ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Middle East and North AfricaFrance to ban Burqas/Niqab in Public?
That article was exactly what I was trying to articulate.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2009-06-24 07:35:00
Middle East and North AfricaFrance to ban Burqas/Niqab in Public?
One of my very best friends here wears niqab. Partly her own choosing partly her husband's influence. Her mother wears no covering at all and never has so I also think that's an interesting paradox. I think France's issue also stems from the fact that they believe many of these immigrants have no desire and are not working to integrate into France as a whole. Yes there is a colonial legacy however, they are free to return home if they wish. Retaining your cultural identity and legacy is one thing, failing to adapt in your new country and even care to do so is another. I also know that life for Muslims in France is far from peachy - being passed over for jobs etc etc. The same could be said for the large segments of Mexican and Central American population here. Many (at least where I am) do not attempt to blend in but instead demand that we make concessions for them. Spanish speaking public schools, dual translation on everything etc. If the US governement said "hey good for you to retain your cultural identity but we're not going to allow anymore Mexican flags, or Spanish to be used or spoken on public documents." It's still their choice right? They can choose not to speak English, but if it violates the law then that's the law. France can do as it sees fit, just as Saudi Arabia, China and every other sovereign nation can.

Edited by MrsAmera, 23 June 2009 - 10:44 AM.

MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2009-06-23 10:43:00
Middle East and North AfricaFrance to ban Burqas/Niqab in Public?
You're right - if I moved to KSA and decided my culture was to wear tank tops I might be stoned. Also I still don't think the majority of these extreme coverings are "chosen"
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2009-06-23 06:41:00
Middle East and North AfricaFrance to ban Burqas/Niqab in Public?
There is a difference between burqa and niqab - and from reading several article he is refering to an Afghan burqa. I've met a lot of Afghan women here - there is a very large community. Not one wears a burqa let alone a hijab at all. Everyone of them has said burqas were forced. I don't think too many Afghan women "choose" that. When someone is wearing a burqa you can't see her eyes, you can't see anything. I fail to see where anyone is choosing this, although who knows maybe there are a handful out there. The ban will either isolate or empower, but in a generation or two who knows.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2009-06-22 19:33:00
Middle East and North AfricaFrance to ban Burqas/Niqab in Public?
Good for France ! good.gif
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2009-06-22 14:44:00
Middle East and North AfricaSafe amount of time
i also thought they stopped giving temporary work permits out with K-1's, make sure you check into this.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2009-07-13 11:56:00
Middle East and North AfricaContacting Senator or Congressman??? Why do we do this?
Too busy? That's their job! You elect representatives to serve the constituents! As others have said they have dedicated staff for this sort of thing. When we got stuck waiting for an interview in Casa I contacted Feingold's office, and within a few days someone was on the case. Within a week my husband had an interview - he went, got his visa the NEXT day. I don't know if they helped when it came to the time it took but definetely they helped get our paperwork out and an interview scheduled!
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2009-08-21 09:24:00
Middle East and North AfricaWent home for visit...and
ohhhh space! This year was the first time my husband brought that up. He would call me and say "I CAN'T GET AWAY!" There was no where that was quiet and he could just get away from people, someone was always around or he was expected to sit with them. I remember for me the biggest struggle I had when I lived there for several months with him was that there was no personal space, no privacy - he really didn't get it and thought I was being rude. Now during the last visit when he started talking about personal space I said, "see that's what I was talking about". He said "you're right it's better at home where everyone has their space and leaves at the end of the night!" (Note he finally refers to the US as home - something he never did before. )
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2009-07-27 09:48:00
Middle East and North AfricaWent home for visit...and
Trust me - thta is the first thing that will get asked. Not to mention if he goes out with any of his friends he will be the one expected to pay for everything. No holds bar. I too don't mind mom/sisters/family but it gets a little over board. Not to mention having to have a gift for every single person he's ever met. He's gone back 3 times now and every year it's the same sad.gif.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2009-07-24 13:16:00
Middle East and North AfricaWent home for visit...and
Zahra - I don't think anyone was commenting on your relationship with your husband. I know my husband and I had a great relationship, the issues don't stem from that - they come from the surrounding issues. Inshallah things will be easy for him but please don't disregard everyone's experiences and advice becasue you think your situation is so different - yours is no different than mine and several other ladies I knew. I've been on this site for several years, a year before my husband even came to the US and there have been tens of people before you who said the same things as you. We're here to offer you advice and to prepare yourself for the inevitable issues that will come up once he arrives in the US, can't find his dream job, experiences culture shock, deals with parenting in an American context, finds out how much life costs, etc. etc.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2009-07-21 11:57:00
Middle East and North AfricaWent home for visit...and
I don't even know where to start in this thread! I just kept reading and thinking of what I wanted to say but now I completely forgot!

Zahra - I think that it's good that you have high ideas for what your life will be like, but as someone said you'll either be the doormat or be in for a surprise. The ladies commenting have been married for years, have gone through the adjustment ups and downs and you've spent 3 months with your spouse. This is not meant to be an attack I just think that you may need to step back and take to heart some of the things that are being said. Your life won't be peaches and cream, and his adjustment is going to be rough. As it would be for anyone! He is going to have a huge culture shock and frankly you are too. I used to really feel like my husband gave up a lot to come here, and he did, BUT so did I. And so did alot of the women talking in this thread.

Tasha - *hugs* Everytime my husband has these grandioise ideas of what life in Morocco will be like I tell him let's go. For us it was never an issue where we would live. If he wants to move to Morocco I'm game. In the end the issue is him working and not me - I could easily get a job in Morocco. What bothers me is the non-stop complaining at times about how great things are in Morocco and how sh*** his life is here. Well yallah buddy, saddle up I'm ready to go. The problem is he won't make that call.

Amal - As always hilarious. I'm glad your husband has been able to get a little wake up call and see the grass isn't always greener on the other side.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2009-07-20 09:23:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA diet/exercise thread
I agree with that. The other day I got this bar and I can't think of the name of it now. But seriously I was full for like 5 hours. From a granola like bar. I will find the name of it later and post.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2009-01-12 11:48:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA diet/exercise thread
I'm still plugging along! I've lost one size not sure how many pounds that is because I've very scale phobic but I'm glad to see some results.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2009-01-12 10:25:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA diet/exercise thread
Oh nooos the weigh in? I don't even have a scale...maybe I should get one but I hate them... So I've been going good for about a week. I'm pretty proud of myself just hope that I can keep it up!
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2008-12-31 07:43:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA diet/exercise thread
Wow Nawal that's great! I'm hoping to lose a total of about 50 pounds. It seems so huge! I think I would feel much better if i lost 25 so that's my first goal. I've convinced hubby to at least "diet" with me. As for working out that's my real challenge esp with time.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2008-12-11 13:16:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA diet/exercise thread
What happened did everyone fall off the wagon? I'm just getting onboard!! Let's goo whoo hoo!!!
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2008-12-11 12:31:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA diet/exercise thread
Where are you ladies??!? I did the challenge and I did 2 miles on the treadmill and eliptical so it was good. Now it's just the diet part....
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2008-04-09 09:51:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA diet/exercise thread
I'm in for the challenge and will do 2 miles again today at the gym.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2008-04-08 11:09:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA diet/exercise thread
Ok gals I'm game. My little sister is getting married in November and I'm a flapper girl in the wedding (20's theme). So word has it I need to look sexy.

So I started today, pretty healthy lunch and breakfast I guess and I did a 45 minute workout, did a mile on the eliptical and a mile on the treadmill, about 250 calories burned! Not too bad of a start.

Hubby and I also decided we would cut our meat down to 3 dinners a week. So I'm on the hunt for vegerarian recipes..........

What's our challenge (I love this idea!!)
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2008-04-07 19:32:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA diet/exercise thread
Yup it's made with white wine!
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2008-02-25 14:51:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA diet/exercise thread
I started the Biggest Loser diet a week ago and have been pretty good with it. I don't weigh myself because of a long standing fear of scales but my clothes are fitting different so I think that's a plus!!!
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2008-02-08 10:19:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA diet/exercise thread
I agree I prefer it with beef or lamb as well, and I prefer prunes to apricots. LOL
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2008-01-21 09:47:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA diet/exercise thread
So my brief analysis would be that the flavor of the apricots got too concentrated. When I make this I cook the chicken and all the spices together first either in a pressure cooker or dutch oven. In a small skillet I add the apricots, honey and sprinkle of cinnamon and cook just until the fruit rehydrates and gets soft. I then top the chicken with this mixture and almonds on the very top.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2008-01-20 00:13:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA diet/exercise thread
Bridget,

Maybe it was too much cinnamon. I make the normal Moroccan version of this and it rocks.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2008-01-19 16:57:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA diet/exercise thread
So for lunch I had 2oz of lamb, asparagus spears, orange pepper slices, a little rice and some veggie dumplings. Good mix and I've noticed that if I don't get in enough protein I have 0 energy so I think I may have to start taking the iron pills for anemia (I had severe anemia when and after I was pregnant).
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2008-01-10 13:47:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA diet/exercise thread
I'm doing really good and so proud of myself this far! We had some stuffed green peppers last night with arborio rice and lean ground beef and a nice salad. Youssef even enjoyed it. I think I've got him on the diet bandwagon so here's to hoping everything stays on the right path!
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2008-01-10 09:47:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA diet/exercise thread
So lunch today is:

8 pieces of pumpernickel cocktail size bread, with sugar free seedless rasberry jam, la vache qui ri cheese and oven roasted turkey. I had some cottage cheese with pineapple for breakfast and dinner is going to be chicken breasts with panko and baked with some veggies.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2008-01-03 12:55:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA diet/exercise thread
I'll post my menu when I get home tonight smile.gif
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2008-01-03 11:22:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA diet/exercise thread
Well I'm from WI and have eaten cheese all my life and find little difference between the taste. Some might disagree but the only difference I find is between whole milk ricotta and fat free ricotta - definetely different tastes there.


Sidenote: Has anyone used a food delivery service from a grocery store? Like Peapod? I'm thinking about it but am wondering how much it costs etc. The one thing I'm unsure of is when it comes to fruits/vegetables and the quality you recieve? Any advice?
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2008-01-03 09:40:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA diet/exercise thread
MMM I just found this recipe I think I'll make it tonight:

Couscous and Chicken Feta Stuffed Red Peppers

Ingredients

Vegetable-oil cooking spray
1.25 cups fat-free chicken or vegetable broth
2/3 cup couscous
1 Chicken Breast cut into small pieces
4 red bell peppers
2 tsp olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 med zucchini, quartered lengthwise then sliced across thinly
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
15 oz canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 oz crumbled fat free feta cheese (about 1/2 cup)
1/4 cup tomato paste

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F F. Coat a small baking dish with cooking spray. Bring the broth to a boil in a saucepan, add the couscous, cover the pan and remove it from the heat. Cut the stems and top half inch off the bell peppers and scoop out the seeds and membranes. Place peppers upright in a baking dish and roast them for 15 minutes or so, until they soften, then remove them from the oven until the filling is ready. Heat oil in a nonstick skillet. brown chicken untill cooked through. Add onion, zucchini, yellow squash, fennel seeds, oregano, and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes or until vegetables are softened. Remove from heat and stir in the tomatoes, chickpeas and tomato paste. Using a fork, scrape the couscous into the skillet and toss with the vegetables. Stir in the crumbled feta. Fill peppers with the couscous mixture. Bake 15 minutes. Serve immediately


I think I'll use green peppers - this is 4 servings at 4.6g fat per serving and 385 calories and almost 25g of protein- not bad!
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2008-01-03 09:30:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA diet/exercise thread
I'm so in - I'm hideous looking at this point! My resolution was to make meal plans and stick with them. I started yesterday by putting it onto a spreadsheet and adding recipes so my hubby can help too. This will hopefully help us eat better as well as save money with less binge shopping. There was a group of us on sparkpeople a while ago and I really liked the site. Maybe it's something to consider running again??

Oh yea I also started packing my lunch and am going to use my lunch time to take a walk. That should help some!

Edited by MrsAmera, 02 January 2008 - 12:01 PM.

MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2008-01-02 11:59:00
Middle East and North AfricaCan i travel to europe with Green card or i need visa for that
@cheematah - From discussions I have had with embassy officials, yes it is easier to get tourist visas for Europe with a Green Card than if only applying from country or citizenship, especially if traveling with your USC spouse. The reason being your intentions to remain permenantly are very low, i.e. you already have residency in the US your reasons for wanting to permanantly stay in Europe are slim. We haven't done this yet, and probably won't be going to Europe for another year *after citizenship* but interesting to note.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2009-09-03 08:52:00
Middle East and North Africapassport renewal
Nope it could be only a few months even. My husband actually got his 10 yr card in July but we can apply this month for citizenship. All depends on how long processing takes.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2009-09-06 08:04:00
Middle East and North AfricaDo the Research... and whatever else!
MouadsWife - I understand the point that you were trying to make. I hope that you are able to find peace with your wait and knowing your fiance will be there as soon as the journey is over. If it helps think of both like a journey - your babies will be there waiting at the end of this life and you will be able to hold them, hug them, love them for eternity. Just like your fiance will be there at the end of your visa journey to do the same. *hug*
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2009-09-03 12:50:00
Middle East and North AfricaIslam Study Guide
Those who sent me your email addresses I forwarded the invite - if you didn't get it please let me know and I will re-send. If you are still interested and haven't sent me your email address please do so!

QUOTE (mohamed and melinda @ Sep 12 2009, 01:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I would like to also !!!


MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2009-09-12 14:45:00
Middle East and North AfricaIslam Study Guide
PM'd you ladies - I'll try to keep the thread on the first page for a few days so that everyone sees it - if you know of anyone else that's not on VJ but might be interested please let them contact me as well.

QUOTE (brooklyn @ Sep 11 2009, 09:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (MrsAmera @ Sep 11 2009, 03:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We had talked about this awhile back but I just spent 30 minutes sifting through old posts and can't find the thread it was in! Anyway those of you that were interested please PM me I'd like to update you! Also any non-Muslims that are interested in learning more about Islam this might pertain to you too. Thanks!





I am very interested
Thamks Brooklyn


MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2009-09-11 20:32:00
Middle East and North AfricaIslam Study Guide
We had talked about this awhile back but I just spent 30 minutes sifting through old posts and can't find the thread it was in! Anyway those of you that were interested please PM me I'd like to update you! Also any non-Muslims that are interested in learning more about Islam this might pertain to you too. Thanks!
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2009-09-11 14:42:00
Middle East and North AfricaDelays in Muslims’ Cases Spur Interfaith Call to Action
Very interesting story although I am not surprised. My husband and several friends have and do attend this mosque. It's long been looked and frequented by members of the FBI, Homeland Security etc as 2 of the 9/11 hijackers attended this mosque before the attacks. Although I've never heard anything radical coming out of the imams, and I know several of them personally there is a very conservative strain of members that attend. The congregation however is huge - I would say 25,000 at least. I'm sort of glad we left before applying for citizenship!
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2009-09-12 14:36:00
Middle East and North AfricaCR1 approved
Awesome! That's the same thing they told my husband after his interview - we went back the next day and there was the visa!!
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2009-09-14 08:50:00
Middle East and North AfricaRamadan and related dates
Try www.isna.net http://www.isna.net/...-and-Peace.aspx
Aug 22 - Sept 19th are the dates in the US this year.
Hopefully someone else can chime in with a source for the other question!
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2009-09-04 05:04:00