and then our exile

I have to say, I use "but rather" quite a bit, so my instinct would be to say that it is not redundant. However, since my Oxford dictionary says they share the same definition, "on the contrary" I would have to agree with your friend.--my english teacher.

Usman has four teeth and his laugh is heart-warming.

On another note, accompanied by Beethovan's Pastoral, i accomplished a herculean task today: i actually cleared my floor, mostly, of the piles of old bank statements, last year's chem notes, ticket-stubs for London's underground, notes passed during sunia, artwork from many years ago... in the piles of stuff, though, i found partial translations of inkhilaa and inqataa--babaji's two novels. And so i discover a new facet to this person.

I don't have anything due till my bio exam on tuesday. Which almost makes me feel guilty. It's as though I should, you know? And the lack of same creates a vacuousness which needs be filled. the things this system does to you truly are...ajeeb. still, just a few more months left.. just a few more months left.. to repeat this keeps me mostly sane.

the khawateen & i decided tonight to eventually actually "move me in" to my room. it's been four years, but still my walls are sterile. and no place to hang calligraphed poetry. so: the instant abi leaves for portugal, we get to work, that he might have a surprise when he gets back.

with the lyrics of "at the feast of fools" going endlessly through my head, i depart.