It has been a long while since I posted anything. As some of you know that in addition to my teaching, I also worked on a research project. I am currently having my summer vacation and having a short break from the project before my schedule would become hectic again in the fall. I certainly have a lot to share with you. But I’ll be careful not to bombard you with too much information. Bear with me if you feel overwhelmed! 
I am excited for two reasons: Summer is almost here and Ramadan will be right around the corner. The two most enjoyable events will be happening at the same time. How cool is that!
Allow me to explain …
Summer means more outdoor activities and more exposure to the sun (allowing your body to produce enough vitamin D and save extra for “rainy days”). Summer also means more varieties of fruits and veggies available. Oh, by the way, I’m talking about the summer in southern California, usually mild around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. I fully understand that it wouldn’t be too fun to have weather over 100 degrees Fahrenheit all season long! 
Ramadan means to free oneself from work and completely devoted to practice one’s ibadah. But very few of us (living in non-Muslim countries) could have that luxury of not working for the entire month. Alhamdulilah, this year, Ramadan falls entirely in our summer schedule, well, except, perhaps the last two dys. Well, a little defect makes it more memorable, don’t you agree? I wouldn’t complain!
So, imagine having two months off for the summer! Yummy! I’m filled with joy and gratefulness. I’m into the second week of my vacation now and I feel relaxed. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not sitting and doing nothing! Rather, I am productive – outdoors and indoors, exercises and readings, well balanced!
I could only dream about the relaxation that I am experiencing now but never had the extra energy or time to make it happen because I’ve been overworked for years after years. I worked day and night, from the first month of a year to the last month of the year without having any vacation.
And believe me, I didn’t want to make any exception for this summer, either. However, due to the budget cut, they couldn’t get a class for me to teach in the summer. I felt agonized over the “unemployment”.
Yeah, if you think of moving here for its mild summer, think twice, because California happens to be the State that “enjoys” the greatest hit by the economy downfall as well)
But strangely, when the chair of the department called me over the weekend and asked me if I could take over a class taught by another instructor who couldn’t teach the class in the summer for a personal issue, I hesitated.
I was always eager to take more teaching assignments. Thinking of saying “No”? Never! But, I couldn’t say, “Yes”, this time. The word just didn’t want to come out! The chair was kind enough to tell me to think about the offer and call her back by the end of the day.
After praying Istikhara, I sat down and started jotting down the benefits as well as the drawbacks of working in the summer. The end result? There was only one benefit from working; you’ve guessed it – having more income. But there were far too many drawbacks. I was fully convinced that I needed a break! Alhamdulilah!
Do you unwind yourself from time to time? Do you have the urge to make more money, allowing yourself to pick up more tasks simply because you “have to”?
Time for a break!
Comments on: "Time for a Break!" (2)
اسلام عليكم
I like the new look of the blog. It’s more pleasing to the eye. I can’t really tell you when last I have had time to unwind. It seems that as time moves on things just get more hectic. Before you know it you end up inadvertently being caught up with this world without realizing it.
Sometimes the money isn’t worth it in terms of the other aspects of your life you end up losing out on; so, you’re perhaps right in deciding to give yourself a break. Of course taking a break does not have to mean you are being unproductive. It could just mean that you’re allowing yourself to enjoy being productive in the things you were neglecting for some time.
If I sound like I too need a break it’s because I too do need a break.
Masha´Allah! i liked this topic too. as a student , i need a break now and had not taken a real for a long time. I agree that taking a break doesn´t mean that doing nothing.. Instead one can do something else to bring some changes for a while and get rid of some boredom. It could be some plans that were never fulfilled , travelling, doing some unfinished work at home or also just relaxing one´s mind and meeting friends and enjoying summer as a wonderful creation of Allah. i wish u all a wonderful summer and Ramadan. Fortunately, i´l have the whole month of Ramaden within the vacation and I will hopefully have Eid with in the holiday, Innsha´Allah! Being in a foreign country, it is an absolute blessing from Allah. :alhamdulilllah. )