Losing It

Anyone out there ever just snapped before, and gone ballistic?

I did yesterday and I am not too proud about it. I guess that I need to know that I am not alone in the struggle. It is hard to maintain your cool all of the time.

It'd been a good day so far. I was even stuck on a metro train for 15 minutes that was going no where. I eventually just got out and walked to my destination, still able to smile about it.

I was coming back from a late dinner and crossing a busy road near my house. It said walk, so I walked. A car turning onto the street that I was crossing was not paying attention (on his cell phone) and came within inches of hitting me - in a big SUV. I was on the phone with Matt at the time - it startled me so bad I threw my phone. I turned to look at the guy and he threw his hands up at me, me being in his precious way.

I let.him.have.it. I went OFF. I yelled all sorts of not-so-nice things to him. If he had came to a full stop after nearly hitting me and been apologetic, I would have shrugged this off. But that he was mad that I was in his way is what set me off.

It is funny, the exchange took all of a minute, but it rattled me until late evening.

What I would have done differently is slowly picked up my cell phone that was in front of his SUV, dusted it off delicately, called Matt back (while still standing there of course) and shook my head at him. Tisk tisk tisk...

...and walked away.

I want to be able to keep my cool - it is bad for your heart to rage. Ever notice that the people who live the longest are the most laid back people that you've ever met?

*Sigh*

DC Moments

Trees blooming on Capitol Hill:
Jewelry at Eastern Market...
More Eastern Market fun:
Me, being vain and wanting to be in some of my own photos:
Flowers at my housemates engagement party in the countryside:

Other DC moments as of late:
- A man on the metro that had a pretty lady sitting next to him and when she go to leave he started to wail. Cry like a baby. It was the most bizarre thing I have seen yet on the metro.
- I got to work today and a co-worker pulled a piece of a pollen branch (?) out of my hair.
- Everyone is moving here for government jobs and now every metro train is packed and the roads are worse than.ever.
- It is getting HOT out and I am NOT READY. You see, by next month I will wear one outfit to work, change into another for the day, and wear another home. You sweat like crazy. (I walk two miles every day getting to and from metro stations and my house or work).
- I found the BEST running trail this past weekend, three years too late. Turns out this was a good thing, because I later found out that it has high reported muggings. Perfect....
- Speaking of, sometimes I imagine what I would do if someone tried to attack me. If I am running along, and some thug came out of nowhere, I would first mace his face. (I wear a mace container velcro'd to my wrist). Then I would kick him where it counts so hard he could not stand for a month. After he is already in pain and blind, sprawled on the ground, I would sit on him until the police arrived that I have already called. I would then record him on my cell phone camera to kill time until they showed up. I wonder if because I have a plan in my head already, that I would be prepared in case it ever happened? I'm praying that I never have to put my plan into action, ever...
-On a lighter note: I'm going to the Melting Pot tonight in Dupont Circle with my small group. I can't wait!

Happy Tuesday, all!

Spring is Here....ACHOO!

Photo my mom took of a latte she had in Haifa last week!

I never had allergies growing up. It was not until I moved here to DC in the spring of 2006 that I had my first full experience of the watery eyes/runny nose in addition to sneezing like crazy. My first allergy attack? It was at a Save Darfur rally on the National Mall when George Clooney got up to speak. I was in the front row, and I am sure that everyone thought that I was a freako fan, balling my eyes out.

Then, when I hightailed it out of the crowd (it took me an hour) I had a t-shirt over my face to help stop my insane runny nose and I SMACKED right into a lady...that turned out to be of all people, Gayle King, Oprah's best friend. Oh Lord.

A year later - 2007, the SAME weekend (fourth one in April) I had another allergy attack on the SAME DAY. Crazy! Then, a year later exactly - 2008, I was at a Uganda event (Dispace Me) and had to leave early because I could not see from my itchy eyes.

I should have remembered this - because, alas, it was the fourth weekend in April again. I should not have left the house! I went running on Saturday morning on this fantastic trail I found by my house (I found it three years too late! AHH!) and I brought on full blown allergy ickiness. SAD - I had to miss the Invisible Children event ("The Rescue" on the Mall, in which I missed meeting Pete Wentz, some senators, and Val Kilmer. Man! It was in the 90's this weekend, too. UGH!

I did manage to take some photos of my housemates' Engagement party though, so I will edit those and put up some tonight. In the meantime, I will just enjoy my mom's Flickr set in the meantime. Glad that they are HOME! I am looking forward to seeing them on Mother's Day weekend - I am flying home for my big birthday! (and to see my Matty) :)

Happy Monday, all. I hope pollen stays far far away today...

Missing Mom!

My parents are currently flying over the ocean right now. So funny, my mom has been in the clouds for years but now I have the proof! :)

I have realized over these past 10 days how much I love talking to mom everyday. She always has something interesting to share that she has just learned, or some funny thing said that I remember the rest of the day. I've really missed her! I don't get to talk with my dad as often as his work means he is driving from client to client but he is a hoot too. There is just something about moms.

Something really interesting about mom and I: we have not ever really ever been in a fight, ever. Well...except for that time she made a "healthy" Thanksgiving feast and I'd just flown across the continent for the fatty stuff. That was our only tiff! It is just hard to argue with her because she is just so darn cute.

And, I respect her a lot - she is one hard working lady. Raising five kids was no picnic for her, and there were times that she had to hide in her closet to get away from all of us (it's true!). She would go in there with her Walkman and drown us out for a few minutes to keep her sanity.

I am really glad that I will get to talk to her tomorrow and hear all about her trip to Haifa. This was the first time that she has left the country since the 50's I think. And back then...she rode on a ship!

It will be soooo much fun filling her in on all the good stuff since she left. I have not even told her about my trip with Matt yet! Prayers for safe travels and good sleep tonight in her own bed :)

The Rescue

Soooo I have a little thing for Uganda. It all started when I started sponsoring a child there. I got letters from a darling little boy on the other side of the world that melted my heart!

Then, I watched a movie called Invisible Children. In the spring of 2003, three young filmmakers traveled to Africa in search of a story. What started out as a film making adventure transformed into much more when these boys from Southern California discovered a tragedy that disgusted and inspired them, a tragedy where children are both the weapons and the victims. After returning to the States, they created the documentary "Invisible Children: Rough Cut," a film that exposes the tragic realities of northern Uganda's night commuters and child soldiers. The film was originally shown to friends and family, but has now been seen by millions of people. The overwhelming response has been, "How can I help?" To answer this question, the non-profit Invisible Children, Inc. was created, giving compassionate individuals an effective way to respond to the situation.It messed me up for good. I had never heard of the war that has been going on there for the past 20+ years. I had only heard bits and pieces about Joseph Kony and the Lord's Resistance Army (the LRA). Hearing that the children there had never know peace in their lifetime though - I knew that I had to do something.

I first attended a rally - called the Night Commute. That is where I joined a few thousand young people and we camped out on the National Mall to raise awareness for the thousands of Ugandan children that have to "commute" under the cover of darkness to sleep in a safe, public place for the night - to prevent abduction. These kids fear that they will be taken as child soldiers into the LRA. It was an event that I hoped would bring an end to the war in Uganda.

Next, there was en event in 2007 called "Displace Me" to bring attention to the thousands of families displaced because of the war there. Students camped out in makeshift cardboard boxes on the National Mall to draw attention to the need to help the thousands of families that are waiting in Internal Displaced Persons' camps all across northern Uganda. It raised awareness, but still sadly the war raged on.

It makes me sick that a delusional individual has this much power to ruin so many lives.

I travelled to Uganda myself in July of 2008. I wanted to see what it was like - I worked in the Gulu region, meeting children and seeing the impact that child sponsorship makes. It is incredible! I learned that the kids are highly resilient. And, have experienced immeasurable tragedy in their lives. I'll never forget talking to one parent of five how she cannot even count how many relatives that she has lost.
SO, a new year, the war continues. And...there is about to be some major noise this weekend! It is called "THE RESCUE". It will be taking place this Saturday, April 25th in 100 cities all over the world.

I am taking my camera. It is events like this that made me move here in the first place. We are so blessed to have our freedoms, our voices, this life - here.

With all that I seem to be able to complain about, I am remembering Uganda this week. It feels better to do something than nothing at all.
23 years is too long for this war to continue a day longer.

Please pray for The Rescue this weekend!

Yeesssssss

The hard part is picking which flavor. Which one is your fave?

Happy Tuesday! :)

"Be Anxious for Nothing"

"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul." - Psalm 94:19

So the good news is that I am still alive. The bad news is my home church printed the prayer request that I submitted for Matt's job as "prayer for Ruhiyyih's fiance Matt's job". OH NO.

Those are a lot of ladies that I will have some explaining to do when I am home over Mother's Day weekend! They will look at my bare ring finger and look at Matt with a bit of questioning in their eyes. Is the correct way to put it that Matt is my "unofficial" fiance since we both know that we want to get married but that he cannot get a ring without a job (or married, for that matter)?

Turns out the symptoms that I had all last week were most likely one big anxiety attack. I have a lot of big decisions to make and as you all know, I am the *MOST* indecisive person on the planet. I second-guess everything. Strangely though, I feel like I handle stress really well. I am able to laugh at just about anything, and remain joyful. I guess that so much is riding on Matt's job situation, this economy, and now, our health. Not only have I been having the weird appetite-gone and lack of energy thing but Matt has been experiencing chest pains. :(

It does not help that my folks are in Haifa, Israel. Far away! Still, I worry about them...

THIS SONG has been rocking my world as I put one foot in front of the other.

On the flipside: gorgeous weather this weekend and Saturday I spent the day getting a little sun at Eastern Market (great produce!) and heard former MVP for the Seattle Seahawks Shaun Alexander speak at Ebenezers' Coffeehouse. Awesome! He truly is a preacher in a football players' body. Sunday was a day of productivity and relaxation. I kept waiting for a thunderstorm that did not show up.

We could use prayer. Just keep in mind that he is my boyfriend, not my fiance when you are talking to God about it all. YET. :)

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." - Philippians 4:6

Happy Monday, all :)

Trying Not to Freak Out...

It's been a tough week...I've been a little MIA on here.

For one, my folks are overseas and I had not heard from them until this morning. They are on a pilgrimage to Haifa, Israel, and well that it just not the most safe place to travel. I miss talking to my mom on my lunch hours everyday. Nevertheless I got an email from dad that all is well and they are having a great time. Phew!

Secondly, I have not been feeling well for a week. It is a bizarre thing - no appetite at all, sleep deeper than I have in ages, less energy, anxiety, and waves of nausea. I miss my appetite the most. I tried to go running last night and got about 3/4 of a mile into a steady pace when I just ran out of juice - energy was zapped. That is when I burst into tears. I love to run, need to run - it makes me feel good and is good for me. What the heck is my issue? (and NO I am not pregnant because we have waited and are waiting for marriage!!)

SO - I am going to go in for a check up and get some blood work done. My brain is freaking out on me (cancer! Lyme Disease! Chronic Fatigue!). Could this just be me turning 30 soon? 3 weeks away....

Matt and I are also still awaiting news on a job opportunity. He was told he'd hear something "mid-April" and well that is now here so...waiting...waiting...(tap tap tap is this thing on?). We've been patient and prayerful so it is all up to the Lord. God has never let us down. We know that there is a perfect plan in this all - the long distance, the job search that has been going on since September, and wanting His best for us. It will ALL make sense someday, even if it does not now.

The good news is that it is FRIDAY and we can now wear jeans to work on Fridays so yippie!!

So. Not going to freak out. Just pray some more ;) Happy Friday to all of you!

Easter Weekend 2009

*Sigh*

I have to admit it has been tough getting started today - it is more than just being tired from a jam-packed weekend, but tired of this economy and having to say goodbye to Matt. Just worn out. :(
Nevertheless it was *such* a fun weekend! He got in late Thursday night and we miraculously caught the last bus from BWI to the Metro, and managed to hop on the last and final Green, Red, and Orange line trains of the night (late!). He checked into his Hostel and I made it back to my house by ohhhh 1am or soo....Friday was breakfast at a coffee shop in DC, paddle boating on the Tidal Basin in glorious sunshine, lunch at the Museum of the American Indian (the BEST food on the National Mall) and a quick tour of the Library of Congress before they closed. The evening was dinner at Chop't Salad Creations(YUM and HEALTHY!!!) and a showing of "U23D" at the IMAX theater inside the Natural History Museum. So awesome to rock out to U2 but only pay $10 :)Saturday was rainy so we kicked it. Toured the Capital Visitors' Center (amazing - just opened!) and Iwo Jima in the evening. While there, a professional photographer took my camera from me to snap pics of us! What a steal of a deal! :)
So I now know that the best place to get a pic with you and the monuments in the background is at Iwo Jima in Rosslyn. Fantastic! :)

Sunday was Easter and I was not feeling too well. Lack of sleep, all the walking around in warm then cool weather, meal out - I dunno. I was beat. Matt and I went to my church for the service then kicked it the rest of the day. I was better by the evening and able to meet another couple for a dinner out though, so that was great.

Monday was our last day together before he flew out. We spent the morning touring around Old Town while his luggage could be stored at my work. A lovely day, and we were able to just relax and stroll around by the water. A great lunch at Pat Troy's Irish Pub hit the spot. We easily caught the bus/metro/another bus back to BWI by 4pm and said our goodbyes. :(
When you hang out with a fun guy for four days that laughs like this it is hard to say those goodbyes. Thank goodness it is only a 25 day wait until we see each other again though!

We are praying big time about him hearing about a potential job lead this week. Please pray for no red tape - the position is dependent on stimulus funds and we'd like to move things along....

Lastly, I also found out while visiting an Old Town Alexandria jewelry story that I am a size 6 :)

That is the ONLY thing I will EVER be a size 6 in, ever! Hee.

Happy Tuesday, all...now I am off to visit some blogs....

Good Friday

Ok, had to write a couple things.

Firstly, Someone died so that I may live. I am remembering Jesus' sacrifice for me today! This is a weekend to celebrate all things NEW!! I am so excited to celebrate this Easter weekend with Matt!

Secondly, I am SO PROUD of Matt. When he came out of the airport terminal, I about fell over. That boy in the last 52 days has lost about 20 pounds. He gave up soda and juice and started boxing and running - and it has paid off!! I was too swooned to think to take a picture of him then and there but I will most definitely take some photos this weekend :)

Today we are DC tourists - lots to see and do and just enjoy catching up together.

Happy Friday all!

Thankful Thursday

I am borrowing the logo from Tib this week because there is so much to be thankful about!

1. Airplanes. Somehow, those metal tubes have the ability to transport my sweetie from Pasco, WA to Washington, DC. Crazy amazing!

2. Smooches. Legend has it that kissing was invented by Indians. After 52 days of being apart, Matt and I will make up for the lost time. Hee.

3. A job. I am really really grateful to be employed. I don't feel like I deserve it at all, and I am not taking it for granted.

4. Cherry Blossoms! They are gorgeous here and in full bloom! Now, as far as all the tourists these blossoms bring to DC go....(I snagged this pic from my friend Eric. I have NO idea what these gals were thinking...)

5. Good running shoes. I got a little lost on my evening run last night. I thought I would take a detour from the usual path and venture across one of many bridges into DC. I ended up near Georgetown and 3 miles off...which turned my 6-miler into a 9-miler! LOL. Fun times!

6. I'm thankful for my awesome parents and wish them an amazing trip to the Middle East! Wow ten days is a long time not talk with my Mama!

7. Today is my FRIDAY!! Matt flies in tonight and we will be tourists all weekend and then he flies out Monday night. I will be back on Tuesday with some photos :)

Have a wonderful Easter weekend, all. He is Risen!

Fun With Skype

Ha ha ha ho he. Matt is some funny guy. You see, there is a feature when you are on Skype where you can "take a snapshot". Well, it turns out that he has been taking random snapshots of me during many of our conversations! I have no idea what I was doing in many of these shots. Especially the Cousin It picture on the far left bottom. Just me, being weird, as usual :)

We Skype about 3-5 times a week, my favorite chat this week was when I was not feeling well and went into work later one morning. We sat and had coffee together! Then, he told me why the anniversary card he sent never arrived to me: he put his address in the "to" section and mine in the "from". OOPS!

36 hours until he gets here. 52 days since we saw each other last. I'm so excited to spend our first Easter together! (Can you tell??)

It'll be a busy next few days but I will pop into the blogosphere when I can. Happy Wednesday, all! :)

Majestic

Sometimes it is worth it to rise out of bed a little after 5am on a Saturday. Here is why:




I have to admit, that coffee does help :)
And good company that brings yummy food to share. We had moms and brothers visiting - and toted a huge picnic basket!
Love birds :)
So Saturday was a perfect day thanks to that picnic. And yesterday was good too except I came down with a tummy bug and spent the day reading. Which, made it turn out perfect too. I read the entire Nicolas Sparks novel, "The Wedding". Boo-hooed like a baby. Loved it.

I am going to take it easy this morning then try to get into work. I must get better! Matt flies in on Thursday! :)

I am excited.

Happy Monday, all :)

A New Month

Thank God for a clean slate. A new season, new week, new month. I will take it.

Well the dust is starting to settle. At the office we are returning to some sort of normalcy, but cannot help but notice the empty chairs and offices. The work load is still the same too - it is now just spread over more people, including myself. I don't mind the work - I just miss the people. Our fun chats, laughs, stories. It's hard. I am not so good with change, especially when it is so unexpected.

*Sigh*

On a lighter note: Matt will be here in ONE WEEK! YAHOO!

For April Fools' yesterday I told some staff that the bathrooms closest to us were out of order, and hijacked someone's chocolate jar. Matt did not believe me when I told him that my brother-in-law got deported, so that one did not count :)

I'm hoping to take my camera out this weekend for some sunrise photos...the housemates and I are planning a little picnic!

Almost Friday....I hope y'all are doing good today. Thanks for the encouragement!