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

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!! :)

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

Sooo much on my mind..

Assalamu Alaikum,

Well, its FINALLY Thursday, Alhamdulillah. I just had my test in Finite. And, boy was it tough! I stayed up until 3am studying, so hopefully the lack of sleep paid off. Of course, I didn't exactly start until like 11:30....and then took a break or two...

So, let's examine these past few weeks. Well, last night, to start with, was pretty fun. ISGH organized a City Hall Iftar, which is annual. So, we were invited. We showed up slightly late, but they were just finishing the 2nd Adhaan. It was spectacular. I wish I could have had my wedding there; although stinky, played-out T Hall was nice. There were white tables and chairs all over the back lawn of City Hall. Right in the center was a tremendous reflecting pool. And, then on all four sides, were little serving areas with waiters in matching shirts. My dad had saved us all a space at the VIP Table, but we didn't even know, until after dinner. After dinner, we headed to the front, where numerous introductions took place. They took pictures with Bill White, the Mayor, for those of you that may be wondering who he is, and just talked. The food was fantastic; especially the Hummus and the Qeema. Afterwards, we stopped by J's office to pick up my car, and of course, I got a free Mocaccino. Yummy.

Anyhow, today is Sh. Rashad's funeral. I'm actually supposed to be getting ready right now...which I am. (Just gotta slip on my abaya.) Anyways, just last week, my mom mentioned that they let him come home from the hospital.
GOTTA GO....
Ok, I'm back. I just came home from the funeral. Firstly, it was packed. Secondly, everyone there had been, in some way or another, affected by Sh. Rashad, and was extremely sad. May Allah (SWT) grant him Jannat-ul-Firdous in the After life, and make his stay in the grave easy on him. Ameen.
So, at the funeral, when I saw them carry away the body...it was like this huge chill went through my body. And, then I could not stop crying. I didn't want to stay long, because it would have been sadder and sadder, and then, afterwards, the people that are left just start talking about worldly things, as if nothing has happened. So, after giving my condolences to his wife, I left.
I hope, that in sha'Allah, that amount of people show up to mu Janazzah. Why? Because of the Hadith that says.......Wait, I'll find it instead of "guessing." I'll add it when I find it, in sha'Allah.

Anyways, prior to leaving for the Masjid, I had some..let's just say, irate thoughts. Now, they don't seem as important anymore....although, I'm pretty sure they'll be back soon enough. When they're next provoked by certain annoying people.

Anyhow, I should get to making dinner now. So, until next time, in sha'Allah.
Walaikum Assalam,
Amna

Well we've scanned the sky and we've sighted the moon.....

Assalamu Alaikum,

Actually, we haven't sighted the moon yet. But, tonight, in sha'Allah. When we were small we'd always run outside at Maghrib time with our mom and try to find it. Twas fun... Now, there's like a huge ordeal about it. Whaddaya expect...all these bitter, power-hungry, American-Muslims.

Anyhow, I'm quite excited. I can't wait till Ramadan starts. I love that feeling of holiness, unity, everyone striving for the same thing. (Almost everyone.) I remember last year, a couple of people decided to destroy the month for the rest of us. Alhamdulillah, I'm not part of that crowd anymore. I've decided that I have much better things to do with my life, much better ways to spend my time, and much better people to hang out with.

Anyways, back to Ramadan. My favorite parts are Suhoor, Iftar, Taraweeh, and the Qiyams at the end of the month. Suhoor is fun because you wake up at an unheard of hour, and everyone else is also awake. Its not like when I wake up to study and J is snoring away. This is going to be our second Ramadan together, but our first one living in our own house. Last time, we were staying with my parents. So it should be interesting. And, for Iftar, we're going to eat at my mom's, my mom-in-law's, or at the Masjid. Except for a few days when we'll be hosting Iftar at home.
One of my favorite parts has always been the Qiyams. I used to have an annual Qiyam at my house, but now I'm kind of re-thinking it. After the last one I had, in July, I don't really think I want to do one anymore. People are extremely unappreciative and rude, and so, I just won't have one "open to the public." That way, I won't have breakfast food to feed 15 people just sitting in my pantry for months. And, people leaving at 2 am. And, lets not forget, still others complaining about the size of my house. Or my cat...who, needless to say, doesn't like them much anyway.

Ooooooook. Enough of that venting.

We had Al Maghrib the last 2 weekends. It was an awesome class. I learned a lot about Zakah, but most of the other stuff I already knew. It was interesting though, and the instructor always managed to keep my attention, which is not always the case with most of them.

I got some new shades finally. DKNY's. They're pretty nice. J and I went and got them on Monday. Here's a pic:

Anyways, I'm gonna go pick up the dry cleaning now...Bay Oaks Cleaners. They better be good, because I'm sick of every other one in this area. I always get back J's shirts and they're perfectly pressed, yet stained. Siiiiiiiiiiigh.
And then, off to decorate the Masjid for Ramadan. That should be fun. yay.

Ok, until next time.
Peace.
Walaikum Assalam.

P.S. Oh yeah...here's my results for the Gross quiz. BTW that says 28%...dunno why its miniscule.

You Are 28% Gross

You're a tad gross, but generally you're a clean, hygienic person. No one can be perfectly clean all the time, and it's better to be human than a neat freak.

How Gross Are You?

Siiiiiiiiiiiiggggggggghhhhhhhh...

Assalamu Alaikum,

Well, its Thursday night, almost Friday. Today was a stressful day. I had to drop off Nora and Omar at school in the morning; they spent the night... Afterwards, I headed to school for some intense "home-buying lectures."

GOTTA GO...

So So Tired.......................

Assalamu Alaikum,

Well, Labor Day weekend is over. It went by slow but too fast. Friday was the Islamic Relief Dinner. It was extremely sad, especially the video. Alhamdulillah, we reached our goal in Houston. So that was something everyone was happy about.
After the dinner, J's friends wanted to come over and play Monopoly. But, the house was a HUGE mess, so I wanted them to find a different place. J called around, but of course, as usual, no one wanted to offer their home. So, I came home, helped J clean the house, then went back to my mom's. They ended up staying all night, so I just stayed up all night, reading old emails from J, shopping online, and blogging. We finally slept around 6:30 am.

Saturday was the wedding. G came over early and was extremely stressed out, so J helped him out. We got ready, but I still hadn't done my hair or makeup, so Bapee came to help me. It took awhile, so J picked up the cakes, and headed to the wedding. Finally, at 7:20, I was ready. I sped to the wedding, fearing that I was late. Fortunately, though, they were running on SA/DT. (Standard Arab/Desi Time). The only people there were my parents, my in-laws, and Miss Haleema. And, of course, J and G. The wedding was pretty fun, except I wish I could have taken pics with J in them. Like the ones with me, G and S, and my mom-in-law. We cleaned up and were the last ones to leave, along with the Bride and Groom and my in-laws.
After the wedding, Nora came over. We just chilled, but she fell asleep. We woke her to change, and then Fari came over. So we all just talked for a few hours.

The next day, we had to babysit first thing in the morning. Bapee also came, and then an hour later, Nora arrived. We ended up staying at the Baigs' all day. For dinner, we went to Jason's Deli. Yummy. Then, our "spontaneous trip."
We randomly decided to go to Austin. So, we finally left around 1:30 am. All of us were packed in my mom-in-law's van. It was an interesting trip. Although it sucked to be smashed in the back, furthest corner the whole time, with 2 sleepy heads, where I couldn't hear Jack. We went to Lake Travis and swam and played, then we came home on Monday Night.

J is sick, and I have a huge throatache, and we both overslept today. I missed school and he was late for work. I had to drop him off, because he wasn't feeling too well. On the way, G called, and now J feels even worse. Family stuff.

Well, Im so hungry, my stomach is growling. I will be heading out now...still gotta cook dinner. And, then, tomorrow, the newlyweds are coming for dinner. Siiiiiiiiiiigh. I might have to reschedule...so tired.

Alrighty.Peace Out. Walaikum Assalam.
Amna

Its endless.

Assalamu Alaikum,

Once again, a large amount of time has lapsed between posts. And, of course, as expected a lot has occured.
When I left off, I was still in Summer school, Managerial Accounting, to be exact. Well, it finished, pretty much uneventful, except a JUNGLI bothering me once.... And the best part...I got a 92 on the final. I was so happy upon seeing my grade. Alhamdulillah. So, I did pretty good in that class, which in a way, re-boosted my self-esteem, school-wise. (thats a lotta dashes.)

In other news, about 3 weeks ago, after Isha, we stopped to get gas at the corner Shell. We found 2 tiny kittens, starving, crying, and begging for food. They were sooooo cute. So, we decided to take them home to my mom's house. There was a white one (the main beggar and advocate) and a black one (a wuss, cowardly creature). We bought them food from the gas station, which cost about 4x the amount at any normal store, even an upscale Randall's. We fed them, and noticed that the white one was very friendly, and wanted to go home with us. It even followed me to the car. But, the black one on the other hand, was hiding underneath an old, broken, commercial freezer. After countless attempts to coax him out, which all proved fruitless, we decided to come back the next day for them. We didn't want to break them apart. We continued feeding them for some days, and upon our return a week later, noticed that someone had taken the white, overly-friendly kitten home. So, now the cowardly one was left all alone to fend for itself. I just hope it got a good home. Still though, every night, J and I go and feed the black one. If only it wasn't so scared, we'd give it to my mom.

Anyhow, school started a week or so ago. Its been going alright...two or maybe even three of my classes seem like the type where I'll have to study mighty hard. But, in sha'Allah, I'll make it.

I recently bought J an awesome gift. I'd been looking at it online for months, almost like 6..and I finally went ahead and bought it. I got him some Oakley's....brand spankin' new. They look really good on him, and he looks so cute. He was so happy when i gave them to him.

Ummm. oh yeah.. the haircut experience. Siiiiiiiiigh. So, for like a month, I'd been researching new hairstyles, and had picked a few, really short ones. Really short like above shoulderish. But then, I changed my mind and went for a different long style. So, I went to Menchaca's at Baybrook and talked to them about doing my hair in a room so no men would see. They said it would be fine and to come the next day. Well, the next day, I went back, only to find that there were different people working there. I talked to the 2 girls in the front and they seemed helpful enough. So, then they asked one of the other stylists, a gay man. He looked at me, and was like "Umm, no, we can't do it. She needs to go to ________'s." <-- some ghetto place on El Dorado. I was like WHAT THE HECK!!! I am not going to a ghetto place, especially after my last experience at Aisha's. Where my hair turned into a puffed up creation. So, we headed out to Mastercuts, also in the mall. There, on of the girls was Bapee's friend, so she explained the situation to her. They thought about it and were like "the only closed room we have is the bathroom and the kitchen. Sorry." GREEAAAAAAAAAAAT. I thought. I was sad, angry, and tired...not to mention hungry. We left that salon also. Then, while we were at Lucky, the stylist came running in and told us that her manager said she'd do my hair. I was still confused, but when we got there, one of the stylists told me she'd do my hair in the BATHROOM. I was like "ok thanks!!!!" So, I got it shampooed, cut, blow-dried and styled. The last 2 took place in the kitchen/storage/laundry room... :) But, I like my new hair, and so does my mom and Bapee and Napa, and most importantly J. He loves it.

I have to clean up my house now, so later gator.
Walaikum Assalam.
Peace
-Amna

"Ordinary World"

Assalamu Alaikum,

Yes, I know I jacked/swindled/pilfered my title. But, do I care? I think not. Hehe.

Anyhow, things have finally begun to stabilize for me, with sleep, school, cooking, cleaning and everything having a little more balance. Its much harder to go to school while you have your own place. I can only imagine what Fall Semester will be like; with a full load.

Well, yesterday was an awesome day. Actually part of it. First, my test...which I did ok on. I was hoping for something higher, but Alhamdulillah. Then, I hung out with Golu and Malu. Afterwards my mom and I went to WalMart on Fairmont, where the service was crappy, and I am never going back again. After all of this, J calls and says he's still at work. "GREAT." I thought to myself.
So, I finally get home, tired, hungry, sleepy, and in urgent need of a bathroom. I opened the door and saw a shadow, which made my need for a bathroom even more urgent; I would have thought it was Alakapoochie, but it was WAY bigger. Before I had a chance to scream, I saw the creature's shirt. It was one I had bought at Express a few months back, and so I instantly recognized it. He had the look of a cat that's been caught in the act, doing something naughty. Then, I saw the coffee table. All the candles had been lit, and there were approximately 5 luminous, red roses in a vase. I looked around and found more vases with even more roses, and more lit candles. J then handed me a card he'd been working on, and I read it. Inside was a small map of our bedroom, complete with some of the unpleasantries that unfortunately inhabit it. I looked at the map, followed the directions, and lifted up his pillows. Underneath was a box......from ZALES!!!! Inside was another...BOX(velvety) FROM ZALES!!! Inside the second box was the diamond necklace I'd been wanting for quite some time, and had been talking about just a week earlier. I love my new necklace, and I am so grateful and thankful for it. I'm also not going to show certain unoriginal people, due to the fact that they will indefinitely want the same one, as they've proven thus far with many of my other belongings.

Anyways, I have to attend a meeting in about 30 minutes, at Main Center. That should be interesting enough.

I gotta run now.

Peace, Walaikum Assalam
-Amna

Chupakabra.

Assalamu Alaikum.

I'm sitting here at my dining table, diligently working on my accounting homework. :)
Heh. JK. But, then again, its not good to be overly zealous in such things, because that would make me a NERD.

Anyhow, school is interesting enough. Actually, its not. Its extremely boring, and I try my best to leave as soon as possible everyday. We get a boatload of homework everyday, which is understandable, since its a "hybrid" course.

This weekend was interesting. Actually, the whole week was. Not necessarily in a good way, but interesting all the same. J had training in ___Land, but this time I decided I would stay home, and not in a hotel room. I think it was a smart choice, because this time, they weren't even allowed to leave for lunch. Tuesday, was the pool party. Me, Hina, Bapee, and Nora went. Twanimal and the brat were also there. It was pretty fun, we all just talked and chilled. Although there was an incident that angered me greatly, and because of which I'm writing up an official complaint to CY.

The rest of the week went by with J coming home quite late because after training, he'd still have work. Me n Nora went to the mall on Thursday. That was fun, but I had an extreme stomach ache.

Friday, J got off early (I know, its surprising!!) so we chilled at my rentz' with my parents and OB. I made brownies, and all 3 of us talked about "the good ole days" and video games from back then and just random stuff. Afterwards, me and J headed to AlMaghrib. It was "Open Night" even though no one really knew about it, so we wanted to see if we liked the class or not. It was alright, but we were in need of an Islamic boost or whatever, so we decided to return the next day also. Both me and J are paying attention and taking notes this time around; not like LOG...although on Saturday, we went on a "date" during class. It was lots of fun, and we just talked and stuff. :)

So, next week, its back to AlMaghrib, and then on Monday is my exam for Accounting II. Hai. I'm aiming for an A. In sha'Allah, I'll get it, because J and I have a deal.

Well, I have to go finish cooking dinner now, so I'll be heading out.

Walaikum Assalam.
Peace out.
-Amna

hmmmmmmmm.

how odd. i posted this like 2 weeks ago, but for some reason it no longer shows up on my page. Innnnnteresting. Good thing I had it saved in my "drafts."

Assalamu Alaikum,

Well, it's Friday, and I'm at the library with Nora. I should get used to it, since I'm going back to school...starting Thursday. Siiiiigh.

Anyhow, here's for my recount of the past few weeks. Well, 2 weekends ago... Friday was one of my friends' wedding. J didn't want to go, so I went with my mom, who's husband also couldn't go. Although the wedding itself wasn't exactly entertaining, I had fun. I hung out with Lina, Affaf, their mom, and my mom. We took billions of pics, and all took turns sitting in the little contraption they used to carry in the bride. And, then, Riham came, and we all decided to get in there together. It was all hot, but the made me lie on top "cuz ur the skinny one!!" Twas fun, though. On Saturday, we hung out with the Baigs. We chilled and made a "family tree." <-- I think that was last week. Can't remember... Sunday, we had dinner at the Olabi's. It was good. Fasuliyah. Then, me, J, Omar, n Nora went bowling. We all left on a sour note because of the rotten lady working there. The next weekend, we had a World Cup party at the Baigs.' I went decked out in my Brasil attire and was prepared to show my ultimate loyalty; then they lost and I quickly switched over. The next day we went to the Olabi's for dinner again. Afterwards, we all just talked and stuff. Then, me, J, Nora, Omar, and the parents all went bowling. In the end, only us kids bowled, and they watched...except when my mom-in-law bowled for Omar a few times. This week was July 4. Which means its been exactly one year since mine and J's engagement day. Only 2 more months till our first anniversary, in sha'Allah. Sometimes, it feels like its already been 10 years, and other times, it feels like we recently met. Either way, it was a cool day, because J had no work:). We went to the Galleria at around 2. It was a lotta fun, and I got a bunch of new clothes. Afterwards, we were invited to my rentz' house, for what was supposed to have been a BBQ, but the weather did not permit, so turned out to be dinner. We had Nihari, which was waaaaaay better anyways. Then, more World Cup, and then we had banana splits. Yummy. Afterwards, me and J headed to the in-laws, to light fireworks with the 2 little ones. Instead, J's buddy came over, and me and Omar just played SuperSmash (which Im waaay better at (I beat him.)) And then, me and my mom-in-law went ebaying. Which reminds me. Bapee bought me the cutest little gift off ebay. Its a light green leather case for my iPod Nano. Tis cute.

Today, all the girls are going to see Pirates II. And, tomorrow, more bowling, but this time with the Baigs. Its gonna be Couple's Night, and we're going to cream them. HEh.

On a side note, for the past week, I've been so friggin' pissed at certain people who like to talk lotsa crap, and are projectors. Lameness. They should get a life.

Well, we're heading out now, so cyaaaa.

Walaikum Assalam.
Peace out.
-Amna