Friday, January 12, 2007

Dealing with Stress

In preparing to leave for the US, my stomach has been in nervous knots. I deal well under stress and great under pressure, however, with getting ready for the trip, I am finding that I am unable to complete one task at a time, much less multi-task.

I go to school and try to concentrate on what I need to get done before I leave, and then I get home and I try to figure out what I need to do next to get ready to travel. I am more challenged at home than at school. At home, I think about packing, and then realize that I'm not packing much, I'm not a clothes horse. Mira's been packed for one week now. I have some things to buy and I suppose I ought to start with that part of it. Maybe that will get me moving to pack other things to take.

Again, as I have said before, I never imagined to be traveling to the US to visit Hassan. I guess I'm still in a state of shock and this is how I'm dealing with it; by trying not to deal with it.

Even blogging has become difficult for me because my brain is shooting in a million different directions.

Throughout this whole process I have one thing to say: Alhamdulillah.

Ma'salaam,

~Marian

4 comments:

Colleen said...

Marian - I know exactly how you feel. I felt the same way before I left Egypt. Trying to do a million things at once, trying to think of what to take and what to leave behind, etc. It can get really crazy.

Best advice to you is pack as little clothes as possible. Stick to the basics cause you can make a lot of different outfits with a few pieces of clothing. Just think that you will be bring more back with you. Will you be able to bring back things that you left behind when you moved?

I am so happy that you will see Hassan again!! I know you must miss him a lot. And Mira must be excited to see her dad again! :)

I really hope we get together. I really miss you!!!

Love and hugs to you and Mira!

Unknown said...

I will ditto Layla... I think if you just sit down and make a list, that may help... if there is a favorite shirt, write it down, then list what goes with it and place them in the suitcase... if there is a shirt that will also go with the pants... then add that, pack enough for 5 days with mix and match capabilities... then you will have enough outfits for up to 15 days.. ( ie. 5 outfits... ) remember, you will see some people all the time, but most of the time, you will not be with any one person, they will not know if you wore it yesterday or not.. and they won't care... just having you there will be good enough... ps.. I saw your latest picture.. you look gorgeous... karen

Anonymous said...

this thing has me signed in a pamela... it is karen....

Marian said...

Layla- No wonder I'm having a "packers" block (kind of like a writers block). I will only pack what I absolutely need - you know I haven't worn jeans in over a year because my old ones don't fit me and I haven't found new ones I like. Nothing like jeans from the US. Please let me know how things are going with your MIL/Mo. I am very concerned. Love and prayers.

Karen - Pamela? Is this your stage name? :) Yes, you're right. I will pack only what I will wear because I'm hoping to hit the sales if I'm not too late already. Been window shopping on kohls.com and others but not much in the way of clothing. I'm looking for things I can wear now in Egypt because summer clothes in Egypt are abundant, it's just the winter things - oh, and jeans. Will need to get several pairs. Egyptian men love women in jeans -- oops, I mean Hassan loves to see me wear jeans, but unfortunately as I said to Layla, I haven't found any here I like -- with my kielbasa legs it's really difficult. MMMM kielbasa. Can't wait to see you and Luke. Love and prayers.