ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Middle East and North AfricaWednesday is Hump Day!!!
I'll check out your thread, I promise, and get those books out by this weekend. For now, I gotta hurry and get ready for work, lol. I delayed too much as it is, but I have to be there supper early today sad.gif
S and SFemaleIraq2009-04-16 05:18:00
Middle East and North AfricaWednesday is Hump Day!!!
After I emailed him back and told him about my experiences over there, he let me in!!!!! Yeah!
S and SFemaleIraq2009-04-16 05:10:00
Middle East and North AfricaWednesday is Hump Day!!!
QUOTE (Far2Long @ Apr 15 2009, 11:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
He sounds popular so it might not work for you but you can try and introduce yourself to him. After the first week or two you should be able to get in once students start dropping. It depends on the class and the University. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Rarely did it not work.


Well, let us hope. Thanks for the advice. It seems to me that they need to add more Middle East classes though his class on Islam went fast too. I managed to get a space in it, barely. There were 6 seats left when Junior enrollment started and I enrolled. Two hours later the class was full.
S and SFemaleIraq2009-04-15 23:23:00
Middle East and North AfricaWednesday is Hump Day!!!
QUOTE (Far2Long @ Apr 15 2009, 11:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
When that happens if I don't have a plan B then I go to the class and sit through it until enough students drop and the prof adds me.

Are you at least on some waiting list?


lol, that is what my advisor told me I could do if all else fails. He did get curious as I mentioned in my email what countries I had visited so he asked me about that. Maybe I'll get lucky and he will still consider me. At least one can hope right?

Did sitting in the class work for you? There isn't a waiting list for his class so I can't do much.

Edited by S and S, 15 April 2009 - 11:14 PM.

S and SFemaleIraq2009-04-15 23:13:00
Middle East and North AfricaWednesday is Hump Day!!!
Arrrgggh!!!!! The enrollment opened up for Juniors at the University I will go to in the fall and one of the classes I wanted had already been filled up by the seniors. It is a class on "The Modern Middle East". The instructor has spent an extensive amount of time over there and has a lot of experience I thought it would be a great class to take. I wrote him asking if he would make an exception for me but he said he already added 5 extra students and had to turn down 10 students. So frustrating!
S and SFemaleIraq2009-04-15 22:42:00
Middle East and North AfricaWednesday is Hump Day!!!
I was watching Ghost Hunters religiously every Wednesday, but then I got started watching "House" and haven't watched recently. My favorite is the haunted hotels and lighthouse.
S and SFemaleIraq2009-04-15 15:49:00
Middle East and North AfricaWednesday is Hump Day!!!
QUOTE (Far2Long @ Apr 15 2009, 10:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (S and S @ Apr 15 2009, 08:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Morning everyone, hope all is well with you guys. I'm taking my father to the dentist today as his tooth has been bothering him. Finally got my migraine under control last night, but only because I broke down and took the medication I have for the pain. I just couldn't take it anymore, but I'm fairly sure I'm not pregnant though yesterday was day 14 so there was some risk. Hopefully it was fine and not a problem.

Olivia, definitaly take the class. It will at least help you to begin reading and writing. That was how I got started, taking college classes in Arabic. I feel so bad that I got those books for you and then my hubby came so I got distracted on sending them. If you still have the same address as before I could try and get them to you this week. I have a great dictionary that you will find really useful once you get some basics down in Arabic. It would be expensive to buy on your own, but I got it for free so no big deal. Let me know. I don't have an extra of my favorite pocket Arabic dictionary but it is about $22 if you want to consider buying it. All beginners find it to be very helpful.


After last night I remembered your Husband is a Doctor! laughing.gif He could advise you as well. I am glad you feel better. That is the pits.

Yes same addy and pls do send those books post haste! I only have 34 days left here and so need them and would appreciate it greatly!


My husband is trying to help me, your right. He just can't write prescriptions is the main problem.

This is one of the dictionaries I will send you:

http://www.amazon.co...c/dp/0879500034

I don't have an extra of this next one, but I recommend you buy it as it is great for beginners and looks like Amazon sells it for $7.20

http://www.amazon.co.../ref=pd_sim_b_8
S and SFemaleIraq2009-04-15 10:45:00
Middle East and North AfricaWednesday is Hump Day!!!
Morning everyone, hope all is well with you guys. I'm taking my father to the dentist today as his tooth has been bothering him. Finally got my migraine under control last night, but only because I broke down and took the medication I have for the pain. I just couldn't take it anymore, but I'm fairly sure I'm not pregnant though yesterday was day 14 so there was some risk. Hopefully it was fine and not a problem.

Sandrila, you amaze me at how great you are about commenting to everyone. Glad you are doing well.

Olivia, definitaly take the class. It will at least help you to begin reading and writing. That was how I got started, taking college classes in Arabic. I feel so bad that I got those books for you and then my hubby came so I got distracted on sending them. If you still have the same address as before I could try and get them to you this week. I have a great dictionary that you will find really useful once you get some basics down in Arabic. It would be expensive to buy on your own, but I got it for free so no big deal. Let me know. I don't have an extra of my favorite pocket Arabic dictionary but it is about $22 if you want to consider buying it. All beginners find it to be very helpful.

Charles and Nessa, I want to say congratulations again. Also, just saw the pics and think the baby is so adorable.
S and SFemaleIraq2009-04-15 10:25:00
Middle East and North AfricaAfghan women split over Shi'ite law
I'm not really sure how you can be "for" this law, but I guess some women seem to favor it. Seems to me you shouldn't need a law if the men are big and bad enough to enforce it without the police's help, but that is just my take on it. Maybe the men there are really that insecure, lol.
S and SFemaleIraq2009-04-15 23:38:00
Middle East and North AfricaYep, It's Friday!
QUOTE (Far2Long @ Apr 17 2009, 10:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
They were saying at the Senior awards last night that we'd be dealing with all these emotions coming to the end of it. That dream has been bothering me and maybe it is the subconscious stirring up stuff. I guess I have the average fear of him leaving me for someone younger and beautiful with a personality even I'd like. I haven't cracked open that ice cream I just bought yet but I did pick up an organic cheese pizza to go with my gluttony fat girl style pity party for this Friday night.

How are your headaches coming?


The headaches have gotten better except some sharp pains on the opposite side of my head from where the migraines usually are. I called the Neurologists office to discuss it with them. Just to be on the safe side they are ordering an MRI to be done on my head. With my mother having died of brain cancer, it will make me feel better to rule anything bad out.
S and SFemaleIraq2009-04-18 00:53:00
Middle East and North AfricaYep, It's Friday!
QUOTE (Far2Long @ Apr 17 2009, 10:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It's Friday night and I'm going to go to the Co-op buy some Ben and Jerry's ice cream and have a lonely fat girl pity party.


Ah girl, hang in there, soon your will be back together. I think its normal to have those dreams when you've spent so much time apart. You don't even know how things will be when you are back together. Its probably insecurities in seeing him again soon. Have some faith. I'm sure you'll both have a bit of an adjustment period and then get into your rhythm. Remember when you go there that this is for a lot longer than before. Both of you will need to have patience as you figure each other out and adjust your lifestyles to each other.
S and SFemaleIraq2009-04-17 22:44:00
Middle East and North Africasecond try for topic
I'm 28 years old and my husband is 31 years old. It works well for us smile.gif
S and SFemaleIraq2009-04-17 18:54:00
Middle East and North AfricaCaterday!!
QUOTE (Berber Mama @ Apr 18 2009, 10:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Good morning MENA'ers. I'm off to Home depot in a bit to get some plants. I think I'm gonna plant some coriander since I can't find it here in supermarkets. It's a beautiful day to work outside.
You are right about Angie's baby. She is absolutely adorable. So is your little man. He always has a big smile in all his pics. My son is always smiling too. He even stopped crying to smile at the nurse when he got his 6 month vaccinations.
I love babies... luv.gif


Ahhhh, that is so sweet. He is a cutie!
S and SFemaleIraq2009-04-18 11:03:00
Middle East and North AfricaCaterday!!
Morning MENA and happy Caturday! Hope everyone enjoys their weekend and hopefully gets some nice weather smile.gif

Jess, take care of yourself and I hope your cold passes quickly.
S and SFemaleIraq2009-04-18 10:03:00
Middle East and North AfricaPets?
I have a cat. My husband used to be so jealous of her until he came. Now he plays with her, pets her and loves her just as much as I do. In fact, he spoils her. I don't think he realized how much he would enjoy having a cat until he came here though his family did have an outdoor cat they took care of while he was growing up. The main thing was that I had to assure him we would keep her healthy and vaccinated which I do anyways, so not a problem.

I wish you luck in working out some kind of pet to have.
S and SFemaleIraq2009-04-18 00:56:00
Middle East and North AfricaMonday April 20th
Morning everyone, hope your day and week goes well. I was sorry to see the weekend go myself sad.gif

Olivia, I have searched high and low and cannot find the message with your address. Please send it before the end of the day as I plan to go after work to send the books. Thanks.
S and SFemaleIraq2009-04-20 09:44:00
Middle East and North AfricaTuesday
I hope you get that class or else it could be really frustrating trying to make things work. Sorry for the headache and noisy neighbor. I can imagine how annoying that is. Hope you manage to get some good rest soon. Take care and try not to stress too much.
S and SFemaleIraq2009-04-22 08:58:00
Middle East and North AfricaTuesday
Love the pics Bridget, glad you had a good time even if the traffic was really bad. Its nice to get out and do something different every once in awhile.

Olivia, I did send you the Arabic books. Most of them are new and never been used and there is one computer program for learning Arabic that is brand new I got for you. The only book you will see that is really used is an excellent dictionary. If you buy it on your own it is expensive, but I had two though they were both worn. Inside there is a chart for how to break down Arabic verbs and make them into nouns, adjectives, etc. You'll have to study for awhile before you'll really understand the chart but it is very useful. It also goes with that dictionary because the definitions are broke down into measures. The chart explains each measure and how to identify it. I also wrote you a letter but it is hidden inside one of the books because I went the cheap route and sent the package as media mail. They said you should get it within a week. If you have any questions after you get the books feel free to ask.
S and SFemaleIraq2009-04-21 23:20:00
Middle East and North AfricaHump Day
Morning everyone. I hope everyone's day goes well and that those who need sleep get it. I had an early appointment for an MRI. After how bad my migraines got last week and the strange pains I was getting that aren't normal for me (opposite side of head from normal migraines), I checked with my neurologist and he recommended getting an MRI. I will not know the results until Friday though. Ironically my husband has a cat scan that day so I can pick my results up when he goes for his scan. Today I got his yummy apple flavored contrast fluid so he can drink up before his appointment, lol.

Annie, I am so sorry for all the stress you must be in with your father. I hope things go fine for him. I know how hard it can be to watch a parent suffer. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
S and SFemaleIraq2009-04-22 08:56:00
Middle East and North AfricaAGE difference
My husband is two years and eight months older than me.
S and SFemaleIraq2009-04-18 11:02:00
Middle East and North AfricaJune Interviews at the Amman, Jordan Embassy
Before my husband was accepted for refugee, I had waited almost three months and still had no interview date. That was back in December. I think another girl on here waited a little less, like two months instead. The Amman embassy is always backed up and so getting an interview date takes longer. It is an improvement though. In 2007 you had to wait 8 months or more for an interview date.
S and SFemaleIraq2009-04-23 17:21:00
Middle East and North AfricaBeautiful Friday!!!!
QUOTE (Far2Long @ Apr 24 2009, 11:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
A cold front came in and it's 27 degrees here but it's decieving outside because it looks all bright and sunny. I got less that 6 hours of sleep last night. I cried my eyes out last night about AUC falling through yesterday and cried some this morning as well. I am just grieving that loss and wishing they had updated their website and catalog sooner as I was applying there because if I known they didn't offer the class I needed to graduate anymore I could have saved all that time and energy and money I just lost. Waleed was also released last night and he is home now and done with his military service after 16 long painful months. Some of my tears are for that relief too so it's not all bad. Though I am not putting all my eggs in one basket because he is still waiting on the formal release certificate which is supposed to come next Wednesday. Please let everything be ok. My broken heart can't take much more. I've reached my capacity. School is done in three weeks. There is still lots to do.


I'm so sorry Olivia. I can't believe they didn't update the schedule. I wish there was a way you could get that class at some other point so you can still go to AUC. I'm happy you will still see your husband soon, but I know how frustrated you must be to not get to stay there for school. Remember I am here to talk if you need it.
S and SFemaleIraq2009-04-24 11:40:00
Middle East and North AfricaBeautiful Friday!!!!
Happy Friday everyone. Thank God it is the weekend. I had to take my husband for a CT scan today, hopefully everything is fine. Also got my MRI results back for my head because I had those really extreme migraines last week. The MRI scans looked normal thank God.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and enjoys the weather.
S and SFemaleIraq2009-04-24 10:53:00
Middle East and North AfricaAfter getting an email from the embassy...
QUOTE (just_Jackie @ Apr 29 2009, 01:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I tried to lay down to sleep, but bounced right back up to type some more !!!!

It's the work he's staying for til December, the class ends June 1. I should be grateful I have an ambitious man, but dayum I want him home !

Our last few emails in this hour show his excitement! He is sending the passports today

kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif


Is there no way he could come back sooner? December is a long time after already waiting to get to this point. At least you know he has his visa.
S and SFemaleIraq2009-04-29 01:50:00
Middle East and North AfricaAfter getting an email from the embassy...
QUOTE (just_Jackie @ Apr 29 2009, 01:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
IM GOING TO DISNEYWORLD!!!!

..oh no.. never mind tongue.gif

Well, he has a class til June 1 and I imagine he will fly here then to activate his visa. He says he has to go back til December, but when he gets here I'm taking his passport and tieing him to the bedpost so he cant leave. smile.gif


He has to go back until December? That stinks, no way he can stay after waiting for this visa for all this time?
S and SFemaleIraq2009-04-29 01:27:00
Middle East and North AfricaAfter getting an email from the embassy...
Mabroooook!!! I am so glad to hear your AP is over. So what is the plan from here?

kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
S and SFemaleIraq2009-04-29 01:10:00
Middle East and North AfricaCaturday in MENA
QUOTE (charles! @ May 3 2009, 02:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Aymsgirl @ May 3 2009, 12:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (charles! @ May 2 2009, 08:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Aymsgirl @ May 2 2009, 01:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (charles! @ May 2 2009, 12:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
good morning all, i'm mowing the yard again today.



Charles, I need you to help at my house!!! It's a disaster right now with all of this mud and brush everywhere crying.gif

do i need to come by and water, weed, and so on like on farm town? tongue.gif



Let me tell you we were out there for about 7 hours last night cleaning up the mess. We still have lots to do but at least our front yard doesn't look trashy anymore. My husband is one of those guys that can't just start something and finish it in the morning. He will stay up literally all night and do it if he has to. That man was like a freaking drill sargent yesterday ,lol!

sounds about like what i did yesterday.
mow. burn some brush. hang up the 20' extension ladder on the new hooks i bought for it. ran the lawn sweeper over the yard to pick up the grass clippings. swap out the battery in the deer feeder. sight in my .22 pellet gun at 25 yards. (those last two are not related to each other).
today: inspect and replace the termite sticks. burn some more brush. move some dirt from one place to another. replace the grounding cable on the directv connection (those last two are related to each other, the place i have been digging out is where the grounding pole is).
so what was up with your front yard? had wind blow stuff in or what?


You make me tired just reading that.

We can't do anything with the lawn right now as it has been raining most of the time for days! Luckily, I'm not the one who does most of that smile.gif
S and SFemaleIraq2009-05-03 15:10:00
Middle East and North AfricaSunday it is
Hello MENA! Hope everyone has a good day. I have so much cleaning to do before I go on a trip to see my family and do some house hunting while we are there. Hopefully we find something.

Melly, Rosetta Stone is a good program and they make learning fun. Once you get started I think you'll like it.
S and SFemaleIraq2009-05-03 13:23:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA FAMILY!!! The interview seems so far
QUOTE (Rajaa_Reda @ Nov 11 2008, 11:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
S and S girl you know i would too...

Tamera, they told me they sent him one too but i hate trusting that to ever show up on time and i do believe this has given me OCD is that possible????

I have no clue how i will be during AP, perhaps i should pick up running again



Ahhhh, thanks smile.gif

Running is always good. Helps you get rid of the tension and keeps you energized for the day, at least in my opinion.
S and SFemaleIraq2008-11-12 00:17:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA FAMILY!!! The interview seems so far
You can call NVC for me, lol. Maybe if enough people bug them than they will give my husband an interview date, lol, j/k. I can imagine how nerve wracking it is to be out of your hands. Hang in there and you have us for when you need to talk.

Edited by S and S, 12 November 2008 - 12:00 AM.

S and SFemaleIraq2008-11-12 00:00:00
Middle East and North AfricaIt's that time again!
I plan to be there as well between getting ready for my husband to come. So much to do and little time, but I am so excited for Rajaa. It has to be a good luck day for her inshallah!!!
S and SFemaleIraq2008-12-06 14:11:00
Middle East and North AfricaWednesday-Hump Day!!!
Thanks everyone, I appreciate all your comments. I am really excited though I feel like the house is never going to be perfect, lol. I just keep cleaning, but it is about that time to actually get myself ready! I made a pineapple upside down cake this morning for him. I hope he will like it. It is one of my favorite things to bake.

Amal, it looks like our husband's will share the same entry date to the US!
S and SFemaleIraq2008-12-10 12:09:00
Middle East and North AfricaWednesday-Hump Day!!!
lol Tamara, how did you know I was counting the hours, ha ha. I still have so much to get done!

I told him to call me collect from JFK but he didn't and his next flight leaves in an hour sad.gif I hope he is okay.
S and SFemaleIraq2008-12-10 11:06:00
Middle East and North AfricaWednesday-Hump Day!!!
Hello everyone, I hope you all have a wonderful day today. Good luck to those of you waiting on good news. I will keep you in my prayers.
S and SFemaleIraq2008-12-10 04:19:00
Middle East and North AfricaGet well soon, Jess!
I hope all goes well and you recover quickly rose.gif rose.gif rose.gif
S and SFemaleIraq2008-12-09 20:27:00
Middle East and North AfricaWhat Normal Is Now
QUOTE (Hanging in there @ Dec 8 2008, 07:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (S and S @ Dec 8 2008, 07:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My mother passed away when I was nine years old of brain cancer. She fought it for 11 months before it finally took her. I think she knew my father couldn't handle being a single parent and really wanted to live. The hospice nurses said they never saw anyone fight harder and want to live more than my mother. I didn't get to say goodbye. They thought they were doing my brother and I a favor by sending us off to some grandparents on the weekend she would die. It had been confirmed before I got home from school on Friday but no one told us. They just asked if we wanted to go visit our grandparents and we were too young to realize it was the end for my mother. I was angry for years because they tricked us. My last goodbye was a quick hug and kiss to my mother who was in a wheel chair by that time. She was getting fairly out of it by then so I'm not sure she even knew it was the last. I do know that by the next day she was in a coma and still she cried out me and brother's names.

My father tried to be strong at first. He made it about a year as everyone wanted to take me and my brother away from him so he thought he had something to prove. Instinct made me and my brother want to be with our dad because we had lost one parent and didn't want the other one out of sight. We were like pieces of my mother so he didn't want to lose us as well. He loved us, but he loved her in a way only true love can. After one year he fell apart. Started drinking, missing work, stopped cooking or buying food. After awhile our dinner came in dollar bills for the vending machines at the apartments. That or pizza. I couldn't eat pizza for years because of that. We only survived because of the social security we got for my mother's death. My father kept losing any jobs he got and it was a roller coaster ride of not knowing when he would be sober and trying or drinking and oblivious. My brother and I covered for him. Most of our family had no idea what was going on. We knew they would take us from him so we took care of ourselves. We would get up for school, get ourselves ready, eat what we could find and wear what clothes we had from before or what our friends gave us that they didn't want anymore. My grandfather would offer to take me shopping and I always acted like I didn't need much though I desperately did. I don't think I got my first bra until two years after I had really needed one and that was after one of my grandmother's realized the problem. They didn't get suspicious of my dad because of course he is a man and wouldn't know what I might need.

I mourned my mother's loss alone, at night in my bedroom. Some nights I could hear my brother muffling his crying and other nights I would walk in on my father in the living room in the dark crying silently. It wasn't easy by any means and I can't even handle a movie where the mother passes away (even if it is an animal). I know they pain and wouldn't want any child to face death at such a young age. I only have vague memories of my mother now. I know she used to put sweet notes in my lunches. She made me soup when I was sick. She sat with me through every book when I learned to read. I just regret that I never got to know the real her. The one you see after you get a little older. I just try to live through the memories of other family members as my father can't talk about her without getting upset. It has been 19 years, but he has never married again and barely dated.

The ironic part is, and I haven't brought this up to my husband but December 10th was the day she died. I am hoping his coming here on that day will replace the sadness I normally feel on that day. Now I can think it is the day I finally got to be with my husband. Maybe God was giving me a sign, I don't know.
I think it is a sign...You loved her so much...and his love is going to help you remove December 10th. Ironically, my son died on my fathers birthday and that was the first time in my adult life that I had forgotten to call him on his birthday. My older brother killed himself when he was 16 and my father had seen my baby and was all excited about him and held him so much.. He hasnt spoken of the baby one time since he died and refused to see his grave...Taking care of your other kids is the way I think you show the deceased person you love them. Your grandparents maybe knew that the cancer had progressed too far and they wanted you to remember still being able to talk to you or cry out your names....sometimes people make decisions and we get mad at them but part of getting better is letting that anger go...My father had kept me and my half sister apart for years because of my brothers suicide and his unwillingness to deal with it. I am starting to think that women are a little better at processing grief than men... maybe its because they are taught to repress things so much...

Death is like a movie...we watch it happen to other people and sometimes..just sometimes... a movie begins to play inside of us reminding us of things that happened. People say things to me that maybe upset me and then the movie begins to play inside me reminding me that whatever anyone says cant be nearly as bad as losing my beloved.... But life is about loss... some of us get more than our fair share...

Your early loss got you ready to love your husband and offer comfort and support to him and the patience to ride out war...pain... seperation and setbacks.. because you know that this separation is only temporary

Good luck s and s....and I know you will be an amazing, compassionate and story reading , soup making mommy
love HIT


Thanks girl, I appreciate your words and I agree with you. The pain of loss is never easy no matter who it is. You really have done well with things. Don't let anyone tell you how to grieve. Do it in your way. Each of us is different. Just don't block it out totally as that is unhealthy. The poems you write are beautiful and an excellent way to get your emotions out. Definitely keep the writing up.
S and SFemaleIraq2008-12-08 21:09:00
Middle East and North AfricaWhat Normal Is Now
My mother passed away when I was nine years old of brain cancer. She fought it for 11 months before it finally took her. I think she knew my father couldn't handle being a single parent and really wanted to live. The hospice nurses said they never saw anyone fight harder and want to live more than my mother. I didn't get to say goodbye. They thought they were doing my brother and I a favor by sending us off to some grandparents on the weekend she would die. It had been confirmed before I got home from school on Friday but no one told us. They just asked if we wanted to go visit our grandparents and we were too young to realize it was the end for my mother. I was angry for years because they tricked us. My last goodbye was a quick hug and kiss to my mother who was in a wheel chair by that time. She was getting fairly out of it by then so I'm not sure she even knew it was the last. I do know that by the next day she was in a coma and still she cried out me and brother's names.

My father tried to be strong at first. He made it about a year as everyone wanted to take me and my brother away from him so he thought he had something to prove. Instinct made me and my brother want to be with our dad because we had lost one parent and didn't want the other one out of sight. We were like pieces of my mother so he didn't want to lose us as well. He loved us, but he loved her in a way only true love can. After one year he fell apart. Started drinking, missing work, stopped cooking or buying food. After awhile our dinner came in dollar bills for the vending machines at the apartments. That or pizza. I couldn't eat pizza for years because of that. We only survived because of the social security we got for my mother's death. My father kept losing any jobs he got and it was a roller coaster ride of not knowing when he would be sober and trying or drinking and oblivious. My brother and I covered for him. Most of our family had no idea what was going on. We knew they would take us from him so we took care of ourselves. We would get up for school, get ourselves ready, eat what we could find and wear what clothes we had from before or what our friends gave us that they didn't want anymore. My grandfather would offer to take me shopping and I always acted like I didn't need much though I desperately did. I don't think I got my first bra until two years after I had really needed one and that was after one of my grandmother's realized the problem. They didn't get suspicious of my dad because of course he is a man and wouldn't know what I might need.

I mourned my mother's loss alone, at night in my bedroom. Some nights I could hear my brother muffling his crying and other nights I would walk in on my father in the living room in the dark crying silently. It wasn't easy by any means and I can't even handle a movie where the mother passes away (even if it is an animal). I know they pain and wouldn't want any child to face death at such a young age. I only have vague memories of my mother now. I know she used to put sweet notes in my lunches. She made me soup when I was sick. She sat with me through every book when I learned to read. I just regret that I never got to know the real her. The one you see after you get a little older. I just try to live through the memories of other family members as my father can't talk about her without getting upset. It has been 19 years, but he has never married again and barely dated.

The ironic part is, and I haven't brought this up to my husband but December 10th was the day she died. I am hoping his coming here on that day will replace the sadness I normally feel on that day. Now I can think it is the day I finally got to be with my husband. Maybe God was giving me a sign, I don't know.
S and SFemaleIraq2008-12-08 19:58:00
Middle East and North AfricaMy husband is coming!!!
QUOTE (Rajaa_Reda @ Dec 11 2008, 09:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
S and S I don't know why but that made me tear up with happiness for you. I am so happy you two are back together given everything you two had to go through to be together mashallah. May Allah keep you two happy together forever.

Thank you for letting us know all went well... not sure about "keeping the refugees locked up in a room" grrrrrrrr but what can you do?



Yeah, I wasn't too happy about them locking him up in that room with 70 other refugees, but what can you do. Maybe they just didn't want them to get lost or whatever, I don't know.

It has been so nice to finally have him here. We just laugh and relax and enjoy the idea of knowing that we don't have to worry about being apart again. Thank God! Inshallah soon it will be your turn. I will be looking for you to announce when your husband is coming smile.gif

QUOTE (anitacastillo @ Dec 11 2008, 10:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Enjoy your reunion!!!

Remember you don't have to do/show everything this week --- there is time, he lives here smile.gif



lol, yes, I will keep that in mind!
S and SFemaleIraq2008-12-11 12:23:00
Middle East and North AfricaMy husband is coming!!!
Hey everyone, he made it safely here thank God. He couldn't call from New York as immigration kept all the refugees locked in a room for the whole time they stayed on their layover. Then they escorted them all to their connecting flights at the end. He had no way of getting to a phone and they only gave one bathroom break. My husband even heard them making fun of the refugees thinking they couldn't understand. When he started speaking english they realized their mistake, lol.

Anyway, he arrived here fine and we went out and got something to eat on the way home. It has been so nice having him here. My cat is jealous of him and he is not sure about her, but I think they will get along after they get used to each other, lol. I am so happy he is here. It doesn't feel like we were apart for so long which is crazy though I keep looking at him to be sure he really is here. It feels like a dream to finally have him here. So many things I want to do and take him to see.

Oh, we went to Logan's restaurant where you can throw the peanuts on the floor. He thought that was great. He kept getting his peanuts, looking around to see if anyone was looking and then throwing them on the floor. Then he would look around to see if anyone noticed, lol, even though there are plenty of peanuts on the ground. He had me laughing so hard.
S and SFemaleIraq2008-12-11 07:46:00
Middle East and North AfricaMy husband is coming!!!
QUOTE (Rocketta @ Dec 9 2008, 08:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (S and S @ Dec 9 2008, 09:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I always fly RJ so I don't know what Delta does for that flight. RJ is great as I once had a bag that was 62 pounds and they didn't say anything about it, lol. I hope Delta serves decent meals. They certainly don't inside the US.


I know that's what I was thinking, Oh no what kind of ####### food will they be serving. My baby is going to be starving by time he gets to NY. sad.gif




I told my husband to make sure he ate in New York as he wouldn't be getting much of anything on the next flight. They have plenty of time to eat.
S and SFemaleIraq2008-12-10 01:51:00