Under Urooba's Umbrella!

A Post to Distract You From My Lack of Outfit-Recording

2011-12-26T02:19:00.000-08:00

Would you like a beauty tip that will not denigrate your self-esteem and consequently your self-worth? Try flicking glitter upon your lashes; view the world through kaleidoscope eyes when basking in any form of light.

I followed said beauty advice when I found myself spending a December evening with 13-year olds. Some gems from their conversations, of which I eavesdropped on whilst flipping between reading scholarly essays on how fundamentalism has betrayed the true spirit of Islam, and the epic unrequited love story, "Love in the time of Cholera":

uroobajamal Urooba Jamal

"My mom was a tomboy. The only girl things she did was, like, cook and clean." *cringes forever** #hangingoutwithtweens

1 hour ago Favorite Reply Delete

uroobajamal Urooba Jamal

"Mature is, like, when you don't laugh at sex jokes." #hangingoutwithtweens

3 hours ago

Oh hai therr, embedded-tweets feature.

éclatement de l'inspiration

2011-11-29T00:19:00.001-08:00

"Women are not created weaker but more generous than men. They are created more beautiful and less fierce, as beauty hates to hurt and harm others. That is why they seem weak to people, but in reality they are not. Angels are the strongest of created beings, and women are closer to the angelic nature than men, as they are readier than men to carry angelic light. It is the good manners and ethics of spirituality which they carry which makes them less forceful than men. Even physically, however, they are extremely strong. They undergo great upheavals in their body without flinching for the sake of childbirth, and face the direst physical conditions more successfully than men because God has enabled them to insure the survival of generations."

-Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.)

Just a quickie post; burst of inspiration & what not. It's been way too long, mes amies. <3
Life's been crazy-busy, obvs. Fear not, been doing errrr'thang in tacky, thrift-y, vintage-y clothes, bien sûr.

Bell Bottoms and bedroom Eyes

2011-11-06T01:26:00.000-07:00

The word 'undergraduate' seems rightfully accurate--these undergraduate years are so underrated!

The cognizance of this fact hath made me commit acts of the socially deviant kind:

I decided to ornament half my limbs with the most ridiculous/fan freakin' tastic/groovy/happiness-inducing floral bell bottoms.

The two best accompaniments? A velvet blazer and a pompous, hip-jutting demeanor, of course.

The pants also serve as a means of protection against dangerous suburban terrain.

The unveiling (pun not intended, for once) of lethargy or sexy bedroom eyes? You decide.

who what wear?

velvet blazer: < $3, F as in Frank vintage sale
floral fab-freakin'-tastic pants: Urban Outfitters, $10
gold metallic, zebra-print scarf: H&M, $5

{word of the moment}

cog·ni·zance

noun 1. awareness, realization, or knowledge; notice; perception:
"The guests took cognizance of the snide remark."

{phonetic gem of the moment}

This man. His voice. That is all. (When is he coming to Vancouver!?!?!?!?!?)

{book of the moment}

{quote of the moment}

"Why do you stay in prison, when the door is so wide open?" ~ Jalal ad-Din Rumi

**Till next time, *lieflinges!

**(*darlings, in Afrikaans)**

[video!] What's Happening Write Now

2011-10-26T00:55:00.000-07:00

In between constructing coffins for the most enjoyable (pretend) funeral/murder mystery I have had the pleasure of organizing and attending; and receiving mail in an actual mailbox that is not an email inbox; and having my lips formulate the shape of a bowl every time I hear Joshua Radin's "I Missed you"
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIuUDR-5H-8]; and getting abnormally excited at the fact that as of late there have been many parallels between my Urban Studies, Sociology of Racial and Ethnic Inequality and World Literature classes; and having my breath taken away as I behold the sight of fall on campus; and drawing out dramatic, induced-by-pseudo-annoyance sighs every time someone wrote a generic "happy bday :D" greeting upon my Facebook wall; and smiling copiously every time someone did not do that; and connecting with the Pakistani diaspora on campus by being an executive of a Pakistan Students' Association, and having conversations with my residents a.k.a. children in the washroom with toothpaste-foam-stuffed mouths, and by thrifting a string of lights for $1 that I have put up in my room and that are much too romantic and reaffirm my desire for a significant other but not really just joking; and being somewhat relieved my french class is much like highschool french parce-que c'est tres facile; and actually resorting to penciling in time in our schedules to have casual hang-out sessions with my BFF because our lives are just that divergent and busy now; and discovering that if I were to be an academic discipline I would most likely be sociology, seeing as I think like a sociologist a lot of the time now; and wearing glittery black slacks to an interview because metallic gold tights and tie-dyed denim will just not do; and repeating jokes far too often in the day that even I tire of my redundancy; and having conversations about political efficacy and racial segregation with 75-year-old men in groovy cafes that have gender-neutral washrooms; and being of an interest to 26-give-or-take-year-old fobby sales clerks at convenience stores who offer me free samosas whilst slippng me their number....

...a friend and I made a video! It's a tribute to Vancouver and some of the reasons why we love this place. Originally for the creative part of an application and now for your viewing pleasure, too!
Enjoy.

p.s. outfit post soon!
p.p.s. hello new followers!
p.p.p.s. 2 milestones: am now 19. This l'il 'ol blog, UUU, is about to turn TWO YEARS OLD. Aw, my baby! <3

[Confessions of an Academic-Hedonist]

2011-10-04T22:49:00.000-07:00

Because I constantly receive large 'mounts of gratification from being verbose, and because I enjoy steadily increasing my superfluously-hyphenated-self-identity I have added something else to the way I will now classify myself:

I am an academic-hedonist.

Damn straight.

It Never Gets Ti(g)ering

2011-09-26T23:22:00.000-07:00

This post will not ooze collegiate-chic as it so rightfully should. Won't ooze sophomore collegiate-chic to be exact. No, won't ooze second-year collegiate-chic to be exact exact, seeing as I am no American (& do not particularly aspire to be. Re: Troy Davis sad-edy. [tragedy + sad]).

Instead, it will attempt to reinforce the norm of longing for summer. Please sit back & enjoy me having ascendancy over you for the next few moments in time.

Longing for summer reaffirmed yet? Oh, no? Fear not, there's more captured moments of time where this came from.

who what wear?

shiny blue scarf, $2, F as in Frank
vintage floral dress, $3, Value Village
gold metallic tights, $10, h&m
bright blue pumps, $3, thrifted
bedazzled vintage vest, momma's from the 80's

The beautiful thing about being a maximalist is that you can repeat outfits (gasp!shock!horror!) with a simple switch of accessories. Case in point: I've worn this ensemble to convocation ceremonies, birthday dinners, & summer Microeconomics classes.

[jewellery] who what wear?

blue ring, Old Navy, $3
gold cuff, Forever 21
white & gold necklace, Aldo, $10
blue & gold necklace, Value Village, < $2

Now, here: gallivanting graciously amidst suburban terrain...or picking a frustratingly deep-seated (literally) wedgie? You decide.

p.s. Exciting Life Updates in This L'il Life O' Mine vis-à-vis Photographs

In this photo I am in the possession of the Delicious Boy, who is my 7-month old baby brother who has not made an appearance on UUU yet (!!!!!!!!!!!).

I am currently a Residence Advisor at school. In short, I get paid to have TONS OF LEGAL FUN.

Above is my Small Team. & a cheer we never get tigerd (heh) of re-enacting: "1-2 KU, 3-4 Hear us roar! *roar*)

bisou, bisou, mes darlings. Till next time (which will not be a month later. *winces*)

p.s. I AM ALIVE (!!!!!!)

2011-09-20T01:05:00.001-07:00

Truth.

2011-08-23T21:33:00.000-07:00

Y'know, if it wasn't for my passive consumption of media-induced gender & beauty norms, the frustratingly superficial expectation of and infatuation with becoming trophy wives as per the tradition of the Pakistani(/desi?) diaspora, and well-intentioned (??) passing remarks from friends and/or relatives...

...I think I would be 100% okay with my 'curvy' body.

Screw you, socialization!

[Happy Independence Day!] This is the Pakistan I know.

2011-08-14T01:31:00.000-07:00

Despite the 3 Ps, (corrupt) politics, (frustratingly deep-seated) patriarchy and (dismal) poverty, I am forever enamored by Pakistani art: food, music and clothes. Happy Birthday to my birthplace and the region of the world that forms one-half of my cultural identity!

Below, the Pakistan that I know.

(yours truly)

Born in a hospital in Nazimabad, Karachi, in 1992, it has been mentioned by my mother I began accessorizing since day 1.

(me, my sister, my Dad)

There it was, too, where I developed a head full of curls, and my sister, a hairless scalp.

(me, my sister)

Sitting pretty; attending an authentic Pakistani wedding (@ age 8.5).

(my sister, other sister, brother, et moi)

Sitting pretty; attending an authentic Pakistani wedding (@ age 8.5)...with more siblings in tow (and now there exists one more Generation Y sibling, aged 6 months m'A!)

(mama dearest, my sister, brother, dad, aunt. top: me, my sis. bottom: cousin)

A true Pakistani venture, shawarmas and lassi (*mouthwatering!!!!!*) at Clifton Beach, Karachi, with all types of family members in tow. Even your uncle's brother-in-law's cousin's son's old college friend.

(sister, me, sister)

Devouring our childhood: days spent being as innocuous as possible: accepting candy from the chauki-dars (security officers), befriending the massis (housekeepers), and riding oont (camels) at the beach.

And celebrating 9th birthday parties on chuths (rooftops).

The following quotes are by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan (1876-1948).

“There are two powers in the world; one is the sword and the other is the pen. There is great competition and rivalry between the two. There is a third power stronger than both, that of the women.”

“Come forward as servants of Islam, organize the people economically, socially, educationally and politically and I am sure that you will be a power that will be accepted by everybody.”

“No nation can rise to the height of glory unless your women are side by side with you.”

“Our objective should be peace within, and peace without. We want to live peacefully and maintain cordial friendly relations with our immediate neighbours and with the world at large.”

“We are victims of evil customs. It is a crime against humanity that our women are shut up within the four walls of the houses as prisoners. There is no sanction anywhere for the deplorable condition in which our women have to live.”

“We should have a State in which we could live and breathe as free men and which we could develop according to our own lights and culture and where principles of Islamic social justice could find free play."

.چوم ,چوم

(kiss, kiss). (bisou, bisou).

Summer, don't leave white away.

2011-08-10T23:30:00.000-07:00

This summer has been the perfect blend of work, play, and all-around general lounging. This dress embodies that to a tee.
When I'm hard at work passively flopping my hands into the hands of manicurists, it's appropriate.
When I'm conjuring up wordplay spontaneously, it's appropriate.
When I lounge around all general-like, it's a little less appropriate. (I prefer to be lackadaisical in clothes that severely lack opulence).

*this is a satirized pose. No one in their white mind (ha) configures their limbs like this intentionally.

*this is a semi-satirized pose.

who what wear?

geometric-patterned dress, $3, thrifted 2.
vintage, tattered, pre-loved sandals, $2, thrifted [my Summer Sandal as of late] 3.
black tights, $4, Forever 21

[jewelery] who what wear?

blue ring: Old Navy (I know, right!?), $3
coral & gold necklace: Stitches, $1
silver ring: Zellers, $1.50
silver bracelet: Pakistan
studded bracelet: thrifted, $1.50

Hope y'all are having a fantastic summer! Connect with me, else I seldom know of your existence.
I update very infrequently (#blamethemuslims, am I right, am I right?), so the most active I am in cyberspace is over @ Twitter, dear comrades: http://twitter.com/#!/uroobajamal
Come. Follow me.
(Let me believe I have much ascendancy over y'all. *Wink, wink.)

*attempt at winking. I refuse to believe otherwise. What! No! It is not an Awkward Face! Awkward phase? Maybe.

Toodles, mere pyarein.

Read-iculous.

2011-08-04T16:54:00.000-07:00

My plunges into the world of literature as of late have been met with such positive reverberations, it is read-iculous.

It all started with 'Child 44' by Tom Rob Smith. I devoured that thrilling fictitious-but-based-on-true-events-thus-historical-murder-mystery-crime-laden-political…thriller with such vulgarity during finals time, I got a B in Microeconomics. *whimpers*

Still, sacrificing a vivacious future was so worth it.

Like comic relief in a dramatic, tragic play, the following quote, besides being an utterly sweet thing to muster to one’s significant other, serves as ‘romantic relief':

"Do you remember the first time we saw each other? You thought I was rude, staring at you. I got off at the wrong metro stop just to ask your name. And you refused to tell me. But I wouldn’t leave until you did. So you lied and told me your name was Lena. For an entire week all I could talk about was this beautiful woman called Lena. I’d tell everyone Lena’s so beautiful. When I finally saw you again and convinced you to walk with me I called you Lena the entire time. At the end of the walk I was ready to kiss you and you were only ready to tell me your real name. The next day I told everyone how wonderful this woman Raisa was and everyone laughed at me saying last week it was Lena this week it’s Raisa and next week it’ll be someone else. But it never was. It was always you."

I read a few more books in between (and that I'd whole-heartedly recommend: 'Summer Sisters' by Judy Blume, 'The Blind Assassin' by Margaret Atwood, & 'Bossypants' by *Tina Fey).

*I now have a platonic crush on Tina Fey.

And then I had the privilege of stumbling upon Nafisa Haji's 'The Sweetness of Tears'. It weaves together the stories of individuals from different generations, different timezones, different faiths and toys--nay, beautifully treads--through topics such as religion, war, patriarchy, emotional expatriation, friendship, and love.
I urge you all to give it a read and have your soul shaken!

This quote was poetic. And heart-breaking, given the context.

"The fact is, Deena, that you and Umar are no longer children. You have gone from sharing fruit to sharing poetry. It is time to set this part of your childhood aside, before you also move from broken bones to broken hearts."

This quote needs no explanation, I hope.

"The only way to rise above is to rise above. The only way to respond with wrong is with right. The only way to deal with injustice is to be just," said Abu.
I told Ma what Abu said. "Hmm. Abu carries a lot of wisdom around in his head. But the problem is that in the real world, wisdom is very hard to detect from foolishness."
"What are you saying, Ma!? That Abu is foolish?!"
"I am saying that most people would consider him to be so."
"Do you?"
My mother sighed. "No, Deena. Don't tell him I said so--but I think he is wise. It's the rest of the world that is foolish."

This quote made me angry, as it reminded me of the cultural misogyny that is so often wrapped under the pretense of Islam and is used to justify the subjugation of women. But I cooled off (sort of--am currently amidst Californian heat!) and went on reading Haji's brilliant words.

"But there's nothing in the Quran that says so!"
"No matter. The interpretation of the learned ones is sound."
"The learned ones! They must all have been men!"
"Of course they were!" he said, shocked, "You think it's a woman's job to determine what the law of God is?"

And this one brought tears to my eye and I have no freakin' clue why. Closet hopeless romantic? (Other passages brought out saltwater from my tear ducts, too--tears actually worth shedding! I am embrassed to have been misty-eyed because of the preceding quote).

"What I saw there explained everything--the reason he had stayed away, why he had come to say good-bye. I can only describe what I saw by its effect on me. Every woman should be looked at in such away, at least once in her life. With a longing that cannot be contained....like the verse of the poem he had read...I felt my face flush and waves of knowing suffused every pore, every cell of my being. ...in that love, I felt beauty--my own....Have you ever felt that way, Jo? Have you ever been looked at with such soulful longing that you are transformed, the object and subject of Love, capital L? You look frightened, as if you didn't know what I was talking about and were afraid of it somehow."

And that concludes my summer reading list thus far.
And yours?
(p.s. new followers-welcome!)
(p.p.s. read a review of 'The Sweetness of Tears' by my cousin, on Altmuslimah--your platform for gender issues in Islam and beyond!: http://www.altmuslimah.com/a/b/reva/4361/)

"And never let hatred of anyone lead you into the sin of deviating from justice." - (Qur'an 5:8)

Date's Weird

2011-07-14T23:07:00.000-07:00

One of my many, many, many talents (besides being humble) includes remembering dates of milestones not typically considered milestones.

Examples:

The day I started wearing a hijab: July 1st, 2005 (all of Canada was celebrating along with me).

The first day my endometrium shed: Dec 29th, 2004 (the world would wait a couple of days 'fore celebrating).

And you?

Fill-a-heart sale.

2011-07-05T13:46:00.000-07:00

In between trying to refrain from becoming too angry whilst reading about rape apologism and/or the comment section on any non-alternative media about Muslims and getting lost trying to find new restaurants when hanging out with new friends and shedding superfluous tears at dumb Bollywood movies and kissing my gorgeous 5-month-old brother incessantly as the summer sun kisses us and coyly fueling my sister's apprehension about graduating high school by feeding her false horror UBC Science stories and mentally preparing for an August Ramadan and tweeting too much and having dangerously volatile opinions about third-wave feminism and becoming simultaneously anxious and excited about second year of university and trying to find ways to diverge from slacktivism and rediscovering the joys of devouring a large number of books in a relatively short period of time and getting dolled up as extravagantly as possible for a friend's pre-wedding functions and increasing my Urdu vocabulary by listening to the collection of phonetic gems otherwise known as Coke Studio....
....I got the chance to indulge in a false yet strangely valid kind of happiness: vintage clothes shopping. Yep, F as in Frank (Main St. & Broadway, Vancouver; https://fasinfrankvintage.com) held their bi-annual $10-fill-a-bag-sale and me and my wallet naturally gravitated towards it.
Below, my delightful finds:

A riveting silver metallic and black velvet cropped jacket. Fits like a dream. Will add that hint of pizazz to a plain-jane outfit lest I opt to adorn myself with such an ensemble. Love and lust at first sight. I saw someone toss it into their bag and my heart broke into an infinitesimally small number of pieces. Later, I found it amidst a stack fuzzy sweaters. Two emotions ran through me: joy and relief for being able to have this jacket a part of my life and shock that anyone else would even think to not have it a part of theirs.

A closeup. Look at that delicious button!

Instantaneous Chanel-channeling will occur with this little number.

Faux pearls--what more could ya want!?!

Obnoxiously 80's and has the skyline of a city I would love to visit. A generic desire, but this sweatshirt is anything but. (Neon fabric paint--OH. MY. GOD.)

Fuzzy yellow sweater. Photographs do not do it justice. Emits feelings of autumn joy. And the right amount of collegiate-chic for my second year of university iA. (!)

The Perfect Black Blazer. Fits Perfectly. Has the Perfect sleeve length. The Perfect number of buttons. The Perfect collar shape. It's Perfect*.

*photos do not do justice.

Closeup of Perfection. (Velvet cuffs and buttons! Rejoice avec moi.)

Neon hot-pink-and-orange trench? Swoooooooon. Can't wait to strut this on campus amongst my fellow peers a.k.a. hipsters who dress in colours that range from brown to gray to black to olive green to the *daring* navy blue.

Is an explanation even necessary? Commentary mirrors that of the commentary above.

To casually toss on, with my fat jeans. Lazy summer outfit complete. (Why yes, this is a maternity shirt. Any negative reverberations you have with this fact?)

Black sweaters. All unique in their own set of sequin-laden hotness. I couldn't resist bringing them all home. <3
Closeups:

Bowtiful.

A 'di'-hard fan of diamonds I am.

This one scores all the golds.

Lace white skirt with a flounce so fresh you'd think it was still ripe! Perfect in fulfilling all of my (halal) Taylor Swift music video dreams. (Of which I have none, pfft.)

And I don't know what to do with this one. El-oh-el.

But how could I resist?

And my vintage Chanel bag. Okay, huff, puff, faux Chanel bag. Nothing gets past you, huh?

Last but not least, these fine booties:

Some good news and some bad news regarding these feet embellishments.

Bad news :(! they are too small for my size 8 feet.

Good news :)! could this be a potential giveaway? Would you, dear comrades, be interested?

p.s are you following me on TUMBLR yet?

p.p.s. shout out to Drew for allowing me the extra bit of shopping time! Customer preferences, I dig ya. ;)

p.p.p.s of course all this cost < $30!

~bisou, bisou.

[UPDATE].

2011-07-01T02:14:00.000-07:00

Blogging will commence soon.

Fret little, sweet peas.

p.s. new layout, does it tickle your fancy?

[2nd Bi-Annual Hijabi Fashion Week] Day 7-Party Hostess Outfit!

2011-06-04T17:24:00.000-07:00

Boom diggity! Sadly, another Hijabi Fashion Week has terminated. But as my seventh grade teacher would say,
"Don't cry 'cause it's over; smile 'cause it happened."

And what better way to end, then to host a party-sharty? Party at Under Urooba's Umbrella! Woohooo! Hollllla! Yeeeeeeeeeeeee! *insert verbal diarrhea of Ke$ha and/or Lady Gaga and/or Rihanna*

This outfit was worn to a friend's bridal shower, for which I and three comrades of mine served as hostesses.
"Scandalous" games, thong and g-string decorations...the bridal shower was more reminiscent of a bachelorette party. Theme? How 'bout y'all guess in the comments below? ;)

Will always have you jumping ballistic-ly:

who what wear?

poufy 80's-esque dress, $2, F as in Frank
80's Hawaiian-print leggings, $5, True Value Vintage
neon orange vest, $3, Value Village
flippin' radical necklace, $10, Aldo
red, blue, green heels, $4, thrifted

[outfit commentary]: Alright, alright, the theme was 80's Hawaiian. Y'see why those leggings are so perfect it hurts?! Bursts of colour here and there. A little dash of tacky. A sprinkling of tight and bright.And I was ready to rumba.

Link You Must Click:

to see how girls from around the globe dress whilst playing party hostesses click HERE!

And that is that. Ouf, tears of sadness are rolling down my chin! Thank you all for such excellent feedback if my posts. Now, how 'bout some feedback 'bout HFW itself? Drop a line! Toodles! <3

[2nd Bi-Annual Hijabi Fashion Week]: Day 6-Vacation Wear!

2011-06-03T17:25:00.000-07:00

Ah! Today's theme rubs a bit of salt on the wounds. One of my biggest (generic) desires is to travel the world--eighteen years have passed by and I've really only been to two continents.
Still, relative to those who've never left their hometowns, I guess this is an Advantage of Being an Immigrant #74.

Also, which fool perpetuated the stereotype that all blogs must be non-fictitious? Screw that! Uhhhh, I mean, the following are real accounts of my wild, adventurous, seemingly-far-fetched travels:

When I arrived in Verona, Italy last summer, just outside the airport was the quaintest roadside stall. It was difficult not to fall in love with these genuine Italian-leather flats.

When I ventured on to Paris, a young dapper that qualified 100% according to The Checklist (kidding! There is no checklist), offered a tour of the city through the eyes of a (really-easy-on-the-eyes) local. On his Vespa we sailed through town. He offered me his vest as the chilly Parisian night set in. But I forgot to give it back to him. I don't even remember his name!

After my mainstream European destinations had been fulfilled, I braved a rocky, turbulence-laden flight to Malaysia. It was Urooba's Sartorial Heaven: brightly/nicely dressed fellow hijabis! Mix in yummy food and I had myself a fine, fine vacation. Also went to a clothing swap with some cool Malay ladies and scored the above printed dress.

who what wear?

printed dress, $5, thrifted
classic patent yellow ballet flats, $5, Urban Behaviour
yellow patent clutch, $3, Zellers
red vest, $3, Value Village

blue and gold beaded necklace, $1, thrifted

Links You Must Click

to see how girls from around the globe dress whilst on vacation, click here!
to see how I dressed for a vacation during November 2011's HFW, click here!

Toodles! <3 See you all tomorrow for the ....last day!

[2nd Bi-Annual Hijabi Fashion Week]: Day 5-Jummah!

2011-06-02T17:09:00.000-07:00

Day 5 of Hijabi Fashion Week is dedicated to outfits we'd wear to/on Jummah!
For those not aware, Jummah means Friday. Today's theme, then, entails our best Rebecca Black outfit-impersonation.

I kid! I kid! The apocalypse would've surely occurred if I'd have proceeded to don tween-like, mall-chain-store-purchased, mass-produced clothes that I avoided all throughout highschool.

Friday is reserved for special prayers, where mosque-goers pray in congregation. Analogies that are often made to highlight the significance of Friday for Muslims, usually are made through indication of the relative importance of Sunday church [for Christians]. As Jummah prayers prayed in congregation are not obligatory for women, I attend the mosque on Fridays from time to time. What do I wear? Usually this:

who what wear?

afghani-style shalwar(trouser)-kameez(shirt): gifted by my grandma
blue-green-red kitten heels: $4, thrifted

[outfit commentary]: This is the perfect outfit to slip on, as for some unexplainable reason, there is urgency in the process of getting ready for the masjid [in my family]. The flowing body of the top reminds me of an abaya*--an Urooba-esque abaya ;). Also, it may be of little surprise, but I am usually dressed the brightest!

Link You Must Click

to see how girls around the world dress for Jummah click HERE!

Jummah Mubarak (although in my region of the world, Jummah is tomorrow!) Toodles! <3

And we all love halal 'Friday' parodies, don't we?

[2nd Bi-Annual Hijabi Fashion Week]: Day 4-Date Night!

2011-06-01T16:59:00.000-07:00

"I need to break my fast--can I have a date?" and other such 'islamic' pick-up lines that didn't originate from my brain, are being added to my r'epertoire for full utilization in the future iA.

You smart cookie! Why yes, today's theme is Date Night.
It's funny, y'know. Conceiving potential sartorial combinations for an event one has never experienced--kind of like buying college dorm room supplies while you're in grade 5. Or calling a florist to arrange flowers for your bar mitzvah when you're in your mother's womb. Or blaming your induced-by-PMS volatile moods on menopause at age 24. I'm assuming you get the idea by now.

Still, therein lies great satisfaction from hypothesizing about this phenomena. An innate predisposition if you will. Alright, I'll stop musing about the nature of the human condition now.

This is a 100% accurate depiction of how I'd embrace FSO (Future Significant Other). (Shhh, don't laugh! You'll hurt my 14 year old kid sister's feelings--the pose was her innovative idea).

who what wear?

vintage dress, $2, F as in Frank fill-a-bag-sale
gold metallic tights, $10, H&M
pleather vest, $3, thrifted
gold metallic shirt, $5, Value Village
gold metallic zebra print scarf, $5, H&M
stilleto-esque heels, $10

ring, $1, Charlotte Russe
bracelet & necklace, gifted
beaded purse, vintage a la momma's from the 80's

You know what really maximizes my--errr--affinity for future romance shomance? Bollywood music! Surprising, I know. Here is one of 1832748374 possible songs I could've shared with you blogosphere (90's Bollywood is my weakness):

For my muslim brethren (or not! :)), I recently stumbled upon some great wisdom:

"'Soulmates are Allah's secret.'" Thus, we should rather work on our relationships with ourselves and Him." ~@DeenOverDunia (a cool gal I follow on Twitter!)

Links You Must Click:

to see how girls from around the globe dress for date night click HERE!
to see how I styled my date night outfit for November 2010's HFW, click HERE!

Holla! See y'all tomorrow! Thank you for the continuous flow of sweeeeet sweeeet comments! Y'all really possess the ability to make me blush! And welcome aboard, new followers! <3

[2nd Bi-Annual Hijabi Fashion Week]: Day 3-Work Out Wear!

2011-05-31T17:01:00.000-07:00

You are forewarned.
Proceed forward with caution.
Extreme caution.
Why?
'Cause I am breathtaking in work out wear. No traces of dorkiness in sight. Just full on beauty, I am.
Work out wear really emphasizes all my desirable qualities.
You have been forewarned.

Come at me, bro.

who what wear?

red shirt: my sister's (says Jamal right above my butt. Bombshell-esque, no?)
black track pants: my sister's (notice they are still not sweatpants! ;) Vehemently dislike said type of trousers).
adidas running shoes" my sister's (are we seeing a common theme here?)
hijab: courtesy of Capsters!*
metallic-gold zebra print scarf: H&M, $5 (we were told to 'fashion up' our workout wear--this is the best I can do).

*review:

As you may have noticed, the hijab on my head does not resemble the usual one I sport. (Geddit? Oh, chuckle, chuckle). Perhaps because it is made specifically for use during physical activity--a phenomena I up until recently did not partake in voluntarily. One quick run-through of Capster's website (link above) will inform one that they have several 'sports hijabs'. The one I selected was the Runner. According to capsters.com, "Runner is made of breathable material and comes in a variety of colors. The special and light weight material covers your head comfortably letting you transpire easily and keeping your head cool!"
How does it fare, in my humble opinion? I've aggregated my thoughts, rather conveniently, if I do say so myself, in neat little 'Pros and Cons' categories.

Pros:

it's lightweight! One can hardly feel it on. My other hijabs that are reserved for working out often remind me of their existence with a pull on my chin or with their need to be constantly adjusted.
it's tiny! I can roll it up and shove it in my pocket/small bag faster than you can say "Holy moly ravioli, 'aut dosce, aut disce, aut discede' sounds like techno music in my head!"
My hair isn't plastered to my forehead under my hijab with sweat. Mind you, I still sweat heaps, but the Runner allows for miraculous speculations to occur, such as hyper-fast drying up of perspiration.

Cons:

There is only one: how it appears to make me resemble an extraterrestrial. I suspect it may be that my choice of colours [of the Runner] is incongruous with what suits me. However, case in point:

Ignore my face! Ignore my face! Ignore my face! Ignore my face! Ignore my face! Ignore my face!

Self-deprecating comments aside, I would recommend a Capsters Runner for those looking for an easy-to-wear (just slip it upon your head!), low-maintenance hijab that simultaneously cools you as you sweat (just like sweat does, heh!) For aesthetic appeal, however, you may have to turn elsewhere. Buy one/browse HERE!

Thus, I rate a Capsters Runner hijab a 7 out of 10.

Lunge it out!

p.s. there's only one thing that satisfies after a long, grueling workout: an over-priced, frozen, caffeinated, calorie-laden beverage from a certain chain of coffee shops:

Link You Must Click

To see how girls from around the globe dress whilst working out, click HERE!

Toodles! See y'all tomorrow! Thanks for the comments/follows! Muah!

[2nd Bi-Annual Hijabi Fashion Week]: Day Two-Formal Wear "

2011-05-30T17:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Day Two of HFW May 2011! Today's program is filled to the brim with ( ! <--- that is indeed an exclamation mark; this font be so ghetto).

dorky poses!
desi masala!
chamkeela pan!
chamak barak-ness!
dhol dhamaka!
dorky poses!

who what wear?

vintage heels, passed down from Aunt 2.
momma's 80's shalwar kameez
3. gold metallic, zebra-print scarf, $5, H&M

[outfit commentary]: A healthy majority of formal events I tend to attend often accompany a dress code involving desi attire a.k.a. Pakistani/Indian/what-have-you attire. Hence, the traditional shalwar kameez ensemble above. Naturally, I love it 'cause of the bright colours. ('member, my innate disposition to loud hues?)

However, if a formal event was titled 'Prom' *wink, wink*--I'd wear something like this:

Or, if said formal event was a hypothetical date night (italicize and emphasize hypothetical) *wink, wink, wink*--I'd wear something like this:

Still, if said formal event was a summer surprise birthday party for a BFF *wink, wink*--I'd wear something like this:

*Winks accompany old outfit posts. Cutting work in half. Acting all sly.

Link You Must Click

To see how girls from around the globe dress formally click HERE!

Toodles! Thank you for the lovely comments & for following! Muah-virtual love! See y'all tomorrow!

(The preceding section has been unintentionally left blank. I can't get rid of it--it'll have to be tolerated!)

[2nd Bi-Annual Hjiabi Fashion Week]: Day One - Work Wear "La Mode of Money-Making"

2011-05-29T15:45:00.000-07:00

Hey you! Would you like to witness an "international event drawing readers from more than 70 countries" who's main purpose is to "provide inspiration for fashionably modest yet, hijab-friendly attire for all types of occasions"-kinda like Fashion Week, but online, and our version of it!? Do you dream of seizing the opportunity to be a part of a showcase where "Muslim bloggers showcase new looks everyday for a week under a variety of different categories, ranging from work to weekend wear and everything in between?" Do you salivate at the prospect of knowing this event "isn't only for Muslims or Hijabis, [but] for anyone with an interest in dressing fashionably modest?"

Well then, let me be the first to inform you that the apocalypse (re: May 21st) just may have been good for you, for all your primal desires are being fulfilled!

Yup, it's that time of the year again: Hijabi Fashion Week. November 2010's event was so successful that it would have been criminal not to hold it again. This year, the lovely organizers (Em from Modesty Theory and Asma from Haute Muslimah) have made the event bigger and better--we've got sponsors and giveaways galore! (http://www.lovehfw.com)

You're going to want to check UUU every single day! Don't roll your eyes and snort in a neo-barbaric manner--yours truly is actually going to be blogging 7 consecutive days in a row! I swear by the hairs on my chinny-chin-chin.

Starting today. With work wear, as it has been made plaintively obvious by the post title.

This photo symbolizes the over-lapping [of emotions], mental-disorder-inducing, kaleidoscopic process that is choosing a career.

A timeline of my career prospects:

age 0 to grade three: indifferent/unaware. Was Teacher's Pet so the tasks of handing out worksheets, admiring shiny gold star stickers, and rolling my eyes snootily at the delinquents who gave wrong answers was the only job that provided me with true satisfaction. I did not need to consider other options.

grade four to grade five: an artist. Ah, Neil Buchanan from 'Art Attack' (OMG--WHO REMEMBERS!?!?!) had such a profound impact on me. Blissfully unaware of the "starving-artist complex", I was sure I wanted nothing else to do in life but sketch profiles of 25 year old women and Mickey mouse. (I got pretty darn good, if I do say so myself).

[photo, in order to break up text]:

grade seven: Here is an actual quote from my grade seven yearbook: "In 10 years I'll probably be studying to be something--I don't know what it is yet. Hopefully, I'll be a part-time interior designer or fashion designer. Psst--my parents want me to be a doctor, but I don't want to!" Haha.

grades eight through the second-last month of grade twelve: Doctor. Duh. Dermatologist, if matters of specificity are not to be taken lightly. Why consider anything else? (Some of you older blog readers have lived through this shift! :))

this past year: I don't know and I am perfectly content with this as of right now. :) Diplomacy, law, journalism? Activist for a non-profit organization, documentarian, photojournalist, snooty academic?

who what wear?

electric blue blazer, $5, Value Village
black stiletto booties, $5, random thrift store
blue metallic button up, $3, thrifted
silver metallic over-sized snakeskin clutch, $4, thrifted

4.

[outfit commentary]: Most professions require a blazer. However, it need not be boring. Electric blue is a deviation from your usual grays, blacks and navies. But haven't you heard?--I like to deviate. Add some power-heels (a la 'power suit'), and you're good to go. Good to rake in dough like a bourgeois.
Links you must click:
- To see how I styled 'Work Wear' during HFW Novemeber 2010 click HERE!
- To see how girls from around the globe dress for work/will dress for work click HERE!

Toodles! See you tomorrow for Day Two!

The Tale of the Girl with the Tumblr

2011-05-19T22:41:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, many many millenniums ago, there lived a young lass, in the faraway, secluded temperate rainforests of British Columbia.

Because she enjoyed infiltrating every aspect of the social media and the then-new media landscape, she decided to jump on the wagon...and make a Tumblr.

Now, the truth is jaded, as this tale is very old. Primary and even secondary sources have been destroyed and have eroded over the years. However, there is much speculation as to why this fair young lady decided to create a Tumblr.

Some suggest that it was the happy medium between her Twitter account and her blogspot.com blog. Twitter's 140 character limit often dampened her spirits, but Blogger's intimidating assumptions that those who used the blogging platform would always publish very long posts, made her quite apprehensive at times too.

Others mused that it may be that the damsel found it difficult to blog about her other interests on her main blog, Under Urooba's Umbrella (these other interests that extended beyond vintage fashion and writing) not because of fears of haphazard and messy aggregation of content, but because she needed a prompt to blog about such other interests. Such prompts included an article, a video, a picture, etc. Tumblr was set up to be used as an online bulletin board where various media clippings could be posted, and short commentary could accompany said clippings with great ease. This promise of great ease cast a great spell upon the young mademoiselle and she willingly obliged with her inner desires.

It is also said that the girl's dying wish was to have all of her lovely UUU blog readers follow her on Tumblr. She said she would not haunt those individuals who chose to do so. Here's the link: http://uroobajamaica.tumblr.com/ Just to be safe, y'know?

......So y'all should follow her on Tumblr. I mean, just sayin'. To have a medieval phantom wreaking havoc in your life...oiii. *shudder*

It has also been rumoured, and this here is my own research, the Girl with the Tumblr Blog, was a self-proclaimed maximalist. She defined maximalism as having characteristics of the following photos:

[mini] who what wear?

photo numero uno:

denim jacket: Fas in Frank's alley sale (post coming about this epicness of epic proportions), ~$1.40
red beaded necklace: Value Village, $1
studded cuff: VV, $1.50
rings: Pakistan
silver necklace: Suzy Shier, $1.50
blue bubble tank: Ardene's, $5

photo numero deux

gorgeous vintage lace and sequined dress: Fas in Frank's alley sale (post coming about this epicness of epic proportions), ~$1.40
pearl and gold chain necklace: gifted, Aldo
belt: Joe Fresh, $3
gold cuff: gifted, Forever 21
black and silver bracelet, gifted
crazy cool ring: Charlotte Russe, $1
gold and black zebra print scarf, H&M, $5

xoxo, dear comrades. (And 186 followers? Ooo!)

Poetry for Palestine

2011-05-13T22:37:00.000-07:00

Here is a little spoken word I performed at an event recently that served as a fundraiser where proceeds went to the Canadian Boat to Gaza.
p.s. I don't actually know how to *do* slam poetry. I just pretend I do.
p.p.s. I'm not particularly proud of these pieces, but hey, writing and performing is always my cup of tea! Anyway, it's content that matters more here. I was actually grateful to have this opportunity 'cause it served as an incentive to learn about the plight of the Palestinian people. I was writing, researching, and learning simultaneously!

This first piece loosely (emphasis on loosely) follows the Fresh Prince of Belair theme song. I was feeling rather uncreative and took a shortcut. It rhymes, which is suicidal in The Poetry World, but hey, when Will Smith lays down the law, you'd be foolish to act on your own terms. Also, this is based on a true story. (Breaks my <3).

Child prisoner of Israel
My name is Walid and I'm 13 years old
And this is a story all about how
My life got flipped-turned upside down
And I'd like to take a minute just sit right there
And I'll tell you how I became a child prisoner of Israel

In the West Bank was where I was born and raised
Amidst damaged infrastructure is where I spent most of my days
Hungry, tired, never attended no school,
I've witnessed shootings of innocents and other things just as cruel
One day I stumbled upon a couple of soldiers who were up to no good
accused me of throwing stones at them, as I walked through my neighbourhood
blindfolded, hand-cuffed, shoved in a jeep and driven away
they said "You're being detained without charge, you have absolutely no say"
My bag filled with rice and meat for dinner that night
lay near the olive tree to be found by my family which they only might
cursed at, humiliated and beaten up by the guards
I was damaged, to the extent of feeling like broken glass shards

I am 13 years old and I have
spent 28 days in prison
been charged 500 shekels for something I did not do
And you call people like me terrorists?

Hmm well this might be alright
I've gotten off pretty light
At least I haven't been slaughtered in Gaza by Israeli forces
or been forcibly displaced by demolitions and left with few choices
I've only been ethnically subordinated and attacked to make a political point
I mean, I'm only a 13 year old child prisoner of Israel up in this joint

As a Palestinian, I'm charged for a crime like an adult at sixteen
As an Israeli this would occur at eighteen
The torture I received is widespread, systemic and institutionalized
makes me wonder; couldn't they stick to picking individuals their own size?
I was interrogated without a lawyer or family member
ack! But I forgot! who needs justice--remember!?
If anything I can say that peace of mind is rare
Especially when you're a child prisoner of Israel

I may be imprisoned for supposedly throwing stones
But I will not be imprisoned for resisting against my mother's broken bones
I look forward to that day that will finally be here
When 6500 other children and I are no longer child prisoners of Israel

Not Just Another Math Problem
This. This isn't just another math problem.
Because you can multiply occupation, but you can't subtract the right for freedom.
Because you can add violent wars and crude military operations but you cannot subtract the thirst for justice.
Because you can divide families by taking up children as prisoners but you cannot subtract the need for ethics.

This. This isn't just another challenge of the arithmetic variety.
Because you can multiply violations of international laws and human rights, but you cannot add the process of enshrouding them.
Because you can subtract hospitals and homes and houses by bombing them, but you cannot add the justification of this by saying you're defending yourselves against terrorism.
Because you can divide the bodies of Palestinian babies so that their hearts are removed from their childhood experience, but you cannot add the lie that they die because they are child martyrs.

This. This isn't just another mathematical obstacle.
Because you can add the murder of 1400 people in 21 days, but you cannot multiply the ammunition that serves to fire off this fact so that it is hidden away.
Because you can subtract the recognition of Palestine as a nation, but you cannot multiply your denial of the Palestinian people without seeming delirious.
Because you can divide the souls of loved ones from loved ones, but you cannot multiply oppression without meeting resistance.

This. This is not just another difficult grade school calculation.
Because you can add the theft of Palestinian land but you cannot divide and scatter the truth of your ethnic cleansing.
Because you can subtract Palestinian mothers by purposely targeting and slaughtering them but you cannot divide out the fact that justice sides with the oppressed.
Because you can multiply fear in the hearts of young Palestinian children but you cannot divide their resistance against imprisonment of their fundamental rights.

This isn't just another math problem.
It's more like punching in zero in your calculator--undefined and therefore hard to define.

24,813 Palestinian homes have been demolished by Israel since 1967.
$0 of military aid have been given to Palestinians.
1452 Palestinian children have been killed since 2000.

These numbers are real numbers,
not imaginary numbers,
although still irrational numbers.
But even numbers have limits.

Do you need a sin (sign) over cos tan from above urging you to help?
Do you need to know of a different angle of the story before you start to act?
Couldn't YOU be the protractor (protector) against the irrationals?

Because this isn't just another math problem.
Because those
those can be solved individually.

This problem requires us to put the star in starting over,
The win in win some and lose some,
the able in charitable
and the rad in comradeship.

Because this isn't just another math problem.
It's more of an error in a history lesson that we can all rewrite.

p.s. I recommend reading: So this is my rant on Palestine
as well as the story that brought tears upon my eyelids: The muhammad al durrah incident

*unrelated p.p.s.: A couple of posts ago (my facebook status one) had led some of you to think I was switching back into the Sciences. Besides the fact that that would be an apocalyptic decision, this speculation also elevates my status as the Reigning Queen of April Fool's Jokes! Because it was indeed an AF joke, teehee! I am staying in Arts and pursuing a major in International Relations with a minor in Psychology.
Which reminds me of an incident that happened just yesterday where I was volunteering at an event where I went back to my high school to recount my post-secondary experience thus far with LGs and LBs a.k.a. senior high school students. I would explain my potential degree choices to the youngins' and they would retort with a "What kind of career can you have with that?"

What I wanted to say: "OH EM GEE HOLY MOLY WHY CAN'T YOU ALL JUST LET ME ENJOY MY DEGREE OF CHOICE AND STOP THRUSTING ADULT RESPONSIBILITIES UPON ME AND ACTING LIKE MY PARENTS AND WHATNOT?"

What I actually said (with a polite smile upon my ruby red lips): "Well there are tons of things you can do; you are virtually unlimited with the number of choices you have, like law school, journalism school, a career in diplomacy..."

That is all of my pseudo-rant and poetry. Good day, all. Toodles!

Partisan! Partisan! Yeah! Fun. Fun. Fun!

2011-05-01T18:56:00.000-07:00

Few things are making me holler "Pakistan Zindabad" and have me marketing my ethnicity at every available opportunity. And no, the Cricket world cup shindig has nothing to do with it. (You're looking at an individual who is apathetic about sports and voluntary physical activity* as much as Sarkozy is about hearing the opinions of niqab-adorning ladies who have chosen to wear it themselves. Bam! You know that is a gargantuan amount of apathy). Things like the Mukhtaran Mai case don't exactly warrant much national pride. Nor do things like this.

But then why is that I have updated my Twitter bio to include pakistani-Canadian muslim? Never mind the fact that I am one, I suspect my superficial tendencies are kicking in.

There is no doubt Pakistani clothes are like the dessert of clothing buffets. And like the political leader who doesn't do the most shit. And like the senior citizen who professes few if any complaints about our current generation and instead does cool stuff.

Don't believe me? You be the judge!

who what wear?

pakistani shalwar kameez, gifted from L.A. 2.
vintage metallic-gold pumps, passed down from my Auntie 3.
vintage sequined vest, my momma's from the 80's

This next one is more iridescent and the apple of my eye but sub-par photographs will confuse you.

A maximalist has got to pile on the accessories. It's stated in the Code of Conduct.

Speaking of Code of Conducts, I'd like to address my fellow Canadian 18+ peeps: VOTE. TOMORROW. I mean, being apathetic about sports is fine. (i.e. what is this "Canuck" you speak of? See kids? I still turned out fine!) Being apathetic about our government ain't! Haven't you heard Apathy is Boring!? Exercise your democratic right to vote (for which others around the world are DYING for)!

A little partisan advice? Vote ABC--Anything But Conservative.

I will proceed to convince you to do so with select Youtube videos that have tickled my fancy.

"Partisan! Partisan! Yeah! Fun. Fun. Fun!"

Now I've got to stop being a hypocrite and take the following customized internet meme's advice:

*I have started a fitness regime! Perhaps more details to come.

My First Year of University Through My Facebook Status Updates

2011-04-17T19:47:00.000-07:00

YUP, ladies and gentlemen, it is that time of the year again. You know the drill.
Don't know?
Don't worry.
Catch up:
1) MY SENIOR YEAR THROUGH MY FACEBOOK STATUS UPDATES
2) MY SUMMER OF TWO THOUSAND AND TEN THROUGH MY FACEBOOK STATUS UPDATES

Without farther ado.
(This is tradition. I cannot break traditions--gasp! you say I should?--you know, you don't look good talking all sacrilegious).

september 2010:
Fri September 3, 2010, 2:16 am: My parents have made a conscious decision to not live in the Dark Ages anymore: I finally (FINALLY!) have a cellphone. COMMENT-ON-THIS-STATUS/FB-INBOX/EMAIL/TWEET/COMMENT-ON-MY-BLOG/TEXT-ME-AT-778-385-6446 if you feel I should have yo' numbah!

Sat September 4, 2010, 9:37 pm: Hello, and welcome to the premiere of Urooba Jamal's First Status Update From Her Cellular Device. Critics have responded with such bigotry as '..pointless..' and '...no need for it', but please, still, enjoy the show.

Sun September 5, 2010, 3:21 am: Hates both extremities when it comes to snot: the runny, sloppy, makes-your-eyes-water beginning stage and the crusty, rough, makes-your-nose-hurt-painfully terminating stage.

Mon September 6, 2010, 3:25 am: Is practicing my post-secondary swagger. This is a univers(ity)ally known fact.

Mon September 6, 2010, 11:25 pm: Insha'allah tomorrow is a heap of firsts in the Jamal household: Hamza Jamal's first day of "senior" year (grade 7), Hiba Jamal's first day of highschool, Rida Jamal's first day of senior year (highschool)...and MOST importantly (!!!) my first day of university! HUZZAH.

Thu September 9, 2010, 9:31 pm: The best thing about university is spontaniety: there's no such thing as a monotonous lifestyle anymore!

Sat September 11, 2010, 10:02 pm: Getting "all dolled up" for a ladies Eid party--OH MY GOODNESS, how do girls do their hair EVERYday?!

Sun September 12, 2010, 11:48 pm: There's nothing like eating out and quelling your appetite with some garam larke--I mean, errrr, chicken tikka with some garam masala. ~;)

Tue September 14, 2010, 11:31 pm: enjoys thinking. "I think, therefore I am." (René Descartes) Also enjoys quoting dead french guys. Also enjoys applying stuff she's learnt in lectures to real-life situations (i.e. facebook status updates). Also enjoys sitting in the very front of the lecture hall, like an Eager McBeaver.

Sat September 18, 2010, 9:23 pm: Highlight of my week? Discovering that UBC's rec centre sells a t-shirt that says "Friends don't let friends go to SFU". I DIDN'T DO MY JOB PROPERLY! Ruby Gill and Naveen A. Arain are proof as to why! However, I did step into said 'enemy territory' this wednesday...

Tue September 21, 2010, 10:25 pm: "What will you do with your one wild and precious life?" -Mary Oliver

Sat September 25, 2010, 7:52 pm: :O Margaret Atwood taught freshman English at UBC in 1965! Times like this, I wish I had been born in 1947 (albeit this is the only time I have ever desired to be born during an epoch that included WW2).

Wed September 29, 2010, 12:38 am: The lovely thing about going to school with 40,000 other homo sapiens is that one experiences mildly-astonishing revelations on a near daily basis. [Exhibit A]-- exotic dude: "I've lived all over the world...I want to be a fisherman." Me: "So you're one of 'em nomads, eh? And hehehe, you're not serious, right? What're you doing in university then? hehehe." e-dude: "I want to be an educated fisherman."

october 2010: *updates will now be in chronological order...but backwards-ly. I got too lethargic.
Sat October 30, 2010, 12:17 am: Tomo iA I get to talk about myself for 20 min. in front of 40+ people! ALL MY EGOTISTICAL DREAMS ARE COMING TRUE. :D Where at, you ask? Why, none other than at MYCanada Workshop II, of course! Come enjoy some snazzy dialogue with some snazzy people! And PSA Halwa Puri Brunch right after! DOUBLE WHAMMY.

Thu October 28, 2010, 12:38 am: Analyzing Shakespeare, yo. I'll SPEARE you the details, but will say it's got me SHAKE-ing my head.

Sun October 24, 2010, 8:54 pm: As a NEW, mature, sophisticated and labyrinthine 18-year-old I have very maturely and sophisticatedly decided I would like to have more birthdays. Why? Because studies show that the more you have, the longer you'll live. Well I'll be! [thanks for the greetings, yo! As an advocate for personalized fb birthday greetings, I can confidently say these ones are the ICING ON THE CAKE <3.]

Sat October 23, 2010, 8:02 pm: Woo! Just got back from MYCanada Vancouver 's first workshop! *You* weren't there? Dang! Talk 'bout MISSING OUT: great discussions, great speakers, great people, great food. Check, check, check, and check! *HALAL SALUTE* :D

Thu October 21, 2010, 11:03 pm: AP Calc wasn't applicable to daily life. These equations are: university life ≠ monotony! Me = :)!

Sat October 16, 2010, 7:33 pm: "You took her on a date to Denny's!?...what were you thinking!? *She can't help but admire my frugality?* Hubba hubba! Sexy Roger!" --The Gum Thief, Douglas Coupland

Thu October 14, 2010, 10:53 pm: HEY FACEBOOK FRIENDS, I'll let you make a decision for me, one that will only alter the course of my life, so it's not that big of a deal; whatevs. What do you see me in? Law, would I find it APPEALing (hehe!), or is business my forte? LAW OR BUSINESS?! TELL ME NAO. (p.s. I'll do journalism, regardless!)

Wed October 13, 2010, 10:20 pm: Slowly, but surely, I am transitioning from my urooba_flowergirl email to my urooba.j email. OH MAH GAWD, I AM A CHANGING WOMAN. I AM BECOMING A LADY, ONE FULL OF OPTIMAL LEVELS OF SOPHISTICATION.

Mon October 11, 2010, 8:38 pm: "You can't do much with a B.A." Ahhh, can't wait to challenge this notion i'A.
Thu October 7, 2010, 10:22 pm: Theasurus.com is my best friend. <3

Wed October 6, 2010, 12:08 am: It is with a great scholarly demeanor and my background credentials consisting of a Phd. doctorate (pertaining to what subject matter is not of any relevance), I conclude: PR-Oh-crap!-inators NEVER LEARN. D:

Sun October 3, 2010, 4:21 pm: I like it in the crevices of my bed, namely, the 'no man's land' of the space between the frame and mattress.

Sat October 2, 2010, 1:37 pm: My first task for The Ubyssey 's investigative journalism team? Rrite a really; really bad esay that ist'nt ritten very goodly. My approach? Get my good 'ol ENGINEERING buddy to do it--haha!

november 2010:
Tue November 30, 2010, 12:16 am: You know you're desi when your father questions you when you DO put on your seatbelt.

Sat November 27, 2010, 10:57 pm: I'm currently in a warm-fuzzy-blanket-fort-hot-chocolate-sipping-watching-an-intriguing-movie-that-is-actually-directly-proportional-to-the-topic-of-my-psychology-paper-so-I-don't-feel-guilty-at-the-prospect-of-being-entertained-around-finals-time-albeit-the-movie-"side-kick-ly"-stars-a-man-of-great-aesthetic-appeal-a.k.a.-Mark-Ruffalo sort of a state.

Mon November 22, 2010, 5:49 pm: WOAH. FELLOW UBC'ERS, did you know that UBC Bookstore will have 120 MORE course material rentals for January!? This means 55% in savings! Crazy!

Sat November 20, 2010, 8:12 pm: "I'm too school for cool." FINALLY. RELEVANT POP SONG LYRICS, oh yes. (Although, I can kinda relate to "Hit me baby one more time"...)

Fri November 19, 2010, 6:23 pm: Getting a seat on the 480 bus makes me feel like I've won the lottery. And the 311 bus is just straight up <3, man. Relative <3, that is. | This is an excerpt from my next book called "Woes of a Commuter Student Looking to Become an Ex One."

Thu November 18, 2010, 8:34 pm: "So, like, if a guy smokes, it cancels out all of his good qualities--rather, CANCERS out all his good qualities." --Too True Truism #9385 established by yours truly with the enlisted assistance of Kanwal Rashid ;)

Sun November 14, 2010, 6:33 pm: OH MY LANTA! I AM SO EXCITED FOR TOMORROW iA! I have a psych midterm that's worth 9% of my grade!!! :D But unfortunately, I have to go to Value Village's 50% off sale, sigh. D': | OKAY HOLD UP. Something's wrong with this status, but I cannot pinpoint WHAT exactly...

Thu November 11, 2010, 3:49 pm: Is spending the day at Starbucks. Rather, StarAWSHUCKS, gotta get 83247938374564 things done! #busyuniversitykid (WHOA. Hashtags!? On facebook!? what a twitter-y thing of me to do).

Sun November 7, 2010, 6:02 pm: :D “Since when did the passion for education become iconic of geeks/nerds? People in impoverished areas dream of having the same right to education that we enjoy so freely (and carelessly). And I honestly don't think I'd see those people dressed in thick round glasses with pants above their waist, hugging onto their textbooks.” --Arfa (via BoogieMonsterMan)

Tue November 2, 2010, 10:14 pm: Man oh man, just glimpsed at myself in the mirror, and I see that I put the STUD in STUDying. Also, the MOST in MOdeST.

december 2010: Thu December 30, 2010, 12:28 am: "Your eyelashes will write on my heart the poem that could never come from the pen of a poet." ~ Hazrat Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi a.k.a. Rumi }this sounds SO BEAUTIFUL. <3

Tue December 28, 2010, 11:13 pm: My closet is now 90% thrifted and/or vintage. Yesss! This was #13 on my Twenty Things to do Before I Turn 20 list. Next up, memorize everything Sheldon says on The Big Bang Theory and dispel these musings at random intervals during social settings to make others feel inferior.

Mon December 20, 2010, 12:32 am: Lil bro: you have an exam tomorrow?! But you haven't even studied! Me: lil googloo moogloo, I've studied periodically throughout the week. Lil bro: but it's the night before! Isn't this when you're supposed to cram it in? Sis: look at the example you've set. Ayeyey.

Sat December 18, 2010, 2:46 am: Will ruin childhood dreams here: Disney films are FULL of patriarchal notions. e.g.: "But they dote and swoon and fawn/On a lady that’s withdrawn/It’s she who holds her tongue who gets her man!" *gags* Ew, Disney.

Tue December 14, 2010, 12:20 am: So it's determined: if our careers don't go as planned, me and Naveen A. Arain are so starting a stand-up comedy duo and calling ourselves 'The Humorous Hijabis'. As such, we'll probably have modest beginnings. heh.

Sun December 12, 2010, 11:43 pm: 21st.-Century-First-World-Truism: "If a tree falls in the forest but you don't hear about it on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or MySpace, did it really happen?" lolol.

Sat December 11, 2010, 9:12 pm: My sartorial choices in the past coupla months have wrongly and unjustly strayed towards 'very normal'. *winces* A quick and exhilaration-inducing fix? Buying shiny, gold metallic DISCO PANTS! <3 Credits to Joshua Weiss for reminding me that not all mass-produced, franchised mall chainstores carry 'blegh'. :D

Thu December 9, 2010, 11:04 pm: Ouf, the powers of sarcasm! [In response to]: "A strong and bitter book-sickness floods one's soul. How ignominious to be strapped to this ponderous mass of paper, print and dead man's sentiment. Would it not be better, finer, braver to leave the rubbish where it lies and walk out into the world a free untrammelled illiterate Superman?" -Solomon Eagle

Mon December 6, 2010, 8:43 pm: Haven't *thought* as much/critically/deeply/profoundly as I have in the past 3 months. Thank you university.

Sat December 4, 2010, 11:34 pm: "I keep six honest serving men (they taught me all I knew); their names are What and Why and When and How and Where and Who." --Rudyard Kipling, The Elephant's Child
Fri December 3, 2010, 1:59 pm: "The first rule of fashion is that you have to look weird" --Zooey Deschanel | OH YEAH, preach it, girly-whirly!

january 2011: Sat January 29, 2011, 12:22 am: As one 17-year-old boy from Alexandria, Egypt, wrote on his Facebook wall before the shutdown, “A government that is afraid of Facebook and Twitter should govern a city in Farmville.” >>Ding, ding, ding! (via Shazia Kamal who got it from Roqaya Ashmawey)

Sun January 23, 2011, 7:45 pm: I love both academia and macadamia [nut cookies]. One you can cook[ies], the other possesses potential to make you nuts.

Fri January 21, 2011, 1:36 am: [paraphrased] "Maybe she feels like a superhero with that scarf dangling from her neck."♥! -- Boonaa Mohammed at Islam Awareness Week 2011's arts showcase event, I-slam: Expressed. Pardon my lack of eloquence, but TONIGHT WAS SO AWESOMELY RADICAL!

Mon January 17, 2011, 11:39 pm: !الحمد لله

Sat January 8, 2011, 10:58 pm: *taps shoulder* "Hi, are you Urooba from Under Urooba's Umbrella?" THIS PHENOMENON ACTUALLY OCCURRED TODAY.

Wed January 5, 2011, 5:52 pm: Writing for/in/a part of 9 different publications/newsletters/papers/classes/teams/mediums. Clearly, I'm doing all the write stuff. #prolificpassion

Sat January 1, 2011, 12:00 am: Yeah, I just lived through my first full decade, no big deal. And a little wisdom for a new one: “A New Year’s resolution is something that goes in one Year and out the other.”

february 2011:
Sat February 19, 2011, 11:55 pm: GAHHHH. I HAVE TO WRITE TWO PAPERS BUT I CAN'T BECAUSE THERE'S A CERTAIN CUTIE PATOOTIE'S CHEEKS I JUST CANNOT STOP KISSING/BLOWING CHERRY BOMBS ON.

Mon February 14, 2011, 9:46 pm: If I was sent a <3 letter, I'd probably be scanning it for improper syntax, spelling errors and deviations from conventionally correct grammar. #vday #iamgeekhearmeroar

Fri February 11, 2011, 2:00 pm: Uninstalling dictator: 100% complete ███████████████████████████ #Jan25 #Egypt #AW.FLIP.YES. #JummaMubarak!

Wed February 9, 2011, 9:36 pm: Writing a paper on fashion blogs. Never have I had such large, great thrills running through me whilst looking for scholarly sources. Never has my <3 sped up due to feelings of pulsing pleasure whilst trying to come up with a brilliant intro sentence. Never have I been so gratified at the prospect of having an 8-page academic paper due in less than 48 hours!

Sun February 6, 2011, 10:43 pm: Zam-zam water should be called yum-yum water. #everythingislamicisjusttastier

march 2011:
Wed March 30, 2011, 10:15 pm: Determined to get employed for the FIRST TIME EVER this summer. Send cool internships/job postings/initiatives my way, dear comrades. I'm so hipster and alternative by avoiding having to work in minimum wage retail/the food industry, etc. I mean, like, exploitation and under-compensation of young workers' labour is sooo 2009.

Mon March 28, 2011, 2:12 pm: MeaningfulMondayMusterings: “The act of writing is an act of optimism. You would not take the trouble to do it if you felt that it didn’t matter.” --Edward Albee

Sat March 26, 2011, 2:08 pm: Fobs on twitter. Fobs @mentioning you on twitter with 'hi's and 'ho are u???'s. Problem. Big problem. Problem will escalate if fobs on twitter will evolve to '#marraigeplease' tweets.

Wed March 23, 2011, 11:40 pm: Last year my textbooks were "Hebden Chemistry 12" and "Early Transcendentals in Calculus". This year, they're "Facebook" and "Twitter". Le sigh, being a new media student sure means sporting heavy backpacks.

Sun March 20, 2011, 5:01 pm: :) “The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) once said, ’The wise man allows himself to be dominated by a woman…'” -The Masnavi I, by Rumi

Fri March 11, 2011, 12:10 am: Akgjkfgjkfhhh! I HATE.HATE.HATE. my 'B+-on-papers' curse! This is why I adore standardized testing.} Standardized tests: helping people like me get A's (when papers don't allow one to do so) since 1997.

Tue March 8, 2011, 12:57 am: Who is familiar with even a bit of Freud's psychoanalytic theory and the characters of Harry Potter? HOLD UP; I WILL PROCEED TO BLOW YOUR MIND: Hermione = superego. Ron = id. Harry = ego. YUP.

Sun March 6, 2011, 4:28 pm: IS GOING TO TIME TRAVEL, BACK INTO THE PAST. #flyingbacktoVan #timezones

Sat March 5, 2011, 12:21 am: Just a hypothetical ;) introspection: hailing a ride in downtown Toronto at midnight made me feel like I'm in a Leona Lewis music video.

Fri March 4, 2011, 12:02 am: It's great to have a place TO-RUN-TO. That's why I'll be heading to Toronto (TO-RON-TO) tomorrow iA. Central Canada, woo this West-Coast-er!

Tue March 1, 2011, 9:38 pm: Facebook friends! Planning my life or whatever and I hand the responsibility over to YOU; help me choose 2 out of 5 of these potential majors: sociology, political science, anthropology, international relations and psychology. Comments/suggestions/opinions/insults greatly welcomed!

april 2011: Sun April 17, 2011, 12:11 am: WHY DO MY BABY BROTHER'S FARTS SMELL CUTE AND NOT FOUL?

Wed April 13, 2011, 12:28 am: Finally! Old white men are being represented at the federal level! #cdnpoli #elxn2011 #smh

Tue April 12, 2011, 4:40 pm: Ahhhh, so much to study but I can't--too much going on in the world! #niqabban #libya #japan #elxn2011 #cdnpoli #cutebabybrobeingcute

Sat April 9, 2011, 11:40 pm: Confessions of a Girl Who Hath Vehemently Addressed Her Dislike for Science: I <3 the social sciences. {currently patenting said phrase to be emblazoned on t-shirts and sold worldwide}

Thu April 7, 2011, 11:26 pm: Whenever I see a sign that says 'Transit Rules', I think to myself, 'No, it does not.'

Wed April 6, 2011, 7:00 pm: HOLD UP YALL-I'mma get RADICAL:I will miss my My 1st Year of University classes. No mo' psych w/ Dr.Rawn a.k.a. BestProfEver! No mo learning bout the theoretical underpinnings of journalism till/if I go to j-school+no mo connecting w/ my TA over Twitter! No mo of Billy's jovial Irish accent in socio! No mo verbal diarrhea+subtly sexual jokes from my Creative Writing prof! No mo access to the V.I.P. Gateway room. Omg.

Sat April 2, 2011, 11:22 pm: "50% of the Muslim world-that's over 600 million people-has lived under the democratically elected rule of a Muslim woman." --Shahed Amanullah

Fri April 1, 2011, 1:54 pm: After careful deliberation and meticulously assessing various pros and cons, I've decided to make the switch to the...Sciences! I'M REVERTING.

Yeah, facebook has a record of all the climaxes in my life. Does this bother you?
xoxo, Urooba

Under Urooba's Umbrella!

A Post to Distract You From My Lack of Outfit-Recording

éclatement de l'inspiration

Bell Bottoms and bedroom Eyes

"Why do you stay in prison, when the door is so wide open?" ~ Jalal ad-Din Rumi

Till next time, lieflinges*!

(*darlings, in Afrikaans)

[video!] What's Happening Write Now

[Confessions of an Academic-Hedonist]

It Never Gets Ti(g)ering

p.s. I AM ALIVE (!!!!!!)

Truth.

[Happy Independence Day!] This is the Pakistan I know.

Despite the 3 Ps, (corrupt) politics, (frustratingly deep-seated) patriarchy and (dismal) poverty, I am forever enamored by Pakistani art: food, music and clothes. Happy Birthday to *my* birthplace and the region of the world that forms one-half of my cultural identity!

Below, the Pakistan that I know.

Summer, don't leave white away.

Read-iculous.

Date's Weird

Fill-a-heart sale.

[UPDATE].

[2nd Bi-Annual Hijabi Fashion Week] Day 7-Party Hostess Outfit!

poufy 80's-esque dress, $2, F as in Frank

80's Hawaiian-print leggings, $5, True Value Vintage

flippin' radical necklace, $10, Aldo

[2nd Bi-Annual Hijabi Fashion Week]: Day 6-Vacation Wear!

printed dress, $5, thrifted

classic patent yellow ballet flats, $5, Urban Behaviour

yellow patent clutch, $3, Zellers

[2nd Bi-Annual Hijabi Fashion Week]: Day 5-Jummah!

[2nd Bi-Annual Hijabi Fashion Week]: Day 4-Date Night!

[2nd Bi-Annual Hijabi Fashion Week]: Day 3-Work Out Wear!

[2nd Bi-Annual Hijabi Fashion Week]: Day Two-Formal Wear "

[2nd Bi-Annual Hjiabi Fashion Week]: Day One - Work Wear "La Mode of Money-Making"

black stiletto booties, $5, random thrift store

blue metallic button up, $3, thrifted

silver metallic over-sized snakeskin clutch, $4, thrifted

The Tale of the Girl with the Tumblr

Poetry for Palestine

Partisan! Partisan! Yeah! Fun. Fun. Fun!

My First Year of University Through My Facebook Status Updates

**Till next time, *lieflinges!

**(*darlings, in Afrikaans)**

Despite the 3 Ps, (corrupt) politics, (frustratingly deep-seated) patriarchy and (dismal) poverty, I am forever enamored by Pakistani art: food, music and clothes. Happy Birthday to my birthplace and the region of the world that forms one-half of my cultural identity!