Our travelling party size has increased from 3 to 8 ... it could easily have been a coachload! Hiba has drawn up a secret list of prayers & thanks for our umrah trip ... really beautiful ... struck me how none were materialistic ... they were all things I couldn't guarantee giving her in life :-( & were all in the hands of Allah ... an emotionally moving, joyous & humbling moment ... proud the thibgs she listed weren't materialistic & proud she ...

Well it worked ... dad has said yes!! Yipee! Dad's on with booking it as we speak ... What a month it has been! 1.. Finished my Samaritans training - been challenging but enlightening ... 2. Started my new role & a consulting project ... all in line with my aspirations (headhunter!) & goals ... am very tired juggling it all but working for a great guy ... he told me "i was f---in' brilliant!" & "the best business partner he has EVER wor...

Things are really moving forward in line with all the Feb/ March time pondering ... really amazing ... beginning to feel a need to go on umrah ... dad, Hiba & me ... how do I convince him?? He's just returned from a 3 month stay in Pakistan ... mmmmm .... Got it! Shorter fasts!! Wow we could go in Ramadhan .... Will sell it to him in next few days ...

Istanbul was great ... funny memories & gained greater clarity on my life & career goals by doing very little! Great return on investment ... just the way I like it! Have been busy all month with consultancy work, starting postgrad in exec coaching & general networking .... shared my next role requirements with a headhunter who responded by saying, "so how do you plan on achieving your aspirations up in the North in the current climate?!". Thanks fo...

Spent most of March doing the bare minimum, just wrapping up my job (Good Bye!), chilling and reflecting on 'me'! Got to a point where all the pondering became so baffling and boring although selfishly enjoyable ... time to book a holiday I think! Always fancied Istanbul .... anything has got to be better than wondering where your next pay cheque is coming from .... if pondering is what I must do, I may as well do it with a big smile on my face in Istanbul!