BACK IN UK

I've abandon my blog for awhile...as usual, there are too many things to do and yet, too little time. but I managed to get away from the hussle and bussle of that small town. It is good to have a break when all of the sudden, you feel free like a bird. Well, not really...but I try to use my time to think less of work and more of myself. Good to be back where there are many familiar faces around - and updating news of friends around here - people got married, having children, moved.. so many things have changed and I've only been away for a year or so.

It is very cold in Swansea these past few days. The smell of colored leaves on the ground really brings back the memory of winter and life as a graduate student. It surely was stressful but when someone mentioned that given even 1 million, no one would want to do PhD for the second time, I said I would do it. I don't know. It is good to live without any specific schedule. At work, you need to deal with too many things - sometimes you think that they must be crazy assigning you with lots of tasks all at the same time. Do they think that you are a robot? I hate being in those group of people who live for their work. I work to live - I have alot of other important things in life that are of higher priority like family. Surely, going back to UK is all about family.... and today, is another successful day for the family. God is most merciful and kind.

It was drizzling and cold early this morning. I was waiting for a bus -not a common thing for me.. I've been driving around before and now, i am less mobile. Those ladies and gentlemen who waited at the bus stop were surely friendly. That lady told me of a famous phrase among these 'bus waiters' - watched kettle never boils! In Swansea, most of the users of their transportation system are elderly people (and of course, university students)... the lady who talked to me stopped driving and become a regular bus rider. They all seem kind and friendly.

Back at the university mosque, things are much as it was.. people are kind and although there are many new faces, it still feels like home. Sheikh Mohsen is clever as ever with his words. his children's english is so much better than before. They have quran class yesterday, charity activities last week.. still tafseer class every Monday but yesterday, the class was cancelled and so many other activities on the board showing their motivation and enthusiasm in working with the student/community. Someone took shahadah a few days back and it was funny yesterday, when she told us that she was playing with a wet dog before she came to the mosque and we were like dumbstruck but still all smiling! Not that it is prohibited but we try to avoid dogs when they are wet. she said the dog was so cute and she simply forgot.. so the dog was all over her ;)

Amir met most of his schoolmates.. he must be very happy! i know he missed them so much.

many things happened today.... and i feel like tired now but I had to walk or take a bus home. So I better pack up my things now. It has been a long day but certainly, it feels good to be back in UK!!!

Oh.. We might have a small celebration party later today ;;;)