opens at freakin' noon?! (interro-disgracious!), originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.I remember how much I freaked you all out last time, so I'm going to make this short and sweet: COME VISIT ME AT MY NEW HOME! I know, I know, we're all fancy schmancy now. "Daat caam!" Please come play at the new sunshine space. I promise there will be more fake updates coming soon to a weblog near

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-9762152109354758642007-02-22T17:36:00.000-08:002007-02-22T22:50:46.292-08:00

This way down, originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.Four years of blogging, and up 'til now I'd managed to dodge completing any memes thrown my way (I've been tagged for my share, though, you can be sure; I still owe you one, Maliha!), and I still don't even know how to pronounce the word "meme," so why don't you rockstars help me out here? Meanwhile, brimful tagged me for this "Three Things" drama,

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-70954292124824311562007-02-19T17:42:00.001-08:002007-02-21T20:36:42.479-08:00

All photos originally uploaded by yaznotjaz; collage created last summer by Hashim_A, rockstar (and tea-lover. gross!) extraordinaire. Photos may be individually viewed in the Muir Beach photoset.-Tomorrow is the sister's birthday, and in ten days it's mine - and I'm so horrible at this birthday business, mine or anyone else's. Last year, all I wanted for my birthday was sunshine. This is a

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-25867344503681462362007-02-16T18:05:00.001-08:002007-02-16T16:35:42.471-08:00

When I came in to work yesterday morning, I checked my personal emails and found this one - accidentally, I'm assuming, sent the evening before by an administrator from my alma mater, to the University's pre-health sciences listserve, of which I'm still a member (yeah, don't ask - I don't know why, either):Hi, P!Hope you had a good time with Earlene and Dorothy--and that you made it back in one

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-47379353902593275422007-02-08T11:34:00.000-08:002007-02-08T13:46:05.198-08:00

We are like these things, impermanent and unpinned; originally uploaded by yaznotjaz. [Click here for larger view.]A few things I have been grateful for, so far this week: one. ...That so many of you took the time to read my last post about Imran Saithna. And that, for once, my commenting system seemed to cooperate just long enough that I could read your own responses to and reflections on

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-11431215150353279262007-02-04T23:36:00.000-08:002007-02-10T23:14:39.844-08:00

Courtyard of Lions, originally uploaded by Imran Saithna.And we meet...to depart,And then depart -Just to meet again. *The problem with - and the beautiful gift of - the internet is that I always fall a little bit in love with everyone I interact with. I refer mainly to blogistan and flickr, since those are the two spaces I spend most of my time online and where I come across other bloggers, (b)

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-15135030995243598882007-01-31T18:18:00.000-08:002007-02-10T23:13:51.313-08:00

yellowsunshine diptych, originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.From Tuesday, January 23, 2007one. The Howie Day album I haven't listened to in over a year because it inexplicably started skipping just as inexplicably works perfectly again when I pop it into my CD player while driving to work. I spend my commute listening to music that reminds me of college, partly because I once used the opening line

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-86378228530538374882007-01-31T18:05:00.000-08:002007-02-01T15:22:22.478-08:00

Originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.Please take a minute to send some love and prayers to the beautiful Momo, whose brother-in-law passed away last week after a difficult struggle with cancer. He is survived by his wife and their two children, 6 years old and 13 months old. I can't even begin to imagine how painful a time this must be for his family. Momo's gorgeous poem, my sister's Love life,

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-56285339033619762312007-01-30T18:14:00.001-08:002008-12-11T18:42:29.746-08:00

Rockstars dress in red dresses. Originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.It wasn't enough that I've been getting emails about children I never knew I had (Bethany is still quite busy unleashing her slacker tendencies, by the way). Now I'm receiving emails from the Office of the Governor...of the State of Kansas. This is better than Bethany, though, because the Governor of Kansas had this to say:Dear

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-60076334167494082932007-01-19T18:01:00.000-08:002007-01-19T18:04:47.188-08:00

Originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.Cross-posted from flickr, because I CAN. And also because I doubt the Blogistanis check out my flickr photos, except for those I post right here on the weblog. Lazy kids. The following email came straight to my inbox this afternoon:Everett High SchoolMessage sent - 1/18/2007Attendance MessageHello, this is EVERETT HIGH SCHOOL calling to notify you that your child,

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-68397294441165743512007-01-11T23:53:00.000-08:002007-01-12T12:18:42.298-08:00

Originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.My new business cards came in at work today, and the first thing my friend A (he of the Halloween GMail chats) said was:A: Think of all the guys you can now meet at ISNA* conferences.A: "Salaams brother...here's my card...fax me your biodata." ***ISNA = Islamic Society of North America's annual convention, held in Chicago. (Here are a few photos I took when I was

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-49517895736054995372006-12-31T07:42:00.000-08:002006-12-31T13:06:57.397-08:00

Abraham & Eid-ul-Adha, originally uploaded by yaznotjaz. Verses 103-111 from Chapter 37 (Those Who Stand Together) of the Quran [The Qur'an: A New Translation, by Thomas Cleary]Eid mubarak, beautiful rockstars! May we accept the challenges that come our way with just as much fortitude and patience and willingness for personal sacrifice as that displayed by the prophet Abraham. May this Eid, as

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-21146786179820035522006-12-30T14:07:00.000-08:002006-12-30T19:22:24.092-08:00

Three beautiful things - Friday, Dec. 29th:one. While walking to my office in the morning, I whistle at a beautiful, furry orange cat sunning itself on the sidewalk, and surprise myself with the clear notes that come out of my mouth. I can't even remember the last time I whistled. Has it been years? I thought I had forgotten how. two. Getting off early from work (3pm!) and going to the movies

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-27935481279684365302006-12-30T14:00:00.000-08:002007-01-02T12:50:15.146-08:00

Eliza's, at California & Divisadero in San Francisco, originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.This is just to let you know I'm alive and well and constantly complaining to friends who apprehensively fear for my safety - not to mention my soul - about this winter weather business. (My favorite whine of the week: "Winter is stupid. What was God thinking?") Shut up, I know I live in California, but it's

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-40461312629378732992006-12-14T19:44:00.000-08:002006-12-17T21:54:47.214-08:00

I admit to a weakness for red brick, originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.Apropos of nothing, I have a new cell phone (a Motorola Razr in case you're wondering, now that they're not trendy anymore and are instead one of the most affordable phones in the T-Mobile store). Remember all the freakin' drama I had to undergo over three years ago, just to find a decent phone that worked properly? Well,

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1165453151727784202006-12-06T22:57:00.000-08:002006-12-06T23:22:18.406-08:00

My buddy S and I stand still for a moment during our hanging-out session with Anjum, early this year. Originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.I keep bookmarking websites and then not doing anything with them, so perhaps I should share them with you all. Here are some stops I've made on the internet lately [apologies for not giving credit where it's due; I always forget how I initially came across such

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1164782128002646252006-12-04T07:08:00.000-08:002006-12-04T18:34:19.876-08:00

Wishing you much sunshine!, originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.Nearly two years ago, I visited UC Berkeley for a conference and stopped to check out a workshop entitled, "WRITE OR BE WRITTEN: Using Spoken Word to Speak the Truth." The workshop was lead by Junichi Semitsu, then-director of June Jordan's Poetry for the People course at UC Berkeley. After he had captivated us - and made us laugh -

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1163923982943698482006-11-26T22:41:00.000-08:002006-11-27T16:12:22.090-08:00

A chessboard awaits potential players in an Oakland park, originally uploaded by yaznotjaz."Are you happy, Yasminay?" asked HijabMan the other day through GMail chat [apparently the best/only way to get ahold of me these days - since I suck at returning people's phone calls and replying to their emails and I can't be bothered to sign onto instant messenger anymore - even though my GMail status

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1163914057144211542006-11-18T18:06:00.000-08:002006-11-18T21:57:03.276-08:00

Sprinkles are for happy kids, originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.Back in the summer, when I first started working where I do now, my new colleague A watched me shovel cold apple pie into my mouth and asked, "Is that your breakfast?""Yes."She rolled her eyes, and I asked, "What? What's wrong with eating apple pie for breakfast?""There are a lot of things wrong with apple pie for breakfast," she said

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1163726592191225092006-11-16T16:53:00.000-08:002006-11-17T09:56:36.903-08:00

Pencil in that patriotic profundity, originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.I forgot to share with you all a rocking weblog I came across during Ramadan: MUSLIM FOR A MONTH.And - hey look, kids, you were supposed to be nominating submissions for the annual Brass Crescent awards! The deadline is Friday, November 17, 2006 (yes, tomorrow). Obviously, if there's anything I've taught you in nearly four

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1163486989147682232006-11-13T21:54:00.000-08:002006-11-14T11:05:53.400-08:00

Raindrops keep fallin' on my head, originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.The heat wasn't working at the office today, which means I spent most of the day being aggravated about the cold and - of course - engaging in monologues with God about how much I disapprove of this winter business. "It's all in your head, Yasminay," my father would say, but my father wasn't the one who had to sit there with blue

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1163297560427661852006-11-11T18:05:00.000-08:002006-11-11T18:12:40.446-08:00

Having ordered and paid for a caramel pecan cream pie at Baker's Square last week, I was idly checking out the tattoos on the young man named Brian who was boxing up and bagging my purchase. Suddenly, Brian glanced at me across the counter and asked, "Do you know what sundar means?""Sorry, what was that?""Sundar. Do you know what it means?""It sounds familiar, but I really have no idea. What

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1163293121906257872006-11-11T16:43:00.001-08:002006-11-11T17:03:42.203-08:00

Originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.[Three beautiful things from October 15, 2006]- Wearing my favorite red t-shirt - I call it my "sell-out" shirt - and realizing it still smells like the Clinique perfume I spritzed on at Macy's, four days ago. [The shirt reads "Coca-Cola" in Urdu/Arabic script, read right to left.] I have to smile whenever I see the above photo, which taken in San Francisco last

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1163290251129669902006-11-11T16:07:00.000-08:002006-12-13T15:02:34.340-08:00

Blurry San Francisco, originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.Beautiful things:Bumper stickers I've noticed lately, which have made me laugh -OUTTA MY WAY. I GOTTA PEE.EAT BEEF. The West wasn't won on salad.I LOVE AIRPLANE NOISE.And my personal favorite - NIRWANA - which reminded me of when my favorite crackhead, Somayya, first moved from Pakistan to the U.S. as a five year old. As a fobby little

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1162451413691987892006-11-01T21:38:00.000-08:002006-11-04T22:28:24.330-08:00

Originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.I first got an inkling that Halloween this year was going to generate funny conversations when my buddy Z IMed me at the beginning of October with, "I'm gonna go as Ahmedinejad for Halloween." Seriously, I didn't even have a comeback to compete with that. In true Yasmine fashion, I believe my response was laughter and resounding approval: "ROCKING."The evening of

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1161974186881801262006-10-27T11:09:00.000-07:002006-12-13T14:59:49.098-08:00

Originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.[From October 11, 2006]- It takes me two hours to get to work in the morning, because two big rigs collided on the Sunol Grade on Interstate 880 and spilled oil across the freeway. Impatiently listening to the AM radio to pick up on any traffic updates, I hear the newscasters discussing their colleague's fascination with my favorite cookies: "Every week, he

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1161927155647093702006-10-26T21:25:00.000-07:002006-10-26T23:54:00.626-07:00

Originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.Okay, kids, so remember that part where I said I was going to post "three beautiful things" everyday? Well, clearly, it didn't work so well, because - once again! - I haven't really updated in nearly three weeks. The good news is, I've been scribbling down beautiful things in my lovely little Moleskine notebook, as I am wont to do with all potential weblog posts.

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1161613229537806602006-10-23T07:17:00.000-07:002006-10-23T07:20:29.563-07:00

Eid mubarak, crackstars! Can you believe it's over? Yeah, me either. Have a beautiful day, lovely people - may it be a blessed time for you and yours.(PS: I don't even get a real Eid - seminar all day Monday, projects on Tuesday, regardless of whatever day I would have chosen to celebrate. The good news: I'm taking Friday off to attend jummah at my favorite masjid [Oakland] and bum around in

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1160287195238215902006-10-07T22:20:00.000-07:002006-10-08T14:43:38.513-07:00

Chukairiyaan, originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.1. Waking up at 8am, realizing it's a Saturday, and burrowing back under the warm covers to sleep in until 10:30. Washing my face, and then promptly sitting down at the computer. I check emails and weblogs while my mother pulls up a chair beside me and flips through catalogues and coupon books. We discuss an impending visit to IKEA (she's never been!

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1160204246287803682006-10-06T21:26:00.000-07:002006-10-07T11:35:11.913-07:00

Sunlight shadows on the sidewalk, Friday afternoon, originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.This afternoon, after clicking over to Blogger.com and pausing before signing in (believe it or not, this is something I do often: I decide I want to update this weblog, I click over to Blogger, and then I just stop, overcome by a feeling of overwhelming helplessness: Where do I even begin? - too many stories to

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1158125650739514942006-09-12T20:04:00.000-07:002006-09-12T22:44:15.790-07:00

Year-round shoes of choice, originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.A couple of weeks ago, I went out to dinner with the very few friends from high school whom I like enough to engage in such activities with. Remind me to tell you stories about why I disliked high school, and why my fifth-year reunion last December was a ludicrous waste of time.At the end of our dinner, as we stepped outside the

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1153513844574171982006-07-21T13:09:00.000-07:002006-12-13T15:12:31.287-08:00

Our favorite, funny balloon-maker and t-shirt seller is back, and better than ever. Check out the newly-relaunched HijabMan.com for all sorts of good stuff, including his gorgeous photos, of which he explains:I’m not a photographer nor am I a journalist trained to seek out interesting subjects and present them neatly labeled and interpreted. My only explanations are that 1. I’ve been living my

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1153512490332475742006-07-21T12:35:00.000-07:002006-07-21T13:08:10.420-07:00

The Danish group Outlandish is one of my favorite music bands, so I was delighted to recently find in my inbox a Divanee Magazine interview with Waqas Qadri. Qadri is ethnically Pakistani; the other two band members are ethnically Moroccan and Cuban/Honduran. From the Outlandish website:We live in times when political positions are becoming polarized and cultures are considered fenced-in

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1152244479327783152006-07-06T19:26:00.001-07:002006-07-06T21:46:27.106-07:00

After leaving work the other day, I stopped for gas. Fidgeting impatiently while the gas tank filled up, I decided to duck inside the gas station to satisfy my hunger. As my co-workers are all-too-fond of reminding me, this "eating a granola bar for lunch" business has to stop sometime. Real meals are the key. Which is why, at 5.30pm, I came to the conclusion that a quick candy run would

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1151709461772165032006-06-30T15:51:00.000-07:002006-11-09T15:47:20.423-08:00

Originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.A recent edition of the San Francisco Chronicle contained an article I read with interest. FINDING MY RELIGION: Nipun and Guri Mehta talk about their $1-a-day pilgrimage through India is an interview with two people I am blessed to know, although it's been months since I've seen them in person.I've mentioned Nipun and Guri (and Viral and Mark and Dipti) in passing

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1151638089490595592006-06-29T20:12:00.000-07:002006-06-29T20:28:09.503-07:00

In light of my recent post on personalized license plates, these plates, which I saw on my way to work this morning, are the best ones ever:RAADHEY.Raa dhey. Get it? For those who don't, raa dhey, in various South Asian languages, translates to something like, Make way. And the driver - Desi, of course - was speeding along and switching lanes in such a haphazard, helter-skelter manner that one

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1150955049877694962006-06-28T19:39:00.000-07:002006-06-29T12:15:01.853-07:00

[Riz Ahmed, Farhad Harun and Arfan Usman star as the "Tipton Three" in Michael Winterbottom and Mat Whitecross’ THE ROAD TO GUANTANAMO. Photos courtesy of Roadside Attractions.] Everyone needs to go see The Road to Guantanamo, about the Tipton Three at Guantanamo Bay.Special thanks to 2Scoops, who first brought the film to my attention weeks (months?) ago, and to my sister's friend S, who told us

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1151255657016991832006-06-25T10:02:00.000-07:002006-06-29T11:13:10.803-07:00

Originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.It's over, but right now I'm too exhausted (and sunburnt) to clearly reflect on the experience. A huge gratitude-filled "Thank you" to the superstar SI, who called me Friday afternoon from the East Coast to wish us good luck. Photos and lengthy descriptions coming soon. Click the photo above, or check the website, to find out more. Meanwhile, as Preacher Moss said

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1150869675262417982006-06-20T18:58:00.000-07:002006-06-20T23:10:20.200-07:00

Originally uploaded by yaznotjaz. License plates I've recently seen and enjoyed while commuting:- YWEH8N- I[HEART]GHEE- OH B 1- SOMONEY [on quite a dilapidated-looking Honda Civic]- WISEHAG- HARD2BHVAlso, I saw a freeway exit sign for a street called "Pasatiempo" on the way back from Santa Cruz a couple of weekends ago. Such a light, airy word. It's stuck in my head, and I find myself

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1150610421133193462006-06-17T22:32:00.000-07:002006-06-17T23:00:21.190-07:00

Did I tell all y'all that my camera's broken? I probably didn't. I think I got saltwater and sand in it, but who knows. Not I, since I was too busy blithely taking photos in said saltwater and sand to really be careful. Right smart of me, I know.Anyway, a few days after my beach escapades, I turned on my camera. The lens wouldn't retract, and the camera refused to take photos. Seriously, what

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1149656445809768052006-06-06T21:41:00.000-07:002006-06-06T22:00:45.823-07:00

Scattered thank-yous, mentally noted, from the past two, three weeks:Thank you to the mailman whom I asked for directions when I got lost going to the evening of live Moroccan music in Berkeley. I don't think you knew how to get there any more than I did, and you were suitably vague about what road I should take, but you were friendly and you underscored my new philosophy: Spotting a mailman when

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1148759958052176882006-05-27T12:18:00.001-07:002006-05-27T14:15:21.906-07:00

Originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.You know what's the most annoying thing that could possibly happen right before you have a morning telephone interview?HICCUPS.Yeah, that's right. It was hella annoying and nerve-wracking and made me want to stab someone, which is not the best way to feel five minutes before you're about to begin an interview, telephone or otherwise.Also, it's perfectly fine that

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1148518098552798622006-05-24T17:36:00.000-07:002006-05-27T12:08:25.653-07:00

In case we didn't already think Z is a cool dude, I am indebted to him for reminding me about what a wonderful weekend I had recently. When he asked me the other day, "What was the last fun thing you did?" my immediate response was, "Saturday, sitting outdoors for most of the day with my nieces [they've grown up!] in Sacramento, taking photos and recording videos of them while they threw flower

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1148335983857591062006-05-22T14:43:00.000-07:002006-05-22T15:13:03.906-07:00

I went to sleep the other night and accidentally left my AIM on. The next morning, I woke up to find the following IMs from my buddy Z, indicating quite clearly why we are friends:Z: Yessiree bob, she likes her crackZ: Always has something funny to shareZ: _____ is her younger? sister [The question mark is there because my younger sister acts a lot more mature than I do.]Z: Mummy is yummy: rule

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1148149818702823142006-05-20T11:11:00.000-07:002006-05-20T11:30:18.713-07:00

Those of you who've been following along know that Baji is my (and everyone else's) favorite robot monkey pirate. And, guess what! A wee one by the name of Mr. Mini Monkey Pirate has recently swooped down and crashed the (boat)party. Run along and wish Baji congratulations on the latest edibly adorable addition to her familia. May he grow up to own many bookcases [the best prayer I can think of

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1147918528162296182006-05-17T18:43:00.000-07:002006-05-17T19:30:14.633-07:00

Originally uploaded by yaznotjaz"Everyone's a critic, yaar," said my friend over IM. "Let's just call 'em all biatches."I started laughing, which was a good thing, because I had just spent most of the morning cursing a stranger I knew nothing about. This was two Fridays ago. It started with an email: GMail automatically refreshed my open window, I clicked over and saw a subject line I found

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1147657657998245002006-05-14T16:07:00.001-07:002006-05-14T18:52:24.876-07:00

I watched Walk the Line with the parents a couple of evenings ago, and now my dad thinks it's the most amusing thing in the world to wander around the house and repeatedly mutter in a deep, distinctive voice, "HELLO, I'M JOHNNY CASH."Worse yet, he's been blessed with a daughter (that would be I) who thinks this is equally hilarious. Every time I respond to his new favorite catchphrase with yet

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1147322563379804562006-05-10T21:13:00.000-07:002006-05-10T21:42:43.413-07:00

Originally uploaded by yaznotjaz. This image was something I had quite a bit of fun putting together yesterday. [Click for a larger view, and to read the notes, even though, after all this time, I'm sure you already know why I specifically picked those photos.] I was inspired by Jamelah's montage to submit my own to this week's Challenge pool about introductions. Only now, squinting at this a

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1147208424603825672006-05-09T13:59:00.000-07:002006-05-09T14:00:24.603-07:00

The Basic Conby Lew WelchThose who can’t find anything to live for,always invent something to die for.Then they want the rest of us todie for it, too.

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1147208112707408392006-05-09T13:18:00.000-07:002006-05-09T14:15:44.870-07:00

I originally shared the following Washington Post article (via Sepia Mutiny) with selective friends/family through email last week, and just realized that others might be interested in reading this as well. As I mentioned in my email, I first read this because I'm Pukhtun myself. But this is a moving and beautifully written account, and a thought-provoking one, so check it when you get a chance -

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1146713984285693282006-05-03T18:14:00.000-07:002006-05-03T20:39:44.390-07:00

Originally uploaded by yaznotjaz. [Photo on the left taken by my friend A, cropped by me.]The other day, I slipped on my green jacket (the one my father always glances at sidelong before asking rather scornfully, "What sport are you playing?") and throughout the day I kept sniffing at my wrist. The perfume still lingering at the cuffs of my green jacket reminded me that I last wore it a couple

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1146534168831459042006-05-01T17:45:00.000-07:002006-05-02T00:00:32.143-07:00

Originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.The Sunday morning before last, I accompanied my sister to Berkeley, where she - along with a group of other students at her university - had designed outfits (seven, in her case) for a fundraising fashion show being held at the campus later that day, once at 3pm and again at 7pm. The sister had put a lot of time and effort and super rockstar-ish creativity into

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1146524411815355742006-05-01T13:28:00.000-07:002006-05-01T16:07:04.783-07:00

Coffeecup calculations Originally uploaded byyaznotjaz. A few weekends ago, I hit a milestone: Doing my taxes (almost) all on my own, for the very first time! How exciting, seriously. No, it was, I promise! But that's only because I'm such a nerd, and I kinda like numbers when they're related to how much money I made/have/never save. Clearly, I am my father's daughter (except for the part

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1145608787924851142006-04-20T20:11:00.000-07:002006-04-22T02:32:56.270-07:00

Yurt at Zaytuna Institute, originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.[You can check out some more Zaytuna photos from a few weeks ago here, if you are so inclined.]I spent most of last Saturday with my sister, as we went on a manic event-hopping spree that consisted of the Birth of a Prophet program at UC Berkeley, the South Asian [INDUS] culture show also on campus, and finally the Burdah [Poem of the

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1144316693139978962006-04-06T18:30:00.000-07:002006-04-08T01:04:30.286-07:00

Don't worry, it's on silent. Yes, yes, I know, as usual, originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.This afternoon, I checked for new voicemessages on my phone, and afterward stayed on the line long enough to hear the robotic lady intone, "...and you have twenty-four saved messages..."Twenty-FOUR? Holy freakin' smoley, I didn't even know my phone was capable of holding that many. It never has before,

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1144277845026321082006-04-05T15:55:00.000-07:002006-04-06T20:24:22.956-07:00

Originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.Islamic Relief has recently been sponsoring a series of six dinners around the United States, in order to raise funds for continuing support for the victims of last October's earthquake in South Asia: The earthquake which devastated the South Asian subcontinent in October has affected millions. Islamic Relief is working hard on the ground and around the world in

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1144277268991449452006-04-05T15:31:00.000-07:002006-04-05T15:47:49.006-07:00

- Why are most of the Karachi people I've come across so damn snooty? Someone please explain. And I know it's not just me having an inferiority complex, because I am Pathan and thus superior to everyone, that just goes without saying. What? You don't agree? Don't make me stab you. As they say in Rambo III, "May God deliver us from the venom of the Cobra, teeth of the tiger, and the vengeance of

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1143680668667468682006-03-29T16:32:00.000-08:002006-03-29T18:35:14.673-08:00

Four things:ONE. I finally got a chance to watch Rang De Basanti yesterday afternoon, over at Naz Cinema in the South Bay. I thought it was rocking. I can't remember the last time I laughed so much during a movie. Because our huge group was practically the only audience, I got to laugh as much - and as loudly - as I wanted. And, damn, do I laugh loudly. Is that something I need to be working on?

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1143168055675435492006-03-23T17:47:00.000-08:002006-04-06T20:27:38.643-07:00

Originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.This is what the sky looked like this past weekend. This being the same temperamental, unpredictable weather that brought hail to San Francisco and snow to Mount Diablo in March, I'm sure you've already figured out that that blue sky didn't stick around for long. *shakes fist* I thought we were friends, God; what happened?Regardless, today was a nice enough day:-

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1143164629337099172006-03-23T17:30:00.000-08:002006-03-23T19:09:32.386-08:00

I recommend you all take a minute (or ten, if you're slow) to read Sri's post, March at Harbor. I read it yesterday morning, and it made me want to cry at the depth of human misery - and laugh at the strength of the human spirit. Make some time to read through Sri's archives. And the archives over at his older journal. All of them. Hey, that's what I did one afternoon over a year ago, while I was

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1142550737455351872006-03-21T14:58:00.000-08:002006-03-22T00:37:38.630-08:00

You know what else is annoying? When you write up a brilliant entry and post it and then come back the next morning and check your weblog and don't see it there. So apparently you just dreamt you wrote it, and now you have to "re-write" the whole thing all over again. What a process, man. My dream- versus my real-life needs to get it together already. So, anyway, I guess that means I didn't

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1142883433207931312006-03-20T11:37:00.000-08:002006-03-20T11:38:48.126-08:00

Just got an email from a listerve I’m on, about how a recent discovery in The Birmingham News archives led to the publication of unseen photographs tracing the progress of the civil rights movement through Birmingham.The woman who sent the email explained:The Birmingham News recently discovered a trove of unpublished photos from the early days of the Civil Rights era, and has put up a special

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1142752498978492702006-03-18T22:24:00.000-08:002006-03-19T12:09:54.750-08:00

[All links via Kottke.]one. Jonathan Rauch's March2003 article, Caring for Your Introvert:Introverts are not necessarily shy. Shy people are anxious or frightened or self-excoriating in social settings; introverts generally are not. Introverts are also not misanthropic, though some of us do go along with Sartre as far as to say "Hell is other people at breakfast." Rather, introverts are people

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1142645460307220962006-03-17T17:31:00.000-08:002006-03-18T14:00:22.936-08:00

You know what's annoying? When you write an entry and post it, and then later, while cleaning up your desktop, come across a file containing an already-half-written entry (actually, bullet points) that you were planning on posting for that event but then forgot all about. And since the already-posted entry in question was two posts ago, it's kinda stupid to go back and edit it and add in the

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1142405540018209492006-03-14T22:50:00.000-08:002006-03-14T22:52:20.030-08:00

The daddy-o and I just sat side-by-side - each of us reading our respective The New Yorker magazines [the Feb. 27, 2006 issue has a fascinating article entitled "Pursuing Happiness: Two scholars explore the fragility of contentment"] - and finished off a huge bowl of ice cream together.Earlier, soon after we had finished dinner, the daddy-o grinned like a little kid and asked me, "Want to have

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1142389968435916962006-03-14T18:00:00.000-08:002006-03-14T23:38:25.833-08:00

Originally uploaded by yaznotjaz. [Click to read in the original sizes]Actually, I don't really have much to say about the 25 thing, except:1. The poetry in the photos above really resonates right about now. [Click the photos to read.]2. I don't feel 25. Actually, I never felt 23 or 24 either, or anything older than 20, ever. In fact, when I met up with Elysium for dinner in the Mission a couple

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1142043523913823692006-03-10T17:11:00.000-08:002006-03-16T14:38:06.946-08:00

Too many things to update about - at least two weeks' worth - and in order to do it all justice, I'm going to hold off on it. Meanwhile, those of you who are in the SF Bay Area or the vicinity should stop by Berkeley for a free (that's right! I said, FREE) event tomorrow evening: Saturday March 11th, 6:00PM - 9:30PMDoes God Love War? The Fine Line Between Faith and Fanaticism...[D]oes religion

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1141411780992520042006-03-03T10:37:00.000-08:002006-03-03T18:57:32.000-08:00

Since most of you are too horrified or disturbed, I'm sure, to comment on my letter to God in the previous post, I just thought I'd let all y'all know that I'm off to Oakland soon for Jummah [Friday congregational prayers], where I'll try to repent for my blasphemy. Yes, aren't you relieved?Good things about writing letters to God:- You think about Him a lot more often.Bad (?) things about

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1141181141188950992006-02-28T18:35:00.000-08:002006-02-28T20:46:00.496-08:00

Dear God,Have I told You lately how awesome I think You are? Well, You are. I'm sure You already knew that, but I just thought I'd reiterate it. I mean, You're so awesome, You approach our relationship in the best way ever, which is to say You leave me alone. You let me screw up and figure stuff out on my own and find my way back to You in my own time. Just for that patience and mercy on your

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1140319208375841862006-02-18T18:15:00.000-08:002006-04-06T01:05:07.346-07:00

Driving home, originally uploaded by yaznotjaz.Generally, I will be the first to admit I'm a horrible friend. I rarely manage to pick up my phone when it's ringing, and then it takes me a week (or two?) to return calls. I don't respond to emails in a timely manner. I'm always right, and you're always wrong. Those are just a few examples.I think I have a few redeeming qualities, though. First and

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1140145119482484672006-02-16T18:40:00.000-08:002006-02-16T23:42:26.140-08:00

Nothing brings one's (read: my) mood down like logging into an old Yahoo! email account and realizing it was deactivated because I hadn't logged in for four months. Yeah, like your 1GB of space helps me now, Yahoo!, when I've been using GMail as my primary email account for nearly two years. Thanks a lot for deleting all my emails. BASTIDS!I can get over losing other people's emails. What I

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1140140087855507782006-02-16T17:20:00.000-08:002006-02-16T17:34:47.870-08:00

Via Hypnagogica (and also Superhero Journal, within just a couple minutes of each other), here are some photos to make you smile:Members of the Pillow Fight Club were out in full force in San Francisco at 6pm on Valentine's Day.Background here and here. Freakin' awesome, man.

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1139970946546046082006-02-14T18:35:00.000-08:002006-02-14T19:01:08.236-08:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 1px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 0px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Shadows while sitting on the sunshine steps, originally uploaded by yaznotjaz. The above photo was taken last Friday, while D and I relaxed on the steps of MLK Hall at UC Berkeley after the traditional post-jummah [

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1139801288546224032006-02-12T19:23:00.000-08:002006-02-13T13:28:36.546-08:00

A few evenings ago:I have to go to the mechanic's shop to drop off one of our cars. This means that we have to drive over in two cars, drop off one of them, and return home in the other. It's about 10 p.m. already, and the mechanic's shop is fifteen minutes away. Also, intriguing spy maneuvers are apparently involved, such as juggling the lock on the mechanic's gate and then sliding open the gate

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1139530516917373212006-02-09T16:15:00.000-08:002006-02-13T12:14:54.400-08:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 1px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 0px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } That's me! And, err...you?, originally uploaded by yaznotjaz. [Since I seem to be on a roll with posting about blogger meetups and such, here's another story.]So, once upon a time (early last summer), I somehow got

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1139363186220310152006-02-07T17:33:00.000-08:002006-02-08T10:44:40.226-08:00

As a closing commentary of sorts to previous post [which you should perhaps scroll down to read first], I should add that I got plenty of teasing from my buddy S about "blobs" and "blobbing" in the weeks following our hangingout session with Anjum. It's difficult to explain to those who neither blog themselves nor read weblogs (blog-lurkers, or blurkers) that I find blogging extremely fascinating

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1139361652743998912006-02-07T17:20:00.000-08:002006-02-08T16:45:11.996-08:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 1px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 0px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } S felt it was necessary to add to the glorious architecture, originally uploaded by yaznotjaz. It's a sad testament to my slacker tendencies that not only have I neglected to write about my Blogistan meetup with Anjum about

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1139281201427454452006-02-06T18:32:00.000-08:002006-02-07T02:24:34.060-08:00

Sorry, my wannabe English/Comparative Literature-major tendencies wouldn't let me bypass all this drama without making use of such an obvious pun. Apparently, I'm not the only one.Truthfully though, I'm damn tired of the drama - of the emails, the articles, the conversations with friends regarding this mass chaos and fury all over the world. Also truthfully, I'm pissed off at Muslims who feel

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1139097744879398552006-02-04T16:02:00.000-08:002006-02-04T23:14:13.186-08:00

Originally uploaded by yaznotjaz. [Because even if no one sees your hair, there will still always be conversations nonetheless.]* Last December, at home:I walk into my room with my hair all tousled and standing up in weird waves and curls all over my head because I just took it out of the bun it's been in for the past couple of days. Because my hair is naturally annoyingly straight, I view the

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1138746939400616122006-01-31T14:17:00.000-08:002006-01-31T14:58:28.116-08:00

The title is meant to be ironic and tongue-in-cheek. So get off me. Via 2Scoops' contribution to the comments box for the last post, I present the following [click for larger image]:I could write an entire post based around this - lots of deep analysis for why I have been blogging for three years now - but I won't. Let's just take the comic at face value and laugh, because it's damn funny. "I am

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1138338217451607312006-01-26T20:43:00.000-08:002006-01-27T09:36:49.966-08:00

I'm lazy and still working on writing about my meetup with Anjum - disgraceful, I know - but, meanwhile, here's a long-ish post for you, about this past Monday, no less.ONE. Taking a nap on the living room floor, smackdab in the middle of the pool of sunshine spilling through the front windows and onto the carpet. Specifically, falling asleep while reading Ivan Turgenev's short novel, First Love,

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1136964230401302002006-01-19T23:14:00.000-08:002006-01-20T09:25:20.203-08:00

Alright, so I know Eid ul Adha is long gone and that I'm addressing this disgustingly late (as usual), but I hope all y'all had a beautiful, blessed one inshaAllah.Which reminds me, Zahir over at Fall of Icarus had a post highly pertinent to Eid, entitled "This may be blasphemous/haraam but...." My favorite part:Sometimes I wish Muslims would speak more anecdotally. Khateebs often need not to

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1136710624720831962006-01-08T00:57:00.000-08:002006-01-08T01:04:32.860-08:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 1px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 0px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Who needs oranges when you can just take a bite out of your sister?, originally uploaded by yaznotjaz. So I'm being blog-interrogated into updating, apparently. I have lots of stories to share (like, ooh, my five-year high

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1136186649932726222005-12-31T23:24:00.000-08:002006-01-04T19:13:36.893-08:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 1px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 0px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Every day brings us closer to spring, originally uploaded by yaznotjaz. As the year winds down to a close, here are a couple of things to keep in mind:Smile on your brother: The tsunami victims who are still struggling to

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1136184477470396062005-12-30T22:47:00.000-08:002006-01-02T11:37:35.616-08:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 1px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 0px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } After the rain, originally uploaded by yaznotjaz. MotherCan you keep them in the dark for lifeCan you hide them from the waiting worldOh motherDriving across town a few days ago, I came to a stop at a red light. Diagonally

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1135188680960992982005-12-21T10:07:00.000-08:002005-12-22T11:20:28.793-08:00

Really, I have no words. So I'm copy-pasting what I just sent out in an email. Background here.The car of Dr. Zehra Attari was removed late last night from the Oakland Estuary. She was a pediatrician who lived in San Jose and maintained a clinic for low-income families in Oakland. Dr. Attari disappeared on the evening of November 7th, somewhere between her Oakland clinic and a medical conference

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1135025477163405922005-12-19T12:51:00.000-08:002006-11-16T10:40:40.396-08:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 1px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 0px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } THIS...is the fastest way to my heart, originally uploaded by yaznotjaz. Last Friday, I managed to drag my friend A along with me to Oakland, where I usually pray Jummah salah [the Friday congregational prayer]. I kept

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1134683374943964802005-12-15T13:49:00.000-08:002005-12-17T13:37:23.776-08:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 1px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 0px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Feeding the birds, Lake Merritt, Oakland, CA, originally uploaded by yaznotjaz. [You can find all my photos from this day here. They're more fun when you view them individually, so take the time to click through one by one,

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1134556479345954222005-12-14T02:32:00.000-08:002005-12-14T12:30:05.106-08:00

So now that we've said goodbye to good ol' ramblingmonologues, why don't you pull up a chair, and go right ahead and prop your feet up on the coffeetable; that's the only way I know how to sit comfortably, and you might as well do the same.And while you're getting settled in and looking around curiously, I gotta ask: So! Whaddaya think?For those who are interested in such things, the new Sweep

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1134177315948733782005-12-09T17:15:00.000-08:002005-12-15T16:53:36.606-08:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 1px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 0px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } When they said 'palm trees,' they really weren't kidding, originally uploaded by yaznotjaz. [The "Change views, not channels" post title is inspired by those smug little San Diego-advertising billboards that I used to pass

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1133667199188611332005-12-03T18:24:00.000-08:002005-12-10T13:48:23.990-08:00

Okay, I promise I'll stop with the links soon and actually give all y'all a real deal post to read, but, for now, lemme just say I'm having way too much fun browsing this website called HEL LOOKS, which has photographs of street fashion from Helsinki, the capital of Finland [via Oh My That's Awesome!]. Shut up, I know I have too much time on my hands. Umm, no, I don't follow fashion, really [I

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1133588508910191072005-12-02T21:40:00.000-08:002005-12-10T13:52:06.110-08:00

Is how we pray what makes us American? Or is it the sum of all the other moments in life that we share?

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1133392546359453452005-11-30T15:10:00.000-08:002005-12-10T13:52:28.073-08:00

I love love love the random smallness and coincidences of the online world. That's the beauty of existence.(p.s. And, yes, cynical Mr. Elysium, I did indeed verify it.)

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1133215018267009022005-11-28T13:56:00.000-08:002005-12-15T16:53:54.603-08:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 1px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 0px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } and nothing is more powerful than beauty in a wicked world, originally uploaded by yaznotjaz. [Random small update on last week: Went roller skating last Wednesday with my sister, and the Princess of the Pretty Pants, and

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1132620768048810192005-11-21T16:52:00.000-08:002005-12-17T03:06:39.433-08:00

Candlelight vigil for Dr. Zehra AttariOakland, 11/11/05 Originally uploaded by yaznotjaz. A recurring theme in my conversations over the past two weeks has been how much sadness this year has contained. And, again, we never really stop to think about it long enough until it hits close to home. These days, when we ask each other, "Has there been any news?", we're talking about Dr. Zehra

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1132166604941618042005-11-16T10:31:00.000-08:002007-02-01T12:28:50.792-08:00

Requesting your prayers and good vibes for one of my favorite Blogistanis, Binje the biryani-wala and ice cream-lover extraordinaire, whose father passed away on November 14th. All I've got going through my mind, in light of recent and cumulative events of the past year is, "This year is on crack and I hate it: why is there so much sadness?" Wishing much ease, peace, and strength for Binje and

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1131593413846971642005-11-10T11:27:00.000-08:002005-12-15T13:06:26.796-08:00

Leaving Berkeley at noon yesterday, I couldn't help but smile at the blinding, brilliant red-orange trees I passed on my way to the freeway. Contrary to popular opinion, California does indeed have fall colors. The world was glowing gorgeously, and I thought about how blessed I was, to have spent the entire day before in San Francisco with beautiful friends, both old and new, and to have spent

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1131436959719318582005-11-08T00:00:00.000-08:002005-12-10T13:59:06.516-08:00

Today, Tuesday the 8th, is the one-month anniversary of the South Asian earthquake. Please join the global community in a worldwide vigil. It's too soon to start forgetting - it's practically winter, and people need our help now more than ever. The purpose of the vigil is to:- Donate money- Press world leaders into action- Bring this story to the front page- Lead or take part in grassroots efforts

yasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012537.post-1131340412754222982005-11-06T21:13:00.000-08:002005-12-10T13:59:36.416-08:00

Originally uploaded by yaznotjaz. I won't even go into the usual moon-sighting and Eid-celebrating controversy. This drama goes on every year, who are we kidding? Suffice to quote my uncle the good sport, who shrugged and said to my father over the phone, "Well, it's okay. You celebrated Eid yesterday [Thursday], we're celebrating it today [Friday], and tomorrow, when you drive up to

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