That it's New Awwahlins and NOT New OR-Lee-ins. It's driving me insane.
`da insomniac
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Tuskegee is fine, y'all
Sorry I haven't blogged in a coupla days. I've been busy with the job search (2 interview, alhamdulillah!!!) And watching the news nonstop since Katrina was in the Gulf of Mexico... Thanks to Aleksa and everyone else who asked about my family in Alabama. Tuskegee is fine- I spoke to my grandfather (right after I hooted and hollered when they actually said "Tuskegee" on CNN and pronounced it correctly) and he said that although they'd pronouncd a tornado warning ovber there, there was some lightning and a whole lotta wind, and that was it. There wasn't even any damage to the pecan trees.
On my father's side, however, I'm a lil worried about my family in Metairie, the ones who hosted the family reunion a while back. I know they evacuated, but from what I saw on the tv screen, they won't have a whole lot to go back to. Or wayy too much, if they're lucky.
I'm also worried about my parents in Cincinnati. I lived through the last flooding there... the really bad one back in '98 and then again in '99, and even though it didn't hit our house, that stuff was no joke. I was rowing then, and we didn't get back on the river for quite a while, even though we rowed on a tributary of the Ohio in Kentucky- the Ohio at Cincinnati is WAY fast for novice-level (and even some more experienced rowers) most of the time. The Newport levee had just been finished , and so the aerial pictures- one of Covington, completely under water, alongside Newport, with its green wall around it, high and dry- just left me with my mouth open. A lot of people on riverside property- very poor, reminds me of La Perla in San Juan- lost their houses, clothes, food, possessions, etc. Very few people died, however. The main difference this time would be that the weather isn't cold. I remember it was freezing cold outside the last time the Ohio and Miami rivers flooded. No fun for anyone.
So. Y'all be praying for everyone in the path of the storm folks named Katrina. I know I will. She is one bad lil girl.
Hey, Aleksa. Get a blog, girl. I appreciate the comments, really. But it's getting to be a bit much. No fair I can't get you back, either- at least I can comment up a storm over at Sherry's place.
Onnn the job front- I've had a coupla people interested in me on the Great AuPair site. One job would be for a newborn who isn't here yet. I talked the other over with my mother, and I dont' think I'm going to take it, since I'd have to ask for a substantial increase in pay, and the family cant' afford it. I kinda regret that, since I talked with the mother for almost an hour yesterday. Turns out she had a two-year-old and then had a set of quadruplets- naturally. Yeah. Amazing. She's PuertoRican, and loved that I'd teach her kids, especially her older son, Spanish just by talking to him completely in the language, since she's from NYC and says she's the only one in her generation to speak the language. I think it's awesome that she wants her kids to learn Spanish. But I wonder about language ties and heritage. I'm constanly saying that any child I have would speak Spanish since that's all I'd speak to him or her, and they'd also have to speak whatever their father's language will be, so they'd en trilingual from jump street. It makes me sad to hear from so many people whose parents, thinking it was best for them, forced them to learn english, or worse, didn't let them learn their first language. They're ok with it until they feel impaired in that language. Hmmph. Americanization always has a hidden dark side. I'm not saying you have to keep all the customs of your homeland, that can be detrimental too. But knowing a second language has been so integral to my life, I can't imagine myself without that ability, and it must be something to yearn to have what I take for granted.
Sorry. I'll get off my soapbox now.
peace
Me
On my father's side, however, I'm a lil worried about my family in Metairie, the ones who hosted the family reunion a while back. I know they evacuated, but from what I saw on the tv screen, they won't have a whole lot to go back to. Or wayy too much, if they're lucky.
I'm also worried about my parents in Cincinnati. I lived through the last flooding there... the really bad one back in '98 and then again in '99, and even though it didn't hit our house, that stuff was no joke. I was rowing then, and we didn't get back on the river for quite a while, even though we rowed on a tributary of the Ohio in Kentucky- the Ohio at Cincinnati is WAY fast for novice-level (and even some more experienced rowers) most of the time. The Newport levee had just been finished , and so the aerial pictures- one of Covington, completely under water, alongside Newport, with its green wall around it, high and dry- just left me with my mouth open. A lot of people on riverside property- very poor, reminds me of La Perla in San Juan- lost their houses, clothes, food, possessions, etc. Very few people died, however. The main difference this time would be that the weather isn't cold. I remember it was freezing cold outside the last time the Ohio and Miami rivers flooded. No fun for anyone.
So. Y'all be praying for everyone in the path of the storm folks named Katrina. I know I will. She is one bad lil girl.
Hey, Aleksa. Get a blog, girl. I appreciate the comments, really. But it's getting to be a bit much. No fair I can't get you back, either- at least I can comment up a storm over at Sherry's place.
Onnn the job front- I've had a coupla people interested in me on the Great AuPair site. One job would be for a newborn who isn't here yet. I talked the other over with my mother, and I dont' think I'm going to take it, since I'd have to ask for a substantial increase in pay, and the family cant' afford it. I kinda regret that, since I talked with the mother for almost an hour yesterday. Turns out she had a two-year-old and then had a set of quadruplets- naturally. Yeah. Amazing. She's PuertoRican, and loved that I'd teach her kids, especially her older son, Spanish just by talking to him completely in the language, since she's from NYC and says she's the only one in her generation to speak the language. I think it's awesome that she wants her kids to learn Spanish. But I wonder about language ties and heritage. I'm constanly saying that any child I have would speak Spanish since that's all I'd speak to him or her, and they'd also have to speak whatever their father's language will be, so they'd en trilingual from jump street. It makes me sad to hear from so many people whose parents, thinking it was best for them, forced them to learn english, or worse, didn't let them learn their first language. They're ok with it until they feel impaired in that language. Hmmph. Americanization always has a hidden dark side. I'm not saying you have to keep all the customs of your homeland, that can be detrimental too. But knowing a second language has been so integral to my life, I can't imagine myself without that ability, and it must be something to yearn to have what I take for granted.
Sorry. I'll get off my soapbox now.
peace
Me
Friday, August 26, 2005
The Service Standard
As I've been searching for a job, I've applied for many different positions in several different places: from teaching to nanny, from receptionist to research associate, from server to hotel concierge. I've got the skills and the ability to do any and all of those jobs. In more than one way I've felt myself hampered not by my skills- if anything, the fact that I'm willing to do any kind of work should help me- but by the attitudes of my friends (hardly) and family (profoundly) when I discuss with them my applications and why I choose to do so. And it ain't just them. This, I think, may just be a community-wide thing.
Let me go back into history to explain why this is such a bigole pain. My great-grandmother is still alive, and almost 90 years old. She is amazing. As far as I understand, she barely finished school, and never went to college. She's literate, but her handwriting, though cursive, isn't exactly refined. She doesn't use it in her line of work.
She was a domestic worker- a cook and sometime housekeeper- for all of her working life. Then, during her retirement, she would take care of some of my cousin's kids until they were school-aged, which allowed said cousin to work. She still tells stories of the times when she would cook for these rich white descendants of plantation owners, how they'd act toward her, and how proprietary she felt toward them. They might have felt she was theirs, but in reality things were more the other way around.
My great-grandmother only had one child, my Grandpa (not to be confused with Grandpa Earl), and through that line especially I've learned the importance and pride not only in hard work, but in a craft and service - the combined abilities to use your hands well and to use that for the benefit of a community. Ain't no shame in being a domestic or blue collar worker. This is a big part of my worldview. It wasn't always- I was really trained to it in purpose and example.
So we know that my family, especially on my mother's side, should see no problems with service work or manual/blue collar work, because it is an honored tradition for us. With me so far?
The other line I get from my family is that of constantly improving yourself and your station through education. My father's life is the big lesson on that topic- I remember his college graduation quite well, because I watched him walk across the stage. In MY lifetime, he's gone from being janitor to air-conditioning repairman, both blue-collar, to working in computer analysis for the government- very very white collar. So I also get this sense that the only reason to get an education is to help you improve your class station and get that high-payin' job. Not just for the education itself or to raise the level of education in your race or class or community, but for the monetary rewards. You pay for it so it can pay for itself. I understand this. And I do agree that education in this country, expensive as it is and can be even for academically gifted people, isn't worth the money you spend if you can't earn enough to pay the loans back OR do what really makes you happy.
Then there's the fact that economically, black people stand to lose a great deal because of entitlement attitudes and lowering education and employment levels. The public education system of this country was made to turn out educated LABOR so the country can run. The US already in trouble with companies exporting labor and service positions because they're cheaper and in a lot of cases people don't kick up too much dust when asked to actually do some work. Of course those same companies can get away with a lot more abuse, but that's another entry. My point here is that as part of a community that doesn't have all that much to begin with my reality is that you have to do with what you have, or you won't have anything. If I have no job and many skills, then I should apply as many places as possible so I'll get some job somewhere, and work from there. If I want to work my way up the ladder I can start after I have a way to fill my mouth and sleep warmly at night.
Still with me?
The reason for my frustration of late is that every time I mention that I've applied for a nannying or concierge or waitressing position, I get insta-commentary from family members and certain friends to the point that I should NOT be trying for that kind of job, that I have a college degree and that I'd be wasted there. In essence,that I'm above such things. It is that attitude that has me soooo frustrated. For example, in two different conversations I had yesterday, I had someone first question whether or not I was trying to be in the hospitality industry, and then, in a later conversation, point out that immigrants have such great chances now because they take the low-paying and manual jobs that
black people are too proud to take anymore, like cooks or janitors or agricultural jobs. (The incidents in Herndon, VA, were on the news, and we went into a discussion about that, just to give some context.) Same person, not an hour between both statements. I'm not even really angry about it anymore, but it does have me thinking.
My question is, can we have it both ways? Because as a BLACK Gen-xer (I think- or am I Generation Next? My parents are baby boomers, but I digress), I know, in my heart, that my family and community want simply the very very best for me and my generation. I mean, we're only one step- sometimes two- from the time when being a pullman porter or a teacher was the MOST prestigious job someone in the Black community could have! People were blacksmiths and subsistence farmers and construction workers and carpenters and were proud of their honest work. When we lose that pride in our work we lose work period. I don't know a single soul who can afford that, black, red, brown, yellow or white.
At the same time, it only contributes to a great level of frustration and confusion to tell me, as an educated person, that I'm too good to be a teacher or a front-desk person. Am I really too good for anything? Dont' get me wrong. I really want a great, high-paying job. I want to get the education so I can have it. But on the way there, I don't see a thing wrong with being an educated nanny or service worker. I know that it may be a stop on the way, but not the last place I go, either. I'm not going to take being condescended to , and I'm not going to be ashamed because I have a BA and a blue-collar job. And I also know that I'll end up as an executive officer or a doctor if that's what I want. We've got to stop holding ourselves to a double standard. Because what we're holding onto is our own progress. Let it go!
Now. I know I'm not the only person who has had this thought, so please holla back... and I dont' care if you're black or not! I just want thoughts.
peace
Miss TwennyTwo
Let me go back into history to explain why this is such a bigole pain. My great-grandmother is still alive, and almost 90 years old. She is amazing. As far as I understand, she barely finished school, and never went to college. She's literate, but her handwriting, though cursive, isn't exactly refined. She doesn't use it in her line of work.
She was a domestic worker- a cook and sometime housekeeper- for all of her working life. Then, during her retirement, she would take care of some of my cousin's kids until they were school-aged, which allowed said cousin to work. She still tells stories of the times when she would cook for these rich white descendants of plantation owners, how they'd act toward her, and how proprietary she felt toward them. They might have felt she was theirs, but in reality things were more the other way around.
My great-grandmother only had one child, my Grandpa (not to be confused with Grandpa Earl), and through that line especially I've learned the importance and pride not only in hard work, but in a craft and service - the combined abilities to use your hands well and to use that for the benefit of a community. Ain't no shame in being a domestic or blue collar worker. This is a big part of my worldview. It wasn't always- I was really trained to it in purpose and example.
So we know that my family, especially on my mother's side, should see no problems with service work or manual/blue collar work, because it is an honored tradition for us. With me so far?
The other line I get from my family is that of constantly improving yourself and your station through education. My father's life is the big lesson on that topic- I remember his college graduation quite well, because I watched him walk across the stage. In MY lifetime, he's gone from being janitor to air-conditioning repairman, both blue-collar, to working in computer analysis for the government- very very white collar. So I also get this sense that the only reason to get an education is to help you improve your class station and get that high-payin' job. Not just for the education itself or to raise the level of education in your race or class or community, but for the monetary rewards. You pay for it so it can pay for itself. I understand this. And I do agree that education in this country, expensive as it is and can be even for academically gifted people, isn't worth the money you spend if you can't earn enough to pay the loans back OR do what really makes you happy.
Then there's the fact that economically, black people stand to lose a great deal because of entitlement attitudes and lowering education and employment levels. The public education system of this country was made to turn out educated LABOR so the country can run. The US already in trouble with companies exporting labor and service positions because they're cheaper and in a lot of cases people don't kick up too much dust when asked to actually do some work. Of course those same companies can get away with a lot more abuse, but that's another entry. My point here is that as part of a community that doesn't have all that much to begin with my reality is that you have to do with what you have, or you won't have anything. If I have no job and many skills, then I should apply as many places as possible so I'll get some job somewhere, and work from there. If I want to work my way up the ladder I can start after I have a way to fill my mouth and sleep warmly at night.
Still with me?
The reason for my frustration of late is that every time I mention that I've applied for a nannying or concierge or waitressing position, I get insta-commentary from family members and certain friends to the point that I should NOT be trying for that kind of job, that I have a college degree and that I'd be wasted there. In essence,that I'm above such things. It is that attitude that has me soooo frustrated. For example, in two different conversations I had yesterday, I had someone first question whether or not I was trying to be in the hospitality industry, and then, in a later conversation, point out that immigrants have such great chances now because they take the low-paying and manual jobs that
black people are too proud to take anymore, like cooks or janitors or agricultural jobs. (The incidents in Herndon, VA, were on the news, and we went into a discussion about that, just to give some context.) Same person, not an hour between both statements. I'm not even really angry about it anymore, but it does have me thinking.
My question is, can we have it both ways? Because as a BLACK Gen-xer (I think- or am I Generation Next? My parents are baby boomers, but I digress), I know, in my heart, that my family and community want simply the very very best for me and my generation. I mean, we're only one step- sometimes two- from the time when being a pullman porter or a teacher was the MOST prestigious job someone in the Black community could have! People were blacksmiths and subsistence farmers and construction workers and carpenters and were proud of their honest work. When we lose that pride in our work we lose work period. I don't know a single soul who can afford that, black, red, brown, yellow or white.
At the same time, it only contributes to a great level of frustration and confusion to tell me, as an educated person, that I'm too good to be a teacher or a front-desk person. Am I really too good for anything? Dont' get me wrong. I really want a great, high-paying job. I want to get the education so I can have it. But on the way there, I don't see a thing wrong with being an educated nanny or service worker. I know that it may be a stop on the way, but not the last place I go, either. I'm not going to take being condescended to , and I'm not going to be ashamed because I have a BA and a blue-collar job. And I also know that I'll end up as an executive officer or a doctor if that's what I want. We've got to stop holding ourselves to a double standard. Because what we're holding onto is our own progress. Let it go!
Now. I know I'm not the only person who has had this thought, so please holla back... and I dont' care if you're black or not! I just want thoughts.
peace
Miss TwennyTwo
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Stayin' Alive
Assalaaamu Alaikum Mah Peoples!
I'm still alive, alHamdulIllah.
Thanks to David and Aleksa and Sherry for stalking me on and off the internet and not letting me disappear in time of distress.
I'm back in DC altho you can't see it by my blog; I was here for more than a week, left, and am back again. I had a job interview on Monday, and I heard back from the RitzCarlton (no job; booooo for them). Strongly considered blogging for stress relief when I was in Cincinnati b/c my father has this knack for reducing me to teenage-like behavior. My mother, saint that she is (altho she DID marry him, but I digress) had a chat with me, and now I see what's going on. But I have to say, I don't think I need to live near him. My father is like salt for me: I need him in my life, and a little of his advice and love at the right times, even when I wouldn't expect or ask for it, is good. But too much just leaves a horrible taste in my mouth. I love him. I wish eh'd take better care of himself- he's still got that huge belly and as far as I can see isn't modifying his diet in the LEAST. Insha'Allah he turns 50 this year, but not only do I want him to see that b-day, I want him to know his grandkids, and um, the way he's going, only God (swt) knows if he'll stick around for any amount of time.
Yeah. *sigh*.
Ech. I've got sooo much going on in my head I don't know what else to say. Better just leave it at that for now. I'll be back soon, insha'llah, I promise.
peace
Me
I'm still alive, alHamdulIllah.
Thanks to David and Aleksa and Sherry for stalking me on and off the internet and not letting me disappear in time of distress.
I'm back in DC altho you can't see it by my blog; I was here for more than a week, left, and am back again. I had a job interview on Monday, and I heard back from the RitzCarlton (no job; booooo for them). Strongly considered blogging for stress relief when I was in Cincinnati b/c my father has this knack for reducing me to teenage-like behavior. My mother, saint that she is (altho she DID marry him, but I digress) had a chat with me, and now I see what's going on. But I have to say, I don't think I need to live near him. My father is like salt for me: I need him in my life, and a little of his advice and love at the right times, even when I wouldn't expect or ask for it, is good. But too much just leaves a horrible taste in my mouth. I love him. I wish eh'd take better care of himself- he's still got that huge belly and as far as I can see isn't modifying his diet in the LEAST. Insha'Allah he turns 50 this year, but not only do I want him to see that b-day, I want him to know his grandkids, and um, the way he's going, only God (swt) knows if he'll stick around for any amount of time.
Yeah. *sigh*.
Ech. I've got sooo much going on in my head I don't know what else to say. Better just leave it at that for now. I'll be back soon, insha'llah, I promise.
peace
Me
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Living Tradition
I keep forgetting to put Living Tradition on my blogroll, so I'm writing it here so I don't forget.
I read the woman so much she deserves to be on the side of the page where I can just click on the title and gooooo.... and so can you.
peace
TwennyTwo
I read the woman so much she deserves to be on the side of the page where I can just click on the title and gooooo.... and so can you.
peace
TwennyTwo
Blood singing through my head
There have been times in the past couple weeks when I think about certain things and my blood pressure gets sooo high that I can hear it. Singing through my head. I tried to remember why I wanted to blog about that, but I've forgotten. Suffice it to say that I'm only 24 and my life has been such that I can sometimes hear the anger in my blood as it rushes to and away from my heart. And even if the sound is comforting, the fact of it is scaaaareeeee.
Anyways.
I interviewed at the Washington area Ritz-Carlton job fair today, and I think I may have gotten the job, insha'Allah. I'm being all uncertain b/c it ain't certain til I get the job (and plus I don't wanna jinx it).
The best thing about this week has been the MUSALLAH at GW. That place is tiny but so much better than what I had in PR there's no comparison. It helped me get back on track with my prayers. And they had these chador-likethingies that actually FIT me- with elasticized sleeves and a hem that fell to the floor. Makes praying *ahem* even more fun and fulfilling than normal.
I think, too, I just missed feeling like a part of an UMMA. That is very nice too.
I'm sick of the MSSC. I think I'll go catch the sale at Au Bon Pain (ah, yes, so THAT's why I left weight when I left DC...) and then actually get to my aunt's house before dark today, won't that be something.
If anyone hears of a (muslim-oriented, cincinnati or dc or puerto-rico area) job, you know where to get at me...
maSalaama
Me
Anyways.
I interviewed at the Washington area Ritz-Carlton job fair today, and I think I may have gotten the job, insha'Allah. I'm being all uncertain b/c it ain't certain til I get the job (and plus I don't wanna jinx it).
The best thing about this week has been the MUSALLAH at GW. That place is tiny but so much better than what I had in PR there's no comparison. It helped me get back on track with my prayers. And they had these chador-likethingies that actually FIT me- with elasticized sleeves and a hem that fell to the floor. Makes praying *ahem* even more fun and fulfilling than normal.
I think, too, I just missed feeling like a part of an UMMA. That is very nice too.
I'm sick of the MSSC. I think I'll go catch the sale at Au Bon Pain (ah, yes, so THAT's why I left weight when I left DC...) and then actually get to my aunt's house before dark today, won't that be something.
If anyone hears of a (muslim-oriented, cincinnati or dc or puerto-rico area) job, you know where to get at me...
maSalaama
Me
Monday, August 08, 2005
I got the Alumna-Back-On-Campus-Broke-Wit-No-Peeps-In-DC-Bluuuueeees.
*Title to be sung to a honky-tonk blues tune similar to the one they used for Kraft Mac Blue Box Blues.**
Actually the title pretty much says it all. I'm in DC, and while I love this city, too much of it is tied to college for me- as a matter of fact, I'm using the MSSC's "free" computers to write this.
I'e decided to make my pit stop here a bit longer, extended it for a week while I got reacquainted wit m'girls and did some seriously intense job hunting- so intense that my back parts are numb from sitting and my eyes wobbly from looking at a computer screen for s'dang long. Still, I've got a couple of calls back for interviews already, and there're two job fairs tomorrow. And Mr. Cannaday is getting me an interview tomorrow so I can work at GW (insha'Allah) and keep getting all the nice perks that kept me afloat my last two years at G-Dub. Sherry, you know how he is, so you know what I'm talking about. Oh, wait. You had issues with him, right? Well, we'll see if I end up with a job based on the hook-up or based on my fantabulous interaction, communication, or child-care skillz.
(I've also applied at whitehouse nannies, as well as a ton of other nanny/au-pair places.)
I'm staying with my aunt; this is great b/c it's free and I get to see and play with my cousins a lot. Bad b/c Ernie is currently in love with me, which in his autistic self means that he tries to put his buttocks on me, and coughs and or burps in my face. Constantly. My aunt is in for a ride with him... he may never be able to live on his own. I heard Claudia, the housekeeper, say to him before we walked out the door this morning: "Say hello, Ernie... say hello... you'll be 10 on Saturday. You will be talking when you are 10." Such optimism- Ernie hasn't made clear comprehensible speech in all of his 10 years though he is vocal for all of that.
For all those interested, Nishat and I are still talking. I still like him, get that. I wish I could see him though, it's easier to bring up stuff that way. I hate that he's called me a lot recently and everytime he does I'm involved with something. If I'm going to marry him but not date, how on earth are we supposed to get acquainted? Muslima input on this one, please.
Ok, I've punished myself enough with the AC 'round here, and I've posted for the few of you who read this... call me!
peace
TwennyTwo
Actually the title pretty much says it all. I'm in DC, and while I love this city, too much of it is tied to college for me- as a matter of fact, I'm using the MSSC's "free" computers to write this.
I'e decided to make my pit stop here a bit longer, extended it for a week while I got reacquainted wit m'girls and did some seriously intense job hunting- so intense that my back parts are numb from sitting and my eyes wobbly from looking at a computer screen for s'dang long. Still, I've got a couple of calls back for interviews already, and there're two job fairs tomorrow. And Mr. Cannaday is getting me an interview tomorrow so I can work at GW (insha'Allah) and keep getting all the nice perks that kept me afloat my last two years at G-Dub. Sherry, you know how he is, so you know what I'm talking about. Oh, wait. You had issues with him, right? Well, we'll see if I end up with a job based on the hook-up or based on my fantabulous interaction, communication, or child-care skillz.
(I've also applied at whitehouse nannies, as well as a ton of other nanny/au-pair places.)
I'm staying with my aunt; this is great b/c it's free and I get to see and play with my cousins a lot. Bad b/c Ernie is currently in love with me, which in his autistic self means that he tries to put his buttocks on me, and coughs and or burps in my face. Constantly. My aunt is in for a ride with him... he may never be able to live on his own. I heard Claudia, the housekeeper, say to him before we walked out the door this morning: "Say hello, Ernie... say hello... you'll be 10 on Saturday. You will be talking when you are 10." Such optimism- Ernie hasn't made clear comprehensible speech in all of his 10 years though he is vocal for all of that.
For all those interested, Nishat and I are still talking. I still like him, get that. I wish I could see him though, it's easier to bring up stuff that way. I hate that he's called me a lot recently and everytime he does I'm involved with something. If I'm going to marry him but not date, how on earth are we supposed to get acquainted? Muslima input on this one, please.
Ok, I've punished myself enough with the AC 'round here, and I've posted for the few of you who read this... call me!
peace
TwennyTwo
Sunday, July 31, 2005
I'm Leavin, On a Jet Plane
Don't know when I'll be back again...
I'm sad to be leaving but happy that I have a plan for at least the next two weeks.
I went to Borders yesterday to pick up plane reads (I'm SUCH a book freak!) and got 'The Trouble with Islam Today'. I read it all last night. The next time I blog, I'll have to comment on that.
Right now, tho, I have to prepare to rush off to work for the VERY LAST TIME IN PR... in the middle of what looks to be a nasty, nasty lil aguacero. Great.
Good bye, puertorico. I love you.
I'm sad to be leaving but happy that I have a plan for at least the next two weeks.
I went to Borders yesterday to pick up plane reads (I'm SUCH a book freak!) and got 'The Trouble with Islam Today'. I read it all last night. The next time I blog, I'll have to comment on that.
Right now, tho, I have to prepare to rush off to work for the VERY LAST TIME IN PR... in the middle of what looks to be a nasty, nasty lil aguacero. Great.
Good bye, puertorico. I love you.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Mo' betta' duas
Bummer.
I didn't get the SEED job I was hoping for. So it must have not been for me.
However, this means I have a one-way ticket to Ohio and nothing to do to escape the place. No job. This hasn't happened since I was 14 years old, and frankly, I'm scared.
So scared I was crying about it today.
pray pray pray pray pray!
bye!
me.
I didn't get the SEED job I was hoping for. So it must have not been for me.
However, this means I have a one-way ticket to Ohio and nothing to do to escape the place. No job. This hasn't happened since I was 14 years old, and frankly, I'm scared.
So scared I was crying about it today.
pray pray pray pray pray!
bye!
me.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Jolie in NYC: May 2005
This lady is all over MSN, b/c she got caught blogging about what she says is an awesome job... in the words of the old spiritual, "everybody talking bout heaven ain't goin there...." in other words, be DISCREET about what you got!
back later
me
back later
me
Monday, July 25, 2005
SEED Interview: duas duas duas duas
Peace yall
I just finished an interview with a consultant for the SEED school resident assistant position.
Tough questions, different interview format.
duas duas duas prayers prayers prayers please.
Onnnn another note: I got to work on time yesterday.
Better yet: I didn't want to go, was kvetching the first three or four hours I was there, my boss said I could leave, but I didn't understand her... so I ended up staying and making $70 in an hour.
Wa Allahu Alim.
Sometimes I need to shut up and take the blessing. Ima work on that.
Meanwhile: I have plane tix to buy, a studio apt. to pack up, etc. etc. etc.
I'll talk to y'all later, Lord willin (and the creek don't rise).
peace and happiness
Me
I just finished an interview with a consultant for the SEED school resident assistant position.
Tough questions, different interview format.
duas duas duas prayers prayers prayers please.
Onnnn another note: I got to work on time yesterday.
Better yet: I didn't want to go, was kvetching the first three or four hours I was there, my boss said I could leave, but I didn't understand her... so I ended up staying and making $70 in an hour.
Wa Allahu Alim.
Sometimes I need to shut up and take the blessing. Ima work on that.
Meanwhile: I have plane tix to buy, a studio apt. to pack up, etc. etc. etc.
I'll talk to y'all later, Lord willin (and the creek don't rise).
peace and happiness
Me
Sunday, July 24, 2005
I don't WANNA go to work!- and Note to UmmZaid
Ok, this is Nafs speaking. I'm sick of being a grownup. I want to be a kid again. I can't stand working and don't want to do it anymore. I want to stay at home and read and clean and read some more.
*sigh* alas, as Muslima I am fighting Nafs and so today Ima pack m'self up and sprint to work as usual.
Hey, UmmZaid... if you read this... if you're not a wordpress user, how are you supposed to make comments on your site? I don't use wordpress... Don't know enough about it... but since I use an internet cafe anyway... what other alternatives are there? I want to shoot my mouth off about everything you say, y'know.
Ah, well, I can always come back here and post, but blogger just aint' as pretty.
I'm off. Really. After just one more article...
Hey, by the way, it looks like I'll be a portareecan for only a week longer. I NEED DUAS! LOTS OF DUAS!
I finally got a call back for the SEED school, they wanted to do a phone interview... those of y'all reading this blog for any 'mount of time (all 2 of y'all) know that SEED is my dream job right now. So pray pray pray, send good vibes, insha'Allah I'll get the job and only be at my parents' house for a week-long visit and not year-long limbo....
peace and love and hardworking happiness,
Me
*sigh* alas, as Muslima I am fighting Nafs and so today Ima pack m'self up and sprint to work as usual.
Hey, UmmZaid... if you read this... if you're not a wordpress user, how are you supposed to make comments on your site? I don't use wordpress... Don't know enough about it... but since I use an internet cafe anyway... what other alternatives are there? I want to shoot my mouth off about everything you say, y'know.
Ah, well, I can always come back here and post, but blogger just aint' as pretty.
I'm off. Really. After just one more article...
Hey, by the way, it looks like I'll be a portareecan for only a week longer. I NEED DUAS! LOTS OF DUAS!
I finally got a call back for the SEED school, they wanted to do a phone interview... those of y'all reading this blog for any 'mount of time (all 2 of y'all) know that SEED is my dream job right now. So pray pray pray, send good vibes, insha'Allah I'll get the job and only be at my parents' house for a week-long visit and not year-long limbo....
peace and love and hardworking happiness,
Me
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Took it again...
And got this:
Wackiness: 40/100
Rationality: 30/100
Constructiveness: 50/100
Leadership: 70/100
You are a SEDL--Sober Emotional Destructive Leader. This makes you a Dictator.
You prefer to control situations, and lack of control makes you physically sick. You feel have responsibility for everyone's welfare, and that you will be blamed when things go wrong. Things do go wrong, and you take it harder than you should.
You rely on the validation and support of others, but you have a secret distrust for people and distaste for their habits and weaknesses that make you keep your distance from them. This makes you very difficult to be with romantically. Still, a level-headed peacemaker can keep you balanced.
Despite your fierce temper and general hot-bloodedness, you have a soft spot for animals and a surprising passion for the arts. Sometimes you would almost rather live by your wits in the wilderness somewhere, if you could bring your books and your sketchbook.
You also have a strange, undeniable sexiness to you. You may go insane.
Of the 138135 people who have taken this quiz since tracking began (8/17/2004), 5.5 % are this type.
Okie doke, so I'm definitely, sober, constructive, and a leader... basically, how I'm feeling determines if I make your life hell or heaven. Nice.
love yall
me
Wackiness: 40/100
Rationality: 30/100
Constructiveness: 50/100
Leadership: 70/100
You are a SEDL--Sober Emotional Destructive Leader. This makes you a Dictator.
You prefer to control situations, and lack of control makes you physically sick. You feel have responsibility for everyone's welfare, and that you will be blamed when things go wrong. Things do go wrong, and you take it harder than you should.
You rely on the validation and support of others, but you have a secret distrust for people and distaste for their habits and weaknesses that make you keep your distance from them. This makes you very difficult to be with romantically. Still, a level-headed peacemaker can keep you balanced.
Despite your fierce temper and general hot-bloodedness, you have a soft spot for animals and a surprising passion for the arts. Sometimes you would almost rather live by your wits in the wilderness somewhere, if you could bring your books and your sketchbook.
You also have a strange, undeniable sexiness to you. You may go insane.
Of the 138135 people who have taken this quiz since tracking began (8/17/2004), 5.5 % are this type.
Okie doke, so I'm definitely, sober, constructive, and a leader... basically, how I'm feeling determines if I make your life hell or heaven. Nice.
love yall
me
Me? A politician?
Sister Scorpion: July 2004
I was messin' round in Sis. Leila's archives since I'm procrastinating like a mofo, when I found the quiz. Took it and got these results:
Wackiness: 40/100
Rationality: 48/100
Constructiveness: 82/100
Leadership: 64/100
You are a SECL--Sober Emotional Constructive Leader. This makes you a Politician.
You cut deals, you change minds, you make things happen. You would prefer to be liked than respected, but generally people react to you with both. You are very sensitive to criticism, since your entire business is making people happy.
At times your commitment to the happiness of other people can cut into the happiness of you and your loved ones. This is very demanding on those close to you, who may feel neglected. Slowly, you will learn to set your own agenda--including time to yourself.
You are gregarious, friendly, charming and charismatic. You like animals, sports, and beautiful cars. You wear understated gold jewelry and have secret bad habits, like chewing your fingers and fidgeting.
You are very difficult to dislike.
Of the 138132 people who have taken this quiz since tracking began (8/17/2004), 7.4 % are this type.
This is the link.
I was messin' round in Sis. Leila's archives since I'm procrastinating like a mofo, when I found the quiz. Took it and got these results:
Wackiness: 40/100
Rationality: 48/100
Constructiveness: 82/100
Leadership: 64/100
You are a SECL--Sober Emotional Constructive Leader. This makes you a Politician.
You cut deals, you change minds, you make things happen. You would prefer to be liked than respected, but generally people react to you with both. You are very sensitive to criticism, since your entire business is making people happy.
At times your commitment to the happiness of other people can cut into the happiness of you and your loved ones. This is very demanding on those close to you, who may feel neglected. Slowly, you will learn to set your own agenda--including time to yourself.
You are gregarious, friendly, charming and charismatic. You like animals, sports, and beautiful cars. You wear understated gold jewelry and have secret bad habits, like chewing your fingers and fidgeting.
You are very difficult to dislike.
Of the 138132 people who have taken this quiz since tracking began (8/17/2004), 7.4 % are this type.
This is the link.
Too Strong to NOT be a Muslim
Ooooooooooowweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
My dirty southern roots got ta be showin' now!
I remembered this one just so I could blog it, y'all.
Yesterday I got to work half an hour early, masha'Allah. Incidentally, I ran into one of my students, Mario, with his mother, grandmother, and 3 of 4 sisters on the bus, and it was really nice to see them. I enjoyed talking to them- they're one of the pleasant families I got to deal with last year. I digress as usual.
Anyways, so I get to work, and there's a repeat couple who've been in the restaurant this week a lot. Seems like every time they come in, I serve them. Their names are Mannaka and Heinrig. I think. He's a Ghanaian adopted Dane; she's an American Black. They're models doing fore-work for a modeling show to be held at the Westin Rio Mar later this season. I've got some students who might be in their show, which is a bigole deal and has like the top 5 agencies coming to see.
Anyhow, I was scooping Henrig some gelato and happened to ask him how long he'd been loc'd; he told me two years. I said (admittedly, without thinking- doh!), "Oh, same as me!" He was like, "Oh, let's see then!"... and I was like, oops, sorry, I'm muslim.
Know what he said?
Wait for it...
waiiiit forr iiiit...
he goes, "Oh, no! You're much too strong a woman to be Muslim!".
I was indignantly, politely shocked and offended. He seemed such a reasonable person until that moment. WHAT DO YOU MEAN, TOO STRONG TO BE MUSLIM?!?! I went on to explain that I'm single, the only muslim in my family, and that he's absolutely right in that I'm way too strong to be oppressed (if you know me, then you know).
But wait, it gets better!
I was doing my weekly Sardy morning talk wit mah Mama, when I recounted this whole story to her. Before I could get to my reaction, you know what she said? Know what my own mama, she who knows my strengths and weaknesses from the womb, guess what my mama said?
"... You know, maybe he's right."
ASTAGHFIRULLAH AL AZIZ. I sputtered for a second there. Doubly indignant. And told her so.
Then she said, "Well, it's not so much the religion as the culture."
Hoo boy.
It is truly a scary thing for me to have been Muslim for six years and have my own mother still thinking around the same stereotypes she had when I started my journey to Islam MORE than six years ago. I don't want to convert my family, I don't. If they don't see the fulfillment possible in Islam, then let them serve God in their own ways. Allahu Alem. BUT. DO learn more about something you know is so important to me. DON'T listen to what I tell you with one ear while it leaves your head out the other. Please. When my family tells me about something that is important to them, I go and find out more about it so I can know what's up with them. It just kills that my parents can't do the same for me. At least Toto and JW know the score. I hope. Now I'm not sure.
Do I really want to stay with them now after this? Am I making it more than it is? I dunno. Islam is important to me. From Qur'an tawhid to salat to marriage to arguing with God and myself so I can get it right. I keep forgetting that people find it hard- darn near impossible- to understand that.
I'm just miffed and indignant and disbelieving about the whole incident- not SO much the guy in the restaurant, as my mother. I don't think I can write coherently about it anymore. I'll probably come back to the topic. Insha'Allah. Holla if ya hear me.
peace
TwennyTwo
My dirty southern roots got ta be showin' now!
I remembered this one just so I could blog it, y'all.
Yesterday I got to work half an hour early, masha'Allah. Incidentally, I ran into one of my students, Mario, with his mother, grandmother, and 3 of 4 sisters on the bus, and it was really nice to see them. I enjoyed talking to them- they're one of the pleasant families I got to deal with last year. I digress as usual.
Anyways, so I get to work, and there's a repeat couple who've been in the restaurant this week a lot. Seems like every time they come in, I serve them. Their names are Mannaka and Heinrig. I think. He's a Ghanaian adopted Dane; she's an American Black. They're models doing fore-work for a modeling show to be held at the Westin Rio Mar later this season. I've got some students who might be in their show, which is a bigole deal and has like the top 5 agencies coming to see.
Anyhow, I was scooping Henrig some gelato and happened to ask him how long he'd been loc'd; he told me two years. I said (admittedly, without thinking- doh!), "Oh, same as me!" He was like, "Oh, let's see then!"... and I was like, oops, sorry, I'm muslim.
Know what he said?
Wait for it...
waiiiit forr iiiit...
he goes, "Oh, no! You're much too strong a woman to be Muslim!".
I was indignantly, politely shocked and offended. He seemed such a reasonable person until that moment. WHAT DO YOU MEAN, TOO STRONG TO BE MUSLIM?!?! I went on to explain that I'm single, the only muslim in my family, and that he's absolutely right in that I'm way too strong to be oppressed (if you know me, then you know).
But wait, it gets better!
I was doing my weekly Sardy morning talk wit mah Mama, when I recounted this whole story to her. Before I could get to my reaction, you know what she said? Know what my own mama, she who knows my strengths and weaknesses from the womb, guess what my mama said?
"... You know, maybe he's right."
ASTAGHFIRULLAH AL AZIZ. I sputtered for a second there. Doubly indignant. And told her so.
Then she said, "Well, it's not so much the religion as the culture."
Hoo boy.
It is truly a scary thing for me to have been Muslim for six years and have my own mother still thinking around the same stereotypes she had when I started my journey to Islam MORE than six years ago. I don't want to convert my family, I don't. If they don't see the fulfillment possible in Islam, then let them serve God in their own ways. Allahu Alem. BUT. DO learn more about something you know is so important to me. DON'T listen to what I tell you with one ear while it leaves your head out the other. Please. When my family tells me about something that is important to them, I go and find out more about it so I can know what's up with them. It just kills that my parents can't do the same for me. At least Toto and JW know the score. I hope. Now I'm not sure.
Do I really want to stay with them now after this? Am I making it more than it is? I dunno. Islam is important to me. From Qur'an tawhid to salat to marriage to arguing with God and myself so I can get it right. I keep forgetting that people find it hard- darn near impossible- to understand that.
I'm just miffed and indignant and disbelieving about the whole incident- not SO much the guy in the restaurant, as my mother. I don't think I can write coherently about it anymore. I'll probably come back to the topic. Insha'Allah. Holla if ya hear me.
peace
TwennyTwo
Friday, July 22, 2005
No. I'm really tall. Taller than that.
Another thing, while I'm at it.
I'm severely annoyed with islamic clothing and the fashion industry in general.
I'm really really really tall.
No.
I'm taller than you're thinking.
So PLEASE don't patronize me. Don't suggest that Old Navy has tall size pants. Don't tell me that of course your skirts will hit my ankles. Because I'm nice enough to believe you and then I get mad.
MAKE SOME modest, nice, professional CLOTHES FOR REALLY TALL WOMEN AND SHIP THEM EVERYWHERE!
Y'all don't know the stress of trying to dress my long bones modestly and nicely here in PR. The last time I bought dress pants was in DC in 2003. They are still my nice dress pants even though I've worn them at least twice a week for two years. I'm really tall. Really tall. Forty-eight inch inseam tall. And I would like to be able to BUY some nice clothes (I can't sew with no machine, no material, no space and no time...). Is that too much to ask?
Thanks for reading the rant
love me
I'm severely annoyed with islamic clothing and the fashion industry in general.
I'm really really really tall.
No.
I'm taller than you're thinking.
So PLEASE don't patronize me. Don't suggest that Old Navy has tall size pants. Don't tell me that of course your skirts will hit my ankles. Because I'm nice enough to believe you and then I get mad.
MAKE SOME modest, nice, professional CLOTHES FOR REALLY TALL WOMEN AND SHIP THEM EVERYWHERE!
Y'all don't know the stress of trying to dress my long bones modestly and nicely here in PR. The last time I bought dress pants was in DC in 2003. They are still my nice dress pants even though I've worn them at least twice a week for two years. I'm really tall. Really tall. Forty-eight inch inseam tall. And I would like to be able to BUY some nice clothes (I can't sew with no machine, no material, no space and no time...). Is that too much to ask?
Thanks for reading the rant
love me
No gas, no gas, la la la la laaa la
Hey y'all.
Guess what?
The trucksters union has called a strike!
And guess what?
There ain't no gas! That's right! No gas! 700 of about 1400 gas stations CLOSED as of this morning!
Guess what that means!
Means that everybody and their mama's on DA BUS!
So guess what?
TwennyTwo has to haul her booty over to the bus station TWO HOURS before she's due to work! To catch an overcrowded bus!
Yesterday she had to regulate on some youngster who thought he would grope the hindparts with crowding as an excuse! Said youngster barely escaped pulling back a nub instead of a hand...
Ain't happy, people. Ain't happy. Pray fo' me.
(Those of you who have heard me sing 'pray for me', recall the soulfulness of the tune now.)
Need some commentary 'round here, so I hope y'all are doing ok.
peace and love
TwennyTwo
Guess what?
The trucksters union has called a strike!
And guess what?
There ain't no gas! That's right! No gas! 700 of about 1400 gas stations CLOSED as of this morning!
Guess what that means!
Means that everybody and their mama's on DA BUS!
So guess what?
TwennyTwo has to haul her booty over to the bus station TWO HOURS before she's due to work! To catch an overcrowded bus!
Yesterday she had to regulate on some youngster who thought he would grope the hindparts with crowding as an excuse! Said youngster barely escaped pulling back a nub instead of a hand...
Ain't happy, people. Ain't happy. Pray fo' me.
(Those of you who have heard me sing 'pray for me', recall the soulfulness of the tune now.)
Need some commentary 'round here, so I hope y'all are doing ok.
peace and love
TwennyTwo
Thursday, July 21, 2005
KuhNec shuns
I need a job soo bad. Anyone who reads this and wants my resume... I'm multilingual, I love kids, all ages but esp. before 7 and after 11, and have 39 credits toward a masters in education (dang, I didn't realize I had that many...), I've worked in the service industry and in hardcore business, and I can and will move anywhere. And I'm Muslim.
That's important. I was over at UmmZaid's blog this morning reading replies to the whole Islamic Education deal, and realized that part of what's bugging me is that I feel so isolated islamically it's not a joke. I need to be able to nurture my true (muslima) self, and it's not happening here. It can't happen for real for real until I get my act together. I digress as usual.
Yesterday evening at the restaurant was mad wearing. I was already tired when I got there since I've been fighting this sinus-y cold-y thing for bout three or four days. I made good tips, but... it was WEDNESDAY!!! Wednesday evenings are the slowest evenings you can imagine in a restaurant. What gives, yo?!
IIII know what gives... it is time to say HAMDULILAH!
See, the other day I walked into the restaurant and burst into tears b/c I was stressed- I'd just spent the entire morning looking for houses with another girl, but to no effect- she likes an apt. that is more expensive and isn't furnished, and I like a less-expensive one that is furnished and TWO BLOCKS from a school at which I could work. I make allowances for the fact that she has no idear 'bout how life will be when teaching for No money and living somewhere comfy but far from work. Been there done that.
So anyway, did about 5 miles of walking in the heat (wearing a scarf, masha'Allah), wasn't satisfied with the search, and then immediately had to pay $20 for a cab in order to get to the restaurant on time. So when I walked in I wasn't the happiest camper, lemme tell you.
Therefore, tears.
But then I went to wash my face, and before I walked back into work I just made the smallest prayer... it went something like, show me the straight path, help me support myself until everything is clearer.
From that moment on, I've been making double the tips that I would've normally made. If I weren't a believer, I'd say its nuts. But I believe. So I say ALHAMDULILLAH!
Nothing is free, tho- I'm mad mad tired as a result of all the work that led to the tips. Strength. NEed strength. Need a great job to get out of stress-causing debt and be able to marry without worrying about the DEBT load I'd bring into a marriage.
So. I'm calling to all my internet connections. I've been sending out resumes, at least two per day, and working at night. If you wanna see the resume, fine, I can do that. If you have a connection that actually lets me work in a HALAL way, even better!!! Please please please help me get a job!
*sigh*
Haven't had a convo with Nishat in a while. I don't want to say I miss talking to him but I do. Why don't I want to say it? B/c I'm a silly american chickadee who was raised in the whole 'don't let him know you like him, don't hang on him, you don't need/have to have no man' deal.
Plus he's working hard as me, but during the day- and I work at night, so there's absolutely no opportunity to talk. I'm asleep when he's working. He's asleep when I'm working. I respect that he can't be talking to me everyday. That don't mean I don't want to talk to him tho.
It's not that I need him, I can't hang on him cuz I don't know him like that, I don't have to have him, but I liked talking to him. Ok? Ok. can I deal with that. Yes. Ok then.
Right, that was kinda pointless, but if you get it, you got it.
ALEKSA! GET. A. BLOG! I've been meaning to say that for a minute.
aiight I'ma go eat and then leave this neighborhood AN HOUR before I have to enter work so I can get there EARLY for a change. Geesh. I cannot STAND being late and I've done it so much I can't stand myself either. Something has to give. We're back to the jobs thing. All connections... lemme know!
peacepeace peacepeace
Me
That's important. I was over at UmmZaid's blog this morning reading replies to the whole Islamic Education deal, and realized that part of what's bugging me is that I feel so isolated islamically it's not a joke. I need to be able to nurture my true (muslima) self, and it's not happening here. It can't happen for real for real until I get my act together. I digress as usual.
Yesterday evening at the restaurant was mad wearing. I was already tired when I got there since I've been fighting this sinus-y cold-y thing for bout three or four days. I made good tips, but... it was WEDNESDAY!!! Wednesday evenings are the slowest evenings you can imagine in a restaurant. What gives, yo?!
IIII know what gives... it is time to say HAMDULILAH!
See, the other day I walked into the restaurant and burst into tears b/c I was stressed- I'd just spent the entire morning looking for houses with another girl, but to no effect- she likes an apt. that is more expensive and isn't furnished, and I like a less-expensive one that is furnished and TWO BLOCKS from a school at which I could work. I make allowances for the fact that she has no idear 'bout how life will be when teaching for No money and living somewhere comfy but far from work. Been there done that.
So anyway, did about 5 miles of walking in the heat (wearing a scarf, masha'Allah), wasn't satisfied with the search, and then immediately had to pay $20 for a cab in order to get to the restaurant on time. So when I walked in I wasn't the happiest camper, lemme tell you.
Therefore, tears.
But then I went to wash my face, and before I walked back into work I just made the smallest prayer... it went something like, show me the straight path, help me support myself until everything is clearer.
From that moment on, I've been making double the tips that I would've normally made. If I weren't a believer, I'd say its nuts. But I believe. So I say ALHAMDULILLAH!
Nothing is free, tho- I'm mad mad tired as a result of all the work that led to the tips. Strength. NEed strength. Need a great job to get out of stress-causing debt and be able to marry without worrying about the DEBT load I'd bring into a marriage.
So. I'm calling to all my internet connections. I've been sending out resumes, at least two per day, and working at night. If you wanna see the resume, fine, I can do that. If you have a connection that actually lets me work in a HALAL way, even better!!! Please please please help me get a job!
*sigh*
Haven't had a convo with Nishat in a while. I don't want to say I miss talking to him but I do. Why don't I want to say it? B/c I'm a silly american chickadee who was raised in the whole 'don't let him know you like him, don't hang on him, you don't need/have to have no man' deal.
Plus he's working hard as me, but during the day- and I work at night, so there's absolutely no opportunity to talk. I'm asleep when he's working. He's asleep when I'm working. I respect that he can't be talking to me everyday. That don't mean I don't want to talk to him tho.
It's not that I need him, I can't hang on him cuz I don't know him like that, I don't have to have him, but I liked talking to him. Ok? Ok. can I deal with that. Yes. Ok then.
Right, that was kinda pointless, but if you get it, you got it.
ALEKSA! GET. A. BLOG! I've been meaning to say that for a minute.
aiight I'ma go eat and then leave this neighborhood AN HOUR before I have to enter work so I can get there EARLY for a change. Geesh. I cannot STAND being late and I've done it so much I can't stand myself either. Something has to give. We're back to the jobs thing. All connections... lemme know!
peacepeace peacepeace
Me
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
No drunk dialing... for muslims
OK.
Many of you who did not have drinking friends in college (or high school for you really unlucky folk) won't understand this.
That's ok.
The question of the day is, is there such a reprimand as "No drunk dialing" but for Muslims, who don't drink? Like me? IF so, reprimand me. The urge is there. I must resist it.
More later. DOn't want to be late for work ANYMORE!
peace
Me
Many of you who did not have drinking friends in college (or high school for you really unlucky folk) won't understand this.
That's ok.
The question of the day is, is there such a reprimand as "No drunk dialing" but for Muslims, who don't drink? Like me? IF so, reprimand me. The urge is there. I must resist it.
More later. DOn't want to be late for work ANYMORE!
peace
Me
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Surprises.
Leptiric said...
That'smart- I agree. Love and passion are fleeting. So you should marry Nishat. Especially if your sister approved!
And happy belated birthday! damn, you're old! ;P
have a good weekend,
Aleksa
3:42 PM
Okay, I was surprised to read this... Aleksa, man, I'm Muslim but more modern than that... even though I'm not gonna have sex or 'date' the man, I still need to meet him beFore we marry. Tis not at that stage yet.
Now, yes, I like Nishat. Sounds very cool. We like kinda the same stuff, and he can make me shut up and listen to him. But. This is at the just-beyond-the-beginning-stage of courtship. Don't be scarin' me.
On other things goin' on... marriage and love seem to be catching in my sphere. My girl Kiki called day 'fo'yesterday to say that ERICA'S GETTING MARRIED!!! Yes, folks, Erica P. is engaged to Andrew. This is sooooo cool, because I remember the summer I turned 20, when we were all living in DC, and Erica was going ga-ga over some Navy guy she met with her dad... and I distinctly remember saying something like, "Aww, that's so cute, sounds like he's made for you", and I remember her saying, "It's not like I'm going to marry him!" How time flies. How people change. Erica is definitely was one of my best friends during college. She's VERY INDEPENDENT, athletic, responsible, organized (in ways that I may never be) and fun! In fact... she was the person I sat next to at our graduation. Wow. Feels like yesterday. We've kinda drifted after graduation, though, since we've both done our own thangs... which included me moving to portareeco and her getting a gov'ment job.
If there's anyone who I'd rather see marry Erica, though, it's Andrew- responsible, military, athletic, fun, cultured... all around awesome guy, who put up with my antics when I was living with his girlfriend the summer before senior year. I knew they went well together the first time I saw him with her. He loves her and takes care of her in spite of and because of her independence. I can't say enough nice things about them.
That is just way too cool. That was the first smily-face of the weekend.
The next came today for two reasons: 1) Papa actually called me [as opposed to the other way 'round] and 2)He was calling b/c he ran into Mr. Price at their church!
Mr. Price was my 8th-grade homeroom teacher- I had him for Spanish and for Social Studies (I think it was Ohio studies that year. Whoop-ee.). I may have mentioned him in this blog somewhere, since he was the teacher who told me that I stole a newspaper from his desk when of course I did no such thing. Turns out the paper he took off my desk belonged to my father- since it was a newspaper tied to business, of course Mr. Price had no reason to suspect that I had access to it. He and my father are actually very alike, except that he's a white male (which is actually quite a difference here in the US of A but I digress). Anyway, I chatted with Mr. Price for quite some time.
He told me he's very proud of me, and that he wants me to keep in touch. Actually, I think his words were somewhere along the lines of, "Your becoming a teacher is the best compliment anyone could ever give me." He'd actually stopped by the church and my father happened to be there, picking up my mother, I think, and asked Papa 'bout me and Toto. I halfway can't believe that he remembered us down to our names... but then, I've been told we're hard to forget, in a good way. I have trouble believing that too, until people from the past come back to remind me.
Insha'Allah I'll keep living life in a way that makes me a credit to my teachers. And beautifully unforgettable. It was cool to talk to my 8th grade teacher- reminds me what I do and don't need to do in the classroom with my students, b/c they WILL remember!
********
I got the new Harry Potter! You should be proud of me- you're reading this post. That means I typed it, instead of burying my head in the book and not coming out until finished. It's not as thick as the last one was, thank goodness- I had to put it on hold while conducting a life on the side until I finished it. Astaghfirullah. I shouldn't get that deep into ANYTHING but praising God but the book is way. too. good!
peace peace love love for you what I like for myself
TwennyTwo
That'smart- I agree. Love and passion are fleeting. So you should marry Nishat. Especially if your sister approved!
And happy belated birthday! damn, you're old! ;P
have a good weekend,
Aleksa
3:42 PM
Okay, I was surprised to read this... Aleksa, man, I'm Muslim but more modern than that... even though I'm not gonna have sex or 'date' the man, I still need to meet him beFore we marry. Tis not at that stage yet.
Now, yes, I like Nishat. Sounds very cool. We like kinda the same stuff, and he can make me shut up and listen to him. But. This is at the just-beyond-the-beginning-stage of courtship. Don't be scarin' me.
On other things goin' on... marriage and love seem to be catching in my sphere. My girl Kiki called day 'fo'yesterday to say that ERICA'S GETTING MARRIED!!! Yes, folks, Erica P. is engaged to Andrew. This is sooooo cool, because I remember the summer I turned 20, when we were all living in DC, and Erica was going ga-ga over some Navy guy she met with her dad... and I distinctly remember saying something like, "Aww, that's so cute, sounds like he's made for you", and I remember her saying, "It's not like I'm going to marry him!" How time flies. How people change. Erica is definitely was one of my best friends during college. She's VERY INDEPENDENT, athletic, responsible, organized (in ways that I may never be) and fun! In fact... she was the person I sat next to at our graduation. Wow. Feels like yesterday. We've kinda drifted after graduation, though, since we've both done our own thangs... which included me moving to portareeco and her getting a gov'ment job.
If there's anyone who I'd rather see marry Erica, though, it's Andrew- responsible, military, athletic, fun, cultured... all around awesome guy, who put up with my antics when I was living with his girlfriend the summer before senior year. I knew they went well together the first time I saw him with her. He loves her and takes care of her in spite of and because of her independence. I can't say enough nice things about them.
That is just way too cool. That was the first smily-face of the weekend.
The next came today for two reasons: 1) Papa actually called me [as opposed to the other way 'round] and 2)He was calling b/c he ran into Mr. Price at their church!
Mr. Price was my 8th-grade homeroom teacher- I had him for Spanish and for Social Studies (I think it was Ohio studies that year. Whoop-ee.). I may have mentioned him in this blog somewhere, since he was the teacher who told me that I stole a newspaper from his desk when of course I did no such thing. Turns out the paper he took off my desk belonged to my father- since it was a newspaper tied to business, of course Mr. Price had no reason to suspect that I had access to it. He and my father are actually very alike, except that he's a white male (which is actually quite a difference here in the US of A but I digress). Anyway, I chatted with Mr. Price for quite some time.
He told me he's very proud of me, and that he wants me to keep in touch. Actually, I think his words were somewhere along the lines of, "Your becoming a teacher is the best compliment anyone could ever give me." He'd actually stopped by the church and my father happened to be there, picking up my mother, I think, and asked Papa 'bout me and Toto. I halfway can't believe that he remembered us down to our names... but then, I've been told we're hard to forget, in a good way. I have trouble believing that too, until people from the past come back to remind me.
Insha'Allah I'll keep living life in a way that makes me a credit to my teachers. And beautifully unforgettable. It was cool to talk to my 8th grade teacher- reminds me what I do and don't need to do in the classroom with my students, b/c they WILL remember!
********
I got the new Harry Potter! You should be proud of me- you're reading this post. That means I typed it, instead of burying my head in the book and not coming out until finished. It's not as thick as the last one was, thank goodness- I had to put it on hold while conducting a life on the side until I finished it. Astaghfirullah. I shouldn't get that deep into ANYTHING but praising God but the book is way. too. good!
peace peace love love for you what I like for myself
TwennyTwo
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