When I Was Obsessed...

An obsession...






We've all got one, don't we?

But that's not the main theme of my post. I just wanted to point out my most recent obsessions... which I hope isn't that bad a one >////<

Check out this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3ZWc3pARpY


Isn't it great listening to all those legends and think, "Where'd the world go wrong?" No one's interested in making such elegant stuff anymore... nobody's actually interested in tuning in to them ... anymore.

So, my obsession is Dean Martin and Frankie... well I've been obsessed with the latter for quite some time now, which makes Dean a new. ^_^

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O'right! For my latest!





Umm





You really wanna know? @_@



Well, I haven't been up to much activity ....at least not study wise. Christmas holiday started last week and I wanted to take this week off from even looking at my books and drafts... so there you go. Your brief in. But I can't seem to take a vacation from my whirling mind... that is, if anyone can do that *wary laugh*

I'll talk about my miserable life with my flat mate later, so as to not bore you with it from the start here, and perhaps you'd want to consider skipping that part once you get to it.

So, anyway, about a month ago, Gary (my research tutor) asked us to prepare our final research proposal package (they like using fancy words, don't they? makes you feel like you're sending something by post.

I got this idea for a full length movie script. It's a Romance, Comedy- Drama, about a Muslim girl living in the west (thinking Canada, but might change it to USA)with her family, who are truly traditional and want her settled as she heads for her mids twenties. Now the conflict here is when she falls in love with a non-Muslim. Her parents don't know about this, and keep arranging a matchmaking scheme with a guy from her religion and country (I'm thinking Lebanon- Don't get me wrong, there's no specific reason, I just wanted to vary my work. I already worked on pieces that took place in Libya and Egypt, so I guess this would be reasonable)I have the plot sorted out, but I still need more tension and conflict. Seeing that it's a cross-cultural relationship the girl has, Gary needs me to show the western guy in a positive way... and I was like, "Right, not what I had in mind". My thoughts.

It's funny how people in the west keep having these miscinceptions about the way we live (easterns: specifically Muslims) There are stuff that don't apply to us for Goodness sake!!

Pfffff


I'll let you in on this soon, once I start redrafting and arranging my ideas.

***********

Okay, for the juicy part, you've all been waiting for!! XD


Come on! You reached this point you gotta finish to the end!!!

XP

So, I told you that my Mom called last week, and she was like, I need you to be strong and patient and all that... but that's just hard. You know how I allow myself to be sad and seek closure from depression by moping on things for a while? Well, I guess the same applies to dealing with my flatmate!!

T_T Like I could cry for-ev-er!!

It's just annoying the Hell outta me... and by "it" I mean everything!!
How would you feel if you keep finding laundry on the floor when it should be in the laundry bag? How would you feel if whatever needs to be recycled you keep finding them in the garbage bag, and not in their own division?

Can you possibly teach someone all over? Someone who's pushing thirty, that is.

Isn't that tragic? Not just for them, but also for those around them who have to put up with all the nonsense...


Sheesh!! I'm soooo tired and I really need to clear my head... for the sake of my studies. *sniff sniff*

If there's any advice you'd like to throw in to me, do it with your eyes closed...

P.S: Don't tell me to be patient cos I already got that on my list Q__Q *sniff sniff*

Yeah, that's my life you see.


*sigh*

Ooooh!! It's been snowing around here!! Goody Goody (still influenced by Frankie here) But it's not that much, but enough to add joy to my heart... and brightness to this gloomy land.

Sub7an Allah.... I just don't know how these people do it! Living here...


Well, now... I'll just keep listening to Mozart for now... and I'll BRB.

With a smile :) ..... hopefully -__-"




Till next time


Sparkle xxx

When I Was Seventeen...

.... it was a very good year - Frank Sinatra.

How is it that the last few years I didn't feel my age? But last Wednesday, my birthday >////< , I took a good look at the pics I shot the day before and thought... wow! I so look 27! lol

Last Tuesday, I had my birthday party and invited some of my closest friends (one of which is Julia of course ^_^ ) I held it that day cos my Taiwanese friend, Yu Ling, had to leave for Taiwan on Wednesday.

We had a swell time! The theme was Libyan Music :P and I showed them pics and videos of back home. Now they're all excited about going there for a visit! ^_^ It'll be sooo cool if they came and I get to show them around XD

So, the following day, I planned to go see New Moon. I called Julia but she was busy that day... -__-" bummer... I contacted a few other friends, they made it but they came late... and we missed the screening T_T So one of them suggested that we see The Box (Cameron Diaz) I told them that the movie got really bad reviews, but they insisted and said that it'll be cool.

And it wasn't... tadaaa!

What really made it worth while was that we laughed throughout the movie because it was sooooo boring ^ v ^ The dialogue was all cliched, events predictable and the acting was so poor and dull! How embarrassing...




Ah well... you don't win them all, do you?


Hurray for the holidays!! Hip hip hurray!


Yeah, but way to go with all the work I need to get finished by January... Bumm-er.

Last Monday was our last Stage and Screen session, and it was a work-in-action class where we split in groups of threes and fours to act out our scripts (we also direct each others' pieces)... a practice to see how well our work "works" out. It was great fun and boy we had great laughs! yak yak... talk about the talent for acting! hehehe

Thursday morning my mom called. I don't know how it happened but I started crying. I had decided not to let her in on whatever bothered me especially with my flat mate... it's not like she can do anything to change things and to let her worry more was not a good idea. But I just did. I felt really lonely at that time and perhaps the mishaps of the previous day really turned me down.

Somehow I was glad to open up on things. She took really well and told me things I was in need to hear. She was right when she said "Whenever there are two living together, the heavy load is laid on one" ... which is clearly my case, and "be patient it's almost over... just try to imagine that you've only got each other in this world and you've got to be tolerant".

Oh God....why do they always have to be right, mothers?

So, as I've been telling myself over and over again... I need to be patient... as long as it doesn't affect my studies, it's all fine and I really need to get a grip.

I think my blog works for students living abroad hehehe so there you go, fellow students, a well packed tutorial book if you wanna call it that!




*Sigh*


Till next time

When I Felt Lost...

"I'd rather die tomorrow... than live a hundred years without knowing you." - John Smith/ Pocahontas

Then came the song, "If I Never Knew You".

Yeah, thanks a lot!

:(

Today, I seriously needed a break from my life. And the moment I thought I'd get away from all that messed it up, I find myself in a muddle of some more.

Like, seriously, why should one be blamed for something that's totally not his/ her fault!?

I went out to meet with Julia around 2 this afternoon. Christmas decorations are out and about already, so we wanted to check them out. Later on we sat in a café, a new one we've never been to before, cos we were like, if we went to Nero or Pret a Manger once more we'd go and kill somebody for sure lol.

Anyway, so later on Julia's husband Kole joins us and he brings up his favorite topic of all. Getting me married.

I ain't kidding you guys!

He's been at it for quite some time- along with his wife for sure- as in, it's about time, you ain't got long before your course finishes... find someone!!

Where do I begin... do tell me??

And I thought people back in my society were freaked out about getting girls married! It's so weird it makes me laugh! ... and cry all at the same time.

It's very thoughtful of him, amen to that. Now that I got rid of my Mom nagging over my shoulder about the topic... along comes Mary... I mean Kole and his wife!

He would actually tell me that there are really good muslim men around here who make a perfect match. Of course there are. Not that I know of any, but perfect guys are everywhere... everywhere, yet hard to find :D Yeah, that's how life makes sense, doesn't it? He said, "Sparkle, you need to find someone before your year is over." Meaning by the end of next year, my course that is.

Sparkle: smile and nod.

What can one say in such situations?

Back home, and as I've mentioned before, people think I'm picky. Here, I dunno what they think. Cos I don't see any of em. Not that I don't, it's just that I have no way in communicating with them. Them= guys.

All this is adding to the load I'm carrying, the one that has to do with my studies. The new additional load, find myself a good suitor.

Can I describe this as depressing? or merely frustrating? Because, I don't see how I can do anything about it. I don't know how.

And I'm scared.


Not scared that I'd ever get married. No. It's the fact that I'd not end up with someone who'd cherish me for who I am. To understand my westernized mentality and say that this is how she grew up and it's part of who she is. To be proud of me cos I'd do him right, and provide a loving environment to his life.

Kole is a really nice guy. But today, and since I've established the 7alla again, I just looked at him and thought, "Wow, Kole, I wish you'd shut up!"

lol

*sigh*

We had dinner together- he'd been insisting for ages that they take me- so, tired as I was, I agreed. He went on with his match-making suggestions... I laughed them off.

I came home later on... and I felt really empty inside. It had nothing to do with what he had been saying lately. It's just that... it's true.

You know what I'm thinking? I'm thinking mainly about my parents. I know it all has to do foremostly with my wellbeing in terms of finding a good match, but the other thing, I feel that, same as everyone else on this planet, they need to see me married, see their grandchildren, guide them and tell them what a crybaby I was when I was a kid... my mom would love to hold them and bathe them, and sing to them, and feed them mashed vegetables and bananas...

It might sound crazy... but that's what all parents want to see... their children's families...





..........












Gosh I'm so tired.... so so tired....







May Allah forgive me, guide me and bestow strength and security on me, may He grant me the courage and success for my course, may He grant me a good husband, may He grant me beautiful children, for my own sake and for my parents' sake...


Till next time

When I Felt Secure...

Last Sunday the 25th, the time here went back an hour. i.e. darkness falls before 5 pm...

Now, at school on Mondays and Tuesdays (that's when I have lectures, which are 3:30- 20:00 pm Monday and 16:00- 18:00 pm Tuesday)I need to come a little earlier than that in order to pray either Assr or Maghreb.

Last Monday, I inquired about Muslim prayer room and was directed to the "Green Room" they call it. Guys, you can't imagine how blessed I felt I was... the place was magnificent. Not big, but totally convenient for our practice.

It looked more like a flat to me. There was a small room for prayers, just like that in real mosques, a small kitchen with everything that is usually found in a kitchen (lol)What I liked about it was that there was a small fridge with drinks and baskets next to it with cakes, sandwiches and packets of meals (eg. rice with chicken) everything is enlisted in a list on the wall with their prices, and there's a small piggy-bank safe to place your payment.

What I was surprised to see was the toilets, made the islamic way.

Isn't that neat or what!?

I'm sure other sisters feel blessed as I do... to be taken care of and thought about whenever we might be in need. I felt so relieved and safe... the atmosphere was so complete.

When you climb the stairs to the room (one thing I hate about it is the stairs lol... breathtaking! :P) you find notes and posters of prayers and athkar you can say whilst you're on your way up... yeah, they know it's a long way hehe

This week is charity week at Uni. Muslims and Arabs volunteered. A couple of guys dressed in funny costumes and stroll around with buckets to collect money, and campaign for the cause. Others held booths that sold doughnuts, clothes and other stuff. One booth offered to apply ornamented Henna for girls ^_^ cute...

Last Monday, after my 3:30 class, my colleagues and I gathered in a cafe oposite our Uni. We had a pretty cool time together, and I was glad that they weren't hard to get along with :)

Alhamdulillah for his blessings and gifts upon us... and may we all be forever gratefull to Him...


Amen


Till next time ;)

Writing Like A Maniac...

Jello again ^_^


Jello as in Jell-O...





:D





Anyway...



So, if you're ever thinking of entering the writing business... think twice... thrice... even more if you can... the more the merrier ^_^

But why am I saying that? Of course all course has this kind of perplexing anxiety department in its building... get it?

I might not be making any sense... that means I'm overloaded and my mind is occupied with a hundred thousand territorial ideas... for my writing that is.

Last week I was drowned in an assignment- which I happened to have procrastinated (gosh I hate writing this word!!) for quite a while- of 3000 words... happily it was merely a first draft, but, you know, good impression's the key here... or is it?

So, now I'm up against another deadline next week... a 5000 words portfolio of short stories (or story), also a first draft. I dunno if they're being generous with this "first draft" thingy!! or is it just to get on our nerves ... and as one of my colleagues said, "Let the writing begin."

I felt like slumping on the table before me... -__-


Hehehe


Every Tuesday, we meet for a reading session. We read a play. Our tutor runs the event... and ever since day one.... he insisted that we act the play... and I was like @_@ ahee ahee hee...

Not that I got a problem with acting (I think I'm pretty good at it XD ) The thing was, I didn't know anything about the play, plus it was in British English!! Plus the dialect!! AARRGGGHHH Seeing that we were short in cast we had to all take more than one role... bummer! And when it was my turn, I read out like an American robot ... here's one of the lines that went horribly wrong LOL:

From Edward Bond's play "The Sea"

THOMPSON (ME hhhhh): My life. I was sweatin' back there. I was certain-shar Mrs Rafi'd come through. Juss the sort a notion she'd git took in her hid. She gave me the sack doo she find me here."

Bleeeh?

OMG... that was a nightmare! Good thing it was a comedy, so I sent a wave of laughter among my colleagues, one of whom has a roaring laugh that's soooo contageous (yak yak yak)

The weather these days is gloomy and rainy... I like this weather ^_^ hehe ... yeah, welcome to my realm of the weird!


So, 5000 words by Monday (the next)... an initial scene treatment of my screenplay by November 6th... how delightful! ^_^

Believe it or not, I'm gonna have to collaborate with another student to direct my script- which my tutor keeps telling me to keep on a low budget- well, da... it's not like I was thinking Pixar or 3D...!!

lol jk


OK...focus! I have one short story finished (500 words) which makes 4500 words to go.... yaaay how comforting... *whimper* I do have an idea for a tragic story, and another which is sorta sci-fi...

I hope I don't sound pathetic... cos I do... lol ... OK, middle age crisis on the way. But I'm glad I get to ramble on about it here... to save what's left of my sanity. Believe me, it's really good to write like a maniac... at times :D

Give it a go... and the true you will-- show!

^_^


Till next time ;)

EXHAUSTION... DANGER... DO NOT APPROACH

To Be Cont....

Once Upon A Stage...

You really wanna know? Like you really wanna know!?

lol

Ok Quest, here's what happened.

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Yesterday- Writing for Stage and Screen class- 15:30

I've been preparing, like, all of last week for this lecture... reading about the damned 'Theatre of Catastrophe'... trying to get myself to understand what it stands for... blaa!

Our tutor asked us to read about it and react to it "even if you think it's rubbish, say so, and say why" ...


Well, he asked for it...


hehehe

Omg, I should be expelled!!

*exaggeration*

I'm not a bad student. I was just trying to get things straight... in a way or another. Cos, I hardly know anything about theatre, let alone Theatre of Catastrophe... it's like a Catastrophe on its own!!

So, he asks us what we thought... One of my colleagues expresses that he thinks it's absurd. I thought: "Ok, good. A negative perspective, so I won't be the odd one out."

Like that's some kinda justification to that type of thinking?! Puh-lease

Tutor turns to me: what have you to say?

Me: I agree with James, and think that it's unreasonable to presume that an audience would want to go and attend a play and subject themselves to pain and torture- which is what this type of theatre often explores- let alone the fact that we as humans don't appreciate the exposition of our lives in front of us (dunno where I got that from)

Tutor blinks: Well that's the main purpose of most plays is that they exhibit our lives before us.

Me: True. But the idea of wanting to go and witness what might be disturbing is quite absurd.

Tutor (his face turning red to his ears): So, if you were told to go see Macbeth or Henry V, you wouldn't go see it because of the violence within it?

Me (Ooops): Surely I would go see them as their being a classic...

Fortunately, the discussion shifts to another route.

********************


I dunno what happened there, but it kinda gave me the sense that I wouldn't get it. Unless I try mega harder. I'm an Anti-Complication type of person, if that makes sense.... hhhhh

But I spoke later on to my program manager, who is an incredibly nice man, and expressed my concerns about the module, and whether I'd be able to follow the pace. Luckily, I'm not obliged to write a stage script, rather a script for screen, which is kinda my thing, cos I get to write the story... as a story- hence imagining it as a movie- and then would transform it into script format.

Yippee... case solved hehe

Well, at least I went through the trouble of finding a suitable pic for my post... Who other than Tuxedo Mask (from Sailor Moon) would better serve the purpose *batting her eyelashes*

Today at the Short Story Workshop, we practiced writing in 1st, 2nd and 3rd person narrative. 3rd is great and a piece of cake. 1st is something of a challenge but is tolerable. 2nd... mmmmbbaa. lol quite out of the ordinary I must say. Never done it before, unless within dialogue.

NB: for those who are unfamiliar with this:

1st person: is when the main character is the narrator "I said... I did..."

2nd person: is when the narrator is indicating YOU lol "you ate your breakfast...etc"

3rd person: is when the narrator is the viewer of events, the one looking over the characters shoulder if I may say "he said... she said..."

Later after that, we went to our main building screen room to watch a documentary about two British citizens who carried out a bombing attack in Telaviv back in 2004. Shocking I must say. My program manager is one of the researchers on the case for the documentary, and we held a discussion about it.


Well packed day... and a rainy one too ^_^ beautiful weather when it's raining... I tend to feel better.... and calm.


Loads of writing to do.. and loads of stuff to start reading about (if you know what I'm sayin' ) lol


Till next time ;)