Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Middle East and North Africa	Ok touched....????	everyone likes to be touched congratulations	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-09-24 13:43:00
Middle East and North Africa	Thursday		Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-09-24 15:26:00
Middle East and North Africa	Thursday	QUOTE (ridasgirl @ Sep 24 2009, 11:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hey everyone...been forever since I have been on...INSANELY BUSY since I brought my honey back with me, but things are starting to level out now. Rida will be taking the written test for his drivers license in the next few days or so and we are getting married one week from today!!! Hope all is well with everyone...have missed u tons! Melynda WOW! Welcome back! Congrats on your pending nuptials...I guess this is REALLY the Big Day, huh? Or had you gotten married there and just celebrating here? That is amazing Kenza. Take a lil rest girlfriend and double CONGRATS to hubby IHQ...bosses are such babies....aren't they? and we...are oh so under appreciated. What was it you did over there and is your boss American or Egyptian?	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-09-24 13:42:00
Middle East and North Africa	Thursday	Where's all my peeps? Yes prayers for HLM...the girl is ready to pop any day now Aya, hello dear Lunch already?? I'm heading out on my walk....day 4 and 8 days since I had a smoke. I am trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle. I dunno what happened to me since hubby arrived	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-09-24 10:58:00
Middle East and North Africa	Thursday	Hey Jax!!!! You are getting closer to your reunion as well. Hardly recognize you with your new avatar. Charles is rolling in the dough! Now we can have a pizza party on Friday!!! Nice day here. Nothing much to report but I did have a nice evening all around.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-09-24 08:39:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ramadan 2009	QUOTE (Melly 2 @ Sep 1 2009, 06:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hello ladies Hope everyone is enjoying and making the most of this Ramadan. The subject of food at iftar has come up in at least a couple of threads, and I wanted to make some points about this because there seems to be some misconceptions going on. Ramadan is NOT about iftar and eating special foods that take a woman all day to cook. Ramadan is a month that we fast for Allah alone, seeking his pleasure and trying to get closer to him through our acts of worship. Sure, a woman can earn reward for cooking for her husband, but why does it need to be some huge special affair every day during Ramadan? If anything, it should be less. This month has turned into a month of over indulgence for so many people and personally I think that's sad and I find it goes against what the whole month is about. A woman deserves just as much time to worship during this blessed month as a man, and anyone who keeps their woman cooking in the kitchen all day should be ashamed of themselves. That woman is missing out on getting closer to Allah and is instead cooking food that will be gone within a day, with nothing left to show of it except a little more padding on the families butts. Can you imagine the prophet, salallahu alayhi wassalam, demanding his wives to stay in the kitchen cooking for them, or that they better have dinner ready in time? He broke his fast with dates and maybe milk, not huge meals that left people sleeping the next few hours off. I know that this post probably won't make any difference but I still felt it should be made. Wishing you all a Ramadan filled with blessings and may Allah forgive us all our sins, ameen. I think it is a good valid point Melly.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-09-02 13:12:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ramadan 2009	It's been pretty smooth for us so far too Nawal. Hope you all are doing well girlfriend.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-08-26 15:24:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ramadan 2009	Well I am glad to hear that others have heard of refraining from anything sexual or indecent or arousing especially during the times recommended or the season of Ramadan in general. I got a little upset cuz I said "wait a minute" so if you aren't going for the reasons of Ramdan are you saying that there is the chance, by you seeing scantily clad women, that it arouses you? silly me But like you metioned, it is "human nature" I didn't want to go on about it cuz let's face it we all have eyes and just because we "see" with them doesn't mean we are looking and even "thinking" indecent thoughts. It is possible to be at a swimming pool or the beach without drooling with mouth dropped open wide. I just thought it was a little extreme to refrain from spending a grueling hot day at the pool with your family because you feel the bikinied women would be inappropriate for you to be exposed to. Amanda...I am positive alot of us are irritable due to our hunger, thirst and lack of tobacco I KNOW that our men can be trying during this time. It is even hard for me to tolerate at times. Edited by Sandrila, 26 August 2009 - 12:56 PM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-08-26 12:53:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ramadan 2009	I know squeaky isn't here to answer but is there something wrong or "unclean" about a muslim man being on a beach or in a pool area where there are women out and about in swim suits and/or bikinis? Is it related at all to the point of not having any sort of sexual or impure thoughts or visions during this Ramadan season??? just askin	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-08-25 10:51:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ramadan 2009	QUOTE (Meriem_DZ @ Aug 18 2009, 01:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> For those that don't have access to fresh dates, Fernandez date farm is where I have ordered my dates for the last 2 years. They are priced right and taste delicious. It took 2 days from order to delivery. I order the large dates. Website for Fernandez dates Recipe for Algerian stuffed dates. Ramadan Mubarak!!! Meriem omg YOU RULE i can't believe you found the receipe...I just love those stuffed dates and I can't wait to get my hands on some good plump ones	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-08-18 14:11:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ramadan 2009	I know what you mean Turia. Some people are so ignorant and opinionated.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-08-03 13:36:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ramadan 2009	It's alot of info and technicalities to take in but I am learning alot from you guys. Thanks for the info. What day is it now of Shaban Squeaks?	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-08-03 09:48:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ramadan 2009	QUOTE (UmmSqueakster @ Jul 13 2009, 01:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I'm always excited for Ramadan Can you tell, lol? I made harira this weekend, but I wasn't too enamoured with it. I'm sure that it's my fault - I used ground lamb, since I didn't have any lamb chunks, and I think I put too many noodles in. I'll have to try it again in a few week, after I visit the halal store. We're actually thinking of hosting iftars this year, so I'm trying to find impressive foods to serve I have a few ramadan muzlim lolcats in the works. If anyone has any kitty pics that look like a very hungry cat, or a praying cat, or something islam related, send em my way. Also, I've finally convinced AbuS that he should do some Egyptian traditions during Ramadan. He has requested that I save all the paper scraps we normally recycle for decorations. Now I'm worried Squeaky I made my first Harira like 2 days before you did and girl it was so good! Sorry to say my husband t'd me off so badly. I was trying to make it special for him and you know he just nit picked about it missing some ingredients that his mother uses when she makes it and I told him there are always a handful of takes on any receipe...HE NEVER EVEN TRIED IT!!! I was so upset but it was soo darn good. He is very difficult to please with Moroccan stuff and always has to comment about it. I have cooked some excellent dishes. There is not one Moroccan dish I have made that was not delicious. Anyhow... I read an article on the "IDEAL MUSLIM HUSBAND" which was written on behalf of women because it seems as though they are always being bombarded with how to be THE GOOD MUSLIM WIFE. I feel that men should own up to their duties as well and I wonder if they know what they are. One of the points mentioned stated that the Prophet never complained about what was put in front of him. He would eat what he liked and if he didn't he would politely decline. This is fine but when the food is clearly edible and certainly very very near the exact as his mother's I just don't get it. It was dicouraging. If any of you women are interested in this article The Ideal Muslim Husband on another note I will not get up just for suhoor. probably a good idea as some of you have noted the days are so long...add the normal fasting hours to your sleeping hours plus a few before bed and I am one hungry woman! This will be my 2nd year fasting and although was not 100% on every point I did not EAT at all during fasting hours. That for me was a big deal and this year I am going to do my best to cover all the bases and I am not even Muslim. Edited by Sandrila, 24 July 2009 - 01:52 PM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-07-24 13:48:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ramadan 2009	Harira allreceipes.com...put in Ramadan and you can see what comes up Edited by Sandrila, 10 July 2009 - 03:17 PM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-07-10 15:16:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ramadan 2009	It is not my core reason to "lose weight" due to fasting during Ramadan however, as I said last year, I hope it will help to jump start it! I love those cheese wedges. I have not been able to find comparable olives to the ones we get in Maroc but I love olives just the same. I did find the coveted ARGAN oil..which was 40.00 and I got it on sale for 20.00 (thank GOD) Just wondering if I can use that the same as olive oil or only for moroccan cooking. what do you think?	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-07-10 14:03:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ramadan 2009	I already started gathering some receipes to make during Ramadan for hubby and me. I am going to make Harira this weekend and some kind of Lentil/Beef Moroccan Stew. I want to give it a test run so I know I can do it properly. Plus I haven't cooked anything Moroccan for us in a while. Jackie thanks for the idea of the cheese wedges, yes they are good and DATES and OLIVES	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-07-10 13:53:00
Middle East and North Africa	TGIFriday!	KENZA!!! YOU GO GIRL!!! THIS IS THE DAY YOU HAVE LONG AWAITED ParisHeart....my BFF is headin to Paris in Oct....lucky B1atch	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-09-25 14:13:00
Middle East and North Africa	TGIFriday!	Mornin lady	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-09-25 09:58:00
Middle East and North Africa	TGIFriday!	Morning Fall is here....nice sunny day for today but not looking so hot this weekend. I got a little party at my sister's house tonight and tomorrow night will be one without any kids Enjoy your day peeps and Turia	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-09-25 09:34:00
Middle East and North Africa	MIL got her Traveling Visa!!!!!!!	Wow that is very cool	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-09-22 09:26:00
Middle East and North Africa	Somebody got a bday on Friday	BRIDGET...."they say its your birthday.." HAPPY BIRTHDAY and many happy returns of the day!!	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-09-25 09:32:00
Middle East and North Africa	wearing rings	QUOTE (karimcharleen @ Aug 29 2009, 02:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Y's_habibitk @ Aug 29 2009, 10:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> i wonder if they do when they are engaged to a girl from there or if its a american fiance phenomenon, or if its a moroc thing just curious well, not everyone i know that is with a moroccan is from the usa, some are from other countries too, and they still wear a ring with them, so i would have to say it's NOT just an american fiance phenomen like you want to make it out to be. i see you dealt with jordan, not morocco, so would be kinda hard for you to really answer this i'd think. so pls keep the rude type of remarks to yourself.....thank you!!! Hubby had a really inexpensive ring when we first got married. That one was total ####### that he got another in place of it...when he got here the temporary one got too tight and he removed it. It has been a really long time that he hasn't been wearing a ring. We had planned to get another when we could, we still haven't yet. I guess alot of other women could technically approach him as he doesn't appear to be married	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-08-31 14:24:00
Middle East and North Africa	Need advice before trip to Morocco	I have been to Morocco 4 times since December to see my fiance. You can email me at jillanderson65@yahoo.com It's too much information to write on here.....good luck Jalilla [/quote] I want your job!!!!!!!!!!!	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-08-18 13:01:00
Middle East and North Africa	Need advice before trip to Morocco	QUOTE (Sofiyya @ Aug 16 2009, 03:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Sorry, Mandy. I see so many red flags from your story that I don't understand why you're in such a rush to go meet him after just a few months. My husband is Moroccan; my family is Palestinian, but we've been in Morocco since the 1920's, and I know the culture very well. It is a Third World country in many ways, very tribal in many ways, although it's rapidly developing into a European and Middle Eastern playground. It enjoys a very close affilitation with France, warm relations with other European countries, and is quite moderate in it's acceptance of other cultures and religious faiths. Still, I can imagine that an American woman with little experience with non-western, non-Christian cultures would have to make many adjustments to living in Morocco. Living there would not be the same as making a short visit. Generally, Moroccans are very family oriented, so I understand his need to be close with his family. Also, it is important that his immediate family not only know, but like his intended for harmony to exist between them. That he doesn't want you to meet his immediate family may not mean that he is married, but that he is not ready to present you to them, as it would mean more to them than he wants it to mean, at this time. It may also be a way of preserving your honor; a woman who stays with or travels alone with a man not her husband would not generally be thought of as the best marriage material for a desirable Moroccan man. There are plenty of parents who would not appreciate her. When you marry MENA, you marry the family. It sounds to me as though he has a pretty level head, knows what he wants, has been pretty honest with you about his limitations, hasn't promised you anything, and said nothing substantively designed to raise your hopes in a way that he cannot meet your romantic expectations. You may be trying to read between the lines to find some way to find a silver lining in his hestiation to reassure you that you are the one for him, but it seems that, at least for now, you are not. Love feels good, but love alone is not enough to sustain a relationship. Those we may love aren't always the ones we should be with. IMO, you have not known this man long enough to really know who he is, and that is why you feel confused and insecure. My husband and I didn't meet in real life until after talking for nearly 3 years, then we married 10 days later. I'm not saying you should take that long. Now, even we wish we'd met sooner, but, especially when minor children are involved, it's always best to proceed prudently and with caution before entering into a significant relationship that will not only alter your life, but their's too. Some of the best love you can find is between people who let their relationship grow and mature as they got to know each other better. Our meeting after patiently developing our emotional closeness as well as our emotional boundaries while apart made us more comfortable together and far more knowlegable of each other because we were not strangers in love, but best friends who became garments to each other. You say you are a Christian, which means you have faith in the Creator. A true believer in God knows that He is the very best of Planners, and He needs for you to trust that He has a plan for you to follow. If now is not the best time, or this man is not the best man for you, know that when one door closes, He will open another door for you. Consider that by meeting too soon, you may destroy in days what may become ripe and ready for you both at another time, if it is to be. Don't go with doubt in your heart. Take the time to see if he will move closer to you. No matter what happens, believe that you deserve a mutually satisfying relationship that doesn't make you falter, but gives you the strength to keep moving toward each other. This man you desire to be with has set definite boundaries and made them clear to you. Believe what he says, and don't be so willing to give so much of yourself or your possessions to someone who is holding back, for you are worthy of far more. MENA men are first and foremost just men, and, for our own good, we should set high expectations for them and for ourselves when considering a marriage partner. The time you spend waiting for what you need from him, is time wasted in getting what you need, perhaps, yes, with someone else. Denying the signs that this is less than what you need also sets you up to be taken advantage of by less scupulous men. If your goal is to marry well, you must focus on men who are desirable marriage material, who are ready to marry, and who also see you as desireable marriage material. In your quest for a husband and stepfather to your children you must demand no less. I hope that I have said something useful to you and helped you to find some peace. Best wishes! I think this was a VERY intelligent response and beautifully written	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-08-18 12:48:00
Middle East and North Africa	Need advice before trip to Morocco	Welcome and I can tell you certainly have alot going through your mind. It is exciting that you will be visiting in Morocco and having a chance to meet this person you have grown so close to. I think you are wise to ask others of their experience and also in questioning his intentions and how all this can affect your life. First of all Morocco is a nice place to visit, depending on where he lives and how financially secure he and his family are. I myself could live there but because I also have children, I could never be at peace there without them. I think it is selfless of him to encourage you to do what is right for your children. It is easy to get caught up in love and the exoticness of the culture, however, you need to think rationally not emotionally. You may jump in head first without thinking much about the future and that can be hasty. I think that fact that he tells you not to limit yourself to him, not to put your wants/needs before the children and that he cannot financially carry the load of a family now says alot. The fact that he doesn't want to live here is going to put a tremendous strain on you to come up with a plan to visit regularly or live there and both of those means may not be feasible. There are just as many successes and failures on here but in retrospect I would not be willing to go to such lengths or impose some irreversible damage to my relationship with my children unless I was 100% convinced this man was in it for the long haul and could support himself and me. Too many times we women give our all, financially and emotionally. I think the best test of a man and his character is for him to go the distance. For you to have to sacrifice all for the relationship doesn't seem fair. At least it should be 50/50. Where can he meet you in the middle? It is alot to take on so early in your relationship and going there will only make you more attached to him. It may be hard to do but when I read your post I see he is giving alot of signals that it may not be something he wants to commit to and his reasons are clear. I commend him for not wanting to take any money or financial support from you, in the end that could cause resentment and regret on both parts. Good Luck in your decision. Have a safe trip.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-08-17 09:38:00
Middle East and North Africa	Morrocan memebers please HELP !!	Wow Sinad....you have been waiting for that day to be confirmed. My husband had both his interviews in Casablanca and he saw the lady Dr. there. I can't believe I forget her name. Plan on running around that day...getting xrays, obtaining the vaccinations you need from Pharmacy and copies of things. Make sure to bring plenty of cash on hand for those things. Dr. Khadija ZIRARI ep. EL OUAZZANI 29, Rue Tahar Houcine Tel: 022-20-75-80 / 022-29-75-80 Fax: 022-49-16-81	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-09-25 14:28:00
Middle East and North Africa	Monday!	Terry Hey Dorothy!	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-09-28 14:08:00
Middle East and North Africa	Monday!	Feel better soon Jess, it's really going around. Jax...hey girlfriend...keep ur chin up	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-09-28 09:44:00
Middle East and North Africa	Monday!	Morning ladies! Sinad, I bet it is beautiful right now in Rabat! What cakes are you makin? I can't believe Oct 1st is Thursday and my baby girl's 10th birthday! It's been that long since I have had a child. WOW!	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-09-28 09:10:00
Middle East and North Africa	Tuesday	chiming in late....HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! yeah this strain of the flu is pretty bad and taking a long time to run it's course. all that is left for me is still some phelm in the chest with a tad of a hacking cough along with some stomach issues..other than that I feel normal.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-09-30 10:53:00
Middle East and North Africa	Tuesday	Annie how cold does it get in AZ? I am under the assumption that it doesn't get cold there but then I saw that pix in Las Vegas when it snowed last winter. RedBull........girl...that is hubby's newest addiction....doesn't help the wallet much	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-09-29 13:51:00
Middle East and North Africa	Tuesday	Betsy good thing you nipped that in the bud when you did. I did not see a Dr...but my boss and joke around that we "may" have swine. I mean it is 2 weeks for me and I am ok but not 100%..... whatever it is it is a kicker and hope you are on the mend soon so you can back to your nesting business	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-09-29 12:51:00
Middle East and North Africa	Tuesday	Cold weather here too! Getting into the upper 60s the next couple days Fall is here. Kelz I was starting to think about all the fun fall things to do...apple pickin...pumpkin patch and ideas for the halloween costumes. I better get on it. First I have to tackle my youngest child's 10th bday Thursday with a roller skating/blading party on Saturday. Maureen...what happened yesterday? Betsy...SWINE FLU? r u sure?? I know I am still 2 weeks into what I got and I am not 100%. I feel fine but still got some remnants lingering. I hope those still waiting hear some good news and those of us who are ill get better soon. Charles ...that's a pretty long list of nothing I really want to see and I have been on a movie watching roll lately. Enjoy the day peeps..it can't be over fast enough!	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-09-29 09:02:00
Middle East and North Africa	I need more education on halal foods	QUOTE (MrsAmera @ Feb 11 2009, 09:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I am going to agree with UmmSqueakster on this one. He doesn't get it yet, he's not here. My husband said "yes of course I only eat halal" until he moved to BFW (BF Wisconsin) and there was no halal meat. He hates vegetables, so that left him with fruit and beans, and it lasted ooooooh a day?? After talking to the imam at the mosque it was quite ok for him to say bismillah and dig into grocery store meat. Also this may cause an uproar but the Quran says it's permissible to eat the meat of the people of the book. Turkey, chicken, beef, all pob (people of the book) food. For us it's not an issue now. Also when a pound of ground beef at the halal store is $6 and a pound of ground beef at the grocery store is $3 come on. Economics come into consideration. We have 4 mouths to feed! As for the family this was an issue. We had to be very careful what we ate at first. This year was the first Christmas gathering where everyone was VERY accomodating and left pork items off the menu. It really was so much more relaxing and easy for us. The hardest is the kids. For example we eat pepperoni pizza, with turkey pepperoni, however when we're with my family they have pork pepperoni, it's pretty tough to explain to a 4 yr old why he can eat something that looks the same at home but not at grandma's. We've since talked to him about it and I think it's ok now. But you should have seen the death stares of my family when he was throwing a fit because we wouldn't let him eat the pepperoni pizza.... He always says Bismillah and i think he has resorted to the fact that #1 it is not that easy for us to get the halal meat #2 it is more cost effective and #3 he will be forgiven for eating the only meat that is available as long as it is not PORK. Plus after having not eaten the Pork, even tho he could get it in his country and the fact that is ingrained in him that is not good for various reasons I think he doesnt want to eat it anyway, he doesnt even like the smell..it is very distinct to him, kind of like the lamb smell with me. Edited by sandrila, 12 February 2009 - 11:40 AM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-02-12 11:39:00
Middle East and North Africa	I need more education on halal foods	I thought it was going to be a major issue but i havent had much luck finding may halal meat markets and the one we went into the first time he came, he didnt like the smell of it. I just dont give him anything at all with pork meat. I dont get too involved with reading the labels and he has never really specified that to me. I know sometimes he will check the meat out and he says it looks different. I believe our meat is not as fresh and loses it quality and appearance by the way it is killed and freezing it. He is not that strict. If is not pork he is fine, other than that he doesnt fuss about where I have to buy the meat and if is halal. It does make my life a little easier but if it were an issue I would certainly oblige.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-02-11 09:28:00
Middle East and North Africa	WEDNESDAY	i guess we all are feeling a little blah today and nothing much to report	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-09-30 13:44:00
Middle East and North Africa	WEDNESDAY	QUOTE (?J+I? @ Sep 30 2009, 09:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> oh my what a nice way to start a WED here in MENA Did anyone see Dillinger?	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-09-30 09:35:00
Middle East and North Africa	Congradulations to Melynda (Ridasgirl) and Rida	Love Peace and Happiness be with you today and everyday in marriage. CONGRATULATIONS!!!! aw man...those cakes look DELICIOUS!! Edited by Sandrila, 01 October 2009 - 01:00 PM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-10-01 13:00:00
Middle East and North Africa	Thursday	Isn't that how it is ...Halloween comes with Christmas shoved down our throats....seriously this holiday thing creeps up sooner and sooner thanks commercialism.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-10-02 08:58:00
Middle East and North Africa	Thursday	OH Turia! Bless his little heart!!!! He is adorable. Thanks so much for sharing and I keep you in my prayers sweetie that you get on the mend quickly! G'night peeps Whistle about to blow!!	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-10-01 15:55:00