Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Middle East and North Africa	interview for K-1	QUOTE (sandrila @ Apr 9 2008, 12:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (abdo @ Apr 8 2008, 06:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> i am posting my timeline to help new members to know about the timeline..!! ___________________________________________________ 10-14-2006 : met online 03-03-2007 : met in person 06-15-2007 : I-129F sent 07-02-2007 : I-129F recieved 11-15-2007 : approved at vermont 12-19-2007 : consulate in casa recieved the packet. 12-23-2007 : packet in hand 02-04-2008 : interview for K-1, not approved !! 04-01-2008 : call from the consulat for a second interview 04-17-2008 : second interview at 2.00 pm ------------- insha allah -------------- Hello and I am happy to be here with pure joy in my heart!!! For all of you who have read my last post about Tarik's interview being in AP, I just want to say WE GOT THE VISA!!!! I am totally shock...he got the call today, 4/8 from the consulate telling him to come 4/9 with passport for his visa..OMG we are just simply overjoyed!!! It is a feeling I cannot express These last 12 days had me really doubting whether any of this was going to work but thank god THANK GOD INSHALLAH!!! Thank you to all of you who responded with your helpful experiences and links... I know our fight is not quite over yet, as this is the K3 I get a little confused too, we are married yes...so we applied for the spousal visa first ........I-130 standard procedure is to file for the I-129F, even if we are already married..we do that to get him here quicker because the I-130 takes so much longer and hopefully when he is here, we can finish for his permanent residence here. Regardless....it is a miracle my baby is free! He is granted the simple respect of being with his wife and I am so happy! So, now if I can ask any other veterans here...what happens once we get him ticket? How long does the K3 last and what is the procedure of going thru the Port of Entry? Can he enter directly into my city's airport or does the government tell you which airport to fly into? I think he would be here within a week...GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL, dont discourage DREAMS REALLY DO COME TRUE!! OK OK someone help me too please i cant believe even with a lawyer i cant get K1 or K3 straight LOL I applied for the permanent residence first....I believe this is K1, which is why I listed that on my profile cuz ultimately that is the ONE we want BUT..we also filed the K3 right away, which I believe is the Fiancee visa I KNOW ....I thought it was strange too but it was the advice of the Lawyer..he said it works that way so i have K1 listed cuz he is my spouse and we are aiming for permanent residence but the visa we just applied for and got was the K3 I think i wont believe he got it until he says it is safe in his hand but in the meantime I am happy to share anything what I know with all of you I am sure that the CONGRESSMAN helped!! I do believe, anything you can do..DO IT and do it quick I heard that the petitions get sent back to USCIS here in the States but my lawyer said no and the congressman's secretary, who apparently deals alot with immigrations, told me it is all done electronically and not worry..and see ...I worried for nothing take care all	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-04-09 00:23:00
Middle East and North Africa	interview for K-1	QUOTE (abdo @ Apr 8 2008, 06:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> i am posting my timeline to help new members to know about the timeline..!! ___________________________________________________ 10-14-2006 : met online 03-03-2007 : met in person 06-15-2007 : I-129F sent 07-02-2007 : I-129F recieved 11-15-2007 : approved at vermont 12-19-2007 : consulate in casa recieved the packet. 12-23-2007 : packet in hand 02-04-2008 : interview for K-1, not approved !! 04-01-2008 : call from the consulat for a second interview 04-17-2008 : second interview at 2.00 pm ------------- insha allah -------------- Hello and I am happy to be here with pure joy in my heart!!! For all of you who have read my last post about Tarik's interview being in AP, I just want to say WE GOT THE VISA!!!! I am totally shock...he got the call today, 4/8 from the consulate telling him to come 4/9 with passport for his visa..OMG we are just simply overjoyed!!! It is a feeling I cannot express These last 12 days had me really doubting whether any of this was going to work but thank god THANK GOD INSHALLAH!!! Thank you to all of you who responded with your helpful experiences and links... I know our fight is not quite over yet, as this is the K3 I get a little confused too, we are married yes...so we applied for the spousal visa first ........I-130 standard procedure is to file for the I-129F, even if we are already married..we do that to get him here quicker because the I-130 takes so much longer and hopefully when he is here, we can finish for his permanent residence here. Regardless....it is a miracle my baby is free! He is granted the simple respect of being with his wife and I am so happy! So, now if I can ask any other veterans here...what happens once we get him ticket? How long does the K3 last and what is the procedure of going thru the Port of Entry? Can he enter directly into my city's airport or does the government tell you which airport to fly into? I think he would be here within a week...GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL, dont discourage DREAMS REALLY DO COME TRUE!!	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-04-09 00:15:00
Middle East and North Africa	interview for K-1	I have been so thankful to have found this helpful site and the information i have gained here, FROM REAL EXPERIENCES, has helped me way more than my Immigration Lawyer yes I have one and our petition has been hit with 221(g)! It is now 10 days since he got the letter and thanks to you all here, we have tried to intercept this thing before it is leaving.... how easy is it to actually speak to someone at the consulate in morocco? and how can you "really" get them to respond to your request? so far, I really dont know BUT we will not sit on this I emailed the consulate the next day..they did respond with their typical story I did contact our lawyer...he told me NOT to worry and it wasnt going to come back to USA he emailed the consulate..still awaiting his response I went directly to my local Congressman and had them personally contact the consulate and the Department of State the representative was SHOCKED, that out of all her experiences with consulates, Casablanca had responded the most expedient....2 days later so from our answers..it is STANDARD PROCEDURE....it is in security checks...OMG ( I thought that was why he had to obtain translated court and police records ) so I feel I still dont know a damn thing I dont know if having a lawyer really helps and I think the approval of his 129F expires on 4/29/08 unbelievable truly no one cares about our despair over being separated from our loved ones I tell ya what We have been married for over a year when his interview came had more than enough proof and everything in line he was hardly given any time and rushed out of there probably because it was LUNCH TIME now he is just hastily given a 221(g) WITHOUT EVEN LOOKING OR TAKING PICTURES for proof of our relationship! but yet so many people receive their visa in hand i just dont get it, but we are not giving up! good luck to you all who are still waiting like us, i just hope this all ends for us soon	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-04-06 17:43:00
Middle East and North Africa	Visa in Hand	QUOTE (Ash * Habibati @ May 7 2008, 10:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> CONGRATULATIONS JIHED AND ASH dance: When is the big day? Now you can relax Edited by sandrila, 07 May 2008 - 09:25 PM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-05-07 21:22:00
Middle East and North Africa	SUNDAY!!!	G'Day Nothing like a dreadful sunday..but ahhhhhh OFF TOMORROW!!!!!!!!! YEAH Happy Memorial Day....take some sun barbecue drink a little relax nice to finally be gettin a little summer weather Just trying to pass the time here in PA....no more Flyers now we need a miracle....still sitting in AP hoping to hear something in the next couple weeks keep us in your special thoughts	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-05-25 20:12:00
Middle East and North Africa	Memorial Day...share your family memories MENA BOARD	I dont know all the details cuz my pop pop never wanted to speak of the war He served in World War 2 I just know he was all over the place in the Navy God rest his soul and thanks to all who have fought and are still fighting to keep the world safe and fair and free	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-05-25 20:18:00
Middle East and North Africa	CR1 Interview and 221g	QUOTE (Virtual wife @ May 19 2008, 03:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Sandrila, are you saying that your man got a K3 visa already, but is going for a CR1? The CR1 is better, true, but if the K3 is in hand, why didn't you run with that? I'm not sure I understand . . . ? Virtual Wife Yes, we were so excited to receive to the K3 visa on April 10th BUT with the advice of our attorney, he told us to stay put there and wait for the CR1, which is what we really wanted. I wanted to have him come immediately with the K3 and had really argued with the attorney over it BUT he was firm in his advice to us. I was scared to pass up on the K3 but the lawyer stated how much money it would be to finish CR1 here AND more red tape so we had him stay back. He actually got the interview date the SAME day he received the K3 visa. Also, upon returning home from VISA IN HAND, he realized they put his birthdate incorrect on it. OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG, what could we really do at that point...should we risk him coming with that mistake and forgo the interview we really needed? I dont know and still dont know. I have a phone conference with the lawyer tomorrow and should know more. Is a IR1 the same as CR1....I swear as this process goes further I am more and more confused. Any help is welcome PLEASEEEEEEEEEEE	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-05-19 21:23:00
Middle East and North Africa	CR1 Interview and 221g	QUOTE (AlHayatZween @ May 18 2008, 10:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> i'm sorry you are feeling so down, Sandrila. But i really hope he hears some good news fast! Good luck! Thank you all for your kind words and support. I want you to know even though we are not coming face to face in real life, I feel like we know each other and have a comraderie here. I will say that the same 221g issued for our K3 is the same exact as we just received. After our K3 interview and receiving 221g, we waited 12 days before he got the visa in his hand. I hope, seeing the same paper and response, that will not wait more than this. We are down, but certainly not out.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-05-18 22:59:00
Middle East and North Africa	CR1 Interview and 221g	well...interview came....interview went and EXACTLY the same scenerio as the K3 they took his K3 and gave him 221 g for the CR1 Visa...now what? We are tired and heartbroken	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-05-16 23:27:00
Middle East and North Africa	Average wait time for CR1 in AP	It has been 6 weeks since my husband's interview for CR1 in Casablanca. I am just wondering if anyone thinks AP is standard process for this visa. My husband received his K3 on April 10th and that SAME DAY got his interview for CR1. I think this is rare because if he had NOT got that interview date that day he would have surely been here by now on the K3. Much to our disappointment our lawyer advised him to stay and wait out the CR1 because ultimately we want him to live in US permanately. NOW we kick ourselves in the ### for listening to him cuz we dont know how much longer we will wait. We are truly at our wits end and so depressed and missing each other terribly. Can anyone suggest anything we may do to follow up? I know we cant MAKE them move faster but this not knowing #### is really getting old. i know we are at the end, but we simply cant begin our life together or make any plans if we dont know when he can come. Any insight or support would be of great help at this time. Sandrila	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-06-24 16:48:00
Middle East and North Africa	Tis TUESDAY after all!	[color="#4169E1"]Tammy I am just bawling when reading your message here. I have not waited as long as you and sometimes feel I wouldnt survive if I had to. It has been 6 weeks for AP on a CR1 visa. We feel so hopeless and helpless. I know we are not alone but the days and nights without our loved ones feel so lonely and incomplete. I pray so hard that it isnt much longer but I am so afraid the long wait, which I thought was near over, is just beginning again. The hardest part for us to swallow is knowing we had a chance when he got his K3 visa. AP for that was only 12 days. Lawyer told us to wait out the CR1 interview because, our misfortune, brought us the K3 visa in hand and CR1 interview on the same date. Now I live everyday with guilt over whether we made the right choice or not. My husband was hit by a car 2 weeks ago. Most of that day I didnt know if he was alive or dead. Now he is injured and alone and I cant help him, I cant be there for him. I dont have the resources this time to fly there. The gov't doesnt give a #### about their living conditions, or if they live or die. I just feel awful and I dont know why if they issued his K3 so easy and so quick, why it is taking this long or even, how much longer we will have to live this way.[/color]	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-06-24 17:21:00
Middle East and North Africa	Tuesday is here!!!	QUOTE (mohamedandmelinda @ Jun 24 2008, 08:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hello Everyone!! I just want all MENA members to know how encouraging and supportive it is to have all you constantly wishing others well. In response to someone referring to our journey as a "rollercoaster ride", YOU COULDNT BE MORE CORRECT ON THAT ONE! It has truly gotten harder and harder to bear and if someone has never been denied access to their loved one, they can never really understand what we go through. Somedays are good and somedays are really depressing and being able to come here and just ask questions or just add some thoughts sure helps. Thanks MENA and as I wish anyone who is waiting for their answers GOOD LUCK, may GOD grant us all the chance to be happy and live together with those we love.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-06-24 17:07:00
Middle East and North Africa	Is anyone living in Morocco with their spouse while waiting for visa?	Oh most certainly I miss Morocco. Most I miss the times I share with my husband there. Very different life over there for most of our sweethearts. We could never never think to live there or have any good opportunities there. I also have children here, you cant live in peace leaving them or him what is more heartbreaking is that I dont have the resources to go there as much as I'd like the longest time apart was 10 1/2 mths...NEVER AGAIN now it has been over 3 hands down america wins for opportunity, prosperity and good, almost easy livin but morocco, of course, for it's laid back pace, cultural essence and exotic flavor will always remain more appealing i am waiting to see him come here BUT as long as it has been taking, I may have to go there at the end of the summer.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-06-25 22:40:00
Middle East and North Africa	IT's FRIDAY!!!!! in MENA LAND	philadelphia_skyline_fireworks.jpg   3.07KB   4 downloads  sparks_fly.jpg   4.75KB   7 downloads HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY TO ALL MENA GOD BLESS AMERICA LET FREEDOM RING I hope that we all will soon be reunited with our loved ones so we can make some sparks of our own We have the right to live in peace and happiness with our spouses!	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-07-04 14:01:00
Middle East and North Africa	IT's FRIDAY!!!!! in MENA LAND	HAPPY FOURTH EVERYONE I hope we all will reap the benefits our great country has to give #1 just living in peace and happiness with our loved ones looking forward to the next 4 days off headin to the shore have a happy and safe one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Attached Files  philadelphia_skyline_fireworks.jpg   3.07KB   2 downloads	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-07-04 13:08:00
Middle East and North Africa	Married my "Hot Arab" in Morocco	Congratulations!!! It sounds like it was just perfect. I too was married in Morocco and it was very unique. God Bless you both! OHHHHHHH what is it with Moroccans not celebrating birthdays? have you ever heard of such a thing? I am so excited for my husband to really LIVE LIFE AND BE COMFORTABLE soon, I pray soon	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-06-27 18:36:00
Middle East and North Africa	i got my visa VJ family	CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU !!!!	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-07-12 15:36:00
Middle East and North Africa	Recepies- anyone have some good Arab recepies?	QUOTE (brnidokiegurl @ Jul 22 2008, 09:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> i believe there is still a food thread in MENA I have a great book of MiddleEastern and North African receipes it's called....FROM THE LAND OF FIGS AND OLIVES	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-07-22 20:21:00
Middle East and North Africa	Making a list, checking it twice	amongst all the things you need to do while preparing for your beloved...take the time to pick out what you will wear when you see him again and by all means DRINK A LIL SOMETHIN....	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-08-01 14:39:00
Middle East and North Africa	friday....	I would love to be STUCK in Morocco I miss my baby it is near 4 1/2 months since I saw him	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-08-01 14:13:00
Middle East and North Africa	friday....	TGIF!!!!!!!! YAH WHOOO but sadly for me I work a 6 day work week BABYESHELL...I am waiting for my Tarik to come soon too...we are now 2 1/2 months in AP for CR1 i just saw your Tarik is coming and I wish I could know what it feels like to anticipate his arrival. Well actually I have been for a long time, but you know how this waiting drains us..I keep saying oh this summer you will be here and we will do this and that...HA HA yeah right! concerts coming, "i am going to do that with Tarik", friends weddings "going with Tarik" new movies, restaurants.." DOING ALL WITH TARIK" unfortunately for me Tarik is a ghost. My kids are older now, no napping required...LOL however they still need naps I always kept a pretty structured schedule with em..they work good that way I think you can view the solar eclipse on NASA.GOV....too bad we couldnt see it, yet again I wonder if anyone in Morocco could? They didnt mention Morocco as a country who could view it anywhooo Have a great weekend and may the new week bring for us, still in limbo, GOOD NEWS!! I also want to keep in our hearts and prayers, HENNAROSE and her BELOVED...may GOD give you the strength you need now and hope for the future	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-08-01 14:03:00
Middle East and North Africa	chicken rafisa	absolutely hands down one of my favorite moroccan dishes thanks so much for posting this yummy receipe i am going to practice it too before my baby gets here I HOPE HE COMES SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ras al hanout is the best spice blend ever i havent found anything comparable around Philly area...i always bring a ton back from Maroc just to have it surprisingly everyone here loves the chicken in a bag I make with just the flavor of Ras al Hanout	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-08-04 14:16:00
Middle East and North Africa	Where is Melinda????????	I know..I am sure her hubby was on his way..and you know once the men get here, maybe they dont want us going on VJ chatting and sharing our details...just a guess but I remember a girl named ASH....remember her? I think once she got her husband here, she was content. maybe she will update us soon caio Morocco4Ever...you and me in da same boat! I think I have done a total of 30 minutes worth of work today but nice catching up with y'all Edited by sandrila, 06 August 2008 - 02:55 PM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-08-06 14:54:00
Middle East and North Africa	You know you're Arab when...	"You're speaking arabic with someone and everyone (who isnt arabic) thinks you're arguing, but instead you're actually having a peaceful conversation. " I would have to say...this is true!! LOL So many times I would get all roused hearing him speak with family members only to find out they werent arguing Arabic is such a harsh and intimidating language	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-08-06 09:25:00
Middle East and North Africa	Flying within Morocco	My husband just had his first flight too..but not within Morocco. He was going from Maroc to Tunis...i imagine he needed a passport at least I was sad b/c I wanted his first time to be coming to America..oh well How is Oujda Maggie??? My hubby has family there Oh I am sure that if you try to stay in a hotel, they will give you hard time if you are not married and even if you are and dont have proof. Edited by sandrila, 06 August 2008 - 03:09 PM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-08-06 15:09:00
Middle East and North Africa	HAPPY WEDNESDAY MENA	Goodmorning all and thank you for starting these threads I enjoy seeing what you all are up to and certainly makes me feel a little less lonely	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-08-06 09:07:00
Middle East and North Africa	FAMILY BOOKS?	thanks so much everyone for your feedback we were married and had gotten an arabic marriage certificate but NO family book this is the first time I am hearing of it...hubby never mentioned it so it is NOT automatically given when you get your certificate of marriage?? well I am going to apply for one at the US consulate next time I return to Morocco, just so we are covered.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-08-07 10:35:00
Middle East and North Africa	FAMILY BOOKS?	I just got wind of what is called a family book something to do with Islam I guess or being married I have an arabic marriage certificate but never got a family book what is that?	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-08-06 15:12:00
Middle East and North Africa	Helping Henna	Just absolutely devastating to have that happen and not be able to be there in his country My heart goes out to you Henna Stay strong	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-08-06 09:11:00
Middle East and North Africa	Shoutout to all my MENA friends	You guys are the best! I dont know what I would do without all your support and seeing you support each other, your comments, your spirit, strength and perserverence...not to mention all the helpful and valuable immigration information you provide from all your experiences and research.. today...THANK YOU	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-08-08 08:48:00
Middle East and North Africa	Does your muslim husband mind if you drink?	QUOTE (merijan @ Aug 7 2008, 04:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Well it been very interesting reading all the posts on this subject. And after reading them I wanted to comment. My husband is Muslim from Pakistan, I am Muslim from here. I became Muslim over 13 years ago. So I get the thinking of some of the posts, however as a Muslim wife and woman I have become enlightened to many things. First of all if a Man is Muslim and he is not really practicing and he drinks, he is may seem easy going with this lifestyle and so on, but deep inside he has been taught many things and his religion is still there somewhere as well as his culture. So I find it hard to believe any Arab man would be ok with his wife haveing guys as friends. No matter how modern he is I think its only a matter of time before he cant tolerate it anymore. BUt each person is different. I say this because I was married to an Arab man for over 10 years , and I know how they think since most of my friends are Arabs also. I guess as American women we tend to pride ourselves in the word "freedom" and we focus too much on a word we call "control" . Well I must say since I became Muslim I began to see that there are such beautifull things in the way we should interact in society. First of all to me having male friends, and my hubby having female friends is not even an issue. What is my reason to have a male friend? or him to have a female friend? does it make him better as a husaband? or me as a wife? NO and in the end yes anything can lead to temptation, u never know ur circumstances in life when you could feel that moment something, or even a "male" friend could feel that with you.Why should you ever put that before the improtance of you and ur husband . And never would I let my hubby have female friends. Incase your living a totally different planet than me, u should know the male ego, and body and how it all functions. There is no room for that in a marriage. As far as drinking goes, well if he drinks you should be able to. of coarse. IF he cant follow his own relgion he should not expect anything diff from you. And if he is strong in his relgion yet he wants to marry outside of it, than he should be willing to accept the person he is marrying. I dont want to offend anyone, this is my opinion, my beleif , my conviction. Merijan, "I have become enlightened to many things. First of all if a Man is Muslim and he is not really practicing and he drinks, he is may seem easy going with this lifestyle and so on, but deep inside he has been taught many things and his religion is still there somewhere as well as his culture. So I find it hard to believe any Arab man would be ok with his wife haveing guys as friends. No matter how modern he is I think its only a matter of time before he cant tolerate it anymore." THANK YOU FOR THIS STATEMENT....ENLIGHTENED IS AN EXCELLENT CHOICE OF WORDS TO DESCRIBE WHAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING TO ME SINCE I MET MY HUSBAND "First of all to me having male friends, and my hubby having female friends is not even an issue. What is my reason to have a male friend? or him to have a female friend? does it make him better as a husaband? or me as a wife? NO and in the end yes anything can lead to temptation, u never know ur circumstances in life when you could feel that moment something, or even a "male" friend could feel that with you.Why should you ever put that before the improtance of you and ur husband . And never would I let my hubby have female friends. Incase your living a totally different planet than me, u should know the male ego, and body and how it all functions. There is no room for that in a marriage. " Excellent way to assess the importance of not letting opposite sex friends come between you and your spouse.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-08-07 10:55:00
Middle East and North Africa	Does your muslim husband mind if you drink?	QUOTE (morocco4ever @ Aug 6 2008, 04:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Sandrila I can relate to the issues you mentioned, and it had come up for us too, but I have also made it clear to him that some of this is not acceptable. I stated it from the start. He also said no men in the house. Well lets face it, men come to repair things in the house. How do you expect me not to allow him in the house, but still expect him to make repairs? I think some men come here and do change once they see that things are just different here. I think some come here and expect to much. If what he states is all livable for you then thats great. If not I suggest you start working on it now in the kindest way possible. Remind him that what he sees on TV does exist, but it exist there in Morocco as well. I made sure to point it out everytime I saw a Moroccan singer on TV that was dressed questionable. He would tell me that it was just TV, and they were stars and not everyone dresses that way. Bingo! I think you get my point. The US is not what they see on TV, just like any other country. Being married to an Arab can be hard, and it can be wonderful. But you need to think about how much of his demands are realistic, and how many you can live with? Work on it now so as to make it clear what to expect. You shouldn't have to change your entire personality to make him happy, keep that in mind. Well put and I agree	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-08-07 10:39:00
Middle East and North Africa	Does your muslim husband mind if you drink?	###### up #### faced obliviated wasted fired up lit hammered annihilated plastered any others?	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-08-06 14:27:00
Middle East and North Africa	Does your muslim husband mind if you drink?	This is a really great topic for me. I find that no girlfriends I have can even remotely understand how my husband is or why. I have to admit at times it is restricting but I find I like my husband being attentive and protective of me surely EVERYONE'S MARRIAGE is different and so are the boundaries you create in it I am a social butterfly so for me to be more restrained now, is a big change for me plus being extremely independent he has already told me to keep the men far...like any old friends (even if they are like family to me) cannot approach me physically at all like any kissin or huggin...you know what I mean...meet and greet NO! going out after work with co workers........light drinks NO!! nightclubs without him here...NO NO NO when I got back from Morocco April 2007..I got a new place and live alone (for now)...he always always always says NO MEN IN THIS HOME...he feels very firm about it not being tarnished by any male presence..extreme I know but this is how he feels in Morocco...he censored me totally in front of any male friends or acquaintances..some I couldnt even go near or talk to b/c they were "a certain kind of person" I couldnt drink, smoke, dance or do alot of things unless he deemed it appropriate Being out past 9...soooooooooooo questionable and NO I mean after marriage I was surprised to see how much more authority he assumed and believe me I never had a man like this in all my life! On top of it all he is some years younger than me but way more mature than any man 2x his age I adore him even if he does bust my chops It has been a change for me but a good change I feel. I have come to realize alot about respect for your spouse and how I may have been too easy in alot of my socializing (but then again, we are just used to living this way) I dont know why I feel the need to vent sometimes he drives me crazy..he is like a bloodhound and wants to know all about all but I love him and i am very happy to have him in my life he makes me feel special and I like the new world we are creating with each other I cant wait till he comes and I think once he is here and can actually meet and see the people I know ...he will relax more...right now he probably feels insecure and left out....plus with the reputation we have over here in America, I think he doesnt want me to be like all Americans...we are a great country but we have alot of growing up to do. I think alot of the wives on here can relate to some of the issues that I have stated. I hope for us all to be reunited with our darlings and have a happy life	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-08-06 14:12:00
Middle East and North Africa	Does your muslim husband mind if you drink?	Omg I am absolutely not allowed to have ANY male friends, past present or future, no matter what the connection even co workers can be in question it is all a matter of trust but i find...simply...men from either these countries, or who are muslim, simply do not tolerate the same lifestlye and openness that american men do it is better not to create any sense of insecurity or deceit with your spouse in the past, and being married to an american man, i found there was a total lack of respect on another level a level that i am just learning about now that I am with my moroccan husband i know now, after alot of experience that there should be no one above your spouse (other than children, of course) spouse should be your all, your best friend and there should be no where else to go for your needs, other than him guy friends and too much socializing could potentially sabotage the relationship...honestly when you spend so much time apart, the only person you should want to spend all your time with is your sweetie...I mean, girls, we need our "girl time" for sure, but entering male friends into the mix can cause alot of jealousy and doubt, which we all know is one of the 7 most deadly sins. I keep hearing this word clean, clean, clean do your husbands use this word alot too??? cant we still have had our experience and be american and still be clean??? It is possible for people to change too and see things from a totally different perspective, but I have to admit, you can take the girl out of america, but NOT the american out of the girl!! Edited by sandrila, 06 August 2008 - 09:04 AM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-08-06 08:59:00
Middle East and North Africa	Does your muslim husband mind if you drink?	I feel just because one is NOT a strict religious "Muslim" does not mean they are not Muslim. As we all can see from various Christian religions, one does not have to be that "devout" to continue with their somewhat religious, cultural and traditional attitudes and practices.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-08-06 08:47:00
Middle East and North Africa	Does your muslim husband mind if you drink?	My husband is Muslim and he does drink(not much), and certainly NOT during Ramadan time. We dont live together here in USA, yet. My husband doesnt mind me drinking, but drinking without him or out my with friends, NO If he knows I am drinking alone, in my home, or had a couple drinks over my girlfriend's house (during a reasonable time of day) he is ok...but going out to bars......HELL NO! NOT AT ALL..parties at people's houses whatever the occasion, is definitely going to ruffle his feathers, as he knows almost every social occasion or event is celebrated with alcohol..even after a long day of work deserves a drink. I am not much of a drinker. I mean I do drink but responsibly...I am 36 after all with 3 children and work on my plate so really how obliviated could I possibly get on a daily basis? His fear is that when one drinks, they lose their senses...or someone else could persuade or take advantage of me It is true that drinking too much does make one a little more sloppy, lax and forgetful Since I know what I can do and what I cant do with him, I usually dont push the envelope BUT being American and having lived with certain freedoms all these years, there are some instances that have to be met 1/2 way #1 we are only human #2 it does get damn lonely and boring without our loved ones #3 just because one cant see (insecurity), doesnt mean we are doing things UNCLEAN or NOT RESPECTABLE	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-08-05 09:57:00
Middle East and North Africa	ITS FRIDAY!!!!!!!	CONGRATS ZEEEEE	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-08-11 09:33:00
Middle East and North Africa	ITS FRIDAY!!!!!!!	THANK GOD IT'S FRIDAY!! Always the favorite day of the week! Goodmorning and may good things be in all our futures. Always a treat to come to work and see what y'all are up to. Weekends certainly mean relaxing OR having to catch up on all the errands and house chores that get put off during the week. Just having coffee, starbuck's actually, Colombian blend but made it myself I only actually had starbuck's one time, honestly with the cost of immigration fees and the lawyer, etc I CANT AFFORD STARBUCK'S! OMG..just now one of my co-worker's just got pulled over and busted for something! totally bogus!! It was a traffic violation and must have found something in his car! omg he got totally surrounded and bombarded by the whole fleet of police dont these morons have anything better to do...what a way to start a friday at work never a dull moment back to work now....have a great day MENA oh BTW...these little MENA babies are so precious...just love the pix I cant wait until we can start making one of our own Edited by sandrila, 08 August 2008 - 08:38 AM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-08-08 08:36:00
Middle East and North Africa	Any of my MENA peeps had this PM?	not that one and not on here in my personal email i get like 5 a day from various scammers PLEASE..you think all these people sitting around with bank accounts filled with money and they just picked me and all their poor families not deserving	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-08-11 08:40:00