Thoughts

Thoughts running around my head needing to come out. I try to let them out, but I always manage to say what I want to say the wrong way, at least here, it's better.
I need to vent out. So if this comes across as random or pointless, bear with me, it's been building up for a while now, and it's time to let it out.

12th grade isn't the jolliest experience one goes through. I truly tried to make this year the best one (and am still trying) but I don't think it'll be as awesome as people say it should be. I've probably had more drama happening this year more than any other, and I'm not trying to be mysterious or anything but I'm trying to let it go.
Studying does suck one's soul out, I mean let's face it I am a fairly boring person, if you don't like books, then I'll probably try talking about movies, if not I'll say stuff you probably won't relate to. I don't know if I'm being too harsh on myself, but it's true. I've noticed it while talking to girls at school, if they're my good friends then ok we can talk about anything, but if not then no. I don't mind that much really. Hmm, see? I just did that. Blah! Let's move on...

So the 'whatever-they're-called-kind-of-stupid-10-marks-exams' are coming soon. The whole thing is just stupid, it makes me want to go like 'Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah' and bang my head on a wall. They're in about a month, don't know exactly when and the time table isn't out, and there's a possibility of it being surprising exams, like without a timetable, so go figure.
I don't want to dwell on that much, but it's just all so frustrating. And studying is....! Well, you study and study and then do like me last Wed. mess up a short Math quiz. I was so depressed after that, I still am a bit, and what makes it worse is that I've had enough time this weekend to ponder over the mistake and drown in misery (not lit. but said for a dramatic effect), the teacher will probably make it worse this Sat. but I won't let her get to me, I just hate it though when people lecture you things you already figured out for yourself.
It's just that sometimes you think no matter how much you study it won't be enough, or worse that you think you're not doing your best and then getting depressed by the feeling that you're not doing your best. It's just hard. There! And I can't wake up at 5! I JUST CAN'T.

Gosh, *looks at the post* that's probably the darkest post I've ever written but hey, that's to remember this time of my life. I'm not as depressed as I sound though, but this is needed to just vent.

But no matter what, I'm keeping the good spirit, and inshallah it'll be ok. :)

Hello World*

It's been ages since I posted some blabberings here so I thought I'd do it tonight. I can't complain much, I've been reading good stuff lately. Only now I'm reading something very light for John Grisham, Bleachers. Too many books waiting to be read!!

Anyhow, I thought it's be nice to talk about what I like and what I don't, over the previous posts I've definitely talked about them, but it's been a while, and my readers don't mind, now do you?!
So I like: books, writing for English class, hanging out with friends at the school yard, bright colors, good Arabic literature, noodles, post-it, Labello, Josh Groban, Harry Potter, going green, activism, my online friends, optimism, high heels!, funny ads, learning languages, Istanbul, singing out loud,.

I don't like: waking up feeling sleep-deprived, sound of chewing, sports, really hot weather, people with an air, insects, acne, coffee, not being able to help, being upset for no reason, not being heard, not knowing what to say (doesn't happen that often, since I'm talkative but it's annoying when it does happen), being misunderstood, strong smells.

Post courtesy: The Sepia Existence - Plagiarists!

Post title: Come Home - One Republic "Hello world, hope you're listening, forgive me if I'm young, for speaking out of turn...." <3

My Name is Red

I started reading My Name is Red with hardly any expectations, I was filled with excitement to be reading my first book about the Ottoman era, and the first time reading for a Turkish author though, and I was not disappointed. The author is brilliant! I don't know what to think of it, I'm not sure if I understand what the book was trying to say completely, but such a book must be read I believe. I can't really talk about it, I don't know why, it's hard to describe it to my sister even, and that doesn't happen to me that often. You just have to read it to know, even if you don't like it you won't be left disappointed.


Here's a quote I loved:
"Nevertheless, I must confess that it gave me a certain pleasure to behave as if I were afraid of them. An artist's skill depends on carefully attending to the beauty of the present moment, taking everything down to the minutest detail seriously, while at the same time, stepping back from the world, which takes itself too seriously, and as if looking into a mirror allowing for the distance and eloquence of a jest."
Page 368

My Name is Red
Orhan Pamuk
Vintage

Long Walk to Freedom

This is a really inspiring read. It makes you realize the hardships Nelson Mandela went through in his life to achieve what he's achieved in his life. It makes you truly respect him, and be inspired by what he did.

I found it amazing how he managed to put some of what he went through in words. All of his years fighting for the ANC, going underground and getting prisoned. How all of these happenings shaped the man who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. It's a Must-Read for all of those trying to make the world a better place.
I loved how it somehow makes you think of what matters in life.
I highly recommend it.

Here are a few quotes:
"There was no particular day on which I said, From henceforth I will devote myself to the liberation of my people; instead, I simply found myself doing so, and could not do otherwise."
Page - 129 (This is my favourite. Often while someone talks about an experience he went through, he'd say from that day on, or from that moment on I knew I was going to be.. or something similar, however in life that doesn't happen to most of us, we simply finding ourselves doing it without knowing when did it start. That's why I simply love it!)

"It was a clear night and somehow even the stars looked even more welcoming here than from elsewhere on the continent."
Page - 426

"Man's goodness is a flame that can be hidden, but never extinguished."
Page 856

Time

I need time off all of this. This is not a complaint, I simply need sometime to reflect, and to ponder over things. I lack this lately. School is busy as usual, but it's from the first few days that we all noticed how super hectic this year is going to be. I have come to terms with it since it's my last year. However, I lack the time to read, which has been a bit disheartening since it's my let-out. I also need time to simply sit, do nothing, ponder over a thousand things without the guilt that this time should be spent studying.

*Just like posting this makes me feel guilty I'm online while I should have something to do, so I'm off to do something for school.*

Happy Thoughts, Happy Thoughts: It's only for about 10 more months. :D

Waltz the Night Away*

So I've had quite a nice night today, which is awesome really. I didn't think I'd be in such a care-free mood a few days away from school. It's been listening to Rotana, which got some really nice old songs I used to listen to, and it's been great. And the chocolate I had, along with the laban! It's been great.
However, what made it awesome was reading the book my friend gave me. It's a nice break from the long classic stuff I've been reading lately, I just started last night and got to fairly more than half way through it, but it's short and very interesting.
Anyways, I was watching video clips, or at least that was what the channel was putting, I put it for the music, and as I saw some classy songs and not so classy ones, I realized that a video clip doesn't need girls dancing on the beach or something so tacky, you could definitely have a classy video clip that actually people liked. Here's an example of a video that I love of a song that is one of my all time favs:



Hm had to share that. So I've had a nice night, and this was just what I needed to get my spirits up about school and the whole thing. Hope everyone is having great days, truly!
Much love

* No, the title isn't taken from a song or a book, I just thought of it. Not very original, but hey!

Sherlock Holmes: The Complete Novels and Stories - Volume I

I just finished this book last night, I managed to finish it before school started so that's great.
It was my first time reading Sherlock Holmes, and it was a lot since this book has a lot of stories, but it was really entertaining and interesting. I'm glad I finally have read Sherlock Holmes, and I'd recommend you to read this book, it's a great edition and how they've put together all these stories. I might wanna suggest that you take it slow, like read it slower than I did. Maybe when you get to the stories, start another book or something.
However, I don't regret reading it all together. I think Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is brilliant, the character of Holmes couldn't have been more perfect, and I simple looove Dr. Watson!
Will be waiting to read Volume II of it, but I can definitely wait.

Studying

Doodles while doing Physics problems. My doodles suck really, but hey! They get me through boring times. :D


I love this one, doing 3araooth for Arabic, how neat it all looks. It's not the case always, it's usually a big mess while I practice anything for school, but this one is simply too neat.

PS: photos taken today, but I've done these last year when I was studying for exams.

Ramadan Shows and Ads

So it's Eid. And although it hasn't been much, it is nice!
Ramadan is over, and so are the million tv shows they did for it this year, but hey! They're probably starting to make more for next Ramadan. The tv shows are quite good, but it's a shame they're only showed during Ramadan (yes, there are re-runs afterwards, but it goes on for the rest of the year until next Ramadan, in that time between them there's nothing new).
It's like they made Ramadan become about what tv shows and such, it's really not good.

I didn't watch any tv show regularly this Ramadan, but I saw episodes of a few of them. They were good. I just need to vent on 2 facts they don't notice, (they = the makers of the tv shows).
1. A show can be successful without having the lead character a woman who's had to struggle all her life, and she's an angel at heart, but the whole world seems to be against her. Seriously! You can get more creative than that.
2. Endings don't have to be either so devastatingly sad, or to happy endings with everyone either getting married, finding the love of their lives or making up with the one they love. Rise above such cliches, I don't mind happy endings, in fact I love that. I just need them to be believable!! It's not too much to ask, is it?!

Anyhow, I simply need to share these ads as they're UNBELIEVABLE hilarious.






Gotta love Ahmed Mekky. Those were my fav Ramadan ads!!!! :D
Hope everyone had an awesome Eid, or is enjoying their time! Love

Interacting with Books

I have to wake up early tomorrow, but I just need to post about this or else I'd forget.

While reading, you find yourselves sometimes so interested in the book you're reading that you hardly notice what's happening around you, or what people are saying and such. I interact with what I read, I laugh out loud, giggle and show my emotions while reading. That's not what I wanna say though...

I was just reading Sherlock Holmes: The Complete Novels and Stories, and I came upon this line just now:
"Thank you," said Holmes, shutting his eyes; "pray go on." Page 707

I also tried to imitate what Holmes did, I shut my eyes and imagined myself saying "pray go on." This happens quite often with me while reading. Shrugging my shoulders, covering my mouth with my hand in shock, raising an eyebrow, nodding, shaking my head, etc. It's a curious thing when you catch yourself in the act. Trying to do what one of the characters did, or how they reacted. I just love it! I think it's quite fun to do so...

I'll continue reading, hope everyone's doing great!!