I am a winner

Wow! I don't believe it. I'm finally going to get published. My article "Damage Control for mothers" has finally been accepted by, "Parenting Guide" a New York based magazine. The aticle will be out on June 2008. Right now I'm not really bothered about being payed, but hey it would be great if I was.

I'm like on top of the world now and finally, I have realized that I do have potential. That does feel great.

Hope I continue getting published.

I'm Back

Vacation and fasting has given me a writers block. I've been putting off writing for quite some time now. Anyway, my visit to India was nothing to rave about but I sure seem to have returned with a new figure and new set of mind. Concerning my figure I've lost several inches from the waist and my scale shows me 2 kgs less. I've reached my ideal weight and now my only concern is to keep it that way. I seem to have gained considerable control over my anger.I'm falling in love with myself.

Ramadan this year was fine. Ofcourse, by the end of the day I would be dead tired. Iftar parties are an elaborate affair here in UAE, with people showing off their wealth by giving huge iftar banquets at posh restaurants. The real meaning of Ramadan seems to have changed. The other day, I read about an article about how the arabs in the past used to observe ramadan. Those seem to be enchanting times when this holy month was all about love and sharing.

Ramadan during my childhood days was exciting too. I used to spend my evenings praying with my best friend at the local mosque. After prayers we would play and chat. Every evening I would eagerly wait for my mother's delicious snacks. Those were magical moments of my life.

Eid was fine. I was so busy I never felt the thrill of this special day. We had some special guests and so had a lot to prepare. The next day I went to visit my parents in Dubai. I've been getting a lot of compliments recently and I must say, I find it a little embarrassing. Well! I guess I just can't handle compliments.

Anyway, back to routine and writing. Here I am today knocking my brains trying to write something interesting. My assignment is pending too and I've gotta get that driving license before the next eid which is in two months time.

Memories

I was just thinking how long it has been since I have smiled. Not that I don't smile at all. Oh! yes, I always smile at the neighbour, the kids; when they get up in the morning, my husband; when he leaves for office but those are not what I call genuine or from the heart. I wish I could smile naturally without having to force myself to do it.

When I was in school my friends would always make me smile. We used to all be upto naughty tricks. Like the time we had a wrestling match in the corridor or the time my friend jumped out of the class window and right in front of the supervisor. Every celebration was an excuse to hang out at 'Pizza Hut'. Once there we enjoyed harrassing the waiters or pulling tissue rolls and tying it to the door(don't ask me why we did that). We even used to litterally poison each others drinks with ketchup, salt, pepper, mayo and whatever we could lay our hands on. One friend of mine even spitted in another's pepsi. I know that was gross, but we were young and everything was cool.

During the schools days friends were the only family I recognized. I loved going to school and hated coming home. Oh! I had no problems at home but I didn't really enjoy at home. Even at home we would spend hours over the phone until our ears turned red and hot. We even did most of our homework over the phone. Those days were magical.

My best friends then were Fatima, Alka and Susan. Fatima was and still is my strong support. She is my childhood friend and the first friend I have. She has been with me throughout my life. We've been friends for almost 25 yrs now. She understands me in and out. She knows me better than my parents or my husband. She's gone through a lot of sufferings and has lost two babies. But, I admire her strength. Inspite of her problems she is ever ready to help me with my silly woes.

Alka was a very sweet girl. She was forever ready to have fun. We became friends in 7th grade. Before that I never really liked her. But, afterwards I got hooked to her fun loving nature. We both enjoyed dancing and singing. Today, though she is too busy with work and frankly she seems like a changed person. I practically have no contact with her though we live only a two hours apart. But then I guess life goes on and frankly I have no regrets. She was such a lovely person and she instilled in me confidence to do the things that i liked. Though we both have gone our different ways I still remember her fondly as the sweetest friend I ever had.

Susan was a tomboy. A good friend but very moody. I could never understand her but I loved her carefree nature. I remember when we had a singing competition in school and she was supposed to sing in her coarse, harsh voice. Everyone started to laugh and that made her angry. She used abusive langusge and went away crying. We felt bad for her inspite of her angry words. After everyone had finished singing we called her back and when she started singing we encouraged her even though our ears were paining. But, what struck me was her confidence. She had a very bad voice yet she came upto sing. I loved her 'I care a damn' attitude. She was ever ready to sacrifice herself for her friends but after I went to India, I don't know when we drifted apart. Today, both Alka and Susan seem to have forgotten me. But, that doesn't hurt me though. I guess we all have to get on with our lives nad only the truest of all freinds will stay with you throughout your life.

Busy Bee

Wow! Have been so busy shopping and getting organized, I'd almost forgotten about this blog. My writing right now has taken a back seat while I'm busy getting ready for a "Monsoon In India". Wowee! that sounds like a wonderful title. Got to keep it in mind. Will make a wonderful travel article.

My cousin expired two days ago. She was suffering from cancer. Was hoping to meet her in India but she left without a goodbye. She was far elder to me and I remember the way she would feed me and put me to sleep when I was a little girl. I feel particularly sad for her teenage children, especially her girl. A mother can be so very important. Every step that a girl takes she looks back at her mother for approval and encouragement.

Ta Da

Here I am, finally with my own blog. I have been meaning to get on with this for may be over a year now. I am slowly and steadily getting on to be a true writer. Ok! I know I've just got one article published in the local newspaper but at least, that makes me finally, feel like a writer. I was having my doubts about my talent. I've sent in a few queries and am awaiting replies.

Next week will see me in India soaking in the rains. I love the rains but am not very keen in visiting the place. I love India, but I hate the restricitions that I have to follow at my in-laws place (that is where I'll be staying). I hate the lizards and I hate the old house. It gives me the creeps. Last year when I was down there, the lizards had kept me awake almost every night. I used to sleep inside a mosquito net and these creepy crawlies would climb over the net. My hair stands on ends just remembering that dreadful night.

Hopefully, I won't have to spend much time at my in-laws, since I'll be attending my cousin's wedding. So, I can spend most of my days with my mother. It's not fair that my vacations have to be a nightmare. I have been pestering my husband to take me to Rajasthan, but he is thinking of Hyderabad. Lets see if we really would be going anywhere. I'm eager to write a travel article but the only travel that I usually do is the Journey from the bedroom to the kitchen.

Today, I'm going to relax. No hubby at home and I'll give the kids a free hand. Let them enjoy and relax too.