I don’t like spaces.
Between sentences they’re ok.
But not between people.
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Happy Ayyam-i-Ha, everyone…party tonight was off the hook. 
February 26, 2005
by sholeh
2 Comments
February 23, 2005
by sholeh
2 Comments
Mawaige & Twue Wuv
At the clinic today I went to the staff lounge to get some tea (my eyes were trying to close, and I had no toothpicks available to prop them open). Usually the lounge is quiet and empty…but I happened to walk in during the nurses’ lunch break.
Chaos! There were 9 nurses in a very small space…all between the ages of 35-60. These women are some of the sweetest, toughest, and sometimes scatterbrained people I’ve ever met. They help me decipher doctor’s handwriting and always say hello to me.
Well, when I walked in they were jovially ribbing one of the young male doctors (who is tall and good-looking, of course). This is pretty much how the conversation went:
Nurse 1: “Are you married, doctor?”
Nurse 2: “No, he isn’t married.”
Nurse 1: “Not married, why not?! Are you dating someone?”
Doctor grabs cup of coffee.
Nurse 3: “Yes, he is! Aren’t you, dear? How long has it been?”
Nurse 4: “Oh my, aren’t we something?”
“One month.” -mumbled through a smile
Nurse 5: “oooh well we can’t interfere yet. We have to give it time.”
*laughter*
Nurse 6: “You ladies are just awful, awful! Stop harassing the poor man!”
Doctor escapes with coffee in hand and embarrassed grin on his face.
I was giggling the whole time. Poor guy…
Right now, I hear Jerry Springer on a television somewhere in the clinic. I’ve never SEEN a television here, so I don’t know where it is coming from.
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Ayyam-i-Ha Party @ my place Friday night, 8 pm. Bring your dancing shoes!
February 20, 2005
by sholeh
2 Comments
Not what you think.
this hurts.
i am not accustomed to making you miserable.
or you.
and you…
well, you and i do not yet know
how this will be resolved
since resolution requires communication
and this, while it constitutes
words and sounds,
is not speaking.
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And as i walk into the sun…
and as i stare across this ocean…
and as i start a brand new day…
but i felt we’d be the same, again.
-Dirty Vegas, “Walk Into The Sun”
February 14, 2005
by sholeh
6 Comments
Paint!
These are the colors we chose for our dining room wall “mural”. It is all done now, but you’ll have to come over to our house to see the finished product. 
(Actually, I haven’t gotten around to taking a final picture yet…will do that soon, I promise!)
We painted it all in 2 evenings, and did not spill a drop of paint ANYWHERE. We’re just awesome like that. Mad skillz in my house, yo.
I forgot how much I like painting! Especially using a roller…haven’t done it in such a long time. My dad, being awesome as he is, taught us how to paint when we were young, which is useful when you grow older and have to do things for yourself. I’m also not afraid to wield hedge clippers, a lawnmower, a handsaw, and various gardening/home repair tools. I may not be an expert, but I can get the job done. 
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PS: my internet magically started working again after nearly 2 weeks of sulking. Silly computer. *shakes head*
February 10, 2005
by sholeh
3 Comments
The Clinic
Wierd Diagnoses:
Flap Wound: yes, this is what it sounds like. This particular person had it on their finger. ouch!
Flat Feet: I am sorry to anyone who has flat feet, but every time I type this in I think of ducks. 
Hair in Ear Canal: um, ew.
“Soft Mass on Palm, please evaluate & excise”- this one made me shudder.
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Every day around 3:30 pm babies are crying somewhere in the clinic. My co-worker and I think it is a ghost. haha.
My boss sings along to Ludacris and Eminem.
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I see a lot of the same diagnoses. I know the ICD-9 code for obesity, because it seems like every fourth referral is to Nutrition & Wellness for obesity, and I know the code for diabetes. Cancers…I see the most for breast cancer, but today I’ve typed in lung and prostate cancer. One day I typed in a referral for a person who had HIV and 2 STDs.
I don’t see any of the student referrals, because that is on a different system that I am not trained in. I’m sure they don’t have as many referrals to specialty clinics, nor are those referrals as serious. Most of my patients are 40-60 years old. I see many of the same names over and over, many with multiple diseases or health issues.
I think it is a good thing I do not have contact with patients. Reading about it is hard enough.
February 8, 2005
by sholeh
3 Comments
Where oh where…
i don’t know what to blog about
my muse fell off a cliff
and bounced on the sharp rocks below
(making cornbread from my own recipe and baking chocolate cupcakes. you know you’re jealous)
Chance of flurries tonight. Whenever I hear that, I think of ice cream.
“”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”
I don’t need to make a statement or alter the shape of the universe. Well, at least not in my blog. You see, my friends, is that it really doesn’t matter what I do here. Chances are, I’d probably make more people upset than anything else. This is an amusing space, but I’m not here to change the way people think or force something on people that don’t want to be involved. I’m just here.
Having had a blog in one form or another for 4 years…you figure things out. You figure out that your audience is not something that you get to choose. You are not in your own private universe, playing God. And you don’t always have the luxury of having the same kinds of conversations that you have in person.
I am ok with that. Because no matter what I think the effect of my posts are, the fact remains that if I choose to play God (or psychologist), I can’t guarantee that people won’t get hurt. And I can’t guarantee that backbiting will not happen. I do not want this blog to be the catalyst for that.
“… Each of us is responsible for one life only, and that is our own. Each of us is immeasurably far from being ‘perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect’ and the task of perfecting our own life and character is one that requires all our attention, our will- power and energy.
“He feels that you should do your utmost to call the attention of the friends to these large things and real triumphs, and away from their personal differences and petty pre-occupations. Now is certainly not the time for any man to think of himself, or busy himself with the weaknesses of his brother; but, rather each and every Bahá’í must concentrate in the tasks ahead and be reborn in the service of Bahá’u'lláh.”
(Compilations, Lights of Guidance, p. 92)
February 4, 2005
by sholeh
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The #12 Roosevelt
There was a woman sitting contentedly at the bus stop today.
She had a green knit hat. It looked homemade.
I sat next to her on the small bench,
pulled out my textbook to read (exams next week).
She asked what I was studying in school.
“Business, and then hopefully start my own someday.”
She smiled, with a wistful look in her eyes,
“I wanted to do that.”
We talked about social security, politics,
and the politics of family in which the oldest sister dies
and she, the middle one, is responsible for their parents.
“I am 50 years old. I don’t know how I am going to do it.”
The bus came, she sat in the back, and I stood nearby.
One of her counterparts was already on the bus
and with more in common to talk about, they conversed.
I only had a few blocks to go, and as I stepped off the bus,
she called after me: “Good luck!”
and smiled lovingly.
I waved goodbye and smiled back,
breathing in bus exhaust as I walked away.
February 3, 2005
by sholeh
1 Comment
True friendship
Sometimes, my friends, it is easy to get caught up in things. Inspiration and guidance is always found in the Writings. We are here on this planet for a reason.
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The advent of the prophets and the revelation of the Holy Books is intended to create love between souls and friendship between the inhabitants of the earth. Real love is impossible unless one turn his face towards God and be attracted to His Beauty.
(Abdu’l-Baha, Tablets of Abdu’l-Baha v3, p. 505)
The love which exists between the hearts of believers is prompted by the ideal of the unity of spirits. This love is attained through the knowledge of God, so that men see the Divine Love reflected in the heart. Each sees in the other the Beauty of God reflected in the soul, and finding this point of similarity, they are attracted to one another in love.
(Abdu’l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 180)
Strive ye by day and night to cultivate your unity to the fullest degree. Let your thoughts dwell on your own spiritual development, and close your eyes to the deficiencies of other souls. Act ye in such wise, showing forth pure and goodly deeds, and modesty and humility, that ye will cause others to be awakened.
Never is it the wish of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to see any being hurt, nor will He make anyone to grieve; for man can receive no greater gift than this, that he rejoice another’s heart. I beg of God that ye will be bringers of joy, even as are the angels in Heaven.
(Selections from the Writings of Abdu’l-Baha, p. 203)
February 2, 2005
by sholeh
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Computer broken=Sholeh sad
Help!
If you are one of my computer literate friends that lives nearby, I am asking for assistance. My computer refuses to connect to the internet, even though the other computers on the wireless network in the house can connect. It is a problem with my PC, and I’ve tried having folks help through the phone but nothing happens. If you are available to come look at my computer, I’ll bake you a cake. I’m serious.
January 30, 2005
by sholeh
6 Comments
Frozen dinners
Today I resorted to eating a frozen dinner. There were several reasons for this:
a) laziness
b) busy working on things and studying
c) laziness
Anyways, it was a Michelina’s Pepper Steak & Rice entree (although it really is more of a snack). I decided to check out the ingredient listing (which I really should have done before I purchased it, but oh well).
Over 35 ingredients. In that tiny little package.
Now, if you know me, you know that I love to cook, and I do it nearly every day. I have never, EVER needed more than 20 ingredients for a dish. Often I need only 10. It kind of blew my mind.
Also, even though it was a rice dish, it had wheat products in it (allergy, remember?), so that is no good. So much for quick and easy food! It looks like I’m going to spend a majority of my lifetime cooking.
Time for a poll: What is a dish that you love to eat but simply do not have the time, facilities, or skills to make?
January 28, 2005
by sholeh
7 Comments
Snazzy music
I feel snazzy today. All dressed up in my black suit, I feel like a high-powered executive.
Seriously though, there is something about wearing a suit that makes me more…responsible and motivated. Not as comfortable as jeans and a hoodie, but a lot nicer looking.
Current musical obsessions: the Garden State soundtrack and the Wicker Park soundtrack. Thanks to Shan for introducing me to Garden State (both the movie & music) and Lindsey for Wicker Park. I was needing a transfusion after listening to the radio too much.
Something confusing about my street: they insist on cleaning the streets twice a month or more in the summer, but in the winter they do not bother to plow. Parking is interesting, to say the least.
Some days, you feel like writing something substantial, deep, and thought-provoking. And some days…the sun is shining and all you want to do is smile.
Time for class!
January 24, 2005
by sholeh
7 Comments
Spring Classes
(Our school mascot. I don’t know what it is wearing.)
I have realized that I may refer to my classes once in a while this semester, given that some of them are rather amusing (or rather, the professors are amusing).
Sociology of Organizations: Taught by a sociology professor who is tall, wears dark red lipstick, and says “um” a lot.
Comparative Marketing: I still have not figured out exactly what this class is about. I think it has something to do with Globalization, which is rather cool. I get this impression from our textbook, “Globalization and Business”.
Product Management: About successful products. Taught by the same professor as Comparative Marketing. He is awesome. I referred to him in this entry.
Business Statistics I: One of the most boring classes I’ve ever taken. We’ve spent the first 2 weeks drawing bar graphs and histograms.
Entrepreneurship: I had the same professor last semester. He is rather awkward and makes bad jokes, but I always do well in his class. Got an A+ on a paper that I wrote in 2 hours.
In conclusion, this semester looks like it will be easier than last semester, and I actually like most of my profs! Now, if only I could do something about my insomnia…
Also, I would like to add that my “study” playlist on ITunes includes Dark Falcor’s “Constructs”. That is all.
January 23, 2005
by sholeh
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Cheese sauce
There are ways to make the food you love to eat, even if you have a gluten allergy. It isn’t very severe for me, as I can eat bread once in a while without problems. But I love being able to share the knowledge I’ve acquired with people who might need it.
I’ve modified my mother’s cheese sauce. It is really good, by the way. You can usually buy the special flours at large grocery stores like Jewel.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 tablespoon tapioca flour
1/2 tablespoon potato starch flour
4 oz shredded cheese (Any kind, depending on what flavor you want. I use cheddar.)
1 cup milk
Melt the butter in a deep non-stick saucepan, stir in the flours as it melts. Stir constantly until mixed, then pour milk in. Continue stirring, then when milk is hot, slowly add cheese. As you stir, the sauce will thicken. When the cheese is completely melted into the sauce, it should be ready. Remove from heat.
Tastes great over broccoli (or most steamed vegetables), or over rice.
January 19, 2005
by sholeh
3 Comments
Queen of Lists
Some people may not realize this, but I love lists. I write everything down. When a professor is droning on about histograms and normal deviation, I make lists of errands I have to run, emails I need to write…whatever! These lists were written in Business Stats.
Things I Love About My School:
1) The doodles on the desktops are either long political treatises or notes in Urdu. The same applies to the bathroom stalls.
2) I can still get a cup of coffee for under $2.
3) A cell phone is considered to be an extension of the human body, not merely an accessory.
4) Watching plainclothes cops search my 60 year old Marketing professor in the hallway before class…and then my professor stepping into the classroom and saying “The fuzz got me, sorry I was late.”
5) Listening to the same professor’s jokes twice a day (morning class and afternoon).
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Things I Love About My House:
1) Assigned chores every week and month. (“Who has the blessing of assuring the cleanliness of the kitchen this week?”)
2) The chalkboard on the wall (I get excited when there is a new message on the board…unless it is for the bills).
3) In-house washer & dryer.
4) Parties!!
5) Angela’s art projects on the dining room table.
January 18, 2005
by sholeh
7 Comments
Cliffside
This is an interesting edge I’m trembling on.
There are corners to the universe here
that I never realized existed.
You (and I mean “You” in the multiple sense)
and I (and by “I” I mean me)
have an erratic way of articulating
the sentiments in our souls.
In the absence of true speech
we dance around the subjects
of our heavy hearts,
choosing instead to engross ourselves
in lighthearted deviations from the norm.
January 12, 2005
by sholeh
6 Comments
Blue!
We don’t know what it is, either. It appeared suddenly in the living room one evening, and of course was immediately experimented with.
Shannon tests it out.
Gavin & Shannon turn into an alien. “Are we done taking pictures yet?”
We rearranged the living room tonight. I’m proud of us.
School is hectic so far, but I love 2 of my professors so far. One of them tells awesome jokes and makes side comments to me (I sit in the front row so I don’t fall asleep).
January 10, 2005
by sholeh
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Squishy
As I walked to my first day of the new semester,
the word that came to mind was “squishy”.
The weather was really quite nice,
and there was a steady dripping sound
as I walked down the street…
with the occasional “sloosh” as snow
fell off of awnings and roofs.
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I am feeling optimistic this semester! 16 hours, 5 classes. I’ve got so many plans and plots brewing in my brain.
Last night I went through boxes in my parent’s basement. Forgotten, dusty, cobwebby boxes. I filled two trash bags with junk, and repacked 4 boxes full of novels, yearbooks (K-12!), high school graduation things, posters, Louhelen pictures and memories, and my first teddy bear (she is a little worse for wear, but still soft and cuddly). I packed everything into the minivan and brought it to the city. I like having everything with me, easily accessible. It was really wonderful, looking through old things and smiling at notes.
New people: Richard & Nate. They rock. If you don’t know them, you should. That is all.
January 5, 2005
by sholeh
2 Comments
Awww!
This is for you, D-Rab:
MICE IN TROUSERS!
It is snowing here, really snowing, not just that little fluffy stuff that melts immediately. I want to make hot chocolate, start a fire in the fireplace, and if I can drag myself out of the house, go sledding.
And I know I’m feeling better when I suddenly get the urge to start cooking again.
January 1, 2005
by sholeh
6 Comments
Teeth in a box
I actually haven’t taken a close look at them, because I have a rather queasy stomach right now and I don’t think that the doctor cleaned them very well. 4 wisdom teeth are sitting in a clear plastic box somewhere in the bottom of my purse.
I’m doing just fine, by the way. In fact, there was no swelling, drooling, or vicodin-enhanced mood swings. The strongest medicine I’m taking for pain is Advil. I started eating rice last night, and have decided that pureed food is not what it is cracked up to be. Seriously. The biggest annoyance right now? The nasty sinus infection that decided to attack me the day of my surgery…after I woke up, my throat hurt so much I could barely swallow. Combined with the fact that I’m definitely allergic to cold medication…well, it has been interesting. My mom and dad and little sister rock for taking care of me while I’ve been a bum. Thank you!!!
I’ve decided that the next time I tell my friends that they can take pictures with my camera at a party…I’m going to watch them more carefully. I have crazy friends. Nothing inappropriate, mind you…just…silly.
I woke up at 11:56 pm last night, just in time to hear people in the neighborhood set off firecrackers and yell. I then curled up in bed with a good fantasy book and eventually fell asleep. I’m a party monster, yes I am. Happy Gregorian New Year, y’all.
December 30, 2004
by sholeh
4 Comments
Teeth
After a long wait, I’m getting my wisdom teeth (all 4!) removed in 9 hours. I’m sure it will be lots of fun.
It has been suggested by unnamed sources that I make them into a necklace.
Therefore, I won’t be writing emails, reading blogs, answering phone calls, or being at all social for a few days. Just in case you’re wondering why I’ve fallen off the face of the earth.
I was making mashed potatoes tonight in preparation for all of this, when I discovered that the potatoes had something against me. They were attacking me, flying all over the kitchen, landing on the floor, jumping on my face. It was a mess. I was also receiving phone calls from friends. I managed to bend a fork beyond recognition, as well. Angela was gettting a kick out of watching me drop things and clean up splattered potatoes.
Wish I had taken pictures.