Yes, it's me, that extremely lazy person who is supposed to be updating this blog, but seemingly has better things to do (read: am such a flake) that I didn't get around to it.
Anyway, for the sake of being true to my goal of blogging every day of Ramadan, I'm going to be summarizing the days that I missed.
Day 15 (Wednesday, August 25, 2010) -
Aikido. I nearly passed out - of course - after doing rolls. I'm glad that this week is going to be the last week of having to do that while fasting.
Day 16 (Thursday, August 26, 2010) -
Okay, today was really very nice. We went to volunteer at a grassroots women's shelter in the city. S had been doing a clothes drive for the ladies there. It was so heartbreaking to see their faces when we spread out the clothes for them - most of them secondhand. It was like we'd given them the best presents in the world. The house mother is an extremely sweet person, and I felt like Ebenezer Scrooge after his Christmas miracle when we left. I can't wait to go back and help again.
Day 17 (Friday, August 27, 2010) -
We spent most of today at home, until we went to Kam's house in the afternoon so my mom could talk a bit with her great-aunt, the one who's sewing all of us girls matching Eid dresses. She's really sweet. I got to play around with Kari (Kam's elder sister)'s Kindle; my mom really liked it too, so that means that I'm really going to get my Kindle for the holiday! :)
Day 18 (Saturday, August 28, 2010) -
Invited Emmy and her family over for dinner. I was actually supposed to have a big, belated post-graduation bash, but no one else could come. It was really nice though, and Emmy made me cry because she brought me all of these gifts, and SHE WASN'T SUPPOSED TO. We had a lovely time (ie. making fun of Joe Jonas, wondering why RobPatz has an affinity for facial hair, and reading quotes about writing). The downside of all of this family bonding was that Emmy's father is like mine (read: extremely long-winded) and they didn't end up leaving until twelve. We got to bed around one-ish, and then had to get back up for Suhur at four.
Good times.
Day 19 (Sunday, August 29, 2010) -
So I probably didn't mention it before, because I probably forgot, but every weekend of Ramadan the masjid was having religious classes for the girls and women - just because. Anyhoo, today was my day to give the lecture. I was freakishly nervous because I had to get all my notes together and it was a big responsibility and my parents really want me to get into public speaking so I couldn't blow it.
It went relatively well - considering only four girls showed up.
Afterwards, there was this huge bazaar in the parking lot, for last minute holiday shopping and stuff like that. Disappointingly, no one was doing henna. I brought a tube, to do on my own, but somehow Mom lost the bag with it - and all the fancy hair clips I bought - somewhere and no one bothered to bring it into Lost and Found.
Boo.
It was pretty nice, though. I got this Native American looking bag. If I can get a nice picture of it, I'll post it later.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Day 13 - Entire Day
So, if you were on Twitter yesterday, you might've read my rather irritable status:
"Cooking pilaf isn't glamorous. At all."
If you weren't, well, this post should provide some explanation. My parents got this brilliant idea in their minds to suddenly invite S&B and parents, and Kam and parents, for iftar last night. This provoked a day of cleaning, cooking and elaborate last-minute planning.
My dad believes that I make amazing pilaf, so I was set to work trying to double the recipe - that serves our family of five - for fifteen. I was switching between the fridge and the stove, and it was muggy and hot and disgusting and I almost spilled oil on my nice new shalwar kameez and...
Okay. I'm done.
When they got here, though, it was pretty pleasant. We had the usual yuks and memories, and a few stand-up comedy moments courtesy of S's mother.
It was nice.
"Cooking pilaf isn't glamorous. At all."
If you weren't, well, this post should provide some explanation. My parents got this brilliant idea in their minds to suddenly invite S&B and parents, and Kam and parents, for iftar last night. This provoked a day of cleaning, cooking and elaborate last-minute planning.
My dad believes that I make amazing pilaf, so I was set to work trying to double the recipe - that serves our family of five - for fifteen. I was switching between the fridge and the stove, and it was muggy and hot and disgusting and I almost spilled oil on my nice new shalwar kameez and...
Okay. I'm done.
When they got here, though, it was pretty pleasant. We had the usual yuks and memories, and a few stand-up comedy moments courtesy of S's mother.
It was nice.
Day 12 - Entire Day
I got to visit Emmy for a few minutes today - well, it was supposed to be a few minutes, but dearest Emmy is so long-winded that the minutes ended up a whole hour before my dad called on the cell phone demanding we come back home.
I love Emmy, and not just because of the fact that she's the only other friend I have who loves the classics and thinks that the B&W version of Pride and Prejudice is the cat's meow.
Okay, so maybe it's that as well.
We broke fast and ate iftar with the masjid community - something we don't usually do because it's crowded and food runs out; not without invitation, so that the night's host isn't inconvenienced.
It was pretty nice, though, because a group of my (relatively new) friends were there, and we got to sit and talk together.
Day 11 - Entire Day
I should probably just abbreviate the last few days I missed.
Well, anyway -
Um. What did I do on Saturday?
Oh. Yeah. We went to see my mom's friend, and I ended up meeting this girl who's visiting from Saudi Arabia. Her parents teach there at the King Abdul Aziz University. She's really nice, and shy. Her mom pulled me aside to give me this whole lecture on how she used to be an elective (?) mute and was extremely traumatized about meeting strangers.
Bottom line - play nice.
Which I totally did. Promise.
Well, anyway -
Um. What did I do on Saturday?
Oh. Yeah. We went to see my mom's friend, and I ended up meeting this girl who's visiting from Saudi Arabia. Her parents teach there at the King Abdul Aziz University. She's really nice, and shy. Her mom pulled me aside to give me this whole lecture on how she used to be an elective (?) mute and was extremely traumatized about meeting strangers.
Bottom line - play nice.
Which I totally did. Promise.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Day 10 - Entire Day
So today was Jumuah prayer, again. That involved getting dressed - white skirt, black tunic in case anyone was wondering - and hieing to the masjid to listen to the sermon, pray and then socialize for a little while afterwards.
Fun, fun, fun.
Um, what else? I was driven crazy by my mom's friend's little - ahem, angels, while she visited with them in the nice air-conditioned house. Apparently, it was better for sis and I to stay outside with them so that their mom could 'have a break'.
Nice.
After that, it was off to the library, where I ended up bumping into dearest friend Emmy (the only other person who sympathizes with me when I gush over the classics) and co. This turned into an hour-long conversation in the parking lot, during which the security guard came out several times to eye us suspiciously.
At least he's more on the ball than Mr. Boy Scout Troop Leader security guard that they just fired/dismissed/gave the pink slip - for reasons unknown - who was more intent on greeting every patron as they entered the library, rather than patrolling the area.
He really creeped me and sis out.
When we got home, my sis had an online meetup for one of the clubs in the high school - formerly my high school - so I got an invite to sit in.
It was a freaking talent show.
One of the boys sang Fireflies by Owl City.
0.0
It was really awkward when he stopped.
I was glad I didn't have a mic so he couldn't hear me laughing.
Is that uncharitable in a month when I'm supposed to be putting others first?
I haven't realized before how cruel I am.
Fun, fun, fun.
Um, what else? I was driven crazy by my mom's friend's little - ahem, angels, while she visited with them in the nice air-conditioned house. Apparently, it was better for sis and I to stay outside with them so that their mom could 'have a break'.
Nice.
After that, it was off to the library, where I ended up bumping into dearest friend Emmy (the only other person who sympathizes with me when I gush over the classics) and co. This turned into an hour-long conversation in the parking lot, during which the security guard came out several times to eye us suspiciously.
At least he's more on the ball than Mr. Boy Scout Troop Leader security guard that they just fired/dismissed/gave the pink slip - for reasons unknown - who was more intent on greeting every patron as they entered the library, rather than patrolling the area.
He really creeped me and sis out.
When we got home, my sis had an online meetup for one of the clubs in the high school - formerly my high school - so I got an invite to sit in.
It was a freaking talent show.
One of the boys sang Fireflies by Owl City.
0.0
It was really awkward when he stopped.
I was glad I didn't have a mic so he couldn't hear me laughing.
Is that uncharitable in a month when I'm supposed to be putting others first?
I haven't realized before how cruel I am.
Day 9 - Entire Day
...I can't even remember what I did on Thursday.
Um.
I'm pretty sure that it went along the lines of - wake up.
Eat Suhur.
Fast all day.
Get drained.
Break fast.
Eat and be merry.
So, when I do remember what happened on this surprisingly blank day, I'll let you guys know.
Um.
I'm pretty sure that it went along the lines of - wake up.
Eat Suhur.
Fast all day.
Get drained.
Break fast.
Eat and be merry.
So, when I do remember what happened on this surprisingly blank day, I'll let you guys know.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Day 8 - Entire Day
I am not going to get so behind with these entries again.
Seriously.
So yesterday wasn't very eventful. Little bro had swimming. We were parked behind a 'Twilighter Mom' car, and I was half-hoping that it was someone I knew. After that it was aikido, and then we went to visit this Bangladeshi lady my mom is friends with, and she insisted that we stayed for iftar, so we did.
I spent most of the time arguing with the guy at Barnes and Nobles about the Suzanne Collins appearance. I mean, I understand that people have been calling you about it ALL DAY, but please - be a little nice about it. It turns out that you have to come in the day before if you want a reserved copy of Mockingjay. Otherwise, you can just stop by to see her.
My sis isn't too hot on the idea anymore. And since she was the main force convincing my mother, I'm not sure if we're going to get to go.
Darn it.
Seriously.
So yesterday wasn't very eventful. Little bro had swimming. We were parked behind a 'Twilighter Mom' car, and I was half-hoping that it was someone I knew. After that it was aikido, and then we went to visit this Bangladeshi lady my mom is friends with, and she insisted that we stayed for iftar, so we did.
I spent most of the time arguing with the guy at Barnes and Nobles about the Suzanne Collins appearance. I mean, I understand that people have been calling you about it ALL DAY, but please - be a little nice about it. It turns out that you have to come in the day before if you want a reserved copy of Mockingjay. Otherwise, you can just stop by to see her.
My sis isn't too hot on the idea anymore. And since she was the main force convincing my mother, I'm not sure if we're going to get to go.
Darn it.
Day 7 - Entire Day
So I should've written this before, because it just made me kinda fall behind, but I was being lazy.
Okay, so we went over to S & B's - after aikido, of course, because when you're not fasting, you don't understand exactly how exhausting it is to roll and flip and drop. Anyway, we were worried that we were going to be late, because the party was supposed to start at four so all the girls could hang out before Iftar. Fortunately, though, it seems like everyone got the 'come late' memo, so we got there right on time.
THE HOUSE WAS PACKED. I mean, I saw people I hadn't seen in like years. I forgot that it was S & B's mom's birthday, so she was really pulling out the stops with the invites. The doorbell was ringing every other second.
The bad side to this was the fact that the house got hot and sweaty really fast because of all the bodies, so we all crammed onto the balcony - except my brother, who insisted that all of the weight from us girls was going to bring the whole thing down. S thought that was hilarious. She and my brother have this rivalry going on, even though she is much older than him.
So anyways, S's mom asked if my friend Kam could give a little lecture, because she's really good at public speaking and all of us were together and she and my mom have this habit of stopping the fun by making us all sit down and contemplate life.
Okay.
Kam spoke about how God wants us to turn to Him, and then she got all emotional and started crying. My mom started crying. Pretty much every mom started crying, and us girls were left sitting feeling bad - or maybe that's just me - because our hearts were too hard to understand what touched them.
I get that feeling a lot. Around me, I see people crying and being touched because of something about religiousness, and I'm left standing there feeling like a hypocrite because I don't seem to feel it.
Is there something wrong with me?
After that, we ate a lot of good Indonesian food - lo mein FTW - and hung around until everyone started to leave one by one. We got to stay until ten, which was awesome because my dad has this thing about us getting home after dark.
So I guess that was pretty much it - other than the fact that S pretty much volunteered me to have an iftar party on the 28th. My mom thought it was a good idea, so now I'm hostess. All I can say is that I hope that no one expects me to cram thirty-plus people into our house.
Okay, so we went over to S & B's - after aikido, of course, because when you're not fasting, you don't understand exactly how exhausting it is to roll and flip and drop. Anyway, we were worried that we were going to be late, because the party was supposed to start at four so all the girls could hang out before Iftar. Fortunately, though, it seems like everyone got the 'come late' memo, so we got there right on time.
THE HOUSE WAS PACKED. I mean, I saw people I hadn't seen in like years. I forgot that it was S & B's mom's birthday, so she was really pulling out the stops with the invites. The doorbell was ringing every other second.
The bad side to this was the fact that the house got hot and sweaty really fast because of all the bodies, so we all crammed onto the balcony - except my brother, who insisted that all of the weight from us girls was going to bring the whole thing down. S thought that was hilarious. She and my brother have this rivalry going on, even though she is much older than him.
So anyways, S's mom asked if my friend Kam could give a little lecture, because she's really good at public speaking and all of us were together and she and my mom have this habit of stopping the fun by making us all sit down and contemplate life.
Okay.
Kam spoke about how God wants us to turn to Him, and then she got all emotional and started crying. My mom started crying. Pretty much every mom started crying, and us girls were left sitting feeling bad - or maybe that's just me - because our hearts were too hard to understand what touched them.
I get that feeling a lot. Around me, I see people crying and being touched because of something about religiousness, and I'm left standing there feeling like a hypocrite because I don't seem to feel it.
Is there something wrong with me?
After that, we ate a lot of good Indonesian food - lo mein FTW - and hung around until everyone started to leave one by one. We got to stay until ten, which was awesome because my dad has this thing about us getting home after dark.
So I guess that was pretty much it - other than the fact that S pretty much volunteered me to have an iftar party on the 28th. My mom thought it was a good idea, so now I'm hostess. All I can say is that I hope that no one expects me to cram thirty-plus people into our house.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Day 6 - Entire Day
Not much happened today, which is why I'm summing it all up as a whole.
We stayed at home all day. It rained, so we didn't get to even go outside. I studied a bit, wrote on my novel and was pretty much bored trying to ignore the unfinished chapters in My Documents.
But, I did manage to outline a few stories that were eluding me, so I guess that was a plus.
Tomorrow, we're invited to S & B's house for Iftar. All of the gang should be there, so I'm pretty sure we're going to get back late. When we get together, we're usually not in a rush to leave.
We stayed at home all day. It rained, so we didn't get to even go outside. I studied a bit, wrote on my novel and was pretty much bored trying to ignore the unfinished chapters in My Documents.
But, I did manage to outline a few stories that were eluding me, so I guess that was a plus.
Tomorrow, we're invited to S & B's house for Iftar. All of the gang should be there, so I'm pretty sure we're going to get back late. When we get together, we're usually not in a rush to leave.
Day 5 - Iftar
We just got home from the lady's house. It was actually nice. I met this girl I'd only previously known via telephone, and we got to know each other better. My buddies S and B were there, too; my sister and I have known them since we were like really little.
We ate lots of spicy Pakistani food - even the lasagna was spicy. Fasting makes everything taste good, though. The only problem is that, even after not eating the whole day, your eyes tend to be bigger than your stomach.
I'm extremely tired now, so I'm just going to cut this short.
We ate lots of spicy Pakistani food - even the lasagna was spicy. Fasting makes everything taste good, though. The only problem is that, even after not eating the whole day, your eyes tend to be bigger than your stomach.
I'm extremely tired now, so I'm just going to cut this short.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Day 5 - Suhur
So we ended up getting home from Brooklyn at twelve, went to bed at one, only got an hour of sleep and then had to get up for Suhur.
Remind me never to do that again.
Apparently, today isn't going to be a resting day either. We have a religious lecture - how to treat others, the way you would be treated, basically - and then one of the ladies from my mom's group invited us to her house for an all-girls' iftar.
But tomorrow, we have nowhere to go!
WHOO!
Remind me never to do that again.
Apparently, today isn't going to be a resting day either. We have a religious lecture - how to treat others, the way you would be treated, basically - and then one of the ladies from my mom's group invited us to her house for an all-girls' iftar.
But tomorrow, we have nowhere to go!
WHOO!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Day 4 - Iftar
I wanted to take a picture of the Iftar, because it looked so good, but we kinda ate it all, so there goes that idea. Ah well. Next time.
The best thing about Iftar at my aunt's house is the traditions that go with it. For breaking the fast, they fry all these battered vegetables - potatoes and eggplant, and even this special vegetable flower and leaves they grow in the garden that come from back 'home'. Everyone gets like one of each, and the rest get mashed up by hand and thrown together with Muri (puffed rice) and freshly cut onions and tomatoes and mustard seed oil.
We also had dates and lassi (yogurt drink) and fresh mango and watermelon cubes. It was so good, and I think that in a little while, we're also going to have biryani.
I'm not sure how I'm going to eat again at Suhur.
This time around, my dad decided to separate the boys and the girls, so that we could all enjoy our conversations in peace. So, Mr. Nerdy Cousin, his (evil) younger brother, my other cousin (who believes he's a superhero) and my little bro are hanging with the men and my world-wise (and supposedly cool) elder cousin - and I'm sitting in here with my favorite Apu (big sister - here, my elder cousin-sister) and my younger sister while the women talk about...something uninteresting and the two baby cousins (5 and 1) run about under everyone's feet.
The one-year-old is quickly turning into a terror. He just pulled Apu's hair - HARD - banged my laptop and punched my brother in the eye.
The latter might have been deserved, but seriously - he's owning all of us, and we can't do anything because he's the baby.
Ugh.
He's trying to pull down the treadmill.
I guess that's the end of this entry.
Day 4 - Suhur
I'm not even going to tell you how I feel today, because it's just going to be redundant.
So, instead, I'll tell you what's going to happen today.
I think we're supposed to go and see my cousins in the city. In case I haven't mentioned it before, my dad has a big family - ten brothers and one sister. Due to that, we are altogether thirty cousins, from ages forty-ish to one and a half years old.
Yes. Big happy family.
I think only four families will get together today, simply because several are out of town, and a few don't live in the country.
So I have Mr. I'm So Cool Nerdy Cousin to look forward to.
Joy.
So, instead, I'll tell you what's going to happen today.
I think we're supposed to go and see my cousins in the city. In case I haven't mentioned it before, my dad has a big family - ten brothers and one sister. Due to that, we are altogether thirty cousins, from ages forty-ish to one and a half years old.
Yes. Big happy family.
I think only four families will get together today, simply because several are out of town, and a few don't live in the country.
So I have Mr. I'm So Cool Nerdy Cousin to look forward to.
Joy.
Day 3 - Iftar (and before)
So I'm updating this a day late, because yesterday went a little off track.
To summarize - first off, we went to the masjid. We listened to the sermon, basically about how we should remember God and make the most of this Ramadan, because we don't know if we're going to live to see the next, etc. etc. We prayed, and then afterwards, we greeted our friends.
In Ramadan, a lot of people show up that you usually don't see all year. This is the month of redemption, and thus this is the one month when no one holds back with their acts of worship. Thus, there was a lot of catching up to do.
My friend K's great-aunt is visiting from Guyana, so she invited us, and our other two friends and their younger sisters, to their house for Iftar and hanging out. During that time, I tried to write a post, but wasn't able to, simply because having one friend on the computer is seen as a 'downer'.
I got to ride a bike for the first time in...well, several years. It felt extremely liberating, despite the fact that I had chosen to wear a long gown today, and I had to hike it up and use my friend B's hair elastic to tie the skirts out of the way so I could pedal.
It was nice, especially since due to school, and the fact that K goes to uni upstate, so we don't see her that often.
I guess that's it for right now. Now to catch up with today's Suhur, and what's going on right now.
To summarize - first off, we went to the masjid. We listened to the sermon, basically about how we should remember God and make the most of this Ramadan, because we don't know if we're going to live to see the next, etc. etc. We prayed, and then afterwards, we greeted our friends.
In Ramadan, a lot of people show up that you usually don't see all year. This is the month of redemption, and thus this is the one month when no one holds back with their acts of worship. Thus, there was a lot of catching up to do.
My friend K's great-aunt is visiting from Guyana, so she invited us, and our other two friends and their younger sisters, to their house for Iftar and hanging out. During that time, I tried to write a post, but wasn't able to, simply because having one friend on the computer is seen as a 'downer'.
I got to ride a bike for the first time in...well, several years. It felt extremely liberating, despite the fact that I had chosen to wear a long gown today, and I had to hike it up and use my friend B's hair elastic to tie the skirts out of the way so I could pedal.
It was nice, especially since due to school, and the fact that K goes to uni upstate, so we don't see her that often.
I guess that's it for right now. Now to catch up with today's Suhur, and what's going on right now.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Day 3 - Suhur
Okay, to sum up today's Suhur -
Tired.
Drained.
Don't want to eat.
I think we're seeing a pattern here.
Today is our prayer day - as Sunday is to Christians and Saturday to Jews, I think - so we're going to be heading to the Masjid around 1-ish in the afternoon. There, the women and the men sit separately, listen to the Khutbah - or sermon - and then stand for prayer.
I really like Jumuah (Friday prayer) in the summer, because after the prayers, my friends will all be there and we can gripe about fasting, siblings and studies equally.
Good times.
Tired.
Drained.
Don't want to eat.
I think we're seeing a pattern here.
Today is our prayer day - as Sunday is to Christians and Saturday to Jews, I think - so we're going to be heading to the Masjid around 1-ish in the afternoon. There, the women and the men sit separately, listen to the Khutbah - or sermon - and then stand for prayer.
I really like Jumuah (Friday prayer) in the summer, because after the prayers, my friends will all be there and we can gripe about fasting, siblings and studies equally.
Good times.
Day 2 - Iftar
Okay, first of all - read this book. It's absolutely adorable.
There are some cultural differences from what I've been taught, but then again, the author is from Iran.
Tonight's Iftar was okay. Mom cooked butterfish, rice and greens. The only thing I don't like about the fish is the fact that they buy it from the Spanish market, so the bones are still left in and you have to pick them out.
And the eyes.
Ugh.
Not really much else to say. We went to the library earlier for Teen Writing Club, but apparently we were the only ones who remembered the date, so we just hung around with the YA Librarian and talked about how Suzanne Collins will be making an appearance at a local book store and talking about The Hunger Games.
(SQUEE!)
Ahem.
So, since we're about to get ready to pray, I'm going to cut off here.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Day 2 - Daytime
So far, so good.
At least, hunger-wise.
I don't want to discuss life in general right now.
So, a little bit more about Islam in general. Islam is a monotheistic religion that emerged from Arabia in 610 A.D. We believe that Muhammad (may God's peace and blessings be upon him) was the Last Prophet of God. The revelation that was sent down to him, the Qu'ran, is Islam's holy scripture.
Islam is based on five tenets of faith:
At least, hunger-wise.
I don't want to discuss life in general right now.
So, a little bit more about Islam in general. Islam is a monotheistic religion that emerged from Arabia in 610 A.D. We believe that Muhammad (may God's peace and blessings be upon him) was the Last Prophet of God. The revelation that was sent down to him, the Qu'ran, is Islam's holy scripture.
Islam is based on five tenets of faith:
- Testifying there is only one God, and that Muhammad (PBUH) is His Last Messenger
- Five daily prayers
- Fasting in the month of Ramadan
- Performing Hajj, or the Pilgrimage, once in your lifetime
- Giving charity to the poor
Muslims at or above the age of puberty are required to fast in Ramadan. Children, nursing/pregnant women and the sick or traveling are exempt; however, if illness makes you miss a few days of fasting, you are supposed to make it up whenever you can.
Iftar refers to the breaking of the fast. At this time of year, it becomes a big thing. Masjids sponsor daily iftars for the community, and families often get together and invite each other. Traditionally, the fast is broken with a date and a glass of water. The dinner afterwards, however, isn't usually that simple.
I guess that's pretty much it for now.
Day 2 - Suhur
I feel really drained right now.
I couldn't even really force much down for breakfast - leftovers of last night's chicken khima, which is basically ground meat, spinach and Basmati rice.
It was probably a backlash of all the pent-up angst from last night, and since I'm not really writing right now, I didn't have an outlet.
I need to take that into consideration when I make my list of resolutions next year.
I wanted to write a little more about Ramadan, but right now, my lack of energy is going to make that difficult.
I couldn't even really force much down for breakfast - leftovers of last night's chicken khima, which is basically ground meat, spinach and Basmati rice.
It was probably a backlash of all the pent-up angst from last night, and since I'm not really writing right now, I didn't have an outlet.
I need to take that into consideration when I make my list of resolutions next year.
I wanted to write a little more about Ramadan, but right now, my lack of energy is going to make that difficult.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Day 1 - Iftar
So I meant to take a picture of what we ate, just to keep a record, but I finished up before I could.
Oh well.
So, all in all, I think today - at least the fasting part - was pretty good. I didn't feel overwhelmed with hunger; mostly it was an uncomfortable thirst, especially when it came to Aikido class. We had already informed Sensei that we would be fasting; unfortunately, that wasn't a good enough excuse to get out of doing rolls.
Sigh.
All in all, though, I was in a pretty good mood. Up until the point that little brother started acting like a jerk in spite of the fact that he only fasted until 12:30. And then when sister insisted on going to the library and waiting in a line of giggling kids to get a two-bit prize for the Summer Reading Club.
And when Dad came home and started fussing about everything and nothing in particular, and then turned to me - after chewing me out, I might add - and asked me if I could please give him a glass, sweetheart.
Argh.
So yes, not the perfect ending to Day 1 that I hoped.
Right now, I'm irritable, tired and frustrated, and all I want to do is get this done so I can go to bed.
Oh well.
So, all in all, I think today - at least the fasting part - was pretty good. I didn't feel overwhelmed with hunger; mostly it was an uncomfortable thirst, especially when it came to Aikido class. We had already informed Sensei that we would be fasting; unfortunately, that wasn't a good enough excuse to get out of doing rolls.
Sigh.
All in all, though, I was in a pretty good mood. Up until the point that little brother started acting like a jerk in spite of the fact that he only fasted until 12:30. And then when sister insisted on going to the library and waiting in a line of giggling kids to get a two-bit prize for the Summer Reading Club.
And when Dad came home and started fussing about everything and nothing in particular, and then turned to me - after chewing me out, I might add - and asked me if I could please give him a glass, sweetheart.
Argh.
So yes, not the perfect ending to Day 1 that I hoped.
Right now, I'm irritable, tired and frustrated, and all I want to do is get this done so I can go to bed.
Day 1 - Suhur
The thing I've always not liked about waking up for Suhur, is the fact that it feels like my mom barges in to wake me up just when I've closed my eyes to get to sleep.
I'm a bit of an insomniac.
Of course, Dad gets to sleep in a little bit longer, simply because he gets up without lounging around a few minutes longer, only eats a little and then gets ready to make the morning prayers.
My eight-year-old brother didn't have to get up at all, but when he was told he could sleep, he actually got up and ran downstairs to eat. I guess it's the feeling of being a grown-up and allowed to fast, even though it's for half a day. Most of his friends will probably be fasting a whole day, but my parents believe that fasting at such an early age isn't good for the bone structure.
I wasn't allowed to fast until I was fourteen, officially. Unofficially, I fasted before then with my mother's help - and pretended that I wasn't when my dad was looking.
At this time in the morning, I can never force myself to eat too much - which I totally beat myself up for later when I'm starving. Today, we had leftover stir-fried rice, lettuce leaves (because my parents believe you should have something raw with every meal) and watermelon. It's important to get a lot of water into your system, especially now that it's in the summer.
Right now, I'm not even thinking about the hunger. All I want to do is pray and lay back down to get some shut-eye before someone comes in and jostles me awake for the day's activities. ><
Oh. Right. I meant to add my Ramadan resolutions here, so I'll do that before I have to log off:
a. Control my temper - especially when it comes to my parents. That is easier said than done, but worth a try.
b. Tolerate my brother. At least until sundown.
c. Try to focus more on God and be a better person. That means changing my distracting Ian avi. *sobs*
d. Try not to waste my time. This was actually more of my mother's suggestion, because in her opinion I am always wasting time. Well.
e. If I have to go to the city today, don't argue with my cousins. Especially Mr. Nerdy "I'm So Cool" Fourteen-Year-Old Cousin. Eww.
So yes, I believe that is all for now. I'm sorry if none of this makes sense. I'm really sleepy
I'm a bit of an insomniac.
Of course, Dad gets to sleep in a little bit longer, simply because he gets up without lounging around a few minutes longer, only eats a little and then gets ready to make the morning prayers.
My eight-year-old brother didn't have to get up at all, but when he was told he could sleep, he actually got up and ran downstairs to eat. I guess it's the feeling of being a grown-up and allowed to fast, even though it's for half a day. Most of his friends will probably be fasting a whole day, but my parents believe that fasting at such an early age isn't good for the bone structure.
I wasn't allowed to fast until I was fourteen, officially. Unofficially, I fasted before then with my mother's help - and pretended that I wasn't when my dad was looking.
At this time in the morning, I can never force myself to eat too much - which I totally beat myself up for later when I'm starving. Today, we had leftover stir-fried rice, lettuce leaves (because my parents believe you should have something raw with every meal) and watermelon. It's important to get a lot of water into your system, especially now that it's in the summer.
Right now, I'm not even thinking about the hunger. All I want to do is pray and lay back down to get some shut-eye before someone comes in and jostles me awake for the day's activities. ><
Oh. Right. I meant to add my Ramadan resolutions here, so I'll do that before I have to log off:
a. Control my temper - especially when it comes to my parents. That is easier said than done, but worth a try.
b. Tolerate my brother. At least until sundown.
c. Try to focus more on God and be a better person. That means changing my distracting Ian avi. *sobs*
d. Try not to waste my time. This was actually more of my mother's suggestion, because in her opinion I am always wasting time. Well.
e. If I have to go to the city today, don't argue with my cousins. Especially Mr. Nerdy "I'm So Cool" Fourteen-Year-Old Cousin. Eww.
So yes, I believe that is all for now. I'm sorry if none of this makes sense. I'm really sleepy
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Introduction
Every year, thousands of millions of Muslims fast in the month of Ramadan.
We give up food, water, relations with our spouse if we’re married – basically everything that God permitted for us. These are things that we take for granted every month of the year, and in these allotted thirty days we give it all up to feel exactly what those who can’t have it feel all year ‘round.
My friend described it very accurately as a sort of ‘divine boot camp’.
Discipline is key.
The basic restrictions are:
No food, or drink, from the pre-dawn meal (Suhur) to Iftar (breaking fast/dinner) in the early evening after the sun has set. This also includes putting anything in your mouth, including chewing gum and dental surgery. If you want to brush your teeth, you do that after you eat.
If you’re married, you aren’t allowed to have relations with your spouse during this time period. It’s allowed during the evening after the fast, until the morning before dawn.
Keep a basic handle on your temper. Tis the season to be understanding and generous. Having a serious episode of road rage isn’t going to help that.
So yes, that’s pretty much the basics – but most important of all is intention. If you don’t start your day with the intention that you’re fasting for Ramadan, you might as well have starved yourself all day.
I chose to keep this journal to record what Ramadan truly means – the good, the bad and the ugly. It’s not meant to be taken as a cut-and-dried account, and as a human I am apt to make mistakes.
So yes. Here I go.
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