Living in the US, our family always got together on Thanksgiving. We enjoy eating the traditional Turkey dinner and playing fun games surrounding the theme of Thankfulness. This year the annual get together took place at the same place, same time. We of course are in Amman and were absent from the actual party, yet we were there via Skype.....btw, have I told you how much I LOVE Skype?!...Well, this lady LOVES Skype and so does the rest of the family!!....anyways, back to the story, I Skyped with the annual gathering of family in Eden Prairie/Minneapolis. We shared Hellos with my parents, sisters, brother-in-law, Grandfather, aunts, uncles, and cousins. And...we were fortuntate to even get in on the What are you Thankful for Game that we have played every year since as long as I can remember. It was fun, no doubt...but, we were still jealous for a taste of the Turkey dinner.....and Grandpa's (yes, Grandpa's) perfect pumpkin pie!!
So.....we decided to cook up our own Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner on Friday. We invited my Hubby's parents, brother, brother's wife, their 6 year old son, and my friend M., her husband and their 11 month old daughter.
Yanal was incharge of the Turkey and I would take the rest. The night before I prepared my Mother's home made cheesecake and my Grandfather's pumpkin pie with Mom's homemade pie crust. I also cut and dried the breadcrumbs, in preparation for my first attempt at Betty Crocker's homemade turkey stuffing. The next morning, Yanal preped the Turkey with salt, pepper, sage, thyme, and rosemary. As the Turkey roasted in the oven for the next 3 hours, I was busy cooking up Grandma's Corn Casserole that everyone loves. I also diced and fried the onions, celery, and mushrooms and sprinkled them with sage before mixing with the dried breadcrumbs, adding a little water, and placing in the oven. I steamed the green beans and grated the ginger as described in the oriental green beans recipe. I boiled yellow potatoes and prepared the garlic for my favorite garlic mashpotatoes. I made the turkey gravey with of course the delicious drippings from the turkey. Lastly, I made Asparagas soup with Asparagas tips. My friend Maria brought over her Angelic Eggs as they call them in Texas (deviled eggs as we call them up north).
For me, I had so much fun preparing the food in the kitchen as I could hear the people enjoying themselves in the other room - kids playing, ggigling and laughing together, adults talking and laughing loudly over the noise of the (must have been soccor) game was on the tv. My sister-in-law in the kitchen next to me, keeping me company and talking about Thanksgiving tradition back home. And of course the maid helping to keep the apartment clean - gotta LOVE the access to maids in Jordan!
The company was perfect. The food (thankfully) turned out great, the Turkey was so tender, juicy and flavorful -it was amazing (Great job to Yanal!) and the desserts were delicious.
With a touch of my Grandmother, Grandfather, Mother, my own and Hubby's recipes...it felt as I was close to my family and continued the tradition in the absence of home.
I so much enjoyed the day! It was a new experience for Hubby's family, an old tradition in my family, and now a new tradition as our family. Thanks everyone for coming and hope next year to have everyone over again...and note for next year - do not forget to take pictures!
Hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving as well!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
How I've Changed
It is bound to happen to any person who moves and begins living in a new surrounding. It doesn't matter if the move is to a new neighborhood in the same city, to the neighboring state, to the opposite region of the United States, or when one moves to another part of the world. Change is going to occur. They say change is difficult and people generally resist change. However, in certain situations change is necessary and will occur because of the new experiences. Those who experience change, will resist. Those who eventually embrace change usually state that it was positive.
A person adapts to their new surroundings and begins to change as a result of this adaptation. Or as my father always says, "You are a product of your environment". Of course there is the nature/nurture theories...but here we are strictly looking at the nurture part of this argument.
First, change can be a result of assimilation - an unwritten, unspoken expectation of the majority onto the minority person/family who immigrates to the culture of the majority - and a non purposeful absorption of the cultural norms of the new society - assimilation. It is a well known concept of those who study Sociology. Assimilation at some level is necessary and happens with or without purposeful intent.
Second, change occurs because of what is witnessed, experienced, and that which is newly understood about their surroundings. These will ultimately change, at some level, the persons description of me - of what is important to me and of that which is no longer as important to me.
How have I changed?
-Complete awareness of the precious non-renewable resource of water. Jordan is a country thirsty for water. Each person residing in Jordan is allowed a pre-determined amount of water each week. Water runs out if you are not consciously aware of the amount you use. I have learned to pay close attention to the amount of water is wasted and have stopped the waste before the waters runs out.
-Realization of how much I love my family. I have a new appreciation for my family. I have always (except for my teenage years) felt blessed with a healthy and happy family. A family who enjoys our time together, who take vacations together, make an appoint to celebrate special occasions together, laugh together, support each other, love each other. However, not until I have move here, away from that family I love, when I realize exactly how blessed we are and how much I really love my family.
-Deeply understand the meaning of Alhumdillah (Thanks be to God). So many people here (and around the world, including the US) do not have the things that I have and have not the option to experience the things I have experienced in my short life. Previously, I knew of this only on an intellectual level. I had read about it and heard about it; however, I am now living and seeing the reality. I so appreciate and feel blessed for the things that I once found normal, things that I nearly expected...I have been on a vacation at least once in my life (actually I have been on many vacations, rather than only to dream of one vacation). I have been on a boat. Gone fishing. Know how to golf. I have rode a bike. I know how to swim. I have a automatic washing machine...and a dryer. I have a dishwasher. I have a college degree. I finished high school. I went to elementary school. I have healthy kids and family. I have clothing. I have shelter and I have a heater in my shelter. I have clean water. I have food. I am not a beggar. I do not have physical limitations. I do not have mental limitations. Everywhere you turn in Amman, you will see someone living in poverty. Someone is asking for change or trying to make a couple of coins but selling things like tissues and gum on every street in Amman. Alhumdillah, Alhumdillah, Alhumdillah. Thank you God for everything that I have, as I am truly blessed.
-Embarrassment. I have learned to be embarrassed to ask for more. I live nearly the life I had in the USA, and I still want more. Don't we all want more or something? Money, new clothes, bigger home, friendship, health, time, etc. I have learned how to define my wants of more into those as needs and those as extras. Alhumdillah, I have been so blessed and when you truly and deeply understand those blessing, it is embarrassing to ask for more. There are so many around me that have nearly nothing and they also say Alhumdillah. Shame on me to ask for more.
-Hospitality. Jordanians and known for and pride themselves on hospitality. One does not eat nor drink anything without asking everyone around if they would like some. I get up at work to grab a glass of water and I ask everyone in the office if I can make them some tea or coffee. Before I go to the cafeteria, I ask if anyone wants everything and I buy an extra so when I return I can offer something for them as well. Greeting someone is not just "Hey" and keep on walking or continue back to that which I am working on. It is a genuine Asalamualaikum (Peace be on you), Good morning, How are you doing, How was your weekend, How are your kids, family, etc. It is rude not to, and it is interpreted as those you are not interested in the well being of others. It is good practice and it is a positive assimilation.
Something I want to change.
-Feeling comfortable with being forward. The society here is not bashful to ask for things. There are no lines - it is who speaks the loudest who gets his/her turn first...I need to learn how to do that!
I was hoping to ask Hubby about the changes he has noticed in himself...he is now sleeping...Inshallah I will ask him this week and see how his list is the same or different. It will be an interesting discussion :-)
What times in your life did you under go change? What were the circumstances surrounding the change? Was it a positive experience - why or why not?
A person adapts to their new surroundings and begins to change as a result of this adaptation. Or as my father always says, "You are a product of your environment". Of course there is the nature/nurture theories...but here we are strictly looking at the nurture part of this argument.
First, change can be a result of assimilation - an unwritten, unspoken expectation of the majority onto the minority person/family who immigrates to the culture of the majority - and a non purposeful absorption of the cultural norms of the new society - assimilation. It is a well known concept of those who study Sociology. Assimilation at some level is necessary and happens with or without purposeful intent.
Second, change occurs because of what is witnessed, experienced, and that which is newly understood about their surroundings. These will ultimately change, at some level, the persons description of me - of what is important to me and of that which is no longer as important to me.
How have I changed?
-Complete awareness of the precious non-renewable resource of water. Jordan is a country thirsty for water. Each person residing in Jordan is allowed a pre-determined amount of water each week. Water runs out if you are not consciously aware of the amount you use. I have learned to pay close attention to the amount of water is wasted and have stopped the waste before the waters runs out.
-Realization of how much I love my family. I have a new appreciation for my family. I have always (except for my teenage years) felt blessed with a healthy and happy family. A family who enjoys our time together, who take vacations together, make an appoint to celebrate special occasions together, laugh together, support each other, love each other. However, not until I have move here, away from that family I love, when I realize exactly how blessed we are and how much I really love my family.
-Deeply understand the meaning of Alhumdillah (Thanks be to God). So many people here (and around the world, including the US) do not have the things that I have and have not the option to experience the things I have experienced in my short life. Previously, I knew of this only on an intellectual level. I had read about it and heard about it; however, I am now living and seeing the reality. I so appreciate and feel blessed for the things that I once found normal, things that I nearly expected...I have been on a vacation at least once in my life (actually I have been on many vacations, rather than only to dream of one vacation). I have been on a boat. Gone fishing. Know how to golf. I have rode a bike. I know how to swim. I have a automatic washing machine...and a dryer. I have a dishwasher. I have a college degree. I finished high school. I went to elementary school. I have healthy kids and family. I have clothing. I have shelter and I have a heater in my shelter. I have clean water. I have food. I am not a beggar. I do not have physical limitations. I do not have mental limitations. Everywhere you turn in Amman, you will see someone living in poverty. Someone is asking for change or trying to make a couple of coins but selling things like tissues and gum on every street in Amman. Alhumdillah, Alhumdillah, Alhumdillah. Thank you God for everything that I have, as I am truly blessed.
-Embarrassment. I have learned to be embarrassed to ask for more. I live nearly the life I had in the USA, and I still want more. Don't we all want more or something? Money, new clothes, bigger home, friendship, health, time, etc. I have learned how to define my wants of more into those as needs and those as extras. Alhumdillah, I have been so blessed and when you truly and deeply understand those blessing, it is embarrassing to ask for more. There are so many around me that have nearly nothing and they also say Alhumdillah. Shame on me to ask for more.
-Hospitality. Jordanians and known for and pride themselves on hospitality. One does not eat nor drink anything without asking everyone around if they would like some. I get up at work to grab a glass of water and I ask everyone in the office if I can make them some tea or coffee. Before I go to the cafeteria, I ask if anyone wants everything and I buy an extra so when I return I can offer something for them as well. Greeting someone is not just "Hey" and keep on walking or continue back to that which I am working on. It is a genuine Asalamualaikum (Peace be on you), Good morning, How are you doing, How was your weekend, How are your kids, family, etc. It is rude not to, and it is interpreted as those you are not interested in the well being of others. It is good practice and it is a positive assimilation.
Something I want to change.
-Feeling comfortable with being forward. The society here is not bashful to ask for things. There are no lines - it is who speaks the loudest who gets his/her turn first...I need to learn how to do that!
I was hoping to ask Hubby about the changes he has noticed in himself...he is now sleeping...Inshallah I will ask him this week and see how his list is the same or different. It will be an interesting discussion :-)
What times in your life did you under go change? What were the circumstances surrounding the change? Was it a positive experience - why or why not?
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Hajj and Eid Al-Adha
JUST THE BASICS - FACTS:
Hajj
The largest pilgrimage in the world.
Two and a half Million - Three Million Muslims.
Muslims from all over the world attend.
Required of all able Muslims to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime.
Men and Women.
The 5th pillar of Islam.
Located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
History:
Abraham was instructed by God to leave his wife (Hagar) and infant son (Ishmeal) alone in the dessert.
The infant became thirsty.
Hagar ran back and forth seven times looking for water.
Infant cried and hit his foot to the ground/Angel Gabriel's wing scratched the ground.
Water miraculously appeared (well of ZamZam).
Years later Abraham was instructed by God to return to this place and build a place of worship next to the Well Zamzam.
Abraham and his son built the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Abraham was instructed by God to sacrifice his son.
Satan tried to persuade Abraham not to sacrifice his son.
Abraham and his son drove Satan away by throwing stones at him.
Abraham and his son proved their williness to sacrifice for God.
God replaced his son with an animal to sacrifice instead.
The pilgrimage commerartes this historical and religious history.
Day 1:
Pilgrims reach Mecca, shower and change clothes
Shedding all signs of wealth and societial distinction
Muslim men wear two white cloths, Muslims women wear simple white dress and headscarf.
Travel from Mecca to Mina
Pray, read Quran, rest for coming days
Day 2:
Leave Mina and go to the Plain of Arafat.
Muslims spend the entire day near the Mount of Mercy
Asking for forgiveness and making supplications.
(Muslims not in Hajj often fast this day)
Travel to open plain call Muzdalifah
Collect small pebbles for the following day
Spend the night praying
Day 3:
Travel back to Mina
Throw small stones that repressent the temptation of Satan (rememberance of Satan tempting Abraham not to sacrifice his son).
Sacrifice an animal
Return to Mecca
Circle the Kaaba seven times
Walk seven times between two small hills (in remeberance of Hagar search for water)
Drink from the Well of ZamZam
SEE HAJJ LIVE and learn more! : http://www.islamicity.com/multimedia/livetv/LiveHajjCoverage.shtml
Eid Al-Adha
The Festival of Sacrifice.
Animal sacrifice
Sacrificed animal, which must meet specific criteria
Symbolize God's mercy on Abraham when God replaced Abraham's son with a ram.
Sacrificed meat: 1/3 kept for family, 1/3 given to relatives, 1/3 given as charity to the poor.
Largest Holiday in Islam.
Follows the Pilgrimage of Hajj.
Morning of Eid rituals:
Wake up before sunrise, wash and pray Fajr Prayer.
Dress in best clothing.
Attend early morning Eid Prayer offered in congregation.
Sacrifice animal.
Visit family and friends.
Hajj is currently going on.
Eid is on Wednesday, November 16th this year.
Eid Al-Adha lasts for 4 days.
We are off work for the week.
Proper greeting: Eid Mubarak, Happy Eid.
Eid Mubarak!
Hajj
The largest pilgrimage in the world.
Two and a half Million - Three Million Muslims.
Muslims from all over the world attend.
Required of all able Muslims to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime.
Men and Women.
The 5th pillar of Islam.
Located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
History:
Abraham was instructed by God to leave his wife (Hagar) and infant son (Ishmeal) alone in the dessert.
The infant became thirsty.
Hagar ran back and forth seven times looking for water.
Infant cried and hit his foot to the ground/Angel Gabriel's wing scratched the ground.
Water miraculously appeared (well of ZamZam).
Years later Abraham was instructed by God to return to this place and build a place of worship next to the Well Zamzam.
Abraham and his son built the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Abraham was instructed by God to sacrifice his son.
Satan tried to persuade Abraham not to sacrifice his son.
Abraham and his son drove Satan away by throwing stones at him.
Abraham and his son proved their williness to sacrifice for God.
God replaced his son with an animal to sacrifice instead.
The pilgrimage commerartes this historical and religious history.
Day 1:
Pilgrims reach Mecca, shower and change clothes
Shedding all signs of wealth and societial distinction
Muslim men wear two white cloths, Muslims women wear simple white dress and headscarf.
Travel from Mecca to Mina
Pray, read Quran, rest for coming days
Day 2:
Leave Mina and go to the Plain of Arafat.
Muslims spend the entire day near the Mount of Mercy
Asking for forgiveness and making supplications.
(Muslims not in Hajj often fast this day)
Travel to open plain call Muzdalifah
Collect small pebbles for the following day
Spend the night praying
Day 3:
Travel back to Mina
Throw small stones that repressent the temptation of Satan (rememberance of Satan tempting Abraham not to sacrifice his son).
Sacrifice an animal
Return to Mecca
Circle the Kaaba seven times
Walk seven times between two small hills (in remeberance of Hagar search for water)
Drink from the Well of ZamZam
SEE HAJJ LIVE and learn more! : http://www.islamicity.com/multimedia/livetv/LiveHajjCoverage.shtml
Eid Al-Adha
The Festival of Sacrifice.
Animal sacrifice
Sacrificed animal, which must meet specific criteria
Symbolize God's mercy on Abraham when God replaced Abraham's son with a ram.
Sacrificed meat: 1/3 kept for family, 1/3 given to relatives, 1/3 given as charity to the poor.
Largest Holiday in Islam.
Follows the Pilgrimage of Hajj.
Morning of Eid rituals:
Wake up before sunrise, wash and pray Fajr Prayer.
Dress in best clothing.
Attend early morning Eid Prayer offered in congregation.
Sacrifice animal.
Visit family and friends.
Hajj is currently going on.
Eid is on Wednesday, November 16th this year.
Eid Al-Adha lasts for 4 days.
We are off work for the week.
Proper greeting: Eid Mubarak, Happy Eid.
Eid Mubarak!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
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Home Sick
Okay, so I am at work, about to cry. Unsure why I decided to start typing on my blog, because I am for sure going to cry in doing so. Whatever, I feel the need. I feel the need to express my wish to be home. Home today and home next month (and the months after that too....why not?!)
I am excited for my sister today, as today is her baby shower! It is her first baby. It is my first niece/nephew on my side of the family! I am so excited for her! I am sure those of you women out there can relate: Those of women who have carried, delivered, and are mothering your own babies and who have a younger sister who is now doing the same (for the very first time)...you know how exactly how exciting it can be. Talking about pregnancy, about motherhood, about delivery, about babies, about marriage, about life with a baby, about about about....it's never ending the excitement!
Today I will be celebrating with her...long distance...from Skype...7000 miles away. I am so happy and grateful for Skype...yet wish I was home. I wish I was home to rub her belly. To hug her. To see her daughter's nursery.To watch her open gifts. To watch her do the pregnancy waddle. I want to feel the baby kick as she is in her belly, and I want to hold her once she is born.
It seems so strange, so amazing, so beautiful to think about my little sis is about to become a mother. Being a mother. There is no experience like it. It cannot be explained. It's the best thing any woman can experience.
I can't wait to hold my niece, play with her, and watch her grow into a beautiful woman -like her Mother and her Grandmother! I am so looking forward to visiting this summer. Looking forward to meeting my little niece. For my kids to meet their cousin - and for their cousin to meet her cousins! My daughter is looking forward to a girl cousin (as she has all boy cousins from her Dad's side).
Sis, I am so excited for you and looking forward to being part of your little lady's life. I am sorry that I am so far away during your special time. I hope you have a wonderful day celebrating the soon to be birth of your baby. A great day spent with family. A day to be remembered and enjoyed. Looking forward to Skyping with you at 230pm your time and 1030pm my time!
Take care and miss you.
I am excited for my sister today, as today is her baby shower! It is her first baby. It is my first niece/nephew on my side of the family! I am so excited for her! I am sure those of you women out there can relate: Those of women who have carried, delivered, and are mothering your own babies and who have a younger sister who is now doing the same (for the very first time)...you know how exactly how exciting it can be. Talking about pregnancy, about motherhood, about delivery, about babies, about marriage, about life with a baby, about about about....it's never ending the excitement!
Today I will be celebrating with her...long distance...from Skype...7000 miles away. I am so happy and grateful for Skype...yet wish I was home. I wish I was home to rub her belly. To hug her. To see her daughter's nursery.To watch her open gifts. To watch her do the pregnancy waddle. I want to feel the baby kick as she is in her belly, and I want to hold her once she is born.
It seems so strange, so amazing, so beautiful to think about my little sis is about to become a mother. Being a mother. There is no experience like it. It cannot be explained. It's the best thing any woman can experience.
I can't wait to hold my niece, play with her, and watch her grow into a beautiful woman -like her Mother and her Grandmother! I am so looking forward to visiting this summer. Looking forward to meeting my little niece. For my kids to meet their cousin - and for their cousin to meet her cousins! My daughter is looking forward to a girl cousin (as she has all boy cousins from her Dad's side).
Sis, I am so excited for you and looking forward to being part of your little lady's life. I am sorry that I am so far away during your special time. I hope you have a wonderful day celebrating the soon to be birth of your baby. A great day spent with family. A day to be remembered and enjoyed. Looking forward to Skyping with you at 230pm your time and 1030pm my time!
Take care and miss you.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
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