Dhul-Hijja

Sunday was the 3rd day of Dhul-Hijja, the month whose first 10 days are holier even than the entire month of Ramadan.  Yesterday was also the third day that I didn't get up to pray Fajr, after having a more or less solid track record for the last few months.  I can't help but feel awful about it.  I know that part of the problem is not getting to bed early enough; I really need to have at least 4 solid hours under my belt before I can wake up without a fight.  The other four prayers of the day are going okay, but they are so much easier to keep if I get started off on the right foot with the dawn prayer.  Here's to hoping the next 7 days of this blessed time go more smoothly and I can be a living prayer to God.

Cleaning

Most of us dislike cleaning, even hate it.  I actually don't mind cleaning.  What I really don't like is organizing.  Filing papers, arranging papers on my desk - I loathe it.  I would seriously rather mop the floor and scrub the toilet than try to find a proper "home" for the checks, last semester's journal articles, that millionth highlighter.  It doesn't help, of course, that we do not own a real filing cabinet.  We have a makeshift one with shelves, but not drawers with grown-up folders labeled "car repairs" or anything of that sort.  So for now, in boxes go the journal articles, business cards, transcripts, book marks, tax documents, and other odds and ends, at least until I move to Singapore *gulp*! 

One thing that I have done in preparation for the big move to Singapore is actually go through my clothes and get rid of things that no longer fit.  I got rid of some pieces that I've had for over 10 years, yikes!  I am happy to say I've filled two large trash bags with clothes that will be picked up later this week (along with many other items) by the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.  I had a lovely time going through these clothes to give away with my roommate and a friend.  I realized that I can have an emotional attachment to clothing.  As we went through the clothes I remembered who I met while wearing that skirt, or where I went while wearing that jacket.  I also have an incredibly good memory, mA.  I doubt I'll ever part with the shirt I was wearing when Mike and I shared our first kiss, even though it barely fit at the time!  I must admit, it feels good to simplify a little bit and give away that which we don't use anymore.  I'm also really happy that my clothes will find new homes with people who really need them.

Tuesday nights

Tuesday has always been my favorite night of the week.  Why?  Because from 8pm till midnight I get to listen to Progressive Torch & Twang on the Impact, my favorite college radio station.  I've been listening on Tuesday nights for many, many years now.  Thank God they broadcast online so the move to NJ didn't interrupt my listening schedule.  Not too many people share my deep love for bluegrass and alternative country, but the folks over at Torch & Twang sure do.

Now, in grad school, Tuesday nights generally otherwise stink.  Especially this semester, with Stats and memos on Wednesdays.  But with Torch & Twang, Tuesday nights are more bearable and actually, dare I say, enjoyable.

Your morning, my night

So I'm really happy for Mike pursuing his dreams in Singapore and everything, but this long distance marriage really stinks sometimes.  In my opinion, the 12-hour time difference is the real killer.  It hit me when I was walking Raison at 5:30pm today and all I wanted to do was talk to Mike.  I couldn't.  Because he was asleep, as all people not working 3rd shift or praying Fajr should be at 5:30am.  We never have a conversation where one of us isn't tired.  I really feel like this would be so much easier if we weren't on such opposite sides of the planet.  Even an 8 hour time difference would be better.

I must acknowledge that I know how incredibly grateful we are to have Skype, Vonage, Blackberry, our health.  These few short months of separation have really made my heart go out to all the military families whose separations are so much longer, not to mention perilous.  My thoughts and prayers are with those who are separated from their loved ones, especially if their return is unknown.

Primus

First blog post ever.  I have no idea what I'm doing on here but I hope it will be fun.  Here I will indulge in my love for onomastics, movies, and stuff in general.  I'll also attempt to not bare my soul too much.