Being Thankful...

With thanksgiving right around the corner, I figured it would be good to throw a few things out there about what I am thankful for. For the first time in my 21 years of life, I will not be spending thanksgiving with my family. It really makes me sad, but I'll be okay. I have my makeshift family at school who are taking really good care of me. That inspired me to create this. Hopefully this stirs up some holiday spirit in a few of you.

1. I am thankful for being alive and healthy. 
2. I am thankful for Allah (God) keeping me that way. 
3. For my family, because they are my biggest cheerleaders even when they don't want to be.
4. For my amazing friends who I drive insane with my constant crying, freaking out about life, boy issues, family issues, school issues, future issues, and what ever else I could possible freak out about. I know you get tired of me, but I appreciate and am thankful for you anyways.
5. Being in school and almost to graduation. InshaAllah (God willing), I can walk across that stage December 13th, with my grandmother screaming "That's my baby!" 
6. That I have been afforded the opportunities that I have, and that I will, InshaAllah have. 
7. For my mentor, who has loved me unconditionally for the past 3 years, who answers when ever I need her, who pays for my meals when she knows I'm too prideful to say I can't afford to go to lunch or dinner cause these grad school application fees are killing me, who writes these amazing letter of recommendations for me making me really question if I am truly as great as she sees me. I am grateful for Maria because when I am have a horrible day, I just walk into her office and everything else just melts away. 
8. I am grateful for Mentor Tech, who put Maria in my life. I am thankful for all that you do, every single you. You have no idea what a difference you make.
9. I am thankful for my mommy and sister. They were my first and still are two of my very best friends. 
10. I am thankful for Khairat, who is my sister and best friend by choice. I could not imagine life without you. 
11. I am thankful for everyone who told me I couldn't do something. You fuel my drive every single day.
12. I am thankful for the warm bed, roof over my head, almost full belly (I'm still a broke college student), and the assurance that Allah does not put you though anything you cannot handle. With that knowledge, I sleep peaceful at night.
13. I am thankful that my parents raised me to be a good Muslims. Although I fall short, I am a work in progress. InshaAllah, I'll get there one day. 
14. I am grateful for those of you who still come to this blog, even though I have been horrible this entire 2013 year. I tried sha. 
15. And lastly, I am just grateful. For every beautiful thing and every not so beautiful thing that has happened in my life. They shape who I am today. 

A lot of times people forget that we can't just be grateful one time of the year, or even one time of the day. We have to be grateful all day, everyday, because we never know when it'll be taken away from us. 

Well, that is my soap box for now. Enjoy you break while you can. Eat some lovely turkey and kiss you mom on the cheek for me.

Ramadan Mubarak!!!...

Hopefully you'll see this in the midst of my 30 day challenge. Ramadan Mubarak! Which means Happy Ramadan. Today marks the first day of this glorious month that we Muslims celebrate once a year. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a time of fasting for the Muslim people. Each day during this month, Muslims all over the world abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, as well as participating in anything that is ill-natured or excessive; from dawn until the sun sets. Fasting is intended to educate the Muslim in spirituality, humility, and patience. It is a time to cleanse the soul, focus attention on Allah (God), and put into practice selflessness. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to fast for the sake of Allah (God) and to put forward more prayer than is customary.

In comparison to the solar calendar, the Ramadan dates differ, moving forward approximately ten days every year due to the fact that it is a moving holiday which is dependent on the moon. The lunar cycle determines the Islamic calendar, therefore the month of Ramadan, which is the ninth month commences with a mixture of the sighting of the new moon as well as astronomical calculations. The precise time of Ramadan will at times vary from place to place because some depend a great deal on moon sightings, while others rely on science.

Ramadan conveys an extraordinary sense of emotional enthusiasm and religious eagerness among Muslims of all ages. Even though fasting is compulsory for adults alone, children as young as eight readily watch fasting with their elders. As a child, I looked forward to the thrill of the moon sighting and eating unique meals with my family. As an adult, I am grateful for the chance to double my rewards from Allah (God) and ask for forgiveness for my past sins. Ramadan highlights Muslim brotherhood and customs and brings about a special feeling of closeness.

This is why each Ramadan, instead of going to the Masjid (Mosque or religious center) every evening, I try an host an iftar (breaking of the fast) at least once amongst my friends so we can receive more rewards. Fasting is going to be tough with this Lubbock weather, but InshaAllah (God willing), we'll be able to make it. I welcome any questions you may have. 

Happy 4th of July...

I may be half Nigerian, but I am full blood American and I have pride in my country. So on this lovely holiday, from me to you and your family, I just want to say Happy 4th of July. Turn up responsibly. (=

30 Day Challenge: Day 2...

My favorite place in the entire world is my grandmothers house. Growing up there, I always had a good time with my family. Thanksgiving, Christmas, 4th of July, and especially Memorial day which is pictured here. We always pull out all the stops for Memorial day. We first began having it to show appreciation to my grandparents customers and to the community for their support, but now it has turned into a family tradition. I have yet to miss a Memorial day since we started doing them.

Being at my grandparents house is even more special to me now, because that's how I remember my grandfather the most. He passed away 3 days after my 17th birthday and being there really gives me the best memories of him. He always got me every New Years. He would come out of his room and say "Man, I haven't seen you since last year." Without fail, I would reply "You saw me yesterday Papa." And he would say, "Yeah, but I still haven't seen you since last year."

But I think one of the reason I truly love going there is because of how free I get to be. Sometimes wearing my hijab is a struggle, but when I am there, I can walk outside without my hijab. The last time I was home, I had my hair out and it was the first time I had ever felt my hair blowing in the wind. I was so excited because it was something I had never experienced before, or maybe I had never truly appreciated it. I have so many memories growing up in this house. I wouldn't trade them for the world.