About Me
I am a free-spirited humanitarian, activist & student of the world. .
A short story & children's writer, a photographer, artist, culinary lover, friend to many, wife to a king & mamma of 4 royal rugrats whom I homeschool..
I am also the co-founder, along with my dear friend Fareed, the one through whom this vision was born,(on top friends list) of The Sharbat Gula Justice Center.
Sharbat Gula is the young Afghani girl/woman who was photographed for National Geographic in 1985 by Steve McCurry. She is of the most recognizable faces in the world, yet VERY few who recognize her haunting green eyes, know where she is from or her struggle..
National Geographic and a team of professionals went to find her in 2002, after 17 years had passed. Upon finding her, she was asked what she most wanted in her life. What she asked for was not for herself but for her three daughters. Her wish has been for their education.
As a mother myself, as well as a victim of many unjustices (Rape, physical abuse, gender apartheid, etc), I felt I had to use my own experience and channel it in to something good. Something to heal myself, others & to give other women hope. .
To this end we created the Justice Center. Not only to provide the means for the education of girls and women in Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan, but to assist women world wide. .
We build schools, provide vocational training and legal asylum for victims of gender based persecution. Our work revolves not around 'charity' but JUSTICE. We feel it is only JUST that everyone, most importantly WOMEN have the same opportunities that exist for men, if not more so, for women are the first teachers of children and the creators of future generations.
I am Saudi-American. Grew up between the US (Pacific NW) and Saudi (Jeddah)..
That's been both a blessing and a curse- To sit on the fence, see and understand both sides is great, but sometimes that means you never get accepted to play on either. You're too one or the other. .
My heritage is quite diverse: Yemeni, Lebanese & Indonesian on my father's side. German, Norwegian & English on my mother's. My family diversity also includes Islam, Christianity & Judaism.
I speak: Arabic, English. When I was little, spoke french, but now, not so much. Would love to refresh myself in French, as well as learn Hebrew, Yiddish, & Aramaic. .
Consider myself feminine, naturally pretty. Was always teased for having a semitic nose. Am proud of it, and not fitting typical ethnic or cultural stereotypes of beauty..
I usually wear a lot of black and pearls. Classic and easy elegance. Currently, am more in jeans, beads & sweats. A chameleon...Zen hippy- artsy- corporate wife.
A morning person.
A conservative and a liberal, depending on the topic.
Can be both easygoing and a stickler, eccentric.
A bit of a "Highbrow" (I set and expect high standards).
friendly/kind, intellectual, low maintenance, sensitive, practical, quiet/shy.
Oddly romantic (My first gift to my husband was a stone with the Chinese symbol of tranquility on it. Hey, he contented my heart!) .
Serious/responsible, simple (It's not the quantity of what I possess, but the quality) .
Spiritual, unconventional. A friend once told me I am like a bird who will not sing when feeling caged. Another told me I am like the fish who swims against the stream. I dont conform without understanding. .
"Do it because I said so", is one of the most hated statements I can hear. I dont mind having lines defined...I just dont believe in always having to stay within them. Isn't where growth happens.
My friends have described me as kind, big-hearted, generous, weird, responsible, thoughtful, funny, introverted. .
I'm known for making other people feel good. Though too, I'm not the kind of person who's going to candy-coat things. I'll tell you what I think. I do believe that sometimes the best friend one can be is the one who will say what might make you cry. The friend who always laughs with you may laugh behind you as well.
SOME RANDOMS:
I was born on March 4th in Portland, Oregon. My father worked overseas and my mother didnt care for life in the Middle-East. I therefore bounced most of my childhood between countries and my parents- A child of the world. .
While I never enjoyed being uprooted, I do enjoy knowing people on a global scale. I guess just one of those things that you have to trust had some wisdom in it. :-)
I attended public and private schools between the US and Middle East. While I dont always remember names, I do remember faces, so if I walk up to you and tell you a story about what I remember about you, dont be floored.
I have friends in many circles. If you're going to judge me negatively by it, you and I probably wont have a lasting friendship or acquaintance.
I hug my friends, kiss my friends, and give my friends nicknames. Does not mean I disrespect or dishonor myself. Again, if you feel otherwise about my actions, you and I probably wont have a close acquaintance or friendship..
I once wanted to pierce my nose because I had admired it on an older Pakistani-American friend, Yasmeen, but my Baba said it'd look like a fly. That ended that. It did not end my love for other cultures or ideals of beauty.
Growing up, while I excelled in art, science, English comp. and math, nothing was ever really expected of me besides marrying well, being a good wife and mother. And while I love/adore these things, they are not all that I am or what I have to give. .
What you see, what you read, and what you experience through me...It's my open book, asking you to read on..
I've journalled since I was 11 years old. Though once punished for my writings, was the safest place I could voice myself. Still is, despite my learning to speak out..
Am also understanding the impact of silence. Sometimes is the best way to be understood..
FAVORITES
Food: Honey and plain yoghurt over fresh diced fruit, topped with Granola
Candy: Baby Ruth, blended into non-fat frozen yoghurt
Number: 6
Color: Black. It's classic and doesn't go out of style.
Animal: Peacock.
Drink: Cantaloupe/honeydew smoothie (blended with coconut cream and ice-
Yumm!)
Body Part on Opposite sex: Hands, eyes, teeth, lips and feet. How they look or how well a man cares for those can tell me a lot about his habits and personality
Water:Perrier.
Fast Food: Shawarma anytime, even if I have to take the time and it's homemade. I make awesome shawarma, so if you want the recipe, just ask.
Fruit: Strawberry or Watermelon: Both. Topped with honey, fresh mint and a bit of rosewater
Hot Drink: Tea (or Ice tea) I'm a tea maniac! Ice tea, bubble tea, flavored tea, herbal tea, chai, etc.
Ice-cream: Chocolate or Vanilla. The first with coconut and nuts. The second with choc syrup and salted peanuts like my grandpa used to eat
Hot Chocolate or Coffee: Chocolate only if it's dutch cocoa.Too much coffee makes me giddy.
Kiss or Hug: Both. Who doesn't love affection?
Dog or Cat: Cats. I used to prefer birds. My cats have been/are Creep, Bijan & Yazzy. I also have my heart set on a Chameleon in the reptile shop. Once I get him his name will be Solomon. I loved his silence & strength. Years ago had a miniature dog named Nuni, a hamster named Issey Miyake and birds, Simsim (the cockatiel), Romeo & Juliet (lovebirds). Fish, I will no longer do. They're relaxing to watch, but nothing else. I prefer interactive pets.
Summer or Winter: So much beauty in all the seasons
Scary Movies or Funny Movies: Funny. When I was a teenager I watched a scary movie and it haunted me for years. What I feed my eyes lingers with me for a long time
Love or Money: Love. Definitely. Money comes and goes. Love is much harder to find and painful once lost.
YOUR...
Bedtime: Depends. I dont sleep well alone. Once they're ready, I'm ready. Well, most times I'm ready :-)
Most Missed Memory: My childhood. Grew up too fast. It's kind of odd- how can one miss what they never had?
Best physical feature: My eyes, face, feet. I can be my own best friend and worst critic on the rest.
First Thought Waking Up: I have been blessed with another day!! Yay!!
Goal for this year: Oh, so many...personal, spiritual, business, social, etc! Mainly, to find a balance that works.
Best Friends: Spread out all over the world! My closest are in the US, Canada, UK, Singapore, Saudi and Spain. Of course, unless their floating between places, like I do.
Fears: Allah, death, losing a child, drowning, suffocating, being shot. Stories to each if you ask.
Longest relationship: 5 years and going :-)
IN A GUY/GIRL
Favorite Eye Color: Brown. When I was young I literally didn't trust people with coloured eyes. They didn't seem as warm or as deep. Live and learn, eh?
Favorite Hair Color: Brown. I love the warmth and richness of it.
Short or Long: Depends on the person, face and style
Height: Average-Tall
Style: Style should be something personal. I prefer those that can carry their styles off with charm and grace.
Looks or Personality: Pleasing. I like confidence, not arrogance.
& MORE RANDOMS
Number of Regrets in the Past: A handful
What country do you want to Visit: Many, but to be honest, have no desire to travel at the moment.
How do you want to Die: Peacefully in my sleep
Do you like Thunderstorms: Yes! I like swinging and running in the rain
Get along with your Parents: A loaded question. Short answer, not really. I love them anyway.
Health Freak: Not a freak, but am health conscious
Believe in Yourself: I am my own worst critic. So it's a yes and a no. I always think I can do better.
Want to go to College: Yes! I re-enrolled in 2007. Once upon a time my goal was genetics. Currently I am more interested in conflict resolution, peace studies, socio-cultural anthropology, interfaith studies, law, education and journalism.
Been in Love: Yes. When you can close your eyes and still see images of the person, or something about them, you know that love runs deep.
Do you Sing: Yes, but typically not in public. Decided I want to change that. Who says a woman in a veil cant sing??
Children: I have 4. Two daughters and two sons.
Had your kids names planned out: Yes, but I like traditional and uncommon, he likes well-known
Virginity: I lost mine to being raped as a young teen by a family acquaintance. My advice to whomever will listen- Be wise and be careful. If you have a choice, and most do, save yourself for marriage. My naivity and blind trust cost me dearly.
Hate anyone: No. Hate is a very strong word. Dislike is better, and yes.
You Are From Neptune
You are dreamy and mystical, with a natural psychic ability.
You love music, poetry, dance, and (most of all) the open sea.
Your soul is filled with possibilities, and your heart overflows with compassion.
You can be in a room full of friendly people and feel all alone.
If you don't get carried away with one idea, your spiritual nature will see you through anything.
What Planet Are You From?
Your Hidden Talent
Your natural talent is interpersonal relations and dealing with people.
You communicate well and are able to bring disparate groups together.
Your calming presence helps everything go more smoothly.
People crave your praise and complements.
What's Your Hidden Talent?
Your Birth Month is March
You love life and exude an outgoing, cheerful vibe.
Blessed with a great sense of humor, you can laugh at adversity.
Your soul reflects: Respect, desire, and generosity
Your gemstone: Aquamarine
Your flower: Daffodil
Your colors: White and light blue
What Does Your Birth Month Mean?
Your Personality Profile
You are dependable, popular, and observant.
Deep and thoughtful, you are prone to moodiness.
In fact, your emotions tend to influence everything you do.
You are unique, creative, and expressive.
You don't mind waving your freak flag every once and a while.
And lucky for you, most people find your weird ways charming!
The World's Shortest Personality Test
Your Personality Is
Idealist (NF)
You are a passionate, caring, and unique person.
You are good at expressing yourself and sharing your ideals.
You are the most compassionate of all types and connect with others easily.
Your heart tends to rule you. You can't make decisions without considering feelings.
You seek out other empathetic people to befriend.
Truth and authenticity matters in your friendships.
In love, you give everything you have to relationships. You fall in love easily.
At work, you crave personal expression and meaning in your career.
With others, you communicate well. You can spend all night talking with someone.
As far as your looks go, you've likely taken the time to develop your own personal style.
On weekends, you like to be with others. Charity work is also a favorite pastime of yours.
The Three Question Personality Test
Your Power Color Is Red-Orange
At Your Highest:
You are warm, sensitive, and focused on your personal growth.
At Your Lowest:
You become defensive and critical if you feel attacked.
In Love:
You are loyal - but you demand the respect you deserve.
How You're Attractive:
You are very affectionate and inspire trust.
Your Eternal Question:
"Am I Respected?"
What's Your Power Color?
You Are A Lily
You are a nurturer and all around natural therapist.
People see you as their rock. And they are able to depend on you.
You are a soothing influence. You can make people feel better with a few words.
Your caring has more of an impact than even you realize.
What Flower Are You?
You Are a Peacemaker Soul
You strive to please others and compromise anyway you can.
War or conflict bothers you, and you would do anything to keep the peace.
You are a good mediator and a true negotiator.
Sometimes you do too much, trying so hard to make people happy.
While you keep the peace, you tend to be secretly judgmental.
You lose respect for people who don't like to both give and take.
On the flip side, you've got a graet sense of humor and wit.
You're always dimplomatic and able to give good advice.
Souls you are most compatible with: Warrior Soul, Hunter Soul and Visionary Soul
What Kind of Soul Are You?
