Dognatic

I saw the blog of Ramadhan and since I couldn't sleep I figure I'd post my part on my own space here.
It's the first day of fasting and I had steak with rice & vegs at 5am, I had some Cajun fish for dinner which tasted peculiar but I didn't care much due to the hunger. I think I'll have some curry in 3 hours from now as Sahur.

Anyway...

Religious background - My brother and I are Muslims, coming from a Muslim mother and a Christian father. I think we are an unconventional family because:
1) My surname in Indonesia shows my father's ethnical background and is strongly associated with being a Christian.
2) Since my earliest memory we have never celebrated Christmas at home nor does my father eat pork/drink (at home; anyway I don't think he does outside). My father does not go to church, he listens along when we (Mom, bro, and me) tune on to the daily afternoon "khotbah" (let me think of the English translation) during Ramadhan. I honestly believe he is more Muslim than he is a Christian, in fact I think he is more Muslim than some that I know, but I have never got the courage to ask him why he doesn't convert.

My parents sent me to a Catholic school for 6 years but that was not why I practice Islam my way - I drink ocassionally, I don't pray regularly. I don't eat pork (but I don't insist on seeing a Halal certification for my food) and I fast. The rest you will know if I blog more on this :-)

Current occupation - looking at & counting other people's money at a giant MNC. Trying not to look obviously bored at times.

The things I love about Ramadhan - understanding how I am so human & so weak (as I recognize my human needs/habits stronger than usual). Each day that passes reminds me how a lot of things can be controlled with willpower if I want.

The hardest/most annoying thing about Ramadhan - Getting used to a new body clock takes forever! And not being able to drink water while I suspect I have a camel somewhere as my ancestor.

What I want to get out of Ramadhan this year - getting my boyfriend (happens to be Catholic) to understand more of who I am as a Muslim.

My best Ramadhan memory - My hardest one! I was living in the Philippines with a hard core Catholic family, and always trying to cook at 4 am in the morning without waking up the house. Fasting alone at work, no one would dine with me because it's too early for other people to eat at 6pm. Having Ied far away from home, I found my consolation of the month since my (non Muslim) friends organized a get-together on that day & the Indonesian ones cooked traditional dishes to celebrate with me.