Day 1 of Challenge / 15 Facts

A recent picture of me and 15 interesting facts about myself....well, here is the recent picture, that's easy enough. However, coming up with some interesting fasts about myself may be a little more difficult. Let's see how this goes....15. I tend to repeat myself and tell the same stories over and over. Forgive me if the majority of these interesting facts, are repeats.
14. I am extremely self critical, probably to the point that it's unhealthy. However...
13. being self critical has gotten me a 4.0 GPA 4 semesters and running, yea baby! Sorry, I may sound like I'm bragging, but the first time that ever happened was in college. So....yes, I am proud of that.
12. I love independent and foreign films. I just watched The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Great movie. Going with my hubby to see The Girl Who Played with Fire tonight.
11. I always wanted to live in Cali because I love the ocean. I ended up here on accident, so I believe in the hype of The Secret--affirmations, the universe hears us, etc. It's true!
10. I also believe in Karma, so I try to remember her when I am thinking about acting like an imbecile.
9. Family is everything to me. From my extended, to my mom and dad, to my little family of just me and Seif, I love them dearly and would do ANYTHING for any of them.
8. I love traveling, I love other cultures, I love being away from everything I know. I have no fear when it comes to visiting other places. I feel that I grow from those experiences and see the world through a new pair of eyes. Good for the soul.
7. Teenagers annoy me and I refuse to believe that I was one.
6. I am an old soul. I love old music, old people, old movies, old values, maybe that's why teenagers annoy me.
5. I ADORE European fashion. Speaking of fashion, does anyone watch Project Runway? What was up with those visions of Jackie Kennedy Onassis? WOW.
4. The older I get, the younger and more beautiful I feel. I think this is weird.
3. I really try to see the plus side in everything. Most of the time, I do.
2. I'm sensitive. I cry easily when it comes to others, but not really for myself. I can't watch commercials about animal abuse, or shows like Dateline. It makes me sad, I can't see the good in that. Which is where the "most of the time" in number 3 comes from.
1. Above all things, God is everything.

Oh yea, I love elephants. Random, I know, but I forgot about that when I was writing the other facts. Whenever my hubby travels, he buys me a new elephant, so I now have a collection going on. I think they are the cutest things. I don't know why, but they deserve a spot on this little list. Your turn!

30 Day Challenge

My friend posted this on her blog, and because I never write on here, I thought I would try it out too. Feel free to join in!

Day 1 - A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself

Day 2 - The meaning behind your Blog name

Day 3 - A picture of you and your friends
Day 4 - A habit that you wish you didn’t have
Day 5- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to
Day 6 - Favorite super hero and why
Day 7 - A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 8 - Short term goals for this month and why
Day 9 - Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad
Day 11 - Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about Blogs and why you made one
Day 13 - A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15 - Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16 - Another picture of yourself
Day 17 - Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20 - Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21 - A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22 - What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23 - Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25 - What I would find in your bag
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27 - Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29 - In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Who are you?

Random

I'm sitting in the lunchroom at work right now and wondering, why is this place so quiet? There is no describing it. I feel like I walked in to a church or something. Low lights, everyone silent. I'm afraid to move! Odd............

For the Classy Ladies Out There

If you love fashion, classic and cute, check out this site. It does not disappoint and the prices aren't bad! www.modcloth.com This dress is now on my wish list. ;)

For the Last Time

This song by Vince Gill reminds me of of my hubby, and how I felt when we met.

For the Last Time

One look, one kiss,

Just a few words,

Showed me such kindness,

Your eyes really see me,

Not for what I've been,

But for who I am and what I could be.

How did you know I was waiting?

How did you know you were saving me?

Oh what a gift to leave it all behind,

Lonely has known me for the last time.

This love is forever,

It won't be taken for granted,

not ever.

How did you know I was waiting?

How did you know you were saving me?

Oh what a gift to leave it all behind,

Lonely has known me for the last time.

Now That I Got it All Out...

Ahhhhh....now that I got that out, I figured that while I had the time, I would post an update and just well ... talk about my thoughts at the moment. I'm home from work today--thanks to my hubby giving me whatever illness he returned from Africa with. No worries! LOL It's not some weird African disease (at least I hope not!), but a severe chest cold and physical exhaustion. By the way, Seif had a FANTASTIC time in S. Africa for the World Cup (pics below). I really missed out and am kicking myself in the butt for not going with him. What was I thinking?

Speaking of keeping it real, I just got done reading an older article on CNN in regards to the whole flotilla raid in Israel. I will say that the one thing that bothers me more than anything out there is the misconception that surrounds my husband's identity/culture. I have talked about this in the past, but have failed to share all of the first hand experiences I have had in regards to stereotyping, racism, and blatant discrimination. This stuff will wear on you after awhile and can really put a damper on one's spirit. It truly breaks my heart to read all of the negative comments on web sites every time there is terrorist activity or conflict in the Middle East; people saying all Muslims should be exterminated, that they are evil people, terrorists, when the truth is, they are not. Most of them are the most loving, hospitable, people who just want the same things we do.

I have been to Jordan multiple times and Egypt as well ... I never experienced anything but hospitality and kindness from those of this culture, and I have only experienced acceptance and love from my husband's family. When I went to Egypt, I was treated like a celebrity! Women wanted their pictures with me, they wanted to speak English to me, they wanted pictures of their kids with me. Why? I'm American! I was treated bad in Europe, I was never treated bad in the Middle East. People made huge dinners, invited me over as the guest of honor, told me how pretty they thought I was. I could go on and on, but I won't, you get my point.

A person cannot understand the pain that intolerance causes until they live it or they see how it hurts someone they love. Cultural differences are just that--differences. It does not make us right or them wrong, it makes us DIFFERENT. Now, don't get me wrong, terrorist activity of any kind is WRONG. However, Islam is one of the largest religions in the world and if every Muslim were "evil," they would have taken over by now. The fact is, just like we have extreme Baptists who seem to spew hate, like the ones rallying at dead soldier's funerals with signs that say, "Thank God for Dead Soldiers," there are extreme Muslims. They do not represent the majority. In fact, they are a VERY small fraction of those of this faith. However, because of the lack of education on political conflict in the Middle East, as well as this religion, a great deal of people are stuck in their beliefs that everyone of this religion is barbaric. One must also keep in mind how big the Middle East is and how many countries it contains--not all countries are ran in the same way as Afghanistan.

All I can say is what my experience is. Not only have I taken classes on religion, world, Middle Eastern, and political history, but I live this life and I am here to say, those who hold these beliefs couldn't be more wrong. It hurts, it really does and I encourage anyone who reads this to take this in to consideration if they ever hear these type of comments being made. Use me as an example. What harm can come from peace? Heck, I sound like a hippie, but it's true. Peace starts with you. There is power in example.

So, now that I've gone off about the chip on my shoulder, here's an update:

* Seif is back from S. Africa. Yay!!!!! I missed him terribly.

* I have finally made the decision to go to school full time.

* It is FINALLY hot here in San Diego. That's right, most of you have been enjoying (or loathing) sunny, 90+ degree weather days, but we have been loathing (not enjoying) cloudiness and 65 degree and below weather days. No fun. It's July!

* Our anniversary is next month and Seif and I will be spending it in Colorado at my cousin Ashley's wedding. I am so happy for her!

* I LOVE the new Eminem CD. He's back!

Here are some awesome pics from my hubby's vacation. Enjoy or get jealous, I sure did! :)

Keepin' it Real

Recently, I have been reading a friend's blog and her writing has really got me thinking. She is so real and so honest, no fear of judgment, she just says things as they are. She is not afraid to talk about her feelings or beliefs, and it is to be admired. Her writing will make you smile, it will make you cry, it will shock you, and even make you feel her pain as if it were your own. Either way, it's real, it's who she is and she isn't afraid of that.

It is true that a great deal of people will discuss their political beliefs or things that they are passionate about, but what I am talking about is getting deep to the heart of the matter, not being afraid to say how you are feeling, being able to put it all out there with the attitude of, "This is who I am and if you don't like me, you don't have to, but I won't change." I tend to shy away from writing my deepest beliefs and observations because I don't want to offend people, I don't want to be judged, or even misunderstood. Really, what am I doing for myself? The answer is nothing, I am hiding who I am out of fear so ultimately, the friendships I have are possibly fake because people don't REALLY know me. What kind of substance forms from fake friendships? The real me wants to connect with people, to inspire, to be admired for who I am, not who people may think I am.

So who am I? I am many things...compassionate would be the one word I use to describe myself. I know what I believe in and what I stand for, and I get to speak up more often. For so long I have had this deep rooted fear that no one wants to hear my thoughts/feelings, especially if they aren't happy ones or if they differ from their own. I fear rejection and this is in no way being true to myself.

I guess what I am getting at is this: Thank you "M" for inspiring me to be true to myself. You are always honest and I am still your friend. In fact, I respect you more for being so brave. You are who you are and you are awesome. Don't ever change. Through your writing, you open the eyes of others, people relate to you, and this is not only the attribute of a powerful person, but also a fantastic writer. Here's to a whole new blog (when I have time--LOL!). Keep writing "M"! It's truly inspiring.