Dear You,

I feel stuffed and sleepy and extremely happy. It's one of those days you'd like time to stand still, especially now, as there's a burst of laughter erupting from the computer, courtesy of Skype, Baba is explaining to someone over the phone how innocent Manal looks in her passport photo, my brother is rubbing his eyes after a long day and I am sitting here stupidly smiling at the screen.

I munched the leftover pizza thoughtfully and treated myself to wide grins as I relished the second 'Exceptional' I'd got on one of my English assignments. It felt good. The midterm schedule is out. I suppose I should get down to study. My teachers said they were expecting us to study ten hours a day and - well, I'd rather not be honest on this regard. I really need to get a move on.

Maybe God smiles down at us while we worry and tear our hair out and there's a bundle of happiness wrapped in golden wrapping paper just around the corner. I am infinitely blessed.

Thank you for listening and thank you, God, for these smiles, my headphones, Skype and a sister who is trying to dominate the TV lounge with her loud, off-key singing voice while I try to do the same simultaneously. It's a bit of a chaos and I'm infinitely thankful for it.

Masha'Allah, Masha'Allah. Nazar na lagay.

At the end of the day, there's always something to smile about. Happiness exists. Even if it exists in as small a thing as the (now barren) box of pizza.

(The good kind of) tired after a drama-filled day,

Me.