The Jen Factor!

the BIG 25 is coming!

2007-07-25T11:34:00.000-07:00

WOOHOO I'll be 25 this Friday WOW has time just past me bye so quickly! I can't believe it 25 is a milestone and I am happy to start it!

Some info:
born 07/27/82 in Iowa
mom ate watermelon a lot while pg with me and I LOVE watermelon..hmm coincidence or not?? hehe

alright enough blabbling Happy Birthday to me! :)

Tears of Greatness

2007-07-09T20:07:00.000-07:00

Sometimes in order to help He makes us cry.
Happy the eye that sheds tears for His sake.
Fortunate the heart that burns for His sake.
Laughter always follows tears.
Blessed are those who understand.
Life blossoms wherever water flows.
Where tears are shed divine mercy is shown.

-Rumi, "Mathnawi"

I work too much... :(

2007-05-31T22:17:00.000-07:00

but I can't complain because Alhamdulillah I am able to work and make the money I need to get somewhere in my life..and have a good life. But looking at my timecard I worked a lot of OT!!!

So what is everyone up to? No one updates their blog hardly anymore! Well I have only been working to pay some bills off, and living with my dad again is such a blessing Alhamdulillah. I am able to save money a lot quicker!

Anyone have any plans for the summer? well I hope all is well with everyone and Inshallah see you all soon.

How will Allah Help you?

2007-05-07T14:44:00.000-07:00

If you persevere in adversity and depend on God, then know that He will remove your afflictions and bestow vast blessings upon you. For in His Book God promises, "Those who depend upon Allah, Allah bestows His bounty upon them and provides for them from means unknown." Therefore follow the road of patience and rejoice in His infinite bounty.

-Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jillani

I can turn that frown upside down! ;)

2007-04-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

City for Me indeed!

2007-03-16T21:15:00.000-07:00

You Belong in London

A little old fashioned, and a little modern.
A little traditional, and a little bit punk rock.
A unique woman like you needs a city that offers everything.
No wonder you and London will get along so well.

What City Do You Belong In?

getting hot outside

2007-03-10T12:29:00.000-08:00

golly it's getting so hot outside. Yesterday we were helping my mom move and it was so hot! I couldn't believe it. Last week we were all wearing sweaters and this week I had to find my lightest long sleeves. I am not ready for the heat to come... :( Inshallah it will be a mild summer. That's what I am praying for anyway!

alright well I hope everyone is doing well...

pics of dress

2007-02-27T20:30:00.000-08:00

Assalaamu Alaikum,
Here are some pics I took and also some discription as well:

Deep pink blouse and lehenga with fully embellished chiffon dupatta.

Top: Deep pink crepe silk heavily embellished blouse. Bead and embroidery work all over blouse.
Lehenga/Skirt: Deep pink heavily embellished lehenga has wide appliquéd border and beaded working asymmetric pattern all over the skirt.

Dupatta: Deep pink chiffon dupatta has 5 inches fully embellished border with appliqué and asymmetric styled silver work on corners of the dupatta.Embellishments made in pink/silver color using zardosi, kora, naqshi, sequins, beads, cut-pipes, crystal diamantes, and thread work.

more to come; trying to figure out a place I can add all the pics together...

WOW in a bad way! :(

2007-02-27T20:07:00.000-08:00

So tonight I went to the Olive Garden with my family and well we were outside awaiting our buzzer/pager thingy and during this time a family was coming out the door and they disappeared...BUT LEFT A TODDLER BOY probably only 3 just wondering alone and then he started to scream for mommy and crying and walking on the sidewalk down the way; so I followed him and grabbed his hand so he didn't run into the parking lot...I kept reassuring him everything will be OK but honestly I was like WHAT, WHERE and WHY did they just leave and NOT notice their adorable boy not with them....UM can we all say together NEGLECT/FORGOTTEN?

I walked him back to were my family was and kept my hand in his and sometime later right before our buzzer went off this mother and father come and she said, "oh we were just switching cars..." I WAS LIKE WHAT!!! Switching cars so you leave him here to wonder alone assuming he was safe??? Mind you only my family was there waiting outside...what could have happened didn't happen but it still IRKS me SO bad that the parents didn't seem upset or anything for that matter!

It honestly amazes me how some parents are so careless towards their own children :( Alhamdulillah the boy was fine....but there are all these IF's/AND'S or BUT's....

My blog's got a new name :)

2007-02-22T17:56:00.000-08:00

So on Tuesday night Nicole and Alyssa usually come over to study arabic and help me with recitation Alhamdulillah! And well only Nicole could make it and we were talking about my blog name and this just came to me and stuck..I like it so I'll keep it like that for awhile!!! :)

Thanks for all the input everyone. Inshallah you are all good!

Modest Swimsuits

2007-02-19T07:59:00.000-08:00

here is a link to an article at AZcentral my friend sent to me; ENJOY

click here

Need suggestions

2007-02-18T15:29:00.000-08:00

Hey Can you help me with a blog name? I am having such a brain blockage from my headache that I can't be creative right now...I've already moved on and now I need a new name for my blog...any suggestions??? I'd love to see what everyone comes up with! Thanks in advance!

Heard of this city before???

2007-02-18T15:19:00.000-08:00

That is where I live temporarily! I HATE HEADACHE CITY!!! Inshallah I will feel better soon and come back to Mesa ASAP! Hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful warm weather!! Yesterday was amazing. Alhamdulillah! I finally finished my flower I drew; I put some color into it as well using pastels!! I think it turned out alright considering it's been so long I haven't done art!

outfits anyone??

2007-02-11T09:11:00.000-08:00

Assalaamu Alaikum,

well I was curious if anyone new of a place or person that needs some pakistani outfits. I have my engagement outfit I got in Lahore, Pakistan at Saleems fabric when I was engaged over 2 years ago. It's dark pink and has everything that goes with it. I can take pics of it and upload so everyone can see. I also have some party outfits like a saree and some nice silk shalwar kamees outfits. I would like to sell them at a reasonable price if someone is interested please let me know!

Assalaamu Alaikum,
Jen

Family

2007-01-26T20:25:00.000-08:00

You know tonight I was with my family and I just love them all. ALhamdulillah it's an overwhelming feeling. It was so adorable how my nephew and my dad were playing together!! Those types of moments are priceless. My baby sister Alle missed me (she hasn't seen me in about 3 weeks) and she kept coming to me to cuddle it was sweet. My nephew and my baby sister kept hugging me! I feel so blessed to have my family in my life. They make me soooo very happy...it's always fun when I see them all in good moods of course!

One thing I have learned family will always be there to fall back on when times get rough. If you don't have family I get emotional...I don't know what I would do without my family..things would be hard. Alhamdulillah Allah blessed me with such a caring and close knit family. Something I can't ever take for granted, Inshallah.

The house I grew up in (we've had it for over 18 years) is going up for sale. It is hard for me to think once its gone its GONE! My family gets together there almost every Friday...what will happen once the house is gone? It is like a universal meeting place for everyone and it will be gone from all of our lives. Sad sad sad. although it makes me sad, it is good for my dad since he has been the financial provider and kept the house paid even after my parents divorce; now when it sells he can down size and save a lot of money on everything!! (the house is 2400 square feet, 5 bedroom, 2 bath, garage, huge back yard w/orange and grapefruit trees, basement...if anyone knows of anyone that needs a 5 bedroom house let me know..I am not sure what my parents are asking for it but I overheard it is worth $450,000 or more; OH and its in Mesa)

Anyways change is good; I am just hoping this change will help my dad find his happiness. Inshallah. Thank God for Family and Close Friends!! I would not be who I am without all of them!

Alhamdulillah :)

2007-01-26T15:24:00.000-08:00

It is God who makes you sleep at night as if you were dead. God knows what you have done during the day. God sustains you, so that you may live your allotted span. To him you will eventually return, and he will declare to you all that you have done.

-Qur'an, Al-An'am, Surah 6:6

for some reason I love this part of the Surah...amazing! So I had to share!

just blabbing

2007-01-20T11:43:00.000-08:00

Well I have been off work since Thursday and let me tell you that it is soooo amazing!! I love not working!! :) I can sleep in as long as I want; which right now I need since I have been sick; ALhamdulillah I am over my sinus infection.

It is just so amazing to me how 2 days off of work can be such a positive relaxation!! I suppose it must mean I needed it right? Well I am enjoying my time off even if its only 2 days.

Don't get me wrong work provides a living for me to be on my own and pay for things I need and some things I want too; but that doesn't mean I have to like it ALL the time! Right? RRRRight!!!

Now I've been thinking a lot about getting back into my working out; I used to do yoga and cardio almost every day and I was becoming a lot more happy and had a lot more energy...not to mention the mental/emotional gain I would get from doing yoga; it would destress me and it kept my shoulder pain at bay! It is very easy to say I am going to start but actually following through is my issue. I guess I need to only focus on one day at a time and doing at least one exercise at a time too! Inshallah I hope by the time I turn 25 I am back into working out on a regular basis. And hopefully I will see some physical/mental/emotional gains as well!

Anyways I was just blabbing! Hope everything is doing well. Inshallah.
Assalaamu Alaikum,
Jen :)

Sick of being Sick ICK!

2007-01-02T22:28:00.000-08:00

So I came down with what it seems like everyone has, a cold. Yet this cold isn't the regular one; it started late Sunday night and I've had it ever since! All day Monday I didn't have to work thank God! I spent on my sofa watching tv and dosing off here and there. Tuesday morning came and MAN I was a BIG Cranky pants! I didn't want to wake up and go to work and deal with the REAL WORLD! NO NOT Today! PLEASE! Well that wasn't going to help anything so I took a HOT shower hoping it would open my sinus cavities in my nasal passageway, but it really didn't help that at all!

So I went to work anyways, and even worked 1/2 hour OT too! now I took some medicine and feel so wired, hyper and silly! Not sure if that's how you should feel during a cold but that's what happened to me! So I can't sleep! URGH! Now I am thinking I really should at least force myself to sleep so at least I am "resting" but that doesn't sound like any fun to me at this moment!!

So how is everyone!??!!! Inshallah I hope everyone is well and safe and NOT SICK! Inshallah I'll get over it in 10 days like I usually do..but until then I am signing out as a BIG Cranky Pants!
nighty night!

chipmunks and bobsleds huh?

2006-12-26T23:47:00.000-08:00

Well tonight I had my own bobsled team right in my own living room. Nicole and Alyssa gave me the most accurate demonstration that I just HAD to post about it. While watching I see both of them jump to the side of my coffee table and my sofa and start acting as if they where in a bobsled! I must say they were bouncing quiet erratically and I was surprised they did not fall out! I seriously needed a video camera for this it was such a hilarious sight!

Then later on I got to hear them sing the chipmunks Christmas songs! I was giggling so hard my abs started to hurt! What a work out! Did you know laughing burns calories? So, my friends, laugh away the pounds... I am waiting for that infomercial now!

2138

2006-12-20T22:31:00.000-08:00

This is the number of rates I have been working with for the last three days. Alhamdulillah Allah helped me get through this and I was able to file them on the deadline!

I enjoy my job, but man sometimes being so detail oriented is so exhausting! At times I am really good at that and then I get lazy; which is typically when my co-workers find my errors!

I am exhausted

2006-12-14T22:57:00.000-08:00

I got home at 6:30pm worked out until basically 8pm showered then vaccumed/cleaned my apartment, did dishes, boiled potatoes, made samosa's which took sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Long! then did more dishes since I cooked the filing for the samosas and now I get to wake up and pick up my friend for work at 7am :( but Alhamdulillah I only have to work until Noon and then I can go to Jummah! :)

so now I am going to sleep!!!!!!!

Salaams! ;)

BEN

2006-12-12T20:42:00.000-08:00

:)~

posting about not posting

2006-12-10T21:17:00.000-08:00

WOW! It has been a long time since I posted! So I thought by posting about not posting that I would be able to not post for awhile ;) just kidding.

Well let's see; since November 8th I've been working a lot and spending my weekends either with my family or alone in my apartment RELAXING! Alhamdulillah. I am very blessed to be able to have the time to relax, so many people are always working and going and well I can't take the fact I don't have to work for granted! Thank God I don't have to work on the weekends! I already put in over 40 hours in one week usually...but hey I ain't complaining, the over time pay is great!!! Inshallah I hope to save that pay for paying off some bills.

Oh my father and mother got me a bigger TV; and its awesome!! I like watching movies now; as I don't have to strain my eyes!! And it was funny because the guy we got the TV from was from Israel and he dressed like Elvis Presley! It made me laugh so hard inside when I saw his collar on his shirt up...I was thinking WOW..its been along time since I've seen that...but then again; I am not a fashion guru!! So maybe the collar up is coming back? let's hope not! oh and it wasn't just his collar but also the fact he left the 1st two buttons UNBUTTONED! can I say EW!!!

My parents get a steal of a deal on my TV though so all the above doesn't really matter...it was just funny and I am sure it's one of those; "you had to be there" moments!

ok well its close to 10:30pm and I am striving to get to sleep by then so Inshallah I can work out in the morning...wish me luck.

Until next time ponder this: "to find, to seek, to know then weep. to discover, to uncover the secret, of the lover. of the one who is...like no other."

one month already :)

2006-11-08T17:16:00.000-08:00

Today marks the day I moved out one month ago :) Alhamdulillah its been so nice to be on my own living my life how I want! I do have to say its been so busy at my apartment that I never have a chance to feel lonely! Alhamdulillah thats great! And it has only rained once since I have lived here and it was when Alyssa and Nicole where with me;) it was beautiful watching the rain come down in the pool ;)

Since I have moved out I feel so happy and at peace with my decision. The financial burden I have is a bit scary but Inshallah I have learned to make it through. Alhamdulillah I have a job that provides enough money for me to be able to afford all the things I need and a little of the things I want.

I have learned during this month that cooking is a great stress reliever and I am getting better at cooking things. Each weekend I strive to make something different so I can have a great array of meals to select from; especially when I settle down and have kids one day, Inshallah soon.

Life is good; I cant deny it! I feel very blessed and very happy. I owe all my happiness and blessings to Allah! I will never be able to express my love and gratitude for coming into Islam; its been life changing for me. I really start to feel like where I am in my life right now is where I am suppose to be.

Moving out has made me a more confident women and helped me establish my home in a more Islamic way. I am so free in my own place and that is very exciting! I have really become more mature; but dont get me wrong I still have my kid at heart side!

Inshallah I am planning my housewarming party soon.
Assalaamu Alaikum!

Mind ~

2006-11-07T21:52:00.000-08:00

My Kaba'a
my Mind

Around which rotate
Words of the divine,

Making me intoxicated
As if it were wine.

This love of mine,
Who occupies my soul & mind,

With thought so fine
Of the hereafter
With its rivers of honey and wine

Words as if people rotating,
Around my mind,

Like a prayer in kind
Of a miraculous find
My mind - an honored gift from the divine,
To know...the divine.

I like the lyrics to this song

2006-11-04T17:16:00.000-08:00

SNOW PATROL LYRICS

"Chasing Cars"

We'll do it all

Everything

On our own

We don't need

Anything

Or anyone

If I lay here

If I just lay here

Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

I don't quite know

How to say

How I feel

Those three words

Are said too much

They're not enough

If I lay here

If I just lay here

Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

Forget what we're told

Before we get too old

Show me a garden that's bursting into life

Let's waste time

Chasing cars

Around our heads

I need your grace

To remind me

To find my own

If I lay here

If I just lay here

Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

Forget what we're told

Before we get too old

Show me a garden that's bursting into life

All that I am

All that I ever was

Is here in your perfect eyes, they're all I can see

I don't know where

Confused about how as well

Just know that these things will never change for us at all

If I lay here

If I just lay here

Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

Last Night

2006-10-29T11:00:00.000-08:00

Well last night I made the most yummy samosa's for the 1st time! Alhamdulillah they were really good! My mom and Alle came over to have some and they loved them too! I like making them they were very simple! Now that I am in my own place I am cooking a lot more! I really am learning that cooking can be an escape from all your worries! I love cooking! and well I am still trying to figure out how they make them triangular because mine didn't work that way! oh well!
MMM SAMOSA'S!!!

Later last night I was pealing a pomegrante and thinking SubhanAllah the creator is amazing! all the little seeds placed so intricatly in this fruit and then the juice that comes from the seeds truly amazed me and made me think just look at this one creation so small yet packed full of beauty! I think today I will make a fruit salad with all the pomegrante I have :) I'm excited since its my favorite fruit!

Eid Mubarak!

2006-10-22T22:45:00.000-07:00

Inshallah this Eid brings you all happiness. Ameen!

One more day

2006-10-21T22:15:00.000-07:00

So to be honest; I really wanted Eid to be tomorrow but Alhamdulillah it's on Monday so what does that mean ONE MORE DAY OF FASTING. The last days are very difficult for me and well one more day sounds so difficult; but I decided I will have to think about the blessings of fasting instead of the difficulties of fasting.

To fast one more day will give me one more chance to cleanse myself of any wrong I may have done and ask for Allah's forgiveness.
To fast one more day will give me the opportunity to become closer to Allah.
To fast one more day will give me the dedication and love for Allah that I need to continue to strengthen.
To fast one more day will help me remember how blessed I am that I can provide for myself enough food to be content. Alhamdulillah!
To fast one more day will help me see that in this world there are families that go hungry day in and day out; Alhamdulillah I have food for each and every time I need and want it.
To fast one more day will help me appreciate the beauty of my religion and keep me on the straight path, Inshallah.

I have to say this Ramadan flew by and its very sad its coming to an end; but Alhamdulillah I have made it through and just pray all my fellow brother's and sister's benefited from this blessed month, as I did. Ameen.

can we just get peace?

2006-10-17T21:44:00.000-07:00

why can't we just get peace?

"Life is too short to worry about the little things and too big to sweat the small things!" my own quote!

this pic is so amazing! Subhanallah! they are so teeny tiny yet you see the beauty Allah has created in the smallest details! Alhamdulillah!

Aww I'm so emotional!

nooo not work

2006-10-15T23:03:00.000-07:00

well I've been off work for a week and well its that dreadful time again and well this is how I feel:nooooo not work! Inshallah I'll be able to get back in the grind of working... :(

All Settled In :)

2006-10-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

Alhamdulillah the move went well and I am officially all settled into my own apartment! It's so fun to be able to come home and only have ME there and I can throw off my scarf and not worry about it; like I did when I lived at home.

I am at peace with my decision to move out; I feel so happy and now I can do the things I enjoy without feeling like I am being judged by my family!

I am planning a house warming party in November sometime, Inshallah. I'll keep everyone posted!

I hope everyone's last 10 days of Ramadan are going well. Alhamdulillah mine is :)

Inshallah see you all soon :)

Getting empty

2006-10-08T14:02:00.000-07:00

WOW my room is getting empty; but I honestly didn't know how much stuff I had until am getting it out of my room; its amazing how much I have accumulated over the 6 years I've been back home! Crazy for sure!

So I should get my keys sometime tomorrow, INshallah I hope to get them before 4pm as they have told me. Time is finally here.

I will tell you all one thing; its hard to fast and move things; I get sooo thristy but Inshallah I will make it through I have tons of help :)

I'll let everyone know when my housewarming party is ok? alright until then I'm busy moving!

Take care! OH and HAPPY BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH! My mom has been in remission for 4 years now, Inshallah I pray she continues to be healthy and cancer free. Ameen!

Godwill

2006-10-05T22:14:00.000-07:00

only 4 days until the BIG move :) MEEP MEEP! I went shopping because I wanted to find a rug for a decent price and well I found the cutest rug and it was 50% off too it was a one day sale and I made it last night! Alhamdulillah! and then when I was driving out of the parking lot of the store there was a Goodwill there but one of the O's was missing and it read GODWILL! ALHAMDULILLAH. That made me sooooo happy and almost brought tears to my eyes!

I believe this move is meant to be :) Allah Aleem!

eight

2006-10-01T21:26:00.000-07:00

EIGHT DAYS LEFT!!! Then I get my own apartment :) Inshallah!!

So I get my keys on next Monday the 9th after 4pm then I start moving

I will be on vacation the following week enjoying moving while fasting

Inshallah I will be ok; make dua for me!

Exciting times are awaiting me Alhamdulillah! :)

Journey

2006-09-22T22:59:00.000-07:00

Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.-Qur'an, Al-Baqara, 2:185

Make ramadan your spiritual journey to grow and then some, Inshallah.

Happy Ramadan everyone :)

2006-09-22T21:01:00.000-07:00

Inshallah this Ramadan will be beneficial for you and your family and friends. May Allah guide you and keep you prayerful. Ameen :)

Love,

Jen

Happy Ramadan everyone!!

does anyone know how to translate this song?

2006-09-21T20:53:00.000-07:00

I really like Ali Zafar his album Huga Pani and Dekha Sung Teray is my favorite one off the CD but I know it must be sad cause I can feel it in his voice....but if anyone can translate and let me know what its saying that'd be sooo great, Inshallah :) Thanks in advance too!

-_-_-_-_- PakistaniMusic.com -_-_-_-_-
Courtsey: Urooj Khan
Dekha Sung Teray, Ali Zafar
Deekha sung terai, hamnai chaltai chaltai
Deekha sung terai, hamnai chaltai chaltai
Keh rahtai terai merai, Kahin nahi miltai, kahien nahi miltai
Deekha sung terai, hamnai chaltai chaltai
Keh rahtai terai merai, Kahin nahi miltai, kahien nahi miltai
Tu pyar hai mera, kab mainai inkaar kia
Mujh sai kab milo gai, kitna intezar kia
intezar main karon kiyun, tum jo nahi miltai
Keh rahtai terai merai, Kahin nahi miltai, kahien nahi miltai
Khizan ka yeh kaam hai, ujaar dai gulshan ko
Bahar ka mukaam hai, sanwaar dai gulshan ko
Bahar kiya karai jo, sab phool nahi khiltai
Keh rahtai terai merai, Kahin nahi miltai, kahien nahi miltai
Deekha sung terai, hamnai chaltai chaltai
Keh rahtai terai merai, Kahin nahi miltai, kahien nahi miltai
Kahin nahi miltai, kahien nahi miltai

reflections of a confident secure women

2006-09-16T07:40:00.001-07:00

sometimes you just have to take a moment in your life to see were you have been and were you are going. When I look at the last 6 years of my life I've been through a lot of emotional turmoil but it only made me stronger and shaped me into the women I am today. Alhamdulillah!

I don't regret anything I have done in my past or current life, Allah Aleem. Everything happens for reasons. You meet people to get through things or to go through things; you get hurt to learn from your mistakes or other peoples mistakes. You grow, you learn and you achieve.

My life is very satisfying yes indeed; but there is something lacking that I've always needed and it's a companion; one to watch over me and be there during difficult times; one to just be my best friend and not judge me. I need a companion not to complete me but to fulfill my needs of starting a family. I am complete and I don't want someone to "own" me as I own myself, but I want someone willing and ready to start a journey into beautiful married life; maybe not right now but soon, Inshallah.

Reality is difficult to swallow but that's how reality is; you can't assume this life is going to be easy and you definitely can't assume marriage and family are going to make anything easier. But I do know I am ready to start my married life and a family in the near future. I haven't been more confident about ME and secure in my life than I am right now. Alhamdulillah!

My life is currently going so well; I'm moving into my own place, I soon should be getting a raise at work; my mom's healthy ALHAMDULILLAH, Ramadan's starting soon, Inshallah; just so many beautiful things going so well in my life I can never deny the beauty and bounty of Allah. I am in the best place emotionally and mentally; never have I felt such blessings than I do now! Alhamdulillah!

if you can't care for them why have them?

2006-09-06T23:05:00.000-07:00

Children are a blessing from Allah indeed. Alhamdulillah. But why do so many people in this world have children they can't care for? Why do they have them and expect to pay the least attention to them when truthfully they need the most attention to develop into a good human being? I think its mostly because of distractions of this world...feeling like there isn't enough time to get EVERYTHING done but finding a way to fit in your day some internet time while your child sits watching some very violent TV show and keeps tugging at your clothes dying for parental attention and yet the parent still denies their own child that attention they deserve each and every moment of a parents life.

I guess I am just tired of seeing these beautiful children stripped of proper parenting when life is so short and only the smallest care and concern from a parent can yeild the greatest reward for a child.

Spending quality time with your child is so important, I may not be a mother yet, Inshallah one day; but I have siblings and I have a baby sister and a nephew and from that I have learned some strong parenting do's and don'ts...and yes every child is different and what works for one may not work for the next but what I am getting at is if you can't care and love your own child then why have them? Why make this amazing human being suffer because of your own laziness of this world? Why make their life different because they didn't get the proper love from you? Why take the fact that you have a child for granted when many in this world are dying to have one child but can't? Why take it for granted??? WHY? WHY? WHY?

Allah Aleem

Mom :)

2006-09-05T23:31:00.000-07:00

Mom's appointment went well. So blessed Alhamdulillah. The doctor said there are no signs of cancer anywhere...the best news of this year!! I am very blessed to have my mother and pray she continues on a healhty path, Inshallah.

I LOVE YOU MOM :) and Congrats let's celebrate!!!

Happiness?

2006-08-30T19:22:00.000-07:00

Happiness in Islam to me comes deep inside the heart. Its a honest feeling that Allah blesses each of us with. Alhamdulillah. I believe to be 100% happy you must have good mental, emotional and physical well being. You must have faith in Allah alone and that will make the heart happy. Since I was blogging about Happiness in Islam I found a good article online you should check it out! :)

Happiness in Islam Article

Moving on....OUT that is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-08-25T21:30:00.000-07:00

ALHAMDULILLAH, I'm moving out of my parents house and into my own place!!!! Its been along time I have been needing to move out, as I am 24 and self reliant and sufficient too. I have my own job and make well enough to pay for rent and have paid for everything I needed (even paid off my own college Alhamdulillah) since 5 years ago to now.

Life is good. I have my own one bedroom apartment and get to move into it OCTOBER 10th! and get my keys OCT. 9th!!!! I can hardly stand it, everyday I am one day closer to officially living my life more Islamically and more happily too! (not that living at home wasn't good it is, but there are many things I can't get into that just will be better without)

Things I am looking forward to with my own place:

no dogs!
no interruptions
privacy
quiet time
not worrying about my prayers and people disturbing me or walking in on me
being free to do as I please, when I please and how I please!
cooking in my own kitchen! and cooking SPICY food I love!
being more independent in my eyes and also in my parents as they still kinda treat me as if I am a teenager and I have been on my "own" for a long time since 18! Even though I live under their roof.
have things in my place how I want them
more storage space for all my stuff
most importantly a place I can call my own and be proud of, a place I can come home to and pray and read Qur'an and not feel out of place, a place that is mine and that is Islamic, a place of solitude and happiness, a place I won't feel judged or critizied for what I believe!

A PLACE! MY PLACE! ALHAMDULILLAH!

Life is so sooo good! Inshallah make dua my new place will be good for me and my life.

massage

2006-08-24T20:00:00.000-07:00

so since I have been over worked and stressed for about 5 months straight, I decided to get a 1hr massage. Alhamdulillah its just what I needed, I feel refreshed, reborn and almost ready to fly! haha :) I just got home and feel like sleep now....if only massage wasn't so expensive...

Everything is because of Allah

2006-08-08T19:04:00.000-07:00

All I realize lately is the way life happens, problems happen, happiness happens, sadness, war, everything is because of Allah. At times its very emotional to live in this world, its hard to keep positive with so much negativity going on around us, but for me just knowing that everything around me is because of Allah I feel blessed because I have my family, my friends and a life that is with Islam. Alhamdulillah.

I've been doing a lot of thinking and its very hard to find good people in this world, someone to count on and be honest is hard to come by, very sad but oh so true. So at times I find myself struck with emotions only Allah sees and understands, no words can I put here can describe how I feel. The things going on in this world are becoming so sad, all the war and fighting and negativity...Brings me to tears, but I strive to find strength in Allah to get me through this life and into the next, Inshallah.

I pray that all my Muslim brother's and sister's continue to learn their deen and remember what is truly important in this world. Ameen.

The blessings I cannot deny

2006-07-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

ALHAMDULILLAH!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

My mom's blood test came back NEGATIVE!!! she does NOT have any cancer cells in her blood :) Now the next thing we are all awaiting are if she needs to have the cyst and pallup removed that appointment is September 1st so I pray she continues to hear only good news, Ameen!

The blessings of Allah I cannont deny. I pray Allah continues to watch over me and my family and friends and all that are in need, Ameen.

here is a little poem:

When your life is in darkness And nothing is right

Remember just remember Through the darkness, Allah is The Light.

Another Year Older

2006-07-27T20:41:00.000-07:00

Alhamdulillah I made it to another year!! I'm officially 24 years old now...kinda strange! I remember when I was young and said, "when I grow up I am going to be this and have all these amazing things." Alhamdulillah I may not be what I thought I was going to be and I may not have a lot of 'things' but I am truly blessed with my family, friends and finding Islam.

happy birthday to meeeeee! Inshallah I will be blessed with more years to come. Ameen!

buggable ;)

2006-07-25T21:54:00.000-07:00

To all my friends this goes out to you ;)

buggable

Love ya all! :)~

yet again she waits

2006-07-21T21:05:00.000-07:00

~ Update on My Mom ~

So my mom's appoint went well, Alhamdulillah! The doctor does not seem too worried about either cyst or pallup....BUT my mother will have to wait yet again 5 more weeks. The doctor said because neither one has grown since they have been 1st ditected; that 5 more weeks should not change things much, so Inshallah things will be ok. Her next apt is Sept. 1st she is going to have blood drawn and also a video done to view both cyst or pallup and the doctor said that they can tell a cancer cell from a healthy cell from this video and they are also going to take a piece of both and analyze them for any trace of cancer. So Inshallah everything will be ok. Thanks for all your kind words and dua's during this time, its really nerve racking. My mom has lost 12 pounds since this all started so to say the least it does worry her until there is closure. I pray her next appointment will bring her closure with healthy news and the family healthy news. Ameen!

Time is passing too quickly

2006-07-16T13:53:00.000-07:00

well I haven't posted in almost a month. It's so crazy how time is flying bye as if one week is like a day anymore...Pretty scary too. Its almost my b-day too only 11 days left until I am 24 years young!! WOOHOO. But before my b-day comes there are many many other special occasions to attend!! Lot's of sisters are getting married Alhamdulillah. It's wonderful, maybe I'll be next?? hmmm hahaha Inshallah.

The things I like to listen to are Norah Jones and U2 right now :) They are so fun to sing and listen to. I am going to see pirates of the Caribbean in about an hour, that's exciting, so I am killing time until then!

recent things going on:

this week my mom goes to the doctor again (3rd time) to figure out what is going on with her, she has a cyst and pallup on her ovaries and the doctor's have to see if its cancerous or not...Inshallah I am praying its nothing serious as she has gone through breast cancer already and I don't want her to deal with chemotherapy and radiation again, makes me cry just thinking about that again :( she's gone through so many surgeries as well and its really annoying she may have to go through another one....you know the most annoying part of it, is the fact that the pills she was taking for her breast cancer develop ovarian cancer....isn't that great? geez, if its not one thing you got the other :( I pray Allah will watch over her and her health and pray that things will be ok. Ameen. Inshallah I will post after her appointment on Thursday, with good news INSHALLAH.

I am dealing with "don't want to work" syndrome. Its so annoying, I really don't want to work anymore I am exhausted. I know I am blessed to have a good paying job but sometimes its just not worth the trouble... oh well.

I think I am going to paint after the movie today...I have been waiting to paint a sunset as they are my favorite!!!

Assalaamu Alaikum :)

Jen's a wonderer

2006-06-29T19:57:00.000-07:00

SO HERE I AM WONDERING AWAY!!!!

so I discovered I am a wonderer. I wonder a lot, probably more than I should...but I guess there are worse things I can do with my time right!! hehe

So the top things Jen wonders about:
1. When I will just finally move out!
2. When I will find my Mr. Right!
3. When I will finally move out (oh wait this is #2 and #3?wow I must want to move out?)
4. when I will be financially ok to make hajj, Inshallah!
5. when it will stop being so gosh durn HOT! I know I know its AZ but golly gee can't it just cool off one or two degrees????????? PLEASE OH PLEASE?!

ok so enough of the boring stuff, how is everyone's summer, I haven't done anything at all! Just been working my BUTT off, almost burnt out but Inshallah, I will survive!! I love that song, it always makes me wanna dance!! Has anyone done anything exciting or fun this summer? fill me in then I can act like I am happy for you when really deep inside I wish I was on VACATION!!! hehe

this was probably the most exciting post yet please vote and let me know ;) hahahahaha

at work

2006-06-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

blah I am at work right now and thought hmmm let's post really quick and see what date for my grad. party will work for everyone (this way I can save the date and so can everyone else) So our options are:

July 8th Sat.(anytime)
July 9th Sun. (anytime)
July 22nd Sat. (anytime) (almost close to my 24th b-day!!!)

let me know what days work for everyone and then I can start planning :) :) I need e-mails of some people so I will ask you!

It's finally official

2006-06-14T22:17:00.000-07:00

SOOO Finally its OFFICIAL. I received my Bachelor's Degree in the mail after 7 months of waiting. I completed my degree in Sept. '05 and had to write a paper to the faculty for approval to receive my degree and well then it was approved in November '05!! Well I didn't know until shortly after December they mail the diploma out only ONCE A YEAR! I was like MAN I want it now!! But Alhamdulillah I finally got it and its in my HANDS now!! WOOHOOOOOOO!!!!

Inshallah I am planning on hosting my own graduation party at my house soon. Probably after July 4th...So its time to celebrate with me :) Cake anyone? I will post with more details and or e-mail invites! Hope you can make it, Inshallah.

WOW NOW WHAT? ACK!

kids say the darndest things!!!

2006-06-11T11:01:00.000-07:00

So this morning I woke up and was sitting in the living room talking to my baby sister Alle (she's 5 and 1/2 yrs. old) we where talking about how she still sucks her thumb, so she started to ramble that if she sucks her thumb she will be kicked out of kindergarten and can never return to school! I told her that she really needs to stop sucking her thumb then as she is 5 now and not a baby anymore, she was laying down with our black poodle and grabbed its paw and she replied with, "talk to the hand, or really talk to the paw, the harry paw!" I couldn't stop laughing....kids say the darndest things!!!

"talk to the Paw"

"what is love, baby don't hurt me!!! Aww I broke the window again" SNL

2006-06-02T18:25:00.000-07:00

When I think of love I think of it as being priceless, patient, graditude, peace, caring, compromise, healthy communication, oneness, happiness, being giddy/silly, exciting, emotional, challenging, so much I can't even continue....but the most important one of all is finding the love in Allah to get through this life!

now what do you think about love? Or rather what does love mean to you???

Fill me in on your opinions I would LOVE to hear from you!

thanks

2006-05-29T23:04:00.000-07:00

Assalaamu Aalaikum.

Just wanted to say thanks for those who have added me to their "blogs to read" column!! I appreciate it. I am trying to figure out a few things with this template I am using...ie. how the comments don't hyperlink up, I hope to either find I new one or just settle for a blogger one so I can get started with my blog.. Inshallah I hope to blog again soon. I have been bogged down with working so much. Alhamdulillah today (Memorial Day) I worked only 4 and 1/2 hours!!!

Life has been busy...I guess its that time of year...Alhamdulillah.

you all take care now, until next time ;)
Jen
btw wishing I was here:

currently updating

2006-05-20T11:41:00.000-07:00

Assalaamu Alaikum,

I am currently updating my blog, please revisit soon!

Jen

so emotional

2006-03-19T18:34:00.000-08:00

so everything is really annoying and emotional. I am so ready to move out of my parents house...it would be so easy to live the type of life I want to lead...without everyone's point of veiws.

Inshallah my mood will shift soon...I just hope faster for my own sake...

Eid has gone :(

2005-11-05T21:12:00.000-08:00

I just cannot believe Eid is over :( It went bye so fast... I took Thursday and Friday off work to make it to the Eid prayer and some parties that are going on afterwards and wow its now almost Sunday and thinking about going to work on Monday makes me mad!!!!!!!!!!!!!! URGH!

Alhamdulillah Eid was fun and such a blessing to experience it again.

Today I made a tunic style top and it was my 1st try and well, I am very pleased with the results, so pleased actually that I wanna open my own store HAHA NOT!!! over one Tunic yeah right!!!! I am crazy but not that pagal!!!! haha! I like making my own clothes and now that I know I can make that style of top well I am gonna continue making them for myself!!

OH and yesterday I went to this amazing restaurant that served some really good spicy chicken and they named it "fried chicken" I'm like oh that isn't broad at all! then on the other chicken dish they had the full name...GO FIGURE!!! Sorry I am a bit annoyed these days (haha)

My friends and I have a group called Hawwa and well its a group for new muslim sister's to Islam or the community...what we do is help new reverts find "friends" and or new muslim sister to the community learn about the area and also make friends tooo. So Novemeber is my month and well I decided on the topic of Allah's Tests...(since I am being tested a lot) and thought in my life right now that is something I need to learn so why not do it for my group meeting, Inshallah! Brillant idea Jen!!!! that's what happened this morning at 2am...when I couldn't sleep... :( but hey don't get me wrong I at least got a great subject to discuss during my meeting.

Our website is: http://www.geocities.com/hawwagroup/ its not too exciting as we are just starting to learn what we need to put up...so bare with it!

Ok well InshAllah you all had a beautiful Eid :) Better get some sleep as I feel tired now...and if I wait well then I will be up until 2am again! :(

Assalamu Alaikum!

poetry

2005-09-12T21:07:00.000-07:00

during time I sit here blind
not knowing what truly hurts me

but knowing what truly needs to happen
too scared to move on

too lonely to think of moving on
help me or fix me so I can love again
----

so much love is held in my heart for somone I can't be with
so much love is held in my heart for someone I can't see
so much love is held in my heart for someone I don't even know

will it be you? sharing your love with me, I am ready please...
---

how do I believe in you when you can't believe in me
I followed you for so many years and now my shadow follows me
what shall I do here without you?

life is so empty but its what I make it
whether here with me or not
I know I loved thee
I know I gave my whole heart and soul to thee

how do I believe in you when your not standing here right by me
---

you took everything my spark in my beautiful blue eyes gone
my smile so bright now so dull
my heart so warm now so cold
my hands so soft now so hard
my emotions are so deep like the ocean
you took everything my spark in my beautiful blue eyes gone
---

My mind is in a deep emotion
can you feel the comotion
in the locomotion
hehe ;)

Effiel Tower Vs. Minar-e-Pakistan

2005-09-03T17:31:00.000-07:00

Well I have to say I went to Pakistan and Paris and found it interesting between the two towers!! They are very alike and yet so different too! I think its fascinating the architecture in both Paksitan and Paris. I am an Interior Designer so those things totally interest me! I have to say staying in Pakistan was a life changing experience that I will have in my heart always! I love Pakistan and I love Paris. I thought having both towers together would be cool to see...mind you this is my own photography! I love travelling! ;)

2005-09-03T17:28:00.000-07:00

This is the effiel tower in Paris! :)

2005-09-03T17:27:00.000-07:00

This is Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore, Pakistan

September 2, 2005

2005-09-02T23:42:00.000-07:00

WOW!! Its already September!! This year is going by really fast! Today I worked and got home and ended up watching this story about Mother Teresa and it made be think that I am truly selfish, after seeing all the things she was capable of doing made me want to help out some way in life...

I mean a lot of people sit around complaining about something someone in another country would love to have...its just so completely sad...I wish I could do more than what I already do...I wish I could be big and help out a lot...I just don't know how.. :(

The Jen Factor!

the BIG 25 is coming!

Tears of Greatness

I work too much... :(

How will Allah Help you?

I can turn that frown upside down! ;)

City for Me indeed!

getting hot outside

pics of dress

WOW in a bad way! :(

My blog's got a new name :)

Modest Swimsuits

Need suggestions

Heard of this city before???

outfits anyone??

Family

Alhamdulillah :)

just blabbing

Sick of being Sick ICK!

chipmunks and bobsleds huh?

2138

I am exhausted

BEN

posting about not posting

one month already :)

Mind ~

I like the lyrics to this song

Last Night

Eid Mubarak!

One more day

can we just get peace?

nooo not work

All Settled In :)

Getting empty

Godwill

**eight**

Journey

Happy Ramadan everyone :)

does anyone know how to translate this song?

reflections of a confident secure women

if you can't care for them why have them?

Mom :)

Happiness?

Moving on....OUT that is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

massage

Everything is because of Allah

The blessings I cannot deny

Another Year Older

buggable ;)

yet again she waits

Time is passing too quickly

Jen's a wonderer

at work

It's finally official

kids say the darndest things!!!

"what is love, baby don't hurt me!!! Aww I broke the window again" SNL

thanks

currently updating

so emotional

Eid has gone :(

poetry

Effiel Tower Vs. Minar-e-Pakistan

September 2, 2005

eight