I don't even know how to begin this post. All I'm sure about is that this Ramadhan is the most heartbreaking one I've had. I hold this beautiful month so close to my heart because it is all about Our beloved creator--His mercy, love and compassion; it gives us Muslims the opportunity to reflect, ask for forgiveness, be a better Muslim and be closer to Him. It is a beautiful time for families to gather together for food, and most importantly for prayers.

The recent tragic events in Islamic countries, if you've seen/heard the news, is.. unbearable.

I don't understand what's happening to the Ummah anymore.

I feel so helpless.

Lost

Long time no blog, I see.

The thing is I do have so much to say but I don't know if I should say it. It's bits and bobs here and there, it's thoughts not quite figured, it's opinions that seemingly isn't important, it's feelings I don't want to delve into, it's emotions I don't want to deal with.

I feel like lately I am just a ball of all sorts of things that isn't quite right.

I do hope I get to be myself soon.




Til then.

Hi, Al

There's a friend I really miss
He smiled that favorite smile just a few nights ago in my dreams
The conversation that went on, I cannot recall
But that grin I pray means he is well
That he sees how adorable his little boy and beautiful wife is
That everyone he loves here misses him and prays for him
That life has been different since he left..


But we smile, we laugh, we live, we try
Not because we no longer care

The truth is
we know soon it's the destination
where we know we'll unite.


---

Here's a little something I wrote for you, Al. I hope you get to read this. I miss you, we miss you everyday. You had me waiting 14 months but thanks for visiting me in my dreams, it meant the whole world to me.


P.S. Your little boy has cheeks that can carry a ship. Still missing you, but the "happy" miss.

Not A Review: Le Petit Prince

I can't remember whether I read this first before reading "The Alchemist" by Paolo Coelho or if it was the other way around..either way, I enjoyed both books immensely. So when they made the animated movie adaptation of "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, I was thrilled! But a bit anxious because more often than not, when it comes to movie adaptations of books I love, I get disappointed, but this was definitely an exception! 

This movie also made me feel a bit nostalgic. It was one of our reads in highschool and I just went on a sentimental trip down memory lane where I felt a little bit of everything. Oh, highschool! #bestyears

P.S. If you're emotional and sentimental like myself, keep that tissue box within reach!

(Photo not mine, credits to the owner)

The Sunday Currently, No. 6

Fresh from my Pinas vacay, here is my latest (after such a long time) Sunday Currently! (P.S. Photo above was taken at sunset in Paseo del Mar, one of Zamboanga City's favorite hangout places.)

Reading | The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith 

Writing | this blog post *smiles*

Listening | Justin Bieber's latest album, Purpose (I'm a few album repeat away from belieb-ing!)

Thinking | of coming back to work! I'm honestly excited!

Smelling | my fresh from the cabinet mint green-gold jumper

Wishing | Praying for the sign I need in terms of professional development.. should I leave?

Hoping | for an answer to ^^^^

Wearing | mint-green jumper from Bench that I've had for 3 years, black leggings

Loving | today's cool weather

Wanting | for things to be much more organized

Needing | to be settled in one housing officially (my cousin and I are currently transient residents in one of the hospital accommodation because of the fire incident that affected the tower where we're housed, and this room is just a mess) 

Feeling | weird, jetlagged, I guess

Disclaimer: I wrote this yesterday with every intention of posting it immediately but my internet wasn't cooperating. Sorry for the delay. Have a good day!

(The Sunday Currently, Original concept by blogger Siddathornton)

#prayfortheworld

I was raised by overprotective grandparents in a very sheltered environment. They tried their very best to protect my thoughts and my heart. So growing up, I did not understood the biases made by certain people because of my religion. Believe it or not, I still don't get it. The world is under attack by people who use religion as an excuse for their violent acts. What hurts me most is the selective humanity. When Paris was attacked (my thoughts and prayers go out to the innocent lives taken senselessly, may God grant their families patience and strength), it becomes a worldwide concern. But when Syria, Palestine go thru the same struggle on a daily basis, my social media timeline, unfortunately, is quiet. Less use of the hashtags, no changing your profile photo into a Syrian/Palestinian to show love and support.. nothing. 

I don't understand a lot of things around the world but I know I can trust Him.

A poem by Karuna Ezara Parikh

Later that night, I held an Atlas in my lap and ran my fingers across the whole world and whispered,

"Where does it hurt?"

It answered,

"everywhere, 

everywhere, 

everywhere."

~Warsan Shire

Quick post!

There is so much to tell.. I just don't know where to begin. Or I could try.

1. The Dubai trip with my cousin
2. The incident in our accomodation
3. Work dilemma
4. My 2 case presentations

5. I am actually in vacay mode for a month and my first week has been filled with visits to Mom's doctor because of her osteoarthritis.  (P.S. I've practically eaten everything that I had on my "eats" list)

I cannot wait to write a real blog post. In shaa Allah.

Fact: All good things come to an end

Can I handle it?

Things That Make Me Happy, 2

TV 

marathon 

of 

my 

favorite 

reality shows

The Sunday Currently, No. 5

(I know I missed a couple of The Sunday Currently posts, sorry. Life lately has been sooo frustrating because 1. I DO NOT HAVE MY ROUNDTRIP TICKETS YET and 2. MY INTERNET IS THE WORST SINCE TRANSFERRING TO THE NEW ACCOMMODATION. Soz for all caps, I'm just really upset.)

CURRENTLY:

Reading | A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1) – George R.R. Martin (eeeek! currently stuck I haven't even scrolled down the next page since my last bookmark--and yes, I am reading it on my laptop)

Writing | I want to share my Dubai trip but I have no idea how to

Listening | Locked Away by R. City ft Adam Levine *hearts*

Thinking | my Pinas bakasyon! One of the perks of working here in Saudi Arabia is the yearly roundtrip tickets home. It has been working smoothly for the past years until very recently. Usually, you book tickets, have your direct supervisor approve your leave, wait for the purchase order and you are granted the "golden ticket." That is not the story as of lately. I do not have a ticket yet even though my flight's in about 3 weeks.

Smelling | Nutella on my hands!

Wishing | THAT ROUNDTRIP TICKET TO THE PHILIPPINES, PLEASE

Hoping | Yep, that ticket is all I really want right now

Wearing | My USA flag printed shirt and comfy PJ bottoms

Loving | everything but that ticket issue and oh, one more thing: my internet speed since transferring to the new accommodation. I haven't been able to do anything! 

Wanting | STILL THAT TICKET

Needing | A PRINTED COPY OF MY ROUNDTRIP TICKET

Feeling | uwing-uwi na ako!

(The Sunday Currently, Original concept by blogger Siddathornton)

Things That Make Me Happy

a 

successful 

first 

out of the country

trip

 with 

DIY 

(thanks, Google!) itinerary

#dubai

Things That Make Me Happy: Intro

(This blog went on an unofficial and unexpected hiatus, I'll write about it in my next post.)

A few days ago, I've decided that my main pursuit in life is to be happy. Last year, I joined the #100happydays challenge where I discovered that there is, indeed, joy in every little thing; that no matter how busy it gets, it is important to take a moment to breathe and appreciate the world as it is. So, let me try this on my blog as well. I'd post every now and then about things that make me happy. 

You're most welcome to share yours!

(Photo taken from Pinterest)

The Sunday Currently, No. 4

CURRENTLY:

Reading | A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1) – George R.R. Martin (this is my biggest fiction book YET)

Writing | completing the case presentation that’s been loooooong overdue

Listening | Alyssa Bernal's cover of Selena Gomez's "Good for You" 

Thinking | of you.

Smelling | Lacoste noir perfume (someone just shared where I could score cheap perfumes!)

Wishing | For someone to come around..

Hoping | for a happy ending

Wearing | My black Whatever shirt that has "#SELFIE" on it, with black denim jeans

Loving | the tuna carbonara I made 

Wanting | I don't know anymore..

Needing | Stuff that cannot be

Feeling | frustrated at myself..

(The Sunday Currently, Original concept by blogger Siddathornton)

A Mini Review: Inside Out

I'm probably the last person to recommend an animated film because it's not usually my cup of tea, although I have a few favorites (Up, The Book of Life, Tangled, Frozen, Big Hero 6).. But I just cannot let you not know about this film. You might have seen countless of posts related to this movie popping in and out on your social medias because it is sooooo good, and yes, it's been a couple of days since I have first watched it but I am still affected. Well played, Pixar.. well played.

(Left to right: Fear, Sadness, Joy, Disgust and Anger)

This animated film features the different emotions that live inside Riley's head, (and/or brain,) the "headquarters," -- Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust. As Riley grows, so as her collection of memory spheres that gets stored, and then, there are these so-called "core memories" (like the very first time she opened her eyes to the world and sees her parents, the first time she scored a goal playing hockey with her dad and a lot more) which are significant memories/achievements that eventually develop her personality. The conflict comes in when Riley's family moves to another city because of her dad's work as it stressed Riley and her emotions.. and something happens with all those "core memories."  

The movie will take you down memory lane, well, that's the case for me. It took me back to my childhood/pre-teen years and all these internal conflicts that I struggled with (still struggling with). And there was this part, I have no recollection of it whatsoever (but maybe I did have/go through), that just tugged at my already vulnerable heart strings. 

No spoilers on here (just don't read "The Sunday Currently" post before this review). I'll just leave it at that. 

So if you haven't seen it, go watch it. You will never regret it!

(Me: lights off, grabs a bag of M&M's, rewatches Inside Out, probably bawl my eyes out in a bit #shameless)

(Photo not mine, credits to owner)  

The Sunday Currently, No. 3

CURRENTLY:

Reading | This is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith

Writing | Initial packing list for our transfer to our new housing!

Listening | Ready by Kodaline

Thinking | How cute Dr. K's smile was last Friday night #pabebe

Smelling | Our newly fixed air-conditioning! (Finally, after a month of suffering, maintenance guy got hold of the valve and fixed it! It feels so good to be back to my room.)

Wishing | I could be where you are now, I bet you are busy but still wherever you are, I'd like to be close.. #Krush

Hoping | I don't get pulled out to other wards this Eid Adha week (same as last week 'cos I'm serious I don't want to work in another ward)

Wearing | "Don't grow up it's a trap" tee and my purple mushroom pj bottoms

Loving | All the feels from the movie "Inside Out," I got really emotional because of Bing Bong. Watch the clip below, you guise.. and if you haven't seen it yet, please go watch it. It's Pixar's best!

Wanting | This packing to be over and done with ASAP 

Needing | A good exercise

Feeling | Beautiful!

(The Sunday Currently, Original concept by blogger Siddathornton)

The Sunday Currently, No. 2

CURRENTLY:

Reading | The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese At of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo

Writing | Nothing else but this blogpost

Listening | Macklemore, Ryan Lewis and Ed Sheeran's baby -- Growing Up 

(A bit teary-eyed when this song was released because Al's wife gave birth to little baby Nazi :') He is a beautiful baby boy, Al. He so much pogi than you! We miss you here, dadi Al, always!

Thinking | I am spacing out most of the time, haha!

Smelling |  The scent of freshly laundered clothes because off duty

Wishing | Nothing for now 

Hoping | I don't get pulled out to other wards this Eid Adha week

Wearing | My #TIMETOBEAUNICORN shirt and pink pajamas (I am actually always in my pajamas because it's just super comfortable, innit?)

Loving | On the Wings of Love starring #JaDine. They are so cute on-screen!

Wanting | A pint of mint chocolate chip ice cream

Needing | A long, restful sleep

Feeling | Happy, because no other reason not to be!

Smile, friends!

Meh

I missed a "The Sunday Currently" post because it was my first day back to work (first day back from Eid Adha break and first day of the week in the Kingdom is Sunday) and I am pulled out to another ward. I came home knackered so I just rested a bit, took a shower and slept.

Maybe next Sunday, then. In shaa Allah.


Til next blog.

Windows 10

Since news of Windows 10 came out, I've been excited over this! Because 1. it's free and 2. the start up menu, the ones from earlier versions of Windows OS, will be back with this upgrade! 

YES I AM EXCITED! 

So for Windows 8 users, reserve your upgrade now (I already did *wink*). 

The Sunday Currently, No. 1

Well, hello, August!

It is a new month, and I want to try something new for this blog. Introducing.. "The Sunday Currently." I was lurking around Maine Mendoza's blog (or better known as Eat Bulaga's Yaya Dub) and saw this. I was like this is do-able. So I am doing it. Hah! Btw, this concept is by blogger Siddathornton.

CURRENTLY:

Reading | As of lately, I am subscribed to a whple lot of British YouTubers and have been watching/enjoying their videos and vlogs. One of them, Zoella, has a book called "Girl Online" and I am minutes away from finishing it. It's a light, happy read. Her second book will actually be out in a few days, I believe, and it is called "Girl Online: On Tour." Aside from that, I am also reading 2 other books.

Writing | This blogpost, and other hugot notes because I am inspired by this. Spoken word poetry ftw!

Listening | To my sister's voice because we're on vidcall! 

Thinking | THE CASE PRES THAT DEFINITELY NEEDS TO BE DONE (soz, I'm yelling)

Smelling | My room's very, very hot stench because the air conditioning is not working. 

Wishing | I was back home. Naman talaga 'tong buhay OFW. #homesick

Hoping | I lose the weight I put on while I was on 2-week Eid Fitr break. 4 kilos of weight.. like whaaaat?

Wearing | My black shirt that has "#SELFIE" on it and my purple pajama pants with headphones-on-hearts print.

Loving | My weight loss progress. I seriously have exercising and avoiding rice for this week. Go, push!

Wanting | To eat junk hahaha kasi naman pag diet I think of eating bad agad hahaha

Needing | more than 24 hours a day para happy 

Feeling | productive because I exercised, I ate well (boiled squash, carrots, cucumber, spinach and baked chicken), I did my laundry and writing this blogpost.

P.S. It is ultimate crush's birthday today, so I'm putting a favorite recent photo of him here.

Til next update!

Life Update

Last update was from my 24-year old adult self, now blogging is my quarter-life-milestone version. I remember when I was around 11-12, I thought 25 was OLD. But as I age, I truly can say, that age is just a number, just a technicality (or maybe I that's how I cope? ha!). 

1. I turned 25 last 30th of June, a few days after our second Umrah since arriving in Saudi Arabia (by "our," I meant me and my cousin, Weng)

This was taken during the second part of our Umrah, I didn't take that much photos as I was having leg pain and there was just too many people, mashaAllah, and I don't want to distract them and myself as well.

Weng and I had no idea that they have huge serving size so we ended up taking most of it home for suhoor.

2. I am still single. I wanted to put it out there. Single at 25. wow. That is fascinating. I like being by myself (plus, I don't think my folks are ready) for now. Haha. But my friend, Z and I have been talking about how we want our "forever" to be like. Trust me, you don't wanna know (the list of musts is VERY long).

3. I love lettering! I have fancied writing/lettering for such a long time but I just started to actually work on it. I love it.

Obviously, I need MORE practice.

4. I fancy someone! I know I just said I am single but nothing wrong with a good-ol' crush  He's very smart and very suplado! My EMU family definitely knows who he is (hi Dingdong Dantes, you're still my MAIN crush). *wink wink*

5. Binge watching VLOGs! I love Zoe, Marcus, Jim, Tanya and the list goes on and on but British YouTubers mainly. Why am I not born a brit or just have the accent? Lels

6. I don't sleep anymore. Born panda, secretly (not a secret anymore) an owl.

7. Thoughts on hair dye? Anyone? I want to dye my hair. Grey? Purple? Blue?

8. We are transferring accomodation! The towers (that's what they call our housing units) being constructed within the location of the hospital is nearly done and I can't wait! Being near the hospital gives us a little more time for lazying around in bed, and is just so convenient when we have urgent stuff to do in the hospital (education/passport or travel issues/mini-grocery/gym/cute doctors, kidding :p)

9. I wanna travel. Who doesn't?

10. Still. Not. Losing. Weight. Help. This is truly getting old. The maximum time I get motivated is like 2 weeks and then I just go right back where I started. #fatgirlproblems

Maybe I should do a monthly 10-point life update?

P.S. I know my photos are sized differently. Sorry if it bothers you. Know that it bothers me bigtime as well.. I'll work on it soon though.

Til next update!

Sheidz x