Sunday, September 15, 2013

Sputter Sputter.

Start. Stop. Start start start. Long stop. No this is not the sound of a car engine spluttering to life.This is my blogging attempt,or, rather, my writing career. I seem to have periods where I blog continuously: a flurry of writing , and an undeniable need to make words appear on the screen. Then, there are the long droughts, the abandonment of the screen and the keyboard; the absolute silence.

It is in this absolute silence that I rediscovered my love for writing. My inherent need to form words; my passion for making whatever I wanted to say in my head magically appear either on a piece of paper or on a computer screen. Admittedly, this past year and a half has not been exactly easy for me to just pick up where I left off and write. A new baby will do that to you. However, I did write in my head. Oh I wrote encyclopedias and textbooks and volumes up on volumes of books. I wrote fact and I wrote fiction. The problem is I wrote it all in my head.

I woke up one day, after writing a particularly lovely novel in my head the night before and, I remember thinking "why am I not writing this down or why am I not typing it up? Why am i letting my passion go?" I looked at my daughter and I was amazed at how much my life has changed and yet how much stayed the same. In fact, I now have so much more to write about. My life is rich with content and my brain itches to form the words and the paragraphs that will satisfy me as a writer. You see, I don't write for you, the reader. I write for me. Please don't misunderstand me, you the reader are an extremely important part of my writing. I think of you constantly when I write. "Will the sentence make sense to you?" "Will you be able to understand what I'm saying?" "Where I'm coming from?" These are all questions I ask myself about you the reader. But at the heart of it all I write for me.

Some people have chemistry. Some people have art. Some people don't know what they have yet. I have writing. I love to do it. I want to make my life all about writing. I have never underestimated the power of  words or their importance within our lives. I have always been in awe of words, of books,of writing,of editing and of anything that had to do with putting letters together to form a word and putting words together to form a sentence and putting sentences together to form a paragraph. Somewhat of a powerful feeling knowing that one word  placed correctly in a sentence can make all the difference to the meaning of what someone is trying to say.

So, you the reader, shall hold me to my plans to make myself write at least once a day. A pledge actually. A Pledge to write something somewhere at least once a day about anything: any topic that I choose. You don't have to read it just check in and see if I have written something. Nudge me if I haven't. Remind me that this is what I love to do.

Sunday, February 17, 2013

10 pm feels like 2 am...

Ah, the days of being a night owl are well and truly behind me. No longer is 4 or 5 a.m. an acceptable time to go to bed, and, the luxury of waking up at noon, or one or two p.m. is but a distant memory. Oh the joys of being a working mom; and just a mom in general. Nowadays, I'm ready to hit the hay at 9 p.m. and most often am in la-la land by 11 MAX. I'm on my daughter's schedule now and there's no deviating from that. I'm currently in bed, writing this actually. I'm waiting for the sandman to come fill my eyes with sand. I'm also listening for the cries of a little one not so asleep in her room....

I'm craving a slice of Godiva Chocolate cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. Oh sweet heaven that dessert should be a sin. Anyone back in htown want to send me a slice? Orrrrrrrrrrr a Pizookie from BJs. That would work too. Hehehehehe my thighs, ass, tummy and legs will one day learn to appreciate all the extra pounds..NOT.

I'm starting the INSANITY workouts cuz this is one mama who has to get moving! Wish me luck. I think there will be A LOT of cranky posts in the future due to the INSANE nature of this workout program..but I did manage to finish P90X so this shouldn't be tooooo hard...but I speak to soon I fear lol.

Good night world!

Monday, February 11, 2013

When is too much, too much?

In the nearly two years I've been here in Egypt, I've run the gamut of emotions from elation and excitement, to depression and disgust. Most recently, my feelings towards this struggling country have stalled out at frustration and, dare I say it, disgust. Please don't attack me for that. I'm merely saying what many of you Egyptians say everyday so for me to have formed the same opinion is no attack. It's, quite sadly, a fact. Why have I stalled out at these two negative emotions? Listing the reasons would take a long time, but a few stand out.

Reason number 1
While many of you may disagree with me and call me extreme or dramatic or anything else for what I am about to list, I am believing this more and more. Egypt's extremely polluted state has beyond disgusted me, it has terrified me,especially since I now have my daughter to think about. She keeps getting sick and her doctor listed the polluted water, food and air as a main reason. As a mom, I'm angry and sad. As a rational person, I'm angry and sad. As a person who's lived here long enough to know better, I'm hardly phased. The garbage in the streets, the bugs in the food, the dirt and smog and chemicals in the air, they all contribute to the countless unnecessary illnesses many kids and adults have here in Egypt. IT'S PREVENTABLE. But, sadly, most of the population cares not. I'm disgusted.

Reason number 2
I dare say the traffic. I'm used to rush hour and accidents and construction blocking traffic and backing it up, but, here in Egypt, things would go much more smoothly if people followed road rules. I think that most here actually relish in breaking them and doing their own thing, (even if it means possibly killing people, which happens more often then not) and making the problem worse. For example, driving both ways on a one way street means unavoidable disaster. Or, crossing a railroad when it clearly says not to. However, I suppose it's not their fault they're sharing the streets with donkey- and horse-carts, fruit vendors, garbage, pedestrians and parking lots. The point is, breaking the rules makes it worse and dangerous, and IT'S PREVENTABLE, but, no one truly cares. It's sad. I'm sad.

Reason number 3
I've met my share or rude people. People whom I 've gone head-to-head with. I despise rudeness and try my best to not be rude, although I do have my occasional moments when I slip, but, many Egyptians take relish in inflicting their rudeness, mean actions and malice on their fellow countrymen. It's horrifying and the attitude of "it's me against the world" has me gagging. It beats out the shining examples of all the people that rush to your aid to help you when you're in need, or the acts of kindess by strangers. I've seen all those, but then, someone, or some groups, go and destroy that. I can't keep a lid on my anger much longer and I shudder when I think my daughter has to learn to navigate this at a very young age.

Reason number 4
The materialism of this society has become, IN MY OPINION, a cultural pillar. Yes in America we have it too, in spades, but, in the vast pool of people and the middle class, we are hardly ever judged so harshly at school or work or otherwise, by what brand name shoes, socks, clothes, jewellery an d accessories we are wearing. Over here it's like you're either dressed in flags and horse and ponies and intertwined letter handbags and checkered purses ( I cannot type their names, but they are easily identifiable) or you're pretty much just wearing blah. Oh and let's not forget what car you drive, or how skinny or heavy you are...and the list goes on. I know that there are alot of people in the Egyptian society who aren't this shallow or stupid, but, I've seen more of the shallow than I have of the normal.

I am thankful to God that I am here with my husband and daughter and that I live a good life, in a nice apartment with good clothes and food on the table, and, I haven't forgotten it was my choice to move here. This a chapter in my life, written by God, and I do not regret it. However, it's tough and tough and tough. Unless you've made the same move as me, you won't truly understand how tough, because, it's a million little things that pull you down here that get to you. And the thousands of good things that balance it out sometimes are too far in between to remember. In the end,when is too much, too much?  I am happy, please do not misunderstand, but, I miss America and the lifestyle there. It's as simple as that, and, I will continue to look for the good here in Egypt, because, I'm built that way and my husband and daughter deserve that at the very least. Especially my daughter because I want her to always, always see the good and wonderful in any situation or circumstance.

Sunday, January 13, 2013

An update a year in the making

My oh my has it been AGES since I've last posted. In fact, the last time I posted was just days before I gave birth to my beautiful baby girl,Nadine. Nadine is just about 10 months old now! Mashallah. She is the light of my universe..and her dad's little angel in disguise. Life with her in it now is so much richer, beautiful and busier than ever...which is why I haven't posted in sooooooo long :). Nadine came into the world on March 26, 2012 at 11:08 a.m. And weighed in at 6lbs 4oz.   She has grown sooooo fast and I cannot believe wheeeere the time has gone. She came back to Egypt with me (obviously) heheheh and has become the apple of her grandparents' eyes here. Needless to say my family and loved ones in Houston are green with envy buuuuuut we are very thankful for skype :D. I am now also working as a preschool teacher and it has been great. I've found my second family at the school I work at. 
There is a lot more to say and update on and much more to blog about. This was just an update on me and trust me, there will be more. So stay tuned as I take on you my roller coaster ride through my life and enjoy. As always, feel free to comment.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Baby weight truth

Ok, so, normally, I'm a pretty balanced person. I'm outgoing and happy. I try not to let the little things get to me. Lately, that's changed, and for obvious reasons (*cough*  baby *cough*) and the issue I keep circling back to is body image.It's serious enough when you're not pregnant, but add a growing baby and waistline and sometimes it becomes difficult not to succumb to low self-esteem.

Don't misunderstand me here. I love being pregnant and I would gladly gain 1000 pounds if it meant my baby would be healthy, but, when I go to my doctor and all I keep hearing is "Oh, 2 more pounds this week," or "3 pounds gained since last time," I can't help but feel dejected. It doesn't help that all the literature I read online tells me that the average weight gain is about a pound per week at this stage in my pregnancy. So, is it any wonder that I feel like a hippo?

The remaining sane part of my brain tells me that I should shove aside all these cares and focus on getting through this last month and then taking care of a newborn, but, the insane parts are a little louder when the shout back the worry and fear I might not lose the weight, how long will it take? Can I do it, what if I get lazy? Etc, etc, etc. It doesn't help that I unfairly pin some of my anxiety on my husband. I think, "God, how unattractive must I look to him?" "Will he still think I'm pretty with all this excess weight?" "What if my body isn't his ideal anymore?" And truth be told, this is the main root of my problems. My husband. I want to be like drop dead gorgeous  after I give birth. I want him to be proud of the hot wife he has who also just had a baby and I want to be that way because I love him. Because, a small part of me, whether you agree or not, wants to give him that; give him the size 4 wife with the banging body and is super hot. It's a dilemma I sturggle with daily. All these fears and wants.

I know that in order to be there for my child I must take care of myself. I won't crash diet or starve myself or any crazy stuff, but do I want the speedy fix like all these celebrities? Heck ya! I also know I don't make millions of dollars a year to afford the chefs, nannies, personal trainers and expensive gyms these women employ. I also know that my career doesn't hinge on my ability to sell myself, my look and my body. Thank God. However, I do wish I could at least experience that quick-fix. I know to lose the baby weight and keep it off it'll take me a few months and that's ok..pace myself and do it right, but, won't there be days when I slack off? When I ignore the fruit and reach for the donut? Of course. And I need to learn that's ok. I can't be 100% all the time. Can I? But, can I embrace my new shape for however long I have it? Can I accept myself and the way I look for the time being? That's the truth I must figure out.

Society tells me I should; it tells me I should be proud of my body no matter what shape or size it is and no matter how many pounds I gain or lose. Easier said than done society. You haven't gained 44 pounds in 9 months. It's not your unfamiliar face that stares back at you from the mirror every time you look at it or the pants that seem to get a little tighter everytime you put them on that you have to wear. Society is right. I think I'm right in feeling the way I do, because it is such a huge change to go from happily married couple to pregnant mommy to be. A WONDERFUL change, but a huge change nonetheless.

As I sit and battle my demons and have you witness it, I know that the truth about baby weight isn't just simple or clean or pretty or beautiful or serene or any multitude or nice adjectives you can think of. It's messy and hard and a struggle and the pressure put on women to always be skinny and groomed and made up affects us pregnant ladies too.  Perhaps more so than our childless counterparts. Jessica Simpson just shot a nude cover for a magazine and she's pretty darn pregnant and she loved it and felt totally comfortable and embraced her whole body. I'll bet you she has her down days too. ;)

I don't mean to sound depressed or disgusted by my own self, I am merely thinking aloud about my fluctuating feelings regarding this issue. I'm healthy and happy and am awaiting the arrival of the single greatest miracle of my life. What's 44 pounds compared to that?  

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Insanity

As I've gotten increasingly round, I've become more, how shall I say, objective of my new shape and situation:
1. I am nine months pregnant. That sentence says it all.
2. My weight gain over these past nine months has given me a unique insight into how attractive food really is. ( It is VERY attractive to someone who could rival a Dyson vaccum cleaner in terms of speed of suction)
3. The Pillsbury Dough Boy ain't got nothing on my roundness. ( He does come in a close second, and only because he can produce the most heavenly fudge brownies)
4 . My brain has sadly lagged in the "control Marwa's body" category as raging hormones have forced several shut downs of key sectors such as appetite, mood and bladder control, until further notice.
5. I have lost interest in attempting to feel guilty and have decided to embrace my lovely baby bump.
6. I have surrendered to baby and allowed her to take control of my insides and vanquish her mortal enemies. ( In case you were wondering, these enemies are my stomach, bladder, intestines, lungs and diaphragm)
7. Breathing is over rated. Panting is the new rage.
8. Jessica Simpson is bigger than I am and she's due around the same time I am. ( Mean I know, but alas, I am a female and my vanity sometimes rears it's ugly head)
9. I shall have to by stock in Palmer's Cocoa butter stretch mark lotion and tummy butter.
10. Sleeping is also over rated. Staring at the ceiling and attempting to count diapers is much more fun for me.
11. It's fun freaking out my non-pregnant friends with obscure facts about what happens to your body when there's a human being in it.
12. Going to my OB/GYN is a lesson in humiliation and strength as dignity is sacrificed. ( Ladies, you know what I mean)
13. Dignity itself is also over rated because using the restroom 1983903724 times a day tends to do that to you and damn the social etiquette.
14. Watching shows of women giving birth is my new  favorite thing to do. I can loftily claim what I would or wouldn't do differently than these women. ( I'm so brave...NOT LOL)
15. American Baby Magazine has become my go-to guide.
16. Clothes shopping for baby is much more fun than attempting to squeeze myself into clothes.
17. Daily mishaps of various sorts just make me enjoy being pregnant more and more.

Friday, March 2, 2012

A prayer for you my daughter

As I sit here, nearing the end of my incredible journey with you growing inside me, thriving, developing and gaining strength for your grand entrance into the world, I pray for you my daughter.

I pray you arrive healthy and screaming; kicking with indignance that you had to leave your safe haven inside of me, nestled next to my heart, always with me, never apart. I pray that God give me the strength to deliver you with no complications; to meet you for the first time and grab your tiny little fingers in mine. I will count them, and your toes, just to make sure you're as perfect as can be. I will touch your tiny nose and eyes, your arms and legs and thank the lord above for granting me such a wonderful blessing and gift.

I pray for you daughter I overcome my fear for you that has slowly been developing these past nine months. I never knew I could come to experience such a powerful feeling of devotion, awe and love for someone I have never met. Careful, you're in competition with your amazing dad. =) (Although he is in a class of his own and more than I could ever hope for.) I pray, little one, that no harm comes your way and I pray I am always able to protect you.

I pray that your first few years of life are filled with laughter, fun, health and family. You're so loved already by so many people and you don't know it. Aunts and uncles, grandparents, friends and countless more. I pray you are always happy and giggling.

I pray that as you grow-up, you learn from your father and I about morals and values, right and wrong and ethics. I pray we can teach you to be the kind of woman I hope for you to be and that is strong, god-fearing, open-minded, kind, dutiful, moral and so, so much more. I know there will be temptations and obstacles in your path that you will overcome and others you will fail at and I pray that you always know you can come to me to help and guide you, and that you know, I may learn right along with you.

I pray that I live long enough to see you accomplish all of your dreams and hopes. I have such plans for you baby girl. I know God has something special in store for you and he will ultimately guide you when I cannot, and even when I can.

I pray you remember that God is always watching. He will be kinder and more merciful on you than even I could be and I pray you remember to him you can take all your fears, problems, mistakes and requests and they will, god willing, be fixed and granted. Remember, he is for eternity.

I pray you know that even when I am not with you physically, I will always and forever be a part of you and will love you until the end of time, and, god willing,when we are reunited in Jannah.

I pray that you grow-up knowing your self worth and never let anyone beat you down. I pray you have the strength and will to climb any mountain or hill in your way and lend a helping hand to those who cannot. I pray you never underestimate what you're made of and never let any man, woman or child drag you down. You're beautiful, inside and out.

I pray you one day understand how much I love you and how much I want you to live life. You are my daughter, now, forever.

Be safe child, and remember that there is no greater love on earth than that of a mother for her child.