The More Things Stay The Same

Hey there, all

Wow...cool, I had no idea so many people were on LiveJournal! I've added knaenk (http://www.livejournal.com/users/knaenk), khromat (http://www.livejournal.com/users/krohmat) and xydexx (http://www.livejournal.com/users/xydexx) to my friends' list. Hurrah. :)

Erm...thanks for all the support and words of encouragement, and corrections where they've been needed. Just to clarify, no I haven't started fasting yet. :) As far as I know, Rammadan doesn't start until November 16th, and lasts until December 16th or thereabouts. I have Dustin to thank for the new moon bit; I had no idea that it was based on a lunar calendar.

Hmm...I guess I should probably say *why* I'm even bothering with this, since there seems to be so much confusion about it. Actually, it all started when my friend Arlekin asked me if I would celebrate Ramadan with him, as part of his Asian Studies high school course. Not *really* knowing what I was getting myself into, I said, "Sure." Would I have said the same if I knew exactly what Ramadan was at the time? Well...probably, but it would have taken a bit more convincing. :)

I think it's important to show our support for the nation's Muslim community at this time. The so-called "War on Terrorism" is going to take a toll on everyone in the coming months, but no one will (or already has) felt it as strongly as the Islamic population. Now, do they need our support? Maybe; I can't tell for certain exactly what the social climate is *all* across America. But I do think it's important to understand their path to awakening themselves. You know, what they do to get that relationship with the divine, and why. I believe that every religion out there is onto something; they all have a legitimate truth behind whatever dogmatic bullshit there is that makes the existence of their faith viable. If we're ever going to understand one another, you have to know what that truth is.

I can tell you now, I don't plan on becoming Muslim. But I am interested in learning more about it. The past few days have shown me that I am woefully ignorant about the Islam religion, so chances are I'll be spending most of this week playing 'catch up,' asking about religious practices in general to augment what little I know. Heck, I may even attend a mosque or something. Woo...that's amazing. :P But I do what I can.

As for giving up the Internet...well, it's not 'necessary,' at least by Islamic dictates, but it's something I want to do anyway. Right now, the Net is nothing but a source of constant frustration for me, but force of habit keeps me logging on more than anything. I think stepping away from the computer in general will do a bit of good for perspective, which is something everyone needs once in a while. I've been told I'm addicted to this thing, and while I don't believe it myself, I might as well 'break the addiction' to better my life.

I need to write and draw, get stuff ready for my website; and that's how I plan on spending the next month. You know, getting a writing portfolio together, trying to get accepted into publications and zines I've always wanted to be a part of, that sort of thing. Right now, the top of my list is Inkblots (an e-zine that's taking freelancers currently) and Megamorphics (well, if you don't know about that, you don't need to :P).

I also want to make music tapes for friends, for Christmas, along with a very special gift to a friend that's not so much any more. I feel I owe him at least one big thing before we 'part ways'.

Off the computer, the day was kinda brutal. Work was work. I was Storyteller for an experimental LARP that March started up. I was a little disappointed in it, but everyone else had fun, so I can't complain too much. :)

Mainly, I'm worried about Joey. He's not happy much these days, and I can't really figure out why (at least, beyond my own shortcomings). I'd give anything to see him content, but he's seeming like this miserable person all the time. That's what gets to me most; not that he gets angry when his computer doesn't work...it's just that he seems a lot deeper with his sadness and restlessness than just what he's working on. As usual, he won't talk to me about it, but I'll keep working at him. Eventually, he'll chip away.

I've hit a sort of block in my writing, which is never good. It's reall frustrating, because, well, I've got to write! I'm under deadline!! It's exciting to know that I'm slowly becoming a 'pro' at this, but it's also pretty daunting. :)

I miss everyone on-line; once Joey's done with his computers I might actually have a bit of time to spend here. :) Don't hold your breath though.

Congrats, Micole, on your acceptance!! You are a culinary goddess. ;)

Congrats, Dustin, on your car! You deserve it...and hopefully it'll prove to deserve you...and thanks for helping me celebrate Ramadan. We can compare notes and stuff. :)

Congrats, Laz, on being the spiffiest rat ever. :)

Thanks, Danruk, for all the encouragement and irresistible rooish charm, even though I'm horrible at answering back. :/

Erm, thanks for reading all of this. I'm going to sleep now. Ooog.