Confession Advancements

With technology these days, our mode of managing life just seems to be speeding faster than ever. Moreover, with such advancements, so many wonderful things are happening. However, in the case below, it seems some things should just be left alone. :P

Thanksgiving Weekend Recap

Well Amira and I had a great Thanksgiving holiday this year. Of course Thanksgiving day we spent at my parents home with my family (previously remarked on "Thinking Out Loud'), which was nice.

For the remainder of the weekend Amira and I spent everyday going to the gym and then to a park near our home. We were so pleased to have such nice weather, and with all the crazy people shopping like it's the 'last supper' or something, the park was truly our calm paradise, alhamdullilah.

We enjoyed a picnic of leftover turkey--sandwiches and soaked up the lovely weather and atmosphere. Amira loved climbing on this one piece of equipment that looked like a rock wall, so had take a video to show Grandpa when he and Grandma return from their cruise. Last year we went on a mini cruise with my family and Grandpa decided he wanted to do the rock wall climbing on the ship, and with great effort he was able to succesfully make it to the top and ring the bell......mabrook to Grandpa. Not bad for a guy in his early 60's. Anyway, since my dad and I like to joke with one another, I decided to take this video of Amira rock wall climbing not only to show him, but to rub it in his face that she successfully does so in a skirt-----effortlessly. :-P

Gotta love family kidding. ;-)
Just wall climbing


Throwing in a slide ride as well.

Simply profound

While I was finishing up my workday today, I had Oprah on in the background. Denzel Washington was on there with some of the caster members promoting his new movie, The Great Debater. As an aside and probably too much information, Denzel is yummy. LOL

Anyway, one of the younger actor’s was talking about what they learned from Denzel while they were filming the film. He said that one of the things that will stick with him always that Denzel said was “A man gives awards, but God gives rewards”. What an awesome statement!

Love these little God winks as I consider them----messages that God sends to us in whatever fashion it takes to remind us of his everlasting love for us, alhamdullilah. Moreover, reminders for us to always keep our eyes focused on Him rather than seeking approval from mankind.

Thinking Out Loud

Well I suppose in order for there to be balance there must be good with the bad, huh? First, I’ll start with the good. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration with my family, with the exception of my brother’s absence, as his station was called to southern California in case there were anymore fire outbreaks. I have a small family, so celebrations are generally intimate and relatively quiet. Certainly my sister-in-law who comes from a larger family brings the loud excitement into the household, which we all welcome and enjoy, yet somehow enjoy the solitude once she leaves. No offense to her, it’s just sometimes it’s a bit much. Again, with all that being said we had a wonderful time, alhamdullilah.

Now for the flipside. I decided to call my grandmother (mom’s mom) who lives in southern California. She’s 86 years old and still lives on her own, alhamdullilah. Our families (grandmother and mom) have never been close---apparently there’s some issues between the mother and daughter that have gone all these years unresolved, which I can only continue to pray get resolved before either of them depart this planet, inshallah. Even though there’s not much closeness with our families, I still try to remain in contact through holidays, special occassions, etc. So, on Thanksgiving day I decided to call grandma and wish her a “happy thanksgiving”. She never answers her phone---it always goes to voicemail for her to listen to whose calling. So, I identify myself and continue to leave small talk on her voicemail until she picks up as I know this is her routine. She answers the phone so cheery and pleased to hear from me. She tells me her plans for the day and what she’s been up too. She then ask me if I’m getting ready to go to Jr’s, to which I just kind of blow off to perhaps her being a little confused because Jr is my cousin. Then she says, ‘well you know how your mom is with her lead foot”, and laughs. I quickly realize she thinks I’m my cousin, Kim. I tell her this isn’t Kim, grandma, it’s me, Ibeebarbie. “Oh, oh I’m so sorry”, she says. Instantly her tone changes, almost a little meloncoholish, which I find interesting, and then our conversation goes something like this. She ask in a somber tone how Amira and I are doing, to which I respond we are doing well. “Oh good, glad to hear it”. “I’ve been getting along ok, you know aches and pains and such”, she says. Then as if this isn’t a strange enough conversation she says, “so, did you find a man yet?” “No grandma, I haven’t”, I said. “Are you sure? What’s wrong?”, says she. “I don’t know grandma, just hasn’t happened yet.” “Oh, ok, so are you still dancing?”, ask she. “Yes grandma and so is Amira---she’s really enjoying it.” “Oh that’s nice. Have you lost any weight?”, ask her. At this point, I’m anxious to get off the phone because I’m tired of this crap as it always comes along with holidays and family stuff. We end our call with love for one another.

Get to my folks, and my dad starts in with “did you do something different with your hair?”. “No, dad. Just curled it.” “Oh”, with a smirk on his face…”it kind of looks like Hedy Lamarr's”, to which he starts laughing. Feeling so great about myself already because I have two strikes according to grandma because I don’t have a man and I haven’t lost weight dancing, now feeling the third strike cross the plate I’m being laughed at about my hair. Oh good grief---we still have Christmas and New Year’s to get through.

Quotes by Hedy Lamarr
"Any girl can be glamoous. All you have to do is stand still and look stupid." Now, doesn't that seem like something to strive for?

"If you use your imagination, you can look at any actress and see her nude, I hope to make you use your imagination." Good grief! I have a pretty good imagination, but I can't get past that HAIR. I swear mine doesn't look like the one in the picture. LOL

Anyway, I'm still thankful for all God has bestowed upon Amira and I's lives, alhamdullilah.

Happymoi

Salam Happymoi,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

May all of your dreams and wishes come true, inshallah.

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MusicLover Recommendation

The other day MusicLover posted a comment on one of my post regarding a movie recommendation. After doing some research, I was not able to find this movie at my local movie rental place via their website, and was disappointed.

Tonight, however, after work Amira and I went to the movie rental place to pick up a couple of movies to watch over the long Thanksgiving holiday, and low in behold the movie, Away From Her, was starring right at me as soon as I rounded the corner. Of course, I immediately picked it up along with a few others. When we got home we had to watch Amira’s movie first which was Mickey Mouse’s Christmas….LOL It was cute. After finishing her movie, I immediately popped in Away From Her. Oh my goodness, what a perfect movie for the holidays. For the matter, it’s the perfect movie anytime. It will definitely be one of my favorites. I should caution to keep tissue nearby because it’s a very powerful movie.

I cannot and hope I never have to experience what both these people experienced, inshallah. But, how I would love to be able to spend 44 years with a beloved, inshallah. This movie is a great reminder of how we should be ever so grateful for every moment we have on this earth, and every moment we spend with our dear families, friends, and people will meet in the future. Truly life is the most precious gift on this earth, alhamdullilah, and we, as humans should cherish life as if it were a rare and precious gem. Moreover, we should always remember to never take advantage of the wonderful relationships we have with every human that crosses our path, inshallah.

MusicLover, thank you for the recommendation.

Thankful for All Things

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More Than A Day

As Thanksgiving Day rolls around,
It brings up some facts, quite profound.
We may think that we're poor,
Feel like bums, insecure,
But in truth, our riches astound.
We have friends and family we love;
We have guidance from heaven above.
We have so much more
Than they sell in a store,
We're wealthy, when push comes to shove.
So add up your blessings, I say;
Make Thanksgiving last more than a day.
Enjoy what you've got;
Realize it's a lot,
And you'll make all your cares go away.

Greedy Dominators + Ass-Kissers = Politics

Those that know me know that I’m not a fan of politics. Can’t stand politics actually. Think of politicians and all that are surrounded or associated in politics are a form of inbreeds that either strive to be greedy dominators or to be ass-kissers. Moreover, as to not offend or leave any political group out, I feel this way globally. However, with that little unsolicited bantering, I received this email this morning and the following cracked me up.

New Turkey Recipe

Well as we begin Thanksgiving week, I thought I'd share a new recipe that someone may be interested in trying.

NEW TURKEY RECIPE

Your dinner will be the talk of the TOWN!!

You should try this!

Sure to bring smiles from your guests!

Here is a new way to prepare your Thanksgiving Turkey.

1. Cut out aluminum foil in desired shapes.

2. Arrange the turkey in the roasting pan, position the foil carefully. (see attached picture for details)

3. Roast according to your own recipe and serve.

4. Watch your guests' faces...

May your stuffing be tasty

May your turkey plump,

May your potatoes and gravy

Have never a lump.

May your yams be delicious

And your pies take the prize,

And may your Thanksgiving dinner

Stay off your thighs!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Dress Rehearsal

Today was dress rehearsal/picture day at Amira's dance studio. They have been preparing for their dance recital, which will be taking place on December 8th. I'm sure at this point the parents are far more excited than the kids because I don't believe any of the four performing have ever done a recital before so therefore don't know what to expect.

I was able to sneak a couple of pictures of her in her costume (her group is going to be Candy Canes - performing a song from the Nutcracker). The first two were captured by my digital, but then the batteries died, , so had to resort to my cell for the other two.

Her teacher let the girls show the parents a preview of their dance routine today, which was soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo cute. ;-)

Demotivational

I received these from Ryles (MixedUpMe's sister), and couldn't help but post them as they made me smile. Thanks Ryles. :-)

An Atheist

An atheist was walking through the woods, thinking, “'What majestic trees! What powerful rivers! What beautiful animals!” As he was walking alongside the river, he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him. He turned to look. He saw a 7-foot grizzly bear charge towards him. He ran as fast as he could up the path. He looked over his shoulder & saw that the bear was closing in on him.He looked over his shoulder again, & the bear was even closer. He tripped & fell on the ground, rolled over to pick himself up but saw that the bear was right on top of him, reaching for him with his left paw & raising his right paw to strike him.

At that instant the Atheist cried out, “Oh my God!” Time Stopped. The bear froze. The forest was silent.As a bright light shone upon the man, a voice came out of the sky. “You deny my existence for all these years, teach others I don't exist and even credit creation to cosmic accident. Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer?”

The atheist looked directly into the light, “It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to treat me as a Christian now, but perhaps you could make the BEAR a Christian?”

“Very well,” said the voice. The light went out. The sounds of the forest resumed. And the bear dropped his right paw, brought both paws together, bowed his head & spoke: “Lord bless this food, which I am about to receive from thy bounty through Christ our Lord, Amen.”

Santa Cruz Weekend

This past weekend my dance group went to Santa Cruz for a workshop and performance. It was quite a big deal----at least from what I could tell. We were taking a masters class by a world-renowned choreography named Yousry Sharif.

Our class started first thing Saturday morning around 10:30 a.m. and we didn’t finished until 4:00 p.m. It was an awesome workshop, and one I’m glad I was invited to participate in. If I’m being really honest, I felt like a little fish in a big pond with all these phenomenal dancers. Just taking our workshop in a professional ballroom was impressive. :-P

Immediately after the workshop we rushed back to our hotel, took showers and quickly prepared to go to a show to see two performing musical groups, accented with dancers. The opening group was called AZA. They were incredible. They were a young, hip group that actually did Arabic music infused with reggae and other twists of music. The lead band members were Moroccan and they were soooooooo much fun.

(AZA - AZA, local favorite and rising star on the international world musicscene, will open the show with their delightful music and spontaneoustraditional dancing. Recently returned from their second concert tourto Morocco and France, AZA combines traditional Tamazight (Berber)music indigenous to the Atlas mountains of Morocco with the globalinfluences of its diverse members, featuring deep danceable grooveswith infectious vocals and melodic style.)

Here’s a small sample of their music.



The main performance was The Georges Lammam Ensemble. Oh my goodness these people were absolutely incredible. Georges is a marvelous violinist. His brother Elias played the accordion unbelievably well, and the other brother, Tony, was a fabulous drummer. They also had a Pakistani woman that sang who was out of this world.

(The Georges Lammam Ensemble, noted for its awe-inspiring presentations of a panoramic range of the Arab musical repertoire, with the Santa Cruz premiere of its latest CD, Dreaming the Diaspora. Blending artful Eastern improvisation with Western harmonic and melodic styling, this original music will sing to people of all cultures - songs for love, songs for dance, and songs to heal. As artistic director of the Georges Lammam Ensemble, Georges is devoted to bringing the rich diversity and passion of Arabic music to listeners everywhere. He performs throughout the United States as a featured artist and with global fusion groups.)

Here’s a sample of their music as well as one of the dancers that performed.



On Sunday we had a free day to leisurely walk about the town. We found a little coffee shop called Bad Ass Coffee – Coffee with an attitude. :-) Meandered through a little flea market as well as some cute little shops.

Later that evening we performed at a cultural center with dancers from all around the world. Again feeling like a little fish in a big pond, myself and the two girls I roomed with, were really nervous. However, once we finished our performance we were all thrilled we survived. ;-) After the show, we went to a quaint restaurant and celebrated our teacher’s birthday and ended our time together with a wonderful meal and wonderful conversation.

Truly it was a memorable weekend filled with fun and laughter, alhamdullilah.

Buy A Turkey You Can Handle

Thanksgiving in the U.S. is just a short couple of weeks away, so people begin preparing for the big feast that happens only once a year. Thought this little video might help in reminding everyone to keep their preparations in proper perspective.

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