Thank you, I'm proud!

Just some randoms.

~ I had one pressurized week at work and imagine, there were no students yet. School officially starts on the 18th and yet I got swamped with loads of work. I was craving for a holiday immediately and I'm so glad we got a week off for Eid...it's more like a charging week before the battle. The week mainly consisted of preparations (so much of it for me) and creating posters for each class we're going to teach this year (eyes pop-out , I have 27 different classes this year, 30 hours of teaching per week). The higher ups wanted to get all this work done before we officially start and they don't want us to slack off apparently. Meh! I'm going to be teaching grades 3 through 11 this year...possibly grade 12, though I'm dreading grade 12 since they study Java...who likes Java?!!! Sadly, no more grade 2 for me. I LOVED grade 2's. They are so cute and said the sweetest things.

No but seriously, I can't wait to see my students. I do miss them! I saw 3 or 4 of them during the week and they sure made me smile.

Highlight of the week: I was saying hello to my to-be grade 9 student who was standing with her mother.

The Mother: "Who's this? Zameeltich*?"
Student: "Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaam! She's my computing teacher!"
The Mother: "La wallah?! But look at her she has a baby-face!"

All I was doing was giggling like an idiot and thanking her hahaha

* Zameeltich = You're classmate


~ I was daydreaming about New Zealand 2 days ago. How much I miss it. How my University life was so interesting, weird and fun. How much I miss *real* sushi...Bongo cafe! The kind and peaceful people....and here's where I remembered one disappointing incident that happened to Mama.

This is how mama told it:

Mama was at a vegetable shop buying, well you guessed it, vegetables, when she noticed one Maori man giving her an unfriendly look. She had a feeling that he was going to 'drop a bomb', either swear at her in which she'd reply "You're mama" (hahaha) or call her terrorist. It was the latter. As she approached the tomato section (Mama can't live without tomatoes...she's a tomato herself haha), where the man was standing...she prepared herself for what's to come.

Man: "Terrorist!"
Mama looks at him in a disgusted yet I'm going to reply to that way and says,
Mama: "Thank you. I'm proud!"

The section had started to get crowded and he was too shocked to say anything back. Mama got her tomatoes and left happily.

She came to tell us this story that night, we laughed our heads off but we were so sad to know about this situation which has never happened to any of us before, ever. She said she didn't know what to reply with except for that...it worked didn't it?

But seriously, no one can generalize a whole people according to the actions of one person. We still love and miss New Zealand even after remembering that.

~ Oh! And here's what I did this shot for a Photography competition on English Sabla...the theme was Ramadan.

Before

After

There might not be a great difference, but it did make it look better. I used Diablo's tutorial so thanks Diablo! That's one awesome tut.

I won the competition...woooot!


Happy Eid ya'all!

Eid Mubarak 2010

Eid Mubarak Everyone!!
Hope all is having a wonderful time and enjoying it to the fullest. Isn't it weird to eat again haha, I still feel I should be fasting.

Anyways, have a good one and may Allah bring us another beautiful month of Ramadan and Eid insha'Allah!

Gone Arabic

~ What a wonderful Ramadan this has been! Thanks to Allah. We've finally reached the final 10 days of this holy month and those should be used even more wisely. I hope that everyone has been benefiting greatly from this beautiful month, in every single aspect. I know I have and I plan to continue insha'Allah!

~ I've been reading two books lately and what can I say, they've been such a fantastic read that I strongly recommend them! The first book is called Stories of the Prophets (from Adam to Mohammad) by Ahmed Bahgat. It gave me goosebumps, brought me to tears and made me smile and chuckle. Just amazing!

The second book is Falastine...Al Tareekh Al Mussawar (History of Palestine in picture) by Dr. Tariq Al Suwaydani. It's very simple with a lot of well illustrated pictures, many dating back in those ages. This beautiful book has benefited me in so many ways that I'm so happy with it! It's in Arabic, and Arabic books are not 'my thing' since I'm so and so with the language itself. So hopefully it'll be a way to improve my Arabic insha'Allah. Secondly and most importantly, I've been living in the dark when it came to my own country' history and basically this wonderful book has opened my eyes to this old, old and beautiful history. So thanks to Allah that I'm gaining this important knowledge!

~ Khawatir 6. Have you guys been watching this show? What an amazing show and I just have to bring up yesterday's episode which is my current favorite right now. Check out the episode, it'll tell you everything you need to know.

"I am white, I am English and the struggle of the Palestinians is my struggle too" - by a protesting British Woman for Gaza

"I am Jewish and I loath by what the Israeli's stand" - by a protesting Jewish man for Gaza

...and the impressive, The Crocodile Tears of Norman Finkelstein:

What a truly amazing man!

~ Lastly, I start work on Saturday. Meh! Mixed feelings about that to be honest. I've turned into a lazy monster, just sitting here comfortably, waking up as late as I want, sleeping whatever time I want...so in other words a very unhealthy lifestyle. I look forward to going back to school for many reasons, but mainly for the sake of getting back to my daily and healthy routine. I've missed the kids as well...all of them, so it should be nice to see them when school officially starts. I'm planning to make a few changes so I hope all goes well! Plus I miss driving my car *cries*

Wohoo updated! :D

The Amazing Qur'an by Gary Miller

I just finished reading this wonderful article in which not only was it interesting and informative even for me as a Muslim but it amazed me and made me smile and laugh because of how truly amazing the Qur'an is!

It is a very long article but one that cannot be missed!! I have quoted only the first few paragraphs but as you read on, it just gets better and better.

Calling the Qur'an amazing is not something done only by Muslims, who have an appreciation for the book and who are pleased with it; it has been labeled amazing by non-Muslims as well. In fact, even people who hate Islam very much have still called it amazing.

One thing which surprises non_muslims who are examining the book very closely is that the Qur'an does not appear to them to be what they expected. What they assume is that they have an old book which came fourteen centuries ago from the Arabian desert; and they expect that the book should look something like that - an old book from the desert. And then they find out that it does not resemble what they expected at all. Additionally, one of the first things that some people assume is that because it is an old book which comes from the desert, it should talk about the desert. Well the Qur'an does talk about the desert - some of its imagery describes the desert; but it also talks about the sea - what it's like to be in a storm on the sea.

Some years ago, the story came to us in Toronto about a man who was in the merchant marine and made his living on the sea. A Muslim gave him a translation of the Qur'an to read. The merchant marine knew nothing about the history of Islam but was interested in reading the Qur'an. When he finished reading it, he brought it back to the Muslim and asked, "This Muhammed, was he a sailor?" He was impressed at how accurately the Qur'an describes a storm on a sea. When he was told, "No as a matter of fact, Muhammed lived in the desert," that was enough for him. He embraced Islam on the spot. He was so impressed with the Qur'an's description because he had been in a storm on the sea, and he knew that whoever had written that description had also been in a storm on the sea. The description of "a wave, over it a wave, over it clouds" was not what someone imagining a storm on a sea to be like would have written; rather, it was written by someone who knew what a storm on the sea was like. This is one example of how the Qur'an is not tied to a certain place and time. Certainly, the scientific ideas expressed in it also do not seem to originate from the desert fourteen centuries ago.

It goes on about how some people perceive that the Qur'an was sent by the devil :dev: and/or Prophet Mohammed is the Author and the time he came up with the Qur'an and when he claimed he was a Prophet he was crazy and/or a liar. But all of these assumptions and what these people believed are proven wrong through this article.

Continue Article - A MUST READ!!!!

Gather round

...cos I've got a thing or two to share.

First, I'd like to start of by saying I hope that everyone's Ramadan is going beautifully and smoothly, that it has been a blessing for all and a strong month of worship for you in the path for becoming a stronger and better Muslim! ^^

Second, I would like to introduce this new blog, خطوة | A Step, in which I'll be contributing in with two other fantastic ladies, my dearest friends FAITH and Spot. It's still fresh and plans and ideas for خطوة | A Step are under way. So please do check it out and insha'Allah it will be informative and an eye-opener.

This blog is a drop in the silence sea of the world...in which we believe that if it happens and intensifies with other drops; they'd change something...someday!

And that's my 50bz lol

May Allah (swt) accept our fasting and may our Iftar be delicious! Ameen.

Maher Zain - The Chosen One (Al Mukhtar)

My favorite song of the album has finally been made into a video and I have to say what a beautiful video. It truly is in perfect sync with the song/lyrics!

The song - The Chosen One - is inspired by Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. Maher Zain and Awakening Records felt they had to respond after the recent attacks on prophet Muhammad through cartoons and facebook. The result is this music video. It's a small token in portraying the true character of our beloved Prophet Muhammad.

I always get goosebumps no matter how many times I listen to this song!

A video about Ramadan

I really liked this video and thought I'd share with who ever would be interested.

The video truly tackles most of the bad aspects we might put ourselves into during this holy month. He sends out good messages in a interesting and funny way and let's hope we and every other Muslim who watches the video learns that truly the holy month of Ramadan is a blessing!

2010 Ramadan Mubarak

I'm so happy right now! It's always such a wonderful feeling when you know that Ramadan is just around the corner, start preparing for the delicious dishes, and setting out important goals to achieve through out this holy and beautiful month. Fasting in Oman begins tomorrow and I'm so excited about it because it's the first Ramadan in 5 years in a Muslim and Arab country (different feeling and vibe), more specifically Oman! You can already feel it in the air, such a warm feeling, you can see it on people's faces and hear it in their voices as they say do3a2 to one another.

I have set out a few goals for my self in which I've written on small yellow post-it notes (which I've stuck on my wall) and these goals mainly concentrate on reading the whole Qura'an (in a month), read it's translation to get a stronger understanding, memorize a good number of chapters (the whole Part 30 and my favorite chapter Al Ra7man), read the book Stories of the Prophets, and the constant recall (Theker) of Allah (swt), and the list goes on.

There are many things you can leave and gain from Ramadan, therefore, this month should be spent wisely. Make sure your intentions are truthful and in the right place, that you truly want to come out a better and stronger Muslim than before. There's no use if you pray just because you're fasting and you want it to count, and then come the end of the holy month of Ramadan let go of everything...these are the wrong intentions.

Again, Ramadan Mubarak and may it be a blessed and a wonderful month for us all!

[Movie] Inception (2010)

Plot:

Dom Cobb is a skilled thief, the absolute best in the dangerous art of extraction, stealing valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious during the dream state when the mind is at its most vulnerable. Cobb's rare ability has made him a coveted player in this treacherous new world of corporate espionage, but it has also made him an international fugitive and cost him everything he has ever loved. Now Cobb is being offered a chance at redemption.

Tagline: Your mind is the scene of the crime

Official Trailer

Just be calm and tackle aspect by aspect sensibly.
*I literally have my fingers floating on the keyboard because I don't know where to begin. *

I first heard about this movie some time towards the end of 2009, where I saw a really small part of the making of the "no gravity" scene. I knew that it's going to be a fantastic watch so I gathered some more information about the movie and discovered who was in the cast and most importantly, who was the director of the movie. Let me start with the cast, I mean just look at those names.

Leonardo DeCaprio: he totally grew, for me, as actor after I watched Blood Diamond and The Departed. After these two movies, I looked more forward to any up coming movies he starred in and I have to say he played his role real well. His character was of the emotional and mysterious type which can be quite a tough thing to act but he did it perfectly.

Ken Watanabe: okay! This man was just pure awesomeness. He played the bad man of the group but I honestly like his characters relationship with Leo's character. They had a lot in common and I have to say that last scene between him and Leo was just fantastic!

Joseph Gordon-Levitt: always been a fan of this actor since the days of 3rd Rock from the Sun and 10 Things I Hate About You and what a fantastic role he had. Definitely my favorite character of the movie! He got the coolest scenes of the movie too...they were stupendous! Loved how he played the cold yet innocent (and I thought he was sweet) and smart character. You can't help it but like him.

Marion Cotillard: don't know her very well, but she had an annoying character. She scared me with her fast, sudden head turns...makes you think her neck broke but non-the-less she did an awesome job too.

Ellen Page: one of my all time favorite actresses! She is just flawless at what she does and I'm glad she starred in such an amazing move as Inception. She needs to gain weight though...she's super skinny!

Cillian Murphy: guy with the freaky eyes...oooh *makes ghost sound*. I like him as an actor (thanks to Red Eye)...he had a small role but it was an important one. Spoiler?

The movie when it comes to the visuals factor was just absolutely brilliant. Just the thought of the amount it took to create such a massive world is just gob-smacking. Also, one to think or come up with such a world is on a thinking level of their own. Pure genius!

I loved the story and how everything came together. I had a moment during a scene where I said to myself "Ooooh so that's why they made him change in to that person...haha awesome!!"...it was truly awesome because it was like you solving the puzzle. This is what I exactly like, and I'm sure most who follow this kind of genre will agree, your brain just constantly working as the movie progresses so as to understand and solve the story.

The science (time, psychology, chemistry, engineering, etc) behind this movie is incredible! This is where the real genius and art appears because it has to be passed on in a way that it's understandable and fascinating rather than boring and useless. It's definitely something new; some people compared Inception to The Matrix but I don't see the comparison because the idea in Inception is more of the real world (dreams) rather than the fantasy world (with monsters, weird creatures, and slow motion dodging bullets and incredible fighting power, etc) which you see in the Matrix. I just truly enjoyed the science that contained this fantastic movie!

Now let's come to the awesome director, who has become my favorite director in this current time. Christopher Nolan ladies and gents! You might remember him from 2 years ago with his fantastic direction in The Dark Night. Epic-ness right there! The direction totally stands out in Inception and once you leave the theater it's almost the first thing that comes to mind..."the movie was very well directed". So hats of Mr. Nolan, you did it again!

Lastly, I leave you with the fantastic music composer, Hans Zimmer, who was also the composer for The Dark Night (go figure - two amazing movies). A fantastic job here too, definitely matched every bit of the movie and I can't wait to get my hands on the Soundtrack! Just watch the trailer and you'll get what I mean.

If you haven't watched this movie yet then I have no idea what it is that you're waiting for exactly! Must see at the cinema as well just to experience the full sounds and visuals package.

Great direction, fantastic cast, amazing story and awesome visuals and music, hands down a 10/10

Post of the Day

:: Sweet Oman was hit by a Tropical Cyclone given the incredibly awesome name, Phet. Parts of the country (especially the coastal regions) was under serious alert for 3 complete days. At first, the cyclone had a different course but then it decided to change it's route and visit sweet sweet Oman. It got pretty intense in some areas, where roads were flooded, water entered homes, PALM Trees fell, and sadly, the thing that everyone was mostly hoping for not to happen, the loss of 16 lives. May they Rest In Peace and may Allah have mercy on their souls. I also hope that the people that have been seriously affected by Phet get back up and going asap. The positive side of Phet is that it left Oman cool and cleaned the air for a couple of days, which was much needed in the current oven heat weather we're experiencing. Al 7amdulelAllah 3ala kulee 7al!

:: I'm sure everyone knows what the Zionists have recently done, right? Despite this being late to blog about, it's still the discussion/debate of today. Plus, I just want to get all my fury out there. Day by day I become more and more astonished by the level of illegal-ness the Zionists are allowed to exceed. YES! Allowed! No one seems to stop them so that means they're free to do what they want. Where is the world from them? WHERE? Despite the fact that the boats heading to Gaza contained many kinds of much needed supplies to the people of Gaza (who have been living in indescribable conditions), the Zionists moved out and attacked those Peace boats on INTERNATIONAL effin' waters. The Zionists claim that it was defense. Um...where is the logic in that? Last but not least, I don't blame the Zionists for what they're doing to Palestine, but I blame the Arab cowards who are just sitting there watching their fellow brothers and sisters get slaughtered in front of their eyes. You make me sick!

God bless Turkey!

These two event's happened very close two each other. It wasn't very nice at all!

:: Now, as for me, I've just been busy with what life has given me so far. As far as things go, school is my main occupation but honestly, I can't wait till it ends...this heat isn't helping me nor the children. I think the heat has some kind of crazy affect on them where they just go wild. Exams start tomorrow...God help us all lol and I officially get off from school on the 21st of June. It's going great...school I mean. All the 29 grades I teach are fantastic...except for ONE, but let's not go into that shall weh lol Anyways, the good thing is summer is JUST around the corner, and I will have more time to blog about all sorts of things InshAllah!

Lastly, savor the small or big moments (happy or sad) for as long as you can! They're truly worth savoring.

[Movie] Surf's Up (2007)

Plot:

Based on the groundbreaking revelation that surfing was actually invented by penguins. In the film, a documentary crew will take audiences behind the scenes and onto the waves during the most competitive, heartbreaking and dangerous display of surfing known to man, the Penguin World Surfing Championship.

Surf's Up Trailer

G's thoughts:

* The plot sounds funny! *

So Surf's Up has just been recently added to my list of favorite animation movies, and I gotta say I LOVE this movie! Now that I remember when this movie was first released, around the same time when Happy Feet was, I kind of expected it to be disturbing as Happy Feet (I had only watched the trailer not the movie) was to me so it kind of put me off from watching it. Four days ago, that changed, I managed to watch the movie 3 times in just 2 days, haha. Yeah I really did love it!

The thing is, I never expected it to be like this, which just tells you never to expect anything from movies...just go watch them lol. From minute one you get the idea that this animation is going to be really good! The idea of how it was made and "recorded" was what made it good. Like it says in the plot, the film was in a form of a documentary. I loved this most of all. The "camera" work was like none other animation I've seen so far. It was very professional and as if it weren't an animated movie but more like a "real life" kind of movie. At one point, I also felt I was watching "Cribs" because of the way the camera moved. That was awesome!

I love Shia LaBeouf and the moment I heard his character speak I immediately knew that it was him. Though I still googled the movie to see who was the cast, and I was right! Now once I made sure that LaBeouf was the main character, I knew the animation was going to be fantastic. He did an amazing job with his part, his voice definitely fits for voice overs.

The other characters were hilariously fantastic too. Each one had their own unique style and brought a nice touch to the animation. The Pengonians were something, haha, thinking about the parts they appeared makes me chuckle.

Now the visual work was great. I have to say the waves were the glory of the movie! They looked very real like and had the "beautiful" factor to the point that you wanted to dive into your laptops screen into those beautiful waters and waves. 10/10 for visuals.

I could not have picked a better soundtrack for this movie. Every song played was perfect for the scene. Most of the songs were of Green Day and they had a beautiful favorite from Incubus too.

A fantastic animation to watch! So watch it if you haven't yet because it's funny, fast-paced and very enjoyable (will have you smiling by the end of it) so hands down it gets a solid 9/10 from me.

Not moving. Not breathing.

It was horrific. One would say, a miracle of miracles needs to happen for him to live.

I am currently in a state of shock since this is my first time I've ever seen, a strong possibility, a dead body. It is impossible to understand how the accident happened because of the point the two cars have been destroyed and I guess I'll never find out.

I was asleep in the back seat on our way back from the Sawadi Resort when I woke to the feeling of the car slowing down and my dad saying;

Dad: "A3ootho belAllah min '3athab eAllah, A3ootho belAllah min '3athab eAllah. Don't look, don't look!"

He aimed that second part to mama since I think he thought I was still asleep.

First I saw the car (silver) and the utterly horrific state it was in. A few seconds away was the other car (taxi) in a milder state than the first. Then, further away of these two cars was the helpless body of an Omani man, in a white dishdasha and a kuma, lying on the hot floor, in a puddle of his own blood that was coming out of his...head. He was on his left side; right arm over the left arm, and right leg over the left leg. I didn't see his face and I didn't want to either. The whole scene was disturbing and heart breaking.

My heart was beating so fast and eventually, I ended up in tears. Seeing the body of a human being...like that...was scary. A lifeless body, not moving, not breathing, while everything else around it is. It makes you realize how fragile and how very human we are.

Like I said, there is no way of knowing what happened (who's fault it was) unless if there were witnesses, but they are probably long gone now. I don't even know if the man was alive when we passed, or on the brink of death or somewhere in between just waiting to be saved. If he has passed on then may he rest in peace and may Allah have mercy on his soul. If he's in a struggle between life and death then God help him because it's not going to be easy getting over something like that. May God strengthen his family also when (I'm sure they've been informed by now) they hear about this horrible news and during the painful time ahead.

I wish people would wake up already and realize how bad the road situation in Oman is! What more do they need to know to tell them that this is a serious disaster that could happen to anyone! If you're not the one who made the accident then someone else would have put you in it.

I love this country, but it's roads are not safe...at all!

Allah Yustur 3aleena wa ye7meena. Ameen.

It's definitely something I'll never forget.

p.s. there's a huge difference between a dead person and a sleeping person =(

Everything 2

Last day of a one week holiday. I actually miss the kids (not all - definitely not the grade 3's and 4's) and my usual..."healthy" routine. I didn't enjoy this break to its fullest sadly. I got sick and everything just clashed with each other. It's true when 'they' say what ever you plan doesn't go as planned.

I went into a reading frenzy from Thursday till Monday (will explain what happened Monday) to the point that I'm reading two books at the same time. The two books that have been occupying my eyes are 'The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown' and 'Girls of Riyadh by Rajaa Al Sanea'. I have my light read, the latter (even though somethings have gotten on my nerves badly), and the thrill of the first. So it's somewhat a good balance.
N.B. I think I will start reviewing books.

Come Monday, I stole Sarz's PSP for the rest of my break because I've been having these major urge's to game. I miss it badly and I especially miss my PS2 (which is with my bros in NZ) and all my favorite games (Prince of Persia, Fatal Frame, Resident Evil...). I also really really miss playing Left 4 Dead with my Uni mates and World of Warcraft with friends. So right now, I've got the PSP occupying me and yet again playing two games at the same time. Silent Hill: Origins (Horror) and Final Fantasy: Crisis Core (Adventure). I'd spend hours on this thing! I'm not even done yet.

Everything 2, eh?! Went to B+F today. Fantastic place for lunch or dinner. The atmosphere at night is amazing...leans towards the romantic side actually. Their burgers are pretty fantastic and what separates their burgers from any other place is their juicy-ness. Those burgers are just juicy, YUM! I went for 'Up in Smoke' SS (again, everything 2) while my friend went for the Philly something. Ordered salad, cheese fries and coke/dew. They have strong burgers but everything else is a bit of a let down, especially their DRINKS! Nothing beats Chilies Strawberry Lemonade *craving it*. Oh! Chilies is my favorite place so far. I try to go almost once every week. Crazy I know, but their food is DAMN GOOD!
N.B. Maybe should start restaurant reviews.

I've finally come to enjoy driving here. I actually enjoy it a lot, more than I did in New Zealand. The roads are enjoyable if you pick the right times to go out lol...but honestly, there will always and forever be some jerk (male OR female) that may cause you to curse or honk. It's true when 'they' say stupidity is infinite...something like that anyways. Oh! Here's my ride (not the actual car in the picture):
Black Kia Soul. Weird design, but that's what attracted me to it. Sadly, I had THE moment with a VW GTI *Edit: removed some gibberish here, obviously I don't know much about cars lol*; you know when you get in the car, sit and your bottom fits perfectly, put your hand on the steering and you get that feeling. Yeah! Well that's what I had with the GTI. It was a mean machine but way out of the budget I put (since there is no way I'm letting dad pay for it) for a first car. I went back to the Soul. So if you see a black Soul (tee-hee) with a Palestinian theme interior (tee-hee) then you just spotted G-chan!

With the Soul you get to choose whether you want a vinyl (car sticker) or not which is pretty cool (thought they were illegal though), but I didn't want it. If I'm to add a vinyl to my Soul then it'd be custom made either by yours truly or Sarz, small in size and symbol too. Now I understand why Amarant wouldn't add a vinyl to his Roxy lol. I would love to add some mods to Soul and first on the list is black tints, maybe black rims and get rid of the yellow head lights and replace them with white ones. I don't know, need an experts touch (wish my bros where here T-T). But one thing at a time, eh?!

Back to school on Saturday where something new is added to my schedule. A few weeks ago, Ahmed (grade 8) came up to me and asked if I could start a Computing Club. Now, honestly, that was just awesome getting a request like that. I ended up telling him if he can gather up to 10 students (yes 10 would be great!) to join the club then I'd ask permission from the principle. He replied that everyone will join so I should just start the club. That made me even more happier but I insisted that he gather some names first. He gathered 45 students (from grades 8,9 and 10) in under 2 days. Hence, the En-Tekk (TM) club has been initiated every Saturday from 4pm to 5pm. It's going to be a very diverse topic club and everyone is pretty excited about it so I hope the students won't be let down!
N.B. Will update on the club every Saturday insha'Allah!

I will leave you with this piece from Final Fantasy: Crisis Core OST. Oh! The whole OST is fantastic.

[Movie] The Haunting in Connecticut (2009)

Plot:

The astounding, well-documented story of a family forced to relocate near a clinic where their son was being treated for cancer. Strained financially and emotionally, the family discovers their recently renovated home was a former mortuary with a dark history. After experiencing violent supernatural events both inside and out of the house, the family seeks the help of ghost hunters and the Catholic Church, which performs an exorcism.

The Haunting in Connecticut trailer

Another horror. In my eyes, horror movies have been restored because of this movie. Who knew! Actually, my grade 10 student told me that the movie's good and that I should watch it. So I ended up doing just that and I truly LOVED it! I found the story interesting than any exorcism stories out there. It felt much more realistic and had a stronger feel to it. Yeah! I really liked it.

When I read the title the first time, I had imagined something like "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre", which was one of the worst movies I've ever seen. Weird enough when you expect something, the opposite happens. Not always, but much frequently. I really thought that I would hate this movie; blood and gore, and a useless killer out to kill everyone. Didn't see that! Like I said the story was good.

It was pretty horrific. I freaked out a couple of times and looked away at a certain scene but this is what I want from horror movies. I want them to be scary not disgusting. This is what you get from "The Haunting in Connecticut"! What made this movie freaky-ier is that it's based on a true story.

I loved the main actor! Kyle Gallner. I think he played his part very well. The last few scene's of him were my most favorite...his acting was very real and flawless (not trying hard) so hoping to see more of him in any upcoming, not necessarily horror, films. He stood out the most for me compared to the others but his "little sister" creeped me out with her eyes. As if she was possessed or something lool. Kids in horror movies - horrific combination! P.S. There's a Spock look a like if you can spot him loool

I loved the music, especially with the final scene. First horror movie that almost brought me to tears. I liked the place and how the movie was shot. One scene was a bit weak...but the movie was good enough to bother about it. Honestly, I was so happy with this movie that I will have no problem watching it again.

I was expecting a scene from Lord of the Rings with this track.
Such a beautiful piece and fit perfectly with the scene.

A definite recommendation to those out there with the horror bone!

Rating: 9/10

It's all in my head...science, he said

Another week has passed.

It didn't start out as nicely as I would've liked it to, but it sure ended very well. A few students got on my nerves and I actually got a headache...twice! But I still love 'em!

Who has seen the movie A Beautiful Mind? Well I met a student who is so much like John Nash. It's quite worrisome but pretty impressive (you'll understand what I mean if you've seen the movie). You won't believe what grade this students in...grade 2, Yeah! We were sitting at a table in the cafeteria when one of my colleagues called over Anas. He asked Anas a couple of simple (to grade 5+ students) math questions in which he answered all correctly (masha'Allah!). Then the colleague asked Anas to tell us about genetics (waaaa?!)...in which he did to our amazement. He went on about DNA, and if the mother had certain traits, then so will her child. Then he went on about Newton and how gravity pulled the apple down from the tree...

Masha'Allah he knew so much information for his age that I started to wonder if he gets to do what kids do...PLAY! I asked him if he has a Play Station. He does, and he explained to me what games he owns (Golf and Football). I saw kids playing and running around so I wondered if any are his friends.

G: Anas, do you have friends?

Anas: Yes miss. I have a lot!

G: Awesome. Where are they? You can go and play with them, you don't have to sit with us you know.

He starts walking off.

Anas: Miss, I have the closest friends ever! They are up here...

He points to his head with both hands.

Anas: ...it's all science.

He runs off and I just sat there looking at him with my eyes wide open.

Other colleague: Wait! What did he just say?!!

We stared at each other for a few seconds.

G: Have you seen A Beautiful Mind?!

Highlight

The bell just rang, so I walked up to the door, opened it, held it open and said my goodbyes to my grade 2 students who I taught for the first time today. From the looks of it, they enjoyed the lesson.

One boy had his hands over his tummy, as if praying, as he walked towards the door. He had his head down also. Once he reached me, he stood right in front of me with his head still down and hands crossed over his tummy.

Boy: Miss, I lfdsoofafdska.....

He spoke in a really low voice and was only just above my knees tall, so I bent down to his level and asked him what he had just said because I didn't hear. Again, his voice was low and wouldn't make eye contact with me but I managed to hear what he said.

Boy: Miss, I love you.

Okay, honestly! That was the cutest thing I've ever heard! I ruffled his hair and told him thanks and that I can't wait to see him again next week. He totally made the rest of my day!

The fourth

My fourth week as a teacher has so far been the weirdest one. It was such a hectic week with all the final exams going on and craziness of dealing with people who dealt with things in a really bad manner. I got angry, felt guilt, laughed my head off, got bored and fell asleep in the staff room, somewhat "at home", and best of all unleashed stubbornness and determination which lead to a small triumph that I'd probably never forget neither the people that were apart of it.

I love the kids - that's what I mostly like about my work. I have to see their sweet little faces almost everyday may it be during class or just randomly while walking from one place to another. I still can't remember all their names or who and who is in which grade (they all look similar to me at the moment) but I'm definitely getting there slowly.

Highlight

I was on my way out of the cafeteria with my closest colleague when I met eyes with one of my grade 4 students that I taught just an hour before. He stared at me with a cheeky smile on his face, then tilted his head in an upward motion yelling:

Saeed: "Sha5baarich Miss?"

I just gave him the hugest smile I could muster and waved at him.

*Sha5baarich: How are you

7 Things

Kitten tagged me in her post Tagged! . Thanks kitten and guess what! I'm gonna do this right now since I'm in a blogging mood.

1:: Computing teacher much? Yeah! I've just started and I'm loving it! I'm the youngest teacher at the school which makes me closer in age to the kids. Everyone is super nice...and the amazing thing about all this is I get to pass what I learned about Computer Science to the children who have finally become interested in it; where in the end, they could say "Miss G-chan taught me that". Also learning how to deal with kids.

2:: Movies freak. Big time! Give any kind of movie and I will watch despite liking it or not, I will watch it. During my holidays, I'd fit in a movie a day and if that day felt extra lucky I'd watch two, sometimes three movies in just one day. I'm always looking for new movies but I have no problem at all with watching movies I've already seen. Oh! If I loved the movie, then usually I'd write a review here.

3:: The sushi. I don't know if it's actually an addiction or not but I just LOVE sushi! It's one of the foods, more like the only, that I don't mind eating everyday. Actually, there came a time in my life during my undergraduate studies where I had sushi for lunch every single day. Even though I didn't want anyone else to love sushi the way I did (more for me noh!), but sharing is caring and therefore, I'd always "introduce" my friends to it may they like it or not. Sushi is a dish that you must try at least once in your life. Eat it correctly and surely you'll fall in love!

4:: Tall and honest. Somehow I always put these two descriptions together even though they're not related in meaning or the fact that one is an appearance and the other is a personality trait. I am a very tall person, well, that's what I'd be considered here in Oman anyways. Most of the time I don't mind it but then there are these little situations where you'd wish you're a tiny bit shorter. As for my honesty, sadly sometimes it hurts even though when it's not my intentions at all. Honesty is good and I believe that it's best to hear the truth rather than a lie which you might discover that it's not true.

5:: Photography, Drawing and playing the Guitar. I love these things! But there's something wrong...rather than just picking one, focusing on it, and being really good at it I, instead, try to take them on all at once and just be okay in them. It's on and off, as well. Never were very continuous. But I do enjoy them very much.

6:: Arabic is heavy. That's what I've been told anyways. When I speak in Arabic, it takes me a while to put my sentence together or the word I'm looking for. Also, my accent is...let's say, messy. So if I talk to you in Arabic you won't know exactly where I'm from because there are so many accents in my Arabic.

7:: Web Programming. Not only it is my specialization but it's actually something I enjoy doing. I still have space to grow and expand my knowledge in this area but what I'm capable of right now is satisfying.

My two cents!

The seven people I'm going to tag are:

Amarant
Lady MAB
Pepsi Diet
Delta
Diablo
Hamdy Elgammal
Spot

Setting my mind

...on something!

That's it! It's been such a long time since I last wrote here that I actually miss my blog. I miss my readers and the awesome comments you guys left. Therefore, I've decided to update this place once a week (I'll do my very best to do so)...I don't know what form my posts are going to be in exactly, but this place shall be updated!

Also, I've decided I'm gonna give my blog a make-over as in to start anew. Basically it's just going to fit me at this present time.

Lastly, the reason why I have left this place for quite a while is because I managed to find a great job as a Computer Teacher at a very well known school (just completed my third week). The name of the school shall be nameless but all I can give you is that it's quite in the top of the most well known schools list. I will leave the greater details in the posts to come (InshAllah!).

Fin.

[What's This?] Indicate much?

....I don't think so!

So I'd like to know, what is the indicator function in cars used for here? Do you know what for? Absolutely NOTHING! Shocked much? I don't think so!

Seriously, I don't know why they're built in the cars here since they're not used for their only, sole purpose. I hate it and the people that don't use indicators when turning left or right I call them "Retard" or "Freak on a leash" or "Stupid Idiot"! I mean what the hell?! What annoys me more is some are already too lazy to just flick their finger to work the indicator so imagine someone with a phone in one hand and the other on the steering at an intersection or a roundabout. Oh oh! The hand that's holding the phone is the left which is the one you need to use the indicator...

=_____________________________=

I think one of the toughest areas on the roads of Oman are the roundabouts. Exclude the fact that one is supposed to slow down, and check for on coming traffic but here it's full on speed into the roundabout. If there's on coming traffic they're supposed to stop (which I don't understand for your information). Then there's me. I'm waiting for those cars to pass by with their full on speed thinking that they're going forward (passing in front of me since they didn't indicate that they'll turn and the speed they're traveling in gives you the impression there's going to be no turning!) but instead and sometimes last minute, they turn! WHY? Why did you not use the indicators? Why did you waste my time? People here drive as if they own the roads or that there's no one else on the road except for themselves. Or they expect you to read their mind or something. This is where people really need to think about others.

*sighs* One should give it a small thought really. Like what's it going to do if you indicated when you're turning? What's it going to do to the person(s) you indicated to? I know what! You won't be sworn at (in cases like me) and the other person's time will not be wasted and heck you might be praised even if you might not be able to hear it!

I don't want to generalize but so far I've only seen two people using the indicator so don't blame me.

[Series] Dexter

Plot:

Based on Jeff Lindsay's novels Darkly Dreaming Dexter and Dearly Devoted Dexter this crime thriller follows Dexter Morgan. Dexter is a forensic blood spatter expert for the Miami Dade Police Department. He is the main support for his sister. He has a steady girlfriend, with two kids who adore him. He also has an active "night life". Based on a code instilled in him by his foster father, Harry, he hunts down people who have escaped justice and makes sure they don't get away with a crime again.

I've blogged about this series before and here I am blogging about it again since I think it deserves an entry of its own. So I love this series (surprise surprise) and I have to say, it gets better and better every season. I just completed Season 4 and well, it's the best one so far...and the creepiest! There was so much thrill and quick heart beating during some scenes but this is exactly what I like about it. Also, the soundtrack is just fantastic! Check out my favorite piece; Photo Albums.

I won't talk about Dexter him self because we already know (those who follow the series) how he's so good and does a great job with his role but instead I want to talk about the new addition to the series...the enemy.

John Lithgow people! You might know him from the hit series 3rd Rock From The Sun as the child-like character Dr. Dick Solomon. Man did he flip 180 degrees! I really thought I'd have a hard time taking him seriously but was I wrong. I think he was the scariest enemy Dexter faced. Utterly disturbing guy and seriously I don't think anyone else would've pulled the job better than he did. I will not say anymore, just watch the series!

This season had major events following from the previous season with new characters and problems revolving with and around Dexter. People dying, getting married, having babies, finding out secrets and the list basically goes on. But the most major part of the season was the finale. It was HUGE...and shocking! I don't think I was in such shock in the previous seasons. You might expect something but you can only confirm what you think when you see it right? Even though, you will still get shocked because it was...I still can't believe it! It was very bad to the point that I almost teared. Watch out for the big cliff hanger that will leave you at the edge of your seat and I really hope it's a dream but I sadly feel it won't be.

Season 5 gets released sometime late September of this year and I seriously can't wait. I have no idea what to expect, but till September comes all we can do is discuss and make assumptions about what could happen...which is always interesting because it makes you feel like a detective *jokes*

I will leave you with Dexter's Opening theme, which I kind of hate...makes me shiver every time I watch it lol

This opening theme is all about Dexter's real life: killing. The track sounds like a normal day of a normal person but you can almost hear / see there's more to it.

Oh yeah! I wish I was a forensic scientist...would've been such an awesome job!

[Series] The Office

Plot:

The Office is a mockumentary that documents the exploits of a paper supply company in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Made up of head chief Michael Scott, a harmlessly deluded and ignorantly insensitive boss who cares about the welfare of his employees while trying to put his own spin on company policy. With an office including the likes of various peers who have their own hangups, The Office (2005) takes a look at the lives of its co-workers: bored but talented salesman Jim, his mildly sociopathic, butt kissing enemy Dwight, mildly righteous receptionist Pam, and indifferent temp Ryan.

So, The Office. You can say I'm pretty addicted to this series, which quite is funny because it's basically the most stupidest, brain-cell killing, annoying, awkward, dorkiest, nerdiest and funniest (just a little bit) series I've seen to-date. When I first watched it, I kind of hated it because of how awkward and annoying (okay and boring) it was. But, it actually sucks you in. I just kept watching. Maybe it was curiosity? Eventually, the more I watched, the more I got into it. I started liking some characters, despised some and I just wanted to know where everything was all going.

I'm sure everyone is familiar with Steve Carell who's the lead (plays Michael Scott in The Office) in this series and well...I liked him before I watched this series, but now, I just hate him lol Sometimes, I just want to slap myself from what he says, how he acts and the situations (some of which are by force) he gets himself into. He really, really, really gets on my nerves. But I think the series won't be what it is without him. It makes me think if there's someone actually like that in real life...with that sort of personality. Very disturbing!

Jim (John Krasinski) and Dwight (Rainn Wilson) would have to be my favorites from The Office. One is sweet and funny in which I'm very interested to know what will happen with him, while the other can be nice but has some seriously funny issues which could be annoying as well. New characters are introduced and involved in the many crazy situations that occur.

Yeah...it got me hooked, and so far I've finished 3 seasons and into the fourth season within just the past days. I think I love it lol but it still gets on my nerves. Maybe this is why it's interesting - it makes you react positively and negatively.

Oh, and the facial expressions made in this series are like none other lol They're just awesome!

The thought...

...of death is scary.

The thought of loosing someone dear to the heart is....beyond...horribly, terrifying.

[What's this?] My nose drowned...

I am gobsmacked by the heavy amount of oud that has forced it's way through my nose and up to my brain during the number of times I've gone out! It's so strong that I teared in countless occasions where also I felt my head spin. It hurt even! What I'm surprised by though, is that this vivid oud scent came from...women. It's not like I'm getting close to them and sniffing their oud but more like whenever a lady passes by me (or vice versa) I get this whiff straight to the nose. Actually, it feels like a slap to the face because one instant I'm in odorless air then in another BAM!

"What the?" expression on my face and eyes tearing from the concentration of the oud.

I mean do they drain themselves with oud or is it just the one drop that could cause this much odor and/or...damage? Seriously. The men that pass by do not give off such strong odors, maaaaaan! Actually I think they either wear a lighter perfume or oud, which I considered really good compared to the women. What's annoying is, after the women have left the area, the odor of the oud lingers. God have mercy!

I'm definitely sure some will find the strong oud, or oud in general, nice and/or attractive, etc, but I'm not a big fan of oud - it's really, really...really strong and some do not even smell that good. There are a few that have a lighter scent than others which I don't mind or may even like but seriously, I don't think a woman should reek (yes! reek.) of something strong; may it be perfume or oud. It's only for her own good.

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Thanks to those that voted on the poll (Whether I should change my template or not)...um what can I say, the fifty-fifty split helped a lot lol I have picked out some templates but I'm not sure whether I will use one, being quite indecisive lately. But thanks! =)

Twenty-ten: Happy New Year!

Good morning!

It's the first of the first of twenty-ten (01/01/10) ! Happy New Year to you all and may the year ahead be a blissful and eventful year full of wonderful things!

Looking back and remembering the fast days of 2009 I can only conclude that it was a good, nice year but with a few downs here and there (surely). Memories are rushing through my head right now and I don't know what and what to start of with.

+ I caught on to the perfect job for me. Most importantly it revolved around my field and what I wanted to do. Gchan became a Web designer/developer. February 2009

+ Semester A of my fourth and final year at Waikato University began. Favorite semester of my university life! March 2009

- I met R; the girl who turned my friends and I into heartless monsters. March 2009
Refer to posts [What's this?] Patience Test and From "Plan A" to "Plan B"

+ My first website became live! April 2009

- I lost a friend who turned out to be one of those friends where you're not sure if you did the right thing or not. When things end in a bad way you can get in situation where you don't know what to do or if there's actually anything that could be done. Even though, I learned that always, things happen for a reason! Around the same time another friend was acting differently around me. It was such a tiring time. May 2009

+ Semester A ended, and so did the struggle with R. It was time for a holiday and to enjoy the break. June 2009

+ Traveled with my family to Jordan to see our relatives who we haven't seen since 2003. It was the best holiday ever! June 2009

- I started in the second week of Semester B where I discovered that there are crazy things in store for me; personally and study wise. July 2009

+ My second website became live! July 2009

+ Faced the friend that was acting differently around me and got the reason to why that was happening. I got a shock but was understanding yet despite the reason things went back to normal and we even became better friends. We drifted apart but it made us realize many things. This is exactly why true friends, are definitely true and hard to find. July 2009

- Had to put my work on hold due to the hectic schedule of studies. Client was super understanding and thankfully didn't replace me. August 2009

- I became an angry person due to everything that was happening around me. Studies and people (some can be really, really stupid =_=) made me angry. Behavior and personality partially changed. October 2009

-+ University was coming to an end and at the same time a super, dear friend was drifting away due to studies and other stuff. I had doubted my self of not being a good friend and I tried a lot to protect the friendship. But a friendship takes two people to work. Despite that, my super, dear friend and I talked and got through it! We became closer than before. The outcomes, seriously, is what matters. October 2009

+ Uni ended and I had done well in all my subjects! I officially completed my degree! SCHOOL'S OUT!! HERE COMES SUMMER! November 2009

+ Began work on my third and final website. I missed designing websites, a lot! November 2009

+ Packing to move to Oman began. November 2009

+ I got my full drivers license!!! November 2009

+ My third and final website became Live! I gained another wonderful friend (my client). December 2009

+ Left New Zealand for good to a new step and life in Oman. December 2009

Okay, reading this seems like it wasn't a good year with friends for me lol. But el 7amdulellah for everything!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!