Khabam meeyad.

Tonight was so fun! I got to hang out with my family allllll day and it felt really, really good. I absolutely love these kind of days. 

First off, we had breakfast; 

then I watched this movie called Silent Waters. It's about this Pakistani young man who becomes a follower of the extreme Muslim movement taking place in the late 70s. Watched it with my dad (an avid lover of Indian films) and then proceeded to have a discussion on religion (my favorite). This was maybe a good time to say, "Well, guess what... I believe in Jesus!" but I just didn't have the guts, unfortunately, and the moment passed. I did get him to admit that he believes in a higher being, however and that is a start, right? I guess, I just know that one day I will tell him (because he knows everything about me) so for the present time, I'm just working on building my relationship with God and that has nothing to do with my father or anyone else, for that matter, anyway. 

After this: Mandana had a bit of a critique on my parents and it was complicated. A lot came up and I'm glad it did. I helped her out; called my dad out on his changing behaviors, told my mom to mellow out on the shopping and finished with, "Hey, let's just all hang out a little more, alright?"

Then I went to the gym for a long period of time and it felt amazing. I'm having so many issues with the fact that I could not exercise for over a month. That damn cold that lasted 2 months. I mean, really? I was really thorough today and if I just get back to a routine again, my insecurities will be at bay in about a month or so. (Crossing my fingers)

Once home, we had a tree up, lights and traditional holiday music to fill the house. Does it come off weird that my family is not Christian and has always celebrated Christmas? Well, it's kind of strange for me this year to think about. I mean, for us, Christmas is just a time where we spend more time together, celebrate being a family and exchange gifts. Seeing as though my dad lost his 401K and had a 10% pay cut, out gift exchange is going to be real limited and our family time will be (or at least I'm hoping) increased. I think this change will actually be really good for us. 

We then all went to Peppino's for dinner. This is my dad's favorite local restaurant. Why? Good question.  But it was nice that we were all there, Maaneli, Matt and Mandana. Usually Mandana just doesn't go out to dinners unless it's for a special occasion or some sort but she came! It was great! Shab came and surprised us too! We were sitting on the back patio by ourselves and at one point, my parents got up to dance. I loved it.

Came back. Called my Daniel boy. We chit chatted for a bit.

Off the phone: back downstairs, was in a really funny giggly mood. Laughing to myself and at nothing. We were all about to order The Fall On Demand but decided it was too long and too late. Instead, I suggested a game of Scene It. Brilliant. We split in teams of 3. Got super competitive. I mean, SO COMPETITIVE. I'm pretty sure Matt was gonna blow his head off at one point but it was okay in the end cause we (Me, Maaneli and Matt) won. Of course. 

Now I'm about to get to bed.

The one thing I'm bummed out about is that I did not get any real work done. Tomorrow, I HAVE to start. It's just that today was so good and I didn't want to be away from anyone. Tomorrow, I'm also supposed to meet with Brittney (haven't seen her since September) then meet with Natalia before we go see Joey play some music. If I push back meeting with Britt til afternoonish, I can totally get some work done in the morning? Okay well, I still have all Sunday, Monday night, Tuesday night and Wednesday night to start/finish my Indian paper and start my Environmental final... ohmygaaahssshhI'mgettinganxiety. Okay goodnight then.