I’d like to say hello to people kind enough to read this, this is my first blog post. Please bear with me, this will get interesting with practice.
Originally I wanted to share something a bit more staid, but for the first post I thought something on the lighter side might be better. Well, when we moved to Doha in August things got off to a rocky start. We thought we would end up in a house, but ended up in hotel ( a really nice one my husband kept reminding us, but still a hotel was my retort). We would try desperately try to find things that reminded us of Pakistan, (we moved here from Jeddah which is essentially like a mini Pakistan anyway, you can hardly move a few feet without finding Pakistani items or people, even the dirt on the roads is similar to Pakistan and in ample supply along with the bugs that could just as easily have been directly imported from Pakistan such as the beige colored lizards or the huge cock roaches that seem to bring out the screams in teenage girls or the endless supply of ants). Milk shortage drove me nuts, and literally day and night I missed the 2 litre bottles of Al-Marai that I would ask my driver to buy and at that point in time seemed very minute. However, when I had to contend with Iranian milk, Turkish milk, British milk at prices that could have purchased gold in cheaper times, I was not pleased. Plus I am extremely particular about the taste of my tea and the long life milk wasn’t cutting it. Actually, at that time not much was cutting it for me in Doha. I missed Aslam, our driver of four years who practically did all the outside work for us, I missed my apartment, my friends, Mecca and Medina, I missed my life. The one time I just about screamed in excitement was when I spotted a soon-to-open Khaadi sign in Doha Festival City. For those of you who are not Pakistani, Khaadi is a nice, upscale clothing brand based in Pakistan. But just like a first born that goes over its due date, that Khaadi shop wasn’t opening and anticipation was excruciating . I would go again and again and no Khaadi. One day, it opened, finally.
Well, I went there last week and purchased two short shirts after much pondering because even though short shirts have been in fashion since last year, I was hesitant due to some extra pounds that I haven’t managed to shake off after I stopped breastfeeding, (even though I stopped feeding the baby I couldn’t stop eating as if I was still on a feeding routine. Although its impossible and bone draining, I have wished on occasion that breastfeeding could be done indefinitely). Well anyway, one shirt is straight, red and looks cute-ish (as my 15 year old daughter would put it) but the neck line is something else. It’s the other one that is my undoing, its A-line and goes up to my knees and fully closed on the sides. It is as if a giant sponge is carrying a television on its head, it squashes my height, makes me appear about twenty pounds heavier than I am, and it makes my waste line appear as wide as a sumo wrestler’s. I am never wearing this shirt in public, only in the privacy of my room by myself will I put on this hideous monument to my own stupidity. Furthermore, I have decided that this was the last time I saluted the latest fashion trend, never again. I was made for long shirts and no short shirts ever again. I think time will dull the psychological trauma of the frock shirt.
Love your blog post. I remember when we moved to Jeddah we were pretty much in a major culture shock. With time and friends, life improved. In sha Allah, you’re finding your way ❤
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I loved Jeddah but I had a big culture shock in Doha. Now it’s beginning to gel finally. The first month was excruciating.
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Hi Aisha,
I Hate Frock style short Shirts as well!!! They look hideous lol… nice blog keep writing!!!
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I believe that even a potato sack would manage to amazing on you Aliya. However, I have been working on my weight since last year, and hopefully I will get around to a presentable weight one of these days.
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Good read Aisha! Look forward to more posts!
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Aliya, thank you so very much for taking the time to read it. I do appreciate the thoughtful input that you guys are giving. I bet kids are grown up now. Mine are 16, 15 and 5. Although the older two are doing their best to drive us crazy.
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Aunty this is such great writing, I’m very excited for your next post! I totally understand the trauma of frock shirts, they look awFUL on me haha, we’re missing you guys sooo much here in Amoudia, every time I come outside and see your house I think of Maaria and Iman, and all those delicious pound cakes you used to make, please come visit soon!!!
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We miss Amoudia too a lot too. However Doha keeps a person busy, no doubt about it. Kids are getting busier by the day.
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Aunty this is such great writing, I can’t wait till your next post! We’re missing you guys soo much in Amoudia, everytime I walk out of my house and see your old one and remember Maaria and Iman and all the delicious pound cakes you used to make, please come visit soon!!!
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Thank you so much my dear for taking the time out to read and actually leaving a beautiful comment. Much appreciated. Hopefully, I will put out some interesting stuff, inshaAllah
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I am like you , I miss so many things,but I found the only comfort is in the knowledge of Allah almighty, it is the only true comfort
much love to you❤️
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Yes Chirin I think Doha is beginning to grow on me too. And definitely we should be happy in Allah’s will.
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Love your post. And i went through the same thing but with family and friends support gets better. I am happy that i get to know you and looking forward to read your future posts.
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Nicely written…I think everyone can relate to it some way or the other…hate those shirts that make me look fat or short…looking forward to read more from you…
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Aisha aoa wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu both posts are very interesting, second one discussing a very serious issue and how to deal with it anyway may Allah swt increase your writing power ameen.
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Thank You Shahana, I do love writing, and I feel what I have to say can end up being meaningful. Please keep reading and commenting.
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Like you mention it losing weight with less caloric intake and moderate exercise is the best way to lose weight and keep it. Good for you. You are not alone in this battle, most of us are.
Thanks again for sharing
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Really enjoyed reading your blog .. Keep it up!
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Really enjoyed reading your last blog. Please keep posting.
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