ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Middle East and North AfricaToday was the day......
Congratulations!!! That is great news kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
S and SFemaleIraq2008-09-12 22:25:00
Middle East and North Africaverbs in arabic
QUOTE (HisLittleMasriyah @ Sep 12 2008, 10:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (S and S @ Sep 12 2008, 10:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I spent a year and a half studying formal arabic. I can converse fairly well, with just some occassional grammer mistakes (I will never get arabic grammer down completely, lol). From there I studied Iraqi dialect through my husband and a couple Iraqi women. It works out because I can use the Iraqi words I know and if I don't know the right word then I just say it in formal arabic. Some people laugh, but my husband's family is well educated and all college graduates so they can talk to me in mostly formal arabic. It also comes in handy because I can sit and watch tv and the news and have an idea of what is being said. Formal arabic is also what the Quran is written in so if you want to understand the Quran, then you must learn the formal arabic. Later when I have children I want them to know formal arabic and dialect which means I need to know both. I have met arab kids here who can speak in their home with dialect but have no idea what is being said on Al-Jazeera and cannot read in arabic. I decided after that I prefer my children to be more well rounded. This is me and my opinion, but we all have to decide what is best for us. Arabic is not easy to learn and it may be better for some to just work on basic communication in the family. If ever you get the chance though, a college class or two in formal arabic could really be helpful.


Yes same here and im Egyptian loool its so hard! but i can read and write akeed.



From what I understand, they have whole courses of study in colleges in the Middle East just to learn proper arabic grammer (this for the native arabs). I decided so long as I can get my point accross.................. lol, then good enough!
S and SFemaleIraq2008-09-12 22:27:00
Middle East and North Africaverbs in arabic
I spent a year and a half studying formal arabic. I can converse fairly well, with just some occassional grammer mistakes (I will never get arabic grammer down completely, lol). From there I studied Iraqi dialect through my husband and a couple Iraqi women. It works out because I can use the Iraqi words I know and if I don't know the right word then I just say it in formal arabic. Some people laugh, but my husband's family is well educated and all college graduates so they can talk to me in mostly formal arabic. It also comes in handy because I can sit and watch tv and the news and have an idea of what is being said. Formal arabic is also what the Quran is written in so if you want to understand the Quran, then you must learn the formal arabic. Later when I have children I want them to know formal arabic and dialect which means I need to know both. I have met arab kids here who can speak in their home with dialect but have no idea what is being said on Al-Jazeera and cannot read in arabic. I decided after that I prefer my children to be more well rounded. This is me and my opinion, but we all have to decide what is best for us. Arabic is not easy to learn and it may be better for some to just work on basic communication in the family. If ever you get the chance though, a college class or two in formal arabic could really be helpful.
S and SFemaleIraq2008-09-12 22:13:00
Middle East and North AfricaVisa in hand!
Congratulations!!! Glad to see some people getting their visas, you give the rest of us hope smile.gif

kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
S and SFemaleIraq2008-09-12 22:29:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Saturday!
Jackie, you are the master of finding unique pics to fit the moment!

QUOTE (just_Jackie @ Sep 15 2008, 11:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I wish I could fly today, I would.

jJ



You and me both!
S and SFemaleIraq2008-09-15 23:27:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Saturday!
QUOTE (just_Jackie @ Sep 15 2008, 08:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>


The only way to fly smile.gif


I love Royal Jordanian. I refuse to fly over there with any other airline even if it means paying a little more though RJ is rather inexpensive. They have good food and service!
S and SFemaleIraq2008-09-15 23:23:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Saturday!
QUOTE (julianna @ Sep 13 2008, 11:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (S and S @ Sep 13 2008, 10:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
yeah, he left us, how dare he???

Glad the cat is normal though it makes us laugh every time she lays like that, even if it means tripping over her occassionally.

crying.gif He's going to be sorry he left his assistants behind. We were totally organized.

Yeah, I think it really surprised Ammar when he got to see all the stuff an actual relaxed housekitty does. The funniest thing for me was the purring.. he told me the cat had to go to the doctor beucase "that's not normal."


laughing.gif
S and SFemaleIraq2008-09-13 23:52:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Saturday!
QUOTE (julianna @ Sep 13 2008, 11:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (charles! @ Sep 13 2008, 08:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
well i'm off to bed. next time i write it will be from korea. take care and stay safe, especially those in the path of ike.

crying.gif crying.gif He left us here!!

That's totally normal.



yeah, he left us, how dare he???

Glad the cat is normal though it makes us laugh every time she lays like that, even if it means tripping over her occassionally.
S and SFemaleIraq2008-09-13 23:25:00
Middle East and North AfricaANXIOUS
QUOTE (zawjatsaid @ Aug 25 2008, 09:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ok everyone Said made it safe and sound. They told him at JFK told him they dont give him a work stamp right there but they would send it to him. Not quite sure what thats all about but Im just glad hes here. He has jet lag pretty bad so hes sleeping and I thought I would let everyone know hes here and Im in heaven. Thank you for all your well wishes and I hope everyone gets to be with there so soon.



Congratulations!!! I am so happy to see he made it safely and you are doing great. Good luck to you both and may you have a happy and long life together.

kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-25 21:52:00
Middle East and North AfricaLife in Baghdad after the "improved security"
Link to article

Life After the Islamic State€</H3>Things are getting back to normal as security improves in Baghdad’s residential areas, but no one is quite certain the stability will last.

By an IWPR contributor in Baghdad (ICR No. 242, 04-Jan-08)

My neighbourhood in Baghdad was once known for its luxurious houses and large gardens. It was a quiet place when I moved here in 1990.

I was in primary school then, and in the afternoons, children would spill out of school and the streets would fill with shoppers, bringing the neighbourhood to life. We would often stay out until midnight, even during the difficult days of the United Nations sanctions.

One of the things that I enjoyed about the neighbourhood was its diversity. My closest friend, Thanaa, lived two blocks away. While she was pious and I am secular, such things were not an issue for us. She went to the mosque almost every day to pray and to hear the sermons of the imam. Although I wanted to accompany her, I never had enough faith to do so.

After the fall of Baghdad in 2003, everything changed. I started to hear strange stories about people being killed and kidnapped, some of whom I knew. Residents began leaving for safer areas.

Then it got even worse. By 2005, my neighbourhood had gained the reputation of being one of the most dangerous places in the capital. A Sunni extremist group calling itself the “Islamic State of Iraq” took over, declaring my neighbourhood their stronghold in Baghdad.

The members would patrol the area by night, either on foot or in cars. They has weapons slung over their shoulders and would shoot people dead in the street for breaking one of their “rules”.

We learned of their “laws” from their flyers, which told residents not to dare challenge their authority or work with the Americans, and also praised al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. It was common knowledge that they used a local mosques as a meeting place and to store weapons.

They made it clear that one of their objectives was to rid our neighbourhood of Shias.

I hadn’t thought much about sectarianism when I was growing up because it wasn’t an issue in this neighbourhood. However, it entered my life one hot afternoon when there was a knock on the door. It was Thanaa and her mother, who had received a note telling them, “Get out, you Shia people.”

“It is over,” said Thanaa, speaking not only for herself but for most of the Shias in our neighbourhood. “We can’t stay here any longer. They threatened to kill all of us if we stay, and they have even banned me from praying in the mosque, saying it’s for Sunnis only. I will miss you.”

We hugged and cried, and she was gone.

For those of us who stayed, life changed dramatically. Although my family is secular, we are Sunni by background, so we were not threatened with sectarian attack. However, for the first time in my life, I could not leave the house without putting a scarf on my head and wearing long sleeves and skirts. Trousers, of course, were out of the question. I made sure never to wear make-up when leaving the house.

My parents are liberal and never told me what to wear, so I enjoyed a lot of freedom growing up. The new restrictions were difficult for me to take. I have complied with the new “laws” of my neighbourhood, while my blood silently boiled.

The consequences of not complying were made clear. A friend of mine once rushed into my house, her voice trembling as she told me how she had almost been killed. The skirt she was wearing was long but too tight-fitting, and caught the eye of a militiaman who stopped her and threatened to kill her if she ever dared to leave the house like that again.

Boys were banned from wearing shorts or certain hairstyles that might stand out. The school I once attended is gender-segregated now. After it was attacked and a pupil killed, children stopped going to class.

Our once-bustling central shopping street emptied, and all of the shops were forced to close.

It was one of the worst times of my life, and I hope that it remains a thing of the past.

After two years of continuous suffering, the situation has now started to improve somewhat. My neighbourhood pressured the government to include us in the Baghdad security plan, and members of the Sunni “Awakening Councils” who have pledged to cooperate with the government helped establish security.

My neighbours are slowly beginning to return from places such as Syria, where many of then had run out of money. They hardly recognise the neighbourhood, which is a shell of its former self after fighting between the Islamic extremists and Iraqi and US forces.

A Shia woman named Um Salam has come home. However, she says the memories are almost too difficult to bear. She is selling her furniture and will not be staying on. Her son Salam was killed by al-Qaeda.

“I can’t stand living in my house any more,” she told me. “Each wall and corner reminds me of Salam.… He was a peaceful, quiet boy who was killed because of his sect. It is unjust.”

I recently decided to venture out and wander the streets. This was unheard of just two months ago, when I would only go directly from my house to university and return home by dark.

It was quiet, and security forces were everywhere. The neighbourhood still feels like a ghost town, a war zone. Many houses have been destroyed, although a few shops have reopened with the help of a 2,500 US dollar incentive given by the government. Some of the beautiful old historic buildings have been burnt or blown up, and the largest pharmacy is closed.

The people in my neighbourhood generally divide into two groups - those who believe something good will come out of all this and security will improve; and those who believe that the “Islamic State” group is still active and will return to take control of the area again

Thus, even with the improved security, we remain uneasy, as one question lingers at the back of our minds – will we be safe again?

This is the first in a new series of first-person reports from IWPR Iraq called “Iraqi Women’s Voices”. The writer’s name and the name of her neighbourhood have not been revealed because of security concerns. All other names have also been changed.

Edited by S and S, 25 August 2008 - 11:48 PM.

S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-25 23:46:00
Middle East and North AfricaQuestions about AP
I am sorry that you are having to wait with no idea when it will end. I completely understand that feeling as I am waiting on my husband's background checks to be completed as well. Only difference is I don't get to call DOS and check on the status. I did have my congressman send in an inquiry, but it has been nearly two weeks with no response back from DOS to the congressman.

One suggestion I would give for dealing with his flight to the US and transit visas is to try and have him fly into Amman. From there he can fly directly into the United States (flights go to Chicago, New York and Detroit). This way you can avoid any layovers and visas through other non-middle eastern countries. Usually the rates on the flights from Amman can be among the cheapest anyway. Just a suggestion, but I hope it helps.
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-24 14:18:00
Middle East and North AfricaHow do I convince my MENA man??
QUOTE (Rajaa_Reda @ Aug 25 2008, 11:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It's a one time shot.. he was given this once in a life time chance for a moroccan man to get work and a residancy visa. I just talked to him on the phone and he wants to "think about it" and see if they find our CR1. He asked me if they can't find the CR1 can we "start all over in Spain?" I couldn't believe my ears... instead of crying i bit my lip and said Habibi most people would be thankfull it's going this fast but not you? Most people would want their wives as soon as they could but not you??? Help me understand? He said "but this way is better (going through Spain)"

I hate to say it but I said "Habibi i love you but i cannot talk to you anymore tonight good bye"... and hung up. crying.gif

I dont' know what to think or do now cray5ol.gif ranting33va.gif

Rajaa



I'm so sorry Rajaa. The idea of him picking Spain can't be easy for you. Try to have patience with him and pray to God for guidance. Hopefully things will work themselves out and he will choose the way that is best for your marriage.

My husband is still getting processed for refugee to Australia right now so I can really relate. Sometimes I worry that the US will take too long and then I will have to work out a way of being with him in a totally different place.
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-25 23:59:00
Middle East and North AfricaHow do I convince my MENA man??
I am sorry to hear of your difficulties. It sounds like he is trying to protect you in case things don't work, but it also looks like there is little chance your case will not be approved eventually. Maybe you should give him some statistics of cases getting approved/disapproved. The vast majority of the time they are approved and he needs to know that. I wish I could think of some better advice, but perhaps others can help you as well. Good luck in your journey through this process. I hope he listens to you and at least tries to give the visa to the US a chance.
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-25 22:57:00
Middle East and North AfricaMy Queen Is Going To Send Our Papers Today!!!!!!!
QUOTE (Hot Guy @ Aug 29 2008, 03:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Hanging in there @ Aug 28 2008, 04:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Hot Guy @ Aug 28 2008, 04:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ash * Habibati,Alexandra_v,sandrila and StaashiThank you all so much
Tasha you and your family are in my prayer to
Henia and Nawal i know and she loves me to call her that cause she call me my king as well .
Shawna i wish a very safe trip for your husband and have a happy blessed new life with him.

Hey I wanna be a queen too. All I get is make me a grilled cheese sandwich. I guess Egyptians know how to halwa halwa.

Alright you got that LOL

QUOTE (THOURIA @ Aug 28 2008, 09:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congrats to you and hopefull a speedy process. I would like to know too, why did it take so long to mail in the papers?

Well i asked my queen to wait and send our papers on 08/28/2008 hopefully it will be our luck date biggrin.gif

Dorothy,ZeeNusah and Julianna thank you all so much



But why 30 months? That is a long time sad.gif
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-29 10:28:00
Middle East and North AfricaHard to see my husband in a "fish out of water" situation
Its not easy to say what his motivations are. I know my husband wants to start working soon after arrival because he hates for me to support him for long. His family doesn't require him to send money since they are doing okay for the moment (Thank God). They actually prefer he starts supporting me first before considering anything else.

It could be like others say too. Maybe this guy is getting pressure from his family to send money back home and he doesn't want to hurt his wife by telling her this. They always speak in arabic so she probably wouldn't know if it was mentioned and he didn't tell her.
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-29 15:27:00
Middle East and North AfricaITS FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!
QUOTE (Ash * Habibati @ Aug 29 2008, 11:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I said I'd give you a hug Jackie, I'm sooo not hugging him though!! laughing.gif

QUOTE (just_Jackie @ Aug 29 2008, 11:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>





lol
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-29 23:18:00
Middle East and North AfricaITS FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!
QUOTE (Jenn! @ Aug 29 2008, 03:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I hate the Princess Bride! ph34r.gif



I think you just brought out the mob!
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-29 16:01:00
Middle East and North AfricaITS FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!
QUOTE (bridget @ Aug 29 2008, 03:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (S and S @ Aug 29 2008, 04:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that, how did you find out?

Here is some info I found on it:

What is Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is a type of autoimmune thyroid disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid gland. The thyroid helps set the rate of metabolism, which is the rate at which the body uses energy. Hashimoto's stops the gland from making enough thyroid hormones for the body to work the way it should. It is the most common thyroid disease in the U.S.

What is an autoimmune disease?
An autoimmune disease occurs when the body's immune system becomes misdirected and attacks the organs, cells or tissues that it was designed to protect. About 75% of autoimmune diseases occur in women, most often during their childbearing years.

What are the symptoms of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?
Some patients with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis may have no symptoms. However, the common symptoms are fatigue, depression, sensitivity to cold, weight gain, forgetfulness, muscle weakness, puffy face, dry skin and hair, constipation, muscle cramps, and increased menstrual flow. Some patients have major swelling of the thyroid gland in the front of the neck, called goiter.



My doctor just called me. I had a test previously and my thyroid level was high at 8...apparently it's supposed to be 5 or under. She retested and it's now at 7 but she did some antibody test and it confirmed it. I have fatigue, depression, weight gain blush.gif , forgetfullness!!!, muscle weakness, puffy face and dry skin and hair along with a few others. I guess now I go see a whole new set of doctors in addition to my Rheumatoid guy. Yay me! kicking.gif kicking.gif



I really am sorry to hear this. Hopefully they can give you some medicine to improve your condition. I will pray for you and hope things get better.
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-29 15:23:00
Middle East and North AfricaITS FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that, how did you find out?

Here is some info I found on it:

What is Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is a type of autoimmune thyroid disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid gland. The thyroid helps set the rate of metabolism, which is the rate at which the body uses energy. Hashimoto’s stops the gland from making enough thyroid hormones for the body to work the way it should. It is the most common thyroid disease in the U.S.

What is an autoimmune disease?
An autoimmune disease occurs when the body's immune system becomes misdirected and attacks the organs, cells or tissues that it was designed to protect. About 75% of autoimmune diseases occur in women, most often during their childbearing years.

What are the symptoms of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?
Some patients with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis may have no symptoms. However, the common symptoms are fatigue, depression, sensitivity to cold, weight gain, forgetfulness, muscle weakness, puffy face, dry skin and hair, constipation, muscle cramps, and increased menstrual flow. Some patients have major swelling of the thyroid gland in the front of the neck, called goiter.
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-29 15:12:00
Middle East and North AfricaITS FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!
QUOTE (Turia @ Aug 29 2008, 12:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Everybody better gas up!!!! On one of the local news channels the ticker said gas is suppossed to hit $5.00 a gallon becuase of Gustav!!!!!! Gas up folks and fast!!!!!!



That is a huge increase. The gas prices here were $3.37 just a few days ago.
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-29 12:56:00
Middle East and North AfricaITS FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!
QUOTE (Ash * Habibati @ Aug 29 2008, 12:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I've never heard of that.. But I guess it makes sense.. Hmm.. Well I'm glad to hear that you got it all worked out and that you are back in action !! good.gif

QUOTE (S and S @ Aug 29 2008, 01:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just want to say, in reference to my crazy internet "Beware the lightbulb" if you have DSL!





Apparently it isn't a problem if you have cable because their wires are heavily protected, but phone wires have thin protection leaving them more vulnerable to electrical interference. My next door neighbor had cable so he had no problems. I would have never guessed that if the phone company hadn't suggested checking the nearby street lights. My internet was down for several weeks and it only got better the day the light bulb was changed so I don't think it was a coincidence.
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-29 12:35:00
Middle East and North AfricaITS FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!
I just want to say, in reference to my crazy internet "Beware the lightbulb" if you have DSL!
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-29 12:28:00
Middle East and North AfricaITS FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!
QUOTE (Ash * Habibati @ Aug 29 2008, 12:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
And all cuz I had to make fun of Staashi and her wub, true wub laughing.gif

For all those who haven't seen it, you have to go and rent it this weekend!!!!! kicking.gif You won't be sorry!!







I think that's what Hamza was doing in my book case last night.. Looking for my copy of the Princess Bride book! tongue.gif


I vote this as our posse signature : laughing.gif


QUOTE (Nawal @ Aug 29 2008, 01:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We need a Posse Siggy! LOL devil.gif





lovin the pics and quotes!
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-29 12:20:00
Middle East and North AfricaITS FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!
QUOTE (Staashi @ Aug 29 2008, 11:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We are now the Official MENA Princess Bride Posse. All in favor say, "My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father. Prepare to die!" rofl.gif



lol

"My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father. Prepare to die!"
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-29 11:37:00
Middle East and North AfricaITS FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!
I love the movie Princess Bride too! Can I join the group?
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-29 11:29:00
Middle East and North AfricaITS FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!
Good morning MENA! I have today off work in conjunction with the holiday weekend so I slept in, lol. I am happy to report my internet is now working good. I had AT&T come out and check it, but nothing was wrong. They couldn't explain why the internet kept cutting out between 8pm and 6am (approx). Then the guy suggested to check the nearest street lights as it has happened they effect DSL. Well, there was one street light right behind my apartment building and with lines running to my building that had been flickering and not working properly. The electric company came out and changed the light bulb and unbelievably my internet worked fine that night! I can't believe a light bulb through out my internet. I guess as soon as the street light came on in the evening it was causing weird electrical interference that was throwing the DSL off.

Anyway, I am happy I will have more time to visit on VJ.

Bridget, I hope you get to feeling better.
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-29 11:15:00
Middle East and North Africawhat can you do in AP?
I tried calling DOS and they wouldn't help me at all. It took awhile just to get in touch with someone and then they were just very rude to me and said they couldn't help me and wouldn't even check on my husband's case saying it wasn't their job. So frustrating!
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-29 14:37:00
Middle East and North AfricaQuestion for all EGYPTION'S
QUOTE (desert_fox @ Aug 30 2008, 01:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (S and S @ Aug 30 2008, 12:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (desert_fox @ Aug 30 2008, 12:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (charles! @ Aug 30 2008, 11:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (desert_fox @ Aug 30 2008, 10:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You get no housing allowance, nor can you live off base unless you are an E-4 with over 4 yrs active duty (i.e. you re-enlist).[/b]

been there, done that. (I was Air Force)

yes, you do, and yes, you can. but it's not easy based on the low pay scale for someone fairly new in the military and the commander can, should you fail to show up for formation or other duties, at his discretion order you to move into the barracks.
the pay for housing is to provide housing for the spouse.


Not if quarters are available on base.
Things may have changed...its been a few years for me....and I was an officer.
At that time, if you were an E-4 under 4 yrs, there was no housing allowance. Your spouse got an ID card good for commisary, medial, etc, but no housing.



What country's military were you in? I know that is not true for a fact. Anyone who is married after initial training can live on or off base. If they live off base then they get housing allowance. The allowance varies by rank.


USAF...but things have obviously changed.
You dont get to live off base if housing is available on-base....maybe some base commanders authorize it anyway. I didnt get the choice as there was always base housing. the allowance varies by grade and time in service, and which part of the country you live in...still a losing proposition. Many young enlisted with families need to watch their expenses....some need food stamps and things dont get aqny better untill you go over four yrs.



I just know that back in 2000-2001 I was married to an E-4 in the Army and he had no problems living off base and getting housing allowance. We knew many people who lived off base, but the Army never has enough housing so you don't even have to ask to live off base, as soon as you get married you just get a place and put the paper work in to get the housing allowance. The allowance varies by location and grade, but time in service has nothing to do with it. You can check the pay scales yourself if you don't believe me.
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-30 13:48:00
Middle East and North AfricaQuestion for all EGYPTION'S
QUOTE (desert_fox @ Aug 30 2008, 12:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (charles! @ Aug 30 2008, 11:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (desert_fox @ Aug 30 2008, 10:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You get no housing allowance, nor can you live off base unless you are an E-4 with over 4 yrs active duty (i.e. you re-enlist).[/b]

been there, done that. (I was Air Force)

yes, you do, and yes, you can. but it's not easy based on the low pay scale for someone fairly new in the military and the commander can, should you fail to show up for formation or other duties, at his discretion order you to move into the barracks.
the pay for housing is to provide housing for the spouse.


Not if quarters are available on base.
Things may have changed...its been a few years for me....and I was an officer.
At that time, if you were an E-4 under 4 yrs, there was no housing allowance. Your spouse got an ID card good for commisary, medial, etc, but no housing.



What country's military were you in? I know that is not true for a fact. Anyone who is married after initial training can live on or off base. If they live off base then they get housing allowance. The allowance varies by rank.
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-30 12:59:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Saturday! It's Caturday!
My husband said that he would like to have a bird sometime after he gets here. Right after he said that he couldn't figure out why he was seeing me looking up at the ceiling since I was just on camera. He was like "what are you looking at?". I told him I was looking for hooks in the ceiling because if he wants his bird to live, it has to be up high or my crazy cat will kill it. He was like "oh" sad.gif
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-30 17:38:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Saturday! It's Caturday!
QUOTE (ME~n~HIM @ Aug 30 2008, 01:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yep, they're serious about it, too! Suggested evacuation started yesterday, mandatory evacs will start tomorrow. They've already sent buses in to evacuate those w/ no means to evacuate themselves. Curfew is a serious thing too. They will put your azz in jail for being out past curfew - they have room - the inmates have already been evacuated from the prisons. I think the governor is bound and determined not to let another "Katrina" happen.



I forgot about the prisons, lol. That should be some excitment for the long term prisoners!
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-30 13:55:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Saturday! It's Caturday!
It looks as though New Orleans isn't playing around this time. I read this just now in a news article:

NEW ORLEANS - Police with bullhorns plan to go street to street this weekend with a tough message about getting out ahead of Hurricane Gustav: This time there will be no shelter of last resort. The doors to the Superdome will be locked. Those who stay will be on their own.

New forecasts Friday made it increasingly clear that New Orleans will get some kind of hit — direct or indirect — by early next week. That raised the likelihood people would have to flee, and the city suggested a full-scale evacuation call could come as soon as Sunday.

Those among New Orleans' estimated 310,000 to 340,000 residents who ignore orders to leave accept "all responsibility for themselves and their loved ones," the city's emergency preparedness director, Jerry Sneed, has warned.

As Katrina approached in 2005, as many as 30,000 people who either could not or would not evacuate jammed the Louisiana Superdome and the riverfront convention center. They spent days waiting for rescue in squalid conditions. Some died.

Stung by the images that flashed across the world, including the photo of an elderly woman dead in her wheelchair, her bodied covered with a blanket, officials promised to find a better way.

This time, the city has taken steps to ensure no one has an excuse not to leave. The state has a $7 million contract to provide 700 buses to evacuate the elderly, the sick and anyone around the region without transportation.

Officials also plan to announce a curfew that will mean the arrest of anyone still on the streets after a mandatory evacuation order goes out. Police and National Guardsman will patrol after the storm's arrival, and Gov. Bobby Jindal has said he requested additional urban search and rescue teams.


The story goes on from there, but this was the basic point.
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-30 13:28:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Saturday! It's Caturday!
I noticed the gas prices are going up daily since word of the hurricane coming. They were $3.37 on Tuesday. Then on Thursday it was $3.47 and yesterday it was $3.55 sad.gif Hopefully things will be fine and the gas stations are just overreacting. Be careful Noura. I hope it doesn't hit your area so bad.
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-30 11:31:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Saturday! It's Caturday!
QUOTE (Nawal @ Aug 30 2008, 02:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Happy Caturday MENA!

{{{S & S and Julianna}}} rose.gif

I'm online waiting for the babies to wake any time now for their late night bottle! LOL

My father is packing to leave for Mexico ... he is leaving in 30 minutes (driving) to hit the border by dawn so they (him n a friend) can hit up Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point). I wish we were all going!! crying.gif But no leaving the US till the green card arrives...GRR, I feel trapped. LOL A beach, fresh seafood, beautiful seaside village, fresh bakery bread each morning, ATV riding, fireworks,.... crying.gif crying.gif


Ahhhh, sorry you are missing the trip. I hope you can go on the next one.
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-30 02:38:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Saturday! It's Caturday!
QUOTE (julianna @ Aug 30 2008, 02:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (S and S @ Aug 30 2008, 02:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yeah, it turned out it wasn't AT&T that was the problem. It was the street light behind my apartment building. It wasn't working properly and put out a bunch of electrical interference. I just had the electric company change the light bulb and the internet worked fine after that.

Oh, good! Now that that is fixed, life must seem a lot better. I know this internet outage at our house is going to be a big deal for Ammar. he is going to miss watching his TV shows online lol.



oh, poor guy, I can relate with my VJ withdraws. Daytime posts aren't as fun for me.
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-30 02:25:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Saturday! It's Caturday!
QUOTE (julianna @ Aug 30 2008, 01:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (S and S @ Aug 30 2008, 01:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (julianna @ Aug 30 2008, 01:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Was it a good movie?



I wasn't sure if it would be, but it was. It's called "Lucky You" with Eric Bana.

Hmm. I've never seen it. You know, I thought about you this afternoon because I got this call from AT&T saying they were going to be working on our network in the area for the next 10-15 days and that this would be from Mid-8am, with 1-2 hour outages possible. Did you ever get yours fixed?



Yeah, it turned out it wasn't AT&T that was the problem. It was the street light behind my apartment building. It wasn't working properly and put out a bunch of electrical interference. I just had the electric company change the light bulb and the internet worked fine after that.
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-30 02:02:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Saturday! It's Caturday!
QUOTE (julianna @ Aug 30 2008, 01:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Was it a good movie?



I wasn't sure if it would be, but it was. It's called "Lucky You" with Eric Bana.
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-30 01:39:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Saturday! It's Caturday!
I was watching a movie or I would have responded sooner. Happy Caturday!!!!
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-30 01:26:00
Middle East and North AfricaTo the chat room....
If anyone is interested, we are still up in the chat room with a full house!
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-30 23:32:00
Middle East and North AfricaTo the chat room....
We have 5 of us in the chat room. The more the merrier if more want to join!
S and SFemaleIraq2008-08-30 22:29:00