Women Empowerment

Two words. Women Empowerment.

Every morning while walking home, I come across a lady near my residence. And every single morning she inspires me as a woman.

What so special about her?

She rides a bike to drop her kids to school.

It may not be a unique thing for many countries, but it's definitely a courageous thing to do in the male-oriented Pakistan. This country where female drivers are mocked constantly and lone women are harassed on the streets. And wives and daughters are oppressed just for the family's 'izzat'.

But this woman is brave enough to face the daunting stares, the evil sneers and the crude comments every single morning just to drop her kids to school.

She is the living definition of feminism.

She inspires me to be just as fearless in the face of this male-dominated community. To fight for my rights. And to prioritize my responsibilities over culture.

And what better way to bring ourself forward as a gender but to support one another through hard times. To cheer on the women entrepreneurs with a united front.

I asked her if I can take her picture so I can write about her. She said 'yes'. What she didn't know was that she would become an instant inspiration to a million girls out there to be just as strong as she is.
I support all women out there fighting to be heard, fighting to succeed. I will always try my best to support them in any way I can.

Here's to women.


- TMR

I am a Third Culture Kid

I'm a third culture kid living in Pakistan.

14th August has always been confusing to me. I don't feel like I legit belong here. Sure I was born as a Pakistani. But I was born in a different country, a different hospital and definitely pinched non-Pakistani vaccines.

I was schooled in an Arab school, where we sang 'Ishi Biladi' every morning. I celebrated 2nd December with red, whites and blacks, and my dinners included hummus and shawarmas.
Pakistan was just half my nationality.

The only time I rather felt patriotism was during Indo/Pak matches where you have to pick a side to cheer on. Always got those pakistan badges at home to bring the friendly fight on.

But I never got to know the country that tagged my name from the start. The place that my parents lived a good part of their lives in.

Love for a place stems from deep profound memories attached to it. My love will always be AbuDhabi. It nourished me, it raised me, it gave me beautiful memories to cherish. It is my happy place.

And then I see that love in the eyes of every Pakistani individual here. Every person waving the Pakistan flag with 'jazba', adorned in greens and whites. Every person singing the national anthem with their head held high. I see it deep in them.

Love for their country.

One day, It will grow on me. One day.


-TMR

Patriotism

While watching patriotic boys slathered in green & white paint and wild dancing to Pakistani songs on the streets.

Me to Hubs: So how do YOU celebrate the independence of Pakistan?

Hubs: Sleeping.


#ohmoments

Bari and Choti

What better rant than getting to know the centres of my universe. Here's Introducing Bari and Choti!

So Bari is a reader (like me!). And a screener. Which yes is another subtle word for 'IPad addiction'. But then who isn't right? If it isn't the smart phones, it's definitely the laptops. Or the TV's. At least we haven't got elders breathing down our necks when we've had too much screen time. Leave the kids alone yo!

Choti, is the 'ronak' of the house. She's the one who you hear the loudest at home. She's the one that probably has your phone hidden in her mountain of toys. And then hands it to you calmly after you have torn the house apart and blamed your weak brain for the failure you are.

Second borns are stereotypically the most prominent ones, isn't that proved well here?

Since I do have an appreciation for even numbers, 'the perfect 4' does a pretty good job of describing us crazy lot.

Good enough for hotel rooms and family tickets. And skipping queues at restaurants.

And then there is Hubs. He should be awarded the golden globe for controlling my rather dramatized outbursts day in and day out.

We all need that ONE very stable anchor in our lives, don't we?

Alhamdulillah a million times.

-TMR

The first Mommy Rant

Today is the day I finally decided that I'm going to put heart and soul out there. That's how my favourite blogger described blogging. Not that I'm new to blogging, I've been doing it for many years now.

But anonymously.

Now, I've decided to take off my mask that I've been hiding behind for so many years. My biggest fear was being judged. Judged for my different background. Judged for being too open minded. Judged for avoiding gossips and hanging with the guys the entire time.

This time, I'm going to explain myself.

I'm going to tell you why I am so different from you. Why I do not mesh easily in the Pakistani crowd. And why I don't like bun kababs.

Here's to venturing into new realms.

Cheers!


- TMR