Always remember

Packing up

I love traveling, but if there's one thing I hate about it is getting on a plane. That's right I have this slight fear (though it's better than before thank God) of turbulances. Can't stand! Which is why, believe it or not I usually take 2 panadols night to knock me out. lol!
Anyways I won't be writing much for a week or so but when I return i'll post the photos inshAllah!

XOX

Noora

Master's Degree...Should I go for it this time?

Today I had an IELTS exam (speaking test) to prepare for a masters' degree that I've been thinking of doing for a log time now...It's really  frightening to pick the right university and stick with it. I dropped out from two universities from the 1st or second classes only (thank God I didnt pay!) and it's not because I was lazy...I've come to realize it's because I was downright terrified and didn't think I was smart enough to go for a masters or it was intimidating for me.
Now I'm going to try it again ,I hope third time's a charm as they say. I was slightly encouraged when the lady who was giving me the test said that my english was intellectually brilliant and that I had a mastering control of it (wish it was the same with my life, but then again nobody has that control but God). She was disappointed that I was thinking of going to Wollongong and said that I'm comprimising my intellect and need to go for a university that will enrich me intellectually on a higher level...and that made me frustratingly confused again as to where should I enroll??
Well tomorrow is the reading and writing part (7:30 in the morning ugh!) inshAllah so hopefully it will go as smoothly as today.

Indeed it is..

Check out more of Mary Ruffle's work, i'm practically addicted to her photography.

Annual salvation has arrived..

Finally after almost a year of corporate stress I'm sitting on my desk counting the minutes to pack my things and start my annual leave!! Now I remember that feeling I had as a student on the last day of school  =)
Methinks I'll cancel gym and my volunteer meeting today. I just want to lie down, close my eyes, and think of nothing.

I'm vain that way...

I love love love (what woman doesn't?) taking my time in the restroom. Getting dolled up for special occasions, excitingly trying out new beauty creams and masks and makeup that I just bought, lavender-scented bath bombs and bubble baths. Lovely!

Come on Thursday

Can't wait till it's Thursday so I can start my vacation inshAllah! Even though I have an IELTS exam on Saturday it hasn't dampened my mood. Looking forward to tie my hair up in a messy bun, wear my ol' comfy t-shirt and (like a lazy cat) slouch on every couch in the house!

Arrogance: an occasional evil necessity

Living in this society, I sometimes think social arrogance is an evil necessity, it helps you differentiate the sycophants from the sincere individuals. I've always tried to avoid it but sometimes being nice and full of hospitality isn't always a good or a safe thing for ones' feelings...I think we arabs of the gulf are genetically predisposed to be too hospitable!
I suppose it's this recent fear in me that believes that many people ,especially in the corporate world, relate nice with weakness, lack of confidence or just plain incompetency. I'm not saying that you need to be this cruel, arrogant individual that rolled from the shores of hell, but one occasionally needs a side that is assertive, alert and (dare I say it) bordering on the occasional supiriority. Elhumdellah, I'm glad I work in the health sector cause it keeps the 'arrogant demon' at bay.

Counting the days..

I can't wait for my vacation to start next week inshAllah. I'm so burned out that I can't even focus on any assignment (I'm ashamed to confess that I'm not so very punctual lately) and I actively try to postponse/avoid meetings.
I haven't read a good book in months, I haven't spent enough time with my family and most importantly I haven't had a glorious bubble bath (with a good book) in ages!!  Looking forward to get back to my simple pleasures soon =)

My Covet: Ballet Flats

Planning to give my poor feet a rest from stilletos and celebrate my delight for jeweled ballet flats! I love'em!

confectionery of words for the soul

From a delightful website called Truffles.

Disabled Center: Why not volunteer

Today got an interesting meeting inshAllah at the Dubai Club for Special Sport. I was assigned to work on a creative marketing and revenue generating strategy proposal for the center to get it up an running. I'm really looking forward to my 2nd official visit there (good thing it's not too far from home) to do some good, though at first I was hesitant and shamefully realized that....we kind of come from a society (that was not originally that way) that doesn't (i think) strongly encourage volunteering and is slightly considered socially beneath us.
What hurts more particularly about this is when inviting ppl to volunteer , they come up with the most feeble excuses not to make it but have the ability to go all the way to Dubai Mall and walk around aimlessly!
Well, at least there's still some good, kind hearted Emaratis (and even non-Emaratis) who want to give back. For me it's about trying to do something good in my life. I want to know that I made value of what God has given me by making time to use my mind and body to do good.
I'm especially looking forward to helping the disabled find jobs across the UAE inshAllah : )
This country seriously needs to be more open and welcoming towards the disabled community, blend them with the community and stop categorizing them in events, I hate that! A huge portion of this society needs to understand that they do not need our sympathy, they deserve respect!

Nuno da Costa...Illustrator Extrodinaire

Alright so I usually like to use this blog to type down my thoughts but I couldn't resist 'flashing' my admiration for all that is fashiony and artistic every now and then. I found these lovely Illaustrations by artist Nuno da Costa, contemporary illustrator specialising in fashion and beauty. Hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Cade Martin's Work of art

I've only introduced to the art of ballet photography by my dear friend BintM7mad and I stumbled upon the lovely photography of Cade Martin. The grace and strength of these dancers is very impressive mashAllah!