ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Middle East and North AfricaCoca-Cola celebrates Ramadan
I think it is a good marketing strategy. Again Coke is thoroughly international and they are always advertising for holidays and even events like the olympics..(again international)...i think they will gain praise and revenue by doing this and I think we would see it here and there as well. I have seen the coke containers there only it is like YSIS or something like that ....i think it is very reflective of the times we live in, after all WHITE CHRISTIAN people in US are a very near the minority now. We need to embrace the diversity upon which our country was founded and greatly respected.

good.gif

thanks ash, you are always informing and educating us!

thanks star_dragon...you took the pic right out of my mouth! lol star_smile.gif

Edited by sandrila, 29 August 2008 - 01:39 PM.

SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-08-29 13:40:00
Middle East and North AfricaHubby Arriving October 6th, Insha'allah
That is great news for you.
Congratulations, at least you have some time to prepare yourself.

I know when I came thru JFK it was a pain the ###! I had to collect my bags and recheck.
I already told my husband I want him to connect in Paris, that way he doesnt have the hassle of getting his bags in JFK and re checking them in, which could just lead to more confusion.

Good luck good.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-08-29 12:59:00
Middle East and North AfricaFrustrating Mena Men
Yassmine2878...I want to tell you that baby is precious!!!!!!!! and i wanted to name our baby girl Mehdi someday
nice choice!


as for mrs. chauffer....i can see why his driving skills are so bad...you ever driven over there??? wacko.gif

blink.gif unsure.gif whistling.gif

I have and believe me if you think driving in NY will kill you helpsmilie.gif

if i could drive over there, esp in CASA i can drive anywhere

goodluck!
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-08-26 09:38:00
Middle East and North AfricaRamadan Traditions
jenn if you find the name let me know
and yes that is Shebekiya....or however you spell it and it is not just for ramadan....i eat so much of those dang things
but it is really on the tip of my tongue, this other thing...and yes it is as dry as the country of morocco during ramadan
lol rofl.gif

ash
very good examples of what i mean
thanks good.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-08-27 12:49:00
Middle East and North AfricaRamadan Traditions
are melwi and shebekiya the same thing?

it's funny how everybody spells things slightly different
everywhere i look online from cooking to music or street names, everytime i see it, it has a slightly different spellingw
what up with that?
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-08-27 12:29:00
Middle East and North AfricaRamadan Traditions
ASH i want to go
where does NAWAL live?
try to give me notice as early as possible
how old is your son??? can i bring my daughter if i have to ?? she is 9
lemme know
cant wait!
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-08-27 10:02:00
Middle East and North AfricaRamadan Traditions
ash
this sweet thing halwa...this is what they stuff the dates with??? mmm mmm love that
but this thing I talk about it different
it is brown and crumbled...omg the name the name..but anyway you eat it with a spoon, yes
it almost looks like coffee grounds....they put it in a bowl and you scoop it out in little bites
omg i dunno but i am curious...do you work...lol
you post so much and so quick too....i dont know how you retrieve your information so quickly
oh i posted before cuz you were talking about one place in NJ...and i wondered if that was a small arab community or something...well they have ADISON NJ, which is the Indian equivilent...if you go to that place in NJ, count me in,
i would love to go and meet you too
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-08-27 09:33:00
Middle East and North AfricaRamadan Traditions
I dont know much for my husband's Ramadan traditions in Morocco
but from what I have seen my time there during Ramadan was alot of Harira and lots of special sweets (like and something oh I forget what it is called but it is all ground up, brown and sweet
oh the name whistling.gif
but it is nice you eat it with a spoon and i dont see it often IF ANYONE KNOWS THE NAME PLEASE blush.gif

aside from ramadan foods
things i like are
basteeya and chabeckai

i thought that BAKLAVA was a GREEK sweet
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-08-27 09:12:00
Middle East and North AfricaIs it just the distance, or is it something more...
It is reassuring to see that I am not the only one being badgered and scrutinized by my husband.
I find I am often being questioned by the FBI....surely this man is unlike any other I have encountered in my life.
In so many ways he is soo good to me and has made me enlightened but does being enlightened mean you have to lose yourself?
I find all the time we are just fighting about the things he "thinks" I am doing in the one or two minutes he cant reach me by internet or phone. I feel that we just fight about the things he doesnt want me to do, which, I can understand making sacrifices because we are in a committed relationship, but a relationship can only manage this way if there is TRUST..
how can one, who has never been enlightened or never found true happiness be persecuted for their experiences in the past? If one wants to have a healthy, enlightened future, one must move on, forget the past and start anew.
True, our country is so different than theirs BUT our men need to know that not all people, male or female are playing behind them and playing games.
It has become so distressful to constantly waste time justifying and detailing every minute of my life since being apart from him..I love him so dearly but I can totally understand how this kind of possessive/obsessive and accusatory behavior can drive one away. Respect your husband yes, but become his prisoner and under his total control so that you dont have any life, fun or peace of mind?? I dont agree with this way. I dont know if this is a separation issue, moroccan or muslim issue or just an individual insecurity issue...and how can you prove???? you cant always provide proof and what then?? calling relatives, friends and children to verify your whereabouts??? this is insane I think..anyone agree??
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-08-18 14:38:00
Middle East and North AfricaSeptembers first Monday
YOU CAN DO IT!!!
GOOD LUCK!
I think what works best is accountability..for myself too
like if we could check in with each other and chat about our progress it just encourages us to do our best and gives us a lil challenge

surprisingly I have 20 pounds to lose with say, OH, next summer is my deadline....LOL
good luck to you and thanks for the response
sandrila
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-02 14:28:00
Middle East and North AfricaSeptembers first Monday
olivia..you have to lose 30lbs for TV? what for TV??
just curious

I can totally relate to the time feeling like it is speeding up yet slowing down, I am glad I am not the only one, or is it because I am getting old???

Yes fall is almost here and I am not happy bout it!
yes the break from the heat is nice but we have had the most beautiful August, I hate to see it go
I would be happy if it were summer all year round

I just talked to hubby, he sounds fine this day of Ramadan but I hear a little crank in his voice...lol
i know the feeling of not being able to smoke and for him he would rather smoke than eat! blush.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-02 11:28:00
Middle East and North AfricaTuesday Thread
QUOTE (Turia @ Sep 2 2008, 09:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Good Morning everyone!!! Well went to my job interview already, just gotta wait for him to call and tell me when his mom is gonna be able to train me. Its totally different from what i'm used to. I'm a bill collector, this time i will be doin bookkeeping. HAHAHA. Without the help of a computer. OMG!! Thats scares me, i actually have to use my brain..... Have a good day today. I was smart today and got up with Kamal and ate before sunrise... So hopefully i can make it today.



Goodluck Turia!
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-02 11:08:00
Middle East and North AfricaTuesday Thread
Melinda ABSOLUTELY THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PIX I HAVE EVER SEEN...you look stunning!!!!!!!!!!!
Nawal....i guess you arent living in the states if Hazem was bitten by a wow.gif scorpion
i hope he will be fine and the pix of the twins are too cute, my they are growing quick!

Mubarak!
Happy Ramadan but I am confused, in Morocco Ramadan started today how is the 2nd day?
I am going to try to fast only but I honestly dont see any good in not drinking water, i am allowing myself that
if we are here in the states, what time does fasting start and finish???
any help on that?

I hope all our prayers would be answered in time during this blessed season

getting back into the grind is never easy but already tomorrow we are 1/2 thru our week!! YEAH

KS lovely pix...that lil boy mmm looks like his father star_smile.gif i think
thanks for sharing!
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-02 11:04:00
Middle East and North AfricaWednesday-Hump Day!!!
my husband stays up all night anyway over there, this is just normal for them there
you think ramadan keeps people up all night? why? because they are staying up storing food for all night for the next day ? LOL
yeah I am pretty much hungry all the day, when in my normal routine, i never feel hunger like this, even if i dont eat all day long till night wacko.gif
sleep comes to me anytime anywhere and i was fast asleep by 11 pm
but but but ...technically i feel if i sleep earlier i am not only fasting the normal fasting hours but all those hours i sleep too, so maybe I should either A. stay up super late and eat more before sleep (which is not good for metabolism) or B.
wake up before sunrise and eat....
what? me, wake up before it's time to..just to eat?? nooooooo way, not me
so i guess i'll just be more hungry...and what energy would i have for exercise??
and more hungry after working out! omggggggggggg
i am with you people
hang in there
something so nice happened to me yesterday, on the FIRST DAY of my fasting...so I pray my big prayer would be answered really soon innocent.gif

Edited by sandrila, 03 September 2008 - 01:58 PM.

SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-03 13:58:00
Middle East and North AfricaWednesday-Hump Day!!!
Not really morning anymore on the east coast
near noon here soo GOOD AFTERNOON MENA

this is my 2nd day of fasting...i started tuesday, as did my husband
i dont know the technicalities of when it starts but for me 2nd day

when you are forbidden to eat, you are starving
when you can eat, you seem to never get hunger pains so great, even if you dont eat all the day
I DUNNO wacko.gif

just the normal rountine round these parts
1/2 thru another week
i hope it is a good one for all

Edited by sandrila, 03 September 2008 - 10:51 AM.

SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-03 10:48:00
Middle East and North AfricaThursday!
omgosshhhhhh i am early this morning

GOOD MORNING MENA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hope all is coming good for you all

one more day to go..YEAH

it is going to be 93 here on the northern east coast....keep those warm sunny days comin

you guys got CAT SCRATCH FEVER!!!!!!!! wacko.gif MMEOWWWWWWWWWWW
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-04 07:55:00
Middle East and North AfricaMoneyGram - please leave in MENA
I use Western Union Alot

at least 10.00 fee up to 500.00
i have to go in person..i dont trust using my credit card/debit numbers online anymore!
I have a dozen places around here for western union, it has worked nice
BUT
the exchange rate is no good..for sure but then again our dollar isnt worth #### right now

isnt there any other way to get money there?
i never did money gram thing and with that door closed, what else is good?



I use Western Union Alot

at least 10.00 fee up to 500.00
i have to go in person..i dont trust using my credit card/debit numbers online anymore!
I have a dozen places around here for western union, it has worked nice
BUT
the exchange rate is no good..for sure but then again our dollar isnt worth #### right now

isnt there any other way to get money there?
i never did money gram thing and with that door closed, what else is good?
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-05 13:04:00
Middle East and North AfricaFRIDAY!!!
Sara..the new baby's pix is so cute!
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-05 12:52:00
Middle East and North AfricaFRIDAY!!!
Have a blessed day everyone!
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-05 08:35:00
Middle East and North AfricaWorried (like always)
sorry to hear about your hardship
these are very tough times and unfortunately america is not that supportive of Islam

i feel, since your husband is understanding, DO WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO

GOD UNDERSTANDS.....OMG..I am worried for you and I thought I had financial issues

good luck and god bless...also, I know the saying GOD WILL PROVIDE..but honestly....MONEY DOESNT GROW ON TREES and with wearing the Hijab...that is going to make it more difficult for you

you know yourself...your husband knows you but most of all, GOD KNOWS YOU
you will be fine...say your prayers, ask forgiveness if you think you need it (i dont think so), and work hard

we all need to survive....i hope your prayers are answered
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-08 14:29:00
Middle East and North AfricaCall To Prayer Resonates In A Holy, Historic Land
I want to share that I also feel the call to pray is one of the most daunting and moving sounds I have heard

I had only heard it on TV before going to any Muslim country...when I arrived it was like something you'd see on National Geographic...it made me stand at attention, it humbled me and when I am gone I miss it

almost every night, when online with my husband, I can faintly hear it in the background...or he will remind me, of AllahAkbar (spelling?)

it certainly is moving and mysterious and I enjoyed the article

Edited by sandrila, 08 September 2008 - 02:39 PM.

SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-08 14:38:00
Middle East and North AfricaMonday, Monday
Beautiful pix Star Dragon
I didnt know you were a photograper as well as a librarian! star_smile.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-08 13:29:00
Middle East and North AfricaMonday, Monday
Goodmorning All

Hope you all relaxed and enjoyed this weekend.
Beautiful weather we had yesterday but rained all day Saturday due to Hanna...torential downpour!! YUCK!

I have had so many nice things happen to me since the beginning of Ramadan. I feel GOD is with me.
I am praying that we all hear good news THIS WEEK!!!!

Have a great day!
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-08 08:54:00
Middle East and North AfricaArabian Knightz 1st Single-Fokkak
good.gif Thanks!
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-09 15:30:00
Middle East and North AfricaTuesday!
QUOTE (polarbear @ Sep 9 2008, 09:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
dead.gif

I need some dua power here because everything around me seems to be falling apart crying.gif I'm starting to feel like it's my punshiment for not fasting (stupid I know bc I now have the flu on top of everything else) but I really hope something good happens soon sad.gif



although I am fasting and God has been good these days, especially in Ramadan, I feel the same way lil' bear
i feel like everything is falling apart, and as I said, I need a miracle! Please God, Please GOOD NEWS SOON!
I hope you feel better dear
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-09 09:38:00
Middle East and North AfricaTuesday!
Mornin All

gonna be some rain over the tri-state area tongue_ss.gif

I NEED A MIRACLE!!!!!!!!!!!! helpsmilie.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-09 09:20:00
Middle East and North AfricaHusband had his first job interview today!
I wanted to add that my husband also has perfectly straight teeth and gorgeous smile
you know how many times, IN HIS LIFE, he was fortunate enough to go the to the dentist? unsure.gif
well i am surprised, the people who dont frequent the dentist seem to not have as many cavities or problems
but those of us who are diligent and take extreme care suffer....mmmm why is that?
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-03 14:07:00
Middle East and North AfricaHusband had his first job interview today!
KS....i just wanted to say I have never smelled one funky smellin Indian in INDIA
however, here in US..different story., and I lived over there for quite sometime
also, I never really smelled Arabs in Morocco too, but, I have seen first hand from, my sweetie, mad.gif
that some of these guys need a class in HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES!
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-03 14:04:00
Middle East and North AfricaHusband had his first job interview today!
I am happy to see that you MENA women, for the most part, have some of the same issues here
I think, once my husband gets here, taking care of himself will be routine
it is hard to care about yourself when no one else does
when there is no one to impress or no work to go everyday

I dont tolerate it, I mean how do you tell someone you love and are attracted to, UMMM, YOU HAVE HYGIENE ISSUES??
and if they have those issues how then, are we, attracted to that??
oh ok, in the beginning they are impressing us, so they hide it, I think
after marriage, just the normal comfortableness of it all sets in....
I DUNNO whistling.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-03 10:56:00
Middle East and North AfricaEmbarrassing moments in front of MENA relatives
Meriem
that is COMICAL
and I too, even with my husband by my side, would have to miss parts of a movie Id be watching only because there were some "too suggestive" moments approaching
omg
i would say, baby, I feel like i am a child again, where I am not ALLOWED TO SEE KISSING OR PETTING or whatever

it just isnt respectable tv in morocco

now, what my hubby and i watch alone.....heehee devil.gif different story
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-08 14:49:00
Middle East and North AfricaEmbarrassing moments in front of MENA relatives
well me, being the very involved wife that I am and wanting so much to learn the language and impress my new family

I would try to remember how to say coffee in arabic and point to it

i would try to tell his very innocent innocent.gif mother that "this is coffee"

and i think i am saying coffee when really i end up saying something very vulgar...like balls or F&*#ing blush.gif ....lol

omg at times I would venture to say something and look to my husband only to have his eyes wide open whistling.gif and laughing to himself....like "omg, no she didnt just say that!"

he'll say ..."baby, just better not to try and say it at all, cuz you just can't say it" blink.gif

Edited by sandrila, 08 September 2008 - 02:46 PM.

SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-08 14:45:00
Middle East and North AfricaWelcome to Wednesday!
Sweet Peach....YOU ARE LUCKYYYYYYYYYYY
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! good.gif
I was praying for us all to hear some kind of good news.....IT IS HAPPENING!
MORE MORE MORE kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
what a relief, eh?

have a good one MENA
my god you guys start early

it is getting chillier by the day in the mornings here
my fasting is going better than expected, only the first week unsure.gif
i dont know how these people do over there blink.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-10 07:52:00
Middle East and North AfricaThursday
QUOTE (sandrila @ Sep 11 2008, 01:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Good Afternoon All

yes, it is getting chilly
I for one, am hot weather lover..yeah the coolness feels nice but it is only the beginning of what's to come

Julianna...good you be losing due to fasting?? I know I feel at least 5lbs lighter and my clothes getting more loose so I am just looking at this fasting also as a way to get healthier and feel better.

I do remember where I was and what I was doing on 9-11
when I hear or see clips of that day it still brings tears to my eyes
and look where we are now? really no closer to getting the people responsible for it

too far from Chicago to meet up and not able to gather the funds to join ya but i will be there in spirit
i wish I could have the chance to meet you sweet souls someday

still praying for us all to hear good news soon!



Happy Birthday Nawal!!!!!!!!!!!!!! star_smile.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-11 12:22:00
Middle East and North AfricaThursday
Good Afternoon All

yes, it is getting chilly
I for one, am hot weather lover..yeah the coolness feels nice but it is only the beginning of what's to come

Julianna...good you be losing due to fasting?? I know I feel at least 5lbs lighter and my clothes getting more loose so I am just looking at this fasting also as a way to get healthier and feel better.

I do remember where I was and what I was doing on 9-11
when I hear or see clips of that day it still brings tears to my eyes
and look where we are now? really no closer to getting the people responsible for it

too far from Chicago to meet up and not able to gather the funds to join ya but i will be there in spirit
i wish I could have the chance to meet you sweet souls someday

still praying for us all to hear good news soon!
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-11 12:18:00
Middle East and North AfricaAllah answered my prayers!
Congratulations and what a relief

I swear that God always gives us exactly what we need....and just in time good.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-12 08:00:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Friday !!!!!!
good morning everyone !

TGIF star_smile.gif

tasha sorry about your delay...it seems like everytime you think you got everything there is more you need
it is so worrisome putting our lives into the hands of these people. We only pray that they are professional enough to keep our documents with great care and concern.

Henia...I hope your day gets better, sometimes I have a whole week where I feel like that. Keep on keepin on...K

it is cloudy here and surprisingly the radio is playing..IT'S RAININ MEN!!!!!!!!!!!!! remember that tune??? lol

well anyway no amount of man downpour can equal my man!

hope you all have a nice weekend and please GOD please let us hear GOOD NEWS this upcoming week

I was excited to find a link...thanks to ASH...and well they give out free Qu'rans and I signed up and got mine
yesterday. It is a nice English translation, which I had been looking into for quite sometime
so I am excited to have something new to learn and pass my time

I pray that Ike comes and goes quickly without any devastation

Edited by sandrila, 12 September 2008 - 07:58 AM.

SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-12 07:57:00
Middle East and North Africaverbs in arabic
wacko.gif
I dont think I will ever really learn how to speak arabic
and it can even vary from city to city from what my husband told me
the only thing I focus on now, is just words and actually for the ones I do know, I am starting to recognize them when he speaks arabic
so for now that is fine enough for me
plus for pronunciation it is very difficult
good luck
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-12 09:23:00
Middle East and North Africahappy Birtday Zee!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAY ZEE
May the next year of your life bring you happiness peace and prosperity

GOD BLESS

Edited by sandrila, 15 September 2008 - 12:44 PM.

SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-15 12:43:00
Middle East and North AfricaVisa in hand!
congrats !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! good.gif
kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
that's 2 this week.....comeon baby let's see some more
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-12 14:49:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Monday MENA!!!
Goodmorning MENA

I hope you all had a nice and relaxing weekend.
I am praying we all get some good news very soon as soon the holidays are approaching and I cant bear the thought of not having my husband with me, yet another holiday season...last week we got 2 visas....comeon NVC....let's be generous during the season of Ramdan!

What day of fasting is this for us all??? 13 for me, 14 for some.
I am feeling good tho, thank GOD.

Have a great Monday

KS...hope you feel better soon!
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-15 08:53:00