Saima Says

Short update: we're well!

I've sent emails out to most folks by now to let them know that I'm off to perform Hajj next week with my family.

So Hajj eh? What's it all about? I'll let Wiki take this one.

I'm kind of nervous really, mainly for my parents who are coming with me. How will they cope with the hordes of people, the heat and the camping elements? I guess that's what we're there for, to make sure they're looked after. I'm told by a lot of people that the main test of the pilgrimage is keeping patient during all the madness. On the other hand, my dad seems to be more worried about having his head shaved!

I'll try to keep you updated while I'm out there but I'm thinking of only taking a crappy phone so maybe not. Either way, I'm hoping there'll be much to tell you upon my return.

It's customary when leaving for Hajj to ask those you know to forgive you for any wrongdoings so here's me asking for just that. If I've ever upset you with something I've said or done in the past then my sincere apologies.

People say Hajj is life changing but what I want from it is an opportunity for reflection, something that I don't get in the hustle and bustle of every day life. A chance to look at myself and work towards becoming a better person.

Peace :)

The Jung Typology Test has been rocking the hizzouse lately. We've taken the test (more than once), matched it to the Keirsey Temperaments table, pretty much analysed it to death and laughed/cried at the results. And then we've made our family take the test too and laughed some more.

My sister and I came out as Field Marshals which everyone has interpreted as Hard Nosed Bitches but hey man, we get results!

What are you?

Lifts (or elevators) have the potential for so many awkward situations that it's a wonder I even use them anymore. But I have to at work as the stairways are so well concealed and I therefore fall victim to one of the below:

• The "Nearly Trapped in the Closing Doors" Moment. Now I'd like to follow the rule of thumb that if a lift door is closing just wait for the next one but invariably one of the "passengers" will spot you making your way to said lift and try to keep the doors open for you. Of course, you now feel obliged to get into that lift pronto but your kind colleague's efforts to hold the lift for you are never in sync with your arrival at the door. Now you must spend at least two seconds with a bunch of people who heard you yelp as you struggled to free your arm and bag from the metal pincers of the Lift Monster.
• The "Button Doesn't Light Up" Fiasco. This has happened to me just once but is an awkward enough situation to warrant a mention. It is Embarassing; that's right, with a capital Eeeeeh. I'm in the lift to go the 1st floor and I press the 1 button but it doesn't light up. I panic because I may miss my floor as it rapidly approaches so I keep pressing the button. LIGHT UP DAMMIT! It seems however the lift has got the message but refuses to share this with me and promptly opens its doors to let me out. I peer over to the other set off buttons and alas, the number 1 shines in all its red glory. The embarassment of course is caused by the presence of your fellow passengers who all could see both the other set of numbers and me struggling with the dud set. Thanks a bunch.
• The "Marooned on an Island" Scenario. Lifts get busy. I hate being the last person to get on only to find all the safe havens against the wall of the lift are already occupied and I must now stand, stranded, in the middle of the lift; all shuffling feet and bowed head. Its like being a social outcast for a small amount of time, looked upon with a mixture of pity and disdain.

I haven't mentioned The "Farting in the Lift and Everyone Knows it's You" faux-pas because it has never happened to me but I recognise how that may blow these other moments out of the water.

Next in the series: Revolving Doors

The ladies' prayer room at work is a treasure trove of bizarre items. Last week I found the following things there, some standard and some not so:

• Shawls
• Ramadan timetable
• Flourescent yellow high-visibility jacket
• Pair of brand new (tags intact) M&S men's khaki trousers
• Dozens of paper napkins

I'll keep you updated with any new arrivals.

Sidenote: I have spelt "you" as "upi" twice today.

This song just does something to me which induces a rush of endorphins. <3

Great performance of this song on Later...with Jools Holland; try and catch it.