Smile... because tomorrow is a new day!

So the semester is finally coming to an end. It's been a long, long semeter with a lot of frustration and anxiety. There was a constant battle over the traffic, parking spot and trying to grade  student paper while trying to keep up with my own things. Yesterday during Colloquium, one of my collegues really laid it out to our professor. At first I was a bit uncomfortable with her being so straight forward and I guess, for a lack of a better word, "mean." She told him the 2 hours we spent every week just sitting there just talking and troubleshooting certain problematic students didn't do anything for us. She told him she felt the class was a waste of her time because the "talking" part could just as easily take place in our office and we do that anyway. What she was said we really needed was syllabus and lesson plan support. I definitely agree with her. If we did get syllabus support or even lesson plan support, half the stress we had to deal with as new GTAs would't have affected us. Most of us were just improvising as we went; I definitely did. But the only thing is... our professor is also the chair of the English department... so I don't know if that was a smart move on her part. When I went to talk to him later on, he did seem a bit upset and asked me my opnion on it. I played it safe by saying it would have definitely helped to have lesson planning support but I didn't think the class was a complete waste. I think that made him feel better because he then sent out an email kind of saying what I said.

Either way, that was interesting to say the least. But what I really want to talk about is something that many people take for granted or think is cliche. One of these mornings when I was so very tried and didn't want to do anything at all but still had to get out of bed to teach, I was having not such a great morning. I was a bit behind on the grading and I barely got any sleep. I risked being late by stopping at a DD on the way to school. Before I got out, I was already not looking forward to going in because that place is prominently white and being me usually doesn't sit well with them. But once I got there, I was greated with such a smile and such a nice good morning it just made my day. Obviously, for the working at DD it was just part of his job (that almost all other employees fail to do) but the guy's cheerful attitude and bright smile really lifted the anxiety a bit.  And to my surprise, the other guy who was walking in around the same time as me, I thought he was giving me a dirty look or that he was judging me. Instead, he held the door open for me and said Salam with such a nice smile. It helped me realize that the judgement I was afraid people were going to pass on me... I was doing it myself. I assumed the guy would be a jerk because he was covered in tattoos and was wearing laymen clothes. By the time I walked out of there, it reminded me once again that I shouldn't be so quick to judge because I must the change I want to see in the world.

And also, most importantly... smile at people. You never know what your smile could do for someone :)

Winter is coming!

Today started off a bit hectic.  Woke up at 6 to finish my teaching philosophy paper. On top of that I had to  drop off akhi at school. In the end it wasnt too bad. I finished it 7 minutes before the due time. I sat outside and graded some papers.

The weather was so beautiful. And I loved the cool breeze.  With how grossly hot its been here, its was a lovely change.

Once I got home, I thought I'd nap and wake up at 1 to continue grading. I guess I was really tired because I ended up waking up at 4. It felt lovely . After thay I went for my dance class but they were holding it outside. I didn't feel up to making a fool out of myself publicly so I just graded papers. Once J was done with his class, we had 3 games of ping pong and then went on a mini coffee date. It was a great way to end the night.

Once I got home I created a power point for my class on quotes and graded one more paper. I know im going to regret sleeping so late since I have a 10 hour shift tomorrow but Breget is coming to observe me. I wanted to make sure I did a good job tomorrow.  Oh well. Guess that's the life of a teacher.

Life as a GTA

It is definitely not easy being a teacher.  Some days I just feel like I should just not bother. But then when that one student finally gets it or I see scenery like this after a 10 hour shift... life doesn't seem so bad. :)

Oops, forgot to post Day 22-25..

Silly me, here they are:

Day 22: Ya Allah, today I pray for FINANCIAL SAFETY. For those of us who work, Ya Muta'ali, let us keep that job or get a raise. For those who have their own business, let them be successful and change the heart of their employees so they do not steal. For those who are looking for a job, Ya Ghani, help them get a job quickly. Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W.) has said, "Every Ummah (people) has a test to undergo, my Ummah will be tried through the wealth." During such hard times when the economy is hurting everyone everywhere, mostly the middle class and the poor, we pray to you to help us through this test and lessen our burden. Ameen.

Day 23: Ramadan is a month in which us Muslim try our best to get better habits and drop bad ones. We try harder to reconnect with our Creator, pray more, read the Qu'ran more often, be more aware of the blessings that He has bestowed upon us. We try to live the way Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W) wanted us to and try follow the Holy Qu'ran's guidance. We remember to be humble, to control our anger and swallow our pride. So, tonight, I would like to ask of something that many of us have trouble asking for-- forgiveness. If you can read this, no matter who you are or when I've spoken with you last, I ask for your forgiveness. If I have ever (intentionally or unintentionally) lost my temper, took my anger out on you, said something rude or hurtful, lied to you, taken something from you, hurt your feelings or anything of that sort, I apologize. I am not perfect but I can try my best to make sure I'm a good person. I have been taught that, "the repayment of a bad action is one equivalent to it. But if someone pardons and puts things right, his reward is with Allah. (Qur'an, 42:40)" I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me and my actions so we may move forward.

Ya Allah, I pray that you soften everyone heart so they can find it in them to forgive me and that you accept both my prayer and their forgiveness. Ameen

Day 24: Ya Allah, tonight I pray for our significant others. For those who are engaged, may your engagement be fun and the wedding be blessed and perfect. For those who are waiting to get engaged, may the proposal be beautiful and bring tears to your eyes. For those who have not found that someone yet, may Allah introduce you to your soul mate at the right time and place. Ya Sami, for those who have someone in our live, bless them with good health, good fortune and protect them from harm. Bless them with an easy path to Heaven and allow us to be together here in this world and in afterlife. Ameen.

Day 25: As the last few minutes of Layatul Qadr is slipping away from us, Ya Allah, tonight pray me. Ya Quddus, through this month of Ramadan, I have tried my hardest to be on my best behavior and be the best Muslim I can be. Even then, Ya Mu'min, I am not perfect nor am I flawless, so I know I have made many mistakes, either while reading the Qu'ran, during prayer, while speaking with my elders or million other things I've done through out the day. Ya Mutakabbir, look past my mistakes and forgive my sins. Accept my prayers and my Qu'ran recitals. Ya Musawwir, thank you for keeping me alive to witness another beautiful day and another blessed month of Ramadan. Ya Fattah, bless me with another fruitful year, for you have given me many reason to be grateful. Continue to watch over me and show me the path to success. Continue to bless me with reasons to be happy and laugh. Keep me safe during my travels, from Satan, from going astray from you. Guide me to be the kind of Muslim and person you would like me to be. And when you decide to take me away from this world, Ya Mumit, take me when you are most pleased with me so I may enter Jannat ul Firdous. Ameen.

Day 21

Ya Allah, on the second blessed Qadr Night (Night of Destiny/Measures), a night which is just as important and as it is blessed, I want to make a special dua (prayer) for our parents. Ya Khaliq, without our parents we would not be here. We would not be raised with as much unconditional love without them, nor would we be clothed, sheltered or fed without their protection. They have dedication so much of their life, time, money, and sacrificed so much in order to make us into the person we are. Most importantly, our beloved Prophet (S.A.W) has said parents "are your Paradise and your Hell." Ya Shakur, thank you for blessing us with such amazing parents who continue to love and support us every day. Bless them with long, healthy and happy life. And allow us the honor of repaying them for their love when they are old and need us. Ameen.

Day 20

Ya Allah, tonight I pray for you to open our hearts towards CHARITY. Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W.) has said, "None of you will have faith till he wishes for his brother what he likes for himself." (Sahih al-Bukhari 1.12) Not only is charity a pillar of Islam, but charity acts as a way to purify our hearts from greed. Ya Wahhab, it is you that everything belongs to and it is you who blesses each of us with what we have. Ya Razzaq, soften our hearts so we may help our brothers and sisters in need and relieves their pain as we would like for you to relieve ours. Ameen.

Day 19

Ya Allah, tonight I pray for the overall health and well-being of our friends. Our friends help us stay sane, keep us in line, and have our backs when we are in need. They are like angels sent by heaven to help us get through life. “A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.” Ya Nafi, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for blessing me with such great friends. I pray for their long, healthy and successful lives. Continue to bless us with such wonderful people and steer us away from the false ones. Ameen.

Day 18

Ya Allah, I earnestly pray for the ability to CONTROL OUR ANGER. Too many terrible things are said and done in the moment we allow our anger to take over our mind. It makes us do rash things or say things which we later regret. Prophet Muhammed (S.A.W) has said, "A strong man is not he who defeats his adversary by wrestling, but a strong man is he who controls himself at the time of anger." (narrated by Abu Huraira (May Allah be pleased with him)). Ya Quddus, help us be that kind of strong person so we can make you and our beloved Prophet (S.A.W) proud. Ameen.

Day 17

Ya Allah, today I pray for the ability to TURN THE OTHER CHEEK. So many times we are tempted to out others because they have wronged us before or out of some twisted sense of justice. Other times we, either intentionally or unintentionally, publicly humiliate others for their weakness (in faith, in strength, in studies, etc) or their mistakes. Let us remember what our beloved Prophet (S.A.W.) has said: "One who covers up the failings of somebody in this world, will have his shortcomings covered up by God on the Day of Judgment." Ya Barr, let us be lenient, as we would like you to be lenient with us. Ameen.

Day 16

Day 16: Ya Allah, tonight I pray for all those who have strayed from you, whatever their reason may be. They might have been faced with hardship, death, bad fortune, loss of property and riches. Many horrible and evil things happen which they don't understand the reason for or the cause of. These are the things that the Devil uses to whisper blasphemous things in our ears, to make our belief weaker, to question your judgement and your love. Help them realize that, "God does not burden any human being with more than he is well able to bear" (Qu'ran 2:286). Ya Hafiz, bring those hearts back to you and save their souls from Hell Fire. Help them ignore the Devil's whisperings and regain their faith in you. Ameen.

Day 15

Jummah Mubarak  !

Day 15: Ya Allah, tonight I express my GRATITUDE. While we are aware of the suffering of the poor, it is mostly in the back of our heads. During the month of Ramadan, while I abstain from food, water, and things of leisure for 17+ hours, I am reminded of all the things I am blessed to have. I am alive, healthy, safe, fed, loved, and sheltered. Most of us take such things for granted until they are gone. So tonight, Ya Wahhab, I express my gratitude for all you bless us with and pray that you shower the same blessings to the less fortunate. Please continue to give us such blessings. Ameen.

Day 14

Allah, please protect me, my friends, family and those reading this against GOSSIP and prevent us from partaking in it as well. It was narrated by Abu Musa that when asked, "Who is a very good Muslim?" our beloved Prophet (S.A.W) replied, "One who avoids harming the Muslims [and others] with his tongue and hands." (Sahih Buhari). Ya Wadud, prevent our tongues from uttering falsities about others. Let us heed your advise: "Oh you who believe! If a wicked person comes to you with any news, ascertain the truth, lest you harm people unwittingly, and afterwards become full of repentance for what you have done (Quran 49:6). Ameen.

Day 13

Yes I realize I am a day late. Inshallah I'll be able to catch up tomorrow. Here's today's prayer:

Day 13: Ya Allah, tonight I ask you to bless us with KNOWLEDGE. After seeing pictures like these, all I can say is SubhanAllah. There's so much we don't know and so much we have not seen. We are so tiny, a speck of dust in space, if even that, yet we act so haughty and so mighty.. even though we will never create anything as magnificent as this. Ya Azim, give the knowledge to understand how magnificent you are. Ya Alim, give us academic knowledge to succeed in our careers, street knowledge to survive the world, common sense knowledge to be courteous and proper to others, and spiritual knowledge so we may live our lives as you have instructed, so that we may enter heaven easily. Ameen.

Day 3 - 12

Since I was a bit caught up in things, I wasn't able to post up the last few prayers so here they are:

Day 3: Ya Muhyi! I cannot thank you enough for getting me through another year, without harm and hardship that many around me has and is going through. Thank you for keeping me and those who I know healthy and happy. Ya Mughith, please continue to watch over me, my family, my friends and those reading this. Grant us success in all we do and lead us to a path to a better, healtheir, wiser and richer life. Bless those who remembered me on my birthday and bless those that didnt. Most importantly, bless our mothers and fathers for all they do and all that they put up with. We would not be where we are if it werent for them. Bless them with long, healthly life and easy years as they grow older. Help us remember all that they did for us when we were young and helpless so we too may take care of them with the same love and attention. Ameen.

Day 4: Ya Allah, bless me, my friends, family and those who are reading this, with STRENGTH. Provide us with physical strength so we may take on our daily struggles without fatigue, mental strength so we may overcome the many obstacles we face, emotional strength so we may learn to work through daily trials of our lives. And most importantly, especially in this blessed month of Ramadan, give us spiritual strength so we may get closer to our Creator. Ya Hamid, we are weak and easily fall prey to Shaytan and his tricks. Give us strength so we may avoid his temptations. Give us the strength to fight evil and strengthen our faith. Help us become the kind of person that would be granted a sure access to heaven. Ameen.

Day 5: Ya Allah, bless this whole world and its inhabitants with PEACE. During a time when hate has become the norm and cold hearts have become the fashion, open everyone's heart to be more understanding and accepting, more sympathetic and caring. There is anger in everyone's mind and sorrow in everyone's heart that fuels such feelings of hate. Ya Salam, shower this world with peace and ease of mind. Stop such destruction caused by mankind and help us stop killing each other, the animals around us and the environment we live in. Take away all the hate, all the misunderstandings, all the ill wishes we harbor in our hearts. Bless us with peace of mind, peace of heart and peace of our soul. Ameen.

Day 6: Ya Allah, help me, my friends, family and those who are reading this, get rid of the disease called JEALOUSY. This disease that lives within us is one of the most evil and destructive one that exists. It causes unhappiness for the ones who are afflicted with it and ruins the lives, relationships, and faith for those who are around the ones with the disease. Our beloved Prophet (S.A.W.) has warned us, "Beware of jealousy, for verily it destroys good deeds the way fire destroys wood." [Abu Dawood]. If we are to be jealous, let us be jealous of the good others do so we may strive to be just as good to please our Creator. Ya Qahhar, help us follow our Prophet's (S.A.W) advice: "Do not look to those above you. Look to those below you, as it will more likely remind you of Allah's favors bestowed on you." [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim]." Ameen.

Day 7: Ya Allah, in light of recent events, I pray for everyone's GOOD HEALTH. Last two weeks I've heard of more than five deaths and the last few months, had few health difficulties within my family. Ya Muqit, keep us healthy and strong so we may continue to serve you. Ya Mu'id, those of us who are suffering from illness or know anyone who is, give them a speedy recovery so they can witness how merciful and benevolent you are. For the elderly and weak, give them strength and ease their pain. And for those who have passed on, Ya Adl, forgive their sins and decrease their time in hell fire. Allow them, as well as ourselves, access to Jannat-ul- Firdous (highest heaven). Ameen

Day 8: Ya Allah, during Ramadan, I see so many people renew their faith in you and try so hard to please you and become closer to you. They not only wake up in the AM to eat, but also to pray on time and eat as a family. They come to the masjid to pray as one big community, break fast together and make new friends. People are kinder, more generous, more patient and friendlier. Many go out of their way to help the poor or their neighbor. Many remember to abstain from sin and haram and go out of their way to do good deeds. Ya Mu'min, I pray that you keep this religious spirit alive in us even after this holy month. Let our current lifestyle become our daily habit for life. Ameen.

Day 9: Ya Allah, help me, my friends, family and those who are reading this, escape HELL FIRE. Oh Allah, we are human and weak. We make many mistakes, both intentionally and unintentionally. We fall into temptation and fool ourselves into thinking it's okay. We avoid thinking about our death and the consequences of our actions thinking we have many years left to live. Ya Hasib, guide us in the path to righteousness and forgive our sins. Help us realize that any moment could be our last. Ya Basit, I pray you lessen our punishment in our graves and in the afterlife. Ameen.

Day 10: Ya Allah, today I ask of you for the ABILITY TO FORGIVE. We get so caught up on people's mistake that we find it difficult to forgive others. We hold grudges and hold the anger for so long that it becomes unhealthy and our hearts become impure. In Hadith Qudsi, it is said that you have told our Prophet (S.A.W): “O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you” (Al-Tirmidhi). Ya Ghafur we wrong each other so many ways, we sin so much, we ignore so many of your commands yet you forgive and continue to protect us and guide us. Ya Mujib, please bring forgiveness in our hearts. Ameen.

Day 11: Ya Allah, tonight I ask for your help in avoiding ARROGANCE. There are many of us who believe we are better because we have what other's desire, whether it be riches, knowledge, deeds, color of our skin, etc. Ya Qahar, help us remember that pride is a characteristic of Iblis/Lucifer. It is pride that caused him to be thrown out of heaven. Help us remember that too much pride prevents one from admitting their mistakes, seeking or accepting advice or even face the truth. Help us heed our beloved Prophet's (S.A.W) warning, "He who has in his heart the weight of an atom of pride shall not enter Paradise" [Muslim]. Ameen.

Day 12: Ya Allah, tonight I pray for COURAGE. There are so many problems in this world that overwhelm us. For some it is having to deal with abuse, financial problems, health issues, or even something simple like a test. Ya Jalil, give us the courage to do what it is necessary to succeed in this world and the next. Ya Qawiyy, I especially ask for the courage for us to proudly express our love for you and for our religion. Due to tragic events there are many who hide who we are in fear of repercussion. As our Prophet (S.A.W.) has said, "Courage is standing firm to virtue when all around bend to the winds of change.” Ya Mani', guide us back to you and give us the courage to face this world proudly and defend you. Ameen.

Day 2

 Oh Allah, please guide me, my friends, my family and those who are reading this, to be NOT SO JUDGEMENTAL. We dont know what is going on with someone or what they have gone through. Allow us to realize that we should not feel as though are better than others for whatever our reasons may be. Only you, Ya Alim, Ya Basir, know and see all that was, that there is, that there will be and only you have the right to pass the kind of judge we foolish humans think we do. Ya Wadud, bless us with understanding hearts and open minds so we may live in peace with our fellow brothers and sisters, so we may be compassionate towards each other and come to accept our differences. Ameen.

I think thisnprayer is really important for me to remember... As much as I hate to admit it, there are many times that I either intentionally or unintentionally pass harsh judgement of others, as if I am without flaw. It's such a nasty habit. I dont always mean harm by it by even when I say judgemental things as a joke, I should realize that someone may take it seriously. Like the other day, I jokingly said, "prepare yourself, the seasonal Muslims are coming" right before ramadan started. The first day of fasting I found out that J isnt fasting because he didnt want to pretend like he cared. I caused a lot of damage because perphaps if I was more understandinf and didnt pass of such judgements and instead said emcouraging things, maybe he would have fasted. Who knows, maybe I might have embarassed someone else and they didnt do it because of me. How shameful of me. No matter what, omly Allah can accept or reject someone's prayer or fasting, whether they be from a religious person or someone who barely ever prayers. From now on, I'll try my best to not be so quick to say such things. Here's to becoming a better person, one mistake at a time.

-M

Day 1:

Allah, please grant me, my friends, family and those who are reading this PATIENCE. Please forgive us for the times we lost our patience for small matters and even when worldly matters try us, specially when it comes to our parents and the elderly. Ya Rahman, Ya Ghaffâr, Ya Muhaymin, we are flawed and need your guidance. We sin so much yet you forgive us. Bless us with patience so we, too, may follow the teachings of Prophet (SAW). Ameen.

I needed to pray for patience today after all that occurred with the first ten minutes of my awakening. I literally couldn't finish washing up or anything before I had to fly out the door to stop the situation from escalating even further than it had. Reflecting back on it, I realized that some of the moments that I remained calm and was patient enough to not join in on the shouting was the most effective. The times I lost it only made me lose control of the situation and myself. I hope Allah grants me my prayer because it seems the older I'm getting the less patient I am. I would love to go back to the super calm me from a few years ago..

-M

Tradition

How important are traditions? How important is it to keep them, even if they are ones that you created?

I ask because I broke a decade long tradition tonight. And I don't know how I feel about it.

Summer 2013

For someone who loves the idea of blogging as much as I do, I don't blog nearly as much as I want to. I guess half of it has to do with the fact that i barely ever sit down in front of a computer anymore. The other half is just pure laziness lol Either way, I have been enjoying summer as much as I can between work and doing Mama Bear's b work. I guess it's not as bad as it usually is. I've gotten a chance to read some books for leisure (for once!) and got to hang out with J more than I thought I would. The biggest disappointment is how I haven't been able to keep my goal of gyming and sewing. I really gotta get on that. And soon.

Prayers are needed..

My dad hasn't been really feeling well the last couple weeks. He kept mentioning that his chest feels funny. We've tried really hard to convince him to go see his doctor but he refused. This week however, his pain increased. And finally, Friday night I rushed him over to the ER. After running some tests, they kept him over night to monitor him. What they finally found out is that he has another clogged artery and he needs to go through the same surgery he did a decade ago... I've been going in and out of the hospital. It's all just so scary :( But at least this time he didn't have two heart attacks before he made it to the doctor..

Inshallah all will be well.. until then, if you're reading this, regardless of who you pray to or if you don't even believe in a higher being, please keep my dad in your prayers. I'm a big believer that with the help of science and God's will, all can be fixed.

Thank you.
-Mina

Would you look at that

So I don't really finish my paper at all but still reach the 10+ page limit. I mostly focused on my main arguement and my intro and that's exactly what I read to the class. I thought mine was the most ill-prepared and what not so I wasn't really looking forward to the 1-on-1 with the professor. The girl who went before me was there for 30 minutes so I thought, Oh, here we go. I'm probably going to be stuck there with her forever.

Surprisingly, she said she thought mine was the most well developed argument/paper from everyone. She just pointed out areas I could do without and what I should expand on (by giving sources to look at). Then I was out within 10 minutes. How about that! I'm getting better and better at this. I feel like I deserve a pat on the back (even though I procrastinated the crap out of it hah!).

Now I'm working on Irving's Rip Van Winkle. I'm relatively intersted in the topic so lets see if I can pull off 7 pages on it. I really do enjoy writing some of these papers. I wish I could share it here, but with all the cheaters out there, I think it's best not to. Ah well! Maybe I'll post summaries or something :)

Love from my end of the world to yours!
-M

Caution: works best under pressure

I don't know what it is or why I put myself through this every time with every assignment, but I always, always always, leave things for the last minute. And when I say last minute, I don't mean it metaphorically last minute. I literally mean the last minute. For example, my American Revolution Lit paper was due two weeks ago, and I finished the last sentence an hour before I leave for class (only because I had one other assignment that was also due before class haha). Although that one was not entirely my fault (sister's wedding going on and all), I still somehow wrote 12 pages out of no where over night and then still made it to class without being too overly late.

And then here I am again. I spent all of Friday and Saturday eating, sleeping and generally just bumming around. In fact, I spent most of today (Sunday) doing nothing as well. I finally got around to starting my paper at 11 PM when the paper is due tomorrow afternoon. I've done 2.5 pages and have about 7.5 left. That I plan on finishing after I come home from dropping my brother off at 730. If I am able to successfully take a nap from now till 730 then I think I should be able to BS my way through the rest of it. I know what to write, just gotta put it down in words and make it to the 10th page.

I guess I procrastinate because I have become so used to doing everything last minute that if I don't feel that urgent need/push to finish off whatever it is that I need to, I just don't get the same drive to finish it. I guess part of the problem (at least for this assignment) is that I'm not that interested in to begin with. I think if I was, I would be much more invested and finish this off a lot earlier. I mean, I did write a 25 page paper on Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream (Nonsexual Platonic Relationships in MSND) without much trouble few semesters ago. And then The Origin Zombie Culture and Its Affect on Western Culture, a 6.5 pager that I wrote Friday morning in a few hours. The paper I'm writing now is The Myth of Hermaphroditus and Salmacis--Why Hermaphroditus is Visually a Woman First. Le boringgg... hopefully something will ignite in me and I can pull this off.

Either way, the effects of cafe con leche and Cuban coffee has finally worn off. I will nap and the resume this torturous writing assignments.

Goodnight (morning??) from my end of the world!

-M

A bit of moral boost

I can't believe I'm up still doing everything but my homework while everyone is asleep.

It's either me being silly or my period speaking, but sometimes, I think it would be nice to be someone else's top priority for once. You know, for someone to actually listen to my answer when (rather, IF EVER) asked, "So, how was your day?"

But there I go again expecting people to treat me like I treat them. No use of being a hussy.




-M

Pain

I hate my left ear  the two times i got it pierced it got infected and swelled up. Its been 7 months and i still have so much trouble with it. I had switched to the hoop with a ring since the post wasn't working out. That was a mistake too. Just now i spent two hours trying to get it off since it was hurting. I was bleeding like crazy and the pain... Omfg the pain. It got to a point that i couldn't take it anymore so i had to just numb it and pull it out. Its so flipping swollen and red right now as you can see in the picture. The post isn't long enough but it's the only thing that would go in without causing pain. So now its in my ear but the screw part n the back is pushing against the swelling. Its not hurting yet but i bet it will soon.

Complete and utter FML

Piccolo

I like watching this little guy floating around. Unfortunately he's nothing like Buu. Piccolo is very much like the owner of the house he frequents- Sponge Bob. Oh well. At least he's happy and well :-)

First week back

I swear winter break passed right by me in a blink of an eye. There was a lot I wanted to accomplish but again I couldn't do any since I was doing stuff for other people. But all together, it wasn't too bad. J's mom got A and myself some nice things. Just the fact that she even thought of doing so made me happy :-) She also treated me to a pedicure and acrylic nails just in time for Hina's wedding. That was really nice of her.

In other news, I'm almost done with my first week of classes for this year. For once I'm taking 3 classes. I like 2 of the 3. The professor for the Monday class seems a bit stuck up and flipping weird. But I'm gonna give her two more classes before I make up my mind on her. I wasn't particularly happy with taking her class in the first place.. but better to get the credits that'll help me rather than a random class (even though that class was pretty interesting). Oh well. Guess I'll see what happens.

Now on to the best new: I've finally managed to make J start taking classes! Today was his first day. I was so happy I was practically just giddy lol I'm so glad he liked the first class in 6 years :-)

To top it all off, there were a lot of nice peopl I came across today and yesterday. Two really nice guys tried to help me first my class on time. And today the girl at the main campus circulation desk was really nice tov me. When she saw that I was checking out a lot of French related books we started talking. She then offered me to email me her key code for her online French text book and everything. In the end it didn't work since she's not in any class right now. But the gesture made me really happy.

And when I went to visit J to hear about his first day in person, he was so sweet :-) overall, Alhamd. it was a great day!

The only downer was that I randomly remembered someone I met several years ago but no longer talk to. I blame it on their ipod, with the years old candy wrapper lol But really though, the more I thought about it, the more I realized that the amount of love, care, respect, trust and support I received was so humbling. I definitely didn't deserve it. And I don't think I ever really expressed my gratitude for all that I receieved so unconditionally..

Ah well. Life's movin on and people are changing. The person I remember has changed too I'm sure. So I guess, its more like I'm feeling of loss that comes with the death of someone close rather than the person no longer being in my life. RIP old friend.

On that note, I'm gonna go ahead and pass out. Long day tomorrow!