Since Sydney

Assalamu Alaykum

Just thought I'd give a little update on what's been going on lately. I've been so busy with my assignment (either working on it or procrastinating...) that I've hardly had a chance to do anything else.

My grandma has made it to Bosnia safe and sound Mashallah. She's staying in the family home where my mother grew up. It must be great going back in time and seeing her family. Inshallah it will be a good trip for her.

 I'm working on a presentation for uni.. which I have to present tomorrow. I am so terrified... It's my first presentation I have to do as a hijabi. I hardly got used to the way people look at me when I walk into a classroom, and now I have to talk in front of them also. I've never liked public speaking. It really scares me to bits. Especially now. I wish I could just fake an illness and avoid this thing. But I know I just have to face it and Inshallah it will be ok. May Allah take away my fear and give me the confidence I need to do well in this presentation. Amin.

Well... enough wasting time.. it's time for Zuhr and then back to assignmenting Inshallah

Salam

Goodbye Sydney

Assalamu Alaykum

I wrote this post on Tuesday night... I guess i forgot to press publish... I'm not going to change it.. Here it goes...

Me mum and grandma

Today is the day we go back to the Gold Coast. I was soooo sad to say good bye to grandma. May Allah keep her safe and in good health.

I spent a lit if last night taking to her one on one while my family was at my cousins. We spent hours talking like the good old days. I really miss that. That was the best thing about having her here.. The long talks and a lifetime of stories and advice. It really brings me joy talking to her. She's like a real life history book, with a great sense of humour. My grandma is one of the most amazing women on this planet. And she has a heart of gold. May Allah bless her with all the goodness of this life and the next.

I already miss her. And I miss Sydney and everyone who is there. May Allah bring me back to Sydney one day soon. To everyone who lives there and is constantly complaining about the traffic or the stress - you don't know how lucky u r to be living there. It's so true when they say you don't know what u have until it's gone. You have so many opportunities for a good life there. There are good people there and good communities, and so much to do and get involved in. Not to mention the Mosques and Islamic organizations. I wish I could take advantage of all that. I'm not saying it's the perfect place to be, we all know it's far from it. But there is so much goodness there besides all that. Imagine what it's like for me - everything bad about Sydney I have it here too, but with only maybe 20% of the goodness. Sure it might be more pleasing to the eye and a little less crowded buy that's about it.

Anyway I am so exhausted after the long long trip. There was so much rain and other delays and it felt like we were traveling for days. We ended up coming back at 11pm. So I'm gonna catch a few zzzzz's if I can. I have a long day ahead of me at uni.

Salam

Oh oh....

Assalaamu Alaykum

I have some bad news for you.. Actually it really good news in that it's a great thing to be happening, but bad news for me cos the timing is all wrong.

I just found out my grandma, the most beautiful person in my life, has booked her plane ticket to go to Bosnia in early May.. like I said - its great news for everyone involved, including my grandma and my family overseas.. they will be able to see each other after so many years and spend some time together.

The bad news is that unless we make a big dash and plan this thing within the month, my beloved grandma, my queen and my source of inspiration, won't be at my wedding. She's going for something like six months. It brings a tear to my eye just thinking about it. I can't have a wedding without my grandma. She means too much to me. But don't  be surprised if we just bring everyone down to Sydney and have our wedding there, at least the Nikkah. I have always dreamed of having my wedding in the Botanical Gardens in Auburn ever since I was a little girl playing there.

On the other hand I am really happy that she has the opportunity to go to Europe again. She has a son there, as well as brothers and sisters who she hasn't seen for years, not to mention other cousins and relatives. It would be really good for everyone over there. But I will miss her. I already do.. She's been in Sydney staying with my auntie for a month or so.. I really need to call her and have a talk with her.. I haven't heard her voice in weeks. Inshallah I will do that tomorrow..


But for now, its time for me to go to sleep. It's getting pretty late and I think those pain killers are finally starting to kick in...

Assalaamu Alaykum and Good Night.