End of a weekend

I think it’s about time for me to update about life here in Pakiland as I call it. The weekend is over for me even though it really has just started. It’s about 4 a.m. here on Saturday. I follow Shakil’s work schedule and the weekend is over for him on Friday – starts back on Tuesday.

The weekend was nice here even though the temps here are still pretty high – in the 90’s. I stay in the a/c a good part of the day – ok maybe not a good part of it – all day. I usually don’t get out until its evening time. It’s just cooler. Shakil, MIL and I went to go visit a relative that just had a baby girl. The mother had her by c-section so she is still recovering. The baby is just precious. She looked so tiny even though she weighed in over 7 ½ pounds. Just gets me even more excited about being a mommy soon!!

Baby Shak as I still call my baby (even though it’s a girl) that is growing inside me turned 20 weeks on Thursday!! I’m halfway through my pregnancy. Shakil, MIL and I took some fabric I already had here to be tailored. We took it in the evening and it was ready the following evening. Now that’s service. He did a really great job and left some allowance for my growing tummy. Shakil also bought me a pair of really cute sandals for a whopping $10. Shoes here can be so cheap and there are so many styles. Styles and availability change in the U.S. where it seems sandals (even white ones) are available year round here. I would have had a hell of ‘a time finding white sandals this time of the year at any stores at home.

We went to the local McDonalds here in Lahore. I really don’t like McDonalds that much in the U.S. but its funny how it starts to taste so good when you are in another country. We just crave the things that aren’t so readily available here – McDonalds being one of my cravings I guess. I had the McArabia sandwich - grilled chicken with tomatoes, onions and some dressing in a warm flatbread. I just have one word – YUM!! No McArabia available at home!!

We also visited Shakil’s grandfather over the weekend. There were some other relatives over there and we were all just sitting around the table when one of them asks me, “how do you like living in a terrorist country”? I still laugh at that. It was just so out of the blue. I answered with “I don’t see Pakistan as a terrorist country – I just live my life here – I don’t want to live in fear – if something is going to happen, it’s going to happen – something can happen anywhere – not just Pakistan”.

Shakil is having a headboard made for our bed. We went to pick out the leather that is going to go on it. When Shakil first told me leather I thought – what??? leather on a headboard?? I did have some naughty thoughts but I have seen what it looks like and it looks very nice.

MIL is still shoveling the food down me. This evening she brought me Chicken Manchurian w/rice for dinner. There was cucumber/tomato salad on the side. It was a very tasty dinner – I was very full afterwards and even felt a bit sick. No more than 2 hours later she starts talking about brining me more food. I told her, “no, no – I’m very full”. She would say, “yes it’s good for you”. There is no arguing with her – waste of time. She heads out the bedroom and about 20 minutes later she returns with a big container of banana milkshake, fried chicken croquettes filled with some veggies/cheese and some fried chicken drumsticks. Not so healthy either!!! I managed to eat a couple of croquettes and then she managed to get me to eat 2 drumsticks. Sheesh!!! I admit my appetite has increased a bit – but not that much!!! I know she means well but she’s going to have to lay off a bit with the food.

The cable here is great and it seems to be getting better and better. There is always something good on t.v. for me to watch. We have HBO and my fav channels are Star World/Star Movies. Star World even plays my fav soap in the U.S. - The Bold and the Beautiful everyday at 5 p.m.

I’m waiting for Shakil to get home after his Friday night 12 hour shift. I’m amazed at how fresh he still looks after he gets home. I’d be a raving bitch after 12 hours of working – yes I’m pregnant and that doesn’t help – but still.

Until later…

Bye for now.

What day is it???

Hmmm…seems that is what I’m asking myself lately. Travel overseas on a 17+ hour flight and that is what happens to ya. You don’t even know which end is up – ok maybe not that bad but it sure seems like it. I’ll be glad when it all levels out.

Let’s see, what has gone on since I’ve arrived here. Where did I leave off on my last post? Oh well, anyways things are fine here besides me not knowing what day it is or what time it is. My first night here I had to spend alone because Shakil works nights 4 days a week. He works all night Friday/Monday and then on Sat/Sun it’s only till 2 a.m. So Friday night was a 12 hr night for him and I had to sleep alone – not too bad though. I think I had mentioned how I slept for a long period of time and then I managed to stay up until he got home at 5 a.m.

You can’t even begin to imagine how wonderful it was to have him next to me when he got home in the a.m.. The way I describe it is – when I’m with Shakil it always feels like home. All the frustrations of being apart, all the stress and all of God only knows what else – is gone. When I’m with him I know that everything is going to be ok.

I finally got to see my FIL/BIL (father-in-law and brother-in-law) and that is what I call them – FIL/BIL. They do EVERYTHING together. They are ALWAYS together, in fact I’ve told Shakil they are attached at the hip. So I just think the names “FIL” and “BIL” are fitting. Shakil and I both sleep most of the day away so that’s why I had even gotten to see them yet. It was nice to see them both after being gone for over 3 months. FIL of course has plenty to talk about. I think my FIL has a great sense of humor. I always have a good laugh when I’m around him. He does make me feel very comfortable.

I’m typing this up again after 2 a.m. so when I’m thinking today – I’m thinking Sunday but it’s actually Monday morning. Anywaysssss on Sunday FIL/BIL left to go back to Karachi. FIL/BIL will stay about 3 to 4 weeks if that in Karachi and will return to Lahore afterwards. Must be nice to just come and go all the time. Not by train though, they take the damn train and I don’t think I could stand to be on one as long as they do to head to Karachi. It’s a long journey. I prefer planes – always.

MIL (mother-in-law) has been giving me lots of food. She must think I’m hungry all the time. If there is one thing I’ve learned about Paki mil’s – they LOVE to feed you all the time. It’s constant. Either food, juice, water – you name it. This evening she ordered us a pizza and it was gooooooood! She was wanting me to keep having more, more, more – geez, I’m FULLLLLLLL!!! No more than 3 hours after I ate the pizza she brought me some Kufta with veggies and toast. Whaaaaaaaaaat tha??????? Well, I ate it because I had been craving something spicy and she said it was spicy – so I was all for it. I’m not complaining at all really. She’s been very sweet. She comes to keep me company for a bit while Shakil is at work and just chats with me about random stuff – more about my baby-to-be than anything – which is my favorite topic!

I think I’ve blabbed enough for now. Shakil will be home in about 15 minutes so I’m outta here!

Until later…

Bye for now.

I'm in Pakistan!!

I made it to Pakistan!!!

I arrived into Houston from Dallas at about 5 to 5:30 p.m. I went to straight to the PIA (Pakistan International Airlines) check in counter which was not as close of walk as I thought from where I arrived with Continental. So picture this - I'm the only white girl standing in line at the PIA counter. Everyone is looking me like, "what the heck is she doing"? "is she lost"? "in the wrong line"? I just grin and bare it. It really wasn't that bad since I was relatively early and the line wasn't very long at all. I'm amazed at what all these people take to Pak though. I just had my 2 pieces of luggage that were 70 pounds each - isn't that all you are allowed?? Seems like they are taking everything but the kitchen sink. (little phrase my Mom kept using when I was paking). :-)

Got all checked in and learned that the flight was FULL - wasn't happy to hear that but the seat next to me was still vacant thank goodness. I had a window seat which turned out to be quite nice. Headed to the international terminal and grabbed me some Subway. I managed to eat an entire foot long all by myself. I was going to save the other half for later on the flight - I ate it all though. I hadn't eaten since the night before so I was quite hungry.

My flight to Pak got delayed slightly. We were supposed to depart at 8 p.m. but we didn't leave until well after 9:30 p.m. The flight crew was running late due to the impending hurricane and the traffic was horrible in the downtown Houston area. They finally made it and I was on my way to Pakistan. I can remember sitting there right before we took off. I was just staring out the window looking at all the lights thinking "wonder when I'll make it back here"? The plane took off and a couple of tears ran down my face. I'm quite emotional these days and I think anything would get to me. It's the uncertainty that gets me the most. I have no idea when Shakil and I will make it back to the U.S. I sure hope it's sooner than later.

We did have 1 stopover in Manchester where you have to get off the plane and go through security again (which makes NO sense to me at all) why do we have to go through security again? It's just b.s. to me. The layover was only about 45 minutes which isn't bad at all. After leaving Manchester we headed to Karachi - we didn't have to get off the plane in Karachi. Seemed like we were in Karachi for over an hour or so. But when sitting on a plane, I'm sure it seems longer. The plane took off in Karachi and we were on our way to Lahore!! I was getting very excited at this point. I couldn't wait to see Shakil. It has been over 3 months since we had seen each other.

We landed in Lahore and I could feel the butterflies in my stomach. I was so excited and anxious to see Shakil. I got off the plane as quickly as I could and headed to immigration. Zoomed on through that and as soon as I walked out of immigration there was a porter that came over to me and said "Ms. Tara"? I had no idea who he was and he proceeded to tell me that Shakil had sent him in to look for me and claim my bags. I know I didn't need to be lifting 70 pounds while pregnant and Shakil had hooked me up with this guy to help me out. I was very grateful. This little guy knew quite a bit of English and just chatted and chatted with me. He didn't look a day over 15 and was very sweet. He walked me outside and there was my hubby!!!!! He came over to me and directed us to where the car was. I know I had permagrin on my face by this point. I also knew I was in Pakistan by the smell (which isn't a sweet smell). I made it. :-)

Shakil drove me home and it was about 5:30 a.m. or so when we arrived. It was already light outside. He and I stayed up chatting in our bedroom until well after 11 a.m. then we went downstairs so I could see my mother-in-law. She seemed happy to see me and she cooked Shakil and I an omelette which tasted very good. I was hungry again. We chatted some more and headed back upstairs to get some sleep. Shakil had to be at work by 5 p.m. and he has a 12 hour shift on Friday nights. He needed some sleep just as much as I did. We both dozed off and I didn't awake until he was getting ready for work. I guess I slept for about 3 hours or so. He left for work at 4:30 p.m. and I slept until about 1 a.m. Here it is after 2 a.m. and I'm typing up this blog. I'm ready for Shakil to get home. I won't have much time with him until his days off which are Tuesday through Friday. He goes back in Friday night. So I guess 4 days a week isn't bad - the rest of the time he'll spend with me which is fantastic!! :-)

Well seems there is a good movie that just came on. I think I'm going to try and round up some food or fruit - just something and lay down and watch. I'll be back around soon!

Until later...

Bye for now.

Break time...

until I reach Pakistan.

Packing is going well. I think I've gotten everything that I need - if not oh well. Tomorrow - oh it already is tomorrow, it's 12:16 a.m. Well today I should say is my last day at my Mom's. Wednesday I leave DFW about 3:40 p.m. and arrive into Houston at 4:45 p.m. My flight to Pak leaves at 8 p.m. I reach Pakistan at 3:45 a.m. Pak time on a Friday. It's a long flight - yep but oh so worth it in the end. The excitement builds by the hour for me. Can't wait to see my hubby!!!

On that note, I'll be going. I'll be back to blogging once I reach there. Well maybe a couple of days after I arrive. Depends on the jet-lag.

Thanks again for all the support. :-)

Until later...

Bye for now.

Lookin' like....

It's a girl!!!!!!!






I went to see my OB for my check up Friday. I was 18 weeks Thursday - man does time fly by with pregnancy quicker than I thought. If only immigration moved this quickly! ;-) My OB did an ultrasound and she is pretty darn sure it's a girl. She pointed out what made her feel it was a girl and even went back again to check. I got to see its little head profile, nose, a little hand, etc. - just precious!! My OB is trying to get me in with a tech that comes to her office on Tuesday's and Thursday's that can give me even further confirmation. Right now the tech is booked for Tuesday (I leave for Pak on Wednesday) and they are hoping for a cancellation. The receptionist said she was 80% sure I would be able to get in. We shall see. If all else fails I can get further confirmation when I get to Pakistan.

Yep, 3 more days and I leave for Pakistan to reunite with Shakil. I leave Wednesday at 8 p.m. out of Houston. It has been over 3 months since we've seen one another. I know I sure don't look the same being inches away from 5 months pregnant. Man I dread that flight but it is so worth it to me in the end. Everytime I've gone it's been just so wonderful to see him standing there waiting for me. I always want to drop my bags and go run to him but unfortunately in an Islamic country - you don't see too much public displays of affection - AT ALL! I'm not a big fan of public display of affection but I see nothing wrong with a hug. Oh well - at home we can hug all we want, right? :-)

Just wanted to share our good news. Hoping and praying everything stays ok with baby and we are blessed with its presence after a few short months. :-)

**Thank you again to everyone for your nice comments and support. We appreciate it so much.

Until later...

Bye for now.

I hate computers!!!!!!!!

I'm sure this is what Shakil was thinking when I was bitching about my computer. I do need it working to be able to talk to him. Well the damn thing works - its just been giving me hell. It all started a couple of weeks back - maybe less when I upgraded to the new version of yahoo instant messenger. Shakil and I thought the voice might be better. Not long after upgrading I started having sound issues with the computer. I'd start voice chatting with Shakil and then all of the sudden the sound would just go out and I couldn't hear him anymore. He could still hear me but I couldn't hear him - what the hell??? Then it would all of the sudden come back but then there would be some distortion or something - just down right odd. Even when using windows media player or Real player - I'd have the same kinda issue.

We decided to go towards MSN and use voice on it. Well, MSN would do the same damn thing. I would get so frustrated that I wanted to just beat the crap out of this computer. Then we moved onto Skype - same damn issue.

Well to make a longgggggggggg story much shorter - I called tech support for the 3rd time. Those assholes wanted to charge me $20 for the call because they say its out of warranty. My Mom unfortunately can't find her receipt to confirm it. This computer is MAYBE 6 mos old and they say if its been over a year since it was bought then they charge $20 for tech support. This woman I talked to with tech support had me do some things and the call lasted a good hour and a half. This evening I managed to listen to a few songs in their entirety without them cutting in and out. So maybe just maybe this thing is fixed.

I don't know how people have the patience to work with computers. My hubby is in the computer field and he has soooo much patience. I just lose it. I do however need it to chat with Shakil and my Mom will use it to chat with me while I'm in Pak. I guess I need to stop bitching and just be glad that the issue seems to be fixed. We'll see tomorrow when I chat with Shakil.

Until later...

Bye for now.

sleepy preparations

You know I find that I'm so damn sleepy all the time. It's like I could sleep 24 hrs/day - 7 days/week. Anytime and I do mean anytime I lay down - I'm out like a light. The joys of pregnancy I guess. :-) I'm so new to all this pregnancy stuff and I've done so much reading online about it and through some good books. I think I learn something new everyday - which is very cool. Plus I've received lots of good advice. 1 week from today I get to find out the sex of our baby!!!! I turned 17 weeks yesterday. I surrrrrrre hope that 'baby Shak' (that's what Shakil and I call the baby) cooperates!

Preparations are moving along nicely for me leaving to Pak. Less than 2 weeks now before I leave. I've gotten lots of good stuff to take with me. You'd be surprised what is available in Lahore but is just so damn expensive. Yesterday I bought 2 bottles of antibacterial handsoap. Handsoap is available there but the prices are ridiculous. Plus come to think of it - I never saw anyone using any type of antibacterial handwash while I was there. This is my 3rd visit to Pakistan and the first 2 times I never saw it. I think most just use bar soap to wash their hands. I prefer antibacterial handsoap myself.

I've gotten other things like hairspray, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. All of those things are available too but as I said - the prices are ridiculous. Plus you risk the chance of it being old. I remember when Shakil and I would go to a market to do some shopping and I'd point out something and he'd tell me that it is probably old. I'm shocked at what all is actually old.

I heard from Shakil that my mother-in-law decided to rearrange our bedroom. What the hell for? I informed him to get it back the way it was. I don't want any frustrations the minute I get there. We had the bed and a/c positioned where I could feel it blowing on me. I like it nice and cold and Shakil likes it not as cold. So the good compromise was to just position it to blow on me and we could turn it up to about 26 or 27 degrees. I'd really prefer 24 degrees. :-)

My nerves are shot to shit this afternoon. I'm really on edge. Even any sort of loud noise is driving me nuts. Sheesh.

Until later...

Bye for now.

Got my ticket to leave today!!!

**Thanks to the new visitors Aisha and Toseef for stopping by**

Today my Mom and I went to get my ticket and I leave September 21st!! That's like 2 weeks from this Wednesday! I was shooting for the 25th but effective September 13th, PIA is no longer flying on Sunday's out of Houston - just Wednesday's. So I just bumped it up to the 21st. I just have to get a domestic flight from Dallas/Fort Worth to Houston. I'll be booking that tomorrow. The travel agent I went through was just fantastic and very helpful. He gave me a free domestic roundtrip ticket to travel anywhere in Pakistan. He has even called PIA and confirmed me for the 21st and got my seat assignment. Right now I'm in a window seat with no one next to me in the 2 seats. What are the chances that there will still be no one next to me? I sure hope so!! My luck - who knows!

I cannot wait to see Shakil. I looked on the sidebar of my blog and it shows that it has been 83 days since I've seen him. Sometimes it feels just like yesterday that I left there and then other days it feels like forever since I left. It's amazing how fast the days come and go. I'm sure the next 2 weeks will just take forever to pass by. Well, I don't know - I 've got so much stuff to get together that it might just fly by.

My Mom is taking it pretty well. She just keeps hoping for some miracle with immigration and we'll get to come home. I just finished my 4th month of pregnancy and I really don't want to travel after I'm 7 mos. I've heard it's not advisable but then again, Dawn told me that she did. Shakil and I's plan is to stay there and I'll deliver there. Scared Tara? At times, but I'd say I'm just more nervous than anything. 1st pregnancy and in a different country - that's enough to make anyone nervous I think. At least Shakil and I will be together like we've wanted. He really wants to be a part of this pregnancy and I really appreciate that. He's been a part of it up until now - but it's all together different actually being together. :-)

Until later...

Bye for now.

Got some support...

Well you all know how my Mom hasn't been supporting me leaving for Pakistan and I mean not supporting AT ALL. I've been stressing out big time about getting my damn furniture sold. Nothing sells as quickly as you want it to and everyone wants something for nothing. I'm shocked at some of the offers that were made on my sectional. It's complete leather - no tears and in perfect condition. I will NOT just give it away. I paid too much for it a few years back. Anyway, they see it as used so I guess I can understand. Don't we all want something for less??

Today I woke up feeling much better from whatever it was I came down with. Just still have some congestion but I feel mucho better, Thank God! My Mom works part-time and I went to see her and have lunch with her. She told me that she now fully supports my decision to leave for Pakistan. She says she also now understands why I'm doing what I'm doing and it took her a while to get past it but she has. It's like the biggest relief to me to know I have the support of my Mom. I can leave her feeling some peace instead of being so upset. Get this - She is going to pay for my ticket to leave! Wooohooooooo.

Ok still shooting for leaving on the 25th. I've put 2 calls into travel agencies and both are supposed to return my call. Keep your fingers crossed that I can get out of here on the 25th. The domestic flight from Dallas/Fort Worth to Houston will not be a prob at all. I will have to leave out of Houston on PIA. But hey it's a direct flight with one stopover in Manchester. I've done it before by myself but this time....I've gotta baby on board!!!

I need a nap!!!!!

Until later...

Bye for now.