Follow Us To Jordan ;)

7/7/2007 is going to be a very great day...for we'll be spending it's night in Amman:)
We've been waiting for this day since long time go...we miss family..friends...we miss all Amman!
And I hope that one day I'll post something here about us going to Amman, not to visit only but also to stay there forever!!!

Jeeej and I will go to Amman after we accomplish our dream -as mama says- in Spain!! He will stay with me in Jordan for one week only and then I'll follow him later in August...I wish he could stay with me all the time there, but he can't ask for more than 2 weeks off!

I still can't believe I'm going! One wedding to attend and inshallah 2 engagement parties -so far!!-

Can't wait for long hours talking to mama, having lunch all together, on one table...hanging out with my sisters and probably grocery shopping with baba...enjoying hugs from my little brother Ward WHENEVER I ask for it!!

I'm so busy today...cleaning up home, doing lots of laundry, packing and stuff...for tomorrow morning will be the departure!!

I will miss blogging world a lot!! and I will make sure I spend quality time with the family away from the Internet...

FAR AWAY -FROM JORDAN- PEOPLE....FOLLOW US ;)

Help me start my new Business:D

Inspired by Rina'sbig success in selling her own hand made stained glass, I decided that I can start my own over here, and even back in Amman, if it succeeded!

Last December, I was jobless and carLESS and stayed home most of the time, and so I started to think of a new hobby to fill my time...
I visited Michael's shop here, less than a mile away from home and I got Beads, wires, pliers & ear hooks...and of course the book that teaches how to make wire jewelry!
I got so excited about it, and started with the very complicated ideas! I did it, I made great earrings but it was too hard to start with the complicated stuff so I just quit! I stopped...

2 weeks ago, I started to do gift shopping for my sisters back in Amman, and I kept going to the accessories corners in every shop, pricing the earrings! and I thought...I can do much better!!

So far, I've made 18 earrings. I gave my mom-in-law 2 already as a gift and she loved them!!

Jeeej loved them all, and he is so much encouraging me to start making more and consider selling them, either online or at the flee market every weekend here!!

As for these, posted online,,,they'll be gifts for my sisters -They love earrings-, but I need your help here...

The wires and beads are not the BEST quality, but still they are really good and they don't irritate the ear as many other earrings do! I wore them for a whole day and they are really cute!

I use metal, plastic and wooden beads...It's not an easy thing to think of a design and do it, plus it takes time to do such work...

What do you think of them?! are they nice?! Is it worth my time and energy?! How about pricing? what's a good price to start with?! I mean to start selling them...

I appreciate your help! REALLY!

Swimming in public?!?! Even in Spain :D

I'm so excited!! Not only because I'll swim in the private pool at the Villa we are renting for our honeymoon next week -Finally!-, but also because I WILL SWIM in public :D
Water in the sea, in the ocean in a small pool has been always so tempting!! I love swimming...and I fight with myself sometimes to stay away from water or else would be jumping in with all my clothes on!!

Well...Since I came here...and while reading blogs for people around the world, I realized that many hijabi women are so much into swimming, just like me...and how hard it is for them to swim in public whenever they want...and then, one of the female bloggers published something about the new swimming suits they are doing for hijabis! I couldn't believe my eyes:D hehehe

I checked the swimming suits websites, and I got disappointed to know that they still didn't reach the states...I never gave up...I kept checking the websites every once in a while...and then it happened! They started sending to the states!!! and I started e-mailing them asking them few questions about the material and the sizes I need and stuff, and they were extremely friendly and supportive!

I ordered one, and I sent them an e-mail asking them to send it quick, before the end of the month, so I can take it with me to Spain next week...We'll spend almost a week there, in the south...to be able to visit Granada and Cordoba :) The villa we'll stay in is close to the sea...and so we'll be able to go swimming now...Because I have my suit with me!! I wont be sitting there under the sun watching people including hubby swimming while I'm melting from the heat:)

The other day, we went to Santa Cruz beach with our friends...and people tanning were more than the ones swimming, for the water was too freezing! So I asked Jeeej: When I get my suit, and bring it to the beach...I'll look really funny among these almost naked women!

So he laughed and said: Well, As long as it feels comfortable wearing it, screw them all, those who would make fun of you! You are the most important one here...As long as you like it and enjoy swimming, you shouldn't care about anything or anyone else!

Last night, we got it shipped for us, and Jeeej hid it from me and showed it to me later on at night as a surprise! And I couldn't stop laughing when I first saw it...I tried it on right away...to see how it feels like...Me and Jeeej were laughing like crazy...and I found him taking out the Camera and started taking pictures of me to send to my family back in Amman!!

To be honest, I like it!! I love it...I mean it's the only thing I can wear to swim comfortably! The material is excellent, and the dress above it is water proof...I'm used to wearing the swimming cap, so it wont be a problem...and the pink color looks really nice on me:DDD

Here's the website, and this is the one I got for myself, but in pink colors:D

My sister Nour saw the pix and she emailed me saying: knight in a shining armor! or a mermaid... or a member in karakella?!!! Why don't you blog about it? lol :)good job,, The important question, are you happy? if yes, then screw them all.. go swim..

Thanks Jeeej for getting it for me, I hope we'll enjoy our time in Spain...God's willing:) And thanks to all for the great support:D

# 1 Lasagna :))

Not only because it's the first time I make it since we got married...but also because it tasted like no other Lasagna...it tasted super!
I can't describe it in words...we just loved it and enjoyed eating it!

Good job Nido :D

P.S: Upon Jeeej's request, I added fresh Spinach to one of the layers:)

I respect the difference...Do you?!

When I used to take public transportation to uni. back in year 2000, I used to get annoyed by the nasty guys who would keep staring at me! No matter how modest my outfit would be, still they would stare...I couldn't take the car every single time I wanted...so it wasn't something I really enjoyed back them...I just had to take the bus.

Not only in buses, but also everywhere I went to. Either in uni., or while walking on the street, while hanging out with my friends and even while grocery shopping with my father walking beside me!!

Winter time of 2001, I decided that it was my fault! I let it happen, I gave them the chance to do so, and so I wont ever allow it again. At least I'll be free of guilt, and whoever stares at me, I wont be the one to blame...

In one week, I decided it was time to start covering and wearing a scarf. It helped a lot while surrounded by strangers...As for those who've known me for a long time, especially male cousins, it was a big shock! Why you and WHY now?!
Why not wait till you enjoy life and get married?!

I covered, I enjoyed life...and I got married!

Year 2003 I got weak, but not too weak to take my scarf off and change my entire way of thinking! I had to stop myself and regain strength...Until I get it, I decided to cut my hair and dye it in a very ugly way that would make me embarrassed to take off my scarf even in front of those being close to me!

It worked, and it made me stronger!

I graduated, with "Nutrition & food technology" degree. I travelled to Syria and attended a camp for food production for 40 days and got an Assistant Chef Certificate from a Jordanian culinary school.
I was sent twice to KSA to teach women there how to cook and serve food.
Being a female in the Culinary field, was not easy at all. That's why great chefs in Jordan supported me and encouraged me to practice more and more. I did. I postponed my semesters at uni. to practice cooking more, so that once I graduate from uni. I would be having it all.

I had recommendation letters from few top chefs and started looking for a job. And my story started!

I was asked to send my resume by e-mail, and I had passed the interviews by phone, and chefs working at 5 star hotels got excited while talking to me -over the phone-. Once I show up for the actual interview...one shock after another slapped me in the face & told me not to try over and over again...

- We're sorry, we are looking for a receptionist! Sorry for the misunderstanding!".
- "You are over qualified and we can't afford hiring you!!".
-" Only if you take off your scarf once you step in the hotel, and put it on back only after you leave!!!!".
- "Some of our customers might refuse to eat a meal prepared by a woman who covers!?!?!?!"
Maybe because I might insert a bomb or something in their plate :s
- "We are sorry but it's the hotel's policy".
Now, isn't it more hygienic to have ALL my hair not Only lifted up by a cap but also covered by a scarf?!

And many more STUPID explanations for rejecting me!! I was ashamed, Not because I cover, No way and Never, but because I was living in Jordan, not in France...My own country rejected my abilities.
I gave up and kept jumping from one job to another, trying to kill time...But I never enjoyed what I was doing because day after another my dream of cooking "healthy food" started to vanish!

Before moving to the states, many people, family & friends, were wondering whether I'll take my scarf off or not while here...My answer was absolutely not!

People stare at me here sometimes, and I feel sorry for them being so ignorant! For not believing in a world full of diversity...
I never said that I'm the holiest and better than everyone else around me. I still believe that I should fix a lot of mistakes I do every single day...But at least, I try my best to be on the right side...
Would you please respect that?!

Last Thursday, We were visiting my In-laws in Auburn. Me & Jeeej got the chance to talk to his step-brother who doesn't believe in God, He found it very interesting to talk to a Muslim girl who covers her head. I told him, that if he really wants to go deep in discussing religious issues, I'm not the right person to go to...I mean I am 100% convinced in my beliefs and I'm so proud of who I am right now...But still I wish I can have more influence on people around me in the best way I could...I enjoyed talking to him & answering his questions for more than two hours. But what really annoys me is that once Islam is mentioned in front of non-Muslims, they right away start to think of "forcing women to cover and allowing marrying 4 at the same time".

Every single day here I try my best to represent Islam the best way I could...starting from choosing what to wear to learning how to smile while walking in public especially to those who stare at me in a very disgusting way...It's a very hard thing to do being a Jordanian if you know what I mean :p

Yesterday, I asked Jeeej: What if I wasn't covering my head when we first met online, would you still have married me...so he said of course not!! I wanted someone to help me stay on the Right track! I loved his answer :D

One thing is for sure, not every single woman who covers is considered good, and the same goes to those who do not cover! I can never generalize!! No one else should...

I believe in the saying "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger". I thank God for who I am today...and I ask God for patience and strength every single day:)

I can never forget those who stood by my side and supported me all through the way, those who got mad with me at some really irrational chefs, those who got really pissed off and stopped going to that stupid cafe who's management once didn't allow me to step in because I cover!!

For you ignorant someone living out there, somewhere, anywhere don't look at my scarf, see what's underneath..
Can't wait to get my Islamic swimsuit :D loooooooooool...I'll drive people here crazyyyyyyyyyy..

Oakland city & my PHOBIA :S

Maybe because my father never allowed us to have pets at home, like cats and dogs, or maybe it's a big fear that has been living in me since long time ago...not only from these animals in particular but from all the animals between the size of an ant and a horse!!! except for butterflies & ladybugs.

I do respect other people with different kinds of phobias. I mean, some people are afraid from flying, some from dark and closed places...and many many other kinds...well mine is from animals...and when I say I have animal phobia I right away think of cats and dogs! I know many people would say they are so cute and can be friendly and bla bla bla...But it's something that I have no control on!

My mom and other sisters tried to raise a little cat -Tina- at home around 6 years ago! It drove me crazy, me and my sister Rana! We used to refuse sharing a room with the cat...We couldn't even join the whole family outside playing around with the it!

Most of the time the feeling of fear I get is combined with disgust!!! I don't like to touch or sit next to a person who's been playing with animals!! It's hard to explain the feelings I have, but my screaming and jumping away from them would explain it all!

There's this Indian family whom I go to their house every Saturday morning to teach their 2 kids how to read Quran. They have this big white cat, they keep it inside the house. On my first day there, I told the mother that I have a phobia from cats and asked her to always keep it away while I'm there...No problem at all!

Today I went, and the cat was there, in the room! I was there on time, and refused to go in until they caught it and took it away! The whole time the kids were explaining to me how nice and adorable the cat is!! Well...not for me! keep it away...you are just wasting your time...

It took them about 10 min. to catch it and take it out..and it wasn't funny at all :s

Thursday morning, 7:30 am, me and Jeeej headed to Oakland. around one hour far away from San Jose. Husbandi had been taking this training course there for 4 days and thought it would be nice if I join him so we could spend the free time there exploring the city and driving around!

I had to drop him early at the hotel for his training, and I started driving around by myself!

Was quiet an experience! Thanks to the navi. I went to walmart there and kept looking around, once it became 10 am, I went out, drove around and found a very small and neat outlet -perfect for beginners like me-, and started shopping like crazy!

I never enjoyed shopping here...I actually am planning to go shopping in Amman once I'm there, it's so hard to find decent clothes for me, because I cover my hair. So I never liked it...until that day from 10 am-3:30 pm NON stop shopping!!! I am learning how to get great deals :D

I was late in picking Jeeej up after his course, but well, it was rush hour :p

We spent the night at a hotel next to the Marina Harbor, a very quiet and perfect place for walking around...But once this guy walking with his dog came closer, I started to panic...It was a very small dog...very small and very skinny...Hubby was holding my hand, trying to make it easier for me to walk by as if there's no dog on the way...but I started to scream: laa2 laaa2 laaaa2 -NOOO NOOO NOOO- and went away and walked on the other side...

The very rude guy kept walking and then said: you know it's a dog and not a rat!!!!!!

I wish I was awake enough to say a couple of nice words back to him...But oh well, some people are just too narrow minded to understand that we all have differences!

Other than that...We had a great time in Oakland, a poor city here in CA! We had a nice dinner together that night...and then early on Fri. Jeeej had his last day training...and I had no where else to go to but shopping...until we left and came back home. to San Jose :D

HELP ME! How to cook mloukheyyeh?!

I'm waiting for a phone call from mama, nothing serious...just talking...AND I want her to give me her recipe for making mloukheyyeh!!
She is in "Hinnah party" back home, and I wonder whether she'll call me or not once she gets back!

I got a recipe from a Jordanian woman who lives over here, but she adds a lot of cilantro -kozbara-! And I can't remember the taste of kozbara in mloukheyyeh! I know I haven't eaten it since long time ago, because it disturbs my stomach. I'm just cooking it for it's one of Jeeej's favourite dishes!

I have a mloukheyyeh bag, cut and frozen! I want it with chicken on the side...

Please help!!

Rina's Glass Work @ Jara

My very talented friend Rina, has started her own project! She has been working on it for a while! I have always supported her along with all her beloved ones back home :D

It's the first time I'm advertising for something here on my blog...But since I'm so excited for her and her very supporting husband...and since I wish I was there to celebrate this with them...Here I am publishing the e-mail I got from her husband inviting everyone to go and see her art work, with some pictures of her booth at Jara!

Way to go Rina!! I'm so happy and proud of you:) Keep it up girl...and never forget me once you become really famous ;))

Dear All;

Attached is a flyer of our event at Jara starting this Friday 1/6/2007.
In the previous months, Rina has started working on her project of Glass Painting; Having given it a lot of her time and effort, we have finally had the chance to expose her work to the public as a seed of a coming new business. Please honor us with your attendance to our booth from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, we will be happy to have you there..

For those who do not know about Jara; it is a weekly activity held in one of Jabal Amman's old streets at the end on Rainbow Street. It is to encourage crafts, hand made products and people with developing businesses. You just have to drive through the rainbow street (or follow the Ta7weeleh) and you'll be there inshallah...

Looking forward for that event...

Sincerely;

Ra'ed

First football game for NIDO + May's movies

Watching American football games is so scary, and so painful..This is what I USED to think. I never understood the rules of the game, I only used to see players jumping on each other, hitting each other, and actually hurting each other!

Yesterday, 7 pm, Jeeej picked me up from work, and took me to downtown, where San Jose's team "SABERCATS" was getting ready to play against "Predators" from IL.

It was one of the craziest nights for me over here. The 1st 2 quarters of the game, Jeeej spent a lot of time trying to explain what was going on to me! I had no idea what they were doing...I felt that they were not playing at all...every 10 seconds the game is stopped because they were all on top of each other! I thought it was boring...

I looked around me, people including hubby were so excited about the whole thing! The cheerleaders were jumping up and down, The Big fans with big bellies were screaming the whole time...I was like: What is it all about?

Once I started to understand the rules... It became so much fun...to watch and to scream I mean to cheer :p The big screens on top were telling us what to say all together...how to make noise louder to prevent the predators from scoring...

The scary part was the sound of a bomb every single time our team would touch down!! It made me jump every time I heard it!

I had so much fun...I mean just like in movies...they would give gifts to random people...cheerleaders would dance the WHOLE time...and go into the middle whenever it's time for commercials...The camera would take shots of two people "a male & a female" randomly, and so they have to kiss in front of everyone...yeaaaa!! I loved it yesterday...I hope we can do it again:)

Our team won!! And so we won pizza ;)

As for last month, May, we didn't watch a lot of movies, due to the travelling and some laziness...It is a good list anyways:)

- May 5th: Spiderman, It was my first day in Chicago, so Jeeej went to the movies by himself, He liked it, but not as much as the previous ones.

- May 14th: Closer.

- May 15th: Lost in translation.

- May 17th: Karla.

- May 18th: House of sand & fog.

- May 19th: The namesake.

-May 22nd: Dream girls.

-May 25th: Catch & release.

- May 26th: De ja vu.

- May 29th: Disturbia.

- May 31st: Wedding crashers.

Mansaf again, BUT in Pictures:)

I've been dreaming of this day since long time a ago:pp I mean being able to invite people to a home made mansaf -Traditional Jordanian Dish-. Although a lot of people -including me- think it's a very easy recipe, still it made me so proud and happy that it came out really GREAT! And for the 1st time...I challenge mama to cook a better mansaf :D

We woke up really early yesterday...I went to Aveda and had a hair treatment, then we both went down town and got tickets for the football game today!! Jeeej got hungry afterwards so we went to Togo's and had lunch there...and then to get some energy, we went to Great America AGAIN!! I rode 2 other CRAZY roller coasters and Oh my God...I was about to loose my voice due to screaming! I can't wait to go again and again until I get bored of all the rides there...Jeeej won a little pack man for me! hehe It was nice watching him hunting for me :D

We went to the Arabic store later on and got the shrak bread and some other yummi food-including mloukheyyeh for jeeej, another challenge!- and were back home by 4:30 pm.

I put the meat in water, and started cooking it and took a 30 min nap :D

Jameed rocks were soaked in water overnight to make it easier to deal with by the blender. It came out really thick from the blender. After the meat was done, I took it's water and started adding it to the jameed and kept stirring non stop, until it's taste and texture became perfect. Jeeej kept stirring it for me until it started boiling. Then he added the meat and left it cooking together for 5 min more.

I had the pine nuts and almonds fried ahead of time. I chopped some parsley for garnish.

Then, I took the -soaked in hot water- rice and started cooking it. I added Turmeric to give it a yellowish color, I added Maggi cubes and some salt.

Jeeej helped me out a lot! It was great having him around me all the time! He made really great brownies for dessert!!

Now, the Sarsour family always drive us crazy whenever we go visit them. They keep nagging asking us to eat more and more...and the guy never stops serving food. He gets really upset if we don't eat more and more. So yesterday was a pay back day. Jeeej and I drove them crazy asking them to eat more mansaf...some fruits...brownies and then our beloved watermelon!!!

It was a great day yesterday...a really busy one that I really enjoyed:)

Thank you God for everything, It couldn't be any better:)

Our thanks go to:
Mama for the recipe.

Abu Firas -the neighbor- who sent us the jameed.

Qwaider: for the great tips.

Summer: For encouragement!

Maioush: for excitement!

Sam, Qabbani & Diva for coming by and leaving comments...And for those who came by and left no comments too :)

It wouldn't have been great without your support guys...Thank you:)

P.S. For Sam: If you don't have Jameed rocks, the best alternative would be buying liquid jameed from the Arabic stores. instead of soaking the rock and blending them, you would have it ready in plastic bags. All you have to do is adding meat broth to it.The brands that I know are good :"Kasee7 & Ziyad".