Monday, March 27, 2017

Graduation, Health, & Changes

Mohammed & Amina,

So I graduated from school last year, but am going forward to finish the next level to make sure my future is secure. :-)
Oh...and Amina...something I came across while learning new things...check out Spina Bifida Occulta. I read about it at http://www.shinecharity.org.uk/spinabifida/information-publications/spina-bifida-occult and some of the outward signs you have on your lower back (the red heart mark with a dimple). Might be something for you to be aware of.
I am moving, but staying in the same state. I'm going to be about 15 minutes east of the state capitol over by one of my sisters and will probably be there for at least the next 6 years or so. Really close to one of the state universities. A lot of changes going on in general, but they are all good. One of your female cousins is graduating from Yale this spring. The 2 boys you used to play with are doing well and both are working in construction.
I may not write much here, but I do think of you.

Love Always and Forever


Sunday, May 8, 2016

Mother's Day

Mohammed & Amina,

Mother's day from the perspective of the child is a day to give mom flowers and make breakfast in bed. Maybe mom will go to the salon or out to dinner, but to me it is much more than that. To me it is a day to remember you. A day to remember your laugh, your smile, your "I love you mom" notes...a day to remember the joy you brought to my life on the day you were born. A day to send you prayers of light and love through time and space. No one and nothing can take that joy from me. I am grateful this mother's day for all the love we share. And one day....we'll sit across the table from each other and smile xoxo

I love you....now and forever

Love,

Mom


Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Transition into Adulthood

Well, it looks like it is advice time again!

A new year marks new beginnings.You're getting older with each passing day and I want to give some more words of wisdom. I know driving is probably in your mind now. I know I went right after my birthday! My dad had me drive his manual truck and I failed the driving test because I stalled the truck while parallel parking. I passed the next time. I am not a fan of driving larger vehicles.

It's good to get a small part time job. Learn to manage your finances, deal with people in a fair and respectable manner, be on time, and to save for financial independence. It is always always always a good idea to save up enough money to have a buffer for an emergency. This amount will change over time, but for now it should probably be enough for gas and car insurance for 2 months. No job is "beneath" you. They all teach lessons whether it's a bagger or a cashier or scrubbing toilets. You have to do step 1 before 2,3,and 4. First impressions stick. Attitude is important.

I enjoyed working in the printing field. It had computer mixed with some graphic design. It had customer service and working with various machines that I could run and fix when they jammed. It was a challenge mentally and fun and I learned so many more skills that I was able to carry forward into future jobs. If you do go the construction route, just be careful...it can really mess up your body over time. I wouldn't advise that route if you can help it (or only do it on the side). It is better to do something with brains versus brawn. Granted...it is good to learn how to do basic repair and building if you're male or female. I mean come on....to not know what a Philip's screwdriver is is kinda bad lol. It is good to have a general knowledge on a broad range of subjects. You don't have to master them all.

Driving is a privilege, not a right. I tend to have a heavy foot (not always on purpose), but if I do get caught, it is my own fault and I have no one to blame but myself. Driving is a "tool". Honestly it is much better to get to work by car than by foot/bike.

An old car/truck is the best bet for your first car. If you damage it, it isn't the end of the world. Insurance is cheaper, taxes are cheaper, and over time the value can go up. A V6 Chevy Camaro from the 80's would probably be a good choice or an older truck that maybe you can work on? Plus buying parts to replace aren't too expensive either. You can get manuals to help teach you how to fix the car. Haynes is a good choice.

Of course you will make mistakes. You don't have to be perfect. What matters is that you tried your best. Just get back up and try again. Life does suck sometimes, but it comes in waves with high points and lows. If it's raining...just wait...eventually it does get better!

I love you.... Good luck with milestones!

Love,
Mom    


Sunday, May 10, 2015

Mother's Day

So today is mother's day Mohammed Abdelhaq and Amina Abdelhaq...and another year of remembrance of you from afar. So because you can not reach out to me today...I will celebrate you....with happiness, with sadness, with hope......with love.

I love you both with all my heart. Here are some songs for you. Hugs and kisses

Love,
Mom 








Sunday, May 3, 2015

Types of Abuse Everyone Should Know About

I'm learning about violence and abuse in one of my nursing classes and felt it was a good thing to share with others. People think of abuse as only using physical punishment, but it is far more than that. If anyone is experiencing any of these, they may wish to take action so they don't continue to live like this. Read more at libraries, seek out support groups. Ask for help. You can NOT change an abuser. This is NOT NORMAL. Life does NOT have to be like this. It CAN be better. I know...I lived it, but am now free.