Throwin’ It Back – SBC Week Five, Music

     Hey Everybody! 

     Welcome back to my blog! We’re so happy to have you back! This week, our topic is one that is very near and dear to my heart. Can we get a drumroll please… (pun intended) MUSIC! I love music and have loved music for as long as I can remember. I am a firm believer that music has helped not only me, but others around me, through so much in life. Stressed? Listen to some music! Happy? Listen to some music! Sad? Listen to some music! I truly mean it when I say that music has had such a positive impact on my life. For this week’s segment, I decided to compile a solid 54 songs that remind me of my childhood and share them with you all. I know, 54 is a BIG number, and there’s no way I would ever put you through the pain of reading my analyzation of 54 songs, so I’m going to limit my post to 5 of the most memorable songs from my childhood. However, to listen to the rest of these bops, click here! -> https://open.spotify.com/user/mtafwed/playlist/3Qdxo2aqaG28aVF1597QFn?si=BaEYEvtlSkizn8eK9wy_ag

 

     Mirrors – Justin Timberlake, The 20/20 Experience – Saying that my love for Justin Timberlake is tremendous would be an extreme understatement. Every single one of his songs has me feeling some type of way, however, Mirrors is something I wish there were words beautiful enough to describe. My earliest memory of this song is jamming out to it on the airplane, on the way to Canada for a family vacation, back in 2013. I remember playing this song over and over again on that trip, and listening to this song always takes me back and reminds me of simpler times. If I could encourage you to listen to one song on this playlist, it would be this one. Just kidding haha, please listen to all of them, I can promise you somewhat of a good time. 

 

     Riptide – Vance Joy, Dream Your Life Away –  This song will always have special meaning to me for a variety of reasons. I have so many memories attached to this song, but the most meaningful one of all is my connection to it. I remember I got a ukulele for my birthday one year, and the very first song I learned to play on it was Riptide. Whenever I listen to this song, all I can think about is the joy and excitement of mastering my first song. I will forever remember that feeling of euphoria and that sense of pride. I’d also like to use this post as an opportunity to apologize to my family for having to listen to me play Riptide repeatedly. Their poor ears have gone through the unbearable, and I feel like that requires recognition in one way or another. 

 

     Time Of Our LIfe – Big Time Rush, Elevate – I literally am unable to put my immense love for Big Time Rush into words. At a young age, my ears were blessed and I completely fell in love with this band and this group of guys and ugh, I just love Big Time Rush SO much! I have no self control and frankly, if I could, I would have every single song on this playlist be a BTR song. I distinctly remember waking up on Christmas morning in 2012, and opening up Big Time Rush’s newest album, Elevate. I would spend hours upon hours in my room, dancing to it while it played on my CD player. Now, I’m no time traveler, but I know for certain that I will be a Big Time Rush fan for the rest of my life. And if Kendall, Logan, James, or Carlos are reading this, I hope they know that I’m still waiting for them to get back together. Just kidding that would be weird… Unless?

 

     Get’cha Head In The Game – Troy, High School Musical – So, I added a High School Musical song… Are we surprised? No. Are we pleased? Most definitely. I can assure you that one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make is choosing which HSM song to put on this top five list. Well, ladies and gentlemen, I’ve done what many consider the impossible; I chose ONE song. Naturally, I chose Get’cha Head In The Game for a variety of reasons, one being the feeling of motivation that snatches a spot in my head as I listen. I often listen to this song when I’m feeling unmotivated to complete my assignments, kind of like this one. I’m totally kidding, Mrs. Sheridan, if you’re reading this (which I know you are), I hope you know I love your class and I’m having the time of my life writing this right now. In conclusion and all jokes aside, this song gets me pumped up to do just about anything. If you’re feeling unmotivated and are procrastinating on whatever it may be that you don’t want to do, I can only urge you to listen to Get’cha Head In The Game. I ~dare~ you to tell me it doesn’t help. 

 

     One Last Time – Ariana Grande, My Everything – Would this list be complete without Ariana Grande? Didn’t think so. Not only was this song a whole BOP growing up, (still is, not going to lie), but this song always makes me thing about elementary school. On my very last day of elementary school in fifth grade, I remember someone playing this song while we were riding the bus to school for the last time. Everytime I listen to One Last Time, I automatically remember the range of emotions I was feeling that one day. Including this song on my top five was very important to me, because this whole playlist reminisces my childhood, and my final day of elementary school was almost the moment I kind of grew up and closed out that very important phase of my childhood. Take me back:’( 

 

     Well, there you have it! I encourage you to listen to my playlist, because I promise you that you will know a whole different side of me by the end of it. I feel so blessed to say that my childhood was full of special moments and memories. I also feel blessed to say that I grew up listening to bops like One Less Lonely Girl and Classic. After listening, I’m sure you’ll feel the same way. Thank you all so much for reading this week’s post! Creating this playlist and writing this post allowed me to go back and really soak up my childhood. Make sure to stay tuned for my next post!

Mariam

My Top Nine Movies – SBC Week Four

Hi everyone!

     Welcome back to my blog! We’re very happy to have you back! I hope you all had a very happy Halloween! Unfortunately, like all good things, spooky season must come to an end :/. In other news, on this week’s segment, I’ve decided to switch it up a bit and compile my top nine favorite movies. You’re probably wondering, why nine? Well this is my way of showing you that I’m cool and ~quirky.~ No, I’m just kidding haha, truth be told, I just couldn’t come up with a tenth movie. Now, I can’t guarantee that you will enjoy all of these movies, but what I ~can~ guarantee is that I love each one of these movies with my whole heart. I’m completely convinced that each of these movies has contributed it’s part in shaping me into who I am. I’m not even going to try and write a sappy explanation of why I am who I am because of these movies, because literally nobody wants to hear that, so without further ado, let’s begin. 

La La Land – Starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, (two actual G.O.A.T.’s), La La Land is a glorious tale following Mia, an aspiring actress, and Sebastian’s, a pianist, love story. This movie is my favorite for a mile-long list of reasons, one in particular being the music. I’m not proud to admit that I’ve spent an unhealthy amount of time jamming out to the soundtrack. While I truly believe that every song in this movie is a whole bop, my favorite has got to be “City of Stars.” This movie is an astounding inspiration to dreamers all around the world.  I encourage everybody to drop their weekend plans and watch this movie. I promise you will not regret it. And if you do regret it, then I’m sorry. 

Crazy Stupid Love – I’m back at it again with yet another Ryan Gosling movie – He’s just ~that~ good, I’m sorry, I don’t make the rules. Crazy Stupid Love stars the legend, Steve Carell, as Cal Weaver, a “fortysomething” husband who is convinced that his marriage is perfect until he finds out that Emily, his wife, portrayed by Julianne Moore, has been unfaithful and is filing for divorce. A now single Cal is out searching for his true soulmate, with the help of his wingman, Jacob Palmer, played by Ryan Gosling by his side. The pair encounter many bumps along the road that are sure to get some laughs out of you. Crazy Stupid Love is a prime “dramady” and is just such a fun movie to watch. I could not encourage you to watch Crazy Stupid Love more. And if you do end up watching it, come back to this post; I’ll be awaiting some thank yous. I’m totally kidding, but not.

First Man – Can you tell I really love Ryan Gosling? I’m literally so sorry, I promise this is the last movie with him in it on this list, but First Man had to make an appearance. This movie masterfully exhibits the not only encouraging, but interesting story of reaching the moon. Gosling’s performance is both moving and inspirational to just about everyone. I vividly remember walking out of the theater with this feeling of empowerment and this craving of adventure. I can promise you that watching this movie will implement a whole new level of appreciation for those in the STEM field. Everything about the way this movie was executed is astonishing and it shows time and time again that no dream is ever too big. 

Kingsman: The Secret Service – If I had to describe this movie in one word, that one word would be wow. This movie left me wowed to the very max. My explanation skills are subpar and a movie this good is not worthy of such a bad explanation, but in a nutshell, Kingsman: The Secret Service is about Eggsy Unwin, a troubled teen living in South London, who’s life is turned upside down when an agent, portrayed by Colin Firth, from a spy organization that his late father secretly worked for, recruits him for training. In the movie, our antagonist, Valentine, played by the king himself, Samuel L. Jackson, plans a worldwide killing spree. It’s taking a lot out of me to not tell you what happens, but what I can tell you is that this movie is such an adventure to watch. What I love most about this movie is that it takes a traditional spy movie and adds a whole new meaning to it. Matthew Vaughn really outdone himself on this masterpiece of a film. I will shamelessly admit that I had major heart eyes for Taron Egerton and his beautiful accent after watching Kingsman. Also, this movie sprung a love of pugs within me. If you’re confused as to what that means, I can only urge you to watch the movie and find out. In conclusion, you’re missing out if you haven’t watched Kingsman: The Secret Service. I won’t believe you if you say that you watched this movie and didn’t completely fall in love with Eggsy Unwin. (P.S. keep in mind that this movie is rated R and for good reasons too, so yeah haha).

Captain America: The Winter Soldier – I’m like 99% sure I’ve mentioned this before in one  of my previous posts (this is a shameless self promo, please go read my past posts, it’ll be a good time), but I’m literally in love with all things Marvel, particularly Captain America. Even though I’ve loved every single Captain America movie with my entire heart, Winter Soldier stands out to me simply because it’s superior. In The Winter Soldier, Steve Rogers teams up with Black Widow, portrayed by Scarlett Johansson, and the Falcon, played by the sweetheart that is Anthony Mackie, to defeat an extremely unexpected enemy. This movie had a perfect balance between the right amount of action and the right amount of screentime for my personal favorite, Chris Evans. Seriously, I can guarantee that by the end of the movie, Steve Rogers will have you swept off your feet. Nothing but respect for my main man, Chris. Anyways, please consider watching this movie, Steve Rogers is just too perfect not to be watched.

Avengers: Endgame – SPOILERS AHEAD: CONTINUE AT YOUR OWN RISK – I truly believe that there are not words beautiful enough to describe the outstanding masterpiece that is Endgame. This movie was the end of an ERA. How do I even put Avengers: Endgame into words? Endgame was set in a post Infinity-War world where half of the population was “dusted” after our antagonist, Thanos, snapped with the infinity gauntlet. The Avengers teamed up to help restore all of the innocents lost, as well as defeating Thanos for good. This movie was just so powerful and I 110% believe that it lived up to the hype and anticipation it received. There were multiple scenes I found myself crying in. I watched Endgame on the night it premiered with my brothers, Elias and Rashad, as well as with Elias’ roommate, Ramin, who is basically my brother, as well. Shoutout to them! Watching the movie on the night of the premiere was an experience I am convinced I will remember for the rest of my life. I was surrounded with die-hard fans like myself, and it felt like we were a family. We laughed, we cried, we clapped, and we most importantly witnessed the beauty that is Endgame together. This movie was so epic and it was entirely, completely worth not using the bathroom for three hours. I can promise you that not only will your mouth be hanging open, but you will also be on the edge of your seat the entire time. 

Titanic– Dude, this movie is SUCH a classic. Arguably, even the classic of the classics. Most of you probably already have some idea of what this movie is about, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to explain it anyway. This epic romance film stars legend, Leonardo DiCaprio, as Jack Dawson, and Kate Winslet as Rose DeWitt Bukater. Titanic focuses on Jack and Rose’s romance story and their love for one another. This movie proves time and time again that love lives on and that it triumphs all. The movie itself is astonishing, but in this movie, Leonardo DiCaprio was even more astonishing. I’d like to thank director, John Cameron, for blessing us with Leonardo. I cannot even begin to explain my love for him. You would be lying if you said that Leonardo DiCaprio wasn’t perfection in this film. To say the absolute least, Titanic will completely captivate you and have you in tears by the end. Jack and Rose will have your whole heart nearing the end. Speaking from previous experiences, I recommend having a box of tissues nearby, when watching. I can assure you, you’ll need ‘em. I can also assure you will love this movie. In fact, I loved this movie so much, I named my fish Jack and Rose, back when I was younger. In conclusion, if you don’t want to watch Titanic for me, please, at least consider watching it for Leonardo DiCaprio.

Legally Blonde – I will admit, this movie is just a tad bit cheesy, but it is also so inspirational and motivational. Legally Blonde stars a modern day icon herself, Reese Witherspoon, as Elle Woods, a wealthy, bubbly, “dumb blonde.” – or so you think. Elle wants nothing more than marrying her one true love, Warner Huntington III, portrayed by Matthew Davis, however, when Warner spontaneously breaks up with her due to her “dumb blondeness” before he leaves for Harvard, Elle becomes inspired to not only defy his idea of her, but also win him back, by doing what seems like the impossible; Getting accepted into Harvard University. After watching Legally Blonde, I felt like I could take on the world. Elle’s story goes to show that you can do whatever you put your mind to and that boys are not the only thing that matters in this world. Elle proves that girls can be smart and that it’s completely possible to do the impossible. Watching this movie will surely motivate you to become the best version of yourself, and it is for that reason, I could not encourage you to watch this movie more.

High School Musical 2 – We’re closing out the list with the most important of these movies *obviously.* The High School Musical movies all have a special place in my heart, however, High School Musical 2 is something else. Starring our king, Zac Efron, as East High’s king, Troy Bolton, HSM 2 tells the story of the East High kids’ epic summer. The gang soon realizes that they need summer jobs. Not realizing Sharpay’s true motives, they all get jobs at Sharpay’s family resort. This movie is by far my favorite of the High School Musical trilogy, simply due to it’s fantastic drama and it’s incredible soundtrack. Kenny Ortega really blessed us with total bops like “Bet On It” and “Gotta Go My Own Way” – which by the way, that scene totally broke me. It has become a tradition to watch this movie on the last day of school every year. I can promise you that Troy and Gabriella will have your heart by the end. I will forever have a desire to be an East High Wildcat. :’)

Well, ladies and gentlemen, there it is! The world now knows my top nine favorite movies. I feel as if this week’s blog post was the most fun to write! I enjoyed writing with no limitations and complete creative freedom. I hope that I’ve inspired you to watch any one of these movies. I had no idea I loved rating/reviewing movies so much! As always, thank you so much for tuning in for this week’s post. You all mean the world to me! Come back soon!

Mariam<3