Horray for My Sister

I know I haven't posted in a while, but this was definitely something worth mentioning.

My sister has been working so hard with her students (she's a middle school Science teacher in downtown Jersey City) to create and maintain this beautiful garden. Her school is one of the newest and most advanced (technology-wise) schools in the city, so she was given a rooftop terrace with a green house adjacent to her classroom. She started a gardening club (with the help of our fabulously green-thumbed mother) and got her kids to start planting in this greenhouse.

Check out this video that was featured on NJ.com about my sister and her students.

Jersey City's first school rooftop garden

Horray! So proud of her!

33 years

I'm dedicating this post to my parents, because today is their 33rd wedding anniversary ....holy shit that's a long time. if you know my parents, dealing with them for even just a few hours is a huge accomplishment, they're both nuts! But dealing with each other for 33 years is amazing. They met while my mom was working at a local A&P as a cashier and in father approached my mother, noticing her name was Maria, and proceeded to speak to her in his Arabic accented Italian (Although my dad is from Egypt, he became fluent in Italian after living in Italy before coming to America.

My parents got married after about 8 months at the city hall in Jersey City, followed by a tiny "reception" (it was more like a little gathering) in the basement of my grandparent's house (which my family still resides in!).

I'm sure they will agree that it's had their ups and downs but in the end I bet they would agree it was worth it. I hope one day I'll be celebrating 33 years being married to my husband...

And now for the throwback...My father feeding my mother wedding cake (how cute!) 33 years ago to this day! Zi groom feedz zi bride! Check out my father's afro LMAO!

Silent Apology

Today I was on the train coming home from work and I saw someone that I'm pretty sure I went to high school with. She was a girl not in the same grade as me, but probably a year or two behind me. If I remember correctly she hung out with some girls that were not considered "cool"and probably made fun of by myself or my clique of friends.

For some reason when I recognized her on the train I got kinda sad because I realized I must have missed out on some really great people that I've crossed in life. I was probably too selfish, too self conscious or whatever it was that held me back from talking to this girl in high school. Maybe because she wasn't "cool" or "popular" I didn't want to associate myself with her.

I can still picture her from high school--she hung out with a crew of girls that all looked like they didn't belong in my pretty all girls high school. They sat at the back lunchtables like a crew ofoutsiders. But I got this sudden urge to smile a her, maybe even give up my seat for her and I don't know why. Maybe I feel like I owe her something? But I don't because I'm the one that could have potentially missed out. Maybe I thought of it as an apology? Quite possibly I wanted to send her a message, "hey I'm not that same girl I was, I'm such abetter person."

I think I'm trying to prove to the world and myselfthat I've changed and I'm a better person because I am. I've grownsince high school--actually I'm a different girl since last month. Maybe if I just smile at her she'll accept it as my silent apology.

(I actually typed this onto my Blackberry as I was on the train, I'm just posting it. As I was getting off the train I did smile at her. Whether or not she saw it, I don't know. Lesson learned)

peace out.

ok just for a little bit. after some massive contemplation and reflection on my life i've decided to go MIA for a while. i need to sort some things out and shut some doors, permanently.

revolving door

I need to stop letting guys walk in and out of my life.

it's unhealthy and brings no stability whatsoever...it's like a never ending cycle; if you're going to go, go for good.

getting engaged during the holidays is cliche

So the other day, I updated my Facebook status with "Dina thinks getting engaged during Christmas/New Years is cliche..." and it turned into a big discussion between my sisters and me.

My one sister, who is an absolute moron, thought it was "super cute." But I'm really adament about this because if a guy proposed to me during the holidays, I'd tell him to be more creative and then say no.

Seriously, there are 365 fucking days out of the year so there are many options. Why should I have to have my engagement overshadowed by Jesus' birthday or the New Year. My birthday is 2 weeks before and that already interfers--I don't need something else devaluing a very special day to me. Seriously.

I also think getting married during that time is ridiculous too. Why the hell would I want to share my anniversary? Sure, its a super sweet time during the holidays and we all love the jolly cheers in the air, but why can't I just be selfish and want ONE day to celebrate something important to me?

Also, if you think giving me a ring during the holidays gives you a free pass to skip out on a gift for me--think again. So those of you thinking that the ring counts as a Christmas gift--it doesn't. The ring celebrates our engagement, Christmas is a totally different holiday. Nice try buddy.

Definitely don't even think about proposing on my birthday. Even if my birthday wasnt 2 weeks before Christmas it still would not be allowed. Again, it's not a cop-out for a birthday gift. So basically, no proposing from November 18ish until February 14---because Valentine's day is the WORST of all!

So future boyfriend, pick another time please...show me your way more spontaneous and creative than that. So basically, no proposing from November 18ish until February 14---because ugh, Valentine's day is the WORST and MOST CLICHE of all days!

Oh and one more thing, in case you dont remember my post about my engagement ring, here is a little reminder.

where have I been?

I know I posted before about this being about my dating or whatever and that I have a little crush, but then totally disappeared from the earth. The truth is, a lot did happen and I did write about it, but before I could finish the post it ended and I refuse to publish it. Now it's just sitting there as a draft...