Thursdays are the roughest day of the week for me. Maybe it is like this for everyone? Perhaps its because we're in the trenches of the week and the issues that took root on Monday blossom into daffodils by Thursday waiting to be pruned by me, but only ME. Anyways- enough venting, here are three beautiful things Thursday.

1. K's cooking: My hubby didn't always cook on the regular. In fact, through law school, his cooking involved a telephone and Chinese takeout. Over the past few years he began trying a dish here or there, daals, okra, small tries but very well executed. Today I got a call.

K: I'm feeling some baked ziti. I'll get the ingredients on my way home.
A: I don't remember how to make it.
K: Oh don't worry, I'll make it.

If you know my K well, you just read this with your jaw dropped to the floor. I know, I know, but its true! This will be one full week, my first full week where K inspired dishes were the order of the evening. Though I feel a bit unmoored, I'm not complaining, this change of pace is the sort of thing I could really get used to.

2. Fridays: I used to think that on Fridays I should do exciting things since its the end of the week and you should celebrate that. But on the last day of the busy weekday I feel pure exhaustion. I want to do nothing more than to eat a salad at my favorite place (Zaxby's) and go home to curl up on the couch and watch a movie. Fridays best enjoyed low key and in PJs if at all possible, are the most beautiful of all.

3. Artists: Watching good movies lately, and reading great books as well as seeing good artwork I just can't help but be moved by the beauty that is in our hearts that often flows into an expressive format. The people with the visions they have are inspiring to me, particularly the passion with which they do their work since its usually not about the money for them but about something much greater. I am an emotional soul and so art is a natural home for a person like me. With art I feel understood, and I begin to understand.

Labels: 3bt

posted by Aisha @ 2:05 PM || 5 comments

I've been thinking a lot lately of what it is that I was meant to do. I always ponder this, its a regular reflection, but lately the question, instead of a quiet gnawing one, is clanging with cymbals at regular intervals. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button explores how our life would be if we lived it backwards, hindsight being 20/20 after all. If we could know the end of our destination wouldn't we better decide our present? But we don't live our life backwards, we live it walking forwards, making choices along the way which pave an uncertain future.

Enter Steve Jobs, CEO of Mac. Tee shared his Stanford commencement address in which he spoke of dropping out of college and taking calligraphy classes for fun. He made a series of choices which he did not fully understand, and certainly never thought would shape his future:

If I had never dropped in on that [calligraphy] course in college, the Mac would have never had multiple typefaces or proportionally spaced fonts. And since Windows just copied the Mac, its likely that no personal computer would have them. If I had never dropped out, I would have never dropped in on this class, and personal computers might not have the wonderful typography that they do. Of course it was impossible to connect the dots looking forward when I was in college. But it was very, very clear looking backwards ten years later. Again, you can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.

Looking back on my life to this point, I can certainly see this to be true in many instances. I must trust that dots will connect, the purpose of seemingly random happenstance and events, all abundantly clear just a bit further down the road.

*Updated* Adnan addressed a point I forgot to mention:

but don't you think it works both ways? That sometimes the dots don't connect. and you're left empty? for the people that the dots did connect, they'll say, "his approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life." i wonder what the people for whom the dot didn't connect would say...

Good point. I believe dots connect but we must ready to work for those dots and work to connect them. If Jobs took the calligraphy class, went to engineering school and didn't pursue it, then yes, that dot wouldn't connect. This works for those I believe who are conscious, and continue to strive for their goals. Though the dots may not connect in ways that we anticipate, they do if we are looking for it, and are actively working towards our dreams. For instance, I want to be a published novelist, and I'm working towards that dream. I may never reach that dream and think back and think the dots relating to it were empty, but perhaps my someday child will have my writing bug, and will pen the next Great American Novel. Perhaps the few readers looking at my manuscript will be inspired to do something different as a result bringing a change into the world. The perhaps are endless, but just because I don't see the connection doesn't make it not there. Again, just speculation since this is a new thought and I'm still processing, but that is how it makes sense to me.

Labels: life, reflections

posted by Aisha @ 12:21 PM || 12 comments

George Bush Top Ten Moments:



Bye Bye Bush.

Labels: current events, elections 2008, humor

posted by Aisha @ 9:55 AM || 3 comments

This link has some beautiful pictures around the country and the world. The one that made me laugh, posted below.

Labels: current events, elections 2008, humor

posted by Aisha @ 3:07 PM || 1 comments

Excerpts of President Obama's speech.

"Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom. For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.....

...As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience’s sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more....Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint...

...For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth... ...To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy...

...With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations...

Amen.

Labels: current events, elections 2008

posted by Aisha @ 12:46 PM || 3 comments

1. Printing my novel to bask in its glory then...
2. ...Proceeding to hack it to shreds with a pen and sharp fisted jabs at previously white paper while trying to push out the...
3. ....Panicking thoughts of why I left my slow cooker on while I'm not home, though the instructions say its safe, leaving me with an uneasy queasy feeling... which could be why I'm
4. ... stress eating cooled grapefruit by the bucketful as though it were crack.. (if crack is in fact sold in buckets or tastes remotely of citrus).. resulting in...
5. ...Shivering for it be so very cold and chilly grapefruits don't help causing...
6. ... involuntary late night vigils due to drinking chai at obscene hours resulting in...
7. ...Watching late night Big Love marathons and growing addicted... which is troubling since I'm still...
8. ...Re-watching LOST.... and still squeezing time in for
9. .. Watching Slumdog Millionaire and Revolutionary Road.. great movies that take my mind off the fact that I haven't yet succeeding in...
10. Coming up with a believable excuses why I can't do Hot Yoga with a friend on Wednesday, instead of the real reason which is that I'm as graceful as a hobbled duck... the sadness of which turns me to bury myself in...
11. Reading like the fate of the world depends on it.

In short, not much. Hope y'all are well wherever you may be.

Labels: 100 book challenge, chai, humor, life, movie, random

posted by Aisha @ 3:41 PM || 4 comments

Three are three types of people in this world: Those that are not happy [and if you're neutral towards life I consider you here], Those that are genetically predisposed to happy, Those that choose to be happy.

Someone I know is going through a pretty tough time right now. I called the other day, and they said: You know, I look at everything that's happening and I think of God and I think-

In the brief pause I mentally completed the sentence, why me? what did I do deserve this? my life stinks? I am angry with Him?

But instead, they said, I think, Wow He's watching out for me.

Taken aback, I almost said, are you seriously kidding me? But catching myself in time I politely inquired why they thought so. They pointed out the unexpected blessings from the situation. I agreed, though surprised. I hadn't thought of those things, or if I had, I would have likely shoved them aside as inconsequential when faced with what I'm dealing with in the now.

There are those that are happy perhaps by a wellspring of joy welded into their DNA. I'm not one of those people. However, I can choose to be amongst those who make a conscious choice to be happy. The lives of most people, dare I say, nearly everyone, is difficult at times, sometimes more time than others. But amongst the people I meet, I've found that the correlating happier people don't necessarily have what I would think of as happier lives. They are happy because of their outlook on the world. Duh, right? That's the stuff cliches are made of. But it really hit me today.

I thought of the author of the Last Lecture. He knew he was going to die leaving a wife and young children behind, and yet he chose to make a point of being joyful.

Or the auntie with the son who has Downs Syndrome. She smiles and dismissed the pitying glances, at least he can walk, he can communicate his needs, he is full of love.

Lucia whose fiancee broke up with her three months before her wedding, smiling at me and saying God has his plans, He may have saved me from something I can't see now. Now I will appreciate my future husband so much more than perhaps I could have before.

I'm thinking if this life is the only one I've got, and if its my choice the attitude I take towards it, then I have no excuse than to smile and remember the blessings He bestows every second of every minute of every day.
posted by Aisha @ 5:05 PM || 12 comments

Labels: 100 book challenge, advice, books

posted by Aisha @ 3:57 PM || 8 comments

I came across a group of people attempting to read 100 books in 2009. While I did complete my 50 book goal in 2008... to double it, do I dare? Being the bookworm that I am, I don't think I will be able to resist trying. If interested here's the link.

Labels: 100 book challenge, books

posted by Aisha @ 1:57 PM || 1 comments

So here it is, my 109 in 2009! Some of these are carry overs from last year, but this year hopefully I will accomplish them. But even if I don't these lists serve as a reminder of what I value in my life and what I hope to accomplish. So many of us I feel live our lives in a daze, we have so much going on, work, children, responsibilities that often feel never ending, so you never stop to really think about the dreams and goals you have. Through listing, you at least become aware of what you want, and how to get it there. Some of my goals are simple, others are loftier, but I am confident that if I set my mind to it, I can accomplish every single one of these this year. Do you plan to do this too? Please share!

1. Do the 100 book challenge!
   
2. Read the Quran cover to cover again
3. Research and create a book proposal/pitch 11/09
   
4. Research and locate publishers and agents (at least 10) 10/09
   
5. Send my novel out 11/09
   
6. Write in my gratitude journal nightly for two weeks.
7. Make a Hawaii scrapbook
8. Lost 10 pounds
9. Then lose another 10
   
10. Get new glasses 1/09
    
11. Re-order contacts 1/09
    
12. Take a vacation 4/09 Asheville, NC
    
13. Regrout my masterbath shower
14. Hang up my Turkish light
15. Go Kayaking or Whitewater rafting
16. Finish my first draft of my next novel.
17. See a live event 2/09 Cirque du Soleil (Kooza) SO COOL
    
18. Buy Lost season 2 1/09
    
19. Organize all my kitchen and bedroom drawers
20. Donate clothes to charity
21. Donate money to charity 8/09: Sleeping Children Around the World.
    
22. Make homemade roti
23. Send my parents a random gift just because
24. Get a manicure/pedicure 5/09
    
25. Go skiing
26. Get a haircut 5/09
    
27. String up lights in the awning
28. Sprinkle flax seed on my food once a day for a month
29. Exercise five days a week for a month 5/09
    
30. Watch 5 hours of TV or less a week for two weeks.
31. Go to a dentist appointment
32. Get a physical
33. Get my engagement/wedding band cleaned
34. Go to the Container Store
    
35. Floss daily for two weeks
36. Learn to cook/bake six new things: baguette pizza, Shrimp Scampi, Mashed Cauliflower, Tuna steak, Kofte, pancakes. 9/09
    
37. Don't eat after dinner for one week
38. Update my resume. 3/09
    
39. Wake up thirty minutes earlier than needed for work so I can lounge and fully be awake. 2/09
    
40. Order new water filter for fridge
41. Help/Attend Ali's wedding 5/09
    
42. Buy a new vacuum cleaner
43. Call Sprint and register our new phones
    
44. Do a cabin trip 4/09 Asheville!
    
45. Eat fruit once a week for a month 8/09 Once a day!
    
46. Eat a bowl of pomegranate 11/09
    
47. Buy a cute teapot
48. Buy a catch-all box for my bill table
49. Make a 'basic ingredients' list and inventory/update quantities in my house.
50. Buy boots 2/09
    
51. Eat a mango 3/09
    
52. Spend one of my many Borders gift cards
    
53. Make a recipe book
    
54. Make a charity jar
    
55. Buy a blowdrying brush and clips
    
56. Eat grapefruit for breakfast for a week 1/09
    
57. Pay my library fine 1/09
    
58. Eat vegetarian for one week 4/09
    
59. Attend a sporting event 4/09 Hawks game!
    
60. Play poker 5/09 I was the champion, ofcourse!
    
61. See the ocean 1/09
    
62. Learn how to meditate 7/09
    
63. Organize the kitchen cabinets
64. Organize my bedroom closet
65. Try a new never before eaten at restaurant 2/09 Nickiemotos!
    
66. Buy a new breakfast table
67. Make cute marble magnets for my fridge
68. Buy a remote basket
    
69. Keep my car clean for a month
    
70. Have a do-nothing day where I guilt-free watch TV, read, and barely move from the couch. 1/09 <- This goal was completed a bit too soon I fear. Ah well.
    
71. Buy shears for outdoors
72. Go for Hajj/Umrah unless ...
73. Buy "Dreams from my Father" hardcover
74. Find/Purchase a notebook for thoughts in my purse 1/09 working on organizing one of my drawers helped me find the perfect little note book. Funny how one goal lent itself to the other.
    
75. Perfect broiling steak
76. Make mashed cauliflower 5/09: honestly, didn't like it!
    
77. Clean up immediately after dinner for two weeks 10/09
    
78. Go to Orlando and do the Medieval Times with the familia
79. Dance at Ali's wedding 5/09
    
80. Reduce my internet use at home to one hour a day for a week
81. Watch a favorite Disney movie and sing along to the songs
82. Try Pilates 2/09 Kicked my butt!! I am still sore but I think I will continue to do it.
    
83. Watch Office Space on a home alone day June 2009
    
84. Buy comfy house slippers
85. See my nephews 1/09
    
86. Buy a large storage container to place under my bed 10/09
    
87. Put new batteries in our scale 1/09
    
88. Have a Lost party 1/09
    
89. See the mountains. 4/09 Asheville, NC
    
90. Try Masala Dosa 3/09
    
91. Backup the final copy of my novel on hard-drive, attachment, memory stick
92. See Madiha
93. Stuff my floor pillows
94. Organize my files at work 9/09
    
95. See Aamina 4/09
    
96. Get a bottlebrush
97. See both of my friend Amber's babies insh'allah 5/09
    
98. Learn a new salad 5/09 Tuna salad is yum!
    
99. Make my bed for one solid week 7/09
    
100. Clean 15min upstairs/15min downstairs daily for two weeks 10/09
     
101. Do something I've never done before. 5/09: Eat Oatmeal Pancakes.
     
102. Do six random nice things for K for no reason or occasion.
103. Pick a Spanish Tutorial CD and listen to all of it to freshen up my Spanish skills.
     
104. Host a dinner party 1/09
     
105. Record 10 great Everyone Loves Raymond Episodes 4/09
     
106. Play air-hockey
107. Make a Costa Rica scrapbook
108. Figure out my next step 6/09
     
109. ...
     

Labels: 109 in 2009

posted by Aisha @ 1:19 PM || 3 comments

January 2008 I made my 108 in 2008, 108 things I wished to accomplish in 2008. I met 48 goals. Though this constitutes a mere 44% of completed items, when I list out what I accomplished I'm quite amazed:

A final version of my novel- Eat sushi- Read 50 books- Stop biting my nails- Pay library fine and check out books- See the ocean- Eat out for lunch once a week for a month- Find a painter- Read 50 pieces of professional literature- Get a physical- Get my vision tested- Order contacts- Make a dentist appointment- Renew my passport- Don't watch TV for a week- Visit my family- have a girls day with Madiha- Attend a live show- Buy a suit- Write a short story- See Aamina- Update my goals- Six lunch dates with friends- Donate clothing- Donate money- Have a full writing day- Star gaze- Run outdoors- Get another haircut- Send flowers to someone- Cook organic salmon- Write each evening for one month- Make a new dessert- Take a vacation- Clean 20 mins daily for month, Buy PJs, Abstain from diet soda for a week, framed photo for work, vote, load dishes each night for a month.

I'm quite pleased with what I accomplished though in some ways I'm perplexed by some of the simple things I did not accomplish such as eating a bowl of pomegranate! Seriously? It seems so simple!

I enjoyed having this list so much that I'm now motivated to do it again and take lessons from last year's lists to make a more doable list for the coming year. If you make one too please share!

Labels: 108 in 2008, Year in Review

posted by Aisha @ 8:00 PM || 8 comments