The Ideal Blogger (#1) Follow and Feedback

I've had a lot of spare time on my hands and I had been spending it on browsing fresh blogs, leaving comments and adding a blog or two to my personal follow list. I think I've seen a lot of blogs that seemed to be missing a spark or so and after reading "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie, I have understood what it means to be an ideal blogger. 

I'm not saying my blog is ideal, but that we could all work together to the goal of being so with the blogging epiphany I had. I'd like to share my ideas and opinions with you and it would be fantastic if you guys shared something back. So, without further ado, I present to you my blog post trilogy.

Following and receiving feedback is something you cannot achieve without your readers. If you want more comments and more followers, you need your readers to do it for you. So here's the question.

How can you make your readers do what you want them to do?

"The only way I can get you to do anything is by giving you what you want.

What do you want?" 

So what do most bloggers want? Let's make a list.

--> increased traffic on their blog
--> comments on their posts
--> new followers
--> a feeling of importance or pride for their blog and their writing.

Let's face it, people are usually thinking about themselves whenever they do something. When bloggers design their pages, they think along the lines of "this will make my blog beautiful" - "This will increase my traffic" - "This will make me look better" instead of thinking along the lines of "this will make navigation for my readers easier" - "this will help readers find something they want to read" - "this will keep my readers interested".

There is a subtle difference between the two streams of thought. One focuses on what you want, the other focuses on what your readers want- and I think we all know how important attitude is!

"If there is any one secret of success," said Henry Ford, "it lies in the ability to get the other person's point of view and see things from his angle as well as your own"

 If you want someone to comment on or follow your blog, why should they do so? Would talking about how feedback makes me happy or how feedback makes my day better or how much I love feed back make you want to do it? No it doesn't! Think about it this way.

Reader: Hmm, this blog is nice, I suppose. The posts are average but it has over 50 followers. Perhaps I should leave a comment with my blog linked in it.
Blogger: Please leave a comment! I love comments! They make me happy!
Reader: I know they make you happy- heck they'd make anyone happy! The question is, will you actually look at what I had to say and will you come to my blog and see what I write about too?
Blogger: I have 200 followers! I'm too busy to comment back- did you see the 160 comments on my last post- let alone follow a noob blog like yours that only has 10 follows! I have better things to do!
Reader: Then why should I bother commenting on your post or follow your blog?
Blogger: To make me happy of course!

This is an imaginary conversation a reader has with a blogger who "loves feedback" but hardly ever gives anything in return.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Trying to appreciate your readers before they comment is not a good idea and is fairly annoying if that's your tactic for garnering more comments. What you need to do is offer your readers and incentive to comment and later on, follow. Here are some example for the text that appears before the comment form

Bad: I love comments!
Good: I reply to each and every comment!
Bad: Please share your thoughts on what I wrote!
Good: Please leave a link to your blog so I can comment back!

All this discussion was for new bloggers and new traffic. But how can you get your current followers to engage with you on their blog? Here's a list!

#Give Them Honest Feedback

No, this doesn't mean you point out their errors or start arguing with them. It means you take the best of their post and trying making the blogger feel important. You must be

"...hearty in their appreciation and lavish in their praise..."

No flattery! Sit down and read the post! Think along the following lines.

"What part of this post stood out? What part did I find interesting? How would I describe this post? Did it inspire me in any sort of way? Did it amuse me? Did it remind me of something I used to do myself? Would I like to read something similar again?"

Did anything positive come to your mind? Good! Write it down in the comment section.

#Tag Them in Awards

Here's your chance to talk about the things you love and answer questions made just for you and  keep your readers engaged- because they're the ones who are going to be nominated! Make sure you correctly mention their names, their blog's name and link it properly. It also wouldn't hurt to write a couple of sentences about each nominee- maybe about why you nominated them, what kind of blogger they are or just a heartfelt compliment. Remember, we are aiming for our readers to feel important. Your words should make them realize that you read everything they say and that you are genuinely interested in what their response to your tag/award would be.

#Add Their Blog to Your Blog

There are lots of ways you could do this. Here are three such ways.

• Swap buttons with your readers
• Place their blog on the blogfeed widget that can be put on your sidebar
• Mention their names and blogs on a post that was inspired by something they wrote.

#Utilize Social Media

Do you have links to your twitter/facebook/tumblr/other media? Are you giving out your blog email for contacting? Well and good- but remember, you need to CHECK up on those links too! There WILL be occasional bloggers who tweet to you or decide to email to you (they will be uncommon, or even rare, but they exist. Trust me, I'm one of those random people) but what I've noticed is that once a social media profile is set up for a blog, it is usually abandoned or simply inactive. But- there are some brilliant bloggers out there who are on social media and who actually take the time to reply to you.

One of my favorite bloggers, Riley Sinclair tweets every now and then and I tweet back to her. She's super nice and makes me feel really special when she thanks me for my responses to her updates. Learn from the pro bloggers who make YOU feel worth it. Remember, blogging is a social platform. You're not getting a fan-following on your blog- you're making a circle of friends!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Let's sum up what we're going to try to aim for from today onwards.

*A change of attitude- focusing on what your readers want instead of what you want and find something that satisfies both parties.

*Offer your reader incentives to comment/follow

*Make your readers feel important as an individual blogger.

*Be genuinely interested in your readers and encourage them to talk about their opinions.

 *~*~*~*~*~*~*

Everything highlighted in pink are excerpts from the book "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie.

Part Two of this post trilogy will be Content and Consistency.

Did you find anything lacking or any new point that could be added? It would be my pleasure to add your insights and examples to this post (I'll credit you, of course).

INQILAAB! REVOLUTION!

I don't know if this shows up on your news feed or news channel or whatevers but Pakistan is currently having a revolution which is... not exactly a revolution. Basically, there's this guy called Imran Khan who won us the Cricket world cup some decades ago and now he's here to try winning us a Democracy cup (cause yknow, Pakistan looks like it's either run by families who take turns on the seat of power, or the military). Now, let's get this clear, I don't have much to say against Imran Khan because honestly, he seems pretty cool most of them time, but that was until he decided to bring this "inqilaab".

[Inqilaab means revolution]

This was brought about by the Azadi (Freedom) March which was around the 14th of August which is also Pakistan's Independence Day. Of course, at first we thought it would fun and games, a march on Independence Day and more festivity and nationalism and patriotism and all the other isms that suddenly makes us emotional slaves of our country for those precious 24 hours of the year where EVERYONE decides to take a selfie in green and tag it as #OMGIHEARTPAKISTAN and #ILOVEMYCOUNTRY while the rest of the year its something like #IwishIlivedinUSA or #PakistanIsSoLame or whatever. I'm not judging this bit, but what I AM judging is how this day got mixed up with Imran Khan's march and suddenly, it wasn't "Happy Independence Day"- it was "Azadi! GO PTI!!"

[PTI is Imran Khan's political party, it stands for Pakistan Tehreek e Insaaf, or Pakistan Movement for Justice]

Like, excuse me. What? WHAT?!

And you know what was even more unforgivable? It was how Imran Khan was suddenly equated with Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. If you ask my opinion, I haven't seen Imran Khan do anything as good on such a large scale as what Jinnah did- he cannot be even placed parallel to Jinnah.

I think I'll say this again, I don't have a problem with Imran Khan. But I don't have a problem with John Green and TFIOS either- but I just didn't get the hype about them. Same with Imran Khan. My newsfeed is FLOODED with #ILoveImranKhan and #ImranKhanIsMyLeader but honestly, he has been sitting in the capital of this country for almost a week now (maybe less, but the city HAS been semi-locked down for a week) and he hasn't got anything to show for it except for tons of biased updates where people are like

OMG I HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH SOLIDARITY IN PAKISTAN

IMRAN KHAN WILL DEFINITELY BRING INQILAAB

THE MARCH IS GOING GREAT

(GOODNESS GRACIOUS PEOPLE, GET A GRIP. THIS CROWD HAS BEEN SITTING HERE FOR DAYS AND NOTHING HAS HAPPENED YET. OBVIOUSLY SOMETHING IS NOT GOING VERY GOOD)

The thing is, Imran Khan has the support of all the wrong people. He has the undying support of the youth- more than half of which can't even legally vote yet. They'll all come out in the streets and party and go wild and have fun, but they can't give him their votes because they DONT HAVE IT TO BEGIN WITH.

Oh, while we talk about Imran Khan's youth support, I want to bring up the immaturity of his fans. The things I see, posted proudly by underage Imran Khan fangirls and fanboys mind boggles me. I cannot fathom how such young minds can jump from supporting Imran Khan to deciding to take matters into their own hands and insulting people of the opposite party.

Translations:-

"Hopefully I am not disturbing you, lady with the make up"

"We don't like you AT ALL"

"When you ran away to get married, didn't baldy say anything?" 

"Why don't you run away with someone again, and take baldy with you?"

"You are so lame"

"BTW. You ran away and got married, right? Awww :p If the Prime Minister can't get his daughter to listen to him, how can he expect the same of his nation?"

[Ganjay, or baldy refers to the current Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif]

I think it's fine if you tweet to the person things like "I don't think you should comment on this" or "I don't support you" or "I don't agree with your stances" but it's a completely different story if you decide to drag in that person's personal life and mix it up with their politics and then spew it out venomously- especially if you're underage and don't even have a vote.

Let's take away the political affiliations from the example I quoted above. Instead of a bunch of PTI supporters insulting the married daughter of the Prime Minister, it can also be seen as harassment a woman has to face from children a decade- if not more- junior to her. Blatant display of discourtesy to elders- something that is not respected in Islam.

On top of that, it's also against Islam to speak so foully against another person. And since Imran Khan is also marching around Islamabad saying things about Iman (faith) and being Muslims and stuff, I seriously expected better behavior from both, his online fan club and the fan club present at the march (the latter fan club has been seen to be enjoying the concerts set up to entertain them as well as dancing along in shameless ways).

I tried explaining this to the person who was so proudly displaying this on their timeline by commenting about it. I immediately got a private messaging saying "You didn't need to comment that" and instant removal of it (my comment, not the post in question).

This new generation, I swear, is the most jaahil generation I have ever had the fortune to meet. 

Let's talk about the March. It has been almost a week and Imran Khan's demands seem to be getting crazier and crazier. He wants the current PM to step down and he has already declared himself as the Prime Minister of Pakistan ("Prime Minister Imran Khan will never lie to you!"). Can we talk about how wrong this is on so many levels?

First of all, Nawaz Sharif has only done one year of his term. If he does step down, doesn't Imran Khan realize that this would boost Nawaz Sharif's chance at getting hold of the PM seat again? Why? Well, firstly because 1. Nawaz Sharif has NEVER completed a term 2. He can always blame Imran Khan and say "The nation owes me another chance at fixing this country" 3. When Imran Khan messes up, Nawaz Sharif would be like "HAHA LOL I TOLD YOU IMRAN KHAN WAS NOTHING- MAKE ME PM AGAIN GUYS!"

Imran Khan should have waited till the next election before trying to display his strength as a political leader- he should have tried to become the Prime Minister in the "democratic" way- the same way he is fighting for right now. Not only would the remaining four year increase his vote bank as more fanboys and fangirls become legal, but he could also try harder to win the votes of the older population by actually doing something with the province he has won through the last election. I personally think it is hypocrisy- him demanding Nawaz Sharif to step down early and at the same time, demand democracy. It seems everyone loves using the word democracy when it means YOU get the chance to sit on the seat.

Last but not least, Pakistan has much more important problems to deal with right now, much more important than an accused feudal Prime Minister who has only done one year of his term. Pakistan has national debts, a failing economy, terrorism, health issues, power issues, security issues and growing intolerance among its people for minorities. It seems to me that Imran Khan is being used as a decoy to ensnare the attention of the masses and to keep the media busy from reporting the actual dangers Pakistan is currently facing. (Quite possibly a cover to get General Musharaf out of the country and safe from the punishment his nation wants to see inflicted on him).

May Allah protect this country from those who seek to destroy it from within.

The Compounded Liebster Award

I love being awarded. It gives me an excuse to click on the "New Post" button with something substantial in my mind. Also, I love answering questions. There's something vaguely satisfying about trying to answer truthfully. Anyway, without further ado, I will start typing my fingers off for this post!

My nomination came from Girl in Ebony (click right there for her Liebster Award post) and then Maine Lyn nominated "whoever is reading (my post)" and because I liked her questions so much, I jumped at the second chance xD

Well, first of all, let's go over the conditions. The Liebster Award requires you to share eleven facts about yourself, answer eleven question put forward by your nominator and then nominate other bloggers. (There are some other specific conditions as well, but let's just quickly shove it into the Recycle Bin >.>)

ELEVEN FACTS

1. I like downloading lots of photo apps and using the same photo in all of them to see which one I like better 
2. I prefer written conversations rather than spoken ones.
3. I don't like being unnecessarily touched because I have a feeling that the whole world has an agenda that involves tickling o.o
4. I don't mind hugging :D
5. I like watermelon flavored candy and stuff, but not the actual fruit, which tastes rather bland to me.
6. I love watching anime and shows like Doctor Who o.o
7. I enjoy reblogging and trying to set a queue up to 200 posts on tumblr :3 (its all anime though)
8. I'll go through tons of DIYs and never do a single one .__. sad, I know.
9. I've been planning to splurge on art supplies but I haven't got the chance yet ;n; my MCAT classes seem to be draining all of my everything!
10. Did I tell you guys about my new laptop :3 Oh, I think I did 
11. I think Naruto is turning out to be an extremely stretched out story >.> I must make a post on why it is so annoying...

Okay, now for the eleven questions. First of all, from Girl in Ebony :D

Q: What question do you hate to be asked?

A: *concerned auntie voice* "Beta (dear), do you eat properly?" like heck yes auntie I stuff my face like a barbarian, it just doesn't show on me >:| (no, I don't stuff my face like a barbarian, but I don't diet at all. I eat whatever I want, whenever I want, but it just DOESNT SHOW ON ME)

Q: What was your favorite conversation (with your crush) about?

A: If we are talking about crushes, they're mostly fictional and involve things like "EXCUSE ME COULD'NT YOU EVEN TRY LIVING I MEAN WHY DO YOU HAVE TO DIE ITS NOT FAIR" and then I make a new scenario where the character doesn't die. I think that could be, psychologically, called denial...

Q: What have you wanted to do for ages but never done? When do you think you'll be able to do it?

A: I've been wanting to make a decent, lovely scrapbook ;n; I've been wanting for ages, and I was like "I will do it this year. Iwilliwilliwill!" aaand... I'm still I-will-ing...

Q: Who do you miss most at the moment?

A: Well, I miss all of my friends xD It's summer vacation, so no school, so no seeing them every day! Plus, Lilly's gone to another city :( But I skypes with Birdie yesterday- it was fun and I was like, let's do it every week. Unfortunately, I can't do that with Lilly (probably) because she's in a hostel at the moment. Apart from that, I just have this exam tomorrow, then I'm planning on asking my friends to go out and watch a movie with me or something (maybe Maleficent?) 

Q: Do you believe in horoscopes? Why/Why not? Do you read it?

A: No, I don't believe in horoscopes because my religion says it is not permissible. For clarity, let me quote.

Not only is the practice of astrology is haram, but also visiting an astrologer and listening to his predictions, buying books on astrology or reading one's horoscope are also forbidden. Since astrology is mainly used to predicting the future, those who practice it are considered fortunetellers. Consequently, one who seeks his horoscope comes under the ruling contained in the Prophet's statement,"The salah (daily prayer) of whoever approaches a fortune teller and asks him about anything will not be accepted for forty days and nights."[Sahih Muslim, vol. 4, p. 1211, no. 5440]

The punishment in this hadith is simply for approaching the asking the astrologer, even if one is in doubt about the truth of his statements. If one is in doubt about the truth or falsehood of astrological information, he is in doubt about whether or not others know the unseen and the future besides Allah.

Haram means "forbidden" btw. I hope this answers the question and also gives the readers a little extra info :D

Q: Favorite quote? Is there any meaning behind it?
A:

Q: Favorite Song?
A: Let me link it for you :3

Q: Which superpower do you want the most?
A:

#UchihaPowers

Q: What is your favorite hairstyle that you've ever had?
A: ......... can we talk about hijab styles..?

Q: Favorite computer game? Why?
A: OMG LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT THIS ATTACK ON TITAN GAME I PLAYED. (this won't answer your question by the way, but I just had to tell you guys this). It's basically a game where you are a SnK character and you have to kill titans. It's a very complex game with alot of controls (okay, maybe not that much, but it IS more than the average game) and let me tell you, that game is as scary as... Gengar. Even worse! You could be sailing around in your 3DMG and trying to kill the titan but the freaking titan is so fast and you just have to get caught and it eats you in the most gruesome way. (I had Mikasa's head torn off once) and its just SCARY. (I screamed when I died the first time because it was so sudden). Anyway, after that I had a nightmare where my city had titans and I was the best 3DMG user, but all I had were cans of airfreshener. So I was just zipping around trying not to get eaten and spraying titans with lilac scented freshener. I cannot tell you how terrifying that was. (just google Attack on Titan game if you're interested in trying it out)

Q: Do you think you'll be very different when you're older? What will have changed by then?
A: Well I can't really say haha. Basically, personality is a dynamic part of you. It will always change, whether you're in university, or if you're working or if you're retired. It is impossible for a person to remain stationary in character (WHY DO BOOK AUTHORS AND MANGAKA NOT UNDERSTAND THAT) so for all I know, I may predict some change and actually show the complete opposite xD

Okay, now for Maine's questions!

Q: What are you most interested in?
A: I like reading, writing, trying out new things, looking at DIYs and going like "Mmhm, I can do that" and then shutting it down and not bothering to do it even if I really want to. (the satisfaction of being able to do it seems to be enough for me o.o)

Q: When you find yourself in an embarrassing situation, do you laugh it off or get upset about it?
A: I pretend to laugh it off while I secretly nurse my injured pride and plot to assassinate you in various ways.

Q: Are you an introvert, extro-
A: *cuts off question* INTROVERT ALL THE WAY!

Q: Type of person you're attracted to
A: Well, if we're talking girls, I like people who respect silence (as in, they don't feel the need to fill every pause up with talking) and its a plus point if we have common interests. If we're talking about guys, I'll like them as long as they stay far away enough for my TOXICALERT not to go off.

Q: What do you believe in?
A: I believe in Allah, His messengers, His books, His Angels, the Day of Judgement and the fact that every man will be brought to account to every single one of his deeds, whether good or bad and that Divine Justice will be meted out on the Day.

Q: What videos do you usually watch on Youtube? Or favorite tv shows?
A: Did I tell you that Youtube is banned in my country? I don't think I did. Well, I don't miss Youtube that much anymore. But when I did use it, I used to watch Ryan Higa (yus Maine xD) and random anime stuff where people dub them and make funny episodes (omg, search "Akatsuki Unlimited" on youtube, the first episode is HILARIOUS you will die laughing! the jokes are all words though, so you'll have to listen attentively). As for favorite tv shows, it'll be Doctor Who currently.

Q: Funniest conversation (IRL or text messaging) you've ever had?
A: I've had my fair share of funny conversations but I can't seem to recall any right now...

Q: What do you do when you feel alone?
A: TUMBLAR. Oh, and I come on and read all the lovely blogs I've got followed. Pinterest is next if I'm really desperate >.>

Q: Can you go at least an entire day without social interaction?
A: Easy. I am quite happy to keep my thoughts to myself.

Q: Ebooks or books or you don't read at all?
A: Ebooks first >.> (I don't like wasting my money on a book I might not like). If I like it, I'll buy it. (I bought the Hunger Games series after reading the ebooks. The thing about good books is that you can read them over and over again, so it's not a problem buying the hard copy when you know it'll be worth it).

Q: What do you think of school/work?
A: School is a challenge. Work is when you get paid >.> end of thinking capacity.

Okay, now my eleven questions.

1. The scariest nightmare you've ever had?
2. The childhood fear that seems silly, but still frightens you to some extent?
3. These kind of people are the worst! What characteristic do these people have?
4. The kind of book you would LOVE to read would have...
5. If you had one single wish (because three is just unfair) what would you wish for? 
6. The perfect sort of holiday would be...
7. Would you rather stay in your own country or go abroad for studies etc? Which countries, if so?
8. You favorite pastimes involve...
9. If you had a chance to help humanity, how would you do it?
10. The biggest problem in the world must be this. What is it, in your point of view?
11. Have you ever been bullied? o.o

Now for my nominees!
Envy @ Picking up the pieces
Anna McAuley @ Banana and Bear
F @ The Fence Of Stars

Have a nice day <3

Being a Part of a Stranger's Life

I go to F-8 throughout the working days of the week, so that's five days a week. Every time I go, I see this lady on the side of the street on the way.

She's always covered, only her eyes through her glasses, her hands holding the small book and tasbeeh  and her feet walking up and down the pavement are visible. I see her every time I go to F-8 and sometimes, I wonder to  myself.

Who is she? Does she live in one of those spacious, expensive houses she walks by, to and fro? What does she do? Does she ever think about the possibility of being viewed, thought and written about this way?
That gets me thinking further. Surely she doesn't know that she's being observed this way. What if there was a time, in each of our own days, where we are observed just as carefully? Where someone views us and waits to see us everyday, just a glance, just as much a part of their routine as it would be ours.

Maybe if she didn't show up one day, I would notice and wonder "What happened to her? She's here everyday, but today isn't one of those days!". I wouldn't be too concerned though. She is just a part of a routine that I can live without. In the same way, I too, might be part of someone else's routine- a person they see every day and look for, but can easily live without.

This is an entry I found on loose pages in my closet, dated at Thursday, 7th March 2013.

Haiku~ Spider

Watch the spider dance

slowly, as if it had all

the time in the world

~written by yours truly

NOTE: THIS DOES NOT MEAN I LIKE SPIDERS. I HATE SPIDERS. It's just that this one looks kind of pretty and besides, every post should have pictures!

Liebster Award!

Here's my post for the blogger award I got nominated for by ღA Girl Without A Name. (Here's her blog)

~it wasn't supposed to turn out like this but oh well- just scroll down super quickly-~

This post will first have eleven facts about myself, then eleven answers to the eleven questions Sunny (Can I call you that? :D) asked, and then eleven questions for the nominees I've put forward for the award! So first off-

Eleven Facts about Myself

✿Personal Photograph✿

Fact#1: I am a Muslim and this is a permanent that's never going to change until I die. I don't face any sort of second thoughts about my beliefs because I take what my religion tells me for granted. When people talk about how Islam is the perfect religion, I find myself agreeing wholeheartedly. I may not be the most practicing Muslim around but I really want to change this and increase my Iman (faith). With Ramadan on the way, I'll definitely get this started!

Fact#2: I've gotten down to novel writing several times but ideas just die out before I'm even done outlining the story. There was this fantasy type of story I used to write in sixth grade but it was quite hastily written and could be considered fanfiction because it was mixing up too many fantasy novel universes. There were extremely unsubtle elements of Eragon by Christopher Paolini, Dragons of Deltora by Emily Rodda and Rowan of Rin by Emily Rodda as well. 

All I can say is that I've lost that notebook somewhere (probably when we were shifting to Islamabad) so now I don't have to go through the painful and embarrassing feelings of reading stuff I wrote when I was an immature little brat. xD

Fact#3: I enjoy reading but can't usually find anything good to read. When I go to bookstores, I'm just so confused with all the stacks of books and their ridiculously high prices and their boring blurbs that I don't get anything at all. This is a primary reason why I'm following quite alot of book blogs; they'll tell me which books (if I find them) are actually worth spending my allowance in one go for. 

Fact#4: I'd rather spend my allowance on craft supplied than on books I've got no idea about (the chance of being extremely disappointed and upset is too high). By crafts I also mean art supplies so yes this includes random things like yarn, tape, paint brushes, a paint palette, a sketchbook, those colorful pointers and oil pastels (btw this is my summer wishlist. I'm going to buy all of this as soon as my exams are over!)

My drawing and art may not be the prettiest piece of work around but I enjoy filling up white paper with colors. There's something quite powerful about designing and coloring a blank world.

Fact#5: I was homeschooled until I was seven and went to school into third grade and was a year younger than my class (or a year ahead of my age) and went until sixth grade with no problems related to academics but when we shifted to Karachi, I failed the seventh grade test (education standards are higher here than in Florida) and had to do sixth grade again but this time, I was in the grade I should've been in (agewise) so I didn't have a problem repeating. 

Fact#6: I used to be a dunce in math. In my old school (Florida) I was also taking remedial mathematics but ever since this math competition that I entered in eighth grade and came 18th in (out of the entire city's participants), my math has been going MUCH better. This just goes to show that if you see that you can do something and do it really good, it'll give you the confidence to put your all into it and actually see the fruits of your efforts. 

Fact#7: Still haven;t watched Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I've been meaning to watch it last summer but I didn't- I don't know why :o And yes, I'm a Potterhead, having read all seven books and finding this fantasy magic universe extremely interesting and amazing. I also read that there's going to be another Harry Potter movie but about the magical creatures? Haven't seen official confirmation yet, though I think I should sit down and watch the Order of the Phoenix first!

Fact#8: I have issues with bathrooms. If I don't like a bathroom, well. I don't like it. I'm just very sensitive about the whole issue and this is really a downside when we go travelling to rural area like we did here, and it really makes me think twice before saying yes to going again.

Fact#9: Deathly scared of insects, lizards, mice and all other household pests. I can't even bring myself to kill them either with bugspray (scared of how they'll jump around with death spams) or with a shoe (the idea of a crushed bug under my foot, even if it's not direct contact- just makes me gag). As a result, I usually flee the pest scene and call for my mom or whoever has the nerves of steel to vanquish the little demons.

Fact#10: I'm a quiet fangirl and get super addicted (but controlled) to anime and tv shows, but I have one problem. I can't wait a week for a NEW episode! That's why I wait until a season/series is over before watching it with the surety that I will not be left at a cliffhanger! This does dampen imagination about what could happen, but at least it won't be occupying my mind until the next release!

This is also how my list is made. I note down trending anime etc that aren't complete and then plan to watch them in the summer. My list is Doctor Who, Sherlock, Kyokai no Kanata, Noragami, Mekakucity Actors, Kagepro, and maybe Psychic Detective Yakumo. 

Fact#11: Yay, last fact! I'm not very social because I don't exactly talk to strangers etc but remain in my close circle of friends. That's doesn't mean I'm anti social though, it's just that I'm too shy to take the first step, but once I'm friends with someone, you probably won't believe I'm the same person! Don't judge a book by it's cover or a person by an impression you get!

Eleven Answers to Eleven Questions

✿Personal Photograph✿

Q: Favorite Conspiracy Theory?
A: ILLUMINATI! THEY EXIST EVERYWHERE I TELL YOU.

Q: Least possible conspiracy theory that you still cling to as being possible?
A: My brother told me there's a cure for cancer out already but it's just that big people don't want to hand out cures because having people sick makes a lot of money and with holding cures is just making big business. My mom thinks that's stupid but I think it makes sense.

Q: What piece of legislation would you enact in the world if we lived in a society where the entire globe was governed by one person (you)?
A: Fair trial for all and justice to be served equally.

Q: Saddest moment of your life?
A: I'm not a very sad/ depressing sort of person. Also, it doesn't help that I tend to forget a lot of things very very easily. So right now, I can't remember anything REMOTELY sad. 

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to a room of crowded people that were actually listening to you and not playing Candy Crush on their phones, what would you utter out of your mouth?
A: KEEP CALM AND STOP JUDGING PEOPLE you'd do EXACTLY the same thing if you were in their place! Walk a mile in their shoes and then talk about it!

Q: Favorite tv show that would make you skip your cousins wedding so you could catch the season finale?
A: Actually, I don't watch television. I watch everything on the internet. o.o Am I breaking some rules here?

Q: Oddest fact you'd ever stumbled across?
A: I can't lick my nose like a giraffe...

Q: Your biggest fear about your future?
A: Dying before becoming a legend. Wait, dying and THEN becoming a legend sounds good too...

Q: The worst book you'd ever read and you're still embarrassed you ever even gave a try?
A: I borrowed a young adult book when I was ten. It just happened that that book was horribly written and absolutely cliched. My ten year old self was baffled. I can't remember the book's name, I just remember that it had a pink cover and that the main character was... shameless.

Q: What is important enough to go to war over?
A: Peace.

Q: Favorite posts of yours?
A: Ah, I can't really say. Perhaps I'll make a post about my favorite posts some day. :)

Now I have to write eleven questions that my nominees have to answer.

1) What are your thoughts about your religion?

2) Why do you think people like cats so much?

3) Which season is your favorite and why?

4) What made you start blogging?

5) What's your favorite subject and why?

6) What makes you really mad?

7) What's your favorite memory?

8) What do you plan to do in your future?

9) Robots or Aliens?

10) The most recent film you watch that you absolutely love?

11) What fandoms are you a part of?

Here are my nominees:

❤Maine Lyn @ Reader, Writer, Loner, Dreamer

❤Lindsey Evenstar @ A Writer's Thoughts

❤Girl in Ebony @ The Bitch's Life

AND if YOU'RE reading this post, let me nominate you too! <3

Memory Bubbles

Walking down a well worn road

Where memories aren't clear

Things you loved have now become

Something no longer dear

Look closely at this child

See it's innocent face

Wonder what will happen when

It enters the material race

Working day and night for

A better house, a faster car

Happiness that is shown on screens

Sometimes just goes way too far

Unexplained joy is what 

A bottle of bubble soap would bring

No worries about how much it costs

Unlike a beautiful golden ring

It's true that the ring lasts longer

It's true that it brings more joy

But think about the child within

And the last time you got it a toy

~written by yours truly~

I think I diverged too much in this one. I mentioned too many things and just skimmed over all of it. I'm thinking about going over it again and removing the extra details and just focusing on one or two things. Then again, aren't soap bubbles like that too? :D

Monsters

Monsters don't lurk under beds anymore

The dust bunnies there aren't very nice

The monsters decided to move out and go

Inside dark cabinets, as quiet as mice

Whether in the bathroom or in the kitchen

Careful when you reach under the sink

You never know if the thing you touch

Is a monster, gone before you even blink

The musty damp places, the chemical galore

That's where the monsters like to be

Sounds you hear but think you did

Are tricks they play with malicious glee

The weird moss here, the odd fungus there?

Those are definite signs of monsters- beware!

Just stay calm and don't try to look

At what will give the most frightening scare!

~Written by yours truly~

This was the other poem I was talking about. I haven't exactly finished it yet, it seems a bit incomplete to me, but I can't figure out how to fix it, so I'm just putting it up. I wrote this because I was never scared of monsters under beds, but of monsters in the bathroom and kitchen. The funny gurgling sounds that sinks make just added to the whole thing and I find myself carefully observing the ceramic bowl and its surroundings before approaching it. 

You don't need to worry though, because really...

~there's no such things as monsters~

Untitled Poem

The pounding sound inside my head 

Is just my own imagination, they said

We can't hear it, let's call a shrink!

So I've gone mental, is that what you think?

Shush now! Stop the car!

Can't you hear the drums of war?!

Coming closer, day by day

No one listens, no matter what I say

You're in danger, you have to run!

They all laugh and go back to their fun

That war's not for us, it's too far away

Don't let this doomsayer spoil your day!

See how I warn them, see how they jeer

When comes the war, it'll all be wiped clear

Not one will stand, not one will speak

Suddenly life would appear very bleak

The war will come, the war will stay

Until every life has been drained away

Make up your mind before its over and done

Come fight with me or turn away and run

Shush now, can't you hear?!

The drums of war, loud and clear

Find your courage, no time to cry

Here we stand and here we will die

-written by yours truly-

~I just randomly wrote this while I was studying because I was extremely bored. Actually, I've written another poem too, but that one still needs some work. This is one is straight off the page, no editing save that done while converting the thought to words. 

Possible Novel Inspiration

A friend shared this on Facebook and I have to agree, it DOES look like, and here I quote her words, 

"Omg this could make for such an amazing Dystopian Movie cover- HALAL YA DYSTOPIA "

So what do you think? Worth a shot at writing? I definitely think so, but a very good plot would be needed, along with realitistic characters. Also, I don't think handling dystopia would be very easy!

Aggravated

I've been meaning to write for a while now, but alot of things had cropped up. For starters, the revision plan I've chalked out don't really leave out time to write blogposts, especially with my being online on Dragon's Blade which is starting to also get mildly annoying and aggravating at times. I'm thinking about setting a specific day where I sit down and type a blogpost. A deadline blogpost a week. Thursday sounds good. Although I know I'll probably be shifting the day around to whenever I feel like it.
Right, where was I...
Oh, so we had a random discussion on parent relationships today. Like how alot of us look at our parents and then at other parents and say "I wish mine were like theirs". Many children probably think that of their parents, not on all aspects, but definitely for some. Such aspects include the emotional side of a relationship, for example hugging etc while others include the casual side, for example listening out instead of jumping to immediate conclusion in that fussy parent way.
If I was to talk about myself, I'd say I was raised up excellently in the sense that I was brought up to love books and to value education and to always strive to do my best and that is probably why I'm doing so good in my academics. This is something that I really love about my upbringing. On the other hand, there is no aspect of frank friendship or much hugs. However, after listening to what other people think they lack in their relationship, I don't feel so bad for myself anymore. I mean, so my parents aren't as close as I'd like them to be, but at least they aren't close that way to someone totally out of immediate family! When I think about that kind of situation (which, surprisingly, seemed pretty common) I feel really upset and helpless because there's nothing much you can really do to change that.
This discussion started out with us complaining about being bored and ended with us complaining of being depressed. Very, very, very much uncalled for. 

SIST 2014

~Cover for this year~

So like every year, we had the Shifa Inter Scholastic Tournament again. Like every year, it was amazing. 

I didn't stay for the lectures on the first day though. I wasn't feeling so well, but anyway, I did stay for the second. The lectures were all really good, first (on Sunday) was Ayesha Khattak's followed by Dr Kanwal Kaisser's and then went back to the main hall to find Adnan Rashid having his own lecture. The halls were jam packed and it was hard to find a seat. His lecture is probably the only one I didn't listen to properly.

~Lilly's entry in the Art-on-the-Spot Contest~

After that came some other lectures which included Dr Idrees, Raja Zia ul Haq and Imran ibn Mansur among them. There were also lots of stalls set up there, for food, clothing (abayas and scarves) and books as well. On the side, all entries for calligraphy, poster and art-on-the-spot were put up for display. Here are some pictures of them.

Overall, it was amazing and I'm motivated! *_*