She looked in the mirror in her hallway and saw a woman of no more than twenty-one and wondered about her journey since she was just a seventeen year old.

When she was a girl, all her hassles, dramas and issues were taken care of her by her parents but after she turned seventeen, she knew she had a life to build, a career to set. She moved over to the couch with a bottle of water in her hand and started remembering what it was really like to be the star and then coming down to bits, and then just be an ordinary human being.

She recalled how her soul had been ripped apart by so many people, those she had ran after for so long, maybe it was her ego to conquer them or just the thought of losing really frightened her.

She took a strand of her hair; it instantly slipped through her fingers. She didn’t care, she just went deep in thought.

Some incidents in her life had been awakening calls. She had discussed them with a good number of people just to know what just what could be the reason of them occurring, what could be the trigger? Getting different views on a situation had always given her an opportunity to think straight and with an open mind.

It really amused her how people would just become extra close to know her. She remembered how naive she was, letting people get too close and then facing the consequences. They used to guide her wrong, give false hopes, saying they care when actually they didn’t.

She closed her eyes. It felt painful to remind herself what she had been and what she is now. She commanded herself to relax and take a deep breath. Her eyes were closed as the sun came out of the clouds and beams of sunlight filled her place. A smile spread across her face and she went in a deep sleep.

Most people don’t follow Valentines, but as soon as they receive gifts they scream with happiness, forget that they never believed in it in the first place but are just happy as clams.

Valentine’s Day is celebrated for just the mere reason to remind your special someone, or your friends (ahem) that they are truly loved, cherished and beyond doubt, are their life.

Red is the color on Valentines. You can mix it up with white as well as pink but red is the most important because it’s the color of love. Red roses look so pretty with red chocolates as well as matching red and white teddies. People go out on candle light dinners, have walks on the beach, enjoy the moonlight and just have fun!

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, I see people running around, trying to get things straight for the big day. Some are excited, while others are nervous, some are busy while others are in anticipation waiting for their gifts.

Valentine’s Day is said not to be celebrated because of religious reasons, but we do celebrate other occasions so why single out this day? It’s a beautiful day to show your love, a special day to show you care. Memories and moments are created on this day.

Valentine’s Day is very popular around the world especially in US and Europe. They celebrate it on a large scale and give it a lot of importance, sending love through gifts in a special way to show that they care.

Although we should grab every opportunity to tell our beloved that we love them, Valentines is one of those days where you can truly tell them your feelings or just declare your love for them! Happy Valentine’s Day in advance for those who are celebrating and if you are telling them your feelings for the first time, I’ll just wish you best of luck!

Through social media people interact with each other, talking about various things, giving their opinions, criticisms, complaints and mainly just taking out contentment or frustrations whatsoever.

I have concluded some Do’s and Don’ts of the social media. Let me know if you relate to them.

The Do’s

- Using it for businesses. While some people use it for business purposes and marketing their product, they also use it to promote themselves like actors, celebrities. A nice way to get more famous as well as interacting with your fans and followers.

- Helping others to achieve their goals by inspiring and motivating articles via blogs, newspapers and magazines. Informing and encouraging people to know what they want and how they will achieve it.

- Using it for education. YouTube, Wikipedia and WolframAlpha are websites from where you can learn and gather knowledge related to your field.

- Portraying the image of your country to the world. When people are going to interact with you through social websites, they will realize your attitude, personality and mindset. It will show them from where you belong, your background. You need to garner and give out positive vibrations.

- It serves best to increase social circles and making friends. Sometimes these friends can turn out to be with you for life and they will always help you in all cases.

The Don’ts

- Howling and taking out frustrations. Some people think Twitter/Facebook is their personal diary where they can write whatever they want. Acting like complete morons for all I know. Criticizing the system. It’s not an excuse. Ever. Just give out your positive feedback and do what you can. Always think before you speak.

- Using abusive words. Seriously. Not cool. It looks as if you don’t have friends in real. I know people say using these words brings more emphasis on the ‘anger’, brings more stress on their point but it looks real immature and needy. I might have done the same before but I try to focus on other things.

-Playing online games. Total time waster. Might as well do something in real rather than living a virtual life. Time is money, money is time. Time is precious, use it wisely.

- Being a reality star. They post photos, videos of themselves for publicity and pretend they never knew about it. They believe that there is no such thing as bad press. Be it positive or negative, they just want to stay in the news. Pull ridiculous stunts to gather interest from public. Headache please.

Ever wondered how you can do your tasks in lesser time and before the deadline? Not facing the fury of your boss and coming out successful? Here are the 10 Smart Tip for Brilliant Efficiency which will make your work easier, faster and improved.

1) Organize

When you are given tasks and you don’t know which one to give top priority. Stop. Make a list of all those tasks and rank them according to the deadline.

If you see yourself doing 3 tasks at once just prevent it from happening further. Make sure you do them one by one so there is less confusion and distraction.

2) Over Prepare

Over prepare may sound a little ‘over the top’ but it will definitely make your work less hectic. For example if you have a meeting with your boss, you should know what topic is going to be discussed, prepare your points on what you’re going to say, take your writing page/laptop in case you have to write down points said by the boss and be really attentive. Also if your boss asks you to do something you should always do extra so that you are considered in their good books but not spamming their inbox by reminding them again and again you exist.

3) Weekly List Of The Work Done

This will help you keep track of what you have done over the past week. It will also tell you if you are working hard enough or not. Encourage yourself to make this list so that you know what you are value adding to your job.

4) Discuss With Seniors

Always discuss with your senior colleagues on how you can do your job better. Ask them a lot of ideas for improving, brainstorm with them if you can and how they felt when they first came to the company. Learn their experiences and you will succeed. This way you will be saving a lot of time for yourself and others.

5) Avoid Distractions

Stay focused and concentrate on your work. Try to ignore every possible thing which will minimize your output towards your job. Be it a phone call from home or friend, outside noise, just don’t give attention at all. Since a personal phone call leaves a lasting impact and disturbs your thinking process. Personally what I do is put on my headphones and listen to my favorite songs while doing my work!

6) Always Welcome Positive Criticism

Some people come to your desk to waste your time but there are some who in the smallest of ways will give you a positive comment without even knowing it. Be attentive to what everyone says to you but do put a wall around you if you feel that you are being put down.

7) NEVER Think You Can’t Do It

Always think that you are competent enough because that’s why you were employed in the first place. If you have been given a task you feel is difficult, ask and share ideas with colleagues. Be confident and proficient.

Here are my tips! What are your tips for Brilliant Efficiency?

Dating in parks has been common since I can imagine. It got to that level where bushy trees were cut in some parks when there were random aunties screaming when they found a girl and a boy sitting and eating biscuits.  Like seriously? You can do that publicly as well, why hide?

It even stooped to that level where groups of girls when seeing a date made kissing noises. Yes we do not let a normal boy and girl chit chatting take a moment but make them embarrassed till they live.

Back to Khan, Maya Khan. She has been talked about, written about and gossiped about going to the extent where people were asking is she not happy with her own life that she had to ruin other people’s ongoing affairs?

Jumping up and down when running to chase a girl and a boy? There were two other women who were running like Kajol runs for filmy scenes. Very dramatic. What kind of an image would we be showcasing when our own women are running on national television chasing dates? I would understand if there was a sale on hip and upcoming fashion couture and women were going crazy but chasing dates? We need a tight slap on the face people.

The poor girl in Hijab was physically harassed by the women from the TV channel. She was forcefully stopped. Is this a behavior we need to tolerate? If you have a camera and mic you can not force anyone to give you answers regarding anything or anyone. If a 40 second ad can make us buy something than a 2 hour show can surely influence our younger generation. Media should be a source of inspiration rather than a tool to create panic.

Ek Baar Kaho by Ahmed Jahanzeb was a sweet memory but now it’s a nightmare. Eek. Run away.

Before I go on and on about the two sisters, I should brief that the drama has two girls where Aiman the older one is the wiser one, she doesn’t believe in smaller things but rather looks at the bigger picture. I think girls like her always have the other side which I haven’t seen as yet.

Saba Qamar

Why do I feel that girls who stand up for themselves are portrayed negative in our society?  Saman, the younger one, has been said to be ‘so evil’ by one of my friends. Why? What she wills she wants it. Being on the side of the road where I have always been taught to be an optimistic in every situation, I feel for girls like Saman. They have adapted such coarse unbreakable walls around themselves. The way she has used and ‘schemed’ to get what she wants has been very wrong but why do I feel that to survive in society you need to be more like Saman?

Faisal (Adnan Siddiqui) looks like a side character that has been given a lot of attention. I have been watching him since forever, I used to like his old shows but his acting in this one did not amaze me. Very mediocre. I respect how he has delivered whatever his character required but there is nothing special.

Maat also has Azar (Asad Malik). He is the rich guy which every girl dreams of. He spends on his girl, which is what a girl wants basically to be treated like a queen.

Hate it or like it, Maat has gained a lot of popularity. Being in a community where there is so much ongoing politics, I would like to see politics on TV too! This show will show you the two sides of human personality on extreme. Watch it, you will love it! It airs every Friday at 8pm. Don’t miss it!

I was so nervous I could hear my heart beating in my head, but I never thought of winning I just wanted to capture and remember each and every moment in my mind.

Wearing three inch heels with a pink dress and heavy clad earrings, I thought that’s formal enough but when I entered the hall I noticed people were too casual wearing jeans. I just ignored that fact and moved to enjoy!

Action begins!

The hostess of the night was Rabia Gharib who at every point kept the audience alive, asking the Sindhi folk band to play and keep the theme going which was ‘Colors of Pakistan: Celebrating the New Media Spaces’.

The first performance had children from the Garage School letting us know facts about Pakistan. The kids were delightful, they danced to different tunes which were bonded to different provinces of our country. The awards were announced, I just remembered Lahorenama, the Best Culture Blog and 24/7 Online TV, the Best Video Blog.  Major personalities were present including Imran Khan, Faisal Qureshi, Faisal Kapadia and others.

From left: Sana Saleem, Faisal kapadia (standing), Jehan Ara, Shoaib Taimur

I saw Faisal Kapadia (@faisalkapadia) and I couldn’t resist introducing myself, he is too engaging and for me he is an ideal to look up to.

The second performance was by the very entertaining Sami Shah. He talked about the affect of internet in our lives which was spot on and very true. I met very nice people who were bloggers who I also knew from Twitter. It was shocking to put a face on them because they were exactly the same.

Imran Khan

The whole event was perfect for me but the icing on cake was the special appearance of Imran Khan which left me in bewilderment. I was very excited mainly because he came to promote youth, he talked about the fact that how the youngsters were going to play a huge role in bringing change and how he needs our support. Cameras were going click click and as he was going he left everyone in admiration!

As the event ended, while people were talking and having dinner I walked towards a better, a different me who will keep this understanding that how far we have come, to a superior, recovered, greater then before Pakistan!

Yes, this serial is based on a novel and those of you who read it should know how it ends. For those who haven’t gone through the book well I’ll keep it a mystery as long as none of your friends spoiled it!

Humsafar has one of those ambitious forces working on it, bringing out the true talent and potential of the performers. I have watched the show very closely, watching repeats as well. My friends used to tell me to stop being a stalker!

Khirad (Mahira Khan) is shown as a sensitive girl but with a strong heart. I wish I could talk about her till the end, praising and admiring her! She is my absolute favorite. I remember I used to watch her as a VJ and completely HATE her! But when I saw her in Humsafar, I thought to myself what a transformation! From wardrobe change to her hair to her absolutely different makeup, she is just perfect and her beauty is striking!

The reason I wrote the title as “we are Humsafar-ing” is because I just can’t tolerate the pain Khirad is going through, she doesn’t deserve that. She needs to be happy. Asher (Fawad Khan), Asher Asher Asher, what should I say? Fawad Khan has portrayed the role of a jealous, naive and irritating husband surprisingly well but he should give Khirad a chance, keep his mind open. Girls have kept their statuses and tweeted “Fawad <3(heart)”. He is quite good looking and girls are going gaga over him which I think is quite normal. I’m hoping his role gets heroic and more positive!

Sara (Naveen Waqar), when I used to watch you as a VJ I used to love the fact that you were different and so carefree! I have to admit you look amazing in Humsafar, but I don’t want to see you do negative. You’re so pretty!

Atiqa Odho (mother of Asher) has performed without a doubt flawlessly. This is the first time I have seen her do this kind of role and she is truly taken out the essence of the whole character and performed impeccably.

The way the show unfolds and everyone is performing especially Sara and Khirad. They have literally brought tears to my eyes!

Like always I have been a fan of happy endings. Here is hoping that Humsafar has a blissful yet stylish ending with the hero and heroine living happily ever after BUT I always like a twist so fingers crossed!

Below are points which will highlight Pakistan in a positive way:

• This country is God gifted. It has unlimited minerals be it gas, coal and immeasurable oil that hasn’t even been excavated yet. People don’t realize how rich our country is. We have 10 kinds of marble. India only has 3 to which it does 10 arab dollars worth of exports. We have copper and gold reserves from Baluchistan and Waziristan to Chitral. Our reserves of gold and copper only are worth 260 arab dollars in Baluchistan. Waziristan has more than that. Our coal reserves in Thar have so much worth that it’s more than of Saudia Arabia and Iran combined. There is so much energy that we won’t be having problems of load shedding.

• We can export gas and precious stones such as rubies, emeralds found in Swat which are not available in the world. They are worth 50 arab dollars.We have lands which are ready to be sown. If we work on our agriculture, make it grow and invest in our farmers, we can sell wheat to the world. Our manpower is terrific.

• All Pakistanis go overseas and excel in every field. 70% population of Pakistan is under age 30. Our biggest asset and engine of growth are all young Pakistanis. 6 million of them are living overseas. Their annual income is 200 arab dollars. They are freshly educated. They are waiting to come here. Whenever we fix our system, end corruption, set our governance system they will bring in their dollars and investment. They will bring the country on top and create jobs. Whenever overseas Pakistanis find a good system, they reach so high. We have a hunger to reach success.

A professor from Bradford remarks:

“The students from Pakistan are dynamic. They work harder, and show their full potential compared to students over here in UK”

• There is no merit over here compared to overseas. There is so much pressure, blood being sucked out of us by the current situation. The problem is corruption. Ineligible people are running our country. There is worse kind of slavery and it is destroying us. Due to less power, this country’s potential cannot be fulfilled.
• If you tell the people you are world beaters and no one can compete with you they will live their life with more potential than expected. On the other hand, if you tell people you are not worth it, you are nothing then they will have no energy, who will they compete? Pakistan has talent, human resources. Even without system we have talents like Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan who were world champions for 10 years.

• In 1960s, high tech physics lab at Government College was made here and not made anywhere in Asia. In 1970s, we produced ball point pens which were not available anywhere in Asia at that time. We were the first Asians in the 1980s to produce silicone in Pakistan. We were so ahead of time.

• We invested 20 arab dollars in new technology and defense. We haven’t applied them in other areas. If we apply our technology with private sector just imagine the nuclear technology and rocket science we will have.

Pakistan is fighting and will reach its true worth slowly but steadily. Everyone is wishing for a brighter and better Pakistan. With God’s blessing we will be reaching our potential very soon.

My head is blank now, yeah! But I have decided to come out of this what do you call block thing and write up the Top 10 Survivor Tips For A Blank Mind.

10) Move to the left. Move to the right. Dance.

You’re thinking how can I dance when I have to write up a 600 words long report? That’s what I’m saying! When you’re in stress just let loose and try to relax. Move your feet, if you’re a girl do the “desi thumka” or if you are a guy do the ”bhangra” because that will help you have relief and feel free!

9) Take a walk

Feel like too much pressure coming from the bosses or teachers? Take a walk around and let your mind settle down, let your thoughts wander freely. Then return and start with a fresh mind.

8 ) Whine

You think that whining is a job for girls but hear me out. When you have too much bottled up inside, you need to vent. How do you do that? Grab your sibling/friend or ask your parents nicely that “I want to talk and only I will talk so just listen”. Pour out everything you feel is making you moody and uncomfortable! You will feel better.

7) Have an Apple.

I would prefer 4S! Jokes aside, an apple will jog up your mind, make you feel charged. Also the idea of fruit salad consisting fruits and veggies is very tempting so I will also recommend it.

6) Go out with your enemies.

Yes that might have freaked some people out but what I mean is there are some people you just can’t stand. Learn to like them and you will start appreciating the finer things in life. You will get a different perspective for others actually for everything.

5) Stare at the paper. Look right.

Distract yourself when you think you just can’t think of anything. Start imagining. Assume anything. Feel light. Start writing or start your task with the most random thoughts, then slowly they will become focused.

4) Free Writing

Everyone knows what that is. It is taught to you in your first lecture on a simple level English course. Choose a topic and write whatsoever on it. Then go through the piece and highlight what is relevant.

3) Facebook? No! Twitter all the way.

Yes social websites are very addictive but you should know when to draw the line. Assign yourself a specific time period, stick to it. Should be enough for you and then back to work.

2) Deadlines

Give yourself a deadline. For example this is my time for break. Make a task list or a time table some might say just like in school. Have fun in your break (follow the above Tips if you want) and then track the deadline. Did you meet up with it or was it missed? Makes small notes where possible so that you remember every little detail.

1) Pray

Pray. A small word with so many meanings. What I mean by pray is make a wish. Look out for God and pray. He will listen to you and do what is best for you. He is one of the best sources to get what you want and with his blessings you will be a person who is ever thankful.