Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Middle East and North Africa	DINNER IN MENA LAND	QUOTE (sweet_peach @ Feb 25 2009, 01:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (EtherealVocalist @ Feb 25 2009, 01:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (sweet_peach @ Feb 25 2009, 12:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Last night while cooking I said to the husband "can you come help me please" his responce was "why thats a woman's job", then starts laughing about it. Needless to said I didnt find it to funny. If my husband said that to me, I would have put aside what I was cooking, slowly put my coat on and drove to the nearest applebees by myself and have dinner there I don't do well with snotty remarks like that. besides, my husband is a fab cook. He's the best and he would never say "that's a woman's job". that infuriates me and wont take that from anyone. he knows better. This is really the way men from MENA think..... THIS IS WHAT I THINK ladies the ideas are great and thank you i mean i guess it comes down on me either way i am an excellent cook and cooked up a storm before he came, but i guess it was when I wanted to or had the extra time, usually on weekends the freezing thing is a great idea and i am looking into that crock pot hubby doesnt mind left overs for then next day he does love tuna and mac n cheese and the easy stuff just not much for "dinner" to him a sandwich is not a meal I just told him that HERE people will eat pretty much whatever they want at any time i told him snacks were good to hold him over throughout the day and like snacks dont work with him ok so i said that typically you can even eat breakfast for dinner, i mean it isnt ideal but it works if you are low on food or just plain ol hungry i dunno i guess my liberal thinking is just too much for him, it's gonna take some time	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-02-26 11:02:00
Middle East and North Africa	DINNER IN MENA LAND	QUOTE (caybee @ Feb 25 2009, 10:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> My husband comes in very late from work, and I often feel as you do, just not inspired to start cooking from scratch, especially late at night. I lived alone for a long time, and I'm used to the quick, one-person cooking,[/color[color="#FF0000"]] whereas he likes to use fresh veggies -- imagine that! -- and prefers something that doesn't come out of a box, can, or frozen bag. He's a good cook and will cook for himself without complaint if the ingredients are there and I'm too tired, but I know it makes him feel good to walk in the door to a hot meal. I don't know the answer to your dilemma, but I'm gradually adapting to our schedule by making sure certain staples are always on hand and rotating a just few easy, from-scratch meals that we both like. That way, I don't have to be particularly inspired or creative. I hope to gather more recipes and use my crock pot more often, because I can do the prep when I do have the energy and then just let it cook itself until he gets in. My goal (not there yet) is to plan meals one day a week and do some prep (like chopping veggies) in advance. When everything works out, I spend maybe 15 - 20 minutes actively preparing a meal and another 30 to 60 waiting for it to cook, so I can do other things during the waiting time. The routine makes all the difference for me, and in the long run, we sure are eating healthier than when I try to save time with the preprocessed stuff. That stuff really doesn't save any time in the long run, and it costs a lot more. It's an adjustment, for sure, especially for Americans who are so used to convenience food. Good luck. i highlighted some very good points! thank you and i am happy to see some response as most of us women, not all, try to find the solution to juggling the many duties we have and gaining appreciation and help from the men in our lives. I realize it is an adjustment that is not going to come easy. I thank you for your suggestions and it is just hard when I have been alone and not having to worry about eating really. I want to satisfy him but I dont like for men to whine. I know what my "duties" are but just feel it should go both ways. I will take a stab at your ideas! Thanks for your support my friends	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-02-25 17:03:00
Middle East and North Africa	DINNER IN MENA LAND	QUOTE (charles! @ Feb 25 2009, 10:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> teach him about the 5 major food groups in the usa: instant, take out, frozen, microwaved, and canned. believe me he is quite aware btw charles QUOTE (childress_london @ Feb 25 2009, 10:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> It's possible he thinks that because you are female, you are responsible for the meals, regardless of your other obligations. He needs to learn that both men and women are capable of cooking and making the meal and who does it depends on what the situation is for the day. Out of love and respect for you, he should be considerate of you and if you are tired or stressed from working or whatever that he should want to help you. Have you communicated to him these things? He probably is totally unaware and has no clue. He just thinks things are normal. Oh, and Crockpots/slow cookers are awesome! love those crockies!	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-02-25 16:47:00
Middle East and North Africa	DINNER IN MENA LAND	Ok briefly and just because I am really having a hard time with this one. Life here obviously very different than there. We are busy working women, most of the time with kids and a million other things going on. Not just sitting in the home all day being domestic. Not having time to cook a big meal from scratch or keep your place immaculate I think is the norm. I love to cook and I am good cook but most of the time I am tired and/or not having all I need to be so creative and busy in the kitchen. We have plenty to eat but I finally am seeing now that my husband expects me to put cooking dinner for him first. He works alot so we rarely are able to sit down together and have a normal meal. Most nights I drive to get him and we get home 12-1 am. If it is just me, I dont cook. I just eat whatever I can find and it could be anything BUT I do make sure that he has a sufficient meal of some kind, whether freshly made, leftovers, or something quick and easy. The point is, he eats. I know the role of wife is pretty much the same despite where one lives but I am feeling the pressure more to do this and do that. I dont know if it is because I am "American" and we are always on the go and dont have the time nor take the time to stay in the kitchen OR if this man has just been so completely catered to all his life that this is what he expects from me. Of course I cook, of course I make sure he eats but there are just some nights, when I dont want to cook or he has to learn how to whip something up on his own. Please give some advice ok, because we are really having some adjustment issues over here and I am just used to just doing whatever I do whenever I want to do it but certainly I take care of him.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-02-25 09:49:00
Middle East and North Africa	I am so freaking mad and tired of the USCIS!!!!!!!	It is unbelievable that any of us make it through this process It is truly the most frustrating position to be in good luck, I hope you hear something soon	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-12 14:56:00
Middle East and North Africa	Thursday	Mornin It is definitely a sunny, near Spring morning. Still chilly but getting better Jeanne, I made bananna bread on Sunday for my husband. It is not the first time, last time I made it with chocolate chips and he just loves it! He'll eat it all Annie darling Star!!!!!!!!!!! Counting the days I cant wait till this weekend, going to fly by...........my daughter is in the talent show tomorrow night doing, what else? Hannah Montana song. So we will go to that with my family and then out on the town for us! It will be nice to get out and stay up late and sleep late Sat. Hubby is in dire need of a haircut and I can see how he is anxious because he so used to paying next to nothing in Morocco and going to the same place who knows exactly how to do his hair, so we will see how that turns out. My darling took off work for Saturday cuz he works all day and night on Sat/Sun so Saturday we are shopping for some duds for him and then we have a nice birthday affair to go to..so he can see first hand how americans go all out....a co worker is turning 60! Finally I will have something to do and have fun! Enjoy your day all Edited by sandrila, 12 March 2009 - 09:21 AM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-12 09:19:00
Middle East and North Africa	just got the interview date via email	Congrats! Good Luck! I think you will find if you have any questions there is a lot of people here with a ton of valuable information and experience to help.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-10 09:39:00
Middle East and North Africa	Friday=PAYDAY!!!!!!!	Good Morning We had a late night last night, hubby was out wooing the people at our local bar with his awesome guitar playing. I should have taken 1 personal day this week, cuz my boss is in Hawaii, I really am just wasting time in here. Today I am leaving at 3pm. I have my daughter's talent show, so my mom, dad and sister are coming up to go with us. Then it is out for a night on the town with my baby!! I am excited , unfortunately is going to take me a long time to figure out what to wear I have nothing really nice/new and nothing fits Tomorrow is also going to be a busy day. I think chances of sleeping in and I mean sleeping till I wake up, are NIL. We are running around clothes shopping for my hubby and taking him sightseeing, with an evening suprise party for a co worker. Tasha....I would love to see SLUMDOG again, it is a nice flick! Have fun...I know you are getting anxious with hubby coming back soon. Terri.....I wish you didnt have to suffer with those headaches....I dont get them...I never had but once last week my head starting hurting a little and I had a better understanding of what people with migraines put up with. Staashi...hang in there girlfriend....I cant wait for it to be over for you...you must be bursting to mee the baby, a boy right?, and you must be ready to burst!! lol..take it easy....you deserve it Mommy GREAT NEWS YOU GOT IT!! ENJOY YOUR TIME OFF Do you still have alot to do? Is this your first baby? What about a nursery? Angel...thank GOD after my working stint of every 2 week pay...finally this job pays once a week and it saves my ####### every time...THANK YOU GOD! HEY GG! Edited by sandrila, 13 March 2009 - 11:27 AM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-13 11:26:00
Middle East and North Africa	My husband's papers are here in the USA finally!!!!	Bernice....keep your chin up.....there isnt much else you can do but praying can bring miracles! Good Luck to you and thanks for letting us know how things are going	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-12 09:29:00
Middle East and North Africa	Its prophet MOHAMMED's Birthday !!!!!!	Thank you for informing me of the important information. Also, good luck with your medical exam. I cant wait to finally hear that you got your visa	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-09 08:31:00
Middle East and North Africa	Sunday's Thread	Staashi...hope you got all you needed and more...isnt your work shower today??? For the record...My husband loves sweets more than me...but seriously we both HAVE to get in shape and sweets are totally off limits! STARTING ...TODAY!	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-16 11:20:00
Middle East and North Africa	Sunday's Thread	QUOTE (jessNgeorges @ Mar 15 2009, 03:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Maybe i can get george to stop at the cheesecake factory for me tomorrow after work.....tonight ill have to live with cookies you guys have a cheesecake factory there?? and as far as cake....I had some Saturday night at a 60th bday party...and I DONT WANT ANYMORE. Had to see myself in the mirror to finally jump start my weight loss efforts	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-16 11:17:00
Middle East and North Africa	SMOKING CIGARETTES	From what I saw, in Rabat and Casablanca were women smoking Sheeshas in some small cafes. Hubby doesnt mind me smoking Sheesha if it is he and me. Hubby doesnt mind me smoking outside, as long as his mother and some select "older" siblings dont see. I never really saw any women smoking cigarettes. I just noticed that he didnt want others to "see" me in a certain light. So smoking cigarettes and drinking and sheesha was limited to very intimate company and mostly NOT AT ALL. He doesnt want anyone to talk about "his" wife and what she does. It just isnt as acceptable there. I cannot have my same comfortable, relaxed and free state as I do here. Here it doesnt matter, no one to see, no one to judge. His mother KNOWS he smokes cigs yet he won't let her "see" him smoking.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-16 10:56:00
Middle East and North Africa	SMOKING CIGARETTES	it is true Terri that the hookah is far worse than cigarettes...I suppose cuz it doesnt have any filter I also like the hookah....but i like to smoke it better there...i dunno the ambviance i guess Edited by sandrila, 13 March 2009 - 10:24 AM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-13 10:23:00
Middle East and North Africa	SMOKING CIGARETTES	QUOTE (Astarte @ Mar 12 2009, 03:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I absolutely hate the smell of smoke but I'm a smoker. I hate the way it stinks up the house. I don't smoke in the upstairs, I do it in the basement. I wish the husband would follow suit. I AM WITH YOU! I did such a good job of barely smoking in my tiny apartment and had made it clear for hubby not to also. But that has gone out the window. I dont want my place smelling like an ashtray He keeps saying he wants to try and quit, I hope he can QUOTE (himher @ Mar 12 2009, 03:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> It's cuz smokes are a buck a pack over here in MENAland (we're luvvin it at 38 riyals a carton). If you're gonna have a habit it should be a cheap one.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-13 10:20:00
Middle East and North Africa	SMOKING CIGARETTES	rollin your own what??	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-12 14:45:00
Middle East and North Africa	SMOKING CIGARETTES	I kind of observed that most men from MENALAND smoke....do you find this to be true? My husband is smoker....he smokes way too much...first important thing to do in the morning and last thing to do before bed me....I am a smoker..but have cut back considerably due to his excessive habit...I will smoke 2 a day....3 max I am still trying to quit any particular reason you think so many of these men do? Somehow no matter how poor a man can be...he will find the way....any way....to get those smokes	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-12 14:12:00
Middle East and North Africa	Let's see who can dance!	Speaking of dancing...Saturday night was the first time I got to go to a real Arabic club here in my city. It was awesome....should have done it sooner. The live music was incredible and I couldnt sit still...it reminded us both of the lounges in Maroc, he felt right at home and I felt like it was old times.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-16 13:53:00
Middle East and North Africa	Let's see who can dance!	Oh thank you so much for that! I love to dance! I think the last time I went dancin was at the club with my husband in Morocco. Saturday night we are going to Casablanca restaurant and after 10pm they have live Arabic music! I cant wait!!! Edited by sandrila, 12 March 2009 - 09:32 AM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-12 09:31:00
Middle East and North Africa	Monday	Kelly My best friend is really bumming cuz her boyfriend is deploying for Iraq in May. He has been in the military for a long long time for his late 20s and when she met him, a few years back, he was just released from Iraq. It is already taking its toll on her. My boss is back from vaca...still not much work to do, but I know the worst is coming. We had a blast! this weekend. It was too much fun, spent way too much money going out like that but there is this Moroccan restaurant and on Saturdays they have LIVE arabic music, lots of dancin ...I was in heaven...it was great...just made hubby feel like home. All arabic peeps and all speaking in tongues and what have you. The only problem being is ...even though they are arabic there are still descrepencies and prejudices even amongst the many sects of the Middle East add the drinking to the mix and well HEY ASH!! Miss you girl Carmen dear The rest of you have a good day. The weather is getting more and more like spring. Jess can you send us some pix of where you are?? Edited by sandrila, 16 March 2009 - 10:43 AM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-16 10:43:00
Middle East and North Africa	Tuesday	WHAT UP RAJAA???????? ALLOUSA CHICKEN TAGINE?????????? YOU LUCKY DUCK Edited by sandrila, 17 March 2009 - 09:07 AM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-17 09:06:00
Middle East and North Africa	Tuesday	TOP OF THE MORNIN TO YA QUOTE (Aymsgirl @ Mar 17 2009, 07:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Happy Tuesday! TASHA!!!! ONE MORE DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! Try to relax a little, don't kill yourself Edited by sandrila, 17 March 2009 - 09:04 AM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-17 09:03:00
Middle East and North Africa	Man with 86 kids and more on the way!	This man says he has no confusion with names and who is who I have 3 kids and I am forever calling them each others' name. Bobby... I mean Sarah.... uh Cindy, Robert!!....	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-11 09:36:00
Middle East and North Africa	Man with 86 kids and more on the way!	He has several homes and 17 wives he has one leg too that he lost some years ago the wives are all "well adjusted" and take care of the kids and cooking and it is funny to see how some of the kids I saw looked like him! They do look like they live well. Not rich but not poor either. The kids are all running around with smiles on their faces and the older children, the men, all gathered around talking and laughing. I guess they are all contemplating how to split up the money, property and wives once the ol man passes away nah...he is 60 or something. the gov't encourages it and they support him too any different than say....Suleman? Edited by sandrila, 10 March 2009 - 03:34 PM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-10 15:34:00
Middle East and North Africa	Man with 86 kids and more on the way!	CHECK THIS OUT.... Man with 86 kids and more on the way in Dubai Edited by sandrila, 10 March 2009 - 09:51 AM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-10 09:48:00
Middle East and North Africa	problems with muslim spouse?	Isnt the most important scholar of thought the Prophet himself? All the different interpretations could steer you farther from the original teaching or law. I cant even begin to start reading most of the posts regarding excerpts from the Qu'ran....it honestly makes my head spin. I just saw this movie last night called Religulous, not the best movie but after seeing makes me realize that talking about religion does cause rift between people and makes them even more uncertain.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-02-20 12:11:00
Middle East and North Africa	We got an interview date !!!!!!	OH THANK GOD MOHAMEDDDDDDDD Wonderful news....great.....what a relief...let the scrambling begin I wish you the best!	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-18 10:38:00
Middle East and North Africa	WEDNESDAY	ANNIE...those pix are darling! My they are growing! Keepin you in my prayers girlfriend Star....3 days left....omg!!!!!!! ENJOY	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-18 13:09:00
Middle East and North Africa	WEDNESDAY	Yeah thank god we are more near to the weekend. We are having our warmest day yet....upper 60s today Just another day at the office, I got a little tied up at Staashi's shower ...that is why I am late HG CONGRATS MAN! TASHA...thinking of you girl, hope hubby makes is safe and sound..it will be a sweet reunion Have a good day, I cant wait to get out of the office and go for a walk on my lunch break. Going to start doing that again and hope I can lose some weight	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-18 11:03:00
Middle East and North Africa	Whats going on at the USA embassy in Cairo	I know it is taking it's toll but your time is gonna come. Nothing I can say but I will give you this I hope that Consulate gets movin	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-17 09:39:00
Middle East and North Africa	Thursday	I think her name was Allison. She did an OK job but you know what ? She just didnt cut it. There is alot of great talent out there.....not sure who I really want to win yet....DANNY BOY! He is surprisingly good. But that 16 year old lil one, she can rock it, I cant believe they put her in the bottom 3 Cloudy here today but a nice first weekend of spring coming! Have a good one peeps. Edited by sandrila, 19 March 2009 - 10:03 AM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-19 10:02:00
Middle East and North Africa	Friday - First day of Spring!!!	YEAH SPRING!!! A little chilly still, even some stupid flurries but man I am ready! BRING ON THE SUN I already bought my first bags of Easter candy and broke into them Have a great weekend all!!!	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-20 14:53:00
Middle East and North Africa	What is the stupidest thing you have heard because your with a MENA SO ?	I was also suprised to learn, as my husband told me, that there are some Berbers who are more pale and blonde than I Still havent seen it, but that is what he says. I agree that if the prospect of work wasnt NIL for us in Morocco and I didnt have children here, I would have no qualms about living there. I like it there. And it isnt just Morocco that I would prefer to live, even though I love and respect my country, there are too many places in the world to explore. We may think US is the end all be all but believe me we have alot to learn from life abroad.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-11 09:42:00
Middle East and North Africa	Happy Anniversary - Jackie & Ibrahim!!!!	Wishing you many years of happiness	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-19 08:56:00
Middle East and North Africa	MENA fB gals addicted to myFarm	ok so you guys are very serious and very involved I see, you have 12 pages on this subject!	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-02 15:04:00
Middle East and North Africa	MENA fB gals addicted to myFarm	ok so you need to have time to keep up with this daily or things will die???!!!!!!!!!! oh god, i would be no good at that, i kill plants, fish and even hermit crabs	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-02-25 10:23:00
Middle East and North Africa	MENA fB gals addicted to myFarm	This sounds like something kids do i am not too keen about putting the time in and selling things and not actually gettin a check doing it	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-02-25 10:02:00
Middle East and North Africa	MENA fB gals addicted to myFarm	yes this last week alot of you tending to your farm and I dont know what is too I get that it is a face book thing and I dont have a profile there, is it free?	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-02-25 09:58:00
Middle East and North Africa	My precious son	how are things going for you and your boy Henia?	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-03-23 10:18:00
Middle East and North Africa	My precious son	Henia You are a great mom! so observant and resourceful. I will pray for you and your son. You have had alot on your plate and I hope God's strength will be with you your dear son and husband through this time.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-12-16 09:43:00