Friday, December 30, 2005

Happy New Year ............

Happy new year everybody
In Iraq all the Christians celebrate in New Year as well as some Muslims …….
My family & I used to celebrate in new year with my relatives who lives in my neighborhood ( I talked about them in my post "at relatives house") , & I used to decorate our guest room & my room … every new year we play some games like Bingo, monopoly , play cards , domino, etc .we tell jokes, My mom and I used to cook for this celebration (I can make delicious meals yummy, yummy) …..
Or we celebrate with my grandparents in Baghdad we used to , aunt Rose 's family , with some friends & relatives , We used to spend great times together..
Hopes that the next year, my aunt will come back to Iraq & then we can all celebrate together as we used to do ……
we will go to my relative house who live near us to celebrate I am sooooo excited … my mom will do some shopping today, but unfortunately I won't be able to go with her, because my French teacher will come tomorrow (I take private French lessons every Friday), I asked my mom to buy me a hat just like Santa Claus's … hope she will find one..
In this New Year celebration my mom will prepare a turkey, she makes it very delicious…
I will be so busy in the coming weeks because of my mid year exams , I am studying so hard , I want to get very high marks ,but I promise , I will write to you when I will have time … wish me luck I will need it……
Happy new year everybody ……..
Enjoy your time………
Sunshine…..
Note , my English rate is 97% but I will try to get higher than that in the next exam …………..

Thursday, December 22, 2005

It could happen to you ......

Hello friends, hope you are fine, as I believe that anyone should have confident in himself I never doubt about I could be wrong!!!!
today a funny thing happened to me, I was talking with Luke skinner we kept talking & talking ,for about 30 minutes & I thought he is another Luke , then he said that he will be right back to me , to help his mom with her shopping , I said WOW you came back to USA I didn't know that , congratulations ,after one second he said Sunshine , I am in Australia , I got surprised & said "really ? , you went to Australia , wow ", I didn't doubt that he might be someone else , I thought he was only making fun of me !!!( that is the confident I was talking about)!!!...
Then I realized that it was Luke skinner & not the other Luke (too late, too smart)…
At that time I felt sooooooooooooooooo much embarrassed, he said that he will tell gee-oh &that he might write a post about that, I said , oh noooooooooo please don't !
After that I had to go because the electricity was out of work (as usual), he thought that I was angry from him! He kept saying "no don't go, I am joking, I won't tell gee-oh ", hehehhe Luke I am not angry from you, that was very funny ….
As you know that we have exams almost everyday, but what you don't know is I feel terrified from the exams ,that I don't take my breakfast , or sleep well at night ,& I suffer from nausea !!( I know I know like my mom always say "chicken , chicken"), but I feel so because we don't have enough time to answer & the teacher keep saying "HURRY UP , TIME IS OVER " one day I was out of my mind that I wrote my sister's name instead of mine on the exam's paper !!.
Once I kept searching for the TV remote control , I didn't find it ,& it was the time of my favorite serial , I kept saying" WHERE IS THE REMOTE ? WHO TOOK IT ? IT IS MY TURN TO WATCH TV" My mom kept laughing ,she said "it is in your hand!" It happens to me all the time … I have more & more examples about self confident but for my prestige I won't talk about them in public….
See I have a humor sense.. (Grandpa I forgot to worn you to put away your cup of coffee, I hope nothing tragic happened to your keyboard)
Ok , that is the end of my post today …….
Stay safe, & always make sure that you are talking with the right person..
Sunshine …………..

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Merry Christmas....

Merry Christmas everybody, hope you will spend a cheerful Christmas with your families…
The most beautiful thing in Christmas is its tree, & of course the presents underneath! It has adorable view ….
The must important thing is when family & friends celebrate together …
I like the Christmas songs; I listen to it every Christmas…
& how can I forget Santa Claus, he makes the children happy .He looks very nice with his set of clothes too!
Few days ago a friend of mine sent me a letter talking about Santa Clues' story, it is very nice , thank you Mr. William Smith ….
Merry charismas everybody ……
Sunshine...

Friday, December 16, 2005

Before , during , & after the Elections ....

Hello friends
the Elections day was yesterday ..
Early in the morning (7:00 am) my dad , grandma, & grandpa went & voted (before the terrorists wake up ! hshshshsh ).. my brother ( 19 month old ) was sick( flu &teething) so my mom couldn’t sleep at night because she had to take care of him , therefore she couldn't go early with them , but at 10:00 she waked up& went to vote with some neighbors, it was a great thing to see all the neighbors walking together to the voting station , men & women , girls & boys ,(ah I wish I am 18 !)
There were different opinions between the neighbors , about the candidates, but I think the most important thing that they went & VOTED , no matter for whom ……


If I could vote , I would vote for Allawy (731), but this is my OWN opinion , some people may agree with me , & some may disagree , I think that Allway is an educated & courageous man , & that what we need ….again this is my opinion & I might be wrong !


The days before the Elections ………
As you know we have a stroll ban , so we were stuck at home , but on Tuesday , we went to have dinner with our next door neighbors , I had fun there , we came back home at 9:30 & yesterday they came & had dinner with us …….
my grandparents who live in Baghdad , called us they said that they went to vote with some neighbors ,fortunately my grandparents could vote , but my mom's uncle's wife couldn't, the officials there told her that she have to vote in another voting station !!! and that voting station was faraway from their neighborhood !!! that was unfair I guess….
my grandpa's friend & his family went to vote & guess what ?!!! the officials told them that their names were in Basra ( an Iraqi city in the south) !!!! that is ridicules it Is about 8 hours by car !!! I know it is unbelievable but it is true !!
I will go to school on Sunday I'll have geography exam , the stroll ban will end on Sunday morning (at 6:00 am I guess ) , I will be so busy this week with the double homework, but I assure you I will write to you whenever I have time , my mom told me to study in this holiday but I didn't want to, I wanted to have a rest , but do you know?! she was right , I should have studied for the midyear exam , it will be on January..
"who makes no mistakes makes nothing ",……….

Stay safe , & live strong ! ………
Sunshine …..

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

MSNBC news , the famous actor Gary Sinise's interview , & moi (Sunshine) !!!, unbelievable!!!

( this post was published in December but i had to delete it for some reasons at that time, enjoy it )
Hello friends I received a letter from my friend , telling me that a famous actor mentioned my blog address in an interview he said :
Hello Sunshine,
I am predicting that you will have many new friends in the USA after today. A famous actor here mentioned your blog when he was interviewed on the radio about his work with supplies for Iraqi school children. His Name is Gary Sinise - He was in the movies "Forest Gump" and "Apollo 13" and many others. He is a very good man.
When I read that I started to shout MAMA , come here & I started reading the E-mail in a loud sound , I searched in goggle , trying to find the interview but unfortunately I couldn't find it . Anyway the funniest thing is that I waited for a long time ( because the internet services are sooooooo slow) trying to download the morning news & interviews that were shown on the american national TV ,after I watched them all ,& I couldn't find anything ! my mom said " I think your friend said in his letter that the interview was on the RADIO !" I said " OH , NOOOOOOOOOOO " & we started to laugh … Anyway , In the same day I wrote a letter & tried to send it to the famous Gary Sinise but I couldn't find the E-mail address , fortunately my friend Madcanuck was online, he helped me to find the address ( thank you ,sir ), my mom said "I am afraid he won't be able to answer you , he must be a very busy man , but there is no harm if you try to do that " ,'I sent the letter to him , I said :
" Dear sir … Hope you are fine , I am Sunshine , a 13 years old girl from Iraq , I live in Mosul & I have a blog www.livesstrong.blogspot.com One of my readers told me that you mentioned my blog address in one of your interviews it is an honor for me I know you are very busy but Please sir let me know if it is correct that you mentioned my blog address in your interview …….. I can't wait to hear from you …..
God bless you ……
Sunshine...
In the next day I was checking my E-mails and I was shocked ,I received so many E-mails , telling me that I was mentioned in news channel MSNBC & that they said something about me, I kept searching but I couldn't find anything either ! Then I received a letter, my mom was watching TV, when I told her I received another letter she said "from whom? " (I didn't even imagine that the letter came from the famous actor Gary Sinise), my mom said at once " oh ,he might be him, I said "I don't know yet I will see ," I wasn't expecting that a famous actor would answer me that quickly , when I saw the subject of the letter I shouted "OH YES HE IS " I don't know what happened to me, I couldn't wait to read it (as you know the services are slow ) , I read it in a loud shaky voice , I was so happy , & excited , I kept shaking , & laughing , it was the best day ever , & of course couldn't sleep that night !!! I asked Mr. Sinise if I can publish his letter , he said "ok" :
Hello Sunshine, So good to hear from you. Yes, I did mention your website on the radio because I think it is great what you are doing and I want people here in the United States to see what you have to say about life in Iraq today. We get a very uneven view of things because all we have is the media and they are sometimes very one sided. The media pretty much only shows us all the terrible things, the bombings and the death toll but not the everyday life of the Iraqi people. We do not know how the average Iraqi citizen feels about things there and you write very well about your life in Mosul. Just being a kid and going to school and trying to have a good life. I know that there are many bad guys there who are making things very difficult for all of you. But I am very optimistic about the upcoming vote this week and I know that someday you will live in an Iraq your parents have never seen. A free Iraq where you have the right to chose your own leaders, go to work, become what you want, say what you want and have a good future where you will not live in fear. You children are the future of your country. You write of your pride in the security police. I truly hope that with this new government more and more of the Iraqi people will come forward to turn in the bad guys and help to defeat them. But you all must be very very careful. I know that you all would rather not have the US forces in your country but I am hopeful that we will be there until a time when the new government is strong and the bad guys are under control. I was so sad to read your story of the two men who were killed putting up posters. In a democracy people are free to support the candidates of their choice and they were doing that. It is unfortunate that they died doing it. You keep on writing in your blog Sunshine. People are reading it. We need to hear from Iraqis who are optimistic about their future and who are excited by the possibilities that freedom can bring.
Your American friend,
PS. How did you learn English? You are very good.

After I received this letter I chat with Madcanuck , he was the first one I shared this letter with....
Am I lucky or what ???????????
Stay safe & take care .......
Sunshine (very very happy & excited sunshine)
Lucky lucky me.

Sunday, December 11, 2005

Murder in my neighborhood....

Hello friends
yesterday a murder occurred in my neighborhood, while 2 guys were slinging posters for certain party preparing for the elections , two terrorists started shooting at them, one of them died , & the other was injured so badly, the policemen in my neighborhood chased them , killed one & caught the other ..
Those two terrorists killed innocent poor personnel & injured the other for what? to make that party relinquish it's participation in the Elections ? to disperse panic between Iraqis ? to stop the Elections operation ? none of these would happen, but the consequences are two families left without their breadwinner, more orphans , widows , bereft parents , sisters , brothers , relatives & friends .. & that is all because they were slinging posters on the wall?! …
I can't imagine how remorseless those terrorists are ! …
I pray that one day all the terrorism will fade away , & that we all will live in Peace ….
God Bless all the policemen ….
Sunshine …

Friday, December 9, 2005

Don't make fun of me !...


These socks were peculiar gift from my grandma ..
My family always makes fun of me when I wear it , please don't….
I was bored , & I wanted to do something crazy , so I decided to post this picture ! (my feet )
Have fun .....
Sunshine ...

My days before the Elections...

Hello friends , as you know the Election is next Thursday , but the situation isn't good at all , I even heard in the news that we are under emergency state in Mosul, we don't leave our house , I didn't go to school on Wednesday , I stayed at home, but I had to go to school on Thursday , because I had a French exam ( by the way, I did so well ) , I took with me some medicines , my inhalers , & other things I might need in case I couldn't reach home , my mom told me that if I couldn't reach home I should go with Najma & hnk to their house (it is near the school) , the headmistress don't allow the students to bring their mobile phone with them , but my parents insisted that I should take mine with me , ( although in these days we have a very bad phone services) ..to take it with me I had to cover it , I hide it inside my clothes , in case any one inspect us ,my mom said that I have to stay at home on Sunday although I will have 2 exams" biology & French "….
we hear explosions & shooting from time to time , specially after midnight.
There will be a stroll bans , in the few coming days , I will probably spend the time , working on computer & internet in case we have electricity , & Internet services ,
Hope that all the Iraqis will vote in the Elections , no matter for whom , all my family will vote , but I can't , I am under 18 , I wish I could , if I can vote I will choose Allawy , hope that the next government will be good , will dissolve the terrorism & re-build Iraq … I pray for that…
Stay safe , & take care ....
Sunshine….

Friday, December 2, 2005

Announcement...

Hello friends , my mom also wrote about our home inspection , she wrote about the whole family feelings , & of course about Me , it is very funny post , check it now
(it is her first funny post , hshshsh) .......
Sunshine...

Thursday, December 1, 2005

Home inspection again ...

Hello friends .
yesterday I came back from my school , I didn't have so much homework , so I decided to have rest & read my E-mails . At 4:45 pm I decided to take a shower , & while I was doing that , I started to think about home inspection( I don't know why?!) & how to start a conversation with the soldiers , suddenly my sister knocked on the door to tell me to HURRY UP because there is an inspection in the neighborhood, while I was saying to her" ok ok I will " , my mom came and said that the soldiers were in our house . I wore my clothes while the soap was still covering my face and went out!!! ..
& I said OH GOD MY ROOM !! it was sooooooooooo messy ( but today I organized my room & my bed before going to school…)
Anyway , they asked if any one could speak English , & I answered quickly yes ( interrupting my mom of course ) . They asked my mom if it is ok with us if they used the roof , to see the neighborhood & to cover the road for a coming troop, my mom & I said " yes of course you are welcome ", they were about 25 soldiers , three of them stayed with us ,while the others went up to the roof.
In spite of the hoarseness in my voice , as I had laryngitis this week ,( now my voice sound like a teenager boy's voice) but I kept talking & talking!!! .. all the family were wearing pajamas we didn't have enough time to change our clothes ( just like in pajamas parties)…
I did what some soldiers told me after the previous inspection and asked them about their names , their unit & who is the commander?!!..
from which states they came from & we kept talking for more than an hour .
Anyway , they were very polite & nice with us ,& of course I showed off & talked about my blog , I also told them that I copied my blog if they want to take a look . You won't believe what happened , every one from the three soldiers read some posts from my blog during their stay in my house , but that was very funny , they took off there weapons , sun glasses & balaclavas , sat & started reading, with suckers in everyone mouth showing a bulbous cheeks , they read the post "an adventure" , they talked with me about some posts … I asked them if they know some Arabic words , they said no , & one of them said that a soldier in their unit thought that he was good in Arabic but he was only ridiculous , I kept laughing about that.
Before they had left I took a photograph for them…
That is the end of my post for today take care all……….
Sunshine……………..

Thursday, November 24, 2005

In a hospital !!! why ?

Hello friends .. today my grandma called from Baghdad to tell us this tragedy story ….
My mom's cousin M , (she is a doctor) went to her job in Al-mahmoodeya hospital , then after few hours , she heard a very loud explosion , it was a bomb car exploded in the hospital , my grandma called her to see how is she doing , did she got hurt or not ? she said …
"I was in the delivery room when one of my patient's just gave birth to a nice healthy baby , then I heard a very loud explosion , & things falling on me , I tried to go out to see what is going on in the hospital, I was covered with blood & I saw horrible views , dead bodies , even some of my friends died" … she said "the national guards were like angels they ِ, helped me & saved my life"…
it was a miracle that she is a life , anyway , Dr. M said that our brave national guards helped her to go out from the hospital , because they had to close some of the hospital's loop-holes , they were expecting another bomb-car ..in her way-out she saw her patient dead (the new mother) …
& that all because the Americans soldiers were in the hospital giving the children toys !!
50 Iraqis died & 4 Americans , that what I heard in the news …
few months a go , her twins (they are 9 years old) were in the school , & a shell felt on their classroom many pupils died , & the others got hurt …
my grandma said that she was hysteric , once she laugh , & then she cry , then she scream ! ..
I am so thankful to see her & her twins a life ….
God bless the national guards..
Sunshine …
Note my mom will write a post about that too …. Check her blog later…

Thursday, November 17, 2005

Luke survey ...

Hello friends ,
couple of weeks ago , my friend Luke sent me some questions for his survey , I answered them & I want to share them with you ..
Blog name: days of my life…
Blog Address:www.livesstrong.blogspot.com
Blog Alias: Sunshine
E-mail Address: livesstrong92@yahoo.com
Q1)What drives you to post on your blog, and what do you feel afterwards?
- well, I wanted to express my feelings & thoughts, & I wanted to have friends to share them the happy & sad moments in my life , to be enlightened about the life out side Iraq. I wanted to show the people how do I live , after blogging I feel so happy & I got many friends …
Q2)Have you become more knowledgeable as a result of participating in the blogosphere?-in what ways?
-Yes of course. In many ways… I improved my English language & became more fluency, I became more confident in my self, more resolved to achieve my ambitions & dreams , I realized that there are many people care about Iraqis , & care about me.
Q3)What has changed in your life as a result of participating in the blogosphere?
My life style was changed since I became a Blogger, I spend most of my spare-time writing posts , reading E-mails & comments, in holidays I used to woke up at 11 o'clock , because I didn't have anything to do , but in the last summer holiday & in the weekends I wake up at 8 o'clock , sometimes earlier to work on internet ( because in this time of the day we have electricity ) . Even the way I make interlocution , & the way I think & my interests were changed , I feel that I am more mature than few months ago.
Q4)What emotions do you associate with reading blogs?
- through reading blogs , I become more enlightened about the peoples thoughts , beliefs & opinions …& through reading the Iraqis blogs I knew that there are many educated people in my country ,I believe they can have a good role in Iraq future …
Q5)What emotions do you associate with writing blogs?
- I don't feel lonely any more , & I got friends from everywhere , when I publish a post I can't wait to read my readers' comments, & E-mails. I learned how to accept the disagreements , & not just wait comments from people that agree with me ..
Q6)What emotions do you associate with other bloggers?-
I made friendships with many bloggers , in Iraq & other countries. We share E-mails & chat with each other.
Q7)Has participating in the blogosphere improved your quality of life?
Yes , of course , I learned that I have many blessings in spite of every thing & I can help no matter how you I am ..
Q8)Have you found true friends in the blogosphere?
Yes . I found true friends, they are encouraging , affectionate , & supportive. You are one of them my dear , you send me the inhalers ,which traveled through many countries ,you show me & show the world that the one who do have the desire to help ,should not surrender no matter how far the distance …
Q9)How did these people become your friends, and why is their friendship important to you?
- well ,they became my friends through their supportive E-mails & comments , or like you , when you send me the inhalers …… their friendships are very important to me , because those friends helped me & support me , they always send me encouraging comments & letters, when I feel disappointed they remind me to be optimism .. I am so lucky to have them & *you*.
Q10) What other questions should have been included in this survey, or would you like to add any other relevant or unrelevant comments?
Thank you for sharing me in your survey.
Sunshine………

Great news ...

Hello friends ,I have great news , I received the inhalers that Luke sent me , Luke also sent me CDs & sent to the paupers some money. . Thank you Dear , you irked your self to help me , you are always in my thoughts ... thanks again ..
Sunshine..

My diary in the last two weeks ...

Hello friends ,
it was a long time since I wrote a post , but as you know I was in Baghdad &then I had so many exams & homework , ( I know , I know you miss me I miss you too ) ..
I went to Baghdad on Monday31/10 , fortunately we had no much delay.
On the first day we arrived Baghdad, we had al-ftor with my parent's uncle & his wife.
And on the first day of Eed all the family gathered at the house of the oldest member of the family , my other parent's uncle .we had lunch together , & when we returned back to my grandparents house many relatives & friends visited us , so at the end of the day I was exhausted.
On the second day of Eed my family & I went to Hassan's house , I saw hnk , Raghda , najma & their parents ..
At this visit to my grandparents, my grandma gave me so many books & novels ,as you know I love reading.. so know I will have something to do in my spare-time , when we don't have electricity ..
At the third day of Eed ,we returned back to Mosul , & we had good trip again …
In the last 2 weeks I had soooo many exams, I did Ok in them..
But every time , I study I suffer from bad headache , so my parent will take me to the Eye doctor , next week ….
Sunshine

Thursday, October 27, 2005

Eed Sa'id ....

Hello friends ..
Ramadan will end after few days … & after that the Muslims
will celebrate" Eed al-Fotr" .. in eed we wear new clothes & visit our friends,& relatives ….
The great news are , I will go to Baghdad in eed, that means I will meet Hassan , Najma, Raghda , Dalia , Kais , & Hnk ( we are all relatives& of course bloggers).
I am so excited , We didn't celebrate in the last two eeds ,we had bad time in these Eeds ,I wrote posts about that " leaving the home " & " at relative's house" . But this eed I will have fun ( In- shalla) , I have many relatives in Baghdad I'll see them all this eed ( can't wait).
The most important tradition in eed that all the family (close relatives ) , uncles , aunts , grandparents , grandchildren etc celebrate to gather in the first day of eed in the house of the oldest family member, then they spend the other days of eed with friends ,neighbors & the rest of family ..
In Baghdad we will spend the first days of eed In my parents' uncle house, we will be about 30 person & may be more , we will have lunch there ,of course" Dolma" will be the main dish (Humm)…. ..
I like the family meeting, the family here is very important..
The other thing we are used to have as a tradition is that, the parents give their children presents , candies & money we call it "Eddia"….
I used to find my present near my bed when I wake up in the morning …
This will be the first Eed without my aunt Rose. Hope she will be with us next eed.….
I will go to Baghdad on Monday & be back on Saturday …
Wish me a safe happy trip …
Eed sa'id every one ( merry feast ) ….
Sunshine …

Saturday, October 22, 2005

I am trying to Shine but...

Hello friends , sorry for not posting since a long time, but I was very busy I had a lot of homework to do , & I didn't have time to work on internet .
This week I joined a competition, & I have to answer 30 questions , if I win ,I will gain a new computer (Pentium 4) , or mobile , there is only 13 winners , & many participates it will be a miracle if I win. I decided in case I win a mobile phone, I will sell it & buy a computer .. I already have a mobile phone ,pray for me as you always do …..
I will try to write a post this week…. Sorry friends ….
You know it's winter( the scholastic season), so some times clouds( exams ) might hide the sun from shining …
Sunshine…

Sunday, October 16, 2005

I don't know yet ....

Hello friends ,tomorrow I will have mathematics exam .. & I am soooo confused I don’t know if I should go to school , or stay at home ? .
The stroll bans end at 6:30 o'clock in the morning ! That means only an hour & a half before school time !!
What if I go to school & I don't find a way to be back home , where shall I spend the night ? in the street ?
If I will stay at home what about the exam ? I will take ZERO ! I heard that in Baghdad the pupils will stay at home for 5 days after the referendum , until things settle down. .
I called some of my friends asking them if they will go to school or not , some said they will go & some said the will stay home , & some said they don't know yet, their houses are near the school , they don’t have to pass through the bridges .
What if I went to school & get hurt ? , I will regret that for the rest of my life ..
I am confused …
Sunshine …

Saturday, October 15, 2005

The Referendum day ....

Hello friends.
Today was the big day , the referendum day.. That was really good day , my mom , dad , grandpa , grandma , my grandparents who live in Baghdad all my relatives who are older then 18 went & voted, I wish I was above 18 , to vote …
I kept looking through my window seeing the women , men , girls & boys walking together.
But every one has different opinion even in my family , some agreed with the new constitution & some disagreed , today I knew what the democracy mean.
I saw Nineveh TV , all the programs were about the constitution & the referendum. The people opinions were also dissimilar , I thought in the beginning that few people only will contribute in the referendum . but I didn't anticipate that huge number of contributors .
Although I can't vote , but I have my OWN opinion , I can share it with my family ..
You know there is stroll bans , so today my grandpa & some of the neighbors worked together & cleaned the neighborhood (enchorial work) the neighborhood was sooo dirty . I believe if the neighbors worked together , cooperate & cleaned the neighborhood every weekend , our neighborhood will stay as clean as today.
May Iraq be free one day , & today when all the Iraqis went & voted .
That shows how Iraqis want to live in a peaceful country , & how they don't want for the terrorism to win , & how they are looking to re-build Iraq & have a forerunner country …
Happy Sunshine....

Friday, October 14, 2005

When I was a little ray ..


hi, hope you will like it , this picture was took when I was few days old , it is a photograph, but I re-take it in my digital camera.. that is way it isn't clear enough..
I was faaaaaaaaaaaat ,but now i am not !..
Sunshine ....

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

Can't be worse...

Hello friends as you know the referendum is after 2 days , & the errantry ban is tomorrow,& you know my school Is far away from my home. yesterday some girls & I went to the geography teacher & asked her to adjourn the exam ,( of course the girls took aside & put me in front of them to talk )I told the teacher we want to adjourn the exam because of the unsettle situation & that our houses are far from the school , she said ok & that we have to ask the headmistress too, I did, but she refused .
Anyway I was so angry & my mood was feculent, because the other pupils In Mosul don’t have to go to school & their teachers care about their safety .
So I had to go to school today because I have geography exam , I saw in my way to school, four cars exploded earlier, you know when someone see these uncomforting views will be nervous all the day, ( thank god I am still a life )when I arrived the school I was shocked, we were about 75 girls out of 800 girls !!
Of course the geography exam was cancelled , because we were only few students !! I was really angry, I came to school & passed in such dangerous road , & for what, NOTHING?! … we were just walking in the school's yard .
I phoned the driver after I heard Two loud explosions & asked him to come & drive me back home . & I went to the headmistress & told her that I will go home before the bridges are to be shut down, She said" NO , you will stay in the school until 12" She don’t care where shall I spend the 4-5 coming days of errantry ban , in case I didn't make it & go back home. If she is punctual about our education ,why we didn't attend any classes?!.
I was talking with a girl in my class when her father came to her and said that their neighborhood noticed a big fight & that he could barely came to drive her home or may be to some relatives home ..so he went to the headmistress & told her he have to take his daughter , She shouted " I can't convene the parents now , your daughter will stay in the school until 12 " (How rude!!).

My father's cousin H ( she is in my school ) had an exam too, when she arrived the school, she heard the teachers talking about the bridges shutdown at 10 "
H immediately returned back home , & her mom phoned the headmistress to announce her about that, & said :
-" my daughter H had to go back home because of the bridges"
-"what ? she have an exam , bring her back to school right now .
- " how can I send my daughter , she is only 15 & the roads show extreme chaos. Can you guarantee her safety ?".
- We are not responsible for her safety , but she got an exam , & that is my job ,education.
after that the headmistress shut the telephone in her face ! can you believe that !!!!!
H returned to school, attend the exam ,& then we both returned home with her daddy , who was VERY ANGRY .
Oh , it was really really bad day…
Upset Sunshine…

Sunday, October 9, 2005

Interview between Mama & Jennifer...

Hello friends , few weeks ago Jennifer ( an American Blogger ) made an interview with my Mom , Jennifer who is one of my blog readers sent my mom some questions through an E-mail , so I decided to publish the interview .if you are interested share it with me :
Name: Mama
Age:34
Location: Mosul / Iraq

Thepatriot15: First of all I have to ask how you found out about blogging, and why you started your own blog ?
Mama: my sister Rose Baghdad had one as well as her husband. I liked the idea; first I encouraged my daughter Sunshine to have one, then I thought it is a good way to express my feelings & to make friendships. I felt depressed & lonely & I wanted to have friends to share my feelings & to get support from..
Thepatriot15: Do you see or communicate with U.S. soldiers very often?
Mama: No
Thepatriot15: How do you feel towards America ?
Mama: I like the American people, I have many dear American friends , but I feel suspicious about the intentions of the American government.
Thepatriot15: How do you get news about America ?
Mama: I like to hear good news about every country & it's people. I believe that the Americans & the soldiers want to fight the terrorists, but I also believe that they were exploited because of that by the government.
Thepatriot15: When U.S. troops moved into Iraq after the attacks on the U.S. on 9/11, what was your first reaction and how did you feel?
Mama: My first reaction was a mixture of new hope for having a good future with so much fear from the war itself. I was worried to death about my family in Baghdad, especially during the war I couldn’t know anything about them for very long time. But in fact we believed we would have a better life, if we survived.
Thepatriot15: What do you feel is the biggest change made in Iraq since the U.S. moved in and eliminated leaders such as Saddam Hussein?
Mama: let me tell you something; we are so happy to get rid of Saddam but we did not enjoy that, because of the fear we live in now. We almost live in the middle of streets war. The way to the life of freedom & democracy is so very rugged.
Thepatriot15: Do you appreciate these changes?
Mama : Those how paid their lives as a price to help the Iraqis to get rid of the dictator get lots of appreciation not just from me, but from all who wanted to have freedom. But about the changes, we didn’t get its outgrowth yet. We live in chaos, we feel insecure. We suffer from lack of electricity, we are so much in need of a healthy environment, good medical health and a good education for our children.
Thepatriot15: What was it like before U.S. troops moved in ?
Mama: We lived in our country like strangers. Iraq was the home land of Saddam & to his yes-men. We didn’t have any rights here & not yet.
Thepatriot15: How has your vision for your family’s future changed since the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom?
Mama: First I was sooo optimistic, but now I am so much confused, scared & unsettled.
Thepatriot15: Would you feel safer if U.S. troops left now, or waited until the Iraqi forces are stronger?
Mama: If the American troops left now, that will be execution to the Iraqis.
Thepatriot15: If you have read Iraq’s new constitution, how do you feel about it?
Mama: it’s a bunkum, not a constitution. That will lead us to more havoc.
Thepatriot15: How do you feel about America?
Mama: I like the American people; many of them sympathize with the Iraqis. It's just about the government I don't trust their intentions, like conveying their enemy to my country after the 9/11, with the name of freeing us.
Thepatriot15: How do you feel that your role as a woman has changed since Operation Iraqi Freedom started?
Mama: Nothing has changed yet. But from the beginning I wasn't shackled because of being a women.
Thepatriot15: Do you feel more confident?
Mama: I was more confident three years ago. I mean immediately after the operation. Now I am scared and insecure.
Thepatriot15: What dreams do you have for your children’s future?
Mama: They are so many; I want them to have a secure country that gives them their rights and offers them protection. I want them to get a good education; to be able to make future plans and to be able to accomplish their dreams. I want them to have fun and enjoy their life. I want them to have a respectful life. I don’t want to see them scared any more. I want them to get good medical care when they need it, and I want them to live in healthy environment. I have many, many dreams, and I hope they become true.
I like the interviews…. Mama you are soooo lucky …
Sunshine ….

Saturday, October 8, 2005

Too much to endure ...

When my dad entered the home on Wednesday, it was obviously that he was extremely sad , my mom asked him if he was ok, he said " my friend N was murdered " , it was a shock to all of us specially for my dad because they were friends since they were children & they live in the same neighborhood , I felt sad too , N was a father of three young children ,& he got married 5 years ago he was a police officer ,just like his dad.
He left behind him three children , a widow , his mom , 6 brothers ,& 2 sisters . In the second day of Ramadan which it suppose to be a peaceful month, & mubarak (blessed) to all people …
The terrorists are killing the policemen , & national guards , because they are serving their country . The doctors , engineers, teachers , etc are serving their county too , will the terrorists kill all the good Iraqi people ?!
In the next day, my dad came from his work & I knew that there Is something wrong his face was reddish & he was angry , he said that 2 of his work buddies was killed, they were functionaries , why they were killed ? they don’t work with Americans nor national guards nor work for any political direction.
I don't want to hear that someone was killed anymore , I hear almost everyday news like these , but I can't tolerate anymore.
Sometimes I wonder why we don’t leave Iraq , but if all good people , educated Iraqis leave Iraq , Iraq will be home for the terrorists & bad people , & if the policemen left their job , the terrorists will win , because that is their point to make the Iraqis leave Iraq , & that will not happen ..
The terrorists are few & if we cooperate with each other & with the national guards ,& policemen someday Iraqis will re-build Iraq , & it will be a peaceful country , void from terrorists & violence .
The hope is still Existent…
Sunshine…

Please welcome cazza & Gee oh...

Hello friends.
blogging is the is the greats thing that happen in my life I realized while reading the other peoples blogs that we all have the same needs & the same feeling , requisites & no matter ho far we are ...
I am very thankful for the blog world , I knew my drear friend Luke ( aka olive branch ), & he helped me & sent me the inhalers , since that we became friends & I made many many friendship threw the blog ..
Olive branch's sister cazza created a blog , she is 12 years old , her full name is Cassandra Jane Skinner ( I like the name Cassandra), I hope that her blog will be popular like her bother ,cazza is a good singer too , she sang a solo with a 470 children choir backing her. & she published a pretty poem too.
olive branch's girlfriend (gee oh) have a blog too you can find it on :
www.geeoh.blogspot.com
dear cazza & gee-oh welcome to blog world , I am sure you will have fun & will make many friendships …. …
Sunshine..

Tuesday, October 4, 2005

Mama & I ...

My mom & I have a very strong relationship…. She supports me very much & encourage me to achieve my dreams , ambitions, & future plans .. spatially when I had my eye problem she was always with me & taught me all the subjects to make me feel that this problem will not affect my school .. & I did, my par was 98.7 & I was the third on my class, she went with me to all the cure sessions & made sure that I was doing all the exercises , until now , every day she reminds me to do my eye exercises . she is the best mom in the world ..
If I couldn't do something ,she tells me "I am sure you can do it, don’t give up" & if she had to travel to Baghdad without me she write some sentences on small papers telling me how much she loves & cares about me , & stick them on the mirrors & leave them in different places in the house ..
We share everything to gather … you know that we don’t go out much , so we spend the time cooking , listen to music , do some handmade work , cleaning the house together ,work on computer , or just talk .. some people tell me that the way I talk & write even my interests , make me appear older than my real age , I think that is because I am toooo close to my mom , so my gusto is so much like her ..
You see threw my mom posts that she is dismal , that is because she write what makes her sad , or when she is in a bad mood , when she writes the posts & receive the support through the comments she feels better.
My mom has a humorous soul, & when I feel sad no one can make me feel better or laugh but her ..
my mom spends most of her salary to pay for the internet line & educated computer programmers .. where as many moms consider the computer & internet as just for fun & not for didactic..
sometimes the people think that we are sisters .. I am so lucky to have affectionate , supportive ,& encouraging mom …
lucky Sunshine..

Thursday, September 29, 2005

Ramadan Kareem...

Ramadan will start next week , I love Ramadan.
We don’t eat from the dawn until dark fall , I feel hungry since now !
we fast for 30 days , after that there is eed (fiesta)
In the usual days I sometimes don’t eat with my family ,I eat before them or in an other room , but in Ramadan we all eat to gather.
Of course kebab & raisin juice is one of the basic meal among the food menu. After that we have some of the delicious Arabic dessert.
In Ramadan the people don’t eat for about 12 hour to feel the same as the paupers feel ( hunger), also the Muslims in Ramadan give (2.5%) of their money to the poor families (Alms) ….That what I do although I don’t have much money & I am not adult & I don’t gain money by my own but it makes me happy to please the poor people .
In Ramadan the programs in TV are wonderful ,as comedy serials.. but this Ramadan I won't have time to watch TV , at the first day of Ramadan I will have history exam ! ..
I love the day before Ramadan , the Muezzins in the mosques will make ( Takberat) it's to tell& announce that Ramadan is in the next day.
All the Muslims should fast if they are adult & in good health .
I started fasting since I was in the third class in primary school. ( that was my choice to follow the grown-up ).
The other thing I like in Ramadan is I become thinner ,so I look thin in my new cloths in eed .
In Ramadan the people should become more patient & forgivable , that is the goal of this blessed month is to depurate our selves from bad behavior, ..
We have a tradition in Ramadan, that all my family collect money , to buy clothes , pajamas , toys , shoes , healthy food ,etc to the orphans shelter .
Ramadan Kareem everyone…
Sunshine…

Tuesday, September 27, 2005

My primary school...

My primary school was one of the best schools in my town , I spent a great time there . My teacher in the first class was very nice her name was "Amirah" in Arabic it means princess .
She was an old woman & she was teaching in this school for 35 years ,her salary was only 1 & half dollar a month! I used to spend my break time with her in the class ,she had never left the class during the break time , & she used to paint roses , & write some nice encouraging sentences in our homework copybooks to make us happy.
In every time we had learned a new alphabetical letter we had party to celebrate & we serve candies , cookies . Every single day was like a party for me , Even in my sickness I used to insist to go to school .
When I was in the fifth class I knew that she will retired , all the girls went to her &asked her to stay ,but she didn’t .
The adieux was very much emotional , but she kept visiting us in the school .
No one of her pupils called her "Mrs." , we called her "mama Amirah ".
I still have some of her presents she gave me in my birthdays & other celebrations …
My sister Mariam is in the second class now , I visited her school for few times & I was shocked , from the way the teachers treat the pupils ( so rough & loveless) …
Few days ago we went to a friend's house , my mother was talking with her friend about schools , her friend told my mom that her child said a bad word , & how she was stunned because they don’t use these words at all & she told her son that" you must heard this word from an
impolite boy , right ?"
He said" No , from my teacher ! she always use this word .!"
Two weeks ago my mom & I saw a program about the education in Iraq & there was an interview with the minister of education , he said that 90% of the teachers are not qualified to teach !
How can they make a polite , educated, & successful generations ?
Sometimes the intelligent pupils correct the mistakes made by the teacher, specially in English & mathematics…
Now who take low marks and can't go on in their schools can become a teacher after a 6 month practicing !
I wish that all the primary schools will be like mine…..
Sunshine ….

Sunday, September 25, 2005

More & more mistakes...

MISTAKES AGAIN, in my last post I made 2 mistakes I wrote celebrate & special wrongly , I most be more careful next time .. I promise … but remember who makes no mistakes makes nothing …
Thank you Madcanuck for reminding me… one day English will be like my first language , then I will not make mistakes again .. & probably I will show others their mistakes ( who knows ! )… Sunshine...

Saturday, September 24, 2005

Happy Birthday Olive ...

Wow . today is olive's birthday . I like the birthday parties, I used to calibrate with my friends, but I didn’t calibrate my birthday for three years ! because of the bad situation here , I miss birthday parties .
To my dear friend olive .
Hoping that this birthday is your happiest yet. The kind that's filled with pleasures , too delightful to forget ,& hopping that you shall see your dreams come true , through a year that is just as wonderful in every way as you ..
This brings a warm wish , that every hour of your spatial day , is filled with moment that will bring lots of joy & happiness.
For your birthday's just the beginning , of a year the fresh & new , & each day should be wonderful , for someone as nice as you.
May your day be memorable..
Happy birthday dear …
Sunshine…

Thank you Olive...

Hi , you remember my post a bout my asthma & pollution , my reader friend Olive Branch sent me comments & letters saying that he want to help me to find the inhalers , I agreed & gave him my aunt Rose address in Dubai , well my aunt received the inhalers few days ago , & she will send them to me..
My dear friend olive , I can't thank you enough for your attention & affection , I am very lucky to have you as a friend . you are always in my thoughts … thank you again …
Sunshine ….

Friday, September 16, 2005

List that in our constitution !…

Hello friends
it was a long time since I went out ..but yesterday I was invited to two small wedding parties in one day !!!! the first one for my next door neighbor , the other for my front door neighbor !!!
Believe or not I went to both ! .
In the first wedding , I was surprised from the bridegroom behavior, he was making calls by his mobile phone most of the time.
I didn’t see him talking with his bride or touching her hand ! ( how rude) they didn’t dance , they didn’t enjoy their wedding party at all.
The bride was lonely in her wedding ! She kept looking at the guests & smiling, he ignored her in the first day of their life, what will happen next year?
He didn’t hold his bride ,but he did hold his dear mobile all the time……..
In the second wedding, the bridegroom was taking photos with his mobile & the bride was ignored too ..
Is there any law ban the bridegroom from using the mobile phone in his wedding ? I wish that will be listed in our new constitution!!!!!
Don’t ever use the mobile phone in your weddings …
Sunshine…

Two mistakes in one post ( 2 in 1 )

Hello friends , In my previous post I wrote the word curtseys, but I received a lot of comments & letters asking me to change this word , because it is not suitable, I think the suitable one is prosaic…
My other mistake was knot , my friend Madcanuck told me to change it to a bow-tie …
Please add these 2 mistakes to my mistakes list …
Accept my apology ..
Learning Sunshine….

Thursday, September 15, 2005

First day at school...

Hi friends
Nice to write to you again, last Sunday was my first day at school. we had a party, & some officials attend it , it was very Boring , I don’t like the ceremonial parties & speeches , I was very tired from standing for along time in such hot weather …
Anyway I moved to A class , I am very glad in my new class , the girls are more polite & clever, I got a new friend , we have the same interests & hobbies.
This week I was sooo busy , I had a lot of homework, I didn’t have time to write a post or work on computer( and my mom exploited that)….
In Arabic subject , we have 4 books , grammar , perusing , dictation , curtseys & texts .. I found curtseys & texts hard , it is about the Arab curtseys & very old poems ,although it is in Arabic I didn’t understand any word !! I searched in the Arabic dictionary & I didn’t find the meanings , these poems are about 200 hundred years before Islam ..they use very hard & uncustomary words …
Today the headmistress said that we should wear neck knots ! , each level wear a different color, the first class wear a read knot , the second class wear indigo knots , & the third class black knots . But that is unfair the fourth , fifth , & sixth class won't wear any knots ..
The girls in my class said that they will not obey , because it is a silly idea , but I think that I will wear it!!!! …
Busy Sunshine with black neck knot ………

Thursday, September 8, 2005

Wise man said ....

I was reading my friend's blog (olivebranch)& I saw this nice & wise post , he also found it while he was reading AnaRki13 blog .
if you are interested with wisdom & wise people please share it with us .

(" Well, I am almost 70 years of age, I am a Texan, an American and I am against violence also.
I have first hand experience with violence.
As a child, I was picked on and put upon almost every day because I was small for my age. Growing up I was in many fights, just to try and protect myself, not by choice.
When I was 17 my Dad was killed by a man who was drunk (later was ruled insane)and it killed my mother with grief a year and half later.
I joined the US Army at that time, for valid reasons I thought at that time. I had a few good years of serving in a peace time army. Then came along the famous Viet Nam "Conflict". It was not even a "War". By that time I had a lot of training and had made it to a "Non-Com" rank and was in charge of a squad of soldiers.
We killed in order not to be killed. We didn't kill any women or children or old people, but we saw many killed by our Air Force. Bombing is an equal opportunity killer. It took me many years to get my head straight from that little "conflict". It taught me that violence only brings more violence.
But as long as the world is how it is, violence will be a large part of it, no matter how many hate it.
I won't bore you with my war stories and of my problems or accomplishments. But I do want to give you some truths that I have learned over my long life.
Take them or leave them, your choice.
You have to stand for something or you will amount to nothing.
Being opposed to violence is good, but you must protect yourself and yours from violence however and whenever you must.
You can not protect yourself and yours if you depend just on the "authorities". You must be prepared to do it yourself.
If you want the good things in life, you must be ready and able to pay for them. This does not mean with just money.
If you are faced with problems in your life, depending on others to solve or take care of them will result in you not only still having the problems but thinking less of yourself.
Here is a few other things I've learned:
I've learned that you can get by on charm for about 30 minutes. After that, you'd better know something.
I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do, but to the best you can do.
I've learned that it's not what happens to people that's important. It's what they do and how they react to it.
I've learned that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartaches for life.
I've learned that no matter how you feel about it, there are always two sides to everything.
I've learned that it's taking me a much longer time to become the person I should be, and I'm running out of time.
I've learned that it's a lot easier to react than it is to think, but not a smart thing to do, unless your talking about driving.
I've learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words, It may be the last time you see them.
I've learned that you can keep on going and doing long after you think you can't.
I've learned that we are responsible for what we do, no matter what the circumstances.
I've learned that either you control your attitude or it controls you and if you let it control you, you are going to have big problems.
I've learned that life can be as hard on you as you make it, poor decisions, no planning and a bad attitude will make it that way.
I've learned that heroes are people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I've learned that learning to forgive takes a lot of practice.
I've learned that there are people who love you, but just don't know how to show it.
I've learned that some people will be your friend only as long it is to their benefit.
I've learned that money and material things is a false way of determining self worth.
I've learned that sometimes when I'm angry, I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I've learned that true friendship is very hard to come by and the same goes double for true love.
I've learned that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you.
I've learned that no matter how much I want something, it won't matter to others.
I've learned that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've had.
I've learned that you should never tell a child their dreams are unlikely, few things are more cruel, and how awful it would be if they really believed you.
I've learned that no matter how good a friend you think someone is, the only real way to find out is when you need them.
I've learned that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I've learned that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief or even care.
I've learned that our background and experiences may influence who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I've learned that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other.
I've learned that sometimes you have to put the person ahead of their actions.
I've learned that it takes years to build up trust, and only a little while to destroy it.
I've learned that the more we try to teach our children, the less they seem to learn.
I've learned that you shouldn't always be so eager to find out the truth. It could hurt.
I've learned that the clothes I like best are the ones with the most holes in them.
I've learned that words said in haste and anger hurt everybody and help no one.
I've learned that it's not what you have in your life, but who you have in your life that really counts.
I've learned that two people can look at the exact same situation and see something totally different.
I've learned that people with a little religion are almost more narrow minded than those with a lot.
I've learned that people who don't read and learn will stay ignorant and narrow minded.
I've learned that even if you don't agree with someone, you should listen to their viewpoint.
I've learned that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is love them.
I've learned that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will get hurt and you will hurt also.
I've learned that your life can be changed forever in a matter of minutes by people who don't even know you.
I've learned that even when you think you have no more to give, if your child needs you, you will find a way and means to help. But sometimes helping too much is really a hindrance.
I've learned that prior planning prevents piss poor performance.
I've learned that even with prior planning, unexpected things will always happen.
I've learned that if your going to do something, give it all your effort, do the very best that you can.
I've learned that even if something awful happens to you, you can always learn something from it.
I've learned that sometimes happiness is right in front of you but you can't see it.
I've learned that credentials on the wall doesn't mean they know what the hell they're talking about.
I've learned that the people you care most about in life are always taken away from you too soon.
I've learned that I should have taken better care of myself, but I wasn't smart enough at the time.
I've learned that someone can love you, but not be in love with you.
I've learned that it's hard to to decide between not hurting people and standing up for what you believe is right.
I've learned that the more you love someone, the more you can hurt them.
I've learned that the more you love someone, the more they can hurt you.
I've learned that the more I learn, the more I seem not to know.
Anyway, at your age (I know because, believe it or not, I was your age once), you know everything and ol' folks don't know shit, but I just wanted to pass on some things that I learned the hard way.
Live long and prosper !
This is my post
Papa Ray
West Texas
USA")...
I learned a lot from that post …
Sunshine ….

Wednesday, September 7, 2005

Return to school ....

Hello friends
The new scholastic year will begin next Sunday & I am upset . Sometimes friends in my age from different countries, complain about their schools I can't even understand why? they have beautiful buildings, clean books , good teachers , computers , labs , the best educating program, even stadiums .
And the way to their school are safe they don’t have to worry about that….
Our books are dirty , because they had been used by many many pupils for many years, sometimes I should to write the missing chapters of the books.
The teachers are nervous all the time , the teaching manner is old & bad. I always depend on my self or my parents, to understand the new subjects
We don’t have good computers for the computer class , (we still study basic language ) ,there is lack in every thing ,the blackboards are very old wooden blackboards. We still use gypsum chalk, & it is always very little in amount.
The school, the classes , even the bathrooms are very dirty. & not healthy.
The way to my school is very dangerous , sometimes I can't reach home or school & stay in the street for long time, two, or three hours. In the previous midyear French exam I couldn’t reach school I had to adjourn it. I called the headmistress & told her that I was stuck in the middle of the traffic jam , do you know what she told me ? she wanted me to go to the school walking !!!! , there was a fight & she wanted me to reach school in any possible way , but of course I didn’t .
The driver became angry , & the girls were crying & I didn’t know what would happen , it was very scary situation , but I could control my self , & sat in the car quietly , because I knew if I had panicked or cried that would not help at all . one of the girls saw her father in a nearby car , & I went with her , because her home is near mine.
My mom want to defer this year or change my school to another that is more close to our house, but I refused that , she told me that I will not lose anything , because I don’t have close friends in my school , but my school system don’t allow anyone to come back , after go to another school , & I am confused .
I feel that this bad situation, passively affect my study level, Sometimes I can't concentrate, that happened to me once when I was in my way home & I saw a burned leg in the street , I couldn't study well , & I kept repeating the view with my mind .
A friend of mine (in another school ), says that they usually have one exam per day , while we have two, three, & some times four , every day & a lot of homework .
I start to study as soon as I reach home till bed time continuously , with only two breaks for 15 minutes to have my meals.
I should study so hard to get high marks to stay in this school & if I get 80 percent I should go to other schools , because this school is for smart pupils.
But you see I don’t have time to go out with the family, watch TV, or enough time for the computer.
I promise to write for you when I finish my homework specially in the weekends.
We study Quran , Arabic , English , French , Mathematics, chemistry , physics , science , history , geography , computer , & we have two other subjects but the teachers don't take them seriously , sports & arts . & that is bad . we used to study house economics! , but now it is canceled …
My favorite subjects are science, history & of course English …
I hope that our teachers will treat us with some respect .
And I hope that the girls will obey the school legislations , like wearing ceremonial clothes , or put the trashes in the containers …& stop revenge from the school by throwing the trashes in the class rooms … etc.
I know that we have some boring legislations, but we should obey them , reciprocal respect that what we need in the school…
I hope that this year will pass safely & will be more fun, interesting & informative.
Sunshine …

Sunday, September 4, 2005

Beyond description...

Hello friends ,
I wrote my diary when I was in my trip , & off course I will share it with you my dear friends .
-Tuesday , 12/8/2005
Changes in the plans
Yesterday , my grandpa was talking with the driver about our plans & which places we want to visit first, etc .
First we decided to go to Duhok part , & the summer resorts near it , but the driver said: you went to Duhok last year , why don’t you try Arbeil & the resorts their.
We were hesitant because it is about 3 hours in the car, then we agreed ,
Wednesday , 13/8/2005
7:00 the driver is here , my adventure will begin now Waw .-
-12:00 noon I arrived shaklawa just now , it's gorgeous.
we found a motel just now , we will go to the restaurant at 2:00 after that we will have a nap .
we stopped on some resorts in the way .The view was beyond description as well as my excitement .
-10:00 pm I will tell you now about my little adventure , after we had our lunch , while I was in my way to the car , my father came & said that he saw a falcon in the other casino , I went there with my mom , a guy saw me trying to take photo to the falcon , he helped me to do that & encouraged me , that falcon was his , the guy didn’t know Arabic & I didn’t know Kurdish , so it was a little bit hard to communicate with each other , we used signs language .
After that we went back to the motel & had a nap , then we went to the market , the goods are the same goods as in Mosul , but the difference is their streets are clean & safe , unlike ours . I had fun there , I felt safe to walk in the streets , no one discommoded me. The people there are very polite .
when I came back to the motel I heard music in a garden in front of the motel , & guess what it was a Kurdish wedding , I kept looking at the wedding I was amazed it was my wish to see Kurdish wedding , am I lucky or what ?
In their wedding they were wearing there folklore dresses ,it is characterized by it's refulgent colors , & the Kurds have special kind of dance called ( Dabkah ) , it's their enchorial Dance . It is characterized by the fast rhythmic & regular movements, I like that kind of dances. All The girls & boys were Dancing with their hands bound together , that was amazing .
That evening was gorgeous , the sky was cloudless, the stars were twinkling , & the weather was a little bit cold with very nice waft.

-Thursday,1/9/2005
Today at 7:00 o'clock in the morning I waked up before anyone else.
We had our breakfast in the garden , at 9:00 am we left shaklawa , after one & half hour we arrived Bekhal ,I had never saw view like that , we went to a very small market there & I bought a very nice scarf ,I put it on my hair just like the Kurds. we stayed in Bekhal for two hours , I saw a small waterfall inside the cave , & I wanted to take some photos there after I took the picture I was completely wet , & freezing . The water was sooo cold after that we went to an area called ( Al Een Al Sehreah ) it means the magic eye , it's a cave filled with water , I had a funny story there , I was afraid from that deep cave & the heights, when I went there I was inside the cave standing on the rim, & there was 2 guys standing behind me , one of them challenged the other to jump into the water , one of them agreed, with out thinking I shouted NO don’t do that it is too deep down there , I didn’t know these guys! , my face flushed , then we all laughed .
Our last station was in (Galy Ali Beg ) a very high & gorgeous waterfall , we had our lunch there , at three o'clock , we left (Galy Ali Beg) , & went back to Mosul .
we arrived Mosul at 6:00 pm .
I will never forget this journey. I had fun , that what I needed…
I hope that in the future Kurdistan will become one of the most famous tourist place , & the services become much better ….the nature there is fabulous .
In the motel I made friendships with two girls , they are from Baghdad…I liked them very much we matched together …
You have to visit Kurdistan ( the north of Iraq ), but with hundreds bodyguards Hehehe ….
Sunshine…

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Update...

Hello friends , my grandparents arrived Mosul today , the spend 6 & half hour in the way , they were delayed for 2 hours .
Anyway they are fine .
Tomorrow is the big day , we will debouching at 7:30 am .
I can't wait tomorrow , I feel that the time is getting slower.
Excited Sunshine…

Saturday, August 27, 2005

Good news .....

Wow , the day before yesterday I heard a great news , my grandparent (who live in Baghdad) , will come to Mosul, they didn’t come to Mosul for a year and three months , not only them , they will also be accompanied by my parents' uncle & his wife , & we will all go to spend two days in the north , I am so happy & excited , it will be the first time I sleep in a hotel .
Two days of fun ,that's what I really need , no sound of explosions or shoots , I will see the waterfall again & guess what my grandpa said that we will go to the children city , & stay there till the midnight ,( they don’t have stroll bans) , I will have fun .
My grandpa decided to spend the first day in Dhook , there is a hotel near the children city , & in the next day we will go to the summer resorts , after that we will come back to Mosul .
My grandparent will come to Mosul the day after tomorrow , pray that they will have a safe trip & we will have fun.
I am toooo excited ..
Happy Sunshine….

Thursday, August 25, 2005

I can't change the world ...

Hello friends,
Sometimes I wish I had a lot of money to help the paupers , there is a lot of paupers in the country , I started to get spendable recently ,& sometimes I give It to the cleaner's children in the school , it is a simple money for me but they can bought a meal in that money , it is very nice to see them happy.
There are rich families in Mosul ,they have a lot of money, they don’t know how to spend it , they just show off , & buy their clothes & food from very expensive shops , while there is some shops sell the same things in the half value !! can you imagine that ? . they don’t think or realized that their money could vanish one day , if they didn’t spend it wisely , they don’t think about the poor families , there are some families don’t have money to buy food medicine for their children or new clothes .
You know that my mother's work in the village , every day she talk about her work & what happen there, the people in the village are so poor they don’t have even rug to sit on , once my mom told me that a women came to the hospital , & she didn’t have money to the hospitalization it is about 30 cents , she was in pain, so my mom pay for her hospitalization, when the doctors saw that they told my mom not to do that again !!! , because all the people in the village are paupers &may be they will came every day to the hospital to get a free hospitalization!!!!.
They told her not to sympathetic with them , are they heartless or what ? , can anyone see a person in pain & don’t have money for cue & don’t help him ? no , even if this person was enemy .
Yesterday my mom told me that another woman came to my mom & she was casualty in anemia , & she was faint , & she swooned , my mom took care of her , & asked the woman to drink some thing sweet , she told her that she don’t have money the Pepsi vial about 9 cents , off course my mom bought her Pepsi , & asked the driver of the succoring car to scrip her to her home , because she couldn’t walk, but he denied .why? this car is public he don’t have the validity to refuse that .
if the doctors don’t want to cure the paupers , they should tell them that attentively .
I anguished when I hear stories like these , my mom always told me that I can't change the world , there is a lot of people how don’t care about others , I can't fix every thing there is a lot of depravity in the world , she is right . I can't, but I can do something help these people.
In the orphan's asylum the condition is very bad & deplorable , the children there are in such seamy place , my grandma used to go to the orphan's asylum every year before the (eed) fiesta to get their size to bring them new clothes for eed , last year when she came back I saw her crying , I asked her for the reason , she told me that they don’t have heater & the weather was so cold , they don’t have healthy food , they don’t have even toys to play , no one care about these few girls & boys , in the next day we went to the market & bring them whet they need , they were so happy to have new & beautiful clothes , we don’t give the money to the administrative , because they don’t bring the children what they need , & bought heaters , healthy food , fans , clothes , or toys , they take the money & don’t spend it on the children , so my grandma used to go & buy these thing herself to make sure this money spent on these children ,these children don’t have parents & that make them sad & lonely , but if we bring them what they need they will be happy & forget there loneliness & may be in the future they will be doctors , engineers , teachers , may be.
After all of that , I hope I didn’t upset you .
Sunshine…

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Monday, August 22, 2005

Why did he do that ?...

Hello friends ,
The day before yesterday at 11 o'clock in the morning we saw some panzers & soldiers in front of our house . We knew that there is inspection , I arranged my room & kept repeating welcoming sentences with my self & then they left without checking our house .
Anyway , in the afternoon we were about to leave to visit a nearby relative house , but we saw the road closed by the American forces, we knew there is another inspection .
My mom opened the doors ,the family kept waiting, but this time I kept watching TV , & I was not sure that they will choose our house for inspection.
I was in the living room , when I heard the bell , & my father was talking with someone in English , I said FINALY .
They asked my Parents if we have gun & they were surprised when they knew that we don’t .. & surprised more when they saw me talking English fluently. . It was the first time I speak with some one in English.
My mother was a little bit uncomfortable in the beginning , but the soldiers were nice with us, except one ,he was rude, he crushed the TV remote control , squeezed a tube of gel on the ground & on the bed cover & sheets.
He also powdered two bottles of Baby powder on my mother clothes in side her closet & on the bed cover, that was unseemly deportment. He did that while he was searching my parents room alone.
The other soldiers didn’t break anything . however we were expecting the worst & more losses . .We heard that some houses were damaged , so we were afraid that could happen to us .
I believed that if we cooperate with them & welcome them, they will check our house with more graciousness.
Every time I hear people saying that the soldiers broke this & did that , I would say: come on they are targets all the time , they expect attacks in every minute , certainly they will be nervous.
But if they see a co-operative family they will be nice!!!!.
Give me a reason i am confused...
Sunshine...

Friday, August 19, 2005

My Asthma & the pollution...

I have asthma since I was four, as you now the weather in Iraq is very hot & the humidity is very high , & there is another reason that makes it difficult to breath ,it's the pollution.
The causes behind that are so many like the old cars , & the large no of cars that entered the country after the collapse of the X- regime, & that is because of the absence of authority on the ambit , & there is no excises nor customhouses , you can see the fume & smell it.
We shouldn't forget about the harm of explosion's & incinerating the garbage. In addition to the garbage spread in the streets. Burning the garbage, is very common here , because of the lack of the municipality services.
So many times I had to call my mom from my school to bring me the respiratory machine(Nebulizer Compressor Unit) ! The inhaler, now is no more of benefit. once my teacher saw my condition, she brought me a new type of bronchodilator drug , from England . Since I had started to take these new inhalers , I became much better .I could run & walk, even ascending the stairs easily .
But since last month my breathing started to get worse again , because the Inhalers were Emptied .we tried to find that kind of inhaler in Mosul , Baghdad , Dubai, & Jordan but unfortunately we couldn’t find them.
In the hospital there is a lot of announcements admonishing from smoking, but no one observes even the doctors. I had to go to the hospital for several times. I was so amazed from the doctor attitude he was smoking in the emergency room!
The hospital is very dirty &the medical care is so bad .
I went to the north of Iraq 3 times & I found a huge difference between here & there. There you can feel the pure cold air .
Oh, how can I forget the generator's fume, the generators in Iraq are very old & it expels a lot of dark fume . That is a very important & one of the basic reasons of pollution..
One of the bad days I had was when the factory of brimstone was burned in Mosul in 2003 , it's name is ( Al-Meshraque factory ) , that was a disaster , I was in the sixth class primary school , & I was in my way to the final exam on that day , my family worried about me, from another attack of asthma. it was a tough day , but the attack wasn't so bad & I didn't need hospitalization. Even the plants were badly affected by that fire. ,even in our garden many fruitful trees died.
These are additional things that make the life in Iraq very hard, spatially if you were asthmatic......
stay safe & enjoy your healthy environment ....
Sunshine....





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Monday, August 15, 2005

Tourists, you are so lucky...

Hello friends , nice to write for you a gain after a long time of absence .
I noticed that many families are traveling for touring , to Syria , Jordan , Lebanon, Turkey , Egypt, etc . I had never traveled to anywhere , but I think it is very nice to see how the people live , their habitudes , & their culture . it is very nice to show them how we live, & give them a lovely impression about us.
My father's cousin ,( she is in my age) went to Syria, Jordan & Egypt last summer holiday . when she came back I was so excited to know the important places & their cultures. she told me that she took a lot of photos , anyway when I saw them I was amazed ( only her pictures were apparent in the photos) I wanted to see the pyramids for example , the sea , but not her face or clothes !!! .
My mom had traveled with her family when she was a child to the Denmark & Germany, & she always tell me about her father's trips . & how my grandparents traveled round the world .At least I am lucky to have someone briefing me about the other countries…
In every time I see a report , a show or read a book about a country , I become more excited & more resolved to travel.
Last year we went to the northern part of Iraq .I had fun.
It was the first time I see the waterfall , that was so beautiful , I liked the sound of the waterfall , in a very quiet nature .
Although it took us only 35 minutes to arrive Duhook , but my father don’t like journeys , I only went there 3 times !! every time I ask him to go to a picnic in the holidays, he become angry & refuse . I can't persuade him , all what can I do is to hope that one day I can travel round the world !.
Enjoy your life …..
Sunshine ….

Friday, August 5, 2005

Wasn't fun ....

Last Sunday we went to our relative’s house, I was sooo excited because I didn’t see them since a year and a half, yes, year and half.!!!
Anyway, that day was like (eed) festivity, I wore my best clothes & got ready before my family (I told you I was so excited!).
We persuaded my grandma to come with us, she kept praying all way long.
Previously, women used to talk about the kids, the housework, fashion & shopping. While men talk about politic subjects, their work & cars. I get bored with both. However, that was in the past, now men & women talk about the bad situation, their bad scary experiences& their losses.
All the talk was about who was killed & who was abducted …….
When the host said listen to this story about D. family, one of the guests said:
-oh, my God.
-Do you know this story?
- No.
-why did you say oh my god? It could be something good.
- I don’t know.
That was the only funny story we laughed at.
You can see the people now, expect bad things all the time, & they became pessimist.
When I reached home, I said to my grandpa, now I know every one who was killed & abducted.
Moreover, I said to my mom, that staying home is more fun.
However, it’s important to see people, even if the talk was prosaic (so baffler)!
Yesterday we went to another relative’s house, they have a graduation occasion. H. (the daughter who graduated) became a pharmacist. I wish that her father were still a live, to share her her success & happiness. The terrorists murdered her father few months ago.(I know I know you want to hear the whole story ).
My mom will write about that…...
Keep waiting her post…
Sunshine…

Sunshine made a mistake again ...

I made a tiny mistake again, I wrote shear instead of share.
Of course I want you to Share it & not to shear it(cut)…..
Remember the old say (He who makes no mistakes makes nothing) …
This picture became the background of my computer.Thank you sender.
Enjoy it...
Sunshine….

Thursday, August 4, 2005

Never ever give up !

On of my blog readers sent me this picture, with very nice & supportive words…
Let us shear it together …
Sunshine…

Wednesday, August 3, 2005

Be yourself ...

In the last few months, I noticed a very big difference in my interests even in my personality. The things I was interested in , now I consider it petty , & sometimes I wonder why I considered these things very important, &wonder who was that girl?! . I was so interested about the singers’ news (the Insider), their interviews & the way they dress. I hated the reports programs & the shows I mentioned in my previous post, now I watch two reports every day! I couldn’t imagine that one day I will watch reports, never.
Why was that? Because that was not me, I was trying to be like the girls, to emulate them. I was trying to get friends, but I did not. My
Mother kept telling me to be who I am . I realized what she was talking about when I saw Simon in American Idol , ( but I am not trying to be like Simon , I am more affectionate & friendly with people ). He was different ,& he didn’t mind that .
Last year my mom bought a CD for Julio, when I heard the first song, I wondered if she really likes that kind of singing. Now I listen to Julio all day! Now he is my favorite singer. ! (Sorry Julio)
When I talk with the girls in my age, I feel like I am a stranger among them. But I also feel that I know who I am , & what I really want , & I don’t want to echoing other people anymore.
Now I don’t feel shame or regret about that, I think it is ok to make mistakes, but I feel proud about who I am know.
Be yourself…
Sunshine…

Finally, we finished it...

Finally, we finished the curtain. We will hang it under the stairs , do you like it ? .

Women in my country...

Iraqi women:
I will not pretend that our women are as free as women in America, western countries, & in other foreign countries. In fact they are of different factions, I suggest to divide these factions into three :
-Let me start with the best faction, the highly educated women:
They have collegiate attestations; this faction consists of two levels, --*level one. They’re doctors, engineers, pharmacists, and those have PHD in different specialties.
* Level two, They also have collegiate attestations, they graduated from the scientific or literary collages.
Those educated women form a good ratio; I can’t give numbers because I don’t have statistics. But I know they are many, because most families we know their women are collegians. And ignoring this faction is unfair.
-The second faction:
Women finished their high school education, or at least primary education. They are either working women or not.
The third faction:
Women didn’t go to school, (illiterates) some of them are land girls, charwomen, mendicants, etc or stayed home. Most of them are in the villages, although some of them live in the cities.
The backwardness increased in Iraq after the gulf war, due to the neediness .And that was among girls & boys .Specially after the economical sanctions, many poor children stopped attending schools, although they get free education, some of them had to work & sustain their families, others stayed at home to save the other costs like, stationeries, clothes, bags, shoes….etc.
That was about education &women in my country.
Let me tell you about women independency &liberty in declaring their opinions &deciding their life style with respect to our traditions, ethics& religion. I see that people from different countries misjudge that. They are exaggerating about that too.
For example, my grandmothers have strong personality, and I think they are a little bit bossy. They had their own jobs, (now they are retired), they always discuss life matters, with friends, neighbors, family members and relatives. They always have their own opinions even about the politics.Specialy know a days, when my grandparents & Dad, discuss the Constitution, I can tell you my grandma is the most enthusiastic one among them during the discussion.
Discussions. She follows the news channels, & read the newspapers. She can lead any discussion so easily.
I don’t want to generalize any of these factions, but to have them all in our society is a fact.
You deserve to know the truth…
Sunshine…

Monday, August 1, 2005

Surprise..

Surprise, Surprise, after a long long time, my aunt Rose started to post again.
Enjoy reading her blog, but don’t forget Sunshine & Mama.
Happy Sunshine...

Sunday, July 31, 2005

English Language...

I noticed that many readers wander about my English language! Is my English that good??? , Mr. Ramzi for example, sent me a nice comment, (thank you Mr. Ramzi),:
Hey sunshine,I've just started reading your old blogs. I've been reading your relatives blogs and I enjoy reading all about your family. But I have to ask you a question. You're vocabulary is abnormally advanced. English is my first language and I would never use some of the words you do. Did you learn these words in class or do you look them up in a thesaurus?
Ramzi…

Well, in Iraq pupils start to take English lessons from the fifth class in primary school. However, my background in English comes from my family support, we believe that English is a universal language, & it’s the way to contact with people, in the other countries
They brought me a computer since I was 8 years old (it’s rare in Iraq), my mom brought me programs to improve my English.
When I was in the sixth class primary school, my grandma brought me a book (365 Bed Time stories), & that helped me to learn more words.
Now a day I am reading a novel for Shakespeare, (Oliver twist).
I am interested in seeing reports & programs in English,(48 Hours,60 minutes,20/20,Inside edition, 24 hours ,& Oprah) .I keep asking my mother
About the meanings of the new words, (I was always the anxious, nosy little girl).
That’s why I don’t face any difficulty in scholastic curriculum.
I will tell you my secret, I also use a dictionary to help me find the proper words while writing my blog’s post (shshshsh, keep my little secret).
With out the English language I wouldn’t have you my dear friends.
Tack care of your English background …
Sunshine…

Saturday, July 30, 2005

Welcome Mama...

I like to hail a very warm welcome to a new writer (mama); she started to bloging last week. & I have a surprise she is my mother, I talked about her in some of my posts & how she always support me.
Mama you are a gorgeous mother. Welcome to the blog world I hope you will enjoy it, as I do.
See mama’s blog you will absolutely like it…
Sunshine …

Friday, July 29, 2005

To my dear readers...

When I created my blog, I was afraid that my blog would not attract readers. But then since, I made many friendships from different countries, as well as from Iraq. When I write a post, I can’t wait to read the comments. However, the internet services in Iraq are terrible, sometimes I wait 2 or 3 hours to have an internet connection or even for several days. In addition to the lack in electricity. now I am more enlightened about the life in the other countries.
To you my dear readers and friends ,I want to say:
Jack Bennett : thanks a lot for your kindness , it is a great honor to me to receive comments from you , & to have you among my readers .
Maddog: Thanks a lot, for your kindness& beautiful words. Your comments are supportive; you make me feel that I am special. Once You wrote me a comment, (about my relationship with my family in the post relationships), it expressed your care. I am so lucky to know you .
Madcanuck: you were supportive from the beginning & you are still the most special, reader& friend. You are still the only friend I made chat with. You are always there when I need help, advice or support, thanks a lot.
Kim, you are assiduous reader, thank you for your strong comments.
Aunt Najma: I consider you as my blog teacher. you are my model, you deserve all the success.
Brain H: you always give me the impulse to write. I always look forward to your comments. You are so special.
Dancwater: where are you dear reader? I miss your delightful words.
To all the readers, you are so many , thank you all for your precious time , that you spend on reading the post , & writing your lovely comments , either you agree or disagree with my thoughts , keep it that way .
Thank you all ….
Sunshine …