“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.”

Apart the endless cups of tea with Christmas carols, the great excitement and the huge blissfulness that we had already experienced from the beginning till the end of the year, the New Year’s resolution is the time when someone reflects on the changes he wants or needs to resolve.  In fact, the majority of people think of these resolutions as promises. Promises that make you better by changing your routines.

New Year’s Eve has always seemed to be the time when you start looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the next year.  It’s a new cycle and a new path of self-development. In fact, these resolutions end so quickly and then they start with the same thing again. I, personally, have the same New Year resolution crop up every year, because they’re too hard to keep! But this Year, I decided to take things more seriously, and determined to finally do better.

As for 2012, I wish: 1- To start playing once again piano as I used to play when I was 8.  2- Lose weight: this might be the most difficult part for anyone to maintain. 3- To be organize: I am hoping that this one will extend beyond work though, or at least, to be more organized in my work will have a positive knock on effect to my personal time. If I can get everything done during the day then I have more time to study and exercise before it’s too late. In fact, I need to be organized for myself and for the tidiness of the house. Therefore, I want to get rid off my nickname (by my parents): Miss Garbage. 4- To do anything that’s new to me: give up the stressful lifestyles and enjoy “more” life. Or just get out or try something new.  And finally, since I didn’t travel for a year, I am anxiously looking forward to a trip to new country where I will have a lot of excitement. 

A lot of people write down their wishes for the New Year meaninglessly. I’ve decided to write down the things that I’m sure will make me grow as a person, that will give me a sense of accomplishment. After all, isn’t that what we’re all looking for? The fulfillment of knowing that it is in your power to change things for the better. In fact, that should’ve been up there as the number one thing on my list, to succeed in achieving whatever makes me and the people around me happy. 

Reflection: Globalization...

Every day we hear it in different news papers, overhear people debating about it, hear it on the news… the word globalization is seemed to be used a lot with many different meanings. So, what could it be? When I began reading the topic “GLOBALIZATION”, I thought about the main reason for its appearance. I imagine that the main reason is people’s interests’ matter of factly. In fact, globalization is a system that helps communication between the countries around the world in order to develop their economy.

As a personal reflection, globalization has had both positive and negative effects on our planet. First, we can note that globalization helps to unit all the countries by sharing a lot of common things. This may also increase all type of discrimination since there will be cooperation between the countries. In fact, there will be a mixture of different cultures from all over the world. As, it also allows a very high economic prosperity throughout international commerce. Moreover, since the globalization is an issue that touches many countries, then it could be a result for the improvement of health standards since many African and Asian countries are participating. In addition, because of the need to compete and be competitive globally, governments have to upgrade their level of technology.

However, one of the main issues which has been debated ferociously in various international meetings is the environmental degradation. It has to be accepted that globalization is one of the most important factors of this degradation. In fact, the amount of ram materials needed to run these industries and factories could totally terminate on the natural reserves of the planet and on our own lives since the air is going to be also polluted. Additionally, every country concerned by this system should be forced to follow the same social norms and the same culture.

These many forces come together to determinate the course of globalization. To accumulate, globalization helps under developed countries in order to help their development and growth.  Without economic globalization today's world would be substantially different. In fact, it has offered unpredictable consequences either it’s positive or negative effects. 

When an Unexpected Death Occurs… While You’re on X'mas Vacation

The last vacation started with the annual gathering at our house to celebrate my grandmother’s European Christmas Eve. I enjoyed the eve with friends and family, the wonderful food, special Christmas desserts and the warm atmosphere, all the attendees gathered around the Christmas tree and I distributed the gifts, they were all very thankful for the lovely time, food and gifts. in fact, our Christmas tree was extraordinary as always, its fresh smell, superb lighting, lovely ornaments from all over the world, and the atmosphere was glorious with the warm voice of Nat King Cole singing the Christmas carols. Candles were lit with special aroma; mixed with the lovely smell of food and gorgeously decorated appetizers that we keep them as a traditional food for that special event. When the grownups left, we had a good time with the youth as we played Pictionary and my team won. Unfortunately, the rest of the vacation was sad, I had to pay condolences to two of my best friends for the loss of their family members, and on New Year’s Eve my mother’s cousin passed away in the Netherlands. During the funeral one thing turned out to be cheerful as I found out that one of my best friends is a relative of mine.