tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-266620002024-03-06T23:28:02.510-08:00A Tale of Three BeansThis is the on-going tale of a Mom and her adjustment to the changing times of her life. About two and a half years ago, the Bean family moved to Jordan from the US. This blog is about MommaBean's new experiences as a foreigner in a wonderful new land, transition from a working Mom to a stay at home one to an entrepreneur, and various other thoughts as they may occur.MommaBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452302193049028569noreply@blogger.comBlogger572125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26662000.post-48187062619083020222011-07-12T23:13:00.000-07:002011-07-12T23:15:15.838-07:00Don't Forget My Move...Hi all. Given that the last post was rather hard to read, I'm back reminding everyone that our Bean Tale is ongoing, but has moved to WordPress. Join us at <a href="http://taleof3beans.wordpress.com/">www.taleof3beans.wordpress.com</a>.<br /><br />Happy Blogging!MommaBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452302193049028569noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26662000.post-44612527767989916432011-04-16T11:48:00.000-07:002011-04-16T14:22:33.234-07:00MommaBean Finds a New Home for Our Tales<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; padding-top: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; max-width: 640px; "><p style="margin-bottom: 24px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5;">Well, with one thing and another (including a week of not being able to access my blog on blogger, I'm giving up and making the switch. I am now, officially, a WordPress blogger. It'll take some getting used to, and particularly since someone already captured my blog name and my blogging name. You can find me </span></span><a href="http://taleof3beans.wordpress.com/" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; ">here (taleof3beans.wordpress.com).</a><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5;"> I'm hoping that anyone will ever actually be able to see this post, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">since</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5;"> I haven't had any luck whatsoever. Hope to see you on the flipside!</span></span></p><p style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px; ">Happy Trails!</p></div>MommaBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452302193049028569noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26662000.post-40464825881045078032011-04-09T09:35:00.000-07:002011-04-09T09:47:18.520-07:00Superbugs should scare us... If we're joining the fight, lets start with pediatricians!<div>I read with interest and excitement <a href="http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=36303">this article</a> today in the Jordan Times. It seems that Jordan has become concerned about drug resistant organisms. May I simply say, FINALLY! For those who aren't familiar, extensive (over)use of antibiotics is creating drug resistant strains of bacteria, viruses, and other nastinesses. The US has become increasingly concerned as they see higher incidence rates of people unable to be treated with standard antibiotics.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've been concerned about this for years. In the US, I stopped using anti-bacterial soaps years ago. After moving to Jordan, I had to resume. The only non-anti-bacterial soaps on the market are direct imports from the US and cost 4 to 5 times as much as the normal soaps here... Sigh. In addition, I'm one of those crazy Moms who avoids antibiotics like the plague. I have had more than one Doctor here prescribe antibiotics for viruses (which they don't treat). Needless to say, those prescriptions don't get filled. I also wait what would seem like a long time before taking the kids in or asking for a prescription. If a fever isn't super high (101 degrees or higher) and doesn't last for a good bit of time (at or above 101 for a couple of days), I don't medicate. I'll use Advil or Tylenol to bring it down some once it pushes past 101, but before that, I won't even medicate that much.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, I'm thrilled to see Jordan becoming concerned. However, to actually combat this issue, they will need a widespread education campaign. it needs to include Doctors and patients. I think many Doctors here prescribe antibiotics so that the parents feel like they're doing something. Instead, moms should be pushing back and asking why their children need them... That's what I do. I also go to a Ped now who knows my philosophy and will give me a "wait and see" prescription. These are becoming more popular in the US as well. The Doc tells you what medicine to give your kid if a) the fever increases or b) it doesn't go away. This is just about my favorite. So, kudos to Jordan for becoming concerned. And, to those of you out there who are unfamiliar with the issue, GET familiar. We're seeing increases in the cases of multidrug resistant tuberculosis. Scary indeed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Superbugs!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>MommaBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452302193049028569noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26662000.post-24046251385740257872011-04-02T12:40:00.000-07:002011-04-03T04:46:01.457-07:00Jordan Isn't Ready for Democracy... I'm Just Saying...<div>So, a couple of months ago I put out there the idea that Jordan simply isn't ready for democracy yet. It is an idea that ruffles some feathers... lots of feathers. I stand by the idea, though. In fact, the unfortunate end to the March 24 demonstrations rather added more evidence to my assertion. Thinking about it, I decided it would be good to explain just why I say that Jordan is not ready for democracy yet. Perhaps it will provide perspective and understanding as to what I mean. Perhaps it will help some, particularly the young folks, take steps to BECOME ready. Because, after all, a unique and functional Middle Eastern-style democracy would be a thing of beauty to behold. So, I will try to express some of the key ideals that are missing that are going to be necessary to find a path to democracy Jordan-style.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Protection of Minorities:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I say this one again. Anyone who has read my past post on this topic knows that I rate this extremely highly. In order for a strong democracy to avoid turning into a autocracy or dictatorship of the strongest faction, protection of the minority needs to become part of the collective psyche. As an example, Iran may have elected Ahmadinejad. However, he quickly moved to establish what is, in effect, a religious dictatorship. There is no protection of the minorities in Iran. Jordan is a nation of minority groups, or at least without majority groups. The Jordanian tribes are a minority, the religious conservatives are a minority group, the unobservant Muslims are a minority group, the Christians are a minority group. In fact, I'm not honestly sure there IS a majority group. Given this, each group needs to begin to understand that minorities are the lifeblood of the nation. This very diversity is what makes Jordan an engaging, welcoming, wonderful place. Rather than playing up divisions and how great our group is, we must pull together and understand that we are ALL Jordan.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Freedom of Opinion and Speech:</b></div><div><br /></div>In case you're hiding under a bushel and haven't seen <a href="http://www.black-iris.com/2011/03/26/the-quick-death-of-shabab-march-24-and-what-it-means-for-jordan/">Nas' post</a> over at the Black Iris, I recommend you go check it out. He tells about his experience at the Interior Ministry circle reporting on the March 24 protests and talks about his impressions of each of the groups and players in the unfortunate events. One of the things that troubled Nas is the fact that the anti-reform (his term) group refused to allow the pro-reform group to speak their opinion. That simply has to stop. In order to democracy and freedom to flourish, people must be able to have an opinion that differs from the herd. In fact, isn't that the very definition of freedom. We can no longer believe that our opinion is the only valid one. In the best democracies (and since George W was in office I can no longer classify the American democracy as one), the conversation is more important than the outcome. You should be standing up and giving everything that you are to ensure that the person who represents everything that you hate is able to speak freely. That is what it's all about. Finding ways to accept the conversation. if someone criticizes your religion, the answer is not calling for their death. The answer is listening to what they have to say, evaluating whether there is a kernel of truth, and determining whether you need to take action. It is isn't easy. In fact, it's darn hard. But it's how a society grows in freedom.<div><br /></div><div><b>Supporting the Winners in an Honest Election... Even When They Aren't Your Choice:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I saw <a href="http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=36051">this article</a> in the Jordan Times Friday and found it indicative of one of Jordan's major issues with democracy and participative elections. Apparently after an election at one of the local universities for student union elections (really?! seriously?!), supporters of unsuccessful candidates began to throw rocks and turned violent. Not content to have only students involved, family members and outsiders came to lend support to the violence. This is after a nine year suspension of elections due to campus violence. Apparently the suspensions did not lead to learning. But, here is the crux. If you have a democracy, you support the winners. You may not love them... you may not even like them. But, of they won in fair elections, you accept their right to serve. You don't become violent because your candidate didn't win. If Jordanian youth can not be responsible and respectful in CAMPUS elections, why would we expect that they can in national elections?! And, is this attitude limited to youth? In the last elections we saw candidates that use violence to try and ensure that their candidate won. This behavior is irresponsible and must stop.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Divisionism:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Jordan is plagued by divisionism. The Jordanian Jordanians view the Palestinian Jordanians as interlopers, the Palestinian Jordanians view the Jordanian Jordanians as entrenched cronyisticprofiteers. Everyone has some way to show how very different they are from everyone else. You know what, I am an American Christian Jordanian. And you know what I have in common with everyone else in this fair land? I am just as Jordanian as the next person... Really. Hard as it may be to believe. I didn't grow up here, I don't have family ties to the region. What I DO have is a heart for Jordan. I have a love for its people and its places. I'm not unusual. I'm Jordanian. Jordan is at its best, it IS its best because it is made of of many, many people from many places. It has Circassians, Armenians, Jordanians, Palestinians, bedu, city-folk, Christians, and Muslims. This very diversity, this very difference is one of the keys to Jordan being Jordan. As much as some reactionaries may long for the distant past when Jordan was a land of one people, I suspect that land never actually existed. I know in Biblical times Jordan was a trade route. Does anyone actually think that no one ever ventured on the trade route, found Jordan to be a wonderful country and stayed? Clearly, Jordan has never been a single group of people. And, that is part of its wonderful strength. For a democracy to work, Jordan needs to accept (please excuse the use of the horrid campaign slogan) that every Jordanian is a Jordanian. All these other divisions are nothing more than white noise. They are meaningless chatter. And the state needs to recognize this in its relationship with its citizens. It should not relate to its citizens as Christian/Muslim and male/female and Jordanian descent/Palestinian descent. It should simply relate to its people as Jordanian. And, except for that small handful of folks living in a camp who may, in fact, long to return to Palestine... it should accept that Jordanians of Palestinian descent are here to stay. They're not going anywhere. They are, at the end of it all, just Jordanian like everyone else.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>The Silent Majority</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I actually think that the silent majority isn't simply silent. It's actually rather an apathetic majority. And that doesn't work in a democracy. People have to be willing to have an opinion. And once they have that opinion, they must be willing to put it out there. They shouldn't be voting based on tribal affiliation, but rather best person for the job. And they can't simply sit by and let others make decisions for them. Until Jordan has people excited about elections with real candidates and actual parties that have some sort of platform, democracy will be stillborn.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unlike others, let me say that I don't find this situation at all grim. I find it very encouraging. After all, if we can identify concrete things that need work, we can put in place a plan to work on them. And, more importantly, if we can build a constructive conversation, we can begin to understand what democracy a la Jordan looks like. Because the one thing I am certain of, Jordan's democracy can not, must not be a carbon copy of America's democracy. if it is, then we can anticipate it will fit as well as it does in our nearest neighbor to the East (which is not at all). So, who else is ready to step up and start making a difference in thought, word, and deed? They say jaayeen, I say t3alameen (we are learning? does that even work? no idea but it's a good slogan, no?)!</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy learning!</div>MommaBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452302193049028569noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26662000.post-20958428176716672382011-03-22T13:37:00.000-07:002011-03-22T13:45:03.254-07:00The Road Not Taken... Ever Think About Other Lives You Might Have Had?I've found myself in a very interesting position lately. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">CousinBean</span> is getting to that age where one must start thinking about college. He's set on the US, and really seems to want California. In looking at various options, one of the schools that I sent off to for information popped up on the list. I had flirted with the idea of kicking the dust of Alabama of of my heels and hitting sunny California. That was in the days when I still believed the hype about California being warm... nowadays I know better. I'm cold every single time I'm in the state. Don't know what it is about me, but the state of fruits and nuts leaves me cold... literally.<div><br /></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Anyhoo</span>... looking at the information on this particular college got me thinking about how my life would have been different had I ended up there. The school is, in many ways, similar to the small, private liberal-arts college I attended. So, imagining myself there isn't so hard. But it gets you thinking. Clearly, I never would have met El 3<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">atal</span>. I suspect had I gone out to Cali for college, I might not have made it back. After all, cold or not, California is much more diverse than good old Alabama. And, since never quite fit in there (what Southern girl who would move to Jordan would?!), I sense I wouldn't have rushed back.</div><div><br /></div><div>Would life have been all arts festivals, unique opportunities, days on the beach? I doubt it. But, certainly it would have borne little resemblance to days spent in the Alabama sun, which were, after all, much like all those that had gone before them. It's interesting to wonder how your life would have shaped up differently if you'd only made this decision instead of that one. I think that's why the movie Sliding Doors (Gwyneth <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Paltrow</span>, excellent performance) appeals to me. It chronicles a couple of days in the life of a woman. We see her in the guise of having made each of two critical decisions and what comes out of that. Her life is simply not the same.</div><div><br /></div><div>Any one else have thoughts of what if?</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy possibilities!</div>MommaBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452302193049028569noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26662000.post-63651517294212008782011-03-18T05:51:00.000-07:002011-03-18T06:10:15.832-07:00A Missed Anniversary... She Loved Them So Much She Gave Her Own LifeSo, a few days ago I missed an anniversary that I typically recognize each year. With all of the field trips and other things going on, I totally spaced out on the anniversary marking the day that Rachel Corrie died in Gaza.<div><br /></div><div>March 16, 2003 Rachel was intentionally run over by a bulldozer driven by an Israeli soldier intent on demolishing homes. Although the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">dozer</span> operator and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">IDF</span> claimed that he was unaware that she was there, every eyewitness agrees that it would have been impossible to miss the young woman, clad in a fluorescent orange vest.</div><div><br /></div><div>Rachel is an inspiration to me. She held her love for people and her conviction that Israel was doing evil so tightly that she put herself in harm's way. Sadly, harm did come to her. In these days when the Middle East has gone crazy and Japan suffers a crippling triple blow, Israel is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">able</span> to take advantage of the distraction of the world to take any heinous action they want. After all, how bad would it have to be to make the front page?</div><div><br /></div><div>And so, I mourn for Rachel. I mourn with her family who has spent 8 years without their daughter, their sister, their heart. And I keep the faith that eventually the world will see that any country that is systematically racist, that degrades more than half of its population, and that is so hurtful to people that they create the first woman suicide bombers - that the world ill see that this country does not deserve our support. It does not deserve my American tax dollars. It will NOT hasten the second coming and using Christ as a reason for this unconscionable support is something that will come back to haunt them.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, pray with me, for Rachel's family. Pray with me for a softening of the hard-hearts in Israel. Pray with me for peace and for each of acting from our best, rather than worst, instincts.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Reminders!</div>MommaBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452302193049028569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26662000.post-11469720812386897652011-03-14T03:24:00.000-07:002011-03-14T03:35:22.309-07:00Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas...The composer-songwriter, <a href="http://music.msn.com/music/article.aspx?news=635254&GT1=28102">Hugh Martin</a> known for the age old classic, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" died last Friday. In addition to the fact that he penned one of those classic tunes that are known world-wide, Hugh Martin is from Birmingham, Alabama. I think we need to celebrate the greats from Alabama whenever possible. So... in honor and tribute, here's a great singer singing his great song.<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LpPdl0StUVs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><div><br /></div><div>Happy Alabamians!</div>MommaBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452302193049028569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26662000.post-61444001566246533202011-03-12T11:46:00.000-08:002011-03-12T11:55:57.523-08:00Blog About Jordan Day 2011: How Do I Love Thee, Let Me Count the Ways<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ahhh</span>, Jordan. It's that time of year again, spring breezes blow, the region goes haywire, and Blog About Jordan Day come around. In honor of the day (and in the spirit of tradition), I'm going to blog about why I love Jordan.<div><ol><li>Lack of commonly available articles in the US challenge your creativity and inspire a world of substitution ideas when trying to replicate recipes.</li><li>Groups of like-minded ladies are available at a moment's notice to visit and enjoy a morning's breakfast.</li><li>Visitors come bringing food, even when YOU invited THEM to visit and have something nice.</li><li>There's always one more little shop or restaurant with excellent owners who will give you great service and a friendly reception (shout out to Ray and Khalil at the Waffle House).</li><li>Spring that comes, not tiptoeing in gradually, but roaring in with dust storms, wind, and rain.</li><li>People who are happy to see rain... days in a row... no complaining or whining.</li><li>Close families and love of kids.</li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ButterBean's</span> new-found confidence to make a presentation in 3<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ulum</span> (science) class on Senor El <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Maa</span>' (that's Mr. in Spanish and water in Arabic).</li><li>The fact that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ButterBean</span> sees nothing odd in naming someone with the Salutation in one language and the name in another.</li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">JuniorBean's</span> ready reception and instant understanding of the presentation on water in Arabic and his ability to answer all of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ButterBean's</span> questions.</li></ol><div>All in all, today I'm loving Jordan. My challenge is that everyone either blog or status about Jordan today!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Jordanian!</div>MommaBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452302193049028569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26662000.post-89164490056737215232011-03-11T21:59:00.000-08:002011-03-11T22:08:35.168-08:00And Once In a While Jordanian Service Goes Above and Beyond: Rare Kudos From MommaBeanYesterday the whole bean family headed out to lunch to celebrate <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ButterBean's</span> birthday. We let the Beans pick where they want to go and these days the preferred favorite is Chili's. We went to Chili's for a regular Bean lunch (read that as 2 hours before any self-respecting Jordanian would consider eating lunch). When we arrived (and in fact for 3/4 of the meal) we were the only ones in the restaurant.<div><br /></div><div>The service was, in general, quite good. Our waiter is one of those who know us from the good old days of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bennigan's</span>. It was a sad day for service in Jordan when they closed their doors. But, on the plus side, the folks they trained have moved on to other restaurants. At any rate, as a result of his fine training, this waiter always provides excellent service. After our meal, we ordered a molten chocolate cake thing to celebrate the birthday.</div><div><br /></div><div>For those who may not be aware, the servers at such places do a rousing (if terribly off-key and often in questionable shape) rendition of Happy Birthday to you. It is embarrassing to most adults, but kids really seem to love the over-the-top experience. So, it took longer than usual for them to come and sing to us. I joked with El 3<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">atal</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">MimiBean</span> that they were going out back to see if there were any deliveries coming in so they could task the driver with singing. Finally, after maybe 10 minutes, they all gathered around for the Happy Birthday extravaganza. The choir was made up of the servers, the Kitchen Crew, and the chef. I kid you not... they didn't let a little short staffing impact their ability to deliver the over-the-top experience that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ButterBean</span> wanted. She shyly smiled with a light in her eyes that could have powered Amman for a year. She loved it.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, kudos to Chili's, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Mohammed</span> (our wonderful waiter), and the entire (and I do mean entire) Friday crew. You made a little girl very, very happy! Oh, and you showed other restaurants just what responsive service is. You go guys!</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Birthdays!</div>MommaBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452302193049028569noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26662000.post-13494012816799463592011-03-07T07:29:00.000-08:002011-03-07T07:58:34.490-08:00Ugly Disrespect: Why American Christians Should NOT Support Israel Blindly...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8knhRX01JMj8ujjoXRlJPaiE5yyKSLhQqNSVGONtoc6_PO_boDlozQVuG_isi1x7h5pPknM-9kIXmPP3DELp9DWXyeveDaB1Iqf896Rb3k2TnXQ-jUCDr9tQyXZ2uShVWU6Gyjg/s1600/Baptism+Site.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 349px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8knhRX01JMj8ujjoXRlJPaiE5yyKSLhQqNSVGONtoc6_PO_boDlozQVuG_isi1x7h5pPknM-9kIXmPP3DELp9DWXyeveDaB1Iqf896Rb3k2TnXQ-jUCDr9tQyXZ2uShVWU6Gyjg/s400/Baptism+Site.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581362815462996066" /></a><br />So, we went to take some out of town friends down to the Baptism site on Saturday and to our surprise found that the Israeli site opposite is open. What surprised us, though, isn't that the site was finally open. It was the apparent purpose of their new facility. I couldn't help snap a picture of the people we found using the site. As you will notice, these are not religious pilgrims at the Jordan River for a spiritual experience. These are Israeli sun-seekers out for an afternoon swim. All of the visitors spoke in Hebrew and the kids had a riotously loud and raucous time. Oh, and I don't mind that as a tribute to the good weather, but rather as a tribute to the bad taste of the Israelis.<div><br /></div><div>During the time we were there, a Bishop from England was trying to do a study and worship experience for his tour group. So, over the sounds of frolicking children, he explained the religious significance of the site and then began a service. On the plus side, the singing of his group of tourists drowned out the sounds of the children splashing about. But I ask you, why would any Christian provide blind devoted following of a group of people who so disrespects them?</div><div><br /></div><div>Most people who visit the Baptismal site do so as part of a trip to see where Jesus was baptized. They continue on along and see the current path of the Jordan River. The whole site is a spiritual experience of some meaning. Having loud, obnoxious <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">day trippers</span> 5 feet away rather degrades the experience. It's one more small and calculated way that the Israelis disrespect everyone else. After all, they could have put this totally non-religious site anywhere along the Jordan River. If they wanted a swimming hole, better they had put it at a wider spot with more water available for the kids, right? There's lots of river out there, so why the rudeness?</div><div><br /></div><div>From a seemingly small annoyance to a major showcase of their intractability and hatred for Christians... have you heard about the "illegal" Bishop of Jerusalem? The Jordan Times has a brief mention <a href="http://www.jordantimes.com/index.php?news=35168">here</a> and a more full article is available <a href="http://www.salem-news.com/articles/march012011/illegal-bishop-ef.php">here</a>. Basically, the current Anglican Bishop of Jerusalem, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Suheil</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Dawani</span> had his residence permit for Jerusalem revoked. The Cathedral is in East Jerusalem which the Israelis claim, but the world does not recognize as theirs. So, the Bishop is left without legal right to reside and preside over the Diocese that he has been elected to run. </div><div><br /></div><div>And American Christians support these thugs? Seriously? Wake up, ladies and gentlemen. See what this government is and what it does. The Palestinians are placed in untenable positions and then we, as a people, don't understand why their frustration runs high enough to turn to armed resistance. My fondest hope is that one day Americans will look for themselves. Spend 10 minutes and you can find information on the terrorism practiced by the Israeli state. They will account, in the after-life for their actions, but remember as Christians, so will we. It is a timely lesson for each of us to remember.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy degradation!</div>MommaBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452302193049028569noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26662000.post-8305126186733371392011-02-24T02:14:00.001-08:002011-02-25T07:34:36.918-08:00Talk About Curing the Symptoms and Not the Disease... The Plight of Domestic Workers in Jordan<div>The Jordan Times had an interesting article yesterday <a href="http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=34803">here</a> that talks about the Domestic Helpers Recruitment Agencies Association's (DHRAA) dissatisfaction with the current situation in Jordan. Since the Philippines and Indonesia have banned their nationals from coming, the recruiters for these countries are facing serious problems. For some, the families have already paid and are expecting a helper. These two countries seem to have the lion's share of domestic workers in Jordan.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, the response from the DHRAA has been exactly what I would not want. They are trying to get the Ministry to actively open other countries to provide workers. So, it seems that if you get banned for mistreatment and non-payment the best response is to find more desperate poverty-ridden countries to send laborers. I shudder to think that, instead of proactive work to resolve abuses the Association would simply try to find people more willing to live with it. Oh, for an association that encourages self-improvement.</div><div><br /></div><div>My personal view on this is that Jordan needs to more closely monitor the situation of these guest workers. Home visits, contracts signed and administered by the Ministry of Labor, and awareness campaigns would go a long way to making Jordan a more attractive destination for guest workers. Basically, set some standards, remove workers who are being abused, and ban abusive employers from receiving workers for a period of time. Each of these steps would help change for the better. Sweeping the issues under the rug won't help anyone at all. Sigh. It is amazing to have in-home help so affordable and helpful. Many moms depend on this to be able to go out to work and increase the family income. So, after all, let's do it the right way.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Spring Cleaning!</div>MommaBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452302193049028569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26662000.post-46444490990401345122011-02-15T23:45:00.000-08:002011-02-16T00:01:17.406-08:00I Hate to Say I Told You So, But... Scanner Pictures Show Up on InternetSo, I hate say it... Really, I hate it when I'm right. Today I came across <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41607848/ns/travel-news/">this article</a> buried on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">msn</span>.com. Some of you may recall back in November I penned an article about America's <a href="http://a-tale-of-three-beans.blogspot.com/2010/11/americas-mctravel-options-full-bodies.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">McTravel</span> options</a>... In the article I warned that our options were full-bodies on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">internet</span> or strip searches. I suspect some of you out there thought I was being alarmist. Unfortunately it appears that not only was I not being alarmist but is wasn't even against the law for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">TSA</span> agents to put our images on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">internet</span>!<div><br /></div><div>Seriously, you wait until a sheriff's office that has similar scanners in place has issues with images on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">internet</span>? Really? THEN you put the law in place. I really hate it when I'm right.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Personal Privacy (Oh, Wait, No....)!</div>MommaBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452302193049028569noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26662000.post-59382536908121576772011-02-15T13:38:00.000-08:002011-02-15T13:52:36.920-08:00The 2011 Tomato Wars, Where Will They End?So last week I was reading an article in the Jordan Times <a href="http://www.jordantimes.com/index.php?news=34402">here</a> on farmer protests regarding "plummeting" tomato prices. I get that the farmers are in a very tight place, financially. But what I would like to know is why weren't they protesting the outrageously high prices they were getting paid back last year. You remember in September when heat waves and pests killed off the crops? Back when instead of JD .50/kilo we were paying JD 3.00. Okay, it may not have been quite that large a difference, but I'm certain it wasn't much better. And the quality of the tomatoes was awful. Instead of protesting that prices were too high or reducing their prices, farmers then were happy all the way to the bank, no?<div><br /></div><div>What really smarts, though, is that the farmers have only one person to thank for rock-bottom prices... themselves. The article mentions that farmers "encouraged by the higher prices" planted extra stock. Then with the warm winter, they grew lots and lots and lots of tomatoes. Well, duh. Overabundant supply leads to decreased prices. So, let me ask you, why are they protesting? Unless they are protesting against themselves. I hope that the Jordanian Farmer's Union will take the following lessons from this experience...</div><div><br /></div><div>Train your members that when times are good, they need to save for a rainy day. Teach them also that overplanting will lead to lower profits not higher. Because in the end, farming (like consulting) is a feast or famine world. If you don't save for a rainy day, don't come crying when the floods start...</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy ketchup-fodder!</div>MommaBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452302193049028569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26662000.post-77148750387101020982011-02-15T12:15:00.000-08:002011-02-15T12:27:22.996-08:00Lonely Hearts Club of Amman, Finding Friends as a Fabulous Foreigner...<div>Finding friends in Jordan as a foreigner can be really hard. It is really hard, in fact. I find it takes about a year to find a circle of friends and get comfortable in Jordan. To that end, here are some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MommaBean</span> (often tongue in cheek) recommendations of ways to jump start your Jordanian friendships.</div><div><ol><li>Wander aimlessly around the "foreigner" stores around the 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> circle (you know, Cozmo, Safeway) introducing yourself to anyone who walks by speaking English, because there's nothing anyone wants more than to be interrupted while shopping to meet people.</li><li>Frequent educational places for your kids like the Children's Museum looking for other like-minded folks.</li><li>Go to church. Most of them have an English language service and, surprising really, most attendees are not Jordanian.</li><li>Join an e-group. There are lots out there. The one I'm on has nice people (but don't join it, we have enough people already, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">teehee</span>).</li><li>Take language lessons. Language schools are filled with people who don't speak Arabic. They are mostly foreigners ;).</li><li>Go to the park. During the day. In the summer. Everyone knows that Jordanians wait until the sun goes down to go to the park with their kids. Just after the Beans' bedtime the parks get hopping.</li><li>Find one person that you like who is foreign and latch onto them. Soon they'll find friends for you just to get you out of their hair.</li><li>Make weekly visit to the fancy salons for nails and/or hair to rig "chance" encounters with other foreigners.</li><li>Look for blond kids roaming the malls and seek out their parents. They're often foreign.</li><li>Blog. If you're lucky you'll come to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kinzi's</span> eye and she'll include you in a blogger event (like a cookie decorating party). Trust me, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">bloggers</span> are the best people in Jordan bar none.</li></ol><div>In all seriousness, it can be really tough to find your way in Amman. I'm kind of thinking that we need an Amman welcome wagon. You know, a group that comes to visit new folks moving into Amman. They would bring information on the city, commonly needed numbers, maps, whatever. And, they would provide a friendly face in a place that, while welcoming on the surface, is hard to penetrate beneath the shell.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Fitting!</div>MommaBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452302193049028569noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26662000.post-59443844038911108702011-02-13T07:55:00.000-08:002011-02-13T08:28:02.058-08:00A Country of Contradictions... How Do We Reconcile Them?Living in Jordan has been a very interesting experience. I expect living in any country where you did not grow up <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">inculturated</span> is a similarly eye-opening experience. However, Jordan is such a set of contradictions. I find myself wondering, am I the only one who fails to see how anyone can reconcile them. With the drama unfolding in the region, much has been said about Jordan. In the US, as is often the case in this fabulously Muslim-fearing world, the news has focused on alarming demonstrations (far smaller and more peaceful than those back in 2009 over Gaza mind you). I posted previously the wish that Westerners would just call to a halt the scare-tactic laden discussions of my chosen home. However, no one seems to be talking about the challenges facing Jordan's King.<div><br /></div><div>Jordan is a country with deep divisions. The gulf between East Amman and West Amman is wide. East Amman is the more historic part of Amman. The buildings are often older and the people tend to be more conservative. West Amman is marked by newer buildings, most of it having been constructed in the last 20-30 years. Walking down the streets of the bustling West Amman shopping districts, it is not unusual to find young ladies in outfits that would raise an eyebrow in New York. And the ladies are not foreigners. In a country where some women wear the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">niqab</span> (the covering that hides everything but the eyes) and others wear shorts, sleeveless tops, and sandals it is hard to see how everyone can come together.</div><div><br /></div><div>Reading articles like <a href="http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/937790--jordanians-demand-change-just-don-t-touch-the-king?bn=1#article">this one</a>, which talks about how many different groups want reform doesn't help. Let's have economic reform, some are calling. Let's have political reform others shout. And yet, notice we don't see calls for social reform. Somehow people seems to think that by clamoring for the freedom to think, say, and write what they like other freedoms won't naturally follow. In a country where eating on the streets is illegal during Ramadan (regardless of your religion or interest in observing), let's have political reform and the freedom to write what we like. Somehow I think that the same people who are clamoring for change really want only the changes they want. They want financial transparency and at the same time a return to less privatization. One step forward, one step back. At the same time, there are many who want real economic reform and further liberalization of the market. How does one reconcile these opposing positions?</div><div><br /></div><div>The splintering demonstrators of the last month failed to even agree to continue on. The Muslim Brotherhood/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">IAF</span> and the other opposition groups found their aims and goals too far apart to maintain unity for more than a few weeks. How, then, is the King supposed to take concrete action upon which that all groups can agree? I certainly don't envy His Majesty this fine line he must tread. People want speedy reform, except that they actually need slow progress. Society will need time to change itself and keep up with the changes in both the political and economic fronts. For free and open elections, you would need a public that sees voting as a civic duty. That is not currently the case. It is also not a fast change to come. When I voted (in the last 2 elections here in Jordan), friends from Jordan were astounded. What?! I, who was not born and raised here, would actually go and vote? But why? You see, that attitude must change before Jordan is ready for free elections that actually represent the people, not a single politically active segment of the people.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am part of an absolutely wonderful e-group of ladies here in Amman. We are mostly American (with other nationalities mixed in for flavor). And mostly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">hijabi</span> (not me, of course, but...). Most of the ladies are very observant Muslims. They paint for me a realistic picture of the beauty of Islam. It is a very different picture than I see when I see terrorism in the name of Islam. I am blessed to have this counterpoint. And yet, these ladies have many of the same challenges inside their local families that I am talking about. The gulf between them and their families is not less (and actually in many ways perhaps greater) than that between them and me. So how then do we reconcile this disjointedness? How can the King architect a future that all Jordanians can get behind? I don't have any answers (a position I hate to be in, mind you), but I think the questions are worth asking. The one thing I do know is that King <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Abdullah</span> II is an exceptional bright spot in Jordan's global image. His wife, regardless of what others may think, is opening America's hearts and minds to Muslims and to Jordan. As the face of Jordan, this couple is an inspiration.</div><div><br /></div><div>The problem Jordan faces are not simple. In order to solve them, it needs real dialog among people who recognize that they are part of the solution. The King can not architect this on his own. It simply isn't possible. And, in order to solve these real and difficult issues we must each set aside ourselves and think about what is best for Jordan. Not our tribe, not our family, not our religion. We need to think about what is best for all Jordanians if we are to find a way through these terribly difficult global times. I wish His Majesty the very best of luck and my prayers are most certainly with him. I know that with wisdom and honest openness, Jordan's path can be a shining example to the entire region.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Happy Resolutions!</div>MommaBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452302193049028569noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26662000.post-84784031855701964502011-02-03T16:10:00.000-08:002011-02-03T16:15:01.425-08:00And on a happier note...The birthday season is settling over the Bean household with our first parties this week. This year, we will be having a super fun party for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">TwinBeans</span> that is Toy Story and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Mulan</span>. Somehow I have a feeling this will be more like the parallel play that the kids engaged in when small than the interactive play they engage in now. We'll likely end up with two parties running side by side. However, they insisted they wanted to celebrate on the same day ;). <div><br /></div><div>This year we don't expect any people who are confused about why the party invitation for the birthday boy or girl they got was different from the new mom they've just met (has happened more than once in the past). We're chilling out and doing a smaller at-home party this year with good friends from school and outside. We'll see what the kids think of it as it's been a few years since we took this approach. As for me, I'm excited (and exhausted) just thinking of it. I'll be posting the cake pictures once they're made...<div><br /></div><div>Happy Birthdays!</div></div>MommaBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452302193049028569noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26662000.post-8343335217683701602011-02-02T06:10:00.001-08:002011-02-02T06:59:41.191-08:00Forgive me, but could the rest of the world just SHUT UP already?!Okay, so MommaBean's a tad hot under the collar just now. I've spent days hearing from presumably well-meaning family members (and that's not even talking about all of the pundits) about the situation in the Middle East. MimiBean's been advised by numerous friends and relatives to hurry home. After all, Jordan is just about to fall. And, if she doesn't agree she must be naive. After all, certainly Glenn Beck and his ilk of ill-informed fear-mongers certainly understand the situation in Jordan better than people, say, actually <i><b>in</b></i> Jordan, right?<div><br /></div><div>One of these wonderful well-wishers informed her she'd be better off "reading the situation" at a demonstration than going to a girls' night party we attended on a recent evening. Because Jordan now has night-time demonstrations? Because we're in the middle of Tahrir Square here and I'm unaware? I mean really! What a boneheaded thing to suggest. Of course, I make it a practice of avoiding (by as many miles as I can) any and all protests here. After all, blond hair makes an easy target and mob mentalities around the world rarely bring out the best in people.</div><div><br /></div><div>And, as if it's not bad enough that the family is alarmist and poorly informed, there are people out there like <a href="http://www.politico.com/blogs/laurarozen/0211/Jordans_king_dismisses_parliament_appoints_new_PM.html">this woman at some website called Politico</a> who cuts and pastes valid information (the King of Jordan did kick out his government) and misinterprets it (he did not dissolve Parliament). I mean really, can't you take the time to understand a system of government before adding your (clearly truly valueless) opinion? Please? Because conservative bloggers all over have started following her lead.</div><div><br /></div><div>I just love being told that people who have never even visited Jordan understand the situation more clearly than I do. You know, I live here... by choice. And while we may, very well, suffer from the frog in the cold pot syndrome, I really don't think so. In pretty much all cases, there was some inkling on the street before the situation flipped. Even in Egypt, this has been a steady build-up. We have seen this clearly watching the American Embassy in Egypt's response. They started by sending home families and non-essential personnel. The next day they sent additional people to "reduce the diplomatic footprint". The following day, they "evacuated non-emergency personnel." It was a day-by-day change.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, are we foolish for thinking that Jordan is different? Well, the Embassy here, which sends messages to alert Americans to celebrations for the annual high-school grade issuance (I'm not kidding here) has been conspicuously silent. So it seems to me that cautious observance of the situation is a better and more measured response than rushing out to spend thousands on a flight to the US. After all, the King has been taking many steps to help ensure that the situation here remains calm.</div><div><br /></div><div>And, contrary to the relative who tells us that these regional issues are "part of the Muslim Brotherhood's agenda" which he "knows all about" (and is apparently centered around establishing Sharia law), I see a different viewpoint. Tunisia and Egypt are people's cries against abuses that have simply gone on too long. They are also an indictment of the global financial situation which was authored not in Egypt or Tunisia, but in the "democratic" US. And as for people in the US "knowing the Brotherhood's agenda", I'd love to know how they do it. I live here and I have no idea what their agenda might be. But I do know that since most of the governments in the region have legal codes that take their foundation from Sharia law that it is silly to spout that as the reason. They may be French or British or whatever trappings, but underneath the cultural values that make the legal system run are Islamic. So, the MB may want many things, but somehow I expect these gentlemen are smart enough to be looking for something farther out of reach than this. For a better understanding of the MB here in Jordan and its internal challenges, check out <a href="http://www.black-iris.com/">this very interesting post</a> by the Black Iris, who is Muslim and much more in the know about the MB than I.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, I guess my bottom line is this request... those of you who have no idea what you're talking about... button your flapping lips. No one in Egypt really cares how the US, Israel, or even Europe feel about their demonstrations. They aren't demonstrating for the world. And, to those family members who know more than I do...</div><div><br /></div><div>All I can say is welcome. Come to Jordan. See my home. And once you've been here and seen it we'll see if your all-encompassing knowledge is still all-encompassing. Once you have first-hand knowledge of this amazingly rich part of the world. Once you've seen the treasures that abound here, both physical and human, maybe you'll understand that the political blowhards who get paid to scare you know nothing - and I do mean nothing - about Jordan. I once went to a lecture where the fellow talking said that he spent the four years of his Harvard education going from cock-sure ignorance to thoughtful uncertainty and considered it the best money he'd ever spent. I wish political pundits, on both sides of the aisle, would make the same trip... it'd make the world a better place.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Know-It-Alls!</div>MommaBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452302193049028569noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26662000.post-41309774261709554532011-02-01T10:03:00.000-08:002011-02-01T10:06:59.637-08:00How much information should we share with the kids?El 3<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">atal</span> and I have been having conversations, in the light of the people's demonstrations in Egypt about how much we should share on the topic with the kids. He is of the mind that we maybe should let them watch some on TV and talk about it. I'm not really sure. Although this is a historic time, will it worry them that this is going on where <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Baba</span> was last week? Is it too old for them? I'm generally in favor of mind-broadening conversations, but... Any thoughts, dear three readers?<div><br /></div><div>Happy conundrums!</div>MommaBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452302193049028569noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26662000.post-31528236728184267112011-01-29T05:48:00.001-08:002011-01-29T12:21:51.864-08:00On the Wrong Side of Freedom... (is overthrowing dictators really a great thing?)People around the world are cheering on the Egyptians as they throw off the shackles of an allegedly corrupt government. And, at first glance, 30 years is a long time for someone who is supposedly elected democratically to continue in office. After all, I like honesty. Let's call it what it is and it isn't democratic elections. So, in that sense, I hope and pray that Egypt find its way to an appropriately elected government that will resemble the type of democracy that will work best. But, having said that we, as Americans, are a bit arrogant (no really, we are, didn't you know that?). One of the places that we can see that arrogance shining through brightly is the idea that we continue to espouse as part of our global propaganda that every country should be "free" like us. That they should all have democracy (by which we mean our type of democracy). Now forgive me, but I'm not cheering too loudly.<div><br /></div><div>So, let me tell you why. Our American focus on a US-style democracy fails to take into account that we've had more than 200 years developing it. We spent hard won days and nights, the blood of brothers and cousins and endless energy discovering what an American-style democracy is. Is there any reason we think we could simply take it wholesale and implement it in other places? Even if it were possible to, is there any reason this would work in a place that shares nothing culturally in common with the US? I can't imagine a single reason we should think this will work. Why wouldn't it take other countries fighting their own battles to understand themselves as people to get to a democracy that works for them? Even the US, which broke away from Britain, did not set up an identical democracy.</div><div><br /></div><div>And yet, we believe that we can influence nations in the Middle East into democracy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ala</span> America. This, I assure you, will not work. There are many reasons that this idea is a fallacy. One of the first, the most important in my mind, is that there is no core belief in the protection of the minority. Majority rule means, in this part of the world, the majority does what it wants. One of the most important tenets of America's democracy is the protection of the minority. Without it, the entire system would fail. As Americans, we are raised believing that the majority must take care of the minority. We take protect and serve as a sacred goal.</div><div><br /></div><div>How interesting, then, that some of my American friends here see no irony in the fact that they rail against the pork butcher and the stores that sell liquor because they are against Islam. These ladies choose not to support stores that sell liquor, to which I say kudos! Vote with your feet. But some call for the banning of all such places. Whenever I'm faced with this attitude, I try gentle reminders that there are also others here who are not Muslim. Why should they lose the right to eat bacon on a Sunday morning? Why should they be banned from purchasing alcohol? These people who were raised in a country that protects the minority lose sight of the minority here in Jordan. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, I ask you, given that one of the sole movements in the region that has managed to pool political will is the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Islamist</span> movement, why would we expect that democracy would lead to anything other than an Islamic dictatorship? We saw this in the Taliban, didn't we? They were democratically elected and then went about making everything else illegal. In Gaza, we see this as well. We don't see places where people who were raised without this protection-of-the-minority mindset find democracy a liberating experience for all. And that's what worries me. As a minority (well many minorities actually), what's to say that overthrowing the current less-than-stellar guy is going to make a positive impact on the lives of the minorities? Often those autocratic governments are the very ones that are protecting the minorities in their realm. Really, can anyone really tell me the Christians in Iraq are better off now? How about the Sunnis?</div><div><br /></div><div>Until a Middle Eastern country finds a way to successfully build a model for democracy that works within its cultural context, all we are doing is hastening the road to internal strife and civil wars. I sincerely hope that Egypt finds its way out of this current situation with a more positive leader. I hope that Tunisia does not find itself in another <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">de</span> facto dictatorship. But, I also hope that, in each case, they find a method that works without shoving out, killing, and persecuting the "others", the "different", in short the minorities...</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Freedom?</div>MommaBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452302193049028569noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26662000.post-45510385510116846932011-01-28T11:09:00.000-08:002011-01-28T11:22:43.832-08:00The Moments that Crystallize Life...So, today is the anniversary of the 25<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> year since the <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41296542?GT1=43001">Shuttle Challenger exploded</a> just after take-off. As the articles all say, it's one of those things that causes a Do You Remember moment. Only this one, for people in my age range, takes less than a second. This isn't like the Gulf War ( I was sitting in a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Sbarro's</span> pizza in Birmingham watching the surreal nighttime bombings). This was very different and very personal.<div><br /></div><div>Although I hardly feel 25 years old these days, I was sitting in class in Junior High School watching the launch on TV. In fact, the whole school was watching the launch. Dare I say, the whole country was watching it? We watched in horror as the shuttle exploded. There was an unexpected silence as everyone tried to process what had happened. Honestly it didn't make sense. We all waited for the new that it was a hoax, a mistake, we wanted a miracle. That miracle never came.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not sure how anyone else felt about it. You can ever only know your own mind, thoughts, and feelings, can't you? But after weeks, maybe months, of lead-up to the launch, I felt like I knew Christa <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">McAuliffe</span>. She was not just a teacher, she was MY teacher. At least, she surely could have been. She had young children left motherless. She had such a smile... the type that brightened a room. So, I felt like I knew her.</div><div><br /></div><div>In fact, the tragedy touched my family more closely even than that. At the time, my dad worked for a supplier to the shuttle program. He worked for one that worked with the O-Rings. Needless to say, the next months were tiring and stressful as they conducted tests to see what had happened. In the end, the fault lay elsewhere, but it was a close-run thing. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">And</span>, again, it made the tragedy more real.</div><div><br /></div><div>And, do you know, although prior to Challenger I had been to see a shuttle launch, when I think of space shuttles, I still think of the Challenger disaster. In my mind's eye, that arc is never really gone. So, on this 25<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span> anniversary, I salute all of the astronauts who have died trying to expand our human knowledge and understanding of our universe. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's an interesting juxtaposition that even as man tries to explore and go further, gaining ever more knowledge, others here in my region of the world are experiencing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Internet</span> black-outs and cell phone stoppages. The one is ever pushing for greater knowledge the second is pulling it back. And yet, perhaps the greatest lesson for us from Challenger is that no matter the obstacles, the human will finds a way...</div><div><br /></div><div>Thoughtful anniversaries...</div>MommaBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452302193049028569noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26662000.post-80036165028274052942011-01-24T14:00:00.001-08:002011-01-24T14:07:40.497-08:00A Little Slice of Merry Old England in Jordan...So tonight the Beans and I went to a lovely high school production of Robin Hood. A very fine friend invited us along thinking that we would enjoy it. I enjoyed twice as much when I discovered (on arrival) that it was a musical. Each of the Beans had a favorite character, which I find adorable. Maid Marian was a favorite of both girls. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">JuniorBean</span> enjoyed the Sheriff of Nottingham's wife (a very talented young man who performed his role in true Shakespearean tradition). <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">JujuBean's</span> second favorite was Friar Tuck, who was admirably rendered in all his (substantial) glory.<div><br /></div><div>For me, my favorite was actually the Sheriff. The young man who played him was quite talented. As an exceptionally acted counterpoint to the Sheriff's sniveling ways, Lady Merle was in her element. This couple of characters were forceful stage presences. And, the best musical performer by far was, appropriately enough, the minstrel.</div><div><br /></div><div>So to the young men and women who took part in the play tonight, kudos! You did an exceptional job and should be very proud of yourselves. I assure you, it was an evening's entertainment that was a bargain at twice the price!</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Anglophiles!</div>MommaBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452302193049028569noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26662000.post-32803023401539305812011-01-23T08:15:00.001-08:002011-01-23T08:31:21.592-08:00Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde... Mixed marriages, why do they do it?So, I've noticed that there are a number of young Arab men who go over to America or Canada and find nice girls to marry. Clearly, having married an Arab man myself, I have no issue with this part of the scenario. But, here's what I really don't understand. Many men who head over to the West have very precise pictures of how men and women should interact. And yet, when they get to the West, they go out and find nice, normal Western girls. And while most Western women are not the promiscuous playthings that is popular conception here, they also aren't super-conservative in male-female dynamics.<div><br /></div><div>Since living in Jordan, I keep coming across couples where the fellow went to study, found a wife and then brought her back. And, very often, these couples end up in marital discord and strife. Sometimes the wife finds herself pressured by husband or mother-in-law to don more conservative clothing (you know, "Put on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">abaya</span>, it's more comfortable."). Sometimes it's a desire to know where she'll be at every second of the day. Who is she seeing? What is she doing? Where is she going? Sometimes it's about observing religious practices that aren't her own (or appearing to anyway).</div><div><br /></div><div>And what I don't get is, why? Time and again I hear, well I'm non-practicing and he's non-practicing so I thought... It's a tad naive of the ladies, for sure. But why does the man think this is a good idea, that's what I don't get. Why go to the US, not observe prayers, not fast during Ramadan, drink and eat pork then marry a girl there and expect her to fit into your cultural paradigm when you move here? I don't have any issue with wanting your wife to fit into your cultural paradigm generally, but if it's so radically different than the life you live in the West, you should have had that conversation long before moving to Jordan, no?</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, El 3<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">atal</span> is not your typical Jordanian man. His mom worked outside the house from the time he was very young. His parents visited different locales around the world nearly every year. As a result, his outlook on life is fairly atypical. When he lives in the US and when he lives in Jordan, he lives in exactly the same way. There's no difference between US El 3<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">atal</span> and Jordan El 3<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">atal</span> (he wears shorts in both places, I assure you). And there's no real difference between America <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">MommaBean</span> and Jordan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">MommaBean</span>. I wear the same clothes and approach life in the same way. Picking out a foreign wife for El 3<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">atal</span> makes sense given that his outlook on life has always been a bit odd for Jordan.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, why would you knowingly pick a woman who will be terribly unhappy if you successfully mold her into the woman you think she should be in Jordan? I have a number of friends who, like me, chose wonderful Jordanian men. They span the religious divide. And yet, to a person none of them has indicated that they were pressured by their husbands to act and live differently. I suspect that's why their marriages are successful. So, does anyone have any insight? </div><div><br /></div><div>To me, it's a bit like getting a nice scoop of ice cream and creating a lovely <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">mansaf</span> topping. Each is delightful separately, but putting one on the other will ruin both. Either appreciate the ice cream for what it is or go get yourself some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">mansaf</span>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy mixed marriages!</div>MommaBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452302193049028569noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26662000.post-59054479278149495742011-01-19T07:16:00.000-08:002011-01-19T07:41:12.424-08:00Life is Good!<p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; ">Got tagged. That mean <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kinzi</span> person tagged me. And I'm sure I ducked. Sigh. Okay, she's a sweet <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kinzi</span> person, but I still don't feel super and wanted to be playing some Farm Frenzy to take my mind off of my aches by now. And now I'm forced to blog. So, with no further ado (or whining and moaning), here it is!</p><p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; "><span style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; " ><strong style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">1. If you blog anonymously, are you happy doing this? If you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">aren</span>’t anonymous, do you wish you started out anonymously, so that you could be anonymous now?</strong></span></p><p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; ">I'm perfectly happy as an anonymous blogger. I chose <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">cyber</span>-schizophrenia intentionally. Part of the reason is that being blond and obviously Jordanian in American already makes me stand out. But, even in the US I would have blogged anonymously. With three small children, I want to keep their names and identities quiet so that no bad people come out of the woodwork with enough information to find us... So, yep.</p><p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; "><span style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; " ><strong style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">2. Describe an incident that shows your inner stubborn side</strong></span></p><p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: inherit; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 23px; ">I'm not stubborn. Never. Ever. Or stubbornly contrary. Honest. Ask El 3<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">atal</span>, he'll tell you. Although, those Beans, man THEY are stubborn. Can't figure out where they got it... must be El 3<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">atal</span>. Oh, wait, you want proof. There is a particular street neat Junior Bean's school that is a one way street. It is clearly marked (very). It is only wide enough for one car to traverse its narrow length. It has no driveways. And yet, people </span><i style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 23px; ">will </i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 23px;">come down it the wrong way. I make them back up (sometimes the entire length of the street if there aren't any empty parking spaces) since I'm driving legally. I figure the more painful it is for them, the more likely they'll think twice next time ;). Oh, and so you know just how stubbornly committed I am, I have (one more than one occasion) taken the keys out of the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;">ignition</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 23px;"> and held them up to demonstrate to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">rudesby</span> driving the delivery truck that I wasn't going anywhere and he WOULD be backing up ;).</span></span></p><p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; "><span style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; " ><strong style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">3. What do you see when you really look at yourself in the mirror?</strong></span></p><p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; ">I don't spend that much time looking in mirrors. But I can tell you, whatever is in that mirror isn't really me. I'm younger, thinner, and cuter than that matronly gal in the mirror ;).</p><p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; "><strong style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; "><span style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; " >4. What is your favourite summer cold drink?</span></strong></p><p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; ">Sweet tea. But then, you can't get that in Jordan ;).</p><p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; "><span style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; " ><strong style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">5. When you take time for yourself, what do you do?</strong></span></p><p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; ">Read, read, read. Oh, and sleep after I read a bit.</p><p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; "><span style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; " ><strong style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">6. Is there something that you still want to accomplish in your life?</strong></span></p><p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; ">Of course, life's not over until it's over. Until then, you gotta be looking out for new things to try, right? I want to learn to speak Arabic better, watch my kids and help shape and mold them as they grow and develop. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Hmm</span>... so many things.</p><p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; "><span style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; " ><strong style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">7. When you attended school, were you the class clown, the class overachiever, the shy person, or always ditching?</strong></span></p><p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; "><span style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Hmmm</span>. None of those. I always had a group of friends who usually were like me. Not very rich, pretty smart but no over achievers, absolutely adorable and rather precocious. In high school I went to a smart kids' school. That was nice, I wasn't nerdy there... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Teehee</span>.</span></span></p><p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; "><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span><strong style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">8. If you close your eyes and want to visualize a very poignant moment in your life, what would you see</strong></span></p><p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; ">Again, one moment?! Life is made up of these moments. The day the TwinBeans graduated from nursery school. The day ButterBean graduated from KG2, the day I realized that ButterBean was never ging back and I'd be a mom forever. So, many moments.</p><p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; "><span style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; " ><strong style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">9. Is it easy for you to share your true self in your blog, or are you more comfortable writing posts about other people and events?</strong></span></p><p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; "><span style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; "><span class="Apple-style-span">Well, I actually find that in writing about others, I'm usually writing about myself. I'm comfortable writing about myself but upon occasion self-censor so as not to hurt people I love with my random thoughts.</span></span></p><p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; "><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span><strong style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">10. If you had the choice to sit down and read a book or talk on the phone, which would you do and why?</strong></span></p><p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; ">Read a book. Or talk to Kinzi. But not so much on the phone. But really, read a book (you know I read like 3 or 4 a week, right?.</p><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; ">That was actually kind of fun. My turn to tag. Only all of my old blogger buddies aren't blogging anymore. no more El 3atal, no more Um Farouq, boo hoo. How about I'm tagging <a href="http://sojourney.wordpress.com/">Sojourney</a>, <a href="http://joycefied.wordpress.com/">Almond Joycie</a>, and <a href="http://emigrant2immigrant.wordpress.com/">Emigrant2Immigrant</a>. Love to know more about you ;).</div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; "><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; ">Happy Tagging!</div>MommaBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452302193049028569noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26662000.post-2609597832407183812011-01-19T03:42:00.000-08:002011-01-19T03:45:48.988-08:00A Birthday Poem for Almond JoycieAlthough it isn't my forte... today is the birthday of Jordan's preeminent limerick mavericks (okay she's the only one I know of, but still...). In honor of such a wonderful and blessed day, Joyce here's to you!<div><br /></div><div>Jumping and running after her kids with</div><div>Octopus arms to control...</div><div>Yearning to hug them and protect them from harm</div><div>Capturing them with her love</div><div>Exceptional woman, mother, and friend. We're blessed to have her in our lives.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy 30<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> birthday <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">AlmondJoycie</span>!</div>MommaBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452302193049028569noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26662000.post-31496260059200615892011-01-12T12:47:00.001-08:002011-01-12T13:06:02.576-08:00But, Do You Know What You WANT?!By virtue of being a friendly mom and one who has friends in widely disparate groups, I get asked advice <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">alot</span>. I mean, quite <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">alot</span>. I get asked what the best birthday party places are, what schools are good, where to shop for various products, where to find the pork butcher, just the general information that makes life a tad easier. Each of these questions actually has the same answer (well except for the pork butcher)... Yep, such disparate questions all have the same answer. And it's often one that the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">asker</span> hasn't considered. The answer to all three questions is, it depends on what you want. You know, when choosing a school you need to understand your goals and priorities for your kids' education. This question is, in fact, the one that I get most often from people who have no idea what their goals and priorities are.<div><br /></div><div>So why is understanding what I want so important? Well, because Jordanian (and anywhere else) education is not one size fits all. Different schools have different strengths. Your child may fit better at one school than another. In fact, I was talking about this today with a mom who has her younger kids at a traditional Islamic school. Her older ones go to one of the well-known international schools. She mentioned that she has friends who would never consider the international school because it isn't Islamic. You know, I've got to respect that. At least her friend has considered what is most important to them. As has my friend. She has chosen a broader educational experience to challenge her kids. But so many people, say hey what's a good school around this neighborhood.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, I always answer, it depends. Do you want a native level English program? Do you want a primarily Arabic education? (And no, these two are not mutually exclusive) What is your philosophy on learning? Are you willing to get a tutor? How much do you want to spend? All of these questions come together to form a different picture of the school that you need. But most parents get focused on one thing. Maybe it's Islamic schools, but are they willing to go that route at the expense of the education? Or do they want to seek one that is farther afield but offers better programs?</div><div><br /></div><div>It's the same for birthday party places. The best option depends on your child and what you want to get out of the experience. Do you want a slides and ball pit kind of experience, very active and exhilarating? Do you want something somewhat educational where the kids do a craft? Is dress-up your kids favorite activity in the world? Does the space need to have both indoor and outdoor activities? How many children are you planning to invite? The responses to these pictures forms an answer to the question. We've done the Beans' birthdays at an awesome place that has a mix of outdoor and indoor space, plenty of room (we typically have invited all of the 3 classes), craft activities that serve as a major portion of the giveaway, and excellent staff who make the entire party experience better. But, it wouldn't be the right choice for someone who wants lots of slides and heavy energetic activity.</div><div><br /></div><div>But how often do we, as parents, make decisions based on gut feel or the recommendation of friends without considering how well did my friends' needs match my needs? And then, how often do we end up regretting the decision? Each of us, as parents and people, should develop a habit of thinking through our needs and priorities before we make decisions like these. We need to know what we want so we can decide what works best for us and our family. I know this is something I continue to work on. El 3<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">atal</span> and I are currently rethinking our priorities for the kids' education. Not, mind you, the school. We're very happy with our selection, but rather the emphasis we place and what's of most value and importance to us. After all, 30 years from now, will I care if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ButterBean's</span> ability to express herself or tell a story in classical Arabic is limited? Or will it matter more to me that she is able to speak Arabic fluently? Where are my priorities because that has to inform where we spend our time and focus, now doesn't it?</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Decision-making!</div>MommaBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452302193049028569noreply@blogger.com0