sometimes..love comes in doses.

Sometimes you meet the love of your life; and then realize that it was a tad bit too early.

Sometimes the whole world realizes that simple fact along with you guys.

Sometimes it makes you sad.

Sometimes; you decide that despite that little set back; nothing has to change.

Sometimes; you make him your best friend.

Sometimes; and surely in this case; that is precisely what happens.

And then sometimes; he decides that you are still going to be the love of his life, now, and when the time is right.

the trees finally changed colors in the middle of december..

literally and figuratively. trees hardly change colors in my hometown; and when they do its a sight that everyone notices. you know the usual oranges and yellows and burgundy's that they change to in other parts of the state. but here in phoenix its like once in a blue moon. and as my friend says to me yesterday- "your like a blue moon; hardly visible and seen; but when you are-your beauty entraps us and we want to spend as many moments as possible in your presence". that was sweet of him indeed; and the trees changing colors here are just like that feeling. and wit the changing of the colors came the changing of things and people around me.


im usually a spring gal. my birthday roles around during that time; im usually looking forward to not being in school in the summer; i tend to take more interesting classes in the spring and actually do better in school; i liven up; i wear more bright colors; i don't dread waking up in the morning because its the perfect mix of weather; i usually tend to have more time to enjoy with my friends; and wit the passing and coming of a new age so to is the passing and coming of my intelligence and maturity. simply put. im just a spring gal.

but this year i find myself betraying my usual stepping out of my shell in the spring and find myself basking in this winter of 2010. just within the past 2 months i see myself becoming the person that i dream i will be fully content with as an elder. ive learned to prioritize my life; learned to prioritize my friendships; my education; my family; my future; and my hopes and dreams. perhaps this is due to the upcoming travels in my life-which is really a first for me. i somehow have this feeling that this upcoming trip will either become wat i look back on years later and explain to people that this was the moment; u know when u figure out who you are finally and who your content in being...or this trip will be the death of me. this is precisely wat i tell people when they ask about wat im feeling as the days come closer. n then they hear the death part - and i get weird looks or talks of denial. all i know is that as a young child i learned that when you plan things; the most you can do is plan what is humanly possible; and then the rest leave with Allah's knowledge. i also learned that no plans we humans make ever turn out the way we imagined. and this is no exception. i know in my heart that although i planned this trip to increase my knowledge in education and self; i also know that Allah has another agenda for me. and whatever that may be- i will be content with; and this includes death. its not anything to be afraid of and when we are born thats the only thing we really have to look forward to. all the inbetween's from birth to death-well theyre all just a preparation for the finality of things. its up to you wat u make of this in between. and im ready for watever will come my way, Inshallah. no reason in being afraid of something that you know your bound to not miss.

and so this winter im changing whatever is humanly possible for me to change to better myself instead of waiting for my spring to arrive. as i wake up everymorning; i am reminded of why i am doing the things i am doing. yes there are days when i have a change of heart and when it is truly just easier for me to quit, get married, and lead wat i would suppose to be a peaceful life. but everymorning still i am reminded of why i started on this journey from the beginning; why i continue to tell myself- that for me-the struggle is worth it. i remind myself that i was not put on this earth to live in comfort; and that my mother and father didn't raise a woman out of me that abandons her responsibilities-that forgets the struggle they went through to get me to this age. i found myself struggling to get up and out of the house before them everymorning. Because what a shame it would be for me to be sleeping in; while they go to work to put a roof over our heads; with no sleep the night before. i cannot be peaceful nor find tranquility in living a life like that. so instead i make a list in my mind everynight of what i can do tomorrow - to make sure that i can soon get to a stage where i can tell them; okay look you've done enough. please just rest now. ive got it from here on out. i am now taking my responsibilities.

so ive changed my lazy natural ways. ive realized that losing sleep on days on end only means that i will be able to sleep soon enough. ive realized that instead of complaining about my life and all the things i want to change about it; i should make a mental note of that complaint list and change something one day at a time- to where i wont need that list anymore. ive realized that i need to struggle to change the way that i deal with family including friends that i consider family. i realized that subconsciously i am changing the way i talk about useless stuff and instead replacing that talk with one that benefits me and the person i am talking with. i find myself changing the people around me and therefore find myself noticing the change in them. i find myself looking forward to only tomorrow--- after i watched cnn and the anouncements about the world cup in 2022 and the first thought in my mind was if i live to that year i will be 33, probably married with kids; and the second thought being who knows if i will live to be that age and who knows if those making the announcement will be there to see that day. n then it hit me. as 8 years has gone by since i was a child in my freshman year of highschool- 8 years had gone by where i have only brief memories of those years; of 8 years that i didnt realize brushed by me; 8 years that may come in the future; 8 years we dont notice at all until one day 8 years later we are trying to figure out what we did with our time. i decided no longer am i gonna be living in the future that may not come; but ill try to live in the immediate present of my days and the tomorrows that i wake up to. i am not looking forward to the future that will one day become my past. n then i found myself at ease as i started living by this new rule for weeks now. only accomplishin as much as i can to not have regrets. a burden was lifted and for me i found a way to be stress free. i found a way to go back to my roots and leave everything to Allah; and i am finally beginning to understand what it means to have faith.

trees hardly change colors in my hometown; literally and figuratively; and when they do its a sight that everyone notices. but this time around, that everyone is just me.

'Being Somali & Muslim'--Interviewer: Alex Rogue; Interviewee: Me

When did you move here? Why?

I moved here July 1996, because the war started in Somalia around 1990, and we had to leave for safety reasons. We left Somalia in 1993 and then moved to neighboring Kenya and were there from '93 to '96, when we moved to the US.

What was your transition like moving?

Moving here from my perspective wasn't so bad. I was still very young to pay attention to anything or remember much. But from my mother's perspective- moving was very difficult. She left everything in Somalia and Kenya, because she was told that America will give you everything you want and more. The saying goes "Money grows on trees and walls there", meaning that money is just readily available. My mother only packed two outfits each for all of my siblings and I, and left everything behind under the pressure that American would bring everything she hoped for. She moved 5 of us children and herself. I remember our transition once we got to America though. We were placed in a 2 bedroom apartment with only two mattresses on the floor. And nothing in the fridge or the kitchen. My mother thought she was in a dream and couldn't believe that this was the America that she had heard so much of. Life back home was instantly better. I remember her crying herself to sleep every night and telling my father, who was in London at the time, of the horrible conditions we were placed in. He didn't believe her.

American Experience versus Somalia? Differences? Surprises?

My American experience versus my Somali experience is probably much different from others, since I left Somalia at a very young age. But something I remember distinctly about Somalia is the fact that families were very close with each other there, including extended family. When we were born, my mom had relatives who were staying with us, taking care of us, while she rested and recuperated from giving birth. There was also always family members around to give a helping hand. My grandparents lived a little bit farther away from the house, but I remember my Grandfather coming to pick me up every friday and taking me out. 

America is much different. There isn't much of a family life here. Once kids reach the age of 18, they are "free" and can do as they please. Parents even encourage them to move out. And when the parents reach old age- they are placed in a nursing home. This would never occur in Somalia. Children live with their parents until they're married. Any family member is always welcome to stay with you for as long as they would like. Grandparents live with their children or grandchildren in their old age. Here in America, there wasn't anyone around to help us with adjusting besides our case worker. And our case worker had many other clients.

As for surprises-- the biggest surprise was that what you are made to believe about America back home is nothing like it actually is. No one ever speaks of the struggle that occurs here, and the fact that you will probably not have much time with your kids or for resting.

Do You still visit Somalia? Do you have family that lives there?

No I haven't been back home since I left, but I plan on going this summer, Inshallah. As for family that lives there. There is plenty. Mostly from my mom's side of the family. My mom has a lot of family members were as my dad doesn't.

How do you and your family hold on to your culture here in the U.S.

For starters, my mom set up this rule when we first moved here- of NO English at home. Once you come inside the house,as you take off your shoes, so too are you leaving your English behind at the door, to pick it back up when you head to school the next day. I love her for establishing that rule, because I have other somali friends that came to the US at the same time as us, but now only speak English and only comprehend a little bit of Somali. They've forgotten their language, because their parents didn't hold tight to it. We also try to immerse ourselves with our community a lot, at functions or such. A couple of years back, we opened up a coffee shop in a mainly Somali plaza- and I think that has been the most interaction I have with my people. It keeps my culture alive in me. Everyday I am learning something new, and have my mom confirm for me when I get home. Although us kids have a mix of American culture and Somali culture whereas my parents have their Somali culture; as I grow older I appreciate my culture more and more. That's where my roots are, and I should learn as much as possible from my parents and other elders while I can. Exchanging stories and reading books, is what I would say has kept my culture alive in me for so long.

How does being a Muslim woman affect your life here in the U.S. as far as dress and religion go?

As far as religion goes, I think the only time I really faced a hardship personally was when September 11 occurred. I all of a sudden was placed into the category of "terrorist" by my 7th grade classmates. One day I was one of them, with a different religion, and the next day, I was a 'terrorist' that they should be afraid of. Even at that young age, I didn't realize just how ignorant people were, because I assumed that if I knew well enough that you can't generalize with people, that they must've surely known also. I was proven wrong. To deal with that obstacle and dilemma, I wrote a story for the yearly magazine that the school district put out. In order to set people and their parents straight. Because some of those ideas couldn't have come just from the students and my peers.

As far as dress goes, it's kind of an ongoing struggle. With the many 'random' checks at the airport because I am wearing my hijab, regardless of if i'm wearing jeans or a dress or an Abaaya. I also struggle with finding appropriate clothing at an inexpensive price seeing that most of the clothes available are made for girls that like to show their skin off, and those that don't-well they usually wind up paying the price at the register. 

I think the key thing with religion and dress as a Muslim woman is to make it a point to let people know that this is who I am, this is what I believe in, and this is how I choose to dress- right off the back. If you are lenient with your beliefs, then people would take advantage of that and abuse/pressure whatever they can on you. I am strong in my faith- and I believe most people can sense that, so they back off or are only curious enough to an extent. I'm quite honest, and people either respect honesty or are afraid of it.

What surprised you about life here?

In regards to surprising things about life here? Well, surely the clothing. Definitely the clothes people wear. There were plenty of non-Muslims back home in Kenya; but they all always dressed modestly. I think modesty is a form of respect for oneself. No I believe modesty IS respect for oneself. Without it, no one will respect you as you don't respect yourself. This modesty also means in mannerisms and such. Most Americans in my opinion lost what it means to be modest along with items of clothing. To this day I don't even understand why certain people would wear certain clothing. I have come to the conclusion that it must be for showing off to the opposite sex. From experience the opposite sex is always attracted to those who are modest and covered. Leaves something for the eye. As my uncle told my aunt once, Hijab or being modest is like a wrapped gift. Those who cover themselves are like wrapped presents and all the joy that comes with them. Those who leave more than can be imagined to be seen, are like an unwrapped present, no joy in that, because someone else already unwrapped it for you.

Another surprise was the food. I remember the food being so great back home and Delicious. Really delicious. Surprisingly enough it's mostly the same stuff we have here in America but more natural, healthier, and different seasoning.

I was also surprised about the hours someone works during the week. I think back home there is more of a relaxed atmosphere. Yes, it's important to work hard, but it's also important to spend time with family and loved ones. Here in America, they have you working so hard, that the only time left is to sleep in order to pick up your cycle once again in the morning. No social time. Hardly any social time.

Another surprising factor was that people weren't and aren't as friendly here as they are back home. Back home, people that don't even know you will stop and lend a helping hand. But, here everyone only minds their own business. Somedays I am thought of as weird, for the many times I make myself available or inconvenience myself in order to help another. I guess that's a part of me holding on to a little part of back home.

What are some traditions that Somalis in AZ practice?

The most significant ones that I can think of at the moment, is when it comes to Birth, Weddings, and Death. With Births, after the baby is born, the new mother and baby stay indoors at home for 40 days, a time period known as afartanbah. During this period, the new family has relatives and friends that come over to help cook and clean. At the end of the 40 days, there is a celebration at the home of a friend or relative. With Weddings, there is usually a 3 day wedding party. One of the nights is dedicated to just girls and having henna put on the bride; and also the day where the nikkah (official engagement/marriage contract) is done. The second day is usually the actual wedding with both men and women. And the third day is usually for women only once again where music is played, nikiis (a type of dance) is danced, and there is usually a baraambur (meaning praise for the bride and groom) in traditional songs and poems. Seven days after the girl is married, a ceremony is held known as "Shaash-saar", where the "shaash" ( a small type of scarf) is put on the bride's head. Female guests put the "shaash" on the bride's head one by one. One "shaash" per woman placing on the bride's head. Along the shaash-saar comes singing and dancing and food in order to celebrate the woman being married. The last tradition is that for deaths, the family of the deceased does not cook in their house for a while but instead friends cook for them and take turns in bringing food to the family. Also somali people all over town, whether they know you or not, come to pay their respects.

Are you involved with the large Somali refugee community here in Arizona?

Yes I am involved with the community here. Although now it is more on a voluntary basis. Back when I was in high school from 2005-2007, I used to work with the community as an employee, where I established a youth organization as part of the Somali community center office. I used to help organize annual events, help new refugees with paperwork, and translate when needed. I also used to tutor at a local school that had a lot of refugee Somali kids of grades 1-6.

Do you stay up to date on current events in Somalia? Politics? Economy? Etc?

When I can, I do. But not as often as I would like. School keeps me very busy on other matters.

What are your opinions on Somali pirates? The lack of internal sovereignty in Somalia?

I think the pirates are doing what they can to protect their country and their waters, or at least that's how it started. I can't speak of exactly why they chose the actions they did, especially in kidnappings for ransom. But I do know that the reason this whole pirate business started in the first place is due to Western companies coming to Somalia to dump their nuclear toxic waste containers on the shore because there wasn't a real government controlling the waters. So, originally these pirates were defending their water and territory and went into the waters to make these companies pay for their illegal dump of wastes. They were also trying to protect the health of Somali's since new cases of ailments were arising due to this waste dump. There is also a lot of illegal mass fishing on Somali waters, and fishing is a main survival for Somali people. All this was further damaging the environment. So although I am not totally saying that these so-called 'pirates' are doing the right thing; I think they're doing as best they can without any help from the outside.

The lack of internal sovereignty in Somalia is one with a long list, that started with tribal warfare, and is now boosted by Western politicians taking advantage of the dismay that Somalia is in, and further using their resources, in my opinion.

Do you celebrate American holidays here? Your family?

Part of my family is Italian, and so they are not Muslim and they do celebrate American holidays. But within my immediate family, we do not celebrate American holidays, besides just getting another day off from school or work. My siblings and I also celebrate our birthdays, although that is not common in Somalia and I suppose it really isn't an American holiday but more tradition.

What are you studying? What do you want to do after graduation?

I'm currently pursuing a Bachelor's in Global Studies and a Bachelor's in Sociology with a minor in Spanish. After graduation I want to combine what I have learned from my sociology courses in the study of people's behavior and incorporate that with my global studies degree in doing international relations. I would truly love to open up a non-profit made for orphans. I believe in all the world, and the people that are suffering, orphans have it the worst. Kids with no parents, without a choice. And they are usually the ones left to fall into the cracks. I would like to open up my first orphanage in Somalia. Home. A place where I was lucky enough to leave with both my parents, but so many others did not have that chance. A place filled with orphans looking for someone to love them and care for them. My mission is to get as many of these kids as possible at once, off the streets. Give them education, a place to call home, a family amongst each other, food in their bellies, and hope. Most importantly hope in their future. Hope for kids that don't have that at this moment.

Coming from a predominately Muslim society, how has your faith been altered or impacted since being here in a multi-religious nation?

At times I feel like some people of other religions are on a mission to convert me. That makes me sad. I believe that if you hold the truth within you, then all you need to do is share, and the person will be able to accept without forcing it down my throat.

I also feel like by being in a non-Muslim society, it has actually strengthened me in my religion. I am in a constant struggle with a battle between self, religion, and the American lifestyle of religion only on Sundays. If I was back home, I probably would not be wearing the scarf until I was married, and religion would be laid back so long as I prayed my five prayers. Because back home almost everyone around you is Muslim. Making one believe that they are practicing without really practicing. Being out of that comfort zone, I struggle to keep my religion in tact and constantly remind myself of the main principals. I think that part of leaving home, worked to my advantage.

Is there any other information that you would like to include or want people here in America/at ASU to know about Somalia and Islam?

Can't think of anything else right now, but will let you know when I do. "Somaliya ha noolato!" Let Somalia Live!

el Pedregal~~Adventure of the day*

I've been feeling dizzy as of late, but today was a lil bit extra. i dont know if its jus that ive been weak, not enough energy; but i figured the best way to cure it is take a road trip and see something new. freshen up my eyes. maybe all it takes is just a ride on over to a whole new experience. it was a probably a bad idea to be driving when i wasn't feeling that great but i came back home, more relaxed than i have ever been.


the afternoon started with me picking up one of my best bati's (brown in color), and a green khaki jacket to wear on top, and add a simple brownish, green hijab. my mood had already improved. i didn't know where to head to after i had gotten into the car, so i remembered that i had been totally craving some ice cream and told my friend that i would go try ben n jerry's. i knew the drive was a bit far from home, but i had gas filled n energy to pick up. destination: ✓ ; time: 2 hours back and forth. ive done this before- going to a random place, so this shouldnnt be as bad, seeing that this time- my phone would actually work, if i had gotten lost.

On the road: the sun was out, but there were clouds and the most nicest breeze ever. its been a long time coming since last fall. i also realized that fall would probably be my most favorite season, if we actually had more than a few days of it here in AZ. during my journey i saw soo many cacti that i had never before seen in my entire life. the streets were lined with them and dessert trees and boulders. 

i had actually never seen the dessert in this light- i was starting to think, arizona has some beauty after all. soo i finally get to the location of ben n jerry's after an hour of having my hand out the window, trying to grasp the cool wind, and singing to my fav tunes on my ipod. Ben n Jerry's was in this plaza named el pedregal. never even knew this place existed. but it happened to be in a quiet, but pretty neighborhood. there was shopping boutiques, restaurants, and even 2 galleries.

there were also statues/sculptures everywhere and around every corner. i was intrigued and giddy to find more. 

i then walk on over to ben n jerry's and order the ny super fudge chunk ice cream. too much chocolate but it was delicious. i decided to get a pint to make it last, since i totally wont be driving out here on a daily basis. :) i then see this "out of africa" gallery. WHAT??!! we actually have an african gallery here? Yes!!! although, i wasnt able to spend as much time as i wouldve liked there, because i was trying to get back home before sunset. i did get to see some beautiful sculptures, and paintings, and jewelry. *noted: definitely coming back here. all in all, the day was beautiful; i was able to clear my mind; discover a new part of AZ; enjoy the scenery and the weather; get my ice cream; and come back home relaxed and in one piece. I'm soo gonna do this more often in the short time i have left in this state. 

Next destination: Musical Instrument Museum.

*Next time definitely making sure to not forget my camera.

Bystanders to Genocide~an excerpt*

      Assistant Secretary Moose was away from Washington, so Prudence Bushnell, the acting assistant secretary, was made the director of the task force that managed the Rwanda evacuation. Her focus, like Rawson's, was on the fate of U.S. citizens. "I felt very strongly that my first obligation was to the Americans," she recalls. "I was sorry about the Rwandans, of course, but my job was to get our folks out ... Then again, people didn't know that it was a genocide. What I was told was 'Look, Pru, these people do this from time to time.' We thought we'd be right back."

      At a State Department press conference on April 8 Bushnell made an appearance and spoke gravely about the mounting violence in Rwanda and the status of Americans there. After she left the podium, Michael McCurry, the department spokesman, took her place and criticized foreign governments for preventing the screening of the Steven Spielberg film Schindler's List. "This film movingly portrays ... the twentieth century's most horrible catastrophe," he said. "And it shows that even in the midst of genocide, one individual can make a difference." No one made any connection between Bushnell's remarks and McCurry's. Neither journalists nor officials in the United States were focused on the Tutsi.

      On April 9 and 10, in five different convoys, Ambassador Rawson and 250 Americans were evacuated from Kigali and other points. "When we left, the cars were stopped and searched," Rawson says. "It would have been impossible to get Tutsi through." All told, thirty-five local employees of the embassy were killed in the genocide.

      Warren Christopher appeared on the NBC news program Meet the Press the morning the evacuation was completed. "In the great tradition, the ambassador was in the last car," Christopher said proudly. "So that evacuation has gone very well." Christopher stressed that although U.S. Marines had been dispatched to Burundi, there were no plans to send them

      into Rwanda to restore order: they were in the region as a safety net, in case they were needed to assist in the evacuation. "It's always a sad moment when the Americans have to leave," he said, "but it was the prudent thing to do." The Republican Senate minority leader, Bob Dole, a spirited defender of Bosnia's besieged Muslims at the time, agreed. "I don't think we have any national interest there," Dole said on April 10. "The Americans are out and as far as I'm concerned, in Rwanda, that ought to be the end of it."

Us-ism.

Selfishness extended to the person closest to you....

Us-ism!

Culture.

It must certainly be admitted that man always exists in a particular culture, but it must also be admitted that man is not exhaustively defined by the same culture....The very progress of cultures demonstrates that there is something in man which transcends those cultures. This "something" is precisely Human nature: this nature is itself the measure of culture and the condition ensuring that man does not become the prisoner of any of  his cultures, but asserts his personal dignity by living in accordance with the profound truth of his being.

Levanta!!! Levanta....

Levanta que no es tarde y no es vano... Levanta la mañana con tus manos... Levanta si tu gente está cayendo!

Atiende me! si me caigo, levanto otra vez (Siempre)!! Siempre!! 

~~ah how sometimes spanish speaks so much better to me than plain ole english!

-Rise up, its not too late and not in vain... Rise up the morning with your hands... Rise up your people if they are falling!

-Attend to me! if i fall, i will rise up once again. (Always)!! Always!!

Pride, Experience, Reason, vs. Heart

"It's impossible." said pride. "It's risky." said experience. "It's pointless." said reason. "Give it a try." whispered the heart.

Of Wars..

Old men send young men to war.

I hate it when they say, "He gave his life for his country." Nobody gives their life for anything. We steal the lives of these kids. We take it away from them. They don't die for the honor and glory of their country. We kill them.

Of Wars.

There is a fable written by German playwright Bertolt Brecht that goes roughly like this: A man living alone answers a knock at the door. When he opens it, he sees in the doorway the powerful body, the cruel face, of The Tyrant. The Tyrant asks, "Will you submit?" The man does not reply. He steps aside. The Tyrant enters and establishes himself in the man's house. The man serves him for years. Then The Tyrant becomes sick from food poisoning. He dies. The man wraps the body, opens the door, gets rids of the body, comes back to his house, closes the door behind him, and says, firmly,

"No."

....

Today I feel beyond Amazing, Alxamdulillah.

The Difference between Outstanding and Mediocre is not in the Quantity of Effort. The Difference is in the Purpose and Focus.

Bedroom InspirAtions.

Xirsi... Some of my fav that i found. too much to say on each one about wat i love about it. but have a look. n hey maybe ull find ur own inspiration within. but i think u should have loads of photos, paint on the walls, lights, quotes, good clutter(if that even makes sense. lol) n whatever else that inspires you. its ur space, n u should make it something that you cant wait to run to everyday. :)

*i think my room would be a combo of all these! the furniture from some, the ideas of how to post photos, the paint/color, the materials/cloths, the storage spaces, and the lighting, and absolutely the serenity feel of things. good luck sis.

To my bina.

Just tlked to my lil niece in somalia. Lol she's complainin about the bathrooms. haha I truly miss my lil niece Bina. And the joy she brings to my life. I remember when she was just born and now 6 years later, she has only expanded her intelligence and her beauty, Mash'allah. evryday i spent wit her in toronto, reminded me of a childhood i missed out on, but in a way-it was beautiful. she was always looking to dress up, take photos, dance, play with her hair. life to her was all about herself. simple. and always wit a smile on her face. if only children could stay like that. if only we can protect them from the world- so that they are forever joyful.

one of the many photos i took of her in her own world. i wish i couldve focused on them and had the background blurry, but at the same point- i thnk accidents like this happen for a reason. this shows movement and gives more of a feeling than if they were frozen in time-since no one really is ever frozen in one position forever. its amazing what children and spending time with them can teach us. So inspiring!

Barcelona Apartments #partrés

Now- This- brought out the interior designer in me. I swear somedays I wish I would've stuck it out and finished my degree in Interior design. Although I love what I'm doing right now, like absolutely love. I also wish I can pursue design. Mybe one day inshallah, i'll be able to take classes again. In just one short semester I learned how to draw, how to sort of paint, how to compose a building from scratch. lol. all about perspective. n although studio hours killed me, i loved every bit of it. n still do now. so i think i'll wind up taking classes to further my talent in this. anyway i think i love everything about this apartment. no critiques wat so ever. in love <3, i think so!

OMG look at the bathroom. mybe a lil overboard wit the blue tiles. lool. but i would prob live in it! yes, i would. n the pop of color in every room. color is my thing! and also the mix of industrial and modern. perfect mix- n exactly wat i was talking about. ps- i extra love the wall behind the bed. i want a wall for photos/paintings like that in my room. actually i want a whole room dedicated to the arts in my future home, inshallah. *sigh i cant wait to have my own place-oh the things i would do to it!

Barcelona Apartments #partdós

Somethin about this one thatt drew my attention.  I think the industrial look of it all. I had dreams of movin to New York at one point and if that were the case I always wanted to get an industrial loft. n then put a lot of feminine touches on it. bi-polar typa design. i think it would look realy cool. Love the kitchen and the great use of space also. Oh n the water right in front of me ;) i have an obsession with water mybe because the only water you happen to see in arizona are from closed off fountains, water wasting done by people, and fake(man-made) lakes that dry up when they burst. unless of course you drive like 4hrs away to find decent beauty. but when u can have it right in front of ur eyes. well hey, wats to stop you??!

Barcelona Apartments #partone

Apartment located in Barceloneta. Right by the Beach. Which would be my ideal location since I want to take my strolls there everyday n take photos of the sunset and sunrises. And maybe even send a bbm message to loved ones back home of my beautiful lifestyle :) -for a semester :(

Port, Beach, Historic Part of the City: All within walking distance. i'm in love with the living room/kitchen/ TERRACE for this apartment. oh oh n the spiral stairs! could it get any better? n its perfect location overlooking the water. i mean i dont think i would even go to school. lol. just go to barcelona to chill on my terrace n do people watching *creepy; but hey the castillians look like they would be a great group of people to discover :)

*ps i think this would be the perfect situation for my painting dreams/inhibitions. i would be a pro + 1.