25th surprise birthday party!!

Well, this was the perfect ending for the month to be honest.

I was invited to iftar at my friend's [and other friends joined, coincidentally, I invited them to my main party, and somehow none could join, but all were present here!]

After we had Iftar, I was surprised with a cake, and cute gifts.

Every year I do a birthday week, where I celebrate for a whole week, this time it was a birthday month. I'm grateful.

I just wanted to share with you all some of the pictures. My cute friend actually put on efforts and did made sure there were unicorns everywhere. 

I'm truly feeling very blessed.

2 years ago when I came to Oman, I was worried about not having friends because I was away for 5 years, and kinda lost contacts with everyone. Today I have lots of friends. Different groups, different sorts who carry nothing but love in their hearts for me and I feel touched.

Yes ladies & gentlemen, the introvert is speaking about having million friends, can you believe it? I'm surprising everyone all the time they say?

Here are some pictures.

Memories of the Netherlands #1: Who are my friends?

Before I forget any of those cute memories, I decided I'd write them, randomly off course because although I have pictures that state which time and date what happened exactly, I thought why not make it so very random.
First city I went to was Enschede. That's where I spent 2 years before moving to Deventer, because the major I chose was in that department.
You have no idea how excited I was to go to the Netherlands.
I made my arrangements in Oman, and traveled all by myself.
It was a very cold winter, I arrived in Feb. I remember how the air smelled, and what it felt like being there.
in Enschede, I had 3 Omani friends 'Al', 'Mati' and 'Yaqi'. Who were very kind and welcoming.
I was not used to the foreign traditions but they were kind enough to teach me everything.
I was doing English course in Deventer, because it was either stay in Oman until sept or do English course, so I said yea why not, therefore my journey in the trains began then already.
In my English course, all students were Chinese, and it made me feel strange and lonely because they'd speak Chinese most of time, and I felt unwelcome. Later, with days we've become very good friends. We went to trips, parks, and di stuff together. I once went to their house we cooked together and made them eat rice with their hands the Omani style.
There was a funny guy 'David', he'd turn any normal word into a pervered word, and we'd all just laugh a lot because that guy was truly hilarious.
Then there was 'James' who'd yell "someboodyyyy" in the class suddenly because in that time the song 'somebody I used to know' was famous. I actually laughed while writing this.
Then there were Rita, Lily and Queenie, such cute girls with cute accents who kept me company. I really miss those guys.

When I started school in Sept it was back in Enschede and I was glad I didn't have to take a 45 minutes train ride to Deventer. The whole atmosphere was so strange once more. I remember what it felt like walking to uni, all the strange feelings, the smell of the place, and the people.
Then again I was the one who sat quite in the class.
This girl approaches me, sits next to me, and starts talking ALOT!!
In the beginning I thought why is she talking too much? She doesn't even know me that well. But I'm so so happy and glad she did talk to me. My beautiful homie 'Moni', that was.
Oh there was another Omani girl 'Asia' who kept me company too, most of time I'd be kinda lost without her, I don't know, but it feels nice sometimes knowing that there is another person there with you, especially if you [ME] are very quite and don't talk much and are always shy kinda.
So yeah, there was Moni whom I clicked with, and we became very very very good friends. She'd come over so many times, I went to hers maybe once or twice, she lived a little far from the center.
There were also Lebanese girls 'fatima' and 'Jaso' and an Iraqi girl who lived in Germany, Gronau (15 mins train ride to Enschede). They were so lovely and kind, I went to visit them in Gronau a few times!)

In Feb I changed my major from International finance, to international business, so I went back to Deventer. 
I was so very not interested in anyone, or in making friends, therefore my daily routine was taking a train from Enschede to Deventer, going to class, take train back home.
I did not talk to anyone, made no friends. Was in my own world.
One day, after two months of joining [I joined in February, we were the Feb students who joined 2nd semester of the 1st year, there were those who started from Sept already and knew each other] so in April Kira was too kind to host a barbecue party in which she invited everyone generally, and for some reason I don't even know why I decided to join, knowing that I'd be alone coz I don't know anyone.
So in the evening I take a train from Enschede to Deventer, pass by Starbucks that was by the station, and a bus to Kira's.
I enter the house and it was already so very crowded [I think I brought my own hotdogs and burgers because Halal food, you know!]. My memory is not being so very helpful right now, but I think I went and stood outside with them while some of the guys barbecued (there were lots of people just coming and going). Then I went inside the kitchen (where most of other people just sat or talked, that was the hangout area) in a corner, just observing people.
So probably for 2 hours I'm just standing there by myself either texting or just lost in my thoughts. Meanwhile, 'Kaspers' comes to say hi and we just have a very tiny small talk in which I give very short answers and no indication that I want to chat, he goes away. He comes back a few minutes later, again tries to have a conversation but my awkwardass gives no proper reply, so he goes away again. 
Third time when he comes, he starts talking loud and fast 
Kaspers: "Look, this is the third time I'm approaching you, you have to talk to me right now" which made me laugh
Lamya: "I hate people.."
Kaspers grabs Fatma: "she hates people too"
Lamya: "Hi"
Fatma: "Hi" *she has this adorable gangster glance*
Lamya: "I hate people"
Fatma: "yeah me too"
and guys, I swear we clicked. We both stood by the wall judging people and laughing at them. Suddenly, other classmates come around to chat and now they finally know me. So many did say that they did not even notice me in the class, that's how much of a ninja I was.
Fatma and Kaspers became the closest friends to me during my stay in the Netherlands.
Some time later during the party, some old foreign people came, it got funny coz everyone was drunk and they started acting weirdly. 
Fatma, Kaspers, 3 other random people who I don't remember their names *IM SO SORRY IF YOU'RE READING THIS, perhaps you're not* decided to go to "***".
I won't explain further, or continue on what happened because... what happens in Holland stays in Holland.
Later they all dropped me at the station, and that, guys was how I made my first friends in Deventer, and believe me the friendship got stronger, they were my family.
ahh, such good days!

Later on, when we 'Feb' students, had to do 1st year 1st semester (because we started 2nd semester 1st year in Feb) we met that year's Sept students.
It was mandatory for us to go to introduction camp. I didn't like the idea in the beginning because I'm not so good in sharing room and bathroom. Luckily, I had 'Nayda' with me, and shes a mom! She promised me everything would be okay and no one would misbehave and do pranks, and she was right no one did. Thanks to this camp, i got to know my other classmates (only who shared the room) a little better. They had parties and such at night but since I don't drink and not interested in people most of time, I didn't join them, I preferred sleeping. During the activities on 2nd day because we had to be teams and such, I got to know other people slightly. Now on the way back from the camp, there was this super annoying guy 'Eren' who would not stop talking. I thought he was friendly in the beginning but then I was too sure he's annoying and we'd remain friends forever. There was 'Luca' also, with super red cheeks, I adore the guy, hes so so so so funny. 
You see, I've come to know everyone, and they knew me, but it took really some long time till I actually allowed myself in getting involved in anything.
Some other friends like 'Nick' I've made in the class, I don't know how, but it was coz we played League of legends. 
Then there is 'Sheb', my super TBF. It was because of Fatma we got to know each other. My TBF did not speak English properly, but later on she could speak so very well because there was no other way to communicate since I didn't speak Dutch or Turkish.
Sheb & Fatma were literally my family. We did a lot together. They'd stay in my place for hours, come anytime, go anytime, grocery, shopping, trips. We did so much together.

Later I had to change my major again due to certain complications that the supervisor 'forgot' to tell me about since I'm not a European student, so I chose 'international tourism', by then I was already living in Deventer, coz I knew I would not go back to Enschede after forming my own family in here. My classmates were all German, and some bits and pieces from other countries. Inthe beginning I was annoyed again because the majority were German and they'd just speak their language (unintentionally off course, still annoying) and kept missing my old friends, also I hated the process of having to start all over again with people because most of time I do really feel awkward. Thankgod our homeroom teacher Esther was a sweetheart, she kinda made the whole process of getting to know each other easier, as she'd talk to us, arrange out of class activities from time to time. Soon those Germans were so very close my heart, where we'd visit each other, have meals together and do lots of activities together. They succeeded in making me leave home since most of time I preferred gaming, they made me go places with them or they'd just come over. 'Christin' without e, 'Marlyn', and 'Wanja' actually came to Oman too, but it was during the time we lived in Amerat so I couldn't show them a lot, circumstances were different. The there is 'Luisa' and 'caro', 'jurina' and 'marieke'.
My other dear friend 'Bryan' who went with me through the Russia trip thing (check earlier posts for the story) who lived also nearby and had a cute dog 'Athena'.
These people actually played huge roles in my life, and I feel so grateful to have known them honestly. Though we're so far away from each other, I still cherish the memories and feel so happy that I got the opportunity to meet all these great souls.
Hoping we'd meet again, either they visit me in Oman, or I go back to the Netherlands for a quick visit.

DisneyLand trip vol.3 : with friends!

To  be honest, this wasn't the first time I went to DisneyLand. Yet, stepping into this land makes me all happy, and once again I feel like I'm a child in a dream world.. 

This was the third time to be frank.

The first time was when I was 6, I went with my family to DisneyLand - USA

The second time was when I was  19, again with family, DisneyLand - Paris

The third time was recently, on the 13th of October 2014 - with my aunt.

Felt so weird and lonely going there without my family this time. I was remembering my siblings and parents all the time as we've been there before, and done things together!

Here is a picture of mine taken during the trip.

So many pictures were taken on this day.

There were parades coming and going. At one point I was so excited to see it the next thing I know is; I started crying like a baby. Mhmm.. I did miss my family a lot, and believe me, during those 3 years of my living abroad I did feel homesick but never did I cry for feeling homesick, this was my first breakdown! I think I was overwhelmed also because 3 years ago I came to the same place with my family.

The rest of the day went really amazing.. Off course we had to wait a lot in the queue to go on the rides, but you don't feel the time running when you're there. There is some sort of joy everywhere in the air.

The feeling where you literally feel you're living in the cartoon!

There are lots of pictures, lots of incidents but I was too lazy to continue this post that's why I'm posting this 4 years later?

Mhm.. I've decided I'd write my memories from when I used to live in Holland.

My 22nd birthday

So I was scrolling down to my old posts.. I did notice that I've posted a little something about my 21st birthday, and thought to myself: Hey! Why don't I post about the recent party I've had!! [I'm posting this 3 years after I'm a quarter century now check the post below, I forgot this one in the drafts, nice!]

During the actual birth date, I was in Oman, and had a little celebration at my grandma's house. 
I've ordered me a red velvet ice cream cake from cold stone. Man oh man, it was delicious.

Back to my party in the Netherlands. Once I was back to the Netherlands my friend welcomed me with this cake.

No jealousy please *Ma Sha Allah* 

I forgot to tell you that cakes in the Netherlands are not the same like in Oman, mostly you find pies.. Unless off course you order one (custom made) and tell them what you really want.

Then I made a proper plan for an awesome party.

The theme was : Graffiti.

My favorite subject.

Here are some of the pictures from the party.

So basically, everyone had white shirts on, and then we all drew on each others' shirts. As you can conclude too, I had three awesome delicious birthday cakes, the main cake was minion themed... because BANANA!! [ it was red velvet :$ ].
We also played some dancing games, there is an app for it, which was so hilarious.
Then came the most exciting part, where a friend of mine forced me to do fireworks, they've bought them already and I had to light it. Well, i think they all knew I was too scared.. but this time i was forced to light one.
I have a clip, which I won't share not here, where I'm too scared to light the fireworks so my friend holds my hand forcing me to light it and then i panic and runaway leaving the lighter right there.. BOOM goes the fire work.. we all laugh and i feel like I've done something huge, go in and open my presents.
Then there was off course lots of dancing, laughing and drawing on shirts. Lots of pictures were taken too.
Such cute lovely presents from each single one of them.

For some reason, I just found thisd one on my drafts!
There are many more pictures on my facebook, but I thought these would be enough for now 

Lamlooma's a quarter century now!!

I know, no post since a very long time.
My lifestyle has dramatically changed ever since I came to Oman. 
Recently, I've been encouraged to start writing again and I actually feel excited to do so.
also:
I'M A QUARTER CENTURY OLD NOW!!!!!!!!

I've decided to host a party this time, because; remember my epic parties in the Netherlands?
I thought hey I could do something similar here too, even though it wouldn't be mixed, just girls because I badly wanted to do it at my place, since it's been renovated [I'm sorry male friends, maybe next year or something, although it would've been fun having ya'll around too coz u know.. awesome funny people!]

Comparison: it is a little bit easier finding the material I want for decoration, cake, and much more in Oman than in the Netherlands, so I begun the preparations in my living-room.
Here are some pictures, during and after decorating the place.
Well off course you should know this time the theme was just pink atmosphere.

Hanging the balloons with the pictures were challenging because the AC would make them fall or the balloons would explode. Nevertheless I made sure I had balloons and pictures in the end.

25 balloons, for the 25 years, 50 pictures representing different phases of my life, the people who are and were in my life and all the ones I love!

                   

Tadaa!

PopCorn cups and cute mini water bottles. ALL PINK & LAMLOOMY!
oh yeah in case you were wondering where the popcorn is.. in my tummy!!
nah, popcorn better served hot! right?

aren't they just so cute!

I've made customized giveaways for my friends. I want them to remember this day, and I want them to feel special, therefore I've written each cute guest a letter, and as you could see, cute tiny little bucket and chocolate!

Honestly, the little sweets were done by Mama, and I thank her so much for helping arrange all food items, she's the cutest!! Cupcakes I ordered from Instagram ( @magic_bites_ )

& off course, my unicorn cake!!

Different view of the place

Another corner which was a must. I love memories I'm telling you!

Coz I've been murdering cakes ever since ... Dunno some long time ago

so that was all about the decoration, cake and food.

Now to the activity part of the birthday. 

Arab timings; I've told my people to be there at 8.30, but they were late.. very late.

My friends don't know each other. Every friend I have, I hang out with separately, but because I'm a great host [yes I know I complain about being socially awkward and anxious but hey when it's my party, I'm the queen of the show ain't I? and since those people are actually my friends, it means I've crossed the socially awkward phase with them into a different level where I somehow can be\feel comfortable.] I introduced them to each other and explained how I befriended each, while waiting for others who confirmed they'd come, to arrive.

Now here's one thing that annoyed me, some people told me they'd come, but then canceled on the last minute. It actually hurt me, because I've put so much effort into it. food, giveaway, games and so on. Also most of what irritated me was; why'd you say you'd come then give me lame excuse? Just apologize from the beginning and don't give me hopes or waste my energy, you know? I ended up throwing 6 giveaways. What also was annoying, that some people confirmed they'd come, but they didn't and didn't bother texting and informing me they wouldn't, very annoying.

So total of 21 persons showed, 6 didn't show up.

we played games, I divided them into 3 games.

We played:

1. reversed charades: 

                        you know, same old charades except that it's in reverse, where everyone's acting and one person is guessing. But since there were so many of them I let 3 guess and 4 act (it differed, as in it was 2 guess 3 act but as more people came that was the last set up), with 2 minutes to guess and 15 words to act.

It was hilarious and funny thing is everyone started bonding.

I chose the teams, didn't let them choose, to avoid any awkwardness, and the competing souls shone.

*there was a pause in between where the guests went to take water, eat some snacks, take lots of pictures of the beautiful place, and looking at my pictures!*

2. Doo doo:

                     They stayed in same teams, one person came out in each turn with 15 seconds, picked up a piece of paper in which I wrote a name of a song, and they had to sing it using the word 'doo'. What I read -& observed was true- that it was difficult because you're performing in front of people and 'doo' is harder than humming or using 'la la'.

Again it was hilarious and everyone got excited in the competing atmosphere.

I've planned for the games to start by 21.00 and end 22.30, but somehow it was 23.00 already so before playing the third game I told them it's time to cut the cake.

So we went to the cute  pink decorated area, and they all gathered round and sang me happy birthday while I stood awkwardly kinda and started blushing. Blew the candles, mom fed me small piece, pictures were taken and cakes were given to my beautiful friends.

Then, although they wanted to continue playing, I insisted dinner first.

well, everyone got busy with the dinner and some were still asking if we'd play but guess what? Time was getting late and everyone started leaving, therefore unfortunately there was no time for third game which would have been hilarious too.

the 3rd game was that every team would write a number of acts they would want the enemy team to act, put them in bucket and randomly a person from the team would act it, funny thing is I wanted to see how would a team act if they got the 'act' which they wrote for others, you know? Karma!!

because everyone would write something mean.

So anyways, there was a henna corner which I'm o glad so many of my friends wanted to put henna, and it was cute and they were excited.

I made sure I spoke to everyone, but also everyone was already talking to everyone and that made me happy, no one was left in the corner observing and not talking (hint; that's me in any party).

well, by the end of the party I was pretty exhausted, funny thing is I didn't even eat the cake during the party, just ate a little later on, and then ate some more on the other days, and enjoyed it!

I unwrapped the gifts 3 days later, that's how much time I didn't have and how exhausted I was. The gifts were considerate, so were the cards. I friggin' love my friends and how they actually understand me. 

I also received so many thank yous, because they didn't expect the letter to be so personalized and special.

Overall, that was such a happy occasion, everyone was happy, enjoyed themselves and touched.

And yet again, another successful event. 

You're welcome.

Ps. I miss my Dutchies so much (Yeah not all of them were Dutch but well since we all lived in the Netherlands why not, shortcut!!). I love how they were all excited every time I hosted a party, in fact so many of them texted me on my birthday saying how they wish they could be there with me, and to be able to celebrate the birthday party together since, you know they're so epic.

For a while I felt like hosting a party at least every month, but then again I'm most of time too busy gaming =P

Thank you for reading such a long post, and I hope you've enjoyed reading, and maybe I would invite you someday if we end up being friends.

Until next epic party!

xx

I'll try to blog more often, blame my pink pc and the games I play!

Random thought

Disturbed
I'm not.. Why do they keep staring at me suspiciously?

They can no longer distinguish my characteristics.
I can no longer pretend to be what I'm not.
"I wonder what has gotten into you, you are changed..." They say. I stare back, blankly, not even trying to protest or deny anything.
How did anyone come to a conclusion that I have changed? Why is everyone suddenly accusing me as if I committed a crime.
Do they even realize that it hurts me.
It hurts that they never bothered to get to know me in the first place.
I was hiding behind layers of respect.
Respect this, respect that. Don't say this don't say that. 
That person is older than you, while this person is younger than you; be considerate.
I kept being considerate to everyone, so they just assumed I'm weak. 
They did take me for granted but I thought I was being the better person. Apparently they do not view it the same way.

So, by changed do they mean I started speaking out my thoughts and no longer hide them? Or is it that I can not stand hypocrisy anymore, in fact.. I no longer tolerate it.
True, I played along for too long, but I'm exhausted now. I do not want to take a part in this play anymore.
I have enough voices in my head, I do not need to hear anyone else's voice anymore.
What is right? What is wrong? I do not care.
I'm not changed, I'm just showing the sides I was too scared to show before, because I was busy being considerate to everyone's feelings but mine.
Shouldn't I get encouraged for all that I've done, and maybe a little more  encouragement that I want to show the real side of me. 
So why is the resistance..
Why all the judgmental looks..
Weren't they the ones who kept saying 'freedom of speech' and encouraging it? Weren't they, too the ones who kept saying 'we don't judge only god judges?' 
I'm just speaking my thoughts, I'm telling you exactly what's on my mind, and not what you want to hear. Didn't you ask me about MY THOUGHTS regarding whatever you did ask?
Is it really wrong to shape my own thoughts?
While I'm lost with my own thoughts in here, trying not to think about right and wrong maybe you should too, ask yourself what happened, and why do you not accept the fact that I'm finally showing my true colors. That I'm finally putting me first.
We only live ones right? well, I've wasted too much time trying to be the perfect person you wanted me to be, but not anymore. I'm happy and accepting my imperfections. I love my flaws.
I'm not changing for you, or anyone.