Sedex Naago [Three Women]

Are You Somali Enuf???

2006-07-25T20:59:00.000-04:00

Hey Everyone, Naya 3 here want you to check out this quiz I took, it's really sad, I'm low on being somali, but that's to be expected. I am vegan right, I don't eat laxoox every morning or drink gallons of somali tea...Shame, but let's see how well you score. PEACE!

I scored a 46% on the "Are you Somali enough abayo?" Quizie! What about you?

Take this quiz people!! It's hilarious...

S.O.S

2006-07-06T11:26:00.000-04:00

No this is not a Rihana song remake,

Hello Ladies,

I know it's been tres tres long time since we posted anything.

I would like to begin with one.

I found our story about the medieval somali queen Arrawelo. It's in a book called Tales of the Punt by Abdi a. Sheik-Abdi
it's also in another story by Margaret Laurence called A tree for Poverty based on stories she collected from prominent story tellers back in Somaliland circa 1950's.

It's a story to make women feel inferior and truly low due to the idea that this queen was evil and a man hater.

I think when women ascend to a certain level of power, men become the haters and try to take the wind from their sails. This story has been told for generations upon generations. My grandmother told me, I totally forgot about it, in reference to female circumcision. She said there was an evil queen who became jealous of women her husband cheated with so she made them circumcised. In the book Tales of the Punt, circumcision was started according to the author by men to keep women from becoming powerful or something. Basically this heinous practice leads to many health problems and psycho trauma that it takes years upon years to heal from it. I can't understand how our people think sometimes but honestly I know it will cease with our generation.

Truely I believe this story has more to it than what it says, remember everything was passed by word of mouth.

The weird thing too, her grave is found in more than one location in East Africa. Being that this woman has a history we need to research upon. Everyone agrees that she was clever, a tomboy, a great horse tamer, travelled and powerful.

Post something GirlS!!!!

Naya3

Submissions..please

2006-05-17T13:09:00.000-04:00

Hello Girls

So it's been awhile since anyone of us have made a post ( busy with our lives I guess,...it's summer and all).
Well... I am writing to inform you guys that the plan to start the fundraising for the SCHOOL will begin right after I come back from the long weekend.....I want ideas ladies ..ideas...innovative, creative and mindblowing ideas..no cups sales or any of that stuff..

ENJOY THE LONG WEEKEND

NAYA 1

Relationship Guru Naya 3

2006-04-11T09:49:00.000-04:00

Hello again everyone,

Have you noticed Guru has the somali root word Gur which means Marriage, something that we all strive to achieve while we are in a relationship. Well, we try anyway right?

This week I would like to give you a mental "PUSH" you all need to get closer with your lucky partner or soon to be *wink *wink. To basically get you back on that right path you started with.

Well basically we all hit that dirt road with our relationships, whether you just met one or like myself been in one for a long time. We all come to that road where nothing seems exciting like before or that routine is hard to get out of.

Listen, we are women, naturally we like to escape from the mundane to passionate conversations and exciting adventures. I think the secret of keeping it exciting is simply this; Don't share everything in the begining. Like forexample we all like to tap into our lives and get as much info as possible so we can feel connected and related on so many levels. At this point of the relationship with what I call The 4th degree to L.O.V.E. , just don't share so much. Keep some things to your self and reveal it when you feel its necessary. Now some of you may say, THERE IS NOTHING I HAVE TO SHARE TO BEGIN WITH (ahem) unless you are a hermit living in the mountains I understand, otherwise you are projecting something called "invisible block".
This is another dirt road that people hit as well. Think of a relationships as a map, a beautiful map of our lives that comes together and we all travel at the same speed, some people can be too fast or too slow. Sometimes there comes bumpy roads, other time we hit 'DEAD ENDS'. Some people take short cuts or I play the role of that person you ask for directions when lost. But eventually we will like to reach that final destination with each other and just enjoy the scenery either temporarily and go our seperate ways or for as long as we want to stay there.

There are road blocks to every relationships, the one challenge that is hard to get out of is Doubt. When we get to doubt the other person's capability of whether or not they are ready to travel on our Love Maps, you just finished the trip already. When we can't believe in someone, then what's the point of travelling with that person. For example, have you ever went with people on a ride and you speak to that one specific person for hours, get into each others heads and discuss everything? That's what I mean it's a long uncomfortable ride, with no breaks and just deep conversation. Yeah it helps pass the time by, but why would you waste someone's time getting so close then doubting them in the end.

That's what I mean about doubt it gives a bad taste in everyone's mouth. We all lead busy nothings in our daily lives. I can gaurantee you that what you are doing today is exactly what you were doing the week before or the month before. When someone comes into our lives, a special person, that mundane boring days become filled with adventures, excitement and you learn so much about yourself. Connecting with another soul is like recharging that battery.
Why get a little block like doubt in the way, just get rid of that old habit we all fall into so that we don't want to get close to someone, then we get back to our boring days and live a life filled with expected nothings achieving temporary highs.

Give people a chance, and give them your faith, it is hard enough to share our past, dreams, ideas, and one day futures. If you find someone you can relate with on sycronistic levels beyond comprehension and beyond explanation, then let the doubts go.
And the rest they say will be history ;-)

I hope I was a good guide today on your road bloc, stick around next week and I'll give you more guidance.
See the thing with relationships is that if you travelled that road before, then you become and expert, even once is a enough. I hope to get your input with your experiences and advice as well.

Don't get attached to one way of travelling down the same road, always take different routes.
Routine doesn't give you a chance to get to see all the beautiful scenes.

Bon Voyage!

Medieval Somali Queen

2006-04-08T09:18:00.000-04:00

OK,

So it's a saturday morning almost like any other, You're awake and you don't want to get up. In my case I was dreaming of future goals and I needed motivation. Abviously the internet helps with that sometimes.

Here I was trying to find something to make me go WOW now I can achieve anything, I find a unique story about a somali queen who lived in what would've been Somalia back then.

Other references about her say that men throw rocks at her grave and women lay flowers. If any of you ladies know more about this Queen's story please let us know. I am definately going to find out more, so far the internet is being a let down. Hopefully it will be an excuse to go see family and get it through orally, supposedly everyone should know this story. But as a lesson that women should never be anything but housewives. They say that she castrated men was that physically or politically ?

So far this will be a most interesting weekend.

"Once upon a time, there was a famous Queen named Arraweelo, who ruled Somalia. When she was younger, Arraweelo witnessed many wars and conflicts among Somalis. She also has seen how the council of elders made some unwise decisions. She felt that these were due to the fact that these men on the council were not intelligent and capable enough in their position of leadership. Her recommendations was that these men should be replaced by women who were intelligent and competent enough to make decisions, that would benefit the community. However, Arraweelo's husband disagreed with her and felt that that kind of work belonged to men and that women were better left to do what they are known for housework and childcare. The steps that Arraweelo took to get power were well known even among Somalis especially to Somali men. She organized the women to striking from doing housework, so that men were busy doing housework and looking after children. While they preoccupied with that, Arraweelo took over the leadership, declaring herself Queen. From then on there was peace and prosperity in the Land." Source "Arraweelo: A Role Model For Somali Women By Laadan Affi"

Naya3

Our Debut

2006-04-04T20:24:00.000-04:00

Manao ahoana (practicing my Malagasy)

So I have discovered that Tuesday is not a productive for moi. Tuesday is my designated day to think about (shopping, health, world issues, shopping, eating, my dress size, shopping, etc.) everything under the sky but work. While I was complementing world issues and health I can across this website: http://www.baobabwomen.org/, this a non-governmental organization based in Nigeria which aims to address and rectify the problem of the lack of awareness of basic legal rights of women in that country.
This got me thinking about if there was any female based not for profit non-governmental organization run by women for women in Somalia. Well I checked (thanks to my trusted and dependable “GOOGLE”) and I discovered one
http://www.saacid.org/resaacid.htm-based in Australia
This website isn’t very helpful but I emailed them anyways to get more information about what they do exactly. Looking over stats and depressing images sent to me daily via email about the suffering and hunger that is going on back home makes me think feel helpless.
But I am NOT..We NOT. I don’t think the solution is to throw money into temporary aid (like old saying goes..” teach the man how to fish, damn it…don’t give him a fish, you ding dong”, ok so that’s not how it goes…modifications have always been my specialty but you get the point)
So here’s our opportunity, girls to make a difference, a significant difference. I think we are sassy, over educated females from three different parts of Somalia, with three different views (from three different qabils…how are we friends again..:). We can make a difference in SOMALIA (Not the North or the South…but the whole SEVEN , that is before I jump ship and become a Malagasy and leave you suckers..jk).
I think we each have a specialty that is unique and beneficial to what I have in mind.
WHAT DO WE ALL HAVE IN COMMON>(BESIDES THE OBVIOUS )
ANSWER: EDUCATION
“Education is the gift that never stops giving.” I truly believe with my entire being that if you educate a girl that you not only educate her but a whole entire generation. This is quite evident in my family; my mother is biggest proponent of education and still is the driving force in my life to get more of it…. She went to all girls’ school she credits this to her view of education and the importance of it in one’s life. She always pushed for her girls and her boys to do equally well in school because she felt that it was equally important that all her children succeed in life, professionally and personally.
Anyway, this blog was not meant to be a tribute to my mother (no matter how wonderful she is) but instead to our mission to help Somali women. So here’s the plan or mission that I foresee that we can work on this Summer (Naya 2: if you are counting..this is the second initiative for the summer..the other one is still on!!). Let’s build a school. Yes, I mean. A school. I haven’t lost my mind..I really believe we can do it. Building a school will be our first forte into the world of GIVING BACK and the first project for the SedexNaago Organization.
I have done my research, (I am not just going to propose something just for the sack of doing so or out whim), I come prepared.
There’s currently a Somali organization (http://www.scerdo.com/) that is dedicated to building schools in Somalia. My plan would be to partner up and work collobrative with this organization and build a school (An all girls’ school) or perhaps find an all Girls schools that we can support (my trusted friend, “GOOGLE” failed at finding me one but I am sure one existed). The education is gateway to better life..we all know that and besides If Oprah can do it, So can we, right girls. I hope I am not on my own on this one. Anyways, I don’t think this would be a difficult task for us. It would just require some creative and imaginative fundraising strategies (wink.. wink ...I am looking at Naya 3 for that!!). Since we are all going to be a in the same city for four months, we might as well put our time to good use (Incentive: Oprah by 2009..J).

Ok, I am all excited. Let me know if you guys are in. Knowledge is power!!

Veloma

Naya 1

P. S The following are some of my favorite quotes on education, for inspiration:

Education: a debt due from present to future generations- George Peabody
The future depends on what we do in the present. Mahatma Gandhi

"Education is a companion which no misfortune can depress, no crime can destroy, no enemy can alienate,no despotism can enslave. At home, a friend, abroad, an introduction, in solitude a solace and in society an ornament.It chastens vice, it guides virtue, it gives at once grace and government to genius. Without it, what is man? A splendid slave, a reasoning savage." Joseph Addison

"The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet." Aristotle

"Education is the movement from darkness to light." Allan Bloom

P.S.S Part 2 of Examination of Naya 1 is still on the way...

THE THREE NAYAAS DON'T FIT IN

2006-04-03T11:21:00.000-04:00

I was listening to one of my favourite self-help authors on an online radio probably everyone knows his name, if you don't you will find his books mostly every where. Dr. Wayne Dyer was one of the first authors that reflected into words inspirational truths that help us to improve our lives.

One topic that stuck a chord with me today was his idea of "non-conformity." How it shapes all of our lives to direct us to our true paths. I reflected on my case including my two good friends on here. Briefly I will outline our non-confirming ways here,

Naya1
Intelligent, open-minded. She's the kind of person who would go to any restaurant from any different countries. Boasting of having friends from every country in the world, she embodies the UN spirit. She inspires me with her passion for science and helping people beat cureable diseases specailly helping her people, Somalis. Naya 1 abviously did not fit in with her views growing up, when she was younger she dreamed about being an important scientist and making breakthroughs while the rest of us fantasized about becoming Mrs. Will Smith or Penny Hardaway ( I KNOW WE ALL DID ADMIT IT PEOPLE LOL) Her strength in her studies kept her out of many failings in our young women lately which is vanity and getting pregnant young out of wetlock. She stood above it all and made a great impact not only to inspire my younger sister but all the sisters out there. Keep up the good work Naya 1, you don't need props but keep doing what your doing and save us all! jk Madagascar could never be prepared for a person such as yourself, I hope one day you make it there and pursue your breakthrough ideas.

Naya 2
Also intelligent more so with the literal word, she is the kind of person who you can discuss any type of subject like philosophy, politics, and ofcourse religion. We all have interests in these fields but no one like Naya 2 commands to memory better than anyone I've known.
She stands out to this day for her command of words and the wisedom she aqcuired for such a young person. I feel that non of us has endured her hardships, and these were lessons that molded her to be a strong woman who will one day receive the attention she unknowingly commands. But I feel that her non-conformist ways stem from not only reading and thinking differently from the rest of us, but her compassion for all. She stands out as a hijabi, even being that she speaks freely her thoughts while still adhering to Islamic modestly. Dangerous combination I think. I know for a fact words have been the movement of her life. So far her true inspiration is the Quran, and trust me with my ignorance about it to this day, she can make it plain and understanable even to anyone, which is rare indeed. You know Naya 2 no one can be you and that should be enough for you ;-). Keep inspiring us with your life and spirit. I found a good quote to discribe you by William Arthur Ward, "The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." One day you will be our great Teacher for all Somalis....

Naya 3
That's me! I feel that I have been blessed and lucky to have 2 young ladies like these to connect with intellectually, personally, and nationally. It is not by accident that we all met at the same time in the same University. Together we fit in with one another, and seperately we stand out (RIGHT NAYAAS?) When we get together and just hang-out, the stuff we talk about would never be enough to fit into this blog. This blog is a small example to share our uniqueness and dispell the tired stereotype that somali women are just good for breeding 10+ kids. Even though we are able to over populate this country, its not our passion. We all stand out to set an example to other women that you can still be religious, smart, successful, and have a good relationship.

My non-conformist ways all began with always wanted to be just like the boys. Physical strength was my passion till I was 17 and got into a car accident with my brother. Not serious but serious enough to tell me that I was not invincible. At the time that most somali girls in my highschool hanged out 2 discuss make-up, Aldo shoes, and guys ofcourse. I was climbing cliffs, snowboarding, and doing down-hill mountain biking. True eventually I ended up being in a relationship with a professional biker/snowboarder. We still did have that passion for nature, and physical strength. Rock Climbing was my dream career, and at the age of 16 I was doing things I even couldn't believe physcially. I stayed in shape till like the last 2 years. LOL marriage does that to you. But that spirit is still there, I wish still to be an inspiration as a fitness expert one day. Just that accident scared me, but it did change me, it made me look into the spiritual side of life. Back then, I don't think I even thought about death, but after that's all I ever thought about. The ironic story is my husband got to his car accident (4 years ago) and wasn't able to work out due to his injuries kinda like me, it made him spiritual too. One day I'll talk about our coincidences that led to our union. I left that professional biker/snowboarder because he didn't understand my spiritual side. I used to think like him, that we are the "ubermanch" super human. Though, being that way kept me out of trouble, and helped me do well in school. I was proud of having physical strength, enough to beat my older brother (every sisters dream LOL) but then something was missing, and that hole left by that accident has been my passion ever since. I started being religious which sorta explained things but not fully, then I became rebellious. Then I had a so called experience one night that changed my life, another story to talk about another time. But events since then has led me to who I am today, and that little girl who wished to be the next Bruce Lee/ Xena still exits. Only now I see the world has more wonder than I ever thought existed.

Our Non- Conformist ways should leave you with this that you can be smart and cultured like Naya 1. A literal genius and Islamic inspiration like Naya 2. Lastly, being strong somali women is our ancestral inheritence. We were the builders of homes back then and nations. Conforming to little nothings is a sad example to set for young women. My non-conformist ways might not be easiest to adopt, but I too wish to bestow something profound. Just be your unique true self like my friends here, and everything else shall follow your lead....

~I hope I stayed true to my Nayaas personalities,
The door is open for you ladies of course to include your personal
life stories of a non-conformist. It is not a bad thing really, not fitting in
has made you the way you are~

Till then, PEACE
NAYA3

2006-03-31T21:30:00.000-05:00

THE EXAMINATION OF NAYA 1. PART 1:

The unexamined life is not worth living for man. -Socrates

I have been examining my existence lately, called it a near quarter examination (rather than crisis, I am not there yet, thankfully!). The area that has gotten the most attention has been my identity more specifically my nationality ( current and future)….Somali Canadian…Somalia is the country of my birth and this is also where my parents and their parents have called for home centuries. This is the place where I derive my culture from and my first language. Meanwhile, Canada is the country in which I have resided in for about 2/3 of my life, it is the country that has educated me and provided me with citizenship and all the rights that entails. So here’s my dilemma…which I am more loyal to and where do I see my future…my homeland…or my home.

Well, I wish my dilemma was that simple but it’s not!! There is a third variable in the equation, the dreaded z and that is a country, which I have never visited nor have been close to geographically. That country would be …drum rollllllllllll plz…Madagascar.
This country has occupied my mind for nearly half my life. And it became a downright obsession when I discovered that I had long lost cousins who are half Malagasy that actually live there…(I discovered this by chance. I am sure there is a family conspiracy not to talk about them or their existence…they don’t want any mention of the stain of our Somali bloodline …jk). Well, here is a description of the country for those who don’t know about it and for the confused souls who think I am talking about the movie.
“The Republic of Madagascar, or Madagascar, is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, off the eastern coast of Africa. The main island, also called Madagascar, is the fourth largest island in the world. It is the home of five percent of the world's plant and animal species, 80 percent of them are unique to Madagascar. Among its most notable examples of biodiversity are the lemur family of primates, three endemic bird families and its baobab trees. The adjective (language, ethnicity and citizenship) derived from Madagascar is Malagasy. The primary language spoken in Madagascar is Malagasy.”

My fascination with the island was evident from a very young age and before momentous discovery. For example, for a class project in the 8th grade for my computer class, I made a website called “SEND A BLACK GIRL HOME” and instead of writing Somalia as the place I wanted to be sent back to I wrote Madagascar and terribly, I was asking for donations!! Unfortunately for me, my teacher (Mr. D) thought it was inappropriate and asked me to change my topic. So I wrote simple and plain report on Madagascar.
BUT HEY, LOOK OUT FOR THE WEBISTE TO RESURFACE SOON…JK!!!

Over the years, I have received many suggests from well-meaning friends on ways to remedy my fixation on this country. The most recurrent one is for me to find a fabulous, generous, kind, supportive, funny, gorgeous and highly intelligent Malagasy man to marry (ok…so I added the description about the guy … but I have standards despite my obsession which must be met first.). And once I find him I can a get Malagasy citizenship and move to Madagascar permanently; find my lost cousins and live a fairly good life :). Well, there is minor glitch to that solution…

WHERE THE HELL DO U FIND A MALAGASY MAN IN N.AMERICA??

I recently moved to the most culturally diverse city in the world according to the UN, however, finding the Malagasy community here is like looking for a white rhino (F.Y.I, there is only 6 white rhino left in the wild), nearly impossible.
I have to move to France to find the only three Malagasy people who are out of the country. That’s how great this country is, people !!
No one wants to leave!!…
Q: Can you think of any Malagasy person you have ever met, ever?
No!! .I thought so!

Lucky for me I have chosen a career path which facilities and require travel to other countries to examine health issues. Here’s my plan, I am going to propose a health initiative in Madagascar:) . I am currently researching on my proposal as I sit here writing this blog. Pray for me that it goes through and that I get it finish before this summer!!! I am hopeful it will and I will.. And when it does I can go to Madagascar meet my Malagasy Prince (who will fore fill all my very stringent qualifications, of course), have a traditional (Somali/Malagasy) wedding ceremony, find a cure for Madagascaran form of the E-bola virus, win the Noble Prize for Medicine and go on to my path of “happily ever after” (I might have gone too far with that fantasy…hmm..NAY!!..No dream is big enough is my motto)
Well, it seems like I have come up with my own solution to my predicament, no thanks to anyone!!

Oh..shooot.!! Spoke to soon. The person who said “there is no solutions in life just more problems” is completely right. For it seems like I have another problem…no not a problem ( this word is too sever) ..AHA ..Quandary (that’s what I got..)
Here’s the quandary, ---Selecting the Right type of Malagasy Man
There are more than 20 ethnic groups in Madagascar from the Indonesian-looking Merina in the highlands to Arabic Antaimoro on the eastern coast…I have already eliminated the Indonesian looking people as an option (personal preference..no offence meant)..but that leaves me with 19 groups..who all look completely different. Seriously, my people could learn a lot from these people on how to cooperative and peacefully live together. These people are not even of the same ethnicity but yet they get along while we are and can’t get along..Sad! ..Sad !.. Sad.!
Now, back to the ship that is heading to Madagascar, what should I do? which should I pick or focus on? …jk (I know I might be counting my eggs before they hatch in this instance. LOL. but hey it’s me…I believe in being prepared, nothing left to chance…chance tends to mess with people in my experience).
Get back to me girls, if you want to have a chance to be invited to my grand and fabulous wedding in Zanzibar!!

I’ll just like to end my blog with apologies to two very very important people in my life for not having the intention of marrying one of Somali brothers out there..…Sorry..
Mom
Dad
I know this is undoubtedly a disappointment to you both (and I also know you are unlikely to read this blog…but by some weird twist of fate that you do then I apology profusely…but it seems like my affinity for Madagascar (all that it encompasses) is apparently in my blood (i.e. grandfather)

Veloma tompoko

Naya 1

P.S..Naya 2- I know you have given up on love but I haven’t still …I adamantly believe that “It exists”, so don’t be commenting on how I can go to Madagascar and live there on my own without a man. I know I can do it well and probably happily. But I don’t want to…
:)Much love!!

TO BE CONTINUED…next topic to look forward.The rare possibility of finding a non Malagasy man to live in Madagascar..should be a treat!!!

Relationship GURU ~ Naya3

2006-03-31T11:44:00.000-05:00

Hello Ladies and Gents,

I felt that I should take a more active role with everyone about this very important topic.
Relationship not just with the opposite sex but the same as well is very important to us on a daily basis. Whether intimatly or frienships and also business as well. We humans associate with each other on many different levels through out the day.

I feel that I knew ever since I was young how important it is to take the right energy from person and use it for myself and give back as well. The part that everyone has problems with is the giving back bit.

Forexample, Why do relationships seem so blissful in the beginning then start to wane or be non existent, to the point the persons hate each other??
Very simple, in the begining, the relationship was based on a fabricated connection that both parties agreed to, when single, they didn't need anyone and got unlimited source of love and energy from the higher source, when meeting someone from the opposite sex they took away the source. Now they focus all their attention and energy to this person and it is reciprocated. Eventually to the point that there is not enough for both. So they resort to fighting to getting it back. Like always being right, that makes someon be on a high horse, and the other weaker. One wants to dominant the other. This endless circle never ends, and one person will go from one relationship to the next till they are just, well you know what I mean ;-)

How do we avoid this????

Again very simple, let me direct you from a female point of view, a woman grows up with a need, same for a man. For females, our parents where our first initiation to relationships. Depending on whether you got attention from your father will always make you feel that you need a man more or less. First, a woman must tap into her "male-ness" before she gets into a relationship. She has to have many platonic relationships with men as friends and understand that they are real persons with real problems too. Her father was probably imaginary Hero that always curtailed to her every whim. When she grows up, reality hits and her Dad is real person. She feels lost and confused looking for that Magical Guy in every relationship for the rest of her life. Eventually finding out that there is no such thing and just loosing out.

The truth is and you probably heard already or not. You have to know yourself, not just in a literarly sence, u have to be WHOLE and COMPLETE before you enter a relationship. Be comfortable with your male-ness and female-ness. Now ladies I don't mean start shaving and hanging out at foot-ball games, but really taping into that male side of you which is strong and confident. Men tap into that female side which is sensitive and vulnerable eventually you will be complete. Also, dealing with issues about your parents helps. Like if your Dad was never there, and you needed his attention, things like that same for the Guys. Why, if you don't understand this now, you will be the needy Gal or Guy in a relationship. Which sucks for the other person. Your partner is not your baby-sitter people! Now deal with the past please....
Once you are in a relationship, you can focus on the person who they really are, not some Euphoric feeling you get when you are with them. Eventually you really love the person on the inside, you will full-fill Gods Plan or any plan and just be together. You will know when that person comes. They always show up at the time you are AWARE of yourself, and feel complete.

If you still don't understand, plz feel free to ask. This is something anyone will know instinctly or partially but can't put it to words. Ladies and Gents, LOVE is real, and when you have it, you just know.
Enough for now till then talk to your inner GURU.
While this one is available sometimes, your inner guru is availble 24/7 :-)

I send love to my Gals and Peace to Everyone Else!!!!

Naya3

PROOF THAT WE SHOULD NEVER HAVE EATEN ANIMALS

2006-03-28T11:58:00.000-05:00

Less than 6 months ago I turned vegatarian, still eating eggs and fish. Just the last 3 months my husband and I became total vegans still having dairy products, but no eggs or fish anything.

Now, I am not some fanatic trying to push my standars on anyone, in fact I made this decision initially for health reasons.
Increadibly, as soon as we became vegetarians I felt the change with my moods and energy.

I've been reading up on why we initially ate animals to begin with, and why the world should become vegetarians.

For one thing, God made the animals that eat plants and grains the gentle loving, kind creatures that don't kill. The ones who cater their taste for flesh are ferocious, deadly and violent. This is including humans as well, for we are by far the deadiliest creatures on earth.

It's not easy to give up something you've been accustomed to all your life, took us at least 2 years to adopt this lifestyle. However, I think the world needs to change slowly. At least be kinder to animals, help them in some way, and stay away from restaurants you know used slaughter houses to make your meal.

So, my proof that we are not ment to eat animals came in a form of a rooster. I heard it on BBC, this rooster was supposed to be soup for the owner, then the rooster started crowing "Allah", then the owner recorded and saved the blessed creature.
This is not the only evidence, there are so many more that I've read where animals had to do some unusual feats to save their lives. Why? Because just like us, they desire to live, they deserve to live. Any creature on earth that yearns for life should not be on our plates. Well, here I go again with the blah blah blahs. But insha Allah one day all the animals will finally show us what we're doing is wrong.
Wait...I think they already did a long time ago. All you have to do is visit the hospitals and find out for yourself where majority of these diseases came from...

Peace,
Naya3

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4852912.stm

Naya 2's week in review

2006-03-24T00:28:00.000-05:00

"Teacher's Pet"

So, it is Islamic awareness week at my school this week and so far it has been good. Lots of educated and iformed muslims givin lectures and makin Islam a comprehensive religion to everyone. The Way of Life. Anywho, the main attraction, Imam Siraj Wahaj cancelled last minute! Seriously, that sucked...lets just say this is the second time a main attraction cancelled on me, first it was Jagged Edge in my BH(be4 Hijab) life and now Siraj wahaj in my AH life...it's like the univerese has conducted a lil' lets piss off Naya2 meeting behind my back. I was just extra pissed cuz I invited Dr. B whom I was hopin can be converted by Siraj wahaj's lecture so we can elope and live happily ever after. This is sad, not to mention weird, but I enjoy Dr.B's company...he makes me laugh and I can talk to him forever. I am backin off after the Islamic seminar I invited him to this weekend, and the somali food date we have tomorrow...he wanted to taste somali food! How can I refuse him that? Anywho, This whole thing is me setting myself up for pain. Come on, da man was my prof,might be again....old enuff to be my dad, he is white, non-muslim. Too many strikes for my peace of mind. So, thats the plan...After sunday, cut off Dr.B cold turkey! I need advice here my fellow Nayas!
NAYA2

The Adventure of this week!!!

2006-03-22T15:28:00.000-05:00

JAMES BLUNT CONCERT
Last nite was interesting, fun, exhausting and generally a good time . I mingled and chatted with pple I would never talk to such as professional stalkers (or as they like to be known as "autographs seekers"..), this was all due to my sister's obsession to have everything during the concert be documented..like she has bad case of memory loss (it's as if all the memories will be evaporate or something if she didn't have concrete evidence of her being there). So, she took pictures with the whole openning act and James Blunt's entire band and some stage hands (kid u , not).. And I served as the nite's coat hanger as well as the photographer... We had pretty good seats ( centre balcony..third row)..the only problem was there was a Paris Hilton look alike in front of us ( when did that look become attractive/popular-->bone thin and strung out on herione look) who I am pretty sure didn't know where she was at because she acted like she was the main attraction in a strip club, much to the amuse and ridicule of everyone behind her..their was quite a few hecklers..I thought it was funny.. ( Cruel but funny)..In her defense, I think she was drunk..

Now to the actual concert...It was really good despite playing my favorite song ("BILLY) second...I was hoping he would end with it or be the second last song at least!! He had a full band. The music was loud and songs were sung in a upbeat way...except for the usual sad songs like "GOODBYE MY LOVER, BRAVE"

OVERALL..I would describe it as being PHENEMONAL...

Up next..in about 4 hrs..Coldplay..this is going to be a big concert ( Air Canada Centre)...so I am not looking forward to it as much as I was to James Blunt's concert cause that was upclose and personal interaction..In any case it should be fun...I'll be sing alone regardless to whether I can see or not

Naya 1

P.S This has been one crazy week thus far and it's only Wednesday...I don't think I can take anymore activities and dramas...god let there be quiet for the rest of the week...

The Floating Landscape

2006-03-20T20:05:00.000-05:00

I'm finding it funny how I'm turning more and more to Asian films to explain to me that quiet, annoying, nagging voice of not settling in with life. It is as if this western lifestyle isn't doing it for me anymore.

I enjoy their artsy, philosphical approach to explaining death, lost loves, and just not cutting a break with life.

I should list my favourite Asian Flicks here for your pleasure. Now some of these may not be how you say "hollywood" worthy. They may not have the best plots, the casts are always attractive, and kinda superficially rich, but deep down, there is an essense I can't find with American flicks since American Beauty.

I'm the nostalgic, sometimes happy-go-lucky, then tragic kinda of person. Amelie a french flick that came out in 2002 opened my eyes, I always felt I was a little weird towards life, it took a french movie to put it in a visual context to explain my strangeness.

Sometimes I mingle in with people, I can stay grounded and normal for a while, but there are days my head is in the clouds. Like did anyone notice last week we had 5 days of a full beautiful moon. I turned off all the lights and just let the glow engulf me and around. I played gothic opera, with a little chill-out arabic in the background. I daydreamed about being a nomad, having a hard day with the herd, looking after my family, and getting maybe 30 mins to myself. Nice fire outside my tent, looking up in the glow of the moon and wondering if there is someone else enjoying the stillness of it... Some one like me. I feel glad sometimes that I am not afraid of my own company, just today I was thinking who can I talk to? I have so much to discuss, there as many stories to tell, then I had the answer, ME!

Weird isn't? To actually just be quiet, no tv no phone no computer on. Just this stillness, like a space between our reality and this other existence I wish to oneday see, a floating landscape, ever present that we can gravitate to only if we escape the busy nothings of life, and focus inward.

I feel that Asian films kind of depict how I feel. They have a balance of handling the modern world and their imagination in a refreshing way. I'm not dissing Western flicks at all, I just feel they leave a void that you came with to begin with. We are all sophisticated viewers by now (I HOPE!) It got to the point that senseless killings, grand homes, lifestyles depicting drugs and sex just aren't intriguing anymore. Even love stories are bland, the characters are not absorbing, they don't seem dimensional at all. It's like Paris Hilton's world lately. Everthing that comes on the Cinemas are just regurgitated crap. Sequels upon sequels that don't stop. Like were are on Scary Movie 4 now for God Sake. All about sex, which is ok in the bedroom, but we don't need to have it depicted all the time. Society back then, it wasn't the norm to have women run around with their boobs infront of the camera. Like it wasn't in your face, it was more tongue and cheek way. More coy, and sensual. They would tease you till you felt embarassed and shy. There are lots of great actresses back then who didn't need to throw their clothes off to show that they can act. Now a days, its a must, if we didn't see your chest within 20 mins, your not worthy to be an actress (sorry actor the politicaly correct way). Call yourself what you want, if you want to be equal to men, don't take your clothes off. They don't, and men act well into the age of 80 and still be sexy (thank you Sir Sean Connery for proving this point). Once your clothes come off, you have to stay sexy forever. Otherwise, gain a pound and you take a hike.

Thank God for the Asian flicks coming out lately, if you haven't seen, you are missing out. Anything from Beijing to Hong Kong to Taiwan to Thailand and Tokyo not to mention some Deepa Mehta flicks (aka Water).

I know some people turned towards this long ago, we got bored of it all. See being somali, we were exposed to their flicks long before we immigrated to our respective countries in the west. I know most of you can testify to seeing Bruce Lee back home along with many Bollywood movies, we watched a lot of Japanese cartoons in Saudi Arabia before we came to the West. Then I have 15 years of being exposed to the western media. Always wondering what do people watch across the ocean.

So I stopped asking and started searching for it, and for the last 3 years, its been the happiest exposure to my life. Just like me, they have troubles, its not limited to sex,drugs, and a party lifestlye. More like, hey I'm done school now, so I'm working everyday, what's next? Then their stories reach out, appeal to my psyche. I get turned into Maan, a sad girl who lost her boyfriend to a disease, she travels to his villiage he grew up in. He was an artist and he drew a picture of a place that he kept dreaming about before he died. He felt like he's been there and wanted to take Maan. When she comes to his village she meets Lit, a post-man who is calm and quiet. He has unique ability of attracting children and making them happy. He wants to be an illustrator for chilrens books. Eventually Maan develops feelings for him, Lit wants to help her find this special place. Maan needs to let go of the past but can't, Lit needs to be bold and step up to Maan and tell her his feelings. What you get is a beautiful story, with art, love, and endearing music. So this is what I saw today, and I have many more to catch. There is a new movie called the Promise. Really good graphics, almost magical.
But see the "floating landscape"

Till then
PEACE ~ One Love
Naya3

KICKASS

2006-03-16T21:51:00.000-05:00

I wish I could do this to some of my co-workers..just come out and unleash the Mad Black Woman in me..especially the ones with stupid questions.. Just come in one day and yell out
> "You the dorky guy with the whole load of stupid questions..quit it...everyone is sick of you!!
>" And No I am not an imbred or Ethiopian...but Somalian..stupids..go look it up on the internet or map">
>No, I don't want to hear about what you did last nite..god...ur nasty..seriously ..go start a blog or a porn site"
Sometimes, working here makes me think that I am in a reality t.v version of that movie "OFFICE SPACE" ( I love that movie)...but I don't want to be in that movie...I think the collection of pple working in my department is basically a mean practical joke by the HR department or perhaps an experiment to see if such polar opposite ppl can work harmoniously in such a close amount of space...It's not working so far.....But I seriously entertained daily...so for that I am very happy..with the expection of the stupid qustions, of course!!
Naya 1

I'm through with it...Love

2006-03-16T15:15:00.000-05:00

Why are women so in love with love? Could it be that we are constantly bombarded with images of love everywhere we look? In school you see those PDA couples that make you want to vomit, but through all your “hateration” you can't deny that, you too wished you had someone to hold you so close. As far back as second grade I remember exchanging Valentines Day cards with my classmates...boys and the girls. Before that, we were exposed to fairy tales. Story after story, the damsel in distress was rescued by a handsome and financially secure man. When I got older I realized V-days was a special day for couples to show their love for one another, and I couldn't wait to have a "boyfriend" who'll buy me chocolate and candies. When I read my first romance novel, "Whitney my love" (a must read by da way) I was 18 years old. After completing the book and sending Whitney off in a tear filled farewell to live happily ever after, something changed about me. I felt empty and I just couldn't figure out why I felt that way. Before I knew it I started my first grown up relationship and I got what I expected, I was swept off my feet. Of course this lasted until he couldn't take my romance novel expectations and cheated on me with a simpleton. After that I embraced my religion and decided Islam would definitely be an escape from this make believe lovey dovey stuff. Boy was I wrong. It turns out Islam actually embraces the idea of soul mates, and Allah says that men and women can't be complete without the other. The prophet whose life examples we are suppouse to imitate had Khadija as his soul mate. The prophet and Khadija were so in love that they made number one in a list of famous couples in history..They actually beat that french couple...(remember the dude who was castrated by the girl's uncle because he got her pregnant and then they spent the rest of their lives communicating thru love letters?..sighh), My point is that love is real for some people, but what about the rest of us who haven't found our other half yet....How come our legacy isn't celebrated, isn't a lot harder being ALONE? Shouldn't there be something for us brave souls....maybe an epic on the struggles of being alone. A homage to the likes of mother Theresa ...look at the woman, she was single and her life was fulfilled damn it!....In the words of Carrie Bradshaw (and shame on you if you don't know her)..."If prince charming didn't come along, Sleeping Beauty would have eventually woke up, got a job, a home of her own and after she was set...make a trip to her neighborhood sperm bank." So my point is, why did I have to wait for a boyfriend to buy me chocolate and flowers on V-day? Why didn't I get off my ass, walk across the road to Wal-Mart and buy it my damn self! I really don't know why women are so obsessed with love, but a part of me tells me that like Pavlov's dogs we were simply trained to react this way. Till next time, this is Naya 2 saying, "I'm thru with it love, I'm thru with it, thru with it love. I've finally given it up!"

IF YOU LOVE TO MAKE MUSIC

2006-03-15T16:49:00.000-05:00

www.eecs.harvard.edu/~nesson/sequencer.html

Go on this site and you will make kicking sounds, I had fun with this so knock yourself out.

PEACE!

NAYA3

Labels, Me and Online love

2006-03-15T14:00:00.000-05:00

Hello girls

The topic of labels is fascinating one (Naya 3). What labels have you placed on yourself over the years. Think about it..Are they..Smart..Dumb..Beautiful..Ugly.Social..Anti-social..Religious..Atheist..etc.

Unforunately, I am not going to be tackling that subject in this blog ( watch of for the book,though). My interest currently lies more on ME ( lol..fav. subject, jk) and to be more accurate...the amount of projects and workload I have placed on myself recently..As I sit here pondering how I can accomplish all these thinks I think of inspiring figure that will help be get throught it..and that would be Oprah. Galo ( Christians) people have these bracelets I remember in high school that said .."what would Jesus do"...Mine is more of "What would Oprah do". Some of you might wonder why isn't "what would prophet Mohamed( saas) do" but seriously, Prophet Mohamed (saas) would not be in the same situation I am in, he wouldn't put himself in my position ...Oprah might or is .Think about it, she has a tv. show, magazine, a production company and makes personal appearance regularly. So I think she would prioritize..right...that's what I am having trouble going ...what is more important...ewwww.. I wish I had a magic ball that would magically tell me what I should do...Enough about this topic

Yesterday, I made a blog, but unforunately it did not get published ( stupid computer). It was called online love. Thanks to my dear friend Naya 3, I have recently been introduced to wide world of web flirting and this is what I have learned so far...there are alot of dumb pple out there, such as one's that can't spell or comprehend certain words ( like reciprocate..some guy asked me the meaning of that word..lol)..Is this the way people are going to interact with one another now a days through a keyboard and mouse.Sad, huh..no more cheesy pick up lines at the bus stops, grocery stores or on the subway..God I hope not...these weird encounters tend to brighten up my day..So I say..Stop the with the degradation of long held mating rituals and yes to destruction of sites like Hi5, Myspace and others..cause they are not a way of making friends ..that's bullshit..I know it and so do you..How can you possible maintain 3256 friends online..Bullshit..The point of these website are a way for pple to advertise themselves to others..-->to get dates
Ok..Enough about my rants..Down with web dating..is basically my point.

Naya 1

LABELS OF LIFE, LESSONS AND LIFE EXPERIENCE BY NAYAA 3

2006-03-15T12:40:00.000-05:00

I just finished watching that new show on tv called black.white. It tackles racial issues in America. Now I know the other Naya's are thinking wait don't you not have tv. LOL
I saw it on the web the link is provided incase you missed it. I think everyone should watch it and kind of observe what is up with racism. It is such a big topic very broad and complex.

All of experienced racism in different ways, growing up in Canada I would say it is not as intense but there is "under cover" racism, if you are blind to it, then you wouldn't be affected, otherwise it does exist here.

If I can give any advice on the subject, I would just say drop the labels. Drop it all, it's not worth it, if you seek hatred that's what you will get, if you seek injustice it will happen.
As a somali, muslim, black, female.... I think I can receive any prejudice, bias, racist, and offensive language on those four identifying categories I fit in to.

Let me demonstrate just a taste:
Somali: immigrant refugee, probably came from a poor uneducated family, came from a war torn country, prone to fighting and arguing a lot.

Muslim: Need I say anything here?

Black: Also need I say anything here?

Female: The most ill-fated sex depending where you live. But we have the glass-ceiling effect here, still dominant in North America. That's when all your male colleagues get to move up and your still down. Income will always differ for women compared to men. So what else is new here?

Can you imagine a life like this??? What a burden to think with so many labels on your table, I feel fatigued just writing this. I know it is hard to drop the labels, when people don't want you to forget who you are. I still get asked what country I'm from, even though I've been Canadian majority of my life. I still get asked what religion I am, when it's no ones business what I believe in. I often get asked if i'm mixed or black or ??, then I have to explain the ancestry of somalis (with more labels and history there) the female part is easy, but I used to prove myself worth more than men, that I can excell in academics and sports just like them or better.

At home, I would feel the injustice of being female when my older brother would get away with everything and I would have to answer for it. I would cook, clean, baby-sit, stay home, never talk back, only cause my sexual organ isn't as worshipped as his. (family inside joke here lol). I would have to prove my purity and virginity at every turn and watch my language cause girls shouldn't say such thing. It would be to the point that we are stigmatized about sex, marriage. Oh don't forget the fact that a Somali/Female is introduced with this stigmatation with ritual called Gudintaan (guu-thiintaan) female genitial mutilation. I had to witness my older cousin being butchered on a table in a hospital in Mogadishu. It was a summer I stayed with my grandmother, my father objected so did my mother, but my grandmother wanted to keep tradition alive. I was lucky, I got away with a something they called sunni or sunna cut. Which is making the clitoris bleed. At 7 years old, no one should be subjected to anything so dramatic and painfull. I ran around the hospital screaming that they wanted to murder me before my operation. Earlier, I witnessed my cousin's pain and didn't want to be hurt like that, how can you explain to a young child that your doing this for her good, so she would be chaste for her husband, that a smaller hole proves she is a virgin, or not having any clitoris means she wont fool around when you do marry her. It took me a full week to recover physically, and years later to forget mentally, probably a whole lifetime to understand such barbaric ritual or never at all. I often wonder about my cousin even to this day, before the operation we would play together, tease each other, and I felt equal to her. Afterwards, I wasn't allowed to play with her I was 7 she was 9, she was a woman. Being that her operation was the defining of that. If she ran like we used to, she would open her self up again down there and bleed. She had to sit in the corner and "act like an adult". True, she had perks later, her chores were deemed the adult chores like cooking and cleaning. She never did that before. Anything people spoke about back then was her getting married one day and how she would make her husband proud with all her new skills. I was born and raised in a middle class family in Saudi Arabia, the city of riyahd. We visited my grandparents in Somalia back in those days before the war so we wouldn't be too arabic, and be more somali. But I didn't need the marriage skills she was getting. It was like a shared belief that I had a better chance of being educated than her, her only chance was that gudintaan, and a good husband. I was 7, no one gave me that advice, after I healed I behaved like a 7 year old still. I didn't laugh as much, cause I lost my best friend then, she didn't look at me in the face when she cleaned after me, or cooked our meals. I didn't get her burden then, she probably thought you will be gone by the end of the month, while I stay and make house. I shared a bond with her that day in the hospital, her screams, that I can still hear to this day. It was the personification of a female anguish in our culture, how many screamed like her and lived. At the age of 7 I was taught a harsh lesson, more like an introduction to womanhood, one I didn't even know existed. I was an equal to boys then, my hair was short like theirs, I played all their sports with the equal vigor and agression. I felt like one all the time. But never again, because of that day and that scream. I was awakened to womanhood.

Growing up in Canada, I sought ways to break the labels, the mold, the shared beliefs of how a somali should be, muslim should be, female should be, a black person should be. Because there is nothing in the end. Do we take our colour with us in death? Our sex, Do I need to breastfeed there? Are we still muslim in heaven, will I wear the hijab there too? will I still be black in heaven, will my colour matter at all?
I know everyone at this point is like WHOA! I never thought about that, or maybe you did, just think harder, maybe think back, when you where an embryo, when you were a child at the age of 3, did you know your colour? your religion, your sex? Unless you had parents who wanted to tell you and make you conform to the norm maybe you did. Personally, I didn't know sqwuat! All I cared about was playing, eating, sleeping, and getting love and attention. All that other stuff was added on as the age increased. Like at the age of 5, I had to learn the Quran and master it (For REAL! that young), at the age of 7 (you know what happened here) I had to learn the etiquette of being a female, at the age of 10 I had to be taught that I am black by Arab children and their parents because my colour was a shade darker and they said I was dirty. I also had to prove I am black in ATL. USA, but that's another story. And finally ladies and gentlement we reach the point of adulthood, where before you even get your diploma, degree, certificate you have already acquired labels that would perdict the outcome of your education. Whether your degree matter depends upon your label.

I hope by the end of reading this you feel slightly disorientated, with many questions in your head. If not (that's too bad, i'm sure your labels are heavier than mine). What's the point of all this? Drop it! that's the point, I don't mean forget your religion or your history. Just don't wear it, Like when you study at school, DO YOU REMEMBER EVERYTHING YOU LEARNED? WAS IT THAT IMPORTANT? you just get a degree and move on it's not who you are, before that you were something else, just something you picked up along the highway called life. You need education so you would benefit your life and society. You need religion so your soul is at peace, and have that connection with God. You need family so you are directly connect to people who support you and love you unconditionally. What you don't need is labels, it seperates and divides. (another topic I already touched upon)

In the end, this show on tv will prove my points of how people waste so much energy and passion over meaningless labels. We should be helping one another. YES, there are always going to be greedy people, Yes, there will always be racim, only because we are not uplifted yet, we are not reaching a higher consciousness yet. Only one, by one can we be.
What Am I talking about??? You'll know another time.

For now just remember that you are not a label like our products. So don't limit your greatness to a small category made up by people. Try to fit in to the label that God wants us to wear, and if you don't know by now what is it, you will someday.

Naya3

DUMB CANADIANS

2006-03-13T16:36:00.000-05:00

A Jewish person, an American and a Canadian were riding in a car together and were involved in a bad car accident. The ambulance took them all to the hospital together but they were barely alive....as a matter of fact they all expired in the same operating room while doctors were working on them.
Suddenly the three of them appeared in the clouds at St.Peter's gate, as they approached, St.Peter gestured to the American and said " If you give me 50 dollars I'll send you back....you are too young to be here"
The American whipped out 50 bucks...and poof!! He jumped off the operating table in perfect condition! Not a scratch on him. The doctors were amazed and asked him how come??
He said all that he knew is that the three of them were " up there" with St.Peter and when St. Peter asked him for 50 bucks to send him back....he paid him and....poof!! Here he was.
The doctors couldn't help but be amazed and asked him, " You say those other two were up there with you?" ( they were on the next two operating tables) The American said " yes they were"
The doctors them asked him, " well what about them? Are they coming back too? What were they doing when you left? "
The American said, " Well, all I can say is when I looked back at them just before I left the Jew was arguing about the price and the Canadian was waiting for the government to pay for it!!!!!!

Back In Windsor

2006-03-07T19:41:00.000-05:00

So, I'm back in Windsor...the week I spent in Toronto with Naya 1 & 3 was fun and relaxing. Thanks guys, I really needed that. Now that I'm back to school I feel like i can hold on until next month...I should take spring and summer classes, but NO THANKS...If I take anything it's probably going to be online distance courses. As soon as April hits and finals are over I'm packing up my spring and summer wear and off to Toronto I go. I am looking forward to this summer, because this is the summer that I'll be taking my first steps toward creating "Modesty." A clothing line for the modern Muslim woman. Thanks to naya 1 who asked me..."why wait till you graduate to start putting your plans into action?!," I'm more motivated then ever....I'm actually excited!!...Can't wait! In other news, Windsor is boring...the only exciting thing that gets me going here is the border line inapropiate emails and meetings I have with a prof of mine. A relationship I see as strictly plotanic ofcourse, but thanks to Naya 1 & 3's constant brainwashing! I'm seeing my relationship with Dr. B as something more....I'll fill u all in on the details of this PLOTANIC relationship!! on a day where I don't have a midterm to read for. In the mean time, the two other naya's can give you their side of the story..their demented exaggerated side of course. Kisses and hugz for now!
Naya 2

CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG

2006-03-06T00:13:00.000-05:00

A WEDDING PARTY BECAME AN OXYMORON PERSONIFIED IN SOMALI CULTURE
Why? because no one goes there to celebrate a union, more like breaking one and more with behaviour consisting of staring, gossiping, and ill-wishing towards each other.
All on the one night you thought your dreams came true. UGH!

God I hate weddings, there is no other person who detests them more than me.
I didn't even want to show up on my own wedding day. Actually, it was a traditional muslim wedding, totally caught me off gaurd, and didn't share it with any of my friends.

People came to it, trying to discover a scandal or something (why is she getting married so quick? Is she pregnant? Did she bring shame to her family?) IT felt more like I was with a group of spanish inquistion decendents rather than people who came there to wish me well.

However, compared to the one I attended today made me want to go back to those women who came to mine and start a kumbaya sing along with them. The ones from my wedding were angels compared to the cougars of this recent wedding.

Supposedly it started at 6 pm but bride and all party came fashionably late at quarter to 10. I didn't wear our traditional dress. I didn't even want to be there, but got forced to go. I abviously stood out like a festering thumb. I felt like I was doing staring matches with some women. Picture a western, characters are older somali women with the owl EYE, chewing their gum till the flavour was paste. I kept my stare, didn't flinch an eye. Till they got bored of staring and just gave up.

It was one of the worst weddings I've been to, a women's only party consisting of every kind of nationality you can think of, the catch is they are all covered head to toe. Shy, timid, and very respectful (if your part of their "click") but none the less, I felt at odds with them, I couldn't even relate to them nationality wise, because somalis are known to be hospitable and welcoming. The bride was a good ol' friend who grew up too fast for me to keep up but was beauty and blush all over. Too bad I left early without catching up to good times. I only pray that her inlaws did not consist of the owl eye group. That would suck... But atlest they can be her security guards. They certainly locked down surveilliance and intimidation.

I came home and vowed that I will never go to another wedding again consisting of women only with ties to being too rigidly religious. I GET IT! I love Allah just like everyone else, I don't wear it on my face like them. God created all creatures, from an ant to a human to angels and beyond. So that our basis in all existence wether great or small should be this universal love. That's the chain we all have and shouldn't break, but its constantly broken with separating ourselves by first nationality, second religion, and third colour. (there's more sub-divisions as well) To the point that we will be so seperate and spaced out from one another. With no affinity what so ever. That's our world today. Leave it to a somali wedding consisting of all the beautiful nations of the world represented in one room all in the name of love, celebrating a union put me in a bad mood for all of them acting badly towards one another. Why is it there that all I felt was despair for their ignorance, and sadness for the bride to have this negative group show up on her joyous day.

I guess this is just my way of venting to everyone how we all just became dis associated with each other, slowly I changed my view points. Every day I practice to be more united to everyone.

To that beautiful bride tonight, I wish u felicity and joy in your new life, and I hope your world is filled with happiness and prosperity. If your going to practice anything in your life, and this goes for everyone, before you flaunt your credo, or sign or symbol, Please practice LOVE first, and everything else will be that much more important. That much more meaningful, and will make sense to all.

GOD BLESS AND ONE LOVE

Naya3

I GOT THE JOB!!

2006-02-25T16:41:00.000-05:00

Yeahaaa! Ya'll know what fun we will have this summer.
And if you don't ask me and find out ;-)

~However, this means I am no longer a faithful follower of OddTodd.com (naya1 knows what I mean). So this will be the last week I can be an avid lounger (basically unemployed).

Cheers to all my peeps who kept me busy in the most relaxing 2 months ever. It's stuff dreams are made of. From now on, I must sail off to the height of 1815 and 5inches. I always knew I would reach the top of the world, just will be doing it via elevator.

Naya3

Funny Picture...

2006-02-25T07:06:00.000-05:00

I came across this picture over the net, extremely funny. However, I don't think that Iraqi boy knows what is written on it. AHH WELL!
When will we ever stop ripping on MJ?

Naya3

OHH SO CANADIAN

2006-02-25T00:09:00.000-05:00

Why do we kidd ourselves with the endless pursuit to preserve our culture?
Let's face it people, we have assimilate to our surroundings and if you don't believe that, then you are sadly mislead or delusional. This fact was so clearly illustrated to me last Sunday when I woke up to the sounds of my mother explaining the rules of hockey to my father..HOCKEY...What could be more Canadian then Hockey...I laughed so hard that I almost fell down the stairs..

Assimilation is defined as "The process whereby a minority group gradually adopts the customs and attitudes of the prevailing culture".
From the way we dress to our views on certain issues, living in this society has effect our perception and customs ( there are countless examples)...this does not include our religious beliefs, however--thank god.

That being said...why are we trying so hard to delay inevitable...Is it cause we are stubborn and we don't know when to give in or do we sincerely believe that our customs and traditions are so superior that it's our duty to pass them on to the next generation. What do you guys think...???
Naya 1

I've adopted a tiger!

2006-02-23T01:09:00.000-05:00

So I was blog surfing tonight and I ended up at a very interesting blog belonging to a 20 year old female who lives in Singapore. After killing a an hour or so reading about her adventures with her friends and looking at the pictures she takes with her soulmate cell phone, I came across her adorable virtual bird and I was like, I want a virtual pet! Hence, Garfield. Our adorable pet tiger whom i've named after Garfield the cat. Anyway back to Cii a.k.a cindy, such an interestin girl...so full of life, i feel like we're old friends...I'm even rootin for her relationship with her boyfriend Zhiong..I think that's how his name was spelled...I was reading the blog backwards from her first entry in 04' so her and Z can be history by now...His LOSS i say! Anywho, I never realized how much impact our blogs have on others...We need to start personalizing ours...So, Naya 1 and 3 better start making one entry daily...and I shall do the same InshaAllah. Ciao for now...Enjoy Garfield...He is sooo CUTE!

adopt your own virtual pet!

I'm mad all the time

2006-02-20T22:18:00.000-05:00

So, I think I may need to go to anger management cuz I find myself angry all the time! I am mad at me, I am mad at my family, I am mad at my neighbours, I'm mad at my hair cuz it ain't going right, and i'm mad at anyone who utters two words that I don't like. Lord help me I'm even mad at the poor fat girl with the dandurff filled head in my literature theory class. I mean haven't she heard of HEAD AND SHOULDERS! Oops here I go again, the anger is rising up inside me! I mean, why am I so concerned about the girl's dandruffs...I should have known that she doesn't care about her appearance when I observed her having a non-diet coke with 2 chocolate bars--she weighs a good 2 hundred pounds may I add. Anywho, dats besides the point! The point is, why am I so mad at the world or the dumb things the ppl in it do? I think I'm dissatisfied with myself and my life accomplishments, so I must be reflecting my own personal failures on the world around me. Anywho, I'm glad spring break is coming up at the end of this week, I really need some R&R.

Naya #2

$30 bucks down the drain---monthly

2006-02-17T15:28:00.000-05:00

"Money is like manure; it's not worth a thing unless it's spread around encouraging young things to grow." Thornton Wilder

Ok..so today is payday and I am here in my office doing some mental computing of how much money I will have on tuesday...and the answer is..drum roll plz....Not enough to buy tea on tuesday..
Where the hell does my money go...Hmmm
I know the answer to the question..damn it! I wish the answer was that I giving away 50% of my paycheque to needy family in the remote jungles of Africa or a worth while organization helping the world be a better place...( insha Allah..one day I will...until then I am going to work on getting rid of my selfish tendencies)
Sadly the reason I don't have any money is due to bad investments...such as the following
1. the gym...$30 buck goes out my chequing account monthly,... and I go to the gym..like once or twice a month..if I am luck...that's $15 bucks for every visit..dumb ..dumb.. dumb..huh!
2. lunches and dinners out..I know I spend at least $20 bucks on food every day..that's $100 a week!!..
3. Unnecessary purchases...shop therapy..when I'm feeling a little down or when I am happy or when I am bored...my favorite thing to do is shop...

I am going to stop the list now..cause I am getting a little depressed thinking about it and if I continue I might go and make another bad investment (ie.shop)...

Ciao
Naya #1

Classic Fool

2006-02-15T21:14:00.000-05:00

Ok...I don't know if you guys can relate to this but this happens to me nearly everyday on my way back from work...
I'll set up the situation...
I am in crowded bus on my way home..and as usual there is an old lady ...that get in and of course..I being a good muslim that I am I get off my seat for her...and they as usual act like they really don't want it...and want to be treated like everyone else ( you know that they just want you to insist...WHY THE ACT..it's just annoying/irritating..I hate pretending like I really want to give up my seat, ..). Anyways, that's just the minor problem..Once my dumb butt is standing holding on to the rile, while everyone looks at me like I am classic fool...I see that old lady doesn't sit down but instead lets her sidekick sit down ( the sidekick...isn't another old lady...sometimes it not even a lady, but a middle age man..or teenager ...or a friend in her late thirties...it's never someone that needed my seat)..the basically the point is that I didn't give my seat to the sidekick..lady ..I gave it to you..

I don't know if you guys can relate to my story...but I just wanted to vent...I hate old little ladies' sidekicks...

Naya #1

StanK EyE

2006-02-15T18:48:00.000-05:00

I think we all have suffered from this re-curring incident. Specially if you are somali. That long penetrating OWL STARE. Just for the sake of staring by being rude.

Forexample you will walk in to a anonymous place and just minding your own business when you are spotted by another somali. So your thinking in your head should I say something, do I know this person, what's the deal ? And their reply to you is the EYE!

It follows you like your shadow. If they are in groups (which usually is the case) they talk about you.

Now I'm not on here to point fingers at one specific nationality, most people do the stare thing. I think it's more predominate when your country folk recognize you. Back home, there would be a pleasant smile after it. Or make quick SALAAM.

See, I'm a child at heart, and I've come up with a solution to this epidemic EYE thing which some of us suffer from occasionally.

I would do the stupidest things to make them either laugh or just gawk, slack jawed and wondering if this is a mental patient who ran away.

One time, at a subway station this incident happened. I just came back from work from the airport (car rental job) and I was still wearing my uniform, so abviously I stood out with the uniform alone. A quick glance is sufficient. BUT and about face observation without any shame is what an older somali lady was giving me. To her, I was doing so many things wrong including wearing a tight uniform, and not covering my hair. Now, I was in my "don't put up with bull-shit" mode that night, and initially ignored her. However, when she was joined by a friend, who LOUDLY proclaim how young ladies now a days are just mimicing westeners and eventually will become whores, just ticked off my list of "let them have it!". They used a particular word that only older generation somalis would know. Thankfully though, my mom swears like a somali seamen in heat when she's angry so the word was SHUUN DHEER (big woohoo)
Angrily, but with composed face, I called my friend on my cell and told her to play along. NAYAA MARIAN! MANTA SHUUN DHEER BAAN ARKAY. Like a person with a syndrom I kept yelling SHUUN DHEER, SHUUN DHEER on the phone loudly for them to hear. Let me tell you, not only did they look away ashamed, but they were smiling to themselves till their bus came. I walked over to their bus boldly and waved just when the bus was about to leave bye bye SHUUN DHEER!

So, be clever, be bold, and hold your head up high one day when you receive the eye from a fellow somali. You can really stand out with a psycho moment and scream SHUUN DHEER!

But not everyone is weird.
Leave that task to me ;-) and I will report it here for your pleasure.

Naya3

I send a Kiss to you ALL

2006-02-14T16:47:00.000-05:00

Ofcourse it's valentines day, and every little butterfly is buzzing around our heads with thoughts of love. Some of us are resorting to ignoring this day all together and pretending its a hoax that companies invented to just take more money from our depleting pockets.

I say instead of making it a depressing reminder of how lonely you are just make it the most memorable day for someone and yourself...

Here's How:

1. Go to a nursing home with flowers and pass it to every lady there, and make sure you give a card to the gentlemen as well. If you can play music, the better for everyone. :-)
2. That old neighbour in your building who you are aware will be feeling lonely more acutely than youreself, go cheer them up with flowers as well.
3. Smile at a stranger today and you will receive the same gift.
4. Treat yourself today to anything you like to do.
5. Email your mother a beautiful poem/or card letting her know how much you love her.
6. Give flowers to your siblings who are single. Or take them out to a date, for guys this will make you look good to a potential girlfriend who sees you treating your sister with affection.
7. Hang out with your friends, but make sure no one is depressed.
8. Visit a patients at a hospital who may need a valentine more than you today.
9. Go to your local book store and buy a book of love poems, memorise one and read it to a single gal/guy co-worker tomorrow and cheer them up as well. P.S. book stores are the best places to find single people ;-). I worked in one, I KNOW~
10. This last one is for the ladies ~ Gather up all your best girlfriends, and recall to each other the best dates you have ever been in, make an evening of it, take each other out to that special restaurant you went with your date and enjoy yourselves.

~I know most of this is doable, it can also be borderline cheesy, the fun bit is that you will actually forget your dire singledom and realise that everyone is just like you. But together the day can be more wonderful, exciting, memorable, and mostly romantic. It just depends on how you look at it. ~

Qalbiga oo qaawowsan, aa jacel heleyso

Naya3 ~Happy Love To My Co-Nayas

2006-02-09T16:09:00.000-05:00

I love this poster..I could definitely have related to this statement while at school...

Let's DEBATE!

2006-02-08T19:12:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting here itching to start a debate among you.

The 3 Nayas love to talk about relationships, so better we argue about our many different opinions over dating, realtionships, and break-ups.

Topic 1

"WHY DO THEY ALWAYS TAKE HIM BACK???"

I know the fear of loneliness stirs the best of us to reach for the bottom of the barrel but sometimes we end up with exactly what we ask for. I have witnessed the best girls get into relationships with many jerks. I know fear of being alone is not the only reason, it can also be going after that praised relatioship everyone wishes they had. It's not enough society wants us to have the perfect car, the perfect career, but YES we have to have the perfect relationship as well. In reality though, nothing is perfect and the best of us try to make it perfect for those "standars" while hurting ourselves in the process.

In relation to this, I have a friend who reminds me of the very perfection she seeks only reeks in the end. Her boyfriend (who is a trigger happy gun collector BTW) is prone to fits of frenzy over little things and they argue constantly. On weekends, their trauma drama is much to be talked of. I always waited for her to call me on a monday, and let me know her latest escapade. I would just sit there day dreaming the day I would have to visit the coroner and identify her body. Thank fully, they broke up all of sudden one day, (and I would put on that voice of concern for her well being but inside I was soo happy for the break up) I told her it was for the best. Why after 2 weekends was she back with him? Her answer was just this, "I love the "I hate you sex" too much to give it up."
Wow, I thought, is it really worth it?

Naya#3

Sedex Naago

2006-02-07T18:30:00.000-05:00

OLA

Here's my thoughts for today...I have this annoying obsession that wouldn't that leave my head..HELP

Finally

2006-02-05T13:35:00.000-05:00

Hello Girls!!!!

Well, finally we have forum to voice our opinions and hopefully without censorship...Congrats to us...Our intent for this blog is discuss topics from what's currenting happening in the media to our own interests.
>>> We hope to get other people's insight as wel...Ok..later

Naya 1