 “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”  If you can name who said that quote, I think we’ll get along great :-)  I’m a voracious reader and love talking about books. When I’m not reading, I love to run outdoors or just be in nature.  I ran my first half marathon last year, but was lucky to train for it running trails along the mountains in New Mexico.  There is something so humbling about running with the backdrop of the mountains, you feel so big and small at the same time (as you can tell, I like oxymoron's!).  My favorite class in high school was English literature, but I chose to study math in undergrad and planned to become a teacher.  Although I didn’t become a teacher professionally, I enjoy volunteering with kids on weekends.  I draw strength from my faith and I hope to inspire youth in the community to do the same.  In my free time I enjoy painting, writing Arabic calligraphy, trying out new healthy recipes, whipping up guacamole for friends and family, and laughing with my nieces and nephews.  I think truly listening is one the greatest gifts you can give to someone.  If you have something interesting to say, I’d love to hear it!