Never doubt...

By Margaret Mead

Small groups can have big impact.

Cowardly Lion, No More

Courage

The Merriam- Webster dictionary defines it as the ability to conquer fear or despair.

I always thought I was brave. I thought I was in control of my life. But I wasn’t. I was only reacting to the things that happened to me. I felt inadequate to do anything for myself. I was not brave enough to be proactive of my own life. I tried to find what was stopping me. What was holding me back? I suffered personally, academically, socially, and even within my family circle. I was the Cowardly Lion.

I feared myself to be overcome by inspiration.
Thus I never realized my true potential.
I feared revealing my true emotions to anyone.
I’ll only hurt myself.
I feared failure towards reaching my goals.
My goals seem so distant and unreachable.
I feared losing anything that meant anything to me.
I’ll feel so forlorn.

But now, courage, I seek you.

With you, I’ll be focus on my dreams and my passions, without fear of failure.
With you, I’ll say ‘I love you’ when I feel love.
With you, I’ll say ‘fuck off’ when I want peace.
And I’ll understand the consequences, but I’ll stay true to my being.

With you, I’ll embrace any opportunity and try anything possible.
With you, I will not be shy to reject people and things that stand in the way of my goals.
With you, I won’t be afraid to stand by my views.
And I’ll defend them and re-examine them regularly.

I do not have any other option.
This yellow brick road is mine.
Don’t hide from me now,…
Courage, I’ll find you.

And when you don't elude me any longer,
I won't allow desertion.

In the words of George Carlin...

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete....

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember to say, ' I love you ' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again...

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

1,500 moments of simplicity...

In July 2009, The New York Times Lens blog compiled more than 1,500 mobile photos from its readers. Some of the shots look like impressionist or surrealist painitings, some are photos that serve as reminders of easier times, and others are just captures of things that hold our attention in our busy daily lives....

In any case, all the photos show that the ordinary is truly extraordinary. Circle through them; you won't be disappointed. :)

Color-i-fire the Night...

Run to find the best spot possible...
Dedicate a firework to someone...
Eat some ice cream...
Grab a glowstick and save it in the freezer for later...
Join in the chorus of oohs & aaahhs...
Wrap an arm around a special person...
Sing some Billie Jean...
Sit, stand, or lay in amazement and joy. ♥

Good people in this world...

I am a part-time bank teller. My job consists of cashing out checks, deposit or withdrawing money from accounts... whatever you think happens with your money in a bank is part of my job. My shift is the afternoon and early evenings and I handle whatever transactions come through my branches' drive-thru. Usually, Friday evenings are the big payday of the week. We get a lot of people that want to get their checks cashed, and so the bank gets busy with its occasional rushes.

At the end of every evening, its required to count your remaining cash and total the checks that you received during your day. Everything should be in balance with what is in the computer. I usually don't have any problems.

Except on Friday evening because my cash drawer was a $100 short. I was going crazy trying to find where that cash would have gone. I recounted my cash drawer twice and I was frantic trying to find think of who I could have given too much money. At the end of the night, I could not find the missing money and I had to show a $100 difference (never a good thing! :S). I went home with a headache.

On Saturday, the next day, I walk into work with the determination to find what could have happened to the missing money. I thought about all the transactions I did and I narrowed it down to one customer that I believe that I might given an extra cash. I was just waiting for the best time to call this lady to see if my assumption was correct.

But than, a Spanish guy walks into the bank and speaks to our Spanish speaking Customer Service Representative (CSR). He does not know any English and I hear them talking away when I hear the CSR call out to me and the other teller... "were any of you short in cash last night?"
My head snaps up and I say, "Yes, I was!"
The CSR asks, "By how much?"
I reply, "I was short $100..."
The CSR recounts the money and this man has an extra $100!

He came in to return the money!!! The CSR later explains to me that the man walked in asking, "Can you count this money for me? I think I was given too much when I came through the drive-thru last night."

The CSR also explained to me that he said he didn't want one of the tellers to get into trouble!! What a sweet man! My heart swelled at his kind gesture and I was so full of gratitude towards this man that I could not stop saying "Thank you!" and "Gracias!" to him.

Most people would not return the extra money, and that just goes to show you that...
there are good people in this world and may Allah bless them all!!!

Monday, August 18th 2008- 2:51 PM

I was waiting for a friend in New York City's Penn Station. I stood against the cement pole and watched as a minute fraction of the world passed me by. Hundreds of people; Millions of stories.

- Men and women in their business best all rushing to get to an important meeting.
- A Swedish family pass by with their flashy cameras.
- A young mother pushing her baby's stroller. She only pauses to pick up a her child's toy.
- Two teenage girls texting away on their cell phones.
- A young couple sharing a bag of popcorn.
- A pretty brunette in the flowing purple dress sweetly adding her guitar's flair to the flourescent lit station.
- A silver haired gentleman on his scooter wheelchair.
- A blonde eight year old sucking on his lollipop while following his grandfather.
- The bored and tired looking salesclerk selling tickets to rushing customers.
- The traveler with a duffle bag around his shoulder and a rolling luggage in his left hand, looking up at the time schedule board. His hand right hand is scratchign the back of his head and there is a confused expression on his face.
- A chic fashionista with 9 bags of newly purchased clothes and shoes.
- A long haired 16 year old bopping his head to his blaring iPod.
- The Yankee fan reading about star Olympian Michael Phelps in the newspaper.
- A cute dark-eyed European swaggering by. Yea, I see you too...

As I watched these people, I began to wonder. Where did they come from? What do they plan to do in their lives? What made them get up that morning? What are they hopes, dreams, and aspirations? Do they even have any? What are their passions? Likes? Dislikes? What are their beliefs? Who is the aspiring poet, dancer, artist, technician, docter or astronaut? Will I meet one of them in some other point and time still unknown?

I've never had a such a curiousty of the people around me. It was as though I'm thirsty for the knowledge or experiences they can expense. However, I don't envy them. I treasure every story that I've had and eagerly look forward to more with the family and friends that I love and cherish.But it would be intresting to know more about these characters and what brought them to same spot I did in New York City's Penn Station.

On Monday August 18th 2008 at 2:51 PM.

Euro 2008....

Wahoooo!! Going all the way!!

GERMANY!! GERMANY!! GERMANY!!

German supporters:

Mhmm... Michael Ballack...

Euro 2008 Stats:

6/8/08: Germany 2 - 0 Poland

6/12/08: Croatia 1 - 2 Germany

6/16/06: Austria 0 - 1 Germany

6/19/08: Portugal 2 - 3 Germany

Next match June 25.

Tim Russert...

My tribute, to the man loved by all, who died at age 58 on Friday June 13th from sudden cardiac arrest.

Tim Russert was the pre eminent journalist of the time. He always cuts through the partisan hackery, spin and lies that American politicians, policymakers, congressmen, and presidential candidates say to get elected. He holds elected officials accountable for the things they say and do. "He was the toughest," is the consensus of all his interveiwees. But even with those tough questions, he never had a biting or nasty "gotchya!" moment, but rather a fair and balanced interview.

He had a knack and a flair of providing clarity in every political election cycle. He is the one who predicted that Florida would be the state that mattered most in the 2000 Presidential Election, Gore v. Bush. Who can forget, "Florida, Florida, Florida." As a moderator of many election debates and the longest serving host of the longest television show in history, Meet the Press, Mr. Russert asked serious and tough questions and did his duty to inform the nation and make them responsible voters and better citizens.

Above all, he was a person who lived the American dream. He grew up in middle class America and made a name for himself by holding onto a set of moral principles and respect and strive for the truth. Not only was a journalist that all other of his colleagues and rivals looked up to, he was a family man. He loved his father, Big Russ, and even wrote a book about him. His son Luke, just graduated from Boston College, and the pride that emanates from him is one that is amazingly heartwarming. He never forgot his roots and always spoke highly of his hometown of Buffalo.

Professionally and personally he was a man of integrity, passion, serious business, kindness and playfulness. Everyone who knows him or saw him on TV or on the links will greatly miss him and Not a single bad word or memory can be heard about him. All people who encountered him one way or another is a richer, smarter and better person. He was an upstanding individual and inspired me to do work I love and always strive for the truth.

Tim Russert, the gentle giant, I will miss you.

Tim Russert's life and career: In Photos.

Free Bananas...

Last night, at around midnight, after dancing my heart out at friend's wedding (makeup kinda ruined from sweat and hair clipped up) I stopped by at the supermarket to pick up bananas for my brother who wasn't feeling well with heat exhaustion symptoms. My heels are clunking against the floor and I know I'm catching the attention of the 2 or 3 men in the store. As I wait for the guy in front of me to finish with his purchases, I realized I didn't bring my driver's licence (I knew I forgot something!!), debit card or some cash in my party clutch. No money equals no bananas.

Of course, I felt so awkward. I told the cashier that I can't buy my bananas because I didn't have anything to pay for them and I started to walk out the door. That's when the guy in front of me offered to buy my bananas. I told him that he didn't have to that it's okay and not necessary for my to buy bananas at midnight.

But he insisted and paid $3.70 for those bananas and I couldn't stop saying thank you to that nice guy.

Wherever you are dood, thank you very much. I won't forget your kindness.

Can't wait...

For this semester to end.
Simple math-> Drowning in a sea of projects, exams, and papers + no laptop to write it them on + lack of sleep+ over scheduled work hours= Irritability, stress, and hair rip outs.

1.5 weeks....

My competitive edge....

Maybe its the reason that I'm the oldest child in the family, or the constant pressure to be the best. I always heard that I must be the best in everything. It can be anything, physical or mental. I would constantly race my brother on our bikes or by foot, just to feel that I was the best. I was the best speller in my class. I was the fastest girl in the grade. I was among the top female athletes in gym class and would always be among the first to picked when choosing teams for a game of kick ball or prison dodge ball. It made me happy when I was best at different things.

This is something that I have carried throughout my life. If you really want me get to riled up, issue me challenge. I thrive when I work under pressure, because its a competition against the clock. If you want to get me going on a subject, I am very hard headed in the beliefs I hold the most dear, and will argue/compete to win over your opinion. I will rise up to the challenge and will strive to bring down whoever was daring to challenge me on it.

As riled up as I can get about any sort of challenge, I've been taught to lose gracefully and with dignity. Only recently, I've learned that its not about winning or losing a challenge but its how you meet adversity. It says a lot about your character. Is a challenge something that you embrace and not afraid to tackle, or is it something that makes you a hide behind a tree?

In my memory....

It was very hard to write about my Tayta's death. I spent several hours writing this. Truthfully, words cannot describe it.


One week ago on Sunday February 10, 2007 at 4:45pm my beloved grandmother departed from this life.

She had been ill with cancer for approximately 2 months before she died at age 76. My Tayta lived a long, hard, but very happy life. She always loved to be around her people and always went with a smile on her face. She was everyone's friend, mother, sister and grandmother. She never spoke a mean word and kept her dislikes to herself. She was beautiful.

For three days before her passing, she was very ill. We were by her bedside nonstop, because her energy level was dropping. She had no more physical strength and only used it when she sat up from her bed to do her Namaz, as-salaat.

The night before her death, I showed her the picture of the my newborn cousin, Noor. She cried out, "MashAllah! MashAllah!" It was the last true smile and the last voiced out words I heard from my Tayta. We also told her that my uncle was coming the next day from Missouri. With a smile, she nodded.

Sunday started as a beautiful day. And my Tayta got steadily worse. We gave her painkillers and drops of water to avoid her mouth from drying. We continually checked her blood pressure but, we couldn't get a reading because it was very low. We continually checked her feet to see if it was cold to the touch. Her left foot was cold.

Her eyes started to linger on people or objects. We hardly understood what she was trying to say. We think she started to see beyond. She would look in my direction, but not at me. Several times, she said, "kahwa". Coffee. She might have been telling me get coffee for my mothers friends, or she might have been telling someone else kahwa. She prayed her last salaat, the Dhur at around 2:00.

I cleaned her face and hands with a moist Wet One. She gave me a look of thanks and I kissed her cheeks.At 3:00pm, I told my grandmother that my uncle is coming in a half hour. She looked out the window. And told my mom she wanted my uncle, her youngest son, to read Surat Yasin. We said he would. He arrived at 3:35.

The weather turned blustery cold and snow was swirling in all directions. She asks my uncle how is his family, his wife, son and newborn daughter. He answers that they are all fine. As my uncle was making wudu my Tayta informed us at 3:45 that she had one hour left. She either told us she had one hour or told whoever she saw to give her one hour.

She reads Yasin with my uncle. At this point she is ripping the oxygen tubes away from her face. She kisses my mom's hand. Though she often said that she kisses her mothers hands before she goes to sleep. We gather around her bed and I'm on the phone with the nurse. We know her time is coming, but desperately I ask for help. She starts saying "La-illah-il Allah.." And my mother, father, uncle, my brothers, and 3 of my mother's friends start to say it with her, "La-illah-il Allah, La-illah-il Allah, La-illah-il Allah." Desperately we say it loud, but she motions for us to say it slowly and in normal tones. My uncle holds her eyes shut while my mother holds her mouth/jaw.

She dies peacefully with Allah's name on her lips. It's 4:45 and the wintry blustery wind dies down. It was quick and quite beautiful.

She wasn't afraid. Her faith carried her beautifully from this life. She waited for the new baby and for the arrival of my uncle. It was the most remarkable(?) moment of my life. She was absolutely loved by all. The kindness she bestowed to everyone is reflected by the kindness we receive from everyone. Kind words, messages, phone calls, and tons of food make the sorrow in our hearts lessen. On behalf of my family- an eternity of thanks.

We know she is in a better more beautiful place. Already, some relatives see my Tayta, Allah yirhamha, in their dreams. She is comfortable, al7amdulilah.

The toughest days for me were the day before she died, the day of her death and the 2 days that followed. I only functioned on pure adrenaline and the need to do something. I have since returned to classes and work. Going back to routine and normal life helps keep the grief off my mind. My job now is to take care of my mother, my family and myself. She is my example of strength, goodness, faith and hope.

If I can be a quarter of the woman she is, I'll be very happy. May God give me strength to move on with my life with the excellent example of my grandmother, my Tayta, Allah yirhamha.

Strength...

There is two kinds of it. Physical strength and mental strength. Many people define strength as how much they can benchpress or how long the can run. Others like to equate strength with their morality. The dictionary defines strength as, "the quality or state of the being strong or mental force/vigor ". No definition is incorrect.

I would like to define strength based on my grandmother. She is the epitomy of strength. She accepted her fate of death from cancer. Death is something that we all know is near and fear. My dear Tayta is ready for it. However, she is in undeniable and in horrible pain. Her cancer is an aggresive killer shutting down her system. She is bed-ridden and we hover around her and talk in hushed tones. She is not eating or drinking water and only communicates with pointing her hands. Her cancer makes her vomit frequently and the morphine and other painkillers she is on makes her very tired and sleepy.

Yet, in spite of all this, she fights to pray. She has enough courage and strength to let her do her duties. Her face is at peace when she finishes her prayers in bed. She is probably saving her energy for when her sons come from Syria to see her, (InshAllah, in time!). She is probably at peace to know her youngest grandchild, Baby #27, will be born tomorrow. She even has enough strength to keep a sense of humor.

Its not easy to leave your most loved ones. Yet, my Tayta is teaching us how to do it with grace, faith and strength. I only ask God to give my Tayta, His most loyal follower, additional strength to ease her greatest suffering.

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.

:/

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."

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.*

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. ;)

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!

Autumn 2007

Autumn 2007...
The past 6 weeks went by in the flash. It's been pleasant, filled with many memories and learning experiences. I'm happy, al7amdulilah.

October

Protest against the Sochi 2014 Winter Games and the 450 Year Russo- Circassia Lie
On Oct. 4th, Circassains from all over the world held a protest against the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and spread the truth of the 450 year anniversary of the Russo-Circassia lie. Sochi is an old Circassian city in the present day Krasnodar- Krai region of the Russian Federation. Currently it is considered as the jewel of the Russian country, where diplomats and the wealthy often vacation as a popular Black Sea resort and ski area in the breathtaking nearby Caucasus mountains. It is also the site for the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Unfortunately, this jewel has a dark history. Sochi and its surrounding became a mass killing and mass burial ground as the result of a Russian invasion and genocide which was part of 100 year war between the Russians and Circassians. In the times before the Russian invasion, Sochi and the surrounding area was occupied by the Circassian tribe, Ubykh. The Ubykh tribe was killed, and the few survivors were kicked out of their homeland.
**By having the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi is equivalent to hosting the games on a Holocaust concentration camp such Auschwitz.
Three protests were held around the world. One was held in Istanbul, Turkey, one in New York City, USA, and one in California. In NYC- A part of the protest was held in front of the Russian Consulate, and the other part was held in front of the United Nations.
Here are some photos of the protest that was held in New York City.
Here is a video of the protest that was held in New York City.
I felt so nationalistic as I participated in the protest. It feels so good to stand up and shout out what you believe in. I wouldn't trade this experience for the world. And even if no good comes out of it, some people listened to us and we got our message known.You got to fight for you right to have your own country.

Eid
I had the pleasure of celebrating Eid ul Fitr with my wonderful family. My grandmother, my baby cousin, and my uncles wife came to visit us for a very memorable 10 days. I miss them dearly.

Congratulations to Gupsa & Abdullah!
A good friend of mine, was married on Oct. 20th. I've known Gupsa for at least 8 years; we were both dancers in the Narts Dance Ensemble. I'm very happy for them, and their wedding was truly one of my favorites that I have ever been too. Adyghe Way Way!!

Congratulations Mom & Dad!
My parents celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary on Oct. 24th. May Allah continue to bless them and may He give them many more joyous years.

November

Georgian State Dance Ensemble
On Nov. 3rd I went to see the Georgian State Dance Ensemble perform at NJPAC in Newark, New Jersey. It was an interesting show. I had good second row seats, so the sword fight sequences were quite scary to watch, since I was wary that the sparks might hit me. The costumes were beautifully colored and the lighting was done very nicely. Compared to Circassian dancing... the male dancers, were a bit too soft, and the female dancers a bit too aggressive. I wasn't completely impressed with the dances and the music could have been better if the instruments were able to keep some of its individual character and sounds rather than hearing it constantly blended together. Overall, out of a rating of 1-10, with 10 being the best, I'd give it a 7.5 .

Professional Development
The week of November 4 was an interesting week, one that I certainly will never forget. On 11/6, I applied and interviewed for a manager trainee position at a growing cosmetic company. I was, of course, accepted, and I was told to that I start training on the coming Saturday 11/10. You can sure bet I was excited. The position offers excellent pay and benefits and a promise of opening and managing your own office. I was so excited to start something new in my life that I quit my position as a supervisor at my employer. I went to the training and learned what my duties would be and learned that to become manager I had to acquire pins. To acquire the first couple of pins, my task was to sell $1000 of cosmetics in an almost 'door to door selling' format. Which is nearly impossible, especially if a tube of lipstick is $25.
To say the least, for a girl who doesn't even wear a lot of makeup, and having to ask my family and friends if I can do a makeover on them and than have them buy a $40 makeup brush, is just absurd and as the saying goes... not exactly my cup of tea.
Lesson learned:
- Always know the facts and don't get too excited.
- Don't quit your current position until you are absolutely sure your new job is something that is the real deal.

... and Current Times.
Unfortunately I'm currently unemployed. My previous job was very generous to me by saying that I will always have a position with them. I had such good co workers and they genuinely cared about me and my future. But, I believe it is time to move on with my life and try new things. I filled out some employment applications and even scored an interview with an acting agency that is looking for part time 'extras' for TV and movies on Thursday. I will be restarting school in January, for the spring semester, so I am looking forward to that. I'm young and I'm smart, so everything is going to be fine, especially if I have Allah and my parents on my side.