Run a Little Run a Lot - Just Run !

So since my last post about running, I have continue running and have completed the 8th weeks and next week will be the 9th and last week of the C25K program that I have been following.

It feels great that now I can run for 30 minutes straight, compared to earlier when I started and could run for couple minutes only in one go. I found it to be a continuous argument between your mind and body such as that your body may take you beyond what your mind tells you can actually do. So when it comes to running I like to follow this quote that my work colleague, my running mentor, buddy and motivator (AF) recently have shared with me.

 

So while I was in week 8, I also participated (along with my running buddy) in this charity run Run4Fun that took place in the Sydney Olympic Park on 4th November. Since it was my first ever run, I registered for 3K run only and surprised myself by finishing in 15 mins and 40 secs. Felt great, accomplishing actually.

Got my first medal for participating and finishing the run.










In few weeks, another run is happening in Balmain for 5K which I'm not so sure about yet, only because it is bit far from my place but will see if I can register for that as well.

Next target is surely the 10K mark because after graduating from this #c25k program, I will already be running 5Ks in one go. So 10K is the next target (iff I keep on running that I'm hopeful about).

Until then, my motto is going to be 'Run Shak Run' (self motivation often is the key to achieve what you want).

Nostalgia - Sahiwal - Home

9th November 2012 00:00 hours : Sydney - Australia.

It is heavily raining outside and I can hear the sound of heavy downpour inside my living sitting at the kitchen bar stool listening to old indian music "Wo Kaghaz Ki Kashti". Totally nostalgic atmosphere and I am missing my birthplace, my city, my home in Pakistan. I stepped into the balcony and let my feelings and memories take me back home standing in my courtyard at night time when it is raining heavy as well in the summer season. I still remember when it used to rain this heavy (any time of the day) while enjoying the initial moments we used to get worried and pray to the ALMIGHTY to make it stop because too much rain was bad for us and our neighbourhood. Old houses below the street level and heavy rain with the help of poor drainage system used to create more tension for the people than to enjoy the change of weather as summer season is usually very hot and dry there.

I love rain, specially of summer season and at the start of winter season. I loved to take shower in rain and I still do. It is refreshing, joyous, mood changer for me. It always remind me of my hometown, my home street, my childhood time and friends. It brings happy memories of those times when I was not aware with the meaning of tension / responsibility and all I knew is to change into shorts and shower in the rain. Go out with friends on the streets in the rain, play and enjoy it. Years gone by, I would still do this (in fact have done it last season here in Sydney) because it makes me happy.

This post may give an impression of me of a person who likes to live in the past, but that is not true. The fact is that while I do like to recall and cherish the old times, but I do not live in the past. I do take time to recollect the good, happy memories of the past times but that is about it. Stop, recall, rejoice and resume.

I think you should never forget your past because it has made you what you are today.
Rather remember your past, learn from it and invest it into your future.

Run Run Run ..

I have been planning to start running during my lunch hour but have been procrastinating for all the reasons of laziness and slackness :P

But finally last week I have moved my 'butt' and did some running over and around the Sydney Harbor Bridge. On first day, I walked and ran (mixed) over the bridge to the city end and returned that counted for over 6KMs and that made my legs sore the next day. But it was like a case of "his first flight" for me because even sore legs didn't make me not go the next day and I must acknowledge the 'motivational talk' of one of my colleague "MG", that helped me go running despite the aching legs. But it felt great actually afterwards due to that sense of achievement. The total distance from my office (North Sydney) to the end of the bridge (bridge stairs - The Rocks) and back to office is, as per Google maps, just above 6KMs but if I use Sports Tracker then it calculates it to be around 9.5 KMs; don't know - don't ask.

Based on my earlier experiences, I was under the impression that working-out makes me sleepy but I wasn't regular at it, then. Since I've become a regular gym goer and lunch-runner, I have discovered that it actually feels great and refreshing which everyone else agrees to as well. I have found that it is very very important to take a shower after the work-out, otherwise you'll end up feeling sleepy too.

Lunch time run has many benefits for me; 1) There are many people out there running/working-out on/around the track that I follow and I found it encouraging 2) It is also a good time for exercising because stomach is empty and since it is midday usually you still have left enough energy to go out running 3) It feels lively because usually people come out of their offices for lunch break/walk/run/sunbathing /relaxing and that gives the whole atmosphere its hustling bustling look which I like 4) Being a part of the hustle bustle refreshes me as well and helps me relax during a working day full of pressure/stress 5) Above all it helps me burn some calories, lose weight and stay fit which is my main objective to do the lunch-run.

The only drag is that I don't have a partner to join the lunch-run with me, which can be a real drag at times (I know this - knowing self) but nevertheless I have to keep pushing myself out of office regularly for the run and hopefully I will achieve my target (Weight-10) in next 5 months time (no expectations just a try and hope).

Until then,

Happy Running - Shakeel !!!

Learning Panning Photography

Panning is a photography technique in which the objective is to capture a photo of a moving object while capturing the speed as well i.e. the resulting photo will also show the fact that the object was a moving object.

In the last post, Learning the Shutter Value, I have noted that how you can control the speed of a moving object using different shutter values. We touched base with how a fast shutter can freeze a moving object as well. Panning, although is related but, altogether a different concept as mentioned above. In panning you work on 2 objectives; 1st is to capture a sharper image of the moving object and 2nd is to also capture the speed of the moving object.

Panning is done by moving the camera along with the moving object to shoot. This can produce amazing results depending on how skillful you are at this technique. Using panning technique, the main object comes out sharp while the background gets blurry effect evidencing the movement of the object. This requires a lot of practice and patience along with good handling of the camera such as it should not shake vertically while you are panning horizontally along with the moving object. You should 'pan' the camera at least at the same speed as the moving object i.e. along with the movement.

I am new and learning this technique myself. Last week I have tried it for the first time and here are a couple of photos that I can share here (i.e. that came out better than others :P)

-
I took this shot near Bondi beach while standing at the road side where our car was parked. I quite like this one as this was a curvy road (wasn't straight which is recommended for a better panning shot).

-
This shot was taken from the back seat of a moving car and the bike was crossing the car on the left side. This may not be called as "Panning" (i'm not sure) but still this does blur the background slightly while the image is comparatively sharper.
Nevertheless I still like it :)

As I said I am a photography enthusiast, student myself and this is my first ever attempt at this technique, therefore I don't claim whatever I wrote above is 100% true but I know some of it is valid. I am recording this for my own learning and will be adding more as I learn more.

Here is a blog-post "Mastering Panning - Photographing Moving Subjects" where from I have learnt some about this technique. I hope you can also learn some and please do share / leave a comment on the post if you have benefit from it.


Happy Panning !!!

Happy Learning !!!

10 Reasons to Shoot Portraits During the Golder Hour

Recently I have subscribed to an online Digital Photography School which I found very useful and filled with loads of tips and information for all the photography enthusiasts. I quite like this website/blog and intend to make use of this more as I get time to learn more about this art of digital photography.

In today's email that I received from the subscription, there is one very useful article they have published "10 Reasons to Shoot Portraits During the Golder Hour" 

This illustrates how you can use the 'golden hour' lights to add the magic factor to your photos. Beautiful, isn't it?

I made this reference (post) to that article for my own use and quick reference in future. I hope you benefit from it too.

Happy Learning !!!

Disclaimer: As mentioned in the post above, I have added the link to the original post and blog on my blog only for learning purposes and for future quick reference. It does not intend to take any credit for the work of the writer of the article (or the blog/website where the article was published to)

Learning the Shutter Value

Shutter Speed is one of the most important setting on a digital camera - in this case I am talking about a DSLR. It is one of the famous trio settings i.e. Aperture, ISO and Shutter.

It is the property of the camera (body) that controls the time duration for which the light enters through the lens onto the sensor. It is represented in seconds or fraction of seconds i.e. 1sec, 1/2sec, 1/4, 1/8 and so on.  Keeping other settings (i.e. Aperture and ISO) unchanged, different shutter speeds can produce different different output images when the object is non-stationary. 

Most of the digital cameras and dslrs have a Shutter Priority (or Tv) mode on it which is used when you want to control the speed of the shutter while your camera controls all other settings based on what shutter speed you choose. A good example of using Shutter Priority mode is when you are shooting kids who are constantly moving/playing and generally do not stay in the same pose for long enough to be captured. Even if they do then most of the pics come out blurry because they like to move just on the last moment when you press the shutter on the camera :-). 

A fast shutter speed freezes the moving object and hence produces a sharper image (based on the shutter speed). Last weekend I tested the same in an attempt to understand and experience how it comes out. Below are three different images that were captured at different Shutter speeds with different output. This may not be good quality photos as I was actually helping a friend to understand the affect of shutter speed therefore just took these rather randomly without much attention to overall composition of the image.




Image 1:

Running water from the Tap:

I deliberately opened the tap only a bit to get an appropriate flow of water as shown here in this image.


Camera has following settings:

Manual Exposure:
Tv (Shutter Speed): 1/50
Av (Aperture Value): f/16
ISO: 400











Image 2:

Water dripping from the Tap

In this photo, notice the affect of a faster shutter speed on the output. The running water looks like dripping only i.e. the movement of the water was slowed by the faster shutter speed.

Camera has following settings:

Manual Exposure:
Tv (Shutter Speed): 1/320
Av (Aperture Value): f/16
ISO: 2500











Image 3:

Water leaking from the Tap

Notice the affect of an even faster shutter. It now looks as water drops are being leaked from the lose tap. The fast shutter speed has frozen the movement (of running water) and made it look like a drop of water. Note closely there are at least 3 water drops in this photo.

Camera has following settings:

Manual Exposure:
Tv (Shutter Speed): 1/640
Av (Aperture Value): f/16
ISO: 3200


The ISO settings were different on all these photos as well (just ignore that bit as that is not our topic today). There is lot more for me to learn and try out still and I have different ideas that I want to try with different settings.

I will post more about shutter speed effect in later posts only after when I’ve had tried the different settings/variations of Tv values.

Happy Learning !!!

Fear To Stand before your Lord

وَلِمَنۡ خَافَ مَقَامَ رَبِّهِۦ جَنَّتَانِ (٤٦) 

46) "And for him, who fears to stand before his Lord, are two gardens"

____________________________________________________

The above Ayat (#46) is taken from Surah Ar-Rahman which is surah # 55 in the Holy Quran.

In this verse, Quran tells us the benefits of fearing ALLAH. This means that one day (the day of judgement) we all have to stand before ALLAH when we will be answerable of all what we have done in our lifetime and those who have spent a pious life and have done good deeds will be rewarded with Jannah. And those who have spent their lives in sins and disobeyed their Lord and did not follow the sunnah of HIS messenger Hazrat Muhammad (salillah-ho alaihe wa-aale-hi wassallam) will have to enter the Hell.


In this context Quran says that those, who fear the embarrassment to face their Lord (having done sins) and fear the punishment on the day (i.e. entering Hell) and therefore follow the path that Quran and Ahadith show us, will be rewarded with two garden in the Heavens.


SubhanALLAH ! - and ALLAH knows the best.

In the next verses of the same Surah, the detail of those gardens is also given. I will inshallah write more about that details and description of these gardens in next posts.

Exposure - As I Know It.

I have decided to write about what I will be learning about photography and my personal experiences with those learning bits. This is a way for me to understand the techniques better and to use it as a reference point in future (when needed). In the meantime it may also benefit someone like me i.e. an amateur.

Having said that, I have to start with Understanding the Exposure as I believe it is one of the most important aspect of the photography (digital photography in this context if its any different to film). It is therefore the prime objective of any photographer to capture a photo with appropriate exposure i.e. one which is neither too bright nor too dark, in relation to the conditions at that time.

The different modes and controls that are available on a camera are there to enable the camera or the photographer to control the light on the image so that the output has a perfect balance of light and shade. The famous Aperture value (F stop), Shutter speed and/or ISO settings are there to define an ideal combination that will allow adequate amount of light through the lens onto the sensor of the camera in order for it to develop a beautiful image. I say beautiful because that is what an accurately exposed image should look like. As I have noted earlier Playing with Exposure, despite the given rules of shooting in the daylight or in low light, it is ultimately the photographer who is responsible to instruct the camera about how to expose the scene that he is focusing at.

Quoting from my own experience, I suggest to learn the control following way:

Conditions: A Clear Sky Bright Sunny day

Set the ISO to a low number i.e. 100
Set the Aperture value (Av) to say f/8

Now you should play with Shutter Speed (Tv) to control the amount of light passing through the shutter. Start with 1/100 and see how it affects your image then from there you can increase the shutter speed or reduce it to control the light how you want. You should also try with different combination of Av and Tv to find the perfect balance of light and shade on your photos. It is you to decide what combination creates a perfect exposed photo. It is important to change the shutter speed with the changing sun light i.e. if there are clouds that cover the sunlight or there are trees preventing your scene from the direct sunlight, that means you will need to adjust the shutter speed accordingly in order to keep the image properly bright and exposed. When it is slightly overcast, you may need a slow shutter in order to allow enough light onto the sensor to develop the image correctly. Once again it is up to the person how he wants to capture the scene or what settings suits his requirements.

I haven't tried shooting in the dark or in the evening or overcast conditions yet therefore I won't write anything about that for now. Although it is almost the inverse settings when you are shooting in low light but still I want to practice and experience it myself before I can blog about it. Remember I said it is my personal experiences and I don't have one yet.

This much is what I understood Exposure so far, may be right or may be wrong, but I'm looking to improve my understanding of it in the future as time permits me to play more with the camera and then I will be able to write more about it.

Let me know if you agree/disagree or have any suggestion/comment on this post that may help improve my or have helped your understanding of Exposure :-)

Happy Learning !!

Playing with Exposure – Shooting on a bright day

 

Today I went out for 2nd round of shooting with my Canon 650D and again it was a bright sunny day. But this time I knew (bit more) about how to control exposure when shooting in bright sunlight.

Last time it was also a bright sunny day and many photos were over-exposed when I checked them after transferring to my laptop. Then I did some research and read some articles about shooting under a bright sunlight and that’s why this time I was better prepared to shoot in similar conditions. I loved the control a dslr provides you with. It feels great when you decide how you expose your image to the light or how much light you want the camera to allow to enter through the lens to develop a perfect photo.

Despite the Sunny 16 rule, I found that it is you who decides on the spot that what settings suit the scene that you are trying to capture how your camera settings are actually capturing it. There is no one fixed setting for each scene (the combination of light, object, background, movement etc.) that you want to shoot rather you can achieve the same (or similar) result for the same scene with different combination of settings. For example if Sunny 16 rule states that at an Aperture value of 16, you can shoot with perfect exposure if you set the shutter speed to inverse of the given ISO value i.e. if ISO is set to 100 then your shutter speed should be 1/100 (or close to it). I believe that the same result can be achieved by changing all those values. At least I tried it with different combination of Av, Tv and ISO and I can confirm the photo was perfectly exposed as the output was almost as I saw it through the lens or even without it.

As I said, I believe these rules are there to help you with basic settings/combinations of Aperture/Shutter/ISO but in the end it is up to the photographer that how he uses these settings/combinations to get the best photo out of his camera. (I may be wrong as I’m no expert but this is what seems to be working for me – so far).

Below are few images that I took with different settings that shows how different combination produce an altogether different image. I took all these photos at ISO 100 and camera program was set to Manual Exposure i.e. fully manual mode.

An over-exposed image: Av 8.0 & Tv 1/125

A properly exposed image: Av 8.0 & Tv 1/320

Another over-exposed image with Av 8.0 & Tv 1/40

Same image with slightly different Shutter Speed. Av 8.0 & Tv 1/50

At an Av of 8.0 and Tv of 1/100, the sky colour is shaded with the bright sunlight and tree branches are not as vivid as it actually were

Change the Shutter speed and look at the difference below.

 

I used to own a point and shoot digital camera earlier (that I still have but not using anymore) but since I’ve bought a dslr, I am extremely happy with the investment as it does give the kind of control that allow you to shoot the image as you see or want. You only have to know how to use the given controls and settings on the camera.

Having said that, I am not claiming that I’ve learned all or have become an expert over-night. All I am saying is, I am very excited to have my new toy and it pays back to spend some time into learning what your ‘toy’ can do for you

 

Happy Shooting !!!

Shooting With My New DSLR – Canon 650D

Last weekend I drove to ‘The Weir Reserve’ near Penrith to play with my new toy, Canon 650D. Very excited having bought it and looking forward to use it even more frequently and take more photos. I will be sharing those photos here on my blog as and when I take these and get time to update the blog.

Here are some that I captured last weekend.

Trying to capture a Sun-Star




















Some fallen bushes with some kind of beans/berries (don’t know what is it called, any idea?)


Some naked tree branches -


A two feet tall waterfall (this is actually a crossing of the river – has some history attached to it)


The two-feet Waterfall (at the river crossing)


Shallow Depth of Field – Check.


A tip-of-the-petal Point Focus


Another close-up with shallow d-o-f


Loved this hanging flowery bush -


That is it for this post – I actually have more that I want to share but will do in next posts.

In the end if anyone, by chance or mistake, happened to come across this post/blog please do leave comments (critique/appreciation) and also share with me your photos or blog where you have posted your art work. I may learn something new out of that and that way you will have one more fan of your work

If there is no such ‘chance’ or you don’t make ‘mistakes’ then I will just continue to post my photos here until someone does a ‘mistake’ – ha ha...

Happy Shooting !!!

Opera House & Harbour View

Taken with my mobile (HTC One X) few weeks back, this is one of my favourite.

Buying your first DSLR

When buying your first DSLR, one gets so confused with the range to choose from and it can be tough to find the best combination of the features and functions for the amount that you willing to spend on it.

Another dilemma choosing your first dslr could be the fact that you don't know much about the dslrs and what features and functions it can offer. There are many brands and their many different models with many different features and functions. Choosing from such a vast range of options can be very tricky and needs lot of research to know that you get what you want to for your money. This is why I had done my share of research on the web, ask friends/colleagues who own a DSLR already or who know some about abc of photography for advice and suggestions. Read various blogs, articles, comparisons of the various dslrs,  notes from a colleague and posts about the basics of the photography.

One article that I found very convincing and useful about 'buying a dslr' is the main reason that I write this article. I wanted to save this article for a future reference of my own and increase its instances on the web if someone (like me; a newbie to dslr world) searches for some ideas on how to buy a new dslr. The article is found on the link http://mansurovs.com/dslr-purchase-guide. This helped me make a decision on the model that I ended up buying, a Canon 650D shown in the image above.

The summary of things that one, who is new to dslr photography, has to consider when buying first dslr is

1- When buying first dslr and if you have very little knowledge of photography, then do not spend big money rather go for an entry level dslr. Keep it simple as that will help you learn your camera and photography quickly.

2- An entry level dslr will give you enough control and quality of photos to begin with and once you learn how to use it and how to best use the basic functions Aperture, Shutter, Exposure it will be justified then to invest more on your camera.

3- Either you buy a Canon or a Nikon (not sure about other brands since I wanted to buy only one from these two), both the brands have a large range of lenses and that means you can simply buy more lenses with the same body to try on different/advanced options. Make sure the camera you buy does support those lenses (if you'd have to buy later).

4- If you want to take some really good photos in the dark light with your new dslr, then it is wise to invest in a nice tripod because without one it is hard to take a nice clear photo in the dark.

These are the main points (as far as I have learned so far) but there could be more that one will learn as you grow into dslr photography.

In short, suggest to research appropriately before buying your first dslr and it is important to do that since you don't want to regret later since a dslr does not come cheap.

Happy buying your first DSLR !!

It is exciting :-)

The Wisdom Behind Fasting and Its Benefits

Below is a very nice article on the "wisdom behind fasting and its benefits" that I came across on a blog www.muftisays.com. I liked it and thought to keep it for my future reference therefore I am copying it here on my blog (with full reference to the source).

There are innumerable reasons and benefits of fasting. One of the most promenent is habituating oneself with controlling the carnal self. One thereby restrains one's innate desires, as a result of which those good deeds that are normally difficult to carry out become easier. One therefore is able to forsake sin and develops the qualities of piety and abstinence.

Allah سبحانه و تعالى says, "O you who have Imaan! Fasting has been made obligatory for you just as it was made obligatory for those before you (the Jews and Christians), so that you may develop Taqwa (fasting saves a person from sin because it develops self-restraint and drives away the passions that lead to sin.) - Surah Baqara 2:183

Fasting serves as a nutrition for the soul so that the soul gains strength by it. There is nothing as effective as fasting to curb carnal desires and purify the soul. Fasting opens the door to spirituality and lends vitality to one's acts of worship.
 

Reliable books of Ahadith mention that Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم once asked, "O Allah! What brings a person closest to You?" Allah سبحانه و تعالى replied, "When a person is hungry and in Sajdah."

Another wisdom behind fasting is that people inculcate the qualities of Allah. Just as Allah سبحانه و تعالى does not need food, drink or carnal passions, the fasting person also does away with these during the fast. Similarly, he also then adopts the qualities of the angels عليهم الصلاة والسلام who are sustained on Dhikr and not on food. The fasting person also gets the golden opportunity to be grateful to Allah during the days of fasting, when he also sympathizes with the poor.

Furthermore, fasting purges the body of toxins and diseases and is especially effective in purging phlegm. Fasting harnesses the love of Allah سبحانه و تعالى and Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم and raises a person's stages in the Aakhirah (Hereafter).

Allah سبحانه و تعالى says, "Fasting is for Me and I shall personally reward a person for it." - [Hujjatullah al-Baaligha Vol.1 pg 154]

Another of the thousands of reasons for fasting is that by fasting, a person is fulfilling the command of Allah سبحانه و تعالى, thereby gaining proximity to Him.

And Allah knows best what is most correct.

[Fatawa Rahimiyyah Vol.3 pg 118-119]

by: Mufti Abdur Raheem Lajpuri  رحمه الله

Original Post can is posted here:
http://www.muftisays.com/blog/Seifeddine-M/2976_01-08-2012/the-wisdom-behind-fasting-and-its-benefits.html

Panoramic Harbour View from my Mobile

Taken one very fine afternoon.

One Hour of my Lunch Break

During the one hour of lunch break I prefer going out for a brisk walk around the block in North Sydney, where I work. It is beautiful around that time when sun is out and shining.
One one such lunch break, I took this walk through the North Sydney Oval Park and there I got a chance to try the camera of my new mobile because the park had so beautiful and rich colours around and it compelled me to capture these on my mobile. A few of these shots I am posting here. The beauty I see in these just make me praise the nature and the creator of all this, ALMIGHTY ALLAH.
It is just so beautiful – I am loving Sydney !
Beautiful addition of the red pole right in the middle of lush green trees.

Walk way & fallen leaves with beautiful scenery in the backdrop.

Sitting benches among trees

Pakistan 2012 - Part 2 Memories

Yay! going to visit family and friends in home country. Pakistan 2012 - Part 1

Aaah! that time of the life of an Expat has come and gone in a flash. It never feels enough time when you are on a holiday visiting your family and friends. Anyway this time the trip was special because little me came home for the first time and it was kind of a surprise visit as we reached one week earlier than what we told our families. So it was all very exciting for us and the surprise was very received as well. Everyone was very happy to see us  home earlier than expected.

Musa's grand parents were very ecstatic to meet him and his uncles and aunts were eager to pick him up. And he loved being the center of attention among all. His (late) phuppo gave him a nick name (which she never ever have given to any other kid), Mithoo.She left everyone of us grieving few days after we've arrived and that was the worst thing that happened during the visit. May her soul rest in higher places of Jannah.Ameen.

In the same time, Butt family was also visiting Pakistan from Sweden and that let Musa meet his cousin brother Ehan and cousin sister Zainab. It was such a pleasure watching grand parents, uncles and aunts loving their grand son that I so wanted them to live with him so that he gets to enjoy their love. However not every wish can be fulfilled, so I just had to agree with the reality that didn't match the wish. He also received  many gifts from them and that caused our luggage to easily cross the allowed luggage limit.

Another highlight of the trip was the delicious Pakistani food that I tried to eat as much as I could in that limited time I had. Although I could not eat all that I thought but still enjoyed whatever I can. For example I had the Hardees Super Star with curly fries at least 4 times during that trip. I just love it !!

The coming back of such trips is always toughest thing for me and it made me feel sad even before I landed there. Thinking about returning makes me home-sick and even though I have been on these trips now for at least 4 times but I think not over it yet. On our way to Allama Iqbal International airport Lahore, I was stuck in a traffic chaos on the Canal road near the Mall Road exit. It took me about 40-50 minutes to get through that chaos and it was then found out that the Police had blocked the under-pass of the Mall road (probably due to some VIP movement - bloody VIPs). It almost costed me to miss my flight. I was very annoyed and I feel bad for the locals that they had put up with that non-sense every day.

Another drama at the airport was at the check-in counter that took sometime before it reached it drop-scene. We were the last one to get the clearance at the check-in counters and through the passport control counters. Musa behaved well on-board and that made our air-travel better that what we thought it could be.

Now that we are back, I am already thinking to plan my next trip in an year's time rather than after 2 years and hoping that I can actually go back in an year's time. Let's see !!

Pakistan 2012

Despite a bit tragic end of 2011 (reference to blog "Goodbye 2011"), 2012 has started with lots of excitement for me as I (and family) will be travelling to Pakistan to visit families and friends. It will be first overseas trip of Musa when he will meet his grand parents, uncles, aunts and cousins.  Everyone there is anxiously waiting to meet little one as they all are counting days (just like we are). Yes this is very exciting !!!

The preparation for such a trip is multi-folded that includes, 1-shopping, 2-shopping, 3-shopping and packing of those shoppings :P and I'm glad that the major part of this preparation is completed (well almost). The packing cannot start until the last 48 hours before we get on-board. 

This time I'm going home after about two years and there are a lots of things to do when I get there. One of the most important (after meeting family of course) is to eat all sorts of local/desi food, hmmm yummy (even the thought of that). The top of the list is 'Halwa Poori', 'Hareesa', 'Muhammadi Nihari', 'Kali Mirch Walay Chanay', 'Bundu Khan ki Handi, Reshmi Kabab, Malai Kabab', 'SnP ka Stuffed Chicken Breast', 'Nadeem Tikka', 'Bhayye k Kabab', 'Liberty Burger', 'Dahi Bhallay' and rest of the list is very long :P 

Along with all the excitement, there is a bit of worry about health that I hope the trip goes without any health issues. The shortage of electricity and gas will also make this trip interesting, aah! There will be lots of travelling involved within Pakistan (I'm expecting although I'd prefer otherwise). 

The trip is going to begin in few days now and I can already see myself at the halwa poori shop, early in the morning "doing the justice" with my craving for it :D

Here is a "screenshot" of the image that I have in my mind, for you :P

With sincere apologies from those having a weak heart :P

Goodbye 2011

What an year 2011 was for me and my family. It brought some of the best moments and blessings in my life and also has brought me across some un-wanted and not so pleasant moments. However these good and not so good moments all are part of life and one should not complain when something is unwanted in the life rather should be thankful to ALMIGHTY for what good has happened and cherish it. Life should be based on all the good memories while learning from the bad ones so that their repetition can be avoided in future.

So here I am being thankful to ALMIGHTY for blessing me any my family with the best gift of life, my son. He brought me the utmost pleasure and joy of life, cannot thank enough to ALLAH. Life has become so beautiful and feels complete. I come home from full day's tiring job, but when I see his smiling face that washes all the tiredness away in a blink. It is just amazing. You've got to be a parent to feel that and to believe it :)

There were few occasions in 2011 that I wish hadn't happened. But I also know everything in life happens for a reason and for that one should not complain about the hard ships of life and lose hope. We should rather take such events as a challenge and work to steer ourselves out of it while taking note of the dos and donts of the whole event. These notes help you throughout your life to avoid the repetition of those unwanted and unpleasant scenes. I have learned as well from these and will try not to let these recur.

This Christmas and new year holidays I was thinking of touring the width and breadth of city but one last little incident of the leaving year 2011 forced me to sit back and relax, avoiding the Christmas rush on the roads and in the car parks of any mall or picnic spots. It gave me the opportunity to catch up with the lost sleep and clean the Macbook's hard drive of the long copied movies ;) It has been a very boring end of the year and holidays. Never hated any holiday period this much before and hope won't have to in future.

Anyway, to close this post and say goodbye 2011 here are a few of the year's highlights to be listed.

1- Birth of my son Mohammad Musa Shakeel
2- Birth of a baby boy (Ehan Ali) and a baby girl (Zainab Batool) to SS' sister and brother's families respectively.
3- Wedding of my cousin Muhammad Rizwan
4- Birth of a baby boy to Rizwan's family.

Thanking for these bright moments of the year, I say goodbye 2011 and welcome 2012 with these hopes and prayers that;

May 2012 bring prosperity, health and contentment for me, my family, relatives and friends. For my country, Pakistan, may it be a year of peace, glory, respect, growth and free from corruption, lawlessness, injustice and inhumanity. Ameen.