Focus by Leo Babauta-REVIEW

Hi there! 

So today I woke up super early in the morning,put on some relaxing music and opened my curtains (to see the sunrise). I then sat up straight in my bed, took out my computer and started writing this. This is defnitely a change, but it is giving me enough time alone to think only about writing a blog post for you guys. This activity is giving me the means to Focus on creating this post, which is going to be about the free version of Leo Babauta's book: Focus.

The book isn't a ficitonal story, it could be labeled as a self-help book actually. The book's main theme is to help the reader push aside distractions to focus on creating, relaxing or spending more time on things you enjoy. The book starts off by telling us, the readers, about the major role distraction has taken in our life. Today in the Age of Information, distractions pour in from every pore they can fit through. Since the book aims to help us focus, the author suggests diconnection from the addictive technology we use every day, he says that most people stay so connected online that they're afraid if they disconnect, they'll miss out on something important.

He then starts to introduce small steps to take to avoid any distractions in the time of creation. He suggests decluttering, turning off the internet when working, removing all papers hanging on the walls, putting away files and documents that you aren't working on right now, and etc...He also states the diadvantages of always staying connected virtually. 

Mainly the book revolves around focusing at the task in hand and pouring yourself into it, without the possibility of any type of distraction. It's truly a wonderful book and it is beautifully written and full of outstanding quotes. I suggest you download it yourself, it has brought many of my bad habits to my attentions, and I am working on a few of the book's methods to improve my lifestyle and create more often. 

That is the end of the review, however you avid readers will remember that I a) promised to finish this book by Thursday, and I finished it yesterday,and b) promised to post pictures and write a post about my sister's Frozen-themed birthday party on Friday. You may have realized that I broke those promises, however I very much intend to write the birthday post today or tomorrow, as soon as I collect all the pictures and acquire the permission from her friends to post those pictures on the blog.

Tomorrow marks the end of the first two weeks on focusing on only one of my goals, these two weeks were about reading one book every two weeks, and I am determined to continue that. The next two weeks will focus on me trying to improve my writing (goal no. 14). 

Hope you realy liked this post, and if you have anything you want to tell me, post it down below in the comments or message me on Facebook linking my name. Hoping to hear from you!

Preparations for the Birthday!

Hi there!

So today was finally Thursday, which meant that it was the end of the school week and the beginning of the weekend. During the day, a bunch of people came up to me and asked me for my blog's address, and that made me feel ecstatic! What was also very pleasing is when I saw that yesterday I had 78 view on my blog! I know it isn't as fancy as other blogs' views, but when I reach 100 views, I'm definitely celebrating!

On to other news, today one of my dearest friends came over to help my sister and I decorate the house for my sister's party. It all looks completely magnificent with snowflakes hanging from the ceiling and balloons all over the floor. I promised my sister that I won't post any pictures of the decorations until the party, which is tomorrow! Which means that tomorrow's post is going to be amazing, so don't forget to check out my blog tomorrow! Too many exclamation marks here, but too much excitement! 

See you tomorrow, and don't forget to comment below about what you think!

-Yara :)

Update on My Life...

"Yara Shaheen Abuelreish, you shameful disgrace of a blogger. First you disappear for three days, then you don't even finish a book that's only 121 pages. What have you been doing with yourself?"

Well hypothetical human being, I've been doing a lot of things. To start it off there's school. Some people in my class found out about my blog and told everyone. I thought they would be mean, but they didn't really say much. Then somebody read this post. The girl I was talking about in the 3rd paragraph, figured that I was talking about her, and she made everyone turn on me! I'm not the kind of person with savvy comebacks that pop instantly to my head. I usually think of those after somebody makes fun of me. So, for most of the day, three specific people kept making fun of the blog and poking fun at it. I know that what I said wasn't very nice, and I sincerely apologize for that. However, the way she reacted was in no way appropriate to the matter. I hope next time, she approaches me instead of ridiculing me in front of everyone. 

Focus by Leo Babauta
focusmanifesto.com

On a side note, I have actually made progress in the book, Focus by Leo Babauta, last time when I said I have made progress, I wasn't completely truthful...I only read 22 pages, but yesterday I read 70, and today I intend on completely finishing it, to write a review about it tomorrow. It's a truly amazing book! It's mainly about eliminating distractions in your life to focus on creating. I have tried a few methods from the books. I have also memorized countless quotes from the book, which is full of them. It's truly beautiful.

Now to return back to school, today we had Art first period. This month we're taking about Fauvism, and it looks pretty easy. The artist who contributed greatly to it is called Henry Matisse, and since he couldn't efficiently draw and paint, he decided to start cutting out random shapes from colorful paper and gluing them to another one. Also in art class, I found a card that is for a university for the arts of all type; creative writing, studio art, film making, theater and much more! I, of course, took the card. It's for the Oxbridge University, which is located in Spain, France, New York and Oxford/Cambridge. I am definitely going to go more in-depth with this university option. Maybe I will make out a career in the arts.

The Snail-Henry Matisse
wikipaintings.com

Last of all, today I'm going to SheFighter again. Today we're taking self-defense and yoga. Really thankful for that, because the last class I went to, on Monday was a fitness class, and it was practically torture, so today it will be much calmer. Also on Monday, I took two new things. I learnt to defend myself if two people attacked at once, and I learnt the Superman punch, which is supposed to be like I'm flying, but I'm just furiously jumping forward. I need to work on that. 

I need to go study before my class at 6PM, so I hope you guys have a splendid day and I would really appreciate it if you commented down below on what you think, or if you came from Facebook then write me a message and mention my name. Also, one of my classmates suggested that I give you guys my email, in case you wanted to send me a message, so here it is: yarashaheenabuelreish@gmail.com. Hoping to hear from you !

-Yara :)

P.S.: Sorry if there are any mistakes, there wasn't time to edit!

School, School and More School!

Hi there!

So today I went back to school from the very long but very enjoyable winter break. I didn't get a lot of sleep last night, so I woke up really tired. I dressed really slowly and then my mom, sister and I took a long time to get to the car. Thankfully, we arrived at school in time, and we weren't late at all. We were early. 

The mood felt very depressing. The weather suddenly became really cold after the previous days were pretty warm. At the common square of the playground,  I saw some of my friends that I haven't seen during the winter break, and we talked about what we did in our break. Most of my friends just hung around the house, watching TV and such.

The bell rang, and we all sat in any random seats we desired. This girl I genuinely dislike came in and started talking really loud and just walking around like some kind of royalty. She was very annoying throughout the day, but I wouldn't let that get in my way! I felt kind of excited before the first class, however, after it had started and ended, all of my energy was drained. The day went on, and the homework piled up, but the energy was kind of neutral throughout the day, so I guess that's good.

Then the terrific trio (my mom, my sister and me!) went back home, and we had lunch and watched some TV. Then I went to do my homework, and after I finished that I checked my social networks (which you should check out as well, the links are at the upper right side of the page) and now I am writing this. 

Semi-eventful day in my opinion. I really want to know about yours, so don't forget to tell me about it in the comments, or if you have come here from Facebook, send me a message with my name tagged in it, so I can see it. 

Thanks for reading!

pawcreek.org

-Yara :)

The Banner is Done!!!

Hi there! 

So I have been absent for about a day because I was cleaning out my room. My mom took advantage of the painting situation and made my sister and I clean out our rooms. It now looks really empty, but so beautifully green! I also finished the banner for the blog, and I believe it looks amazing! I'm using too many exclamation marks, but I don't care; I'm too excited to show it to you!! 

On a sidenote I have made significant progress in the book Focus, and I have finished my Animal Farm homework, so yay! I am also going to SheFighter today. Sadly they changed the schedule, so I may just go to one lesson today, I'm still deciding. The last new thing in my life right now, which I have mixed feelings for, is the continuation of school tomorrow. Still don't know how I feel about that...

I won't keep you waiting so here is the banner of my blog, and the colors of my room. Don't forget to comment below on what you think about both! 

I made it myself! I know, unbelievable!
   I'm really proud of it, so, don't try putting me down!

My room! It's not very clear, but it really does look amazing.

Have a great day! Love you all!

-Yara :)

P.S.: Something weird is happening to the spacing, and I can't seem to fix it. Tell me if I'm the only one who feels that way.