Is amazing. Very Amazing. Very very amazing. Very very very amazing. Very very very very amazing. I can go on...
And it is back, in 5 days.... with its 4th Season- Bigger and better than before. LOST must be the smartest, most intricate show I've ever seen. Its my absolute favorite. The mystery, drama, and comedy its all there and all in balance. Here is the official recap of seasons 1-3.Its 8 mins and 15 seconds long, and pretty good.
Fortunately, you can now watch all three seasons to date-- in free HD streaming.
My dear reader... I've been hooked to Lost since I saw the first episode. To date, I have not been disappointed. I suggest, (if you decide) to watch the first episode and watch as the superb story unfolds; you'll find it more enjoyable. If you are a storyteller or like to hear a good story-- this show is for you.
Cheers! I hope you enjoy!!!! :)
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
In pain...
Today, I had 2 of my wisdom teeth removed. It hurts. Not too much, but it hurts enough for me to blog about it.
The procedure was quicker than I expected. On the right side of my mouth they removed the top and bottom teeth. The worst part of the entire process was the huge needle filled with anesthesia being pumped into the soft tissue. The bottom tooth came out in less than 3 minutes while the top took approximately 10 minutes because they had to find the tooth buried in the gums. I involuntarily teared, but I made it through all right.
*(Quick Tip: If you are a NY/NJ college student like me with no dental insurance, go to the NYU School of Dentistry. Capable doctors, very affordable patient care.)*
Now, I can't eat solid foods for 2 days. I'm going to live on soup. Which sucks, because I have the strongest urge to have a shawerma sandwich or a pizza. What to do!?
What sucks even more, is that I have to go through this ordeal again in two weeks for the left side of my mouth.
:/
The procedure was quicker than I expected. On the right side of my mouth they removed the top and bottom teeth. The worst part of the entire process was the huge needle filled with anesthesia being pumped into the soft tissue. The bottom tooth came out in less than 3 minutes while the top took approximately 10 minutes because they had to find the tooth buried in the gums. I involuntarily teared, but I made it through all right.
*(Quick Tip: If you are a NY/NJ college student like me with no dental insurance, go to the NYU School of Dentistry. Capable doctors, very affordable patient care.)*
Now, I can't eat solid foods for 2 days. I'm going to live on soup. Which sucks, because I have the strongest urge to have a shawerma sandwich or a pizza. What to do!?
What sucks even more, is that I have to go through this ordeal again in two weeks for the left side of my mouth.
:/
Sunday, January 20, 2008
In 6 months....
I'll be 21.
So that makes today my half birthday. And I'm freaking out. Now when I turned 20, it was a big deal. It was the end of the 'teen' years.... thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen. Twenty.
When someone asks me, "How old are you Dana?" I have to think about it. I think my mind is forming a mental block. I can not wrap my head around the fact that my age is increasing; its a foreign idea.
Now... When I was 10, I had plans for my life. Big plans.
"At 21, I will almost be done with college." Not even close. Maybe 2 more years. :S
"At 21, I will know for sure what I want to do with my life." Nope, I'm still in this abyss. I have an idea, just not for sure.
"At 21, I might have someone in mind to share my life with." Ha! As if. Give me another 5-7 years.
"At 21, I will have seen the family I haven't seen since I was 3." Nope, I haven't.
"At 21, I will get to vote." Perhaps the only thing I'm looking forward to.
"At 21, I will have more freedom from my parents." Man, I was naive at 10.
"At 21, I will get a horizontal driver's license." Eh, big deal.
--You get the general idea.
I don't dread reaching 21. I don't dread growing older. I certainly do not want to repeat my last years. There is nothing I can or want to change. I learned a lot. And, I look forward to the future- since it is in my control.
But, I just wish getting older came with a warning label like prespcription drugs- "May cause stress, dizziness, uncertainity."
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Pet Peeves...
Or things that bother me.... here's a list of some of them.
1. Black/improper language. Learn how to speak.
2. TyPiNg LiKe ThIs. It's irritating- stop!
3. Using abbreviations like, "brb", "ttyl", and "cula8r" in emails.
4. People who complain way too much. I have enough crap in my life without hearing yours.
5. Saying, f-ck, sh-t, a$$, too much in one sentence. Expand your vocabulary.
6. People who talk about their dogs, and call them their babies. Its a dog, not a human.
7. People, especially guys, who spend all their money on pimping out their '99 Corolla. Study hard, get a good job, than get a BMW.
8. People who take forever ordering food during your lunch break. Know what you will eat before standing on line.
9. People who lived in the US, for 30+ years, and never bothered to learn English.
10. Those same people, who expect me to know their language!
11. People who say that their lives suck, but don't bother to improve it for themselves.
12. People who provide too much information. I don't need to know about your ingrown toenail.
13. People who talk really loud on their mobile phones. I don't need to know where you put your boyfriends underwear.
14. People who spend thousands on items, things they might never wear or see, and not worry about the bill!
15. Liars.
16. The sound of a silver utensil hitting teeth.
17. Unclean bathrooms.
18. The bills in my wallet must face the same direction and must go in ascending order.
19. Un groomed toes with flip flops.
20. Rubber/plastic shoes- "crocs".
21. Uggs.
22. 45 year old women and men who dress like they are 18.
23. Reality TV shows.
24. Double standard between girls and guys.
25. People who act/think like they know everything and think they better than everyone else around them.
1. Black/improper language. Learn how to speak.
2. TyPiNg LiKe ThIs. It's irritating- stop!
3. Using abbreviations like, "brb", "ttyl", and "cula8r" in emails.
4. People who complain way too much. I have enough crap in my life without hearing yours.
5. Saying, f-ck, sh-t, a$$, too much in one sentence. Expand your vocabulary.
6. People who talk about their dogs, and call them their babies. Its a dog, not a human.
7. People, especially guys, who spend all their money on pimping out their '99 Corolla. Study hard, get a good job, than get a BMW.
8. People who take forever ordering food during your lunch break. Know what you will eat before standing on line.
9. People who lived in the US, for 30+ years, and never bothered to learn English.
10. Those same people, who expect me to know their language!
11. People who say that their lives suck, but don't bother to improve it for themselves.
12. People who provide too much information. I don't need to know about your ingrown toenail.
13. People who talk really loud on their mobile phones. I don't need to know where you put your boyfriends underwear.
14. People who spend thousands on items, things they might never wear or see, and not worry about the bill!
15. Liars.
16. The sound of a silver utensil hitting teeth.
17. Unclean bathrooms.
18. The bills in my wallet must face the same direction and must go in ascending order.
19. Un groomed toes with flip flops.
20. Rubber/plastic shoes- "crocs".
21. Uggs.
22. 45 year old women and men who dress like they are 18.
23. Reality TV shows.
24. Double standard between girls and guys.
25. People who act/think like they know everything and think they better than everyone else around them.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Outrage!
Prep track star DQ'd over Muslim garb
Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) - A high school track star has been disqualified from a meet because officials said the custom-made outfit she wears to conform to her Muslim faith violated competition rules.
Juashaunna Kelly, a senior at the District of Columbia's Theodore Roosevelt High School, has the fastest mile and 2-mile times of any girl runner in the city this winter. She was disqualified from Saturday's Montgomery Invitational indoor track and field meet.
Kelly was wearing the same uniform she has worn for three seasons while running for Theodore Roosevelt's cross-country and track teams. The custom-made, one-piece blue and orange unitard covers her head, arms, torso and legs. Over the unitard, she wears the same orange and blue T-shirt and shorts as her teammates. The outfit allows her to compete while adhering to her Muslim faith, which forbids displaying any skin other than her face and hands.
"It's not special," Kelly said. "It doesn't make me perform better."
But meet director Tom Rogers said Kelly's uniform violated rules of the National Federation of State High School Associations, which sanctioned the event. Uniforms are required to be "a
single-solid color and unadorned, except for a single school name or insignia no more than 2 1/4 inches," he said.
Rogers said that he knew Kelly was wearing the uniform for religious reasons and that he offered her several options to conform to the rules while still respecting her faith, including placing a plain T-shirt over her unitard and then wearing her team uniform over it.
Kelly's mother, Sarah, and Roosevelt Coach Tony Bowden disputed that account. They said officials made several demands of her daughter before Rogers made his decision.
"First, they said she had to take her hood off," Sarah Kelly said. "Then, they said she can't have anything with logos displayed. Then, they said she had to turn it inside out. When I told them that there weren't any logos on it, they said she had to put a plain white T-shirt on over it."
Juashaunna Kelly has worn the same uniform for three years without any problems, including at last year's Montgomery Invitational. Rogers said officials must have missed the uniform last
year.
"It wasn't a problem last year, and it's a problem this year? Make me understand why," Bowden said.
Kelly, whose 1,600-meter time of 5 minutes 17.49 seconds and 3,200-meter time of 12:00.81 are the fastest of any D.C. girl, was hoping to run fast enough at the Montgomery Invitational to qualify for the New Balance Collegiate Invitational in New York on Feb. 8-9. Bowden said the team has no other meets scheduled that would allow her to qualify for the event, which attracts dozens of college recruiters.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Its just ridiculous that this girl was able to compete with her custom uniform, for three years in a row- without a problem! Chances are that another school felt threatened by this girls extraordinary performance so they wanted to get her rid of the competition, eliminating their most impressive threat. Its sabotage at its ugliest form. If the girl had a medical issue,the competition would have used that reason to get rid of her (their threat). Track is a sport that can be won or loss by .001 of a second. As far as coaches and athletes go, anything goes. Sadly in this instance, the girl's Muslim faith was the true victim.
I'm a former track athlete and I hate hearing stories like this. There has to be rules and regulations in any sport. I am all for following the rules because it make the sport more enjoyable. But when an individual, regardless of their faith, cites a religious reason, than an exception must be granted. Anyone who knows anything about running, know that extra clothing takes away from performance. Why do you think the standard high school track uniform is a short shorts and a flimsy nylon tank top? Less clothes equals faster time. Better yet, by eliminating or changing the rule and having anything (in the school's colors) underneath the standard school uniform, situations like this will be avoided.
In this way, relations between Muslims and Americans are not hurt or strained.
Monday, January 14, 2008
In the audience...
For as long as I can remember, I've always been a part of a performance. I've been a dancer and performer. Later I was a dance instructor and choreographer. I even did some stagehand duties, costume changer, makeup.... you name it!!
On Saturday night... I was a first time part spectator. I sat in the audience and I shared the emotions of the audience. It was a totally strange experience. As the auditorium dimmed and the national anthems were played I felt pride at my heritage. The music started and the adrenaline rushed in my blood. I knew my feet were tapping because I heard a very light, tap, tap, tap. But I had to sit still. This was my time to watch- not be watched.
The music rushed through me and the lights engulfed my senses. The colors of the costumes filled my countless memories. My brother, a born performer, caught my attention at every moment he was on stage. My younger brothers smile radiated happiness. The passion I felt from them and some of the other the dancers was amazing.
My young students that I had taught years ago filled me with an indescribable feeling. I cried at my old student, the little boy, (no man!)... who had the solo. My old mantra to those little men, "keep your shoulder back, back straight, stomach in, head up! Be Proud!" To the girls... "shoulders back, head up, hands out, and SMILE!" They learned pretty well, and my heart just poured with joyful pride. Just amazing.
But like any artist... I found myself critiqueing some dances for off beats, incorrect choreography, weaknesses, incorrect postures, inablities to follow the music, etc. If I had video focused on me, my emotions and facial expressions throughout the night would have been a treat to psychologists everywhere.
At the end, due to some technical difficulties... I, and others, were brought up on stage to participate in an impromptu casual dance. That was my favorite moment of the evening.
So, I think the stage wanted me as much as I wanted it.
On Saturday night... I was a first time part spectator. I sat in the audience and I shared the emotions of the audience. It was a totally strange experience. As the auditorium dimmed and the national anthems were played I felt pride at my heritage. The music started and the adrenaline rushed in my blood. I knew my feet were tapping because I heard a very light, tap, tap, tap. But I had to sit still. This was my time to watch- not be watched.
The music rushed through me and the lights engulfed my senses. The colors of the costumes filled my countless memories. My brother, a born performer, caught my attention at every moment he was on stage. My younger brothers smile radiated happiness. The passion I felt from them and some of the other the dancers was amazing.
My young students that I had taught years ago filled me with an indescribable feeling. I cried at my old student, the little boy, (no man!)... who had the solo. My old mantra to those little men, "keep your shoulder back, back straight, stomach in, head up! Be Proud!" To the girls... "shoulders back, head up, hands out, and SMILE!" They learned pretty well, and my heart just poured with joyful pride. Just amazing.
But like any artist... I found myself critiqueing some dances for off beats, incorrect choreography, weaknesses, incorrect postures, inablities to follow the music, etc. If I had video focused on me, my emotions and facial expressions throughout the night would have been a treat to psychologists everywhere.
At the end, due to some technical difficulties... I, and others, were brought up on stage to participate in an impromptu casual dance. That was my favorite moment of the evening.
So, I think the stage wanted me as much as I wanted it.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
The hardest thing....
On Dec. 25 my grandmother was admitted into a Missouri hospital because of pain in her abdomen. Three days later she was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL).
"Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is cancer that originates in your lymphatic system, the disease-fighting network spread throughout your body. In non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, tumors develop from lymphocytes — a type of white blood cell," (Mayo Clinic).
The normal treatment for this type of cancer is chemotherapy. However in my grandmother's case, the cancer has spread to multiple body organs, such as her liver. Her body will not have the strength for chemotherapy. Doctors say that she has 4-6 months to live. She is returning to NJ and will stay by my family during her last few weeks.
Since diagnosis two weeks ago, my mother has been by her side in Missouri. I took care of the household duties. I was able to talk to my grandmother at ease on the phone. And if I kept myself busy, I wouldn't think about the situation. There were times when I was alone, and I cried a good deal.
However, tonight I was cleaning/preparing the room that my grandmother will stay in. I cleaned all the surfaces- tables, chairs, floors. I setup the bed for her. I put the drawer in its place so that she can keep her clothes and other belongings. I arranged chairs as my mother instructed me to. Eventually,I finished and gave it a final inspection; I was quite proud of myself.
But, standing in the middle of the room, I realized that I just prepared the room where my grandmother will pass away. I set up the chairs where my family and our friends will say our last good byes. I set up my dear Tayta's deathbed.
The reality of the situation hit me like an 18 wheeler truck flattens a tiny ant. I collapsed sobbing. I still cry. I pray and hope to Allah that the next several weeks will be beautiful, struggle- free and happy in spite of the inevitable devastating loss.
~ May Allah give me t he strength to stay strong for me and my family...
~ May He give me the courage to look into my grandmothers eyes and laugh...
~ May Allah give me the strength to make my family laugh and fill their hearts with happiness when they need it the most...
~ May my beautiful grandmother not suffer in pain for long and make passing from this life as easy & marvelous as possible... InshAllah.
Amin.*
"Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is cancer that originates in your lymphatic system, the disease-fighting network spread throughout your body. In non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, tumors develop from lymphocytes — a type of white blood cell," (Mayo Clinic).
The normal treatment for this type of cancer is chemotherapy. However in my grandmother's case, the cancer has spread to multiple body organs, such as her liver. Her body will not have the strength for chemotherapy. Doctors say that she has 4-6 months to live. She is returning to NJ and will stay by my family during her last few weeks.
Since diagnosis two weeks ago, my mother has been by her side in Missouri. I took care of the household duties. I was able to talk to my grandmother at ease on the phone. And if I kept myself busy, I wouldn't think about the situation. There were times when I was alone, and I cried a good deal.
However, tonight I was cleaning/preparing the room that my grandmother will stay in. I cleaned all the surfaces- tables, chairs, floors. I setup the bed for her. I put the drawer in its place so that she can keep her clothes and other belongings. I arranged chairs as my mother instructed me to. Eventually,I finished and gave it a final inspection; I was quite proud of myself.
But, standing in the middle of the room, I realized that I just prepared the room where my grandmother will pass away. I set up the chairs where my family and our friends will say our last good byes. I set up my dear Tayta's deathbed.
The reality of the situation hit me like an 18 wheeler truck flattens a tiny ant. I collapsed sobbing. I still cry. I pray and hope to Allah that the next several weeks will be beautiful, struggle- free and happy in spite of the inevitable devastating loss.
~ May Allah give me t he strength to stay strong for me and my family...
~ May He give me the courage to look into my grandmothers eyes and laugh...
~ May Allah give me the strength to make my family laugh and fill their hearts with happiness when they need it the most...
~ May my beautiful grandmother not suffer in pain for long and make passing from this life as easy & marvelous as possible... InshAllah.
Amin.*
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Nothing Gold Can Stay
Monday, January 7, 2008
A Friendly Reminder...
I started a new job today~ It looks very promising and I'm excited. With 5 other trainees, I'm doing a two week training for a bank teller position in a bank I was already hired at. As usual, the first day on any job is filled with electronic fingerprinting, W-4 tax forms, orientation PowerPoint slide show, 401k explanation, and mandatory watching of the harassment policy & procedures video. It's normal. It's standard.
The one thing that wasn't normal or standard was the sign that was posted in the ladies' bathroom stall. Do they honestly think that the employees who work at headquarters, just finished second grade?
Feel free to mock and ridicule my new job. I haven't had enough time to develop strong feelings for it. ;)
The one thing that wasn't normal or standard was the sign that was posted in the ladies' bathroom stall. Do they honestly think that the employees who work at headquarters, just finished second grade?
Feel free to mock and ridicule my new job. I haven't had enough time to develop strong feelings for it. ;)
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
2008...
Bismillah....
If I was to sum up 2007 in one phrase... it would be "The year of sturggle and tribulation". It was a weird year full of uncertainity and unhappiness. It was a twist after another. I couldn't wrap my head around one tsituation before life threw me another curve ball.
But... I'm willing to start this new year with hope against the odds. With the faith that everything is in God's hands and that everything happens for a reason yet to be undiscovered, may this year be a better year than last.
May 2008 be a year of success, good health, prosperity, and happiness for everyone and their familes, InshAllah!
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