update on 2012 so far

It's only the end of February and I feel as though I've done enough for it to be June already.

I've been put back into a classroom (formally, as in subject teaching) as of this year. I was a bit apprehensive at first, but am getting back into the swing of it one day at a time. The first term of the year is always a killer...we've had registration, athletics, excursions...and there's still 4 weeks of the term left!

Things have been eventful on the personal side of things as well. I've had to deal with a sick parent (not fun, and very stressful - I cannot imagine how they must feel when one of us is ill), nephews venturing off into the world alone, a niece that has just started university and her over-protective father freaking out a bit...some male attention (and for those of you who know me personally, imagine a HUGE eye-roll here) and theft.

So, quite an eventful and busy 2012 so far.

Two things have been glaringly apparent (and appalling) to me throughout the 2 months that have passed.
1. People are becoming less and less concerned about integrity and professionalism in the work place. I know things are no longer black and white - things get complicated so quickly these days - but why should we not strive to have a simplistic view of things? I know that in my own life, where I can, I have adopted that philosophy and as a result, have eliminated unnecessary stress. Do your job, to the best of your ability. Ask if you do not know, say NO when you cannot and more importantly, if you fuck up, take your punishment like a grown up. And. LEAVE YOUR PERSONAL SHIT AT HOME.

2. I am very disturbed at how easily people can talk bad about people who are religious. Come on people, really? We are supposed to be progressing but we're worse than cave people. A prostitute can go about her trade, homosexuals are accepted in society and are even allowed to get married, but if someone wants to (of their own free will) follow their religion without it being a hindrance to anyone, that is a problem. To believe in God is something people actually find stupid. I am completely appalled.
More disturbing than that for me though, is how Muslim people are just neglecting essential things in their lives with regards to Islam. Why do you look down and ridicule girls who dress properly and pray regularly? Why do you find dating and courting to be acceptable? I understand that we are a minority in the world...but we will always be. And while we as Muslims may not be perfect, Islam is. And we should strive to practice it as perfectly as we are able.