All that snow and I still got my first package!

Well, I just got my first package for SP13! A million packages to "Arnold" for the amazing package! I thoroughly enjoyed opening every item and looking at what I received! Even Pumpkin helped out (and even she had a little gift!). I really must say that I was floored!

Here are some pictures of the madness than ensued!




What's this? A surprise?




Pumpkin can't wait - she wants to open the package now! She gave me just enough time to cover the contents with a post it note (used in lieu of a fig leaf) before she sliced the box open - Careful Pumpkin!




Yes, mommy likes to take pictures. In the good old words of Monty Python: Get on with it!!!!




Of course we both really enjoyed unwrapping the numerous gifts in my package.




Yes, there's even something for you Pumpkin!




The full Monty! PS "Arnold" has beautiful handwritting.
Seashells from Florida, Milk chocolate with roasted almonds and seasalt, toys for pumpkin, homemade salted caramels, chocolate-mint body bar, a giant bag of M&Ms and 2 skeins of white angora yarn! *swoon*




Pumpkin eyes her new toy...




Pumpkin in bed with her new toy.



A huge thank you again to "Arnold". This really is amazing!

And now... About the snow. OMG! 20 cm on Tuesday (we were in the car for 5 hours - driving Lama to the airport) and another... 10 or 15 cm today? Oh, and the city still hasn't salted any sidewalks (not even in the downtown core). My co-worker slipped 3 times yesterday! It's only going to get worse - it's going to rain on Monday and then snow within a day or two after that. Tisk tisk!

"Dish bitch" is not in my job description!

Hello kids, it's me again, and I'm back to do a few things.

1. SP13 Question of the week (from last week - I'm fashionably late, of course): What are you most thankful for this year:
I'd have to say that I'm very thankful that my tonsils are gone, my number of translation contracts are up, Salem and I are talking marriage and babies on a regular basis, that I have everything I need available to me (job, money for rent/food/utilities/spending), that I've finally found my religion and that everyone around me in in (relatively) good health.

2. A big THANK YOU to my SP13 spoiler "Arnold" for my first gift! (yes, I'm very late, sorry! I've been so busy sending you novels). ;-) It's the Farmer Fox pattern by Jennie Lamond! He's amazingly cute and now he's MINE!!!!!

3. Re: Dish bitch. I was helping out with a conference one of my co-workers organized yesterday and guess what happened! The caterer came by and set everything up and then told us "we won't be able to come pick up the stuff until tomorrow or after tomorrow". SO basically, my co-worker and I were stuck carting everything (3 food trays, plates, cuttlery, serving trays, cups, etc) and cleaning up the mess at the end of the day. Did I mention this event had 25 people attending and lasted ALL day? Do you have any idea how dirty people are when they know they don't have to clean up after themselves? Not only did we have to store everything in our office, but we had to rinse everything as well to make sure nothing started rotting in here. I spent almost an hour and a half rinsing this crap! What the hell kind of crap ass caterer was this?!

Extra, somewhat weird questions I found on the internet!

50 Random Questions

1. Where were you 3 hours ago?

In the Library conference room of the main building of the hospital.

2. Who are you in love with?

Myself of course!!! ;-P Salem.

3. Have you ever eaten a crayon?

Not that I can recall but I wouldn't put it past me.,

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

Why yes! A highlighter!

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

Sunday.

6. Are you wearing socks right now?

No, I'm wearing thick cotton tights.

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

Is the Nova bus or metro car even worth $50?

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

I was off the island on Sunday, but I wasn't the one doing the driving.

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

No. How about 10 days?

10. Are you hot?

Don't mind if I say so myself!

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

Just plain water. But I had an awesome salted caramel hot chocolate this morning!

12. What are you wearing right now?

A long purple shirt/short dress (empire waist), charcoal coloured cotton tights and 3" spike heel, black leather boots.

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

I don't have a car...

14. Last food that you ate?

Foul (mixed fresh beans with tomatoes and green peppers), pita, cucumber and tomato slices.

15. Where were you last week at this time?

At the same freaking place I am now - my desk!

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

Yes, tights.

17. When is the last time you ran?

Oh God...

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

Hockey on Saturday. We lost!!!!

19. What is your favorite animal?

Dogs, cats, manta rays.

20. Your dream vacation?

Anywhere warm and historic with new foods.

21. Last person's house you were in?

Salem's.

22. Worst injury you've ever had?

I can only recall ever going over the handlebars of my bike once...

23. Have you been in love?

Duh.

24. Do you miss anyone right now?

Yes, lots of people.

25. Last play you saw?

I don't tend to do plays... Peter Pan in sec 5 (11th grade).

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

If I told you then it wouldn't be so secret now would it?!

27. What are your plans for tonight?

Picking up translation package, going for an Arabic placement test downtown, eating, going home, watching the Tudors and going to bed early.

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

I don't do MySpace...

29. Next trip you are going to take?

Probably going to the United Arab Emirates...

30. Ever go to camp?

Once when I was younger, I hated it.

31. Were you an honor roll student in school?

FI was for most of high school and CEGEP.

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

I think the future is best unknown.

33. Are you wearing any perfume or cologne?

Yes: Givenchy's Irrésistible

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

probably should, but I'm not going to go.

35. Where is your best friend?

At work.

36. How is your best friend?

She's probably great as she just got back from a trip to the carribean!

37. Do you have a tan?

LMAO! That's a good one!

38. What are you listening to right now?

Talk radio - blah blah blah (boring topic).

39. Do you collect anything?

Seashells.

40. Who is the biggest gossiper you know?

Most probably me...

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

NEVER! Actually, the first time I ever drove but simply because I was wandering around a mall in the dark...

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

I do it on a regular basis/

43. What does your last text message say?

To me: that I have a voicemail message. From me: "I love you habibi" to Salem.

44. Do you like hot sauce?

Do I ever!

45. Last time you took a shower?

This morning. How about you??????

46. Do you need to do laundry?

It seems ever ending.

47. What is your heritage?

I am 1/2 French-Canadian (Québecois), 1/4 Scottish, 1/4 German but raised 100% French-Canadian.

48. Are you someone's best friend?

I'd like to think so, perhaps I am disillusioned...

49. Are you rich?

Certainly not!

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

Getting into bed.

Credit Repair

MySpace Surveys and Quizzes

And now, for something completely different...

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I currently have no yarn preferences. I am still exploring many options with every new project. I'd rather stay away from acrylics (I have plenty in my stash from my earlier days) and lets just say that the thought of making yarn out of a pet freaks me out just a tad!

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
A school bag - I really need to get organized with my needles.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I've been knitting for about 4 years now, seriously for 1-2 years. I taught myself thanks to some sites and then a book or two. I'd consider myself an intermediate knitter (always looking for a new challenge)

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Nope.

5. What's your favorite scent?
I love musks, sandalwood, lavender and "ocean" type smells. I ave about 20 essential oils I like to burn all over my apartment!

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
You have no idea!!! Chocolate is my favorite thing (milk or dark but I can't take white!). I will take M&Ms over Smarties any day!

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
Ok, so I: knit, crochet, paint (acrylic and starting with oil and some water colour), I make the occasional bath bomb, I make my own chocolate truffles, enjoy baking (cakes, cookies), I love to cook in general (Indian food is always fun), I sometimes make jewelry, I love doing henna on people or wood, etc... I tried spinning once, I may try it again but lets just say I thought I pretty much sucked.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I listen to just about anything except for country, opera and rap. I'll listen to the normal top 40 stuff, some R&B, rock, metal, alternative and classical (Tchaikovski is one of my favorites). MP3s are not a problem, I also have an iPod.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I'm still into my huge turquoise and magenta/fuschia kick! I can't do yellow and most shades of green.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I live on my own but spend most of my free time with my boyfriend of 2+ years. I have one cat, Pumpkin - she's great! I love her!

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Yes, I wear all of the above except for ponchos (I'm trying to lose a few more pounds, the poncho would only add them back on at this point).

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I'd have to say scarves - they please everyone and can vary greatly from pattern to pattern. I also made a toy once for a friend's daughter - that was very fun too (quick, easy and cute as hell!). But I have fun knitting just about anything!

13. What are you knitting right now?
I am knitting up a birthday scarf for my boyfriend's sister, then starting up on some thrummed slippers for my father and the Henry scarf for my boyfriend's birthday (December).

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Of course! Who doesn't???

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Straight/circ: it depends on the project. I am currently useing more circs because it's much harder to lose the stitches on those when travelling in the metro. Any material will do!

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Yes, I use the back of my dining room chair (unfortunately, I had to fire the boyfriend as he kept putting his hands down on the yarn all the time!).

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
My first pair of socks is going on 1 year now! I really need to get back to them...

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe?
I like both Eids... I don't celebrate any winter holidays since my conversion, but I still gather with my family at Christmas and most other holidays - there's no reason why I can't wish them hapy holidays. Otherwise, I love Halloween (even though it's not a holiday) - it's the only day of the year where I actually have a valid excuse to play dress up!

19. Is there anything that you collect?
I love seashells!

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I love the Farmer Fox pattern! He's beyond cute!!! I also want to start trying out some really neat lavian mittens.
I have no knitting magazine subscriptions, I don't feel a need for them.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I'd eventually like to wrap my head around shawl patterns - for some reason I easily mess them up!

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I'll knit socks, I'm actually thinking of making 2009 my year for making socks. I wear a size 8-9 : 23 cm (9") x 9 cm (3.5"). Warning! I have wide feet!!!

23. When is your birthday?
February 29th.

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
MaiCarInMtl

October - that means Halloween is coming!!!!

First, I would like to appologize to all my readers *cough* for not posting for a very long time. I spent the whole month of September day fasting, praying and coming home only to sleep.

Work has been ok but 2 fairly recent slaps in the face have made me decide that it is finally time to look for something else. I am currently looking for jobs in translation (in Quebec or Ontario). I am also thinking of moving overseas next year (to the Gulf) to teach English and French. To tell you the truth, it all depends on what happens with Salem.

Today, I will be signing up for my first official Secret Pal swap - Secret Pal 13. I had a lot of fun organizing my own small Montreal Knits one (although there are some issues that are still unresolved 6 weeks after the final deadline). But I think ti was a nice experience and plan to host another Montreal Knits swap in the new year.

And now, for the best part of this month: HALLOWEEN! Yes, I know, I am a Muslim, not a Pagan, but Halloween is still one of my top 5 days in the year! I get to dress up, have an excuse to spend all day in costume and no one can call me a freak! Wooohoo!!! I really want to dress up like Medusa (even though Salem and his sister really don't want me to - they rather I dress like a disco queen or something else.... Yeah, riiiiiight!). I'll see, I might be going to a theme party where I have no choice but to dress up as somethign specific - ugh - in this case, a superhero - double ugh!

That's all for my current, quick update!

Ramadan Kareem / Mubarak!

Well everyone, I would like to wish all my fellow brothers and sisters Ramadan Kareem! Yes, I know, I am posting a day late, but distraction was the key to getting through day 1 of fasting! I kept myself busy with 4 loads of laundry, praying and then a 2 hour grocery shopping trip with Salem.

Dinner was oh so very yummy!!! We had kibbeh, fatteh, hummus, lentil and bean soup, stuffed zucchini in a yogourt sauce, amareddine and tamarind juice. Later on, we had some apple tea with cinnamon and some nuts.

The weekend was quite crazy. I had supper with Mom on Friday, bought some more scarves and some shoes. I discovered that Commensal is just too expensive for my taste. I've only been twice and sure you get to try new things but it's just too expensive!

Saturday, I mailed out my package to my spoilee and I hope it gets there on time but with the holiday... er... not looking too good. Sorry!

Then off I was to Oka beach with Salem, Lama and Lama's friend Noura. She's a very sweet girl. We enjoyed the water, sand, sun and food. We even stopped off at a roadside stand where I got corn, Lama got berries, caramel and sucre à la crème, Salem got some apples and Noura got drinks for everyone. As if all this wasn't enough, we even went out clubbing at Moomba later on. I only got home at 3:30 am - boy was I pooped!

Sunday was horseback riding with Lama and Noura. Everything was going great until Noura fell off her horse while galloping. She had a pretty bad fall but she's fine (thank God!). Once back in the city, I had a Labour Day barbecue to attend at Aunt Lise's. The food was good as per usual, but with every family reunion, it is more and more apparent that I have next to nothing in common with my family, namely my cousins. It does make me sad in a way, but not sad enough to make me change myself to be closer to them. I'm sorry, but I do not agree with their lifestyles and their decisions. Then again, they probably don't agree with some of my decisions.

I was most dissapointed when my cousin Katie and my godfather (my father's brother) left without saying goodbye to my father, his wife, Salem or me. I feel really bad for my dad. He always calls his brother for his birthday but his brother never calls him for his. Another uncle left without saying hello but chances are he was busy with one of hsi 3 grandkids. At least his wife said bye to everyone. This breaks my heart a bit... a bit for me, but mainly for my dad. :-(

This week will be a longer one... adjusting and all. But so far, so good! :-D Subhanallah!

Allahu Akbar

Well, I finally took the plunge and converted to Islam on Sunday. I even went to the mosque to do it.

Since then, I've been trying my best to pray 5 times a day (sometimes making it to 4, other days I get my 5 a day in). I am starting to remember some lines (keep in mind, this is all in Arabic). So far, the family is taking the news pretty well (Mom, Dad and Mary Ann). The friends who have found out seem ok with it too. So far, so good. The people in the community seem very kind too.

On to not so great things. I officially hated my job today, totally hated it. I have to do my full-time job as well as the secretary's full-time job. In past years that was fine but now I have to do things I had gotten crash courses on. There are also problems with some reports used to put things I need together. Anyway, I am just really hating on the department head right now. I almost walked into her office this morning (after her pulling crap on me twice) to tell her "you can take this job and shove it! Now you can enjoy replacing the secretary until she comes back from vacation!". GGGRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!

And then knitting... well... Oh forget it.

I've just had an all over bad day and I just need to have a good cry now. I'll go pray and just leave it all in God's hands.

Call me Auntie Caro... oh, and WTF?!

Well, it's been a few days (or a week?) since I last posted. I've been busy with knitting, the gym, work and my friend Lea, who just gave birth yesterday to 9 lbs 8 oz baby Damian. I was the first to see the baby (other than mommy, daddy and Lea's mother). It's times like this that make working at a hospital worth it.

I absolutely love the baby, he's so cute and very quiet. I think I'll love being his Auntie Caro... except for the par that I'll see his dad more often. Yes people, I do not like the father. Why? He's a smartypants know-it-all jackass. Of course, I never tell Lea that as she's very protective of him.

He's said comments here and there that I am never too sure how to take: is he teasing, joking or just using it as a cover to be a jackass. He also really likes to give hugs and hello/goodbye kisses (like us francos do) which makes me a bit uncomfortable as I reserve this for family members only (when it comes to men) - females can get all the hugs and kisses they want - aren't you lucky?! ;-P

He's also said a few things that I consider to be going over the line of "you should only say this kind of stuff to your girlfriend". Ex: today, I was wearing an above the knee skirt and a wrokshirt that's a bit low-cut but not much - I really like the shirt and have worn it many time and no one has ever said anything. I was sitting next to his mother, talking and he was leaving the room and he said "sitting there crossed-legged with your sexy secretary outfit - hahahahahahaha!!!!". Errr.... like WTF?! At another point he said "oh we all know why you dress like that, you must like the attention the guys give you (we were talking about how I hate it when guys check me out - Lea had shared this info with him). I made sure to correct him and let him know I only dress like this to please Salem, I really wish other men would just not look at me. Now why the hell is he making comments like this? All this is making me think maybe I should review my wardrobe and dress even more conservatively. I mean it doesn't help that I am converting to Islam, but I am feeling more and more of a pull to wear the hijab because I hate these kinds of comments and this kind of attention. But what kind of a world do we live in where I feel the need to cover up simply because a friend's boyfriend can't watch what garbage comes out of his mouth?

Anyway. I want to see the baby more often, but I'm not going to look forward to seeing the father. Perhaps I will make sure that Salem comes with me in case the guy says anything weird. I'd love to see Salem put him in his place.

So yes, it is playing on my mind. To the point where I went for some shopping therapy at the pharmacy - I got waxing strips and an all-purpose, bio surface cleaner.

So, Am I just nuts or is this guy really a jackass?

What the hell is going on???

I must ask this question because so many weird things are going on all over this great country of ours this week.

1- 17 year old girl gets kidnapped and killed by her boyfriend's repeat-offense father.
2- Man is found dead in manhole in Montreal (whaaaa?!).
3- Crazy 40 year old stabs to death then decapitates 22 year-old, complete stranger on a Greyhound bus.

I woke up to the news of #3 yesterday. At first I was thinking this was some kind of sick joke, that it must be a mistake, but as time went on, I figured out it wasn't some kind of joke. Hearing the stories made me feel ill (and as someone who watches all those forensic/medical shows, it's hard to make me feel ill).

I feel I am really saddened by what happened as well as enraged. This young man did nothing wrong, nothing, yet this crazy psychopath decided he had the right not only to kill some random person but also cut off his head!

Now this may shock some people, but it's times like this that make me think we should bring back capital punishment. There are some individuals whom I think really do not deserve the right to live, to take away the right for one person to live, you take away your right to live. Now, would I advocate this in all cases? No, of course not, only in extreme cases.

My condolences to the family of the young man who's life was brutally ended. I also hope that the people present at this horrible event will be able to heal and deal with the circumstances of this event. I can;t even begin to imagine how these people feel.

Onto brighter news now: I took a day off and went over to Alison's place with Janet. Unfortunately the weather was horrible, but we still had fun stuffing our faces with pizza and some black bean brownies Janet brought along (mmmmm yummy!!!). Also, I couldn't believe all the plants Alison has outside! Whoah! I know who I'll go bug for advice if I ever get a garden of my own! Thanks girls for a wonderful day out!

So far it seems the swap is going well. Hopefully people are in the process of starting projects and plan on sending a little something soon to their spoilees.

I guess I best get going as this is the 5th time Pumpkin jumps on my desk since the beginning of this post. She just doesn't seem to get that I am busy.... GRRRR!!!!!!!! More posting later or in the next few days.

Wedding etiquette question

Ok, a quick post as I have some questions on the subject of weddings which I'd like people to give me their opinion.

Wedding thank you notes:
Salem and I have been to 2 weddings this summer: one of which was a month ago, another about 2-3 weeks ago. Keep in mind the couple from the first wedding went on a 10-day honeymoon. I wanted to know: what is a normal/acceptable time to wait before one gets a thank you note/card in the mail from the married couple? We gave pretty good gifts ($$$) at the weddings and have since not heard a peep from either couple. I ask: What gives? Am I being too impatient? Is there a set time to wait? Where's Emily Post when you need her?!

Of fleece and swaps

Yes, I know, I know, it’s been over a week since I’ve posted. May I offer my sincerest condolences to you in these hard times. How are you dealing? It’s ok, everything will be alllllright.

Alright, lets move on to business!

I’ve had a bit of a busy week, but I’m not complaining about it (well, not at the moment).

Last Wednesday, we had (what I would cosnider) one of the largest knitting meetings I’ve ever been to. Quite strange really. Usually attendance at knitting meets drop off in the summer but for some reason, we ended up being about 15 people in all (they just kept coming!). Basically we took over the whole terrasse at Java U on Monkland (thank you guys for putting up with us – I hope you made out with a lot of cash and tips!). Did I ever mention how much I love the staff over at Java U (on Monkland – I can’t speak for the Westmount staff - YUCKO!). We had a very rowdy time and I only got home at 10:45! Woopsy poopsy!

The weekend was fairly quiet: I made my first ever attempt at strawberry rhubarb pie (2nd attempt at a pie) and strawberry rhubarb compote. SUCCESS! But, next time I will prebake the pie crust for just 5 minutes. Salem liked all my experiments so I sent him home with some things (half the pie and some compote). A big thank you to Tante Lise for helping me out with the strwberry:rhubarb:sugar:water proportions for the compote. MMmmmmm....

Oh, a mini lesson I learned on the weekend and would like to share with everyone: NEVER DRIVE TO OLD MONTREAL ON A FIREWORKS SATURDAY!!! NEVER!!!!! It’s impossible to find parking! I highly suggest you walk, bike or metro it in. I also suggest people try to Core Sundae from Ben & Jerry’s – very sinful and full of calories. Thankfully Salem got it while I got the light fudge brownie making my ass not expand quite as much. Score!

And now, for something completely different: Fleece!
Upon Janet and I’s arrival at Ariadne on Sunday, I found a table covered in, yes, sheered sheeps wool! Oh wow! Also on the table: carding brushes and combs. Well, I spent the next few hours brushing out bit of dirt, grass and countless other things out of the wool, and prepped it to be spun. Yes, I do think I am catching the spinning bug. God help me! I e-mailled Molly-Ann yesterday, asking her when I could set up an appointment (and asking aslew of other questions) to learn how to use the spinning wheel. And the addiction begins!

Of swaps: I have decided to organisea secret pal swap (much like Secret Pal 12) for those of us who missed out on/didn’t know about the swap. It’s for Montreal knitters only and it’s fairly short (only 6 weeks). Just a little something to give us all a little taste of what these swaps are and to enjoy the coming of packages in the mail (yes, finally, something other than bills!). The swap officially starts on Thursday as soon as I send outthe assigned partners and ends in early September. I hope everythign will go swimmingly and that no one will flake out. I must admit, I am getting quite excited! :-D

Henna and Preggo news: I went to my friend Lea’s place last night (my preggo) to do henna on her stomach (my first time). I did have quite a bit of fun and finally got to see what happens when a baby moves around. No, he’s no longer kicking, he is shifting all over the place! So weird but so cool! She’s due in a week and a half but I really hope he comes early for her sake (poor girl feels like the top of her stomach is bruised and he keeps pushing his feet up against her ribs). I must admit, seing all that movement last night (I even taped some on my camera), makes me really look forward to my turn – someday Caroline, someday. God, I’m turning into such a sappy woman!

The Kuffiya is NOT a fashion accessory!

Over the last few months, I have seen a disturbing trend growing stronger with every day.

What is that trend?
Why, the use of the Kuffiya (hatta) as a fashion accessory.

What is the kuffiya?
It is a traditional head dress worn by many arab men. The size, pattern and colours can vary depending on the country/region.

Why the big stink?
Because the kuffiya has (since the 60s) become a symbol for Palestinian nationalism/solidarity, it is a very strong political symbol. People wear it to political rallies for many reasons (to show their support to the Palestinians, to show resistance to the occupation, to speak out about human rights injustices, etc).

How has it become a fashion accessory?
More and more people are buying and wearing the kuffiya without even knowing what it stands for (many stars are wearing it, I even found some at Le Chateau last week!).

I first became aware of this change a few weeks back. I was out shopping with a friend and happened upon a halter-top in a window. I was looking at it when I realized it was made with a kuffiya. Yes, someone had taken this political symbol, cut it into pieces, resewed it and fit it to a mannequin to display in a window. To me, it's like taking a flag and cutting it up into pieces and using it to accessorise. You are altering the original vision, the essence of this symbol and making it into a disposable product, you are changing it because you think you can do better, because you just need something to fill the gap. I find this degrading! I would never take my beloved Canadian flag and desecrate it by taking bits and pieces of it and using it willy nilly here and there. Needless to say, I took a picture of the shirt and asked a few people for their opinion. Indeed, everyone agreed with me.

Since then, I have seen plenty of people wearing kuffiyas around their neck. Every time, I wonder if they really know what it means.

So what do you plan on doing about it?
I was looking to buy a kuffiya to show my support to the Palestinian cause. I've decided I will not be buying one unless I am 100% sure it was made in Palestine, that the money is going to support the cause and I will only wear it to rallies. It's a shame because I wanted to wear one out and about, answer peoples' questions, inform them, but I do not want people to look at me and ask themselves the same questions I ask myself when I see someone wearing a kuffiya "Are they wearing it for the cause, or are they just another ignorant fashion whore?".

My long awaited return... Well... maybe not awaited

After a long time of not coming on here, I've decided to give blogging yet another try. Perhaps this time it will work for good.

I've now graduated and I am working full-time. I am working a lot on knitting and coming up with new projects all the time.

So here's to hoping I can keep this up for once, maybe even entertain a few people along the way.

PS for those of you who are perhaps wondering, I successfully completed my fasting for Ramadan last year. I found it was one of the most rewarding experiences in my life and plan on doing it again yet once more.