Musings

It's becoming increasingly warm in sunny Karachi. But Alhamdulilah, can't complain... at least I have ac at work :).

I was thinking back to a few (several?) years ago when I'd be taking my O'Level and A'Level exams in the scorching heat. Somehow, the heat didn't bother me much at the time, or maybe I was too focused on exams to bother about mundane matters like bijli. We didn't have a generator, so I'd wake up extra early (around 7 am) to study during daylight hours and my mom would make me brownies to keep my energy levels up (yes, I was a pampered kid!).

Sometimes, it scares me when I realize what a comfortable and secure life I've lead so far... I'm the favorite grandchild (*smug grin* lol) and my dad's princess... I don't think Mr. F or the in-laws are going to be as indulgent... Time to grow up :'(

Work is at an interesting stage... the deadlines have been pushed back a couple of months but it looks like I'll be honeymooning alone since Mr. F has to travel for work... I'm not sure how I feel about that :-S

Prenuptial Thoughts

I've been weeping my eyes out in the office bathroom... Mr. F thinks these are "prenuptial jitters" I think I'm just sad :,(

So girls and guys, here's a new situation:

My parents want to fill out the Nikahnama early to avoid last minute drama scenes... Mr. F's family thinks that's just weird and they'd rather do it on D-day. Also, my "uber-progressive" parents are on my case to thoroughly read through the document and be aware of my rights. I personally don't think putting down clauses in my Nikahnama (right to work, right to further education etc.) will protect my rights :P

Also, what's your take on family planning/contraceptives? UnIslamic? Interfering with nature? Horrible side-effects?

*Sniff*

I can't believe I'm inshalah getting married in less than 2 months... yeah :O.

As D-Day gets closer, I feel more and more unprepared for this. Is that normal? (FYI Mr. F thinks time's going by too slowly... :P)

Mommy and grandma dearest have been doling out advice at random times:
- Be wary of people, but have a positive attitude
- Be friendly, but not too friendly (how much is too much?)
- Don't go anywhere alone without your husband (because apparently, men from Punjab have roving eyes :P)
- If the in-laws ask you to make something, make kheer... wait, no, that takes too long, make sheer korma, actually, that's our secret family recipe, just make custard trifle :P (Actually mom, I'll just order in Haagen Daaz :D)

I hope I survive the next few weeks without losing it completely...

Naseeb

In junior year of college, I went to visit my ABCD cousin in Peabody, Boston. She introduced me to the world of "Halal Hookups". Basically, this is a way for young Muslims to meet and greet and check out one another in order to find a spouse and eventually get married. Being young, naive and somewhat gullible, I signed up for an ISNA get-together (ISNA = Islamic Society of North America). Lots of single Muslim girls and boys, men and women along with their hopeful ammis and abbus attend this event so their children can meet "a nice Muslim boy or girl", "settle down" and give up their hedonistic lifestyles.

This was the first time I was introduced to the concept of Muslim speed-dating... Enjoy :)

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/19/us/19dating.html?pagewanted=all

Petty Issues

Since I'm slightly in shock and don't quite know how to go about these things, I might as well free my mind here... Mr. F is refusing to talk to my parents and things are blowing waaaaayyy out of proportion. To put it mildly, I don't think that's a good sign.

Everyone in my family's going ballistic, but I am strangely calm :O.

Dear God, please help me out here... thank you.