by Rana Asfour This initially started out as a post about the Dark Knight III cover, the latest DC comic which will be out in November. However, I was desperate to write about my surprise when ‘And Then There Were None’ was voted most popular Agatha Christie book as revealed in a poll this week. Further contemplation sparked the brilliant idea of sharing my excitement on learning of the latest member to start school at Hogwart’s this Autumn, as announced by J.K. Rowling. But then I thought, I should write about when even seasoned writers with a wealth of experience on how to better use their words can put a ‘foot in it’ too à la Anthony Horowitz. However, I haven’t been able to write about any of the above because I’ve been inundated with SMSs, phone calls, tweets, Facebook posts, emails and let’s not forget What’s App, of people reminding me (or is it rubbing it in?) that I am yet again another year older. But on a more sobering note, I feel truly blessed as I sit pretty and relish all the attention and congratulations on an event my mum got absolutely spot-on that many years ago when she decided to have me! And so, in the spirit of all that is birthday-like, I thought I’d make the post about me! After a very brief –really minor- hesitation fearing that people would think I was putting on airs if I mentioned that ‘Rana’ in Sanskrit is the title equivalent to monarch and sovereignty and stood for ambition in Arabic, I soon concluded that it would only be a matter of time before my short-lived ego boost would be followed by the quick and swift fall from grace as people caught at their sides from laughter when they found out that my name also meant ‘frog’. Just ask the Italians if you have any doubts. My only consolation lies in the fact that it is not just any frog mind you, but a ‘Rana’ is what is known as a ‘True frog’. Major point of solace, and not to be taken lightly, is that the species are famous for their slim waists! Which means, for those of you who follow me on Twitter, there is hope for me yet as I battle on with my ‘Get Healthy Family Challenge’. Other features of True frogs include a general lack of "warts" like in typical toads (Thank Goodness!). They are excellent jumpers due to their long slender legs (Always wanted to be a model!). The typical webbing found on their hind feet allows for easy movement through water (Water Babe). Coloration is mostly greens and browns above, with darker and yellowish spots ... ! Ahem, yes! Well, I think you’ve got the picture right? As I prepare to celebrate my day with Mr. Fabulous & Son, I thank my lucky stars for all that I am blessed with when it comes to family and friends. As the numbers creep towards middle age, I find more of life’s truths reveal themselves. The Okay-ness of it all quite liberating. It’s OK at my age to hate noisy places and crowded spaces. It’s OK to want to choose comfort over fashion or reading a book over a VIP concert. It’s OK to slow down at the weekends watching TV soaps all afternoon as the household melts into chaos. It’s OK if I want my coffee just so and my cushions positioned that way too. It’s OK to not care when you’re criticised, and to become picky about the battles you reserve your dwindling energy to fight for. It's OK when technology just doesn't make sense and I literally have to holler to enlist my teen's help. It's OK to fall asleep in the middle of a film and to ask for a rundown when you wake up half way through. They'll roll their eyes and so will you, but that's OK too. Finally, I cannot think of a better way to celebrate my birthday than to commit to at least one act of kindness or good deed for the dear readers of this blog by keeping today’s post sweet and short! So, consider yourself spared! :) One last thing before I head off for cake … Don't you just love it when your name pops up in a book you're reading? The name ‘Rana’ appeared in these two books that I absolutely loved. 'The Dark Side of Love' by Rafik Schami is a beautiful love story set in Damascus, while 'Brick Walls' By Saadia Faruqi is a beautiful story about love of a people set in Pakistan. Both are truly inspiring reads. And this choice of book is just too fun not to include … I haven’t read it but came across it a while back and still think it sounds quite – for lack of a better word – interesting! The title just says it all!
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