Can I be of assistance?

Monday, September 9: Take this short personality test and respond to your results. (at the end, find the detailed profile of your personality account - click "click to view" under "You" and "self awareness and personal growth." You can even google your type and find more info on it!)

Of general relevance, not to this post though. Found here.

Aha! So, I took this test a while ago after I came across it in one of Jenni's posts. It was surprisingly accurate and I liked it because it told me that ideal careers for me include teaching and some sort of administrative careers. I had literally left law to teach and then landed a PA job. So that was nice validation (from the internet anyway haha). Also, I sent it to a close friend and we practically were the same personality! Thus, further validation of my friendship choices *wink*

Moving along, two things I need to tell you about me:

1. I absolutely LOVE personality tests!! Other than the shenanigans I mentioned my high school friends and I used to do, we used to take one personality test after another. "What's your ideal career?" "Who're you going to marry?" "What does your favourite colour say about you?" "Are you completely crazy and take too many tests?" So, ya.

2. Because I'd taken this test before and came up with ISFJ (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling & Judging), I am now worried that I will re-take the test and won't like the results...as in, I may have changed as a person since taking the test..and not to my liking! And, to add more crazy to that statement, I'm not sure how to explain it, but I get really angsty if I think I'm "deceiving" myself or others when it comes to silly things. For example, I refused to to wear mascara and eyeliner until about the age of 20 because I was worried that if I wore mascara and eyeliner everyday, I would be lying to people about the true depth of my eyes and length of my eyelashes. Not that I see ANYTHING wrong with enhancing what you have. Further-crazy, I thought that if I got people used to seeing me wearing make-up, when I don't wear it I would look like 137662 times uglier. Cray-zay.

Anyhoo. I am just gonna re-take the test and see what happens!!

ISFJ.

Introvert(22%)  Sensing(38%)  Feeling(38%)  Judging(33%)

Perhaps I didn't change much...OR...I just managed to dig up my previous answers from my subconscious and answer the questions in the same manner. I will continue to analyse that over a cup of crazy.

What were your results? Did they surprise you?  

Sx

Death by ice cream

Friday, September 6: A story about a time you were very afraid.

Found here.

Funnily enough, this prompt was a little tricky, considering I am one big COWARD. After thinking for two days, this is the story I am going to share. 

During the summer of 1992, my parents, younger brother and I went to America to visit my oldest brother. I was 7 at the time, or I'd just turned 8, can't quite remember. Because it was summer and we were on holiday, we were allowed to eat quite a lot of ice-cream. Usually home made ice cream cones like the ones in the photo :) Sadly, on one of those days, I overdid it. 

I didn't realise I'd overdone it until we went out for a walk along the Reflection Pool near the Washington Memorial and I became very, very, very thirsty. So thirsty that I convinced myself that I was dying from over eating ice cream. There were water fountains every few meters or so, and I would run to them, guzzle water, then run back to my family, only to be thirsty again by the time I reached them. 

I was terrified. What was this unheard of disease that attacked young, albeit ice cream greedy, girls?! I really do remember telling my parents that it was the end, that I was dying because my thirst could not be quenched.

Of course I was fine but there you go. 

Sx

Picking your battles

Thursday, September 5: Pass on some useful advice or information you learned and always remembered. 

Today's prompt doesn't specify that I have to pick one piece of advice. But I will, because it's one that I can clearly define from a specific period of my life. 

I was a senior in high school and having endless "discussions" and talks about where I would attend university once I graduated. I argued with many people, countless times and after each debate I would despair about the whole topic and my future. Even if my parents took me aside and assured me that nothing would change their mind about sending me abroad, I would cry and feel sorry for myself. 

But my mom gave me a piece of advice that I can't forget. She said that I couldn't let every person who resisted my plans bring me down because then I would never get anywhere in my life. 

And she was absolutely right. Even if people don't like what you're doing or going to do, if you think it's the right thing for you, then take time to listen to them but then be strong and just do what you have decided to do. 

Thank you Mama for being a strong and selfless role model and making me realise that battles will come and go but I can choose to overcome them.

Sx

The easiest question EVER!

Wednesday, September 4: If you could take three months off from your current life and do anything in the world, what would you do? (bonus points for fun photos from Pinterest, but don't forget to cite the source!)

Right, right, right. Two things I have to assume for the purpose of today's prompt:

1. Louis has three months off too

2. Money is not an object

To get this fabulous road trip off to an equally fabulous start, Yemen would be stop number one. Not only because I miss my family, but also because they would kill me if I was off for a trip around the world and didn't visit them first! 

That's meant to be Louis...

Next stop: The US of A!

I really want to spend a decent amount of time travelling around the US. There are so many places to visit, so many friends and family who live there that I'd like to see and so much food I'd like to try! It would be fun to rent a car and just drive across the country, from East to West.

Places on my hit list:

• Washington DC - because I haven't been there since 2000 and I just think it's a great capital city
• Boston - if we leave now, we'll get there during Fall, which is something I've always wanted to experience
• Philadelphia
• Connecticut - because one of my bestest friends lives there
• New Orleans - on my list really because of the rave reviews by a close friend
• Grand Canyon  - YES!
• Vegas - why not?!
• LA & San Fransisco

Next destination: Japan / South Korea

Other than the fact that I love Japanese food, I am really interested in visiting Japan to see more of their culture, present and past, and explore the far East. I dream of wandering around stone gardens, dressing up as a geisha and being blinded by the cities' lights.

And South Korea, because I've had many South Korean friends whom have all been amazing people. I want to experience their country, like they have mine :)

Image found here.

Image found here.

Finally: Australia and New Zealand

Kangaroos and cuddly animals. Need I say more? Ok, also the spectacular views, especially those in New Zealand, snorkelling, hiking, surfing and all kind of sports I would not usually dare try!

What would you do with 3 months' off?

Sx

Have you found your soul mates?

Tuesday, Sept. 3: Describe where or what you come from. The people, the places, and/or the factors that make up who you are.

Wow! Talk about starting with a bang. Heavy topic for day one of Blogtember!

I come from the capital of Yemen, Sana'a. I owe Friends a thank you for putting us on the map in a good way. My father actually came from a tiny village a few hours away from the province of Ibb but I was born and raised in Sana'a, where my mother is from. I come from a large family, where we all scream and shout to get our points across but always say good night before going to bed. Oh and we always sing for each other on our birthdays (admittedly, I've missed a few this year, sorry).

So, in a nutshell, that's where I come from. And I will be doing a whole lotta posts about my early life and how it shaped me, because, I think I'm pretty unique *ego*.

The factors that make up who I am. People. Memories. Regrets. But that's oh so very bohemian, no? So, other than my gene pool, my up bringing, my experiences, it's the people who have stepped into my life and changed it forever. In particular, my soul mates. Yes, plural. You know those people, who enter your life and who, for some unknown reason, just complete it in some way or another. They can be family members, or friends you meet in different paths of life. But the distinguishing quality for me is, that you can't really place them in either category. What I mean is, there are some friends that I love so much and when I think "oh, I love her like a sister", I realise, "no...not like a sister, and not like a friend. More, so much more than that". Those, my friends, are your soulmates. 

While I can go on about this topic for days, I think that I need to mention a few citizens of this Earth who have moulded me into the Saba of today. Ideally, I would have tons of photos to show off, but I'm afraid that is something I lost control of by choosing to gallivant to Jordan rather than stay in the UK or Yemen where my photo albums are. I digress!

Shall we start with High School? In particular, two individuals who made my school years unforgettable. I'm talking, eating cookies. Gossiping. Passing notes in classes. Using TipEx as nail polish. Perfecting the art of sarcasm. Debating world politics like it was our duty. Commenting on Britney Spears and BSB. Showing off our VMA and Oscars' knowledge. Singing....O.M.G. The amount of singing!

Then off I went to university, where I met *a lot* of fantastic and amazing people during that time. My wonderful husband. The pink haired girl who labelled all her kitchen utensils using nail varnish (genius btw). More singing. Dancing to RnB music. The "guys". Late night talks. Talking on the buses from campus to halls and then back to town. Three trouble makers with whom I'd stay up all night watching TV and figuring out what 4 to the power of 32 could possibly be. Ladies who would become my closest confidantes and show me what friendship and support really meant. And even if a friend and I didn't agree on everything, we would laugh for hours and be protective of one another. Colleagues who I couldn't imagine my life without, brimming with positivity and plenty of giggles. 

All, my soul mates. 

All individuals who, when I see them or speak to them, my soul finds peace and content. Spending time with them recharges me, reminds me how blessed I am, how much sweeter cake is when shared with them.  

I would like to thank the Universe for putting these people in my life. And I'm not going to say all that emotional stuff like "oh I hope we never stop being friends" because, frankly, soul mates are for life. So, you're stuck with me for a long, long time! :D

Sx

Here are some photos of some of the people mentioned above :)

Are you ready?

A while ago I mentioned that I would take part in a blog challenge. I had come across this when one of my closest friends took part in a blog challenge last May with the lovely Jenni from Story of My Life. Since I was still doing my dissertation at the time, I saved the details and decided I would do it once things settled down. 

Coincidentally, Jenni just posted about doing a blog challenge starting next week - Blogtember (love it!). So, that's my inspiration there! It's basically a way to focus on and enjoy writing without worrying whether what you're writing about is cool or not. Her topics are varied, ranging from fun to thought-provoking, so I'm really looking forward to it. It's not going to be a daily thing, weekends are post-free, and I will try to keep up with the schedule. Below are the "rules" and the topics for the month (taken from Jenni with a few amendments so that it applies to me). 

Hope you'll join me!

Sx

Here are the rules:

1. There really aren't any rules. If you miss a day, you can make it up or skip it. The blog police will not come knocking.

2. I will be including a linkup option at the bottom of my post each day, so you are welcome to leave your links here for others to peruse, as well. 

3. You can still post other things every day, too. 

 

4. I'll include the "Blogtember" button provided by Jenni somewhere on my page. If I can't include a button, I will make sure to "link" my post to Jenni's blog.

5. Here are the topics. You can be as creative and awesome or as boring and bland as you like with these. Take 'em and run with it. Use creative post titles. Interpret each "prompt" however you like. There's no wrong way to do it. Have fun.

Tuesday, Sept. 3: Describe where or what you come from. The people, the places, and/or the factors that make up who you are.

Wednesday, September 4: If you could take three months off from your current life and do anything in the world, what would you do? (bonus points for fun photos from Pinterest, but don't forget to cite the source!)

Thursday, September 5: Pass on some useful advice or information you learned and always remembered. 

Friday, September 6: A story about a time you were very afraid.

Monday, September 9: Take this short personality test and respond to your results. (at the end, find the detailed profile of your personality account - click "click to view" under "You" and "self awareness and personal growth." You can even google your type and find more info on it!)

Tuesday, September 10: Describe a distinct moment when your life took a turn.

Wednesday, September 11: Share links to your favorite online shops, preferably with a few photos of your favorite items in each shop.

Thursday, September 12: Discuss ways that blogging or social media has changed you.

Friday, September 13: A self portrait

Monday, September 16: Write a public love letter to someone in your life. (It doesn't necessarily need to be romantic.)

Tuesday, September 17: A memory you would love to relive.

Wednesday, September 18: Only photos

Thursday, September 19: Creative writing day: write a (very short) fictional story that starts with this sentence: "To say I was dreading the dinner party would be the understatement of the century."

The story does not necessarily need to have a conclusion - you can leave your readers wishing for more!

Friday, September 20: React to this term: comfort. 

Monday, September 23: A "life lately" post. What you're up to, how you're feeling, how you're doing on your goals, etc. Bonus points for great photos!

Tuesday, September 24: Review a book, place, or product.

Wednesday, September 25: Write about a time you screwed up - a mistake you made. 

Thursday, September 26: Go to a coffee shop. Order a favorite drink. Write about what makes you happy and what makes you sad. Or write about anything you'd like! Bonus points for including a photo from the coffee shop. *if you can't make it to a coffee shop, at least leave your usual space and write someplace new.

Friday, September 27: An anonymous letter to your Facebook friends. Be as snarky as you'd like. (but don't include people's real names.) 

Monday, September 30: Share a photo of something old. Maybe something that has personal history for you, that was passed down to you, and that has special meaning to you. Tell us about it and why it's special.

There are 8 exits on this plane...

Hot stuff.

I'm really not the biggest fan of flying. Actually, I'm not a fan at all. Which is a 180 degree flip from when I was younger. You see, when I was a little itsy bitsy Saba one of the things I wanted to grow up to become was an air stewardess. 

Aren't they glamourous? They wear heels 35,000 feet above the ground. Their make up is always in place. Their hair! Pulled up into sophisticated chignons. And they were always so nice. Handing out those [let's be honest] kinda horrible puzzles that have 12 squares but only 11 pieces so you could solve them. And they are always friendly and take care of you. 

But, since about 2005, which is when I believe this random fear started, I have been terrified of flying. 

Some people don't like the sensation. Others get travel sickness. Some don't like the food. For me, I don't like turbulence. In particular. In general? I don't like the idea that I am tens of thousands of feet above the ground and can "fall out of the sky" at any moment. It's crazy, I know. But I sit there, all tensed up, wondering when we'll hit turbulence or when the plane will just fail in what is was made for. Many a flights I spent on the edge of my seat, unable to enjoy movies or food because I was petrified that "it" would happen at any moment. And sometimes I sit, paralysed, afraid of getting up and going to the bathroom - my walking up the aisle may SHAKE the plane! I mean, this borders on is madness! I wouldn't sleep, because of all of the adrenaline, and this was when I was still mainly doing 7 hour flights. Madness I tell you.

So one summer I decided to go and get some form of calming pills. A friend had told me that they use them and I thought "why suffer?". Plus, enough of grabbing random people's hands and getting asked "is this the first time you've flown?" [so embarrassing]...

So I get to the pharmacy and I tell the pharmacist "I'm terrified of flying, anything you'd advise?" 

His reply?

"Do you want something to calm you down or something to knock you out?"

*blink blink*

"uhh just something to calm me down thanks..."

?!%("£%!))*£%&

You might wonder why I didn't pick the second option. Aha! You see, not only am I afraid of flying, I am even more terrified of getting DVT and dying. Yes, I would rather suffer 8 hours of anxiety than risk the possibility of getting a blood clot due to sleeping on a plane. Even though I don't smoke and I'm not obese. Yet I resist DVT like the plague. I constantly drink water on airplanes and pee every 20 minutes because I do not want to die after I have reached my fabulous destination.*

Some flights are better than others. And sometimes I do just pass out from exhaustion and sleep through it all. Which makes me wonder why I don't just get over my fear. 

The worst times are when I'm just starting to relax on a flight and *bump* turbulence and then...

...the fasten your seat belt sign comes on...

My brain goes into overdrive. 

omgomg we're gonna hit major turbulence

omgomgomg it must be bad if the pilot needs us to stay seated

what?he's also announcing it?this is going to be bad 

My palms start to sweat. My fingers feel prickly because of all the adrenaline. My mouth gets dry. My breath shortens. My stomach does somersaults. I need to pee....can't leave my seat...Sometimes I have a little cry. It's pathetic.

My ultimate worst experience? Flight from Dubai to London. Sitting with my brother, watching movies. And we hit the worst turbulence I have ever experienced. I mean, the stewards and stewardesses were told to sit down and buckle up. And that plane was shaking. The plastic cup on our table got knocked over. The lights were dimmed (it was nighttime). Then the TVs were switched off. And as you are in your seat, shaking like a polaroid, you suddenly look forward and realise that you are in a metal barrel in the sky. I was so scared. Squeezing my brother's hand. Asking the lady next to me if she wanted to hold hands too. It's a bonding experience. For sure.

The cherry on top? When the turbulence did eventually pass, some lady a couple of seats in front of me (who, by the way, SLEPT through the ENTIRE ordeal) turned to the stewardess and said "when will the TVs be switched back on?".

I hate those people. 

Sx

*a another crazy side of me that I will share...eventually...maybe...