A Glimpse of Daylight

Work papers are coming through. The place looks something like this. Stay tuned.

Someone Else's Idea

/>

Well alright then.

oh for heaven's sake

Out of sheer desperation, I accepted a job in Korea... but as we all know that is not really where I want to be. But I suck it up and get the gig. THEN I hear back from a school in Algeria. I follow up with them, and hope this doesn't take another 2 weeks. Apparently a visa to Algeria only requires $100, which is forthcoming from the brother. Aaarrrgh. So if I get the Algerian gig, I will cancel the Korean gig (sorry, folks) and fork over the cash. Alright. Let me make something happen somewhere interesting. Surely a North African gig will be more labor-intensive, and probably less lucrative, than a Korean gig, but......we are not really here for the $. I don't want another cruddy winter. So wheels are turning, more to come... Stay tuned.

The Worst Muslim on Earth

Just watched Le Grand Voyage with my roommate. I know I'm supposed to go on this trip, but I don't see how this would ever be possible: the expense alone is exorbitant. But it's important. Suffice to say that Islam makes a damn sight more sense to me than it used to. I (breathlessly) anticipate that I will be closer to my spot in the sun for Ramadan, which I find quite compelling.

I feel no compulsion to explain this to anyone; I believe God gets it (insha'llah) and the rest of you can get knotted.

The Path is still clear. Nothing can obscure it but for my own foolishness. Meanwhile, progress of the Plan continues slowly. We will see in a couple weeks. Health remains strong, hamd'ulillah.

I am amazed by the clarity of the Path and its revelation to me. I never thought anything like this would happen, but it has. So it has been decreed, so shall it remain. How comforting.

Productive Staggering, for a Change

Against all odds, I actually got a job!! No small feat in Ithaca, my placid town where being trilingual is not much of a distinction, and even less use. I am happily employed at Ithaca Coffee, where I spent 5 hours today learning how to do a few useful things. There will be more useful hours to come; inshalla'ah I will learn how to use the cash register in time. It's an agreeable place with an excellent beer selection. And it leaves room for the writing gig in a few months: I will be able (if all goes well) to handle both. Cross your fingers.

I am pleased as punch to be useful again. Even if I am the oldest member, even if I work with a girl who was born when I was in high school--it doesn't really bother me. This is all on the way back to where I should be. God bless our every move.

Let the Questions be Answered

Because it's her birthday. She's 21 today. Jalila Benlali, she's awesome. She didn't believe me when I said that her looks would turn heads in New York. But I don't lie about legs like that. Enough mournful drooling.