Cup of Hibiscus Tea. Photo taken by Totsymae.
It’s not just about fasting. It’s a time to reflect and do all things in alignment with Allah. One of the Muslim chicks told me, “Totsy, you must be like us and not drink water if you are fasting during Ramadan.” I told her I was a guest and whatever I did in recognition of a holiday that wasn’t mine was as good as it was gonna get. I’m tired of telling her the same thing. I’m not Muslim. And I already said I’d try it for as long as I could. Bump being thirsty, okay?
The thing of it is, too, it’s respectful, I guess, to not eat in front of them. Forgive me in advance if I forget. Should I break the fast, I’ll do my best to eat behind their backs. You feel me? However, I’ve never fasted without water and I’m not about to start in 100 plus temperatures.
What they, the Muslims that is, need to remember is that as a westerner, I’ve already been fasting from my life. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- The first 2.5 months, no TV. For all these near 4 months, I haven’t seen one episode of Basketball Wives or Braxton Family Values. There was a brief grieving period but I’m healed now. At least until I get back.
- I haven’t driven anywhere.
- I’ve been dealing with slow internet ever since I touched ground. I’ve thought how insane I must be to wait 30 minutes to watch a 5 minute video but I wanna see the damn video.
- I haven’t had a date in nearly 4 months. Well, I can’t put all that on being here. It’s actually been over a year but if I’d been on my regular stumping ground…Oh hell, who am I kidding…
- I can’t talk to men in public. Granted, I’m shy but damn, I can’t even say, “Go ahead of me in line,” if I get outta the grocery line to grab something I forgot. I was told very firmly to never speak with them.
- I haven’t gotten to strut my skinny jeans in public. I don’t care what any of you say about not liking skinny jeans. Stop hatin’.
- I have to get permission wherever I wanna go now. I’m a grown ass woman, okay? But I’ve been reduced to being like a kid asking my parents if I can have cookies from the sweet jar.
I could go on but I have to say, there have been some benefits. I’d like to think I’ve gained a lot more than what I’ve temporarily lost. Now, I’m gonna have me that cuppa tea you see a picture of here. Oh, I forgot to tell you I’m drinking tea and juice too but don’t tell anybody.
I'm an artist who's writing,mothering, blogging and doing a few other things under the sun. I buy toilet paper 99.9% of every trip I make to the grocery store. I'm a people watcher, so I know you're here but drop me a line anyway.
Come home Totsy, come home.
What a life I’m living, huh…
Frankly, I’ve always found a cup of tea more contemplative than jonesing for water, but I’m not a Muslim either.
Tea is so soothing and it relaxes me, so I’ll have more before bed.
Your secret is safe with me! I’m drinking a bottle of cold hibiscus tea. (We refer to it as sorrel in the Caribbean. In some Latina/o communities, it’s also referred to as Jamaica (pronounced huh-my-ka). Enjoy!
Did I tell you that hubby is also fasting? He gave me the side-eye last night when I offered him dinner before time.
You mentioned his fasting. You wicked little wifey you, serving him up a good meal before time. No shopping money for you next week.
LOLOL!
Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! I’m all about a little fasting and contemplation, but in that heat you will shrivel up. Maybe those Muslim girls are used to it. You ain’t. That tea looks good. Yeah, I jut think you keep your sippin’ on the down low and that’s the best way to proceed.
I made it through my first day quite well. The work days will be the challenge. I had tea again this morning but that’s my routine anyway. I have plenty bottles of water I’ll have to drink on the downlow since the man on TV said nonMuslims could not eat/drink in front of them. Well, I’ll be…
Totsy, thanx for reminding me that I was neglecting my vegetarian readers and I have tried to rectify my oversight on Food Nazi….I am partial to Jasmine or Oolong….but coffee takes the edge off for me…..
You’re welcome. I’ve got a bumdiggety sauce I learned last night. I love the way the Sudanese women cook. I’d better stop finding myself on their doorstep around dinner time so frequently though.
They probably do not mind……friends are always welcome…
I know you’ll be careful, Tots. Resentments can flare in the heat of the desert sun while riding on an empty stomach.
I’m not promoting my blog by sharing this – I posted this before you and I connected. You remind me so much about control and the heartbreak it can bring: http://souldipper.wordpress.com/2011/06/18/purity-re-established/
I can’t read the beginning of the story. It’s mixed up in the heading. What’s going on with you over there, woman?
Oh, I can be a real grouch when I get hungry. The least little thing can be so irritating.
I can get like that, Tots. So hungry, I feel weak and can’t think a thought through. Everything is irritating. Grouchy! You and I could have a contest.
Now that I eat an alkaline diet, that’s changed a lot, thank goodness.
It’s gotta be a tech thing, Tots, because the post is fine over here. If you like, I can paste the beginning into an email or FB message.
Speaking of “What’s going on…” I got all excited about seeing Totsy Mae in some photos. Then I discover she’s in Ft. Sill – sometimes she’s a man, sometimes a young woman, sometimes an older gal. By golly, you’re even a Light Being in one shot! So don’t you be giving me any sass!
Yep, send me the first part to read.
Boy oh boy! What did I get myself into with this fasting gig? I was so hungry and counting down like you wouldn’t believe. And when I finally did eat, the food was delish. I was invited over to a Sudanese woman’s villa to eat. Tomorrow, her British villa mate’s cooking. These folks don’t mind feeding me. What can I say? I said I’d be there on the dot.
I see right now that I’m gonna have to take out my switch. You do know what a switch is, dontcha Ms Canada?
So you are fasting…wow – that’s certainly respectful. Thank goodness you are being offered really good food at sundown!
Yah! The switch is the thing that my big brothers and sisters always told me to hide or they’d tell mom I hid it! Talk about being between a switch and a switch!
You may enjoy the dates and kawa…….
I’ve tried the dates and didn’t like them so much. I’ll ask what kawa is. You know, I’m just a southern girl over here in the middle of the east learning my way.
I did eat the dates. Still don’t like them but I did eat.
You must do what is right and proper for you. You are being respectful, but as you say you are a guest and not Muslim.
Dinner last night was delish. I ate with the Sudanese women folk. Only thing is, I slept right through my second meal. Boy oh boy, it’s gonna be a long day…
Yes, the month of Ramadan DOES bring spiritual benefits, even to a Southern Belle! Wish I had a cup of hibiscus tea right now!
Head to your local health food store and ask for that tea, Granbee. If they don’t have it, order it. If they won’t order it, use your shotgun and fire a few rounds toward the ceiling. I know you’ve got one.
You make me laugh with number 4. I feel you. Am having a mini-breakthrough on the dating front myself … now if I can just fan the flame so it becomes a breakthrough on the exciting, loving relationship front
Best wishes with Ramadan, Tots. Renunciation can be illuminating and enriching.
You know, it’s been a busy time and I’ve not made time to deal with men folk really. Plus, I knew I was coming here. You’d be quick to find you a Saudi here. Some of them actually look fit under those dresses they wear, if you can deal with your man wearing a dress, that is.
I’m renunciating alright. Gotta keep my mouth shut, you know. The tongue is a very dangerous thing.
Right Missie a good talking to is what you need… Now you have broken the TV spell don’t EVER go back to it.. I gave up on TV 4 years ago and I’ve never looked back.. Okay I cheat a bit by watching the odd thing on BBCi player but that amounts to about 2-3 hrs a week.. and no adverts. how fantastic is that.. my tolerance of Bull**** adverts is now precisely nil… and I do so much more..blog, photography, visit friends, garden, walk…all sorts.
As for men…I am having NO luck on that front.. but then I am extraordniarily picky and a bit too much of an anarchist for most men’s taste and did I see that you’ve written that you are shy!!! Gosh I wouldn’t have guessed that one little bit..
Aint blogging great when you get to connect with people like you
I actually miss commercials. I don’t miss the news. It’s all bad and I was addicted to the news.
Put you on some skinny jeans and you’ll get a man.
You miss commercials.. Totsy I think the sun has gotten to you!
I used to be addicted to news too and the weather forecast ( well this Is England! ) now I just look out the window!
Skinny Jeans and me ( at 58!! ) just ain’t a marriage made in heaven !!!
Tina Turner wouldn’t say that.
Hmmmmm…
I think you’re way ahead of the curve when it comes to making sacrifices. I agree with Hansi, though. I hope you can come home soon.
Life is very simple here. No movie theatres or stage plays. Hardly anything. I’ve taken up shopping, which was never my thing. I agree with you and Hansi but it’s a booger trying to get outta this place. That little mean guy thinks he’s Allah, I guess.
Ugh. Stay hydrated. Hide if you must. Move in with the Sudanese women if they will let you
Be safe. I would hate for you to be carted off for having a water.
And no television is good for your brain!
{HUGZ} <3
Red.
Sudanese are Muslim folk too. No moving in with them.
It’s not me who likes TV so much. It’s Beatrice vying to be the next reality TV star.
I can’t imagine fasting – not having water in 100 degree temps. That seems like you’re begging for a case of dehydration. Thanks for visiting my blog. I enjoyed your post.
I suppose they’re used to it here. It’s just too extreme of a thing to do such an extreme climate. But you know, it’s rather primitive here and Allah takes care of everything for them, so dehydration is no worry. Although I’ve seen a young woman faint in this weather before Ramadan, they will submit to the will of their God regardless.
You just need to be respectful, Totsy, and I think you are. You don’t need to become a martyr for someone else’s religion.
Well, I broke the fast today and will start again tomorrow. Hopefully. It’s been a pleasurable experience to sit and dine with the Sudanese women who are also Muslim. I haven’t had to cook once, they are so hospitable. Maybe I’ll go to Sudan next. After the war, of course.
I burst out laughing when I read your list. You’re right: you have been fasting since you got there! Now, go drink some water.
Seriously, though, fasting does have some great benefits. I used to fast at least one day a week. Not sure why I can’t seem to discipline my mind to do it now.
You should at least travel here to see what you’re missing. Granted, you’d be in a tourist area and your trip would be more pleasurable. You may wanna come in September or October when the weather’s less harsh. Not that I’m trying to sell The Kingdom to you but being the world traveler you are, you have to experience it, wear the clothing and all that. I’m just in a bad spot, that’s all.
You know, it’s tough to discipline oneself toward fasting once it’s stopped. I mean, who wants to go without food? Now that I think about it, this is the first time I’ve done it in awhile myself.
Can’t wait until you can show us some photos in your HOT SKINNY JEANS!
wow! Xx
I haven’t taken enough photos here when I think about it. Will try to do that soon.
I could never be a Muslim – bad knees.
Interesting you say that. I just spoke with a Syrian woman yesterday and I asked why do Muslims keep getting up and down when they pray. She said it’s the way they pray but if you have problems with your legs, you can sit and pray. So, there you go…