Sunday Dinners Make My Heart Go Pitter-Patter. They Also Give Me the Urge to Bite Someone.
Posted on December 17, 2009
Filed Under Daily, Life With The Boss, Life in L.A. | 35 Comments
Sunday dinners have been a tradition in my family for quite some time. They’re a time for loved ones to get together, enjoy delicious food and great company. Sunday Dinners are also a time when calorie-counting is totally forbidden, and no one will judge you if you pretend like your Sunday Dinners are like that of those who belong to the Mafia. When The Boss and I moved to L.A., he took the reigns to ensure that the Sunday Dinner tradition would stand strong.
Each week, as I get started on my half of the house clean-up, The Boss flips though cookbooks, or browses the Internet looking for something he’s never made. We’ll head to the grocery store together, though sometimes he tells me to stay at home, or warns me not come anywhere near him once we’re out. He’s always afraid I’ll figure out what he’s making based solely on the ingredients he puts in the cart. I appreciate the confidence he has in my IQ, but I’m really not that smart. Shh, don’t tell him.
One time, we were at the halal market, and though I was trying my best to avoid him, the place is like 1,200 square feet, so I happened to bump into him. I didn’t know we were like actually ignoring each other, so I smiled, and he was all, “NO! Did you see what I got?” and I was like, “Well, I think there’s meat in that bag,” and he goes, “Don’t look! I don’t want you to know what I’m making!” and I was all, “Really? I’m going to know exactly what you’re making because you have MEAT IN A BAG?” and he goes, “I don’t know, maybe.” So just as a joke, I go, “Okay, I think you got beef, and you’re making stir-fry,” and then he went all emo on me and was like, “NOOO!” and ran off.
Unfortunately for him, we were riding together, so we met up again in line, and then again in the car. Oh, and we also live together so YOU CAN’T RUN THAT FAR, MY PRETTY.
Turned out, he was in fact making a Chinese beef-and-rice stir-fry with shrimp toast. So that was pretty awesome that I ruined his surprise. I’m nearly positive I’m not allowed to go to the grocery store with him on Sundays ever again, though that won’t stop me from calling out random dinner possibilities when he gets home.
No, I’m not being annoying, that’s just the way a cold-blooded creature like myself, with a rock-solid heart knows how to express love. I also pull hair, and bite as part of the many ways I show affection. Ask my 4-year-old nephew. I bit him like two years ago — but only because I didn’t know he could talk, and then he ran over to his mom and goes, “Sibby…bite…ear” and I was all, “OH CRAP, YOU CAN TALK?” and his mom was like, “Did you bite his ear?” and I was all, “I might have,” and she was like, “Sabrina!” and I was like, “What?” and then her little punk kid turned around and gave me the cutest, smuggest little smile ever, with his lips pursed together and his eyes all squinted because he knew I got in trouble. So then I was like, “Okay, I’m sorry. Come here so I can kiss you,” and because he’s so sweet, and forgiving, and naive, he ran back over to me, and then I bit him again.
It’s called LOVE, People. LOVE.
Did I mention that Sunday Dinners come sans counting calories? It’s just not allowed. And trust me, you wouldn’t even want to know. The stuff The Boss makes is rich, creamy, buttery, cheesy and delicious. Just don’t get on a scale again until Wednesday. Trust me, you’re not going to want to know.
Over the course of our 17 months together, The Boss and I have found that often, the most time-consuming part of making a meal is the prep time, and sometimes that means that The Boss is in the kitchen for three straight hours, standing over a hot gas stove, and looking for a clean part of his hand to rub his eye, or scratch his nose. I love catching glimpses of The Boss while he’s cooking — his eyebrows furrowed together, his deep brown eyes so intently focused on the next step. It’s in those moments that I realize I never knew it was possible to love another human being as much as I do him.
Of the countless things I adore about The Boss, I love that he never hesitates to take on a new challenge. Each week it’s a new dish, and usually something even more intricate than the week before. Actually, I take that back. He has yet to accept a yoga challenge from me, and he dare never challenge me to an ab workout, or a contest to see who can hold a wall squat longer. He will be pulverized in all aforementioned categories, and my victory dance, with corresponding chant, is nothing but ruthless banter, which could last for hours, or even days.
But he’s quite the competitor himself. And his endurance during long-distance runs always outlasts mine, which makes me more mad than anyone will ever know. One afternoon, FIL and I ran our own little 5k together — just the two of us. But after about 15 minutes, we hear someone else running behind us, so we turn around to see The Boss, WHOM NO ONE INVITED TO JOIN US chuggin’ right along. FIL told me to run faster saying he refused to let his son beat him, and joking that my victory would set the tone for our married life. But I wasn’t laughing. He was right. I could not let The Boss beat me. I started running faster, but that darn kid kept gaining on me. Eventually, FIL was a far silhouette in the distance, and when The Boss finally caught me, I knew I needed a strategy. I figured if I talked to him, he’d be forced to run at the pace that I set. My plan was to keep him right where I wanted him until I spotted the finish line (the mailbox) and then I would sprint with all my heart and soul, leaving him in my dust, resulting in my victory.
I put my plan into action.
“How’s it going?” I said.
“Good,” he replied.
“So, what do you want to do today?”
“Whatever you feel like doing.”
He maintained his speed. Dammit. He wasn’t taking the bait.
“Hey, so…I love you.”
One final attempt at keeping him close.
“I love you too. See you up there.”
WHAT? YOU’RE GOING TO LEAVE YOUR WIFE BEHIND AS SHE PROFESSES HER LOVE TO YOU?
In an act of desperation, I tried to reach over and bite his arm, hoping the pain would slow him down, but it was so cold, and he was moving too fast that only a little drool came out, which grossed me out, but also made me laugh, which in turned slowed me down because LAUGHTER MAKES YOU WEAK. Within moments, The Boss was 10 paces ahead of me…then 20…then 30…and then, just like FIL, he was a silhouette too far ahead to catch. I pushed on, and started to concoct Plan B: I could run off into the woods, and wait there until The Boss came looking for me. I would lay face down in a pile of leaves, and when he ran toward me in sheer panic, lifting my weak, cold, frail body from the dirt, I would have said, I called for you, but you were too far ahead to hear me. You did a great job, I knew you would finish before me.
OMG, ya’ll! He would have felt SO bad! He would NEVER beat me at anything again!
Unfortunately, Plan B was never put into action because I was too scared to run off into the woods and wait alone.
Maybe next time.
When The Boss and I first got married, we cooked nearly six days a week. But that was also when we had a dishwasher. While some newlyweds dream about building their first house together, or having a baby, The Boss and I have mildly inappropriate fantasies about GE appliances. I often get goosebumps just thinking about how good it will feel to put dirty utensils into their corresponding basket. I won’t even rinse them first. It’s going to be so awesome.
It doesn’t matter what The Boss is cooking, it’s always a joy to see him put forth so much effort to preserve a family tradition, to see the pride gently sweep across his face when the meal is complete, to hear the excitement, and sense of urgency that’s in his voice when he tells me that dinner is ready, and to watch how much thought he puts into the presentation — you better believe our finest china (from T.J. Maxx) comes out every Sunday.
I don’t think I’ve ever done anything really spectacular in my life, and I’ve made more mistakes than anyone will ever know, but when I feel that deep-rooted happiness in the pit of my being each time I look at The Boss, I know that he is nothing short of a favor to me from God. I am humbled by that realization, and very well aware that I am undeserving of such a great gift.
Sure, it might look like it’s just a Sunday Dinner.
But it’s more than that.
It is so much more than that.
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35 Responses to “Sunday Dinners Make My Heart Go Pitter-Patter. They Also Give Me the Urge to Bite Someone.”
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“The Boss and I have mildly inappropriate fantasies about GE appliances.”
LMAO! Mike and I have done the same.
I have SUCH an appreciation for my dishwasher after living 25 years without one. I would totally rub it’s feet..if it asked me.
Good piece. Cooking men are always hot. Hehe
This was nice, and wow that food looks amazing. Good thing you’re not counting calories
Btw, is Sunday Dinner like only him cooking and your day off, or you do too?
mmmm the food looks amazing! Any chance you can start another section on your blog for recipes?!!? I recently got married and I find it soo difficult to find recipes that are yummy and filled with variety (yes, there have been times when I’ve made a different casserole each day of the week!)
I second the food section on your blog! Now I am hungry and I just had lunch!
haha u r too funny. I think I will copy your idea just so I can get my husband to cook once a week:)
btw wait till you get your own washer dryer. after 4 years of coin laundry, i finally have one. Its far sweeter than a dishwasher
Sabrina, I just had dinner, and now you’re making me drool!
I second the notion of a recipe section, you can be the new Pioneer Woman!
i knw ur nt counting calories but i sure theres mre than u n the boss eating cos each of those dishes r humongous#~!!
Hi Muslim Girl. We only cook once a week! I cook Sunday mornings, and then TB gets the kitchen. Whatever I make goes in the fridge for the week, and whatever TB makes is our Sunday Dinner, plus a few extra days worth. We got the weekend cooking idea from my mom’s friends, and it’s brilliant! Saves so much time!
*sigh* My husband made me potatoe salad once after wish I banned him from cooking every again in my house.
Now I wish I hadn’t.
But in retrospect, no really I’m really glad he doesn’t cook. *Phew*
Hey Sabrina,
I hardly ever comment on your page.. not because i don’t enjoy every single one of your blog entries.. but because I’m just plain old lazy. but this one.. this one made me “awwwwwwwwwwwww” like crazy! I’m a newly wed and am discovering all these wonderful (and sometimes not so wonderful) things about my hubby. Anyway, point is, this post was off the hizzle.
Thank you!
Farha
Foods looks absolutely AMAZING!!!
OMG. everything looks DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
food looks great, fun idea, and its nice to hear funny little tidbits of your happily married life. Did find this post a little too gushy-mushy though, cant blame you bc i know when youre that happy/blessed/in love you want to shout it from the rooftops… but sometimes its just a matter of bringing it down a notch.
I think it’s adorable. Glad to know there are Muslim women out there who actually like their husbands. You’re blessed, and at least you know it. All I ever hear about are the negative things that my friends go through with their husbands. They act like they’re married to a bunch of losers, but they picked em! Gush all you want, hun! I don’t think you should bring it down at all. And if people don’t like it, they can go to one of the many husband bashing blogs on the web. (I’ve seen em trust me) Reading a mushy/humorous post makes me feel like I don’t have to have a loveless marriage like the “older generation.”
Sabrina, can you please put up the recipe for that shrimp bread and that crusted chicken/fish thing in the 4th picture? OMG THANKS
Sabrina, You are indeed a lucky woman to have a man who can cook! Masha’Allah!
sabrina and the boss need a cooking show hollerrrr
i mean *The *Boss
Dear Sabrina,
Just thought I’d let you know I’m coming over for dinner one of these days. That is all.
love,
Camy
haha.. The Boss has put me to shame. After being married for over a year I don’t think I’ve made as many dishes as I’ve seen in this post, masha’Allah. May this tradition stay strong!
Now, I’m starting to wonder how it is that hubby and I have survived for so long.
About dishwashers. Everyone thinks I’m crazy– I pretty much used to WASH all the dishes completely before I put them in the dishwasher. Now, I just use it as a drying rack.
I’d give it to you– but we don’t own it. lol
YUM YUM and YUM!
*note to self: Make hubby cook once a week.
( wait he cleans the bathrooms…right!)
* note to self: cross the above note to self.
Your husband rocks!
Peace.
Nafeesa: I think all couples kind of start b*tching about each other after the 4th year or so =D But it’s all in good humor because finally we’re comfortable enough with each other to not be flirting 24/7. I had terrible fears about going to the bathroom the first year cuz OMG what if he hears me!!! lolz.
Now we yell at each other “GOOD ONE DUDE! Light the candle before you get out.” hahaha
My sister, married to her husband 11 years, was having a party of all her girlfriends and her husband happened to drop by to have a word with him. She was holding a knife in her hand when the bell rang and she went to answer it without putting the knife down. ALL her friends began chanting “Inna lillahe wa inna illehe rajiuun” and told her “Salma, no blood shed in company!”
Not that after 5 years we don’t love them, but we do love a little space now and then hehehe.
aa Sabrina
Man, I’ve been reading your blog for a while (in a lurky never-commenting kind of way), and you know what? It’s the closest I come to death every day I read it because it nearly KILLS ME because I laugh so hard. There wasn’t any actual logical sequitur between those ‘becauses’ but never mind that.
I’m finally driven to comment because…this was beautiful. So beautiful.
Last night, I was talking with one of my oldest and closest friends, who has a rishta which she’s pretty sure she’s going to say yes to, even though she’s terrified, because it answers all of her du’as, except it came in a form she didn’t expect. I’m going to link her to this, and I hope it’ll help her to feel better about it.
Also PS – you can’t put up pictures of food and not say what it is and how to make it!! I’m totally hungry just from looking at those pictures, and thinking about going to make some stuffed parathas. What are the yummy-looking things you haven’t named?
damn I gotta step my cooking game up
incredible post!
Response to Ayesha: Maybe your family and your friends say it in good humor, but that’s not what I’m talking about in my comment. The women I know complain about everything, and all they do is watch TV, spend their husband’s money (most of these women do not work) and say things that are sometimes plain nasty. I don’t see them do much more than wipe their children’s noses, change a few diapers, and then think they are the most important contributing members of their family. I have also seen in at all age groups from 20-something all the way up to 50. Really nice men working hard, and their wives just criticize them because they want new jewelry from back home. They overlook all the other things their husband is providing for them. If you and your husband think bowel movements are funny, more power to you. But I’m sure if your sister said in front of her friends *My husband doesn’t make enough money* when he is working very hard to support her and the children than you would pull her aside and tell her that is not a joke. No matter how long two people have been married, there are some lines you should never cross. And in response to your comment about being comfortable enough to stop flirting, I disagree with that logic. I know of a couple who has been married for more than 30 years, and they still flirt 24/7. I think it’s adorable, and I’ve never heard either of them say something bad about the other in public.
hey nafeesa- that’s why i love the verse in qur’an that says husbands and wives are like “garments” for each other. we should hide our spouse’s flaws in plublic and beautify their character instead.
you seem really worked up about the topic—maybe you could make dua that Allah puts love and mercy in the hearts of the couples you are talking about… insha’Allah with that passion your dua will be accepted and the angels will say afterwards “Ameen. May you receive the same”
Ok “AWWWWW” doesnt suffice this post. You are so fortunate MashaAllah, I pray that the love you and your husband have keeps multiplying
The food looks so delicious!! You should definitely have a section for recipes.
Beautiful post, thank you =D
Ooops, I’m a little late in seeing Nafeesa’s reply:
Nafeesa, yes you’re right, in our family we have good relationships with our husbands (masha Allah). I’ve noticed these changing dynamics among desi women myself and my family has made a concentrated effort to not be like them.
Insha Allah, one of my resolutions for the next year is to start a personal blog that I know many of my Muslim sisters read and try to change how we view family life.
New muslim mothers that I’ve seen are doing nothing that the mothers that we grew up reading about did. They don’t breast feed, leave babies to cry-it-out in dark rooms because “we need to sleep too” and among other American mainstream Babywise taught behaviors.
Same thing with the wives, I like how a previous poster reminded us “husbands and wives are each other’s garments.” I think this should be part of my blog’s bi-line lolz.
Thank you =)
I just want the recipes
*sigh*
mashaAllah. so beautiful.
I just found this site last night ….and i have to say its freaking awesome! posts like this make me love spending hours reading everything on her….i totally subscribed so that i never miss another post. Your excellent writer and have a great sense of humor….i was laughing for 10 minutes over the
“WHAT? YOU’RE GOING TO LEAVE YOUR WIFE BEHIND AS SHE PROFESSES HER LOVE TO YOU”
hahahahahahah hilarous! i love it!
hahah oh Sabrina! you make my day
im soooper tired, working on a research paper and the best break was to read some of your posts…
yes i agree with someone above: guys who can cook, what a turn on!
btw you have quite a few Farah/Farha’s who visit your website! WELL IM THE COOLEST ONE OF THEM ALL.
jk =)