Happy Journal

Last week T and I were having a conversation about how sometimes we get down in to a bit of a funk. I'm sure it happens to all of us, you just feel down on yourself and on top of the fact that there's probably a million things going on in your life at the same time. We both firmly believe that you truly are your biggest critic. No one is meaner to you than you, yourself. It's really a silly thing to be honest, there's plenty of others out there trying to bring you down so why bring yourself down? Luckily, T and I have each other and great family and friends to support us. But I thought there's no one better to make myself feel better than me! I've decided to start a happy journal. Every night before bed I will write down at least one thing or thought that made me happy that day. So whenever I am feeling a little down, I can go back and remind myself what makes me happy.

I haven't just chosen any journal to do this in. Last year I went to the Harry Potter studios in London, which was amazing! My husband bought me Tom Riddle's journal; I have been saving it for something special. This journal is perfect for my happy journal, especially since it's from Adam.

-M

                                                                           

The Little Things

My sister and I talk just about everyday. It may be via whatsapp, iMessage, or FaceTime, but there's always something to talk about. We even like to share our normal day to day tasks that no one would really care about; including our wonderful significant others.

You are probably thinking, what could these two ladies be talking about. Many of our conversations have consisted of what we are cooking/eating. Both of us really do love our food but then we complain about how the food we cherish so much is making us fat. Another common topic of discussion is T's beautiful baby boy. Saying I am obsessed is an understatement, so you can only imagine how Apa (means older sister, A.K.A Tasneem) is. Over the summer when I was home I would taunt T with pictures of her baby stuck under the dining table chair and playing while she was working. Now she has the pleasure of doing the same to me. Luckily we have the miracle of video chatting, so I get to see the wonderful little guy as much as I want. There's also a constant struggle over me calling him potato, she isn't too pleased with that nickname. We like to talk about what we're watching on TV, if we have bought anything new, and any hobbies we would like to explore; the list really does go on.

Today we had our conversation about how sometimes we imagine going to get things in our head then realise we are picturing home. I mean home as in where we grew up, where our parents live. Both Apa and I are married and living separate from our parents, so it's funny how we still picture it in our minds when thinking to go get something. The amount of times I'm laying in bed at night and want some water but begin feeling lazy because I don't want to have to walk down the hall, down the stairs, turn on the lights, and then go in to the kitchen. But then I remember, I live in Manchester, in a one bedroom apartment. So the kitchen is literally in the next room.

Moving away has definitely been a struggle, sure it's been a year and a half now but I do miss home. I love my life here and am so happy. I'm lucky to have access to electronics and the internet to keep me in touch with people back home. The little things truly do matter. Just because we are across the pond, doesn't mean we can't act like we're right next to each other. Having such random conversations with my sister, other family members, and friends makes me feel right at home; wherever in the world I am.

-M

I always knew

Fireworks by Maria Sayla

I am currently living out y dream of becoming an artist. I go to one of the best art schools in England and am so happy to be there. I go to the Manchester School of Art which is part of Manchester Metropolitan University.

Ever since I was a kid I constantly drew pictures and colored. Usually at some point kids grow out of that; I never did. I always wanted to be an artist. As I grew older I came to realize that being an artist isn't the most practical job so I bounced around ideas of going into psychology and even pharmacy. But I knew that would  never make me happy, sure I would be more stable financially, but money really can't buy true happiness.

After graduating high school I was lost. My parents never pressured me to go into anything specific, but like all parents they wanted me to be stable and happy. I started my post high school education in community college. I took an art class in my first semester and finally decided that I am going into art.

Art makes me so happy. Deep down I guess I always knew that nothing else would compare. I have worked very hard to get to where I am now. I am constantly learning new things every day. Being an artist is so exciting for me. It's funny to think back and remember being told by my drawing teacher that I didn't have the talent to become an artist. I never let that get me down. I am so passionate about what I do that no matter what anyone says I will pursue it. I mainly draw and paint but my skills aren't limited to that. The past year in school I have learned so much more.

I am happy and thankful for all the love and support my friends and family have given me. I am not yet sure what I will do when I graduate, but no matter what it will be in the art field. I will always be an artist, and always have been it just took me a little time to realize it.

~Maria

When I knew

“I am participating in the ‘Writing Contest: You Are A Writer’ held by Positive Writer.” - See more at: http://positivewriter.com/writing-contest-you-are-a-writer/#sthash.eHv66eNk.dpuf

“I am participating in the ‘Writing Contest: You Are A Writer’ held by Positive Writer.” - See more at: http://positivewriter.com/writing-contest-you-are-a-writer/#sthash.eHv66eNk.dpuf

“I am participating in the ‘Writing Contest: You Are A Writer’ held by Positive Writer.” - See more at: http://positivewriter.com/writing-contest-you-are-a-writer/#sthash.eHv66eNk.dpuf

“I am participating in the ‘Writing Contest: You Are A Writer’ held by Positive Writer.” - See more at: http://positivewriter.com/writing-contest-you-are-a-writer/#sthash.eHv66eNk.dpuf

 I have always been an avid reader. In grade school I was the awkward kid who found a little corner off to the side and read a book during recess instead of playing kickball. I was a champ at four square though. I was always getting lost in the world I created in my head with the help of the likes of LM Montgomery, Louisa May Alcott and Madeleine L'engle. It never occurred to me that I could ever create such wonderful stories until I read Harriet the Spy (by Louise Fitzhugh). In Harriet I found a kindred spirit. And I did all I could to imitate her by writing about everything I saw. But things got rocky for Harriet and that held me back. I wanted to be smarter than Harriet; learn from her mistakes without actually making them myself. So I didn't fully commit, I dabbled but wouldn't lose myself in my own creations like I did with others'.

The turning point came during in 5th grade. The annual young authors competition brought something out in me I hadn't really felt before. Sharing my weekly progress with my classmates made me want to share more and more. Let everyone see this castle-in-the-air of my creation. I read my story to everyone who would sit still long enough. It was a compulsion to make people understand what I saw when I closed my eyes. A few years later when I began writing poetry, I realized how futile that was. Now I look forward to seeing how others interpret what always seems so clear to me when I first put pen to paper. In college I had a random acquaintance tell me he looked forward to following my career, that was when I really felt like I had arrived. I realized my so-called-dabbling was something real and concrete not just to me but to others as well. I write primarily for myself, but I am not the only reader I keep in mind. Like your stereotypical writer I crave approval, adoration even.

~Tasneem

note: I got the idea for this post from a contest hosted by Positive Writer

Homecoming

I just had to the picture by closing my eyes.

Maria comes home for her summer vacation today and I am all jittery and excited. I don't think I have ever been this excited about seeing her before. Even when she came home for her winter break after being away for the first time.

Then again this is the last time she will be coming home for vacation. Although her schooling will continue; she will be making a new home with a new husband come this Autumn. So, this will be my last summer with her.

We have a lot of big things in store for this summer. I know we will be making the most of it as it is the last time our family will be together like this. I am looking forward to bright sunny days spent on the beach, picnics in the park, being cooped up in my parents' basement as we do wedding prep, running errands with my mom as the countdown continues, welcoming our brother home from his long trip to South America, and having picnics with my babe and baby. Maria and I have a fun surprise planned for this weekend...stay tuned!

Cooking Countesses

Kitchen Fail

There really is nothing like a home cooked meal. Don't get me wrong, I'm a pretty good cook and when I go to my finance's family home, his mom's food is also really tasty. But at the end of the day, I really miss eating food cooked by my own mummy and sister. I miss those familiar smells and tastes. My soon to be family is African, they have some very different foods compared to my Pakistani family. I've had the opportunity to taste and learn about different foods, but I still miss the classics I'm used to. I even miss cleaning up together with my sister, we would take turns everyday doing different tasks so our mom could relax. After all, mummy did do all the cooking and preparation for dinner.

Moving away from home means the first time I have to properly cook for myself; and it hasn't exactly been easy. Not because I don't know how to cook, but because my apartment my kitchen really isn't the best. The basics are there, but they aren't the best quality-wise. Since September I have had to master the foreign-to-me ways of cooking on an electric stove top. Although it took some time to get used to, I think I have a good handle on it now. Which is a good thing since my new place will have one too. I am afraid to use the oven though. I honestly think it will blow up if I try. And this Fahrenheit to Celsius business is pretty annoying as well.

It's also difficult to have to share a small kitchen with 3 other girls. We have limited pantry storage and fridge/freezer space. There have been many times I was unable to cook when I wanted to because someone else already was. To make matters worse, up until January we had a fridge that stuck out into the small kitchen space we had because it wasn't the right size. It's been quite the experience learning to live on my own and cook for myself.

Hopefully in my new home my sister and I can try new recipes together when I have a nice spacious kitchen to work in.

~Maria

Home Sweet Home

This is our childhood home

They say home is where the heart is, but for me my heart is in two places. In September 2012, I moved from Chicago, Illinois to Manchester, England to follow my dream of attending art school as well as to be closer to my soon to be husband. I have never spent this much time away from my family, and it has honestly been the hardest but best time of my life. No matter what, Chicago will always be my home. It's where I spent the first 20 years of my life. My family and friends are there. But Manchester is now my new home. It is where I will be spending the rest of my life. I go to one of the best art schools and have made amazing friends. The past few months Manchester has shaped me into an adult; I have never lived on my own before. I will be getting married in August in Chicago and will come back to Manchester. I will have a new home here with family and friends. This where, one day, I will start my own family. No matter what, though, I will never stop calling Chicago my home, part of me is still there. Home is where there is love and happiness, I am lucky enough to have two.

~Maria

Home Sweet Home

This couch was the first purchase I made for our new home

Growing up I always thought I would be the first one to really leave home. Not simply because I am the oldest but because I had grown up with the mentality that one day I would get married and move away from my family. After all that is what my mother did and her mother before her and I am a traditionalist at heart. However, of the three grown-up children in our family I am the only one who is still where we grew up.

That's not to say that I am stuck where we started. I went to college not too far away. I married an Englishman who generously offered to move to Chicago for me and we now have a baby boy and a new-to-us house only 10 minutes away from my parents' home. It's funny how so much has changed in my life while the scenery has remained the same. But, it isn't the scenery that makes my new home feel like home. It is my husband getting out of bed early to mow the lawn, my son squealing because he saw his reflection in the mirror, my bookcase rammed with books, the vase one of my best friends gave me as a wedding present and the family housewarming party filling our living room with banter and laughter.

The every day chores, tribulations and triumphs plus the people I share my home with are what make me feel like we really belong here. I certainly had my doubts and the path to getting this house was full of strife. But, now, I am glad to call it home.

 ~Tasneem