where is this sun you speak of?

I can't quite pick which one of my hobbies is unusual though I would say  making lists of almost about anything could be my best answer. I have a thing for papers and lists so these two would go very well together all the time! I have a list for my weekend stuff, grocery, things I want to buy, places I want to go to, work lists, and there are lists within a list (within a list, rarely!). It just makes life easier for me. This morning, my friends felt very anxious about her day because she seems to have too many things to do in a short span of time so I told her to get a piece of paper and write everything down and then prioritize.  Life is much better with a handy notebook as well. And those cute stationary for To-do lists would be the best gift I will ever receive! I have been eyeing one from Paper Chase . Hmmm!

WAR IS PEACE. FREEDOM IS SLAVERY. IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH. This is one of the most difficult books I have read so far. It was a test going through this book especially that I was on a reading slump for the longest period and it was my first book of the year.  For the record, it was the first book where I did not have any attachment to the characters at the very first few parts of the story. The reason probably is because the story did not really brought me to get attached to the characters but brought me into the kind of world they are in instead. The experience in reading this book is so scary yet satisfying. Winston Smith,  the protagonist who works in the Records Department of the Ministry of Truth. His main job is to rectify articles to make sure that the Party is always right and good. He hated the totalitarian control of the government and so fed up with the system. He was so frustrated that he cannot write what he knows and always have to "sugar c...

The Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time written by Mark Haddon. He is a British Novelist and Poet and known for this book which was published on 2003. The story is a first-person narrative by Christopher who is 15 years old with autism. He likes mathematics (in fact, he is very good at it!), he is very keen to detail and lives in a "logical" world. It all started when he found Mrs. Shears' dog that was mysteriously killed in her yard. This made him write a book about the murder case and tries to solve the mystery behind it. Little did he know, he will unveil a much bigger mystery and it all revolves around his life and family. Every bit of investigation uncovers a truth which will change his life. Reading journey: Reading a story with a POV of an autistic boy felt discomforting at first but, honestly, gets interesting in the long run. Anyone who has read the book must have something to find in common with Christopher and I think that's when I started t...

Today, I finally was able to write a book review after mote than a year or reading and writing slump. It felt good to begin writing again. Anyway, life is a bit complex (as it has always been).  A good colleague left the office after seven years and left me with some words of wisdom in which he said to never disregard any new opportunities. He feels and thinkgs that I am still on the "holding back" side. It's time to take initiative but never forget to ask questions first, because you'll never know what's out there. I will always remember his life story that he only started working just so he has something to eat (!), but looking back he was unconsciously taking initiatives in everything he does until he gets to this senior role placement in the same company. Of course, after seven years, he has to move on and try new things - better things. That story was inspiring and I am grateful that he shared that to me. I'll keep his reminders to move forward with this ...

it was a cold night /  the stars were shining brightly /  wrapped around your arms

On the eighth day of September in the year Nineteen ninety, you were holding me with both hands, close to your chest, your heart. You were there. When I started to know that life is all about going to school everyday and spending weekends with family and friends. You were there. When papa went to another place, you were there - trying to hold us in place altogether. Then you decided to go with him. That was not a short notice, we knew you would want to go as well. When all things have gone down, I'd like to think that you were still there. Now, I am standing on my own; paying my own bills, cooking my own meals, preparing for the next day... I wish you were here. To see me how I have become. I don't know what you would think of me but I'd like to think that you are proud. Thanks, mama! For raising us well. I know you're happy in heaven with papa whom we miss dearly as well.

me at Dhayah Fort, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates 2016 How surprising I did not write anything about new year's and its goals. What a shame, right? I've done a lot of thinking and less writing. It's kind of a bad thing, isn't it?  To make up for the times I wanted to write but choose not to (because I have other things to do which doesn't mean I have a life... just making up a reason right there!), I am finally sitting in the middle of the living room at eight thirty in the morning and forcing myself to write something. I have been wanting to write ten things I am grateful for but could not (again) find time to sit and think about it. However, I did write a similar list in my notebook but I ought not to re-write everything here. It's nice to try to recall what I wrote a few weeks ago and see if I still have the same things I am grateful for during the past few years of my life! 1. Family - well, always. I am grateful for the life I had fro...