Black Friday Craze

   I set my alarm at 5:00am thinking I would be ready to head out to Toronto's Eaton's Centre mall by 6:00am. I ended up snoozing my alarm until 6:00am. I ran out of the house before 7:00am as soon as I could. I almost went on the wrong subway line in my rush, twice. My bad.

   I got to Eaton's past 7am. On a memo pad on my phone I made a list of all the stores I went to in the order I went to them. I went to H&M first and then Bluenotes. I didn't find anything to my liking in either stores but I figured it was because I knew I'd get all of my shopping done at Forever 21. After Bluenotes I went to the food court to purchase a Caesar wrap and a drink. Then I headed to Forever 21 and decided to drink my drink then eat afterwards, to motivate me to not take too long. 

   I ended up staying long of course, almost two hours. I bought two dresses (I tried on five dresses), a cute pink kitty sweater for my little sister, a winter hat (lost mine in one of my previous trips to Waterloo), and makeup tools. While I was looking at dresses a lady asked which colour of the dress looked better, I told her both looked pretty good but if I wanted to make sure I would try them on first. Then she said thanks and that she was going to try them on in the change room and I said I would as well since I was eyeing the same dresses as her. 

Four of the five dresses I tried on

   I was fortunate to get a scratch card, which was their Black Friday deal going on at the time. I was able to get 15% off of all purchases because of it. While I was in line a lady behind me saw me with my scratch card and asked me where I got it. I told her I got it earlier. Then a lady in line in front of me told the lady that apparently it was given to the first 600 people who came to the store that day. After Forever 21 I took a rest and finally ate my Caesar wrap. 

Caesar wrap from "Extreme Pita"

   After that I decided that I was done purchasing items for the day. But then...I went upstairs and saw that Sephora was packed and I wanted to check out what was going on. I ended up getting suckered into purchasing a brow pencil which wasn't even a part of the Black Friday sale going on. A worker at Sephora named Mrin tested out a product on me and showed me how to properly apply it. This is the second time I've had a makeup tutorial trial there. The brow pencil I got was the "Instant Brow Pencil" by Benefit in medium brown. 

   I almost forgot to mention that I went Black Friday shopping alone. Which was actually more convenient for me because whenever I am accompanied by friends they would whine about how slow I am with making decisions. I did invite my girl friend from college, Scout, and she said she would've joined me but she had work. The rest of the close friends I've made in college are guys so I figured they wouldn't be interested in joining me. By the time I was done, which was before noon, Nicole (roomie/family friend) said she had a half day of school and was going to Eaton's for some Black Friday shopping as well. So we met up at the Indigo bookstore and I showed her to the stores I went to and other stores I wanted to check out but couldn't since I was done shopping for myself for the day. 

   Nicole and I went to Aeropostal, Garage, Bluenotes, then I got mango bubble tea at Freshly Squeezed, Forever 21, and Smart Set. Then we went to a bunch of body care stores such as The Body Shop, Bath and Body Works and the Face Shop. Then we went to H&M. Nicole purchased items at Bluenotes and H&M. I didn't purchase anymore than I already had earlier in the day. By the time Nicole and I left, which was around 2pm, the mall was swarming with more people than I've ever seen before at a mall. 

To no surprise Eaton's has their festive decorations already up 

   When Nicole and I got home we ate a late lunch then we both took a nap. Anthony (her brother, family friend) ended up showing up and waking us up from our naps. Which annoyed Nicole and I the same amount as when he woke us up last Wednesday. Later on my godfather, and Anthony and Nicole's uncle, Arnold came by so we set up the karaoke and we all sang some songs. Wesley, my godfather Arnold's son showed up shortly after he did. We karaoke'd until 10pm which is why this blog post is going to be posted later than I wanted to. 

   Anyways, some of my family is coming over tomorrow, and they're bringing along my two friends from Guelph. We're going to go skating at an event hosted by my college's own campus, Centennial College's Story Arts Centre. Anthony also said he may tag along. I joked that I'd un-invite him if he does anything embarrassing, which he probably will knowing him (hey see I did mention you in my blog like you asked). 

Until then, Fatima 

Night Changes

   I moved Sunday, November 9th to an apartment in the Sherbourne area with a family friend, Lola (Grandma) Linda. For those who don't live in Toronto or won't bother searching up where that is, it's practically downtown Toronto. I used to commute 35-45 minutes away from Pape (subway station where my school is located near) and now I live 15-25 minutes away.

   The sudden move that my parents helped me with, was so it was more convenient for me to get around. Especially now that the weather seems to be getting only more colder. So I'm no longer living in Scarborough, now I'm in "Cabbage Town" which is what they call the place where I live near. There's a nice view of the city from Lola Linda's back terrace.

Nice view of the center of Toronto

   Although it was nice living in Scarborough for the first two months of college. I had a pleasant time and they were nothing but patient and kind with me. Big thanks to Ninang Precy, Ninong Felix, Kuya Kevin, and to Katie of course. Katie thanks for sharing your room with me. Also it's was always fun watching The Walking Dead with all of you. Now I've got to watch it alone on my laptop.

   Bringing you back to speed again, now I room with Lola Linda's 15 year old granddaughter Nicole. She lives with her as well. Nicole is a Grade 10 student in high school. Her 19 year old brother, Anthony, lives at their Dad's place only two blocks away. Which is probably why he comes over almost every other day. Whenever he does come over we would competitively play "Just Dance" on the Wii all together. Anthony is a first year college student like me but he goes to George Brown college. He goes to George Brown at the Spadina campus for a Computer Systems Technology program. Almost forgot to add in that I haven't seen them both in 10 years. The last time I saw them I was eight, Anthony was nine, and Nicole was just five years old. We lost contact with them for a little while. Anthony and I would chat sometimes on Facebook but not much.

Anthony and Nicole with Suzie the puppy

   You see the puppy with Anthony and Nicole in the pictures above? Well that's one of Tita Eunice's six puppies that she owns. She lives on the 3rd floor of the apartment I live in and is friend's with Lola Linda. She visits almost every day with either just Tina (the Mom), one of the puppies, or all of the puppies. One of the puppies, Suzie, I have a soft spot for because she falls asleep on me whenever she visits. She's also the youngest of the bunch.

Pretty sure I snapchatted most of these pictures

   It's been 20 or so days since I've updated but it's because I've been and still am swamped with college papers and assignments. Just trying not to get screwed over by the amount of work I still have to do before the holidays. But I also need to take breaks sometimes. As Anthony so frequently said today to convince me to go to the movie's with him and Nicole. I got an email saying Wednesday's afternoon's class is canceled so my class will be able to work on our assignment during that time from home. So I decided to join Anthony and Nicole.

Walking to movie theatre

   We saw part one of the third installment of The Hunger Games, Mockingjay, at a local movie theater which has $5 movie deals every Tuesday which is also why we went. We just walked 25 minutes to get to it. They were sold out by the time we got there so Anthony had this plan of buying a ticket for another movie and sneaking in to see Mockingjay. The plan worked and there was still seats left for others, so much for sold out. A little boy sitting beside me passed out though, don't think he found Mockingjay as exciting as I did.

Front of Rainbow Cinema Market Square

   After the movie Anthony and Nicole wanted to eat dinner so we went to McDonald's. I didn't want to eat anything because I wasn't hungry and I told them that...they still ordered me poutine. Which was sweet of them to do. The other night was the American Music Awards show and Nicole and I watched it together. Anthony watched it at his Dad's but he messaged us during it. One Direction performed "Night Changes" at the awards show. They also released the music video for "Night Changes" just the other day. Which as you can see is also the title of my blog. Anthony downloaded One Direction's new album "Four" for me and I'm currently listening to it while finally taking some time to blog again. 

   It may be awhile again until I can blog again, we'll see how it goes with school. Oh right I was going to attach some deep meaning into my title but I've already said it's a title to a One Direction song. There has been a lot of changes in my life though and many more to come. I'll try to update this blog whenever I can. I do miss reading and writing just for fun these days. 

Until then, Fatima

TTC Delay, Classes Canceled, Shopping

   The TTC (Toronto Transit Commision) was delayed this morning. I left the house before 8am. And I got to my school at around 9:30am...When usually it would only take 40 minutes to get to class. There was a problem going Westbound from Kennedy subway station to Broadview subway station. To get from one station to the next took about 15-25 minutes. We didn't have connection down there, hence underground subway, but at the stations where we were above ground there was people making calls to their employers or loved one's saying that they were going to be late meeting up with them due to the delay.

   Like I said I got to school around 9:30am. Which was technically an hour late for class. If there was class! There wasn't class. I thought there would be a morning class at least, I suppose I should have checked my college email first. The 5 people who was there, including me, shortly left after we found out that it was a free period. Our class in the afternoon was also canceled (free work period time as well) so there was no point in staying at school the rest of the day. Scout usually has to go home to Richmond hill (outside Toronto) around 4pm with her Mom, so she had a couple hours to kill.

   After eating breakfast at school we decided to head out to Eaton Center mall so I could go dress hunting, it's for a semi formal Waterloo school dance that I'm attending, not this Friday but the next Friday. My friend Dyan invited me to it. She's also missing a concert she planned on going to for it because she already said we'd be going to the dance, thanks girl.

Scout and I sitting in front of the fountain area

   Scout and I checked out Bluenotes, Garage, American Eagle, Dynamite, H&M, and Forever 21 for dresses. I ended up buying a black dress from Forever 21 for just $12, the total was about $14 plus tax. It was a good deal and I was fortunate to have found it because it was the last one I saw, and it was my size (small). At first I didn't want to bother trying it on, it looked a little out of my comfort zone, but Scout convinced me. She said that I was looking for a slim fitting dress anyways. I had stated that I usually purchased dresses that are frilly and have a skirt type bottom to it and that I wanted to stray away from buying dresses that look the same.

Will post up a picture of my dress when the day comes to wear it

   After I got my dress we just browsed around Eaton's a little more. We went to Shoppers, The Body Shop, and Bath & Body Works. We had a great time by smelling everything because we were trying on all kinds of sample perfumes and lotions. It was pretty funny because by the end of it our hands and arms smelled quite lovely. Then Scout went back to Bluenotes to buy a cute Disney themed "Hakuna Matata" graphic tee she was eyeing earlier. She also bought a necklace from Claire's and cool looking scrunchies from Ardene. We also went into the Indigo book store which already had a Christmas theme going on, same as many of the other stores we went into.

I can't wait for Christmas

Until then, Fatima

Happy Halloween 2014

   Happy Halloween 2014! My sister Bridgette and I went to the only mall we have in Guelph, Stone Road mall. We got dropped off by my Dad around past 6pm and weaved through the crowds to go trick-or-treating from store to store. We left at around 8pm since the hype died down from there.

Bridgette and I before we left

   Only a couple minutes being dropped off we saw my godson Denzel with his parent's and we took a picture of the two. 

Sister and my godson Denzel

Took pictures of Bridgette trick-or-treating store to store

   At my friend Henry's house right now with my friend's Chloe, Reli, Alvin, and Henry's sister Michelle. Took a picture of them but they're all hiding except Reli. They watched a horror film titled Annabelle while I was writing and editing my blog post on my laptop. Now we're watching Guardians Of The Galaxy. 

Typical

Until then, Fatima 

Not In The Mood

   I was not in good spirits today. I'm back in Guelph now because I'm spending Halloween with my sister tomorrow. But today I was all over the place. First off I would like to make it very clear that I do not like commuting to Guelph, I love Guelph, but no to commuting. And I will explain a reason later on. But first I'm going to start at the beginning with how my day went before commuting to Guelph. Which I wasn't in a good mood then either.

   I had a paper due today that needed printing out, Richard and I were all over the place trying to figure out how we're going to print out our papers. As soon as I found out we can deposit money onto our account so we can print out our papers, I ran to my locker, got my cash and ran to the office. While I was in the midst of getting my self together, somehow Cameron got a hold of my phone and started taking pictures with it. At the time I was far from amused. Now looking back at these I suppose it's pretty funny. Especially in that last picture where I give Cameron the death glare while I'm waiting for assistance at the office. 

Who's 12 now? Ok the both of us

   Class ended an hour earlier today, my professor had to pick up his car from the shop (he got called in class to pick it up) so after class and after heading to the Shawarma place with Cameron to grab something to eat, I took the subway downtown to the Greyhound station. I bought my ticket and was an hour and a half early so I just sat and waited at the terminal. Half an hour before the bus was suppose to come I waited. I waited in the line I was told to wait at, which was the line for the Guelph and Kitchener bus. At first I was annoyed because whenever Guelph and Kitchener have a joint bus it's usually packed. 

   I was near the front of the line though so I didn't mind. Anyways a Greyhound with a Guelph sign on it came in through and parked at a different side. We were all confused because we were given the instruction to wait at Platform #11 for the Guelph and Kitchener bus. Some people started heading over there. I waited for a bit to see what was going on then I headed over there. This guy I walked in front of said "There's a line. You have to go to the back." and I responded with "Excuse me, but I was in front of the line over there." and then he replied with a short "Oh okay." Shortly after the guy mumbled something to himself and spat on the ground, classy. I swear if he was going to make me go to the back of the line after waiting half an hour at the wrong line, I would've gotten the lady going to Kitchener who was in the line in front of me to vouch for me. But almost forgot to mention it's always Greyhound that's unorganized on where their buses go and didn't inform anyone of the change until we saw the bus ourselves.

   I bused home when I got to Guelph, didn't take too long. And then I waited for my Mom to go home from work past 11pm and she just makes me laugh so much. She's so incidentally funny. I'm in a better mood now. And now going to get into a spooky mood tomorrow because it's going to be Halloween! 

Until then, Fatima 

Politics and What's Next

   I was going to use having a headache for the whole day up until now as my excuse to not blog, but what's my excuse for the other days...Hello everyone! My name is Fatima and I'm in the lovely city of Toronto and I've neglected my blog, again. Well is there anything interesting going on in my life right now may you ask? First off I'd like to give a warm thank you to all of those who have viewed my blog. I've surpassed 1000+ hits. 

*Insert 1000+ view party here* 

   Secondly I am proud to say that last night I was a part of the many from Centennial College who was caught in the hustle and bustle of covering Toronto's election night. Last night we were no longer just journalism students of Centennial College's East York campus but we were all journalists for the Toronto Observer and was a part of the live blog that was going on as well. It was a mix of all of the journalism classes put together so best believe we got some great coverage. 

  As I've stated in earlier blog posts, I currently live with my godparent's and godsibling's for school. Since they live in Scarborough Southwest I had to cover Ward 36. I was the only one from my class who lived in Scarborough Southwest, the one's who also live in Scarborough are a part of Southeast. For some students, Juniors were paired with Seniors, the first years with the second or third years because there were multiple people covering a candidate at a time. But I was on my own.

   There were even students covering Mississauga, Brampton, and Pickering since those are the areas on which they currently reside in. Long story short, we had people everywhere cover election night. For Scarborough Southwest I covered Robert Spencer's reception at the local pub which was fortunately just a 5 minute walk from my godparent's place. 

Olde Stone Cottage Pub, 3750 Kingston Road

   I arrived at around 8:00pm to get a good spot. CTV was on at the pub so everyone could see and hear the results for mayoral candidates and ward councilors. Sometime around 8:10pm John Tory was announced the new mayor of Toronto with Doug Ford being runner up. Results came in for Ward 36 at around past 8:30pm. Robert Spencer arrived at around 8:45pm. Unfortunately he has lost to the re-elected Gary Crawford for Ward 36 but he still gave a good show and mentioned everyone in his reception speech and how grateful he was for their love and support throughout the campaign. I recorded his speech and will be sending it in for the podcast. 

Robert Spencer's Reception

   That concludes me talking about Toronto politics. Now onto what's next. I just had my midterm for English class yesterday and I already had my midterm for my Political Economics class 2 weeks ago so we're already at the halfway point of my first semester. What's next to come is more assignments, some may be on the field, some may be just research. But whatever may come, I hope to be ready. And I hope to share my experiences with you through my blog.  

  This Friday is Halloween and I plan on going back to Guelph to go trick-or-treating with my little sister, Bridgette. So today I went to STC (Scarborough Town Center) with one of my friends, Cameron, to look for a costume. Also to buy Taylor Swift's latest album in 2 years, 1989. Buy it now. 

I look like I could be in an ad

   The funniest thing happened though. When we were at HMV for me to buy the album, I got Cameron to take a picture of me posing with 1989 in the store. The sales lady asked if Cameron wanted to be in the picture with me so I responded with a yes and he responded with a no. He reluctantly went to stand in the picture with me. Katie (godsister) said she noticed he was standing away from me but that's because I told him to move because he was blocking Taylor Swift's poster. 

Can't wait to listen to 1989

   Shortly after browsing around STC and getting sidetracked we finally got around to going to the dollar store to get the item I needed to complete my Halloween costume. I bought angel wings. And Cameron bought a recorder and annoyed me with it. Although I suppose I led him to it. There was Christmas decorations already being sold and as I was picking them up to look at it I accidentally got sparkles all over my hands so then I put the remaining sparkles onto Cameron's jacket sleeves. In my opinion he never looked better. 

   I thought shopping with a guy would help me to not buy anything but I was incorrect in that thought. First off he encouraged me to go into Bulk Barn when he saw me staring at the store, when usually my friends back home would be against it. Second off when I got the items I needed he responded with "That's it?". And thirdly when I went to H&M and I picked an oversized green sweater to try on he responded with "Why that colour?". In the end I guess it kind of helped because I have about 5-6 green sweaters. I went with a mixed dark blue and bright pink oversized sweater, on sale for $10. 

  Going onto the RT (Rapid Transit) to get to Kennedy Station for me to bus home, I was in awe at the beautiful sunset we saw ahead of us. 

Prettiest colours

Had to Instagram and make this my cover picture on Facebook

   Well I've got class tomorrow at 8:30am and I've still got a bit of a headache. So going to head to bed soon after finishing this blog post. 

Until then, Fatima 

P.S. Thanks to volunteer Aysha for keeping me company during the time I was at the election reception. Best of luck to you on your studies, I'm sure you'd make a fine lawyer someday. 

Thanksgiving Bowling

   Last night I went bowling with my family. It wasn't planned or anything, we were actually in the area for Harvey's or McDonald's and then we saw that the bowling place in front of the two fast food establishments was still open so we spent some time there. It was Bridgette's first time bowling and at first she was reluctant because it was difficult but then she got the bowling ramp to help her with it. Since then she was just non-stop bowling. She even took some of my turns for me when I got tired. Got a few spares and 3 strikes. But who "won" the bowling match in my family? It was practically Bridgette because she kept playing when we all stopped. My friend Nathan saw me there while he was there with his friends and came by to say hi and catch up a bit.

My bowling stances got more dramatic amazing each time

   Today we went over to our Granny's place and saw her, Grandpa, and the cats. Then I helped her fix some of her computer problems. Since yesterday my lower back has been feeling a whole lot better which is fortunate for me because otherwise I wouldn't have been able to go bowling last night. Tomorrow I'm probably going to be dropping off my sister at her bus stop in the morning since school starts again for her. Going to make sure she's all bundled up as well since the weather's getting colder each day. 

Until then, Fatima 

Back In Guelph

   I got back in Guelph last Friday. I took the Greyhound bus going to Guelph AND Kitchener around 2pm so best believe it was packed during that time. Usually it's just the Guelph bus I take but since it's a long weekend I suppose they just had to join the two trips together. 

   Yesterday I saw my friends Henry, Paulo, and Chloe. Paulo picked up Henry and my sister and I in his car. We strolled around Stone Road Mall then afterwards we went out to a froyo place called Menchies just across the street. Then Henry contacted Chloe to see what she was doing and she said she would be going to Stone Road Mall in a bit and asked if we wanted to wait up to meet with her. While we were waiting for her to join us we decided to just drive around a bit while on the south end and ended up going to Paulo's house. His dog named Lucky was ecstatic to see us and I was incredibly excited to see her as well. My sister Bridgette was a little startled because Lucky was overly hyper to see us all so Henry had to carry her. I would have carried her myself but I've been experiencing some lower back pain so thanks Henry. 

   After spending some time at Paulo's place and saying hi to Lucky, we contacted Chloe to see if she was on the way to Stone Road Mall yet. She said she would be leaving in just a couple minutes so we decided to head back. While waiting I did some shopping myself at the Shoppers in the mall to buy a couple soaps that was on sale. Bridgette started getting grumpy by the time Chloe came, so when Chloe met up with us and then said her Mom needed her to do some grocery shopping I asked Paulo if he didn't mind dropping Bridgette off back home. So Paulo and I dropped off Bridgette at home then we headed back to the south end to meet up with Chloe and Henry again for dinner since she was done grocery shopping. We went to East Side Mario's but before then Paulo and I went to the Bulk Barn near there to buy some candies and chocolates. When I told Chloe we were heading there first before dinner she said of course we are because it's me. Yes I must admit I have a sweet tooth.

  After dinner at East Side's Paulo headed home and I got a ride back with Chloe and Henry. We just hung out at Henry's for a bit until Chloe had to go home to help prep with her family for Thanksgiving. Going to add in one of the webcam pictures we took on Henry's laptop later when I get them from him. 

The quality was bad so edited it in B&W (so much for "no filter")

   

   Today I've just been catching up on my blogging and going to download some songs onto Henry's old phone which is now mine because he gave it to me, just like he had done with his other older phone. Which I appreciate since his older phone I had was having some technical issues like running out of battery really quickly and freezing a lot. I have yet to purchase a new phone with a new number since I live in Toronto now. 

Until then, Fatima

P.S. Happy Thanksgiving! Hope you all get stuffed with food tonight and have memorable times with family and friends. I give thanks to those who have impacted my life in a positive light. 

Psyched For The Break

   Yes! My midterm for my political economics class is finally over and done with! My friends and I are super psyched about that and now begins our Thanksgiving break until Monday the 20th, we don't have school tomorrow and Thanksgiving is this Monday.

   So this is how my day went down. I got to school almost 2 hours before the actual exam to get some more studying time in. I saw Victoria and Austin sitting at one of the tables in the hallway so I went over and asked how it was going, then I said I was headed over to the library to study. They followed me since it was getting too loud in the hallway with the piano playing to focus. As we went to the library we saw Kirk already there studying so we asked him to join us. An hour later Richard came by to the library and soon enough it was exam time.

   We all basically huddled in as fast as we could because we wanted to get the exam over and done with as soon as we can. I was one of the remaining 3 people still there minutes before our time was up. My friends Scout, Varad, and Cameron waited for me a bit longer than intended because I had to meet up with and speak with another teacher in her office about some guidelines to an assignment after my midterm. So my friends basically waited over an hour for me...thank you!

   As soon as I told them I was ready to go we headed out, this was around 6:30pm. We TTC'd to Dundas so I could get my Greyhound ticket for my commute to Guelph tomorrow. I met this guy named Adrian in line to buy a bus ticket. He started talking to me but at first I wasn't sure if he was speaking to me because the first thing he said to me was "Can't you just get your friends over there to hold onto your backpack? Save you the trouble of holding it." So I called over to my friends and Scout got my backpack from me to hold onto, thanks Scout!

   So Adrian being the friendly stranger I had just met told me some stuff about him such as he goes to the University of Waterloo for Psychology and he's getting into Business now and how he's buying a bus ticket to see his family in Ottawa who he hasn't seen in 4 years. Then I exchanged some information about myself, that I was with my friends and we're going out to celebrate having finished our midterm and that our break officially starts now. And then he asked for my last name to add me on facebook. I'll accept his add after I'm done writing this blog.

   After he and I bought our tickets he told me to link him to my blog. I'm embarrassed now because this blog is still a work in progress. As soon as I go over to my friends I go "Look I've made a friend and his name is Adrian!" and then he walks over to say hi and then he parts ways with us. He was a really nice guy, if you're reading this right now, Adrian, thanks for keeping me company in line. Afterwards my friends and I started to make our way to Jack Astor's and we waited about 10 minutes for us to be seated. Cameron and Varad ordered burgers, Scout ordered pasta, and I ordered a quesadilla. Afterwards we all took some pictures together and then parted ways. Varad and Scout went on the Westbound subway together whereas Cameron and I went on the Southbound subway together to head home. By the end of the day, I'm just feeling lucky and blessed that I have the friends I have now to join me on my journey of being a journalism student in Toronto.

Not going to lie, I couldn't stop laughing while I was editing these pictures

   In the middle pictures Cameron looks like he's my Mother trying to smother me and me accepting it in the second picture and Varad just looks like a confused Father in both pictures. Oh my gosh I'm laughing again right now as I'm typing this. I'll see you all again after this week long Thanksgiving break, don't miss me too much! ;)

Until then, Fatima 

P.S. If you have a moment pray or send good thoughts to my Ninang (godmother) Precy who hasn't been feeling too well these past couple days. Thank you. 

Sorry For Being On Hiatus

   My first midterm is tomorrow for my political economics class. After tomorrow starts the Thanksgiving break for the majority of Centennial college students. Scout, Varad, and I decided we wanted to go out after our midterm considering I'm already going to be downtown anyways to buy my Greyhound ticket for Friday's commute to Guelph. We're going to be going out for dinner. We invited Cameron and Richard as well and they said that they would get back to us tomorrow.

   Last Saturday, October 4th was Nuit Blanche. I was going to go but only saw a part of it before I headed home. I spent some time with my godbrother's girlfriend and her friends because she didn't want me to be alone downtown. It was hectic out there. The streets were filled with people. The view from the condo of Pam's friend Martina was really nice, I could see the Toronto Sun newspaper building from there and further on I believe was Lake Ontario. I couldn't really see too much of the lake because the buildings were blocking it plus it was night time. Also Martina has a puppy named Steeler, she was too cute!

Some of the sights of the night life I saw in downtown Toronto

   Dyan actually reminded me yesterday to update my blog, I know it's been awhile but I've been busy with assignments and reviewing for my midterm tomorrow and just haven't really had much happen to me to write about in general. Today's and last Monday's class was basically the same. Do more assignments, get assigned more assignments, and prep for the next assignment. Also like I've already stated I've been studying for the midterm tomorrow. I actually stayed behind class again today with Scout and Varad in the library just to make sure we're all on the right track for review. Anyways just took a short break from studying, going to get right back on that again now. Wish me luck! 

What's another school day without taking pictures with my friends 

Until then, Fatima 

Routine, Routine, Routine

   Routine, routine, routine. That's what these days are starting to feel like. Which isn't a good or bad thing necessarily. I actually need routine. Today I went to the one class I had today, political economics. We've got a mid-term for that class next week so thank goodness our teacher gave us the outline for it today. I even made sure to ask the teacher how long the responses to our essay questions should be and he said there isn't a minimum or maximum, which I would rather if there was but he said he didn't want to limit us. Then I took some pictures with friends using my laptop during break time.

Some child likes messing with my selfies

   I've got some assignments due soon, I guess my classes are starting to pile in on assignments because Thanksgiving break is in two weeks but I can handle it. And if anything my teachers, the correct term should be professors actually, anyways my professors usually offer help and clarify the work the best they can. The great thing is that I can reach them by emailing them as well. Most of the assignments have a creative and of course writing aspect to them, which is awesome. But sometimes too much of one thing can get tiring. For example I write these blogs because it would to help me sum up the day and look back on it and laugh. Now I'm just feeling disinterested. 

   Writing does help me express myself though. I also love helping others express themselves through writing. Because for example...while I was beginning to write this blog post I got asked by one of my best friend's younger brother in Grade 12 for some help on his english essay. I'm still up so I'm going to help him right after I'm done writing today's post. I really don't mind. I actually enjoy editing other people's writing to help them get the best mark they can. Even though there are times when essay topics stump me but this one isn't one of them. His essay is on a story I've read about awhile back so it should be easy enough to work with. Also as a journalism student I'm required to learn how to edit any piece of writing well by the time I get out of college, so this is just some more practice for me. I'm going to help him out now. While I do that I'm also going to think about whether or not I should change my topic for an assignment completely or keep it but fix it up.

Until then, Fatima 

October Begins!

   Today's the first day of October! September was a really good month and I hope that October is going to be good as well. I'm all ready for my favourite season, Fall, wearing over-sized sweaters, looking at the leaves change to all sorts of beautiful vibrant colours, Thanksgiving break, and of course Halloween!!

   My day started out really fast. I woke up very late (kept hitting snooze) so I was rushing to get my stuff and self ready and ran to catch the bus. I arrived at school just minutes before class started. Although some students were still coming in an hour after class started (probably going to be me as well once Winter comes). My group and I presented our "blog project" today and after all the groups presented we had some free time (a whole hour) so why not take some selfies on the photo booth on the Mac computers. What else are they there for? Scout wanted to try out the effect where it takes a whole bunch of pictures simultaneously. So it made for a funny picture.

...You can see Cameron moving away in each frame 

   In my second class we did another radio talk show but this time we all had to do different tasks. So instead of me doing entertainment news like last week, this week I did the technical stuff like the editing of their scripts and recording of everyone's parts on the radio soundboard. It was a learning experience. Not going to lie it was kind of intimidating at first but since Varad actually interns at this Indian radio show he thoroughly helped show me how I'm suppose to do it. And when they were still repeatedly telling me what to do, I put their volumes down low/off so I couldn't hear them. I told the teacher this and she chuckled and said good for me, that they should listen to me anyways since today I was the producer. After my group joked about how I probably stopped recording after the first segment, they showed their support by saying I did a good job. Pft, I can totally be a DJ now guys (okay probably not).

Until then, Fatima 

Waterloo Trip: Delayed Part Two

    Where I left off on my last post was the part where we were headed to the sushi place for dinner. Also apparently I sounded emotionless in my last post...probably because I was tired and just sticked to stating my itinerary during that time. Which is why I don't enjoy writing my blog's tired. Which is actually just a lame excuse on why I haven't been daily blogging lately.

   Alright so putting this blog up to speed. It really was great seeing everyone again and catching up. It was a breath of fresh air. To which Dyan responded with "Literally, because Waterloo air is cleaner than Toronto's." She was trying to get me to write my blog while we had time at her place but I told her I remember details well anyways and I didn't want to work on my blog while hanging with her and others. Live in the moment and all, you know? After dinner we all headed to Conestoga mall, except Steph, who made her way to the shuttle bus to get to Guelph earlier. After walking to Conestoga mall, since it was walking distance from the sushi place, we all browsed around some stores. The others (Miffy, Josh, and Kristina) were headed back home to Guelph Friday night as well to spend the weekend with their families. And Chloe and Isabel live in Guelph. So after browsing around Conestoga mall altogether until closing time I was left with Dyan and Paulo.

   Since it was still early, 9pm, Dyan and Paulo said they knew of this great bubble tea place that they've been to before near their campus. So we bused back to the campus on which I borrowed a sweater first before we headed out again since it was getting chilly. On the way for me to borrow a sweater we actually ran into one of Dyan and Paulo's friend Gabe. We invited him to us on our trip to the bubble tea place. While we were walking there there was actually a good amount of people/students out and about. Then again it was a Friday night and we were in and around the university and residence area. Basically we drank bubble tea and played games such as Scrabble and Jenga there. The bubble tea place is called "Sweet Dreams" and if you're ever in the Waterloo area I highly recommend it. That was my first time trying mint chocolate bubble tea and it was great! My taste buds were enlightened.

Scrabble Scores:

  Paulo: 72   

Gabe: 45

Dyan: 42

    Me: 31

   Anyways we ended up staying up late catching up. I talk a lot, it's one of my flaws. When I first woke up (smart of me to set an alarm on my phone otherwise we might've missed the run), I called Dyan to see where she was and she told me she accidentally passed out in her laundry room while doing laundry. After laughing at the predicament she was in I called Paulo to see if he was still up for the run. He said he wasn't at first. Then as I was getting ready I got a call a couple minutes later saying that he was going to get ready then he would join us. We ran to the halfway point, 3.5k, because we were all tired from the night before. 

Starting Point of University of Waterloo's Annual Fun Run

   Shortly after the run Paulo was the first to pass out. While he was sleeping Dyan and I were doing some covers and she searched up the chords so she could also play them on her ukulele. We covered some Marina & The Diamonds (Lies, Homewrecker, Starring Role), Sam Smith (Stay With Me, Money On My Mind, Leave Your Lover, I'm Not The Only One), One Direction (One Thing), Little Mix (Boy), and NSYNC (This I Promise You). After covering all those songs Dyan wanted to make some mac and cheese for lunch and while she did that she said I should probably take a nap too but I said I didn't feel like it...I ended up passing out as well, at least got in 20mins. And when I woke up Dyan was done cooking so it was time to eat lunch. Paulo went back to his dorm afterwards because he needed to work on some assignments and study more so Dyan and I were just walking around (which I believe made up the rest of the 5k). While walking about we found a Marble Slab and of course we had to stop for ice cream on such a hot day.

  

    Two hours before I got picked up that's when Dyan passed out. Paulo came over an hour before I left to say bye and Dyan was still sleeping. I had to wake her up anyways for her to give my family the directions of how to get to her place. We ended up just meeting my family at the Sobey's near her place since they still couldn't find it. When they picked me up we had dinner at some Pho place near downtown Kitchener. 

   I stayed overnight Saturday in Guelph then took the Greyhound bus back to Toronto Sunday afternoon at 4:20pm since the 2:20pm was sold out. Ended up getting back to Toronto at around 6:30pm then got back to my Ninang's place around past 7:30pm. I was extremely tired but I had to finish up some assignments and attempt to do some review. 

   Soon (after Richard's done his part) I'm actually going to be helping fix up a group project for school, should be easy enough since it's a blogging project and Scout already started it off pretty great. After I add in my part then Cameron will add in his. I made our group account with WordPress since I'm already using Blogger. WordPress has definitely been more of a struggle to work with since I'm clearly not used to it. Blogger for the win. 

   Oh yeah before I forget to add in, Chloe visited me again Sunday morning before I left for Toronto to drop off some food and coke with my name on it. Thanks Chloe, that was so nice of you! Also I told you the picture was going onto my blog. ;)

She said she couldn't find a Fatima

   Blogging daily seems to be getting more difficult and difficult. Yesterday I had a full school day. Didn't do much other than attend 2 of my 3hr classes. I even stayed a bit after school with Kirk in the library to work on the same assignment, and then Cameron waited for me since we subway home together. And today I did nothing but sleep in, eat, go on social media sites, and blog, and going to blog some more for my project. I heard from some of my friends while eating dinner altogether on Friday that they've read some of my blogs so that's pretty awesome. Hope to see them all again sometime! It can't be sometime soon though since everyone's starting to get busy with school. Mid-terms will be coming up shortly. Maybe around Thanksgiving when I have a week break (yay), hopefully I'll see some of them. 

   

   I wouldn't mind visiting the University of Waterloo again, the whole place is huge and I felt like I haven't explored enough. Did you know you can go through the entire university and never leave the buildings? There's a map for it and everything. Apparently the use of it is for when the weather isn't great. Although it's not the quickest way to get to places but since Dyan and I had some time we walked in through some of the universities buildings to get across campus.

I actually don't remember where this is, too many places

Until then, Fatima

Waterloo Trip: Part One

   Last Friday, September 26th I took the 11:15am Greyhound bus going to Kitchener. Arrived at the University of Waterloo at around past 1:30pm. I'm just going to list all the friends in the order I met up with and what they do. Also because I don't have the best of memory and can refer back to this when I forget.

   I met up with Miffy first, she goes to UofW (University of Waterloo) - Math, Kristina - UofW for Kinesiology, Stephanie - UofW for Accounting, Dyan - UofW for Chemical Engineering, Paulo - UofW for Computer Science, Josh - UofW for Physical Science, Chloe is taking the McMaster's University joint Nursing program at Conestoga College, and Isabel is at my old high school Lourdes for 12+. That's basically of all my close friends from Guelph that I met up with, minus Henry who also goes to Lourdes for 12+.

   I waited for Miffy because she finished class at 2:20pm. She showed me around the university.

Picture Left: Me at Peter Rock Garden (Photo credit: Miffy)

 Picture Right: View from the top floor of the library window

   We went out for dinner Friday evening to sushi. Which I'm not a fan of but that's where they all decided to go. I didn't mind it, I ate some noodles and shrimp tempura. So Miffy, Dyan, Kristina, Paulo, Josh, Steph and I all met up before going on the bus to the sushi place together. Chloe was driving herself and Isabel to the restaurant to meet up with us. Also we had to go to Dyan's dorm anyways to drop off my bag of stuff since I was staying there overnight and change out of my pants since it was too hot out. Dyan fortunately had a cute skirt that matched my red top.

Walking to the bus stop with Kristina and Paulo (Photo credit: Steph)

Some bus pictures taken on Steph's phone going to Dyan's dorm and then the sushi restaurant

   I've actually been writing this just before I head back. I will update more about last Friday, Saturday, and today when I get back to my Ninang's in Toronto. 

Until then, Fatima

Post Concert Blues

   I've been playing Enrique Iglesias songs on youtube on repeat, Which means I'm having post concert blues. I mean it was only 5 days ago but I already miss it.

   Today Scout, Cameron, Varad, and I went out for lunch at a Chinese restaurant. They didn't enjoy it but I thought it wasn't bad?? I didn't up finishing my Cantonese Choi Mein noodles though, but took it out for takeout. Which ended up spilling onto one of my pant legs. How that happened I do not know and neither do they. Anyways it wasn't obvious since I was wearing dark wash coloured jeans.

Cantonese Choi Mein noodles

  When I got home I noticed my face had more blotches of pink than usual so I guess I got a little sunburnt as well. This weather has been on and off cold and warm. Anyways planning on going to STC on my own tomorrow before my one class in the evening so can't sleep in much.

Until then, Fatima

Neglected Blog + Enrique Iglesias

   Goodness, I've already begun neglecting my blog. So let's get this updated. On Saturday, September 20th my family came over for a visit. I haven't seen them in 3 weeks since they dropped me off early September, which I believe is the longest time up to date.

My (not so) baby sister and I

   I went to an Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull concert with my Mom and her boyfriend that night. I helped my Mom buy the tickets early August. We commuted then went to a Sport Bar and Grill for dinner before the concert started (I had a ginger ale #underageproblems). Unfortunately I don't own a camera and neither did my Mom so I had to use my cellphone to try to get some pictures at the concert. But the quality isn't too great but nonetheless believe me when I say everything looked and sounded incredible at the ACC for the Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull concert.

One Of Enrique Iglesias' Concert Tour Buses

Near the end there were large balloons falling from the ceiling

My Mom and I

  You see that circle of light? Enrique Iglesias was set up on a mini stage sometime during the concert near the back of the ACC where we were seated because he wanted to connect with his audience more. I could actually see his face!! It was a beautiful moment.

   The following Sunday morning my family left to go back to Guelph. While coming to Toronto they also dropped off my warmer clothes such as sweaters, jeans, and two jackets which I will probably need to wear soon.

   One of my best friends Dyan called me sometime Sunday evening to catch up but then also to invite me to join her in the 5k run at her campus on September 27th this coming Saturday. 5 other people that I made friends with while in high school either go to the University of Waterloo or is around that area. I decided I wanted to join in so I plan on commuting to Waterloo sometime during Friday because I have no school that day anyways.

   My Mom called me sometime earlier today and I explained to her my plan and she added in that if I don't want to go straight back to Toronto after the run Saturday, that they can pick me up and I can stay the night back at home, in Guelph. Plus I've got to get the other items I need so I agreed and will be in Guelph Saturday night then will be coming back to Toronto Sunday morning.

Until then, Fatima

P.S. Yesterday after class Varad, Cameron, and I jammed out for awhile again while Richard recorded. Varad wants to do another take of our cover of Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Green Day mixed with Radioactive by Imagine Dragons. It could sound great if we practice more. The audio for this video wasn't very good being the reason why I didn't share this onto my Facebook page.

Screen shot thumbnail of the video on Facebook and erased our last names because this blog is public

Mobile Blogging

   So right now as the title states I am mobile blogging for the first time (downloaded Blogger app) because I've gotten lazy beyond belief. Also my family texted me an hour or so ago with very short notice saying that they are coming over tonight and staying over so I was scrambling to get their sleeping areas ready. I was suppose to see them tomorrow afternoon. Still waiting on them, almost 11:30pm now. Everyone who's here has gone to bed already. And I'm just reading a book that I took out from my campus library while I wait.

Until then, Fatima

Book I'm reading, and those are my cool Snoopy pj's

Scavenger Hunt Downtown

    Scavenger hunt?! Cameron, Scout, Richard and I created our group of 4 last Wednesday for an assignment for one of our classes. The assignment consisted of a shot list of places to go to downtown and to take pictures of certain places in different areas. It's so we can "blog" about it (made a flickr account for it) and provide information about the places we went to for marks. But before I do that I'll blog onto my own blog first. So after our only class today, political economics ended at 6:20pm, we headed down to Pape station so we could commute to and transfer to get downtown. Scout knew the way best out of all of us so we followed her.

First time taking the Southbound platform Subway

   That was my first time commuting to downtown Toronto with friends, and first time strolling about downtown since I moved to Toronto just a mere 2, almost 3 weeks ago. I was thrilled by everything I saw, all the buildings and lights looked glamorous, especially when night fall came. There were so many stores and restaurants as well, everywhere we turned. So we didn't have too much of a problem looking for the locations on our list.

Figuring out how to pose for the pictures with Scout and Richard

Smiles all around for the group selfie

   Although at one of the gardens where we were required find a monument to take a picture of, Richard got a drunk middle-aged man shout obscene things and throw crazy gestures at him...We, and Richard included, thought the man was just going to be asking him for directions but Richard said he could smell the alcohol in the man's breath while he was shouting and flailing his arms. The rest of the time we were joking around on how he cursed him and how he should probably have a rosary on him from now on and that we need to keep an eye on him in case something else happens to him. I couldn't stop laughing. It was hilarious! But he is alright. Just a little freaked out at first, but it was good to laugh about it a lot afterwards.

Me in the pretty and not sketchy Courthouse Garden (Photo credit to Scout)

Richard, Scout, and I

This view was lovely (Photo credit to Cameron)

   After finding all the things on our list and taking pictures of and with the places in the background we headed down to Eaton Center mall for their food court food for dinner. I wanted to go into Eaton's from the Dundas Square area so I can get some pictures in.

Cameron photobombing Dundas Square like a child

There's me in Dundas Square! And Cameron awkwardly standing by, lol

   All in all it was a fun time and a cool assignment. I was finally able to go downtown with friends (because they had no choice this time) but I would like to go back there again with them and others as it seemed to be the place to be.  

Until then, Fatima