Dating in times of Covid-19

 Since I have been single for almost half a year it’s been rather frustrating dating. Here’s what I noticed: 

1. They will say no because we can’t physically meet

2. Communication is 10X harder because they don’t want to talk

3. People think ghosting is okay because we can’t meet in person 

4. Going “out” has been eliminated so it’s difficult to meet them even if you want to 

5. Pandemic brings out the worst in people (maybe not such a bad thing)

6. Stress creates a hardship and people do not want to give a new relationship a chance 

These reasons above have made it difficult for me to date, however I have been “seeing” a guy in Calgary, Canada and it’s so difficult not to hop on a plane to go see him. It’s rather frustrating but I know when we meet it’s going to be even more special, hopefully he keeps talking to me and we can survive this pandemic and meet in person next year in June 2021, I’m hoping it’s earlier but I’m keeping a late date in case of disappointment. Here’s to keeping things fun and hopefully a relationship blossoms 

Loving yourself

 Lately I have been trying to find myself more and enjoying my own company. Having a phone does not help as it distracts me from trying to be my own best friend. It sounds narcissistic of me and rather like an ego trip but it really isn’t. It’s been a difficult journey to learn to love myself. Having a life coach helps too as they remind you of your value and what you have to offer. I still have some ways to go but writing out poems, journaling and meditation has helped bring out the best parts of me. I believe that having a planner has helped me get control of my life, I recommend using happy planners to help write out your goals, they have cute sticker books as well to help you with organizing your life. Doing what I love helps me too, been going on walks and enjoying nature in every way possible. Being in nature helps me recharge my energy and bring out my best self. 

Fantasy- (a Poem)

 Hello everyone, so a lot of things have been on my mind including having my own home, with the current trend of housing costs I really do not see it happening. While a modest lifestyle is recommended even by Einstein, it is no reality today. Here's to better times, and better circumstances. This poem was inspired by the song Home on the Range, according to Wikipedia, it was composed by Daniel E. Kelly, and the lyrics are by Brewster M. Higley. Please note this poem is my own work and please do not plagiarize it. Also I might change the words later

Fantasy

To have a place where I call home,

where I am free to roam

and anyone who's my member is welcome at any old time,

to have good food and dine.

There's a beautiful lemon tree in my back yard 

that I will someday grow as my love for myself too.

And I really do hope that you will come visit me in my home,

for it is filled with laughter, love and kindness.

May we all find what we seek and return to our journey for that treasure of wisdom. Good wishes unto you and your loved one.

Spooky times in Asma’s life

This month has been a whirlwind, lot's of highs and lows. That's life for you, also I need to hang out with myself more and create "me" time because in the end I always depend on myself. I want to surround myself with more positivity and cat pictures. I am going to decorate my work cubicle so it does not look dull and speaks of my personality. I feel like it's going to help me be more productive and help me focus on what's important. Ladies if you are dating, my advice is always do your research even before meeting the guy. Even if he's from your trusted networks, you never know. I recently had a scary experience which I am not sure I want to share but let's just say I got myself some pepper spray for protection. I am definitely going to be more mindful and say a prayer before meeting anyone, I need to up my prayer game. For me prayers do not necessarily mean namaz, which is a traditional Muslim prayer. Who's to say how I pray is right or wrong, what gives you that power? How can you judge me for praying my own way? It's between me and Allah and it's no one else's business. Stay healthy friends and stay safe at home! 

Tips on living well in S. California

 Hello everyone, thanks for your patience on waiting for me to figure out how to write this blog. So I have been in S. California since 2006. Please note, what works for me might not necessarily work for you. We all need a little help with how to navigate better in life. So a little about my lifestyle. I am a single woman, 35 years old, I do not have children and currently I am happily single. With that I have the luxury of changing some of my expenses and playing around with what I am able to do. 

1. After high school (I didn't go to HS here), go to either Vocational school or Junior college (community college). DO NOT DECLARE A MAJOR! I recommend Jr. College as you can take a variety of classes to figure out what you are interested in. Get involved in clubs, you will increase not only your friend circle but you can network.
2. With the above advice, it will help you save money for your future, apply for on campus jobs. Apply for Board of Governor's fee waiver. Apply for financial aid, stalk their office and keep applying for grants, scholarships, and any free money. 
3. Make an expense report on excel or paper, list out all your important expenses that everyone of us have to pay (Car registration, rent, phone plan books, clothes), also include your "fun" (dining out, movies, Netflix etc.) expenses.
4. Look on craigslist for apartment listings based on your expenses and income level
5. Shop around for Car Insurance, I guarantee that you are paying too much (AAA is really good)
6. Shop around for phone plans (don't forget the pay by plans like in Walmart)
7. Try to reduce your fun expenses by cooking at home via meal kits if you are a beginner or not very good at cooking, watch videos on you tube to improve your food flavors and variety.
8. Make grocery lists and stick as much you can to it! 
9. Download Apps for grocery store, shops to save money for their coupons (Retail me not is not always reliable, try Ibotta). Save your "junk" mail as they have manufacturer's coupons for everyday items.
10. Get a happy planner: It will help you organize your life! Trust me once you get used to them they are a God sent gift!

These are my few tips to help you live better, and please feel free to reach out to me if you have any concerns or need any additional help asmaraja708@gmail.com, instagram: smi708 

Motivational Speaker, Tyson Michael

 Hello folks, so today I spoke with a motivational speaker named Tyson, please do check him out on 

Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/tysonmichael_/?hl=en

You Tube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFf8IDfpj_no1zvMUAeLZCA/videos

He is only 22, and already ahead of his game, and a person to watch and follow. Age is just a number, do not let it deter you, he's an old soul in a young man's body (in a good way). We all need help in our lives, sometimes more than usual and for me this pandemic has taken its toll. We talked about how I am worth as a person and that I should present myself to others in order to be my very best self. We talked about how Happy Planners has changed my and my friend's lives for the better. It was so easy and natural to talk to him, I felt as though I was talking to an old friend. My next post will be on tips on how to live in S. California, and how to navigate some of the things that I have struggled with and now I am aware of how to make it easier for others. 

Another day in my life

Hello fellow humans, first of all thank you all for all of your amazing vibes. Many good things are happening, also I spent 8/20 with my dad as it was his birthday. I am moving into an apartment with another person, this is exciting as I can finally rest easy knowing I’m not putting my faiji and fuaji’s (aunt and uncle) life in danger. Many of you are probably wondering what Smi means, it’s my nickname that my family has given me. My nanima (maternal grandma) used to call me Asmini which means Jasmine. And my lovely cousins used to call me Asmi, as a tender term. Somehow it got even more shortened to Smi, my friend Alkesh was the first to call me that. I have been so extraordinarily blessed that I feel overwhelmed by the love from everyone. You have my utmost gratitude, and I can only hope you feel the same love from me. Here’s a motivational photo I found hope it helps