If you're going to do something, strive to do it better than anyone else

I have been damn busy with my work these days and for the same reason couldn't update my blog in a while. I have read all the latest posts of my lovely followers till yesterday and commented too, I hope on everyone's post. I will try to read rest during this weekend. I've been looking forward to this weekend more because I am a little tired. I will catch some needed sleep :)

Beside this story of tiredness I have a little good news to share with you guys. I completed 1 year at my work, yay yay. I was little nervous when I started working in my company. For me it was a new country, new language and new culture. But with every passing day I was gaining the confidence, was trying to put in my best at work. I am still learning new things every passing day but at the same time I am so happy for all I have accomplished during this year. I must say my colleagues helped me a lot and they are always supportive to me. Got beautiful flowers plant at work on completing 1 year and almost got tears in my eyes :)

I hope all of you have a nice and relaxing weekend. Must take the last bits of summer before its gone.

Smiles (:

Ikra

Celebrating 65th Independence Day

If our country is worth dying for in time of war, let us resolve that it is worth living for in time of peace - Happy Independence Day

Yes, my country is celebrating it's 65th independence day. No matter which country I live in, my heart still pounds for my very own country. Long live Pakistan !

Much love,

I K R A

All the way into Autumn

Hello lovelies around the world. Today while coming to work I felt this autumn chill in the breeze. Can't believe that summers are near to over. We hardly had few sunny days and looks like we are already stepping into autumn. I am really not ready for autumn which will be followed by cold sheer winters. On the other hand we have to accept change and have to accept it with smiling face. If we accept hard things with smile then they don't look much tough, do you agree? I will go on a long walk near the sea and will say thanks to the summer for blessing us with warm days :)

Are there anythings you want to do before summer is over? Share it with me as I love to listen your voices. Have a nice weekend ahead!

Until next,

I K R A

Smile and you might change a life

So I am touching my space after many days. Yes, I have been extremely busy with the work now days and when I am back to home I don't feel like writing. Today I read something and could not stop myself writing about this. Yes, it's NATIONAL SMILE WEEK. Oh yeah, as I read it is celebrated during the 2nd week of August. At first I thought why we are having days and weeks for certain things. Smile day, friendship day, mother's day, father's day and list goes on and on. Because we can make every day a smile day, mother's day, friendship day etc. We will discuss this issue later some day but today let's smile baby :)

Smile more often because we are having a short life, too short to worry about everything else and not smiling. It takes nothing of you to pass a smile to some stranger but who knows it might be the only sunshine of his day. Just imagine how you feel when someone smiles at you, aren't you happy in that moment no matter how worried you are for something else in your life? And for all the girls out there smile more often and you won't need much makeup ;) I would love to listen what makes you smile (:

"Let us make one point, that we meet each other with a smile, when it is difficult to smile. Smile at each other, make time for each other in your family"

~ Mother Teresa

Smile

Xo Xo

A Haiku : August shine

Don't remind August beauty of July

For every month has attractions of its own

Look ahead and absorb the essence

Its been a long time since I wrote a haiku. You can check other haiku's on my blog. I think it's a nice way to express your words freely. Anyone of you having haiku series on your blog? If yes kindly link up in comments and I will check back. Friday is here and what else is best on earth other than Friday :) I am having no major plans and I am planning to spend a lazy weekend watching few movies. I wish you all a very nice and relaxing weekend. 

See you on the other side,

I K R A

August sounds national

Hello all beautiful girls. I hope all of you are having a nice week so far except the fact that everyone like me is waiting for the weekend. Well, that is nothing new because I start waiting for weekend since the start of Monday :D On a side note we have stepped in August. August has always been a little special to me. We have our national Independence Day on 14th August. I quickly checked and figured out that approximately 30 countries celebrate their national independence day in August. Anyone of you is having national Independence Day falling in August?

Some people also call August as the national picnic month. It was definitely news for me. Picnics are fun anytime of the year but they are more fun in summers. It has a little charm of its own. Packing up picnic stuff is amazing and no matter how much time you have at your disposal, you always left in hurry. Checking last minute details and then finding out you forgot few things and quickly packing them. Ahh that sounds exciting. I haven't gone on a picnic in long time but now I am craving for one. It is a nice and relaxing activity. How often do you plan picnics with your friends or family members?

Have a nice day ahead

Much love xx

Monday Blues

Monday is the root of all evil.

I say we take every Monday off.

Just once, I would like to wake up, turn on the news, and hear… Monday has been canceled, go back to sleep.

Why is Monday so far from Friday but Friday so close to Monday?

I hate Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and half of Friday.

They should make Mondays illegal.

Found these awesome quotes on internet. I mean seriously we should change the name of Monday to something else may be Funday or Relaxday :D How was your weekend? For me it was good but it just passed so quickly :-/ I am trying to catch up with work and trying to get over Monday blues. 

Have a nice day,

Xo Xo

Summer is ... eating ice cream

Summer is rushing to ice cream shop, grabbing your favorite scoops on cone and all set for a walk in town

Summers has finally approached us and I can't begin to tell how amazing it is to see sun going down late. I started loving summers when I moved to Sweden. I hella love cold ice cream on hot summer days. If I am out in town then it is the first thing I will grab to satisfy my taste buds. It is fairly acceptable to eat ice cream any time of year but somehow it is more fun to eat in summer. 

I am hoping for some sunshine on weekend as well but you never know weather ;) I will also set my wardrobe because I haven't unpacked bags till now. Have to do grocery and pick up my byc from repair shop. Yeah, my poor byc's front tyre was torn apart. Have a very nice weekend all of you.

See you,

Ikra

I will prepare and some day my chance will come

“Never allow yourself to feel disappointed. You may expect to have a certain thing at a certain time and not get it at that time, and this will appear to you like failure. But if you hold to your faith you will find that the failure is only apparent. Go on in the certain way, and if you do not receive that thing, you will receive something so much better that you will see that the seeming failure was really a great success.”

Courtesy ~ Wallace D Wattle

Later,

Ikra

When everything changes, change everything

I loved the title "when everything changes, change everything". This book is written by Neale Donald Walsch. I read the abstract of book on Amazon and I must confess the writer is powerful with the words, simple things are conveyed in best way. I wonder if someone of you has already read this book? Those who are interested can order a copy from here.

I think we always have to accept change sooner or later. Sometimes we accept it with a smile on our face and sometimes with doubts and fear of unknown. Why fear for the unknown? Why not be in that moment and enjoy what life is offering us? I am of the view that a change always transforms things, sometimes transformation is bright and colored but sometimes it is dark as well. What we have to do is to see the bright side. Whatever comes in our way accept it and give it a new meaning. Move ahead and embrace the beauty of change. Do you agree with me? 

On a side note I am slowly unpacking things. It is difficult with the job but I am hopeful that by this weekend I will finish it up all :) 

Stay tuned,

IKRA

Relocation

Hello to all the beautiful girls out there. I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend at its best; eating at favourite restaurants, having a walk in the town, watching movies or eating ice-cream. Off course, how can I forget ice-cream in summers. Luckily I was also able to see some sunshine and temperature rising to 20, 21. Yes that was awesome indeed. 

On another not too bright side I am moving to another apartment today. Seriously moving from one place to another is the most tiring thing. It isn't just that things need to be adjusted properly in apartment or the clothes needs to be hanged but rather the most important thing is to adjust your own self. I hope I will be able to settle soon. Wish me luck :)

The picture explains how difficult it is to adjust in a new place :) I will see you all soon.

Much Love,

IKRA

Love affair with plants

I love indoor plants. They are just a perfect addition to any home. Don't you think that they give a life to your home? I always feel like they are a symbol of life. Back in my homeland my home does have beautiful indoor plants, flower baskets hanging down from the terrace, and bunch of them lying in the small lawn area. I must admit I miss my home a lot and especially the lively feeling which plants add to it. Other day my sister showed me the beautiful terrace which she decorated. Oh it was awesome, hanging flower baskets does add a glamour to the terrace of your home. I wish to have a big garden and balcony where I can have loads of lovely plants :)

On a side note we are hitting the weekend. Sometimes the whole week just pass so quickly. I am going to spend a lazy weekend :P Are you having any special plans for weekend then share with me.

Have a nice weekend,

I K R A

Summer is ... lying on hammock

Summer is lying on hammock under the palm trees. Reading your favorite book or listening to your favorite tunes, and enjoying the fresh afternoon breeze.

Got this wonderful idea from Tamara's blog. She has an awesome summer series on her blog. While you are here don't forget to check her blog :)

More later,

Iqra

GOD speaks to us via nature

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods;

There is a rapture on the lonely shore;

There is a society, where none intrudes;

By the deep sea, and music in its roar;

I love not man the less, but Nature more...

- Lord Byron

Until next,

Iqra

Rock your weekend

  Throw yourself in water pool, close your eyes and relax

Cool off yourself with refreshing drinks

Wear your favorite accessories with awesome sandals

Munch delish food

 

 Play your favorite playlist and go on a walk in town 

 Take some coffee and cherish yourself with one of the new movies

This past week has been so hectic for me. I hope for most of you it would be same. I would cherish myself with everything which I wrote above except throwing myself in pool as I don't have one ;) Are you having some special plans for this weekend ?

Have a relaxing weekend,

Iqra

Start all over again

Pick yourself up

Take a deep breath

Dust yourself off
And start all over again

Nothing's impossible, I have found
For when my chin is on the ground

I pick myself up,
Dust myself off
And start all over again

Don't lose your confidence
If you slip
Be grateful for a pleasant trip
And pick yourself up,
Dust yourself off
And start all over again 

Found these awesome lyrics from a song "Pick Yourself Up" dated back to 1936. Today, I got a new inspiration :)

Have a nice day,

I Q R A

That happy face ...

Can you imagine the happiness which one gains by sitting IDLE for some time when testing system is down and that too on Monday and that too when you are not the one who is gonna fix that :) Yes, at times that feels like a blessing *I hope my boss doesn't get to read this* hahaha

More Later,

Iqra

 

Feeling super BLAHHHHH

Feeling bad for my space as I could not update it in ages and this is not limited to not updating blog as many corners of my life are being affected. Well, I have been working a lot lately. We had a major release on 4th July. Updated the production systems today and now I am tired down my soul. I should be thankful that I have the got the chance to work with some of the best developers and I tell you the guys are really awesome. Work more than me and feel less tired ;)

Weekend is all set to welcome everyone. I have few small plans which includes doing laundry *A basket full of clothes*. Also I am invited by a friend to take dinner with her, such a nice and kind girl she is. AND sleeping late till my bones hurt.

Even though I get tired, I feel super blaaahh and low sometimes, I miss my family and friends but at the same time I am content with my life. I am happy with this place and people around me. I love my work and take on every day with a new enthusiasm. 

Have a nice and relaxing weekend. I will see you all soon

I Q R A

When things work that certain way

"I like to think a lot during day and then at night when I lie on bed, I let my thoughts funnel through. I certainly know what to do ahead and what future holds for me as I conclude how things will happen in my own future-drawn space. It is an awesome experience. Things work exactly fine. Believe in yourself and let it be your mantra"

Be here later,

Iqra

Here's to you Mom!

Dear Mom,

Happy mother's day to my beautiful, wonderful and precious mother. I love you more than I could ever express. And you deserve so much more than I could ever give you. On this mother's day I am very happy. I am very happy for all of us and especially for you. I feel blessed when I realize that I am the reason behind your smile. I want to tell you so many things. I want to tell you that you are the most beautiful women I have ever seen on earth. I feel happy when someone says me that I resemble you in looks. I want to tell you that the success I am achieving in my life is all because of your prayers. I could have never come this far without your prayers. You and me are approximately 4,000 miles away and my heart aches for you on this beautiful day. You had always tried to give us that life that you yourself couldn't live. You had always found happiness in our joys and you are just beautiful inside out. I wish I could ever tell you in words how much you mean to me, but there are no words to describe how much I admire you, appreciate you and love you. May you live long, may you always be with us and God protects you from any harm. May I always become the reason for your smile and your prayers the reason for my success, AMEEN.

With Love,

Iqra

Hello from me

I have been so busy lately. I had very little time to myself and during that time I am quite lazy to update my space. I know it is quite calm here from more than a month or so. Lot of things are happening around me and I am trying to catch up with all of them. I wonder I have not even read any post from the blogs I follow. May be sometimes you just want to sit back and relax by doing lots of nothing. I am doing lots of nothing on social media but my professional life is going on at a faster speed. I am enjoying every day of my work and learning new things every other day. 

On the other side Spring was officially declared after we had some warm days in the last week. But it is again cold, windy and rainy. I am waiting for warm sunny days. Wonder if we will have it sometime soon :) I would come back soon with something nice to post here. Looks like I am out of words for now.

Until next time,

Iqra

I meant ..

Just like ...

Life is meant to be lived, air is meant to be breathed, sun is meant to shine, birds are meant to sing, eyes are meant to shine when happy ...

I am meant to come back to you !

More Later,

I q r a

Those true eyes

He silently watched her, waiting to hear something. Everything was said, though. She walked away and stopped in doorway. Turned her head back, looked into his eyes for sometime and walked out. He got the sunshine in his life. Because, he knew her eyes speak HONESTY !

A writeup for Sunday Scribblings - Honest

Iqra

I'm flat out tired

Till the time you come home and your body is aching, you have really tasted the true love of hard work. Needless to say I taste it every day...

Blessed Night,

Iqra

Who are you to judge the life I live ?

No one has the right to judge you. They might have heard your stories but, they didn't feel what you are going through !

More Later,

Iqra

Happiness is ...

Morning Snuggles

Sunny Day

Perfect Outfit

Happy Family

Happiness is in every single thing. It is all about opening your heart to it, taking chances and moving ahead. It is about caring for your own self and caring for others.  Don't run after things rather appreciate what you have now, this moment. Life has been awesome for me and I am absorbing each awesome moment, thus feeling internal happiness. Learn to laugh in tough times and think best is yet to come. Hold on tight !

Later,

Iqra

Two rocks, the sparks they did

Today, on my way to work I found this beautiful poem written on a tissue paper. What an incredible piece of writing it is. I tried to find it on internet but couldn't find any reference. I am reading it again and again since morning, the words are craved in my mind and heart;

Two rocks

The sparks they did fly as the years passed by

and we, side by side

straight through the tide

now smooth,

but forever in flames

Until next,

I Q R A

A Haiku : Home

Clock ticks endlessly

my open eyes are still waiting

to fly home

Later,

Iqra

No brain cells for cricket

A conversation between me and my colleague about cricket. Please note this country don't have any cricket team and they don't know much about cricket except that it is played with a bat and a ball :)

ME: You know Pakistan smashed England in test match(wide opened eyes)

HE: Oh great, but I don't know much about cricket.

ME: Ya, I know many Swedes don't understand this.

HE: So, what is a test match?

ME: (Stressing my brain) Ummm it's a 5-days long innings and played between two teams. And rest there are so many rules.

HE: Ahhh quite long.

ME: Yeah, but it is fun too (passing little smile)

HE: Umm so, how long is the real match then?

ME: (Little confused) What you mean by real match?

HE: Yeah, if TEST match is 5 days long, then real match must be very long.

ME: Taking a long breath and unable to say anything more :P

Keep Smiling,

Iqra

Festive Mood

Have you ever had found yourself in such situation where you just carve for something and crave so badly ? Well, I don't know about everyone but I am quite sure at times some of you had this craving for chocolate and chocolate cakes. The purpose for this random post is just to explain those feelings when you crave for "Hot chocolate brownie with vanilla ice creme". Do I need to tell that I am at work now and I am craving for one badly *sigh sigh*. In fact, I goggled some images as well just to thrust my taste buds. 

So, who is IN to enjoy this treat ? ;-)

Doodles,

Iqra

Falling down is part of life

There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good. So, love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don’t. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is part of LIFE and getting back up is LIVING.

~Author Unknown~

Until next,

Iqra

The Spark

... and I could not remember anything but, the sparks which ignite inside when I am with you

Doodles,

Iqra

I want spring now !

Seriously, enough is enough. Now I need spring. I am kind of sick with bone chilled winds followed by rain showers. Do I tell you, I have been looking forward to spring since it was ended in last year. I am lucky to born in a country where you get enough sun everyday and you don't crave for it. I rejoice winters and snow but temperature should be normal. I know I am being insane now. But yes that is how I like winters. Are you looking forward to the spring ?

All I wish is a glimpse of sunshine with a warmer weather..

Until next,

Ikra

A Haiku : Wedding

Years will fly by

We will be together one day

On our miracle wedding

Doodles,

Ikra

Sailing into year 2012

The new year lies before you

Like a spotless track of snow

Be careful how you tread on it

For every mark will show

{Source}

The start of new year is the start of a new life. You are energetic and optimistic. In morning while I was getting ready for work I got few minutes to look at myself in mirror. Felt like I got little older, not sure if little wiser too or not :P The last year was one of the best years in my life. I mentioned about that in my last blog post as well. Well, didn't wrote much of the new year resolutions this time because I am sure I will take on every challenge with a new courage and determination to make it possible. You can do anything you set your mind to when you have vision and determination and I have both of them with me. Hope all of you had a wonderful start of new year and everyone is ready to rock 2012 ahead. See you all along this way.

Hello from Ikra (: