Santoori


http://santoori.blogspot.com

We finally got the chance to watch the popular Iranian movie, Santoori, last night. This movie was not allowed to be screened in Iran in the cinemas in 2007.

In my opinion, this movie was made brilliantly. It shows the story of a music talent that his life was ruined due to his addiction to drugs. He lost his job opportunities, due to music restriction in Iran after Islamic Revolution and consequently his marriage ended in divorce due to his drug abuse and his incapability to provide for his wife.

I think this may be the story of many music talents of Iran, whose life were put force fully on hold for a few years. Some fled the country to continue with their career after the revolution and the ones who stayed behind faced many financial and emotional problems.

The music played in the movie was extraordinary. I enjoyed it a lot. But what made this movie great was the leading actor and actress. They played their role incredibly bold.
Their interesting marital relationship was unconventional. They were happy and flirtatious something that I have seldom seem in Iranian movies.

Unfortunately stories like this, drug abuse, are many in Iran and mostly is due to lack of motivation in youth. I truly believe that we strive in our lives for goals that we set for ourselves. Once ones life is empty of challenges and hope, depression creeps in.

Thoughts


http://www.lostcrazy.net

Last week went by pretty fast! I managed to waste all my afternoons watching "Lost" series! I am officially addicted to that show!
For the first time in my life, while watching "Lost" I started putting myself in their situation! I remember back when I was in high school, my religion teacher used to ask us how would we react if we were in certain historical/religious situation. At that time, I never thought about it deeply. But watching this show, sometimes scare me. I as a viewer am a step faster than the characters in the show, and can predict/trust and make decisions better, however I honestly don't know how I would have really reacted if I weren't ahead in the frames.
In this show, destiny and fate is mentioned alot and believing in them. When I was younger I used to believe in that but now I don't. I believe that we make our own destiny and our own luck. Have you ever heard the following sentence? "The harder I work, the luckier I get"
Anyways this show has taught me alot and has made me think a lot. I think that is why I am attracted to this show. It had been a while since the last time, that I watched a movie or a show that actually made me think!

Yesterday, all my colleagues from our different groups of our department gathered at one of the plants for a very informative plant tour. I enjoyed learning exactly how things are done, although I got a terrible headache afterwards. On behalf of our group, I delivered a presentation about who we are and what we do and what are our challenges. I think I could have added a few key sentences to the presentation to make it better despite the fact that my group members and supervisor told me that it was excellent.

I don't know why I have become restless in my skin recently. I have one major application to finish and I am waiting for results of effort.

Anyways, this morning is the last Saturday for the next 2.5 month that I can wake up late, as my classes will start from next week! Pishi and I are excited for our summer get a way plan in July!

Relaxation

I am finally done with my quality concept course. The final exam went very well! I think if you are interested in something, you really will do well in it! This course was really interesting for me because I could relate to it with my work and how the operation in my company is managed. My next course will start in May and till then, I am going to enjoy my time! This weekend will be busy with filling our income tax documents!
I have to start doing my P. Eng application and check out a study program and see how I can get my company pay for it!
Weather has been great for the past 2 days and although I am eager to watch more lost, but I can't stay at home any more! I am planning to go for a walk when we are waiting for our car oil change!
In two weeks I will get braces again!! I can't believe it myself, but I am going to have braces for the second time! This is the result of not completing a job first time. It will come back and hunt you!!

Spring!


http://www.celin-web.com/

The past 2 weeks have been my lazy times! I was suppose to study for my Final for this Tuesday and I haven't started yet!! I am going to study crazy this weekend! Hopefully I can stop myself from getting distracted.
I already registered for another course for the period of May to July. I am excited to start that course because I have heard and read about the concept of six sigma but hopefully this course will give me practical experience!
Unfortunately "Samin Baghcheban" my favorite childhood song writer passed away on the last day of 1386. I used to spend hours listening to the tape that my mom bought for me when I was a child! I was so in to it that I wanted to become a singer for children songs one day!! May he rest in peace.
Last weekend, a group of our friends and us went for a hike on a trial in Edwards Garden! Most of the snow was melted away but some were still persistent! It was great to inhale air after our long winter this year! Since it was a while after being out, hiking for a few hours, we passed out once we got home!!
I have started watching "Lost" the series. Originally I was to scared to watch it as I am a scary cat! but when my in laws told me that they have been watching it, I decided that it can't be that scary because they are watching it! I like mystery stories. The way the scenes are filmed are amazing. I guess it goes back to the fact that I love puzzles and every time you get a clue for pieces of puzzle. The only thing is that now I have become addicted to watching it even though I have to study!

www.makeupandbeautyblog.com

Last week week I finally finished an investigation at work that lasted 9 month! My suggestion for corrective action was to improve better communication between departments. To that end a group of 5 of the supervisors and managers are gathering next week to discuss how to tackle this issue! I enjoy my job and people whom I work with and my PMP with my supervisor indicated that if I stay another year in my position I will become a leader in a group!
Last week, I had an interesting encounter with the representative of our legal affairs. What triked me the most of his nationalistic views of communities and labelling people of different race and color! In the past 11 years that I have lived in Canada I never heard anyone to label people like that! Since I like to look at things logically and not emotionally, I know where are the roots of his actions. This was my first time talking to a person who had lived in Israel for 18 years. I think Jews, due to their historical diaspora, their way of thinking are shaped toward ways of their community existence. To that end the concepts of Kosher strongly illustrates this point. When I spoke with this man, I realised how living in Canada and being in a multicultural country had made most of us respective toward each other, no matter our race, color and religion and how people are binding to each other because of their humanity.
Anyways, enough about excitements at work! The job fair I went couple of weeks ago, ended to a phone interview last week. I think when we are relaxed about something, things come to us and when we really want something, we have to really fight for it!! Despite the fact that I did not put that much effort for this interview, they still called me back the next day to fly me to their company for another interview and a tour!!
I finally submitted one of my applications that I was working on and to that end I got myself a violet eye shadow!! Anyways, I have a quiz this week and I haven't started studying yet!!

Happy Norouz!

I wish everyone a year full of success, health and peace. May we all become wiser than last year!

Our Haftsin this year has a special place in our apartment this year, along with our goldfish who stayed alive since last Norouz!We woke up for sal tahvil, but what I would have liked is to have a TV show or Radio or Internet connection to the websites that had some sort of program at that time. We said sal tahvil prayer and kissed and hugged and went back to bed:)Well we did call Pishi's parents but I was afraid that I might wake my brothers up so I said my tabriks later on Thursday to my parents and brothers!;)

By the way, to my surprise, my Mid term mark was very good and actually the answer to the question I raised in the last post was indeed was false!!
Going to school and working gives me motivation in life, I don't know why, but I am pretty sure if I only do one at the time, I get nostalgic and restless! I think this way, I feel that I am living my time better!

Recently I have been very judgemental about media! I have decided to watch as less TV as possible and avoid watching movies that do not help me be grow as a person! To be honest, I always like watching TV in Iran, because there always was a balance of entertainment and learning. Despite having few channels like discovery, etc. most of the TV stations now are loaded with shows that are a total waste of time to watch.

My mom's new year party last night was great but completely exhausting! Pishi thinks I need a vacation and I totally agree! My toleration for things not being perfect has gone down! I think it even shows at work sometime that I can't tolerate things that I see! (i.e the mistakes or refusal of help from some department!). I can't wait to see improvement and every day that passes it becomes more and more obvious that my passion for 6 sigma is growing and that I may be in the direction!

Only 4 more days are left to Norouz and 3 to Charshanbe soori! I can't believe that this charshanbe soori I will be in class! But more importantly I can't beilive one year has gone by so fast. I still remember what Pishi and I were doing last charshanbe soori!! Trying to find a painting frame and rushing to celebrate charshanbe soori! This year our Sabze has grown so much I am so proud of our efforts despite our disagreements on how to make it fuller!!

I am glad that weekend is here! I am done with the documentary last weekend and I must say that after that I have a great deal of respect for actors and actresses! They have to memorize so many lines! I can cross that profession from the list of what I may want to do before I die now! Ha Ha!!

I am done with my midterm. I am sure I could have done better but some of the questions were tricky. For example:

"Re-engineering is usually addition of one or few steps to the process for improvement. T/F"

I personally answered false, because there are times that you decrease a step in a process, i.e. cycle time, to increase productivity and cost. But the answer is true! I think I should argue that if the word "sometimes" was used then it would have been true but "usually" is more than somtime and I don't think it is true! What do you think?

Anyways, Pishi and I went to ASQ session on Wednesday. It was their job fair seminar. I must say I am impressed by this organization and I would like to be a member! I think taking this course and learning more about Quality has opened doors for me. I already got a phone interview and another possible job offer from a recruiter!
To be honest this was a mini break I wanted after a while trying to learn and find what I want to do in my career.

This weekend I am going to finish my applications, go shopping, do some cooking, study for my course and get ready for Norouz! We are visiting one of our family friends for lunch tomorrow. I can't wait to see their family. I know them since they were single and saw them how they grow as a family and they are a great family and I hope that Pishi and I can have a family like theirs.

Last days of winter

Snow..and snow..and more snow..!!It's surprising, only 2 weeks to spring and we are swamped with snow..Never the less, the view is beautiful. I have started growing our "sabzeh" for Norouz. This year we are going with lentils. Last year my wheat sabzeh was disastrous!!It was okay but not to full! I am Hoping this year it looks fuller.
Today my plan is to study crazy and tomorrow I am going for the takes in a company!
I watched a 5 mini series of documentary about history of Iran, focused on Cyrus the Great, as a counter movie of "300" on youtube! It was really interesting. I personally learned some things that I never knew.
I can't wait for this week to be over. I think next weekend I will have more peace! I am going to ASQ, Toronto chapter session next week for the first time. I am curious to see how that organization works. So much work to do and so little time. Next weekend I have 2 major application that I need to fill.
I finally found out why one of our directors got fired! and it was nothing to do with technical knowledge. It was because of her aggressive and disrespectful attitude toward her colleagues and associates. It was an eye opener for me. Nothing is what it seems.

Leaper year!

I started the week with a headache! Pishi and I went to my parent's house to watch Oscar together, and this time it dragged till 11:40 at night. Actually I never watched Oscar completely before, because I always thought watching it is a waste of time. Truth be hold that after watching it on Sunday night, I started my Monday with a headache and the rest of the week my energy level was off. I will never watch this program again! I always used to listen to the results from the media the day after and may be watch the movie that was considered best.
The TS manager sent me the book that would be helpful to me to read. And he actually said that I can keep it! I truly felt that he is doing this out of the goodness of his heart. It wasn't politics or bunch of empty promises. That is what my lesson I guess will be from this manager, to be serious with my promises and act accordingly.
This week my pishi was working in the evenings and we only got to talk on the phone mostly with each other! It reminded me of our engagement time!
This year was the first year that I started contributing to my RRSP! And this year because it is a leaper year,(i.e. February is 29 days) the deadline was yesterday and due to my ignorance to financial stuff, it kind of stressed me out!! I honestly would like to take a course in book keeping and accounting and tax calculation and financial stuff to be self sufficient. Not knowing about these things to the fullest sometimes drive me crazy!!!
Tonight we are invited to 2 of our friend's surprise birth day parties! it doesn't rain but when it does, it ...!!
For some reason, I am craving for spring! I can't believe it is here in less than 3 weeks! The weather doesn't show any signs of spring weather or milder weather yet! It snowed crazy yesterday. I think this winter has been the best winter of my life so far. I didn't hate it!!!It is amazing how my taste in things are changing. I like walking on the snow and driving outside while snowing and not get annoyed from the traffic. I don't know if it is the result of pishi's love for snow that I am becoming more interested or I am growing up! I am enjoying things that I would never care before.
I think this year was the first year that I felt very content with my status que. It scars me but at the same time that is the goal in life, right? To live in peace and feel comfortable in you shell! But I am sure there is always more room for being better and improvement in myself. I am beginning to notice things and beauties in nature and people that I think I never saw or realized!

Surprising Week

Last week was full of surprises! Although it was a short week due to the family day holiday but it seemed to be long. I think a lot of it was due to the fact that I had to study for that quiz! The quiz went well but our instructor assigned us another assignment!!I was working on it this weekend. Friday was our group meeting, where all QA members in our site were attending. To my surprise, they awarded me with a thank you certificate and a gift card for my work with our team in front of everyone! I was completely surprised. Come to think of it, there were many ways, I could have responded to my supervisor's thank you speech! I guess I was to astonished to respond properly!!
Also, to my further surprise, I am nominated to participate in a documentary on behalf of a professional organization! I couldn't believe it at first but when I spoke with the representative, it was clear that it wasn't a joke! I went to the studio and we talked about the format and we are suppose to start the shooting in 2 weeks! I hope I don't mess up. But at the same time I don't know what I can do ahead of time!
My third surprise and the last one of the week was bumping into one my dear classmates in our apartment elevator! Can you believe it? She lives in California but she was in Toronto on business trip and was going to meet one of her friends. Seeing her truly took me back to the times we used to hang out. She is the most energetic girl you can imagine. Very athletic and beautiful. Her life story is long, but I can just say one thing about her and that she is an inspiration.

Family Day long weekend!

This is the first year that Ontario has got a long weekend in February. Once Dalton Maginty got re-elected last year, he announced this new holiday! Since it's our first holiday, we really didn't plan anything for it. The only thing we have done this weekend, other than being lazy and just being in each others arms and watching movies, was going to one of our family friend's house. She basically Pagoushad us! I really liked their house. It was perfect for their family size and it was beautifully decorated. After dinner the poker game started! To be honest, I like poker but I really don't like betting with money.
My meeting on Friday with the TS manager went well. To my surprise, he was pretty helpful. I should try to not let other's perception of someone cloud my thinking and try to give people benefit of a doubt. I was so sure that he will be a racist person in my mind, that speaking with him actually was shocking. He gave me some good advice that I am hoping to help me in my career. The most interesting part was that I met a guy mean while I was waiting for this manager, that I think may help me get one step closer to what I want!
Sometimes, you just need to impress one person, a key person, to be able to prove yourself of what you deserve.
Anyways, I am going to start reviewing again for the quiz I couldn't write last week due to snow storm, if I can sit down and stop dancing for no good reason!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Pishi and I had the most emotional Valentine’s Day since we have met each other! A beautiful rose, a heartwarming card and thousand kisses made the night extra romantic. I am blessed to have pishi in my life.
Oh yesterday it was our PMP evaluation! It went pretty well, since I have provided all the evidence necessary for good raise!! Anyways, one thing that my supervisor told me that made me laugh was that she said: "You have a certain quality that will take you far in your life". This sentence reminded me of when everyone in "Friends" told Chandler, you have a quality and that is why girls may think you are gay!!
Today I have an important interview with the manager of one of the departments that I am interested. For that I have to go to another plant and since I haven't been there, I am bit worried. I hope I impress him and reach a mutual agreement!

Bold thoughts!

Past weekend was a strange one. Saturday I went to one of my friend's baby shower and on Sunday to one our family friend’s funeral! For both events I had to go alone because pishi wasn't feeling good. It was hard not being with him.

The baby shower was good since I got to chat with some of the friends that I haven't got the chance to see in the past 5 years! And the wake was interesting too, no crying or sadness!!
One thing about the baby shower that made me think was the fact that since my friend is having a baby girl; she had managed to register for all pink stuff and decorations!!
Even when I went to the registered baby store, either the stuff was blue or pink!! I couldn't believe it.
I personally am against identifying girls with pink and boys with blue. I know when I have my baby; I will never go with that stereotype. I will go with all colors and probably would avoid having one color. Nothing against pink, I actually like pink and have a lot of clothes that are pink but to me starting a child's life with a cliché may not conclude in a strong child. I would make my child expose to all gender roles. If I ever have a daughter I would let her try motorcycles, carpentry and all sort of stuff that are perceived as male oriented. If I have a son I will expose him to dance, cooking and sewing...I believe a child whose road is open without boundaries can lead a brighter life than a child that is brought up by cliché boundaries.

I was studying since the weekend for my quiz today and was cramming even harder the last hours and to my surprise once I arrived to the school, it was closed due to snow storm!! You can imagine my disappointment for not writing the quiz!

See You Again - Miley Cyrus


http://emileyosmentlovers.wetpaint.com

The last two weeks have been crazy. Specially last weekend. It was my birthday! the night before my birthday, Pishi and I threw a birthday party! It was lots of fun to see all my friends and share a great time with them, dancing, talking and eating and back to dancing!!
To my surprise another group of my friends surprise me on my birthday with another cake!!This year I got the best birthday parties ever!! I am so lucky and blessed to have such great friends.

Despite all that partying, I managed to finish my assignment and stay awake during work!!This week was exteremly exhusting. Tomorrow I am going to one of my friend's baby shower. I can't wait to see her belly! At the same time I have to study this weekend for the quiz on tuesday!

I heard the new Miley Cyrus song on the radio and it got to me! I don't really watch Hannah Mantana where she stars in but this song is addictive!! Enjoy the lyrics.

I've got my sights set on you
And I'm ready to aim
I have a heart that will never be tame
I knew you were somethin' special
When you spoke my name
Now I can't wait to see you again
I've got a way of knowin'
When somethin' is right
I feel like I must of known you in another life
Cause I felt this deep connection
When you looked in my eyes
Now I can't wait to see you again

The last time I freaked out
I just kept lookin' down
I st-st-stuttered when you asked me what
I'm thinkin' bout
Felt like I couldn't breathe
You asked whats wrong with me
My best friend Leslie said "Oh she's just being Miley

"The next time we hang out
I will redeem myself
My heart, it can't rest till then
Oh whoa whoa
I, I can't wait to see you again
I got this crazy feelin' deep inside
When you called and ask to see me tomorrow night
I'm not a mind reader
But I'm readin' the signs
That you can't wait to see me again
www.metrolyrics.com

Tonight Pishi and I went to Ramin Jahanbegloo's talk at U of T. It was great to see him back. His speech had a lot of food for thought. What moved me was his sense of peace. Despite his solitary confinement, his soul was still noble. One of his sentences that moved me was: I am not working for present Iran, I am working toward future Iran.
It was nice to see friends that I haven't seen for a long time. Seeing them took me back to 6-7 years ago when we would sit together in his philosophy classes and listen to him. At times it was boring to me, but nevertheless, I learned valuable lessons in those gatherings and classes that if not, I may never have gotten exposed to. Lessons that helped build my character. And for that I will always be grateful to him.
I got my first follow up with the email I sent to that position selection process. I can't wait to hear what the rest have to say.
It's funny that my supervisor thinks that I will be leaving her group soon!! It's funny because I don't really think it's going to happen specially not till June!! Anyways for now I am enjoying my time with my current position as I keep on learning more.

Fallin' for you - Eva Avila


www.evaavila.com/en/music.html

So the position I was having my eye on slided away! But I am not going to let it slide by that easily! I actually surprised myself!! I wrote an email to the people who are involved in selection process and can't wait for their reply. I think my current job has taught me a lot in terms of professional writing. I feel I can express myself and challenge people with appropriate wording!!
I actually like what I am doing right now and may be not getting the other position was a blessing in disguise since I am busy this winter with my course.
I started my course in quality concept. To my surprise it is from department of business! This course will give me a better understanding if I would like to pursue MBA or not and for that I am glad. Two of my colleagues gave me their notes and lend me their book. The course textbook costs $200!!
The past couple of weeks I heard the following song by Eva Avila that captured my interest. I like the beats of this song. I am beginning to learn more about her more. She has a strong voice. Enjoy the lyrics.

I'm falling for you
I'm falling for you
I'm falling for you
I have got a sweet obsession
You have captured my attention
How am I gon' get me through the day?
Tried to get you out my mind But damn, you creep in every time
Oh boy, I never thought I'd feel this way

Cuz you got my head a-spinning just like a carousel
Thinking of you every minute,
I know it's crazy but true
I'm fa-la-la-la-falling for you
Kind of like a constant craving,
I'm underneath your spell
Baby there ain't no escaping;

I know it's crazy but true Fa-la-la-la-falling for you
Why'd you have to touch me like you do?
You know there's no resisting you
I feel a shiver every time
I'm saying whoa! Baby, what you doing to me?
Out of control!
And it's taking over me
Gotta let you know!
I ain't gonna give up till you're mine

I don't know what I'm gon' do
You got me crawling;
I'm falling falling falling for you
You got me falling for you baby
And I don't know what I'm gon' do
You got me crawling
I'm falling falling falling for you
www.uplyrics.com

Don Juan DeMarco


www.korea-fans.com

Pishi and I watched Don Juan deMarco, a movie that was screened in 1995. I only have one statement to describe it: Loved it!! I totally recommend watching it. It was a combination of comedy and philosophy.
The quotes are memorable and make you think about life. It had been a while since the last time that I watched a movie that actually moved me and made me think! The quote that stuck on my mind is this one:

"There are only four questions of value in life, Don Octavio.
What is sacred?
Of what is the spirit made?
What is worth living for, and what is worth dying for?

The answer to each is the same: only love. "
Don Juan deMarco (1995)

Lecture


www.panoramio.com

Yey..The weekend is here! After a week that dragged big time, we slept in today. I can't believe I slept that long.
Our new manager is funny. Although he gets stressed out easily, but he is funny and tries to appreciates his team! He brought in a plate of Toblerone chocolates to celebrate Friday!! I think we all had a rough week.
To end the week sweet, last night we went Mr. Ganji's talk. It was interesting, specially the audience's reaction! I agree with the major point of his talk which was the formation of different cultural or social groups are steps to changes in Iran. At the end a couple of our friends and us went for dinner at Marche. Love the deserts there!
Pishi is activating our new cellphones now..can't wait to use the new ones..they look so sophisticated!

Excitement

Monday I will know if I am going forward to the next step of the position I applied before Christmas or not. I truly hope I go to the next phase, if not then I will challenge their decision;)
For the period of time I have been in my current position I have had 3 different managers! It is amazing to see the differences in their managing styles. Observing all of them, made me see what made them excel! I learned their calmness, focus and being detail oriented are the traits that made them successful.

It seems this year is officially the year of babies! 3 of my friends are pregnant! I think the best time to give birth is during spring and summer! the great weather makes it easier for the mom and the baby! saying that I wonder how my mom survived with me, being a winter baby!

Analysis

My 6 month eye exam went well and the next one would be in another 6 month. I hope no change occurs to them and that they stay the same!

Last night at my parent's house gathering, an interesting discussion roused from our family friends. The discussion started with the following questions:

1. What is the biggest challenge Iran is facing now?
2. What may the solutions be?

The answers to these questions varied in detail however it mostly came to the fact that Iran has big cultural, economical and social challenges. To me the mother of all of those challenges is the economical one. Once a country does not have economical stability either because of lack of economical expertise, budgeting and etc or because developed countries don't want it to have stability, due to their selfish reasons, poverty which is a big social issue rises. Now poverty can cause the society to move to a direction that concludes to a cultural disaster.

To me culture disaster is when a society accepts and praises anti- values rather than values. When people build their lives based on lies and deceive. That cutting ways and trying to smooth ride through life by being an opportunist without taking any regards to their fellow men/women becomes a role model.

To be honest, there is no easy ways out for Iran's current problem. May be the most immediate one be the change in economical model that Iran has. If it has one!

How do we do that? We need economic experts running our country. We need the money for oil and our natural resources to be allocated for our infrastructures and social and cultural developments not for government expenses. We need to reinforce tax strictly for government functions.

It seems that right now, there is a gap between government and people. People are not active in issues of the government. People have no interest in their citizenship responsibilities. To reinforce the concept of tax, people may become more involved and question about how the money is spend. Because they have a share in the function of the government.

But wait in order to question, you need freedom of speech. So how do we reinforce human rights? Government may claim that they are following charter of human rights but how can we make sure? The answer to that are the NGO watchdogs and external government auditors.

I know its not as linear as it is in reality but I wonder if it works if it really follows this model?

Once economical stability is achieved social awareness starts. It's then when people can stop being worried about their basic needs and think. Evaluate. In this day and age that Internet and many means of technology, transfer information with a click of a button, a young generation can see how their peers live in other side of the world. It will take a few generation to gain the courage to fight back for a change.

You may want to force a change but it will never work if the people in that system, don't feel that need for change. Once the flow of information starts and once people understand that they have the power to change, a cultural revelation out of anger and frustration needs to happen to throw away the current cultural stigmas.

If you notice these 3 challenges are hand in hand. Cultural and social awareness can make the government to go toward what people want. i.e. to start making a stable economically stable country.

That's all for now..I am not a political expert and above was from the mind of an engineer, who likes to make things systematic!