Miss Ice's Igloo

2012-12-31

Back again.

Well, here we are again. Another year has come to an end. It was quite interesting if I may add. I’ve had a couple of major challenges that were so exhausting mentally to go through. I’ve expanded my comfort zone when it comes to work. I had to do things I have never done before and they don’t fall under my scope of work but they needed to be done. I discovered that I have a knack for Human Resources. It’s very interesting by the way. I met new interesting people. Bonded with a few. And most importantly, our family welcomed two adorable nieces whom I love to pieces. So that was 2012 in a nutshell.

To those who know me they know very well that I like to live my life based on the plans I put for myself. I’ve always been a planner. I like to plan things, what I’m going to do, how I’m going to spend my days, what I’m going to eat. I’m happy that way. I like to have the things I have “control of” under control. Until one day, I decided to let go of everything and just be. I remember that was my resolution for the year 2012. Ironically, I forgot about it, but I have managed to go with the flow for a whole month. No plans whatsoever. I just lived it day in and day out. It felt good and refreshing not worrying about what I should and should not do.

Ultimately, this go-with-the-flow month revealed so many things I miss about myself. One of them is taking risks. It’s been years since I took a bold decision and act on it. For some reason, I thought that securing my future will put my worries about the unknown into rest. Evidently, it didn’t. It made me miserable since I’m stuck in a dead end job. I’m not doing what I love. I realized that when I was attending a conference in Sydney back in May. As I was listening to one of the speakers talking passionately about what they do, a question popped in my head. “Do I see myself working in this field for the next ten years? How about five?” and the answer was NO! As much as I’m proud of what I have accomplished and as much as I’m in love with the idea of the project I’m working on, as much as I hate being stuck doing the same things over and over again. My brain strives on resolving issues, dealing with challenges, setting up goals and plans. And that is the first phase that all projects go through in order to see the daylight. But when things are up and running that is where boredom starts and that is my cue to look for another challenge and learn new things. So I decided to get in touch with my old bold self and announce that I’m planning to leave my job. The reactions I got fall under “what are you going to do instead? Have you secured another job?” category. And man, I can’t say how many concerned conversations I had with my friends.

The way I see it is, since I have nothing to lose what’s the worst thing that could happen? And I know for a fact that change will never occur unless we took charge of our lives and make it happen. I believe it’s unrealistic to want change and not take a risk for it. Heck, I know I want that, but since when life was that easy? It never is. So here’s to 2013, I’m looking forward to you and what you have in-stored for me. I have a gut feeling that it will be wonderful!

2012-10-21

I’ve earned it!

You know the feeling when you want something really bad and no matter how hard you try to get it you can’t see it from the obstacles built around it. Then you think to yourself “No no no.. I didn’t sign up for this!” Every setback you overcome sucks the energy out of you and all what you’re left with is the pain.. Then you decide to retreat.. Nothing’s worth the tears and pain, I’m sick and tired of fighting.. Then you tell yourself “Let’s just give it one last shot and then I’m done with it.” This last try is where most people back out from their dreams and aspirations.. This last try is the ticket to attaining whatever you set your mind on.. If you’re wise enough you’ll learn a lot from such experiences.. I had my share this year.. I’m still fighting for this dream to happen.. There’s always a mental struggle going on in my head, but a little glimpse of hope tells me to keep going as I intend to live this dream despite all what’s happening and will happen.. I’m sure that I’ve earned it!

2012-04-11

You shouldn’t have to put your life on hold just because someone is unsure of what they want.

— Mitchum Pacifico. (via dont-be-haetin)

(via thecrazyjogger)

Source: needs-vs-wants

2011-09-03

Our worst fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘who am I to be so brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?’ Actually, who are we not to be?

— Marianne Williamson (via reemaws)

Source: reemaws

2011-05-16

That which we manifest is before us; we are the creators of our own destiny. Be it through intention or ignorance, our successes and our failures have been brought on by none other than ourselves.

— Garth Stein ~ The Art of Racing in the Rain

2011-03-26

I miss painting.

(via maayaad-deactivated20130125)

2010-11-03

Sweet November

I have finished my third month at my new job on October 26^th. It was an interesting/frustrating period. I’m happy to report that I have passed my probation period and didn’t need to go through the usual three months trial.

It seems that there are things that will never change. I’ve been in the workforce since 2004, and since then I worked in three different jobs, the longest of which lasted for three years (I never thought I could last that long!).

All new jobs are the same, it starts with a feeling of being lost and not belonging, and then suddenly everyone notices your existence, so they start bombarding you with tasks you need to finish in a week or two. They talk to you expecting you to nod and completely understand what is required from you. If you screw up, they’ll ask you. “So you’re new here, eh?” if you did a good job, well, expect more work to come!

One thing I did differently this time, I started to express what I dislike. I usually express what I like when I’m working with someone. The look on their faces is just priceless. So, anyways, I started on the wrong foot with the person I work with. I was offended but swallowed the statement I took as an insult to evaluate the situation. A month later I got the same attitude and took it lightly since it appears that that person didn’t know any better. I simply stated what I think and the way I’d like to be treated to get the job done. In return I got a surprised chuckle which gave me the impression that this person has never encountered my request and eventually I got a more respectful way in communication.

Anyhow, I’m very thankful that I have developed this ability to accommodate and accept anything comes to my way. I have this strong ability (that I gained over the years) to detach myself from situations, places, people when I get the feeling it’s time to move on and look for something new/challenging/adventuress. Don’t get me wrong, there are certain places and people that are dear to my heart; you’ll see me trying hard to keep in touch, but for some reason I always fail at this. I get swamped with work and my hectic daily schedule to the point I completely forget to call or visit, the only thing I can assure you of is that I’ll be always the same.

My birthday is coming up soon; I’ll be 29 in less than 3 weeks… It feels all the same to me. What I’m sure of is that November is going to be a very hectic month. There are so many things I want to do, not much of time.. Oh well.. Hope it all goes well.

2010-09-01

Give because… You can

It was like this time of the year when I joined Change Your Life group to help in the renovations of pediatric cancer ward at Shumaisi hospital. For more details refer to this blog post.

Now, where was I? Yeah, one of the kids who helped us “Sara” is no longer with us, may she rest in peace. A couple of months ago, a friend of mine showed me a video of Sara when she was in her late stages of the disease. I felt sad for the little girl yet I was amazed at how strong she was.

This year, a group of young enthusiastic girls decided to gather up at the beginning of Ramdan and go to King Fahad Medical City and visit the pediatric’s ward to give the kids Qarqe’an. I told my mom about it, she was excited. Later on, I went to get small gift bags, mom got the candies and sweets and my little brother took care of the packaging. I loved the fact that the whole house was involved in the preparation process.

On Monday 16th of August, mom and I went to King Fahad Medical City around 9:30 pm. We met the group and started our visit with greeting the kids and their families and giving them the goodie bags. It was an overwhelming experience. Seeing kids and infants sick was very devastating. The only happy thought was that we were able to make them smile with our simple gifts.

A lady from Jeddah was so touched and happy with our unannounced visit; since she hasn’t been out of the hospital for quite sometime and she doesn’t know anybody in town.

I was telling myself on the way home, that the whole thing didn’t cost me that much; a couple of hours of my time, a hundred riyals for the bags while mom took care of the sweets and candies.

I remembered reading a sweet piece of information in A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle. It says in order to overcome the depression and negative feelings; one should participate in selfless activities. It gives this great self-worthy feeling as you are contributing to this community and helping others. It makes you feel that your presence in this world has a meaning no matter how big or small it is.

I noticed that there are a lot of active groups like Change Your Life and Yalla on Facebook. It makes me smile to see young people working enthusiastically in such activities. I decided to write this blog to post and share my little experience and hope that it’ll inspire someone to do the same and write about it.

Give without expecting something in return.. Give because you have the power to do so.. As someday when you feel that your world is about to crash, these little deeds that you did mindlessly will be the source of light in your darkest nights.

2010-07-31

A New Chapter..

It’s been almost two months when I left my job and took some time off. I had the intention to look for another job that suits my personality and utilize my skills. I have to admit I enjoyed my previous job, despite the drawbacks we faced. I had a great chance to meet wonderful people and I dealt with a handful of obnoxious ones too to even things out.

The question that I had in mind is, do I see myself working there for the next few years? The answer was certainly not. It is a huge problem if you find yourself starting new projects with people who don’t have the strength, boldness, or dedication to follow through and finish what they started. Anyways, I’ve learned a lot about project management… Had the opportunity to lead an excellent team and when I felt I did my share of the bargain I decided to leave.

Now that I’m starting a new chapter in my life, I got this anxiety of what will happen? Will I like it there? I mean I love the job, it’s the environment and people that concerns me the most. Oh well, I was thinking a lot during the short vacation I had. I’m very grateful that things are going as I hoped, thank god.

I had a couple of plans that didn’t work out as I wished. But I was happy nonetheless with what I’ve done. So far I read 5 books; you can find my reviews on my account on Goodreads. I loved the feeling where I just curl up in bed and read without any care in the world. I went to the gym and attended spinning classes which were the highlight of my days. Got a chance to hang out with friends and reconnect. Something I enjoy doing when I’m with the right crowd.

I was able to finish a little project I was putting off for years now. I’m crossing my fingers that it would be a success. Lastly, I relaxed and recharged and now I’m ready for this new step.

I keep wondering where I will be five years from now. What will I do? I keep thinking and rethinking of the chances I grabbed hold of and the ones I gave up on. I ended up with the usual conclusion; that Allah has a better plan for me. All I have to do is hope for the best and prepare for the worst and take some action!

2010-06-30

What Happened to All the Nice Girls?

Today’s post is written by a dear friend of mine ArabicRihanna from twitter. She’s one of the most fascinating people I’m blessed to know. A smart young lady with a distinguished sense of humor. I could go on talking about her, but I know she wouldn’t want me to do so as she’s a very humble person. So I’ll leave you to read the post now.

But before you do, I highly recommend you read “What Happened to All the Nice Guys? first, as this post is written to answer this question.

Enjoy! ;)

I saw this answer posted with some foolishness on CraigsList, so I thought I’d take a minute to explain things to the gentlemen out there that haven’t figured it out.

What happened to all the nice girls?

The answer is simple: you did too.

See, if you think back, really hard, you might vaguely remember a shy girl who always seemed to want to spend time with you. She’d make time for you, hang out with you, and be extremely kind to you. She’d even listen to your dilemmas with other girls. She’d offer you advice on how to treat them right. Just like she wanted you to treat her.

Remember that shy girl who was always standing on the side, looking at young people mingle and be merry?

Well she had her eyes on you, but she was sure as hell that she would never catch your attention. You see, you were young and full of potential. Girls were literally running after you, flirting with you, ready to fall at your feet if you only winked at them.

You were funny, full of energy and, admittedly, full of charm. You had everything you wanted, and scored the best girls.

But let’s be real, the best girls were those after which other guys were running. It was a mere competition on the hottest chick out there. And you, like many other guys like yourself, wanted to win that competition.

Remember that shy girl on the side?

Well she sat there, looking at you, looking at those girls, and looking at herself. She actually had to review her entire set of principles to see what was wrong with her. What made other girls successful with guys and not her?

And you know what happened to that shy girl? She’s happily engaged in her professional life and getting slowly past the traditional “right maternity age”. She’s bravely dealing with society’s pressure to get married, to just about anyone.

And instead of turning into a douche and blaming it on the not-so-nice guys out there, shy girls know how to pick their battles wisely and remain true to themselves.

And you? You have lost your charm, and your energy has turned into bitterness. The old hot chicks got married to someone else. The new hot chicks wouldn’t even give you a look, because there are younger and hotter dudes around.

So, if you’re looking for a nice girl, here’s what you do:

Build a time machine.
Go back a few years and pull your head out of your behind.
Take a look at what’s right in front of you and grab a hold of it.

Or I suppose you just want to get over your infantile choice in girls and act like your age. In which case I suggest that you screen girls with your mom’s eyes, and finally settle with one of her friends’ daughters. Because a former hot chick in your scene, who’s equally bitter as you are, will prefer someone who’s younger and richer.

Too late for you, douche!

Sincerely,

A Recovering Nice Girl