Xarina Akhtar

I arrived in this country at the age of four. Naïve, totally ethnic and carrying a box of Indian sweets on my head. I walked straight past my father as I had never seen him before. Hence, began my journey in the UK, as a first generation Pakistani and the family’s guinea pig.

Conforming to an arranged marriage at a young age I concentrated my efforts in raising my family and finished studying. Now that my children are older, I am enjoying the independence which this brings. For now I am enjoying living life at my mental age of 27

Quick bio

• Star sign: Pisces
• Inspirations: My children, who will never cease to ridicule me good naturedly and don’t mind if I give as good as I get. A few good friends, who are there to offer me support and a slap in the face when I need it.
• Favourite books: A Time to Love, A Time to Mourn by Paige Dixon. I still get emotional when reading that book. The Adventure Series by Willard Price had me hooked in my teenage years and years later I still remember the antics of Hal and Roger Hunt. Funny how certain things will stick in your mind but the most important things elude you. Numerous other books, too many to mention.
• Favourite film: Field of Dreams. Seriously, that was such a good film. No fighting, romance, bad language or comedy. A nice family film. One of a few.
• Favourite car: My intelligent Dolphin, a Silver Nissan Primera
• Favourite food: Lamb curry with thin chapattis or bhel puri if I am craving.
• Favourite places: Mostly places I have visited in my dreams which then have a big impact on me in my waking hours. My other favourite places are the park where I used to take my children to feed the ducks, the A3 to Portsmouth and the green serene scenery as seen from various points in Edgware and Mill Hill.
• Favourite things: My independence and self-sufficiency. Material things would be my music directory, Thomas Kincade prints, my fluffy dressing gown and having a good laugh at old slap stick comedy films.
• Biggest challenge: Letting go of the past. A friend said to me recently: "Never ever regret anything that happens in life because your experiences both good and bad make you who you are. And without your past you would not be your present. As you stand today with the world at your feet remember that nothing is impossible and impossible is nothing." Serious stuff, still working on it.
• Things I've learned: Chapattis are very hot when just taken off the pan; and children will always wait until you’ve withdrawn just enough money before they swoop down and take the lot. Learn to keep some back. Most importantly, treat others with the same respect as you would want for yourself.