tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54856864485622864692024-03-13T21:48:04.164-07:00American Girl in JordanMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634378777964668707noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485686448562286469.post-48188058382533370952012-12-10T23:58:00.000-08:002012-12-10T23:58:54.332-08:00Layla's Birthday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Arabic Word of the Day: little girl = bint sagiirah<br />
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Five years ago, I was blessed with the birth of my third child, my only daughter. It seems like yesterday that she was just a prayer in my heart. Her birthday, like everyday, I look at her with wonder and happiness. These are the times when I do not want to kill her. hehehe. No matter, I love my baby girl. Happy Birthday , Layla!<br />
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Here are some snapshots of her special day. Photographer extraordinaire, I am not! If you notice, not too many pics with Rami and Adam. I deleted most, because the boys looked less than thrilled. Surprise, Surprise! They had to be dragged.<br />
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634378777964668707noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485686448562286469.post-81966796834214033612012-12-08T01:48:00.000-08:002012-12-08T01:48:05.419-08:00Celebrate a New Baby BoyA fun Arabic tradition is to have a party celebrating the birth of a son. If you remember, my sis-in-law had a baby boy a few weeks ago. He is a cutie named Laith. He is her third child after two beautiful daughters, so you know his birth party would be an elaborate affair.<br />
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food - check<br />
decorations - check<br />
many people - check<br />
dancing - check<br />
give lit candles to children to hold - check (When I saw this, I bit my tongue so hard, I bled a little)<br />
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Sons are very important in Arab countries. Sons are raised to be protectors and providers for the family. Many sons live in the family house for their entire lives, including their wives and children. This tradition ensues that a mother and father are provided for in the twilight years instead of with strangers in a nursing home.<br />
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We had Laith's party when he was 2 weeks old at our newly built apartment. My sister-in-law looked beautiful and radiant. Her husband was a handsome and proud papa. It was a wonderful evening.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS261YEp2eu93WF8mMJmADcitVpfg7K3jdfw6YrHvjOUFrbnmUltck6T6hjzTi1vwJtWj5lCLJXmh2KKGay8RAB4V0eekxUBk_vV8IprMygxgVQ9I9uxH44gShQejN1w6MQoZs8innce5f/s1600/IMG-20121123-00185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS261YEp2eu93WF8mMJmADcitVpfg7K3jdfw6YrHvjOUFrbnmUltck6T6hjzTi1vwJtWj5lCLJXmh2KKGay8RAB4V0eekxUBk_vV8IprMygxgVQ9I9uxH44gShQejN1w6MQoZs8innce5f/s1600/IMG-20121123-00185.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My beautiful sons and daughter with their cousin.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Sanaa and baby Laith</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Mom and Dad, Laith!</td></tr>
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Arabic word of the day: Son = ibn<br />
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You may be asking yourself what kind of party my two sons had. We had a great, big .......NOTHING. Which is unfortunate because Rami was the first male grandchild in Ray's family. To be fair, we certainly did not have the funds for a decent celebration, and Ray has forgotten many Arabic traditions over the years. Incredible as it seems, I have been the ______ American girl for many years.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634378777964668707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485686448562286469.post-52198733046970152772012-11-17T22:23:00.000-08:002012-11-17T22:23:19.427-08:00Layla<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Layla is my youngest child and only daughter. She is a beautiful child inside and out, with personality, joy, laughter and play. Too bad for me, she also has her father's temper. This little girl can throw a mind blowing tantrum. Her fits are loud, insane, and when it is over, the house, myself, and she look like we barely escaped the wrath of a tornado. <br />
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For the last month, I have searched for new discipline ideas for our problem. Because I am her mother, I cannot use the same tactic that I use during one of my husband's episodes, which is ignore it, ignore it, ignore it until it is finished. It has been proven to be ineffective to spank her, have her sit in time-out, take away her candy money, keep her inside from playing, etc. I was in need of new ideas, fast!<br />
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My first new idea was to encourage the bad behavior. Take her power away and laugh at her. When she screamed, I would say, "Again!", clap my hands and laugh at her. Boy, was she infuriated! I kept on laughing at her. Definitely not my finest parental moment, but at least I was in a good mood after her tantrum, instead of wanting to strangle her. We have not repeated the performance, and never will, but Layla did apologize and quietly cleaned her mess. <br />
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I am now implementing my second idea. Everyday she receives a star on the board for not having a tantrum. Her job is to keep the star on the board all day, and receive another star the next day. When she receives 5 stars, we buy a new toy. If she has a tantrum, she loses her star for the day. It took her six days to get 5 stars. She only had ONE tantrum in six days. We are taking steps in the right direction. Now she has her eye on a more expensive toy, so today we begin our ten star journey. Wish us luck!<br />
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Arabic Word of the Day: Sick = Mariid<br />
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Today, Layla is home because she is sick. All day yesterday, she did not want to go to school, because she learned that Zayna (my husband's friend's daughter, who is the same age as Layla) was not going to school while her father was visiting from America. I tried explaining that Layla could only use that excuse when Ray was visiting. She remained convinced she would not be going to school, and to prove it, she ran a high fever all night.<br />
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How do you say, I am sick = Ana mariidan.</div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634378777964668707noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485686448562286469.post-43654615067804627832012-11-10T23:39:00.000-08:002012-11-10T23:39:17.998-08:00Baby<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Arabic word of the day: "booboo" means "baby" in slang Arabic.<br />
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We have a new baby in the family. How exciting! My sis-in-law, Sana, now has a beautiful baby boy. His name is Laith. I know I am biased, but he is gorgeous! (Of course, only in third place, because my two sons are tied for first place in the gorgeous boy competition.)<br />
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On another note, we have completed the apartment next to mine. It turned out great. I cannot tell yet whether it was worth the cleanup and aggravation. I am still a little sore.<br />
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It is finally sweater season! Hooray! It seems that summer does not last forever after all. Thank goodness!</div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634378777964668707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485686448562286469.post-26713088537866339822012-11-07T02:24:00.000-08:002012-11-07T02:24:37.287-08:00SpinachArabic Word of the Day: sabanik = spinach<br />
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One of the good things about Jordan is that the government subsidizes fresh food. Fruits and vegetables are cheap as long as you do not buy them at a chain grocery store. The streets are filled with roadside produce vendors, markets, and even neighborhood trucks that travel from house to house selling fresh fruits and vegetables.<br />
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When you buy produce that is cheap, there is usually some work involved. It can become what I like to call a "family affair". Put the kids to work!<br />
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For example: Yesterday, I bought 5 kilos (about 12 lbs.) of freshly picked spinach for 1 JOD ($1.40). It took about 45 minutes for Layla and I to pick all the leaves, store in plastic bags for the refrigerator, and clean the kitchen floor afterwards. The boys were grateful to have homework during this time.<br />
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But now I have 4 gallon sized bags of spinach leaves. Green Monsters, twice a day, here I come!<br />
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<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634378777964668707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485686448562286469.post-88163615966908497752012-09-17T10:35:00.000-07:002012-09-17T10:35:01.393-07:00Coffee at AHSS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Arabic word of the day:<br />
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school = "madrasah"<br />
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Today at Rami and Adam's school, parents were invited to watch the first three periods of the day. For Adam, this meant I could observe his Math, Arabic, and English class.<br />
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Overall, I was very happy with Adam. He has made so much progress since last year. Of course, there are many things Adam and I need to work on throughout the year, such as writing and spelling in Arabic and English. Wish us luck!<br />
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634378777964668707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485686448562286469.post-74382650188050573742012-09-13T02:44:00.000-07:002012-09-13T02:44:04.689-07:00First Time at a Group Yoga Class<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I love yoga. I love the way I feel when I practice yoga regularly. But alas, I have been in an exercise rut lately. HAH! Well not lately. To be completely honest, I have been exercise lazy for the last..........5 years. Whoops!<br />
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Now that the kids are back in school,<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids are excited for the first day of school. Can't you tell?!</td></tr>
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I have decided to get my exercise groove on. Yesterday, I toured two exercise facilities.<br />
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First, I toured Fitness First, a complete gym experience. Wow! It had lots of everything I could think of and some things I hadn't. It was incredible, and it had the price tag to prove it. It will have to go on my wish list.<br />
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Second, I toured One With Nature Center. They have group yoga and pilates classes that I am interested in. I decided to try the yoga class today, and a pilates class next week.<br />
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Finally, next week I will tour One II One's Barre class before I make my final decision between which classes I will join. <br />
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Today, I participated in my very first group yoga class! In the past, I have always been what you would call a solo practictioner. I was never comfortable exercising in front of people. I am still not in my confort zone, but I have the say the class was okay. I liked the instructor, and her voice was very soothing. My one complaint is that we did not do too many different poses for an hour and a half class. We did a lot of breathing. Also, she did not play any music until the very end of class. Is this a normal occurrence in a group class? All in all, it was a good experience. I may just go again next week. We will wait and see.<br />
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I have decided to make my own energy granola bars. I have been searching the Web for recipes, and searching Amman grocery stores for healthy ingredients (which is very difficult, that is for another post). Today, at Cozmo, I found a seasoning pack for Cookie Spices. It gave me a laugh. Check it out.<br />
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I had to buy it. It will taste great in my date oatmeal bars. lol<br />
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634378777964668707noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485686448562286469.post-10929546533663443972012-09-11T04:27:00.002-07:002012-09-11T04:27:26.076-07:00Drivers License Running Around<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
***Update******<br />
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Yesterday, I had 48 views on this blog. Wooohooo! I think you guys are amused by my ridiculousness. Since I have an increase in followers, I have a question to ask. Do you have any questions about Jordan or thoughts that you want me to answer or share on my blog? I am open to discussing any topic that may bring a laugh or a smile to your day. You can either comment on this post, or you can email me at melissaashour@yahoo.com. I cannot wait to hear from you!<br />
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<b><u>Back to the Post:</u></b><br />
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Yesterday, Teta and I made plans to work on my Jordanian drivers license. You may not know that my Louisiana Drivers License expired on my birthday last year, and I have not been to visit the States to take care of the renewal. Apparently, you can only renew an American drivers license in America. What are the odds? lol Because my license is expired, I am having a lot of trouble obtaining a Jordanian license.<br />
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My husband and I decided before he left that I would just obtain a drivers license like a true Jordanian. I would have to take the drivers test, obtain certification that I went to driving school, and lie and cheat to get my license. My brother in law knows a man, Munir (not his real name), that can get me copy of the test with answers and get a forged driving school certificate for me. So, now I am going to feel like I am fifteen again studying for the BIG DRIVING TEST! Lets hope I pass on the first try again. At least this time around I will fix my hair in anticipation of passing. lol.<br />
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So today, Munir came to take Teta and I to the Ministry. I told Munir that I did not get a copy of the test. He replied that we would try something different before I took the test. Taking the test would be a last resort. Sounds good to me. Until........................................................................................<br />
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Munir takes us to the Ministry of Interior. I have been here before. I have been here many, many, times before with my husband. Ray and I came here many times to TRY AND GET MY DRIVERS LICENSE!<br />
Last time I was here, we were told there was no way I could get a Jordanian license with my expired Louisiana drivers license. Guess what they told me today? I CANNOT GET MY JORDANIAN LICENSE WITH AN EXPIRED LOUISIANA LICENSE. I am so glad I have clarification on that. It does not matter how many people we ask or how many offices we step into or how many people are with me, the answer is still the same. A big, fat <b>NO</b>!<br />
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I am soooo glad I inconvenienced many people today. NOT! I feel terrible that my brother in law took off work so he could pick my boys up from school. Not to mention, that I will have to do this again when I go take my drivers test Wednesday or Thursday. Munir is coming tonight to give me the copy of the drivers test and answers. <br />
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Wish me luck!<br />
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634378777964668707noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485686448562286469.post-77548463690342861972012-09-10T00:34:00.001-07:002012-09-10T00:34:20.260-07:00Arabic Weddings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Anyone can have more fun at an Arabic wedding than at any nightclub in America. And there is no liquor! Just crazy, sober fun! Arabic weddings make American weddings look like a snooze fest. There are many differences between the Arabic wedding and American wedding traditions. Here is a quick list of five things about Arabic weddings off the top of my head.<br />
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1. The groom and his family pay for the wedding, dowry, and the honeymoon. He may even pay for the engagement party, but I am not sure. The groom and bride may live with his parents for years before he can afford his own home. What a trade-off for a bride to get the wedding of her dreams, eh?<br />
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2. The dowry is for the bride only. It usually is in the form of beautifully ornate gold jewelry. This is "her" money, to be used by her alone. It is her safety net if anything should happen in the future. <br />
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3. On the wedding day, the bride and her family wait at home for her groom to fetch her and take her to the wedding hall. This tradition signifies the groom taking the bride from her parents house to his home to be his partner for life. <br />
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4. The legal aspect of the marriage is completed before the engagement party, but the marriage is not consummated until after the wedding party.<br />
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5. Most weddings begin with the men and women in separate rooms. This is so the ladies can uncover their hair and dress sexy if they want to. When it is time for the men to join the ladies, these women recover their hair and bodies.<br />
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****Please note that if there are any mistakes that I have made in my understanding of Arabic weddings, just blame the _______ American girl!<br />
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<span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">The bride was my husband's cousin.</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJT0mRBakbcMoZD-hZuLTIwIMq8bvqW5zrJcpupwrNfOoHXqhRoUUseaVoHgQy2mk_WFM7qqTvacODr4JXhNTmObE6Xj-zOnHyH2MBwcvHuE67JFe_TwJA5Mk9SjKP13LjxJ_s8ksSYpJ/s1600/IMG-20120906-00015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJT0mRBakbcMoZD-hZuLTIwIMq8bvqW5zrJcpupwrNfOoHXqhRoUUseaVoHgQy2mk_WFM7qqTvacODr4JXhNTmObE6Xj-zOnHyH2MBwcvHuE67JFe_TwJA5Mk9SjKP13LjxJ_s8ksSYpJ/s320/IMG-20120906-00015.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While the Bride waits for her groom, the family begins the dancing fun and celebration.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">At the wedding hall, the dancing starts with the bride and groom dancing together. I am sorry that I cannot post the picture, because the bride does not have her jacket on or her hijab.</span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next, the ladies join in.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When the men are allowed into the party, it begins with a traditional Palestine line dance.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDftQYRjTY00FRYySwUkxO0FN04tn7u5AHJYmNHmeTTpRpmMkzLQISn9JlUtMx9Hyc1WLQxlKbANhlEJ3jLSc5OJN6NLpQs4iMsVKf3nMntVavP2IUyGwuB_O6D-dkw1yUdOIWWdO_QOo/s1600/IMG-20120906-00033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDftQYRjTY00FRYySwUkxO0FN04tn7u5AHJYmNHmeTTpRpmMkzLQISn9JlUtMx9Hyc1WLQxlKbANhlEJ3jLSc5OJN6NLpQs4iMsVKf3nMntVavP2IUyGwuB_O6D-dkw1yUdOIWWdO_QOo/s320/IMG-20120906-00033.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7LgFfIPJ1OQE7nN8_3LJXHLFrP7mpHWRbN05PW99rVGArtQWG9-xPovdnEMYVpkPl3g7Gi3UzyLJiOq8fhBPcerpK-BwhHTOHA2zKBhzElZJchLRvRIJf-PIoV7SIyIwdsYhGVClcX4G/s1600/IMG-20120906-00035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7LgFfIPJ1OQE7nN8_3LJXHLFrP7mpHWRbN05PW99rVGArtQWG9-xPovdnEMYVpkPl3g7Gi3UzyLJiOq8fhBPcerpK-BwhHTOHA2zKBhzElZJchLRvRIJf-PIoV7SIyIwdsYhGVClcX4G/s320/IMG-20120906-00035.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gDGgDbjeYyzT1XoWoTvO4rmKNgC285vtT6nLEhCgh3pmsylMYyxiKskfTVacqbV5asBWe6C3z39xIyVvcSsZaqvVWjrPXJyqIaenDNdLS5Djd2xORmdrEJP30sm5bt-lhtzMiZB3Hy4a/s1600/IMG-20120906-00039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gDGgDbjeYyzT1XoWoTvO4rmKNgC285vtT6nLEhCgh3pmsylMYyxiKskfTVacqbV5asBWe6C3z39xIyVvcSsZaqvVWjrPXJyqIaenDNdLS5Djd2xORmdrEJP30sm5bt-lhtzMiZB3Hy4a/s320/IMG-20120906-00039.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The men dance.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3H8BjIem39AzR1E0oP7k0vWcHZ4IDm25tvT5Dm_jUDqRfeIkP8T8CsckEMXcDidb3jPJyqJyaCIkL7eeIVpE7bI234OPCoiNYjXxYWvMiRBW9g8EKyuviihat2tFoAxru7yYxOBVvE_YZ/s1600/IMG-20120906-00041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3H8BjIem39AzR1E0oP7k0vWcHZ4IDm25tvT5Dm_jUDqRfeIkP8T8CsckEMXcDidb3jPJyqJyaCIkL7eeIVpE7bI234OPCoiNYjXxYWvMiRBW9g8EKyuviihat2tFoAxru7yYxOBVvE_YZ/s320/IMG-20120906-00041.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone dances!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD01l21nNL-jlKsEpzMUexa5ObsTi-MvDaDj7JC2C6FY1WovpafnorYruo16gZnNTLR2oir2ci26yuP-Rxp_Kud8pZvHYCJZNi7OtoEe5G8liZlJKeybsN7Xjl8JMJMGHB3DSirWmAr6_h/s1600/IMG-20120906-00047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD01l21nNL-jlKsEpzMUexa5ObsTi-MvDaDj7JC2C6FY1WovpafnorYruo16gZnNTLR2oir2ci26yuP-Rxp_Kud8pZvHYCJZNi7OtoEe5G8liZlJKeybsN7Xjl8JMJMGHB3DSirWmAr6_h/s320/IMG-20120906-00047.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bride and Groom posing for pictures.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXKi0RNqdENxunEUbHkYZ8669B6qHTPgvvbpdP77UV_yxkHCLHvvLEjh1aGZSaGMoFpLb9clAaxiZcRDmabvT5T1tKAxhp21ajSaJ2ZcmlLx3pmDd-EvxefFUv5lT9OBFfTyQYExrnMLRK/s1600/IMG-20120906-00044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXKi0RNqdENxunEUbHkYZ8669B6qHTPgvvbpdP77UV_yxkHCLHvvLEjh1aGZSaGMoFpLb9clAaxiZcRDmabvT5T1tKAxhp21ajSaJ2ZcmlLx3pmDd-EvxefFUv5lT9OBFfTyQYExrnMLRK/s320/IMG-20120906-00044.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rami was old enough to attend the wedding.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy87IlPGcgnX5smRYGrKWSrb0BOqVAiD0o6qqx5vjca5w3tSvuBNFni6Mt-IKbcyrSbBuCd2IisDhzr_eyE1IEKgEaFlCscnVR2oVNZw6RJONFL3QKpMEy5JMMEqyrNw7ak4NZETdgYUjL/s1600/IMG-20120906-00045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy87IlPGcgnX5smRYGrKWSrb0BOqVAiD0o6qqx5vjca5w3tSvuBNFni6Mt-IKbcyrSbBuCd2IisDhzr_eyE1IEKgEaFlCscnVR2oVNZw6RJONFL3QKpMEy5JMMEqyrNw7ak4NZETdgYUjL/s320/IMG-20120906-00045.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raed and I in our fancy clothes!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcFaoT72zesq1YJpT0PWwvB2nN7FlxSh6UY7Kw6nzvSr-YYvb6mSDZVIn5-loOJjcGq8Fkq5XEMHdDZi0HfRawYR35I9S9d1_LgsKqFH4jGQhoQrsH6ETh86_CHGxew19WqqiGPZLUXIN/s1600/IMG-20120907-00051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcFaoT72zesq1YJpT0PWwvB2nN7FlxSh6UY7Kw6nzvSr-YYvb6mSDZVIn5-loOJjcGq8Fkq5XEMHdDZi0HfRawYR35I9S9d1_LgsKqFH4jGQhoQrsH6ETh86_CHGxew19WqqiGPZLUXIN/s320/IMG-20120907-00051.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where was Adam? He was here all night!</td></tr>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634378777964668707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485686448562286469.post-86310400081467206612012-09-05T10:45:00.002-07:002012-09-05T10:45:42.477-07:00Embarrassing Moment of the Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
OMG! Don't you hate it when you misunderstand a situation, and find out about it months later? Well, do I have a story for you. So sit back, and prepare to laugh until you cry at my expense. All I can say is, "Only in Jordan!"<br />
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Ray, the kids, and I are on the way to the ice cream shop for a last family outing before Ray returns to the States. We stop at the gas station to get gas, and I ask Ray if this was the station where he had the car's oil changed. No, he had it changed at the hole in the wall mechanic shop down the street. I know this place. This is the place that I usually go when my tires need air in them. <br />
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I proceed to tell Ray that I need to visit this mechanic shop to put air in my front passenger tire, because it is low. He offers to take the car for me, but I politely refuse and tell him that I know how to handle it on my own. I tell him that in the past I just pull up to the shop and say, "Law samat, biddi <u>air"</u>. This means, please I need air. Or so I thought. <br />
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There is an Arabic word that sounds just like the English word "air". It is not a nice word. In fact, it is a very bad, bad word. <br />
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All this time, I thought the guys working at the mechanic shop were laughing and smiling at me because I am the American girl trying her best to speak Arabic. I thought they were encouraging me. I thought they were impressed with how well I spoke. BIG FAT NOOOOOO. They were laughing at the __________American girl. <br />
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Ray has just informed me ,today, that previously at the mechanic shop, I boldly declared to all the sweaty mechanics that I want d!$k. Yes, indeed. While my husband is away, I want to play............ with sweaty, gross men, NOT!<br />
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So folks, today's Arabic vocabulary lesson is a word that sounds like "air". It means "a penis". </div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634378777964668707noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485686448562286469.post-25191050839257461702012-08-31T22:47:00.000-07:002012-08-31T22:47:06.663-07:00Last Hooray Before School Starts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am sorry to be MIA the last couple of weeks. We had the Eid Holiday, I had a sinus infection that lasted a week and a half, and school starts on Sunday. To say it has been a little crazy around here is an understatement.<br />
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Yesterday, we went to the park to celebrate my niece, Myrna's, birthday. Yes, she is our Hurricane Katrina baby. She was born in Baton Rouge during the hurricane, so we will never forget her birthday. (As a side note, I was constantly on my computer reading updates on Hurricane Issac. I am so thankful all my family and friends are alright. Praise the Lord!)<br />
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Gorgeous cake!<br />
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It is not a party until you dance on the table!<br />
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Waiting to sing and eat cake!<br />
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Rami is a goof!<br />
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My son is sooooo handsome!<br />
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Homemade candle lanterns. You fill the bag about a third of the way with sand or dirt and insert a candle in the middle. Light the wick and watch it burn. Be sure to tell all the children that if they get up from their seat, they will be fed to the dogs. (or just scare the crap out of them so they will stay in their seat. We do not want to start a forest fire at our wonderful park!)<br />
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Happy Birthday to Myrna!<br />
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Fun times!<br />
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PS. I recently had my hair cut. I will never have long hair again. What do you think?<br />
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634378777964668707noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485686448562286469.post-68650908303815084402012-08-18T01:18:00.000-07:002012-08-18T01:18:35.090-07:00Palestine Part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
To finish our day in Jerusalem, we walked all through the Old City and did some shopping.<br />
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I was so excited to find the perfect bed cover for Layla's room.<br />
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We were all pretty pooped from all the walking when we returned to Ray's sister's house. I have to give a big shout out to Layla for making it through our day. She was such a trooper! <br />
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The next morning, we were woken up early to catch a ride to Netanya, Israel, to see the beach. I was soooo excited to see the Mediterranean Sea. Even though I originally thought I would see it from Europe. At this point, I will see it any way I can. And it did not disappoint. The family and I had a blast!<br />
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By the time the week was through, we were ready to go home. Thank you Khalida for a wonderful week in your home. <br />
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634378777964668707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485686448562286469.post-76812811485103018592012-08-17T01:43:00.001-07:002012-08-17T01:43:49.610-07:00Our Day in Jerusalem Part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
During our family vacation to Palestine, we spent one day in Jerusalem. Getting into Jerusalem from Palestine territory is not easy, even when you are an American citizen. At first, we were in line to cross the border into Jerusalem on foot. I hate this. I feel like cattle being herded into the gates. I overheard Raed haggling to get a shuttle ride through the border, which he initially declined because of price gouging. I asked him what the man wanted him to pay. Approximately 30 dinars for the six of us, and he would take us directly to the old City. What! No Cattle-like herding with 4 kids and no bus ride! I told Ray, call him back. Thirty dinar is sooooooooo worth it! Honestly, I would have paid up to 100 dinars, because I hate the border so much. <br />
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First, we wanted to see the Main Mosque in the Old City. The Al-Quds, I think.<br />
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This time I was prepared with my burka and hijab in tow. (My last trip to this mosque, I was dressed American and the guards gave us trouble letting me in. My husband had to recite the fatiha to prove he was Muslim, and I had to borrow appropriate clothing.) The girls and I changed in the restroom and we walked straight past the guards without stopping. The girls looked beautiful in their new traditional Palestinian dress.<br />
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Next, the kids were hungry, so we stopped into a cafe that was established in the 1920's. We ordered kebabs for the adults and cheese pizza for the kids.<br />
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Our last stop in the Old City was the Holy Sepulcher Church. I overheard a tour guide say this was was considered the holiest place on Earth. Outside of this church is where Jesus was stripped of his garment before he was nailed to the cross.<br />
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Once inside the church to the right marks the site where Jesus was nailed to the cross. The ceiling of the room has a mosaic depicting the event.<br />
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In the center of the initial room was an altar dedicated to Mary. This area commemorates Jesus being taken down from the cross and his mother who took the body into her arms. Many people were touching and kissing and blessing items on this altar.<br />
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As we walked through the church, we came to the Tomb of Jesus. The tomb is covered with a marble slab, and there are 43 lamps that burn day and night in the burial chamber. Not all Christians accept the identification of the tomb inside this church. <br />
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We took some pictures by the beautiful ceiling in the church.<br />
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Mya and Layla<br />
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and Adam.<br />
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634378777964668707noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485686448562286469.post-88340815075751552902012-08-15T00:09:00.000-07:002012-08-15T00:09:31.195-07:00Mission Weight Gain a Little Too Much Fun<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
One year ago after teaching a year of KG2 then Grade 4, I was too thin. I had lost approximately 20 pounds over the course of the year, because of stress and other factors. This is a photo that was taken with one of my 4th Grade students.<br />
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Wow! Look at my face! I look like I am in my forties! Yikes!<br />
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Last year began my weight gain journey to return to a healthier weight. I was no longer working, so I had plenty of time to have fun gaining weight. I think I had a little too much fun. I only wanted to gain at the most 15 pounds, but as you can see by the picture below, I think I gained more.<br />
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Wow! A wake-up call and a demand to my husband not to bring us anymore suitcases of chocolate and candy when he comes for visits!<br />
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ARG!!! I have a wedding to go to in 3 weeks, and I must look spectacular. Ray is going to buy me an expensive dress, and I have to rock it! So, now begins Operation: Lose 10 Pounds. With Ramadan ending this week, it will be easier to eat on a regular schedule and eat healthier. I have also decided to resume Yoga for Beauty by Rainbeau Mars, the Dawn and Dusk DVD (Dawn in the morning, and Dusk in the evening). I need to start walking, but I hate to walk in my neighborhood (I hate the young men that google me as I walk. Very uncomfortable) and I have no car to drive to the park (Car in shop to fix the trunk from the accident). I know what I can do! I can walk the the 4 flights of stairs in our building for thirty minutes.<br />
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Change the subject. Today, Ray and I are submitting the paperwork for my Jordanian citizenship. I am so tired of dealing with the visa crap. Every few months, Ray and I have to run around town to different government buildings, just so I can be in the country legally and not be charged fines. It is such a hassle to get anything done here in Jordan. It seems they make it as hard as possible to do the simplest things. It is 100 times worse than dealing with the DMV. Wish me luck!</div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634378777964668707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485686448562286469.post-39227690313456287072012-08-13T23:52:00.000-07:002012-08-13T23:52:15.896-07:00The Day After Someone Returns From Vacation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On Sunday, my family and I returned to Amman after a week-long holiday in Palestine. We stayed with Ray's sister on the family farm, we spent a day in Jerusalem, and we went to the beach in Netanya. I hope to post many pictures, but I have to wait for my husband to upload from his camera. <br />
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Here are two fantastic reasons why I am not in charge of the camera photos:<br />
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I do not notice when someone is about to walk between my camera and my subject.
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I cannot seem to catch a smile on my daughter's face. (She still looks beautiful in traditional dress with her cousin, Mya)<br />
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Strike Three, my camera dies after taking these two photos.<br />
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And so, I must nag and wait for my husband to upload his photos to facebook.<br />
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I do not know anyone that enjoys the first day home after vacation. I certainly do not! We returned to our house and everything had a thick layer of dust on it. It looked like we were gone for the entire school year not just one week! Here in Amman, the dust accumulates in your home very fast. This is one of the reasons that my daily life includes dusting and mopping floors many times a day. I keep a mop bucket in the kitchen and ready for use all day long.<br />
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We also had a freezer incident while we were gone. Apparently, the freezer was too full and disorganized, that some food shifted. This caused food to fall out of the freezer and fall onto the floor, which was not discovered until three days later. Praise God for my wonderful nieces! They cleaned up the mess for us. Did I ever mention how wonderful my husband's family is? Well I will say it again. <br />
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Welcome home to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
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Ramadan is quickly coming to a close. The Eid holiday is scheduled to begin on Saturday and last until Tuesday. Next stop, school starts! Where did the summer go?<br />
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634378777964668707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485686448562286469.post-51045389925848476092012-08-04T02:29:00.000-07:002012-08-04T05:26:20.608-07:00I Am So Sad!!!!!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Five months after moving to Amman, I met my best friend Debbie, quite by chance. My sister in law was tutoring Debbie's girls, and Debbie needed directions to our house to pick up my SIL. My husband gave Debbie directions and noticed her Southern accent. He invited her upstairs to meet me!!!! And thus began a beautiful friendship. But alas, I have been given dreadful news.<br />
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Here is great picture of Debbie and I outside her old house last spring. *Note to Everyone* I am now a blond. <br />
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First of all, Debbie has been vacationing with her husband and 5 kids in Palestine for the last 3 weeks. I miss her sooo much. She is the friend that I talk with everyday, several times a day. My husband came to visit us early because he felt bad that I would not have Debbie. Sweet man!<br />
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My family and I are planning to visit Palestine next week, and I was making plans with Debbie to meet up in Jerusalem. She then proceeds to drop a bomb! She is not coming back to Jordan, she is moving back to America. Illinois to be exact. And get this, she is "leaving on a jet plane" on Monday, the day I am traveling to Palestine. I am wigging out. I will not get to see her and her family before she goes. <b>(*****Update: She has postponed her travel date to next Monday! Yeah!!!! Had to get important papers from her home in Amman. I will get to see her before she goes!!!!!!!!!)</b><br />
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She does have to return to Jordan and pack their things to be shipped, so I will see her then. But her house is paid up til next summer, so I may have to wait a long, long, long, long, long time. And her husband is a lot like mine. He may just say F*** it!, we will just buy all new stuff and not worry about the old stuff. Please God, let that not be the case!<br />
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I am sooooo sad! And I have to get ready for Rami's 13th birthday party, which starts in a couple of hours. Can you believe that I now have a teenager? One more thing to be extremely sad about. To be continued................................................</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634378777964668707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485686448562286469.post-22316563529108875202012-08-01T12:15:00.000-07:002012-08-01T12:15:49.249-07:00Car Wreck!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have been driving in Amman, Jordan for the last two years. Even though people here drive like 2 year olds (Seriously, there is no one that stays in their lanes. The government does not even bother repainting the lines on the road, because everyone ignores them anyway.), I have never been in a car accident. Until today!<br />
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I had just dropped Rami off at his friend's house and was driving home. I am at a complete stop in front of a red light, when I glance in my rear view mirror. What do I see? A van speeding down the hill with no intention of stopping for the light or me. I freeze. I hear the squeal of tires from a hard brake, but it is too late. He hits me in the rear. <br />
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Praise God, the man did not run away. He hurried to my car to make sure that Layla and I were OK. I was very shaken, and Layla cried a little because she was frightened. Usually, Layla does not wear a seat belt. (I know, I know) It just so happened that I was irritated with her earlier in the car ride for not sitting nice in the seat that for punishment she had to wear the seat belt (I know, I know). Oh how bad it could of been!!!!!<br />
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We did not involve the police, because<br />
1. the man had no insurance (he wrote us a check to pay for the damages,) and<br />
2. I do not technically have a valid driver's licence. (But I can play stupid American and say I do not speak any Arabic and my husband is coming.)<br />
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In closing, Layla and I are fine. Only my neck hurts from whiplash. Before the impact, I tensed. I wish I did not see him coming. I have checked the internet for simple remedies to whiplash. I will be sleeping with a rolled towel under my neck instead of my very comfy pillows. I wonder how well I will sleep tonight (very sarcastic tone!)? If this remedy does not work, does anyone have any other suggestions? <br />
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P.S. The trunk of my car is very messed up. Our estimate for repairs is about $1000. Swell! I hope to post a pic of the car tomorrow morning. Stay tuned.</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634378777964668707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485686448562286469.post-63293276025141630102012-07-30T00:01:00.000-07:002012-07-30T00:01:49.279-07:00Gummie Candies and Gummie Snacks Rot your Teeth!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am not a complete moron. I did know that gummie anything would eventually rot your teeth, but I thought it would take time. Like at least over 10 years. Not sooooo. I have been officially kicked in the butt. I have received the "Bad Mom" Award this week. <br />
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All my kids love gummie anything. It is their favorite treat. I admit that I was nonchalant about their daily fix of gummies from the dukan (little shop) down the street. It made them happy and the candy is dirt cheap. You can get 2 gummies for 5 cents. Well, they are not cheap anymore, after a trip to the dentist. <br />
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Who, you may ask, has rotten teeth? My oldest? No, but he does have braces. My middle? No, but that would have made more sense. That leaves my youngest? YES!!! The four year old with all her baby teeth had to have dental work done. Not just any work done. She had two root canals done on her back molars!!!! I am in my mid thirties and have never had a root canal done (But I am long overdue for a dental checkup). It is very ________ (fill in the blank) that my four year old has had two root canals. UGH.<br />
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Can you believe that? I have instructed my kids that gummies are no longer allowed in their mouths!!!!! Not even the vitamins. They will have to just be happy with chips, chocolate, and gum from now on! lol.<br />
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Our dentist said that gummies are the worst thing to eat for teeth. Let this be a lesson to all! Say No to Gummies!<br />
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<br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634378777964668707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485686448562286469.post-54965864239990342692012-07-24T00:15:00.001-07:002012-07-24T00:15:39.023-07:00Baba is Home!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yes, he is! Baba is home for 7 weeks! I am sooo loving how he has been able to visit us every three months this year. The first year I was in Jordan, guess how many times he could visit? If you answered ZERO, than you win first prize. My second year in Jordan has been a different story, thank God. Ray has been able to visit 3 times for at least 4 weeks every three months. Love him!<br />
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This visit was the "Surprise visit". The kids and my in-laws did not know the correct date he would arrive. I actually was a good liar this time. On the day of Ray's arrival, Layla and I left our house with my lie of needing to go grocery shopping. (My MIL says ,now, that she was suspicious because I was going grocery store shopping with makeup on?lol) I even told Layla that we were going to the airport, because a man was bringing her a present from Baba. hehe. She bought it!<br />
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On our way home, I called Rami on the phone to tell him and Adam to get their butts downstairs and help me with the "groceries". But before we round the corner to the house, Ray wants to get out of the car and walked the rest of the way. So, Layla and I round the corner in the car, and see Rami and Adam waiting with a confused expression on their faces (because Layla is screaming inside the car, "Baba is here!"over and over) Ray takes his sweet time walking around the corner. During this time, all the kids do not know what to believe. Needless to say, it was a very exciting reunion.<br />
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The Next Morning Cuddle Time!</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634378777964668707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485686448562286469.post-91037217398877909102012-07-21T00:33:00.001-07:002012-07-21T00:33:20.518-07:00First Day of Ramadan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hooray, Ramadan is here! (For those of you that know me, lol. For those of you who do not know me, read past post). Ramadan is a fasting month for Muslims where you do not eat or drink anything during the daylight hours. This year will be the hottest and the longest fasting time in many years. It also does not help that Jordan is in the middle of another heat wave. Most people are staying up all night and sleeping as much as they can during the day. In my opinion, these are smart people!<br />
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In previous years, the first meal of Ramadan is spent with everyone crowded around the food on the floor of Teta's garden. This means 10 adults and 14 kids in the space of about a 12 seat dining room table. Very crowded, loud, and messy.<br />
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This year, we broke fast in our separate houses. It was a nice change, and very relaxing. I cooked macaroni spaghetti and fixed my yummy salad.<br />
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Now, I knew that Teta was cooking stuffed grape leaves, (yummy, but too much work involved), so I had to get me some. I traded two bowls of macaroni spaghetti and two bowls of yummy salad for a plate full of stuffed zucchini and grape leaves. Score!!<br />
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Congratulations to Rami for fasting the entire day! Great job to Adam for fasting 8 hours. Layla is too young to fast. As for me,........ I am Christian. </div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634378777964668707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485686448562286469.post-6543777278530600822012-07-18T23:07:00.000-07:002012-07-18T23:07:12.496-07:00Update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well, an update is by far, long overdue. My family and I have been back in Amman, Jordan for two years. Why have I not been posting new material, you might ask? I could make excuses and say, "All my work was lost in cyberspace!" or "The dog, we do not have, ate it!". But I won't. I will tell you that I did not post because I did not post. No reason, no excuses.<br />
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The last two years have been an education. My greatest accomplishment is navigating the streets of my adopted city. I know so much about my way around Amman, that even my mother in law is impressed. Snaps for me! <br />
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As of now, the kids and I are trying to make it through another heat wave in Amman. We are bundled at night in the one room with air conditioning, the boys' room. It is actually very nice. <br />
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Thank goodness we have a year membership to YMCA (Can you believe they have one of those here?! My husband saw the sign for it on the highway by chance the last time he was here for a visit. Love him!). The kids and I are swimming 3 times a week. We are all getting so tan! MIL is kinda freaking out about how dark the kids are. Here in Jordan, everyone wants lighter skin. Everyone, except the crazy Americans who adore tans.<br />
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Anyway, in closing, I have decided to return to blogging about my adventures here. The past two years have given me lots of material to write about. Yeah!!!</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634378777964668707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485686448562286469.post-27823830987992455002010-01-16T05:20:00.000-08:002010-01-16T05:35:52.335-08:00Farewell JordanI have returned to the States. I am sooooooooooooo disapointed that things just never came together for me in Jordan. My house was never finished, I was unable to buy a car, and I could not afford childcare. I read over the last sentence and all I see is I, I, I. Yes, we left Jordan, because I could not hack it without a lot of income. The last few weeks I was there, my mood changed and got worse the colder the weather became. I withdrew and isolated myself. <br /><br />Anyway, my husband missed the kids and I soo much, that the day I called him weeping, he agreed that we could come home. I do have some regrets, but when I hear my children speaking Arabic, I realize that I did not waste my time in Jordan. I will definitely miss the view of the hills of Amman from my kitchen window, the taxi rides to City Mall with Layla, my good friends that I met in Amman, and my husband's loving family. <br /><br />It is ironic that I plan to try again. Not this year or next, but one year when I am able to live in a finished house and have my own car!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634378777964668707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485686448562286469.post-53250453886623818842009-11-05T00:55:00.000-08:002009-11-05T01:03:17.894-08:00Happy Birthday to MeToday is my birthday. I am not quite sure how I feel about it. I cannot believe that I am old enough to be the age I am now. I still think of myself as a twenty something. I watch my children get older, but I feel like time should stand still for me. Regardless, this birthday has been not like any other. I am soooooo far from home, and I feel more so today. My only plans for the day will be to call Mama, Raed, Elizabeth, and if my phone is still working I will call my sisters. <br /><br />Mama, I am sure missing your chocolate cake and your birthday messages! I love you very much.<br /><br />Happy Birthday to me.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634378777964668707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485686448562286469.post-57535311169061449882009-11-01T19:38:00.000-08:002009-11-01T19:46:43.064-08:00Jordan Rocks!For my birthday, my sis in law took me to the theatrical production of Jordan Rocks! last night. It was very good. The preforming arts are relatively new to Jordan, so seeing how well done this musical was done was an added bonus. I heard about the musical from Ola, my sis in law's friend. She was in charge of the stage design. She did a wonderful job! <br /><br />Jordan Rocks! was set in Petra and was the typical love story. Even though my Arabic is poor, I still was able to enjoy the show. <br /><br />Even though the kids were kept out late on a school night, it was soooooo worth it! I am so happy I was able to see the show!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634378777964668707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485686448562286469.post-10989921827966084702009-10-25T08:18:00.000-07:002009-10-25T08:22:39.298-07:00Going Stir Crazy!Today is day 6 of Operation Ashour Sick House and I am going a little insane. Due to being tied to the house all day for 6 days I am about to break free. Do you need proof? I spent most of today listening to the soundtrack of Mama Mia! and dancing around my kitchen til I was out of breath. I really need Calgon to take me away! Hopefully, tomorrow Adam will be able to go back to school. Cross your fingers!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634378777964668707noreply@blogger.com0