Happy Holidays Everyone and Happy 2012

It's the annual Things I'm Thankful For List for 2011 and although I do have a very long list, here are some of the things that have made the most impact in my life this year.

- Conferences and IIUM -
It was a spur of the moment decision and I guess a part of me just wanted to prove to myself that I could do it and I did. I managed to present a paper at one of the conferences organized by my alma mater and it was an amazing experience. I came into it without anyone, and without any reservations or hesitance. A lot of fear though, for I was afraid that I would fail epicly despite it being my third time presenting at a conference. But thankfully, with a full room and a session that was extended longer than it was supposed to, I guess I did quite well. And as much as I may, at times, resent certain things about the academic profession, that moment was definitely not one of them.


- My New Job -
Nothing much to say except I quit my job and I took on a new one. And despite the problems that I am still facing, I'm happy. I know that in my profession, I've been able to accomplish so much compared to my peers and I am very very blessed to be able to do it with the people who were in my team. Without them, I'd be the most complacent lecturer ever.


- My Friends -
I realize that friends come and go, and I realize that people change. One thing I'm thankful for every year are friends who have always been there for me no matter the circumstances. I'm thankful that I have friends who are willing to drop things in their busy schedule to hear me out or to help me out. I'm thankful that my friends are always there no matter what. And I'm glad that we always make an effort to spend some time together to strengthen that friendship. (And I'm glad that I was FINALLY able to spend a weekend together with two special friends last weekend. We've been through so much and it was...perfect to have three days together) And I'm thankful for Farah for being the Shawn to my Gus. *FIST BUMP*


- My Nephew -
I love that boy so very very much. 



- My Books of 2011 List -
That list single-handedly saved this blog. And I'm glad I decided to do the list because I don't think I'd be able to actively read again if I didn't. Although I do wish to receive comments from strangers, from the post views that I've been getting, I'm glad that there are people out there who are at least reading this blog. So thank you :)


- Downton Abbey -
You guys, I love Downton Abbey. I love Dan Stevens. I love Michelle Dockery. No show has resulted in me waking up at 4am every Monday morning just to watch the bloody show live from the UK. And no show has made me follow RPG Twitter accounts JUST to fill up the gaps in between episodes. JULIAN FELLOWES, WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME?! (I will blog more about the Downton Christmas Special in a post after this)


- Life -
I'm thankful for life. I am always thankful for life. And I am thankful that I have been given the strength to stop tolerating people's crap. And I'm thankful for travelling. I know I don't travel to exotic places but honestly, I don't really care mostly because I'm more concerned about the people I'm with. No sense in travelling when you're not happy.


- Beats -
Yeah. Um, I'm thankful for my headphones. Because I love them.


So that's my 2011 post. I don't really make resolutions simply because it's always the same every year:

1) Be happier than the year before
2) Don't take shit from people who are not worth your time
3) Try to complain less
4) Handle pain and anger with humor
5) Have some class
6) Drink lots of water every day

So I hope you guys had a good 2011 and a great 2012!


Love,

Firah