~* Pashmina Princess *~

Assalaamu Alaikum :)

Don't you just hate those days when absolutely nothing is going right?

I had one of those days today.

I was expecting to receive something I needed from the Director at the School today. Unfortunately, she did not have it ready so my plans were delayed. That did not make me happy because I really wanted to get that out of the way. Insha'Allah, in a couple of days.

Due to that, my trip to York was a waste. Actually it wasn't. I was able to meet up with a dear friend whom I rarely see because she just has to live SO FAR from me. It was a nice time to chit-chat just before her Marketing Exam ... dun dun DUN! Anyways, before I met up with her, I stopped by Inkblotz. I had to, I always do. It does not help that they display all their beautiful Pashmina scarves right outside of the store. I become so entranced with it and walk in that direction even if I am not interested in purchasing them *sigh* my weakness ... what can ya do? Now that I am not at York, my trips to that store have greatly decreased. So, I take advantage of it whenever I do make my way there. I bought two more! (I have quite the collection, they make such gorgeous hijabs!) One of them was a white one. A white one. I don't do white hijabs. I don't think it goes well with my complexion but I have been itching to have one so I bought it. And you know what, it was not so bad. I am sure the people who know me are aware that they have never seen me in a white hijab and when I begin to wear it, they'll question me haha I rarely did black as well but I have been wearing it a lot more often these days. I love dressing up as a goth sometimes ... yes I know, you didn't need to know that.

Where was I going with this story? Oh right ... so I entered the store with my two Pashmina's and the lady working there has my face ingrained in her memory now because I used to go there so often. She starts to laugh as soon as she saw me. Okay lady, I am not that goofy looking :( I asked her why she was laughing at me and she says ...

Lady - Do you know what my husband and I call you?
Me - Umm ... no ... ( at that point, I'm thinking, "why are you even calling me anything?! )
Lady - the Pashmina Princess
Me - *giggles with an aww*
Lady - We don't know your name so that is what we call you ...

I liked that. I think I will legally change my name to Pashmina Princess ... hmm, maybe even change the name of my blog!

Stay tuned!

Your Friendly, Neighborhood Blogger,
Pashmina Princess

It Starts Young

Assalaamu Alaikum :)

I have made some observations of the students since I started working at the school ...

One of them was finding out how the parents of these children can pressure such young minds when it comes to their education. The other day, I had a 4th grade student approach me, eyes filled with tears and fear, because she did not complete her homework. She was afraid of what her teacher would say (who is already pretty stict about homework) and what her parent's would think once they found out. Apparently it was her second time doing something like this.

It was clear to me that she is pressured about bringing home very good grades and I feel it is bringing her self-esteem down because she says she is surrounded by intelligent people in her family and she does not seem to compare to them. Her mother continuously tells her to be the "star student of the classroom" and it is something she really wants to achieve. If she does not, she feels she would let her mother down.

She was pouring her heart out to me and I felt sad for her because at such a young age, she already had so much on her mind. So I tried to console her and explain that if these were the goals she was determined to meet, then it would happen for her insha'Allah. All she has to do is try her best.

One of my students, aged 4, was telling me one day that his mother told him that he has to do really good in school so that when he gets older, he can make lots and lots of money haha

I agree that children should understand the importance of education because it will make them successful in the days to come, but I do not appreciate how parents will pressure such young minds. I know most people have had their parent's question their marks if it did not reach the 100% level. A student would come home with a 98% and instead of their parents beaming with happiness ... they will wonder "what happened to the other 2%?" I had many of my friends tell me that. I just don't agree with this.

Alhamdulillah, I never felt such pressure with my parents. My mother always told us to do our best and if we did happen to struggle with something, we should not hesitate to seek help so we could improve ourselves. I carried that with me throughout my school days knowing that I just had to do my best and alhamdulillah, I turned out to be a real good student when it came to marks.

Every individual is different and I feel it is the parent's duty to understand their children and speak to them about marks and education accordingly. Some people naturally have the ability to understand certain material that other's may not. There are other children who may need a little more help to understand. And if to that child, they are pressured to bring excellent marks immediately ... it is not fair to the child.

Children are precious. And at a young age, they take in everything anyone says. A child should always be encouraged in a positive way and reminded that their parents will always be proud of them. You'd be surprised of how much a child could accomplish with simple words of encouragement like that.

EDIT:

My DESSERT COOKBOOK just came in! And it teaches me how to make MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP ICE CREAM! .... I am in heaven *faint*

Scrumptious

Assalaamu Alaikum :)

It's almost 1:30 am and I figured I should post this entry now before my laziness catches up to me and prevents me from doing so. I have been meaning to post this for quite some time.

My baking break ended a few days ago when I baked some scrumptious brownies. Mmm mmm! I always wanted to master brownies because I absolutely *love* them and it seems like I finally have :D Brownies with walnuts are just too yummy ... I wish I could have shared it with all my blog buddies. Instead, just drool over the picture teehehe Since so many of you miss my baking posts :P

It was very quick to make so I think I will prepare these for the next "house party" we attend. I'd be nice. Anyways, I just got home from my friend's wedding and I desperately need some zZzZz's. I am on 3 hours of sleep ... not good! I couldn't help it ... we had bridesmaid outfits made and mine was just too plain to wear to a wedding so I spent last night and all of today sticking sparkley ... things on it. I would call them "chumkiyan" but most of the people out there would not know what I'm talking about. It was a beautiful wedding, masha'Allah ... she looked stunning. May Allah Swt surround their marriage with love & happiness, ameen.

G'nite! zZzZzZzzzz

EDIT:

Here is the outfit that I wore to the wedding .... with the sequences I added on during work :D So many of them fell off during the party since I glued them on teehehe (except for the very first line at the very bottom, those I stitched)

Friendship Never Ends

Assalaamu Alaikum :)

I went to a gathering of family friends yesterday ... it was so nice, masha'Allah. To see everyone together and enjoying themselves.

It was a "pot-luck" so all the mother's brought in some dishes. If I had known earlier that I would be attending this gathering as well ( I had other plans which were abruptly canceled ), I would have baked some brownies which I am very eager to try. But do not fear, I will bake them and post a picture because it has been a while since I have done so. Wow, that's very bad Squeeky ... bad! It was so much fun to hang out with all the girls. Unfortunately my cousin could not make it so she was dearly missed. I was so shocked that we stayed there until nearly 4 am... that is something we rarely do haha My parents must have really been having a ball.

One of the women brought this cake haha It was the cutest and funniest thing ever. Very sweet too. All the people that gathered have been friends for over 30 years and are still together after so long. I really admire that about our Hyderabadi parents because they always make a point to meet with each other as often as they can. Friendship can only last or strengthen when there is dedication behind it. Without that, how can one expect to have friends who will stick by you through thick and thin?

This is what I want for my future, insha'Allah. I am not one to keep a huge group of friends. I have a good amount of friends whom I consider to be so dear to me. I feel anyone who enters my life gives me something positive but there are certain people that leave such an imprint in my life and I cannot even imagine what would life be like without them in it. They do so much for me .... cheer me up when I am down or participate in my silliness.

I look forward to the days where we can also meet with one another years ahead from now, with our own children. Aww. Insha'Allah.

Name That Plant

Assalaamu Alaikum :)

For the plant lovers out there ... seen one of these?

I think it is simply beautiful ... subhana'Allah. These grow in my aunt's backyard. She noticed them a few years ago ... a neighbor of hers must have planted them. The plant does not grow like this. I believe it is a green plant with these types of leaves, only the treasure lies within it. You would have to tear away the outer layer after drying the plant to find those pearly leaves.

I love it. I just don't know what it is called :( So if anyone has ever heard of this or seen them or even have them in their own backyard ... do help me out :D

Appreciation & Humiliation

Assalaamu Alaikum :)

Appreciation -

Sometimes the time feels as if it is just zooming by me ... other times, it just drags on and I just want to scream my head off :/ It has already been 2 months since I started teaching as a Kindergarten Teacher. When it comes to work, I have no clue as to where the time is going. The children especially keep me so busy that before I know it, it is time to get them ready for home.

There are times where I feel frustrated because children aged 5 and under can be very challenging to control (especially the boys! ugh) When I begin to feel like that, I wonder if I am doing my job correctly at all. I don't know ... it makes me a bit sad at times because I really want to do the best I can for my students ... they are so precious, masha'Allah.

But then, the Principal approaches me now and then complimenting on the good work I have been accomplishing with the little ones. Apparently, I have been controlling them pretty well. September is said to be such a difficult month because that is when the students are most rowdy haha Whenever someone happens to observe the way I handle my students, usually during the times they are out of control, I am always complimented on my patience and ability to stay calm haha That is what I hear the most, "I admire your patience". Hmm, sometimes I just feel I am really running low on that these days. But it is real nice to hear such things, especially from the staff at the school. May Allah Swt give me the strength and patience to continue with my good work :) I can't stress how cute they are haha I find their expressions on wanting to go "potty" very interesting. They all have these cute names for it ... I wonder what nicknames I will have my children identify it as ....

Humiliation -

We had one of our Hyderabadi Eid parties the other day .... they're annual ... but the older ones used to be much more meaningful. Now they're a bit blah. Anyways, my dad sometimes has a hand in the arrangement of the parties but this year, I believe someone different had made their attempts. Umm, it was okay I suppose. The best part of the evening was meeting up with old friends, all the girls were back together ... it was beautiful! The worst part of the evening was when some lady was walking around, hunting single women and handing them this:

All the single girls had to wear these ribbons. Why? Don't ask me, because I'm still trying to figure that out. She came over to my table (which was filled with single girls) and asked each of us if we were single. If we were, she asked us to put those ribbons on. She did not even bother to explain if there was a purpose for that. If there was a purpose, then it would be for those aunties seeking daughter-in-laws. We were all shocked that this was even happening haha That day certainly went down in history. It made me uncomfortable and I was not going to advertise my singleness, thank you very much. Although I must say ... it's not fun being a "single 23 year old Indian girl".