What 2015 Taught Me

If I had to sum of the last 4 years in what it taught, here's how it would go

2011 - Not being selfish

2012 - Giving back to society

2013 - Going after my passion

2014 - Being kind to strangers

and this year; oh what a roller coaster it has been.

2015 you've broken my heart. You've shown me how vulnerable I really am, that how much I still cannot control things that happen to me. You made me fall in love with someone and then shown me how heartbreak is not as romantic as they show in Hallmark movies, that there is no happy ending to it, that it happens to even the best of us. You showed me that it hurts and the funny thing is in 2013  I had asked god to let me experience any kind of heartbreak because I thought I was dead inside, and little did I know 3 years later, you'd do exactly that. It was messy and terrible and it took me most of the year to try to come to terms with it. 

2015 you've given me lifelong friends and I can't be thankful enough. I already had such amazing friends and I thought that was the best I could get and you've proven me wrong by adding some beautiful people into my life. How amazing is it to be surprised with new people with diverse interests and their own little victories and life stories.

2015 you've made my faith in people stronger. I've seen friends do great things, go after their dreams, fall in love, fall out of love, get heartbroken, get depressed. You've shown me just how human we are and I love it. Thank you for letting me become a part of people's happiness and sorrows. You have no idea how much it means to get to be a part of someone else's life. You've showed me people can be so so much better and that they actually are. You always surprise me that despite how many people break my trust, how many more gain it every year.

2015 you've been both so kind and so terrible at the same time it's not even funny. I have lost count of all the time you've made me laugh and cry, how much you've broken me and yet healed me. The thing is, you learn from so many things and a year later you find that it has shaped you; for the better or worse and you can only hope it's not the latter. I'm so ready for this year to end because I can't wait for 2016! I have so many plans and so much lessons to learn. 

Overall, despite everything terrible, I'm also glad for so so much great things that happened in 2015 (and is to happen in the next few days!). Thank you for adding another 12 months life into my days! Let's hope 2016 is a year of bravery; of letting my walls down and trusting people more; of rebuilding my faith and giving back; of new adventures and climbing higher.

Favourite Books I Read in 2015

Ah year end, what better time than now to talk about some of my favourites I read the last 12 months.

In no particular order here goes. 

Wonder by RJ Palacio

Definitely one of the best books I've ever read. So heartwarming and it makes you rethink everything about little boys who look different than other little boys.

The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes

Two timelines, two stories, two women, one painting. LOVED this book, the writing style and how the stories intertwined. I did enjoy the part set in first world war a lot more.

And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini

Would I ever be bale to read a Khaled Hosseini book and not love it? Probably not. I did have minor problems with too much characters in this book but overall just loved it so much.

Mr.Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan

Ah books, adventure, secret missions? YES, YES and YEAHHH. This book was such a thrilling ride and I was hoping for so much more. In fact, I'm sad that this is a stand-alone book. 

A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anothony Marra

This book was closely in line with Khaled Hosseini's work but it has a much bigger impact on me. I love that it took place in just five days but it managed to teach the history of Chechnya and the book was heartbreaking but also hopeful. It's not really an easy read but you'll be a better person for having read it. 

Life of Pi by Yann Martel

I knew I was going to love this book but I just didn't know how much (very much!) and I was so right. Brilliant coming of age story and the background into religion, zoo keeping and philosophy was an added bonus. Thrilling page turner. LOVED the movie too.

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

I found this book in the library and have seen so many good reviews about it and I was a bit shocked with the language but once I got over it, it was such a good read. Tear jerking, emotional and sometimes just downright cruel, the story was compelling and I was hooked.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Ah, my very first ever Paulo book and I loved it to pieces. The story was beautiful and the writing was what kept me going. It was both sweet and happy the feeling this book gave me.

Digital Fortress by Dan Brown

Also my very first Dan brown book ever (also his first book) and it was fast paced and I lvoed the coding and the action. These kind of books are some of my favourites. Enjoyed it very much. 

and since we are on the topic here are 3 books I didn't particularly like. 

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

This book was getting so raved about I went in and got it but it was such a bore and the wrost hting is that it would pick up and pace and I would get into it but then it would disappoint. I did enjoy the parts about the painting and the theory about art but overall, I just found it very boring, especially for a Pulitzer Prize winner

A Grown Up Kind of Pretty by Joshilyn Jackson

This book's premise was just so interesting and the cover was so pretty but boy did this book just make me sad. It was pretty lame. I don't even want to talk about this book. NO.

Landline by Rainbow Rowell

How did a Rainbow Rowell book end up of my least favourites? I KNOW. I'M SO SAD cos I had such high expectations for this book and I love yellow rotary phones but I definitely did not like this book no matter how much I wanted to! UGH. 

What books did you love in 2015? What didn't you like?

#HaveeruMovieTitles

Every now and then the Maldivian twitter scene breaks into something fun like battle of the avah, Spread wars and Yaamyn's profile picture decree. Yesterday, a new hashtag was born #HaveeruMovieTitles thanks to Haveeru and their clickbait article where they literally translated a movie title. Clearly, this is something Haveeru often does as the #TranslateLikeHaveeru suggests.

Here are some of my favourites. 

We all need a little Angelina Jolie to spice up our life

Lonu. #HaveeruMovieTitles pic.twitter.com/KO7Z9bs5jJ

— Musal (@FoniLunbo) December 16, 2015

Here's a superhero who's obsessed with sugar

Hini-meehaar #HaveeruMovieTitles

— Yameen Rasheed (@yaamyn) December 16, 2015

Baa Baa Black Sheep?

lha kanbalhee ge hamahimeynkan #haveerumovietitles

— Isha Ali (@ish_aa) December 16, 2015

This title cannot be any clearer

Gengosfi #HaveeruMovieTitles pic.twitter.com/6qpeq1M8s5

— Musal (@FoniLunbo) December 16, 2015

When your obsession with jewelry is too high

Angotithakuge verin #HaveeruMovieTitles

— ibrahim (@usefulOidiot) December 16, 2015

Keynu you not?

Raiyyithu meehaar Keynu #haveerumovietitles

— madman (@juxyn) December 16, 2015

When you get your shrinking spells wrong

Maamui, aharen aharunge kudhinkolhu kurukollaifin #HaveeruMovieTitles @haveeru

— NibiHoor (@PutschMV) December 16, 2015

All these paper people with their paper lives, ugh

Karudhaas saharu. #haveerumovietitles

— Munshi Ibrahim (@munshhi) December 16, 2015

Ofcourse nothing would ever be complete without Harry Freaking Potter making a scene

Harry Jaadihadhaameehaa aai sihuruveriyaage hila #haveerumovietitles

— Bombitty Blob (@BlobbityyBlob) December 16, 2015

When you have to write party invitations and you only remember the guy's name

Sumithuge dhekanbalun #haveerumovietitles

— ishan (@ischern) December 16, 2015

When you're so bad at dancing, it should be illegal

Mududhaaru neshun. #haveerumovietitles

— Munshi Ibrahim (@munshhi) December 16, 2015

Now I know why I'm afraid of hiking

Burakashi bindhaa farubadha #haveerumovietitles

— Bombitty Blob (@BlobbityyBlob) December 16, 2015

This is gonna be us when we're old and grumpy

Muskulhi meehuna gaumei novey #haveerumovietitles

— Ae (@Eliminare) December 16, 2015

When your sister is mad at you and won't stop hitting ugh

Jahaa meeha #haveerumovietitles

— Ae (@Eliminare) December 16, 2015

When you're really mad at someone but they're already dead

Ma kae mahaana ah kulhu jehin #HaveeruMovieTitles

— Sola ☆ (@Sola_maryy) December 16, 2015

Is this a trick question?

Gilbert meybiskadhuru kanee koacheh? #haveerumovietitles

— madman (@juxyn) December 16, 2015

Some heroes live in the dark ages

Fehi fulhibahthi #haveerumovietitles

— Bombitty Blob (@BlobbityyBlob) December 16, 2015

Don't you just wanna do this to people all the time?

Kolhu fain jahaa bureega #HaveeruMovieTitles pic.twitter.com/t2jEW64k26

— Naaif Rasheed (@Naaiyef) December 16, 2015

When you break your fast and the only food there is dates, ugh

Fansaas furathama kadhuruthah #haveerumovietitles

— Bombitty Blob (@BlobbityyBlob) December 16, 2015

I can't even

Dhaarul-aasaaru ga Raykurun #haveerumovietitles pic.twitter.com/At0xfXCbZY

— fasy (@fasyibrahim) December 16, 2015

This is when you're just so done you don't feel a thing

Harukoh Maruvelan Rangalhu Dhuvahe #haveerumovietitles pic.twitter.com/Npph9pxxlB

— George ge Ahammadhu (@AhmedMarzooq) December 16, 2015

You mean another name for Maldives according to old people?

Jinsee gulhun hingumaai rashuthere' #haveerumovietitles pic.twitter.com/J3Qp42IvzU

— Ahmed Shadheen (@shadyfish) December 16, 2015

Pinterest crazies always need some dhalhu in their life

Dhalhu dhalhu #haveerumovietitles #translatelikehaveeru pic.twitter.com/wPlnog3OLu

— PonderingCupOfSoup (@bandey) December 16, 2015

and here's three in a list, woohoo

#TranslateLikeHaveeru -Thari Hanguraama -Mashah ingea kaley midhiya hoonu moosumuga kuri kanthah -Kaley mammaya mashaa dhimaavi goi

— ishan (@ischern) December 16, 2015

Your parents probably said this at some point in your childhood.

Faseyha Alifu #haveerumovietitles pic.twitter.com/wAglI0ttAn

— Maahil (@MaahilMohamed) December 16, 2015

and ofcourse I can't end this post without adding some of mine

Malaamaiy Kuraa Dhoonyeh Maraalun #HaveeruMovieTitles

— Shaha (@heyshaha) December 16, 2015

Jehigen Hurigey Firihen Kujjaa Nunimihuri Viyafaari Mr Tumor Dhurah Dheybala! Banduhaihoonukamuge Kulhivaru #HaveeruMovieTitles

— Shaha (@heyshaha) December 16, 2015

How did twitter react to this? Some were so glad this happened

Fun day on Twitter today😂Am I glad I was there for #HaveeruMovieTitles😂That was awesome guys!😅

— iaN.. (@iiyanx7) December 16, 2015

#haveerumovietitles made my night. Pffft 😹😹

— Kudabe (@ifraxali) December 16, 2015

Reading and trying not to die laughing #haveerumovietitles

— Aman Sameer (@ahmedamansameer) December 16, 2015

and others were sad they missed it which was surprising considering it went on for more than 10+ hours

Nooooo! Too late for #HaveeruMovieTitles!! 😥

— Emaz (@emaaaz) December 16, 2015

Overall, it was such a happening day, all thanks to Haveeru. I'm glas it inspired me to get out of my blogging hiatus to bring you this. 

Currently: September 2015

Ahh, what a busy month this has been so far. The good thing is I started keeping up to date with series. I used to be the kind of person who watched stuff only once the season is over. Now I'm the kind who keeps up with the shows as soon as they come out. I'm still settling to this new way and it's hard. This is what has been keeping me busy this month.

The Astronaut Wives Club S1 | Ever since I heard of the book and that it was made into a TV show, I had to watch it. I love everything vintage and 1950's and this is just perfect. I also have a new found appreciation for astronomy and space related things so this was just calling my name. 

Full House S6 | I do love shows with kids in them and who can ever forget this classic show? I feel like Myra, Mick and I are Stephanie, Michelle and DJ. It's such a blast to watch together and I adore all the clothes, hair and the PG rated jokes. 

Into the Woods | I am a sucker for fairy tales, Disney, Meryl, Anna Kendrick and Jhonny Depp so obviously I enjoyed this movie. It was so jolly and amazing with so many cool twists and basically such a wonderful time. 

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee | This is my favourite fiction of all time, and for this month's Page Turners Book Club, we are reading it. I'm so excited to get back into adventures with Scout, Jem and Dill. 

The Astronaut Wives Club by Lily Koppel | The book that the TV show is based upon. I'm reading along (but watching the show before) so I get to see the characters as the actresses in my head while I read and it's written very beautifully. 

WILD by Troye Sivan | Troye has such a hauntingly beautiful voice it would be injustice not to hear it over and over again. I just got this from my friend Abo and have been listening non-stop. 

What's keeping you entertained this month?

Perks of Dating Mal Reynolds

Thanks to my friend Jooz & Hishko, I got hooked on to Firefly. It's such an amazing show and definitely did not deserve to get cancelled (I'm very mad that it didn't get renewed) and I would always enjoy anything that Nathan Fillion is in. He's a bad-ass captain and definitely a complex character who always looks out for his crew and ship. Here is why he would make for a wonderful significant other. 

1. Once he commits, he's in forever. 

Just like him and Serenity, you'll know that he believes in your ship and won't let you explode into nothing-ness. 

2. He always gives the best advice

He will make you completely independent and teach you great life lessons so you won't have to depend on him or anyone else.

3. He's not the kind to give you up. 

You can go around the galaxies in Serenity and spend forever in adventures and you'll know he'll have your back because he's a forever kinda guy; and honestly every girl deserves a forever kinda guy. He'll fight the reavers for you!

4. He's a total bad boy

and I know you can't resist a bad-ass guy who isn't afraid to be devilishly up to no good. You need some darkness in your life for balance and Mal will bring it. Also your relationship will never lack spice. 

5. He can rock a floral bonnet

How many men can you honestly name that can rock a floral bonnet and skill kick-ass? If this isnt reason to date someone, then I don't know what is. 

6. He will always look after you even if you don't want him to. 

He cares and despite all that hard outer shell, you know he's a soft sentimental guy and honestly isn't that just the best kind. He's the best of both worlds and makes Hannah Montana jealous. 

7. He's got style

and groove. Suspenders and brown coats are so space-chic and Mal Reynolds can pull off a mean fashion statement that makes all other galaxies look like peasants in comparison. 

Watch Firefly and Serenity to catch Mal in action and get ready to fall in love again with a character only to have your heartbroken because you can't get enough of him!

Baskin-Robbins always find out.

Last month, my friend Niu and I went to see Ant-Man. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm not a fan of action movies but I was looking forward to this movie for the longest time because of Paul Rudd. I've been a fan of him since Mike Hannigan and will always watch anything he's in. 

The movie was absolutely amazing. Of course it was filled with action and lots of cool geeky stuff like references to other movies and it was so funny. The Mexican guy stole the show with his storytelling and most of it, I enjoyed the story line. 

The parts where he's tiny and moving across, overcoming obstacles and challenges were both nerve-wrecking and exciting to watch. I definitely loved them the most and I was able to get by the action (still not a fan of the fights, no matter how cool some moves are, I appreciate it but don't enjoy it) with minimal discomfort so that was a plus. 

Do get it on BluRay or DVD because Paul was amazing in it and it's one of the better action movies I've watched this year. Funny despite how much I dislike action movies, I tend to go to them because Schwack brings a lot of action movies and all my friends are a fan of them haha

Rating:4/5

August in a Nutshell

I have been pretty lazy/busy/demotivated the last couple months; honestly I don't even know how fast this year seems to be going. It's crazy. August was a pretty busy month, far more than any other this year.

It started with BOOKUBEATHON which is a week long read-a-thon hosted by a Booktuber named Ariel Bissett (the book part of Youtube) and it was my first time taking part in a reading marathon so I was very excited.

You can check all about my BOOKTUBE experience from the video above. It was quite overwhelming. I also broke my kindle so that's pretty sad. The other exciting thing that happened in August was Moodhu Maakandu Fest 2015 which is a marine festival hosted by IUCN on AA.Ukulhas and it was my first time visiting the island. I was volunteering to help with the festival and the three days went by in a breeze! It was seriously so much fun and hard work and it was right in the last 3 days of BOOKTUBEATHON so I couldn't read that much either.

I also had exams, lots of classes, anxiety over how completely crazy the roads are (I'm still a very amateur bike rider) and lots of general fear of everything. It was not cool. On the bright side, I saw Ant Man (Paul Rudd was amazing) and had a lot of fun with friends, went on picnics, had book club meetings and a very fun-filled month!

I'm going into September with lots of energy and inspiration; hopefully this will be a brilliant month as well. Happy September y'all. 

Bunch'o' Book Reviews

I haven't been reading as much as I hoped I would but here are some book reviews for you, a collection from my Goodreads and Booktube channel.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Literal Synopsis: Random girl goes to school in Paris and falls in love with a guy. Whining about having to go to Paris and niche interest in old movies. Adorable nonetheless. 

Verdict: Great beach read. 

Look for: Details of Parisian places + Realistic portrayal of friendship. 

Rating: 4/5

Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan

Literal Synopsis: Nerdy guy finds employment in a weird bookshop where he isn't supposed to ask questions. He finds what the book store is about and more. Lots of mystery.

Verdict: A Page Turner that will have you wanting more. 

Look for: History on books, digital books, typography + Some amazing plot twists. 

Rating: 4/5

The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend by Kody Keplinger

Literal Synopsis: High school girl gets called ugly by a popular guy and deals with general high school problems. Interesting relationships. 

Verdict: Easy to read and the plot keeps getting interesting.

Look for: Very realistic relationships + witty comments

Rating: 4/5

Hope you enjoy these reviews and do let me know how you find the books. 

Monday Playlist : Fight Songs

During the last two to three months I've been feeling extremely blue due to some negative people and going into fight songs to find strength and an escape and honestly it's been a big help. I'm finally on the verge of getting better, Alhamdhu-lillah. 

I hope these songs will help you in your darkest times like it did for me. 

Trouble No More by Mindy Gledhill

Mindy's wonderful, all her songs are magical and whimsical. I prefer fun and adorable songs to most pop music so it's such a refreshing change. This song is about embracing who you are and getting over your fears, trying new things and letting go of all negativity, just what the doctor ordered. No more band-aids on my heartaches either.

Roar by Katy Perry

I don't know why I haven't found this song sooner. I always see it on charts but never thought it was about empowerment and sweet nibblets it was amazing. It really just brought lots of positivism and while I don't particularly love the video, the song is something I'll always remember. 

Fight Song by Rachel Platten


This song has been like a constant best friend giving me hope and I can't play it enough. There were some days before Ramadan when I was only playing this every single day. It tells you to keep on fighting even if you're the only one. 

Shake it Off by Taylor Swift

Ofcourse, the anthem of shaking off all the negativity and embracing all of you cannot simply be off this list eh. So many days, I've basically started the day off with this song, all ready to take whatever the world is going to throw at me. It's seriously a brilliant song. 

Who Said by Miley Cyrus

I really love how this song is challenging everything people say about you and making it positive. You really can become anything you set your mind to. I'm completely in love with this song. 

Also did you notice all of this list was female? I love more women are singing empowering songs. Not to say that there aren't' any by men, my playlist is very female-oriented, haha.

What songs do you listen that makes you feel better?

Currently: June 2015

This month has been really low on most entertainment, except for series. I basically watched way too much Downton Abbey and Gossip Girl last couple of days. Here's what's keeping me entertained.

Gossip Girl S5 | I am dragging this because I want to make it last longer since there's only one more season. I really love Blair and the fashion in it, it's sort of like a modern day Downton Abbey. This season is both weird and completely fun, with princesses and way too much drama, but then what else can you expect from it eh?

Full House S3 | Both my sisters are hooked on to this and we kinda resemble the family because I'm sort of like DJ and while Hipster Sis is nothing like Steph, Mick is a total Michelle. Ah, 90's shows, how we miss them. I've still got a long way to go. This season Michelle is just so cute I keep aww-ing every time she has a scene. 

Clueless | One day I had this brilliant idea to watch the top 20 teen movies ever so I got a list and downloaded them all but my PC broke so this and two more other movies were the only things I could watch. This was such a cult movie and I enjoyed it a lot. Cher is so fab and completely adorbs. You definitely need to watch this. It's way cool. 

A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra | One of the books in my reading challenge and it also won a Pulitzer prize so I had really high hopes for it. It's set in Chechnya and is absolutely heart breaking so far. It's also very hard to read because there's a lot of emotional and sad things happening and lots of history about Chechnya and the war but I think it's going to be a worthwhile read. 

Selection by Kiera Cass | The first book in the Selection series, and next on my TBR pile. This series has been raved about by every booktuber ever so I've got really high expectations and looks at that gorgeous cover! So beautiful. 

Fight Song by Rachel Platten | This song has been my savior for the past two weeks and Tay and Rach sang it together on her 1989 tour and I was just beyond happy to see them collaborating on this. This song I want to dedicate to everyone, because y'all need a fight song. 

So, what's keeping you entertained this month? 

Perks of Dating Matthew Crawley

Thank to my friend Shums, I got obsessed about period drama Donwton Abbey (I used to think it was called Downtown Abbey hahaha) and my favourite characters are Matthew Crawley and Lady Sybil Crawley. I finished watching four seasons of it in the span of a month and I absolutely adore the dresses, the manners, the language, everything about it. 

So, naturally I had to write about Matthew Crawley. He's so lovable and humble and here's why he would make for a perfect SO. 

1. He says the most cheesy things that make you want to hold him a little too tight. 

Seriously, Matthew is not one for keeping things to himself, he would tell you how much you mean to him, even if you are engaged to someone else because he is a new age romantic. 

2. He is always up for a dance

and take you to the dancing floor and serenade you with his carefully maneuvered and graceful dance moves. He will make your everyday memorable, whether it's cheeky dancing in a servants hall or a waltz at a ball. 

3. He looks at you like you're the only girl in the world

and you don't need Lady Mary to tell you this. His one look can make your heart do things you didn't know it was capable of. 

4. He's rich but so down to earth

You know he's not one of those snobby rich guys. He's the exception to the rule. He's so down to earth and can fare well for himself which makes him a lovable rebel. 

5. His Smile

Need I say more? His smile makes you weak in the knees. It makes you want to run away from the aristocratic and misogynistic values of 1920's and live with him on the countryside. 

6. He's smug and you can't help but roll your eyes at him

I mean seriously. He knows he's got you and he still can't believe it. He thinks of himself lucky when you know you're the lucky one. 

7. He's a fighter and looks damn fine in a uniform. 

The war only made him way hotter and men in uniforms are just to die for; especially with that sleek hairstyle. 

8. His Smirk

Oh Matthew Crawley, killing hearts with his boyish charms before it was cool. He's the 1910's heartthrob. 

and lastly, 

9. When he's got you, you know you've got a chance at something real

because Matthew Crawley knows the value of things and he understands people. He's the best of both worlds, a mother's boy and a people's heir. 

If you love historic fiction or 1920's, you're gonna love Downton Abbey. 

5 Things Every Girl Has to Deal With Living in Male'

Male' is most definitely not the easiest place to live in. In fact, being a woman in Male' is extremely hard but it has it's perks. Here are some things to consider about Male'. 

1. You will get harassed on the street, probably every single day.

It doesn't matter whether you are 13 or 30, every girl has dealt with this and have to deal with this. Nowhere is safe, not even on your own road. You could either ignore them or say something, but this still continues to happen. To be honest this isn't a women only issue. Even men get harassed on the street, but about 83% of the time, it's women who are victims to eve teasing, grabbing, staring, vulgar words and plain ogling. It's so shameful but once you've lived here long enough, you actually get used to it and accept it as part of life here. 

2. You will probably live with your parents until you get married and even then. 

This comes from a mix of Asian culture and our life-long dependency on parents. In fact, living on your own is considered taboo around here. There are perks to living with parents for most of the time; shared bills and food always on the table. Once you can get over the nagging and complaints, you can possibly enjoy spending time with them and eating together; it's actually pretty nice. This however makes most girls extremely dependent on other people which is a shame. 

3. There's litter everywhere

and spit. The roads are overcrowded and there is no space to walk so you have to carefully maneuver in between parked vehicles and litter on the streets. People actually leave their garbage out for city cleaners to take, which is beyond crazy. Also, you'll probably end up walking into a pile of two day old kitchen waste or someone's spit on the street. If it rains, then better stay inside because roads will get flooded and people will get mad at everyone.

4. Your night life revolves around moving from one coffee to another

Yes, we've heard this a million times but it's still true. There is a lack of things to do around here so you end up going from one restaurant to another and the funny thing? you probably end up ordering anything but a coffee. We drink overpriced fancy drinks and eat overpriced food, talk about how boring it is here, talk about love life and then head to another overpriced coffee house, and most of us don't even know the Dhivehi name for coffee. (It's Gahuva)

5. You'll most probably run into someone you don't want to.

The downside to living in a small country, everyone knows everyone and the guy you are dating is probably related to you, three cousins removed. If you're out on the road, chances are you'll meet at least three people you know, one of them probably an aunt who will go and complain to your parents that you're out with people and five other people will probably recognize you and tell their friends about it. You'll also probably run into the guy you don't want to see but have to say hi or deal with drama if you decide to ignore him. The roads are way too small to hide a face. 

and a bonus

6. People will stare at you, everywhere you go. 

Whether you are sitting down at a restaurant with your family, enjoying a meal or rushing late to work or standing on the road waiting for your friend, people will look you up and down. It will make you feel so insecure you'll double check to see if you forgot to wear your pants or if there's something wrong with your appearance but don't worry, chances are you look amazing and people are who they are. They will stare at you if you wear the niqab, hijab or don't wear veil. They will stare at you if you were 7, 17, 27, or 70. You're alright. 

So yeah, Male' isn't really a girl's place but there are some good things here and you'll come to realize that despite all this it's still the place you found love in. It's dark corners and littered roads hold your memories of walking to school with mom, or your first date in Scoop, or the countless times you spent with your loved ones. Despite all of its sad realities, Male' can be your haven of memories and it's a part of who you are. 

What is your least favourite thing about Male'?

Ramadan Mubarak

Hi Guys. 

I know. I've been so MIA it's not even funny anymore. Lots of things have happened the last few weeks and I find myself at crossroads. But more on that later. 

I am really excited because right now it's Ramadan! Ramadan is one of my favourite months because there's just so much good in it. I love the environment, the fasting, the iftars, the traditions, all of it. Allah has blessed us with yet another chance to repent and to do good and I'm just really in the mood for all of it. 

I hope you've been doing good. I've missed writing. To be honest, the last weeks, I've written a couple poems, most of them sappy ones because I've been going through a cheesy romance period. Maybe I'll post one of those if I feel like it. Mostly I've been lazing around watching about two seasons of Downton Abbey and almost a season of Gossip Girl in a three day period. Yes, I have a problem. 

Bye for now. I'll hopefully write some more posts during this week. I miss you guys and writing terribly and must get back to my old self. I'm not too sure who I am right now. 

Keep Hope Alive. 

Booktube: The Time Keeper

After so long of watching YouTube videos, I knew I had to get into it and I started doing some videos but my heart really wasn't into it until I found Booktube. I never knew that there was a whole corner of YouTube dedicated to books where people just talked and breathed books, it was so perfect for me. So I just had to start book-tubing because you know how much I love books and talking about them.

Here's my first ever booktube video. The sound and lighting is very wobbly because I don't have proper equipment or knowledge yet but I'm working on alternatives. For now, I'm filming on my phone which actually isn't half bad. 

The Time Keeper was suggested to me by my good friend Niu who was kind enough to lend a copy. It was so good to read an actual paperback after reading on Kindle for over an year, it also felt very difficult. I think I'm getting biased, Moony would tell me it's a good thing. I enjoyed the book and it was a nice light read after reading And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini which was heavy and exhilarating but in a good way. 

I liked the characters, the story-lines and how they interconnected along with the message of the book about time. It wasn't completely eye opening but definitely a good reminder to always value whats important. 

Rating: 3/5 

I'll be hopefully uploading more book reviews, so be sure to check my channel and subscribe if you're interested. Let me know if you've read The Time Keeper and what you thought of it. 

Currently: April 2015

I feel like after months of being too busy to read or watch much, my life's finally getting back to some kind of normalcy where I can enjoy things like writing poetry, binge watching TV series and actually finding time to read. So I have been taking advantage of that. 

Being Erica S2 | Last week was exam week and usually on exam weeks I crave to watch something so I started watching the first season of this and three days later I finished it and now I'm on the second. Talk about procrastinating hahaha. I really like the premise of the show and how the therapy works. However it's kind of hard to related to Erica. Let's just say I've mixed feelings but it's a fun show to watch. 

Witches of East End S1 | Call me crazy but I love me some witch shows. In fact, all aspects of magic sounds fascinating and I've always been interested in witchcraft and books and shows about it so obviously I am hooked. Maybe it's the whole strong female cast, the only downside is the effects are kind of shaky and very Bollywood-like. 

Battleship | I don't know why Rihanna is in this and I'm not even a huge fan of action movies, but there's something about this. I started watching it last week but haven't found time to finish it. Yes, I'm the kind of person who leaves movies half watched. 

A Grown Up Kind of Pretty - Joshilyn Jackson | This books is about three generations of women who make the same mistakes of trusting the wrong people and when a bunch of bones are uncovered under their willow tree, their lives are turned upside down. Lots of harsh language but so far I'm liking the story and I'm halfway done with the book. 

Two Boys Kissing - David Levithan | I finished this book just a week ago and really liked it. Levithan's writing style is fascinating and he manages to make the most absurd things spectacular. I liked how it had so many stories entwined together around a world-record. A light read about a subject that is not so light. 

Title - Meghan Trainor | Since 1989 by T Swift, this is the first album this year that I've actually listened to most songs and liked them. They are extremely catchy and perfect for just bobbing your head to. My personal favourite is Title and Dear Future Husband. Also her music videos are very funky and colourful. 

What's keeping you entertained?