Castle

I was first introduced to Castle, the TV series by Mush, a classmate but at first I thought it was a horror series and didn’t watch until one day I was bored and decided that even if it was horror, I should see it.

After watching for two minutes I thought I’d hate it, but continued and one episode later, I was addicted. Most people who know me will know that apart from high school drama’s my favorite genre is crime. I grew up reading Nancy Drew and bit of Agatha Christy mystery novels. Castle had both things I loved. Crime and Writing. WINNER!

After re-watching three seasons of it twice, I still want to watch it again, it’s that good. Well, for me at least.

The characters are kinda relatable to me. Alexis for instance is the kind of person I thought I’d be when I grew up. I am not that perfect but she’s still the most relatable character! Kate is the kinds of personality I’d like to be when I am older. She’s independent, smart and funny, not to mention ambitious and determined. Castle however is my favorite character. I love how Nathan Fillion smiles. I watch it for his smile alone. He’s an amazing dad, a romantic person, and a kid at heart.

If you aren’t already watching this (WHY AREN’T YOU WATCHING THIS?) I highly recommend you should. It thought me what obstruction of justice was! and a lot more, which I have forgotten! u_u

Ethics and Morality

I may not be the best person to talk about this, but this semester, we have been extremely careful about ethics while doing everything. Especially in the coursework procedure but what happened today made me realize how much we Maldivians lack in discipline (myself included).

Yesterday we had to make slides without any pictures because we couldn’t contact anyone from Wataniya to get permission to use their logo. A semester ago, we would never have even thought about permissions. I am proud to say that we have come a long way from those days. But today, a lecturer from FE, lets name her Ms. X for now (a higher secondary personnel from the ministry I suppose) along with two more lecturers came to give us survey forms to fill about financial plans and money matters. One of the lecturers introduced herself and asked us politely that they would appreciate if we took time to fill the form. I was rather happy because we’ve just learnt about ethics in Marketing Research class the week before. Then she and the other lecturer left, and Ms. X gave us the survey forms. We were halfway through the first page when she started meddling with the form filling process. She came to some students and asked them that they should truthfully write, and went as far as pointing out someone’s income figure saying it was too low. She started asking about course fee and that we should write it honestly, and if not she can check it from the registry or something like that.

While I was filling, Z my classmate was next to me, and he wrote something in his parents occupation, and Ms. X came and asked him what it was. By then, I was so angry and sad that this is the kind of teachers in MNU. After I filled it and gave it back to her, she read my form! It was supposed to be private but she read my atoll, and asked who’s form it was. She then pointed to me and told me my A in RAA looked like an O, and that it looks like Roo, not Raa. She went all the way to ask me if I write my exam papers that horribly and told me that I probably get low marks because I have poor handwriting.

I felt ashamed, but more than that I felt sad that she had no idea how wrong she was to invade my privacy. Anything I write in the form, is supposed to be private and confidential, specially when it was about financial capabilities. I didn’t argue with her, I just stayed there while she finished telling me how horrible it is, then went to someone else and asked them to fill a sector that they didn’t fill.

I know, I don’t have perfect handwriting and the heart to tell her how wrong it is to force people to fill forms. But it made me realize how all of us are so determined to make sure we get to stay in the top, we have to be all mean and forget about things such as honestly kindness, moral values, etc..

Being a business student, I learn new things about ethics everyday, and this experience will hopefully help me be a better person when I conduct my marketing research for the assignment and applying things in my day to day life.

My Sister’s Keeper

This is one of the most emotional movies I have ever watched. I cry in movies sometimes but this one made me cry a gallon of tears because it was too emotional. At some point I had to stop watching because I couldn’t take it anymore.

I am probably not doing justice to it by not reading the book, but since I don’t have it, it’s the next best thing. I was rather sad after reading the book summary that the movie ending was different than the books. I can’t even imagine how life would be for a cancer patient, or a dyslexic. Everything seems to start very differently but in the end we realize that sometimes we get so lost in trying to keep the ones we love near that we forget what they want, or need.

The characters are very complex and versatile. I’ve been a huge fan f Abigail Breslin since Nim’s Island, but she delivers her best in this movie. But the best performance was by Sofia. She made the movie come to life with her acting. At times you feel sad for her character Kate, then she makes you realize that life is beautiful when you cherish every moment. If you look at life from her glasses, it’s a journey, no matter how short the distance is, what matters is how much you’ve given and how much it meant. Alec Baldwin was as always, great. I think this is Cameron’s best performance I’ve seen too, not that I’ve seen that many movies of her.

I really recommend this movie. It’s the kind of movie you would want to watch with the people you love the most, because it would make you care and cherish what you have and make you realize how much it’s worth.

PS I’ve been watching way too much White Collar and Hellcats these days, and classes are so packed (literally!) along with many trips coming up. I hardly have time to blog, but I;’ll keep you posted. ^^

Knowledge

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As they say, knowledge is power. Being a second year undergrad I feel pressured to know things, things around me. History, Geography, Science are only few of the things. At times I feel ashamed that my General Knowledge level is as low of a 10th grader. Maybe it’s how we have been brought up, but I don’t solely blame on the system.

As people, we need to understand life, the past and generally a bit of everything. I do like to know. In fact I am very much interested in Literature, specially works of Shakespeare, and Jane Austen, History (Specially Roman History) and languages.All through CHSE I read a few works of Shakespeare, and two of Austen’s novels. But that is not enough. We need to be able to talk properly when faces with difficult situations. We need to understand people and why they do what they do.

I sometimes contradict myself because I find these things fascinating yet I never really do anything to learn it. People think that those who get good marks are smart, but the truth is far from that. Me, for instance, I do get good marks, but most of the time I hardly remember what I studied, and there are many smarter and wise people even in my class. I’m just really good at reading things last minute and writing it down in the exam the next day.

Sometimes I feel guilty. I feel that I don’t deserve the marks. In the end, I tell myself that I am just too good at procrastinating and that helps me sleep at night. I am not writing this to get more compliments, or for sympathy. I needed to write it out, because I need a reminder to actually learn, not just for the marks or the grade.

All my life, I’ve been thought and I have been trying for more marks. More academic bling. I participated in every single thing is school because it would look good on my leaving certificate. But the funny thing is, despite all of it, I enjoyed it. I enjoyed participating in things getting to know people, cramming at the last minute, writing exams, and most importantly, I enjoyed my school life.

But at this point in my life, I don’t want to just enjoy it I want to experience learning as a never-ending process. I want to fall in love with books, art and science. I want to look at things and appreciate the beauty in them. I want to be lost. Lost in a world full of knowledge.

Confusion is my middle name.

*sigh*

Saturday

Yesterday, my classmates along with R (who had perfect timing because he came right when we were planning it on Thursday, and said he wanted to tag along) went to Hulhumale’ for our third class trip. (The first was in Semester 2, and second in last semester.) It went so much better than I thought, because for starters, everyone came, except N who was sick, but even she visited to participate in some games. ^^

This was the perfect time for a trip because A and I felt like the class reached the maximum potential to remain close buddies and have fun, but we were wrong. This brought us back to the closeness we had in first semester, and even though now we know each other’s flaws and strengths, we understand them and don’t judge.

Of course punctuality is not a thing anymore, (which I knew, but I was too stubborn to admit, cos I don’t want to believe it) but despite having to wait half an hour in the terminal, it was worth it. We made breakfast at Nonns place and played Pictionary. Then G, my former classmate from CHSE and partner in dark chocolate crimes joined us for some games. We played miming songs, words, harubas, and some name calling game which was so fun. Of course no class trip can be complete without the “Leader” game which is out trademark game, ha.

Then came lunch, some “Kukulhu, Kaalhu” game that F introduced, which was so much fun. Lots of watersports, some swimming lessons, and a stroll and we were too tired and soaking in seawater. We couldn’t make tea cos the people were too tired, so we had snacks on the go, and World War III with some weird flowers we found.

After we came to the terminal, two people were left out cos the ferry was full, and we wanted to go on the same ferry, so we stayed behind, not realizing M and A were already on the ferry and it had gone by then. This was definitely one of the best trips. SO much happened in between games and stuff but that’s for us to cherish over!

It was a bummer G couldn’t participate in the snacks on the go. Man, you missed a whole lot of fun!

Right after I came home, I had to attend a ceremony Journey was having, and while I was there, I nearly fell asleep, but I think Unoosha, Shamoon and Theyravaa’s song made my sleep go away.

Overall, it was one hell of a Saturday and I loved being busy all day long. The worst thing, having to get up today at 7 to attend the morning class!

Another Start

So, it’s the fourth semester of mine having spent almost one and a half year and done with half of my course I feel a lot. I feel tired, relieved a bit, anxious and mostly confused, but at the same time I feel pretty good about this semester.

We started last year from a tiny group of 15 of us, so very different yet so alike, and last semester some new students joined our course, and this year we have around 40 students in total, most of whose name I don’t even know which is a shame. I do try to talk to the new people, but some of them are not the most friendliest people but I’m hoping that with the passing of time, we could be more than the smile-when-i-bump-into-you and turn into great friends.

Classes have started and it’s been going good. Most of the lecturers are not new to us, so we are past the whole introduction, and trying to make a good first impression part. But there is one person I’d like to highlight, my Marketing and Research lecturer, Mr. K. I have seen him around a lot in the past semesters, but never really knew him. Yesterday while sitting in his first class, I was sure his face seemed so familiar, (not because I’ve seen him around) but he looked exactly like someone I have seen and heard, a lot, and when he started talking about Einstein, BAM it hit me. WHOA, he looks just like Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) from The Big Bang Theory. Since I have a weird way of thinking, I wanted to know if someone else saw the resemblance as well, so I asked the only guy in class who have seen TBBT, and he thought so too. From that moment on, I knew that I’ll enjoy this class a lot. Plus, he is very interesting, and knows a lot, about well everything. I guess I’ve found an inspiring lecturer this sem too. =D

The other teachers are good too and I’m sure I’m going to enjoy this semester. Also, the classes are at morning which gives me an hour everyday to watch a movie or just enjoy the morning with coffee or some hot cocoa. It’s such a fresh start to every day.

PS I’m planning to read To Kill A Mockingbird this week. Any recommendations for next week? I’m looking to reading some classic books this semester.

Bridesmaids

Weddings are a big deal even in Maldives, and most of weddings these days are very European, and one thing I love in European weddings, are Bridesmaids. Every girl dreams to be with her closest girls in the wedding day. I just love looking at different wedding pictures to see how the bridesmaids are dressed. Some are traditional, some classic, some retro and some completely weird.

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I have been a huge wedding fan since like forever. Growing up listening to Taylor Swift and watching Disney movies made me want to have a huge wedding, but ideas change. Right now I;m more into simple, personalized wedding with family and close friends than a big reception. Who knows!

Despite how my life may turn out, I can always dream of having close friends look completely dashing on my wedding, ei.  

Happy Wedding for all brides-to-be! Specially my very dear friend Shums!

Some Movies I Have Watched Last Week

These days all I do is watch movies, update music library, and spend all the rest of my time on Listal. A few movies I have watched in the past few days;

The King’s Speech (2010)

I like Colin Firth, and he was great. This was a very intense, and historic movie that is amazing, and I liked it a lot. I wouldn’t exactly call it a favorite, or watch it another time in a near future, but I think it deserved the Oscar. My taste in movies are rather weird, and I’m always biased towards my favorite actors, which in this case includes Helena Bonham Carter who I believe is one of the very versatile actresses of all time. She plays the characters with such poise it seems just too real.

Overall, it was a nice movie, which tells an intriguing true story. I think I would enjoy a book version better.

Jennifer’s Body (2009)

OMG. Seriously. This was my first Megan Fox movie, and she can’t act, at all. She is just a “hot” actress. And by hot, I of course mean the sex appeal, I don’t find her pretty either. But I loved Amanda Seyfried and Jhonny. They make a lovely couple, and Amanda was good. She did not repeat her character from any previous movie, unlike some of the young actors

.

Needy: 'Salty' means beautiful.

Chip: Well then you must be soy sauce, babe.

Overall, it wasn’t scary which is god because I am no good when it comes to horror movies. Even though I don’t like Megan Fox, I will probably watch some more of her movies to see whether this was just a bad apple for her.

Allah Ke Bandey (2010)

The starting was pretty interesting but as the movie went on, it became a circus filled with too many storylines and moderate acting, with way too much action for my liking. I honestly thought it would be different, but I guess they worked so hard to make Sharman look like the good guy, even he lost the appeal of it. I like Sharman, but he can do so much better than this.

I had to fast forward most action scenes and it made no sense. Sharman was as usual his amazing self which I will always love.

Khatta Meetha (2010)

Akshay really needs to stop doing the cheesy comedy movies. This wasn’t exactly a comedy but it was horrible. Apart from the “Sajde Ke” song and the last scene where he gave a speech about his dead sister which made me cry (no biggie, all dead people speeches make me teary eyed in Hindi movies. It’s a cliché’ that I can’t seem to control.) it was a very bad movie that could have been so good.

Am I the only one who hates the comedy Akshay. I used to like him back in his “Dhadkan” days, but looks like he’s grown beyond the good old love stories to crappy comedies. Not a good change, if I must say.

What movies have you watched dear readers? I plan on watching Dil To Baccha Hai Ji and My Sister’s Keeper this week. Any recommendations?

Confusion

Today, right now I am confused. I guess I have been confused for most part of my life. Sometimes I like being confused, and I like being naïve, but it’s a thing of the past. It’s not like you wake up one day and realize you’re not so innocent anymore.

It’s weird because now I get things, I get dirty jokes, and it makes me feel sad. I know I am not supposed to be naïve for all my life, I just don’t know. I don’t know many things, and I am actually very scared of the future. I am scared that I made so many mistakes and yet didn’t learn from most of them.

I donno what to believe. I envy those who do. I am so confused and I don’t even know why I am confused. My mind keeps working overtime. I keep doing unnecessary stuff. One minute I am motivated , and the other I am like “oh, what the hell!”.

Despite all this, I am truly excited for the future too. I think I am ready. I hope I am and maybe I am.

To being confused, and not knowing.

Holidays and HTML

I am no good when it comes to HTML, in fact I am so horrible at it that it took me almost four days to figure out everything to my last template and another four to develop it by altering some things. *sigh* So, do you like the new template? I think I found blogger designer yesterday, and spent the whole of yesterday and today designing this. Thank god I didn’t have to alter any HTML, I think rich text is my new best friend.

A year ago, I wouldn’t even dream of a day I would use HTML and rich text in one sentence, and look. I did. My inner geek is rather proud today.

So, exams over and holidays have started, most of which are spent watching “Two and a Half Men” and reading old issues of Filmfare. Some of the things I have planned for this holiday are;

• Watch all seasons of “Two and a Half Men” – which is going at a pretty fast rate. I don’t really care for any character other than Jake, but it’s an OK show.
• Blog Makeover – done
• Read “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” – As tis is my last teen year, I am certainly using this book to my advantage.
• Design some clothes – I have started sketching a few, and it’s very very exciting.

and enjoy the holiday mostly. I also need to start rushing up some subjects for next semester, as my grades are diminishing, and I need to keep straight GPA’s. Meanwhile, enjoy the holidays everyone!

Exam Time

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That one time in every semester, where we all end up studying, praying for good marks, and generally giving the attention those books deserve.  I have a love hate relationship with exams. Sometimes, when I have studied a lot, I love them. Other times, I feel bad about having to do one.

But what always makes me feel nostalgic is the going on to the exam hall leaving the bags behind with only the pens, and a water bottle. Sitting there waiting wand waiting cursing the time for being so slow and hating the invigilator for keeping on talking about rules, and being unable to even get a peek at the paper lying right in front of me. Having problems with the pin drop silence and always being the one who makes most noise, thanks to me always getting desks with uneven legs.

Then comes the part where I brush through questions, make up my mind which ones to do, reading reading, and hating the invigilator once again for giving 30 minutes to read and there I sit unable to write anything even though my head is bursting with all the things I remember from the notes because it’s reading time! So I write write write and get a bit of RSI, and still write write, and somewhere in between realize how poor my handwriting has gotten since my golden days at Ifthithaah. After sometime, feeling like I am the only one writing and looking up to see everyone lost in their papers, and then observing people to give my hands a rest. And then again its all write write till I finish! Then raising my hand and hating the invigilator for not noticing even when it has been up for almost a minute, and feeling like a complete idiot.

AND Finally, I walk as quick as I can, and get out of the exam hall. *sigh* I just stand there taking a long breath and head to library to look at some cook books to make up for my hungriness and waiting for the rest of classmates to finish.

Well, two more exams to go, and then I will have some time to do some cooking I guess. All those looking at cookbooks makes me want to be the nest Martha Stewart. =P

Good luck to everyone.

Oh Hello!

Hey guys! I am alive! =) I have been MIA for a few weeks now, ei. Well, I took a week off internet because there was just too much going on. I needed some time off to read some books and focus on my studies, and I have been busy as a bee this week. Actually I have two assignments due tomorrow, and none of them are complete and yet I am here watching America’s Next Top Model. *sigh*

On the bright side, this is my last week of studies, and I am getting a study break before exams. YAY. Also we are going to go to Thai Wok tomorrow night for a dinner with uni-mates. ^^ I have never had Thai cuisine, so this is very exciting for me.

There is so much going right now and I would love to tell everyone all about it but maybe another time. For now, be happy and eat Toffees. I love them. They are my instant mood brighter candy!

Here’s a shout out to my crazy friend who is a good normal kinda guy who made the saddest brightest! Thanks for being you and keeping up with my babble. <3