Things I Google: How Do Camels Sleep With Transparent Eyelids?

I've always been fascinated by the camel. I mean, it's such a cool animal--humps that store water, feet that don't sink in sand, transparent eyelids, and major fans of the middle day of the work week.

I was riding the train home after a long day and I was exhausted. I wanted to sleep so very badly. However, I was wearing my contacts and trying not to sleep for fear of my contacts drying up and causing my eyeballs to fall out of head. At the time, I had recently gotten my contacts and wasn't used to them. Now, I know when eye doctors say don't sleep with your contacts in, they are not referring to 20 minute naps and that eyeballs don't easily fall out of heads (unless you're a zombie, which I am fairly sure I am not).

ANYWAY, my anxiety over sleeping with contacts led to me thinking how nice it would be if I had transparent eyelids like a camel that would allow my contacts to be oxygenated while I slept. I know, I know, it made absolutely no sense, but I did mention that I was exhausted right? How could I (and camels) sleep with transparent eyelids. There are very few things worst than trying to sleep with the sun in your eyes. I turned to my God of Extensive Wisdom, Google, for the answer. "How do camels sleep with transparent eyelids?" I asked.

 

Apparently, they have three eyelids and they're not the only ones. Dogs and many bird species have three eyelids as well--lower, upper, and an additional transparent one. So, that's how camels sleep. They use the transparent one when walking through the desert to protect their eyes against flying sand, but then bring down the normal one when they to sleep. Come one, say it with me, "Niiiiice!"

Happy as a Pig in Sh__, I Mean Excrement

A friend shared the article below on Facebook and I decided to create a related post.

Six Things Really Happy People Do

1. They clearly define happiness.

 What's my definition of happiness? It's the spontaneous overflow of rainbows, unicorns, and fluffy puppies. In other words, happiness is doing what you love, surrounded by the people you love and who love you. Short, sweet, and to the point. The fun part though is that this can be different for everyone.

2. They find pleasure in the little things.

 I'm all about the little things. No, really. I have a thing for things in small packages. Like those mini soda bottles and little kids' clothes (I have two younger siblings). They're so dang adorable!

How precious are these?!

But I also close my eyes on the Metro North train platform and enjoy the sun warming my face. I take immense pleasure in eating Gummi Lifesaver Collisions off my fingers. A spoonful of Haagen Dazs Mango ice cream is equivalent to a week in heaven. A rainy day + my bed + a good book = Priceless. 

P.S. Cats 2 and 3 are in the danger zone. Between girl and books.

3. They believe in their own self-worth.

It took a while for me to get to where I am. When I think about how I was in 8th grade, I can't help but cringe. I didn't have low self-esteem per say, but I definitely didn't have confidence in my abilities or believe that I had anything to offer to the world. I was this rectangle box shaped girl, no where near 5 feet, while all of the other girls seemed to be exploding in all directions (both horizontally and vertically). I seemed to be stunted. Being so small, I had a timid personality and being a bookworm didn't help. I avoided confrontation like the plague, going along with whatever my friends wanted even if I was uncomfortable or didn't like it. I wouldn't argue or speak up for myself even if I'd been slighted. 

But I started high school and decided to change. I became a little more assertive, found an amazing group of friends that I fit in perfectly with. The key is that I didn't change who I was; I was still small, fairly timid with others who were not my friends, and avoided confrontation, but I simply kept my head down until I found like-minded people. Then we spent the next three years just being weird together.

College came around and lord have mercy, the universe wasn't quite ready for my transformation. I'm not even sure what happened, but I went from the timid, polite girl I was during my freshman year of college to the brash, absolutely crazy, girl who could care less what others thought that I am now. I used to be so shy, but now I barely feel any flutters in my stomach when I need to talk to strangers. I've become so confident in what I can do that it's bordering on conceit and my weaknesses don't bother me in the slightest. I simply work harder to improve them. Sure there are things that bother one. But one day at a time is all I can do. In short, I realized something that I wish I could go back and tell my 13-year-old self: You're flipping awesome, Fatuma, and you and those who matter will realize and look at you in awe. Just be patient. It'll take a few years (seven to be exact), but you will get there my dear and hardly ever look back.

4. They take continuous action for self-improvement.

 I'll let a buzzfeed article answer this one for me: 25 Signs You're Addicted to Books, particularly #10.

10. Anytime you undertake any idea or project, the first step is to read a lot of books about it.

Source: teacoffeebooks.tumblr.com

You assume that a book can teach you anything.

5. They graciously impact others.

I really like helping people. It's the reason I went into Education. I want to play a role in giving young people the tools they need to succeed. But even in everyday life, my biggest impact I hope is to make people feel good. I love making people smile and laugh. I'm not particularly funny, but I am extremely silly and I'm not afraid to act ridiculous in the name of making someone laugh. I like to tease and poke others until they pop a smile. I take it as my duty to ensure that everyone around me is in Optimal Cheer Mode, like this little guy below. 

6. They live in a constant state of gratitude.

Arg, this one. Okay, so if I didn't have at least one flaw, I'd be intolerably perfect, no? So, #6 is my Achilles heel. I can sometimes be a little (just a teeny weeny bit) ungracious. In other words, I can sometimes be a little whiny brat and Facebook gets the brunt of my complaints. I'll try to work on it, scout's honor! 

 So, what about you guys? Are you happy?

[MOVIE] The Great Gatsby

I finally got around to watching The Great Gatsby in theater today. I've been looking forward to this movie for months. I first read the book last summer and I absolutely loved it. When I heard there would be a movie rendition in the Summer, I was giddy with excitement.

At the same time, I was a little reserved. Movies tend to ruin the book and I hate when a book I really love is mutilated by a director. However, I was pleasantly surprised by Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of the novel. At first, I was "meh" about the modern touches. As I continued to watch, they grew on me and I found that those more modern touches were actually exquisitely done. The problem was that I went into theatre #5 with the expectation for the movie to closest follow the novel. I expected a completed realistic period piece.

Okay, can we talk about DiCaprio? Why is that man so gorgeous? Those eyes! Anyway, he played an amazing Gatsby. The entire cast was nicely chosen and fit their roles. Oh, and the cinematography! It was absolutely gorgeous. I loved the costumes and Gatsby house etc etc. Additionally, the soundtrack was really fun and extremely nice touch.

The Great Gatsby was definitely worth paying $14. The only thing left to do now is though my own 1920esque party that even Gatsby would be proud of. I want to dress up!

Oh Baby, You're Pushing My Musical Buttons: Review of New Albums by HIM, Imagine Dragons, Demi Lovato, and Pink

Today, I randomly downloaded the Rdio app. My mom was trying to kill me via endless chores. I finally got fed up and was like "Okay, mommy. Tell me what you want done, but understand that once I am finished with everything I will go to my room and I don't want ANYONE, especially you, to disturb me." So as I cleaned the raw chicken (ewww), emptied the fridge of leftovers, washed dishes, and cooked dinner, I listened to various entire albums.

I began with HIM's Tears on Tape. While some people may find it difficult to choose ONE favorite band/artist, I don't have that problem. HIM has been my all-time favorite band since I first discovered them with "Wings of a Butterfly" back in high school. I mean I have EVERY SINGLE SONG & ALBUM THAT THEY HAVE EVER PRODUCED! When I heard that they had a new album scheduled for release on April 30th, 2013, I was giddy. However, with blasted finals and graduation preparation, I actually forgot! I feel so ashamed. So, I listened to it today. At first, I wasn't quite sure how I feel about it.

I like it. Maybe. It's like when your significant other gets a new haircut. You don't love them any less, but it takes some getting used to because it feels like they're not quite themselves. That's how I felt while listening to Tears on Tape, if that makes sense. Also, these new songs have a more mellower tone. Like if your tattooed boyfriend suddenly became an accountant! Okay, so I'm exaggerating just a bit, but Tears on Tape didn't have the darker tone and sharper bite as previous albums. However, after a few listens on repeat, the album is definitely growing on me. I particularly like "Tears on Tape," "Into the Night," and "Hearts at War," but I like the album as a whole. My only other concern was the fact that 4 of the 13 songs were super short, but I liked them anyway. In short, good job HIM and I continue to love your work as I have for the past 6-7 years.

Next, I listened to Imagine Dragons' Night Visions. My friend and fellow Writing Consultant from the South side of Chicago (this is really how I introduce her to others) kept going on and on about the inherent awesomeness of Imagine Dragons, but I didn't really pay her much mind. Today, as I was emptying the fridge, I decided to give it a try. Oh man, baby, did Night Visions push ALL of my musical buttons. It's so rare to find an album where I REALLY like EVERY song! It's happened with a few other artists: HIM, Skillet, Linkin Park, The Used to name a few.

It's hard to describe what I enjoyed so much about this album, but I'll try. Each song had a unique, but odd balance of playful, upbeat and mellow, ballad. See, I told you it's weird. Each song was touching with meaningful lyrics while at the same time head-bob worthy. I especially liked the following songs: "Hear Me," "Every Night," "Bleeding Out," and "Tiptoe." I loved Imagine Dragons' Night Vision and will be playing it on repeat for the next week or so.

After Imagine Dragons was Demi Lovato. I thought why not. I first heard Demi on Disney like everyone else and had immediately thought she was too good for those other wannabe Disney stars. When she left Disney not long after, I was like ah-ha, but I didn't really follow her work. However, I heard "Heart Attack" on Pandora and loved it. When I noticed that "Heart Attack" was on her newest album, Demi, I decided to give the whole album a try. I liked it! Demi is so bad ass. And once again I thought, "No wonder she left Disney. She's too good for 'em!"

After Demi was lovable Pink, with her album "The Truth About Love." We all know Pink has some controversial views about love, but you know what? She is a wise, wise woman with pink hair and we should listen to her! I loved the album and I love Pink. The end.

What new albums have you discovered recently? Any recs for me? Leave em in the comments below!

Musically Yours,
Fatuma