days 1-5
ramadan…thus far…
monday: up at 3:45 am. had oatmeal and a peach. managed not to throw up. hit the gym at 4:45 am. spent the day working at my computer. got mad that i still don’t have a “shift” key. took an afternoon nap to get over my anger. ate too much at 7:56 pm. felt sick. ate more. went to bed.
tuesday: had a vegetable omelet at 4 am. commended myself for getting in my 5-a-day before dawn. hit the gym. spent the day wondering how long the grammar police will overlook my no-caps situation. ate a crappy dinner. collapsed at 11 pm.
wednesday: couldn’t sleep. decided to get up at 3:30 am. choked down a variety of homeopathic remedies that are precariously keeping my eczema under control. felt sorry for myself. spent the first half of the day tracking the whereabouts of my new computer. spent the rest of the day pissed off at ali for forgetting to order my new computer. ate too much cheese and crackers. and chocolate.
thursday: tried to eat at 4 am but felt gross from too much chocolate just hours earlier. realized that day 4 out of 30 days does not yield an acceptable fraction and that without proper fractions what exactly do i have? had two handfuls of chex, a bunch of raisins, half a scone, and too many chocolate truffles from one lucky duck. felt gross again.
today: suddenly realized that as hard as today is going to be with no food, water, or capital letters, it’s nothing compared to what the next 3 weeks are going to be like when maya gets back from my in-laws place. felt better when i realized that today is day 5. 5/30 reduces to 1/6 and thus ramadan is 1/6 over.
which leaves just 25 more days to go…
***Any avid readers out there? I just reviewed Silver Girl by Elin Hilderbrand on my sister site thefancybookshelf.wordpress.com.***
While I'm not going to win Mother/Wife of the Year Award anytime soon, I haven't killed anyone yet or shot myself in the head. And that, my friends, is how I calculate success these days. 
FANCY THAT FANCY THIS 
Ramadahan Karim Amaeena!!! I am really amazed that you wake up at that hour eat and then actually hit the gym. If it was me, I would just eat and just hit the sack. Hats off to you lady!!! 🙂
going back to sleep after eating is the worst thing for me because i end up feeling so gross!
I HATE that feeling!
I think I would have to go back to bed too, Even if I regretted it later. I am both amazed and shocked at your ability to rise before dawn and exercise, with or without food. Nevertheless, at least you are 1/6 there! Enjoy the journey. New shift key will arrive soon. And then you can type in ALL CAPS TO MAKE UP FOR ALL THIS SUFFERING!
YOU STILL GO TO GYM!
You are totally hard core! 😉
Poor you – I hope your body adjusts to eating at strange times and it gets easier. (Does it?). Maybe give yourself a break and skip the gym for a week or two. Then again, don’t listen to me, I am great at finding excuses to avoid exercise! Go back to the low GI, protein kind of meals to sustain you through the day….or go shopping for some retail therapy!
i have to go to the gym otherwise i end up feeling worse! it’s just not normal to be eating at 4 am…so i must offset the grossness with exercise…
Yes, that does sound reasonable.
At the moment over here we dont go back to sleep coz its pretty much the time we get up to get ready for work etc. Barring obviously getting up just a little earlier to not “rush eat”
So sorry Ameena. Don’t feel bad about eating to much chocolate, we deserve it! I promise 😉 And hat’s off to you for hitting the gym in Ramadan! Only 25 days more days to go, you can do this.
thank you for the much needed encouragement gigi!
4AM you get up .. Oh my .. and sleep at 11pm .. WOW
I liked the veggie omellete 🙂 its looks healthy and then you went ot gym … Usually its the other way round .. u eat a bit hit the gym and then come and eat a bit .. If you fill ur tummy with so much food how to u exercise 🙂
but hey listen today u realised jsut three weeks left remember tomorrow it will be one more less day LEFT 🙂 so tomorrow only 24 to go 🙂
I could never do this .. i think a hundred times going ot gym now … at 6am.
i have to exercise in order to not feel gross from all the food i consume at 4 am. but then i get hungry and thirsty after the gym… it’s a vicious cycle!
Hang in there! That omelet dish looked yummy. I’d be super annoyed w/o caps!!!
Mr P looks at my comments, and sometimes when he sees your name he clicks on it and reads your blog. He loved this post and spit out laughing when you mentioned the thing about the capital letters!
You’re doing an awesome job with your fasting daaahling, you could teach me lesson the way you still manage to go to the gym.
*kisses* HH
the next time i come to london i want to meet mr. p. i think he and i would get along very well! have a lovely weekend hh. hang in there with the fasting…
No comment on the food. Touch subject.
But – do you work from home? Good luck with the Shift key!
i do work from home most of the time. love. it.
Sorry . I hope it gets better .
thank you…i hope so too!
Wow…I have great respect for you!! I think two days in, I’d be ready to kill someone (probably Ryan) 🙂
that may be why ali is keeping his distance as well. 🙂
Ramadan Kareem!
I think it’s so comendable that you are able to fast for so many days. It shows a lot of willpower and strength of character.
thank you samantha!
Wow you guys have an early Imsak (well I guess your Iftar is earlier too)- but hitting the gym at 4am? That’s some dedication right there (as is whipping up an omelette that early). My family is usually a bunch of zombies who stick to bagels, trader joe’s bran muffins, and chobani.
as much as i would love to just eat carbs i know i need something with staying power…hence the eggs!
oh babe…feeling ya!
You are hardcore!
I think this might be one of my favorite posts ever from you. It’s just so…truth-y?
As I was blow-drying my hair this morning (it’s only a 9/10 day), I was thinking about how thankful I am that my body is finally sympatico with my eating schedule again since vacay was obviously total hell on my digestive tract. That was a really long way of saying, I’m really sorry that you’re spending half of the day starving to death or feeling generally sick. I will probably start doing fractions in my head out of solidarity.
i’m glad you like my truth-y post. ramadan is a real metabolism killer…not unlike vacation! solidarity my friend. always.
ps – i’m having a 6/10 hair day today unfortunately. i think it’s the lack of water?
——–Yes, I agree,
You are one hard core awesome chick 🙂
you make me look BAD. Xx
i doubt i make you look bad but thank you!
Hugs!!
I wish you a smoother Ramadaan in the following weeks. I guess it takes a while for the body to adjust to the new schedule of eating and drinking. Second week onwards I am sure, it would be a lot better.
i think that it gets easier in a way but it gets harder too because there are no energy stores left!
And you still go to the gym (& cook)?? Wow! And what’s up with Ali not ordering your computer yet. I thought he’s the one that was embarassed by it.
Have you heard from your in-laws how’s Maya doing with her fasting? Is this her first? I’m sure you will feel better once she’s back and you guys get to do fasting together. It would be fun, right? No?
Hang in there Ameena.
maya doesn’t fast because she is only 6. i think i started fasting around 14 or 15? and i just got my computer today and am in the process of moving my files. hopefully i’ll have caps soon!
LOL I totally forgot it was Ramadan and was thinking “wtf, why is she never eating lunch?”
Hang in there darling! It really shows a dedication to your faith…says me, the girl who would beg and plead and bribe her grandfather to take her out for BBQ on Fridays during Lent.
Oh oh, you might get a kick out of this! I work for TLC and in November they are doing a show about the Muslim community in Dearborn. If you ever watch it, I’d be really curious to hear your take on it.
i will definitely look for this show…i had no idea that dearborn had a large muslim community? should be interesting…
I love One Lucky Duck though I realize that was not the point of this post. Now I want to go to Chelsea Market and get those truffles. I didn’t realize you can do the 3/4am eating during Ramadan, would love to know more about the “rules”.
the rules are pretty much as follows: no food or drinks betwee 4:30 am and 8 pm. of course the hours differ slightly depending on dawn/sunset but that’s it for the most part.
i got these truffles at chelsea market and although i felt like i ate too many yesterday i’m really regretting that i didn’t have more of them now!
You are amazing! Up at 4am!? I couldnt do that, unless I was getting on an airplane for vacation
Ameena you are one tough chick…I think I would puke if I ate that early. YOU can do it!!!!!! I really admire you 🙂
thank you amy! the first few days are precarious vomit-wise but it gets easier to wake up with an appetite after that.
Aren’t AkMaks the best cracker on earth? They do have wheat (whole stone ground) though so I’m not sure what that does for your sensitivities.
Good luck. You have the most amazing fortitude that I never in a million years could have.
I bought Ak-Maks after you suggested them and they are quite tasty! They don’t seem to bother my stomach either. Yet. Let’s hope it stays that way!
you are a ramadan rockstar. that omlette looks so good!
thank you daisy!
You have made it 5 whole days longer than I would last and going to the gym to boot! That has to be really hard to try and cram a whole days worth of nutrition into only a few hours and I can see why it would make you feel kind of sick. Hang in there! Oh and as a math nerd/finance major, I am with you on the whole without fractions what do we have thought process. It is all about the numbers.
it’s all about the numbers! so glad that you get it heather!
Why are you at the gym??? RELAX!!!! You won’t see me making any unnecessary movements for the next 25 days.
Mannnn “hit the gym”?!?
Just the waking up at 4 am makes my head hurt. How is one supposed to go to work on an empty stomach and woozy head?
Just try to distract your mind…and in any case, only 25 more days to go!
Oh and I finished Room and it’s been a long time since I was so sucked in to a book. It’s bothering me so much right now….and it makes me want to hug Jack. And I really want to know how his life turns out later on. But I have a feeling that the ending when he doesn’t recognize the Room anymore means that he will probably end up forgetting about his time there later on in life?
Gahh I loved it so much. Now on to the Hunger Games or The Help!
And then after that, I don’t have any books on the list. 😦
“room” was fantastic. so glad that you liked it as well. it’s like the movie “precious” in that the story will stay with me forever.
I saw the comment on Room and just had to chime in here. I haven’t read all… yet. I was touring the incredible small English section in my Madrid bookstore and stumbled upon Room. I stood there and read nearly 1/4 of it! Now, you are wondering why didn’t you just buy the book!?? Well, I am traveling to the states in a few weeks and am planning in buying the kindle. I want to put it on there. I am tired of collecting so much paper over here! Wow – long rant to say can’t wait to read Room – in it’s entirety! 🙂
And Ameena – you are a champ! Seriously. I love reading your honest recaps after having my own glimpse into Ramadan in Africa. More than the physical side – I am sure this is such a mental game. Major props from Spain!
Omg I love those crackers! And miss them so!
I don’t know how you do it. I would go crazy waking up that early!
I need to check that book out. I need new reads.
Dang. You are hardcore!!!
I watched one of my best friends treck through Ramadan last year.. omg He was the most whiney boy every and we would make epic dinner plans each weekend night to pig out and if the waitress was even a little slow he snapped. poor kid… I would have been the SAME way!!!! I’m certain hes going through a repeat of the ordeal right now and wish you the best through the fasting darling!!!!! you can dooooo it! ❤
ps: i didnt know you had a sister site!? that's awesome!!!!
Is that seriously why your post titles don’t start with a capital letter? 😆
my post titles don’t start with capital letters on purpose. i was trying to be unique! but everything else is only because of my lame, broken shift key!
You have nice blog here… 🙂
Inviting you at my blog—> Stay Blessed
Your Wednesday omelet looks delicious! Hope you’re feeling better!
the food looks amazing. you beautifully compose a plate. i try not to deny myself much officially, as the act of denying it usually makes me want it more. i try to be more moderate which ususally results in my being able to avoid the verboten. i’m very impressed that you make it through an entire month, ameena. and i may not be able to fast with you, but i am avoiding capital letters.
*mwah*
can I say “shift happens?”
“shift happens.” i love it leslie!
I would just switch my days and nights. Sleep all day and be a vampire awake all night. That way I could have a normal breakfast/lunch/dinner AND snacks. I guess I am probably missing the whole point though huh?
I wish I could do that but work and having a child prevent that from happening. Things would be so much easier though, that’s for sure.
How did I not realize up until now that you have a book-reviewing-blog?! Sometimes my ability to miss things astounds me. And I agree with some earlier posts that the omelette is gorgeous. I would almost switch places with you to eat that omelette. Almost.
I wouldn’t switch places with me for an omelet. No food is worth getting up at 3:45 am! 🙂
for the cap letters cant you press ‘caps lock’ when you need them? lol , just to reduce your frustration haha. and btw those chocolates look very yummy!!!
I could but what a pain! My brain is trained to look for the shift key with my right hand. The caps key would throw my precarious mental state completely off balance.
Love the plate that your Wednesday omelette is sitting on. I admire the socks of you girl. 🙂 Feel better soon, I guess that means in 30 days huh? Very amusing your shift key doesnt work. I reckon that would tip me over the edge. 🙂
Yes exactly. I will feel better than good in about 25 days from now!
Sounds tough – both the not eating/drinking and the lack of shift key. Hope you get your new computer soon!
You have such willpower! In periods where I have really bad anxiety, I often can’t eat in the day, and then I can calm down in the evening and by then I am so hungry that I feel sick after I eat…this post reminded me of that, it’s an awful feeling! Hang in there Ameena!
It is an awful feeling…so glad that someone else can relate. Not that I want you to feel the awful feeling but you know what I mean!
I am never complaining about lent or my self-imposed diet regimes ever again. And the gym before dawn, craziness!
Hahaha. I promise, I am not laughing at your misery. But “as hard as today is going to be with no food, water, or capital letters” really cracked me up. You can do it. I lived with a girl in college that observed (celebrated…? participated in…?) Ramadan. You’ll get through it again.
Very impressive that you did the 5-a-day. I’m sorry you’ve been feeling gross with all the chocolates. You know I just went through that with a bunch of cookies. You’ll pull yourself out of it. You can do it! 🙂
Don’t even apologize! I am laughing at my own misery. It’s the only way to get through it, right?
24 days now! Good luck with the fasting 🙂
——-
The reading for the August book club starts tomorrow and the book we chose is “To Kill a Mockingbird”. For more info and details about the schedule, check this post: http://omanibookmania.blogspot.com/2011/08/august-book-club-starts-tomorrow.html
23 days now. 🙂
The hubster and I went out for Fresh Choice last night. We both ate so much, he didn’t get up in the morning to eat. He is now napping from feeling sick from not having woken up. I, on the other hand, am eating more mac n’ cheese. Good to know your eating sounds as random as ours. Yay for solidarity!
Fresh Choice? I have never heard of that restaurant before but mac n cheese would certainly hit the spot right now. Which is kind of gross seeing as it’s 7:15 am…
I realize a lot of people are commenting on the food and water thing, but I totally hear you on the capital letters – it ranks right up there!
I’ve been feeling gross too, especially because I haven’t been going to the gym like you are. I’ve been like a zombie this past week.
Yes…”zombie” is the perfect way to describe my mental state this week…let’s hope it gets better!
You are a much better eater than me and btw there is no such thing as too many cheese crackers and chocolate. Glad that you have your computer since the no caps are really bothering me (i barely noticed).
I’m glad someone shares my love for the random combination of cheese, crackers, and chocolate. I saw Ali eyeing my plate. I think he was sufficiently disgusted by the combo.
Hugs, hugs, and hugs!
gymming in Ramadan? wow ameena, you are a superstar! btw, j’adore those plates!
Thank you Sana…I bought them at TJ Maxx if you can believe it. Are you still in Karachi? How is your Ramadan going?
Ameena – I would agree with everyone else – you’re amazing! I do hope that humor helps. I would also imagine (maybe erroneously) that there is a deep sense of community and accomplishment when Ramadan comes to a close. Or maybe it’s just relief?
I guess a bit of both…mostly relief though if I’m being 100% honest!
Please tell me you don’t get up every day that early and haul your ass to the gym. Also, I think the lack of capitalization kinda suits the mood of the post, so you have that going for you too 🙂
Boy, though, that breakfast looks delicious.
Im impressed that youre actually doing stuff during the day. I’d pretty much just sleep all day. Thats the only way I could do it.
I’m loving that egg breakfast. And your math as it relates to food. 🙂
I think this would be so hard, take such discipline. I’m so ignorant. I was born Muslim but was adopted at seven into a Catholic family so please excuse my question. Do children do the fast as well?
I’m in awe of your commitment to the gym. If only I was as faithful…
I didn’t fast until I was older but I guess it depends on each kid. I can’t imagine Maya fasting until she was way older though…
Ameena!! Forgot to wish you 😦 Life is a little crazy 😉 Happy Ramadan!I’m positive you will make it. Like totally!
Thank you Kulsum!
You can do it, Ameena! Ok I realize how positively insensitive that sounds coming from me (since I don’t fast – health reasons), but many of my family members do. You’ll feel awesome after it’s done.
And just think of the Eid feast… sooo much to look forward to 🙂
Thank you Yasmeen…I am anxiously awaiting Eid!
omg. you are so strong. I’m reading One day…it’s gonna be a movie with anne hathaway so I thought I’d start reading the book first
Go you for going to the gym while fasting! I would probably give it a try, fail miserably, and give up…few more weeks to go!
Wow, go you! I’m incredible impressed that you are fasting in general – not to mention going to the gym all the while! I’d definitely gorge myself at night, so don’t beat up yourself about it!
I drink a cup of coffee or tea (but now I am sipping OJ with my vitamin) but other than that I cannot eat until after 9 am.
getting up early and eating way before sunlight would make me feel gross too!!!
oye!
can you drink juices instead?? might be easier on your stomach at that hour??
not much help am I
take care!
Nothing really is that appealing at 4 am but super sweet things like juice are even less appealing…but thank you for the suggestion!
Your pictures are amazing! I loved the one of the omelet and vegetables – so beautifully presented! And oh I crave chocolate truffles but thank God there are none in the house. Your pictures might cause me to go astray! I’m off to check out your other posts – thanks for taking the time to comment on my recent one.
Thank you for complimenting my iPhone pictures…I don’t even bother with a camera anymore so your compliment means that much more!
You are actually gymming during the fast?? Some dedication!
Also, have you tried using Caps lock? Just turn it on for one letter (I know its some work, but you could try that!) Or you could just type the whole damn things in Caps, as if you are shouting and blame the hunger pangs for such a behaviour?
I have a new computer now with a working shift key! I’m so relieved. 🙂
impressed with your EARLYYYY gym abilities!! that’s crazy incredible.
Thank you Jess!
I can’t imagine that my tummy would ever get used to food before 7am.
Those truffles look like they might make Ramadan bearable. Stay strong!
Hey Doll!!! I wish I knew more about Ramadahan….it sounds interesting!! So you can eat before the day starts?? I would be one freaking B*tch A$$ all day long!!!!
Good luck you you gorgeous friend!!
xxoo
Have a safe and peaceful Ramadan. Hats off to your gym ability.
Jokes apart 🙂
ok, this my might be against the spirit of Ramadan but mine is going as bad as yours, so cheers, u r not alone :p