Blog Awards!

Sara, a lucky lady who lives in one of the most beautiful places in the world, has presented me with this fabulous award!   I can’t explain how happy and proud I feel when a reader (who then becomes a friend) appreciate my blog and thinks of me when giving out a blog award.  Thank you so much, dear sis *hugs*

Check this out!

Rules of the Award:

• List five current obsessions.
• Pass the award on to five more fabulous blogs.
• On your post of receiving this award, make sure you include the person that gave you the award and link it back to them.
• When you post your five winners, make sure you link them as well.
• Don’t forget to let your winners know they won an award from you by leaving a comment on their blog.

My 5 Current Obsessions (in no particular order):

1.  Photography

This is an all-time obsession.  Though I often forget my cellphone at home, I always remember to bring my camera.  Whenever I go somewhere, specially for the first time, I feel – sometimes – as if I’m taking so many photographs that I am not enjoying the place myself.  It’s like I’m behind the lens ALL the time!  I truly appreciate my husband for his patience; he can wait forever while I take pictures.

2.  Sightseeing

I pretend being a tourist everywhere I go – even on my way to work each day.  I love looking at my surroundings, absorbing each and every detail, and committing them to memory.  And before going some place new, I like reading about it first.  Before we went to visit the Agra Fort, for example, I spent hours reading about the place so when I was actually there, I felt history come alive.

3.  Falooda

I can’t have enough of Falooda!  Back in Karachi, whenever an aunt or cousin takes me shopping, they know I must have my falooda.  Unfortunately, faloodas here in the UAE don’t taste as good as those available back home, but I still have them nevertheless, just not as frequently as I would in Karachi.

4.  Saris

A sari is something I thought I’d never wear because … well … it’s not easy to manage 6-7 meters of fabric!  But things changed when I visited India for the first time and saw all these women looking so beautiful and graceful in saris.  I started obsessing about saris!  When we visited Hyderabad three months ago, all I wanted to do was shop for saris -  and that’s what I did.  And I’ve worn only saris to all the parties I have attended since returning back to the UAE.  My mother in law will be coming to Dubai during the first week of September, inshaAllah, and she’s bringing more saris for me.  I’m so excited!

5.  United Arab Emirates

I’ve come to love this country so much that I can’t imagine living anywhere else right now.  Just the thought of leaving this country some day breaks my heart.  I love so many things about this country:  the masjids, people, parks, malls, buildings, roads, internet speed, grocery shopping, driving, lights, abayas, desert safaris, restaurants, cleanliness, and safety.  But most importantly, my family is here.  For me this is home.

I’m giving this award to the following fabulous blogs (in no particular order):

Uneekmuslimah

Shahrazad

Digital Niqabi (blog written by two fabulous sisters)

Alisha

Umm Travis

I wanted to share this award with so many more fabulous bloggers who I look forward to reading every day.  But the rule said “five” and I’ll stick to that (reluctantly).

UPDATE (Aug 28)

Hajar has just given me with this awesome “Adorable Blog” Award!  Thank you, girl!