biggish data

If anyone wants their SO's dreams crushed, they are more than welcome to talk with my husband. It has been a long, hard road for him.

Things are looking up for us now, inshaAllah ta'ala, inshaAllah inshaAllah, nearly 2 years after he got here.

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2007-07-26 08:26:00

I think I mentioned it earlier on the thread, but have you mentioned volunteering to him? After he gets through the "I need to work NOW" stage, he'll still be bored, and that's a good way to keep oneself occupied. It can be sold as a good resume builder, a good way to get references, a way to build business contacts, all which will help him down the road.

And, if he's deeny (my new favorite word), point out that maybe this time without work is a blessing from God in which he can work to benefit Islam and his deen. It's a break where he can study, memorize quran, volunteer at the masjid to do any number of things, etc etc etc.

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2007-07-25 15:48:00

Without going into too many details (as my husband is one of those who are increadibly private and isn't a big fan of having his stuff posted on VJ), we had a very very VERY (did I mentioned very?) difficult time our first month together.

How does one get through it? Patience, perserverance and prayer, if you're the deen-y type.

"Oh you who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer, for God is with those who patiently persevere." (2:153)

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2007-07-24 16:14:00

I don't see him saying any of this is for YOUR future together, it's all about him and what you will do for him. Sure, having a fit at him doesn't solve anything, but he needs to change his attitude quick.

I'm not sure this is true about her husband, but this is the risk of venting on a public forum. You can make your situation sound like something its not.

On a random tangent - at least from my experience, a lot of ME/NA men (heck, probably all men in general) don't like having their marital issues aired out online. While it can be helpful to vent, don't forget that we can't go back and erase our words here on VJ without Ewok intervention.

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2007-07-24 15:40:00

Would pointing out that loans have excessive riba be helpful at all? Maybe an it's haraam line would work :innocent:

If everybody's doing it, tell him lots of ME/NA husbands of VJ posters take ESL classes. Peer pressure.

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2007-07-24 13:17:00

My husband is interested in furthering his education here however, he'd have to get work first to have money to pay for this education. He holds a degree but realizes if he wants to use this degree he may need additional schooling here.

It seems like few of the husbands is interested in pursuing education here, why is that? We all live here and know that education and training is the fastest way to a successful career. Sure, it might take a small investment in the beginning, and time, but the pay off long term is far more substantial than scraping by to save money for a business.

*nods* The husband would like to study for his Certified Internal Auditor exam, but the review classes are expensive, and he wants to pay for it himself. I've suggested masters programs, but again, he wants to pay for it himself.

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2007-07-24 11:51:00

First, take a deep breath. Second, read this.

Then, point him in the direction of a volunteer job. If he can't legally work here, I wouldn't risk a regular job, but a volunteer position would allow him to keep busy and get out of the house. It's also a resume builder for the future when he gets the necessary legal documents.

Another thing, point him towards a job center. He can go in, get tips and hints for job searching, take classes to polish up his resume and work on his interviewing skills. He needs to do everything he can do now to prepare for the day when he is legally able to work.

And finally, english classes. No matter how good his english is, it probably wouldn't hurt to get some conversation circles or take a few ESL classes. It's a great way to make connections, keep him occupied, and his mind of working.

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2007-07-24 11:36:00

Ramadan tips for newbies:

*Practice fasting ahead of time - start now, and practice fasting for increasing periods of time each day. Start by going for 4 hours, then take a day off, then 5 hours, etc, until you get from fajr (before sunrise) until maghrib (sunset).

*If you're feeling sick and woozy, stop - I usually get ishy towards the end of the day if I haven't fasted for awhile. If you have a massive headache and are getting dizzy, by all means, break your fast, drink lots of water, take medicine and rest. If you're simply fasting to provide support, no need to make the day up. If you're muslim, you'll need to make the day up later, no biggy.

*Don't stuff yourself at iftar (meal to break the fast) - it's easier to say than it is to do, but eat slowly and deliberately. You'll be suprised that you don't need 3 plates piled high with food to be full. Plus, what's the point of depriving yourself during the day if you're just going to eat like a pig at night? Ok, ok, have a few pig out days, especially when you're at a community iftar and people have cooked lots of yummy foods. Mmmm.

*Watch what you eat - Ramadan is an excellent time to attend community iftars, meet lots of different people and eat new kinds of foods. However, eat fatty, greasy, heavy foods in moderation. Too much, and your tummy will make you pay in a few hours. Also eat new foods in controlled amounts. You never know if your tummy won't like them, and again, you may be paying after a few hours time.

*Don't neglect the fruits and veggies - There is often an tendancy to fill your plate with carbs and meat. While these are all delicious and filling, don't forget to leave some room for fruits and veggies. Your body will already be out of wack from the changed eating schedule, you don't want to cause it anymore problems by forgetting the necessary and important vitamins and minerals you get from fruist and vegetables.

Also, and article with good advice from a doctor on smart eating choices during ramadan.

A thread I wrote last year on When exactly does Ramadan start???? :blink:

Ah the joys of living in the american muslim community :wacko:

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2007-08-03 15:29:00

Common Egyptian spices and their english names

The mashi recipe I am going to attempt this weekend, with pictures. However, I'm going to use grape leaves instead of cabbage, so just delete everything that has to do with cabbage. The grape leaves don't need to be cooked before hand.

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2006-10-10 16:30:00

Found this interesting blog Our Favorite Recipes - that includes pictures!

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2006-10-09 12:35:00

Basboosa

Posted Image

Prep Time:15 Minutes
Cook Time:45 Minutes
Ready In:1 Hour
Servings:12 good sized servings--you could easily get 24 out of this
if you cut it for 24

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups semolina flour (smead in Arabic) OR cream of wheat---instant,
quick, regular--any kind of cream of wheat--I think cream of wheat
works better.
1/3 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup white sugar
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup milk, or as needed
12 whole almonds

SYRUP
1 cup water
2 cups white sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13
inch baking dish.

In a large bowl, mix together the semolina flour or cream of wheat,
baking powder, 1 cup sugar, coconut and butter. Add the yogurt and
milk; mix until moistened but not runny or liquid. If you see that
it is too dry, add more milk. Spread into a greased 9x13 inch baking
dish, smoothing the top as much as possible. Decorate the top with
12 whole almonds--imagine one in the middle of each square you will
cut.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown.
While the basboosa is baking, combine the water, 2 cups of sugar and
lemon juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, and cook for 5
minutes. Make sure it doesnt boil away--boil on med heat and watch
it.
When the basboosa has finished baking, pour the syrup over it as
evenly as possible. Place it back in the oven for about 5 minutes,
or until the syrup has been fully absorbed. Let rest for about 20
minutes before cutting into pieces and serving.

I'll try to take a picture of the pan I made.

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2006-10-09 08:36:00

We need a recipes thread sticky :ranting:

we need a recipes thread sticky :ranting:

Ingredients in ME cooking - helpful translations and explanations for common ingredients

I made sambousas last night :dance:

I made the traditional saudi version and will inshaAllah try the other one next week. I also got a recipe for basbousa that I'm going to attempt. I'll try it before I post it though.

These are good :dance:

Very very oily, but oh so good. In fact, I looked for the leftovers in the fridge this morning to eat, and they had mysteriously disapeared overnight. That rarely happens with my cooking :lol:

Traditional Saudi:

1# ground beef, fried

while the ground beef is still hot, add to it fresh green onions (1
bunch) and fresh parsley (1/2 bunch) both chopped, and let them wilt
in the heat of the pan

4-6 chopped hard boiled eggs

salt and pepper

wrap in wonton wraps and fry in oil until golden (they fry very fast
so watch out, keep heat med-high), drain on paper towels

Another filling:

2 chopped onions fried in oil until brown

add 1# ground beef and salt, pepper, and "boharat" (Arabic "7
spices") and cook until meat is done, stuff and fry and drain

I think boharat is made up of - 4 parts allspice, 1 part black pepper, 1 part cinnamon, 1 part nutmeg, 1/2 part ground cardamon, 1/2 part ground cloves, and 1/2 part ground ginger. Anyone else have a different combination?

Also, I have recipes for harira and shorbat hummus wa foul (soup with chickpeas and fava beans) that I'm going to try. Just got to run out and get the spices for it. I'll post em if they taste ok, as I only want to pass on tested recipes.

Got to get tumeric, ginger, oregano and some cardamon.

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2006-09-30 07:33:00

Hicham wanted to know what they were. I told him to wait and see and that I would get some and make him some fudge during Ramadan. He was excited at the idea of chocolate.

Twila

Try making your fudge with marshmallow fluff, the stuff in the jar. Lots easier on the wallet. Unless, of course, Hicham eats only zabiha. In that case, ignore my suggestion :star:

Edited by rahma, 30 August 2006 - 02:55 PM.

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2006-08-30 14:54:00

Jennie O makes fantastic turkey ham :thumbs:

Howeva, watch out for those turkey sausages. Jennie O turkey sausages and brats are often cased in pork casing :huh:

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2006-08-30 11:15:00

If I've found something that has gelatin in it, I just call up the customer service lines and ask. They will usually send me coupons for my troubles :thumbs:

Or, surf the company website, because some will list it on there. Blue Bunny does this.

Edys Icecream is kosher, except for Rocky Road and anything else that may have marshmallows in it. But, still call em up, because they sent us a lot of coupons.

Now, just as a disclaimer, just because something is kosher doesn't make it zabiha. Zabiha refers to the method of slaughter. Some people who keep their food guidelines strictly will not eat anything meat related unless it was slaughtered in the islamic manner. Kosher may not meet those guidelines, although in many cases it does. Definately should be something investigated further if it's of importance to you.

When in doubt, say bismillah before eating :star:

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2006-08-30 11:08:00

Helpful hint - there are halal marshmallows available. Also, try calling the Marshmallow fluff people and ask if they use gelatine. I remember reading somewhere that they (or one of their compeditors) don't use gelatine.

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2006-08-29 16:08:00

Good idea, Rahma!

I usually keep pizza rolls or frozen mini egg rolls in the freezer for a quickie iftar snack for those days when I get home from work a little late. I also keep tamr (dates) handy too.

Dates and milk :yes:

I miss my college days when the community aunties cooked for the students every week day :crying:

I would get my little pint of milk from the student union and trek over to the masjid to relax after a day of class and work and to indulge in delicious pakistani or arab food. Now all I have to look forward to is my mac n cheese hot dish :wacko:

Except for the weekend, when the local masjid hosts iftars :thumbs:

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2006-08-29 15:16:00

I like to make this dip recipe to have on hand come iftar time. If you're working/going to school/generally busy or whatever, it's difficult to make that full on 5 course-sque iftar many from the ME/NA are used to. Even if you don't attempt anything fancy, sometimes you just don't have time to get the cooking done before Maghrib rolls around. So, if you have some dip, fresh veggies and chips handy, it can satiate until the meal prep is finished.

Crunchy Veggie Dip
1 1'2 cups sour cream
1 cup mayonaise (not Miracle Whip)
8 oz can water chestnuts, drained, finely chopped
1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
1/2 cup chopped broccoli (I use broccoli slaw and chop it)
1.4 oz pkg, dry vege soup mix (I use Mrs. Grass')
In medium bowl combine all ingredients and mix well. Cover and refrigerate several hours to blend flavors. Serve with assorted vegetable dippers, chips or crackers. (I usually put in more carrots and broccoli than it calls for)

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2006-08-29 14:59:00

our yisa

My guess is that they've put the fiance visa on hold now, since it is only for legally unmarried parties to enter the US and get married.

Email the embassy and ask them what's up. Explain that you filed 2 different visas, that you had the interview, and you are wondering if the fiance visa has been shelved.

When did you send them emails saying you were married? Your husband should have told them up front at his interview that you were married. I think this will cause a lot of problems, because if he refered to you as his fiance, he was lying at the interview.

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2006-11-05 09:21:00

our yisa

This is a very odd situation. Did you tell Cairo at your interview that you had already gotten married legally and filed for a marriage based visa? From my understanding, you cannot get a fiance visa after you've been legally married.

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2006-11-05 08:17:00

does anyone know if you have comcast digital if one of the like million channels that are on there are arabic?

On their website, they list have a flag on the middle east in their flash section on international channels (but I can't link to it, screwy set up). Call you local office and see. When we had the basic digital cabel (200 channels), none of them were arabic.

For watching al Jazeera online, go to this page on their website, select a show from the right hand side, and you should be able to watch it by clicking on the little speaker or video camera.

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2006-10-27 10:00:00

Rhama, how is it you know how to find everything??? lol

haven't you heard, I'm the queen of links :whistle:

And in only a short time, I'm going to execute my plan to become Queen of VJ, bwahaha!

I think the same too the satelite ..But have thier intervet service too so I think I can't do that now!!

That's the same reason we're sticking with cable at the moment. If you have a phone line though, many of the satellite companies offer deals for DSL internet service. Unfortunately, we don't have a phone line at our apartment (just rely on cellphones), so at the moment, cable is our only option.

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2006-10-26 15:19:00

Cable seems to be more limited in what they offer. We have Comcast as well, and it's bloody expensive. They just redesigned their website, making it much harder to navigate. We don't have any arabic packages offered in our area that I could find, but in Michigan, they just might.

The downside with this is you need to pay for digital cable (usually around $50), and then add the international package on top of it, which could be another $30 or $40.

If we ever get arabic tv (like when MIL comes to visit in the future), I'm thinkin we'll go for the satellite.

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2006-10-26 15:16:00

Check your phone book under television or satellite television. Many areas will have a limited choice for different companies. Once you figure out which satellite providers are in your area, you can go to their website and see what they have to offer. Dish Network and DirectTV are the two big ones. Unfortunately, it can get a bit pricey.

Dish Network's arabic package
Direct TV's arabic package

I think you have to get a basic package and add on one of these.

My husband gets some channels (al jazeera, and an egyptian channel) streamed free online, but I don't have the addresses on hand. inshaAllah I'll check with him.

Edited by rahma, 26 October 2006 - 02:58 PM.

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2006-10-26 14:57:00

So, in conclusion, Verizon sucks, Sprint is pretty good. Cancel Verizon (cuz $350 in overage charges is more than the cancelation fee) and see about getting Sprint :joy:

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2007-01-23 16:53:00

Love Sprint! Most of my friends have it so it's free Sprint to Sprint plus nights start at 7pm. When I had Verizon I always went over and paid up the wazoo.

I call my husband the most, and since we're both on sprint (family plan, shared 500 minutes for $70 with tax), we can call each other for free.

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2007-01-23 16:05:00

Eep! We have 500 shared minutes on Sprint, with free nights and weekends starting at 7. I don't think we've ever used more than 300 minutes.

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2007-01-23 15:50:00

Mean people suck :ranting:

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2007-01-23 09:25:00

Alhamdulilah, it's almost the weekend!

Edited by rahma, 19 January 2007 - 05:24 PM.

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2007-01-19 17:23:00

I've been coughing almost nonstop since last March, aside from brief respits cough drops provide :unsure:

And I didn't get my inhalers last night because I decided to make a real dinner instead. Good choice, because I actually made something my husband liked :whistle:

But, alhamdulilah, everything in life provides a chance to improve myself. Alhamdulilah.

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2007-01-19 15:35:00

A fresh crop of burqini stories has arrisen! As I was swimming last night, I thought about getting recertified in lifeguard training. But then I remembered how boring it is to be a lifeguard, at least here in american pools! Lots of sitting around and waiting, yelling at kids ruffhousing, blah. I'd rather be in the water.

http://www.dailymail...i...d=1811&ct=5

Posted Image

Her pants are definately too tight for my liking, but I'm digging the top.

http://www.news.com....5006009,00.html

Posted Image

And, more pics via yahoo news - http://news.search.y...p;c=news_photos

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2007-02-05 14:38:00

doesn't that thing get waterlogged and make it difficult to swim?

Mine doesn't :no:

It's been awhile since I've swam, and I'm still building my stamina back up, but I can do 35 minutes worth of laps :thumbs:

I'm working my way up to an hour.

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2007-02-01 15:20:00

It took me a minute or two to walk out of the locker room the first time. I went up to the lifeguards, introduced myself, explained my odd choice in swimwear, and assured them that as a former lifeguard, if I can swim for an hour in jeans and a sweatshirt, my current swimwear won't cause me to drown.

Now I'm a regular feature and people don't even give me a second glance :star:

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2007-02-01 11:35:00

The splashgear outfits are based on surfer and scuba diving gear.

http://www.solartex.com/
http://www.myrashguards.com/

I guess I don't feel any weirder going swimming in my swimsuit than I do walking through the streets of Saint Paul in July in my abaya and hijab while most other people are wearing shorts and tank tops *shrugs*

And, in my experience, it's been a great dawah opportunity as well. Rather than have people feel sorry for me because instead of "oh, the poor muslim woman who is forced to cover her head can't enjoy swimming," it's "wow, that's a strange swimsuit, but hey, she's out there exercising. Good for her!" I've had a few people ask me about my swimsuit, and it's been an opportunity to explain about why I dress the way I do, and then about Islam, which will inevitably lead to questions about terrorism, so I can then segway into the islamic rules for warfare :lol:

Life is never boring at the Y when you're a hijabi.

Buuuut isn't the purpose of wearing Muslim clothing to be modest... so if you swimming with that XL burqa and it gets wet...does it not stick to your body? Is that modest? I donnot see the point. And also in those 2 swimwear thingys they were not tight, but still the goodies were not covered up too well. The hair yes, but the rest not! (just my opinion)

At least in mine, the material is water repelant, so when you're getting out the water, you tug on the bottom and poof, no sticking. It drips dry quickly, so if you're at the beach, you can go swimming, and walk around a bit, and then go lay out on your towel and not be miserably wet for hours.

I just forwarded those pics to my husband, asking him if I should buy or not? I wonder what he will say

My husband likes it. Now, if only I can convince him to get swim trunks (he already has a shirt that he'll wear in the water, since he never goes topless outside the apartment), so I can teach him how to swim.

Edited by rahma, 01 February 2007 - 11:29 AM.

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2007-02-01 11:28:00

I have the outfit on the left, but in the colors on the right. Well, except for the hoody thing, which I have in silver.

Rahma, I'm curious, does the hoody thing also act as a swim cap to protect your hair or is it just to cover and you hair can still get wet?

It doesn't keep it completely dry, but it is water repelant, as is the material for the rest of the outfit. I actually had this conversation with the lady doing laps next to me on the first day I wore it :lol:

She wanted to get herself one of the hoods, because her swimcap didn't keep enough water out.

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2007-02-01 09:22:00

I just did a google search for a photo, I have no idea what styles it comes in. I think Rahma is the resident expert on this stuff.

Women in Australia have a lot of different colors to choose from, but online, it's pretty limited. It just so happens that I've been collecting pictures from the various news stories

I do not own a burqini. It's pretty expensive, plus shipping from Australia, eek! I do however, own a splashgear swimsuit that I loooooooooooooooooooooove. I go swimming at least once a week at the Y.

Posted Image

I have the outfit on the left, but in the colors on the right. Well, except for the hoody thing, which I have in silver.

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2007-02-01 09:11:00

He disputes the placement of number 2 on the list, but seems to remember that number 1 was ok.

We're a match made in heaven. We're both Ali Abdullah Saleh

How romantic

Ah, but it is. Our friendship developed over arab and american politics :wub:

We're politics wonks :lol:

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2007-02-05 19:19:00

He disputes the placement of number 2 on the list, but seems to remember that number 1 was ok.

We're a match made in heaven. We're both Ali Abdullah Saleh :innocent:

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2007-02-05 19:11:00

It would be interesting to see how the ME/NA SOs do on this quiz.

Here's my husband's results:

1. Ali Abdullah Saleh of Yemen
2. Abdelaziz Bouteflika of Algeria
3. Bashar al-Assad of Syria
4. Gamal Abdelnaser of Egypt

UmmSqueakster

Female

Egypt

2007-02-05 19:08:00