Life in Mini (13)

- Chicago, 2010 -

2011

- Seattle, 2011 -

Haven't been updating this blog for a while now, and what better time to update than today, the last day of 2011? :)

2011 has been a much better year than 2010, in terms of health, and more, alhamdulillah. :) Of course, there were downs, but how could I not be grateful even during those tough times? Alhamdulillah for all of His blessings, which come in various ways. Alhamdulillah for my family and friends, for all of their company, listening ear, and help when I needed it. Alhamdulillah for finishing my second Master's (as a friend always likes to remind me of it, though I still haven't seen the significance of having these paper degrees). Alhamdulillah for finishing 2.5 years of my PhD program, and may Allah SWT give me the strength and perseverance to see through it, ameen! Alhamdulillah for everything, especially the little things, alhamdulillah. 

I pray that 2012 will be even better and filled with lots of travels, photos, happy moments, and laughter, ameen. :) As usual, I would like to repeat the du'a I have made during the previous years: 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. May He also make me closer to Him, such that everything I do is for His pleasure, and His pleasure alone, ameen. 

Here's to an absolutely blessed 2012, and again, may everyone find peace, love, wisdom, and happiness! :) 

Life in Mini (12)

- Stanford University, CA, 2011 -

Life in Mini (11)

- Navy Pier, Chicago, 2011 -

It's spring break, alhamdulillah! :)

Life in Mini (10)

- Chicago, 2010 -

Life in Mini (9)

- Chicago, IL, 2010 -

Wish I was somewhere else now. 16 days till I go back home.

Life in Mini (8)

- Chicago, IL, 2010 -

Life in Mini (7)

- Lake Michigan, Chicago, 2010 -

2009

- Boston, MA, 2009 -

The time has finally come for the obligatory end-of-the-year reflection post. Looking at last year's post, I thought that the photo above with the airplane captures 2009 pretty well for me. With the count at 9 at this point, I must have taken more planes this year alone than in my whole life; perhaps I was exaggerating but you get the point.

2009 has been really good and blessed Alhamdulillah--I did finish my thesis on time, albeit not without a lot of pain; I am graduating with my Master's as soon as I submit my thesis electronically; I did get several offers for PhD programs and now, I have just survived my first semester as a PhD student. :) My first conference went superbly well, Alhamdulillah, and I have an open invitation to give a talk in Italy, which I fully intend to take up, Insya-Allah. Whilst my sleeping habits still remain much to be desired, I have met so many kind people and made such wonderful friends, especially since my move to the States.

So with 2009 being surprisingly pleasant and trouble-free, I can only pray that 2010 be that and better. 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, Aamiin.

Here's to a wonderful and blessed 2010, and may everyone find love, riches, and wisdom. :)

Life in Mini (6)

- Rottnest Island, Perth, 2008 -

Life in Mini (5)

- Gran Madre, Torino, 2007 -

Taking a hiatus since I've too much to do before I leave for Australia; will be back on the 15th Insya-Allah.

Life in Mini (4)

- Disneyland Paris, France, 2007 -

Life in Mini (3)

- F1 Grand Prix, Monaco, 2007 -

Life in Mini (2)

- Arc de Triomphe, Paris, 2007 -

Life in Mini (1)

- Florence, Italy, 2007 -