Come To Nashville, Music City

I took a trip to Nashville TN, the birthplace of country music and the place where rock star and other musicians go to get inspired. Country music is a lifestyle in this city and most of their bars feature country music live bands every night. Tennessee is an interesting state--a very long state to drive in. But through it all, the trip is worth taking. The music is something you do not see or hear in places like New York. Country music still tried to find better stories to tell about us.  

You walk down Broadway in downtown Nashville, and you will feel it right away. People dig this music thing, the Western life and the hat and boots. Stores in that area also can sell you an awesome guitar and cross the street you can pick up a pair of boots. The city has a great feel and tourists from around the world visit. I have indulged in some awesome meals and sweets the city celebrates life with.

To be candid, I felt place gets a bad name from the civil war era and various stereotypes about people down there. I was astonishing how graceful the people are and how mixed and diverse the cities are. The North preaches getting along, but in reality they do not practice it--maybe they do not have too. In the American South, I felt people people get along just fine and it looks beautiful. There people out there who believe in America and cherish it. I know, I was always pleased to see sings made in the USA next to a product I want or love. Roa was able to tell the difference and point to how charming people are down there.    

The best thing about the trip is the people of the South, they are nice courteous and fun loving. Big portion is the way to go. Big trucks, big parking spaces, big dinner briskets. Elvis is King of that land, people know his history and his must by heart. I did also mange to go to Memphis, I felt Nashville did a better job claiming the music scene. Memphis is where Graceland is and great BBQ. I do not think, we have a city like Nashville in the Middle East. I feel Iraq in its glory days (1920s to 1950s) had that kind of vibe. Beirut may come close.

good music, good people and great food, take me to Nashville place.  

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The One Way To Wake Me Up According To My Wife

True Story....

When I am tired, I dose off on the bed, I get in heavy sleep mode, and Roa knows that nothing can wake me up. That happened few days ago, I was exhausted, and was lacking in sleep. I slept while watching a comedy with her.

She let me sleep for an hour, but then she would not let me sleep early...and it's Ramadan, if you can eat, eat and do not sleep. So in order to wake me up...she used a fool proof trick. I learned this after I have gotten married.

It turn out no mater how tired I am, if I spot a plate of sliced up watermelons and a fork next to them, I will wake up, this is the bait Roa uses to get me back from my deep sleep. I have embraced it too. That's why Roa always makes sure, we got plety of watermelon--at least during the summer season.

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Baby Clothes And Adult Wear Display

Ever noticed how department stores always display baby clothes near the lingerie section? Trust me on it, I did the research on this.

I am not sure why they would that, but something tells me this approach might be similar to the approach the department of health uses with tobacco warning. Enjoy this product, but we want you to know that you gonna die sucker!

1. Back to lingerie, the baby clothes do just that, a reminder that when you enjoy this product too, you will end up crossing the aisle any purchasing some baby clothes. This could be part of the conservative agenda. What a turn off.
2. But if I ask my grandpa father, he will think lingerie are also baby clothes. No wonder why so many Americans call their sweet ones, baby. It all makes sense now why they stock lingerie and baby clothes in one section. 
3. It also can be understood, that there's a close relationship between those who purchase baby clothes tend to spend more on intimate wear hoping to spice things up and kill the routine. Maybe also try to cover up those birth marks.

If you ask me I think these two items baby clothes and other baby clothes are overpriced.     

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Valentine Day, The Married Guy's Manual

You may want to call Valentine Day a day of extortion. But suck it up, when you get your own day you can stop whining. since that won't be happening anytime soon. Here's what you do.

Significant Other: "Honey, You Forget! Today is....(something happy)!"

You: "Ops!, My bad!"

Stock up on gifts. I always make sure I have at least two presents to give to Roa at any given moment. So if any occasion has slipped your mind, do not worry, you already have the present ready to go.

Make sure to hide the present in a place she would not normally look--maybe in your man cave. Do not make it easy to find. Because if she has found it, you have to explain to her that you are not having an affair. To safeguard against that, make sure to label your gifts with your spouse's name.

Unless your spouse likes all things aged, Do not store chocolate or any food items, certainly not chocolate--it does expire. And the last thing you need another side argument.

So here's the tip bling! necklaces, earning, rings and if you must some nice watch. Make sure they are sterling silver at least. that means she can wear them all the time and not worry about having to remove them when she showers. Sterling silver is like you, she is stuck with both of you.

I know, sets work best for Roa. Sure, you can stock up on perfume, but unless you plan on using them withing 12 months, do not bother, they really lose scent after a while--like a good bear they end up flat. So, here you have it, she will never ambush you again with some occasion that you have to have a gift ready for her! You are one step ahead of the curve.

The upside of that, you are always ready! And if some of your antics upset her, you are ready to surprise her and win her over--please do not go on cheating and think you can fix that with presents.

You are welcome!

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Marry Them Young And Unleash The Drama

Few months ago, I wrote about a new song by the King of Arabic pop Amr Diab, a song in which he tells a young gal that he wishes she was a bit older --two years older so that he can approach her--maybe marry her or something of that nature. When I heard the sneak peak of the song, I was hoping the king of Arab pop wouldn't include it in his album, but he did. Read more about the song here

Well, it's becoming taboo to marry a person younger than 18 even in the Arab world, even here in the States some states allow those of the tender age of 16 to marry. But in all fairness, 16 year olds do get married sometimes, but in my own family, no one has gotten married younger than the age of 18 but one sister of mine. It's all about being busy and having something that keeps you busy. If one is in school or working full time, they can defer as much as they like to.

Now here's what moved me to write this blog, a relative of mine who married a young gal at the tender age of 16 is now having some domestic disturbance--four years later. What I am hearing is this, that wife whose now 21 has upset her husband because supposedly she has been talking to some of his make friends on the phone and for him that was the end of the line.

If this is true, this is sad. Sure she is at fault for doing that, but we really don't know the circumstance of those alleged phone calls. Now here,s what upsets me: if you are marrying someone at a young age, you should expect them to do things wrong. You cannot be sane in your mind and expect them to act like grownups do.

The main reason people marring younger souls quote is that they want to shape the person they are marrying. Even though, I disagree with that mentality of course, but if their purpose is to mold the their spouses personalities, then they have not done a good job shaping the characters of those they are marrying. That's all.

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How Rage Will Save Your Marriage

When I first got married, I thought to myself, I will always be cool and be in control. In my mind that means to control my anger and emotion--be cool under pressure. That's how I lived most of my life and it seemed to work out well. Getting angry never solve much and in fact it could make things worse and aggravate the situation.

I am here to confess, I was wrong. I think sometimes your spouse sees your lack of anger and rage is negative--he doesn't care enough to get upset by whatever it's bothering me. Or worse, you might be accused of not being good at showing your emotion. So I now realize, that if the situation calls for anger, I do not shy away from it, I show my anger and that communicates something about me that puts my spouse at ease.

I found it helpful to me in many circumstances when I show my anger, I end the debate and take control of the matter being discused--whether it's the land lady not replacing the fridge or the wedding photographer who ruined out pictures. Being calm doesn't give the impression that you are serious. Rage seems to be taking more seriously that the other person's concerts really do matter to you enough to make you feel angry.

The rage I am referring to you is not where you hurt other people emotionally or physically. It's the kind of person that tackles the issue not the person. The rage that sent droves of people to give Obama the presidency, and the same rage that take it away form him.

It might be something particular to my household, but something tells me, I am not alone.

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Things Great Only in Philly

I was in Philly yesterday and it was good to be back in this very homey feeling state. Everything about this state is different, its politics, its culture and most of all its food. I love to go down to Philly and expiration with various types of food. There is a very strong sense of food culture down there, they take pride in fresh ingredients, like Pennsylvania is the California of the East coast.

Sure the people in Cali are a bit better looking and thinner, but PA has all the smart people out there in business, industry and in academia. Not to forget the passion those people have for sports. It's not a joke up there. Same goes for competitive eating out there. Dairy, produce, bakery and meat are outstanding here. I know the locals might not call is their own, but Reading Terminal market is a true exprience for foodies.

One thing, I noticed, Philly does not levy tax on clothes, but you would think the people of that city have a better sense of fashion. This would be a very false assumption. I did purchase few items from the local Macy's, I got a sweet deal on this dressy Ralph Lauren slacks that I have wanted for a long time.

As I live in Washington, DC history is all around the city, so the history stuff wasn't a big draw for me. I have seen the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and most of those sites. But this time around Roa and I wanted to check the local culture and did just that. Having nice break at Rittenhouse park next to the homeless was a lit like most of those DC parks.

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Baltimore, Charm City

I took the day off on Monday and Roa and I headed to Baltimore, the Charm city. We spent this sunny day on the world famous inner harbor. We took the train from College Park Maryland and 50 minutes later we were in Baltimore City. By the Way, I only knew this city existed becasue I watched the movie the Sum of All Fears when the US President is watching a game in one of the city's historical stadiums.

They had great shops, awesome city view, and the water view was spectacular. Baltimore feels like Philadelphia to me, it still has tons of history around and not much change has happened in many of its historical buildings unlike DC and Virginia.

We looked for good crab cakes, but no good crab cakes place was to be found near the touristy stuff. Instead we settled for my all time favorite Sandwich place Jimmie Jones and order their Beach sub, we ate it on the water. Surrounded by various sea and land birds. I should take more days off, I do not hardly take enough days off.

Few of the attraction were closed on Monday and on this time of the year, they are all gearing up for April when the harbor opens and tourists start showing up. But there was plenty of nice walks, boats, and fun seeking people.

It's unfortunate however, you can hardly miss the affect of the bad economy on this once great American city.

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Stories, I Won't Share

So you heard the jokes about how women like to shop, they do. But the thing is, Roa is a bit more creative about her love for shopping. Here is how it goes, "Hani, we need to buy you new shirts and slacks." So we go to the mall and pick shirts and slacks...for HER.

I am the guy who likes to be on time for all his commitments and appointments, I can be ready for anything in ten minutes. Roa on the other hand takes 40 minutes; 10 minutes to be read and 30 minutes the time it takes me to convince her she really looks good and thus ready.

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Somewhere in Delaware

For the Eid, I headed with Roa to Delaware, the Nation's first state. What a better idea to spend the Eid shopping tax free?

Roa and I did not disappoint as we checked out two malls and it has been a long time since I paid what the price tag said I should buy, no government asking me to subsides their local mostly failing schools.

We got few things as the Macy's, they can look up your membership with your ID, no need to carry around the Macy's credit card. We also spent time at Rainbow, Roa's new favorite store where she picked half a dozen of things she needed. I thought she only liked them, but they really looked good on her.

We also discovered a local J Penny like store where I picked me a pair of slacks and a nice winter coat that was on SALE (no, this one was on real sale)

And that took us about 3 hours....but before we shopped we had a decent meal at this nice Senegalese family's home. How about a whole roasted lamb killed this morning for the Eid? and to complement it some warm Italian bread!

On our way back, we stopped by Big Lots and picked up few things that I needed (roa doe snot ind this store, but I am in love with it since Provo)

I thought Delaware has rather a strange feel to it, as it's neither small town nor it's a huge metropolitan area. The people of Delaware seem to either be looking toward Philadelphia or Maryland....I got this conclusion by checking out the sport wear stores at the Mall.

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Get an Arab Guy in 9 Steps

By Hanitizer

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In response to Sana’s 6 Ways to Really Get an Arab Guy

Ladies, there is plenty of time to do what you want to do and have it your way, but that’s once you are married when you can show your teeth and say it as it’s. But before then in the courtship period, her are few steps to help you navigate the mind of your Arab man…safely.

1. Be of a legal age. the legal age is determined by two factors where the State sets the minimum and his mother to set the maximum.
2. Have a really long hair. However, eyes with the color of money is also exotic and can boasts your dowry by 20%. Also know your basic kitchen skills and essential spices. No, you do not have to cook, just be in the know. Just know what ginger/garlic paste is and he’ll be woo’d.
3. Be able to tell sports apart and the names of at least three famous players and their teams in each sport.
4. Hate on Facebook, describing it as a complete waste of time.. This earns you credits as a conservative girl with very few virtual friends, making you traditional.
5. Make sure you’re tall enough. Not tall enough to see his increasingly visible bald-spot, but tall enough to have your weight evenly distributed to all the right areas because Arab men and their mothers, much like Hollywood and our general American media, find the existence of women who don’t wear a size 2 completely blasphemous.
6. Do not diss female pop stars such as Haifa Wehbe or Lady Gaga, it’s just a lose-lose situation and a completely needless risk. But don’t try to look like them. Ever.
7. Be smart but not too smart to turn off his aunts who are all high school dropout and do have a college degree in majors that his grandma can easily understand and a career that is family friendly. Dance majors need not apply.
8. Care, but not too much. His actions and behavior are not really a true reflection on you as a woman and a future mate.
9. Don’t be a divorcee! Life isn’t fair, I know. The Shaikh will take you in as a second/third wife and he will give you a baby of your own or let’s hope you have an American passport. When it comes to Arabic marriages, Eminem rythmed about it “Success is your only (MotherF*&#ing) option.”

Bonus Wear Red shoes and come up with some bullshit story about the dress you are wearing and how your grandmother gave it to you on her death bed.

If this seems like an impossible list, that’s because it is. I know the truth hurts but you need to get over it and examine your options.

[Tarboush Tip: Sana and Muftah]

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Arab Men Are Like Pre-Owned Cars

We Arab men are like Pre-owned cars, the previous owner (Mom) hands over the keys to the new owner (Spouse) and you really have little to say at least as much as a Prius can protest its new owner! As long as the paperwork (marriage contract) is in order, little can be done

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How BYU Prepared Me For Married Life!

While in college, I washed dishes at the Cannon Center, I was a janitor floors at the Morris Center, and worked at the university's Laundry's services.

Those are the three skills that Roa now appreciates the most about me...that's in essence what a husband can bring to their home. Wash the dishes, mop the floor, and do the laundry!

Thankfully I am no stranger to the game, I have a wealth of experience to draw from. and to be frnak I think I am better than avergage husbands at those tasks.

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Put Your Ring On...Dude!

I find it common when Roa and I attend Muslim functions here in DC, people often stare at us and look to see if we are married.....it makes Roa uncomfortable, I try not to look around too much.

Yesterday we went to this popular Virgina Restaurant where tons of diverse and colorful people break their fast. Few families go there, but mostly single people. It was odd to see so many people try to listen in our conversations.

So next time when we go to a Muslims functions in the Metro DC area, I want to try to pull a prank on Roa....

I will take off my ring and let other people judge her. Can you imagine, she will freakout....people really bother here at those events. So now she finally gets how a Western women feels in Cairo Egypt.

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Air Marshall Jack

His name is Gary (if you are reading this, you were not too obvious, I am just very good).....and he likes to read....the moment I spotted him i knew he was the air Marshall.

He had a back pillow, his book was wrapped in a zip lock bag, only carry one....tall, athletic, looked like part of a death marsh....no emotions whatsoever and he was sitting on an aisle seat.

Something told him he is the air Marshall, a few hours later another young man that has the same physique tabbed him on the shoulder and asked him if he will be getting off the plane...he said yes.

I thought that was his colleague as they had not attempted to exchange any words the entire trip.....I was telling Roa this is the air marshall she did not belive me....

I mean c'mon two Arabs Muslims (two different last names) reserving seats next to each other heading to DC....it must have raised some flags somewhere.

Anyhow here is where we know he is the guy keeping America skies safe....Once we get out of the plane in DC, he was there waiting to board the same plane that was headed back to Salt Lake City....where he is based. He might be a drug dealer of course, but I think he is the many keeping us all safe....

I was so bored that I grabbed a napkin and wrote him a light spirited song, I will publish once I find the napkin

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The Fourth In DC

Fireworks all over the place in the District of Columbia, I do not know why crazy people go to the National Mall as early as 7 AM in the hopes of seeing the fireworks. What they get is dehydration in the process, and a small worse than rotten kimchi.

I left my apartment at 8:15 walked to the mall and got there 9:05....got a comfortable place to sit on the green grass, cross the street from the Washington Monument and a dozen of yards away from the White House lawn...the fireworks started 9:10 just on time....the blanket and ice cold green tea Roa and I brought came in handy. She enjoyed her first July 4th in the nation's capital. Here is the video from the fireworks showcase. We waited when the crowd evacuated, we kicked back, then walked back to our apartment. No sweat....that's a July 4th I will remember.

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Marriage During This Stinker Economy

With the way the economy is going, many people in efforts to slash the costs of their living and cut their costs are opting to get married! No late partying no nights are the local bar and cupcake bakery....welcome married life! Home cooked meals are a plus and you always have a date that enjoys the things you like, and there is no room for games and "Does he/she like me?"

This is just common sense to save up on your botches dates and finally what better time to take advantage of Buy one get second 1/2 off deals?

You are welcome, I just saved you a bunch of money right there! What are you waiting for, go...go find your heartthrob!

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ADC Delivers

ADC's convention just too place in the Nation's Capital here in Washington DC, it was my sixth convention with ADC, but my first as a married man.

I got a chance to hear a number of wonderful speakers, including Secretary of Justice, Eric Holder, former Presidential candidate, Ralph Nader, Amy Goodman and a number of Congressmen.

Yes, there were dances, comedy, exhibitors, activism and fun for all, I and Roa enjoyed the event a great deal.

The Panel on Palestine was hot as speakers had a clash of thoughts and policies, it was fun to have this discussion in this community.

I did open up for Said Dura, a popular Palestine Stand up comic who had the crowd laughing to his jokes and set. He is funny as he is gracious. He was part of the Arabs Gone Wild Tour

I will surely be attending the next year's!

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Not Your Average Pizza

Try this,

Roa likes baking and I do top, we often find ourselves in a grocery store and the one thing we always buy is dough. You know the kind they sell in tubes or sometimes in plastic bags. We like to top them with different things....cheese, tomato, Zaatar, eggs, and now we do spinach too. It's a great idea to have something great to eat or munch on in 20 minutes. Yesterday Roa chopped up some spinich, saute it in olive oil, add chili pepper, lemon juice, sprinkle salt add minced onions (we prefer the frozen ones). then take that top it on your dough and bake it away.

Here is one thing we like to do and I also found somone who enjoys baking them in a similar fashion.

Olive oil, zaatar and minced garlic pizza sauce

I’ve been dying to try a Middle East themed pizza. My idea? Mixing dried zaatar (a regional spice spelled numerous ways in translation) with olive oil and minced garlic to brush on the fresh crust. I used to buy hot flatbreads in Kuwait all the time with a similar concoction brushed on. So I’m confident it would work well on pizza. If you feel like going fresh with it however, I found this recipe for zaatar pesto from GreenProphet.Com sounds amazing. It’s made with fresh versions of all the herbs found in traditional zaatar powder.

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Gillette

sometimes I think Roa is on the payroll of Gillette as she is always reminding me to shave and gets on my case about it. Five clock shadow is truly a thing of the past. At least now I know why they always show women in razor ads...they ad is for them not for lazy guys like myself.

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