Assalamu Alaikum
It is now the end of January. Time has gone by pretty fast the last few weeks. We are still living in Inverurie and have gotten used to the slow paced life here. Of course, we will never get UN-used to the fast life in Houston.
Everything changed for the better 2 weeks ago when J got a car. Firstly, it is a brand new 2009 Peugeot and smells new. After that, we became a little more mobile, going into Aberdeen two to three times a week. And, it helped with our grocery trips because now we can go as much as we want, whenever we want, without the inconvenience of a running meter on a taxi.
Saturday night was the Burn's Night celebration and J's work had a party. It was an interesting experience, to say the least. The majority of the men wore kilts. Before this, neither J nor I had any idea how intricate the whole kilt deal is. One of the guys at our table, not an SLB employee, but a spouse of one, explained the whole deal to us. And then I researched it a bit, too. So here is what I learned; you have the kilt, which is the skirt part. It can be made of any number of wool qualities which in turn, affects the price. Then, it can be pleated or not. And, the pleating can be in different ways. After that, you have the special shoes and hose, these are like knee high and almost always white. On the side of one of the hose is a small dagger in a silver and black case. That was quite a surprise when he pulled it out to show us. On top is the shirt, which is very similar to a white shirt you would wear with a tuxedo, and over that is a coat which closely resembles a tuxedo if it is a formal kilt. The most interesting part for me was the little pouch or purse that hangs inside of the coat and over the top of the kilt. It is similar to a clasp purse and is made of fur, with three extra balls of fur decorating the front. These are made from a variety of animals; usually rabbit and mink.
They served Haggis at the party, but thankfully we were late by quite some time, and missed the first course. Haggis is a Scottish delicacy; here is a basic description from the always convenient Wikipedia. "There are many recipes, most of which have in common the following ingredients: sheep's 'pluck' (heart, liver and lungs), minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and traditionally boiled in the animal's stomach for approximately three hours." And, yes, it is served in the stomach.
Afterwards, they had the dance part, and there was a singer with his musician. They were alright, and as one of the songs started, I instantly recognized Lonestar's "Amazed." But, unfortunately, it was followed by a horrible rendition of the song. The guy could sing well enough, but his extremely thick Scottish accent just totally killed it.
On to other topics.... I have noticed pretty rotten service here in the UK. The wait staff do not seem to care how long they make the customer wait. Sometimes, it can take up to 30 minutes to get your bill. The other night, we went to Frankie's & Benny's in Aberdeen. I am not going to lie; the food was delicious (apart from my steak which was too hard to cut or chew). But, throughout most of the meal, our cups were empty and we had no water for almost an hour. Also, our waitress would walk by many many times, right past us and into the bar, without checking on us. But, after living here for a month or two, in J's case, we are somewhat used to it. Still angers us though. We met a man, who was extremely nice, and even he was saying that nothing beats the service we have in America, especially in the South. He had apparently been to FL and CA.
Well, I guess it is time to get a start on the day; its 9:20 AM.
Peace.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Friday, January 09, 2009
Where do I even start?????
Assalamu Alaikum,
Wow. More than an entire year has gone by! I can't believe I haven't posted in so long. Well, a quick summary of the second half of 2007...
In May, J went to Moscow for a week. It was our first time apart, so tough, yet manageable since I spent the whole time with my mom, sisters, and N (who was already living with us full-time at this point).
The summer was pretty much event less, from what I can remember. In August, we went on an unforgettable vacation to the little house in Wimberley. That was quite an experience; my first time in such a small town.
The rest of the year pretty much revolved around TDC. Yes, a whole six to eight months. It was a constant for so long that when it ended it felt like a piece of our lives was gone. Yes, unfortunately, it was that crazy. In mid-December the FIL finally bought a house; after weeks of J, me, and him going house-shopping.
At the end of the year, N, my best friend, got married. And, moved all the way to Canada.
And, now for 2008, one of the most eventful and memorable years of my life. The beginning was like any other; apart from the hectic month of January. J and I barely had free time. Day and night we worked on the house. After everyone else would leave, we would still be there, painting, patching, and sanding. Not necessarily in that order. He felt that after all his dad had done for him, it was a way to repay him in a way. Maybe that was what prompted him to ask us to move in. Apart from the obvious reasons he mentioned; I could help around the house, since I already was cooking for them most of the time, and N most likely could not live without us. So, in April, when our lease ended, we moved in. Moving is the single most stressful thing ever. Maybe it wouldn't be so had we prepared a little better. Don't get me wrong; I was packing for days.
I just didn't have the help I needed.
So, we moved to BG. I kind of became a mother to N (which I already was) and O. Or maybe more of a big sister, since I'm only 8 years older than one and 10 the other.
Life went on, with a routine that was getting pretty mundane after some time..and then one night, J came home with an idea/proposal. How would I like to go to Umrah in June.
At first, I was skeptical about going with a random group of people that I did not know too well. But, fortunately, I said yes. WOW. It was THE BEST two weeks of my life. Describing all my experiences would take days, but lets just say I will never forget them. I made friends that, in sha'Allah, I will likely keep for the rest of my life.
In August, we went to Orlando with J's siblings and S (bil's wife). An interesting vacation, but something we both agreed to never do again. In the end, the three of us left early and returned home. J left for OK and then Canada the very next day. He returned after 4 days, during which N and I hung out.
In September, we went to Norway, Ireland, and London (even if for a day). I absolutely fell in love with Norway. We were in a small city called Stavanger, and it was so different from life at home. It was a really nice trip and we had a lot of fun. I learned a bunch of phrases in Norske and managed to have a good time even with J working Monday- Thursday. One of the days, J's manager in Norway took us on a ride in his boat. It was a really awesome experience, even though on the way out, every bounce made you feel like your bones were rattling. I saw some of the bluest, cleanest water ever. And, the mountains and fjords were breathtaking. SubhanAllah.
We even managed to see Pulpit Rock from way down in the ocean. Apart from the fact that Norway is one of the most expensive places in the world, we had a good time.
The next week, we headed to Ireland. Belfast to be exact. It was fun, but the first 2 days were very rainy and wet. We went to the harbor where they built the Titanic, but didn't do the tour. We also visited the Odyssey Center, which is a shopping mall and theater and arcade all together. We took pictures in front of all the famous landmarks, including the Albert Clock Tower..also known as the mini Big Ben.
After that, we stopped in London for a day. We went to visit a cousin of mine that was living as an expat there, and we talked all night. Other than that, I did not really find London that interesting.
During this trip, Hurricane Ike happened to hit Houston. Although we were not home during the devastating hurricane, all we could think about was our family. We were pretty relieved when we managed to get in contact and hear that everyone was doing well. When I returned, things were still destroyed and you could tell the city had been through a lot. Even now, 4 months later, some places have not been able to rebuild completely. And, of course, the government once again, did practically nothing to help. It was not as bad as Katrina in NO, but they could have done so much more.
After that, was Eid, which was a lot of fun. Z, my sister from SC came down with her baby, and the family went out a lot. In November, J left for Scotland. He stayed in Inverurie for two weeks, and then headed to Saudi Arabia. He returned to Scotland, where it had snowed and everything was beautifully blanketed in the soft whiteness. He came back to Houston at the end of November, right after my farewell party. The next few weeks were spent preparing for our move and spending time with friends and family.
In the next post, I will talk about the rest of the year..and the beginning of 2009.
Peace.
Wow. More than an entire year has gone by! I can't believe I haven't posted in so long. Well, a quick summary of the second half of 2007...
In May, J went to Moscow for a week. It was our first time apart, so tough, yet manageable since I spent the whole time with my mom, sisters, and N (who was already living with us full-time at this point).
The summer was pretty much event less, from what I can remember. In August, we went on an unforgettable vacation to the little house in Wimberley. That was quite an experience; my first time in such a small town.
The rest of the year pretty much revolved around TDC. Yes, a whole six to eight months. It was a constant for so long that when it ended it felt like a piece of our lives was gone. Yes, unfortunately, it was that crazy. In mid-December the FIL finally bought a house; after weeks of J, me, and him going house-shopping.
At the end of the year, N, my best friend, got married. And, moved all the way to Canada.
And, now for 2008, one of the most eventful and memorable years of my life. The beginning was like any other; apart from the hectic month of January. J and I barely had free time. Day and night we worked on the house. After everyone else would leave, we would still be there, painting, patching, and sanding. Not necessarily in that order. He felt that after all his dad had done for him, it was a way to repay him in a way. Maybe that was what prompted him to ask us to move in. Apart from the obvious reasons he mentioned; I could help around the house, since I already was cooking for them most of the time, and N most likely could not live without us. So, in April, when our lease ended, we moved in. Moving is the single most stressful thing ever. Maybe it wouldn't be so had we prepared a little better. Don't get me wrong; I was packing for days.
I just didn't have the help I needed.
So, we moved to BG. I kind of became a mother to N (which I already was) and O. Or maybe more of a big sister, since I'm only 8 years older than one and 10 the other.
Life went on, with a routine that was getting pretty mundane after some time..and then one night, J came home with an idea/proposal. How would I like to go to Umrah in June.
At first, I was skeptical about going with a random group of people that I did not know too well. But, fortunately, I said yes. WOW. It was THE BEST two weeks of my life. Describing all my experiences would take days, but lets just say I will never forget them. I made friends that, in sha'Allah, I will likely keep for the rest of my life.
In August, we went to Orlando with J's siblings and S (bil's wife). An interesting vacation, but something we both agreed to never do again. In the end, the three of us left early and returned home. J left for OK and then Canada the very next day. He returned after 4 days, during which N and I hung out.
In September, we went to Norway, Ireland, and London (even if for a day). I absolutely fell in love with Norway. We were in a small city called Stavanger, and it was so different from life at home. It was a really nice trip and we had a lot of fun. I learned a bunch of phrases in Norske and managed to have a good time even with J working Monday- Thursday. One of the days, J's manager in Norway took us on a ride in his boat. It was a really awesome experience, even though on the way out, every bounce made you feel like your bones were rattling. I saw some of the bluest, cleanest water ever. And, the mountains and fjords were breathtaking. SubhanAllah.
We even managed to see Pulpit Rock from way down in the ocean. Apart from the fact that Norway is one of the most expensive places in the world, we had a good time.
The next week, we headed to Ireland. Belfast to be exact. It was fun, but the first 2 days were very rainy and wet. We went to the harbor where they built the Titanic, but didn't do the tour. We also visited the Odyssey Center, which is a shopping mall and theater and arcade all together. We took pictures in front of all the famous landmarks, including the Albert Clock Tower..also known as the mini Big Ben.
After that, we stopped in London for a day. We went to visit a cousin of mine that was living as an expat there, and we talked all night. Other than that, I did not really find London that interesting.
During this trip, Hurricane Ike happened to hit Houston. Although we were not home during the devastating hurricane, all we could think about was our family. We were pretty relieved when we managed to get in contact and hear that everyone was doing well. When I returned, things were still destroyed and you could tell the city had been through a lot. Even now, 4 months later, some places have not been able to rebuild completely. And, of course, the government once again, did practically nothing to help. It was not as bad as Katrina in NO, but they could have done so much more.
After that, was Eid, which was a lot of fun. Z, my sister from SC came down with her baby, and the family went out a lot. In November, J left for Scotland. He stayed in Inverurie for two weeks, and then headed to Saudi Arabia. He returned to Scotland, where it had snowed and everything was beautifully blanketed in the soft whiteness. He came back to Houston at the end of November, right after my farewell party. The next few weeks were spent preparing for our move and spending time with friends and family.
In the next post, I will talk about the rest of the year..and the beginning of 2009.
Peace.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Already April?!?!
Assalamu Alaikum,
Well, I just finished reading a bunch of articles on the current media rage. Its about a man named Imus, a host of a NYC radio show, who made some racial and sexizt comments about the Rutgers University basketball team, geared towards African-Americans and women. Personally, I think he should be terminated. If he had simply said he disliked black people or women, that would be different....although still stupid. But, he went way too far. He referred to them as "nappy-haired" right? Well, I just saw a picture of him, and....lets just say, this guy's hair isn't too nice.
Enough about that. The week before last was Possum's wedding. It was so much fun. And, I'm so glad they finally got married. Well, actually, it was her Nikkah. Her Walimah is later on. Friday was her Henna and Saturday was the wedding....
School is lamer than ever. I did horrible on my 3rd test in Calculus. We get the grades back tomorrow... But, I'm not that worried, and I certainly won't be dropping.. Especially since I got a 100 on test 2. Yup, a 100/100!!! Too bad that trend couldn't continue.
Next week, I'm having a dinner party for some people. Should be fun. I've been planning it for quite some time now. ...yeaaaa........
J leaves for Moscow in exactly one month and one day. I'm going to miss him SO SO much. Since September 17, 2005, we've only been apart for 2 days at the most. And, even then, he wasn't in some random country. Siiiiiiiigh. Our plan is to get online the whole time, as soon as he gets back to the hotel room after the training sessions.
But, then....drumroll, please....... In about 2 months, we're going to Paris!!! I can hardly wait. That's going to be tons of fun, in sha'Allah. I'm going to end up missing a friend's wedding, but the flight is already planned. hehe Flight Plan. Such a laaaaaame movie.
Well, I should be heading out now, got to clean up the living room, and do a few other things.
Peace.
Walaikum Assalam,
Amna
Well, I just finished reading a bunch of articles on the current media rage. Its about a man named Imus, a host of a NYC radio show, who made some racial and sexizt comments about the Rutgers University basketball team, geared towards African-Americans and women. Personally, I think he should be terminated. If he had simply said he disliked black people or women, that would be different....although still stupid. But, he went way too far. He referred to them as "nappy-haired" right? Well, I just saw a picture of him, and....lets just say, this guy's hair isn't too nice.
Enough about that. The week before last was Possum's wedding. It was so much fun. And, I'm so glad they finally got married. Well, actually, it was her Nikkah. Her Walimah is later on. Friday was her Henna and Saturday was the wedding....
School is lamer than ever. I did horrible on my 3rd test in Calculus. We get the grades back tomorrow... But, I'm not that worried, and I certainly won't be dropping.. Especially since I got a 100 on test 2. Yup, a 100/100!!! Too bad that trend couldn't continue.
Next week, I'm having a dinner party for some people. Should be fun. I've been planning it for quite some time now. ...yeaaaa........
J leaves for Moscow in exactly one month and one day. I'm going to miss him SO SO much. Since September 17, 2005, we've only been apart for 2 days at the most. And, even then, he wasn't in some random country. Siiiiiiiigh. Our plan is to get online the whole time, as soon as he gets back to the hotel room after the training sessions.
But, then....drumroll, please....... In about 2 months, we're going to Paris!!! I can hardly wait. That's going to be tons of fun, in sha'Allah. I'm going to end up missing a friend's wedding, but the flight is already planned. hehe Flight Plan. Such a laaaaaame movie.
Well, I should be heading out now, got to clean up the living room, and do a few other things.
Peace.
Walaikum Assalam,
Amna
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Assalamu Alaikum,
Siiiiiiiiiiiigh. I am so tired. So, on Monday N had to go to the ER. We all hung out with her for a while. We as in J, me, S and G, and Fari. Her parents were also there, but left around 11:30.
Siiiiiiiiiiiigh. I am so tired. So, on Monday N had to go to the ER. We all hung out with her for a while. We as in J, me, S and G, and Fari. Her parents were also there, but left around 11:30.
Then, everyone left and J and I spent the night with her. We had a small cot, about 1/3 smaller than a twin-sized bed. It was extremely uncomfortable. And, every 30 minutes or so a nurse (or 2) would walk in. So, I couldn't sleep at all!
Anyways, I'm cooking dinner right now. J's dad is coming over and so is Tay-Tay (J's grandma). My stomach hurts like a mofo and I feel dizzy.
I'm going to finish this later. So Peace.
Anyways, I'm cooking dinner right now. J's dad is coming over and so is Tay-Tay (J's grandma). My stomach hurts like a mofo and I feel dizzy.
I'm going to finish this later. So Peace.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Life goes on......
Asslaamu Alaikum,
So now, its almost February. Things have been going on. Lots of things. School started; its ok. One of my classes is extremely boring and I am so not interested any longer.
N(the BFF) got engaged last month. So we've been talking about weddings ever since...actually since before that, but yeah. Someone else is also soon to be engaged, in sha'Allah. There's going to be like 3 weddings this summer. And all of pretty close friends. So, I need to buy 3 new outfits.
J is having a Superbowl Party this weekend. That should be interesting. I have to get the food ready, clean up the house, and decorate. At least I don't have to cook, though. He wants to have subs/sandwiches. Sorta like a "build your own" or something.. (and, of course, he's gonna help, being the sweetie he is.)
The weekend after that, is my GLAM party. That is going to be fun. For that, I do have to cook. I'm still preparing the menu, but should be done by tomorrow, so I can start buying the stuff I need. I also have a test next week in calculus. So, yeaaaah. I should probably start studying soon.
We've been looking at apartments again. We went back to The Citysides near the Med Center, and were totally sucked in. They are SO nice. But, I don't really want to move that far from the families...so we started looking here, in Clear Lake. Of course, all the apartments looked like crap compared to those....but I did like 2 of them. One more than the other. We also saw 2-3 other ones in the Medical Center; overpriced and UGLY. Then, we started thinking "Maybe we should stay in our townhouse..." Its so nice, the house itself, but I hate the management, and the tiles and cabinets are SO outdated. So, I guess we need a little time to think about it. Maybe I'll make a list of pros and cons.
Well, I have to head out now, need to clean the living room, which is slowly turning into a huge mess with mail all over every surface....
Peace.
Walaikum Assalam.
-Amna
So now, its almost February. Things have been going on. Lots of things. School started; its ok. One of my classes is extremely boring and I am so not interested any longer.
N(the BFF) got engaged last month. So we've been talking about weddings ever since...actually since before that, but yeah. Someone else is also soon to be engaged, in sha'Allah. There's going to be like 3 weddings this summer. And all of pretty close friends. So, I need to buy 3 new outfits.
J is having a Superbowl Party this weekend. That should be interesting. I have to get the food ready, clean up the house, and decorate. At least I don't have to cook, though. He wants to have subs/sandwiches. Sorta like a "build your own" or something.. (and, of course, he's gonna help, being the sweetie he is.)
The weekend after that, is my GLAM party. That is going to be fun. For that, I do have to cook. I'm still preparing the menu, but should be done by tomorrow, so I can start buying the stuff I need. I also have a test next week in calculus. So, yeaaaah. I should probably start studying soon.
We've been looking at apartments again. We went back to The Citysides near the Med Center, and were totally sucked in. They are SO nice. But, I don't really want to move that far from the families...so we started looking here, in Clear Lake. Of course, all the apartments looked like crap compared to those....but I did like 2 of them. One more than the other. We also saw 2-3 other ones in the Medical Center; overpriced and UGLY. Then, we started thinking "Maybe we should stay in our townhouse..." Its so nice, the house itself, but I hate the management, and the tiles and cabinets are SO outdated. So, I guess we need a little time to think about it. Maybe I'll make a list of pros and cons.
Well, I have to head out now, need to clean the living room, which is slowly turning into a huge mess with mail all over every surface....
Peace.
Walaikum Assalam.
-Amna
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Once again, a new year.
Assalamu Alaikum,
So, its 2007 now.
December was so hectic, with all actions usually being frenzied. TDC came and went. I was soo glad when J's night program was finally over. It went very very well, Alhamdulillah. Random people came up to me and said how much fun they had had. That was a great feeling, especially after the hours of hard work and worrying put into it, on J's part (and sorta mine.especially with the questions.) Of course, as usual, there was the occasional naysayer. No doubt, just jealous little twerps.
Then, came Eid. We had a l0t of fun. Prayer was at each local Masjid. I usually hated that, but it was so much fun this time around. J met one of my closest friend's fiance, who was visiting for a week. Later we went to Hina's for brunch... YUMMY. Then, after a long nap..Kemah...No waiting around and selling tickets this time. J won me a bunch of prizes at Kemah from their games. And, of course, I won the age game. He thought I was 20...the closest anyone has ever guessed :) I was quite surprised. Afterwards, we went out to eat at a Mexican restaurant with the MIL. That was pretty fun, since Nora and her sarcastic little friend were there to keep me entertained. At night, we went to Starbucks and got drinks for Hina, Bapee, and us, and went to the Baigs' to hang out.
Wednesday was a party at Naush's. Agreeable experience. Saw some folks I hadn't seen in a while. Stayed till about 1:30 a.m. Yeeeeeeeaaaa...
Me and J FINALLY finished setting up the house. He put up all the stuff, some of what I had bought over EIGHT months ago, and it looks awesome.
He had POKER NIGHT last night, and it was a great success. (Except the spilled pina colada/ sticky carpet.) Tayyab came over to help us clean before the party. Meanwhile, I was at the first of many TRUFFLE PARTIES!! It was fun. We had lessons from Hina, and all made our own. Mine turned out pretty good. We also watched "The Lake House." It was so cute. Although it required a lot of pausing and discussing. Hehe....
Anyways, today started out okay, but my mood quickly soured....along with J's. I don't really want to delve into that right now....since we all feel a little better, but man I AM SOOOOO FRIGGIN PISSED!!!! (Ok i needed to get that out.)
Well, I need to go re-calculate finances for this month...since we kinda overspent on "Groceries" and "Spending Cash"...HEHE. So, I will be heading out now.
Walaikum Assalam.
Peace out.
-Amna
So, its 2007 now.
December was so hectic, with all actions usually being frenzied. TDC came and went. I was soo glad when J's night program was finally over. It went very very well, Alhamdulillah. Random people came up to me and said how much fun they had had. That was a great feeling, especially after the hours of hard work and worrying put into it, on J's part (and sorta mine.especially with the questions.) Of course, as usual, there was the occasional naysayer. No doubt, just jealous little twerps.
Then, came Eid. We had a l0t of fun. Prayer was at each local Masjid. I usually hated that, but it was so much fun this time around. J met one of my closest friend's fiance, who was visiting for a week. Later we went to Hina's for brunch... YUMMY. Then, after a long nap..Kemah...No waiting around and selling tickets this time. J won me a bunch of prizes at Kemah from their games. And, of course, I won the age game. He thought I was 20...the closest anyone has ever guessed :) I was quite surprised. Afterwards, we went out to eat at a Mexican restaurant with the MIL. That was pretty fun, since Nora and her sarcastic little friend were there to keep me entertained. At night, we went to Starbucks and got drinks for Hina, Bapee, and us, and went to the Baigs' to hang out.
Wednesday was a party at Naush's. Agreeable experience. Saw some folks I hadn't seen in a while. Stayed till about 1:30 a.m. Yeeeeeeeaaaa...
Me and J FINALLY finished setting up the house. He put up all the stuff, some of what I had bought over EIGHT months ago, and it looks awesome.
He had POKER NIGHT last night, and it was a great success. (Except the spilled pina colada/ sticky carpet.) Tayyab came over to help us clean before the party. Meanwhile, I was at the first of many TRUFFLE PARTIES!! It was fun. We had lessons from Hina, and all made our own. Mine turned out pretty good. We also watched "The Lake House." It was so cute. Although it required a lot of pausing and discussing. Hehe....
Anyways, today started out okay, but my mood quickly soured....along with J's. I don't really want to delve into that right now....since we all feel a little better, but man I AM SOOOOO FRIGGIN PISSED!!!! (Ok i needed to get that out.)
Well, I need to go re-calculate finances for this month...since we kinda overspent on "Groceries" and "Spending Cash"...HEHE. So, I will be heading out now.
Walaikum Assalam.
Peace out.
-Amna
Monday, December 18, 2006
PS3 and Wii Mania
Assalamu Alaikum,
Its Dec 18. Finally, I'm done with school and my much-anticipated break has begun.
Finals were ok, although I had a crazy caffeine experience during one of the tests. (which included runniness, shaking, dizziness....). But, I did study, so hopefully all went well.
Anyhow.....on November 17th, J got a PS3....and we still have it. The intention was to sell it on EBay..but I presume that was just about everyone's intention. They're going for MUCH less than we had hoped, and we're so not willing to sell it for like 800. That's like a $50 profit. Which is really not worth a 2.5 day wait during the coldest and windiest day of the year. And, not to mention, we still have a couple of Wiis. The wait for those wasn't nearly as bad. It was extremely short, relatively, at least. About 4 hours, and the only annoyance was "THE LEADER." So, now, we're also stuck with selling 3 OTHER PS3's for J's friends that are too lame to have EBay accounts. Even Malu could use EBay if she wanted.
Lately, I have been so, extremely busy. What with TDC coming up in less than a week and all. Saturday night I finally finished designing the badges, after many comments/suggestions from many people. And, now I have to finish the questions for J's entertainment session, which he's been planning for months.
Well, I'll be back here soon enough..BTW, I only have 3 classes left before I transfer to UHCL, so YAY!! With all my extra credits and hours I can probably get an extra degree though. Talk about WASTED time!! Stupid bio crap. Oh well.
Anyways, I just checked my grades, and OMG they are soooooooooo awesome. For the first time in a couple of years I'm actually back on top of things. And, Alhamdulillah, I am FINALLY done with Finite foreverrrrrr. (I hate finite, for those of u that didnt know.always have, always will). I think the only way I did so good was because of J constantly pushing me to study. And, now I am so grateful.
Well, I should be heading out now. Back to work on TDC stuff.
Peace out.
Walaikum Assalam!!
-Amna
Its Dec 18. Finally, I'm done with school and my much-anticipated break has begun.
Finals were ok, although I had a crazy caffeine experience during one of the tests. (which included runniness, shaking, dizziness....). But, I did study, so hopefully all went well.
Anyhow.....on November 17th, J got a PS3....and we still have it. The intention was to sell it on EBay..but I presume that was just about everyone's intention. They're going for MUCH less than we had hoped, and we're so not willing to sell it for like 800. That's like a $50 profit. Which is really not worth a 2.5 day wait during the coldest and windiest day of the year. And, not to mention, we still have a couple of Wiis. The wait for those wasn't nearly as bad. It was extremely short, relatively, at least. About 4 hours, and the only annoyance was "THE LEADER." So, now, we're also stuck with selling 3 OTHER PS3's for J's friends that are too lame to have EBay accounts. Even Malu could use EBay if she wanted.
Lately, I have been so, extremely busy. What with TDC coming up in less than a week and all. Saturday night I finally finished designing the badges, after many comments/suggestions from many people. And, now I have to finish the questions for J's entertainment session, which he's been planning for months.
Well, I'll be back here soon enough..BTW, I only have 3 classes left before I transfer to UHCL, so YAY!! With all my extra credits and hours I can probably get an extra degree though. Talk about WASTED time!! Stupid bio crap. Oh well.
Anyways, I just checked my grades, and OMG they are soooooooooo awesome. For the first time in a couple of years I'm actually back on top of things. And, Alhamdulillah, I am FINALLY done with Finite foreverrrrrr. (I hate finite, for those of u that didnt know.always have, always will). I think the only way I did so good was because of J constantly pushing me to study. And, now I am so grateful.
Well, I should be heading out now. Back to work on TDC stuff.
Peace out.
Walaikum Assalam!!
-Amna
Friday, December 01, 2006
Already December....
Assalamu Alaikum,
Its already December. And it actually feels like it. Its freeeezing cold, and I have finals next week. Siiigh.
So much has been going on lately. A lot that I can't really write about.
Oh yeah, me and J bought a new TV. Its so awesome. Its HUGE and flat and cool. (Its a flat panel plasma). We initially got an LCD but then we switched.
Anyhow, I can't really think right now, so I'll write later.
Peace.
Walaikum Assalam.
Its already December. And it actually feels like it. Its freeeezing cold, and I have finals next week. Siiigh.
So much has been going on lately. A lot that I can't really write about.
Oh yeah, me and J bought a new TV. Its so awesome. Its HUGE and flat and cool. (Its a flat panel plasma). We initially got an LCD but then we switched.
Anyhow, I can't really think right now, so I'll write later.
Peace.
Walaikum Assalam.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Talk About CRAZYYYY
Assalamu Alaikum.
Of all the weird things that could possibly happen at my parents' house...this has to be one of the weirdest and craziest.
My mom called me today and told me to come right over. I asked why, and she told me the following: She was in the kitchen, on the phone, when suddenly she heard BAM!!!!! and then the sound of shattering glass. She went to investigate, to find that one of the squares of the bay window had a HUGE hole in it. She looked around, then she saw a GIGANTOUS hawk perched on the curtain rod of the formal living room. She screamed and ran out of the hosue.
I decided to go see and arrived about 15 minutes later. My mom, Hina, Tayyab, Mari, and Gabby were all outside. After awhile we went back inside, thinking it had left. After about half an hour, Gabby and my mom went up the stairs, and saw it perched on a shelf in the gameroom. It heard them and went CRAZY and came flying downstairs. We all ran outside.
It kept flying around and crashed into the wall 3 or 4 times. Then, it got on the dining table and slid off (because its shiny marble).
About 30 minutes later, my dad came home and we found it on the curtain rod again. He coaxed it down with a broom, and it went buck wild. It came flying into the other living room, and BAAMMMM!! it crashed right into the blinds. He finally got a blanket and threw it over it and wrapped it in. Its talons were about 2 inches long each. He took it out and it flew away. I got a pic of it perched on the rod, but of course, I can't post it.
I'm gonna have a "sister page" just for pics that corresponds with all my posts.
Alrighty, gotta run.
Walaikum Assalam,
Peace out.
Amna
Of all the weird things that could possibly happen at my parents' house...this has to be one of the weirdest and craziest.
My mom called me today and told me to come right over. I asked why, and she told me the following: She was in the kitchen, on the phone, when suddenly she heard BAM!!!!! and then the sound of shattering glass. She went to investigate, to find that one of the squares of the bay window had a HUGE hole in it. She looked around, then she saw a GIGANTOUS hawk perched on the curtain rod of the formal living room. She screamed and ran out of the hosue.
I decided to go see and arrived about 15 minutes later. My mom, Hina, Tayyab, Mari, and Gabby were all outside. After awhile we went back inside, thinking it had left. After about half an hour, Gabby and my mom went up the stairs, and saw it perched on a shelf in the gameroom. It heard them and went CRAZY and came flying downstairs. We all ran outside.
It kept flying around and crashed into the wall 3 or 4 times. Then, it got on the dining table and slid off (because its shiny marble).
About 30 minutes later, my dad came home and we found it on the curtain rod again. He coaxed it down with a broom, and it went buck wild. It came flying into the other living room, and BAAMMMM!! it crashed right into the blinds. He finally got a blanket and threw it over it and wrapped it in. Its talons were about 2 inches long each. He took it out and it flew away. I got a pic of it perched on the rod, but of course, I can't post it.
I'm gonna have a "sister page" just for pics that corresponds with all my posts.
Alrighty, gotta run.
Walaikum Assalam,
Peace out.
Amna
Monday, November 06, 2006
yeaaaaaaaaa..okkkkkk
Assalamu Alaikum,
Its Monday once again. I dislike Mondays because of the fact that I have school for 4 whole days after that AND J has work and, consequently we hardly see each other.
Its been awhile since I've written...so I guess I'll rehash a little bit. Well, Ramadan was pretty cool. We prayed at NASA Musallah the whole month. It was just me, Leslie, and a few (4 aunties)....everyday. A few days, we had more people, but for the most part not too many. Then, the last Wednesday, Khatm-ul-Quran at Masjid Abu Bakr. That was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO awesome and intense. The fundraising was long..but we raised A LOT. Alhamdulillah. Then, my dad, Br. Rodwan, and a few others did speeches. Afterwards, we finished the prayers, and last, but definitely not least, was the Dua'a. It was really good, and I understood almost all of it.
Then, on Saturday, we had our Iftar at the Masjid. More peple than we had expected showed up in the end. We had Chinese food from Halal Wok...and surprisingly, there was almost enough. Only like 3 people didn't get food. We stayed for Isha and then went to my mom's. The same day, Zohra, Steve, Rowen, and KT Mamoo had all arrived. From South Carolina and Chicago.
Sunday night, we stayed up ALL night making gifts for J's co-workers. We (me n Bapee) made almost 200 cookies, all flower-shaped, and then we put them in the glass bowls, and wrapped them with cellophane. They were so cute.
The next morning was Eid. We still hadn't slept and it was time to get ready for prayer. I ended up falling asleep while J was in the shower, and woke up to find him dressed. He wore a black kurta and white shalwar. He looked extremely HOT. I cannot get the pics to work.... lets give it one more try:
After prayer, we went to his office and gave the people their cookie gifts. Then we went to my parents.' My gift for J had arrived. All 10.8 lbs of it. So, I let him open it in front of everyone. He loved it, I'm glad. The rest of the day, we went to Kemah and sold tickets. We had gotten us a discount group rate, and they weren't willing to sell them for us. SO, it was slightly boring. But, the way I see it, we probably got the 'Ajr for those 500+ people who we helped get a discount. In sha'Allah.
At night, we went out to eat at a Mexican Restaurant with J's family. MIL paid, so that was tight...free dinners are always tight. Thank God he didn't get asked out this time!! :)
Its Monday once again. I dislike Mondays because of the fact that I have school for 4 whole days after that AND J has work and, consequently we hardly see each other.
Its been awhile since I've written...so I guess I'll rehash a little bit. Well, Ramadan was pretty cool. We prayed at NASA Musallah the whole month. It was just me, Leslie, and a few (4 aunties)....everyday. A few days, we had more people, but for the most part not too many. Then, the last Wednesday, Khatm-ul-Quran at Masjid Abu Bakr. That was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO awesome and intense. The fundraising was long..but we raised A LOT. Alhamdulillah. Then, my dad, Br. Rodwan, and a few others did speeches. Afterwards, we finished the prayers, and last, but definitely not least, was the Dua'a. It was really good, and I understood almost all of it.
Then, on Saturday, we had our Iftar at the Masjid. More peple than we had expected showed up in the end. We had Chinese food from Halal Wok...and surprisingly, there was almost enough. Only like 3 people didn't get food. We stayed for Isha and then went to my mom's. The same day, Zohra, Steve, Rowen, and KT Mamoo had all arrived. From South Carolina and Chicago.
Sunday night, we stayed up ALL night making gifts for J's co-workers. We (me n Bapee) made almost 200 cookies, all flower-shaped, and then we put them in the glass bowls, and wrapped them with cellophane. They were so cute.
The next morning was Eid. We still hadn't slept and it was time to get ready for prayer. I ended up falling asleep while J was in the shower, and woke up to find him dressed. He wore a black kurta and white shalwar. He looked extremely HOT. I cannot get the pics to work.... lets give it one more try:
After prayer, we went to his office and gave the people their cookie gifts. Then we went to my parents.' My gift for J had arrived. All 10.8 lbs of it. So, I let him open it in front of everyone. He loved it, I'm glad. The rest of the day, we went to Kemah and sold tickets. We had gotten us a discount group rate, and they weren't willing to sell them for us. SO, it was slightly boring. But, the way I see it, we probably got the 'Ajr for those 500+ people who we helped get a discount. In sha'Allah.
At night, we went out to eat at a Mexican Restaurant with J's family. MIL paid, so that was tight...free dinners are always tight. Thank God he didn't get asked out this time!! :)
The next night we went to Dimassi's with my parents, siblings(and Steve), KT Mamoo, and the babies. My dad paid. So more tightness. (pplthtdsagreergay.)
This Thursday was hectic. In between runs to Men's Wearhouse, Dillards, etc..we had dinner and J surprised me with an awesome card, Lindt chocolates, and a blue rose.
Friday was G's wedding(Js twin bro). It wasn't really fun, and I had a pretty bad time. I never knew such mean people existed, but now I know. Oh well, what goes around comes around (which I saw proof of :). And, after all Allah (SWT) IS al-'Adl. I know they'll deny it, but whatever. Afterwards, we went and hung out with Omar and Nora for awhile.
Saturday was errand after errand.. Then in the evening, we got to "house-sit." That was sooooooo much fun. :) And, yea, the house came with a Jacuzzi.... :)
I have like so many tests coming up. A make-up and 2 other tests. Siiiiiiiigh. I need to study.
In other news, me and J have started working on a new theme for the house, but it won't take effect until I'm finished cleaning. But, its so awesome. J wanted to buy new couches, because someone decided to get the same ones, but I convinced him otherwise. So this is a middle-ground compromise project. And, then we saw the couches and they aren't tooo similar. Like everything else.
Also, we've been looking at apartments. We found a spectacular complex off of 288 right near J's office. We instantly fell in love with the place. But, the prices are a bit high. As much as a house payment in Clear Lake. They are extremely nice, though. Much nicer than Village on the Lake or Seven Palms. We're going to rethink this whole thing in about 4.5 months and see what we want to do. Some people are saying "its too far!!" some are saying "go for it!!" while others are like "just get a house at that price!!" I don't know. I don't really want a house just yet. Its too big, hard to manage, and plus, we're leaving the country in 2 years, in sha'Allah, so we'll have to sell it anyways. We will see.
Well, I'll be heading out now. I have to warm up dinner for J...he's still at work and is hungry.
Until next time.....
WalaikumAssalam.
Peace Out!!!
-Amna
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