Lately: Hum-Drum and Fiddle-Faddle

I'm tapping the white keys of my computer, my lower lip is pouched out and I'm lazily leaning against the headboard of our new bed. The air conditioning unit is buzzing on and almost off while the lights go bright and then dim. Kids are screeching in the streets though it's 11:30 pm. It's the start to Ramadan and everyone is out enjoying the fact that they can eat, drink water and cool off. I'm more of a morning person myself so I am missing out on all of the fun. I'm plumb out of exhilarating things to write about. The days are running together like my amateur watercolor paintings. I can't seem to cut straight lines or follow a routine. I'm at the mercy of dust bunnies and late plumbers. I feel a tinge of pity for myself sinking in. I'll fight that emotion because it's pointless. Pitying oneself is pretty selfish and it accomplishes nothing. I'd rather have nothing to say than something pitiful to say about myself. It's a new discipline for me. 

We did break fast with a Kurdish family on the first eve of Ramadan. That was a delicious evening. Frankly, it didn't feel like much of a cultural experience because they spoke beautiful English and their home was comparable to the Ritz. They have a swimming pool in their basement with a vaulted ceiling and a crystal chandelier hanging overhead. We ate Chicken Briyani, roast chicken with rice and carrots, Dolma (stuffed zucchini), rack of lamb that fell right off the bone, carrot and cabbage salad, creamed mushroom soup, chopped tomato and green pepper salad and spiced olives. For dessert, we drank chai and then were force-fed three different desserts, fresh fruit and candy.  All of that was finished off with a bottled coke. I thought I was drunk on our way home, but it was just from the sheer gluttony that took place. One cultural lesson that I learned was that Kurds love to feed people. I can relate to that. It was slightly reminiscent of Sunday lunch at my Jonie and Grandfather's house. The second cultural lesson I learned is that I may develop adult-onset diabetes here. I asked Aaron if he would kindly roll me out of the car. 

Life is busy at the new Shew household, but it's mainly boring tasks like vacuuming, hanging curtains and plugging in the washer without shocking yourself. I despise housework for housework's sake. I like to get it done as quickly as possible so that my little heart doesn't crumple onto the floor in front of me. There are too many other things to do that "mean" something. I know that some people love housework, but it's not for me. I've been considering hiring a cleaning lady with some of the money I will make from teaching. I always thought that this was a waste of money. I see now why my mom had four children. It's free house labor!

We're gearing up for another month of extreme heat and I'm throwing back the water. I find myself tolerant of the heat, which is a complete surprise to me. We are so blessed to have an AC unit in our bedroom. I feel like I can't complain about the heat. Most people here don't have that little luxury. I'm slouching back under the covers now. Aaron is still in a meeting and it's midnight. Their meeting started at 10:00 p.m. because it's Ramadan. He is such a trooper. He goes non-stop all day like a machine. I'm the luckiest. He still found time today to take me to dinner. 

So, cheers for the times when life is hum-drum and fiddle-faddle. God knows we need rest from "meaningful" things so He gives us gardens to tend. Right now, my garden is the vacuum cleaner and the pile of dust in the corner.