I handed a much-needed note to a colleage at work today.  The note read:

"There are people who deserve you and people who don't. If you have someone in your life who takes you for granted or doesn't give you the respect that you deserve, leave them in the past where they belong. Surround yourself with people who challenge your mind and bring out the best in you. As for the ones who only exist to bring you down or cheapen your potential; let them find people who are better-suited to their own qualities and principles.

Hold yourself to the highest standard possible. People who don't measure up don't deserve your time. People who can't see past their own cowardice or their own arrogance don't deserve your time. Anyone who doesn't treat you the way you treat yourself doesn't deserve your time. And if you are treating yourself in a way that gives people permission to take advantage of you, start showing yourself the exact same respect that you should be demanding of everyone else."

I later noticed it pinned-up on her cubicle wall. 

As for the rest of us,
a to-the-point reminder.

[Stressed to the max; 
so much to do -
so little time!]

*I do have lots to share {I've recorded several audio blogs - yes, you read correctly - I'm unable to type sometimes and need to hold on to my thoughts..} and photos too.  I just can't seem to find the time and the right moment to blog.  Everything's moving fast-forward these days and to top it all, my health is not as usual; 'new' pain I need to adjust to :sigh: 

Me: "I think it's going to rain.."
Her: "Is it dark?"
Me: "Yes"
Her: "That's good.."
There was a long silence; I intently watched her face as she stared at nothing.
Her *urgently*: "Take me fedaitch"
Me: "Where?"
Her: "To the garden and place me on the ground so I can catch up with the rain"

My heart shattered;
I held her hand tighter as my eyes filled with tears.

My grandmother..='{
I love her.

I wish he saw me differently;
looked past the lengthy waves of hair
& the delicate frame
and saw the strength,
the patience,
and the love

If only he would
see me,
for who I am
and let me in
on his thoughts
his worries
& his fears

To share the burden
To be there for him

A son - I can never be
I know that

But
I still try

+++

I have a love for detail, soft intricate beads, bows & ruffles.  A fashion likes/dislikes blog post sometime soon...maybe?

Before midnight tonight, I wanted to wish you a lovely evening - however you spend it.  Thank you for a lovely year -- see you all next year, God willing.

[1 hour
& 33 minutes
before 2010 -
inching forward.]

Tiny moments which touched my heart lately:

"Call them up and tell them to change the yellow/blue lighting...it's making her look pale." - said Hamda to her sister Amna.  She was referring to their eldest sister seated on a velvety couch in the middle of a beautifully designed stage; it was a henna night.

Seeing Aunt Hessa overjoyed - surrounded by her daughters for a group photo; all of them looked stunning that night.  May God protect them, always.

Amna sending me a message: "twalaht 3alaich"

Natalie telling me excitedly: "Missss you way more!"

+sigh+

Sometimes...
in simple situations,
like these -
I wish I had a sister.

I'll leave you with a few photos and a promise of a better blog post next time. 

[Today,
was stressful.
I hope tomorrow
is better.]

The late singer Jaber Jassim.  The first song I adore - and sometimes listen to it while driving to work =}  
Enjoy!

I haven't blogged in weeks! Weeks?? Omg.  The pressure from the personal project & demanding assignments is crazy & social obligations are stretching me thin {so thin that I actually considered outsourcing my assignments to India LOL!}. 
I'm hoping for things to calm down by tomorrow - have to, that is - I need ME time! =<  Which includes blogging [I've been wanting to write for weeks!], so - hopefully this nightmare ends soon?

[The fever
is back; please -
not again..]