Although many may say, oh break is still at its beginning, looking at my calendar, this week is going to go by so fast, as a result of the amounts of work I have to do. I’ve done some sort of homework, work, job search, etc every day since Friday. Tired am I? Oh yes, but the road is still long ahead of me.

This break isn’t like other breaks I’ve had before, first of all it is the last break I will have as an undergraduate, probably the last break I will have for a while, if all goes to plan ( cross your fingers for me, won’t you?). Going to the city today to do some research for my Midterm which is due on Wendesday was more inspiring, awakening, emotional, overwhelming than I planned for it to be. Being at UPenn always makes me happy, in a way I can’t quite explain, it makes me feel more self sufficient, more inependent, and yet makes me realize how huge this world is, and how to make things happen, to achieve dreams, I have to work so hard. Not that being at bryn mawr is any different, but it’s a different type of hardwork I need to be doing, it’s the hardwork that transitionning to the real world requires. May is fast approaching, and there is a ton, a ton that needs to be done between now and the big day. A lot to do that it’s hard not to get overwhelemed and feel like just sleeping it all off, but that’s not what a Mawrter would do, not what Muna would do. So, bring it on, world, I am here to take everything you through at me, with arms wide open, and big smile, because whatever is going to happen will happen for a reason (yes i said it, I went there..the philisophical of me can’t hide haha).

I am always rather amazed by the power of networking, of communicating, but most of all, I am always happily surprised by how strong the Bryn Mawr community can be, in and out of Bryn Mawr. I met with an alumna and a friend of mine today to talk about work she’s done before and I am interested in working in. Meeting up and walking around West Philly while talking was so nice. It was overwhelming to talk about possible places to live (it’s that time now, looking out for places to live after the infamous May 18th). Her experience out of bmc has been difficult, yet the network of alumnae in the area has proven strong and supportive which made me feel a little more at east with the idea of living in the area, of moving in and of graduating. We walked for a couple of blocks, thankfully the rain held off to make the walk pleasant. We ended up grabbing a bite at a local middle eastern restaurant, the well known Saad’s, which made the atmosphere even more enjoyable. I had forgotten that she had been to Jordan and actually came to Palestine, which was so great to look back upon and relive some of the fun moments we had when she visited.

With the comments in arabic, to reminiscing about bryn mawr, and a valuable advices from her, I felt as if I am ready to take on the world, ready for what’s coming. She gave me tips of places to apply to, ways to get by, and promised to keep an eye out for things that might be of interest to me.

Feeling that you’re not alone, that someone has your back, that things will be okay was all that I wanted to feel, and for that and much more, I am ever so thankful to be part of such an amazing community, one that is so supportive, so inspiring and united despite our personal differences. And with that I must go on with my tasks to tackle before I hit the haysack.

Keep positive my fellow seniors, although things might look hard, and you might feel overwhelemed, know that we’re all in this together, and all will be just fine. So, just keep swimming, and take it one day at a time.

Until we meet again,
Peace.

~Muna

This is a post dedecated to the weather. It’s the first day of Spering Break, and the sun was beautifully out, shining through and making me feel like dancing, more than I usually feel like.

I forgot how light sensitive I am, it has been such an up and down couple of weeks and all became clear and better and vibrant within a minute of me stepping outside. I was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful the weather was, and it sure felt like being on break. The sounds of birds chirping, the cool breeze playing through the trees and the geese (had to mention them) playing around on campus brought about the joy and the beauty that is Spring.

After going to the mall to run some errands (yeah, right!) and yes, shopping, Emily and I stopped by a McDonalds, got some ice cream and walked over to the neighboring park to eat and be in the sun. This small event made me beyond ecstatic, feeling the sun rays on our backs, the cool breeze coming through. To brighten the day further, there was a mother walking her baby on a stroller, and a father playing with his daughter and takings pictures of her, happenings that never fail to bring a smile on my face and make me realize how beautiful this world can be.

Another highlight of the day was going for a bike ride on campus in the late afternoon, after a nice talk on the phone with my dad. Riding my bike takes me back to my childhood, where I would make sure to finish my homework early so I can get to go outside and ride my bike with my friends. Although we never went farther than the parking lot and the small piece of land cross the buildings, it always felt like we were going on picnics, and long distances. I relived these memories today as I was just going around campus, admiring its beauty and taking in the fresh air while awaiting for Luci to come back from the city (we’re such a married couple.. that’s what they say, but it is very true nonetheless).

Chatting about our own days then parting ways to relax and do our own thing, I finally cooked my very first meal for myself! I made tacos..er…burritos? It was such a success and the outcome was rather satisfying, I guess I’m ready for you, real world, so bring it on! (give me a job first, won’t you?)

So, thank you Mother Nature for bringing the good weather our way, and please keep the sun around, it is Spring Break afterall.

I hope you all are enjoying your breaks, or weekends. Go outside for a walk, listen to the birds singing and take in the smell of flowers blossoming, it is a beautiful world we live in.

Cheers,
~Muna

This is the post I wrote right after I went to see Tabitha, the dance senior thesis performance this past weekend, with few additional thoughts added today.

Mixed feelings, emotions taking over me. A glimpse of the bitersweetness that is graduation has hit me tonight. Maybe because I was totally amazed by how beautiful the show was, maybe because I’ve been sleeping so poorly that things are exaggerated, maybe maybe maybe, but the truth is, this beautifle circle is coming to meet its end, and start a new beginning. Soon it will be the summer, summer of new beginnings, of change, of new faces, and perhaps a few familiar ones, new places, new stories to be written, new dances to be danced.

I have been looking forward to Luci’s performance since the beginning of the year. I heard about it everyday, lived through her struggles, her achievements, her moments of doubt, of wonder, others of joy and happiness as the piece was coming together, and my perspective was that of a close friend, listening to how her days went, how the rehearsal was, and how it’s coming along. And tonight was the night, it was time to watch her be who she is, what she loves to do, was born to be. It may sound so cheesy of how emotional this is for me, but the dance wasn’t just about Luci’s experiences. Her piece, Black Lining, resembled some of my experiences too, experiences of relationships that are built, ones that are growing, and others waiting to be started. Complex, deep,and meaningful feelings. The beauty of the way the dancers moved on the stage, the music filling the air, keeping you on your feet watching as couples interact, grow and become what they’re meant to be.

Aside from the dance itself, the presence of her wonderful family who I’ve missed, her friends and the love that was taking over was overwhelming in its own good way. The good vibes, the emotions from everyone and the smiles, the hugs, the pictures and the laughs were rejuvenating. This show has brought upon me so many feelings, good ones though overwhelming. It got me reflecting upon this precious friendship along with a few others which have brought me to where I am now, to realizing how fortunate I am, and how wonderful this world can be. The beauty of her dance, the deep message in the choreography, the music, the colors, the feelings in the air, feelings in the movements and everywhere took us to a different place, one that is filled with joy and happiness, some moments of struggle, confusion, but always followed by the bright sunshine outlined. Such a journey it has been, a journey of growth, of friendships, of self-discovery. Flashbacks of happy moments passed before me, all in one night, one dance. Relationships that have come and gone, ones that have been growing, others are still blossoming.

Going to see the show the second night gave me the chance to enjoy the dance once again. Shawn and I had planned to get Luci a small thing to show our support, love, and congratulations. And if you know us, the toolas, we have an obsession with the movie “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” and we happen to reference it on almost daily basis -don’t roll your eyes, it’s such an addicting movie, plus, the fact that I can relate to all the craziness that greeks do, makes it better- we thought we could make it a funny gift and so it was, a bunt cake. not any bunt cake, it was a fixed one. There you go.

Toolas fixed the Cake! Photo Credit: Megan LaBouff '13

I thought I could end this with a few words to you, Luci, here they are, no tears:

Words can’t explain my feelings of how proud I am of you Luci, how fortunate I am to have you in my life as a friend, as a sister. The friendship, the sisterhood and the love-affair (haha, you know it’s true) we’ve been having for the past (almost) 4 years. Tonight you were beyond what words can describe as breathtaking and amazing. You are a person who doesn’t need introduction.

Until we meet again, eat somesing!

Peace,

~Muna

I just decided that I am going to try something new this week, where I will try to write a short post about either something I did during the day, or some random though that pops to my head (and those do happen a lot…) let’s see how successful I am at this new thing, but please don’t hold your breaths, I don’t want to disappoint anyone.

I think my favorite thing that happened this fine Monday morning were the geese on campus.  I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, -which if you’re on campus, I think you must have -they’ve been coming to campus everyday.  They started out on Merion Green, and they’ve now been all over the place, circling Taylor, next to Thomas, closer to the campus center..pretty much everywhere.  And, to me, they just have this vibe that doesn’t fail to make me laugh, and bring so much joy to my heart.  I know you’re probably rolling your eye at the screen thinking what on earth am I reading, but it is the truth.  And, I’ve managed to take multiple pictures of them whenever I got the chance to, here’s one of them;

Geese on campus!

Aside from the geese, Mondays aren’t many people’s favorites, but to me at least Sunday is over.  Sundays are the hypocrite days where you wake up thinking, alright it’s still the weekend and I’m going to have time to finish my work, and perhaps do something fun…but then it slipps through your fingers and it’s 10pm and you realize that all the work you’ve been trying to finish is still yet to be done, and more has piled up… Or maybe that’s just my experience with Sundays…  Anyway, yesterday was the Oscars night as many of us know, and, I have never really been into any of these programs, and yes, yesterday’s Oscars was the first time I’ve ever watched it, blame it on peer pressure.  It was an interesting experience nonetheless, and now I can cross it off my list.  I was very happy to see that a Palestinian Documentary was nominated!  It’s such a huge accomplishment, to be recognized.  The documentary “5 broken Cameras” is one that is absolutely worth watching.  It has a message for everyone, not just to/from Palestinians, but to all those in distress, in injustice situations, that making your voice heard in peaceful acts is a very important step towards freedom, peace and justice.  If you haven’t seen the documentary, I strongly recommend you to, it is on instant watch on Netflix.  And the trend on Twitter made it more exciting to realize how much of a huge step this is for us.  Aside from how happy, proud, and excited I was to see Palestine well represented, I enjoyed the experience of Oscars, and I have to admit, I did give into the peer pressure and had to pay for it by waking up early this morning to finish my homework,,but it’s not finished yet, nor will it ever be before the last day of classes. Ha. it’s just the reality I have to face.

Speaking of homework, that’s where I’m headed next.   So until we meet again,

Peace!

~Muna

Although I have been back on campus for a week now, I didn’t really feel that I was back until today, until most people have come back. The people really are what make this place so beautiful and so magical. We have a proverb in arabic that translates to “Paradise without people is uninviting”, something along those lines, you know what i mean. I am such a believer in this proverb, it is so true, or is to me. Proverbs are such a huge part of my culture, especially for grandmas, oh boy, for every situation that happens, you’ll be shocked by how ridiculous yet true the proverb they through at you is. Maybe I will spend another post talking about arabic proverbs and how ridiculous they are, but for this post, let’s just focus on today’s wonderful events.

As an HA (Hall Adviser), I had a day long “training”. We were there from 12:30 until 8. What a long day, might you think. Long, yes, in hours’ perspective, but while there, time flew by, and went barely noticeable. The first part of the training was spent on self-evaluation and reflection, which wasn’t my favorite, but, it is part of the job, so had to do it. The second and the part that took most of the day was spent playing “Iron Chef”. Although I had my hopes that we wouldn’t do that, I was at first disappointed of hearing that we will in fact be doing Iron Chef. Each team had a budget of $100 to spend on groceries. And all three groups had an hour and half to plan and shop, and two hours to cook, clean and prepare a presentation. If you know me, you would have known that I wasn’t too thrilled about doing Iron Chef, since I have zero skills in improvised cooking, my only skill really is to taste, judge, observe and eat. Did I mention eat? yes, I love food, and I think I got that from my father. So, being put in a group that I never really worked with before, and on top of that we had to cook vegetarian, Muna was not a happy camper. However, as an optimist, I thought I would try and make the best out of it, try to help out as much as I can, and enjoy it much as I can.

To my surprise, or not so much, things started to get better instantly, and I embraced and enjoyed every moment of the pre-planning, the cramped ride to Lia’s apartment and the time we took to prep things, and, of course try an exotic taste of French Press Coffee by Lia. Then came the cooking. And, when cooking began, I took instructions and chopped, cleaned dishes, then chopped some more, and washed more dishes. I kept track of time, and made sure I did my job. With music in background, chatters, sounds of chopping, mincing, and washing, the temperature becoming warmer, the tasty smell arousing, time flew by, and it was almost time to finish up. Doing final touches and tastes, packaging the food, and making signs for our lovely team, we were done exactly when we needed to be done.

I am always amazed by team work and how much can be done when a group comes together and works out the weaknesses and strengths of each member. Our group of 7, most of us carnivores, chose the theme “Red Hot Delights” incorporating Red and/or Hot spice in each dish we made, and we had to have the secret ingredient being Lays potato chips in at least one of the dishes. We managed to make; Stuffed Red Peppers, Chili Tofu & Spice-mixed Rice dish, Roasted Penne Salad, Potato Chip cookie, Potato chips dipped with Cayenne Chocolate and A virgin bloddy marry drink. All in two hours time including clean up. I was very impressed and pleased with how well our team worked together, improvising and making food on the spot, cleaning and presenting it to our lovely judges, Carly and Lia.

Going back to the SGA house and seeing the other two team’s work, I was further impressed by the abilities of my colleagues and how great and creative cooperation can be. The other two team’s themes were, The hobbit, and Mexican themed food. After the judges tasted the food of each group, we were able to devour the deliciousness. Although I have to admit, I was skeptical at first, but when I tried the dishes, I was amazed by how good they were. Creative, good and inviting both in appearance and taste. So, I learned my lesson of never to underestimate the power of cooperation, even in cooking, although there is another proverb that says “The more cooks, the more burnt the meal will be”, I told you, they are pretty ridiculous, but luckily, for us HAs, that isn’t the case. Food was satisfying and delicious.

It is wonderful how great memories are easily made at this place. With one semester left ahead of me, I will always look back with fond memories of a magical and loving place, filled with people who are full of talents, skills, abilities, intelligence, sincerity, joy and love.

Here are some pictures of the great journey that was HA Iron Chef

JShaw & Alia Getting the pre-planning started

Ashly making our lovely signs

Tofu rice dish almost ready

Potato Chips getting covered with Cayenne Chocolate

The three groups:

Mexican Theme Group. Photo Credit: Carly Hicks

Hobbit inspired theme. Photo Credit: Carly Hicks

Red Hot Delights team. Photo Credit: Carly Hicks

Until we meet again,
Peace,

~Muna

It’s been such a journey, one that is unforgettable, amazing, fulfilling, happy and ever so cherished. It’s been 3.5 years and now at the few laps of this marathon. A wonderful marathon it has been, indeed. One of the themes of this break has been reminiscing; remembering and living times of the past couple of years, and how much love, joy, happiness, memories were made at Bryn Mawr. Adventures I have gone through with the best people I have ever met in my life, people I will always cherish and remember, and hopefully keep by my side. It is the good, the bad and the ugly that I will not ever give up for anything. With the upcoming few months being the last ones at Bryn Mawr, I have been trying to relive the past through talking and reminiscing about it all during this almost-over break.

This break has been flying by ever so fast, just like this year is flying by. Everyone said it would go by so fast, but I didn’t think it would go by the speed it has gone by. Time literally slips out of our hands like when you’re trying to hold on to water in your hand, and you just see it and feel it slipping away. Moments of this past semester are meshed together into a series of events that included sessions about “post bmc” events, outings, classes and homework, and hours spent at the library. Times I will always cherish, and now that the next semester is approaching, I can only hope time could pause a little, let me take everything beautiful in. Despite all the “what’s next” questions in mind, the process I need to keep up with, I will try my best to cherish and embrace every last moment at the place I have grown to call home.

Tonight was the last Open Mic Club’s event for the semester. I went in with moderate expectations for the event, knowing there were at least 3 other quite large events happening on campus around the same time. When I went, we started the usual setting up, chatting with people and getting things ready. We did the advertisement we could, emailed people and talked to friends, and to our pleasent surprise, a decent number of people came, many performed and everyone seemed to be having a good time.

Open Mic Club started Spring 2011 Sophomore year -woah, how did that happen?!-almost two years from now! It was started by two of my friends and myself, and it kind of came out of the blue, a decision I often look back on with such joy and happiness. Although I, myself have no connection with art, singing, poetry, performances or any sort of creativity, I am a big fan. I love supporting my talented friends and Open Mic Club (OMC) has been allowing me to admire the talents that Mawrters have. It always reminds us of how academia is only one small-though might not seem so for the time being- aspect of each one of us. The performances are always good, rewarding, some entertaining, funny, and just enjoyable. It always brings smiles to my face when new people perform, you discover new talents, people find new friends and it is always a cheerful couple of hours.

One of our OMC traditions is a bakery house cake at the last event, and tonight, we had a beautiful half vanilla half chocolate cake from Bakery House. It had “D to the P” on it, we do go to Bryn Mawr after all, don’t we? As a co-president of the club, I deal with the nitty gritty administrative things, hold meetings, reserve equipment, help set up and clean up, and advertise. Although I have performed a couple of times -once was reading a poem that I love and the other with the rest of the members of OMC singing “Hey Jude” by the Beatles- I often just stand back, relax and watch the wonderful performances, and my favorites are when my friends perform a favorite song or two. At the end of the night, people are happy, cheerful and ready for a fun weekend. It is saddening to realize that I will only have a few more of these wonderful events, but alas, I am forever thankful for all these wonderful times I have been able to help put on the event, and see such amazing performances that come out of us Mawrters, we do make a special crowd that will leave every place we go, a little better.

D to the P! Oh, Bryn Mawr!

OMC audience!Her singing is beautiful!

It is funny how life can take you on a roller coaster of ups and downs. We all get our share of happy and not so happy days, we vent about it, talk with a good friend, or we cry about it, to then laugh, or dance..dance to remember or to forget –Hotel California anyone?- it is during those times when we find those who truly mean the most to us, it is during those times when we really come to appreciate people and how great of a difference a smile on someone’s face, a hug, a jok and a text of “just thinking of you” makes us feel special and good, just good about life in general.

I can never stop telling you how lucky I truly am by the people I am surrounded with. The friendships I have made throughout my life, the relationships with cousins, neighbors, professors, class mates, hall-mates, and just a nice talk with someone new at a shop or at work. All these just have shown me over and over again how life is truly blissful.

And, family, have I mentioned family? Parents are gifts we often take for granted, we sometimes “sigh” when they call, to find out all they wanted to say was “I love you” or “goodluck on your exam” or “I am proud of you”. They’re the epitome of goodness, giving, love and happiness on life.

Living so far away from home, with the 7 hour time difference, it is very hard to have a good talk with my parents and family, I never get that option of calling home on my way back after a long day, to just share how my day was, simply because they’re asleep, and they can’t do the same, because I’m either in class or asleep. And so, whenever I get to talk to them, it is always another big fat greek wedding all in a phone call! Literally. You get to know every single thing about all 30 cousins, and some – Yes, I have 30 first cousins, that’s one of my fun facts.- Today was one of those happy days where I got to listen to my dad’s talking about his conversations with my uncle who just married his daughter, to then hear my mom’s week of visits with her sister and their cousins. Another story of how my grandma finally settled on a style of  a new set of furtniture for her living room, and after it was ordered and made (you ask for things to be specifically made for you, totally arab style) she decides to give them to my uncle because she doesnt like them anymore(!!!) aaand so many more. This phone conversation brightened my day, brought tears of laughter to my eyes and made me realize that in the midst of all the work I have to do during this crazy time of year, things will be okay, and things ARE okay.

Life is much much more than just an exam or a paper or a project we stress so much about. Life is about these relationships we build everyday, it’s about the long phone call with your mom, or an old friend from home, it’s about a spontaneous coffe date you have with a friend, and a fun adventure you decide on taking with someone new. It’s about living the moment, appreciating where we are and what we have. These little things are what make life worth living, so when you’re in the middle of a stressful time, take a deep breath, check this out, go for a walk, call up a friend you haven’t talked to in a while, call your cousin or your parents. Listen to upbeat music and dance along with your friends, look at how beautiful life can be, because it will all be fine, and life is good.

Until we meet again,

Peace
~Muna