5 Things I’ve Been Thinking About/Doing

Sorry it’s been so long since I last posted something. I’m so grateful for those of you who still read this blog. I can see that there’s a steady stream of visitors everyday.

Here are some things I’ve learned/done/or am working on since the last time I’ve posted (which was back in January, yikes!)

1. I’m trying so hard to learn to be patient with my writing. I believe in our click-of-a-mouse paced world, we all want to hurry up and finish something and sent it off. I’ m learning to be okay with this NOT being the case for my writing.

2. My editorial internship with The Root will conclude at the close of April. I can’t believe 5 months have gone by so fast. I’ve learned a number of things that I know will enrich my flirtatious relationship with journalism.

3. I’ve been thinking a lot about Father’s Day. My daughter turns 7 this year. Though the journey is hardly over, I can’t believe it’s been almost 7 years.

4. I’ve learned to be grateful for everything I have. It’s so easy to complain but it’s really amazing to wake up with a sense of purpose and to do exactly what I wanted to do since I was a little boy.

5. I’ve been tweeting. You can follow me @abdulali_. There are lovely film strips from 1988 of me, compliments of my Uncle Martin.

Back in the Habit!

trying to keep stress levels down

It’s been a little over a month since I last posted. Here’s what I’ve been up to in the past month:

1. Started an editorial internship with the online news and culture magazine, The Root

2. Saw the play Let Me Down Easy and interviewed Anna Deveare Smith, the playwright-actress who conceived the fascinating show. She plays 20 characters in her one-woman show.

3. Been thinking a lot about the 1990s. I watched Dave Chappelle’s Block Party the other night and got a little misty-eyed when Lauryn Hill came out.

4. Trying to get organized: have to sign Kayla up for summer camp while it’s still early.

5. The spring semester began a few weeks ago. I’m taking a lit course in experimental poetry which is fascinating, all hands down. I’m also taking an Creative Nonfiction course while I rewrite my poems and make them better.

6. I just ordered networking cards for AWP. I’m preparing to talk about Folio’s poetry contest on Jo Reed’s On the Margins, tomorrow morning.

7. Seen way too much snow.

8. I’m happy to report that I paid of my credit card debt, almost $15,000 worth.

9. I finally purchased a copy of Danielle Evan’s short story collection, Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self.

10. I’m also preparing to teach poetry over the next four month for the Arlington Public Schools–from elementary all the way through high school.

More soon. . .