Thursday, December 30, 2010

2010

I guess it's time for the year in review. This year has flown by like no other. Maybe it's the fact that I am part of the 9-5 cycle. Or maybe that so much has happened this year..
Shokoofeh posted this beautiful, beautiful post! And this is just..perfect.
This post was inspired by Gala Darling's year in review post.


Family
This year two of my cousins got married. A cousin of mine became a father, and we lost a cousin's husband to cancer, leaving behind a 6 and 2 year old.
This year, my sister presented at the APA convention thing (and turned 21). My brother has evolved into this witty young, young man. This year I turned 23 among family, no party, nothing.

My father came back from Saudi Arabia to live with us after seven years of being away.As much as I had dreaded that, it turned out to be a good thing; I have bonded with my father as an adult, and that made me realize so many things.
I realized that my father is almost always right, regardless of what could sometimes be a poor way of expression. He is a very wise man, a very smart and caring man. My father, shortly after I had gotten to know my boyfriend, sat me with him on the balcony and told me not to go about recklessly handling my heart, I had no idea what he was talking about, because it was only the third time I had met my almost doctor, but my dad could feel it. And thank God, I am not being reckless about my heart.

Jen came back to visit this month!

Ends
This year- what in retrospect seemed like a mentally abusive relationship, ended. I caused a lot of pain for my ex-boyfriend. I left the relationship almost believing no one will love me the same way, that I was a wreck and no one else would bear with me- because he "fixed me"..I had to ask for permission every time I leave the house, before I hug a male friend, a male cousin even...

My iPod died, and my laptop. My relationship with facebook has ended, and my addiction to Farmville.

Beginnings
In September of this year, I found a man. Yes, it didn't take me long (only 4 months, I know) but it felt like a lifetime. You know, the where-have-you-been-all-my-life sort of thing. Because that's how it feels like, this really is how it feels like; like I have been waiting all my life. And he has that smile... one that I would like to think he uses for me and only me. No, but he really does have a very, very genuine smile. A playful smile. And big almond shaped brown eyes, ones that twinkle, and he makes me giggle.

I started working for the government this year. And my blackberry (ab)use. My obsession with maps and Twitter. I made new friends.

Highlights
  • Meeting Liz
  • A fourteen hour long first date which included pancakes for breakfast, a walk, a felouka ride, a performance, dinner.
  • Going to the opera before going to the movies together for the first time.
  • I wrote this and this.
  • Seeing Emel Methlouthi perform live in Cairo.
  • I started exercising again!
  • I got compliments because of my smile.
  • Cherished times with my best friend, who is now in Sinai, and it's raining heavily there and I am kind of worried.
  • Fun times with my sister and cousin.
Goals
In 2011, I want to go back to blogging more. I want to work out everyday or at least 3-4 times a week. I want to graduate from grad school. (with honours so I could get a scholarship for my PhD)

I need to write and read more because I haven't been doing that enough, also I need to spend time with myself, because I haven't done that in a long while, that I am beginning to think I am deliberately avoiding myself. But I hope not. I am an okay person to be around!

I want to spend more time with Menna, I want to call friends and family more often, and see them more often. I want to travel. Watch more films and shows, at least the ones I should watch. (suggestions?)

Oh yes, and I want to grow my hair out!

Here's to
  • Growing and never growing up.
  • Ridding myself of the people who choose to dwell in negativity, instead of fighting through/ for the more pleasurable path of positivity. Some people just choose the easy way out. And it's sad. (I think I've already done that.)
  • Smiles and laughs and being silly.
  • New beginnings and brighter days and darker times that will pass.
  • Not choosing your words wisely because if you feel it, say it.
  • Trusting your instincts.
  • Not pretending that I care, to not listen to things that I am not interested in out of sheer politeness. To not always saying yes. To not stressing myself out. Yet, still manage to be kind.
I hope everyone has a great new year, and please never forget who you are. Never forget that you don't need to please everyone. You just be the best version of you and the rest will be taken care of.

15 comments:

Dinah. said...

My father feels me that way too. With words unsaid. He knows it all. =)

And that post is outstanding and beautiful and speaks your beautiful soul best <3

Its Uhhhmazing how can a smile affect us. In big ways. I hope people would just smile more.

Happy new year's darrrling =)

Lots and lots and lots of love... Oh oh Annd smiles x)

sfd said...

It sounds like you can look back on this year with a smile and that the next year will be filled with even more possibilities, keep writing and keep smiling and have a very, very happy New Year :)

Winnie said...

I love this post, it's full of hope! I think it's wonderful that you and your father have become closer, I always hate to admit that mine is almost always right too!

Also very very sweet that your dad spoke to your boyfriend! Aww!

Anonymous said...

i am wanting longer hair too. I am thinking straight long(er) hair for a while is the kind of change i need for 2011. if only i can let it be long enough to let it grow!

best wishes to you for 2011.

Nahla said...

Happy New year Sarah :) <3

Nikolett said...

"Here's to: Growing and never growing up." Hear, hear! I love that. And I'm glad that you and your father bonded instead of having a bad relationship. And I'm glad you found a man who makes you giggle, I hope you'll have plenty of laughs in the new year and that you graduate with flying colours! HAPPY NEW YEAR! :)

Anonymous said...

I wish you a happier 2011.
I'm happy about you and your dad.


LOVE!

Farah said...

This is a really lovely post my dear. Just a wonderful way to start the new year with. Love love!

Maria-Thérèse ~ www.afiori.com said...

A fourteen hour date?!?! WOW!
Happy New Year! Take good care of yourself and follow your dreams.

Anonymous said...

Once again, happy new year!!!
Oh, did I ever tell you my first date with Brenton was about 6 hours! It was wonderful! ha!


LOVE!

Jenna Griffin | Gold & Bloom said...

i am so happy i found your lovely blog. i look forward to following you!

happy new year!

Becca said...

I'm glad you've found someone you makes you giggle:) Cheers to you in the New Year!

منة said...

7ob!!!!
In retrospect, the rain was fun

Joyti said...

What a beautiful post - I think the most beautiful and poetic year-end piece I have read. Your insights, and the way you describe them, are quite magical.
I wish that your 2011 is full of wonder and joy, and discovery.

Henar said...

That was a great review, hope 2011 is great!!! ;)
xx

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