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Saturday, October 18, 2014

#WHYBD

What Have You Been Doing? I am starting a new series for you! WHYBD? #WHYBD Yay! That's the acronym for my new series! Well, just like the title, I will be giving an update to you about what I've been up to, my schedules, and all those fun things! 
It's Saturday today and I am going to go shopping with my family! Don't worry, after the shopping, I will be posting a new Pick Ups episode! Well, after I write it up. Anyway...I have an #ootd picture! The outfit will be the one I am wearing today to the mall! I am so excited!

I am in love with my new shoes and horse purse - bag - whatever you call it. Would you wear something like this? And apparently, you guys probably don't know yet. I now have an obsession with bows and cat ears. And I begged my mom to buy me more today. And she said she will! I buy my bows and cat ears at places like Forever21 or Claires'. Two of my favorite shops in Oman, since Oman does not have that many teen fashion stores. 
I have been busy this weekend! I have only finished half of my homework. Plus, I have a social studies midterm assessment to study for. For Tuesday. But...on that same day I have the assessment, I am going on a trip to the Pavo Real restaurant with my Spanish class! Not that I'm happy or anything, but guys, I get to meet my besties there. Food. Not just food. Mexican Food. Why I'm not that happy you ask? Well...let's just say that in Spanish class, me have no close friends. My weird grammar over there was on purpose. I had two of my close friends, but they decided to move to Arabic class instead. I mean, really? Why you leave me alone?!

You guys are probably asking me to move to Arabic with them, right? But I can't! I spent since 3rd Grade in Spanish class. I don't think I need to forget Spanish just for my friends. I already picture the scene for Pavo Real...I sit on the long table filled with all my classmates, next to someone I'm comfortable with. I'm not alone, but I feel alone. Deep isn't it? This is all probably making you cringe, I am sorry. I don't know how I should express myself at these times. 
That is all for my first episode of  #WHYBD ! I hope you enjoyed it! 

Friday, October 17, 2014

My Writing: In My Own Heart

Hello, again! Today...is the release of my writing "In My Own Heart"! I hope you guys will enjoy it! What have you guys been doing? I am packed with tests, projects, and essays for next week. So, I am working hard even though its the weekend. But I know it will be worth it! Check out the writing below!


Today’s the day. I sit up on my bed, still clutching the blanket close to me as I hug my two, stuffed animals tight. Feelings of excitement, anxiousness, and nervousness wash through me. The ring of my alarm goes on, making me jump. I give out a sigh, “aish”. That is what happens when you are too addicted into watching Korean dramas every weekend. I get off my bed and stand up, my feet touch the ice-cold floor and sends a shiver through my spine. I face the mirror, smiled, and thought to myself, you can do this, you can do this.  


I inhale the sweet aroma of banana, sugar, and chocolate as I walk down the damp stairs on my favorite, sparkly socks. I stroll down to the dining room and a feeling of sheer delight formed its signature curve ear to ear, on my face. In front of me were small, triangle-shaped crepes complete with sweetened, condensed milk sauce. A morning’s piece of artwork. I nibble mine, slowly, just like how a mouse would eat. It was warm, heavenly luscious as it melted in my mouth. At that right moment, I forgot about everything. But it felt good to make the things that made me worry, insecure, scared melt away with such sweet-tasting treats. At least...for now.
***
As I step out of the bus the blaring, blinding sunlight welcomed us but it didn’t matter. I already dabbed my skin with sunscreen before going out. I helped my brother out and guided him to a shaded spot close to the gate.
“Audomaro, princess will be doing a speech today! Please say ‘good luck, princess’!” I expressed with enthusiasm.
Audomaro looked at me confused but, grinned and responded. “Good luck, princess!”
I smiled at him, kissed his cheek, and made my way to the school. “Thank you! See you later!” I cried, as I walked to the gate.  
Every step I took, sparked up a feeling just where I think would be a place close to my heart. I knew it was not until 1:45, but I knew the day would go on fast. Because that’s just the way life goes, it kills time when you’re having fun. But worse, when you’re anticipating something really badly.


“Good morning, everyone!” Mrs. Johnson beamed. “We have a lot of work to do. Today you will have to sit with your team and talk about what you guys want to do. But...remember this is a test design. Although, you will still need to pay for the materials. So, get going and start working!”
Chairs screeched as the students moved to their group tables, big thumps from tables as people dropped their materials carelessly. I search to find Stella through the crowd of people and took my stuff to our table.
“Stella, is Kira here?” I asked, looking around.
“Nope. Haven’t seen her but, I hope she comes.” Stella stated. “Seriously. This is important.”
I nodded along. “Yeah, I hope she does.”


Thirty minutes into class, Stella and I had already drawn our drafts, ideas were settled, and everything we needed to buy was listed. Just then Kira came into class panting like she ran a long run, the rims of her eyes were a shade darker probably from lack of sleep, and her signature bun, tangled and messy, just the way she liked it. She slipped the late form to Mrs. Johnson’s clipboard and walked to our table.
“Kira!” I cried, excitedly.
“Hey, guys.” She responded, sleepily.
From that, I decided to shut my mouth, because apparently Kira was not a “morning person”.  I said nothing as Stella explained what we both decided to do but, then I soon realized they were having an argument.
“Kira, this is only a test design. Calm down.” Stella said.
Kira rolled her eyes and sighed. “But I’m telling you, it won’t work.”
“Kira, we haven’t even tried, give it a chance. Please.” A sob was already stuck in my throat by then. I wasn’t in the mood to argue and definitely not with any of my best friends. I was overwhelmed by this science project, math test, and the speech. I don’t think I could hold it any longer.
“Give me that.”
I looked around, confused, and realized it was Kira. I looked at what was in my hands, it was the bank form. Just then, Kira snatched it from my hands. I tried to reach for it, but she had it in a strong grip.
“Kira, that’s important. Give it back!” Stella and I exclaimed in unison.
“I mean it, Kira. It’s important. Please.”
Clinks and clanks of golf balls, people laughing, talking, arguing, screeches of chairs being pushed away, the math test, science project, the speech. The world around me spun, I was getting dizzy. I couldn’t help it, I fell to the ground. Even before I felt the cool floor against my skirt, tears already warmed my face.
***
I felt a hand on my shoulder and I turned around.
“Are you okay, Conchita?” Jazmin asked, softly.
I looked into her sparkling, hazel eyes. “Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks, Jazzy.”
She patted my head gently. “Good, doggy.” She grinned and left.
I chuckled and went outside to meet up with everyone else.
“Hey, guys!” I shouted.
“Hi, Conchita!” They all sang in unison.
“How was social studies? Did you have homework?” Stella asked.
“I was basically sleeping and...no. No homework. Plus, I sat by myself. I’m such a lonely, lonely loner.”
Margot shook her head hastily; I was terrified that it would break off. “No, no, no. Now you have us!” She exclaimed, in her lovely Italian accent.
Cecilia gestured for me to sit next to her. “Come on, sit down, and eat!”
“No, thanks. Don’t have food. And...I need to practice my speech.”
I paced back and forth, and back and forth, and back and forth...reciting every, single word I had written on my paper. Mentally hitting myself if I missed a word, starting from the beginning to end, not missing any-
“CONCHITA!” They all practically yelled.
I jumped.
“You’re gonna do awesome. Stop.” Stella said, comforting me.
Cecilia nodded. “You’re going to do great!”
“Yes, you are.” Margot happily chimed. That lovely Italian accent of hers, it never grows old.
***
I tap my thick, mechanical pencil, making a soft thud on the table. Every tap seemed to make my heart beat just a tiny bit faster. I stared at my paper, filled with smudgy Spanish words, not caring about what anything meant, I stared into space.
"Conchita, are you alright?" Isabel said, leaning over. "You nervous? Because I know I am."
"Yeah...I guess I'm really nervous." I responded as I looked into my watch. "Only three more minutes."


The ear-splitting, screeching sound of the bell hurt my ears.
"It's time?" I stuttered, shaking Isabel. "Already?"
"Yes, yes, I know. Don't worry." Isabel said, patting my shoulder assuringly. Behind her confidence, I could hear that she was as scared as I was, too.
I ran down the slippery stairs, a rush of adrenaline was filling me up. As I hurry down, I saw a familiar face down the hall. I ran to her.
"Mom! Mom! What should I do? I'm so nervous! What should I do?"
"No...don't be." She cooed, hugging me tightly. "You are going to be the best, I know it."

***

The lively, enthusiastic cheers and applause filled the performance hall. I sat next to my friends, finishing the last drops of my water, listening.
"Alright! And the last position we are going to listen to today is the presidents!" Announced Ms. Soderberg. "Please come up. Conchita, Isabel, and Rafael."
I slowly stand, forcing my trembling, shy legs to walk and before I knew it I was behind the podium.
"I'm the first one, aren't I?" I whispered to Ms. Soderberg, faintly. I thought she wouldn't be able to hear that, but she did.
Ms. Soderberg nodded and smiled. "Yes, you are." She then turned to the audience, "Our first candidate will be Conchita Isdiawan!"
A roar of cheers and applause filled the performance hall once again. I looked at my mom, whose smile radiated with joy and happiness and at my brother, whose eyes flickered with anticipation. I stepped on the podium and thought to myself, "this is for my parents, for my friends, for me. I can do this." I took a deep breath and the words that I have kept inside my mind, rushed out of my mouth like a waterfall of words that have been waiting for too long to be released.

*** The True Winner ***
The day went on too quickly; I was already in drama class, playing a game of energy circle with my classmates. It was almost time for the second half of the election candidate speeches, which meant my brother would be doing his too. Already, sixth graders were sitting down, watching us play intensively.
"Hussam!" Reem scolded. "Get back to your place! You're going to make us lose!"
Hussam ran around, speeding up the pace. The clap went around, until everyone gave up.
"Alright, it's almost time for the assembly!" Mrs. Hovland said. "Get your stuff and find a place to sit!"
And we all did what we were told to. At least, some of us.


"Please, give your last round of applause for the CSR candidates!" Ms. Soderberg lightly instructed.
When the crowd calmed down, Ms. Soderberg once again stepped in the front. "Alright. Now, may we please have our secretary candidates come up?"
I searched for my brother's eyes and when I found them the words nervous and anxiousness were clearly written on them, I silently mouthed the words "fighting".  Our sibling slang for “do your best, I know you can do it”.


"Our third candidate will be Dandy."
Once again a roar of cheers and applauded filled the performance hall and somewhere when the performance hall was slightly calming down, I heard "Dandy!" From the look of my brother's face, I knew he heard it too.
"...so, it's your choice about what you choose. You either stay on the ground like you always did before, or vote for me and you'll touch the sky."
I must have looked like a crazy girl, fangirling over her favorite boy band. Because, that was what I felt like. I clapped so hard that my poor, thin hands turned rose-red. I laughed, smiled, and cheered for my brother. Because that's what older siblings do. Somehow, I felt like the world slowed motion itself. When I looked at Ms. Soderberg, I caught a chuckle that vanished lightning fast, in thin air. I wonder what she was thinking about. After all, the 'thing' she chuckled at, was me.
***
Minutes have gone by since Mrs. Callaway announced that the candidates will have to get out of class, fifteen minutes before the bell rings. I sat down with a book in my hands but, not being able to read properly. My mind was filled of thoughts and excitement about the results. I couldn't focus. It was 3:05, only ten more, painful minutes to go. But I just couldn't wait any longer. I stared into the words of my book because, right now, it felt like that was the best I could do.


I heard a chair trying to be pushed away as silently as it could, but failed because it got the attention of me. I find Isabel’s eyes fixed on me and she nodded. It was time.
I nodded back and took my stuff and followed Isabel out the door. A rush of cool air made me shiver, it was cold and that was the last thing I needed to fully wake me up.
We all sat in anticipation for the results but, we had to sit there listening about how if we lose, we shouldn’t be sad. That stuff. “Yes, yes we get it already. Can we see the results now?” I thought.
“Our CSR, will be...Jessica!” Announced Mr. Lee.
We all clapped and cheers were given, too. Treasurer, Gustavo. PRO, Kentaro. We clapped for them and gave a “good job” shout to the ones who weren’t elected.
“Our secretary will be...Jayda!”
I looked at my brother and saw the disappointment in his eyes but, I knew he was a strong guy. He smiled and cheered for Jayda, sincerely. Seeing my brother’s disappointment, I knew I wouldn’t win either. We, as siblings, supported each other, helped each other, and it just wouldn’t make sense for one to win without the other. But the whole time we were there, a smile was still cemented on my face, a very joyful and cheerful smile.


“Isabel! Good job and congratulations! You got the position of President!” I exclaimed, tapping her shoulder.
Isabel turned around and hugged me. “Thank you! You also did a good job!”
And from there, I turned around to go home. With a smile on my face. Bright, cheerful, and sincere.
***
“I didn’t get elected, mom.” I said.
“It’s okay, I am still very proud of you and your brother. Now, go wash up. You’ve had a long day.”
Yes. I did, I thought. A very long one, indeed.
I dried myself off and heard the ‘ping’ of my phone but, before I could reach for it, my mom called.
“Yes, I’m coming!” I called back, walking down the stairs.
“Look what I wrote! Come over here!”
And I did, I walked towards the bed and sat down next to her. I looked into the miniscule screen of her phone and realized that she had written something about me and posted it.
“Okay, I’m going to read it to you.” My mom said, excitedly.Hari ini gadis kecilku Conchita Flavia Ameera Isdiawan mendapat pelajaran hidup yang sangat berharga…”
I sit there, listening, and fighting back the tears that were slowly wanting to come out. I avoided her gaze and pretended to look at something else. When I realized she was almost at the end, I quickly swiped my tears with the sleeve of my shirt, and wiped them on my pants.
“You wrote an essay about me! You just wrote an essay. About me!” I joked, trying to make myself act normal again.
My mom laughed. “That’s not the point, Conchita. But you understand what I just wrote about, right?”
“Yes, yes. Let me make it in my own words. ‘The true winner is the person who accepts their lost, with a winner’s heart’. Correct?”
“Exactly!” My mom beamed, happily.

For just a minute, I thought to myself. That’s why I accepted my lost so easily and with a big smile. Because no matter what, I am the winner in the hearts of the people who truly love and care about me. But, most importantly, I am the winner in my own heart.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

My Writing: Basketball on the Moon

Hello! I know, I know. I haven't been active! Since, I have just wrote another piece of writing, I want to show it to you! By the way, 'In My Own Heart' will be released at the end of this week! So, look forward to it! I am also going to be posting another "Pick Ups" episode! 


Have you ever wondered how you think one of your favorite sports would be like in the moon? I have and its about basketball! Well, I imagine it to be very hard to play basketball in the moon because of how there is less gravity in the moon and all. This will be about what I think it would be like to play in the moon and the changes you’d have to make to be able to play somewhat accurately like on Earth.


First of all, the ball should be made more heavier because, in the moon there is not enough gravity to make something naturally fall back on its surface. Therefore, lighter objects will just float away and who knows when it will ever come back. The answer, of course, is never. What I’m saying is, the ball should be made of a heavier material. So that it won’t fly off into space.
The ball is now heavier, although, we don’t actually know if it will shoot through the hoop. In a video, some people that were actually inside a spaceship showed us how the basketball would float up and not be able to get through the hoop smoothly like on Earth. And because of that, I have thought about having an upside-down hoop. Wait, what?! Yes, guys. An upside-down hoop. But the both sides of the ends will have to be the size of the basketball or wider so, the basketball can go through. My vision is to have a hoop that looks like the one on Earth but then, it would have to have a thick base. In the moon, you will have to shoot to the base and from there, the ball will float its way to the hoop. But keep in mind, it will come from the bottom first and then up to the top. And to keep the ball from flying up into space, there will be a thin, big roof-structure attached behind the hoop. It’s long, so it will block the basketball from going any higher into the air.
And lastly, dribbling and the running around part. In the moon, I am not really sure you can even dribble. As you already know, gravity is lower up on the moon, causing things to either come back down slowly or never even come back. The moon does not love us, it doesn’t care if we sail away. That’s why I think that instead of dribbling, passing the ball around would make it better in the moon. You guys are probably thinking, ‘wouldn’t that mean the team members have to be really close to each other?’ No, they do not. Instead, they should be very far away from each other because, in the moon you are able to throw way more farther than on Earth. To be more specific, you could throw the ball six times farther in the moon. So, uhm...watch your distance. For the ‘running around’ part, in the moon, you would have to hop around. Since hopping is the easiest way to get to places in the moon.

The basketball game would take a long time, wouldn’t it? And that is my thoughts about how to play basketball in the moon differently, but still fun. What are your thoughts about sports on the moon? What changes would you make to play the sport appropriately on the moon? Leave a comment below!

Monday, October 6, 2014

First Week of October Pick Ups!

I. Am. So. Sorry. I know its the fall break and I should have had enough time to post something. But I was so tired. My schedule the last few days were wake up at five then sleep again until eleven. Wake up at eleven, take a shower, eat breakfast. Go on my phone, watch Bethany Mota or something informational on YouTube and then sleep again until five in the evening. And then do my night buisness and sleep at least at nine. Then repeat. Yup. Although, I was quite active on my Instagram. So, if you want to get updates, check my Instagram first.
But, push that aside, here is my second episode(?) of my "Pick Ups" series!
 
Drama, Movies, etc.
I am still currently watching "My Lovely Girl" and "Hi! School: Love On". Just like I said in my last "Pick Ups" episode, I love both the dramas so much! But a drama which I have started to watch with my family is "Emergency Couple". We slightly watched it but, never got to actually see what its about. "Emergency Couple" is kind of a more in the adult side but, guys, do not worry. K-Dramas are always appropriate for at least fifteen year olds. 
Now, its time for explaining what this drama is about. Alright. There is a couple who got married and then divorced because the husband's (Oh Chang Min) mother did not approve Oh Jin Hee. Also, they did not work well with each other. But then six years later, they meet again in a friend's wedding. Isn't fate and destiny such a great thing? Anyway...they meet a lot before they find out that they are interns at the same hospital. They are also in the same group. So the story begins...Oh Chang Min will start falling in love with Oh Jin Hee despite his mother's desire for him to marry a minister's daughter. Who already has feelings with him. Guys. Its a love pentagon. You see the picture above? The other guy in the pic likes Oh Jin Hee but, the girl next to him likes him. The minister's daughter on the far right likes Oh Chang Min, but Oh Chang Min likes Oh Jin Hee. Life is complicated. Wait. let me change that. LOVE is complicated.

Stuff; Essentials, Random Things
Well? Did I mention that today was my birthday? No? Well then...today was my birthday! I am officially a teenager now! I am not that happy though...because let's face it guys, when its your birthday, the older you get. I mean who wants to be old? Not me. Anyway...I went shopping with ma fam fam (my family, get it right guys)! I bought quite a lot. But I should have bought this shower gel that smelled like marshmallows! Yes, you guys. Marshmallows. But I felt really bad for buying too much...so my hand could not reach the lonely marshmallow-smelling shower gel.
The bags!
I gave all my purchases a photoshoot, so they could look good. Some are kind of hard to read, so I will be writing down about, okay? I will also be writing down what I need them for, so y'all know why I bought them.
Two combs! They were a really good uh...what's the word? AH! Deal. They were a really good deal! Two combs for a cheap price and it was worth it. I do not own any good combs right now, so I wanted to try these ones out.

 I have been wanting headphones for a long time now. These ones are really cool! They don't have the weird, microphone thingy dangling on the side! They have one that is actually just built into it! They are really cool and I like the color! In love with them!

My skin is so dry! And I just had to get a body lotion! Nivea is far most, one of my favorite types of body lotion. So I got that.

Let me just tell you guys...this smells amazing! Its hand and body soap. I never tried this one before, that's why I decided to just get a small bottle. I regret that now.

I know you can't read that, but it's hair spray. Not for styling, though. Its just for hair care. It smells really good (honey and apricots). I can't really judge it, yet. Because this is my first time trying it. I am quite satisfied!

The other things I got from Bath&Body Works are these perfumes! They smell really good! The one in the smaller bottle is called "Sweet Pea" and the big bottle is called "Beautiful Day". "Beautiful Day" smells so good I just had to get a big bottle. 


A red...what is this thing called? Ok. I have no idea. But I bought it for my orbees and robot fish! I never had the right place to keep them...but now I do!

Music
The song is actually from the drama I am currently watching, "My Lovely Girl". It is called "All Of A Sudden" sung by Krystal Jung who plays Yoon Se Na in the drama. Its such a pretty song.

Food
Have you ever heard of mug cakes? Of course you have! Its everywhere but, have you tried making it? I have! They are so easy to make and delicious at the same time! They are now my breakfast food! The best recipes for mug cakes so far is from http://kirbiecravings.com/ ! Try them! It has a whole section for different types of mug cakes! The mug cake I have been eating, non-stop is the peanut butter mug cake! I always top my cake with buttercream/creamcheese frosting! Its so good!
The picture of peanut butter mug cake on the website.
Well, then? What have you guys been up to? From now on, I will be a bit more active than before. How does that sound? Have a good rest of your day!

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Oh, October.


O. M. G. You guys. It's already October! Is it just me or does time go around too fast? Well, then. Hello there, October! Be a good month to everyone out there, okay? You see the picture above? Well, truthfully, I have never seen green leafs turn red or brown. Because in Oman nothing changes. At all. Just that we have loads of rain in fall/winter, which I hope will happen again! Because it feels so nice and cool. Reading a good book and watching the rain through the windows. That is a perfect day for me. Something more awesome is that we have a week of school off! Woo Hoo! Time to relax and read a lot of books and...turn thirteen! I am almost an official teenager. But...I want to stay as a twelve year old, though. I want to be forever young but sadly, that's not how this life goes.
How did you start your October? Me? I started it with P.E. (physical education) class and did my real pacer test. I got 35 laps. Yes, guys. Please clap, I did an awesome job. And at the end of the day, I had to stay after school to do my math exam. I'm pretty confident with it. But something that really made my day was that I got to talk to two of my ninth-grader friends! Who I don't get to see as much anymore because now they are too "cool" for me and all. Just kidding. It's because they are in high-school and I'm not. We all use the bus to get home, so we got to talk to each other and have fun along the way. Just like in the old days when we were all in middle school, together. I will be releasing a "Pick Ups" series again, pretty soon. It's just that I do not have new stuff, yet. So when I do get some new stuff that I have "picked up", I will be releasing it as a post! Stay tuned for more posts coming up!