Biography 317: Weight control

 When I was a 10 or 11-year-old girl, I felt like my stomach was bigger than my body. I didn't know why, but I started thinking about controlling my food intake and eating proper meals. From that age, I learned to eat vegetables on my own.

When I was 15, I started taking full control of my carbohydrate intake. My mom noticed that. When I visited my doctor, she also mentioned that I didn't eat much. The doctor said, If you tend to be big, you can't stop it; your body will store fluid and make you bigger.

I didn't believe him. And I never give up dieting. Still having trouble with my weight. But I hope someday I will have a good body with the perfect weight.

Personal stylist

 Whenever a program comes up, I start planning in my mind. I think about how I will dress and how I will get ready. But then I don't know what happens; I can never find the time to do any of it. Most of the time, I just put on sunscreen and the dress from the front of my closet before going outside. I wish I had a personal stylist who would prepare me for every occasion.

Mejo mama

 

Mejo Mama (uncle, mother's brother) and my mom. I took this picture at Litu bro's (uncle's older son) house in Bangladesh. I think this is the last time I met with him.

Biography 316: Dola Apa was talking about...

 One day, my Boro Khalu (uncle), Boro Khala (aunt), and Dola Apa (cousin) came to visit our house at noon. We had lunch together. During that time, I heard Dola Apa had some medical issues; I didn't know exactly what those were.

After lunch, everybody was enjoying tea at our dining table. Suddenly, Dola apa said, "I know what my disease is. You guys think I don't know about it, that is wrong." The way she said it made me smile. I looked at the uncle's face; he had a poker face. Couldn't guess what was going on. Nobody said anything to Dola apa. Uncle just said, "I see." Someone changed the topic, so nobody said anything more about it.

Later, I heard she had a tumour on her leg, which was cancer. She died in the hospital. Uncle is also no longer with us. Now, I understand how painful that moment was.

I asked my older sister if she knew about the cancer. My sister said, as far as she knew, she didn't.

2% DNA difference

World’s loneliest gorilla, Bua Noi, spending her 41st Christmas ALONE, still trapped in a mall cage for shoppers to gawp at.

 Gorillas are the animals most similar to humans. I heard we share only 2% DNA difference between humans and gorillas. But how are we behaving towards them?

Song Hindi: Tere dil pe haq mera hai (I have right upon your heart)

 I didn't watch the movie, I just listened to the song, and I liked it very much. So, here I am sharing it with you. Lyrics and English translation are provided in this video.

Tere dil pe haq mera hai (Lyrics/English Translation)

Movie: Ek deewane ki deewaniyat

Lyrics:

Hindi Lyrics - English Translation

Tere dil pe haq mera hai - I have a right on your heart

Tu sanam beshaq mera - You, my belove,d are surely mine

Phir lakeerein ho ya na ho - Whether it is written in destiny or not

Tu mera hai, tu mera hai - You are mine, you are mine

Joh tu aag hai, haan toh phir mujhe jalne ka shauk hai - If you are fire, then yes, I would love to burn

Jalne ka shauk hai - I would love to burn

Marne se kahin zyada haan tujhe khone ka khauff hai - I am far more afraid of losing you than of dying

Khone ka khauff hai - I am so scared of losing you

Tu chahiye mujhe, chahe kahe isse mera junoon ya phir tu zid meri - I want you, call it my passion or simply my stubbornness.

Tu hi armaan, tu hi sach hai - You are my desire, you are the truth

Keh rahi deewaniyat hai - This is what my madness is saying

Main yeh dil pe likh chuka hoon - I have already written this on my heart

Tu mera hai, tu mera hai  - You are mine, you are mine

Tere aage zindagi ki khaakh jitni ahmiyat hai - My life means nothing in front of you

Faisla main kar chuka hoon - I have already made my decision

Tu mera main bhi hoon bas tera - You are mine and I am simply yours

Paane ki tujhko hasrat liye hi raaton ko main jaagta hoon - I stay awake in the nights with the longing to attain you

Kyun jane phir bhi dushman teri do aankhon ko main lagta hoon - Yet somehow I look like an enemy to your two eyes

Kahe na chahe tu mujhe - Whether you say it to me or not

Karunga tujhe ishq main  - I will be in love with you

Mujhe yeh parwah nahi joh bhi ho mera anjaam har haal mein - No matter what, I do not care about my outcome

Tu chahiye mujhe, joh bhi saza mile - I want you, and I am ready to bear any punishment

Parwah hai phir kise anjaam ki - Why should I care about my outcome then

Tu hi armaan, tu hi sach hai - You are my desire, you are the truth

Keh rahi deewaniyat hai - This is what my madness is saying

Main yeh dil pe likh chuka hoon - I have already written this on my heart

Tu mera hai, tu mera hai - You are mine, you are mine

Tere aage zindagi ki khaakh jitni ahmiyat hai - My life means nothing in front of you

Faisla main kar chuka hoon - I have already made my decision

Tu mera main bhi hoon bas tera - You are mine and I am simply yours

[Source: https://www.filmyquotes.com/songs/4359 ]

Enjoying food at a restaurant.

 Enjoying food at a restaurant in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Biography 315: Interviews in my life.

 I shouldn't be scared of any interview. Whatever is meant to happen, it happens. I did very well in those interviews, where I didn't get scared at all because I knew they wouldn't select me. So, I just be myself.

Before the interview, the interviewer may say, "Just be yourself." But actually, they just want to get to know you better. They will judge everything they observe. They will speak to you as if their life is filled with happiness only because you have shown up for the interview. They are your best friend.

Never fall into this trap. They just want you to feel free to share everything about yourself so they can understand your negative side, too, and reject you.

The interview process is almost the same everywhere, and the questions are similar. Only a few new questions will be added by the interviewer.

I have given my first interview after passing grade 10. I didn't want to go alone, so I took my cousin Titu with me. When they called me into the room, I walked inside. I didn't know Titu would come with me too and sit beside me. But I didn't want to say anything in front of the company owner.

The owner was looking for a part-time teacher for his coaching company. He had other organizations, too. However, the salary they offered was very low. I told him it wouldn't cover my rickshaw fare to and from my home. Deep inside, I knew that if someone else got this opportunity, they would have accepted and made the journey by bus.

I have given many interviews in Bangladesh. I didn't have much hope, just kept trying. In Canada, the same things happen. When I tried for an entry-level job, I got it immediately. Things changed when I was looking for a better job. I have been living and working in Canada for 10 years. I should get something better. So now, the application and interview process has started. Here, in most cases, they select their already chosen candidate. They must have a corporate reason for conducting interviews without real intentions.

Maybe someday, some organization will feel like working with me. I am a sincere person. Wherever I work, I work sincerely. Every company did well after my joining. I hope to maintain my good record everywhere.

What a day

 First, I got the flu shot. Then I heard I could get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. So, I asked to have that shot as well. They gave it to me.

Now the pain began. I can't use my hand to work. At first, I thought, what a day; I had planned to do so many things. But I can't do any of them. 

Now I am thinking, what a day—no work, just resting and enjoying my time.

Understanding English Grammar

 

Biography 314: To live in the USA

 My Boro Khala (aunt, mom's older sister) asked me to come to the USA. She is living there now. We were in Bangladesh at that time. I said I have heard newcomers have to do odd jobs to survive. I don't want to do that. She replied, Educated people don't need to do odd jobs. Come and enjoy life in the USA.

I didn't feel like living over there, so I just smiled and said no. Khala didn't argue, and I like her attitude this way. I don't like being forced to do anything; nobody does. But people always pressure others to live the way they prescribe.

Bike lane should be alongside the sidewalk.

 I believe that no vehicle should be driven on the road that doesn't exceed 30 km/h or doesn't meet the lowest speed limit of a road. I mean, all kinds of bicycles should have a separate lane with a sidewalk, not with the road. If there is no separate lane, then they might run on the sidewalk, except on community roads.

Because if any conflicts happen with a car, it could be deadly for the cyclist. If the conflict happens on the sidewalk, probably everyone will survive. We don't want conflicts, but we prioritize safety for all.

Roads should be reserved for fast vehicles only, to ensure everyone's safety.

Business English Course from the British Council

 

Biography 313: "Obhinondon" (অভিনন্দন)

 A kid was about three or four years old. His parent organized a birthday party. He doesn't have friends yet, so his parents invited their relatives and friends to be his companions. One of them brought a bouquet of flowers for him. After opening the door, the boy ran to his aunt, expecting a gift. But his aunt bought some flowers. She gave him those flowers, Tuberoses (in Bangla, Rajnigandha).

He took the flowers, threw them on the floor, and, while stamping on them, he was saying, "Obhinondon aanchhe, khelna anbe, chocolate anbe, ta na, obhinondon aanchhe!" (Translation: She brought Greetings/Congratulations, no toys, no chocolates, she brought Greetings/Congratulations). People couldn't understand what to do next. 

Moral of the story: Always think about age when giving a gift.

In the same neighbourhood.

 I think it's good if relatives, siblings, or friends live in the same neighbourhood. Then, whenever you cook something that turns out very well, you can send a sample cup to them just to enjoy together. They sometimes might share something with you, too. If you need to go anywhere, you can ask for a ride if available. You can keep your kids at their house, or they can keep their kids at yours if they need to go somewhere urgently. It's also good for mental health. However, they all need to have good terms with one another. Otherwise, this can be the most tremendous pain in life.

So, when you have good terms with someone, you can make a plan to rent or buy houses in the same neighbourhood.

Phone a Buddy Training

 Here are some things to consider when volunteering as a Phone Buddy:

RESPONSIBILITIES

•          Make regular phone visits to assigned clients
•          Engage in meaningful conversations
•          Try to find topics that interest both the client and the volunteer
•          If the volunteer recognizes or hears that the client needs professional help, they will notify a staff member of the organization.
•          Being punctual- set a time to phone and follow it
•          Keep a record of who was phoned and the length of the conversation
•          Being friendly and respectful
•          Respect personal boundaries- don’t ask personal questions and avoid topics like politics and religion.

 

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

 

•       You will receive the contact details of the client in need, which include their first name, age bracket, phone number and preferred time for you to call.
•          Please remember to respect privacy and confidentiality (nothing that has been spoken can be shared, do not keep notes. Let the clients know.
•          If you have any concerns, please report them to the Organization staff
•          You won’t be a counsellor, just a friendly buddy to chat with
•          Be an active listener and ask questions: ask about their pets, if they enjoy cooking, or if they enjoy gardening. Do they have hobbies?·         Ask how they are getting groceries and if they have enough food. If not, please notify the organization.
• ·         When and how to end a conversation if it is getting too heated: Validate their point of view, ask if they want to continue the conversation, or should we change the topic?
•          Validate their feelings.
•          What to do if the person is not talking, again: ask if they want to continue the conversation.
•          Block individuals if you feel the client is having inappropriate behaviour
•          Set your own boundaries

Generation of boredom.

 When I was a kid, our generation didn't have that flow of information. We didn't have the internet. To know something, we had to go to the library to check books or ask someone who had the knowledge. This generation has no idea how difficult it was for us to just find a recipe.

Nowadays, the new generation is overwhelmed with news. This not only brings them benefits but also some significant negatives. One is that this generation has become less emotional. When something good happens, they react with 'oh, it's nothing, what's next?' If something bad happens, they don't feel much sorrow; they think, 'it's ok, what's next?''

They are feeling less and less. They are neither happy nor unhappy. I don't think this is a good situation. We are human; we don't need to be like robots. We are different from other animals because of our emotions. This generation mostly feels boredom. We need to find its solution before it's too late.

Biography 312: How to Preserve a Lot of Laal Shaak.

 When my parents went to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj, my uncle, Mejo Mama, with his family, stayed with us in Dhaka for a month to take care of us. I always feel and show respect to them for this act. They put their careers and earnings aside to look after us and stay with us like our parents. Especially, my aunt, Mejo Mami, worked hard and did household duties like a mother during a very hot summer.

Actually, my mom asked both her brothers, Mejo Mama and Chhoto Mama, to stay with us; she thought they would split the time, each staying for 15 days. However, she didn't clearly communicate her plans to her brothers. That's why both of them assumed they would stay with us for the entire month.

My aunt/Majo Mami and uncle/Majo Mama took a one-month break from their office. In the middle, they had to go back to work for some reason, then they returned again. When my Chhoto Mama (my mom's youngest brother) found out about it, he said there was no point in staying with us with his family during this month since his brother was already taking care of us.

When they stayed with us, my uncle or Mejo mama used to do grocery shopping from the bazar. One day, he bought lots of "Laal shaak" (Red Amaranth or Red Spinach). I was thinking that we can't cook all of them, and we can't keep this leafy vegetable in the refrigerator for a long time, as it will go to waste. My uncle said he thought we could keep everything fresh in the refrigerator. My aunt said she would cook all of them. I replied, but we don't have a big pot to cook them all together. My aunt said she would cook one pot after another.

She must be thinking, What a low IQ girl I am. I have no idea about cooking. Actually, I didn't have much knowledge of cooking, but I always try to help or work with our guests; I just didn't let them work all alone.

MULTICULTURAL LEADERSHIP COUNCIL (MLC)

 MULTICULTURAL LEADERSHIP COUNCIL (MLC)

What Is MLC?

The MLC is an advisory group designed to bring a more diverse cultural perspective to the community. 

The Saskatoon Open Door Society is committed to enhancing the experience of newcomers to Saskatoon, and strives to create an environment that reflects the multicultural nature of the city’s demographic with a positive and effective tool.

The MLC consists of graduates from the LACE (Leadership and Community Engagement) program. These participants have received specialized training focused on community leadership and engagement and have a strong commitment to representing the multicultural voice in the community.

The Vision: 

The MLC will be a strong voice in the growth, development, support and education of the community.

The Mission:

The MLC is a diverse team dedicated to sharing the immigrant/refugee perspective with the community to advocate and promote diversity and cultural awareness.

The Role:

The Multicultural Leadership Council will serve as an advisory board for the community. Members will be able to provide a cultural perspective on civic matters including those that focus on police, housing, transportation, education and others. They will also be available to attend meetings and provide presentations to those groups interested in learning more about the immigrant experience. 

The Multicultural Leadership Council will also work to strengthen their leadership skills by way of continued learning, and expand their network by attending community events and forums.

The Values:

Respect: MLC will be sensitive to the diversity of cultures and traditions as it builds relationships through recognition, acceptance, open-mindedness and equality.

Innovation: MLC aims to find new ideas and progressive approaches in establishing and building relationships with our stakeholders to foster growth.

Commitment: MLC will honor and respect the cultures and traditions of our diverse community.

Professionalism: MLC will conduct itself with trust, integrity and responsible leadership.

Teamwork: MLC will collaborate and work together to achieve common goals through flexibility, sensitivity, and tolerance.

MLC Mottos and Meetings:

The MLC will determine a motto annually to inspire and motivate their work. They will meet on a regular basis to plan activities and learning opportunities. The Saskatoon Open Door Society’s Cultural Bridging and Community Engagement team will collaborate with the MLC to ensure that these goals are achieved.

What are the differences between LACE Alumni and MLC? 

LACE Alumni vs MLC

Lace Alumni have completed a 6 month training series that focused on skill development and education MLC is a continuous process with a solid work plan, hands-on learning and community representation 

LACE alumni do more social projects focusing on networking, community events    MLC represents the immigrant community and gets involved in various community and civic events, forums, “think tanks”  

LACE alumni meets about every 3 months Meets on a regular basis (possibly monthly)

Participation in LACE alumni activities is voluntary. Commitment is necessary part of MLC program and activities

LACE Alumni creates activities based on Alumni interests. MLC bases activities on the needs of community. 

LACE is open to any newcomer to apply MLC members must be graduates of LACE and completed all sessions. 

We are very interested in your opinion, thoughts and feedback. Please take a few minutes to answer the following questions:

1. Are you interested in being a member of the Multicultural Leadership Council (MLC)?

Ans: Yes.

 

2. Part of the MLC requires some collaboration with local NGOs and government committees. Do you feel this is important? Would you welcome this involvement? 

Ans: Yes, It is important, and I welcome this involvement.

3. MLC will serve as an advisory board for the community. You may be asked to attend meetings and provide presentations to groups interested in learning more about the immigrant experience. Do you think you can provide a cultural perspective on a variety of topics? (Obviously not everyone is comfortable with public speaking. Research and support are also important aspects of the MLC.)

Ans: If I have anything to add, yes, of course. I’d like to contribute.

4. Are you willing to engage with the community to build awareness about the benefits of cultural diversity and the dangers of racism and xenophobia?

Ans: Yes.

5. What resources would help you fulfill your role as a member of the MLC? (ie., webinars, training, practice)

Ans: All, according to its needs.

6. Do you have any suggestions for a “starting point” or organization you would like to look into for sharing a cultural perspective on an issue?

Ans:  One issue might be securing a job in Canada based on their education and experience. Almost all immigrants face this challenge.

7. Do you have any suggestions or thoughts you would like to share at this time?

Ans: Right now, only online communication is safe for all.

Planning ahead

 I always try to manage my time effectively. That's why, when I work on something, I plan what I will do next and then what follows after that. So, when I finish my current task, I know exactly what to do next and can begin working on it.

To make things perfect, I am trying to live in the present moment. I just want to think about what I am doing and how I can improve it. It helps me do the work better. But after completing this work, I feel blank because I didn't make a plan for what to do next. It takes some of my time to figure out what to do next, and many times I actually forget the most important task on my list.

I'm also trying to solve this problem. I often make a list of tasks I need to do. That way, whenever I finish a task, I can look at the list and decide what to start next.

Let's see how it works..

Biography 311: Asking the strangers

 I went to BFC-Best Fried Chicken (Shantinagar, Bangladesh) with Shafeen. We ordered and are waiting for our food. I saw a couple of teenagers enjoying someone's birthday. A boy, probably the birthday girl's boyfriend, gave her some gifts with a red balloon. Everything looks great. I was enjoying watching their activities.

Shafeen was watching too. He was about a three/or four-year-old boy. He told me, "I want to have the red balloon." I said, "Ok, go ahead," and requested her to give it to him. "If they don't," I added, "just come back." Shafeen didn't wait. He walked over there, and I saw him saying something to the birthday girl. The girl didn't seem to know what to do, but gave Shafeen the red balloon. Then both the girl and the boy started laughing. Shafeen also laughed, happy to have achieved the balloon.

I was surprised; I didn't expect Shafeen to approach strangers, and for them to give him the balloon. Everyone likes kids. Salute to the teenagers.

For new immigrants in Saskatoon

There is some common ground where newcomers face trouble in Saskatoon (Saskatchewan, Canada). They are mentioned here, and note the organization's name where newcomers can look for information.

 Language:

a.       Why:  People can’t communicate or get a good job without excellent Language proficiency.

b.       3 Organizations in Saskatoon who work on this issue:

                                                               i.      Saskatchewan Polytechnic

                                                             ii.      Global gathering place

                                                           iii.      Saskatchewan Indian Institution of Technologies

2.       Job:

a.       Why: If people can’t earn money, they can’t live.

b.       3 Organizations in Saskatoon who work on this issue:

                                                               i.      Saskatoon Open Door Society

                                                             ii.      Global Gathering Place

                                                           iii.      Saskatchewan Indian Institution of Technologies 

3.       Skill Training:

a.       Why: To get a better job, people must have some skills, educational training or courses in Canada.

b.       3 Organizations in Saskatoon who work on this issue:

                                                               i.      Saskatoon Open Door Society

                                                             ii.      Global Gathering Place.

                                                           iii.      Saskatoon Trades & Skills Centre 

4.       Government facilities:

a.       Why: To live a better life, people need to know how the government helps with different problems.

b.       3 Organizations in Saskatoon who work on this issue:

                                                               i.      Saskatoon Open Door Society.

                                                             ii.      Global Gathering Place.

                                                           iii.      City of Saskatoon 

5.       Laws:

a.       Laws are different for immigrant people. To avoid trouble, they must know the Canadian law.

b.       3 Organizations in Saskatoon that work on this issue:

                                                               i.      Saskatoon Open Door Society

                                                             ii.      Global Gathering Place

                                                           iii.      Saskatchewan government

Life goal

 There have been many times when I have found myself in situations where I needed to change my career, life, or anything else. That may be why I have changed my educational and career path 360 degrees, not just once, but a couple of times.

I wanted to stand still and grow, but life is very strange, dynamic, and it changed its path for me.

I'm no longer afraid of surprises and difficulties. No matter what comes my way, I'll enjoy it. No matter how much trouble arises in my life, I will try to handle it with my own strength and luck, then accept the outcomes. I actually don't have many options.