» Traditions

Jemma & Amir: A dating story, by Jemma Douglas, Guest Blogger (2)

Shirin — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 18:41:25 +0000

Some of the most interesting relationships are those that are intercultural. I have always thought about how they have become so much more common, but not without some surprises and new learnings. Meet Jemma & Amir. An American girl…dating an…

Floss, Hair, and a 6 year old…A story by Avisha Soheili, guest blogger

Shirin — Thu, 12 Sep 2013 18:25:36 +0000

Cultural mixups and confusions happen more than we all think. Our first guest blogger, Avisha Soheili, presents the Cultural mix-up she experienced! ———————————————————- Guest Blogger: Avisha Soheili As an Iranian Dental Hygienist who deals with the public everyday, I frequently…

“Baba”: doesn’t only mean Father…

Shirin — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 20:22:50 +0000

“Baba” One word and only 4 letters, but with so much meaning. Whenever I say this word, feelings of warmth, gratitude and love fill me. Most know this word to mean “Father” and this is it’s literal meaning. However, sometimes we…

Norouz: My top 5 memories

Shirin — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:19:02 +0000

Today is Norouz or “New Day” where we celebrate the Iranian New Year. A time to start fresh, create new goals, feel grateful etc. I always felt that this was a more appropriate time to celebrate the new year; when…

The Holidays: The Persian Version

Shirin — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 21:33:33 +0000

Waking up. Seeing snow fall outside. Hearing the crackle of a fireplace. Seeing a decorated tree full of gifts. Hearing christmas music playing in the background. Nice right? But this was not what I experienced growing up. Growing up, Christmas +…

Our Thanksgiving: not just on Thanksgiving

Shirin — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 15:23:58 +0000

When the general population thinks about Thanksgiving, they think about this: When I think about Thanksgiving, I think of this: We do have Turkey at our Thanksgiving… but there always seems to…

My Birthday, but Our Story

Shirin — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 19:14:56 +0000

I don’t typically want to write about myself too much and I really enjoy sharing stories of others. But given it is was my birthday yesterday, I will take this opportunity share our story. (I know you are thinking, “Oh,…

When “Goodbye” usually meant “Hello”

Shirin — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 19:05:01 +0000

This is something I have wanted to write about for a very long time. And I am going to bet almost all of you already know what is coming. …so let’s go back about 15 years… *At a party* Mom:…

From Iran, Living in America… Visiting Turkey. Oh boy.

Shirin — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 18:00:30 +0000

We got back from Turkey a couple weeks ago and after surviving the chaos of lost baggage, jet lag, and consistent wondering as to why I live in America vs. Europe (this last one was the most common thought actually) I…

Really? Can smoke sometimes actually be “good” for you?

Shirin — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 17:46:18 +0000

YES (kind of?). I have one word for you: Esfand. So, superstition is one of those concepts that we each have our own personal beliefs in. I wouldn’t even say Iranians are more or less superstitious than others. We all personally have our…