Soo, I vowed I would make more of an effort to write more often, unfortunetaly it just didn't work out that way, and now summer is coming to an end. I guess I will just have to give you a quick status update.
My family, and two cousins came to visit from Houston, and we really had a blast. I took them to the Empire state building, china town and other touristy places around the city. Then, a week later my three best girlfriends came to stay for four days, that was also soo much fun, I went out to a restaurant after a long time, with out Iman, I mean. They are such fans of "Sex and the City" we even took a dorky picture like the show. What I realized when my family and friends were here is that hosting house guests is a lot of work, but I do enjoy every minute of it..to me its no chore, but a real pleasure. I also realized, hanging out with my friends, that there is humor in everything, and I feel like I have forgotten that as time has passed. I managed to get them lost three, yes three, times, once in the city and twice in Jersey, but I heard no complaints, just laughter at how useless and dorky and how funny the situation was..I love that. They know how to read me and they know the true person I am, and slowly I am going back to the my true self and drift away from the wholly structured and "all rules must apply" self. I love them so much and I truly think of them as my sisters.
Speaking of "getting back to thyself"..I just came back from Houston, where my parents threw me a surprise b-day party..we really had a good time. Just getting away from the hustle and bustle of routine life made such a difference for me. I feel refreshed, energized and well rested. Iman's aunties manage allow me to have a break...especially Aisha Khala! I wish I could go back every month, now that my mom knows my routine she and my dad refuse to let me do anything when I visit, I honestly appreciate and love that about them, although I try not to take advantage.
When I returned home, Iman and I received a warm welcome from the hubby, six days can be a lot for a dad. We indulged in a quiet evening at home and enjoyed each other's company. Sometimes time away is just what a relationship needs to get back to the basics and pleasures of each other..and our separate trips did just that.
What else..today is the first day of the last semester of my graduate career and I can't wait till its over! I am taking one class, only on Wed and working on my thesis, which I have yet to start. School is over Dec. 22nd and then I will finally have my masters..something I've been striving for since the age of 21! Inshallah, I hope and pray I am successful completing this final semester.
On a somber note, a co-worker friend of mine lost her mother a week ago. Her mom's death was so sudden and unexpected and her mom happens to be the same age as mine. As a Muslim sister, all I can really say is that she is in my prayers and blessings, and my God keep her and her family strong during this trying time. I personally, dread that day, the day I loose my mom or my dad. My parents are my best friends in the world..especially my mom. My friend said that she feels a piece of her heart has been separated from her body, a piece of her. I can't imagine the pain and grief she is going through...my mom always says I will have to be strong one when that day comes..but I know I am not strong enough. Instances like this remind us of how we treat out parents and how much time we dedicate to them. We should cherish every phone call (although they might come at annoying times) and cherish all the laughter and joy and moments of tenderness and even anger. My friend says she just seems to wait for her mom to call during her lunch break..something my mom ALWAYS does. The thought of her not being there terrifies me....inshallah, may Allah give all of our parents healthy, happy, long and joyous lives. I love moms!
