VIVA LA FURIA ROJA

I've been caught up in the World Cup lately and although I was with Ghana till the very end (-tear-) I'm so happy for Spain's win against Germany!

:D

My older brother had the audacity to bet with me. If Germany won I'd have to wear tights (I don't even see how that's a bad thing) and if Spain won ... he'd have to wear a skirt >:D

MUWAHAHAHAHA!

Um yeah :D

Also I got my AP scores back for US History and English Comp/Lang...

I got a 4 in US and a 5 in English! (!!!!)

I'm so happy because a 5 is the highest and I really didn't study for English while I put a lot of effort for History : D

To pass you need at least a 3=qualified/ 4= very qualified / 5= extremely qualified And it converts into college credit.

So yeah, I'm very happy today!

I hope you guys are having a fun summer/winter! : D

Not a complete waste

I got a job!

Woot! It's tutoring my peers during the summer, and it pays very well. :D

My dad was really pushing for me and my older brother to get jobs in order to be more independent (and maybe not ask him for 20 dollars every time we want to go out with friends, hehe)

I start next week, so on top of the summer homework I have to do, I'm sure I won't be so bored!

Oh and I'm also going to try and cut sweets from my diet... and fastfood... and fruit juices... and try to exercise more.

I need to start being more active and healthy! Instead of spending 5+ hours on the computer >_>

I'm sure you all can agree with that!

Anyway, this is my final summer as a high school student, so I'll try and have some fun as well :D

I hope you guys are having a great summer/winter wherever you are!

♥

Aww, thank you!

I got an award :D (A bazillion months ago... but that's irrelevant)

From Alysha over at V.I Couture (she makes wonderful fascinators, dresses, and now a novel? o: She's so creative >.

Rules: (o'course!)

Put the logo on your blog in your post.

Pass the award onto 12 bloggers.

Link the nominees within your post.

Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blogs.

Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

Hmm... 12 bloggers?

Okay, in no particular order:

A'qilah! (whenever I read her blog I get so inspired to be a better muslimah!)

Naz!(Her funny and interesting posts make my day <3!)

Mona ! (how could I not add her? I love her stories about her day and children and life... e.t.c! :D)

Stacy! (Someone to chat in somali with! And I love her blog, her daughter is adorable, and Stacy is so smart :D )

DIMA (Deaf Indian Muslim Anarchist)- Need I say more? Check out her blog, honestly every one of her posts makes me think o: Plus support her upcoming project!

And... yeah I lied, I'm not going to do 12 because it already took me months to get this post done.

Muwahaha♥

(P.S I haven't been in a blogging mood lately.. although I've been reading all of your blogs! Just a lurker at the moment... I dunno, I just feel that my life isn't really exciting to share right now.. actually there is one thing. Hmm, I'll tell you in another post, this is strictly for the award winners! Kekeke)

Just a quick thought

[I know I've been MIA but today was the last day of school.. so more time to blog! I'll discuss other things later but for now....]

What's up with Abu Dhabi and it's building records?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/huffpost/604215

I mean, not to offend any UAE bloggers or anything but.... shouldn't they be using that money for public services/education/idk... something besides breaking world records?

Many countries are in or near a recession... I'm just thinking they should use the money for something more important >.>

Just my two cents/rant on it :D

Peace

So tired you can't get back up

I'm exhausted.

Mentally, Physically and emotionally.

Seriously, Junior Year is kicking my butt. And I only have less than two weeks left.

But to get to my beautiful summer vacation (which won't be so relaxing as I plan to hopefully take a summer class and get a job) I have to go through an obstacle course.

Why do all teachers think it's 'fun' when they assign multiple projects at once?

And SATs are coming up again and I need to retake them. I haven't had time to study for them because of the workload.

Actually, I'm not even supposed to be blogging right now, I haven't started on any of my hw it's nearly 10 pm and my video project for history is being stupid.

-sigh-

SATs are in less than a week.

Honestly, I understand why people say Junior year is burnout year. Way too many situations and problems (in addition to academics) and hopefully I won't break down or something.

On the BRIGHT SIDE: I'm running for class officers for my senior class.

Me and a friend were going to for ASB (Associated Student Body) but someone accidentally 'lied' and told us you had to be apart of leadership for a year to join.

Let's just say I'm not voting for her.

So now I'm going for Senator as a class officer. I know not so high up but it's an easy win and I don't think I'd make it as President (it's always a popularity contest!)

Yeah, I'm going to go cry now in that corner over there -points-

And maybe after school ends, I'll stop talking about it so much.

Maybe.

Back from the dead

So yeah.

AP testing is ovaaaaaaaaa ( :{D yay! <-- that's a smiley face with a mustache by the way)

But three classes assigned projects

=.='

But hey! I'll be posting again :D

So.... stick around peeps, I'm not done blogging yet!

~Taken from we heart it~

Heavy Duty Studying!

May 1st, 2010

So, like other bloggers in the blogosphere... I HAVE EXAMS COMING UP!

Actually, I just took my SAT IIs today T_T

And I just wasn't expecting the math portion to be so hard dang it. Although the U.S History part was a breeze.

Anyway, that wasn't the interesting part of my day. Afterwards, me and two of my friends went to Borders, a bookstore at the local Mall, and just studied...

for 6 hours.

Since we had upcoming AP US History, AP Calculus (them, not me lol) and AP English Language tests this week and the next week.

CRAMMING FTW!

It was hilarious partly because of the people at the cafe part of the bookstore.

There was one man there who'd been snoring when we came in and proceeded to snore for the next two hours. Another guy there told us he'd been asleep for the past 4 hours... wow.

And then we'd take a free sample of coffee whenever the cashiers switched shifts, kekeke

hey, we're broke students, WE DESERVE SAMPLES! (okay not really, we were saving whatever money we had for lunch)

And at around 6:30 pm we STILL weren't done with the day.

We'd bought tickets to watch the adorable musical ANNIE for 7:30 pm and quickly went home, dropped all of our studying things and rushed over to the school.

It was extremely cute. I wish I'd taken pictures.

All in all, tiring day, but tomorrow... ALL OVER AGAIN!

(sans the Standardized testing and musical... just studying!)

I have a bunch of posts lined up but I'll probably post them later due to intense studying and sleep deprivation.

<3

P.S I honestly can't wait until this school year is over. I've been working my butt off to get top grades since this is the report card that counts (thankfully I now have a 3.8 GPA again T_T I've missed it so much since freshman year)

It.. wasn't.. awkward

April 22nd, 2010

So, I went to our scheduled anti-prom hoping for the worst (okay not really) ...and I was pleasantly surprised!

My friend who had 'disagreement's' with the invited friend was totally civil.

If anything, I didn't feel any awkwardness.

[Morning]

So I wake up at 9:15 am because I know it takes me forever to get ready.

After calling my other friend to wake up (she was going to drive me and the invited friend there) I ended up wearing a striped navy top with a navy hijab (my latest hijab find :P) an offwhite vest over the navy top, dark wash jeans and silver flats (to match my silver earrings :DD)

At around 11:30 we had all gathered at the restaurant.

I know, I know, who eats lunch at 11?!

But we were on a tight schedule (it had to end by 3 since the first friend had to go to a wedding)

The waitress probably thought we were 21 or something.. (or at least old enough to drink) and told us about the beer specials...

It was awkward.

But me and my friend ordered strawberry daiquiris.

:D

VIRGIN Strawberry Daiquiris (You guys should know me better than that hehe)

It was basically a strawberry smoothie.. interesting.

[Afternoon]

After lunch, we headed out to Golfland and played mini-golf!

It was an intense 18 holes, but I ended up being in 2nd place.

~Oh yeah, I matched my golfball to my hijab!~

Anyway, if you notice my right sleeve is a bit up... it's because I had just fished out my ball from the water. (And I generally hate pictures of myself :P Especially when I'm caught unawares!)

Epic fail.

[After after noon]

So then, after most of my friends left home since it was 'over', me and my friend who drove me there waited with another friend who's parents were coming in an hour.

lol.

We spent that time at the arcade, and then drove to the mall across the street... where we hung out at Borders for the next half hour.

Overall a great day! :D

Even though Prom was at night. I would have liked this anti-prom party to start at around 6 and then we could've gone out and watched a movie... but overall, with what time we had, it was pretty kick-butt :D

(Now about Senior Ball.. I know it's in a year and I have PLENTY of time to consider or reconsider but I think I'd want to go to that. Too bad my Dad won't let me)

It's a Quarter after One I'm all alone and I need you now ♫

Okay, so it's actually 5:43 pm, and I'm just home alone.

Today, Friday, April 16th, 2010, my family decided to have a little 'trip' up to UCD to pick up my brother.

But it's a school day.

My younger brother and sister were more than delighted to skip half a day (even though I don't think it's a good idea)

However, I didn't want to have to do an essay on another day or miss a lesson of math (I hate math. But I need to get a good grade)

So I went to school.

I know, how lame of me.

BUT there was also an extra credit movie for English that I needed to watch. You don't know how precious those extra 15 points are to me and my grade (Which is an A- at the moment T____T)

I just got back 25 minutes ago so VIVE LA WEEKEND! :DDD

I promise to post more in the next two weeks but not on the third week from now.

Because that's AP testing week....

awww yeahhhhhh

So I need to get my study on as well. (awww yeaahh.. okay I'll stop doing that)

I miss you guys! Blogging has just been put on hold for the past two weeks because of school.

<3>

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Oh and completely off topic: DRAMA (not the theatrical kind)

Okay so this is just a short tangent about high school drama at the moment.

Tomorrow, me and my friends are going to be having our 'anti-prom' (instead of spending over 100 dollars for Junior Prom -which I can't go to anyway due to parents- and the overall lameness of prom, we're having our own alternative!)

We'll be going to a restaurant, then mini-golfing (fun times!) :D

But...

It's also a slash event for one of my friend's birthday. Keep this in mind.

During spring break, while studying with another friend -who is not part of my usual group of friends- I happened to mention anti-prom and she asked if she could come.

I said yes.

THEN, when I informed my cohorts this week after waiting a week (more like forgetting), turns out the birthday gal DISLIKES my study buddy. And will not be on speaking terms during the shindig.

And another things is that study buddy isn't really friends with my friends and it'll be an overall awkward time since I'll have to be a mediator.

I've thought about cancelling, but we've planned this for so long that it would be nonsensical to do so...

I mean, you can only have ANTI-PROM on the DAY OF Prom!

So we're just going to go ahead with the plans and me and my other friend will try to lessen the awkwardness...

-sigh- If only we could all just get over our grudges.

Um yeah, I think my drama bit is much more longer than my overall update.

Fail.

Anywho, give me advice in the comments S'IL VOUS PLAIT!

Picnic/Clear Skys/Break

April 1st, 2010

TODAY.

The beginning of my spring break.

The beginning of the rest of our lives.

And I found out I'm pregnant.

Okay not really. (April Fool's!)

But it WAS the MSA picnic. Now dubbed the 2nd Annual MSA Picnic.

It also doubled as a photo shoot since my friend needed a model for her photography project.

Guess who got to be the model? (Me.)

Oh yeah.

It was nice, I'm glad it didn't rain and more importantly, no school for the next week!

I have been on blogger, I've just been extremely lazy

I've recently come to love fashion >.>

I know, I'm a little late on the bandwagon. And since I have nothing better to do with my life (besides you know.. go to school and sleep), I've been stalking blogs with a fashion theme to sort of.. spice up my wardrobe.

Give a 'new life' to my half of the closet (I share..)

I got my SAT scores today (everyone was frantically checking them in my 2nd period class on someone's iTouch, hehe)

And let's just say I didn't do so hot...

Um. Yeah.

No school tomorrow so a day filled with movies, masjids and ..moolah (I needed another m word)

And I shall commence study-mode for my upcoming AP testing and SAT Subjects test (And SAT I retakes T_T)

I promise to occasionally post.

Just to let you all know I'm still alive :D

Want. Dress. Now

Happy Pi Day!

(3.14= 3/14... get it? Haha.. >.>)

Yeah.

Well anyway, see this dress on the right?

------>

It's beautiful! (Just add a straw hat)

It's from Anthropologie

So it's expensive T_T

I don't have $178 to just throw around D:

But it just reminds me of beaches and sunsets and long walks with the wind blowing in my ..hijab! :D

Maybe I should be on the lookout for a replica.

Or hope it goes on sale.

-sigh-

Beautiful dress, you shall be mine!

(In my dreams...)

We now interrupt your previously scheduled program...

Hey all!

(I'm obviously feeling better and was able to go to the Berkeley trip! I got a shirt ^_^)

Now that it's second semester Junior year, I have so much to do that I've neglected the blog >.>

But guess what?

Today I took my SATs :D

Yes, I sat for 5 hours in a classroom -.-

But I feel I did pretty well (Except on the math portion.. I blame my freshman Geometry teacher for teaching me absolutely nothing.. seriously, the man needs to be fired)

And I've still been going to dance practice because Fantastics is next Friday -gasp-!

I had a bunch of tests this week (similar to hell week) but thankfully have barely any homework.

I'm praying for spring break to come quickly. But then that'd mean the summer comes sooner.. and then Senior year T_T

I don't want to grow up! (Where's Peter Pan when you need him?)

Anywho, enough about me. How as YOUR week dear readers?

My best friend today...

is Gatorade.



-______-

I'm sick with stomach flu.

-shakes fist-

WHY?!

Tomorrow is the UC Berkeley trip I've been looking forward to for nearly a month!

This sucks.

I had to miss 5th and 6th period today because I felt extremely dizzy and nauseous

I'm feeling better now, and I haven't eaten since this morning because I'm afraid of vomiting (again)

I really don't want to miss the trip tomorrow... and I don't have a fever.

So what can I do? HELP ME O' KNOWLEDGEABLE BLOGOSPHERE!

Seven things I hate about You

March 2nd, 2010

(Oh MY! Time really does fly by! I have my SATs on March 13th, T__T)

Okay, no it's really a seven things about moi ;D

I was tagged by Wrestling with Religion and I'm flattered, so I might as well get to it!

I shall also strive to keep it short and simple, heh (I'm sure you guys are used to my understatements these days >.>)

1) I'm a junior in High School. There. I said it. The mystique of my background and what not is basically over by now. I didn't normally talk about my background or age because most people in my real life do not know about my blog, but I'm pretty sure they won't find out (I mean you guys don't even know my real name ... except for like 5 of ya'll.. or less...)

2) I love music. -waits for rocks to be thrown- Okay, yeah. I love music. I love singing. Those are pretty much things I won't give up (Define music in whatever way you will) because, if I may say so, I'm pretty good at it. I'm even humming a song from Yuna at the moment ('These Streets' is my favorite song at the moment )

3) The intersection of Race and Gender is a topic I'm wholly interested in and discussions of religion/philosophy is something I could probably spend hours on (overstatement). Maybe that's why I love lurking on Wrestling with Religion, Racialicious and MuslimahMediaWatch. Although I may have no idea what I want to be when I grow up, I know what classes I definitely want to take in college. [Hint: Bowling is not one of them]

4) I'm a pretty lazy person. Even if I sleep at 9 pm, I'll probably wake up around 9 am, twelve hours later. I just love sleep. I was born sleeping! (No, seriously, the doctors probably thought I was dead, that's how silent I was)

5) I'm a people watcher. I love looking out for the minute details in people's expressions and the way they interact with one another (... and to your left we see the caged specimens... just kidding) I don't eavesdrop, just look... if that makes sense

6)I actually forgot how I first began to blog. I think I was googling something about hijabis and found Beautiful Muslimah (now defunct) and then saw Hegab Rehab.... so I made a blog to follow them. Then gradually made my own. I mean, I've technically had this since my Sophomore year and looking back at old posts... I see plenty of growth (which is a good thing!) My views have changed, my beliefs slightly altered, but I'm a work in progress. It's a never ending journey for knowledge and discovering myself, and maybe, just maybe, this blog can reflect that. [This isn't really anything new about me.. or is it? I still think its valid!]

7) GAH. I hate the last of these 'About Me' things. Because I always run out of things to say. Well, what else do you people want to know? OOH. I'm a chatty person.. sort of. Blame my parents. I mean, when I was younger, you literally had to push me to say hi to people. But now I can make small talk to anyone, even the school nurse. I guess its from all those years watching my mom and dad talk with cashiers, delivery men and women, neighbors, managers, random man at a drive-in, e.t.c You get the point.

And now it is 9:52 pm, I've finished all of my homework, and I should probably get to sleep. I've gotten the book 'Women and Gender in Islam' by Leila Ahmed and will commence reading it!

[[Oh and that whole 'World is going to end thing' from the previous post? I assume you're all familiar with the 8.8 quake in Chile, the potential shifting of the axis on Earth, and the middle school shooting that happened last week? If not, I refer you all to Professor Google, he's also a part-time Shaykh! :D]]

[[P.P.S Don't forget. You can still enter to win $5000 from LuShae Jewelry! Its still up! Heck, even I entered, its that good :D]]

G'night.

Hell Week

February 27th, 2010

[Long rant/overview of week]

...Yeah. My faith in humanity is pretty much gone :)

I think I went crazy, so the smiley face is there for a reason.

This week has been hell -hence the title-

I mean, right after Winter Break (which I cherished... oh .so. much), I had all of these projects and essays and tests.

WTF

So I've been sleep deprived. Meaning lack of internet usage (besides for 'academic' reasons) and lack of posts.

I'd say sorry, but I think my school should. They're the ones slowly killing me.

Luckily, I made it through the week (ta- Da!)

oh, you want to know what was actually keeping me up?

Welllll, mainly Science Fair .

And FANTASTICKS practice(it stands for something, but essentially Battle of the Classes)

and Digital Connectors (that afterschool community service thingy)

Interviewing for a position on E.A.C (Environmental Action Club) and recycling with them on wednesday

Actual Life (or lack of, since I have homework)

e.t.c

So due to material complications (the first I tried to order my Dissolved Oxygen Water Meter, I didn't realize I was buying the case for it -no wonder it was so cheap- and after two weeks of waiting for it, we found out ._. It's actually 500 dollars -basically all of the funds FOR my class to do their projects- and it came yesterday.... the science fair was today)

I had to use an inadequate meter (no idea how it worked, so maybe my data is a tad off) and I was only left with three days to do my project (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday)

Stayed up until midnight to finish my presentation board on tuesday and had an hour to do all other homework (5 hours of sleep)

Today was sciencepalooza, and I didn't win anything (I don't mind) but HEY, now I don't have to do Second semester finals for Physio!

And that's all that matters ;)

Next, I had a big College Night for Digital Connectors, so I had to go there around 4:30 and practice with my partner -we were doing a presentation on Financial Aid- until Thursday which was college night. (Which, thankfully, the practice payed off)

OH and FANTASTICK practices were Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30 -4:30, so I'd have to come home and get ready real quick

I had an APUSH quiz yesterday which I stayed up for and a Physiology test, but my Physio teacher was sick so the class was super angry. We studied all night for a chapter we hadn't even learned (just taking stupid notes)!

And I had my EAC interview yesterday (insha'Allah, I'll become Events Commissioner!)

So yeah.. all's well that ends well. I arrived from Sciencepalooza today around 1 o'clock and I am tired as hell.

-shakes fist- I better get into my college of choice for this AND get into NHS D<

(Next week, I have even more stuff to do :D Plus a UC Berkley Campus tour! HOORAH!)

Current Events:

8.8 Earthquake in Chile, with a huge aftershock

Tsunami warnings in the Pacific (including California)

How the world is ending :D

I'll discuss this all in another post in about an hour, for now, I'm going to go sleep.

Toodles :)

I think I've just lost a little bit of faith in humanity

February 18th, 2010

Are you serious?

ARE YOU SERIOUS?

You're (the media) telling me, that a psycho who crashed his plane into a federal building is

NOT a terrorist? That he was totally justified in committing this treacherous act?

Or that it was just a 'suicide' attempt by a 'disgruntled engineer' ?

Bullshit!

I can distinctly remember the words used towards the same 'disgruntled psychiatrist' who shot up the Fort Hood military base, a couple months back.

"Muslim" "ties to Al-Qaeda" "Jihad"

And here we have news networks tip toeing around using the word 'terrorist' against one of their own.

Using neutral descriptions so as not to reveal his 'background' (White, Male)

Kind of like last Friday's school shootings, right? (Even that article is ridiculous, pressures on tenure process? That woman was CRAZY! She KILLED her brother 20 years ago!)

... you know, I actually have no words for the anger I feel inside (not angry enough to go shooting up places however, because I'd automatically be linked with terrorist groups because ya know, of my own background -snark-)

Just think for a moment if these two recent incidents of violence (Premeditated! Not Random!) were committed by a minority or a muslim (or a Muslim who is a minority! GASP)

How much news coverage do you think would be happening? How much speculation on their background and dubious ties would be made?

This, folks, is why I'm starting to think the world is inherently unjust.

With such privilege keeping people from being seen as the horrible murderers they are and letting them possibly get away with it ( "But he/she was such a NICE guy/girl)

And the same privilege making automatic suspicions against myself and my people (PoCs, Muslims), why even bother doing good? (or believing in good)

Peace out,
Modest Justice (rethinking the justice in this country)

[Author's Note: I'm not depressed at how fucked up this country is, (excuse my language) or even how this world is. Just doing a large -facepalm- for the media seeing as how once again, by leaving out certain details and painting a totally different picture of events, it only reinforces certain stereotypes against a people when said people aren't even present.
Don't worry about my mental health readers, lol, it's all good]

Happy SAD!

February 14th, 2010

errr.... yeah :D

Happy SAD!

or Singles Awareness Day!

I find it a much more interesting alternative to Valentine's Day.

Honestly, I think Valentine's Day is the most wasteful, overhyped, and commercialized holiday (next to Christmas of course).

It really has no meaning, other than spending half your paycheck on teeth-rotting chocolates and valentine's that last 5 hours or less.

It's not that I hate love. But I don't think you should be proclaiming your love on this one day.

SHOVE IT CORPORATE AMERICA! I WON'T HAND YOU MY HARD EARNED CASH FOR ONE DAY!

....

Okay, rant-over ;D

I basically spent the day indoors, on the computer (finishing up Section 3 of drivers ed) and reading "No god but God" by Reza Aslan.

I've had the book for nearly a month now, and I try to read it whenever I can. It's extremely insightful and eye-opening.

It's like everything I was taught about the history of Islam wasn't quite clear, or specific.

-the bulk of my Islamic history lessons did come from Sunday school... which didn't end well, lol-

It's great ^_^ I bookmarked many pages, and will probably do some posts on some topics.

I recommend the book (which I first heard of on LK's blog, Ink Blots on Blue Abayas)

Peace out :)

Valentine's Day/ Driving School/ Fiqh of Love & no voice

February 12th, 2010

Hey people!

Today was a half day at school since it is going to be winter break so I got out of school at 11:55 am (lol yes 55! not just Noon)

Me and my amigos went to the mall to watch "Valentine's Day"

Of course I was just expecting another FAIL plot/romcom

and I got it.

The only good part was seeing Taylor Lautner! ( :'D)

Would I recommend anyone to see it?

Hell no. It sucked that bad.

Just watch it online if you're dying for some celebrity action

----------------------------------------------------------------

After the mall, I came home and finally decided to sign up (read: PAY) for driving school online. That way I can:

+ Get the pink/white/yellow/blue -depending on who you ask- slip so I can

+Take (PAY) my permit test, then

+Practice (PAY) for a minimum of six hours with a driving instructor and wait for

+6 months to

+Take (PAY) for my driver's test

And hopefully, I'll pass first time

I'm not holding my breath.

So far I've done two sections that were around 13- 16 pages of reading each and passed the quizzes at the end.

Two more sections to go .___.

--------------------------------------------------------------

I didn't expect to go anywhere since my Dad had airport today (he's a taxi cab driver -whom I am PROUD to call my father- and every other day is his turn at the airport; you can make the most money there so every cab gets a fair chance)

But my older brother was coming down from UCD today and my uncle picked him up. When he dropped him off, he asked if I wanted to go the masjid for the 'Fiqh of Love' program.

It's an Al-maghrib class that costs $135 dollars for an intense 10 am to 8 pm classes from Saturday and Sunday. Today was a free preview day.

There was much buzz about the program and I know plenty of my friends had signed up, so I agreed to go last minute even though I was an hour late.

The agreement for my uncle taking me was that I had to sleep over at my aunt's house (they are my mother's siblings) so I threw on an abaya over my pajamas and threw a toothbrush in my bag.

Ready to go!

When I got the masjid (and finally spotting my friends in a sea of hijabis... you know, we all look alike from behind!) I seriously have to say the topic was ...

beyond BORING.

Maybe it might've been livelier early on during the 2 hour program (I doubt it)

But the speaker was just speaking -duh- about the jealous surrounding the Prophet's wives and about them individually (maybe, I missed a HUGE part of the lecture)

I didn't know the Prophet had 10 wives (and one concubine, though there's a difference of opinion)

So at around 10, my uncle dropped me off here, at my Aunt's house, where I am proceeding to spend the night.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Oh.

And I've lost my voice partially since Wednesday.

It was at its worst yesterday, thursday, but now it's down to a husky-ness?

UGH. It sucks because I can't speak clearly and I can't yell.

Imagine falling behind a group of friends and you can't yell at them to wait

They get farther, and farther... while you are forced to walk fast or jog through a crowd.

-shudder-

Anyway, hopefully this cold/allergy/funkystuff goes away soon!

And in time for SAD, HAPPY SAD! (on sunday.. not today)

So yeah, that's my crazy day. Wait until TOMORROW.

<3

LuShae Jewlery Competition!

'Aren't these earrings adorable?'

I think so :D (And just in time for Singles Awareness Day-points to hearts-)

I could totally wear them with hijab and still look schnazzy.

Well, that's why it's super cool that LuShae Jewlery is having a Competition ! <--

All ya gotta gotta do is:

"Enter our online sweepstakes competition for the chance to win $5000 cash (to spend anywhere you like). Simply display one of our jewelry badges on your blog, website or social profile page and be automatically entered each and every month. The sweepstake giveaway is open to all countries. We will also draw $200 monthly to a random winner.

Every entrant will also receive a 15% discount off the entire LuShae Jewelry range!"

Awesome right? Well I'm doing it! ^_^

(And I ain't got the SADs m'kay.. that's just something in my eye...)

Okay I'm Done

Mopping around that is.

I just had a lot on my plate this week, and I don't think straight when I'm tired (that post was written at night)

So... now that that's over and done with...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Woot, one more week until Winter Break! :D

Or 'ski week'

Too bad I'm not going anywhere :S

Oh well, it's nice to just sit around doing nothing ^_____^

....
I'm going to watch Atonement right now, peace!

Am I the only one...

Who thinks that high heels look like walking death traps?

I mean seriously... I can't STAND heels

Even if I am 5"8 and have no use of them, I don't know why we subject ourselves to them.

And I'm not going to be using hadiths or even going at it through a religious angle (although some could)

HEELS ARE SCARY AND DAMAGING.

My honest opinion :P I mean, don't we know the damage it does to our legs?

But I'm not going to lie. I have a pair in my closet at the moment waiting to be worn for an event next week.

And I'm not anticipating it at all.

Speaking of death traps...

may I present,

the modern corset?

I really don't understand why we, as women, put ourselves through this. It doesn't matter if it's 'cute' or 'no pain no gain' wtf? I won't sacrifice my right to breath correctly and correct posture for the sake of fashion!

Although I think these are stupid, eh, to each her own.

January 21, 2010

Do you sometimes wish that you could apologize to the people you've hurt in the past?

Or apologize for your own behavior?

Without looking like a jerk?

Or are you frightened that it would only bring up old wounds and memories that should be best left forgotten?

That with your new persona and appearance, it is unnecessary to ask for such forgiveness because you are - as you claim and as they believe-,

a 'Whole New You'?

But somewhere, deep inside, you feel a tug, a nagging, of that regret

a glimmer of remorse,

whenever you hear news pertaining to that past

that person,

And it takes all of the strength within you to calm down those rush of emotions

To not bring up that anger or hurt, jealousy or spite

So you click the 'X' mark on that page and turn around

Wiping away all thoughts

And beginning again.

Today was a good day

(This post is from January 15th, 2009)

I'm back!

from the graveeeee!

-cough-

Today was the day of my LAST final!

Math.

And because I only had one final, I got out 2 hrs later at 10 am :D

I arrived home around 10:30 and was mesmerized by the television for an hour (Big Mama 2 was on :P)

When my Dad came home I had to get ready for an award ceremony.

I hadn't mentioned it at all on this blog, -no idea why, must've slipped my mind-, but I had won 1st place at my school for a MLK Jr Contest.

There were three types of entries; Writing, Art and Multimedia.

It all had to incorporate or be about, this quote from MLK:

"The moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends towards justice."

Honestly, this was extra credit for my English class (15 pts!) so I spent only an hour writing the essay, the night before it was due.

A month later I got a call saying I had won first place. -le gasp-

That was pretty amazing, and I'm glad I won (however, the person who won District for writing - I won 1st only at my school- wrote a MUCH better piece)

I spent last night, thursday, preparing for what to wear.
(Thanks so much to Aifa from aifasuitcase , she did a request on looklet for me.. yes I actually stressed on what I was going to wear in-between studying :P... I went with the first looklet outfit but instead of a black dress it was grey!)

Oh and something that you should always keep handy?

Lint Remover.

You'll never know how much you need it until it's the last minute and there's fuzzy stuff all over your black slacks.

Dang it.

We arrived at 1:00pm, it was the exhibition of the first place essays and art. I found mine and was extremely excited.

(If you're wondering where the rest of my family was, keep in mind it was a friday afternoon, my siblings were all at school and my mom at work. My dad took the day off :D)

Unfortunately, the heels -wedges?- I bought were a 9w (w apparently stands for wide -.-) and they were open-toed so I had to cling to the front of the shoes with my silver lacquered toes, making my heels dangerously close to popping out of the shoe.

-sigh- I'm going to have to return those later.

I was so nervous of tripping out my shoes when we had to cross the stage, but thankfully I only ended up looking like a hunchback, shuffling my feet across the stage and shaking hands with the Coordinators or something.

But this wasn't even the beginning of my day.

As another gift for our 'exemplary work', me and the other recipients got 3 tickets each for tonight's Harlem Globetrotter's game.

Although I have 6 other people in my family (that includes myself), it would be enough for my older brother, younger sister and Dad to go. (My mom doesn't mind, and my younger brother gets the Xbox 360 to himself)

What about me you ask?

Well ya see, this program that I'm part of where I live (Digital Connectors, volunteering in the community and 'bridging the gap between technology and people' -sounds like I'm reading it off the handbook-) also got me and the other members tickets to tonight's Harlem Globetrotters game.

Coincidence? I think not.

I was looking forward to this for week's and after eating out with my dad (and encountering a semi-senile old lady, but that's another story) I got home around 5 and changed out of my formal wear.

We had to leave around 6 pm. (well me and the other 'Digital Connectors, the game didn't start until 7:30 and my older brother comes back from UC Davis at around 6:30 by train; all according to plan :D)

The tickets for DC -digital connectors-, were for one of those cool V.I.P rooms with the box and couches. We sat a bit above the regular stadium -cough- commoners -cough- but still had a great view :D

But the tickets my family had were the commoner seats. I saw them from my throne seat.

(And yes, I cracked that commoner joke all evening)

It ended at around 10 pm (Ha! My day started at 10 and ended at 10 funny.)

I got autographs with the team and some pictures!

All in all, it was an extremely fun/busy/important/crazy day.

And if this post doesn't make any sense... blame it on the sugar and that fact that's 11:30 while I write this...

I might post this later. Toodles!

To GTFRENZY

Okay I'm studying right now (and reading blogger) but this is for GTFrenzy

I CAN'T COMMENT ON YOUR BLOG. THE COMMENT THINGY ISN'T WORKING!

I haven't been able to for a couple weeks now, and I thought it'd get fixed but it didn't.

And I don't know any other way to contact you ._.

SO HERE YA GO!

Grr to this week, GRR

January 11, 2010

This week is finals week!

-crickets chirping-

Yeah, I don't have much enthusiasm either.

-sigh-

I have my 1st period final, AP U.S History tomorrow (2 hours stuck in a classroom -.-)

then my 2nd period Physiology and 3rd period French is on Wednesday

4th period Ap English and 5th period Drama (we're doing a skit) on Thursday

And HORRIBLE MATH ANALYSIS ON FRIDAY T______T <-- that's a sad face

Due to the stupidness of this week, I shall be off blogger, studying late into the night and generally losing my mind :P

And uhh, I should be studying right now. It's nearly 7 pm and I haven't studied yet.

See, if I had learned how to make time move slowly, I could be wasting time and still get my work done.

...

Maybe the squirrels will take me in again.

Shakin' and Rollin'

January 9th, 2010

Three times this week, there were earthquakes.

I only felt one of them and that was in the middle of class. It wasn't that bad, but it was a 4.2 or something.

Apparently today in Eureka, California (I don't live anywhere near there fortunately)

There was a 6.5 earthquake (keep in mind that Loma Prieta was a 6.9)

Holy sh-

Were all of these mini-quakes building up to this? Or is there something larger coming up?

Time to get my earthquake emergency kit together (if we still have it ...) and to remember that

"STOP, DROP AND ROLL" is for fires only.

Behind the Wheel

So yesterday, after being picked up at school by my dad, we went out to eat- a weekly ritual.

While driving home, I asked him if he'd ever let me 'test out' the car in an empty parking lot- like he had done with my older brother a couple years ago.

"Sure why not?"

I was psyched out you guys. I'm of age to get my driver's license, but I'm so lazy, I haven't even gotten my Permit yet!

So we drove to the movie theaters/flea market, it was a monday afternoon- totally dead.

Along the way he was showing me how to use only one foot for both the gas and brakes and to gently press the brakes.

When we finally got there, my heart started beating overtime

I was trying to not get worked up over nothing

*flash of the car turning over*

My dad noticed and told me to "Calm down, if you feel confident, you'll do well."

Even if it was just a test drive.

We both got out of the car and switched seats.

Just feeling the steering wheels in between my hands felt empowering.

And when I let go of the breaks and was going at a very slow (not when you're the one driving) 10 miles per hour, I felt a need for speed.

I learned how to turn (I hit the gas when turning and my dad nearly jumped out of his seat, "The car can turn over!" SEE MY FEARS ARE CONFIRMED) and park.

The fastest I went was 25 miles per hour (hehe I'm the DareDevil!)

It was exhilarating ^_^

Which makes me all the more determined to get my Permit this month and insha'Allah, be driving by the summer.

Wish me luck :P (including on my Finals, next week, so no posting at all next week)

Bleaching creams and the bigger issue

(Honestly, I don't know if I can express myself eloquently enough or if I can adequately articulate my thoughts and emotions, but here goes nothing)


Often times, when I see a post or an article on the 'HORROR' of bleaching creams, it usually goes on about how 'bad' and damaging it is and how we should all 'love' the skin we're in.

But it never goes down to the deeper issue, to the internalized issue.

If it's so bad, why does it make such a bundle every year in third worlds countries? (Bringing in $140 million yearly)

Why don't we see it for what it really is?

This unholy obsession with fairness, white skin, is damaging not only to our self-esteems but on our whole perception of race.

Who gets put onto a pedestal because of this? And why?

Internalized and systematic racism is everywhere and is evident in the boom of 'Fair and Lovely' crap.

It affects every person of color because of the perceived superiority of white people and those 'blessed' with fairness (although they are nothing compared to white people).

Personal experience- I grew up seeing my mother touted for her light skin in comparison with her other sisters. I was lighter than my own sister, but could never compare to my cousins. This led to summers spent mainly inside in order to avoid the 'darkening' rays of the sun and a very low self-esteem. Whenever I did venture outside, I would go into shady areas and if I did happen to come home a bit darker, I would be my harshest critic. One of my aunts gave me a bleaching cream that I would use sometimes, to the point of becoming obsessed with the color of my skin. But it'd never be enough. I would never look like those girls on the cover of my Seventeen magazine. Now, don't pity me. I was foolish. I was subtly (my aunt would recommend me to use the cream in order to 'even out' my skin tone) led to believe that my skin color was inferior to my lighter cousins who were also told to use the cream. And this isn't even about my aunt, who is a good-hearted person, but what she was also led to believe as child. This feeling of unworthiness was internalized as child as my parents grew up in Africa. They went to missionary schools filled with white nuns and teachers who taught them English and made the connection that white=good.

Although they didn't notice it at first, this reverence for white people and their skin color is rampant in many third world countries.



-composes self-

It's stupid ads like this that reinforce such ideals although an argument can be said that along with the post-colonial effects, such views could be stem from the culture.

From society upholding such damaging views. Although it is not limited to India, of course.

Can I be frank here?

We need to get a grip on ourselves and work hard towards dismantling the perception of white equaling goodness and beauty. To stop wasting our money on half-assed creams and staying indoors but traveling by night.

The world is not post-racial, meaning we still have a long ways to go until such stupid perceptions and views are gone and creams such as Fair and Lovely are banned.

I love my skin color and admit that I compare my face with that of my arms, my arms are covered all the time outside the house.
Even the word 'fair' bothers me.
What's fair about being prized while anyone darker is rejected?

I guess what I'm trying to get at in this entire ramble is that racism is still a big issue and one way I'm choosing to retaliate is racism in the form of bleaching creams.

Thank you and have a nice day.

Random but Awesome

Today's date

01-02-2010

is a palindrome

which means if you write it back words

0102-02-10

It's the same thing!

OOOOOOOOOOOOO

And that is today's random update

Ringing in the New Year

Yea, kind of cliched.

But I hope all of you lovely folks had a good time with some loved ones, or fell asleep long before it reached midnight.

I spent the New Years at home, finishing up schoolwork (woo, wild right?)
and reading Jane Eyre (one more chapter left!)

As it is now the New Year, let's take a walk down memory lane through this past decade. Granted, I haven't been on this earth long and it's my first decade that I actually remember, but hey, it's still been eventful (at least what I thought was eventful).

2000
-Aunt's wedding, flower girl (I kid you not, this is about as eventful as that year gets)

2001
- 9/11, being a little kid, I though the entire thing was an accident or some sick joke.

2002
- Went on the Drop Zone for the first time and loved it forever! (Why is this significant? Well my brother was too scared until he was fifteen. Case closed)

2003
- Went to Atlanta, Georgia for a wedding (Flower girl? I was an old flower girl)

2004
-Another Aunt's Wedding (Too old for flower girl, too young to be a bridesmaid)

2005
-Was super surprised by a cousin's visit and Aunt from 2004 had baby shower

2006
- Went to Minnesota for... yea another wedding (I was a guest this time)
-Became Vegetarian

2007
- Does Disneyland count? It counts for me. Last time I went was in 1997
-Started Wearing Hijab
-Parents made me stop being a vegetarian

2008
-Interned at City Hall for the Summer (Very tedious, but it looks good on apps :P)
-Started my blog (woot)

2009
- Won a college scholarship (which I don't get till I apply for schools -.-)
-Became a vegetarian (I'm old enough now!)
-Was held against my will and given the H1N1 vaccine (my mom shot death glares at me, I had to acquiesce! D:)

And umm, yea.

Jeez, looking back, this is basically my 'growing up' decade (extremely uneventful compared to people much older than me.

But I have fond memories of those times :D

Only I shall know how cute I looked in each of flowergirl/entourage dresses!!

And looking at this past year of the blog, things have really shot up! With 145 posts and 108 followers, there is just so much room for me to grow and learn and yadda yadda yadda, 'find myself through the blog' and 'reach my full potential.'

Like one of those 'banned words' this is truly a teachable moment. That through strength and perseverance, you too, can be as cool as I.

...

Yeah.

But the scary part is that the next decade holds multiple graduations and maybe even marriage ._.;

I'm getting old.

[P.S Maybe I should do a list of things I wish to achieve in this new decade... maybe not, the list will go on seeing as how I'll be in my mid-20s by the time this next decade rounds out... content yourselves with what I've written already!]

(P.P.S What did YOU do this New Years Eve? If celebrated it at all?)