"Worst Day Ever"

Ok, I know there is only a few hours left to the year but by golly, yesterday was a challenge. I had scheduled way in advance an appointment with a new OB/GYN and went for a scheduled annual appointent. I was there for 3 hours. Worst waiting room experience ever. Every pregnant woman in Manhattan was there and I was not apriority. Got there before 10 which was when my appointment was suppose to be, filled out some forms and then sat there till about 11:45. Then they take me, I do the whole pee in a cup thing-change into the ever so fashionable robe and wait another 30 minutes half naked for the doc.

I get out of there at around 1 and call work to make sure I still have a job-turns out they're closing the office I should just go home. Ugh!

I hadn't eaten any breakfast cause who knew I would be there so long. I get home around 2ish and the newlyweds apparently have just gotten up. Darn! was hoping to have the place to myself. No worries, I ran some errands.

Habibi came home and I wanted to go out for dinner but he was real tired but perked up when the guys called him to go out for a few hours. So I took my sulky ass to bed and that's when things got worse...

No sooner does he leave, when the newbies come back--I think they had an argument or something. So I go to take a shower and there is about foot of water waiting for me in the shower stall. Pipe is clogged. I attempt to fix it myself-no problem. It seems to be working but the clog is real bad--call Habibi who's like, 'it's not gonna get fixed tonight, we'll just use the bathtube." (Tube and shower stall are separate) Well I attempt to empty water out of the stall into the tub (cause water is now black and gross) and it won't go down the tub drain. Ok, that's it no more! I go to put the tools back in the closet, as I'm doing this, I giant can of Lysol falls, lands on my big toe nail, smashes and cracks it to smithereens. Blood everywhere! Toe is now an amazing shade of teal and I've got blood oozing out of it.


Call Habibi cause I'm in too much pain and stunned by this. He says, "I'll be right there and I'll clean it for you." First I thought it might be broken cause it was way too painful and I couldn't move it. So I lay down on the bed with the foot hanging off it. By the time he got home, I had fallen asleep and it had been a couple of hours and not the 10 minutes he promised. In the meantime, my toe is still bleeding and is running down my foot making it look really bad. He comes in--runs over and goes "oh, my God!, I thought you were joking." My toe is now the size of my foot and there is discoloration and blood everywhere. He cleaned me up and I whimpered a bit then he has the ambition or inspiration to get a bit amorous. I turn to him and say, "my lesbian doctor has been down there today and the shower is broken..." He moves slowly away from me and rolls ov er.

Oh, so long, farwell 2004. I will not miss you at all!

"Reflecting..."

It been such a crazed few weeks that I thought today would be a good day to look back, review and get you all updated. I know you've been waiting for that...

Finals were ok. A little tough but I pulled my way through. Islamic class was a take home final--she asked us three questions on things we hadn't really talked about at all and told us to use the textbook that we also never used before. I found a lot of info online and hopefully it will all be ok. I pooped out a little bit at the end I was still sick and frankly just exhausted. Latin American was a nail biter. I had missed 2 classes and she wasn't clear at the end about what she wanted the exam to be about. So I had no real reference for studying but I put everything I had into it and hoped for the best.

Very funny story about Christmas Eve to share. I knew BIL & SIL were planning to go to NJ to visit her family. I didn't want to go because they don't celebrate Christmas, why would I get a tree and presents only to abandon them on Christmas Day. So they decided that they were going to leave the next day instead. They go out and I get a call from them about 1/2 hour later. They've invited so-and-so, his wife, his wife's sister, and his wife's sister's friend for dinner around 10 pm. Did I need anything for the house? No I 'm ok. That's all I said--I didn't say I was cooking, I figured SIL would want to cook for them. But it turns out, that I had just asked Habibi to invite the above mentioned crew over for the next day-Christmas Day. I had bought everything ahead of time, so I figured what they heck, I know what I want to make let me start cooking anyway when SIL gets here I can go clean or something else right?

It's now about 9 pm-ish, no inlaws in sight and dinner is about 3/4th's the way done. I've made berkoula (a spinach and garlic dish), zalouk (an eggplant & tomato dish), Moroccan salad, 3 cornish game hens-Moroccan Royale style (had to use 2 pots to cook it cause I don't have one big pot-then you bake it) and I'm about 1/2 way through making the dessert-chocolate covered strawberries and grapes when the inlaws stroll in around 9:23 pm. Keep in mind folks, guests arriving at 10.

Prior to this around 9, Habibi comes into the kitchen and I'm laughung out loud. He's like, "what's up?" And I say, "I find it funny, that they invite people over but aren't here to prepare for them." And I did-I found this hilarious-not malicious funny or ironic funny but honestly, belly moving ha-ha funny. Seriously, I didn't mind, I wanted to do it and I was planning to do it just 24 hours later. What was the big deal? About 2 minutes later, Habibi comes storming back into the kitchen yelling, "Stop! Stop!" So I'm thinking maybe they cancelled- he goes, this is wrong, you shouldn't be doing this I want you to stop cooking right now! I''m like, ok?, give him a hug and tell him not to worry--I'm ok.

So he fumes & cleans, I cook and the newlyweds breeze in. Guests arrive and I haven't had time to shower or change at all. But SIL's hair is nicely coiffed, makeup, change of clothes and serves tea in her 24 K gold tea glasses and pot. I'm a big, sweaty, chocolate smeared mess but HAPPY! Cause I'm filled with the Holiday Spirit!

I get the rest of dinner ready-table, condiments, arrangments you name it, it's all good. Everyone comes in to sit down and starts eating. I get up to get something from the kitchen , on my way back I hear everyone saying in Moroccan to SIL--this is an amazing dinner, everything tastes perfect, praise, glory and blessings to the almighty chef. SIL looks down at the table and admits that I cooked all of it: an American, prepared an authentic Moroccan meal on Christmas Eve. I AM QUEEN!

Seriously, I wasn't upset and this isn't a look, point a finger, throw a stone at her kind if story. It's a Stacey set a challenge, met it and exceeded her own expectations story. It's a story of personal triumph not who's better than who. Plus, she's been cooking everyday she's been here so she gets daily praise. Plus as an added bonus SIL & BIL got me a wireless internet card for my laptop as a Christmas gift and so they are so awesome for doing that. Now I can go online from anywhere--it's so great!

Christmas Day was just me and my Hbaibi--hasn't been that way since our first Christmas together back in 1999. And there were ton of leftovers, movies to watch and xbox games to play, plus it was real fun reflecting the Christmas light off my new rock.

On Sunday, went to see this little guy:

My godchild Nasim. He's a month old now and such a butterball. It was fun holding and feeding him.

I want to send a big ole thanks to Pat for always sending us a Christmas card with a picture of her boys- Samir & Nezar who are my two favorite Moroccan-American kids. I cannot believe how much they have grown. Issame gave a big shout when he saw the card and started comparing it to last years. He's convinced you skipped a year cause they are so grown up in this picture. You can see hints of the young men they are going to be. You are so blessed!

And the thank you cloud gets blown cross the continent to my best chum Ramela who knows me all too well. My art loving buddy who is always so thoughtful just when I need a good Ramela thought the most. Just yesterday, on my way home from work, I was thinking, "jeez, haven't heard from Ramela, hope everythings ok-must call her this weekend (pause for random thought) ya know I need to get a small purse or something cause now that I don't have school, I don't need to lug these big bags around, (return thought) hope Jimmy & Ramela had a good Christmas, will call Ramela tonight. What happens, I get home and there is a package from Ramela waiting for me. And what's inside? A small wrist purse in green (my new favorite color!) How did you know? So scary! I love you lots!!!

OK, let me get my crazy butt back to work...I missed you guys! Happy Holidays!!!

"Merry Bling Bling"

So when Santa went looking to see what was on my Christmas list, all he found was gifts and good thoughts for everyone else. It's been a rough year for my Habibi and so when I wanted to get him something good to let him know that I'm proud of his hard work and new and improved life change and since he's been staying home ALOT more I thought I'd make the home more conducive to fun and get him an Xbox system.

We had one on loan term loan for a while--it was his cousins. He bought games for it and everything and then bought it off his cousin. Cousin turns around and decided no he wants to bring it to Morocco--so Bye, bye Xbox! So I thought he still had all the games but no my good hearted guy gave them to his cousin.

So I bought him a bunch of soccer games for it and bought a Soprano's card trivia game. I wrapped the games up and put it inside the Sopranos game tin box. So when Habibi opened the box, he thought it was Soprano dvds, then I played it off like they had sent me the wrong stuff. Then I said hey, why don't we get an Xbox and pulled the one I got for him out of my magic hat.

He was so surprised, he couldn't believe it. But he's happy and that makes me happy too. In the midst of him setting the game up, he slips a small box into my hand. It's a beautiful wooden box that opens up to what was once my engagement ring set with a "Moroccan"diamond. He replaced the "Moroccan" diamond with something a little more precious in gem--not sentiment.


When he gave me the ring 3 years ago, he promised that every 5 years he would replace one of the diamonds in my ring. (In Morocco you get two rings-the usual engagement type ring and then an accompanied band usually with "diamonds". I had a solitaire and a thin band with about 8 "diamonds" on it. So you figure in 45 years I would have a complete diamond set. I'm not a bling bling girl at all--heck, I'd wear a macaroni bracelet if he made it for me. Even though I loved and was proud to wear my Moroccan diamond, I have to admit that it is a bit nice to have something a little traditional and "real" nice. I always feel sometimes that I'm not or we're not where we should be in our relationship. We don't have a house, a car, a dog, I don't have a real ring, we didn't have a wedding yadda, yadda, yadda. Now I feel a little bit sad that my Moroccan diamond has been replaced but my Moroccan jewel hasn't. I think now I will appreciate more the untraditional gifts I have and not worry so much about what others have.

I've especially been feeling that way lately with SIL being here and getting all new furniture she got really nice wedding gifts from the family--maybe I should say she got gifts unlike the American DIL who got a pepto bismol pink lamp from an unknown distant relative. I didn't get the 24K tea glass set with tray, and teapots. Or the dinner plates or the very nice necklace and matching earrings. Plus they just got a complete bedroom set. I realize that yeah she has this all in my house, not her own but I feel a little well, left out. I'm not venting--I have some nice jewelry pieces and everyone always treats me with respect--I just wished they would treat me like they would if I were a Moroccan DIL and not a stereotypical American, ya know?

But today is a good day, a happy day and I'm back with more crazy adventures in

Before I left for Florida, our head chef made his first cous cous ever! All by himself! 

The Proud Chef showing off his masterpiece. He actually had me video tape the whole process while he narrated in English & Arabic like one of those cooking shows. Superstar! 

I have the official task of being the Sous Chef or preparer, I do all the chopping and cleaning up and of course eating! 

Me & Nasim- He's so precious! 

This is our godchild Nasim about 24 hours old here. 

"Forgiveness"

Forgive me, friends & occasional visitors to my blog. It's finals and I'm freaked out. SO I may not be bloggin as often as one would like...considering Iwent to bed at 4 a.m. and got up at 6 a.m. and am here at work, working on some last minute details to my paper is pure amazement. Amd mo drugs either. Pure Fear!

Anyway...laterz!

"Have I Told You Lately..."

...just how much I love my guy!

I know, I know...some of you could quote from this blog all the rants I've had about my Habibi and I would say, "you're right, so right!" But now I'm talking about the new and improved, supped-up Habibi. He just makes me feel so special and so happy. I have to admit some of our arguments and problems came from my anxieties and hang-ups about where I thought our relationship should be. Don't get me wrong, he's not completely off the hook on some of the crazy-ass stunts he has pulled. But I have to admit that I haven't given him a chance on certain things to be a husband and a good friend.

I think some of it has to do with him being in Morocco for so long, then coming back broke, some of it is me being back in school which has benefited him as well as it has for me. He sees me focused and dedicated and not always able to do the things I use to around the house and he sees the sacrifices or schedule changes I make in order to make myself free to spend time together. I've sacrificed a lot to be here with him but it was so worth it when he came into the room last night. I was working on my paper and the three of them were in the kitchen blasting music, laughing and dancing. I felt left out but I had work to do. He came in with this angry look on his face, shaking his finger at me. I thought he was going to say something about me being anti-social or something, he says, "Why didn't you (pause) give me a kiss today? Leans down and practically swallowed me, soul and all with his sweet kiss. Then gave me this hug to end all hugs. That was the first time since I was probably a kid, that I felt safe and solid in someone's embrace. That sense of security and confidence is what helps me wake up in the morning and get to work early and its the tone of voice I use when he starts freaking out about money. I tell him, "we're ok, and we're going to continue to be ok". I think now we have a clearly sense of responsible for ourselves and each other. I don't know how it happened or when and frankly I'm not going to rack my brain trying to figure out dates and times. I'm just going to be thankful and positive and move forward and let nothing stand in our way.

B-I-G S-I-G-H!!!




SIDE NOTE:

I got some concerned comments and emails about my thoughts on having Prince Buddy de-clawed. I have done a lot of research on it, I think I interviewed 7 people about it and called 3 doctors and the amount of online info is of course, amazing. I wouldn't be considering if it wasn't a necessity. Buddy is 2 years old and has lived on the streets of Brooklyn for what may have been his whole life. He's use to scratching trees and other cat bullies. We also have a rather expensive carpet in our apartment that my landlord has already said I'll probably have to pay to replace. Not to mention some serious scars and (on accident) he got me close to a small vein in my hand and there was squirting and gushing. It takes 3 people to clip his nails and 3 pairs of heavy rubber gloves to get the task done. He's got scratching posts, mats, crappy furniture and old pieces of carpet we've strategically placed in every room. We also has scratching sessions, where Issame and/or I would get on the floor with him and show him how and where to scratch. Right now, it's just an informational conversation, I really don't think we'll do it. Thanks for being concerned about my Buddy-boy!

"Stick A Fork In Me..."

...I am D-O-N-E!!!!

Habibi's sick... the bad cold kind but he also has something sort of serious wrong with his tummy. Went to the Doc and their running some tests on him next week. I hope he'll be ok.


Paper is coming along nicely and will prepare my study stuff after Monday. Had my last class on Tuesday, I will feel liberated after the grades are in though.

Apparently I've been sleeping on a Zen pillow cause right now I don't have a rant or worry to my name. That's not true, I have several, I'm just trying to approach life in a different more peaceful & calm way. Gotta think about the ole' ticker!!

We're having a naked Christmas this year---in not so dirty mind girl terms, we're really not having one. We may get a real small tree, the kind you can plant, I already got a huge pink pointsetta. Minimal decorations and nothing but me & my Habibi snuggling under the tree. We may be broke but we're happy and in love. It's a great Christmas!!

"My House is a Caravansary"

My house is in a constant state of hosting dinners, guests or permenant residence. We're 20 minutes from the airport by car and 15 from the beach by foot. We're the perfect beach resort location. Caravansary's were designed during the Ottoman Empire to house and host visiting merchants, under Muslim law you are allowed to stay there for free for up to 3 days. Need to get a sign that says that for my front door.

We're always in a state of hospitality and visitation. I guess I should have been an innkeeper's wife which makes me think of that song from Les Miserables..."Master of the House". This master of the house is always doling out the charm which makes all the wrong people keep coming back for more.

Yesterday was a shceduled day off, today is recovery day. I made the mistake of eating last night and boy, was my stomach not happy. Need to recharge before I go head first into another big project for work, my paper and finals. Cheers to Ginger Ale!

Quote of the Day
"I killed a mosquito with my underwear last night" -Issame

"The Flu Blues"

It's been no secret that I've been feeling under the weather. But I'll be honest, I've been feeling outright exhausted. I thought maybe its all this weight I've been lugging around, so I tried exercising and lacked energy to do that. Worked real late Friday night, got home around 1amish, then dragged my caboose to a Saturday class at 11 am at the Brooklyn Museum. People I didn't even know were telling me I looked like Death's Twin Sister (her name's Cecilia), came home took a 2 hour nap and felt better. Habibi went out and I worked on my paper (which I got an extension for) and felt really great. Felt great on Saturday but don't be fooled, this was just the calm before the storm. Then a wave of nauseau came over me and wouldn't go away, so I'm not thinking flu or food poisoning, no Stacey's drama queen brain instantly thinks morning sickness. Dumbass!


Well after the 3rd round in the bathroom and this hard knot feeling in my tummy that I swore was an alien child turning over, I realized this ain't no morning sickness....then spoke with my mom who said my bro had the same thing and its the flu. Issame then made me some Moroccan voodoo concoction and I drank it, threw it all up and felt great after that. LOL. I'm still a little tired but am taking it slow, after that we just hung in the house cleaning and cooking and another couple stopped by and we made them dinner. Issame was able to fix our old satellite and so now we get 2M TV which is the big Moroccan TV network. He's so happy and this helps me with my Arabic but now I'm starting to get addicted to some of these crazy soap opera shows. Some of the things they come up with just cracks me up.

So, I had already scheduled to take today off and am just relaxing before my class this evening and working on my paper.

The good thing is that my baby and I had the whole apartment to ourselves as BIL & SIL went to Atlantic City to visit her brothers. So it was nice for us to be by ourselves and gave us a sneak peak as to what our lives will be like in a few more months when BIL moves out and we have this big spacious apartment to ourselves. I'm holding out for that, its what's keeping me motivated and happy.

Hope everyone is feeling better than me and had a great weekend as well.

"What A Welcoming"

Tuesday afternoon

Came home to new sister-in-law
some of my kitchen things not in the right place
took the 2 moroccan end tables i was going to use as my nightstand and took it into their room
my guestroom is now BIL storage room
using my futon mattress
cat scratched me

Wednesday

flooding rain downpour
train derailment, then fire, then another derailment
trapped in subway tunnel for 30 minutes
late to my morning meeting
come back to new email server that lost all my emails
discovered computer infected with spyware, need to erase and re-build
couldn't hand in my draft to Islamic art professor
coming down with fever and then chills
cat bites me

Thursday
body aches
miss my doc appointment
computer a total mess
preparing for big movie screening with 300+ people tomorrow night
am sitting here writing this in a feverish sweat
still no email or computer, using absent co-workers office
trying to figure out where to get the $$ to have cat de-clawed