The Making of Life

My dearest friends, my habibis, mis amigos! How are you all? I know it has been a few months since I’ve written. But I assure you, life has been swell and constantly busy.

Let’s see, in May, I got to experience the loveliness of Maui, Hawaii. I went to visit a friend (who happens to be Hawaii’s finest surfer) and got to swim in the ocean, alongside wild fish and even a sea turtle. The sea turtle is my favorite animal, because they are so wise and calm and it was an honor for me to swim besides them. I had to smile so much, which made my snorkeling mask rise up and water snuck in. I panicked and felt as if I was going to drown in the middle of Maui Bay…but my friend swam to me and held me up. He told me it was okay to take off the mask to remove the water and that I wasn’t going to drown. I kept it cool and got my heartbeat back to normal. After, I was as calm as a sea turtle and it felt as if I was in a giant aquarium, but this was real life. How could something so beautiful exist below the oceans? It makes me wonder what else there is in the Universe. 

I got to experience true Hawaiian hospitality and the beautiful rays of the sun—which led to the ultimate sunburn, but well worth it. The most spectacular feeling came from being on top of Mount Haleakala, where I felt as one with the universe! Okay, maybe the most spectacular thing was trying authentic Hawaiian poke. 

I’ve done my usual rounds of visiting the Central Coast and Santa Monica, as well. I’m currently preparing myself for New York City this weekend. I’m going to go see the Yankees vs. Giants in the Bronx! What a dream come true for me! Two of my favorite teams facing off in the Bronx, I’ve never seen a game there and I’m excited—I’ve been dreaming of seeing a Yankees game @ Yankee Stadium since I was 11 years old and now at 23, I can cross that off!

This time, while in New York, I want to spend some time on Staten Island…I’ve been to NYC many times, but never had the chance to visit this “forgotten” borough. I hear there are many Italians and Italian things there, and I love everything Italian. So get ready for Ameera, Staten Island! But how could I forget my Boricuas (Puerto Ricans) in the Bronx! I’ll be visiting some salsa spots while I’m there and hopefully Marc Anthony stops by to sing and dance a little. Oh! How my mind dreams too much! But I wouldn’t have it any other way! 

Lately, I’ve been devoting myself to work, volunteering, and my friends. I used to be enrolled in language school for French (oui, je parle un peu du francais, parce que les gracons francais sont tres mignon, hehehe) and Italian. But somewhere in the past months…I stopped going and got rather lazy about it. For a few months, I just couldn’t get myself to do my homework or even get on the train downtown to my school, so I decided to take a break. (I haven’t used much of my Spanish, Arabic, or Portuguese either!) But now, I’m ready to take them all on again. True, I don’t have time, but I will make some! Perhaps you know the feeling, of getting caught up in life and not doing things you used to enjoy doing because it’s draining or you’d rather relax and watch movies…do not fear, take a break and you will be refreshed soon. I feel refreshed now…

As I get older, the more aware of become of my surroundings, of people and problems plaguing the world. A few years ago, I used to cry about them because I felt sad and hopeless. Now, they motivate me to get out of my bed and to stop complaining about what I have or don’t have. I want to help the world and although I am one person, I know I can team up with others and take anything on. Perhaps we forget that we are invincible, self-doubt is the greatest enemy in history—even greater than the devil himself! Such a bold things to say, no? I am bold, shy and bold at the same time! I thought you knew? You can be anything you want to be! There are treacherous things happening in this world, but beautiful ones too. Each day, you have the power to change the bad rhythm that’s going on. By smiling, by being grateful, by listening and attempting to understand before putting someone down! If someone is being mean or hurtful to you, goodness gracious! Kill them with kindness! Ask them about their day, their life, their interests—find common ground and appreciate their uniqueness. This will have them questioning their own motives and perhaps inspire a little change…baby steps!

Alas, I must be off to read some of Abraham Lincoln’s speeches and listen to some Mozart before I sleep. If I may say something to the world, from my heart and soul… “We create our own destiny. Follow your dreams—they’re yours for a reason!”. Even if you think that the circumstances surrounding our life prohibits this, forget the circumstances you were born into, they do not define you. I believe in you, because I know the world has always believed in us! Stay sane and humble my habibis (this means friends and loved ones in Arabic). 

P.S.-In all honesty, it took me a while to write , not because I was busy and all…I was caught up in life and I had imagined that I lost my writing spark and motivation once more. But I saw Steven Tyler perform here in San Francisco the other day and it was amazing! He made me feel great emotions and made me believe what I tell everyone—that you can do anything! I love his and Aerosmith’s music. I used to listen to it growing up as a kid and now—they write songs that I can relate too… “Because I’m so F.I.N.E, fine!”. (Look it up…). See…proof! Another dream of mine came true, give it time!