Cryptic words meander.

And yes, another midday post. I feel as though I have been more inclined to write in the past week compared to the majority of my summer vacation. Well, it makes perfect sense, doesn't it? I'm home a lot more, the days have been just a little bit slower and most of the people who I had chosen to pass the time with are currently not as available as I am. Which is entirely okay with me. I thoroughly savor days like this where I spend hours alone or with my parents. When I was younger, I used to love summer nights where I would have the television all to myself to watch Nick at Night episodes of Three's Company and The Munsters. Or hot afternoons where I would go to the library and read for hours while my mom would be in Ross or Marshalls. Speaking of Marshalls, they're all closing!! What is THAT about? I'm not that concerned because I'm more of a TJ Maxx and More kinda girl. Which is exactly where I was today with my parents. My poor, poor dad. My mom just gets lost in herself and completely takes her sweet time while my dad just waits around for her start walking towards the register. I didn't even bother looking for anything to buy, I just tried to distract him by going to Starbucks, walking around the store and just making jokes. You know, when I get married, I plan on taking all of my leisurely shopping days on my own time without any sign of my husband. Unless he NEEDS to be there to decide between his own merchandise. Other than that, no thank you and also, you're welcome to the imaginary husband I'm speaking at here.  At Starbucks, I saw Kevin and Joey, which was a nice surprise. After that TJ experience, we went to Costco. My lunch consisted of samples of pineapple marinated hot dogs, a smidge of a pizza slice, two doritos, a shot of an energy drink and a teaspoon of 7 layer dip. Because I go to Costco, maybe once every 3 months, I noticed that there were SO many persian families and employees filling up the place that it felt like a marketplace. Farsi being spat out left and right. It was good fun. Now that I'm home, I have planned a lovely evening for myself. My parents are going out to dinner tonight so I have a solid 6 or so hours to myself. I expect that I will make a nice meal, which I have yet to decide on. Possibly roasted chicken and mushroom risotto. Or maybe a chicken salad and roasted potatoes. Ah, I love cooking SO much. It gives me oodles of pleasure. My dad bought a large carton of Fat Tires as well, so I might help myself to one. During my romantic meal to myself, I plan on watching some episodes of Lost, probably season 2. I'll probably get to bed before midnight. Perfect.

>>>I have to take note on what my Dad just did 5 minutes ago. 

I was complimented today. This happens, always. Once a month, at least. Not the complimenting, I mean... I'm referring to what my dad just did and its frequency. It's a persian cultural tradition. Applicable to any one of these situations inflicted upon a family member: a compliment, a new purchase such as a car or house, a negative premonition. It's been said that when this process is performed, all evil spirits will be driven away, averting the evil eye that is a predominant symbol in classic persian literature. Shiite islamic sources take a step deeper, claiming there is an angel in each of the plants' leaves and seeds that banish away sorrow and magic. They also assume that with this odor in the house, the devil is kept a distance of at least 70 houses. But all in all, it has nothing to do with religion and is a folk ritual.

Ingredients:

1/2 Teaspoon of Esfand weed

5X5 sheet of tin foil

Directions: 

Burn the Esfand inside the foil. Once the smoke appears, recite the following five line spell. While reciting, whirl the foil in a circular fashion above the head of whomever is to be protected. 

Spell:

Esfand bla band

Barakati Shah Naqshband

Jashmi heach jashmi khaish

Jashmi dost wa dooshmani bad andish

Be sosa der hamin atashi taze.

(I had to look that one up because I tend to just mumble the whole thing until I get to the end. I sound something like... esfand bla...shh...shh..chh...shh... su.... TAZE. ) 

Translation:

This is Esfand, it banished the Evil Eye.

The blessing of King Naqshband.

Eye of nothing, eye of relatives.

Eve of friends, eye of enemies.

Whoever is bad should burn in this glowing fire.

Seeing this all written seems so strange, like witchcraft, but it's actually quite commonplace in my house. At times, I don't even realize when it happens because it's so normal. Thanks for keeping the heeby jeeby vibes 70 houses away Mom and Dad. (I realize this last portion of the blog could have been given its own personal post buuut I wasn't about to stop, so now I will).