1:29 pm.
I started reading Out Of The Easy by Ruta Sepetys. It is so hard to pronounce her name. I read about the book on Pretty Books blog. She is a huge fan of both of her books. And this was the one I got my hands on. So far I really like it.
It is based in New Orleans. New Orleans is such an intriguing city. I first came across it in Vampire Diaries and then the Originals because Klaus and his family are from there and the story is based on that town. It is portrayed as such a cultural city with a bit of mystery hanging in the air. And that really makes me want to visit it. Some cities are famous for their landmarks which makes people flock on it from all the over the world. But New Orleans sounds like a landmark itself. It is known for its nightlife and the flow of music.
7:25 pm
I feel much better than yesterday. Still feel a bit woozy, other than that all is well.
I was talking to Abdullah about how the past few months, I have been focused on what clothes to wear to a party, recipe to try out, family feud to sort out or celebrate some occasion. A friend made me see the intellectual person in me after getting in heated discussion. Someone who had opinions about The Stanford Prison Experiment conducted in 1960. Someone who could prove her point. Someone who loved acquiring knowledge. It is not that I don't like makeup or to get all dolled up. Its just that I like being smart much more. I like to balance a bank reconciliation.
We all perceive ourselves in different ways. Some are content with one thing while other spend their lives hunting after dozens of things. It comes down to how you want to see yourself. Do you want to be a pretty face in a friends wedding ? Or do you want to be representing a friend ? Or maybe you want to be both. Maybe you are okay being neither of the two.
11:59 pm
Just came back from polishing off a Stuffed Crust Pizza with a Berry Mohito. The traffic on the roads is insane. Its like Qatar just learnt that there is a thing called having a life. I am going to go into hibernation so I don't have to face the horrific traffic everywhere.
Good luck to everyone who still has to shop for Eid.
Adieu !
SAP
............
Showing posts with label Pakistan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pakistan. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Monday, June 29, 2015
Day 1, June 29, 2015
Well, this is not how I expected to start this. But here we go. I have been neglecting my blog a lot these days and one of the reasons is that I am doing other things.
I needed someway to get a little bit of that writing spark back and keep in touch with my writing side. So I decided to start using this blog as my diary.
One of the most dreadful diseases you can suffer from is food poisoning. Let me explain why. First of all, it is no fun puking your guts out and than passing out on the bathroom floor. Staying on a comfy couch with a box of tissues and a TV remote is much better in comparison. I speak from 8 hours and continuing experience.
I have been subjected to a lot of criticism and judgement in the past 20 years. I do not give a crap about what people say about my skin colour or eyes. Things like these do not annoy me. Because from my perspective this is not in my hand. I was made like this. So I cannot change my eye colour or grow ten inches in three months.
But once in awhile you get to hear some really mean things that go straight to your heart. Last year, this friend of my mother in law's came to visit her. She was not in the wedding. So upon meeting me, she goes like,
"ye tu aapki bahu nahi hosakti. Wu tasweer wali tu ziada piyaari thi."
"This cannot be your daughter in law. The one in the picture was prettier."
OMG ! I was being compared to my own self. The struggle is real people. I laughed off her comment. But imagine my disbelief when she showed up this year and said,
"Accha, tum abhi bhi wesi ki wesi hu."
"So you are still like you used to be ?"
This was said as a statement and I wanted to reply, "Nope, I have grown another limb and am a herbivore now."
Later I came to know that the lady in question runs a school as well as looks after her husband's various businesses in India. I felt so disappointed. If these are the kind of comments you are making, then what the hell are you teaching in your school ? Do you realise that you are shaping a future generation. Imagine having such a teacher run a school. It is a disgrace. If that is the kind of thinking we possess then Allah has mercy on us and our generations.
Right now I sit on my bed, eating Bukhari Rice while Abdullah looks at me in contempt, waiting for that chicken to fall off my fork onto his precious pillows. Well, we cannot always have everything the way we want.
Adieu !
SAP
..........
I needed someway to get a little bit of that writing spark back and keep in touch with my writing side. So I decided to start using this blog as my diary.
One of the most dreadful diseases you can suffer from is food poisoning. Let me explain why. First of all, it is no fun puking your guts out and than passing out on the bathroom floor. Staying on a comfy couch with a box of tissues and a TV remote is much better in comparison. I speak from 8 hours and continuing experience.
I have been subjected to a lot of criticism and judgement in the past 20 years. I do not give a crap about what people say about my skin colour or eyes. Things like these do not annoy me. Because from my perspective this is not in my hand. I was made like this. So I cannot change my eye colour or grow ten inches in three months.
But once in awhile you get to hear some really mean things that go straight to your heart. Last year, this friend of my mother in law's came to visit her. She was not in the wedding. So upon meeting me, she goes like,
"ye tu aapki bahu nahi hosakti. Wu tasweer wali tu ziada piyaari thi."
"This cannot be your daughter in law. The one in the picture was prettier."
OMG ! I was being compared to my own self. The struggle is real people. I laughed off her comment. But imagine my disbelief when she showed up this year and said,
"Accha, tum abhi bhi wesi ki wesi hu."
"So you are still like you used to be ?"
This was said as a statement and I wanted to reply, "Nope, I have grown another limb and am a herbivore now."
Later I came to know that the lady in question runs a school as well as looks after her husband's various businesses in India. I felt so disappointed. If these are the kind of comments you are making, then what the hell are you teaching in your school ? Do you realise that you are shaping a future generation. Imagine having such a teacher run a school. It is a disgrace. If that is the kind of thinking we possess then Allah has mercy on us and our generations.
Right now I sit on my bed, eating Bukhari Rice while Abdullah looks at me in contempt, waiting for that chicken to fall off my fork onto his precious pillows. Well, we cannot always have everything the way we want.
Adieu !
SAP
..........
Friday, March 13, 2015
Letters To The Moon # 6
Dear Moon,
Its hard when you are caught in between things. You are in the middle of one of those suspended rope bridges on top of a river, seen on TV which everyone wants to cross, but it turns out that you are stuck. You cannot go forward because what awaits you is more horrifying than the rope under your feet. And you certainly cannot go back. So you stand their, holding onto the side of the bridge with all the strength that you can muster, hoping and praying that the bridge stays secure. And some miracle occurs.
I am caught in between life. I do one thing and the other suffers. And this between, its not a happy place. It is more of a temporary one.
Today, I realised something. That I do not need to be afraid. My biggest strength is standing right in front of me and I was oblivious to it all this time. I do not have to carry all that baggage with me. I do not have to be the bad person by talking back or talking about anything that I want.
All I have to do is be strong. Work hard and hold my ground on the things I love and the things I want to do.
Things are very simple. Its me who makes them complicated thinking about the consequences.
Here is the reality. I am not answerable to anyone. I am an adult. Okay, if you want to take it this way then the only person I need to consult in my decisions is my husband. And lets be honest, he is rarely going to have a problem with what I do with my life. If he is with me, the rest can go to an abandoned parking lot. I do not give a shit.
I am out of my parents jurisdiction. I am my own person now. So I should stop taking crap from all the other people in my life. And start paying attention. Thing is that no one will have a right to say anything if he is with me. So why the hell have I started caring so bloody much about it all ?
Why have I become such a tension freak ? Not every tiny detail is my fault. And I should stop taking it as that.
Yours always,
S
P.S. This is the moment where Abdullah realizes that he is screwed. But I am glad that I married the right person.
Its hard when you are caught in between things. You are in the middle of one of those suspended rope bridges on top of a river, seen on TV which everyone wants to cross, but it turns out that you are stuck. You cannot go forward because what awaits you is more horrifying than the rope under your feet. And you certainly cannot go back. So you stand their, holding onto the side of the bridge with all the strength that you can muster, hoping and praying that the bridge stays secure. And some miracle occurs.
I am caught in between life. I do one thing and the other suffers. And this between, its not a happy place. It is more of a temporary one.
Today, I realised something. That I do not need to be afraid. My biggest strength is standing right in front of me and I was oblivious to it all this time. I do not have to carry all that baggage with me. I do not have to be the bad person by talking back or talking about anything that I want.
All I have to do is be strong. Work hard and hold my ground on the things I love and the things I want to do.
Things are very simple. Its me who makes them complicated thinking about the consequences.
Here is the reality. I am not answerable to anyone. I am an adult. Okay, if you want to take it this way then the only person I need to consult in my decisions is my husband. And lets be honest, he is rarely going to have a problem with what I do with my life. If he is with me, the rest can go to an abandoned parking lot. I do not give a shit.
I am out of my parents jurisdiction. I am my own person now. So I should stop taking crap from all the other people in my life. And start paying attention. Thing is that no one will have a right to say anything if he is with me. So why the hell have I started caring so bloody much about it all ?
Why have I become such a tension freak ? Not every tiny detail is my fault. And I should stop taking it as that.
Yours always,
S
P.S. This is the moment where Abdullah realizes that he is screwed. But I am glad that I married the right person.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Letters To The Husband # 2
Abdullah, (You do not deserve to be called dear today)
OMG ! You said something so insensitive that for two whole seconds I kept looking at you with zero facial expressions. Here is the reason, because I did not know how to react.
You ask what you did ? Good question. Here is a recap. Remember, when you asked me very politely why I cannot eat a small scoop of ice cream ? Why was it that my ice cream quantity had to be at least big enough for four people ?
I mean, how can you even ask that ? Who asks that ? Its ice cream. Its the number one rule of eating ice cream. You do not just get a single short teeny tiny scoop. That is like staring at it with puppy dog eyes. I have NEVER eaten a small scoop. I did not even know that they existed until I married you. You, my friend are a shame to the world of ice cream.
I do not remember even Moawiz ordering a small scoop for himself, even when he was four. That kids has better taste than you.
Here is the funny part. So today, after your stupid question, I ordered two small scoops, one Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and the other Mint Chocolate Chip. I was done before we even arrived home and it takes us like five minutes to get home. Ice cream should not disappear in five minutes. I seriously thought that someone had robbed me when I was eating it. Because it was like I had not even started that it finished.
This was a huge mistake on my point. Needless to say, that is not happening again.
Remember how we talked about my daily need of ice cream and you ooh so high and mightily pointed out that paying 18 riyals daily for ice cream was a little too much. I resorted to eating McDonalds ice cream. (Thank you McDonalds for keeping people like me alive and sane )
You need to remember this generosity of mine. Let's be honest dude. If a time ever came that I have to choose between you and ice cream, you know what my choice will be.
My point is, the next time you make such an outrageous comment on my perfectly healthy and awesome lifestyle choices, please decide whether you want to live with me peacefully or just live with me. The choice is yours. ;)
Ice cream's truly,
S
OMG ! You said something so insensitive that for two whole seconds I kept looking at you with zero facial expressions. Here is the reason, because I did not know how to react.
You ask what you did ? Good question. Here is a recap. Remember, when you asked me very politely why I cannot eat a small scoop of ice cream ? Why was it that my ice cream quantity had to be at least big enough for four people ?
I mean, how can you even ask that ? Who asks that ? Its ice cream. Its the number one rule of eating ice cream. You do not just get a single short teeny tiny scoop. That is like staring at it with puppy dog eyes. I have NEVER eaten a small scoop. I did not even know that they existed until I married you. You, my friend are a shame to the world of ice cream.
I do not remember even Moawiz ordering a small scoop for himself, even when he was four. That kids has better taste than you.
Here is the funny part. So today, after your stupid question, I ordered two small scoops, one Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and the other Mint Chocolate Chip. I was done before we even arrived home and it takes us like five minutes to get home. Ice cream should not disappear in five minutes. I seriously thought that someone had robbed me when I was eating it. Because it was like I had not even started that it finished.
This was a huge mistake on my point. Needless to say, that is not happening again.
Remember how we talked about my daily need of ice cream and you ooh so high and mightily pointed out that paying 18 riyals daily for ice cream was a little too much. I resorted to eating McDonalds ice cream. (Thank you McDonalds for keeping people like me alive and sane )
You need to remember this generosity of mine. Let's be honest dude. If a time ever came that I have to choose between you and ice cream, you know what my choice will be.
My point is, the next time you make such an outrageous comment on my perfectly healthy and awesome lifestyle choices, please decide whether you want to live with me peacefully or just live with me. The choice is yours. ;)
Ice cream's truly,
S
.......
A Miss Of Expat Life
Dij : "F just got engaged. "
Me: " Whatttt ??? That's huge and awesome. What did she wear ? What did you wear ? Where did it happen ? I need all the details ASAP. "
I am typing this while reaching for the laptop and logging on to Facebook, still in my Abaya, just to see if she has uploaded any pictures, to see what she wore to the big day, how her fiance looked, what the ring was like, what my friend wore, every tiny detail of the function. I checked my Instagram after that to see more of her pictures and comment my happiness on them.
When you have friends in different countries, at first its very exciting. But it becomes boring and lonely pretty soon. Here is the hard part, you miss your friends graduation, their birthday, then their engagements and weddings. The first time it happens, it hurts a lot. Because at the end of the day, there is not much you can do.
I remember, back in the day, when we moved from KSA, I never felt this because I was visiting Jeddah every two months due to several reasons. We did that for almost two years. And I was much younger at the time. So getting a phone call from a friend, in another country, on your birthday was a huge deal for me. We all made an effort to wish each other, post presents and still be the same way. But it did not work like that. Phone calls were missed, numbers miss placed or changed, presents lost in the mail and distance just created these invisible barriers between us.
When you are younger, you do not make that much of an effort to keep in touch with someone who is not in a hundred km radius. Its just the way it is.
But as you grow older, you meet other people, the ones you leave behind start coming back to you and you start keeping tabs on them. Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Skype, Viber etc have made this much easier than it was in the days of MSN emails, texts and actual phone calls.
I remember looking at my best friend's (at the time) pictures from a birthday party, every single person I knew, people I even hated were there, except me. Hands in hands, or on shoulders, drinks in huge glasses, some of my friends trying to sit down, some bending to get in focus, smiling at the camera, that picture came out perfect. But I was not in it. That picture was still complete. Like I never existed. I hated being an expat at that moment.
I am extremely lucky that people message me to tell the important happenings in their life or their sibling's life, or friends who get worried if I don't reply, who don't say anything if I forget their birthday or graduation. because they know that as long distance friends, we are past all that.
Its a hit and miss. Sometimes your wishes will reach them on time. Sometime they won't. But the thing is, your wishes mean that much more to the other person. Because they know how busy you are in your life. Taking time out of it to simply message them, congratulating on their special occasions becomes a big deal.
Me: " Whatttt ??? That's huge and awesome. What did she wear ? What did you wear ? Where did it happen ? I need all the details ASAP. "
I am typing this while reaching for the laptop and logging on to Facebook, still in my Abaya, just to see if she has uploaded any pictures, to see what she wore to the big day, how her fiance looked, what the ring was like, what my friend wore, every tiny detail of the function. I checked my Instagram after that to see more of her pictures and comment my happiness on them.
When you have friends in different countries, at first its very exciting. But it becomes boring and lonely pretty soon. Here is the hard part, you miss your friends graduation, their birthday, then their engagements and weddings. The first time it happens, it hurts a lot. Because at the end of the day, there is not much you can do.
I remember, back in the day, when we moved from KSA, I never felt this because I was visiting Jeddah every two months due to several reasons. We did that for almost two years. And I was much younger at the time. So getting a phone call from a friend, in another country, on your birthday was a huge deal for me. We all made an effort to wish each other, post presents and still be the same way. But it did not work like that. Phone calls were missed, numbers miss placed or changed, presents lost in the mail and distance just created these invisible barriers between us.
When you are younger, you do not make that much of an effort to keep in touch with someone who is not in a hundred km radius. Its just the way it is.
But as you grow older, you meet other people, the ones you leave behind start coming back to you and you start keeping tabs on them. Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Skype, Viber etc have made this much easier than it was in the days of MSN emails, texts and actual phone calls.
I remember looking at my best friend's (at the time) pictures from a birthday party, every single person I knew, people I even hated were there, except me. Hands in hands, or on shoulders, drinks in huge glasses, some of my friends trying to sit down, some bending to get in focus, smiling at the camera, that picture came out perfect. But I was not in it. That picture was still complete. Like I never existed. I hated being an expat at that moment.
I am extremely lucky that people message me to tell the important happenings in their life or their sibling's life, or friends who get worried if I don't reply, who don't say anything if I forget their birthday or graduation. because they know that as long distance friends, we are past all that.
Its a hit and miss. Sometimes your wishes will reach them on time. Sometime they won't. But the thing is, your wishes mean that much more to the other person. Because they know how busy you are in your life. Taking time out of it to simply message them, congratulating on their special occasions becomes a big deal.
...SAP...
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
2014 ! The Year of Survival
2014 !
Where should I start from ? I think I should address the elephant in the room. I got married. YIKES ! That still sounds shocking to me. Every time someone mentions me being married, I turn around and try to take it in. I have not succeeded in that. Yet.
A friend of mine told me to enjoy every part of my wedding process. And I did.
Damn, man ! I freaking loved every single bit of it. It was awesome.
2014 started with us changing houses. I finally got my own room but got to reside in it only for two months.
Because our next venture was the trip to Pakistan. My dad tried to convince us to order everything online and get it done with it. But I wanted to go there and do everything myself. So I went. It was two awesome months including a lot of trips, adventures, things that deserve their own writing.
2014 taught me that things do not go the way we want them to. That doesn't mean that we don't get what we want. Its just that the path leading us to them can be slightly different, sometimes longer, sometimes twisted, sometimes even straight. So do not freak out if something out of the ordinary happens to you. Just be patient and trust in Allah.
People are mean. And this is coming from the person who has been the victim of our society many times. But when you get married, this meanness is up to a whole other level.
It has taken me a lot of time to get my head wrapped around everything that has been going on and trying my best to not take everything personally.
It was the year of personal growth. I have become more patient, more accepting and tolerant. Living in a joint family teaches you a lot. You don't always get to do things the way you want. And it takes a bit of strength to not go mad. The hardest thing I have learnt is to keep my MOUTH SHUT. Oh God ! Don't even get me started on this one. I have always been the person who says whatever she wants, without thinking about it first. I do not take crap from anyone. And its so hard to keep those instincts down. To smile and keep my mouth shut when all I want to say is, what a LOAD OF CRAP ! Okay, I admit. I get it out on Abdullah. You gotta do what you gotta do to keep sane.
Also, you cannot really be sarcastic. But that's fine. I balance it out with my siblings.
The reason I did not blog about my wedding has been procrastination. Simply, because I ended up watching a lot of youtube instead of writing whenever I got the chance. Also I just did not want to write. And I am a firm believer in doing things when you want to. And yeah, I was afraid of what people would say. I got my share of sarcastic remarks, you would say, on me getting married. The ironic part is I know that I have had the same thoughts on someone getting married at 19.
Every few weeks, Abdullah asks me if my views have changed on getting married young. My answer, NO !
Why make your life hard when you have it easy ?
But that is not to say that I do not enjoy it. I have had my share of awesomeness in the past year. I have traveled a lot. I have gotten to know Abdullah better. I say this to him a lot that if you had not made it worthwhile, I would have run away a long time ago. I have made another best friend.
2014 was basically the year of survival. While I didn't reach the winning stream, I didn't drown as well. I did things on my own pace.
Basically, I survived.
Where should I start from ? I think I should address the elephant in the room. I got married. YIKES ! That still sounds shocking to me. Every time someone mentions me being married, I turn around and try to take it in. I have not succeeded in that. Yet.
A friend of mine told me to enjoy every part of my wedding process. And I did.
Damn, man ! I freaking loved every single bit of it. It was awesome.
2014 started with us changing houses. I finally got my own room but got to reside in it only for two months.
Because our next venture was the trip to Pakistan. My dad tried to convince us to order everything online and get it done with it. But I wanted to go there and do everything myself. So I went. It was two awesome months including a lot of trips, adventures, things that deserve their own writing.
2014 taught me that things do not go the way we want them to. That doesn't mean that we don't get what we want. Its just that the path leading us to them can be slightly different, sometimes longer, sometimes twisted, sometimes even straight. So do not freak out if something out of the ordinary happens to you. Just be patient and trust in Allah.
People are mean. And this is coming from the person who has been the victim of our society many times. But when you get married, this meanness is up to a whole other level.
It has taken me a lot of time to get my head wrapped around everything that has been going on and trying my best to not take everything personally.
It was the year of personal growth. I have become more patient, more accepting and tolerant. Living in a joint family teaches you a lot. You don't always get to do things the way you want. And it takes a bit of strength to not go mad. The hardest thing I have learnt is to keep my MOUTH SHUT. Oh God ! Don't even get me started on this one. I have always been the person who says whatever she wants, without thinking about it first. I do not take crap from anyone. And its so hard to keep those instincts down. To smile and keep my mouth shut when all I want to say is, what a LOAD OF CRAP ! Okay, I admit. I get it out on Abdullah. You gotta do what you gotta do to keep sane.
Also, you cannot really be sarcastic. But that's fine. I balance it out with my siblings.
The reason I did not blog about my wedding has been procrastination. Simply, because I ended up watching a lot of youtube instead of writing whenever I got the chance. Also I just did not want to write. And I am a firm believer in doing things when you want to. And yeah, I was afraid of what people would say. I got my share of sarcastic remarks, you would say, on me getting married. The ironic part is I know that I have had the same thoughts on someone getting married at 19.
Every few weeks, Abdullah asks me if my views have changed on getting married young. My answer, NO !
Why make your life hard when you have it easy ?
But that is not to say that I do not enjoy it. I have had my share of awesomeness in the past year. I have traveled a lot. I have gotten to know Abdullah better. I say this to him a lot that if you had not made it worthwhile, I would have run away a long time ago. I have made another best friend.
2014 was basically the year of survival. While I didn't reach the winning stream, I didn't drown as well. I did things on my own pace.
Basically, I survived.
....SAP....
Monday, November 24, 2014
It Rained ! In Qatar ! In November !
I was just coming out of the bathroom, when I was informed by my dear husband that I had just missed the first thunderstorm of the season.
My reaction consisted of a lot of shrieking and running to the window to inspect everything myself. The sky was so beautiful. It looked like it was 5 in the evening, when the sun is almost down, and its that moment between going all dark and being full bright.
With more pressing matters on my mind like getting make up off my face and changing into comfy PJ's, I moved on from the sky.
We were ready to go to sleep. At least Mr A was. I had tons of studying to do. But following his routine, he got up to smoke. And that magical moment when I am told that it is raining. I have never appreciated his smoking habits more.
I ran to the window. And it was raining.
In Qatar ! In November ! Aaaah, what a magical night !
I wanted to jump out of the window and dance in the rain. But sadly, now my actions are monitored.
I am proud to say that I did not forget my camera. Which was such a waste because I ended up not using it anyway.
When we went downstairs into the compound, I was so sad to see that no one was outside.
NOT A SINGLE SOUL !
IT WAS RAINING. In QATAR ! And no one was out.
Everyone was hanging out from there windows, taking pictures on their I pads or phones.
We being the stupid ones got into the car and went on a drive. After getting into the car, I realised that showering myself with rain and getting the brand new leather seats ruined is not an option. My heart was crying and cursing my husband at that point. And my, why the hell did I marry this guy ? thoughts were back.
But after two streets, he thankfully reversed the car and we came back home to rain.
There was still no one outside in the compound. It made me sad. What has the world come to ? Why are things like rain and rainbows hold no importance in our life anymore ? How is it that today, we are more into updating our statuses about rain than going out and enjoying it ?
In Pakistan, we had a ritual. The minute rain started, my dad would tell mom to make "Pakoras". All us kids would be out playing games like "Pakkan Pakrai" and cricket in the rain. Lemonade would be made. My mom would hand out all the snacks to dripping wet kids. Our days of rain would always end by having a huge water fight with all the water bottles of the house.
I love technology and all the ways our life has become easier. But I do miss the fact that we have forgotten the small things in life.
Like rain, sunsets and rainbows.
My reaction consisted of a lot of shrieking and running to the window to inspect everything myself. The sky was so beautiful. It looked like it was 5 in the evening, when the sun is almost down, and its that moment between going all dark and being full bright.
With more pressing matters on my mind like getting make up off my face and changing into comfy PJ's, I moved on from the sky.
We were ready to go to sleep. At least Mr A was. I had tons of studying to do. But following his routine, he got up to smoke. And that magical moment when I am told that it is raining. I have never appreciated his smoking habits more.
I ran to the window. And it was raining.
In Qatar ! In November ! Aaaah, what a magical night !
I wanted to jump out of the window and dance in the rain. But sadly, now my actions are monitored.
I am proud to say that I did not forget my camera. Which was such a waste because I ended up not using it anyway.
When we went downstairs into the compound, I was so sad to see that no one was outside.
NOT A SINGLE SOUL !
IT WAS RAINING. In QATAR ! And no one was out.
Everyone was hanging out from there windows, taking pictures on their I pads or phones.
We being the stupid ones got into the car and went on a drive. After getting into the car, I realised that showering myself with rain and getting the brand new leather seats ruined is not an option. My heart was crying and cursing my husband at that point. And my, why the hell did I marry this guy ? thoughts were back.
But after two streets, he thankfully reversed the car and we came back home to rain.
There was still no one outside in the compound. It made me sad. What has the world come to ? Why are things like rain and rainbows hold no importance in our life anymore ? How is it that today, we are more into updating our statuses about rain than going out and enjoying it ?
In Pakistan, we had a ritual. The minute rain started, my dad would tell mom to make "Pakoras". All us kids would be out playing games like "Pakkan Pakrai" and cricket in the rain. Lemonade would be made. My mom would hand out all the snacks to dripping wet kids. Our days of rain would always end by having a huge water fight with all the water bottles of the house.
I love technology and all the ways our life has become easier. But I do miss the fact that we have forgotten the small things in life.
Like rain, sunsets and rainbows.
....SAP....
Wednesday, July 02, 2014
30 Day Challenge: Day 2
Day 2 Tell about a character who lost something important to him/her.
My name is Omar Ahmad. I was born in Gulshan Iqbal, Karachi on a night where lightning and a dark storm had engulfed the whole city. Being the only kid gave me everything I wanted. I had a never ending pocket money, bicycle, a laptop, Play Station and its various games, Limited Edition Nikes and the latest phone in my hand.
I finished Elementary school. And went on to the prestigious Agha Khan Secondary School because it was my fathers dream. I barely got in by a minute percentage difference.
Besides I had nothing to worry about as long as my fees was being paid and I had money in my pockets. During my school years, I wanted a bike. So my father went ahead and bought me one.
Than I wanted to go on a trip around Pakistan, with my friends. I knew that a my father's sister was getting married and money was a little tight. But I asked for a couple grand and he handed me the money without a question or a crease in his forehead.
Than came university. My father's only life mission was to make me an engineer. Because he could never become one. So he lavished his hard work on me to make me succeed and see his dreams being fulfilled.
Only I did not want to do anything. Period.
I wanted to enjoy life. I wanted to sleep till 3 in the afternoon, roam around with my friends and spend money like the millionaire I never was.
I made him promise me to buy a car if I got in, in a university.
I got admission in the most pathetic university of the city. But I got what I wanted. A brand new car, to show off to my friends and smoke in.
In the middle of my university years, a friend of mine went to the states. I saw his pictures and heard his bragging about American girls and making money the easy way. I decided to go as well.
I asked him for money. I told him what I wanted it for. And I was so blind, I did not even see the tears brimming in his eyes, his callous hands and white hair telling a story of hardships and sacrifices.
I got the visa. I booked the ticket. And I came here. I left him. I left the thing that should have been most precious to me. But I was so selfish to ever see that.
I lost the most important thing in my life on purpose.
My name is Omar Ahmad. I was born in Gulshan Iqbal, Karachi on a night where lightning and a dark storm had engulfed the whole city. Being the only kid gave me everything I wanted. I had a never ending pocket money, bicycle, a laptop, Play Station and its various games, Limited Edition Nikes and the latest phone in my hand.
I finished Elementary school. And went on to the prestigious Agha Khan Secondary School because it was my fathers dream. I barely got in by a minute percentage difference.
Besides I had nothing to worry about as long as my fees was being paid and I had money in my pockets. During my school years, I wanted a bike. So my father went ahead and bought me one.
Than I wanted to go on a trip around Pakistan, with my friends. I knew that a my father's sister was getting married and money was a little tight. But I asked for a couple grand and he handed me the money without a question or a crease in his forehead.
Than came university. My father's only life mission was to make me an engineer. Because he could never become one. So he lavished his hard work on me to make me succeed and see his dreams being fulfilled.
Only I did not want to do anything. Period.
I wanted to enjoy life. I wanted to sleep till 3 in the afternoon, roam around with my friends and spend money like the millionaire I never was.
I made him promise me to buy a car if I got in, in a university.
I got admission in the most pathetic university of the city. But I got what I wanted. A brand new car, to show off to my friends and smoke in.
In the middle of my university years, a friend of mine went to the states. I saw his pictures and heard his bragging about American girls and making money the easy way. I decided to go as well.
I asked him for money. I told him what I wanted it for. And I was so blind, I did not even see the tears brimming in his eyes, his callous hands and white hair telling a story of hardships and sacrifices.
I got the visa. I booked the ticket. And I came here. I left him. I left the thing that should have been most precious to me. But I was so selfish to ever see that.
I lost the most important thing in my life on purpose.
...SAP...
Friday, June 27, 2014
Somethings Were Amiss
After I finished school and parted ways with my best of friends, I knew that life would be very different.
Especially in terms of friendships. There would be no four hour long phone conversations or knowing every single thing going on in a friends house including the names of third cousins and the who is getting married to whom.
And I was okay with that. Because I knew that they will come back to Qatar, or I will go to Pakistan and there will be hurried lunches or a half an hour meeting at the friends college.
It would not be the same. But it would be something.
There was one thing I was never sure about.
Whether we will have that connection. Or not. Will we be able to talk for hours from horses to the newest actor in town. Whether we will pretend or truly laugh at the other person's joke.
It did change. Our friendships. More like the way we communicated.
From local phones, we went on to Skype calls. From telling every single detail to most important things first and than other things. But inside jokes were explained, friends were introduced virtually, common old friends were talked about and book recommendations were given.
I once completely forgot to call my friend when she had told me to. They could not make it to my wedding. I was not able to listen to her problem in time. M could not see all the wedding shopping I did.
So somethings were amiss. But we got over it.
I met my best friend after almost six months yesterday. As we were sitting, eating our Pasta, she was talking about her friends, how one of them stands affixed in the middle of the road to photograph something. I told her about my new family, how Mr A's sister is the one left eating even when we are ready to leave.
There are times when days pass and our conversation comprises of hello's and how are you's. Than there are days, where we forget what we were doing while typing with all ten fingers, cutting each others sentences to finish our story first.
We have worked through it. An year has passed us. We are in different cities in different countries.
As G said, "Yet we are stronger than ever.
...SAP...
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
What A Glamour
The first visit to a hospital that I remember is when my mom got admitted for her asthma attacks. My Mamu came to Lahore from Waah Cant and we went to see Amma.
You would never know the pain and diseases people suffer and come here to get better from.
The hospital was spic and span, white tiles mopped so that they shone like the soles of Italian Leather shoes, walls covered with a beautiful Sea Green wallpaper, her room had a twin bed for visitors, attached bathroom, mini fridge stocked with Chocolates and drinks, and a fully functional TV with a box of DVDs with it.
She was in there for a week or so. While she was sick and we in the hospital for long periods of time, after we getting bored of the room, we took to the outside hallways. That started the skidding races, driving our remote control cars in all the nook and crannies of that floor and emptying the Mini Fridge.
The second time I remember was when my youngest brother was born. The location this time was KSA. A different country. A different city. Yet the hospital was spectacular.
Its appearance made you forget that people died there.
Today, I went to another hospital. And I saw the most striking paintings ever.
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| Just look at how awesome this painting is. |
In Bloodlines by Richelle Mead, there is a thing called "Glamour". Its this idea that everything related with Vampires and magic is over shadowed or concealed so that when an ordinary human looks at that thing, the glamour will appear to be something good rather than the real that it is.
And I thought, what a "Glamour" these hospitals put up. That you forget what you were doing there.
For a moment you don't remember that you were going to sleep hungry, your gum bleeding in school, missing Soccer tryouts and fighting with an elder kid in school.
What your memory recalls is watching a complete season of Full House and ordering Pizza four nights in a row.
But that is all it is. Glamour.
You go back to getting stitches or figuring out how to pay the hospital bills.
What your memory recalls is watching a complete season of Full House and ordering Pizza four nights in a row.
But that is all it is. Glamour.
You go back to getting stitches or figuring out how to pay the hospital bills.
......
Sunday, February 09, 2014
A Day In Jail
How would you describe your feelings if you were stranded in a plane for 12 hours ? Your 3 and a half hour flight turned into an 18 hour flight ?
Lets start with us boarding our flight which was at 8:30 pm. We boarded the plane early at 7:45 pm.
The first tragedy that happened was that the flight was delayed. It was a connecting flight for a lot of people from US, Europe and even KSA. Some of these flights were not on schedule so we had to wait for them.
Our plane finally took off at 9:30 pm.
We were assured that we would arrive at Allama Iqbal Airport at 3:00 in the morning now.
On route to Lahore, while we were passing Karachi, I had the misfortune of saying, Amma lets get off here and do a little sight seeing.
As luck would have it, when we reached Lahore, there was fog and the weather was so horrible that the plane kept circling for an hour and than headed back to Karachi.
We landed there with an amused expression and an air of adventure. Because we were ready to get out of the plane, see the airport and just do something.
Well, turns out we had to stay in the plane because they were expecting the conditions to improve within the hour. And we would have headed back at 7:00 clock maximum. We had landed there at 4:30.
We would get an update every hour and reassurance that the plane would fly in an hour. But we stayed in the plane. And here we were planning a sight seeing tour in Karachi.
The weather conditions improved at about 11:00 clock and our plane finally took off at 12:30. By now I felt like I had just come from Australia not a three hour flight from Qatar.
Talk about mishaps. I have NEVER ever in my life even when I have been awake for 48 hours, felt this bad.
To make matters even worse than they could be, someone tried to snatch my Louise Vuitton bag and it broke in a snap. But thank God, it wasn't stolen considering every valuable thing from phone to camera to ten different connecting wires were in it.
The minute we step of the plane and after checking out, taking our luggage, we see a mass of people surrounding me. In plane words, we had arrived on the airport which looks like a Fish market.
And the day ended by my Taya picking us up and asking, " So how did your day in jail go ? Hopefully, you won't want to go there again."
Lets start with us boarding our flight which was at 8:30 pm. We boarded the plane early at 7:45 pm.
The first tragedy that happened was that the flight was delayed. It was a connecting flight for a lot of people from US, Europe and even KSA. Some of these flights were not on schedule so we had to wait for them.
Our plane finally took off at 9:30 pm.
We were assured that we would arrive at Allama Iqbal Airport at 3:00 in the morning now.
On route to Lahore, while we were passing Karachi, I had the misfortune of saying, Amma lets get off here and do a little sight seeing.
As luck would have it, when we reached Lahore, there was fog and the weather was so horrible that the plane kept circling for an hour and than headed back to Karachi.
We landed there with an amused expression and an air of adventure. Because we were ready to get out of the plane, see the airport and just do something.
Well, turns out we had to stay in the plane because they were expecting the conditions to improve within the hour. And we would have headed back at 7:00 clock maximum. We had landed there at 4:30.
We would get an update every hour and reassurance that the plane would fly in an hour. But we stayed in the plane. And here we were planning a sight seeing tour in Karachi.
The weather conditions improved at about 11:00 clock and our plane finally took off at 12:30. By now I felt like I had just come from Australia not a three hour flight from Qatar.
Talk about mishaps. I have NEVER ever in my life even when I have been awake for 48 hours, felt this bad.
To make matters even worse than they could be, someone tried to snatch my Louise Vuitton bag and it broke in a snap. But thank God, it wasn't stolen considering every valuable thing from phone to camera to ten different connecting wires were in it.
The minute we step of the plane and after checking out, taking our luggage, we see a mass of people surrounding me. In plane words, we had arrived on the airport which looks like a Fish market.
And the day ended by my Taya picking us up and asking, " So how did your day in jail go ? Hopefully, you won't want to go there again."
P.S. The best or worst part was that it was nobody's fault.
........
Monday, February 03, 2014
The 50 Dollar Piercing
We were standing in Sky Jewellers which if you haven't already guessed, is a gold shop. My mom wanted to buy rings for my cousins in Pakistan.
Basically, that is what she does. Which is buy Gold, wear Gold and gift Gold. In her mind, anything less is an insult to a lady's class.
Anyway, so we were standing there, looking at hundreds of rings when I heard a piercing scream on my right. It was a little girl whose ears were being pierced and she was bawling at the top of her voice.
When we exited after doing our business in the shop, my mom stopped the mother of that girl and gave her some sort of advice. Which is her other favourite hobby.
We are ultimate believers in helping others.
Abbu asks Amma, " What was it ? Were you asking her the price of piercing ?"
"No. I was telling her to give some Adol to the kid. "
I said, " Shit. We should have asked. "
On which my mom goes like, "Its free, Sumaica. They bought the gold tops so the piercing is free. "
And I burst out laughing in the middle of all these shopkeepers trying to figure out the reason for my insanity.
Than I went to tell my mom that I was laughing because I got my second piercing done for 150 QR which is basically 50 dollars. And at the time, I had thought that it was very cheap.
Basically, that is what she does. Which is buy Gold, wear Gold and gift Gold. In her mind, anything less is an insult to a lady's class.
Anyway, so we were standing there, looking at hundreds of rings when I heard a piercing scream on my right. It was a little girl whose ears were being pierced and she was bawling at the top of her voice.
When we exited after doing our business in the shop, my mom stopped the mother of that girl and gave her some sort of advice. Which is her other favourite hobby.
We are ultimate believers in helping others.
Abbu asks Amma, " What was it ? Were you asking her the price of piercing ?"
"No. I was telling her to give some Adol to the kid. "
I said, " Shit. We should have asked. "
On which my mom goes like, "Its free, Sumaica. They bought the gold tops so the piercing is free. "
And I burst out laughing in the middle of all these shopkeepers trying to figure out the reason for my insanity.
Than I went to tell my mom that I was laughing because I got my second piercing done for 150 QR which is basically 50 dollars. And at the time, I had thought that it was very cheap.
......
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Be A Little Warmer
A few days back, Moawiz asked Amma,
"We are going to Pakistan. Will there be snow there ? "
"Yes, there will be snow," said my mom.
"So, there will be a Santa Claus and Christmas there ?", he asked with a very excited face.
My mom started laughing and explained to him what Christmas is and that we don't celebrate it. But other people do. And he informed by mom about all the latest Christmas traditions.
"So I won't be able to play in the snow ?"
My mom explained that snow is not just for Christmas. And that you can play how much ever you want.
After a few days, my mom was telling this to someone over the phone. And the reply stunned me. That aunty went on to say, " How does your son know so much about Christmas ? Has he turned Christian ?"
My mom got really pissed and clarified that he watched a lot of cartoons, so he knows a lot of different things. And that he is 7. Than we all sat down and told Moawiz not to say something like this in front of certain people because the reaction is very bad.
This got me thinking. When I was growing up, I had all different sorts of friends. Which included Non Muslim friends. And it was awesome. We respected their religion. They respected ours. They celebrated our festivals like their own even when we hesitated to do the same. But who can say no Christmas cookies and Chocolate Hazelnut fudge ? It was a treat to see them wear Magenta coloured Pakistani clothes, arms covered with Mehndi and bangles, eating spicy food and asking for second helpings.
Even in Pakistan, there was a Canadian family who lived right in front of my Khala's house in Rawalpindi. And I have grown up playing with there kids and the huge dog. I have baked cookies with them and decorated their Christmas tree. I have had bicycle races with them, popped firecrackers on Independence day while covered in Green and White and had Judy Aunty make us the best Strawberry Jam in the world.
Some of the best people I have known, over the years are from different religions, different Nationalities, culture, traditions and what not. But even now there is no acceptance of the fact that two people with different religions can live in harmony and be friends. People will have their kids study in an American or British school because the studies are better. But the minute someone invites you to their Halloween party, its a disaster. Why ?
Growing up abroad has had so many advantages. One of it being that you end up learning a lot about other religions. And you love them all the same. You know your beliefs and their limits, so you know not to cross them. But you also know to respect others and their religion like you would expect them to do with yours. So its give and take.
Have you ever made hot chocolate with real chocolate ? If you have, than you will know that chocolate doesn't mix with the milk unless its melted and the milk is also warm. So they both have to do their two very different jobs to make one delicious drink. This is not that different than that. Learn to be a little warmer.
......
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Accueil hivers !
After giving the last paper today, I was sitting in this little alcove surrounded by a huge piano, reading Robin Hood waiting for Huzaifa to come pick me up. All of a sudden I felt cold air hit me with full force as someone opened the French doors to go outside on the beach. And I realized that for so long, I had waited for Winter to come so I could snuggle in my favourite Blue and Purple striped comforter, drink Chocolate Chai Latte twice a day, wear over sized hoodies and read books. It crept up on me and I didn't even notice that 13'C is here to welcome me into its arms.
I love Winters. But the thing is that I have never really lived them. I have but I do not remember living them. There is this vague memory of waking up in fog, getting bundled up in a puffy bright blue jacket, mittens, caps and than all the layers coming off one by one as the sun came out and warmed the day. But that was in Pakistan. And after that I never really experienced cold. Qatar is not the best country when it comes to lower temperature. Rather it specializes in roasting us in 48 'C all year around. So forget infinity scarves, thick long coats, beanies, gloves, huge fires and all that good wintry stuff.
Sometimes we wait for something to happen for such a long time that when it finally happens, we forget the true pleasure of it. And then when it goes away, we are reminded of that same thing again and again. So lets take this moment and enjoy it today instead of waiting for tomorrow to bring something better than this. Make your today awesome so when tomorrow comes, you have something to live it up to with.
So I pledge allegiance to wearing Huzaifa's hoodies, dragging Muaaz's blanket through out the house, eating ice cream from Moawiz's pocket money, surviving on coffee and reading as if there is no tomorrow. I cannot wait to wear my knee high Angry Birds socks, have an excuse to live in my PJ's, go on the roof and breathe in the crisp cold air, to go to the beach, have my toes freeze standing in the icy water and hands melt from the heat of the sun at the same time. I feel utterly grateful that Qatar is clean enough to actually feel that air instead of all the Carbon particles going inside us. I guess living in the richest country on earth has its perks.
"Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions." -Dalai Lama
Adieu !
S
.....
Friday, November 08, 2013
Let's Jump On The Bed
Today, I will not torture you with my whining. Instead let us get on our bed, jump as high as you can and shout, "I win". I freaking win, life. In case your bed breaks or you go back to sleep like I did, its fine. Its a sign of happiness.
I woke up to a message by my very best friend telling me that she got admission in the university she wanted. I know that sounded really simple but its not if you happen to be a Pakistani and study abroad in a Pakistani school following the Federal Board. Sounds simple. But no. If you are from Karachi, you have to have done your schooling from the Sindh Board to get in some of the universities. Point is, every university has their own weird rules that leaves you in tears at the end of the day.
My friend had to come back last year because of such regulations and the whole year was spent in studying, avoiding activities that she loved. Meanwhile saying to me, Sumaica, there is no way I can get in. People don't get in on merit bases. Its all about bribes and power. Me being the stupid optimist I am, kept saying, M, you will get in. You have to get in. Hard work does not go to waste. Allah will do the best for you.
After saying goodbye to her in June, came the late night chatting and calling that involved me paying the phone bill. I could feel the torture she was going through. I would have ran away and said, no thank you. Take this freaking education system and go to hell. But she did not. She studied. And did God knows what. That idiot gave admission tests knowing she isn't eligible for that college.
Now comes the victory part. She has gotten into every university she has applied to so far. Mashallah ! And I was like, M, what did I say ? Now I await her arrival so I can bake a triple layered Hunger Games chocolate cake and celebrate the biggest victory of this year. So right now I am listening to some song "Chingam Chabake" and dancing on my bed.
Sometimes when times are hard, we tend to believe that nothing good can ever come out of the hard work that we do. But then like planting your country's flag on a mountain's top comes that sweet little victory. And it makes everything worth it.
I woke up to a message by my very best friend telling me that she got admission in the university she wanted. I know that sounded really simple but its not if you happen to be a Pakistani and study abroad in a Pakistani school following the Federal Board. Sounds simple. But no. If you are from Karachi, you have to have done your schooling from the Sindh Board to get in some of the universities. Point is, every university has their own weird rules that leaves you in tears at the end of the day.
My friend had to come back last year because of such regulations and the whole year was spent in studying, avoiding activities that she loved. Meanwhile saying to me, Sumaica, there is no way I can get in. People don't get in on merit bases. Its all about bribes and power. Me being the stupid optimist I am, kept saying, M, you will get in. You have to get in. Hard work does not go to waste. Allah will do the best for you.
After saying goodbye to her in June, came the late night chatting and calling that involved me paying the phone bill. I could feel the torture she was going through. I would have ran away and said, no thank you. Take this freaking education system and go to hell. But she did not. She studied. And did God knows what. That idiot gave admission tests knowing she isn't eligible for that college.
Now comes the victory part. She has gotten into every university she has applied to so far. Mashallah ! And I was like, M, what did I say ? Now I await her arrival so I can bake a triple layered Hunger Games chocolate cake and celebrate the biggest victory of this year. So right now I am listening to some song "Chingam Chabake" and dancing on my bed.
Sometimes when times are hard, we tend to believe that nothing good can ever come out of the hard work that we do. But then like planting your country's flag on a mountain's top comes that sweet little victory. And it makes everything worth it.
...SAP...
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Book Review: Five Point Someone by Chetan Bhagat
From Goodreads:Set in IIT, in the early '90s, Five Point Someone portrays the lives of the protagonist Hari and his two friends Ryan and Alok. It explores the darker side of IIT, one in which students- having worked for years to make it into the institute-struggle to maintain their grades, keep their friends and have some kind of life outside studies.
Funny, dark and non-stop, Five Point Someone is the story of three friends whose measly five-point something GPAs come in the way of everything-their friendship, their love life, their future. Will they make it?
Published: April, 2006
Author: Chetan Bhagat
Pages: 267
My Rating: 3.5
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Asian Literature
First of all, the concept was right up to my alley. It felt really good to read what I have felt studying in the system for the past four years. The concept was how the education system of IIT in India is all about rot learning and using your memory not your brain to study. That is exactly what happens in the Pakistani system as well. I am not saying its bad, I am saying, its not something I adjusted well to. That is one of the reasons I decided to do ACCA and not go back into the system to do medicine.
I loved the friendship between the three guys. Usually the guy friendships are very easy but not in this story. Friendship is the one thing that does not require any kind of label with you. It does not matter whether you are rich or poor or a failure. You are a friend. That is all matters. Which is exactly what this story was about.
I loved Ryan's struggle with the system he was studying in. Because that is exactly what I felt in the past two years of my studies. And I did mess up my life. Like Bhagat says' "Life screws you over just when you have figured it out." All the three friends had different problems which they did solve with their own point of view.
All in all, it was a refreshing read which really tallied with the life that Pakistanis and Indians live as students.
...SAP...
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Summers In Pakistan
Its been a month since Summer Vacations officially started and all I have done is sleep, eat and waste time. Though, in my defence, it has been very hot here. So there is no way you can go out and do anything outdoors. Summers in Qatar are like Winters in Alaska. Then came Ramadan and I was fasting for 16 hours. Considering all that I really did not do much this summer like always.
But summers used to be very different in my childhood back in Pakistan. I remember the excitement and anticipation of going to Wah Cantt from Lahore, where my grand parents lived. They would have already made preparations for us. My Nano would have bought crates of mangoes, refrigerated them, made plans for hunting, picnics and all sorts of things. That used be our fortress where the Piracha kids ruled. My Khala (Aunt) would have baked cakes, biscuits and all kinds of that good stuff. My Nani would have made the Pickles of Mangoes. And so would begin two months of bliss.
In the evenings, us three siblings and Nani would explore the hills around their house. Then she would ring a random house to use their bathroom, because she has Diabetes. And we always ended up drinking different kinds of Lemonade from different people. We could come back home laden, with Samosas, Jalibis etc. Late at night, my Mamo (Uncle) would make us watch horror movies in the basement and then get a scolding from Nani. One of the things we loved, was eating mangoes in the garden, wearing shorts, with Silky aka Nano's dog beside us, and getting as dirty as we could. We rarely got a chance to do that.
Those summers saw frequent trips to the the Golf Clubs in Abbotabad, Bhourban, Islamabad and Rawalpindi. They saw the swinging championships between all the kids of that lane. They saw us, late night going out for a drink or chips in our case to the grocery store. They saw us sleeping outside under the magnificent sky laden with stars, asking Nani to tell a bedtime story. They saw us asking all kinds of favours from out grand parents. They saw us going all out when my other Massi (Aunt) used to visit us from Rawalpindi.
Summers at your gran parents house with all of your cousins and family doing whatever the hell you want, what else could a kid ask for ? That happiness and joy is very different. Growing up without a care in the world, looking forward to the summers, then finally sitting in that Daewoo Bus knowing that we are hours away from our fortress.
Those were the days. Now its hot like hell and I am lazy as an ass. But not anymore. I am going to make it worth wile by working on my pending writing and updating this blog, reading more books. Sometimes I do wish that those summers could come back but then I have the satisfaction of having all those beautiful memories.
Henry James has put my feelings rightly into words by saying,
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| Photograph by Saleha Jamil |
In the evenings, us three siblings and Nani would explore the hills around their house. Then she would ring a random house to use their bathroom, because she has Diabetes. And we always ended up drinking different kinds of Lemonade from different people. We could come back home laden, with Samosas, Jalibis etc. Late at night, my Mamo (Uncle) would make us watch horror movies in the basement and then get a scolding from Nani. One of the things we loved, was eating mangoes in the garden, wearing shorts, with Silky aka Nano's dog beside us, and getting as dirty as we could. We rarely got a chance to do that.
Those summers saw frequent trips to the the Golf Clubs in Abbotabad, Bhourban, Islamabad and Rawalpindi. They saw the swinging championships between all the kids of that lane. They saw us, late night going out for a drink or chips in our case to the grocery store. They saw us sleeping outside under the magnificent sky laden with stars, asking Nani to tell a bedtime story. They saw us asking all kinds of favours from out grand parents. They saw us going all out when my other Massi (Aunt) used to visit us from Rawalpindi.
Summers at your gran parents house with all of your cousins and family doing whatever the hell you want, what else could a kid ask for ? That happiness and joy is very different. Growing up without a care in the world, looking forward to the summers, then finally sitting in that Daewoo Bus knowing that we are hours away from our fortress.
Those were the days. Now its hot like hell and I am lazy as an ass. But not anymore. I am going to make it worth wile by working on my pending writing and updating this blog, reading more books. Sometimes I do wish that those summers could come back but then I have the satisfaction of having all those beautiful memories.
Henry James has put my feelings rightly into words by saying,
“Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.”
...SAP...
Thursday, June 27, 2013
News That Made My Future
I got into LSBF. I got into LSBF. I GOT INTO LSBF. OMG ! I freaking got into LSBF. I, Sumaica Asad Piracha got into London School Of Business and Finance. Yes, I got into this prestigious school. Right now I am going crazy because I have no idea how to express my happiness. I got the news yesterday but somehow everything went crazy. I practically got killed by a stupid crazy taxi driver and everyone was leaving for Pakistan and stuff. So I didn't really get to celebrate my admission.
I do not even know what to say. Its something I have always wanted. I never thought that I would get such an honour. I am so thankful and humbled that I got in. Everything happened so fast and so smoothly. I applied, got a call, gave the interview, studied for the aptitude test, gave that and voila, I got a call. Everything happened within two weeks without a hitch. Alhumdulillah !
I just wish that my Nano was alive. He would have been the happiest man alive. This news would have made his day. He was always so proud of us and our achievements. And if there is one person I miss the most today, its definitely him. He would have given a huge party, bragged about my admission to all of his golf buddies and would have asked me to come to Pakistan immediately so he could truly celebrate this.
My mommy literally cried. And my friends, well I could feel the happiness in their voices. I am so glad that I fought for what I wanted and believed in and now I have it. I remember, every year I used to go to Makkah and I had a list of things that I prayed for. Becoming a Chartered Accountant was on top of it. And once I thought to myself that you know what, maybe Allah does not love me like he loves others. But yesterday I got to know that He loves every single one of us. We just do not know that. I am that lucky girl in this world who has always gotten whatever she wished for. And I am so grateful for everything.
I do not even know what to say. Its something I have always wanted. I never thought that I would get such an honour. I am so thankful and humbled that I got in. Everything happened so fast and so smoothly. I applied, got a call, gave the interview, studied for the aptitude test, gave that and voila, I got a call. Everything happened within two weeks without a hitch. Alhumdulillah !
I just wish that my Nano was alive. He would have been the happiest man alive. This news would have made his day. He was always so proud of us and our achievements. And if there is one person I miss the most today, its definitely him. He would have given a huge party, bragged about my admission to all of his golf buddies and would have asked me to come to Pakistan immediately so he could truly celebrate this.
My mommy literally cried. And my friends, well I could feel the happiness in their voices. I am so glad that I fought for what I wanted and believed in and now I have it. I remember, every year I used to go to Makkah and I had a list of things that I prayed for. Becoming a Chartered Accountant was on top of it. And once I thought to myself that you know what, maybe Allah does not love me like he loves others. But yesterday I got to know that He loves every single one of us. We just do not know that. I am that lucky girl in this world who has always gotten whatever she wished for. And I am so grateful for everything.
...SAP...
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
I Live Away From Home
Last year my very best one and only sister wrote an article titled, "Living Away From Home" and she mentioned all the things that she misses while living abroad. When I read it, I thought to myself that why is she being so sentimental and emotional ? So what ? It is not a big deal. I love Qatar. I don't have a problem living away from Pakistan. Yes. There are great things about Pakistan but I just don't see the diamond studded picture that can make me miss Pakistan. Its just one of the other countries on the map for me. I didn't give it a second thought and life went on.
But last Friday, I realised that Yes! I do live away from home. And yes ! Pakistan is home. You see it was my cousins Nikah ceremony. Now, we are a very small family and this is the first guy whose Nikah it was and we all pretty close. Because it all happened so suddenly within a week, we couldn't go and attend it. On the day of Nikah, my father called and my cousin (his elder and only sister) picked up and she told my dad that they were all getting ready and would leave for the ceremony in an hour. And I wanted to wear heels, spend hours at getting ready, wear those beautiful clothes and just be there. We called again after the Nikah to talk to everyone and congratulate them. And I just had this emptiness in me. I had this longing to be there. I wanted to be there to enjoy the moment with my family. It was the first time in my life that I wanted to be in Pakistan rather any where else.
That day I realised that despite what I say and what I believe, deep down for me, my home has been and always will be Pakistan. It is like you realise the importance of something when you don't have it anymore and you think that you can get it back whenever you want but that's not how it works. You have to stick to what you have. I really did see the diamond studded picture which made me want to just fly out there and be with them. I really despised our lack of flying abilities on this auspicious day.
When you see a part of your family going through an important phase of their life and you so wish to be there for them but its the thousands of miles that stand between you and your home. You realise that the things you took for granted and never gave a second thought are the ones that are essential in your life and at the end of the day you are nothing without those things. I really am nothing without my family, without my identity, without my home. When you live abroad, you have the satisfaction that there are people back at home who will always be there to welcome you with open arms and no matter what life throws at you they will back you up. So, with immense pride I admit that I live away from home.
But last Friday, I realised that Yes! I do live away from home. And yes ! Pakistan is home. You see it was my cousins Nikah ceremony. Now, we are a very small family and this is the first guy whose Nikah it was and we all pretty close. Because it all happened so suddenly within a week, we couldn't go and attend it. On the day of Nikah, my father called and my cousin (his elder and only sister) picked up and she told my dad that they were all getting ready and would leave for the ceremony in an hour. And I wanted to wear heels, spend hours at getting ready, wear those beautiful clothes and just be there. We called again after the Nikah to talk to everyone and congratulate them. And I just had this emptiness in me. I had this longing to be there. I wanted to be there to enjoy the moment with my family. It was the first time in my life that I wanted to be in Pakistan rather any where else.
That day I realised that despite what I say and what I believe, deep down for me, my home has been and always will be Pakistan. It is like you realise the importance of something when you don't have it anymore and you think that you can get it back whenever you want but that's not how it works. You have to stick to what you have. I really did see the diamond studded picture which made me want to just fly out there and be with them. I really despised our lack of flying abilities on this auspicious day.
When you see a part of your family going through an important phase of their life and you so wish to be there for them but its the thousands of miles that stand between you and your home. You realise that the things you took for granted and never gave a second thought are the ones that are essential in your life and at the end of the day you are nothing without those things. I really am nothing without my family, without my identity, without my home. When you live abroad, you have the satisfaction that there are people back at home who will always be there to welcome you with open arms and no matter what life throws at you they will back you up. So, with immense pride I admit that I live away from home.
...SAP...
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