2010

- Chicago, 2010 -

Ah, 2010, what a huge difference from 2009, masya-Allah. 

Had to go for surgery, barely ate for more than a month, fell twice in three days (literally, not in love), just recovered from a scabby face, and now I'm still recovering from an awful throat infection. It's probably not a good idea to do an end-of-year review while I am sick, but really, how could I be nothing but grateful to Allah SWT for all that has happened to me? Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah) for Him taking such good care of me, giving me such kind, lovely, and wonderful friends, who look after me while I am thousands of miles away from home. Alhamdulillah for my wonderful family, who are always there for me. Alhamdulillah for all the people I have encountered, and who have become my new friends, thereby making my life a much more interesting one. Alhamdulillah for all my little adventures (and awkward moments), as I seek to complete the other half of my deen. Alhamdulillah for surviving 1.5 years into my PhD program, and finishing all of my required coursework. Alhamdulillah for everything, truly.

I can only pray that 2011 will be a better year and more, insya-Allah. To repeat a du'a from last year, may Allah SWT continue to look after me as He has done thus far, and bless me with spiritual peace, guiding me along the right path in every decision I make, and as an added bonus, to a soulmate, ameen. 

Here's to an absolutely blessed 2011, and again, may everyone find peace, love, wisdom, and happiness! :) 

Someone To Watch Over Me

- Rottnest Island, Australia, 2008 -

There's a saying old
says that love is blind
still we're often told
"seek and ye shall find"
so I'm going to seek a certain lad I've had
in mind

looking everywhere
haven't found him yet
he's the big affair
I cannot forget
only man I ever think of
with regret

I'd like to add his initials to my monogram
tell me where is the shepherd
for this lost lamb
There's a somebody I'm longing to see
I hope that he
turns out to be
someone to watch over me

I'm a little lamb who's lost in the wood
I know I could
always be good
to one who'll watch over me

although he may not be the man some girls think of
as handsome
to my heart
he carries the key

Won't you tell him please to put on some speed
follow my lead
oh how I need
someone to watch over me
someone to watch over me 

-x-x-x-

Overseas

- St. Louis, MO, 2009 -
From top left: on the plane; Crowne Plaza, Clayton; my bed; Sunrise from my bedroom window; Washington University; Yellow fire hydrant; the Arch by the Mississippi river; Museum of Westward Expansion (under the Arch); Busch Stadium; Guess the animal 1; Guess the animal 2; Hibiscus; flamingos; love the flora & fauna here.

Just a little update since I've just uploaded my photos using my aunt's cable. Not feeling that great since things that I was supposed to bring are either missing or did not get packed. Now I've got to get back to my thesis.


Oh yeah, Happy National Day to everyone.

Postcard from Perth (2)

- AQWA, Perth, 2008 -

Postcard from Perth

- Caversham Wildlife Park, Perth, 2008 -

Awwal Muharram Mubarak to all! :)

Stepping Stone

- Pulau Mamutik, Kota Kinabalu, 2008 -

Montmartre, Paris

- Birds of a feather flock together -

I'm still wondering if I should upload these photos on my currently inactive France's blog or here. What do you guys think?

On another note, it's midterm break! Even then, I have assignments to do, a test and a midterm to study for, long overdue articles and reports to write. :(

io canto
le mani in tasca e canto
la voce in festa e canto
la banda in testa e canto
corro nel vento e canto
la vita intera e canto
la primavera e canto
l'ultima sera e canto io
per chi mi ascoltera`
voglio cantare
sempre cantare

- Io Canto, Laura Pausini