The Perfect Space

[via. Christian Siriano's Twitter]

My future NYC apartment will resemble this to a T.

You can count on it.

JM, Another Reason Why I Love You.

John Mayer is a Grammy-winning, multiplatinum-selling recording artist.

"People don't get upset when they talk about Michael Jackson dying, they get upset when they talk about how much a part of their life it was. I mean, what are the 80's? A Rubik's Cube, 3D glasses and Michael Jackson. And that's the giant cornerstone that's gone. He's one of the few crossover artists that would make even the most radical white supremacists say, "Well he's not black — he's Michael Jackson." He's not black, he's Barack Obama. He's not black, he's Jimi Hendrix. He's not black, he's Tiger Woods.

As a musician, the man was one of the purest substances ever in music. But it's frustrating, and somewhat pointless, to ever try and figure out how Michael Jackson arrived at an album like Thriller and how you could arrive at something like it. It's impossible. I mean it's one of those things you actually don't want to bring up to musicians because they don't want to remember that that kind of greatness is achievable, because it skews the entire bell curve completely.

Michael Jackson proves, in a really sort of perverse way, that maybe we're not as offended by your behavior as we are entranced by your music. And think about that. Think about what level of quality you must have to attain to have somebody say, "I know that you're accused of having molested children, but I can't hate you for that as much as I love you for your music." I'm not saying that's right or wrong. But I'm saying that its fascinating. That somebody could be that great. That somebody could have that much of a marriage with your emotions just through music.

There's just one Michael Jackson now. We don't have to reconcile the Michael Jackson we love with another Michael Jackson. In a way, he has returned to pristine condition in death. We can be free now for the rest of our lives to love the Michael Jackson we used to love." - John Mayer

[Source: Time Magazine]

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

Ever since reading Maxine Kingston's The Woman Warrior , I've become slightly obsessed with Asian autobiographies. My first summer novel this year was Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See and it was absolutely stunning. Although it takes place in 19th century China, the story of friendship and betrayal between the protagonist and her laotong (kindred spirit/best friend) is compelling and relatable.

We've all been on the giving and receiving end of Judas kiss and neither side is pleasant. This novel puts into perspective how simple it is for a misunderstanding to occur. People are complex and no two individuals view a situation in the same way. Therefore, it is important to remember that there are three sides to every story. Mine, yours, and the truth.

It encourages people to be carful with what they say because one word can hurt enough to make all the difference in the world. It's so easy to say "don't dwell on the past," but it is the past that helps shape our future. Sometimes, censoring yourself for the benefit of others is essential in preserving relationships. Can you imagine if we all spoke candidly? There would be no one left in this world besides selfish individuals. Just like us, Lily and Snow Flower learned that the hard way. I felt their pain. In one beautiful line, Lily claimed that "any time a memory came into my mind, I painted over it with black ink." Had she not done this whenever Snow Flower's betrayal entered her mind, she might have been open enough to realize that Truth hid in between their discrepancies.

My Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Sweetest Berry

David Ryan Harris.

He's just as great in concert. <3

MJ

"Music is my life." People say it all the time. And I agree. Although I wouldn't use that exact sentiment. "Words are my life..?" Yeah, words work well (alliteration - Eeek!). Incase you haven't noticed, I'm a huge dweeb for diction and syntax. Therefore, music, the popular form of poetry, has always been a hugh part of my life.

Music has the ability to touch the lives of masses. It can alter moods and make you feel okay for feeling angry or down. There is a level of understanding Music contains that most people don't. That's why we relate to it so much. For those of us who can't explain ourselves verbally for what ever reason (frustration, fear of judgement, or just plain inarticulation), Music is that best friend that just "gets it."

Michael Jackson died yesterday. Last night, just like most people, I sat and reminisced on all the times he has been there for me. MJ was a little before my time, so I wasn't around to appreciate him in his prime. I was introduced to him around 11 or 12 when my mom bought Thriller at a garage sale. Then, a few years later we watched a MJ special where celebrities like Jennifer Lopez sang his praises. I was young, I didn't really get it. I thought his video's were awesome though, so when his album of #1's came out I bought it. My friends all made fun of me and I'd get the eye-rolls when I tried playing it in the car. I never let it deter me from listening to him though.

Moments of Understanding.

1. Black and White: Many people deal with racist remarks, myself included. When you're young, finding your identity is difficult enough without everyone throwing in their two negative cents. I'm biracial. Half white, half Arab. I've gone to school with the same kids since kindergarden so they were all well aware of this fact. Kids are cruel and make fun of everything but I think it was the racial remarks that got to me the most. I've been called everything from "nigglet" to "oreo" and let me tell you, it hurts. Especially when searching for a side of instant kinship. I fit in with neither culture. To whites, it's weird that I am Muslim. If you think Karen from Mean Girls is the only person to ever ask "why are you white?" you'd be terribly mistaken. I've heard it regularly. To Arabs, my skin color differentiated me from them and most find it weird that I don't speak Arabic.

I remember being in the lunch room sophomore year of HS. I sat with 4 white kids because the closeted gay guy was my only friend there. The lunch room was crowded and a group of 10 black kids came to sit at the other end out our table. (Each side of the table holds 8 people). I new one of the girls, we talked during Health. She

was nice. Although there was plenty of room on our side of the table for everyone to spread out, they didn 't. I guess they didn't want to be evasive or whatnot. One day, a girl was just standing there talking to her friends (it was easier to stand than be squished - it looked uncomfortable) so I moved over and made room for her. The "head white girl" at our table - Ivona (disgusting pig of a human being) didn't like that very much. The next day she took my books and threw them on the other side of the table and told me to "stop letting THEM encroach on our table." I never said anything to her, which I regret. But I continued to sit in my spot and always moved over so those on the "black side" of the table had room. Ivona tried to get me to leave the tabel a few times. Made the other girls spread out and not let me in. But they were pushovers and didn't like saying "no" to anyone. All I had to do was ask them to move over and they did; all to the wrath of Ivona but I didn't care. I had no respect for anyone who considered her a friend. They never talked to me anymore, but I was cool with that.

Heh. That's a metaphor for my life if I've ever seen one. I literally sat in between two skin colors. Maybe that's why I've always been drawn to celebrities like Alicia Keys and Mariah Carey who speak outwardly of identity hardships for biracial individuals. Like with these women, MJ's Black and White was a pure moment of understanding. I didn't have to explain myself to anyone in order to feel understood. It was an instant connection and significant role in my own personal self discovery.

His other songs, on a lighter note..

2. Man in the Mirror, Human Nature & You Are Not Alone: These songs were on EVERY cry playlist.

3. Dirty Diana, Billie Jean & Smooth Criminal: The most haunting songs. I've ended bad days with them and began some intensely focused ones.

4. The Way You Make Me Feel, Don't Stop Til You Get Enough, Rock With You & PYT: I've outplayed them numerous times on bus rides / long road trips. They are the greatest feel-good songs.

To say this man was "iconic" is an understatement. When he released an album, it didn't just go number one. It went number one in every country in the world! And as of today, he holds the top nine albums spots on iTunes.

Sick, huh?

It's amazing that with his death, so many more people/generations are exposed to his music. It's nice to know it will never fade.

I remember thinking my mother was weird when I heard she cried when Elvis died. That's all changed now that I've experienced the death of an influential musician. I don't get emotional over death. I've lost a lot, I feel immune. I'm not going to lie and say I didn't cry a couple of times this morning, because I did. Music is that level of understanding that most people aren't. MJ understood me better than my own family. He was kin to those of us who didn't have it. I'm glad we'll always have his music. He was larger than life, eccentricities and all. Therefore, he's most definitely larger than death.

Thanks, MJ.

To Buy or Not to Buy?

I've had this trusty bag for the past 2 years and it is simply God. Seriously, I've been to the moon and back with it. I can easily fit a ton of my textbooks, Puter, and techie devices in this thing. I swear it's like one of those magic sacs that you can constantly pull things out of. And the straps are long so it doesn't sit as a hugh bulk right under your arm! My God nothing is more uncomfortable that cradling a bulky bag! Anyway, although mine is still in perfectly good condition, I'm slightly feening for the newest black bag with red interior.

Let me rewind a minute. You see, a few years ago I drove myself INSANE trying to find a cute laptop case. There were none! Trust me. After days of searching in stores and online, I stumbled across Kailo Chic - an Austin based handbag company. There laptop cases were really cute, functional, and affordable so I instantly fell in love. Only problem - they weren't too well known so their pattern options were limited. Now, however, their selection has extended (cheesy smile). So when I saw the black bag with the red interior on their site, I had a bittersweet moment because THAT would have been the bag I chose 2 years ago had it existed!

Hence, a conundrum. To buy or not to buy? Sure I have one that looks similar to this beauty. It's white and black so it matches just about everything. AND it's pink inside. Bonus! Right? Well.. it's not really white anymore (it has been 2 years!). And pink can only take a girl so far. This black bag seems more sophisticated (look at that sexy pocket on the front!!). And Black goes with everything 100% of the time! It'd be perfect for when I start my internship in the Fall. Is that excuse enough? I'm so torn.

..But I think I'm buying it. ; )

iLove

Things I currently love:

1. iCal Subscriptions! Eeek! So I'm not much of App downloader but today I stumbled across subscriptions to iCal and was intrigued. Yes, I'm a total organizational nerd when it comes to my planners. In fact, I'm the dweeb in your Art of Memory class with the flagged textbooks and triangular highlighter. Oh, and I also carry a stapler with me. Don't judge. Anyways, I found out that you can subscribe to just about anything with your iCal which makes life a whole lot easier - and fun! For instance, I subscribed to US holidays (saves time on importing them all individually), Movie releases (gives a list of all the movies being released each week), and the Islamic Calendar (imports all Islamic holidays - Ramadan starts Aug. 22, just fyi). And to think, all this info was imported into my trusty iCal within milliseconds. Cool, huh?

2. icanread.com! This site is the most serene space found in the far off distant corner of the world wide web. Here, pictures say a thousand words. Sometimes that is all that's needed. I should really take more pictures.

3. Smokin New Music! I'm pretty sure this site is all types of illegal. But until it's shut down, I will be a frequent visitor. Free music? I'm game.

4. iTube! I love this widget! I downloaded it to my dashboard this morning so now every time I play a song on iTunes, I can watch its accompanying music video! No music video for that song? No big, it just plays a live version of the performance. Amazing.

5. My Mac in general! I think it's time for me to confess how much I appreciate Puter, here. I haven't had a PC in a while so I'm not sure of it's updated versions, but chances are it will be nothing like a Mac. Besides his sexy appearance and internet spell check, I am a sucker for his clutter-free desktop and minute-by-minute autosave. I love that he doesn't get viruses. And by chance he does get sick, I am grateful that he has insurance so check-ups are free. It's been almost 2 years and Puter has yet to fail me and for that, I thank him.

That's all for now. It's sunday night and the Kardashians are calling me.

I Heart Zack Morris

The sexiest thing a man can do is laugh at himself. Who the hell knew Mark-Paul Gosselaar had such an amazing sense of humor?! I must have watched his "interview" on Jimmy Fallon like 10 times this morning on YouTube; and each time it just got more hilarious. Fallon's got us (the 18-24 year olds) on lock so his show was the perfect outlet for such an amazing sketch. We caught every allusion!! *stares directly into camera and winks* It was quite exciting. Brought me back to the days when I rocked the tight colored stirrup pants and matching neon scrunches while playing "manhunt" or trading pogs with all the boys in 'hood. Yes, I was that cool. I still can't believe Gosselaar stayed in character the entire interview. It was very impressive actually. Mannerisms were spot on. And if that weren't enough, it also takes some serious balls to play with The Roots when you clearly have no idea how to sing or play guitar. Therefore, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, I love you. And since I love you, I'll be checking out your show Raising the Bar on TNT. I know this was your objective, and you've succeeded well - early 90's wear and all.

Obsession

Anuhea's debut CD: It's pretty much perfect.

Distracting Purchases

I remember buying birthday presents for my sister at Coach a few years ago. I spent well over $500 and to my defense, it was NOT on purpose. I think I even got her a Coach umbrella! Although it would have been useful last week at the Taylor Swift concert, see: Covered in Rain, paying close to $100 for signature "C's" is not such a smart decision. However, we all have those moments of nodding our heads in gullible agreement. As I finished my round in the store something distracted my ability to reason. That something was a John Mayer Trio song playing on the radio as a couple of girls discussed how much they loved the bluesy tune. I've been a hardcore JM fan for about 10 years now, so to those who know me it's no surprise that I turn into a puddle with the mere mention of him. So when the sales lady, Michelle, asked me if I'd take the $500+ worth of Coach merchandise I put aside for further evaluation, I simply said "yes" with that stupid grin still glued to my face. Damn.

I reminisce about this scenario because I had another distracting purchase today. Only this time, John wasn't the diversion. Had he been, I'd feel a little bit better. Anyway, I went to the mall this afternoon to spend the $19.50 I had left on my Sephora gift card. As I'm rummaging in the store, which is honestly the closest thing to Heaven, I contemplate wether to spend the few dollars I have on eyeliner or lipgloss. A HUGE decision for the indecisive. For some reason, I got seperated from the actual cosmetic sections and ended up looking at SmashBox primer (please don't ask why, I still don't know). All of a sudden, the most gorgeous human being comes over to me and asks if I've ever used SmashBox before. Surprisingly, I don't spaz and trip over my own tongue. Instead I explain I'm only familiar with MAC primer and ask him which he would suggest for under a dry powder cover-up. He says none and brings me to a different section and introduces me to Per-fekt Skin Gel. After a demonstration on the back of my hand he smiles like it's the coolest product he's ever seen. To be honest, I really didn't see a difference. But when the older, hotter version of Joe Jonas (you had to see him, don't judge) smiled and asked me if I'd take it, that stupid grin came back and I said "yes". Damn. This most likely wouldn't have been a problem if the product cost $19.50. Instead of sticking to my budget of around 20 bucks, I left my Heaven gullibly having spent $61.53. This is what happens when you are a sucker for charisma.

Now I know Michelle works on commission, so I didn't find it abnormal for her to write me a letter saying how she enjoyed helping me shop for my sister's birthday gifts. It was actually quite sweet and had I gone back to Coach, I would have asked for her. For some reason, I don't think the employees at Sephora work on commission. If they did, the place would be crawling with good looking men who understood Girl and spoke fluent Cosmetic. Now I'm not going to hold my breath for a letter from the JoBro look-alike (although, just like in Coach, they do take all your information at the register!), but if I did recieve one, it'd definitely be an OMFG moment. But I swear to God I'm not holding my breath. (Really.)

Cryptic Messages

Like most people, I am moderately addicted to Twitter. I know it's a fun little micro-blog used to share sporadic thoughts throughout the day but I don't get the vagueness of some people's tweets. Examples: "OMG, BEST DAY EVER." Or "CAN'T WAIT TIL TOMORROW." Oh! And worse off all, actually addressing someone as "YOU" when you don't actually identify them. Phrases like this mean NOTHING!

Thank you, Khloe, for making my point.

(You're still my favorite Kardashian. But shh!)

Maybe it's the english-major-writing-nazi in me, but if you have to ask any of the 5 W's (who, what, where, why, & when) then your "thought" is not tweet worthy. Allusions are a different story. I'm not talking about something you merely don't get. I'm talking about an unpolished thought. WHY was it the best day ever, WHY can't you wait until tomorrow, and WHO is "YOU". I know 140 characters isn't much, but if you can't fit a complete thought within such a confined space, then I encourage you to find a different way to express it. Blog about it, for instance. If I were to tweet "F*** cryptic messages" it would cause a bit of confusion amongst my 5 followers. I might get a response like "@NabilaAnn Huh? You got a cryptic msg? From who?" I'd then be forced to tweet back explaining that their is a difference between ambiguity and nonsense all while apologizing for the misunderstanding. If you ask me, it's all just way more trouble than it is worth. Clarity is key people and a little explanation never hurt nobody!

NBC, I Forgive You.

My disdain towards the Douches at NBC has been slightly alievated. Want to know why? BECAUSE I'M IN A FREAKIN PICTURE WITH TAYLOR SWIFT!! [Minor freak-out. AHHHH!]. Bad artwork aside, I'm the noted brunette and Dee is the blonde! (I'll pause for screams and looks of amazement). How exciting, right? Wait. ..What? That could be anybody? Well it's not! It's ME!! :D Who care's if it's only the back of my head. Blatant identification is overrated! This is the old-fashioned honor system and there is nothing wrong with a little ambiguity!