Maria's Chronicles

Picture Diary

2012-02-13T03:47:00.000+04:00

I don't have much work to do but I have a lot in mind. I can't seem to sit and organize the mess going in my brain. I know I want to start studying and that I want to clean the place, thats on the top of my list. Lost in my own world, thats for sure.

Picture diary? Might help me tick off that "take more pictures" out of my new year's resolution. Pictures from my Instagram:

A pair of earphones and headphones. Went for bright colours as usual

And still in search for the perfect hair products. My hair is still falling don't know what to do anymore.

One of my favorite nail polish colours. A very calm pink

This was on my wishlist. I decided to get it to keep my iPad warm.

Currently reading. I'm not reading much of it though. Should catch up..

Last words?
I hate mondays!

On My Wishlist: iPad Case

2012-02-02T16:26:00.001+04:00

I'm tired of having silicon covers on my iPad it adds weight and the colours start to fade. So in my hunt of iPad cases that I never buy I came across this Ted Baker Quail case in yellow. Elegant yet funky. LOVE the TB initials.

Longing for a break

2012-02-01T16:32:00.000+04:00

My thoughts of a perfect break right now would be in a really cold place with snow (it has to be snowing or I wont get the "ultimate holiday/break experience"). I will not be spending my days outside but instead I'll be in a cozy bed with heaters opened and the place should be really warm, it should also have a fire place. I'll be wearing the comfiest clothes I could find and I should have an endless supply of hot drinks (preferably something with cinnamon in it). I will also need a pair of headphones that wont hurt my ears and I will be spending my time listening to music or watching TV shows and movies. It would be great if this place is at the top of a mountain and there shouldn't be any network. It would be perfect if I just ran away and not tell anyone where I'm heading. The only company I want is my cat and the only voices I want to hear are those coming from my headphones...

Inside My Bag

2012-01-26T12:59:00.001+04:00

I have always enjoyed looking at "inside my bag" pictures on tumblr and tried to take one. Fail! It looks weird but anyways here it is:

What I hate about new places

2012-01-23T14:24:00.000+04:00

You know what I hate about going to new places? The fact that I end up going to a cab to be told the place is not worth a ride and when I still want to take the cab I end up looked at in a way that hints I'm a typical Arab that doesn't want to walk and I have lots of money and all that.

Anyways, I finished exams on the 19th and my sister arrived from Oman on the 20th. We spent friday in Manchester doing a bit of shopping and lots of eating. Apparently while we were enjoying our nachos in Barburrito in Trafford Centre, 2 actors from the Hollyoaks were there. We didn't notice them because 1) we don't watch Hollyoaks, and 2) because we were to busy catching up. We knew nothing about it until a waitress came and told us if we saw the celebrities and how she took pictures with them. Oh well, we dined in the same place with celebrities we have no idea how they look like :p

On saturday, we decided to have afternoon tea in Harrogate as I heard A LOT of good reviews about Betty's. I like to think of it as the british version of Laduree. The sandwiches were great and so were the cake and tart. We stayed in the tea room which was really good. Definitely giving it another visit since its almost 30 minutes away from Leeds. Harrogate is an amazing place, I could totally imagine myself living somewhere like that.

Stole the picture from my sister's instagram :p

Starting my 2nd semester today. Hope it goes by smoothly

Be nice, make a change

2012-01-15T23:14:00.000+04:00

While watching this video the first thing that came to mind was "Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a battle."

3 more exams and I'm done

Exams Coming Up

2012-01-09T23:46:00.002+04:00

I have no idea why I haven't downloaded the Blogger app in my iPad but anyways it's never too late.

Here I am testing the app instead of revising for tomorrow's exam. The iPad is such a distraction (there you go, something to blame if I don't do well).

I downloaded a mood reader app called FingerScan and this is what it had to say :|

Good luck to those who have exams xx

إذا شفتني

2012-01-06T17:14:00.000+04:00

I wished if this video had English subtitles for those who don't understand Arabic. The video's title had ENG SUB on it however the subtitles are in Arabic :\

A very informative video where blind kids talk about how they want to be treated. They mention important things like not raising your voice while talking to them because they're blind not deaf. They also explain how they want to be informed if the furniture has been moved around at home or school because they got used to the arrangements.

Enjoy watching (:

Oman?

2012-01-03T20:32:00.001+04:00

Here in the UK it happens A LOT that I get asked where I'm from, I tell them I'm from Oman but they don't know where that is. So the easiest way to answer by telling them its next to Dubai or Saudi or Qatar since most people happen to know where those places are (it gets harder when they don't). Anyways, I don't blame people for not knowing where Oman is since we haven't contributed much to the world and haven't been in the news much UNTIL... 2011!

In 2011, a few things happened that helped Oman get into the international news. Here are 2 things:

One of the people I follow on twitter retweeted what another person said which I found very interesting

To those who might know Oman but not Al-Habsi: Ali Al Habsi is our national football/soccer team's goal keeper and he currently plays for Wigan. He's been so good that he was trending in Twitter.

Ali Al Habsi

Another thing we got know about is the newly opened Royal Opera House (ROH). I haven't got the chance to visit it as it opened while I was here and I haven't gone back home for the holiday. It has been built as requested by the Sultan as he's a big fan of operas. I'm not the perfect person to talk about such stuff but many Omani based bloggers have been talking about it much better than I do. In December, the ROH presented the Swan Lake and I have sadly missed it.

To those who have no idea what I'm talking about. Oman is in the middle east bordering Saudi Arabia, UAE and Yemen.

I could've done better but I have to go back to studying

Its only me.. Again

2012-01-02T20:48:00.000+04:00

Since I haven't gone back to Oman for the Christmas break, mom decided to come here for 10 days. Yes, she left today. The place is quiet again but I like quiet. I'll miss the dishes she prepares everyday and her 7 am cleaning sessions.

When she left I decided to go out and do a bit of shopping. I haven't found much stuff that caught my attention but I guess that's good, I kinda saved money. Here are some of the stuff I got today:

I'm thinking of doing some proper shopping after my exams which are starting in 8 days
I better go study

xx

Good Afternoon 2012

2012-01-01T16:15:00.000+04:00

Wow, 2012 is here.
Happy new year to all of you out there. To those who prefer to live in LaLa land, may this year be a better one filled with rainbows, unicorns and lots of candies. And to those realistic ones out there, may this year be filled with success and happiness. Oh and to those that really believed 2012 was the end of the world, you could either be grateful you're still alive and enjoy it or spend the next 364 days waiting for it to end. Which ever way you prefer to live, enjoy the year and make the most out of it.

A few days ago I took my time to write down my new years resolution. This year I decided to make a list because I think 2011 was a total waste of time and I didn't do anything productive whatsoever :\
So here is my list of 20 things to do in 2012:

Take more pictures
Read more books
Laugh more
Pamper myself more
Be more social
Update my blog regularly
Have a healthier diet
Explore the UK
Cook more
Watch more movies
Go to umra
Start learning a language
Improve my grades
Volunteer
Drive more
Learn how to be patient
Drink more water
Try to finish some of my makeup/perfumes
Plan a party/gathering
Be a better muslim

Doesn't seem like a hard list to achieve by the end of the year but lets see how that will end.

Bad habits die hard, but I have a few that I'm planning to stop if I can

Sleeping with my lenses (I know, I'm not supposed to keep them for more than 8 hours but ... I have nothing to say, I'm just lazy)
Sleeping with my makeup

I'm sure there are more bad habits but I can't think of any right now other than these 2.

So what are your new year resolutions and some bad habits you want to break?

Dear 2011,

2011-12-28T01:25:00.000+04:00

Its almost time for you to leave. I don't think you have a lot to pack with you, nothing much happened since you started. Another unproductive year but I guess that's not your problem. Its yet another year where I'm not sure what to do. The same unproductive routine. Old faces and new faces. Nothing else.

I'm not sure how to change this lifestyle anymore.

Goodbye for now, see you in my memories.

K for Kiss Ass

2011-12-13T23:01:00.000+04:00

The worst type of people I ever came across are the kiss ass type. I can't stand them and they get on my nerves, and I'm guessing its the same with all people. The thing is do kiss ass-ers get annoyed from other kiss ass-ers? That would be interesting to know :)

I've been wanting to use my wooden mannequin for at least one shot in my project and I decided to use it today. I came with several ideas for "kiss ass" but its hard to make these mannequins stand so settled with this one.

J for Jolly

2011-11-23T23:00:00.000+04:00

Its the season to be jolly falalalalalalalalaaaaa.. I just LOVE Leeds at this time of the year. All the lights, people shopping, kids getting excited about Santa. You could feel the joy in the air. Everybody seems excited and waiting for something. I miss the feeling I used to get during Eid as a child, its not the same anymore.

What better way to describe christmas other than with santa and candy canes. I love how Starbucks is all red and green with candy canes and Christmas tree ornaments here and there.. The lighting is bad in my flat as I always complain and the edit was an instant one from Instagram. Its not that bad I guess. What do you think?

To those who celebrate Christmas: an early Merry Christmas I hope you enjoy it with friends and family

To those who don't: well enjoy the lights and music ^_^

I for Inspiration

2011-11-20T00:55:00.001+04:00

Hello person reading this, I'm back with a picture. I have started this project back in June, its November now and I'm still not even half way, lazy much? :\ 9/26, still a long way to go. I'm starting to get bored of the project because of the lack of inspiration and creative ideas. I don't know what/who to blame this on.. Should definitely speed things up, I want to do something new :\

This shot was taken pretty quickly and flash has been used *gulp*.. Right now, I really don't care how good or bad the picture is because "I need inspiration" goes perfectly with the picture

Lets hope some inspiration kicks in before I decide to quit x_x

H for Heat

2011-11-10T23:11:00.000+04:00

Winter has definitely started whether we're willing to admit it or not. The clock is back an hour, it gets dark before you even realize you're awake, its gloomy and cold. Christmas lights are on which means the holidays are close by. Maybe its time to write a letter to Santa :P

Although I sound like I hate winter, its not that bad once it snows coz then I feel like I'm inside the magical world of snow globes and someone is shaking it.

For the letter H I decided to go for an abstract picture this time. Incase you didn't figure it out, thats my heater. Its just a quick snap and a bit of editing but I'm happy with it. I feel creative for getting this idea and not going for something expected, I didn't want to go for things like "happy" or "help" since its usually what first comes in mind.

Happy winter : )

G for Good Morning

2011-11-09T22:52:00.001+04:00

I maybe should've posted this in the morning. Ah who cares :p

Well, at least 3 days a week I have to wake up at 8 am. I'm a morning person, yes, but not if I don't want to actually wake up. I always have a hard time dragging myself from bed on modays, wednesdays and fridays. I end up snoozing my alarm and some times over sleeping. I absolutely hate the number 8 just because its too early for me. And may I add 9 am classes are just inhuman, neither lecturers nor students enjoy it!!!!

Anyways my comments on the photo: the shadows are irritating me! I have no idea how to avoid shadows while taking photos. I was told to add another light source but sadly I only have one, so yeah I ended up with this. The editing is a disaster but thats the best I can do. Overall, meh.

I believe in Unicorns

2011-11-02T18:03:00.002+04:00

Yes I'm 19 years old and yes I believe in unicrons

Change your words!

2011-10-28T17:26:00.000+04:00

I came across this really meaningful video today. Take a few minutes to watch it ( :

F for Fall

2011-10-18T02:28:00.000+04:00

Its the time of the year where the grass looks greener because of the rain and the leaves have this copper color that I love. Although spring is my favorite season, there is something about fall (autumn) that I just love. Maybe because I get to wear my rain boots? :P

What I had in mind was a collage with more pictures, but I should get used to this expecting thing and stick to the reality I'm living in :\

E for Elegant

2011-10-16T23:34:00.000+04:00

It took me more than its supposed to take to post the E, but anyways here it is. E for elegant. That's how I see elegance; pearl necklace, red lipstick and a black dress.. Maybe white gloves, too. Its a very simple shot but I guess elegance is all about simplicity so it goes with it. A friend of mine helped with the editing using the camera raw options on CS5. Pretty cool thing :D

21st Century Kids

2011-09-26T21:44:00.001+04:00

I came across an interesting article today by Mail Online (an iPad app that has been one of the most used since I got mine). You can find the article here

For those of you who are not bothered to read the article it basically talks about how parents are mad about stores like Accessorize and Next selling high heels for little kids as they are "sexualizing" kids that way. It also mentions how kids are supposed to act their age and not grow up too soon and things like that.

I'm not sure how I feel about little girls as young as 3 year olds in heels just like how I'm not really sure how I feel about kids beauty pageants. In a way I don't mind them, its just similar to little girls playing with make up but in the same time I hate it when kids don't act their age. I don't mind kids dressing up once in a while. Something THEY choose to wear and NOT forced to wear by their parents. I noticed how some parents in Beauty Pageants take it way too seriously. I can't find the article but I read once about a mother who actually made her daughter wear a padded underwear and bra to give the elusion of that perfect body :\

I love to see kids well dressed and I love it more if I found out that they have chosen the clothes themselves and not their parents telling them what to wear. I have 6 year old cousin that I really love how she dresses. Its true that her mom buys her clothes for her but the kid actually takes the time to match her clothes and chooses what to do with her hair.

I've been looking at pictures of celebrities' kids and I can't help but find Suri Cruise to be absolutely ADORABLE!

Yeah, I still don't know how I feel about this.
What about you? With or against?

The Alphabet Tag

2011-09-26T20:42:00.000+04:00

Hey, I'm back with another tag, this time by Rummy.

A
– Available: does it make a difference?
– Age: 19
– Animals: Persian kitty called Meow

B
– Beer: Nop
– Best friends: Ahmad (HI AHMAD) & Fatma
– Body Part on opposite sex: Eyes
– Best feeling in the world: For now, waking up and seeing the whole place white from the snow.
– Best weather: Spring
– Been in Love: Don't think so (unless loving my parents then yeah)
– Been on stage: Yes
– Believe in Magic: Yes
– Believe in Santa: Sometimes
– Brand: For now, LV. I watched a documentary about brands and liked the way they manage the brand

C
– Candy: Hell yeah
– Color: White, for now
– Chocolate/Vanilla: depends in which form
- Chinese/Indian/Italian: Indian
- Cake or pie: Cake
– Cheese: Feta :D

D
– Day or Night: Day
– Dancing in the rain: Yes

E
– Eyes: Brown
– Ever failed a class: Nop
– Enemies: I'm not sure.
– Exercise: Does walking to uni count?

F
– First thoughts waking up: Without an alarm; what time is it? With an alarm; how many more minutes could I stay on bed?
– Food: Time killer

G
– Greatest Fear: Failing
– Get along with your parents: Yup

H
– Hair Color: Brown
– Happy: Yes el7amdillah
– Holiday: still waiting for the perfect one

I
– Ice Cream: For now, Cotton Candy from Baskin Robins

J
– Jewelry: the shinier the better ;)
– Job: want to try one

K
– Kids: 2 would be good for me a maximum of 4
– Kickboxing or karate: neither
– Keep a journal: yeah, a fail though

L
– Love: no idea
– Laughed so hard you cried: definetly

M
- Milk flavor: chocolate
– Movies: Chick flicks and Horror/thriller
– Motion sickness: used to

N
– Number: could be 3

O
– One wish: be good at something

P
– Perfect Pizza: not a fan
– Pepsi/Coke: can't tell the difference
– Perfume/Cologne: perfume

Q
– Quail: don't know what that is and I'm not bothered to google it

R
– Reason to cry: feel better or in some cases get what I want
– Reality T.V: not a fan
– Radio Station: I don't listen to the radio much

S
– Song: Stay the night - James Blunt
– Shoe size: 39-40
– Salad Dressing: Lemon, salt and red pepper :$
– Skinny dip: No
– Strawberries/Blueberries: Strawberries
– Sport: Shooting
- Sex: o.O

T
– Tattoos: If I could, my name on the back of my neck
– Thunderstorms: scary

U
– Unpredictable: UK's weather

V
– Vacation spot(s): Somewhere quiet

W
– Weakness: not sure
– Who makes you laugh the most: my uncles
– Worst Weather: UK's Autumn

X
– X-Rays: had one

Y
-Year it is now: 2011
-Yellow: smiley face

Z
– Zoo animal: Monkey/Chimpanzee

7 facts

2011-09-23T01:23:00.002+04:00

This took me forever to start.. Saudi Girl has tagged me to write 7 facts about myself. Here is my super duper late attempt

1) I was one of those kids that used to enjoy going to hospitals. I would actually try my best to end up sick in a way that mom has to take me to the hospital. You might be surprised but I used to like going there for two reasons: a) they used to sell my favorite chips there (Chips Mazoon), I recently found out that they used to sell that chips EVERYWHERE except the little shop next to our house. b) they had the most amazing playing area in the hospital. Yes so chips mazoon + the playing area = not so hospital-ish B-)

2) I broke my toe when I was 9 while playing on the swings at my cousins' place. It took my mom a week to realize my toe is broken. My leg was casted up to my knees and it didn't stop me from playing football and running around. That of course worsened my broken toe but who cares, life is too short :p

3) I recently decided that I absolutely HATE cupcakes. I admit they look really good but the taste is just.. blekh. I prefer macaroons. Yummy, cute, colorful macaroons :D

4) I have such a limited vocabulary for a 19 year old. Why should I make my life harder and try to sound smart with super long words. I'm just going to make my life and others much easier with my easy (and understandable by all ages) vocabulary.

5) My worst fear is failing. I did IB and went through a foundation year after it for not meeting the university requirement hence I failed (in my head I failed in real life I didn't). I'm so bothered, I can't stop complaining about it.

6) The only thing I'm good at is complaining about how I'm not good at anything. Seriously, sad life!

7) I'm selfish. I love myself. I would put myself in front of everything else. I'm the most important person in my life and I always come first!

P.S: I tag whoever is bored and has nothing to do

Induction Week: Day 1 (19/9/2011)

2011-09-20T16:08:00.001+04:00

One word to describe the day: Depressing!

Definition of depressing according to my MacBook's dictionary: Depress [verb]: make someone (i.e. Me, Maria) feel utterly dispirited or dejected!

Yes, it was that bad. I sat there like a sore thumb being the only arab & muslim. I'm seriously not trying to be racist but they were all white! Just to let you know, I have realized that I suck at making friends and I'm not social after all (like people used to tell me back home). Just because my sister is not someone that likes to socialize doesn't make me a social person because I go out with mom -.-

Oh how much I hoped there was at least one other arab in my course or a muslim at least :\

I'll stop complaining and get ready for today's 'Getting to know' event. According to the paper: "a social event and a chance to meet other students on your course."Yeah, let's hope today is better than yesterday or you'll have to help me choose a word to better describe my day other than "depressing".

Something fun to read

2011-09-11T13:13:00.000+04:00

I bet you would think something along the lines of "so true" while reading some of these.. Enjoy

LANVIN's F/W 2011/2012 AD Campaign

2011-09-03T22:10:00.000+04:00

Creativity is an important key to success.. I was going through one of the blogs I follow and came across this LANVIN ad. Check it out

Wish upon an airplane

2011-08-29T17:51:00.002+04:00

Let's pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars and let me tell you my my wish list.. It's ok for a girl to wish, right? I think it's actually healthy!

Burberry trench coat (£???)

Tiffany heart key pendant (£160)

Marc Jacob's skinny logo bangle (£60)

Chanel classic flap (£2250)

I wish...

My first experience with...

2011-08-04T21:37:00.000+04:00

... Accidents.

Yes, last night my brother ditched me to go with our cousin. Before leaving the car he reminded more than once to "drive safely". 5 minutes after that I was in a simple little car accident. Its not even a big deal a guy touched my car from the back and it was my mistake. Changed to the inner lane while turning. So anyways I called my brother to come back for me and they talked to the guy and everything. I was too scared to drive back home so I went to my cousins' place and slept over. I'm still scared and not planning to drive again anytime soon although as I mentioned it wasn't that big, our cars literally just touched, but I can be a scaredy cat xD

From this experience I must say I now know the different types of friends:

When in need there are 4 types of friends:

Those you don't bother telling
Those you tell and just say "omg salamat"
Those you tell and they talk to you until you calm down
And finally those who reply with "where are you? Ajeesh (should I come)?"

:')

Drive safely all

oh and Ramadhan Kareem x

D for Dad

2011-07-23T17:35:00.000+04:00

You see this man in the picture? Thats my dad. A man that taught me a lot in 19 years. Words are never good enough to describe him. Wise and knowledgeable, known but not famous and most importantly loved by everyone I met. I always get the "you're lucky you have him as a father" and deep down I feel like saying "you have no idea how lucky I am".

This wasn't a planned picture for the letter D. In fact it was a random shot I took of dad quickly yesterday as he doesn't like his photographs to be taken. Going through yesterdays pictures, I'm surprised I haven't thought of D for Dad right from the beginning.

God bless you dad

One of those days..

2011-07-12T23:23:00.000+04:00

Today is one of those random days that I get to sit with a few members of the family in our pantry discussing a topic after another. It started off with me and my uncle having dinner at the pantry discussing about Oman's objectives, education programs and other topics. I'm not a smart person neither am I with an adequate amount of knowledge. I only know what I studied and even that is not a lot. I could barely have an opinion on something and when I do its usually what I liked when someone else mentioned it. I'm jealous of those people my age or younger who can say their point of view because they know a lot. I do read but I always feel like I'm not just there.. I'm the type that always wants to make a change but I don't know where to start. I want to create something new, come up with something that will help the country but again I don't know how or where to start from.

We discussed something interesting in the pantry today. What is Oman's objective? What are we trying to show the world? Oman just like other GCC countries focuses on tourism, petrol and natural gas. We could say that Oman isn't as rich with the petrol because as I understood Oman's petrol is harder to extract compared to KSA for example which makes us produce less. But what about tourism? Why is the UAE better for example? Oman has its tourism at its peak during the summer with Khareef Salalah and also maybe during January/February with Muscat Festival. I'm sure Oman can do more but what are we lacking? Media attention? Or maybe Oman is doing just well and I keep comparing it with other GCC countries? Or maybe like always my opinion is just out of place and I have no idea what I'm talking about

Other than my random "one of those days" in the pantry, I got a kitty a few days ago and called her Meow. I am stuck with letter D and still haven't decided when to leave the house to snap a shot.

C is for Crown

2011-07-05T23:51:00.001+04:00

I'm fascinated by the world of elites and aristocrats. The way they dress and live. The elegant and majestic looks and let me be honest the money, too O:)

This is not my best attempt in taking a shot. I am not pleased with the outcome and I could have fixed a few things. The lighting is just off and the picture is a bit blurry. Left my more stable tripod in Leeds and I"m home with my mini one that barely stands still. Yet I think I like the idea and angle taken (that's what someone would say when they can't find anything to praise :P)

B is for Blue

2011-06-30T01:25:00.000+04:00

I had a few other ideas for B but non of them worked out. Wanted to use balloons, use my younger cousin as a model and have the photoshoot done at the beach but one word describes all of that, FAIL! So I finally decided to go with something blue and this is what I came up with. I'm pleased with the outcome though I'm sure there is something that could be fixed in it, its just that I can't point it out.

A is for Art

2011-06-26T21:40:00.001+04:00

After several attempts of capturing a photo related to "art", I finally settled on this one. I have used makeup brushes to portray the idea that art comes in many forms including the application of makeup. Not really, I couldn't find paint brushes in our household and the only ones I found were the many makeup brushes my sister and I own. One of my artistic friends was offended for my use of makeup brushes under the name of art, she'll get over it though :P

The A-Z Project

2011-06-26T01:09:00.001+04:00

I'm back in Oman for the summer holiday. I'm free for the coming 3 months and have been thinking of things I should do instead of the usual eating and sleeping. So I thought of finally making proper use of my camera and do this A-Z project. Basically, choose a word for each letter and snap a shot of something related to it. I started today with the letter A I just have to edit it a bit due to the weird lighting in our house and my useless photography skills lol. Lets hope I improve by the end of this "project".

Oh and I've been literally addicted to Tumblr. It started back when I was in Leeds and surprisingly I didn't get over it yet. What's boring though is that I just re-blog things rather than posting my own shots BUT I'm actually enjoying it xD
If you're free and have nothing to do you could check it out:

http://maroosh.tumblr.com/

Bye for now

Maria x

Imperfections

2011-05-23T16:43:00.000+04:00

I’m constantly asked (now that the semester is coming to an end) when I’ll be going back home for the summer holiday and my answer is “not sure”. For some reason, people expect me to go back home as soon as I’m done with exams. They also expect me to be homesick 24/7 during my stay in the UK. As shocking as it may sound to them (and to you maybe) I only get the feeling of being homesick when I get one of those nightmares that a beloved person passes away, usually it’s dad, and that lasts for less than 24 hours. I wont lie, I do miss them but not to the point where I’d cry whenever I talk to them or something of that sort. Girls in our family aren’t usually allowed to study abroad and given the chance to do so makes me appreciate staying here even more.

No body is perfect and so is our family. Don’t get me wrong I love them more than anything in the world and I’m proud to be one of them. The problem is (which is why I don’t want to go back to Oman so soon) that my parents especially my dad doesn’t have “family time” as a concept in his life. Let’s say we’ve planned an outing and it happens that a guest decides to come visit and gives my dad a call 5 minutes before we leave. No, he will not tell him that he’s busy, he’ll just cancel our outing… simple as that. It might be part of our traditions to do so but I absolutely HATE it when he does that.

So yeah, when I go back to Oman what I really want is some family time. I’m better off staying here knowing I’m not seeing them because I’m in another continent rather than being in Oman, same country, same city same house but not being able to spend time with them because of the constant guests that come and my parents’ inability to arrange some family time and stick with it.

Mom & My Mobile Phones

2011-05-15T17:35:00.001+04:00

Let me tell you my life with mama after 2005. Just encase you’re wondering, 2005 is an important year because it’s the year I got my first mobile phone…

So after buying my brand new recently in stores mobile phone and skipping what could have been the best Eid (in my whole life) ever to go to dubai. And after a 5 hour ride back home from Dubai hugging the box with my mobile phone in it.. We reached our beloved house in Shati Al Qurm (mentioning where we used to live is somehow an important part of the story… In a way). Straight away, I was given a sim card and was asked to charge my phone for a whole day *roll eyes* along with my sim card I was given a list of rules from mom:

Rule #1: your phone does NOT leave the house when you go to school

Rule #2: you have to switch off your phone after 9 pm (thats when she sleeps so basically switch it off before she sleeps)

Rule #3: you get 5 rials credit each month ONLY. You finish it, your problem! You don’t, good for you!

Rule #4: you do not dare annoy your siblings that you got the latest mobile while they had to get the most hideous ones to start with

Rule #5: you talk a maximum of 2 minutes on the phone and it should only be related to schoolwork (just to let you know, conversations with mom last for 30 seconds max xD)

Of course the first month I go by the rules and listen to everything mom says. Second month, it’s 9 pm and my phone is still not switched off. Mom seems angry but decides to let it go this time, waits till I switch it off and then goes to sleep. The next months my phone was confiscated by my own mother for either not switching it off or talking way too long on the phone (way too long is 3 minutes)

And then 2007 came and we moved to Al Khoudh (again important to mention the place). The rules are still there but broken every single damn day ‘cause rules are meant to be broken :D Anyways, moving to Al Khoudh means it takes us 45 minutes to get to school while it took us only 5 minutes before. So apparently “rule #1” changed without being informed. And the second day of school I forgot my mobile at home. Mom flips, turns into the Hulk, and shouts at me for not taking my phone to school -.- Like my sister usually says, I tend to talk in the wrong time and place and the cherry on top is saying the wrong thing. Of course I didn’t just leave mom and say I’ll never do it again instead I decided to act smart and reply back reminding her of the rules she set back in 2005 (just incase you’re wondering, I got hit with a slipper that day). After that day I was allowed to take my phone to school but the 9 pm rule is still there and still broken.

From 2005 till 2011 I went through 5 phones:

2005: Sony Ericsson w800i (something went wrong with sounds still works though and use it sometimes)

2008: Sony Ericsson w960i (touch screen cracked)

May 2010: Android Huawei u8220 (gift from dad, hated the touch screen)

June 2010: Blackberry Curve 8520 (graduation gift from my cousins. Murdered during Christmas break by over charging it after it had a little swim)

February 2011: Blackberry Bold 9780 (still alive)

My first 2 phones

So ever since June 2010, dad agreed to take me to get a Blackberry service for my phone. With that being done, my phone bills were higher than usual which made my mom flip and turn into the hulk the day we decided to go to Dubai for a few days asking why I need internet on my phone anyways. During that time, it happened to be the time where I was applying for universities and used to get my replies and the things I need to do and all that. Of course mom was WAY more worried and cared more about my university admissions than me. I was convinced I’ll end up working in McDonald’s or something like that. So smart me, I told mom that during our stay in Dubai she will NOT talk to me about universities or ask me about university admissions and if they replied, or anything of that sort, for 4 entire days until we are back in Oman (‘cause that’s what I was going to do if I didn’t have access the internet). I also told her that if universities do reply I won’t let her know and I’ll only tell dad. After that I proved my point and she never argued about my blackberry service in front of me ever since (WIN!)

And that’s a story to tell my kids later on :p

God bless mommy!

Appreciate Maria's Existence Day

2011-05-04T03:38:00.000+04:00

Yesterday (3rd of May) was my 19th birthday. Since I'm not that good with words I thought of just describing my day and what I'm planing in 19 points and here it goes :D

Received messages from family and friends at 12 am Oman's time and then another batch of birthday wishes at 12 am UK timing. Oh and not to forget the gazillion facebook birthday wishes :D
Facial at Lush Spa at 10 am. The staff gave me a Lush goodie box, how thoughtful <3
Went to Louis Vuitton and bought the bag I've been eyeing for a while now *-*
Had lunch with my best friend at Nandos
Went to university for my English mock exam
Dad gave me a call showing me he appreciates my existence
Went to eat cake with my friends from university. Had a good laugh :D
Went back to my flat to wear my red killer 6 inch heels and freshen up
Went to watch Beastly with my best friend. Such a cute movie
A mini photoshoot but not a lot of pictures. Shame :(
Had dinner at Mcdonald's after the movie
I didn't blow candles, which I believe is the most important thing in a birthday
Realized something my sister said a few months ago: I do things for people in hopes of them doing the same for me. Really disappointed but "the gift is what you get by giving more than you receive"
I must say, now that I'm 19 my sense of fashion DEFINITELY changed from what it was 2 years ago
Plans for my 19th year? Drive faster than 60 kmph :$
Travel somewhere next spring and not go back to Oman
Start the project I'm thinking of
Grow my nails (EPIC!!!)
Be a better person: smarter, wiser, more confident and a better person

I will Leave you with the few pics I have from yesterday:

Outfit

What I got myself

Lush's Staff's Gift

The only cake I had and without candles

Have an amazing May all of you x

FYI: Coffee is awesome...

2011-04-19T22:26:00.001+04:00

...even if they all taste almost the same

Starbucks

2011-03-31T22:12:00.001+04:00

Easter break officially started. Handed in my last assignment today. The sad thing is that I haven't been to Starbucks today for my usual caramel late but anyways here are a few shots from the starbucks down in town not the usual one I go to.. Nothing special

March Ramblings

2011-03-29T21:26:00.001+04:00

Finally, I've got the time to put my thoughts together and post in my now dusty blog (I could imagine blowing over it and coughing lol). So let the ramblings begin...

Hmm where should I start? I think finally spring is DEFINITELY here. I can see the colorful flowers on the streets and people wearing shades (myself included). Ah I missed the sun and its finally my favorite season of the year <3

University.. Its almost the end of the 2nd semester, time passed soooo fast. The amount of work that I had to do so far is far from how I imagined it to be. I had the thought that the foundation year will be all about relaxing but to my surprise it was all about work work and wooork! The past 2 weeks have been nerve wrecking but its all been good after finishing my genetics presentation yesterday. One more assignment to hand in for biology and I'm ready to start my easter break. Instead of starting on it, I'm blogging in Starbucks with my usual caramel late :$
Since I mentioned Starbucks did you guys notice how they changed their logo? I feel its too plain right now

Other than university my obsession with fashion is getting a bit out of control and so is my spending. This month was all about shopping for the family and a bit more for me :$ you can skip this part if you don't give a shit about what fashion obsessions I'm going through lol

Rings: I was never obsessed over accessories in general but I noticed my ring obsession this month. I wouldn't care if their huge or thin or whatever I just love them <3

I went shopping for the outfit I'll wear when I go back home for the easter break this Saturday. I'm not sure though if it will look like I'm overdressed for a flight, let me know maybe? Its basically a a maxi dress with a denim jacket. I can't seem to find the dress on Miss Selfridge's website or Polyvore :\

MAKEUP!! Ok so for as long as I remember, ever since I was allowed to apply makeup, it was ALWAYS my sister who applied it for me. The only thing I knew how to apply was the pencil eyeliner (kohl). And then the day came when I came to Leeds and had to just do it by myself. Yesterday after my presentation I went to Harvey Nichols and went straight to the Nars counter the women played with some products and showed me how to apply some and yup I'm in love with Nars products.. My absolute favorite Nars proucts so far:

Orgasm lipgloss and blush

Sheer Glow Foundation

Enough fashion related ramblings and let me think of other random stuff.. oh yeah! I've been making sometime for reading and I'm currently reading Walt Disney's biography called "The Animated Man" so far its interesting reading about him. If I was given the chance to meet one dead person I'll go for Walt Disney (might change my mind if you asked me the same question in a few years haha).

My love for photography is just building up more and more. I'm still annoyed though for not having enough time to practice and not knowing how to use the camera's options like I'm supposed to. What gets even more annoying is having an idea but not being able to come out with the outcome I want :\

Bye for now

"Familysick" I call it

2011-01-19T21:06:00.003+04:00

Not "homesick" but "familysick"
_____________________________

I try to sleep

I slowly close my eyes

I toss and turn

I try to get into a comfortable position

I finally do

A picture of him

Slowly starts to appear

Starts with the facial hair, white as snow

His nose appears next

Followed by his eyes, his beige musar and white dishdasha

I open my eyes… I don’t want to imagine him now

I stare into the darkness

The only light coming from the heater’s switch

I close my eyes again forcing myself to think of something else

I hear her voice

She’s sending her prayers to God

Nothing new about that

A picture of her slowly appears

Small eyes, big nose and a warm smile

I open my eyes… I don’t want to imagine her now

I stare into the darkness

The only light coming from the heater’s switch

I close my eyes again forcing myself to think of something else

We’re in the car

Music almost on full volume

One of these songs that makes you want to dance

We’re singing along

She asks the question we love to hate

“Where should we go?”

We list the places

They are always the same

We end up in Shatti Al Qurm by the beach

The famous area with all the coffee shops

We pick things from here and there

My phone rings… “Ummy Calling”

I answer and say we’re on the way

I lied

We’re still in Shatti Al Qurm

On the way back home we share our drinks

I open my eyes… I don’t want to imagine that now

I stare into the darkness

The only light coming from the heater’s switch

I close my eyes again forcing myself to think of something else

While doing so

A tear slips from its place

Down my cheek

I fall asleep

Experimenting

2011-01-19T04:33:00.000+04:00

May I present Maria

2011-01-04T21:58:00.000+04:00

Before I start, happy new year to all :D

Ever since I started blogging, I never thought about presenting myself to my readers with a post about myself. It ran through my mind a few times to write about myself but never found the right words and I know I’ll never find the perfect ones. I find it really hard to talk to people about myself, its either you know me or you get to know me by time. So here is me trying to present myself, and here it goes:

I’m Maria, an 18 year old from the Sultanate of Oman. I like to believe I’m born on the 3^rd of May 1992 at home (Yes I was born inside our house in the 20^th Century and no my mother didn’t plan home birth it just happened!). By the time my mother and I were rushed to the hospital it was past midnight and so the world believes I’m born on the 4^th of May. I’m 3^rd child from 4 yet they treat me as if I’m the youngest *not that I mind, hehe O:)*. I’m the odd one in our family and I used to get bullied by my siblings because of it.

Since an early age, I was obsessed with colours. During my two years in kindergarten, I would use as many colours on my work as possible. Growing up and getting into primary and secondary school, I would use as many coloured pens as possible when studying. I wont forget my love for post-its and hilighters in the so many colours I can find. I wont forget to mention my colourful side lamps and the bed covers I got from Dubai that were sadly smaller than the size of my bed.

Other than colours, I am also mesmerized by the fantasy world of unicorns, fairies, leprechauns and pots of gold at the end of rainbows. If such worlds exist, I would rather live in them rather than the real world. I have my Lala Land planned out and I would love to tell you all about it if you’re interested :D

I’m a big fan of cartoons and animated movies. I don’t think I will ever get bored of them. Disney Land is one of the places I want to go to before I die even if it means going there when I’m 60 years old with saggy wrinkly skin and can barely lift myself up.

I would also like to mention that I’m attracted to anything shiny or glittery. I would stop anything I’m doing to look for the source of such amazing things.

I enjoy watching romantic movies, chick flicks and horror movies for one reason; I don’t have to focus on the plot to understand the movie! A walk to remember is one of my favourite movies and I cry whenever I watch it.

Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be a doctor. I’ve always enjoyed dealing with kids and so wanted to be a paediatrician and guess what this wont end like you think it will (or maybe you will). I didn’t get the required grades and I’ll be studying Genetics after my foundation year. I still want to study medicine and its really depressing knowing I wont be studying it so I’ll probably transfer to medical school later on.

I prefer spending time with kids rather than adults because it’s easier to communicate with them. I enjoy their conversations, playing with them and their mentalities. I really think kids are the most creative people and I wouldn’t mind listening to their cute white lies. I can tolerate all kids but one, my 6-year-old cousin!

Fashion never interested me until this year. I like putting on make-up, dressing up and looking good. I love accessories shoes and anything sparkly but not in a slutty way. I’m considered tall yet I love wearing heals. I find heels to be the best looking type of footwear.

I go back and forth between Oman and Saudi Arabia, spending most my time in Oman. Mom’s side of the family lives in Saudi and no I’m not half Saudi. I should add Leeds as its my 2^nd home now :D

I’m a big fan of music; I would listen to anything and everything with a good beat and nice lyrics. My iTunes list has Khaleeji, African, American, Australian, British, Italian, French, Spanish, Indian and Persian songs. And oh yeah I have every genre you could think of.

Enough for now. Such a vain post :P

Current Favorite Songs

2010-10-19T00:05:00.000+04:00

I've been wanting to update my blog but I can't seem to get myself to sit and write. I have a lot to do yet I still want to make sure I don't only focus on my studies. A few days ago, a cash machine swallowed my debit card into its system and didn't spit it out. I had to go talk to the bank and it turned out they stopped it because I didn't sign my passport. I never knew I was supposed to sign my passport ;(
Once I get my new card I'm going to buy myself a DSLR camera and see what I can do with that.

Anyways, I decided to update this place with my current favorite songs in no order :P :

Marrat Sanah - Abdulmajeed Abdullah and Mohammed Abdu
Grenade - Bruno Mars
Afkari - Sultan Al Shihhi
Gabl Elmafarig - Sultan Al Shihhi
Billionaire - Bruno Mars
Just the way you are - Bruno Mars
Kaif ayamak 7abeebi - jawad al ali
Roo7i bligak - Majid Al Muhandis and Mansoor Al Zayid

Enjoy the rest of your day

From Leeds With Love

2010-09-28T01:30:00.000+04:00

I have moved to Leeds on the 13^th of September for university. I got so busy moving into my flat, completing university regestration, orientation week and just exploring the city. Leeds is a pretty interesting place to live in for people like me who enjoy staying in places that aren’t crowded yet not quiet. It’s a very international city so the place to me is safe and cosy. FILLED with Arabs is something I have to mention, too. I don’t know if it’s a good or a bad thing though.

If someone asked me to highlight the important things in Leeds then this is my list:

Cold: I’m not used to this weather. I thought autumn here would be like Oman’s winter, and oh boy it’s NOTHING like Oman’s weather. I came here with cardigans that really didn’t help at all.

Rainy: the usual rain. I still haven’t used an umbrella since I arrived though. I’m still not sick of the rain. The time will come, I’m sure of it.

Pigeons: those are part of the citizens of beloved Leeds. They would come join you inside the train station when you’re feeling all lonely. They’ll walk in front of you and attempt flying. And yeah, I guess they are fun to be there.

Owls!! I’m not sure why there are owls all over the place but yeah they are. Golden ones, plain cement ones, you name it we have them all here. I think I’ll go look for all of them when I’m free one day. I think we also have an owl museum :P

Rainbow flags: apparently the people in Leeds respect gay pride. There is a whole street filled with gay clubs and you find rainbow flags hanging from them. Might change my mind about rainbow flags but its cool to see colourful things hanging around :D

Food: as I mentioned Leeds is a very international city and with international cities comes… international food!! We have it all here from Indian to Lebanese to Japanese, Italian and many more. I have to mention that I’ve been eyeing the Jamie Oliver restaurant and might go eat at it someday ;)

SHOPPING!! Spent £511 in 3 hours. Enough said : )

Since I moved I’ve been trying to figure out where all the good places are and keep myself updated with things going on. Since I’m a twitter user I’ve been following a user called mylifeinleeds and has been very helpful with the reviews of different places.

Leeds has a lot of beautiful buildings. I can’t wait for my sister to come here and show her the amazing architecture here. I’m surprised I haven’t used my camera since the day I arrived in Leeds but soon I’ll find the time to go out and snap some pictures. During my stay here in Leeds for the past two weeks I realized how I’m a big fan of media in all forms. This place inspires me but only if I had the right tools and guidance.

I have started my first day of university today and I must say it was a bit tiring having to walk from the university campus to Leeds City College for a lesson there. I ended my day with dinner at Nandos with my friend and surprisingly it tasted good :D

From Leeds With Love

Maria xx

What this blog shouldn't be about

2010-09-06T08:03:00.000+04:00

Today is the second day, in a row, that I find myself still awake at this very early time of the morning (it's 6:50 am while writing this). The only difference is that I decided to move from my bed instead of tossing and turning. I picked up "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert (a book i started reading a day before Ramadhan and decided to stop to read Quran instead) and sat by the window reading the thoughts of a woman who knows what she's looking for.

After a few chapters, I decided to stop and found myself thinking about how my boring, unproductive routine will change in exactly 6 days. Let me tell you about a few thoughts racing through the alleys of my brain:

I'll probably reach Leeds on the 13th of september at 9:00 am. I have rented a flat in the city center and will be living there all ALONE after my father and brother leave. The idea of having to pay for my gas, electricity, water and internet bills is scaring the crap out of me!
I'm excited about going to buy groceries for my flat. I've already thought (in another alley) about some of the things I'll buy. The list includes: yogurt, cereal, bread, nutella, peanut butter, cheese, berries, junk, milk and juice.
I've been thinking about the things I will be needing for university. Stationary is at the top of my list. I also want to get myself some magnets to place on my fridge.
Once a month, I'll get myself some flowers and place them in a vase in my living room. Flowers make me happy :D
I'm looking forward for registration and induction week. I want to start before the excitement fades away. The usual questions about the people and campus is running through my mind.
I'm determined to do something not related to my studies. I want to be good at something other than complaining. I'm still not sure what it will be but learning Spanish and photography is at the top of my list. Oh and maybe improve my writing skills, too?
I miss my sister already. We have already planned her coming over for christams. I'm looking forward to catch up with her, go shopping and eating at different places everyday. I'll save money and give it to her once she arrives and let her use them wherever she wants without feeling guilty about it.
Finally, the last thing I want to mention my dear readers is that I think rambellings like these shouldn't be what blogs are all about. No one in his right state of mind is interested in reading what's going on in someone's mind. Blogs should have an aim, something my blog is missing

Oops?

2010-08-01T22:28:00.001+04:00

I mentioned in previous posts that I went to a school for 12 years and then decided to move to another school in the last 2 years seeking better education. I believe I learnt a lot of things in the new school and I also tried things out I never imagined I'll be allowed to try. Going to a mixed school after being in a gender segregated school showed me how fun classes can be with guys around. I'll stop talking about the good side about moving because its not the point of my post.

Well, since I've been in my previous school for 12 years it means that I've seen the same people all the time with new comers and old ones leaving. During these 12 years I've made friends that I was REALLY close with. I thought I'll never need other friends when I move because I have my friends and I'm not planning to replace them. However, after I moved it was hard to communicate with them since school work was very demanding. I would spend hours doing school work and I only talk to people from my class as we discuss homework and such topics. Then the problem starts, I didn't really like the people in the new school. I would stick to a few people and wouldn't open up for others. Now and after I graduated I see the problem. I am not as close as I used to be with my old friends and I am not that close with the new friends since I don't know them well. Ooops?

Wannabe Fashionista

2010-06-16T21:41:00.000+04:00

Ever since I finished school back in May, I've been having so much free time that I started an obsession with fashion. I would check fashion blogs from all around the world and see whats up with girls and their fashion addiction, I found it interesting. I also have been logging in Omanternity a lot and their lifestyle section is something a newbie could wish for.

So out of my perfect bubble of colors rainbows and glitter, fairy tales and the Disney la la land I live in I started making my way through fashion. I now visit the make up stores without my sister by my side and find my way to the clothes that I find on sites and try them on to see if they suit me. Yes, I'm starting to get it :P

Well, I'm not one of these girls who are best friends with their moms and their moms are into fashion. Mama, is all traditional hates carrying handbags and goes for anything comfortable. So yeah I didn't grow up in the fashion atmosphere. My sister on the other hand is the one that tries to follow the latest fashion yet sticks to her own style, I love that about her. There is always her touch in what she wears!

Hunting through moms wardrobe, my sister and I found a leather speedy bag that we really loved. It has a floral print and I think it will go with a lot of things in my wardrobe. We were surprised that she has something like that knowing that fashion in not anything near what she cares about. Apparently it was a gift from dad (way to go dad ;) ) a LONG time ago. Fashion is coming back. Keep anything vintage it'll find its way to your perfect looks!!

Graduated x[1/6/2010]x

2010-06-07T12:56:00.001+04:00

Its about time to update this place on my graduation.

Something I've been waiting for since a REALLY long time finally came. I graduated on the 1st of June from high school. Such a good experience at the moment but now, and after 6 days, it doesn't feel like I graduated. It still didn't sink in. El Hamdulillah I graduated with honors and I'm happy about it although I was aiming for high honors.

My school has golden robes that has been a tradition used every year for the past 10 years I guess. I didn't really like it especially that we didn't get to wear graduation caps. In my old school, the graduating class had the chance to choose the color of their graduation robes which made it hard for me to accept the gold robe : /

Anyways, after calling out our names, we sang the school song and left the hall with HUGE smiles on our faces. We spent time with our families taking pictures. I got a bouquet of red roses from my sister (my absolute favorite) with a helium balloon that had Congratz written on it and a graduation cap :D She got me a graduation cap because I wanted one soooo badly, how nice of her <3 My cousins got me a blackberry and a huuuge bouquet of pink and white roses. So thoughtful <3 I still didn't get a graduation gift from my parents though xD

We then left for our graduation dinner at Shangri La in limos. It was the first time for me in one and I really had fun with the girls though we were a bit scared being girls alone with a stranger. The food was amazing and we had fun chit chatting for what might be the last time. I hope we stay in touch!

My graduation dress:

So yeah I'm part of the graduating class of 2010!! :D

Adjusting to Changes

2010-05-29T12:58:00.002+04:00

I sit and watch from far away and see the signs of happiness curved on their faces. Whispers, laughs and endless talks. Rubbing it on my face, showing me what I'm missing. But I wont say a word, I don't regret my decisions. All I can do is sit and watch a close friend walk away slowly and painfully. Will the day come when I wont even get a fake smile from you, dear friend? If that day comes, I still wont say anything, because I'm always wrong. I used to speak freely with you, just speak my mind. It was like talking to my reflection but not anymore. I think twice if not more before I even say "Hi". I'm always scared to say the wrong thing, something that will send you off running not just walking away. I'm not ready to lose a friend but thats exactly what is happening. I just hope I'll be remembered, I know I'll stay somewhere in your heart but I'll get covered up with all the new friends till it seems like I never existed.

A Big Chunk of Updates

2010-05-24T01:37:00.001+04:00

Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end

Where next? NO IDEA!!!!

After 14 years of school, I finally reached its end. On the 20th of this month, I finished my last exam. With the end of it, I marked the end of not only my school life but also the end of the damned IB. I wont say I regret choosing the hard path and doing it but really its nerve wrecking. I just hope it'll do me good in university and it wasn't a bunch of crap that lecture they gave us at the beginning of it about how it'll help us in university.

I never thought I'll get to the point where I'll accept the school I'm graduating from. I moved to it 2 years ago from a school I've been in for 12 years. The thought of not graduating with the people I grew up with is hunting me, but its a decision I made and I should accept it already. Thanks to a few friends I started accepting the school a few weeks before our last day. When it finally hit me, I started regreting the days I wasted complaining about the people and the place. As hard as it for me to admit it but I really am proud to be graduating from one of the best schools in Oman if not the best.

Through those 2 years in school I made a few friends that I'm sure will keep in contact with no matter what happens. I had an impression about the students in the school before I entered but I was proved wrong by most. Although I felt like an outsider almost all of the time, I found people who had similar thoughts and ideas. People I enjoyed talking and spending time with. Although they are not a lot, the friends I made are those who made a big difference in this new experience I decided to take. The things I went through in these two years helped me shape my personality and know how to deal with things. I did a lot of mistakes, I hurt people that meant a lot to me and I hope they will forgive me for whatever I said and did.

*Right now, Prom on my mind*:

Two days till our prom. I never thought I'll be going to a prom and never thought my parents will allow me to go to one. My dress is at the tailor, needs a bit of fixing. Going for a bright color, something I like a lot.. colorful funky dresses. Will post photos soon with everything related to it. I'm hoping I can go and quickly buy what I'm missing which is most of the things (heels, make up..etc).

*Next thing on my mind, GRADUATION*:

In exactly 8 days, I'll be graduating with a golden robe. I'll FINALLY graduate. Get done with the school life meet the new beginnings waiting for me. I already have my graduation dress but missing the little things to make me look perfect for the day. I just want to graduate and have fun on that day, not much to ask for!!

*Change is.. good?*:
Something is going on with me. Something is really changing in me. I've been attracted to fashion in a weird way, it never happened before. Its like lately, all I think about is FASHION! I enjoy going through fashion blogs, check out latest fashion news and to top that I've been confident enough to choose the things I want when I'm out shopping with my sister. I was always the girl that depended on her sister to buy her clothes since we share the same size it didn't matter to me. I would wear whatever she buys. Lets see how fashion and I will get along :D

*FAIL?*:

Other than that.. I'm failing to meet expectations. I've always wanted to study medicine and yesterday the 5th university rejected me. I'm starting to believe that I'm getting the signs that I should go for something other than medicine but no one seems to agree with me. I still have the option of doing Genetics but I'm not really excited about it. I really don't want to end up studying something I don't like. Hoping for some miracle to happen

A Rush Of Memories ❤

2010-05-13T23:14:00.001+04:00

A lot of people ask me about my favorite song and I always tell them I don't have a specific one. However, I have this one song in my iTunes playlist more than the rest. Listening to the song today on shuffle brought back a rush of memories painful, happy, one of a kind memories. A lot of things happened in 2009 and this song just found its way to play a big part in making me feel better even though I can't relate myself to the song in anyway. Its something I would want to sing when I'm in love (excuse the cheesiness haha) but really I find the lyrics so... deep. I'll leave you with the song.

Lucky - Jason Mraz ft Colbie Calliet

You make it easier when life gets hard xxx

What am I supposed to do?

2010-05-06T19:39:00.000+04:00

One of the worst things that I happen to go through a lot is standing in front of an emotionally hurt person yet not being able to lift their head up tell them everything will be alright and maybe hug them too. You are not able to tell them everything will be alright because you yourself don’t believe it’ll get any better. Sometimes you think a hug or staying with a person and listening to them complain will make them feel better but really the other person wants something in return. Something to make them feel better, maybe answers to the many questions racing through their minds. Yet you sit there like a statue not knowing what to do. You feel useless not being able to make the person smile or for a second forget what they are going through.

One day you’re close to them. You talk, laugh, joke around go crazy and other days that person is just like a stranger. The person distances him/herself from you, I think we call that ignoring. During these days, you wonder what the hell you did this time. Did you say something? Do something? And then you get an idea of why that person is ignoring. You couldn’t help them! Now they are looking for someone else who might be able to give them answers to their questions. Something you couldn’t do. Yes they are ignoring you because you didn’t say anything OR do anything to make them smile.

So you start this thing. You try making people feel better; make them smile only to cover over that gap you have. You know the one caused by not being able to make that one person feel better.

18 Years Young

2010-05-03T14:42:00.000+04:00

Turned 18 today. The birthday magic is gone. I don't feel special. I'm not getting that feeling that its my birthday and I turned 18, what I've been waiting for. I feel ignored. The people I thought will wish me a happy birthday before everyone didn't which kinda sucks. I did get the usual text messages when the clock struck 12 but yeah I still don't feel special. No cake, no gifts, no cards. Just plain facebook wishes. People should really thank facebook for being a reminder. So far, this is THE worst birthday ever and just to make things worse my finals (the ones that determine my future) are starting tomorrow, FML : )

PacMan

2010-04-11T20:56:00.000+04:00

Can't stop playing the game

Random

2010-04-10T22:51:00.001+04:00

When you really need them they are never around. Looking front, back, left and right and you can't spot them. It slowly gets darker as the spotlight fades away and you have to suffer seeing it shine on someone else. Yet you pull on a smile and walk with your head high up in the sky because you know you are better off without them. But till when will you smile it off? You know at one point your cheeks will just give up. Days pass and you realize that you're fighting your way to be able to see the next dawn all alone. What are you expecting of tomorrow? Things wont change, you made your choice. You wish you can go back in time and change your decisions but sorry its too late now. Its your choice now live in pain or go on with your life.

Moving On

2010-04-04T11:08:00.002+04:00

Its been three days since I arrived in Saudi. I'm here for the easter holiday and to spend time with my grandmother since she was sick. Since the day I arrived and till today I didn't enter the room my grandfather used to stay in. I don't think I'm still ready to believe he's gone forever. The place seems dead something is really missing. Even the storeroom is empty, it doesn't have all the things we used to find there. Although he's missing, I am happy to see my grandmother in a good mood since the day we reached. Everybody is moving on I guess.

Please Don't Stop The Music ♫

2010-03-28T00:01:00.000+04:00

♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫

The amazing thing about music is that you could always find a song that matches your feelings. There is always something out there that would make you feel better. You create this bond between your thoughts and what you listen to. Music never failed to make me feel better and if it did then blame it on me for not finding the perfect song that matches my mood.

My iTunes playlist has a mix of songs from most genres. You’ll be surprised to know that I have songs by bands and genres I hate. I am the type of person who would listen to absolutely anything even it was a foreign language I don’t understand. I have a mix of Arabic songs, English, Indian, Italian, Spanish, French even Persian. I would listen to them even if they don’t make sense. I just enjoy the rhythm and vocals. I absolutely HATE heavy metal yet I still have a few songs. I need them when I’m REALLY annoyed/mad and no one is helping. I learned to accept all types of music whether they’re my type or not.

I’m lucky enough that my sister and I share the same type of music. Whatever is in my list would be in hers, too. When I discover new songs in her iPod I write them down and download them. We are in continuous exchange of songs whenever we come across something new. We are both the type that listen to parts of songs and not the whole thing. It drives us mad when we are forced to listen to the whole thing. However, once in a while we would be addicted to a song and we will keep listening to the whole song and maybe even put it on loop. Very messed up but we don’t care.

P.S: Music saves my soul <3

Whose Next?

2010-03-21T23:49:00.001+04:00

I'm scared to face another day,

cos the fear in me just wont go away.

In an instant you were gone & now I'm scared

The funny thing about goodbyes is that we never know when they'll hit. You wake up thinking its just any other day but you got smacked on the face with the worst news. Something you might have had at the back of your mind. You keep pushing it further and further back, not wanting it to happen. But it does. In the past year 3 of my friends' fathers passed away. Having to deal with such tragic news is the worst feeling anyone can go through. What's even worse is dealing with the friends, I felt lost not knowing what to do. After the continuous news of fathers passing away I over thought about when my turn would be. I kept getting continuous dreams of my father passing away. It reached to a point where I was too scared to go to sleep.

October 2009:

I was told by my mother about my dad's heart problem. Flashbacks of all the dreams I had kept playing in my memory. I don't want to lose him. I don't want him to leave me. I've been very negative that month, thinking of the worst that could happen. Thankfully nothing did. Wishing him full recovery and perfect health.

November 2009, 3rd day of Eid:

Dressed up in my jalabiya and putting on my makeup. It was just like any other day in my grandparent's house in Saudi. It felt dead, anyways, since my grandfather was in the hospital. Went downstairs when suddenly the maids come rushing, crying, telling us that my grandfather passed away. I couldn't help but breakdown and cry the second I heard the news. I never wanted to admit that one day he'll be gone. He's been here way too long to just leave us. Now, and after four months, I still don't want to believe he's gone. 93 years.

After losing one of the most important people in my life, I can't help but think... Whose next? When will it reach my turn?

May Allah rest all the dead in peace.

Will You?

2010-03-20T21:29:00.000+04:00

"Love me when I least deserve it, because that's when I really need it"

The Perfect Guy

2010-03-19T13:22:00.000+04:00

This is a quote I randomly read once and I really liked about the "perfect guy" which I thought was really true.

"i want a guy who calls me beautiful instead of hot, who calls me back when I hang up on him, who will stay awake just to watch me sleep. A boy who kisses my forehead. who wants to show me off to the world, who holds my hand in front of his friends. who thinks i'm just as pretty without makeup on. one who constantly reminds me of how much he cares about me and how lucky he is to have me"

Friends Forever xx

2010-03-13T22:03:00.000+04:00

Do you know the feeling of going to a place just to spend time with that friend that will make everything easier? A person that would make you feel better with just a blink. Well, me being in a new school (I'll always consider myself in the "new school" even though its my second year here), I look forward to spend time with those girls I call my friends. But there is this one girl thats not like the rest. She's the type that understands me better than I understand myself. She's always there with her friendly wise advices. She has everything you want in a friend. I never thought I'll be able to be that close with someone I met in a year but she surprised me by being someone I wish I knew a long time ago. Although we have a little in common and disagree on a lot of things we still enjoy discussing things even if we know it'll end up in a bad way. Definitely a friend I will stay in contact with even if she moved to the moon. I'll call her and complain just like I complain to her all the time. We'll go out and have ice cream, sushi and apple pies. I'll listen to her music even if most of them are not my style. I'll tease her, be there for her and make sure she updates me with everything. I might not be as close to her as her besties but I sure wish I stamp her heart with my signature.

You deserve much more than these words xxx

Tagged: 7 Random Facts

2010-03-12T15:34:00.000+04:00

I've been tagged by Kitten (thank you) to list 7 random facts about myself. Just finished having lunch and decided to do this:

I was born at home. That being mentioned, I now celebrate my birthday on the 3rd of May while my passport says its on the 4th.
I enjoy watching horror/thriller movies as well as chick flicks because I don't have to think about what's going on.
Desserts are my favorite part of a meal. I wouldn't mind having them as starters.
I enjoy spending time with kids more than adults.
I cry a lot. It makes me feel better.
I LOVE riding roller coasters and the adrenaline rush I get after it.
My greatest fear is losing someone so close to me (family members/friends)

There you go. 7 Random Facts.

Tagging:

LeenoKitty

LuXurious

Love Sick American Girl in Kuwait

Starting Over

2010-03-11T18:24:00.000+04:00

A new, clean beginning. Lets see how it goes this time.

Cheers xx