Straight From The Heart

If I only could…

2012-01-27T12:51:00.001+02:00

… make up my mind and get this over with.

This is thought that keeps floating in your mind when you are about to do something big. If it’s taking all your focus away. Preventing you from sleep. Causing you nightmares. Crying helplessly. Can’t talk about it. Experiencing fast heart beats, heavy breath, severe muscles pain, incredibly bad headache, and whistles are blowing in your ears till they hurt trying to distract you. KNOW FOR SURE, you are about to do something stupid and you most probably are going to regret it.

Thursday's Thought -- World of silence

2012-01-26T03:29:00.001+02:00

I remember those days, a year ago when we were all forced to live in silence. Or at least few days without being connected to the outer world. The silence back then was killing a lot of people. It was like a de-toxication period from an addiction that has taken on our lives. Back then I appreciated the silence. I appreciated the nights when I stayed up late and there was no voice around me.

Silence, if I may say, is a double sided weapon. It either helps you relax, clear your mind and think things through calmly. Or it brings out the worst in you, the enemy you have so long imprisoned deep inside. No matter which side you get to witness, it’s for your own good, and you have to be wise about it.

In case it’s the bad side, listen closely. There are some nasty things that will come out, but if you are mature enough you will listen and understand. You will hear out the angry part in you and find a way to resolve things. Not easy and may take several trials, but the peace of mind is worth the journey taken in the deep-dark forest.

Advice to self: Take few minutes everyday, or at least every week. Sit in a noise free space. Talk to yourself because you are your own number one best friend. No one will get you better than you. Let it all out. Be honest, it’s vital. Be transparent, it’s crucial. And more importantly be vulnerable. Listen closely, hear with care and open your heart to your own self. Don’t judge, be open minded, and offer a helping hand for a soul – yours – that is desperately in need for your care.

Oscars 2012 (Nomination)

2012-01-25T12:17:00.001+02:00

A year has passed by, and the Oscars are coming back again. With all what’s been happening around us, I’ve missed almost all this year’s movies. The question is, can I catch up? The Oscar’s 84th round nominations are out. And the count down for the glorious night has started.

There are 9 movies this year battling for the best picture title:

War Horse
The Artist
The Descendants (Gorge Clooney, do I need to say more?)
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock)
The Help
Hugo
Midnight in Paris
Money Ball
The tree of life

That’s it for now, maybe I’ll go over the rest of list later.

Sleep deprived

2012-01-22T07:37:00.001+02:00

As much as waking up early is a great habit, but on some days a body needs to sleep in and get some rest. Nevertheless, your biological hour gets to ruin all of that when it is the reason behind you waking up every morning the same time no matter how exhausted you are.

There are times, like this morning, when I get to hate my biological hour. I’m up and around in an early hour with tons of things to be scratched off my to-do list, and I can’t do a thing because simply I’m too tired and can’t sleep. Frustrated is the word to describe the situation here…

Between Ignorance & Appreciation

2011-12-29T07:48:00.001+02:00

You can be blessed and you can be cursed with people who are totally ignorant of everything, and blessed with people who know that appreciation can change lives. Mostly we face both in life, but when the balance between both is lost specially when a scale side loses balance in favor of ignorance, life becomes unbearable.

Dear Mr. Ignorant,

Do you know that when you are asked to do something over and over again and you don’t do it and you don’t even care you are wasting our and your precious time? Do you know that ignoring our constant requests will lead eventually for you being in a hot spot and none of us will be able to help? Did you know that to contain a mass’s anger you should address that anger and calm them down, not make them hit the roof more by giving responses and excuses that have nothing to do with the situation on hand? Do you know that ignoring the frustration and playing hard to persuade is going to be end up in a nasty way? Are you aware that you are about to fold your cards with the thought and illusion you are winning and find out you are losing us all? Are you really aware of the consequences and ignoring them? The ship is sinking so fast right now, are you doing something about, or gave up on saving the lives of your crew?

Dear Mr. Appreciative,

You hit a nerve just in time. If you know the up lifting spirit you did, and how it felt I bet you will be doing that more often. I wish if others learn and get to experience the taste of appreciation and start treating others the same way. Life would have been much easier, simpler and happier. People would do everything and anything out of love, care and the most amazing satisfaction feeling of serving themselves and others in the process. Really thank you…

I miss writing

2011-12-23T22:03:00.001+02:00

Okay, maybe I haven’t been away that long from my beloved blog space, however I miss writing. I miss closing my eyes and letting words flow. The feel of relief and burden taken off of my shoulders when doing the thing that eases up things the most. The new life I decided to peruse is a handful itself. I might have had this dream of things to be a little easier and that I was capable of handling things the way they should, but looks like I was mistaken. Sometimes, or actually most of the time, it gets out of control. I’m kind of losing myself in the process. Is this what I really want to do with my life?? One huge question, and I’m too busy to even give it a thought and make up my mind.

I’m lately more of a listener than a talker. That serves me well because all my bad mood swings get lost with distractions. & yes I’m being this good friend to everyone by hearing them out and giving advice when needed. I used to capture the essence of people’s experiences and write them down for anyone who might benefit from them, even that I can’t do. They are not my stories to tell and loose ends are not even tied up to know what lessons are learnt. I wonder if half of the stories I heard will have any kind of endings.

I miss those moments when I used to travel in my head to places I’ve never been to, and most probably I will never visit, and come up with those scenes that take my breath away. In a split of a second I can put everything and anything on hold and just transcend to a totally different dimension where there is no one but my thoughts and I. We used to have our quality time, resolve things and return with a fresh new start. I miss this kind of writing that enables fresh starts. I really do…

HBBC: Supernatural Powers

2011-12-18T03:44:00.001+02:00

Welcome to The Half-Baked Bloggers Consortium‘s (HBBC) , This entry will be addressing super natural powers from my very personal point of view.

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Lately, and I mean over the past few years, the media is being obsessed with people who possess super natural powers. They went all the way from people being able to read minds, or touching you to predict the future, or having dreams that can tell you what bad my come your way, or talking to the dead, seeing ghosts and talking to them, having the ability to fly, move through time, heal others, or even sucking powers from others, etc… the examples can go on.

If you remember, for me, it all started with the Mel Gibson’s movie “What women want?” He was given the gift for a brief period of time to be able to listen to women’s thoughts and charm them with being the person who knows best and can treat women the way they wish every guy would. Lately if I would wish for a super natural power to be gifted with, I would love to be able to read people’s minds, but on my own terms . I don’t want to read the mind of every single person I pass by, that would be overwhelming. I just want to be able to focus on someone and read their mind, or even think of someone and be able to know what thoughts are they having.

You might wonder why I want to do that? Because sometimes I have people in my life that I wonder how they are doing at specific moments, and life with all its business prevents me from checking up on them. I’m a person who worries a lot but life can take me away sometimes. However if I have the gift I’ll always be in the loop. Wait a sec, I would love to be able to send them some mind thoughts as well, how cool is that?!

The little things

2011-12-14T11:08:00.001+02:00

Life keeps hitting you with things you think you can’t handle. Things you don’t want to face and others you had doubts about your ability to face and pass them safely. It’s all about insecurities and self confidence. The best thing is when you get to know you have it in you, the ability to surprise yourself and be more than what you expected.

Along the road lots of things happen, and it surprises you the most the little things that people do for you. Some of those things can make you change your mind about a person completely. It shows a new side you’ve never seen before. It opens your eyes and helps you see what you didn’t see when you were blind.

Those little things, when they take place they leave their mark. When one follows another, and this keeps going on it either leaves a huge scar or deep love and appreciation. I always pray for the latter and try to get over the former. Nevertheless, we don’t get to choose, it’s a divine plan.

On a side note: I've been craving ice-cream for the past few days :(

Glee S02E04: Lucky (Duet)

2011-12-13T22:35:00.004+02:00

Re-post: Decision Making

2011-12-09T15:01:00.001+02:00

Everyday we face hundreds of decisions to be made. Some of them are so easy that we don’t really notice we are making. We just get used to the idea of waking up deciding what to have for breakfast, what clothes to wear, which colors to pick, what to have for lunch, whether to watch tv that day or spend the time surfing online. As much as those decisions are easy and you make them in an eye blink, life isn’t that easy all the time.

Every now and then we are faced with some serious decisions that need to be made. The kind of decisions that gives you a complete mood swing, insomnia and eating disorders. Hard/Tough/Difficult decisions are always thought to be of this kind because they result in some serious changes in our lives. They literary take a person out of her comfort zone, where she is in control of everything and outcomes are pretty much known and expected. This is the first thought that crosses anyone’s mind when faced with those kind of decisions.

To be honest, there is no way to make those decisions easier, unless you convince yourself it’s a normal phase you will have to pass keeping in mind that you should maximize your benefits, and cut down your losses as much as you can. In order to do that, there are ways to make the process faster and more productive. Instead of leaving your mind to its own mess and juggling around between this and that. You need to layout the decision making process as follows:

Decision Making

• Objectives must first be established (point all of your objectives out. You can brainstorm the objectives. Make the thoughts flow on a piece of paper. Free your mind from all of the fear constraints. After all they will be some words on a piece of paper which you can toss at anytime)

• Objectives must be classified and placed in order of importance (this step is really important. Rank and prioritize according to your situation, and keep in mind every person’s life and circumstances are different than the other. Do what fits you the most.)

• Alternative actions must be developed (means if you won’t be in favor of this decision, what is the other thing you will do? Is there another decision? In addition to that, pleaseeeee picture your future and the impact of each alternative on your life. You can again brainstorm that. Whatever comes to your mind, good and bad, just write them down.)

• The alternative must be evaluated against all the objectives (you can list pros and cons for each alternative. Or you can assign weights. Choose the method that makes you comfortable and makes you see the whole picture while going in the process.)

• Finally, The alternative that is able to achieve all the objectives (or most of them) is the tentative decision. It's a matter of making up your mind and going for it now.

Sometimes, after you go through that, it’s a matter of taking the risk or not. Fearing change and failure. I always tell myself, nothing is guaranteed. Even if I hold on to my comfort zone, things will pop up forcing me out of it. So if it comes down to taking the risk or not, take the leap every once in a while and add a new flavor of change to your life.

Hope this was of any help,

NCIS: S06E04 --- Heart Land

2011-12-02T16:02:00.001+02:00

Since the first time I started watching NCIS years ago, and i've become a big fan. For me it comes in place as CSI-LasVages. Lately I was lucky to get a full episodes list from season 1 to 8. Even though I watched almost every episode of the first 5 seasons, I started watching it all again few month back.

Today I reached the forth episode of season six and finally I knew how did Gibbs meet his first love/wife Shanoon and why is she the one he can't get over all his life. Also, it was finally revealed from where did the famous "Gibbs Rules" originated from, and how the ones you love can alter your life forever...

Every person on earth is entitled for a partner and love story as solid as fairy tails can be... Yeap my fantasy is taking over even though i was watching an action series.

Harsh week

2011-11-29T11:11:00.001+02:00

This past weekend didn’t kick off as relaxing as it should have been. With all what’s been happening I expected more understanding from certain people. Surprisingly enough, some caused more pressure than others. The whole atmosphere is not by any means encouraging to be all cheerful and smiley. A certain period of hibernation is highly needed right now. I wish if i can take sometime off of everything.

Too much hypocrisy (3eny 3enak)… Seriously how can people stand themselves knowing that everyone around them know exactly what they think and who they are and yet wear that ugly mask. You’ve been busted LONG TIME AGO!!
Too much tears have been shed those past few days. It’s fair to say that it’s been my companion for the past few days.
Too much worrisome… it’s suffocating and terrifying at the same time.
Yesterday it hit me hard. The realization that I’m minimizing the bubble I live in, I'm excluding from it the people who care the most. I’m hurting them and i didn’t even notice.
A “Stop”, “Re-evaluation” and “New life plan” period is needed. The million dollar question: When?

Thursday's Thought: Just thoughts

2011-11-24T03:26:00.001+02:00

There was a time when a thought crossed my mind “Things will cool down. Stability is coming our way. Wise people may end up working for the welfare of this country”. I was optimistic. During those past few days, mmm… I’m not so sure anymore.
There is this well defined line between right and wrong. However,a lot of people know how to flip the cards and make the wrong things sound so right to win their causes, and use the concluding statement “It’s for the greater good”.
One big debate going on during the past few days: “Is it worth it to die in Tahrir Square?” It’s a thought provoking question which I got to discuss with people who are with and against it. Actually both parties have valid point of views. [Hence: the pervious point]. This is causing a big confusion to a lot of people.
I hate hospitals. They bring bad-heart-breaking memories. Nevertheless, some visits have to be paid, spirits need to be lifted, and prayers should be made.
There were days that passed by that I will remember for ever.
With all the good and bad. The best and worst, actually, 2011 please be kind and wrap up smoothly. Enough actions already, I think we are done with our share.

Sometimes...

2011-11-16T06:52:00.001+02:00

... the buzz in my head is way too much to handle and overwhelming to an extent that i get lost in the maze of my thoughts and i'm not able to express my feelings not even in writing. OH, I wish for all of that to just go away.

So Close -- Enchanted

2011-11-14T07:34:00.001+02:00

Amy Adams always surprised me with every role she played. She is this cute, pretty, and sweet actress. You watch her and feel warmth and honesty in her feelings. Enchanted is one of my favorite movies for her, & she is accompanied by the one and only Patrick Dempsey, I don't think I need to say anything about him :D?

It's been a while that I've been searching for this song, and finally it came to me. Here you go the full best scene in the movie, enjoy.

So close... Yet So far...

[HBBC–10] First Impressions

2011-11-12T10:07:00.001+02:00

Here we go again, a new fresh topic covered by the HBBC gang.

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When people –like me – talk about first impressions, we are immediately accused of being judgmental. Flash news, we all are one way or another. I personally, most of the time, stick to my first impressions. They give me this initial important feeling of whether I’m dealing with a good person, according to my standards, or not.

If life gave you the opportunity to learn how to read people, first impressions can reveal a good deal of the most important traits of a person. They can give you glimpses of what you will like the most and the worst that can drive you away. Nevertheless, you should not stick to them, because some people are way to good at sending wrong signals and putting on that mask perfectly that you won’t notice the flaws.

And please, if you get to meet a person who makes you feel heavy hearted, don’t shut them away immediately. Give them time as they might prove you wrong, BUT be extremely cautious they might end up stabbing you in the back like you first anticipated.

The Holiday - Openning

2011-11-10T11:51:00.001+02:00

This movie has a special place in my heart, and i know some of my friends do as well. & it's always a blast knowing that there are so many people watching it with me when it's aired on any TV channel. Specially when it comes to my knowledge that there are guys out there who appreciate this movie as well.

& I do ADORE the music. It's a feeling good album. Chapeau to Hans Zimmer.

I've found almost everything ever written about love to be true. Shakespeare said "Journeys end in lovers meeting." What an extraordinary thought. Personally, I have not experienced anything remotely close to that, but I am more than willing to believe Shakespeare had. I suppose I think about love more than anyone really should. I am constantly amazed by its sheer power to alter and define our lives. It was Shakespeare who also said "love is blind". Now that is something I know to be true. For some quite inexplicably, love fades; for others love is simply lost. But then of course love can also be found, even if just for the night. And then, there's another kind of love: the cruelest kind. The one that almost kills its victims. Its called unrequited love. Of that I am an expert. Most love stories are about people who fall in love with each other. But what about the rest of us? What about our stories, those of us who fall in love alone? We are the victims of the one sided affair. We are the cursed of the loved ones. We are the unloved ones, the walking wounded. The handicapped without the advantage of a great parking space! Yes, you are looking at one such individual. And I have willingly loved that man for over three miserable years! The absolute worst years of my life! The worst Christmas', the worst Birthday's, New Years Eve's brought in by tears and valium. These years that I have been in love have been the darkest days of my life. All because I've been cursed by being in love with a man who does not and will not love me back. Oh god, just the sight of him! Heart pounding! Throat thickening! Absolutely can't swallow! All the usual symptoms.

This was originally posted here.

PS: Semsemty, I miss enjoying the movie and the music with you.

Foll & Yassmin

2011-11-09T07:48:00.001+02:00

Couple of weeks ago I’ve witnessed the delivery of a flowers bouquet to a lady at her work place. I kept tracking the bouquet from the entrance till the reception desk for a while but I lost it when it was time for the receiver to come and pick it up. I was upset because I wanted to see her face. The moment she will lays her eyes on it. It wasn’t that big, and not that fancy but it was elegantly simple. I think I envied her for a second because the idea of being remembered during the day is amazing.

Today by dawn when my dad returned I was asleep, however I woke up on a lovely-breath-taking scene. I opened my eyes to find some Jassmin flowers catching my eyes falling over my head and gently touching my face. The scent spread filling the room. A minute later I caught myself envying “ME” for having “Him” in my life.

Let it be a good day, saba7ko foll & yassmin.

Winter

2011-11-07T16:00:00.001+02:00

Winter is knocking on the door. My favorite season of the year. Cold breeze is always there to touch your face and takes all your troubles away. It’s cold at times that it freezes everything even the blood running in your veins. Winter is capable of hibernating your thoughts as well, you just need to surrender and give it a chance to work its magic. It’s simply refreshing to be able to put everything on hold, or even decide to open new pages, and come back with an unoccupied mind, and a fresh start. Like everything is clear all in a sudden.

Dear Winter,

You’ve been missed, Can’t wait for all the mystical wonders you will be offering me this year. It’s been a hectic year and your presences is highly needed.

Thank you for being You…

2011-11-05T14:17:00.001+02:00

Some say life is too short to waste it on getting to know people, testing them, and analyzing every aspect of their lives to see if they will fit in your circle. I disagree, maybe because I do follow the saying “إلي يتلسع من الشوربة ينفخ فالزبادي”… mainly it’s trust issues that I can’t overlook, and that’s why I cherish my comfort zone.

However there are some people who manage to sneak in with you not noticing. Occupy a great deal of your life and daily routine that you wake up having them on your mind, and end your day wishing them a peaceful night till you meet again. You get to notice their impact on your life when either they are not there, and they are mostly needed or missed. Or when they are the ones who notice the little things. It is the moment you realize how much un-intentionally you let them in, how exposed you become to them, and in return how great they have been to you.

Dear You,

You have recently entered my life. It’s been a short period of time since then, yet you managed to twist my life in a good way. There were times when life was un-bearable and you were there and made things a lot easier and rational. There were others when I really did …. . I wasn’t that great friend, but I hope I can make it up to you. Thanks for being there. & Thanks to Allah you are in my life.

Yours truly,

Ze2reda

Perfect Marriage Proposal

2011-11-02T22:31:00.001+02:00

I guarantee there'll be tough times.

I guarantee that at some point,

one or both of us is going to want get out.

But I also guarantee that if I don't ask you to be mine,

I'll regret it for the rest of my life.

Because I know in my heart...

you're the only one for me.

~ Runaway Bride

I am …

2011-11-02T07:25:00.001+02:00

… a very contradictory person.

I admit it

& I was told as well.

Even though it has it’s good and bad I’m happy with who I am & I don’t want to change. The question is when someone tells me that things should change to what extent should I comply?

Sickness-Business Rambling

2011-11-01T05:53:00.001+02:00

- When I just thought that a good deal of the buzz in my head is over with, this month comes along to prove me wrong. When will this year with all its craziness end so we can put it behind our backs? & some of us thought 2010 was a tough year.

- Being sick, tired and having no energy to even walk from my room to the bathroom is really not the time for work to pile up, and few hours deadline to be set.

- Calendars are made to help us organize our duties. Take control over our lives, and even maintain balance with every aspect of it. Even though I seldom use all the calendar gadgets I installed, I do respect an appointment when it is added to my calendar.

- Do I need to prove myself to anyone? Naahhh… I know I’m smart, fast learner, sharp, professional, loyal, honest and I work hard toward my goals. People who underestimate me will be surprised some day. I even might surprise myself as well.

- I have lots of things on my plate. I don’t know from where I should start. Organizing my time is desperately needed at the moment, however I suck at that. I need help, and have no clue what kind of help that can be offered. Moreover I don’t know how to ask for it. Pathetic!

- I’m sick, in need of bed rest and here I am up since 2:30am, drugs are not putting me to sleep (weird). I’m trying to scratch some things off my to-do list. Ohh… and I have a full day of work ahead of me which will start in few hours. Please please Mr. Cold go away.

First Dance

2011-10-29T01:06:00.001+02:00

When romance is the topic crossing your mind, there are some first(s) that start swaying in your head. Your first dance is one of those thoughts and it is always a dream/fantasy that keeps changing, or you are persistent it will happen the way you plan. You will be wearing this amazing breath taking black, sleeveless short dress. Wearing those gorgeous healed sandals, accessorizing your leg with a lovely simple bracelet that shows the length of you legs. Putting your hair up and revealing the sparkling little diamond earrings you are putting on, with a nice heart shaped pendant giving a classy finish to your outfit.

It doesn’t stop hear, it’s about the atmosphere, where you two are alone, or even among people but you manage to disconnect. Fly above to a place where no one exists but you two, tapping the floor rhythmically with the song’s melody. It’s your favorite song after all , or maybe better you get to settle on your song. The one that has a special place in your hearts.

This is a girl’s day dream, something that she wishes to witness someday when prince charming knocks on her door.

[HBBC-8] Socialism

2011-10-27T16:46:00.001+02:00

socialism would allow for wealth to be distributed based on how much one contributes to society, as opposed to how much capital one holds. (source)

Since forever, which I don’t know when that started, but as long as I can remember there exists this huge debate between “Socialism” and “Capitalism”. People fought over which is better for society. Which will lead to stabilizing and which will help the growth and evolvement of a nation and on individual basis. You can keep on reading about both views and you either end up confused or taking a side.

I, honestly, am adopting a third party. I’m one of those who think that both perspectives have flaws and could lead to some serious problems. Since “Socialism” is today’s topic, I can tell you that the line mentioned in the beginning of this post is what I always have known about the word and it’s considered the mantra well known about the idea. For many of us, we always thought that socialism only addressed the economic situation of a society. However, after some extra reading it turns out that this is just the tip of the iceberg. Socialists believe that they need to adapt their idea of an equal society in all aspects of life. They would love to see it spread to economics, finance, marketing, social relationships, and even politics.

The believe in equality and they don’t wish to see wealth acquired by only a portion of the society. The adapt the methodology of self-management and self-governance with equal power in the workplace. I, personally do agree with the self-management and self governance part, because I know deep down if you don’t have it inside you – discipline and honesty – things will head south for sure. However, I disagree with the equal power, this means that no one is taking full responsibility if something goes wrong, and no one is pulling strength when the situation is in need. I am in favor of strong leaderships.

The topic has so much more about it than that. I will definitely need to read more about it. Therefore, I do encourage you not to take my words for granted, and gather your info and build your own opinion about the whole thing.

I… belong

2011-10-26T06:56:00.001+02:00

“Belong” is one of the hardest words that anyone can explain and get it right. Or try to clarify it to a person who feels lost and can’t find where he is heading. However the moment it hits you, the moment all your senses are firing up and you totally grasp the idea that it feels right being somewhere, is the moment you can say out loud “I belong”.

It’s a feeling of being home. Your heart just settles down, your heart is at ease, your soul is as free as bird and there are no limits to hold you back. It’s the place where you perfectly fit, where you know you can leave your mark, make progress and maybe become a legend (even if it’s on a family level).

Belonging is like love, it hits you hard and in a sudden. It makes you stop and realize it’s about time to make a drastic change to transform a spot/place to a home. This place where you feel peace. The place where you run to when you are stressed, messed up, mad and even when you are fed up with life.

For some people belonging come with people who are in their lives, or people who enter it with no introductions. For those I say do your best to make it work, finding a person whom you can call home, or shelter, or your rocking chair, or even your summit is worth fighting for. They are gems to be cherished. Delicate objects to be handled with care.

Follow your bliss and seek you belongingness.

Note to self: This year I felt I belonged somewhere. I wonder if I’ll be able to make it to that place again.

Comfort Zone

2011-10-14T08:57:00.001+02:00

Comfort zones are those places where you feel safe. More of yourself compared to who you are when you are around people. It’s like the bottom of a river, it is so still that the water is so pure and you can see everything beneath the surface in true shape and color. It’s peaceful, comfy and liberating in a way.

However, when someone decides to take you by surprise and barge into that zone it’s like a hurricane is about to take the house down. It throws you off balance. Sometimes shaking things up is good, it makes you think; is it about time to let some people in? Yet, it might be disastrous because you might end up being more isolated, and tightening your bubble around you till one day the air will be sucked out and you will suffocate in that bubble all alone. No matter how good or bad, sometimes we should let people in our comfort zone.

Some of us need to learn, or to be precise they need to be taught how to open the door. Specially when it comes to verbal expressions. The thought of putting it all out there, of being emotionally naked, of taking off the mask and revealing the actual you is terrifying. Although, no one can get it expect you, no one can make the move on your behalf. In case you decide it’s time, take baby steps. Don’t rush things, and don’t give up your comfort zone easily.

Not So-Random Facts

2011-10-11T23:42:00.001+02:00

Who we are and where we stand is the sum of all experiences we face, and all the decisions we make.
For me, it is more frustrating to face absolute un-understood and un-justified situations than people just picking on.
Friends are a true bless. If you don’t handle them with care, gratitude and pay them back; one day you will be doomed when they decide to walk away.
The little things matter the most. Open your arms and heart, they tend to make your day, and they don’t come very often nor expectedly.
For a control freak like myself, my schedules and plans usually get screwed up, I wonder what does that say about me?
Being up to a responsibility you were handled says a lot about you as a person. However, when you are accused of the contrary this means that an immediate pause must take place and re-evaluating things should kick in.
I really want to know why do people break their promises?
I, also, want to know why and how do people bail on others and in a whim decide to walk away?

PS: Thank you for everything.

Re-post: Candels in the middle of a Road

2011-10-10T05:44:00.000+02:00

This was posted two years ago. With all what is happening lately on both personal and national level, the words came to mind. There are people who are doing good in this world and want to really be part of a better world. They, most of the time, do not publicize their actions because they don't seek fame or gratitude. They impact a lot of lives without being appreciated. And all of a sudden someone comes along with utter idiocy, stubbornness, stupidity, lack of vision, and complete illiteracy and blows all the efforts away thinking they are making a stand of which they should be acknowledged.

***

I wrote this a few months ago, and i came across it, and would like to share it with you, and thanks to Esraa' the wonderful writer who wrote those touching words.

شموع فى منتصف الطريق

يتأملها السائرون
  

لكل منهم وجهته

لكل منهم مقصده
  

و لكنها أصرت أن تعترض الطريق

يراها السائرون فى كل اتجاه

This is one of the things that I started reading for the first time last week. At that Time, i was outraged, feeling betrayed. At first I didn't get the meaning of what was written on two whole pages till I almost reached the end, and that is what touched me the most:

شموع فى منتصف الطريق
ما أعجبها... ماذا تفعل
كيف تتحمل كل هذا الحريق
فقط لتضئ الطريق
طريق لا ضوء فيه سواها
احتملت آلامها... و آثرت محبيها
و أضاءت الطريق

When I read this part, it just stopped me, and forced me to re-read the whole thing again to see if what i got what was meant behind the words, these few lines really moved my feelings, and brought tears to my eyes. I just felt sorry for myself. I'm trying my best to do what's right in a world full of wrong things that became life style for so many people. For a couple of years someone motivated me to stand up for my opinions because the world won't get better unless we tried our best, or it will only get worse because each person is putting his interest first, and improving his life, and it's not only putting themselves first, but above everybody as well.

This world is soo messed up that a good light can give hope for a better place:

و هناك من جاؤا عابيثين
ما لبثوا أن رأوا ضوءا
فتسابقوا أيهم أقوى زفير

One lovely blog award

2011-10-04T23:24:00.001+02:00

For quite sometime Ibhog’s tag post has been hanging open in one of my browsers tab to remind me there is a post I should respond to. In the spirit of blog games and tags, that I’ve been away from for a while, I’m posting this today. As the rules state I should “2al eh” enlighten you with seven things you don’t know about me. Believe me if you just dig a little in my archive you will find lot’s of those sevens

So let’s see what I can come up with this time:

Did you know I’m an academic? okay, did you know that I hate studying and sometimes I do question myself?!
I’m the kind of person that can be swept off ground with little caring actions
When I have things to be done I prefer to get over with them so I can indulge with all the free time I can get.
I’m starting to turn into an anti social person. Or have I been like that and I didn’t notice before?!
I consider myself a selfless person, but sometimes I wonder if I should make a stop and take myself into consideration more often.
I don’t mind disappointing people from time to time. No one is perfect.
I enjoy myself more when I’m wearing jeans. There is no point in getting all dressed up and punishing myself wearing heals on a daily basis.

Because I’m sleepy, I’ll leave the tagging wide open to all my readers and followers. Please drop me a line if you decided to play along, I would love to read what you have to say about yourself.

Till we meet again in another game

[HBBC-5] Clichés

2011-09-30T20:59:00.001+02:00

Welcome to the Half-Baked Bloggers Consortium. Meet the members here.

===

To keep this post as simple as it could be, I just want to ask you a favor, please when you do use clichés make sure you are using them at the right moment in the right way. Most people don’t know how to use them and they end up driving you mad than helping you out in a situation you are going through. If you don’t get it, here are some examples:

Do whatever it takes to get the job done!
Try as hard as you can

If you already know that a person is driving themselves to their extremes, never ever say that, it won’t by any means push their limits. On the contrary it will blow their motivation out of the window.

Can't take a joke

When someone is serious and focused don’t expect them to be open for a joke.

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem

Duh! even If the problem just occurred, and happened to me? Yeah, I should have bought a crystal ball, predicted and prevented the problem.

You're young, you'll get over it

Why do we have to be older than a certain age to be eligible to experience pain and not get over it? I think this is utter stupidity and nonsense from whoever says it.

Take it or leave it

Threats don’t work well at times, don’t you think?

The quiet before the storm

Be careful before using that one, because you can easily provoke that person and you end up experiencing a deadly storm.

A penny saved is a penny earned

This is a witty saying, however don’t turn into uncle Scrooge in the process.

I am better off alone

Take care what you wish for!

And last but not least:

Success is a journey not a destination

Ethics

2011-09-29T04:19:00.001+02:00

Quote of the day:

“Document everything, and sleep feeling safe at night”

It’s totally wrong and naïve to believe that after all what is going around us, people are actually starting to change and ethics is being part of our daily life. Rules of ethics are there to protect your rights before mine. They exist to be adapted not abandoned, to be followed and not broken, to provide you with evidence that you didn’t do anything wrong, to protect your integrity and moreover it facilitates gaining respect.

I hate it and consider it total hypocrisy when you set your own rules. Ask everyone to follow them, and you yourself are the one breaking them, and without saying. Just letting others discover what you have been doing by mere accident and then you ask them for respect and playing by the book.

Sometimes I want to take some serious mean actions, but my parents have raised me up right. Whom should I blame for that?

[HBBC–4] Hijab Removal

2011-09-26T00:02:00.001+02:00

Welcome to the Half-Baked Bloggers Consortium, where a handful of talents write about and discuss a chosen weekly topic. Meet the members here.

===

This is one topic that comes on my nerves, honestly. A while ago I admitted I’m a judgmental person. I’m one of those persons who judge girls who take off their Hijab.

This being said, girls should know that wearing Hijab comes with respect and some attitude and behaviors that should be embraced. Outfits should be stylish and chick, however they should not be cheap and revealing. In addition, what we speak, what we listen to and what we do should be considered. You have to respect yourself and your rights like respecting others’. Therefore you are not entitled to lie, steal, gossip, dance in public, talk trash, etc…

Bottom line, Hijab is a symbolic representation of whom you should be, and you should live up to it. I’m not saying I’m an angel walking on earth, however I hope someday I’ll the best representation to my hijab and Islam.

For those who think girls who wear Hijab don’t get it, please don’t generalize, we really do, however we are fighting the temptation. Before Hijab it’s the feeling that there is something missing. You know you are disobeying one of Allah’s orders – you say internally I’m not ready yet – and you try your best to compensate via charity activities, giving money away, lots of prayers, etc… You subconsciously start saying see there is a bond between me and Allah that most girls who wear hijab don’t have. Yes this might be true, and yes those girls maybe better persons than lots of veiled girls. I also totally understand the desire of wearing whatever you want wherever you want. Being able to wear makeup and do your hair. The whole concept of being praised for your looks among your girl friends and your network. And absolutely being a knock out for guys, YES! who doesn’t want that?

There is this desire of having some limitations loosen up while you think you are trading it with your special relation with Allah. I’ve heard from girls who thought the same before they wore Hijab. They used to do this and that. There was something itchy driving them always to be better, and once they wore their veils it’s like if the motivation is gone. So please if you are considering wearing or taking off Hijab, think thoroughly, don’t do one extraordinary step and then take it back. It’s like falling off a cliff, breaking your leg and not being able to climb up again. If you are not up to jogging up the cliff, then take it one step at a time. Make sure that you are standing on solid ground and your leg won’t slip then take your next step. Be careful don’t be too slow, time will pass by, day will turn into night and you will get stuck in your place.

Definition of Pain

2011-09-14T16:10:00.001+02:00

If things go bad with something and people consider it the worst, then at some point in their lives, it had been the best they've ever had - that's quite the definition of pain

Written by Ibhog

Total Mess

2011-09-13T15:22:00.001+02:00

My life is a total mess. I thought change can bring excitement, new challenges and order. None of that happened, it’s rather causing stress, chaos, to-do’s are piling up. Studying is adjourned with no clue when will it resume, i should keep in mind my exams will start sooner than my mind comprehends the thought. I’m not panicking yet, however i’m depressed.

I’m starting to wonder if some of the recent moves I made were big mistakes. Steps that I should have postponed for a little while longer. Yes, risks had to be taken at those specific moments, and i totally have to bare with the consequences.

I hope from the bottom of my heart I never reach the point when i will regret this change.

Thursday's Thought: We vs. I

2011-09-08T04:27:00.000+02:00

People get to comment on something a lot, why do you always use "We" while talking?

The only answer that I have is that I hate the fact that people always use "I" in sentences all the time giving you the sense that the world only evolves around them. And because I hate that I find it easier to use "We" instead. It's kind of cozy keda. It's either letting people be part of your life and what ever you are going through or maybe it can help people knowing there is always support that you can offer even if it was only by listening.

I believe that we need to be more involved with people that to want the world to only revolve around us.

PS: This is "We" thing gave me a hard time during my MSc thesis writing because, for sure, I always preferred using "We did this and that" instead of the "I did this and that"

Google Scribe

2011-09-04T00:09:00.000+02:00

Google is launching a new addition to blogger. If you think you are slow, or even searching for a word and can't seem to find, " Scribe" can help with that.

I think at times it will be fun and handy. Other times it will be annoying. That's why I like that you can enable it and disable it whenever you like.

All you need to do is press the pencil button on you tool bar in your compose window. Go ahead try it and have fun ;)

For more details, you can go here.

[HBBC - 1] Self Love

2011-09-02T09:37:00.001+02:00

Welcome to The Half-Baked Bloggers Consortium's (HBBC) first post, where Maha Mohamed, Ammar Al-Majali, Rana Safi, Maryam, Yara Hani, Noha Hanafy, Noor Al Zubaidy, Deppy, Nouran Ziad, Noor El terk, Salima Al Masrouri, Mariam Tarek, Sara Amr, Yasmine Fayez, Rania Khaled, Engi Amin, Ibhog, Abeer Zaki, Hagar Haggag Yomna Arbad, Salma M San, My Essam and Nema voice our opinions about a weekly topic chosen by various members. This weekend's topic is Self-love, chosen by Nema. Please take the time to view their blogs just as you viewed mine in order to get different perspectives about the same topic.

And Here we go….

This is a question I ask my self a lot, Do I really love myself? Or do I put others well being above mine? Every time I confront myself with those questions, I ,most of the time, find myself more concerned with the latter than the former.

Every single time I reach this point I promise myself to love ME more. To care about ME more. To make the world revolve around ME a little bit more. Yes, every once in a while I tend to be self centered and give ME more of my love.

Why do I resolve to love myself?

Because I do believe that people need to love themselves to be better persons. Giving yourself the attention you give to others lead to:

leading a happier life
being calmer regarding what you face knowing something good is coming ahead because you did good.
feeling younger and never your age
you get to view things from different perspectives, and tackle issues with new spirit.
you will know there is definitely more for you out there, and you will find the time and energy to go for it.

However, some people interpret self-love wrongly. They think they should be the center of the earth at all times. People’s concerns have to focus on them, and them only. And the worst thing is, when you think by loving yourself is to go ahead with your major plan crushing whoever stands in your face. That’s not by any means self-love (the noble meaning) it’s a whole bunch of other things that can be classified by psychiatrists as disorders.

As a conclusion I advice myself to love ME more, care more, and maintain control of my self-love so it won’t reach the nasty side.

Depends on Intentions

2011-08-31T21:43:00.001+02:00

Everything in life is a result of actions and more importantly your intentions. No matter how people interpret things, it's why you do them that matters the most.

Katherine's grey eyes focused in on her now "Trish, might I ask about the ethical dilemma posed by your work?”

Trish: “What do you mean?”

Katherine: “I mean you created a piece of software that can easily be abused. Those who possess it have access to powerful information not available to everyone. You don’t feel any hesitation creating it?”

Trish didn’t blink. “Absolutely not. My software is no different than say … a flight simulator program. Some users will practice flying first-aid missions into under developed countries. Some users will practice flying jets into skyscrapers. Knowledge is a tool, and like all tools, its impact is in the hands of the user.”

The lost Symbol ~ Dan Brown

Not so fond of me

2011-08-11T11:35:00.001+02:00

Call it a curse or a bless, but i can sense it when people like me, hate me, or indifferent. I know where i stand, and I have complete confidence in myself and my abilities.

I can’t get you yet. I’m not sure if it’s not being so comfy around me or is it jealousy.

What I’m sure of is I absolutely hate pretending you like me at times, hating me at others, and being the most helpful person on rare occasions. You got me confused, and hope this is resolved sometime soon.

Mind blogging

2011-08-10T10:32:00.001+02:00

It’s been a while that I think things through. Put the words in order, the way I would write them down, and I end up writing nothing. I'm either busy to record my thoughts. Or I have the rush of thoughts right before I lose all my senses to deep sleep after a tiring day.

I wish, soon, that I’ll be back or I might explode.

Basics of Equality is a human right

2011-08-05T00:06:00.001+02:00

Today’s episode of Khawater 7 entitled “كأسنان المشط “ which means “the same as the teeth of a comb” really is something that all of us should look forward to achieve. Ahmad Al-Shugairi was talking about the poor who are living a very indecent life in lots of the middle east countries, versus those who are considered the less fortunate living in some European and Scandinavian countries.

The difference is HUGE!!

To face the fact that there are families living in a single room and considering it their so called home and keeping up with it for years is shocking. However, there is an amazing initiative that took place on the program. A business man donated money to bring down a building and rebuild a two story building that can accommodate all the people who were living there before, and guarantee a better-decent life.

I have hope, someday Egypt will be like those countries that hold themselves responsible for providing the basics needs for a decent life to their citizens. I also hope equality will spread in action and not verbally.

Déjà vu

2011-07-24T23:30:00.001+02:00

There are abilities that people possess and keep as secrets. Why? Either they don’t want to be pointed at as weirdoes, or they fear that this ability/gift will be taken away from them as a kind of punishment.

One of those phenomena’s is “Déjà vu’s” which is defined as having the feeling that you’ve experienced a situation with all its details before. It’s always a disturbing situation as you keep wondering when and where have I witnessed this before.

Personally, the thing that keeps bothering me is dreams. Mostly I don’t remember my dreams. However, and on rarely occasions, I wake up with sharp memory and I can recall dreams with tiny details.

It’s very weird that few days ago I dreamt of someone who traveled, and I didn’t hear any news of for about a year now. There was a sudden popup, and invasion to my dream out of nowhere. It remained for a little while, then things went back to normal again. Few hours ago, I was informed that the very same person is in Egypt on vacation.

Are we talking “Déjà vu” here?

Doubts erased

2011-07-13T22:40:00.001+02:00

Today, after a month and half of doubts, they were blown out of the window in less than 5 minutes. I’ve been teaching a course for the past 6 weeks, I was really doubtful about my abilities and if the job was done as it should be. Today was the last lecture that I officially gave. At the end of the lecture, my new/first (maybe last) rotation of students decided to give me a feedback without me asking. Honestly speaking my heart beat rose and it was like the results of a test I don’t want to know about. Surprisingly enough they flattered me enough to an extent I thought I was about to blush.

Through out the course they gave me the impression that it was so difficult to digest the material, and they might flunk the course. However this is mainly what they agreed on “You are an organized person. You spent time and effort trying to make each one of us understand, taking into consideration we come from different backgrounds. You knew what you were talking about and where things originated from and where it will fit next”

The most important complement was “You will go places in the coming few years.” I really hope this comes true, and I think I should work hard to make that happen.

Moreover, I got to catch the rest of “You’ve got mail” my all time favorite movie. It can’t get better than that

The Human Race

2011-07-08T00:06:00.000+02:00

Look at us, running around. Always rushed, always late. I guess that's why they call it the human race. What we crave most in this world is connection. For some people it happens at first site. It's when you know you know. It's fate working its magic. And that's great for them. They get to live in a pop song. Ride the express train. But that's not the way it really works. For the rest of us, it's a bit less romantic. It's complicated, it's messy. It's about horrible timing, and fumbled opportunities. And not being able to say what you need to say when you need to say it.

~ Quoted from a movie "Switch"

Religion, Kindness, Goodness & Love

2011-06-30T00:29:00.000+02:00

".... there is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to man and beast, it is all a sham...."
—Black Beauty, Chapter 13, last paragraph.

Eat, Pray, Love

2011-06-28T19:40:00.000+02:00

Eat, Pray, Love. Movie Tie-In: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The book can be written in half its size. There were so much repetition, which made me bored sometimes. It took me so long to finish the book. True i would love to visit Italy and try the food, but it was too much of description that is not needed. I took some moral lessons that i hope i can carry for a long time, yet i would have loved the book more and spoke about its brilliancy if it was straight to the point.

Google Women In Technology

2011-06-27T12:08:00.001+02:00

So today is the Ladies day at Google Serve 2011. For all the male geeks who are reading this, please know that women are a powerful force in the technology world.

The day is still in it's beginning and it looks exciting. Couple of things are announced so far:

1- Google Grants: this has to do with granting money for NGOs to help them with advertising. For more information you can go here.

2- Google WIT: this is a whole new website created by Google dedicated only for Women "Yayyy Google". The website offers assistance for females who are interested in technology and Google in particular. They also have a mailing list and a group to get the ladies to interact together and share their ideas. If you are a female, please go ahead and click HERE, enjoy the pinkish lady-like website, go through all the website's sections and join the mailing list.

Conversation with a traffic officer

2011-06-25T23:17:00.002+02:00

So while running some errands on a Saturday morning my car - for the first time since i bought it 3 years ago - was forcefully parked (aka etkalbeshet). Because I know it's my fault to secondly park it so I paid the parking ticket I got on the spot. However, I felt the urge to ask the officer some questions, and this is what happened:

Me: Can I ask you a question that has nothing to do with me parking wrongly?

Officer: Sure

Me: Why do we get parking tickets, while micorbusses are taking over the streets and using them as bus-stops and no one is doing anything about it?

Officer: Where are you from?

Me: Giza, SO?

Officer: (with an unhappy look on his face) i'll tell you the thought behind it. They are being left intentionally to do what they want for a while because we don't need them to protest.

Me: I was like -SERIOUSLY- and said, so you are leaving them to take over every single street in town, close them, turn them into 2 way streets while the are too narrow and bus stops? & WE should be more rational to keep up with their crap?

Officer: stayed silent

---

They really are too provoking and driving me nuts. They can put things back into order, however you can see fear in their eyes. On another side note, officers are lately organizing traffic for the welfare of public transportation drivers. Is it going to be worse?

Dear Fellow Blogger

2011-06-19T21:18:00.000+02:00

Your Blog is your personal space and piece of heart (at least mine is). You are entitled to publish whatever you want. However whenever you are using it as a channel to communicate or send a message to someone please be aware of the consequences.

Yours,
A fellow blogger

Undervalued

2011-06-18T10:24:00.001+02:00

We get to meet different kinds of people in life. Those who just pass us by, those who spend a little more time and those who will know us for a lifetime. As time goes on, those who stick around start to value you more. What if the people who you meet for a tiny fraction of time are the ones you want them to value you for what you actually are, and surprise you are undervalued.

A situation like this makes you pause and think, do you really value that much, or they are just underestimating you? What did you do wrong along the road? Should you take the whole thing seriously or just let it slide, and tell yourself it’s just a bump in the road that will fade away in your rear window in no time?

I hate it when...

2011-06-09T21:24:00.051+02:00

People start making promises and the minute you turn your back they start working on breaking them. Why do they bother making them to start with if they know they can't fulfill them.
If someone is responsible about a company/organization/institution the minimum job requirement is to be aware of the piece of papers his signature goes on. If you are going to sign something so crucial and others will rely on PLEASE read the request. Your ignorance of content of the filed request, leads to over lapping decisions and eventually a big chaos. When someone does so, excuse me he doesn't deserve to be in holding that position.
People use prayer places as a place where they can do everything "kolo moba7" but when it comes to respecting people who are praying that's not there. Why can't they understand that whoever enters the place to pray is by far interested in all the conversations/whining/fighting going on. No to mention the whole purpose of concentration is gone - heya na2asako - .
People keep using the stereotype "Women can't drive". Seriously, please correct me on this, who are the reasons behind all the accidents we get to hear about every morning and every night. Women, don't think so, if they didn't notice women drive more cautiously than men. Flash news, the last time my car was hit it was because of some ***** who decided to put his car on reverse and drive without looking in his mirror, and didn't bother to say sorry.
People start a sentence with "What i'm going to say next is going to bother, but please don't take it the wrong way". Why can't they get it that this line puts on the edge, and you are expected to act all calm and smile like nothing is said to bother you, because you were warned. FE3LAN!

... and the list keeps going on and on and they tell me we can sense change coming.

Blogger In draft -- New Layout

2011-06-06T01:24:00.012+02:00

Since I've been away from the blogoshpere for a while, lots of new, updates even changes are happening around. One of the latest and I find it to be a cool update is the fresh look of the dashboard of blogspot for those who have "Blogger in draft" as their default dashboard you sure noticed. For those who still use the classic dashboard, please revert to "Blogger in draft" and make your life easier around your blog.

It's a fresh look, cool, friendly and even elegant. I know i'm biased but i have to say this anyway, i think it's better than wordpress's dashboard.

This is how mine looks like:

Optimistic… Am I?!

2011-06-04T23:48:00.001+02:00

I’m not known as a very optimistic person. I’m rather a realistic. I like to have plans, to feel like everything is in control and knowing what my options are. For better and for worse. I just love to be prepared.

Lately, several people I know are feeling optimistic. Some of them have their reasons, and some think that since this has started as a crazy surprising year, so why not hope and work for the best. Therefore, I’m giving it a shot and trying to be optimistic. Even though the charm didn’t hit me yet, and because of the tons I need to finish and can’t find the spirit or the time. I’m not so sure it’s working.

However, I gave it my best – actually I didn’t – last week with two new directions. A fork of the road has a glimpse of light and hopefully things turn out good, but the other fork, I think has a road block in it. I might be the reason of bringing down the tree blocking the road. Bad Ze2red, you should have been well prepared! Looks like it’s not meant to be.

I’m not 100% optimistic, not even 50%, I never used to be one. I’m trying though… Let’s wait and see how things will turn out.

About respect and age

2011-06-02T01:36:00.002+02:00

Question of the day, is respect earned by one's age or wit?

We were raised to respect people who are older than us because we should, not because they deserve it. Through the past years of my life i've met people younger than me. Mainly they are my students, so by default they are younger than me. I always saw them as my younger sisters and brothers. Some of them managed to surpise me and make me proud. They earned my respect.

There are the older people whom deserve no respect what so ever. They behave badly, talk trash and have no respect to anyone. So please don't tell me age forces respect.

Between this and that, there are those people who you barely know. They blow your mind with their smartness, logic, wits and persona. They easily make you forget about age barrier... Respect is in order.

Social or Not?

2011-05-25T11:04:00.001+02:00

On what grounds do people measure the term “Being social” ?

I used to say I’m a social person, or at least I heard people saying that about me. I started to believe till I thought it’s who I am. Always surrounded with so many people with things in common and others who are totally different than me. I have the gift of dealing with all kinds of people. I can’t complaint, it’s a blessing in a way.

However, lately I’m not surrounded with as many people as I’m used to. Or maybe my life evolved around less than a handful of people and now that everyone is getting busy with their own lives, including myself. I get the time to review my relationships. It looks like I’m a lot more lonely than I knew I am.

The thought of calling people for no apparent reason keeps haunting me, and I never do it. I hold my cell, check the number, and just put it aside again. Eventually I resolve to switching it off. I wonder if the blame of losing some people in my life will partially be on me.

I miss the days

2011-05-21T23:01:00.001+02:00

when all I can do is play and run around with no worries to burden my shoulders.
when I’m totally fed up and can speak my mind without fearing to hurt anyone’s feelings. Sometimes it hurts more to swallow your feelings because you don’t want to speak what you can’t take back.
when I’m free like a bird and don’t have tons of stuff all required to be done at the same time.
when I used to wonder around in Maadi. At a time I considered it my second home, and I wished if I lived there
when I rode my bike during the summer and all I can feel is air touching my skin and letting me pretend I can fly, and I can almost touch the sky.
when I can drive in empty streets, speeding and letting all the negativity evaporate as if I’m heading to a new start with all what’s bothering me left behind.
when I was able to write my feelings down without fearing that they may haunt me one day.
when my abilities were sharp that I can tell right from wrong. when I was able to read eyes and reveal the secrets locked deep in souls.
when my heart was not aching as much and I used to care for every single person who is close to me. Today, I just don’t. I need to take care of ME if I want to be able to care for people again.
when I used to love myself the most, and that affected everything around me in a good way. It’s totally the opposite lately.

“I wanna party” is what I’m listening to lately in an attempt to lift my spirits up. Hopefully I’ll be able to party soon.

Grateful for April

2011-05-03T23:31:00.001+02:00

April this year had a different essence. Most of it was decorated with happy news if not great news to some people. Dreams are coming true. Prayers are answered. New fresh beginnings are around the corner. Life chapters are about to be closed forever. Weddings are taking place.

On self centered notes related to April, my 2011 to buy lists are shrinking. I didn’t see this one coming, honestly . I also missed my blog’s anniversary which is one of the best things that first took place in April 2 years ago.

As April of each year – I don’t know why it has to be April begad – but I’m losing people in my life and gaining others. So am I turning into a superstitious person? Weird coincidence that keeps repeating itself if not every year then every other year.

Finally,

you know you are and always will be my soul mate. The best person I’ve ever met. I’m so happy for you, even more excited than you are. Backing you up every step of the way. If it’s not showing at times, maybe because I miss you already.

I’m saying it again, for both of us this time, “Shine, Rise, Excel and above all Enjoooooooyyyyyyy ”

To happy moments, priceless memories, and new beginnings.

Just Move ON!

2011-04-25T19:54:00.001+02:00

As you grow through different stages of life you experience crushes. You learn to move on because simply you grow out of them. The bad thing is having to turn people down because they like you, but you don’t have a slightest interest in them.

People say the first time of anything is the hardest. From personal experience, I don’t agree with that. In this specific department – heart department – it’s never easy. It gets even harder. Specially if you turn someone down the first time and you are forced to see that person on regular basis. After years, you get used to bumping into each other. Looking in the eyes like nothing ever happened.

One day when you least expect it because you thought that person moved on, it turns out to be exactly the opposite. He’s still into you, and all your contacts is still with him. The bad news is, you will have to turn him down AGAIN because you are still not interested. It is harder and awkwardness will be all over the place.

Why don’t they just let it go and move on????!!!!

Thursday’s Thought: Over the clouds

2011-04-21T23:31:00.001+02:00

On a Thursday night, not far from tonight I was up high in the sky on my way back home. For sure a week before I was leaving the country. Since the moment I laid foot at the airport I was extra excited. Not my first time at an airport, but definitely my first time alone on a trip abroad. Despite the long exhausting flight my excitement kept me going, and I thought I’ll feel different when I arrive, surprisingly I felt like i , somehow, belong. It wasn’t new, and not weird by any means. I’ll leave it here and maybe come back to it later.

Most importantly is when I was on my way back, up in the air on my second flight, miles and miles above sea line, over the clouds I was. Below me was an amazing sight of a white comfy clouds mattress. Looking at it from the top is one magical sight. It is relaxing, breath taking, and hijacks your mind to so many places. You start questioning the power of God, and his blessings among the human kind as showing them the way to know how to fly this high.

The layer of clouds are entwined giving you the feeling of purity being spread all over the sky. You get engaged following one cloud after the other, imagining you are standing on it. Maybe jumping from one to another, and while gaining your balance, standing up straight, spreading your arms as if you are a bird getting ready to fly. A nice cool breeze touches your face and purifies you from the inside out. For few moments you feel as pure and innocent as a newborn.

Now it’s time to open your eyes, clear your mind from whatever thoughts hanging on, and enjoy the sight. The moment your eye lids open, you are surprisingly hit with a marvelous scene. A rainbow colored sky. The sun setting on one side of the world, and rising at the other. Sun rays are broken into all colors reflected by the ocean surface, and you can obviously notice all colors of the rainbow homogeneously blending together creating an exquisite painting that captures your eyes and soul and makes you wish if you can get stuck in this perfect moment forever.

You are flying away, you can’t help it. However you keep tracking the sun with all the colors surrounding it till you are sure it set to another place. Capture the moment with all the beauty you see around you, close your eyes and grave the scene in your memory forever. This is what I kept telling myself, cause I knew the moment I open my eyes again the scene will be gone. Thank god I listened to my inner voice, because this moment is my new happy place.

Thursday’s Though: Spy and Brain washer

2011-03-31T12:22:00.001+02:00

So being a spy is not one of the things I master, but when I decide to pursue someone, or something I make one hell of a spy. I keep digging till I get to the bottom of things. The internet is thee best spying, detective assisting tool ever. Everything is online, or at least what people publish by purpose and by accident, you can put your hands on easily. It takes a geek who wants to cover his tracks to prevent you from getting what you are searching for.

While spying nowadays is easy, brainwashing is still considered a difficult task to do, specially if you are addressing someone you don’t know quite well. I don’t know why, but sometimes I know what the other person wants to hear, and what decision is hovering her/his mind, and I can at the end change their minds to do something totally different.

I seriously need to gain some control over myself and tongue, tool 3omry mas7oba men lesany…

I hate the phrase ...

2011-03-29T01:34:00.001+02:00

... Before 25th of Jan AND

... After 25th of Jan.

I wish i never would have said that, but it's becoming one big cliche'. People are over-miss using the phrases. Now everything has to do with, or to be compared with the situation before and after 25th of Jan.

Not only that, but before that we used to joke around and say "Men died in 1967". Now people are making the martyrs of the revolution an excuse of being rude and disrespectful to others. A mean to start a fire in between small societies that are barely going by their days.

Flash news, they died asking for freedom, and they did it with respect. Seriously people there is huge difference between asking for your rights while pursuing the legal ways to do so, and just yelling, throwing accusations, and have a narrow point of view of a circle that has only you inside it. People revolted for a better life for their families, societies, cities, and country. There are so many dynamics which are more important than self centered persons who should be detained for misuse of freedom.

Rabena yehdy!

The King’s Speech (2010)

2011-03-26T16:29:00.001+02:00

Finally a movie that is bringing me back to reviewing .

Before I go on, this movie is highly recommended. Watch and enjoy.

PS: This post was written before the Oscars.

******** SPOLIER ALERT *********

This is a movie that’s talking about how King Gorge VI overcame his stammer problem. Since he was 4 or 5 years old he faced some difficulties in forming complete sentences in a flow. Despite that his father always believed in him and tried his best to push him, that didn’t work. For a long time he tried training and the assistance of professional therapy, and none seemed to work. His wife didn’t give up on him, and she was referred to an Australian speech therapist - who turned out to have no credentials what so ever - yet as the movie goes on you can witness how great a speech therapist he was. “Lionel ~ speech therapist” was the one who stood by “King Gorge VI” at the moment he was giving his first aired speech declaring World War II. The speech amazed everyone because they already new about his problems, but didn’t expect a speech flowing as smooth.

The movie is nominated for 12 Oscars. It’s a matter of hours now for discovering which Oscars will it actually get. I haven’t watched the whole movie list just yet, but so far it deserves:

Best actor: Collin Firth has performed a great job in this movie. It’s not that easy to perfectly embrace the character of a man suffering from stammer. He amazed me with this role.

Best supporting actor: Geoffrey Rush, the Australian actor taking a role of an Australian speech therapist. There were these moments where the look in his eyes can capture your soul and make you speechless. How he used to look to the king with hope and believe of greatness. How the effort was done to take on the role with all the details, how he spoke, walked, stood and even the looks in the moments of silence were impressive.

Best director: I find Tom Hooper outstanding in directing the movie. He took notice of the details, walks, talks, pauses, moments of silence. There was great effort put in the movie, and it clearly showed.

Music: Alexandre Desplat has a nice music piece in the movie called “Lionel and Bertie”. It’s very nice, and he was very smart to make it fit with the symphonies performed though out the movie for Beethoven and Mozart. They were wisely chosen indeed.

My favorite scenes:

King George VI: [Sees Logue is sitting on the coronation throne] What are you doing? Get up! You can't sit there! GET UP!
Lionel Logue: Why not? It's a chair.
King George VI: No, that. It is not a chair. T-that... that is Saint Edward's chair.
Lionel Logue: People have carved their names on it.
King George VI: [Simultaneously] That... chair... is the seat on which every king and queen has... That is the Stone of Scone you ah-are trivializing everything. You trivialize...
Lionel Logue: [Simultanerously] It's held in place by a large rock. I don't care about how many royal arseholes have sat in this chair.
King George VI: Listen to me. *Listen to me!*
Lionel Logue: Listen to you? By what right?
King George VI: By divine right if you must, I am your king.
Lionel Logue: No you're not, you told me so yourself. You didn't want it. Why should I waste my time listening?
King George VI: Because I have a right to be heard. I have a voice!
Lionel Logue: [pauses] Yes, you do.
[Longer pause]
Lionel Logue: You have such perseverance Bertie, you're the bravest man I know.

------

As much as I hate swearing words, and I never used them in my blog, but I found this scene hilarious.

King George VI: All that work down the drain. My own brother, I couldn't say a single word to him in reply.
Lionel Logue: Why do you stammer so much more with David than you ever do with me?
King George VI: 'Cos you're b... bloody well paid to listen.
Lionel Logue: Bertie, I'm not a geisha girl.
King George VI: St... stop trying to be so bloody clever.
Lionel Logue: What is it about David that stops you speaking?
King George VI: What is it about you that bloody well makes you want to go on about it the whole bloody time?
Lionel Logue: Vulgar, but fluent; you don't stammer when you swear.
King George VI: Oh, bugger orf!
Lionel Logue: Is that the best you can do?
King George VI: Well... bloody bugger to you, you beastly bastard.
Lionel Logue: Oh, a public school prig could do better than that.
King George VI: Shit. Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit!
Lionel Logue: Yes!
King George VI: Shit!
Lionel Logue: Defecation flows trippingly from the tongue!
King George VI: Because I'm angry!
Lionel Logue: Do you know the f-word?
King George VI: F... f... fornication?
Lionel Logue: Oh, Bertie.
King George VI: Fuck. Fuck! Fuck, fuck, fuck and fuck! Fuck, fuck and bugger! Bugger, bugger, buggerty buggerty buggerty, fuck, fuck, arse!
Lionel Logue: Yes...
King George VI: Balls, balls...
Lionel Logue: ...you see, not a hesitation!
King George VI: ...fuckity, shit, shit, fuck and willy. Willy, shit and fuck and... tits.

Finally, again, it’s a must see movie.

Aggressive

2011-03-22T22:32:00.001+02:00

So you are informing me that I’m aggressive. Here is the thing… I DON’T CARE!

When someone gets to tell me that, at the end of a terrible day, as if it’s going to make my day worse, honestly by that time I have lost all senses and feelings to be annoyed.

And Yes I’m aggressive to some extent. Sometimes it’s not justified and I get to eat myself up because of it, sometimes it’s the mask, and I have to play the role perfectly so that some cards won’t be mixed. However, most of the time it’s well deserved for those affected by it. Mainly they are sloppy, lazy, rude, etc… and deserve the attitude.

Here you go, I confessed, said it loud and clear with complete honesty. If you just asked!!!

So please when you wish to accuse someone of something, gather the facts from all credible resources you can put hands on, then decide what you should do with what you found.

Heart breaking letter -- Sense & Sensibility

2011-03-19T11:58:00.000+02:00

"MY DEAR MADAM,

I have just had the honour of receiving your letter, for which I beg to return my sincere acknowledgments. I am much concerned to find there was anything in my behaviour last night that did not meet your approbation; and though I am quite at a loss to discover in what point I could be so unfortunate as to offend you, I entreat your forgiveness of what I can assure you to have been perfectly unintentional. I shall never reflect on my former acquaintance with your family in Devonshire without the most grateful pleasure, and flatter myself it will not be broken by any mistake or misapprehension of my actions. My esteem for your whole family is very sincere; but if I have been so unfortunate as to give rise to a belief of more than I felt, or meant to express, I shall reproach myself for not having been more guarded in my professions of that esteem. That I should ever have meant more you will allow to be impossible, when you understand that my affections have been long engaged elsewhere, and it will not be many weeks, I believe, before this engagement is fulfilled. It is with great regret that I obey your commands in returning the letters with which I have been honoured from you, and the lock of hair, which you so obligingly bestowed on me.

I am, dear Madam, Your most obedient humble servant,

"JOHN WILLOUGHBY."

Welcome Lolita (A new blogger)

2011-03-12T18:45:00.001+02:00

So my baby sister finally decided to join the club and have her own blog. You can pay her a visit over here.

Serious Questions

2011-03-09T04:28:00.001+02:00

People seem to not agree on one person to run for presidency. and whoever thinks of that i find a list of "Masayeb" about him the next day. Do you think there is a person with absolutely clean history?
It is not only the presidency, also the cabinet, banks, governmental offices, schools, universities, hospitals, etc… If there is no one good for anything, should we stop living??
Is the trend of everyone talking about everything, even the things they know nothing about, going to stop any time soon?
Am I the only one who thinks that people are interpreting freedom in a wrong way? specially freedom of speech, is yelling and calling names the new trend around here?
Will students cool off for just one minute and be rational? Can they stop following their teachers and professors whom are pushing them for their own benefits and no gains for the younger ones out of all of that?
Will students concentrate on what’s important? On studying and graduating with flying colors and really be a great deal of the change we want to see?
Can you please give up on the illusion that you know everything about everything? Even in Islam having an education and specializing in one field is “Fard kefaya” because a human being has a capacity. For love of God you can’t know it all!!

Robbed in day light

2011-03-05T00:17:00.000+02:00

Today I was out doing some work with friends to get ready for the new term. And for the first time in my life - with real evidence - i got robbed. My bag was on the chair in front of me and I might have turned my back or lost complete conscious with my surroundings and my bag just vanished. After several attempts of searching and even announcing a reward to whom will find it, all efforts went in vain.

It's true I had some other things with me that are not lost and they are more valuable as in money value. However I lost things that i won't be ever able to get back. Possessions that hold emotional value, things i had since i was a kid, and things i was recently given.

It's destiny i'm sure. Khadet el shar w ra7et, absolutely! Yet words aren't making me feel better. It's normal, i'm SAD, and i have every right to be.

I just feel stupid, idiot, mind blown with work to lose focus. I need to work on focus issues. It was harmless before, but it finally caused me trouble.

For Women Guest Post Series

2011-03-04T10:26:00.002+02:00

She said I’m bubbly, yet deep and smart. I think I’m a very deceiving person. Guess what?, whoever says that I always take it as a complement… Sosa ya Rabby . Jessyz, Thank you so much, you gave me a nice start for my day with those sweet words.

Now, Jessyz decided that she will dedicate March for Egyptian women. She invited some of her fellow bloggers to guest post over her blog. Every single day of the month there will be a post from a lady dedicated to the rest of the Egyptian feminine community.

Today is my turn. I chose to write about decision making. Go on follow her and enjoy March and what she has to offer after that.

Thursday’s thoughts : How Come…

2011-03-03T16:05:00.001+02:00

… Managers/bosses ask for so many meetings in a normal working day and expect some real work to be done??

People really should be aware that technology can be used to issue orders and get things done with the minimum waste of time. Over obsessing with meetings is one of the main reasons people don’t get their jobs done on TIME.

Congrats are Due :)

2011-02-27T23:16:00.001+02:00

I’m going to start this in a weird way…

Wala ya 7ammo w 3andak wa7da zaghrota hena telee2 bel 3arayes

I’m so happy to announce that my lovely friend Gessyz – whom I call Semsemty - , who used to go to college with me, but we became friends through the blogosphere is now “drum rolls”….

Engaged. Looollloollllyyyy

And for those who are well acquainted with our fellow commenters over the blogosphere, here Fiancée’ is known among us as “Mastermind”. So Mr. Mastermind, as I always call you, you got the girl… good for you. No the hard journey of keeping the girl begins, so good luck.

Many congrats to both of you.

Now there is something you must know, don’t you ever think about upsetting Semsemty or I’ll come after you… you hear me Mr.?… Yes I’m being the big sister here

I really wish you both a life full of happiness, in a new born free country. May the future hold everything great to you, and my sincere wishes for things to flow easily between the two of you and for you from now on.

Missed Calls

2011-02-26T12:23:00.001+02:00

How bad is it to ignore phone calls? How messed up can a person be watching the phone blink and choosing not to answer? I've been doing this for too long that made me hate to pick up most of the time. The bad thing is i usually feel guilty as if time didn't help overcoming that feeling.

The terrible thing is when you know for sure the caller needs help, which you can and should offer, however you choose not to answer.

I wonder what does that say about me?!

Fabulous Wishes

2011-02-24T09:47:00.001+02:00

Speechless as I am, I have no idea from where to start or what to say. I’ll be doing what I do best and let words flow, cross my fingers and hope I’ll be able to say at least half what you deserve.

Sometimes “Thank you” is not enough to be said, and today it’s not just to only say “Thanks” even if it was said million times. How is that for a start ?

I loved being called “Fantabulous”. Be sure that I’m your biggest fan, and yes I am fabulous, simply because I have you in my life, and because we make an awesome couple.

I don’t know how to say this, but you weren’t late, actually you being there the whole time is more than enough for me. Times were critical and we were experiencing one in a life time event. We were revolting as you said, yet it didn’t prevent you from remembering. When I go back to that day and remember, I always thank Allah that I have you in my life, because you just remembered.

Smiles will always be there and I wish us both more of them. You know how to draw a smile on my sweet face, so never give up, like I won’t ever give up on you.

I wish us both more good days “3al ganb el 3edl” and less of those when we wake up with screwed up mood that last for days, sometimes. It’s time of change, and I hope the wind blows better stuff at our faces.

I wish us both more fun. Time is passing and the clock is ticking, and we both need fun. Routine is killing us. Let’s have fun together, ezaaaay! I have no idea, let’s think “SERIOUSLY” of something new to do. For our own sake. It’s enough what we do for people.

Did I hear you saying more girly stuff “Hahahaha”… you still think we can walk the path of more girly stuff and allow them to knock on our doors? Come on, we were born to be who we are, or at least I’m on the road of completely accepting it. No one is not dreaming of all the girly stuff, I know you are wishing for them, but I’m wishing for less . However, if destiny is holding back some surprises for us on the girly girls side, please please please reveal yourselves before it’s too late. yenfa3 keda?

Now for the real wish,

I wish for a life filled with more of you. A person who stuck by my side through good and bad. I wish that what we have keeps growing and blooming. I wish it lasts forever. I wish your love for me never fades away. And the most of all, I wish I can be to you at least half of what you are to me.

Sweetheart, someday we will have that dream house, maybe a little but far from the sea, because I know you can’t stand it for too long, and we will drive to it in your Rolls Royce. Someday

Love you always and forever,

Ze2red

النبطي - يوسف زيدان

2011-02-18T10:21:00.001+02:00

النبطي by يوسف زيدان

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is what i call a turning page book. It didn't make me feel bored, it's a story in which you wish to know what will happen next. Youseff Zidan's writing - for me - is way smoother than it was in "Azazeel". I enjoyed learning new things about old times in Egypt, and how people used to live side by side believing in different things. "Marya" the narrator told the story from her point of view. She was a kind naive girl who was married off to an Arab merchant, and her journey opened her eyes to a vast new world.

This is how the book started

الحمد لله المنزه عن الصاحبة والولد. يبتلى العباد بالشدائد وهو الذى يهب الجلد. سبحانه. جعل السلف عبره للخلف. وأجرى الوقائع بما يناسب السنن و بما قد يختلف. نحمده حمد الحالمين. الراضين بالسراء و الضراءالساكينين حين البأس وساعة البؤس .

View all my reviews

Change (1) - The change I want to see

2011-02-16T21:03:00.001+02:00

For 18 continuous days during the Jan 25th revolution many things happened. Quoting Hassanien Heikal “Thanks to Mubark that he kept stalling his stepping down decision, it made the Egyptians’ bonds grow stronger, and made the people more aware of their rights”.

Meky was saying in his latest song “If you go to Tahrir square, you'll find a country midst a country. If somebody bumps into you, they'll say "sorry" , if someone wants to pass by they'll say "excuse me", if someone wants to see your ID, they'll say "sorry, we have to" and you'll hear a lot "watch out, because girls want to pass through". No sexual or verbal harassment and when the Christian prays, the Muslim has his back and when the Muslim prays, the Christian has his back” This is one of the changes that i want to see last forever.

And this is spreading via emails, and over all kinds of virtual networks:

Egypt 2.0 License Agreement

PLEASE READ THIS LICENSE AGREEMENT BEFORE INSTALLING Egypt 2.0

1- Raise your head and be proud to be Egyptian.

2- Now, this is really truly your country. Love it, treasure it and protect it.

3- Pray from your heart for the martyrs who lost their lives for your freedom.

4- Speak the truth and be honest in all circumstances.

5- Stand in line to get your turn and ask others to do the same.

6- Never pay a bribe to get your right or finish any service at government offices.

7- Do not throw garbage in the streets and if you find it there pick it up.

8- Help others as much as you can for the sake of Allah.

9- If you do not do so already, learn how to use facebook and twitter.

10- Once again, raise your head and be proud to be Egyptian.

Validity: This license is valid forever.

WARNING: Egypt 2.0 IS INCOMPATIBLE WITH Dictators 1.0 OR ANY LATER VERSIONS

IF YOU AGREE SHOUT LOUDLY “I Love Egypt” 10 TIMES

IF YOU DO NOT AGREE, INSTALL Mubark 31.0

Morals, Deeds & Traits

2011-02-13T21:08:00.001+02:00

As we are today beginning a new ear, and change is our main slogan. It keeps hitting me what do i want to see myself changing to, and how i would love to see my fellow citizens adopt a new attitude. The revolution started asking for democracy. Are we going to get there or not? I think we still have a long way to reach that, and learn, it’s not an easy job and not a thing that you can learn in a day or too.

What’s more important now is how we want to go on with our lives. In those past few weeks so many things were awaken in our hearts and minds. Behaviors that we weren’t used to. We started doing things out of love, care, fear and looking forward for a brighter future.

I loved how the boys, youth, men got to know each other in a neighborhood. They were up all night to protect us. Eventually they started playing soccer, watching the news, and even organizing play station tournaments to keep themselves entertained on cold nights.

I love how you walk on the streets and find people smiling at you instead of all the gloomy faces.

I loved the care when people were out for shopping for food supplies, they were aware enough of telling people, don’t buy more that what you need, this will cause a crises.

I loved seeing the youth organizing the traffic, and for the first time in years the streets were smooth. (Hence, that rege3t remea le 3adetha el 2adema, the traffic is awful!)

There are lots more, but what I'm concerned about is will this last? Are we going to take a step back and return to our normal life, or will we really seek the change. As so many of us believe that change MUST come from ourselves first, i will start recording down what i want to change in me and what i would love to see changing in this country. I’ll take it slow and easy, one step at a time, and hope for a better life, future and needless to say a better country.

Historic Celebration

2011-02-12T05:26:00.001+02:00

Today was just a day that will always be one of a kind to our generation. A generation that never thought to ever witness a revolution, and never thought after years and years of being ruled by one man, that we can be united and decide to change our destiny.

Today was the day for the ultimate goal of this revolution to be achieved.

Today the only president we saw since we were born stepped down.

Today was the first time for me to see our country so happy, chanting, singing, celebrating because of the same thing – which is for the first time not soccer – we are celebrating our freedom.

Today I joined friends, and strangers in singing patriotic songs.

Today I breathed in all the air that I could. I feel FREEEEEE!!!

I’ll be waiting impatiently and cautiously for a new country. Witnessing a new era. Hoping for a better future for me, you, and everyone else.

From today on, February will not be only the month of love, and not my month of birth. It’s the month of birth of a brand new Egypt. 11/2/2011 is the date.

This is one in a lifetime historic experience. I needed to record it before it slips my mind.

شخصية مصرية

2011-02-08T04:28:00.001+02:00

by Radwa Amr Amin on Friday, September 17, 2010 at 12:20am

شخصية مصرية

يمكن تكون ملامحها مش رمزية

لكن جدورها بالنيل مروية

شخصية مصرية

دماغها في الصح صعيدية

و طرقها مش ملتوية

شخصية مصرية

قوية بس مش مفترية

فرفوشة و ساعات مش دايما نكدية

شخصية مصرية

أفتخر إن أنا هيّ

و من العيون مستخبية

شخصية مصرية

Thoughts

2011-02-05T22:59:00.001+02:00

Is it going to take a month like what happened in Tunisia to reach the ultimate goal?
As much as I’m so proud of what has been accomplished so far, i fear our near future. No one doubts that looking ahead towards a long term future that things are – in shaa’ Allah – going to be better and brighter, still it’s valid to worry.
We had some serious trust issues with authorities, and now when there is a shed of light at the end of the tunnel we can’t overcome what have been built up for years. To gain trust we need to see actions, and the majority are not even willing to give anyone benefit of the doubt.
so many people thought 2010 is long, cruel and tough. What can we say about 2011? I’ll say it’s filled with optimism and dark sides, confidence in the youth power and confusion, hope and fear, dreamy and cautious, and a lot more. In two words “Huge Surprise!”
Sleep deprivation is not about how many hours you don’t rest in bed. It’s about how few hours your body falls in deep sleep and not be annoyed by anything. Lately this is happening a lot.
I wonder what will this new year, that just started, hold for me. Will I witness more action than that?

Sunny day

2011-01-27T10:48:00.001+02:00

Although business has been the highlight of my life lately, today "relax" is my word. I'll quit my disturbed mind, enjoy the sun, inhale clean air, let the cold water say hi to my feet.

Later in the afternoon, a walk by the shore and witnessing sunset is a must.

So let it be a good day!

New year syndrome

2011-01-24T21:33:00.001+02:00

I’m fed up with all the craziness, stupidity, and meaningless orders.

I’m fed up with myself not standing up for my own SAKE!

I’m fed up with postponing everything that matters to me and using the being busy excuse.

I’m fed up with bursting at people when it’s too late. All the valid reasons are expired by that time.

I’m fed up of holding back all the feelings i need to deal with. Soon i’ll explode and no one will be there to pick the pieces up. I’ll be the first to flee the scene. Wait a second, how can i do that when i’m shattered in pieces?

Looks like you are right, and the cycle is repeating itself again like last year all over again. I think i’ll take a step back, and watch the start of the year just pass by. I’ll lay low and wait for those two weeks to fly away, after all it’s mid year vacation.

Life is a good Award -- Tag

2011-01-23T21:46:00.001+02:00

Rain Tagged me in this new blog game that is circling around. It’s been a while since my last tag. Let’s see how this will turn out.

1. If you blog anonymously, are you happy doing this? If you aren’t anonymous, do you wish you started out anonymously, so that you could be anonymous now?

I never blogged on any of my previous nor my current blog anonymously. So far i didn’t regret it, i’m not that popular so i’m totally fine with how things are. And simply what is so deeply personal and i don’t need it to be published, i just don’t publish.

2. Describe an incident that shows your inner stubborn side?

I’m a stubborn person, and i admit it. I can’t recall an incident, but what i can say is that i kind of became more flexible over time.

3. What do you see when you really look at yourself in the mirror?

It depends on my mood. If i’m in a good mood i see a happy person with a clear and shinning face, and sometimes my inner soul just reflects on my appearance. I look great.

If my mood is bad, I look terrible exhausted, with pale face, and black puffy eyes. I hate and despise myself when i look at myself, thinking who is that ugly person.

4. What is your favorite summer cold drink?

Water on ice.

5. When you take time for yourself, what do you do?

Mainly I listen to music, soft and relaxing.

6. Is there something that you still want to accomplish in your life?

Lots of things. The list is too long to be mentioned. The problem is I'm not organized, and not motivated at the moment.

7. When you attended school, were you the class clown, the class overachiever, the shy person, or always ditching?

The overachiever.

8. If you close your eyes and want to visualize a very poignant moment in your life, what would you see?

2 moments:

** The night i prayed for my uncle, and he died the following morning.

** The morning a relative – my age – died in a car accident and i had to drive on the same road right after i was told how she died. I try my best to drive more cautiously ever since.

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?

The blog from A-Z is about me and for me, even though this doesn’t show all the time.

10. If you had the choice to sit down and read a book or talk on the phone, which would you do and why?

Read a book.

If you are reading this and reached this far, please consider yourself tagged. I’d love to know more about u, and please pass me the link in the comments section.

House Season 5 finale

2011-01-22T23:02:00.001+02:00

*****************************************************************

************************ SPOILER ALERT **************************

*****************************************************************

Dr. Gregory House is admitting himself in a psychiatric hospital. I wonder how this will affect the coming seasons. On the bright side, Cameron and chase finally got married.

As much as it was a surprise, how the last 5 min of the episode were shot was amazing. Going back and forth between the sunny dazzling happy uplifting wedding scene and the winter cloudy heart breaking sad atmosphere when House was turning his back to his best friend and entering the hospital.

Brilliant!

Last decade

2011-01-19T22:46:00.001+02:00

I loved being 15 years old. This was they year when i reached the peak of my wisdom. Yes i do accumulate wisdom from day to day experiences, however i learned a lot spending my teenage years in KSA. I loved those years with all their ups and downs. I enjoyed being naive and having no clue what so ever about how cruel the adults world is. It’s a world that we live in and i despise so much.

I keep wondering, if we didn’t come back, would I have changed my mind about KSA?

Dear You…

2011-01-17T23:40:00.001+02:00

Dear You,

… I just wanted to let you know that i love you. And i’m so blessed to have you in my life. Like i always say i hope what we have keeps blossoming and survives till the end of time.

Dear You,

… thank you for the little chit chat. Thank you for letting me know your first impression has changed. Thank you for the ego boost, and thanks for being the reason behind me sleeping in a good mood tonight.

If only they let us

2011-01-11T17:27:00.001+02:00

This is a line I heard few days ago. “This country has the energy youth that is suppressed, If only they let them do what they want. Follow their dreams. Aspire to be better. They will take this country to other places.”

I’ve also heard this “Women who are being assigned to High board positions in places that are sensitive and have to do with the development of our youth, are bringing us down”

No offence to the women of this country – myself included – but the statement is proving itself to be correct every single day. And also no offence to the higher board leading the country, but you are somehow blinding yourself with the stupid reasons that we will do you more harm than benefit.

I’m so sick of managers and bosses who keep wasting our times with useless meetings. For what exactly, only to ensure that we are doing our tasks, that we understood the requirements, and yell at us because their superiors are giving them a hard time. Why on earth do people keep doing that? Aren’t we better off concentrating on doing our jobs!!!!

When someone, who is older than me, and in charge of things tells me to grow up and make my own decisions, Seriously!!!! So what, when i screw things up it becomes my fault? No thank you, i would rather be a young adult who has nothing to do with the decision process.

Seriously, if those so called grown ups and decision makers follow the rules blindly without questioning them and not knowing the reasons why there were set in the first place, or they know and they won’t even try to change them for the better. Then they should not be kept in their positions. Don’t they know that they will be asked by Our Mighty God if they served well??

If only they let us speak our minds freely and they waste their time listening rather than arguing. We would have been better long time ago.

Things I want to buy in 2011 (Part 2)

2011-01-05T21:15:00.001+02:00

After I have listed out some of the things I want to buy in 2011, I found so much more that I want to add to the list. The thing is I need – so bad – to win a lottery in order to be able to afford at least half of the stuff I wish i can own.

I was wondering, what happens if i decided this year – unlike every year – to ask for birthday presents. People do weddings gifts lists, and baby showers lists. I am thinking of being unique :)… Anyways, it’s a crazy thought that i will never put in action.

So here goes the list along with a lottery wish to come along:

My laptop is dying on me and is making me suffer. So on top of my list is a new laptop. I love my laptop, and my heart will break when the time comes and i’ll have to give it up. It accompanied me all the way through my masters journey.
A new external hard drive, i want a tera byte one.
I wish i’ll be able to purchase tickets for one of Omar khayrat’s concerts in the main hall in the Opera House. They always sell out very early. And ya salam if it’s accompanied with full orchestra
I also dream of watching “Swan Lake” ballet which is performing on the main hall stage in February.
And my oh my if this one comes true, i want to get a plane ticket to any place outside the country. The far east, Europe or the States, I’ll settle for any of these places.

Long term Dream: I wish someday i’ll be able to own a beach house, or even a small place anywhere by the sea. It will serve me well on blue days to drive over there and get rid of the gloomy mood.

I can’t recall anything else at the moment, but i’m sure more things will come up.

بَسْ دقيقة

2011-01-03T19:08:00.002+02:00

"بَسْ دقيقة"

بقلم: محمد عبد الوهاب جسري

كنت أقف في دوري على شباك التذاكر لأشتري بطاقة سفر في الحافلة إلى مدينة تبعد حوالي 330 كم، وكانت أمامي سيدة ستينية قد وصلت إلى شباك التذاكر وطال حديثها مع الموظفة التي قالت لها في النهاية: الناس ينتظرون، أرجوكِ تنحّي جانباً. فابتعدت المرأة خطوة واحدة لتفسح لي المجال، وقبل أن أشتري بطاقتي سألت الموظفة عن المشكلة، فقالت لي بأن هذه المرأة معها ثمن بطاقة السفر وليس معها يورو واحد قيمة بطاقة دخول المحطة، وتريد أن تنتظر الحافلة خارج المحطة وهذا ممنوع. قلتُ لها: هذا يورو وأعطها البطاقة. وتراجعتُ قليلاً وأعطيتُ السيدة مجالاً لتعود إلى دورها بعد أن نادتها الموظفة مجدداً.

اشترت السيدة بطاقتها ووقفت جانباً وكأنها تنتظرني، فتوقعت أنها تريد أن تشكرني، إلا أنها لم تفعل، بل انتظرتْ لتطمئن إلى أنني اشتريت بطاقتي وسأتوجه إلى ساحة الانطلاق، فقالت لي بصيغة الأمر: احمل هذه... وأشارت إلى حقيبتها.

كان الأمر غريباً جداً بالنسبة لهؤلاء الناس الذين يتعاملون بلباقة ليس لها مثيل. بدون تفكير حملت لها حقيبتها واتجهنا سوية إلى الحافلة، ومن الطبيعي أن يكون مقعدي بجانبها لأنها كانت قبلي تماماً في الدور.

حاولت أن أجلس من جهة النافذة لأستمتع بمنظر تساقط الثلج الذي بدأ منذ ساعة وأقسم بأن يمحو جميع ألوان الطبيعة معلناً بصمته الشديد: أنا الذي آتي لكم بالخير وأنا من يحق له السيادة الآن! لكن السيدة منعتني و جلستْ هي من جهة النافذة دون أن تنطق بحرف، فرحتُ أنظر أمامي ولا أعيرها اهتماماً، إلى أن التفتتْ إلي تنظر في وجهي وتحدق فيه، وطالت التفاتتها دون أن تنطق ببنت شفة وأنا أنظر أمامي، حتى إنني بدأت أتضايق من نظراتها التي لا أراها لكنني أشعر بها، فالتفتُ إليها.

عندها تبسمتْ قائلة: كنت أختبر مدى صبرك وتحملك.

- صبري على ماذا؟

- على قلة ذوقي. أعرفُ تماماً بماذا كنتَ تفكر.

- لا أظنك تعرفين، وليس مهماً أن تعرفي.

- حسناً، سأقول لك لاحقاً، لكن بالي مشغول كيف سأرد لك الدين.

- الأمر لا يستحق، لا تشغلي بالك.

- عندي حاجة سأبيعها الآن وسأرد لك اليورو، فهل تشتريها أم أعرضها على غيرك؟

- هل تريدين أن أشتريها قبل أن أعرف ما هي؟

- إنها حكمة. أعطني يورو واحداً لأعطيك الحكمة.

- وهل ستعيدين لي اليورو إن لم تعجبني الحكمة؟

- لا، فالكلام بعد أن تسمعه لا أستطيع استرجاعه، ثم إن اليورو الواحد يلزمني لأنني أريد أن أرد به دَيني.

أخرجتُ اليورو من جيبي ووضعته في يديها وأنا أنظر إلى تضاريس وجهها. لا زالت عيناها جميلتين تلمعان كبريق عيني شابة في مقتبل العمر، وأنفها الدقيق مع عينيها يخبرون عن ذكاء ثعلبي. مظهرها يدل على أنها سيدة متعلمة، لكنني لن أسألها عن شيء، أنا على يقين أنها ستحدثني عن نفسها فرحلتنا لا زالت في بدايتها.

أغلقت أصابعها على هذه القطعة النقدية التي فرحت بها كما يفرح الأطفال عندما نعطيهم بعض النقود وقالت: أنا الآن متقاعدة، كنت أعمل مدرّسة لمادة الفلسفة، جئت من مدينتي لأرافق إحدى صديقاتي إلى المطار. أنفقتُ كل ما كان معي وتركتُ ما يكفي لأعود إلى بيتي، إلا أن سائق التكسي أحرجني وأخذ مني يورو واحد زيادة، فقلت في نفسي سأنتظر الحافلة خارج المحطة، ولم أكن أدري أنه ممنوع. أحببتُ أن أشكرك بطريقة أخرى بعدما رأيت شهامتك، حيث دفعت عني دون أن أطلب منك. الموضوع ليس مادياً. ستقول لي بأن المبلغ بسيط، سأقول لك أنت سارعت بفعل الخير ودونما تفكير.

قاطعتُ المرأة مبتسماً: أتوقع بأنك ستحكي لي قصة حياتك، لكن أين البضاعة التي اشتريتُها منكِ؟ أين الحكمة؟

- "بَسْ دقيقة".

- سأنتظر دقيقة.

- لا، لا، لا تنتظر. "بَسْ دقيقة"... هذه هي الحكمة.

- ما فهمت شيئاً.

- لعلك تعتقد أنك تعرضتَ لعملية احتيال؟

- ربما.

- سأشرح لك: "بس دقيقة"، لا تنسَ هذه الكلمة. في كل أمر تريد أن تتخذ فيه قراراً، عندما تفكر به وعندما تصل إلى لحظة اتخاذ القرار أعطِ نفسك دقيقة إضافية، ستين ثانية. هل تعلم كم من المعلومات يستطيع دماغك أن يعالج خلال ستين ثانية؟ في هذه الدقيقة التي ستمنحها لنفسك قبل إصدار قرارك قد تتغير أمور كثيرة، ولكن بشرط.

- وما هو الشرط؟

- أن تتجرد عن نفسك، وتُفرغ في دماغك وفي قلبك جميع القيم الإنسانية والمثل الأخلاقية دفعة واحدة، وتعالجها معالجة موضوعية ودون تحيز، فمثلاً: إن كنت قد قررت بأنك صاحب حق وأن الآخر قد ظلمك فخلال هذه الدقيقة وعندما تتجرد عن نفسك ربما تكتشف بأن الطرف الآخر لديه حق أيضاً، أو جزء منه، وعندها قد تغير قرارك تجاهه. إن كنت نويت أن تعاقب شخصاً ما فإنك خلال هذه الدقيقة بإمكانك أن تجد له عذراً فتخفف عنه العقوبة أو تمتنع عن معاقبته وتسامحه نهائياً. دقيقة واحدة بإمكانها أن تجعلك تعدل عن اتخاذ خطوة مصيرية في حياتك لطالما اعتقدت أنها هي الخطوة السليمة، في حين أنها قد تكون كارثية. دقيقة واحدة ربما تجعلك أكثر تمسكاً بإنسانيتك وأكثر بعداً عن هواك. دقيقة واحدة قد تغير مجرى حياتك وحياة غيرك، وإن كنت من المسؤولين فإنها قد تغير مجرى حياة قوم بأكملهم... هل تعلم أن كل ما شرحته لك عن الدقيقة الواحدة لم يستغرق أكثر من دقيقة واحدة؟

- صحيح، وأنا قبلتُ برحابة صدر هذه الصفقة وحلال عليكِ اليورو.

- تفضل، أنا الآن أردُّ لك الدين وأعيد لك ما دفعته عني عند شباك التذاكر. والآن أشكرك كل الشكر على ما فعلته لأجلي.

أعطتني اليورو. تبسمتُ في وجهها واستغرقت ابتسامتي أكثر من دقيقة، لأنتهبه إلى نفسي وهي تأخذ رأسي بيدها وتقبل جبيني قائلة: هل تعلم أنه كان بالإمكان أن أنتظر ساعات دون حل لمشكلتي، فالآخرون لم يكونوا ليدروا ما هي مشكلتي، وأنا ما كنتُ لأستطيع أن أطلب واحد يورو من أحد.

- حسناً، وماذا ستبيعيني لو أعطيتك مئة يورو؟

- سأعتبره مهراً وسأقبل بك زوجاً.

علتْ ضحكتُنا في الحافلة وأنا أُمثـِّلُ بأنني أريد النهوض ومغادرة مقعدي وهي تمسك بيدي قائلة: اجلس، فزوجي متمسك بي وليس له مزاج أن يموت قريباً!

وأنا أقول لها: "بس دقيقة"، "بس دقيقة"...

لم أتوقع بأن الزمن سيمضي بسرعة. كانت هذه الرحلة من أكثر رحلاتي سعادة، حتى إنني شعرت بنوع من الحزن عندما غادرتْ الحافلة عندما وصلنا إلى مدينتها في منتصف الطريق تقريباً.

قبل ربع ساعة من وصولها حاولتْ أن تتصل من جوالها بابنها كي يأتي إلى المحطة ليأخذها، ثم التفتتْ إليّ قائلة: على ما يبدو أنه ليس عندي رصيد. فأعطيتها جوالي لتتصل. المفاجأة أنني بعد مغادرتها للحافلة بربع ساعة تقريباً استلمتُ رسالتين على الجوال، الأولى تفيد بأن هناك من دفع لي رصيداً بمبلغ يزيد عن 10 يورو، والثانية منها تقول فيها: كان عندي رصيد في هاتفي لكنني احتلتُ عليك لأعرف رقم هاتفك فأجزيكَ على حسن فعلتك. إن شئت احتفظ برقمي، وإن زرت مدينتي فاعلم بأن لك فيها أمّاً ستستقبلك. فرددتُ عليها برسالة قلت فيها: عندما نظرتُ إلى عينيك خطر ببالي أنها عيون ثعلبية لكنني لم أتجرأ أن أقولها لك، أتمنى أن تجمعنا الأيام ثانية، أشكركِ على الحكمة واعلمي بأنني سأبيعها بمبلغ أكبر بكثير.

Farewell 2010

2010-12-31T15:30:00.001+02:00

I don’t do resolutions. Simply because I don’t commit to them.

2010… this is more than enough. Thanks God we are few hours away from starting a brand new year. With all the good and the bad. With all the achievements and the down moments i got to experience in you. I’m stating it out loud and clear, with all due respect, i’m glad you are few steps away from ending.

I really hope 2011 will be a better year.

I still can't say...

2010-12-29T20:17:00.000+02:00

... whether i will ever want children. I was so astonished to find that i didn't want them at thirty; the remembrance of that surprise cautions me against placing any bets on how will I feel at forty. I can only say how i feel now - grateful to be on my own. I also know that I won't go forth and have children just in case I might regret missing it later in life; I don't think this is a strong enough motivation to bring more babies onto the earth.

~Elizabeth Gilbert--Eat, Pray, Love

Colorful Future Project

2010-12-29T00:43:00.000+02:00

A very nice idea and it's worth spreading

A surprise… Dr. Ze2red!

2010-12-25T22:03:00.001+02:00

This day started out as normal as it possibly can be. My start of the week with the 8:00 am section. Being the first to park on campus, and torturing my students with a heavy course as a morning start. The day kept moving on, and despite my sickness I kept pushing it till the end.

I met with a lovely friend, and a fellow blogger we did some catching up – 3al sare3- on a promise we will be meeting again soon. The highlight of my morning was a wide smile that i saw on her face. I told her that before in private and I'm saying it in public, she is a person who i love to see a smile on her face. Magically, it lights up her face, as if it’s purely empowered with the essence of her soul. It gives me a feeling of inner peace and that I’ve done something extremely nice to deserve seeing her smile.

As the day kept going on, bunch of friends called me for a quick gathering. The thing is that there were two reasons for the gathering. The obvious desire, the gang wanted to see me to offer their congrats on my MSc, met2akhra bas mesh moshkela :D. The hidden reason, which was my purpose is to just make some friends meet after, maybe about almost a year of being apart. I love what they used to have back before they graduated, and i wanted to give them piece of my mind for not taking good care of their friendship.

The surprise was, all my plans had gone with the wind, because they had a different agenda for the day. They were the ones who actually surprised me, and as much as I was speechless I kept teasing everybody. Which btw, is something I'm kind of good at “evil/sosa” . They had a special cake with a lovely note written above it “Congrats Dr. Ze2red”. Can you imagine a respectable Future Dr. named Ze2red, yeah that’s me, I'm planning on changing my name soon to ze2red, cute right? And the cake came a long with Abd EL-Haleem’s song “El-nage7 yerfa3 2edo”, and my best part, the cake’s knife. It was like 50 cm long. Which is actually one-third my height, and – 2al eh – i was supposed to cut the cake. Can you guess what I've done? Yeah i pretended that the knife was my sword and i was fencing and taking down my enemies :D. I’m a tom boy after all.

So, for the master mind, a special heart felt thank you. As for the right-hand man, mmm, I want to say thank you, bs leena kalam ba3deen :p. Ok actually, I didn’t expect what you’ve done, it was a delightful surprise. As for the rest of the gang, I missed you, and I wish if you would gather up more often, and please don’t make it for my sake only. I sincerely send my thank you’s, my love, and appreciation to you all. And from the bottom of my heart i wish our next celebration would be for one of you. 3awza akhbar 7elwa SOONNNNN!!!!

PS: Today’s moral: Keep on doing good. and Keep in mind what goes around comes around. You will be repaid one way or another, not specifically by the same people you helped one day.

What should be done? (eh el 3amal)

2010-12-23T20:12:00.001+02:00

Sina, published a post yesterday stating that her current living state is “In the Funk” and according to her, this is a very different state than being “Depressed” . Simply because she is feeling okay and happy with it. Or maybe because she is coping.

When I said that I relate, she asked me “Tab w eh el 3amal”? and because while thinking it over, I had so many thoughts being put out into much more thoughts I decided to post it here. So “eh el 3amal?”. Personally for me, I’m coping and i’m not totally okay with it. I’m not depressed, not just yet. I’m just moving with the flow. The highlights of my week were as follows:

types of relationships
legacy of life
prioritizing your coming actions
change of interests

Back in August was one of my lowest points in life, I kept struggling till one day, which was the 31st of August, I decided I was going to force myself to a break. I’ll allow myself to break down, get to the bottom of things and rebuild myself again, stronger than ever. Somehow, that wasn’t what was planned for me. One week later, or maybe a little bit more, I got a phone call snapping me out – again by force – telling me that I have a defense coming and i need to prepare. Therefore, my break had to be suspended. I’ve been hoping since then that I will be able to resume it very soon.

I believe if it wasn’t for those few days that i took off I wouldn’t have been able to pull it through the rest of the year. Sometimes I get carried away with my thoughts. I travel to other places where no one can follow.

I know that sometime, very soon, i will have my break. I will, like that previous short one, disconnect myself from everything that will distract me from reaching the roots of everything. I’ll take a break from my blog, from other blogs, from reader, buzz and facebook. I’ll try my best to keep away from my virtual life, which is my biggest addiction and distraction. I’ll focus on cultivating my inner soul and nurturing it with positivity. I’ll review my mistakes, seek redemption and try to be a better person. I’ll keep taking it all out on me, till i break every single grudge, hatred, sadness, sorrow I carry in my heart against myself or anyone else. I’ll stop holding my feelings inside, cause they are eating me up alive. It’s time for me to kill those negative thoughts. Get rid of them once and for all. The time will come when I do this, and I come back and I’ll be happy and stronger than ever.

Things I want to buy in 2011

2010-12-20T21:24:00.001+02:00

In the few coming days the blogosphere will be showered with new year’s resolutions, and because I'm not the person who does that, and i always keep it spontaneous. This year I'll make a different list. I love being unique. Therefore, I’ll write down a list and I'll be updating it over the year. This list will contain the things i would love and gladly will spend money on if i can afford them.

For those who know me well enough, they will have this observation “This is totally not ze2red’s taste”. Yes, i’ll be walking out of my comfort zone, and i’ll try my best to break my for all time slogan “Simplicity is the best and the most elegant”. I’ll take baby steps into a new zone that i always tiptoed around and give myself a break and try to enjoy it.

I would love to have a new casual new bag in which everything will fit. I have a black one, and now i’m considering other colors. They are too big for me thought.

I want a whole collection of those Cardigan’s. They proved themselves handy.

I’m definitely considering a new wallet, because my current one is screaming “Please let me go!!!”

I would love to have those and wear them with dark-plain outfits. They will pop up.

I always admired black pearls and abstract designs.

PS1: My taste can easily go back to simplicity at any time :)

PS2: to see the whole collection where i chose those you can go here.

Social Contract (House)

2010-12-19T23:32:00.000+02:00

A question: Do you have friends with whom you don't implement social contract??

The question popped up after a funny ending of episode 17 of House season 5:

Dr. James Wilson: My whole life is one big compromise. I tiptoe around everyone like they're made of china. I spend all my time analyzing what the effect will be if I say this. Then there's you, you're a reality junkie. If I offered you a comforting lie, you'd smack me over the head with it. Let's not change that.
Dr. Gregory House: Okay.
Dr. James Wilson: No. See this - if you were implementing the social contract, you'd say that to make me feel better.
Dr. Gregory House: It is kind of fun watching you torture yourself.

Handy shortcut

2010-12-19T08:07:00.000+02:00

Hosam (Allah ye3mer beto) for sure after I read his post and was provoked shared a very nice handy shortcut. Hope you find it useful ;)

"A handy shortcut that is not very well known is that you can take a screenshot of the active window using the keyboard shortcut Alt+PrtScn (Print Screen). The Alt key will make it only capture the active window’s visible region (including any transparent regions), instead of capturing the whole desktop."

Hans Zimmer - Maestro (The Holiday)

2010-12-15T22:52:00.001+02:00

This is a repost for for the main music track of "The Holiday" will you believe me if i say i watched the movie to enjoy the music pieces integrated with the scenes. This piece, "Maestro" can take me from one place to another. From being angry, frustrated, mad, sad, depressed, etc... all these melo drama states to a place where I can be another person. Actually it doesn't just lift me from a down state to a happy place, but it takes me to a whole new Magical Dimension. A place where i can let all my guards down and have nothing to worry about at all. I can forget about my burdens, and fears. I can float and dance with every note of the music and feel light as i never ever have been before.

Simply, I feel great listening to it, and that's more of a reason why it's my default cell ring tone.

-----------------------------
Hans is a maestro indeed!
One feel-good-happy piece of music.

Google Transliteration

2010-12-12T03:22:00.002+02:00

Recently Google has released “Google Transliteration” or “IME” which is one of its – what i consider – coolest application. Transliteration deals with transforming words written into Latin “English” letters to their correspondents in a language of your choice. Mainly I’m interested in Arabic, as i suffer while typing on an Arabic keyboard. For those like me, you will be impressed with this new tool.

To be able to get benefit of it, all you need to do is download it from here, and you can follow the installation and settings instructions from here.

I spoke to Dr. Mohamed El-Feky, who is the brains of the team working on several applications related to the Arabic language is Google and he stated some facts that impressed me, and I had to try them out myself. When you type the letters you are given choices to choose your desired one from, mainly the choice you want is located at first, and that’s because there is a probability algorithm used to prioritize the words matching the letters you type. What fascinated me also while using it, that i don’t have to suffer with punctuation, you now some Arabic letter are located on the same keys with punctuation marks, and you can go through a rough time if you are not used to what to type and when. This is all old story, because IME detects whether what you typed is significant to the rest of the letters or is it best to consider it as a punctuation mark.

A feature that i didn’t use yet is the search option. You can choose the resulting word from what you typed and search for it using Google. How cool is that?

Writing in Arabic became million times easier. Try it out and you will be impressed, enjoy ;)

Thursday’s Thoughts (6) -- Forks on the road

2010-12-09T22:42:00.001+02:00

As life keeps going, and as you move on towards your goals, scratching down one objective after the other wishing someday you will reach your biggest dream, you stumble into forks along your path. Your main road gets divided because as you grow up and mature your needs increase, you become greedy, and you secretly wish if you can divide yourself to go for all the new sub dreams and accomplish them all. But when you wake up, put your feet on solid ground, you get to realize that life can offer you only one alternative at a time. After all you are human, and the amount of energy you have can’t enable you to get all what you want, otherwise, greed wouldn’t be one of the seven deadly sins!

Anyways, you start listing down the pros and cons, you make up your mind about what suits you best. You try to imagine how would you like your future to look like, and you, as well, picture the worst case scenario.

Sometimes you are so tempted that you want them all, that you start working hard to make all the options feasible till you face the moment of truth when you really are forced to decide.

Why do we do that? because we think some options might cancel themselves out, or someone would take them out of the equation on our behalf, or at some point in time they might not be of personal interest anymore. What if one of those options is canceled out, not voluntarily and you figured out that taking it off the table is like killing a dream you have been living to fulfill and it’s totally out of your hands. A whole different story i won’t talk about now.

No matter what, think positively, you still have your other options. The rest of the forks are still open to choose one of them. Re-prioritize things, choose a fork and go on with your life. Either you catch up with life, or you will be left out. It’s your choice!

Aries girls and guys

2010-12-07T13:06:00.001+02:00

Okay this is a special dedication to some of my Aries friends. I’ll get some search helps for sure on the personality traits, but mainly I'm quite knowledgeable when it comes to Aries as i have several friends who were born in that period.

So in general an Aries person can be spotted out of a crowd, they are friendly and social with a wide smile on their faces most of the time (ma shaa’ allah :)). Yet you will have to get used to the idea of hearing them out because when you are around them it’s mainly difficult to get the lead in a conversation. This doesn't mean that they are necessarily talkative, but they lead a conversation by taking you from one topic to another so smoothly that you won’t feel being dragged out of the original topic, and they are able to get all what they need out of you with you knowing until it’s too late.

Aries fight for what they feel is right on the spot. They might be driven away by their momentarily opinions, and it can lead to regret sometimes, but when they are on the track of fighting hard, they don’t stop till the get what they want.

As Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, people consider it as the symbol of birth, and picture the people born in this period as infants. They have needs and they would like them to be fulfilled, that’s why they sometimes turn to be self centered, or selfish for wanting the world to evolve around them at times.

In addition to that, and because they are considered as infants, they don’t hold too long the hurt in the hearts. They tend to forget, fall down and quickly get up. Get disappointed and in no time be hopeful and trustful again. They dream big, and work hard to make their dreams come true. They have contagious enthusiasm, if you stick around they will take your hands to places you never thought you can reach.

What you see is what you get can be the phrase that describes them the best. They are not secretive persons with respect to their personal lives. They love sharing. They adore being surrounded with people they love. They are direct and straight, and despise deception. They seek advice when needed, and always see the best in people.

But take care, the moment you hurt their pride, or break their hearts know that you are doomed.

Some of them are diplomatic. They walk around with high confidence, and they believe they can always do better. They love to be praised, and always looking for fun. On the other hand they hate to be ignored.

The one trait Aries females share with an Aquarian girl like me is that they are realists, and tough when it comes to showing emotions.