Surviving Lockdown

In this current year 2020, a new virus has emerged globally, called COV 19. Now, people are staying indoors and reducing contact with other people, and only going out for walks, and shopping for essentials. In this blog post, I am going to talk about what I have learned during this pandemic, what I have discovered, skills I have learned and developed, things I have missed and things I do not miss, and what my  future goals are after lockdown ends.

What I have learned so far,  is how to manage my time effectively, save money, as so far, before lockdown I used to spend so much money on unnecessary materials  such as coffee, lunches, etc, and only use it for essential purposes, such as grocery, and charity. I have also learned how to be patient during difficult times, especially if some items are out of stock, such as toilet paper, wipes, and how to deal with network issues, since during this current situation, there is more demand for internet, and technical issues can arise, so we need to learn how to cope with it. I have also learned how to resolve conflicts with my household members, especially when I  share a room with one of them, as privacy can be a concern when it comes to working spaces, so my sister and I have decided to do our work separately, and not disturb each other unless necessary. I have learned how to deal with stress, by being assertive, and expressing my needs but at the same time understanding other people's perspectives.
What I have discovered so far, is other social media networks that I never knew existed before lockdown, such as Zoom, where I can communicate with my family members, and friends. My sister so far, have discovered baking, and has made cakes, such as orange cupcakes, and muffins with cooked fruits. I have also started to become fit, by doing exercises online, with my sisters, which I never did before.  During the first weeks of lockdown, I found it difficult to adjust, and was worried about how I was going to manage with my college assignments, but so far, I have completed my HND degree in Business, as most of the time my classmates and I were studying independently. I used my time, to listen to Islamic lectures about Akhlaq and other Islamic ethics that could be beneficial in life, and reflect on myself, by identifying my strengths and weaknesses. I am also studying Persian, by revising key terms and phrases, which can be useful, as my main goal is to communicate effectively in Persian in Iran, if we go and with my friends.

The things that I have missed, is going out to restaurants, and working in coffee shops and libraries, and commuting by train by reading  a good book, and visiting my relatives, especially my 2 year old niece. During the first two months, we did not see each other in person, only through Skype and Whatsapp, but after Ramadan, we took a walk to her house, and my sister, and niece come over but not as often as before. What I do not miss, is waking up extra early to get ready for college, and large gatherings. When waking up extra early, I have to resist the temptation to hit the snooze button, and wait for the train to come, especially if there is a delay. With large gatherings, as much as I like interacting with my cousins, too much stimulation can be stressful.

My goals after lockdown, is be more fit, by going for a walk during my breaks in University, doing morning exercises, such as stretches at home, and attending fitness classes. I want to be more independent both emotionally and finally, by making a budget plan, and sticking to it, by eating out once a week or once a month, and for coffee once every other week, or once or twice a month. I might consider volunteering or applying for a part-time job in a library for work experience during the days I am not going to university, to develop my skills for my career in the library industry.

Next Post: Ramadan During Lockdown

Home Alone: my story

Most of you have seen a Home Alone movie where a boy named Kevin Mcallister gets accidentally left behind at home when his family goes to Paris. He defends his home from two burglars who attempt to break into his home. Now I'm going to tell you my story if I was in this boy's position. The  story would take place in London, instead of Chicago. 

Summary: I get left home alone because my dad is away on business, my mum and my sisters are out of town to see my uncle and his family. I'm left at home alone because I have homework to do and have to deal with two burglars who attempt to break into my house. 

 

Now my story begins. I'm sitting in my room which  I share with my eldest sister Khamael. She enters. 

"What are you doing?''she asked.

Nothing,''I replied, closing my laptop.

''Don't you have homework to catch up on?''

''Well yeah, I do but it is not due till Monday, so I'm taking a break now.''

''Oh okay. By the way, Mama,Ghadeer and I are going to Surrey to visit Uncle Hasan and his family, want to come?''

''Sorry can't, I've got lots of homework to do.''

''It's okay, I understand. I'm glad that you are using your time efficiently, Huda. But are you sure you will be fine by yourself?''

"Don't worry, I'll be fine, I know what to do.'' 

Khamael smiled and hugged me and went to tell Mama what I told her. 

''I'm worried about Huda. It's not that I don't trust her,'' I heared Mama say, ''it's just that we might live in a not so safe neighbourhood in Notting Hills. I'm worried something bad might happen to Huda.''

Don't worry Mama,'' Ghadeer said,''Huda will be fine, she's very brave.'' 

I smiled at what Ghadeer said. Mama, Khamael and Ghadeer got ready to leave. Mama gave me safety rules such as not answering the phone and door to strangers and calling them if I needed anything or if anything happens. 

I waved them goodbye and went to my room and did my homework.

The next hour after I finished my Maths homework I decided to go make myself some chocolate milkshake when suddenly I heard a noise. 

What was that?I wondered. I decided that it wouldn't hurt to go investigate a bit so I decided to peak through the curtains. I gasped. I saw two men with crowbars. One was short and bald and the other was tall and blond. They were going to break into our house. 

''Which way do we go?''asked the blond guy.

''Through the back door.''

I ran quietly to my room, hid in my closet and put a Hijab on my head in case those guys make it into to my room. 

''I've heard that this family is Muslim. Most muslims are loaded.'' the short guy said. 

''Really, Harry, they're muslim. I've never met a muslim in my life.''

''Look, Mark, who cares let's just rob this house and get out of here.''

Oh no, they know about our religion. I thought about what I heard of them say. I recognise one of them, the short guy named Harry. He was the the police officer who checked into our house last night, he was talking to Mama about our security system. I shouldn've known this was going to happen. I took out my cell phone and and called 999. I told the operator everything about what happened. How the burglars looked like, where I am now, our address and the burglar's names. I kept on line, so if Harry and Mark make it into my room, find me and threaten me, the police will hear what is going on. 

''There is a muslim girl named Huda in this room. They've left her home alone because she has homework to do.'' Harry said.Oh no, they know that I am home alone. I'm screwed now. 

An idea struck me. I took out a pocket knife from the closet. 

The door burst open.

''Aha, there she is, she is wearing a head scarf.''

I stabbed them with the knife . Then the police arrived and arrested the criminals. 

Mama called, Khamael, Ghadeer, and even Uncle Hasan and his family called. They've heard about what I have done. The police told them everything. They told me how brave I was and that they were proud of me. Enough said. 

I

If Reva Dalby, the Silent Night character was real

Imagine if Reva Dalby in the book called Silent Night by R.l Stine was real. She is the richest girl in Shadyside. Her dad owns a hundred department stores and her mother died in a plane or car accident, whatever it was I forgot. Would she be your friend or enemy? She would be my enemy because I hate her, she would be jealous of me because I would beat her in every class and also I would refuse her offer of friendship just like Harry did to Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter.

We would meet in a shop called Debenhams. This is how our meeting would turn out:
Reva: Hi
Me: Hi
Reva: What's your name?
Me: Huda
Reva: I'm Reva, by the way where does your father work?
Me: Sorry?
Reva: Where does your father work?
Me: He works as an engineer.
Reva: Yes, I meant where? Does he own a department store just like my father does?
Me: That is really not your concern.
Reva: I was just asking. What is wrong with that?
Me: I really appreciate it if you don't ask personal questions.
Reva: ok
Reva: Where are your parents?
Me: They are here in the men's section. What about yours?
Reva:None of your business
Me: Sorry
Reva:  My mother died in a plane crash, my father is working in a department store called Dalby's. They made a branch here in Dubai. I get to work in a perfume counter. It's so boring. Annoying customers come up to me asking for help. Why don't they ask someone else, can't they see I'm busy? My supervisor is also annoying, she keeps on lecturing me on how to behave. She's my supervisor not my boss or my mum. I also put a black dot on my nail just to annoy her. Want to see? ( shows me her nails)
Me: (makes a disgusted look)
Reva: Why are you wearing that scarf, are you cold?
Me: No
Reva: Who are you dating or are you single?
Me: WHAT?
Reva: I asked who are you dating? What's wrong with asking questions, huh?
Me: I really appreciate it if you didn't ask such questions. Goodbye(leaves)
Mama: What's wrong?
Me: I just had a bad encounter with a girl  named Reva. She was asking rude questions.
Mama: Don't let her get to you sweetie
Me: I just hope she doesn't go to the same school that I go to. I just had enough.

The next day much to my irritation, she would go to the same school that I would go to. We would become enemies. She would spread rumors about me but most people wouldn't believe it anyway. I would ignore her insults pretending they didn't bother me but they would. I would go home crying to my parents about it. They would come to the school and talk to the teachers. They would hate her just as much as I do. I mean she would always come to class late and talk back to the teachers. They would try talking to her dad who tells her that he hopes that her attitude would change. He wouldn't even scold her. I mean he always spoils her and does whatever she wants. And thats how it would be like if Reva Dalby was real.

Being Home alone

Whatever the reason might be, sometimes you find yourself home alone with nobody to keep you company and nothing to keep you occupied. You're probably home alone if you are reading this right now. The advantages of staying home alone is that you have the house to yourself, you can do anything you want without your family breathing down your neck. When you are home alone, it is a good time to do your homework because there is no distractions. It is a good time to daydream because nobody can interrupt you. The disadvantages are is that you might be  bored, lonely and scared because there is nobody with you. For example, your parents have to go to a business meeting, they have no choice but to leave you home alone. So what do you do? Show them that you are mature and responsible by doing your homework, doing chores, not answering the phone to anyone except them, not answering the door to strangers and not throwing a party. If you follow the house rules, then your parents will let you stay home alone more often. Use good time managment skills when you are home alone. In other words, always keep yourself busy and never waste that free time. If you want to daydream or wander around the house then only do it for 5-10 minutes. If you see someone suspicious outside your house or hear suspicious noises, call your parents. Don't investigate suspicious noises on your own. Stay inside your building, never leave your house without your parents' permission. Don't let anyone know that you are home alone except your friends and family, especially on your facebook status. In an emergency, always call your parents, if it is something very serious, call 999 or 911. The good things about being home alone is that the house is going to be quiet and you can do anything without anyone interrupting you. The problems are is that you might feel lonely, bored or scared. You have to also stay safe.

The Imaginary Twin

I have an imaginary twin sister called Nada. Imagine if I really had a twin. I'd be the older twin while Nada will be the younger twin. We would be much alike by our looks but different in our personalities. The things that we would have in common would be: we would both like spicy food, love Harry Potter, love Dolma and hate shopping. The only thing  different we have is that I'm a shy, quiet, clever, organised, studious, loves writing,loves reading, is hardworking and well behaved. Nada is quite the opposite. She's outgoing, stubborn, sporty, lazy, disorganised and a troublemaker. I'm the kind of bossy twin  while she is the stubborn and immature one. I love my twin sister but the one thing I don't like about her is that when I nag her and tell her to do her homework she refuses to listen to me and tells me that I act like my mum, which is true. In school, I'm the nerd and she is the prankster. The one thing that we fight about most is  homework and  about Nada playing pranks and acting immature. When I threaten to tell on her, she calls me a tattletale. We both share a room and that is the one thing that I dislike the most. We have most of our fights there because she bothers me while I am trying to do my homework or when I am trying to sleep. Her snores are so annoying that I have to put on earplugs. We once had a fight when we were both getting changed. She put her clothes on my bed! But the things that I like about her is that she is a fun person to be  around with, she's friendly and generous. We chat about different kinds of things before we go to sleep or when we are left home alone with nothing else to do. We sometimes stay up at night and have our own sleepovers by watching a movie together, eating popcorns, playing games or chatting about random stuff.
I really love my twin sister and she is funny and cute according to my friends but she is annoying, lazy, stubborn, and always gets in trouble.

Being an only child

Imagine being an only child without any brothers and sisters. Some people feel lonely and some people are just glad that they are the only child because they have heard from others that they have annoying siblings.
I have two older sisters that are like best friends to me. They give me love and attention and they actually care about me.  They understand when I am happy, sad, anxious and angry. I'm just glad I have these two wonderful sisters in my life. Imagine if I didn't have them in my life. I would be lonely and sad but I will still have my parents who are also loving to me. Since I am sharing a room with my eldest sister I would have my own room and I would be sleeping in my other sister's room and the room that I share with my sister, Khamael would be a library and the mattress where we sit on would be the reading corner. The bed that I share with my sister wouldn't exist since I sleep in the other bed that my other sister, Ghadeer is currently sleeping on. My life would be different if my sisters, Khamael and Ghadeer didn't exist.

The 6 Most Important Decisions you'll ever Make Review

Yesterday I watched an audio about the 6 most important decisions you'll ever make. It taught me a lot on how to deal with life, how to make smart choices and how to work hard in school. There are also some 7 Habits of Highly Effective people included there. My favourite part was about how to build up a good relationship with your parents. It's all about how to respect your parents, how to help them out and how to understand them. I've also learnt about how to treat people the kind with kindness and also the unkind with kindness. You should also treat the mean people with kindness because by being kind to them you'll make them feel bad about treating you unfriendly. Another important thing is managing your time. Spend less time on the computer, television and iphone. I think that you should manage your time by doing a timetable on what you are going to do each time. For e.g. 10:30 Do homework, 11:00 Read  4:00 Bedtime.
That way you won't find yourself daydreaming on what you are going to do. I think the best time to do it is before you sleep so the next day you have already planned the night before what you are going to do.
Another important thing is teamwork. Some teams make smart choices and some teams make dumb choices. If you make smart choices you win. If you make dumb choices you lose. It's all about making your team work hard.

You  should also work hard in school. The grades you get depends on how hard you work. If you want to get good grades, you should focus on the subject you are doing instead of just being absent-minded and thinking about other things. That way, you'll understand what you need to do.
If you want to find out more about this please listen to the audio online.

The Good values about friendship

Speaking from my past experience it is very difficult to find good friends. Some friends are shy and not really the social type so you should make their life easy by helping them improve their social skills. That's why friendship is the most important thing in our lives.

Not all people are good so you should be careful on who to make friends with. The good thing about friendship is that you are not always alone. You feel like you have someone who cares about you. Another good thing is that when you get to know more about them you get to the interesting part where they talk about their home life you feel like you want to know how they act at home. The bad things that affect them is that they sometimes don't trust you. They can sometimes also break promises. For example, you have a secret diary and your friends find out. They start reading it and tell everyone your secrets. You feel like you don't trust them anymore. That's the bad value about friendship.

I have a few close friends and they actually care about me. I feel like I have someone I trust. We never ever fight. Whenever I have a big secret that I don't want to share with everyone I feel like if I tell them they won't understand and I'll lose trust with them. But always when I have a problem I always tell them about it. I feel much better after I tell them because my problems are going to be solved and I don't have to deal with them anymore.

Sometimes things go wrong in friendships. We sometimes have some childish arguments. And sometimes they're not very good because there's something going on that they're not telling you and they lie to you about it. Sometimes problems are not always solved. It's like in marriage and divorce. There are also some problems that occur in friendship. Maybe some of them are bad so you can't hang out with them anymore and maybe some I don't know have problems and that you can't be together anymore so you have to break up. When you lose friends now you feel lonely and don't have anyone but your family. So that's why it is difficult to find good friendship.

Good friends don't always have to be the same age as you. My sisters are not just my sisters but also my friends. Even my cousins I feel like I'm close to them. Some people lose contact with their friends as they grow older which is a sad way to lose a good friend.

I think friendship is the most important thing in life because if you have no friends you have no happiness and you'll not trust anyone but yourself.

Matilda Film Review

This is a review about a film called Matilda. It's for kids and young adults  to watch. This film teaches children to be more educated. It also teaches us good lessons to not neglect our children. This film is about Matilda Wormwood an intelligent child and bookworm. She lives with her wicked parents Harry and Zinnia Wormwood. This film is based on the book by Roald Dahl and directed by Danny Devito.

Matilda Wormwood(Mara Wilson) an intelligent child lives with her mean parents and bully brother(Danny Devito, Rhea Perlman and Brian Levinson). They think Matilda is an old hag who should watch more tv and read fewer books. Her parents send her to Crunchumhall Primary school where she has a lovely teacher called Miss Honey(Embeth Davidz) and cruel headmistress on earth(Pam Ferris). Matilda begins to discover that she has telekinetic powers.

This film was amazing. The performance was good. But I think some of the actors need to improve a little bit. The director was the same person that acted out the role of Harry Wormwood. It's just impossible that the the director can't direct and act at the same time. And the actress that played Miss Honey was good. I mean in the book she was wearing glasses all the time but in the film she only wore glasses when she read.

I think the fim was amazing you should either watch it online or on dvd. There are dvds available now in the stores and libraries.

My Birthday

I just turned 15 and I had a wonderful birthday. I ate pancakes for breakfast. I did book shopping. I went to the borders bookshop in Deira City Centre. Before I went book shopping I went on goodreads.com and went to the to-read section and chose as many books as I wanted. There was some I was dying to read for ages. I only found one book which was 'shopaholic ties the knot'. I couldn't find the others. I asked the shop owner about it he searched everywhere and he said that they don't sell these books. Oh yeah, I haven't told you about the treasure hunt yet. I woke up and I found notes from my bed to the fridge on the cupcake container. That was bad news that I didn't find the other books. But anyway I was happy that I bought two new dresses, one from 'max' and one from 'Next'. We went to a cafe in Sahara centre. Sorry I don't remember exactly which cafe we went. We had fun anyways. I went on facebook and 14 people who is my friend on facebook wrote on my facebook timeline wishing me a happy birthday. I wrote them a reply of thanks.

Eid

Eid is a day where muslims celebrate after Ramadan ends or even during Hajj. They're called Eid-il-Fitr and Eid-il-Hajj. It is Haram to fast in  these days. It is also the times where we spend time with our families and friends. If you get a present for anybody like clothes, shoes or anything it is Mustahab to wear or use them in Eid. Eid is a time where we get together  and pray salatul Eid together with our family. It is a time of blessing. All your prayers are answered.

Music and its Effect

Why is music Haram. Because if you go to parties that have loud music or discos you begin to lose control of  
your nafs and forget Allah. We all want to know which music is Halaal and Haraam. Now let me just give you an example. If your friend invites you to his or her you're not sure if you're going or not because it has something to do with music. Well ask your parents if you could go. Just give them time to think about it. You're definitely sure that they're going to say no if your friend's party has some loud music and alcohol. It's not just about music it's also about singing and dancing with the music. If your parents finds out that the music
is Haraam then that's a definitely a no. You're not going to sit there not joining the dancing and singing club with your friends and sit there just eat and do nothing about it. You're going to sit relaxed at home. I'm not joking really. It is Haraam to go to your friend's parties even if you're not going to dance and sing with your friends. If you friend forced you to come than argue with him or her and say no. Your parents forbidded you to go and you've got nothing to do about it.

Background music is some type of music they use in different scenes of each movie. It does not mean that listening to music in the background, i.e. leaving it on while you do your homework, or lowering the volume so that you can have a conversion in the background, whether in a car, a restaurant or at home. This type is music is Haraam and should be avoided.

Classical music is some soft soothing music that you can listen to when you are angry, sad, scared or having trouble going to sleep. Well get cracking. Just go and search on google and choose a classical music that you want to listen to if you are in this mood just to calm you down.

Ramadan

Ramadan is the nineth month of the Islamic calendar. It's also the holy month that we fast in, read quran and dua and other things too. We always do a Ramadan table every year so we can do good deeds and erase the bad ones that we did. Some people just do good deeds but then after Ramadan and in Eid they start making trouble and ruining everything. We wouldn't want to do that. Here are the list of things that we should  
do or not do that most of us have in our Ramadan table: 

1. Always fast starting from dawn till sunset.
   
2. Be polite to others, especially to family and friends. 
3. Behave yourselves, don't cause so much trouble especially if you're a troublemaker. 
4. Control your anger. 
5. Be honest, don't tell lies 
6. Don't backbite about anyone. 
7. Read one jusu quran each day. 
8. Do wudhoo before going to sleep 
9. Pray on time
10. Learn stuff about Islam 
11. Don't watch or listen to anything that is Haram. 
12. Pray salatul Layl before going to sleep. 
13. Read duas 
14. Use your spare time properly 
15. Don't watch too much tv or spend more than two hours on the computer. 

The Invisibles

I woke up and I found out my whole body was gone. I tried to scream a sound came out. I couldn't believe it! What if my family are looking for me and they find out I'm indiscernible. If my voice is heard and they can't see where I am they'd feel scared and abscond.

But at least I could see something and hear everyone. I didn't know what to do. I saw a portrayal of myself so I remembered my body and began to cry. Suddenly I heard a scream. What was that?
It was my sister Khamael.
''Oh no, what happened to my little sister?''
''I'm here, I can't see myself either,'' I answered.
''Huda, where are you?'' I didn't know what was going on. Maybe something demonic might have happened to my body. Some devil might have cut my body off. Khamael ran and told mama and Ghadeer about what happened to my body.
''Mama, come to our bedroom now, I can hear Huda's voice but I can't see her anywhere!'' Khamael exclamined.
''What on earth is going on here?'' Baba asked. He was in his and Mama's room working on his computer.
''Huda has just vanished, we can hear her but we can't see her anywhere,'' Mama replied.
I cleared my throat and began to speak.
''Look everyone, I woke up and I also found out my body was gone. I can see and hear you. I saw a picture of myself, I wanted to cry so I did.''
Mama cried, Khamael cried, Ghadeer cried and even I cried. Baba wasn't crying but he looked like he was going to.

At night we went to the jam3a at Khalo's house. Everyone got dressed except me because my body was gone. My wardrobe fell open. My clothes were gone. I didn't take any of my clothes. I was wondering who it was. Only my perfume, books, glasses, bags and shoes were tangible. We all got to Khalo's house. Everyone was there on time. Khalo Hasan had noticed I was invisible. Everyone started noticing too.
So they asked about me.
''I'm here everyone, hello,'' I said.
''Oh no, where is she?''  they asked.
''Look, my daughter had woken up this morning and found out her body was gone. We can hear her but we can't see her anywhere,'' Mama answered.
''Poor Huda,'' Julan said sadily.
''How did she wake up like that?'' Khala Zainab asked.
''I don't know, I have no who took my sister's body,'' Ghadeer said.  They all started crying, even Zanooba cried, the cute little baby girl.
Everyone went to the table to eat dinner except me. I didn't feel like eating. But the food suddenly fell into my mouth.

I woke up the next morning. My body was back. I was visible again. I was so happy I jumped in my bed. Khamael was pleased to see me so she joined me in the bed so were both jumping like crazy. Ghadeer saw us and joined in too.

Letter Writing Formal

Dear Neighbour,
I am writing to you to introduce myself.
I am a muslim and I wear Hijab(a head scarf around my head). I wear glasses and I'm 14 years old. I have two sisters who are older than me. Their names are Khamael and Ghadeer. Khamael is 21 years old and Ghadeer is 19 years old so Khamael is the eldest in my family and I'm the youngest.
We come from Iraq and we were born in London. We've been living in UAE for 12 years.

My sister, Khamael is studying in London and my dad is working in Saudi Arabia in Medina, where the Prophet lived his life. My mum was a teacher when we were in London but she doesn't work anymore but stays at home and does housework. I used to go to St.Andrews International school but I left this year.
The owner and her husband, who own the school are getting divorced. So she moved to another school but it hasn't started yet. It starts in February maybe so I'm studying at home and doing home school.
There's a good interesting cartoon called 'Arthur' if you wanna watch it because I watch about an episode or two in my spare time.

I hope you will be pleased to meet me. Please write back to me soon.
Your sincerly
Huda Al Safi
p.s. My uncle and his family have just moved beneath us. If you wish to come down with us and meet them.

Huda throws a a tantrum

Narrator: One day Huda and Mama were in Borders, they were selling new novels and Mama wanted to buy a new Arabic novel. That was when this trouble began.
Huda: Mama, can I have this book called 'Sleepovers by Jacqueline Wilson', please?
Mama: No way 7abibti, you have so many books to read and I'm sorry this book is too expensive.
Huda: But mama(bursts into tears) WAAH,I WANT THIS JACQUELINE WILSON BOOK NOW!
Mama: NO!( all the kids laugh at Huda and Mama drags her out of the store and takes her to her room in their house, Huda is still bawling and wailing in her room).
Huda: NOW IT'S TO LATE,I CAN'T GET THAT JACQUELINE WILSON BOOK!( Khamael walks by, she has never seen Huda act like this before).
Khamael: What's wrong?
Huda: Mama said I threw a lot of tantrums and I never got this Jacqueline Wilson book.( Mama comes in)
Mama: Huda, this is your final warning,we're going to take a trip to the bookstore again tomorrow. This time you're going to be on your best behaviour, promise?
Huda: I promise.
Narrator: The next day Mama and Huda go to Magrudy's. Huda spots a book.
Huda: Mama, can I have this book called 'Lola Rose' by Jacqueline Wilson this time, pleeease?
Mama: No! I told you have too many books to read.
Huda: But(starts crying again), WAAAH,I WANT THAT JACQUELINE WILSON BOOK,PLEEEASE!
Mama: Huda please, cut it out,you promised  yesterday you'd behave.
Huda: BUT MAMA!( the same kids laugh at her again, Mama drags her out of the store and she is sent to her room again).
Mama: I AM REALLY DISAPPOINTED HUDA BY YOUR BEHAVIOUR. YOU BROKE YOUR PROMISE!( Huda is still sobbing).
Mama: Tonight we're going to the majlis, your punishment is that you can't go with  us and no Tv for a week.
Huda: WHAT? THIS IS SO UNFAIR,YOU DON'T EVEN CARE ON WHAT I WANT!
Mama: I do care 7abibti, but I don't want to waste my money buying you each book every day( Huda still disagrees, she stops crying).
Narrator: At night Mama,Khamael and Ghadeer got dressed and they went to the majlis so Huda was left alone in the house. She was very sad and bored. Mama had given her chores to do which is washing the dishes,cleaning and making the beds. Huda was soon finished with her chores.
Narrator: The next week Huda's punishment was over. She can watch tv. She was happy and free at last.
Mama: Huda, dress up,we're going out to the restraunt then we'll go to the bookstore to buy you the book that you wanted, happy now?(Huda nods her head in agreement and jumps in her bed in excitement).
Narrator: At last Huda got the book that she wanted which is 'Lily Alone by Jacqueline Wilson'. They finally went to the restraunt and ate a yummy meal.

Lonely Birthday

Hi,my name is Alex and I'm turning 8 tomorrow so I'm going to have a birthday party and I will invite all of my friends so now I'm writing invitations.
I have a sister called Alice who's only 4. She's really brutal to me and I abominate her because she's really annoying and I'm absent-minded and can't do my homework with her around. My mum and dad don't really care about my birthday and they make me wear damp clothes to every party.

''Mom,I can't wear this stupid jacket everyone will laugh at me,'' I whined.
''Don't worry Alex,it'll look fine on you,'' Mum replied.
''But mom-''
''Don't argue with me,now do as you're told!''
I really hate it when my mom makes me wear clothes to school that are incompatible. We live in Crown City and our school is called the Mighty Mountain Elementary School. My best friends are Maria,George,Jenna and Fern. But I really hate Arthur,Molly and Shelley. They're bullies and I hate Shelley the most because he is a big bully and always gives me a big punch. I gave my invitaions to all of my classmates.
They looked at the invitations then at me. They were debatable either to go or not.
''Well,well,well,now we've got a birthday boy here who's having a birthday party tomorrow,'' said Arthur.
''I'm sorry Alex,but we've got two parties to go to,'' said Maria.
''What? I'm not going to those parties anyway and it's my birthday so you should come!'' I cried.
George and Jenna felt sorry for me.
''We're sorry,but your house is too far,'' said George.
Fern shook her head and said I should just spend my time alone.

My family don't care about me and they haven't bought me any presents and there's no cake. I sat there lonely and sang 'Happy Birthday' to myself. I burst into tears because no one loves me and cares about me. I read a book and played with my toys.

The next morning I woke up and hurried to school.
''Hey Arthur, look, there's this birthday boy again,'' sneered Shelley.
They both laughed then Molly came in and was involved too.
''Hey birthday boy, did you have a nice party,'' teased Molly.
''Of course not,'' I answered furiously.
''I hope you didn't sneak out of your house and buy presents for yourself then you'll be in big trouble,'' said Arthur.
I waved to my friends. They were abashed for not coming to my birthday party.
They did a surprise party for me and I felt captivated because I never had this fun party before.