Today's Headlines

Fact:
Cheese pizza with pineapples on it, now that's good eatin'.

Fiction:
You shouldn't eat pizza after 7pm

Today's Headlines:

Pink Gerbera opens up her first Checking Accout
"She was seen jumping up and down about the fact that she now has a 'Cool plastic blue card', to add to her wallet, say witnesses."

Restaurant Attacked by Swarm of Customers Without Warning
"One minute I'm just reading my book and chatting, then the next thing I know I'm running around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to keep up. No one saw it coming, it was horrible."

New In Good Sweets
Everyone must try Jones fizzy candy. Esepcially Fufu berry. Is it weird that I think of "Little Bunny Fufu" when I read that?

End of headlines.

Today an older women who's a regular customer -she's really sweet- stopped us in front of the bank to chat. She hadn't seen us since our departure to Morocco. During the convo she turned to me and curiously asked:

her: "So why the veil?"
me: *big friendly smile* "Because it's something I wanted to do."
her: "Oh, so it's your choice then?"
me: *still smiling friendly* "Yes ma'am, I've a choice. It's something I wanted to do for a while now, but lacked the courage."
her: *big smile* "You're right dear, that would take courage in today's world. I'm sorry I didn't word my question very well, but you answered well, I like that."
me: *laughing* "No problem whatsoever. People are going to ask."

Honestly, I'd rather they asked then kept their mouth's shut.

Another funny thing, while both my younger brother and I were opening our checking accounts (I GOT A BLUE PLASTIC CARD!) the women, said she didn't know that my parent's had a daughter. Honestly, this doesn't surprise me, barely any of our customers know that there's a girl in the family, and then their shocked when they see me. My typical answer would be: "Um, yeah, I exist, I'm just chained to the sink all day."

Man, people are so interesting.

Ok, I think that's it for now. I have nothing deep to talk about, unless you want me to discuss the very equilibrium that is moved off balance by adding pineapple to the cheese on a pizza. Any takers? Didn't think so.

Take care, and goodnight.

~Pink Gerbera~

Soccer = No to Birkenstocks

Salam

The best way to spend a day at work -which by the way is why I love family business-

1: Go to work, do dishes, clean and prepare to open at eleven.
2: Make breakfast
3: Go outside and read book.
4: Play soccer, at the back of the restaurant, but then realize how hard it is to play with Birkenstocks, especially when they threaten to go flying any second. especially when you're not that great to begin with, but wish you could wake up one day and be killer.
5: Grab book sit on step's and watch brother's juggle ball -something YOU ARE TRYING TO MASTER, but can't, because you're wearing Birkenstocks-, while one sends shoe flying and can't find it afterwards.

That's pretty fun..no? I think so, it's really nice, especially when we have little soccer matches.

Yesterday was really kind of hot, and when we closed for the afternoon I kind of forgot all my housework and went to sleep. So. NICE! But then I felt bad and attacked the house after work with a lively energy. Result...I didn't go to sleep till midnight. But, oh, the house is clean, so it's more then worth it.

That's it for now. Take care ya'll.

~Pink Gerbera~

A Dream

I want to live on a farm, by the Atlantic. There something about this that just captures me so much. I mean, I love oriental or middle eastern history and culture but to be honest, my heart tends to lean more towards Celtic folklore/highlanders/Saxons/Britons/ et cetera. I’ve always been in to that thing, ever since I was wee one.

The thing with a farm is that yes, I do realize that having a farm is hard work because many of my uncles run them, but I still want one. It has something to do with my view of what I consider simple, more or less. I would like to have that little farm house, with a few chickens, some sheep, a cow or two for milking, and then a large vegetable garden. A large clothing line hung with clothes that blow in the wind, or ones children playing in the fields.

I want my children –insha’Allah- to be able to come home and feel safe, free of the pressures of the outside world. I want them to be able to run freely, to play, and I want them to learn the value of hard work and simple living. I want to be able to go to where there’s a lot of people and hustle-n-bustle but then be able to go home and have that nice quiet, and tranquility.

Go back to basics, so to speak. I love nature and therefore love to be immersed in to it. I love large apple trees –actually trees of any sort-, wild flowers, rain and wind. I love rolling hills, flat fields, mighty towering mountains and the endless dream of the deep blue ocean.

I find that more then anything I have a heart for the Atlantic and all it’s cool, temperamental history. I love it when you wake up and there’s that strong salty smell in the air, or at night –or any other time- when you can here its turbulent waves crashing against cliffs, or rocky ledges.

There’s just something about that life that I always wanted. Will it be better, I don’t know, but it’s is my dream.

I told this to my younger brother one day while we were on our way to do pick up some supplies, and he sort of looked at me crazy, and then more or less said, “Good-luck finding a brown boy that wants that.” Then he went in to this big debate about compromise and having to more-or-less put your dreams aside. I looked at him incredulously and said “Oh, and you’ve married how long?”

Then laughed, seriously I don’t care, a girl can dream dammit!

Good day to you.

~Pink Gerbera~

Hmm

Why is it, that I can never say exactly what is on my mind, exactly how it is presented in my mind? Why does it always make perfect sense in there and when I wish to convey it, it comes out totally twisted? That I can never really get what I mean out?

I don’t know either, weird huh?

*Place Interesting Title Here*

Salam

Do you care for someone a lot, a brother, sister, friend, or lover? And then they do something that hurts them more then it hurts you and all you want to do is box their ears? What they do is damaging to their own souls, but you can’t help to feel that the damage they do to themselves hurts you too. That by just standing by you make it worse. That you wish they would just open their damn eyes and stop being so damn cowardly, when you know that they are anything but?

Well, I want to box your ears out. I really want to shake you till you wake up and snap out of it, because you’re starting to piss me off, and it’s not because I’m mad but because I’m so hurt by what you do to yourself. And ok, because I’m a little mad that you just laugh about it. Well I’ll tell you something, I’m relentless and though I kept my distance to see what you would do, I will not anymore, I will now step in and give you a good strong kick in the arse.

Friends, you don’t know what I’m talking about, and that’s ok, you won’t. So this part is for you.

Besides that I had a wonderful kick butt day yesterday hanging with J. We went shopping, but didn’t really buy much till we got to the book store. Now, that was fun! It is so nice to hang with the people you like and respect.

She is insightful, and though she is humble and probably won’t agree with this, she is also very deep, and just plain cool. Plus, her bebe is the cutest thing.

Last week I hung out with D and that was just so great too. She’s really cool and makes me laugh, because she always insists that I should “go shoot myself.” It’s sweet…no? She also has a very cool familia.

So because I know they read this, I just want them to know that I appreciate the time. :D

I love thee all.

Peace
~Pink Gerbera~

Seven Things

Salam!

SeVeN qUiRkY tHiNgS yOu DiDn'T wAnT tO kNoW aBoUt Me
(and now that you do will change your lives forever...probably not)

1. Till the age of eleven I seriously...seriously thought I was a sailor scout. I was sailor pluto before they made ANY sailor pluto in the show. Yes my friends...I was the FIRST! Therefore I also thought I had "sailor" powers.

2. I used to want to be a football player (and I'm talking about AMERICAN football), figure skater (I choreographed my own routines thank you very much), and a gymnast (even though I could never do a cartwheel to save my life).

3. I played with barbies till I was fourteen. In fact my last barbie purchase was then, it was skipper in hawii. That was my very FIRST skipper barbie, I was excited.

4. I honestly prefer guy jeans to girl jeans, and guy t-shirts to girl t-shirts. Why is it that women have to face such uncomfort when it comes to these two things??? Plus, guy shirts come with wicked cool star wars themes, or bruce lee, or Ernesto Guevara on them, girl t-shirt have stuff like "Princess" or "Hotty" in glitter. Enough said.

5. I used to think I had a killer voice, which therefore led to me performing in three talent shows (all of which I lost...lol). It was only later, as I reflected back, that my music career was in serious danger of never being. So long, goodbye. Dang if only I could hit that darn C.

6. I like to talk in a british accent. Hey, it's fun for me, annoying for you.

7. After watching Pride and Prejudice (the A&E version) I would dress up in what I thought resembled Regency attire (but totally didn't...) and parade around in my british accent (that's where the habit began) pretending I was Elizabeth Bennet. Naturally I had no sisters so I would talk to myself. God, that was fun!

Ok, well I think that is enough, by any standards of torture.

Take care

~Pink Gerbera~

Just Random Stuff

Salam!

Yesterday I watched a really good, and equally depressing movie. It was called Human Trafficking. Oh-my-gosh! Watching that movie proves that I have NOTHING to complain about. Alhamduillah. Seriously.

I'm so sickened by what people do. By how low they stoop to make a measly buck.

I've known about human trafficking for quite a while (wow...and so has everyone else), but each time I watch or hear something about it I just get sick, and depressed. How? How can people do this to other people? Treat them and sell them like cattle??? Demean them in such ways? Feed off their dreams of a better life, because that's what all these other countries promise? Right? A better life.

I cried at the end. I cried because some people really don't have souls. I cried because Allah really is so good to us. I cried because these people steal something from these women and children...dignity, and self-worth.

May Allah forgive and protect us from these evils...ameen.

*deep sigh* Man, what's with the world today. Actually what's with the world period? Historically, presently...gosh I don't want to know about it in the future.

I need to close my eyes. Sometimes I want to run away, and dig a hole where I'll live. But it will a quaint, cute lil hole, where I won't have to hear or see...Nevermind, we all want that.

There's a lot of good too. Alhamduillah.

Now something positive...

I LOVE THE RAIN!

I love how it makes everything so green, and luscious. After the rain, I just like to walk around town, especially in the back where all the old trees tower over you, releasing little droplets on to your face or hair.

I love the smell. A smell no one can really explain, it's just this perfect, natural, fresh smell.

I love how the sun breaks through the clouds, making the droplets glisten on all that they have touched.

I love walking in the tall grass and getting my shoes and pants damp with the rain water.

At nightime it's even nicer, because I love the sound it makes as the water falls to the ground, or hits my window. I can just lay there for hours and listen to it, it's some of the most beautiful music.

And unlike many people I love a thunderstorm. Because I love to hear the thunder, and see the lightning. I love to hear that large crack of thunder (so powerful Subhana'Allah) and then out of no where the rain is falling like a waterfall.

I know that for farmers it makes life harder because to much rain over saturates the ground, but I'm greedy and love it! At least there is color everywhere instead of that dull yellowish-brown that the fields and hills around here seem to take on.

Now a rant! (is this post long yet? lol)

WHY?

WHY do guys have to be so...domestically retarded? I ask that in all seriousness. I can't stand having to pick up after my brothers. I mean, don't get me wrong I know they work hard but puh-lease! JUST PICK UP THE TOWELS!!!!!! Oh, and don't pile up the laudary. AND please follllllld the clothes right away after you take them out of the dryer, don't just let them sit there and get cold. You know why? Because then they get wrinkles!

I am however glad to inform you that I am tackling the laudary quite well, and am not falling behind. Do I get a gold star?

What can I say...that was my five second rant.

Ok go sleep, take care.

~Pink Gerbera~

Freaking Out A little

Salam

I was just lying in my bed staring out the window as the rain fell lightly outside, and I found myself wishing I could just go sit outside with a cup of tea and a blanket. I just want to sit there and stare at the large tree that drapes beautifully in my neighbors yard.

I’m quietly freaking out.

On Monday I have my diploma for math. This is my deciding factor on whether or not the program I am accepted in to will give me a permanent place. I can’t fail…but I know I will. God, why didn’t I study harder when I was in Morocco? I did study, but not nearly enough. I maybe covered three units. THREE! Oh, for the love of God, why am I such a freaking procrastinator? WHY?! I’m toast.

I know it’s just an exam, but…but, I need to do this program because I already took a year off of school. I’m falling behind all my peers. But, I don’t think I want to do this program. What was I thinking? I can’t be a doctor! I hate school. I hate exams.

I was going to update yesterday, I even wrote an update but I never posted it. I don’t know why.

We went to watch district 13. Go watch it, because it’s really a pretty kick butt movie.

I’m still freaking out. I still want to sit outside in the rain. I want to go for a walk, and breath, but I know I won’t.

Gosh, this is probably my most pessimistic post up-to-date. I hate pessimism and I hate it more when I’m being a pessimist.

~Pink Gerbera~

Back

Salam!

Ok, so it's been a while since I've updated, I guess sometimes the world just passes you by, and you don't notice till you come take a look at your blog. Anyway, I'm back from Morocco.

Gosh, you know what, that line is still hard to say. I miss it a lot, but more then anything I miss my family. While I was there I always found myself wanting to update but then never getting around to it.

So many wonderful things happened, yet I can't explain them because no one...no one, would understand where I'm coming from. It's almost a mixture of "you had to be there" as well as personal exploration. Everyone observes and takes things in differenlty. Now that I'm back I feel like I have no stories to tell any of my friends because they seriously wouldn't know what the heck I'm talking about.

Like tonight, I was talking to my friend and she was telling me all that's been going on since I've gone, and I had nothing...nada. I told her one or two amusing things, but besides that I really had no stories to indulge her with.

To be honest most of the time I just thought, quietly to myself. I thought of my current state, of Allah (s.w.t) and his gifts, I thought of the world. Of who I use to be, and what I have become. And then I thought of what might be, I expanded my mind and let everything in. I didn't want to miss a beat, I wanted to have everything absorbed for safe keeping.

No one can really know what happened, because for the most part it was an internal thing. It is something that can not be placed in to words.

I felt like a two year old, absorbing and discovering the world around her. I didn't write a lot, and I regret that.

I still remember the smell and feel of the sand and saltwater as I walked barefoot on the damp sand. I was hesitant at first, I didn't want to remove my runners, I simply didn't feel like having to clean all the sand off and so I remained walking arm and arm with my aunt.

As I walked I breathed in the deep sea air, and watched as the water moved in and out in its eternal rhythm, watched as it became lighter when it came in and darker as it left. I watched as the sun went down and the clouds hid the stars. And then the thought that I wouldn't see an ocean for years hit me, and I quickly removed my shoes, just as my cousin did, her spirit running freely on the sand. And as I took off the shoes, and neatly placed my socks inside I began to run chasing the water as it came in.

"One, two, three" my cousin would count and then we would jump just as the tide came in, as we landed the water oddly warm was caressing our ankles. I slightly rolled up the hem of my jeans and we continued to count, jumping each time it came back, and laughing like young children.

The fourth time my cousin splashed me with water and I can remember myself shrieking in stern protest, however she did not cease and so I fled, running without a care in the world. I could feel the end of my scarf flying behind me as the wind lifted it, and then I fell.

It happened so fast, but in a split second I was soaked, I didn't care though, I simply got up and laughed. In all honesty it was one of the most enjoyable things, it was liberating and free. It was innocent and I felt happy, and thankful. My jeans were wet and hung heavy, there was sand all over, but still I laughed. And as my aunt came over her eyes wet with tears of laughter, we went arm in arm and continued to make our way across the beach.

Near the end of our walk it had become night, yet lights from the beach walk and crescent moon shone upon the waves and sea shells. We gathered shell after beautiful shell and stored them safely away in my cousins green sock, souvenirs of our evening at the beach. At a point I simply stood there my aunt and cousin a few feet away still finding shells, yet I stood there letting the water engulf my feet, and I looking out at the horizon thinking. Of what? I was just etching the details of that evening in my mind.

After collecting all the shells we each stood on slippery rocks and rinsed our feat in the warm saltwater, when I was done I carefully pulled my shoes on, and we made our way back up on to the street.

In my heart I felt happy, and to Allah (s.w.t) I felt so thankful and humble. I remember that I kept repeating to my aunt that Allah (s.w.t) has really given us so much beauty and so many gifts, that I feel ashamed to feel ever ungrateful. It felt like a worship, a spiritual retreat of sorts.

As we arrived at her car, I slipped in to the back seat, and as we pulled out I took one last look and said "Subhana'Allah" before we drove off in the other direction, my thoughts racing and my voice forgotten.

It is times like these that I will forever have with me, and I am thankful that I had the chance to see and think.

So, what can I tell you about Morocco. Well, it's a beautiful country, and so on, but really it has nothing to do with being somewhere different, it has to do with the little things we expect least that stay with you. The revelations we make along the way, be it here or in Timbuktu.

That's all for now, I'm tired.

Take care.
~Pink Gerbra~