Nzingha's Soapbox
I feel so out of the loop... didn't know you were in the states or anything until I read your last post this morning. Meant to comment, but is so hard to on this thing. Hope your dad gets well soon!
Those laws are crazy btw... We're in TX and it is not that difficult (at all) to get a liscense. I do know people who failed... but still. I despise driving w/ a passion, think I'm horrid at it... and was able to get it no probs. Of course that was 10 years ago (I could have had it sooner, but like I said... hate driving and waited as long as possible lol) and things might have changed... I know as of a few years ago my brothers and sisters were doing homeschool drivers ed though lol. Seemed to be getting more lax at that point. I've never thought about how other states do it though... I guess I just assumed it'd be the same.
Good way to handle the bro'. I would advise taking some lessons with a certified driver training organization eg. AAA, before the road test because people most often fail on technicalities like not holding the steering wheel at 10 and 2 or 9 and 3, turning without using a crossover hand motion on the top of the wheel, "rolling stops", imprecise angles on 3 point turns, etc.
I missed renewing mine by 5 days, and when I went to throw myself on the mercy of the Ministry of Transport, the lovely young woman at the counter chuckled and said, "It's going to cost you". It did. The next thing I knew she had me in front of a computer doing an eye test (result I passed, but realized I had to go to an opthalmologist-more time/money) and a computerized written test (passed). I had to take a road test, and took a lesson before it. Then I had to have my dad pick me up and take me to the driving test (shades of being 17--my mother even told him not to yell at me and psych me out no matter what I did while practising on his car, like she used to). I was the only white there, and one of the few non-teenage South Asian boys. I passed. Since I had only lapsed for a short time, I skipped the first part of the graduated licence and went right to number 2 then later 3.
The hilarity of you being free to drive in the GCC but not in the USA, escapes you for the moment I'm sure--but it is funny. Maybe you should go to the media! Covering Muslim American woman oppressed by US DL laws! Post 9/11 ID requirements discriminatory! Dick Cheney should be indicted!
Jihad is an all rounder! Glad the kids are having fun!
I am very exclamatory today!!!!
Well glad things are better.
It is totally easier to drive here in the Gulf than in the states. I was dreading going to get my license here in the UAE cause I had a California license that expired in 2001 so I thought Id have to take drivers classes.
I went down there with my whole sob story ready of why I couldnt and shouldnt have to take driving lessons. Well when I sat down the ladies asked me for my expired license (not realising it was expired I think) and asked how I became Muslim and then 5 minutes later asked me to stand up for a picture, and I said what picture, why? She goes for your new license, my what? oh you mean right now? oh gosh ok do you have a mirror, some lip gloss I could borrow? And I got my printed license 4 minutes later and 9 minutes after walking into the traffic dept. The ugliest picture I've ever taken in my life I may add, especially my cheesy smile like I just got away with something big or the bad kid turned into the hero with just a simple mix up of words.
Glad the kids are having fun, mashallah. I was in Care4 the other day and I picked up a bat and ball,I was crazy excited as I havn't even seen one in almost 10 years, then when I saw the different size actual baseball gloves i was about to cry and said I have to get us some of these, and my son goes what is that? I saw someone on a movie hitting a harami(thief)with that, and then I really cried thinking you are your fathers son, only knows soccer which I personally hate. And then when I went on and told him how I played when I was little on a co ed team, he almost had a heart attack saying, YOU PLAYED ON A BOYS TEAM? WHAT DID YOU USED TO WEAR? I could just hear his sexist father in him, not excited about how much fun I had but upset that I shared breathing space with BOYS and wore a uniform that showed my shape Just ridiculous, in fact Im getting to the point that taking my son anywhere is just as bad as taking his dad and decided that hes enrolling in Ice Hockey (since thats the only thing I can find here) at least hes good in basketbell which i also dont get too excited about but I guess its an International sport.
UmMuhammad
Oh yeah, where will you be spending Ramadan?
"He tends to have the habit on a highway of putting his foot on the gas than easing up, continuously. While it is so slight I don't think other people notice but I do and it annoys me. And he is also the type of man that has to go around the parking spot fifty times before he parks."
The genes for these have to be located on the Y-chromosome somewhere. It's the only explanation.
LOL. It must be the Y chromosome. My 32 yr old son-in-law does exactly the same thing and it drives me nuts. I think that it is even more irritating when you are in the back seat (where all good MIL's must sit!)
I really relate to your difficulties with your brother Nzingha--it is so sad. But God moves in mysterious ways, and it helps me to remember that people can be exposed to life experiences that can inspire change at any time. It just might not be when you or I need or want them to.
And congratulations on your huge move. I know it will take some time to adjust, but I have no doubt that you will do very well--and I hope that you will be able to look forward to dealing with a school system and teachers who are really dedicated to the education and well-being of your children
aa wa ra wa ba,
I sent you an e-mail. I'm visiting MY only sibling too.
Let me know if you got it.
-musulmana
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