I've actually been itching to write a blog post since last night. I just...didn't do it? I don't know. I'm weird like that. I had the time and everything, too. I guess I kept putting it off. Even though I wanted to do it? Yeah, it doesn't make sense to me either.
Anyway. So I've complained about my parents on here before, right? Yes, yes I have. If you've been fortunate enough to skip those posts then for God's sake, please don't scroll down. Don't worry, this isn't going to be one of those posts. I actually want to defend my mother and father. I had a good sit down, scream and yell at each other, then cry and sob, then actually talk about things that matter kind of sessions tonight. And, I just realized that my parents are not bad people? I mean, they're not. I make them out to be the bad guys. But to them, I'm the bad guy. It's when we sit down and talk like this that we actually realize that NOBODY is the bad guy, we all have faults and we all need to work on them. I mean, my mom STILL wants me to be a doctor but I don't view her as crazy dictator lady anymore. No, she's just this poor woman who has this crazy dream for her daughter. It's not her fault. And it's not my dad's fault for wanting me to be PERFECT. They're just two people who want the BEST for their daughter. I just wish they sometimes stepped into my shoes a little and didn't forget what it's like to actually BE a son/daughter. Which is why I think the YA genre in books is so important for EVERYONE to read. Not just teenagers. It really helps everyone go back to a time when they were young and realize that what their sons/daughters are going through is more than just a small little problem. Being young is not easy, contrary to popular opinion.
Speaking of books, I'm STILL reading Carpe Diem by Autumn Cornwell. I'm almost done with that so expect a review of that soon.
I have to go to work tomorrow morning. I'm actually looking forward to it. I haven't been to work in a week because they cut my hours due to the fact that I hadn't gotten my school schedule yet so they didn't know when to schedule me. I miss it. It's pretty pathetic, I know, but I really do like everyone I work with and the job, itself, is easy enough. Sometimes it can get boring and repetitive but I guess I'm one of those people that really don't mind boring and repetitive things. As long as I know what I'm doing.
I also have school on Wednesday. Surprisingly enough, I'm not too bummed about this. I'm actually, -gasp-shall-I-say-it?-, EXCITED? Yes, I am completely changing my outlook on life, aren't I? That's what I get for being productive. It's a good feeling, let me tell you, but there's this tiny part of me that keeps saying that I've betrayed my inner fourteen-year-old self. Not to mention the YEARS I put into loathing school go all down the drain. But, all is not lost, there's still plenty of time for the school-loathing to return. Which I'm sure it will once I actually get assignments to do. Ah, I can hardly wait. My inner fourteen-year-old self needn't worry.
I finished Lost last week (I think?)!! The final season was BLOWING ME AWAY...and then I got to the last five minutes. I thought...that's it?! THAT'S IT?!!!! NOOOOOOOO! But then, I watched it again and I cried like a baby and accepted it and now I've moved on with my life but I will always internally mourn my loss. Oh, Lost, please come back? I need you.
I need a new TV fix? Any suggestions? Keep in mind that I like Lost, Desperate Housewives, Gilmore Girls, 10 Things I Hate About You, and Supernatural. Maybe a sci-fi, horror, dramedy, with soap opera elements set in a high school? Anyone? Nothing? Yeah, I didn't think so. What's that...BUFFY? *runs and rents all buffy seasons on DVD* Well, now I'm ALL set for the new semester.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Review: Breathless by Jessica Warman
Prior to reading this book, let me just say that I did not know anything about it. I hadn't heard about it from any of the many book blogs I frequent or the book vloggers that I watch. I came upon it while scanning the YA section of my local library. The cover was interesting and the synopsis seemed promising so I picked it up. And let me say, I was definitely glad that I did.
The story is about a girl named Katie Kitrell who, in the beginning, is trying to cope with a mentally unstable/ill brother and her hard-to-get-along-with parents. The family is pretty dysfunctional to begin with. But not unbelievably so. I think it's so easy to relate to Katie's situation because I don't believe any family is without its problems and its always refreshing to see YA books take this route of depicting highly dysfunctional families rather than perfect households. Anyway, her brother is a very unhappy person and he attempts to kill himself. This sends Katie's world into a whirlwind. Her parents decide that it would be best if she lived as far away from her tiny hometown and her brother as possible. So they send her to boarding school where Katie is finally able to fit in and have real friends and a really good chance of going to good colleges. But, of course, the presence of her brother and her home situation is always at the back of Katie's mind. So, she deals with it by lying to everyone and immersing herself in her swimming--the one thing she's really good at.
One thing about this book that really impressed me was the fact that I had no idea where it was going to go. I mean, I had read the inside flap and usually those pretty much give away the direction of the story. However, I was surprised to find that I had no idea where the plot would take me or how a character would act. This book is definitely not predictable.
Speaking of characters, there are a whole cast of characters in this book that are wonderfully drawn. Katie is a very relatable and very real protagonist. Her voice really strikes a chord with me and I think it'll do the same with a lot of other people, too. She's just easy to sympathize with. However, she's not perfect. In fact, every character in the book is flawed. Even her seemingly "perfect" boyfriend. But they're flawed in a way that make them interesting, rather than annoying.
The best thing about this book, though, would have to be the writing. Even though this is Jessica Warman's debut novel, she establishes a very clear yet lyrical style. This is the kind of book where it's so easy to get overly dramatic and fill it with a bunch of flowery prose but Warman definitely keeps her writing realistic and sprinkles it with some really wonderful lines here and there that really get to you. Her writing also keeps you so absorbed in the book. I stayed up late finishing this one and once it was over I was definitely thinking about all of the characters for hours in bed. This is the kind of book that I think a lot of teens (and older people too) will really like. I'm just excited to see what this new author comes up with next. Definitely check this one out if it sounds interesting to you.
I give it a: 4/5 stars
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
I notice patterns in the paint.
Have you ever had that thing where you stay up all night just...thinking? About random stuff? Yeah. That, that right there, is my whole life.
So one thing you should know is that my brain revolves around a central theme. In fact, I think most of our brains have some sort of central idea that we base a lot of our interests, likes, dislikes, and decisions on. Some of us are aware of that central theme and others don't give it too much thought. But I believe we all have it.
MINE is the idea of good vs. evil. I am obsessed with this notion that the world contains things we perceive as good and others as bad. And a lot of those perceptions are not based on facts or anything else, really, except we just KNOW that certain things are good and others are bad. For example, killing people is bad, right? Most people believe that. I think I can say that it's pretty much a universal opinion. But, like, where did that come from? Is it just experience as human beings and history that lead us to these morals that we hold in our lives? Religion? Some old guy telling us what to do? I don't know. I just know that good exists. And evil exists. Whether or not they're conjured up by some sort of higher power or by society, it's there.
But that's not what I'm concerned with. What really interests me is the fact that most of us know things that are BAD and that we shouldn't do. And we know what's good and what we should do. And yet...we don't always do these things that we should and fall into things that we know are essentially considered BAD. Gossiping, making fun of others, cheating, lying, abuse of all kinds. We know these things are harmful. Yet we still do them. Why? If we KNOW that they're not good things then why? Is it just some internal mechanism in us that says...good doesn't exist, these rules don't apply RIGHT NOW, RIGHT HERE. Does it trick you into thinking that these things aren't actually evil? I think it does. Sometimes we lose track of all these things that we do because we're so caught up in, well, living. We don't even notice. But, if you're a real human being, after you do these things, after you turn off your lights and lie awake all night thinking about that girl you just gossipped about, there should be a sickening feeling in your stomach. And hopefully, remembering that sickening feeling should help you from gossipping about other people.
But sometimes it doesn't work like that. Sometimes we lie awake one night. We lie awake another night. Until it becomes a habit and that sickening feeling never comes back. Then you need to worry, my friend. Because I think that your good internal mechanism that is essential to your humanity is broken and you might have to see a professional to get it fixed. And it might be REALLY hard to find a professional because you might have no idea who he is.
So one thing you should know is that my brain revolves around a central theme. In fact, I think most of our brains have some sort of central idea that we base a lot of our interests, likes, dislikes, and decisions on. Some of us are aware of that central theme and others don't give it too much thought. But I believe we all have it.
MINE is the idea of good vs. evil. I am obsessed with this notion that the world contains things we perceive as good and others as bad. And a lot of those perceptions are not based on facts or anything else, really, except we just KNOW that certain things are good and others are bad. For example, killing people is bad, right? Most people believe that. I think I can say that it's pretty much a universal opinion. But, like, where did that come from? Is it just experience as human beings and history that lead us to these morals that we hold in our lives? Religion? Some old guy telling us what to do? I don't know. I just know that good exists. And evil exists. Whether or not they're conjured up by some sort of higher power or by society, it's there.
But that's not what I'm concerned with. What really interests me is the fact that most of us know things that are BAD and that we shouldn't do. And we know what's good and what we should do. And yet...we don't always do these things that we should and fall into things that we know are essentially considered BAD. Gossiping, making fun of others, cheating, lying, abuse of all kinds. We know these things are harmful. Yet we still do them. Why? If we KNOW that they're not good things then why? Is it just some internal mechanism in us that says...good doesn't exist, these rules don't apply RIGHT NOW, RIGHT HERE. Does it trick you into thinking that these things aren't actually evil? I think it does. Sometimes we lose track of all these things that we do because we're so caught up in, well, living. We don't even notice. But, if you're a real human being, after you do these things, after you turn off your lights and lie awake all night thinking about that girl you just gossipped about, there should be a sickening feeling in your stomach. And hopefully, remembering that sickening feeling should help you from gossipping about other people.
But sometimes it doesn't work like that. Sometimes we lie awake one night. We lie awake another night. Until it becomes a habit and that sickening feeling never comes back. Then you need to worry, my friend. Because I think that your good internal mechanism that is essential to your humanity is broken and you might have to see a professional to get it fixed. And it might be REALLY hard to find a professional because you might have no idea who he is.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Review: Dramarama by E. Lockhart
Okay. I just finished this book about two minutes ago so I figured I should write this review while my memory is still fresh. The first thing I should say was that my first impression after finishing this book was that I liked it. I didn't love it or anything, but I did end up enjoying it. Mildly.
I will say this, though: E. Lockhart is a great writer. She knows how to craft words and have them stick in your head. She's also a smart writer. She doesn't write meaningless things, she knows how to get a point across and her themes to really pop out at you. However, I didn't really like her storytelling in this particular book. I felt like that aspect of her writing left something to be desired.
The book is basically about Sadye (a straight, sarcastic, funny, determined, theater-obsessed girl) and her friend Demi (a gay, funny, determined, talented theater-obsessed boy) and their experiences at a well-known drama camp. Now, I'm not a theater/musical junkie. So, half of the references in the book were lost on me. But, I don't think it affected my overall appreciation of the novel. Maybe it did? Who knows. Anyway, this book starts off with Demi and Sadye making their way to the camp and you know right off the bat that one of them is going to leave disappointed.
For the first half of the book, I spent my time thinking, "God, Sadye is so annoying and such a bitch." Because, I couldn't really relate to her obnoxiousness and her always voicing whatever was on her mind. But, as the story progressed, I started to respect this quality of hers and really started rooting for her. But then my anger switched to the other characters of the book because they weren't getting Sadye like I was finally getting her. I think that tainted my experience of reading this book a bit because I happened to be angry at someone during every point of this book.
I also felt like some characters weren't fleshed out enough. For example, in the beginning we were introduced to Sadye's roommates, Iz and Candie. We're given details about their lives and personalities. But then they just disappear. We really don't get to see them interact with Sadye again. I mean, we do see them in the background; they don't disappear completely, but I wanted them to pop up more since we did get so much background on them in the beginning.
Also, Theo and Sadye's "romance" didn't really hit me as authentic either. It just felt too forced and I didn't really get the feel that they liked each other.
But, all in all, even with its faults, this was a pretty good book. It was fast and fun and light but it also sent out a message very rarely seen in young adult books: just because you love something, doesn't mean it'll come easily to you. It is a book about self-discovery and realization and acceptance of your own talents. And I really loved that message and I loved the way that it was delivered. So, my advice is that if you want a book based around a theme and an idea and you happen to love musicals and theater then go read this book. But, if you want something with a compelling storyline and fleshed out characters, you might wanna skip it.
I give it a: 3/5 stars.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
I'm free!
Tonight was the last night of my imprisonment. No, really. I have been freed from the tortures of summer classes. Never again am I going to partake in such mind-numbing activities such as that.
Okay, okay. I'm exaggerating. It wasn't so bad. And I might take summer classes again depending on the circumstances. I'm actually pretty glad I did it; I learned a lot more from this class than I would have if I had taken it during the school year. I mean, I actually paid attention in class and knew what the answers on the quizzes were without even studying for them. I also enjoyed doing a lot of the discussions and papers and writeups. Mostly because I felt I genuinely wanted to know more. Maybe summer classes aren't a bad thing at all. Maybe the beauty of summer can extend itself into the school setting where I'll WANT to go out and drive through the sunshine-dripped roads and walk to class with the birds chirping and butterflies flying about....or not. But, no, seriously, my class went pretty well. That's all I'm trying to say.
So, now I guess I have about twelve days to chill out and just do...whatever I want. Like, reading?! You bet. I did get some good books from the library this past weekend. One is called Dramarama by E. Lockhart. It's about these two friends that go to summer drama camp and get up to some shenanigans. The other one is called House of Dark Shadows which is basically about a creepy old house. I'll let you know how those books turn out.
Anyway. Something weird happened to me the other night. I was walking to my car after my class ended and it was pretty dark and deserted on campus. But, from a distance I could see that there was this lone deer on the grass very near to where my car was parked. Now, I don't know if I've ever told you this, but I am deathly afraid of all animals big and small. The smaller they are, the worse my fear gets, actually. But deer are still pretty scary along with anything that breathes and...moves. I mean, it took me twenty years to get used to being around human beings. Anyway, the deer looks up when it sees me approaching and then it runs to a farther part of the parking lot where I guess his other deer friend is standing and they both just watch me briskly walk past them to my car. I suppose this just made me feel...secure and happy? in a way? I just felt so...reassured that these animals weren't going to hurt me. They were actually just as terrified of me as I was of them and that made me feel this weird kinship and compassion for them. Poor, innocent deer. I hope they stay safe and away from the roads...
Man, this blog is exciting. So far I've talked to you about the wonders of summer courses and innocent deer. Hot stuff, I tell ya. You won't get material like this anywhere else.
On a different note, my mom is finally coming home from her 2 month long vacay on Tuesday. I am kind of...nervous about it. I hate meeting people when they've been away. I feel like they become all new people and I have to re-introduce myself to them and that just feels awkward because they already know me and I already know them. I don't know. I feel like I'm not making sense. I have no idea what to write about anymore so I guess I'll just leave you with a funny anecdote...
At work this past week, we were unloading a bunch of new shipments and there are these apparently wildly popular toys that are called "Zhu Zhu" pets? Basically, they're cartoon hamsters that kids like playing with and having lunch boxes of? I don't know, the toy world comes up with weird things: like rubber bands in the shape of animals that you wear around your wrist. I mean, really? What the hell is that about? Anyway, getting back to the hamsters, there was this one lunch box with the zhu zhu pets on them and my coworker holds it up and says, "Sara, what's wrong with this picture?" And I stare at it for about ten seconds silently and then we all just start cracking up...because the picture on the lunch box was upside down. I guess someone fell asleep at work on the assembly line in Japan!
Yes, we are very easily amused at my job. Very easily.
Okay, okay. I'm exaggerating. It wasn't so bad. And I might take summer classes again depending on the circumstances. I'm actually pretty glad I did it; I learned a lot more from this class than I would have if I had taken it during the school year. I mean, I actually paid attention in class and knew what the answers on the quizzes were without even studying for them. I also enjoyed doing a lot of the discussions and papers and writeups. Mostly because I felt I genuinely wanted to know more. Maybe summer classes aren't a bad thing at all. Maybe the beauty of summer can extend itself into the school setting where I'll WANT to go out and drive through the sunshine-dripped roads and walk to class with the birds chirping and butterflies flying about....or not. But, no, seriously, my class went pretty well. That's all I'm trying to say.
So, now I guess I have about twelve days to chill out and just do...whatever I want. Like, reading?! You bet. I did get some good books from the library this past weekend. One is called Dramarama by E. Lockhart. It's about these two friends that go to summer drama camp and get up to some shenanigans. The other one is called House of Dark Shadows which is basically about a creepy old house. I'll let you know how those books turn out.
Anyway. Something weird happened to me the other night. I was walking to my car after my class ended and it was pretty dark and deserted on campus. But, from a distance I could see that there was this lone deer on the grass very near to where my car was parked. Now, I don't know if I've ever told you this, but I am deathly afraid of all animals big and small. The smaller they are, the worse my fear gets, actually. But deer are still pretty scary along with anything that breathes and...moves. I mean, it took me twenty years to get used to being around human beings. Anyway, the deer looks up when it sees me approaching and then it runs to a farther part of the parking lot where I guess his other deer friend is standing and they both just watch me briskly walk past them to my car. I suppose this just made me feel...secure and happy? in a way? I just felt so...reassured that these animals weren't going to hurt me. They were actually just as terrified of me as I was of them and that made me feel this weird kinship and compassion for them. Poor, innocent deer. I hope they stay safe and away from the roads...
Man, this blog is exciting. So far I've talked to you about the wonders of summer courses and innocent deer. Hot stuff, I tell ya. You won't get material like this anywhere else.
On a different note, my mom is finally coming home from her 2 month long vacay on Tuesday. I am kind of...nervous about it. I hate meeting people when they've been away. I feel like they become all new people and I have to re-introduce myself to them and that just feels awkward because they already know me and I already know them. I don't know. I feel like I'm not making sense. I have no idea what to write about anymore so I guess I'll just leave you with a funny anecdote...
At work this past week, we were unloading a bunch of new shipments and there are these apparently wildly popular toys that are called "Zhu Zhu" pets? Basically, they're cartoon hamsters that kids like playing with and having lunch boxes of? I don't know, the toy world comes up with weird things: like rubber bands in the shape of animals that you wear around your wrist. I mean, really? What the hell is that about? Anyway, getting back to the hamsters, there was this one lunch box with the zhu zhu pets on them and my coworker holds it up and says, "Sara, what's wrong with this picture?" And I stare at it for about ten seconds silently and then we all just start cracking up...because the picture on the lunch box was upside down. I guess someone fell asleep at work on the assembly line in Japan!
Yes, we are very easily amused at my job. Very easily.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
I'm entering a contest...
Link: CLICK HERE
It's a bunch of fabulous books and I want to win, win, win. Granted, I have horrible luck in these things but still. Maybe there's a teeny tiny chance? Whatever. If this looks cool to you, then go and enter! And follow her blog because she's an AWESOME reviewer/blogger/writer. I think there are about 24 books to choose from. I'm salivating at the mouth just thinking about it.
It's a bunch of fabulous books and I want to win, win, win. Granted, I have horrible luck in these things but still. Maybe there's a teeny tiny chance? Whatever. If this looks cool to you, then go and enter! And follow her blog because she's an AWESOME reviewer/blogger/writer. I think there are about 24 books to choose from. I'm salivating at the mouth just thinking about it.
Friday, August 13, 2010
New Books and the P word...
Notice how my blogging activity increases as soon as I have papers to write, presentations to do, quizzes to study for. Well, I guess that's what college is all about, right? I really wouldn't know actually. I feel like I'm floating through college. Like, I'm not really IMMERSED in it but just floating above it and observing it from higher ground. I don't particularly want to come down from here, either. I like my bubble.
I have like a ten dollar fine at my library. It's so stupid because I was just a DAY late with the dvds but since there were five of them...I have to pay ten bucks. It doesn't seem like much but when you have a limited supply of money in your hands, ten bucks is a hell of a lot. Especially for things like late overdue library books. I mean, really? How lame could I get? Why can't I be a normal young person and pay fines for speeding or something?
I've been having a pretty horrible week. Yesterday, I was especially sad and down so I decided to treat myself for no reason...just to make myself feel better. So, I got in the car and drove to...you guessed it: Borders. God, I love that place. And I bought myself about four new books. It was great. But, unfortunately, I won't be able to read them any time soon. First of all, I have a bunch of crap to deal with before I can do any recreational reading. And, second of all, I have many, many OTHER books that I bought and have been neglecting to read. So, I must read those before I can read my shiny, new books.
The books I got are:
Stealing Heaven by Elizabeth Scott: I believe it's about an eighteen year old girl who has been a thief her whole life along with her mother. But, I think she's had enough of the criminal life and wants to break free from the clutches of her mother's occupation. It sounds completely different from any other Elizabeth Scott book I've read. Which is not unusual because almost every single one of her books is different and unique. Just one of the things that makes her a great writer.
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa: Okay. I don't usually like "faery" books. It just doesn't appeal to me very much. But this book came highly recommended and my library didn't have it and the cover was pretty so I thought, what the hell. It's basically about this girl whose father went missing when she was six (don't know why this is relevant but it's mentioned in the back of the book so it must be important) and she grows up and then her brother is kidnapped or something. And she has to save him but she lands herself in the midst of faeries in the process. Oh, and she gets the hots for the sexy/cold faery prince. Of course. It just sounds like one of those books. But, it's pretty and I'm willing to give it a chance.
The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson: This book sounds fairly Sarah Dessenesque. It's about a girl who is dealing with the death of her older sister. I suppose it's just about grief and living in the shadow of an older sibling your whole life and then dealing with them not being there anymore. It's more interesting than that though. Apparently the girl starts bonding with her dead sister's boyfriend who shares her sadness and understands her sorrow. But, she also starts having a thing for the new kid in school who just makes her incredibly happy and allows her to forget about her grief. So, I guess it's some kind of crazy, complicated love triangle. Again, this book came highly recommended so I can't wait to read it.
Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce: This is probably the most interesting book of the bunch. It's basically a modern retelling of the classic "Little Red Riding Hood" except with a crazy new angle. I guess it's about two sisters who hunt the wolves that are trying to kill them. I don't really know much more than that...the synopsis of the book was pretty cryptic. But, it says that one of the sisters falls in love with the hot woodsman that lives next door. Really curious to see how it'll all play out.
...And that's it. Like I said before, if I have a limited supply of money, why am I spending so much on new books? Because I am an idiot. That's why.
I guess I have to go work on my school stuff now. Or maybe I can postpone it to later? Like, I can probably start it at around 5...that won't be too bad, right? Yeah, I think I'll start it at 5.
I have like a ten dollar fine at my library. It's so stupid because I was just a DAY late with the dvds but since there were five of them...I have to pay ten bucks. It doesn't seem like much but when you have a limited supply of money in your hands, ten bucks is a hell of a lot. Especially for things like late overdue library books. I mean, really? How lame could I get? Why can't I be a normal young person and pay fines for speeding or something?
I've been having a pretty horrible week. Yesterday, I was especially sad and down so I decided to treat myself for no reason...just to make myself feel better. So, I got in the car and drove to...you guessed it: Borders. God, I love that place. And I bought myself about four new books. It was great. But, unfortunately, I won't be able to read them any time soon. First of all, I have a bunch of crap to deal with before I can do any recreational reading. And, second of all, I have many, many OTHER books that I bought and have been neglecting to read. So, I must read those before I can read my shiny, new books.
The books I got are:
Stealing Heaven by Elizabeth Scott: I believe it's about an eighteen year old girl who has been a thief her whole life along with her mother. But, I think she's had enough of the criminal life and wants to break free from the clutches of her mother's occupation. It sounds completely different from any other Elizabeth Scott book I've read. Which is not unusual because almost every single one of her books is different and unique. Just one of the things that makes her a great writer.
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa: Okay. I don't usually like "faery" books. It just doesn't appeal to me very much. But this book came highly recommended and my library didn't have it and the cover was pretty so I thought, what the hell. It's basically about this girl whose father went missing when she was six (don't know why this is relevant but it's mentioned in the back of the book so it must be important) and she grows up and then her brother is kidnapped or something. And she has to save him but she lands herself in the midst of faeries in the process. Oh, and she gets the hots for the sexy/cold faery prince. Of course. It just sounds like one of those books. But, it's pretty and I'm willing to give it a chance.
The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson: This book sounds fairly Sarah Dessenesque. It's about a girl who is dealing with the death of her older sister. I suppose it's just about grief and living in the shadow of an older sibling your whole life and then dealing with them not being there anymore. It's more interesting than that though. Apparently the girl starts bonding with her dead sister's boyfriend who shares her sadness and understands her sorrow. But, she also starts having a thing for the new kid in school who just makes her incredibly happy and allows her to forget about her grief. So, I guess it's some kind of crazy, complicated love triangle. Again, this book came highly recommended so I can't wait to read it.
Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce: This is probably the most interesting book of the bunch. It's basically a modern retelling of the classic "Little Red Riding Hood" except with a crazy new angle. I guess it's about two sisters who hunt the wolves that are trying to kill them. I don't really know much more than that...the synopsis of the book was pretty cryptic. But, it says that one of the sisters falls in love with the hot woodsman that lives next door. Really curious to see how it'll all play out.
...And that's it. Like I said before, if I have a limited supply of money, why am I spending so much on new books? Because I am an idiot. That's why.
I guess I have to go work on my school stuff now. Or maybe I can postpone it to later? Like, I can probably start it at around 5...that won't be too bad, right? Yeah, I think I'll start it at 5.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Sad Thoughts
I have so many things to do and think about and stress over this week...and possibly next week. My summer class is quickly wrapping up which means the end-of-class squeeze where you try and get your assignments in before the due dates and stressing over your grade. But, on top of that, I have to worry about work and my parents and all that. I hate to sound whiny and complainy but I'm just really...stressed.
Let me try talking about something less depressing. Oh, while I was waiting for an appointment with my advisor the other day, I was scanning the magazines on the table in front of me. There was this one that included a great article on Emily Dickinson and poems in general. And it brought up a great point about words and creative ways to use them. I mean, we don't read books simply to know what happened...we do it to connect to something. Or to go beyond the words? Or to float amongst the words? Whatever it is, I just completely lost the point of this anecdote. I don't even know what I'm saying anymore. Screw it.
I guess I could try talking about friendship. I've been thinking about it a lot. I sometimes feel like I care more about people than they do about me. It's a sad feeling because you constantly feel lonely even when you're with someone. Like there's a barrier that prevents me from connecting to someone. I don't know. I guess I could try caring less.
What else do I want to say? Life is like a circle. You feel like you're moving forward and getting somewhere but when you walk through what you think is a "new" path, you realize that it's led you back to where you started. Circles are annoying.
The frog stopped coming back to our porch. I haven't seen it in a couple of days. I actually kind of miss it. Okay. No, not really. It was disgusting. I hate small animals. I'm sure I've mentioned that.
Happy things now. No more sad things. Let's see...what's happy? Oh! I was driving home last night and I switched the radio on because it's depressing driving alone at night (I'm getting to the happy part) but then this song came on. It's called "I'm Awesome" by Spose? Or something? And I was just listening to it and I couldn't stop laughing. Because that song perfectly describes about ninety percent of our population. I mean, we like to think that we're special and talented and not completely...average. But, we kid ourselves. We're ALL average. Even famous people. I truly believe celebrities get famous through luck and looks and just working hard. But, working hard doesn't make you extraordinary. In fact, I don't believe in extraordinary people. I believe in extraordinary accomplishments and creations. But people? Are just people. I mean, behind all our differences and individuality is an ordinary person with insecurities, emotions, hormones that go out of control sometimes. We're all very much the same.
Wow...I'm not having any success talking about happy things tonight. I'll try again later.
Let me try talking about something less depressing. Oh, while I was waiting for an appointment with my advisor the other day, I was scanning the magazines on the table in front of me. There was this one that included a great article on Emily Dickinson and poems in general. And it brought up a great point about words and creative ways to use them. I mean, we don't read books simply to know what happened...we do it to connect to something. Or to go beyond the words? Or to float amongst the words? Whatever it is, I just completely lost the point of this anecdote. I don't even know what I'm saying anymore. Screw it.
I guess I could try talking about friendship. I've been thinking about it a lot. I sometimes feel like I care more about people than they do about me. It's a sad feeling because you constantly feel lonely even when you're with someone. Like there's a barrier that prevents me from connecting to someone. I don't know. I guess I could try caring less.
What else do I want to say? Life is like a circle. You feel like you're moving forward and getting somewhere but when you walk through what you think is a "new" path, you realize that it's led you back to where you started. Circles are annoying.
The frog stopped coming back to our porch. I haven't seen it in a couple of days. I actually kind of miss it. Okay. No, not really. It was disgusting. I hate small animals. I'm sure I've mentioned that.
Happy things now. No more sad things. Let's see...what's happy? Oh! I was driving home last night and I switched the radio on because it's depressing driving alone at night (I'm getting to the happy part) but then this song came on. It's called "I'm Awesome" by Spose? Or something? And I was just listening to it and I couldn't stop laughing. Because that song perfectly describes about ninety percent of our population. I mean, we like to think that we're special and talented and not completely...average. But, we kid ourselves. We're ALL average. Even famous people. I truly believe celebrities get famous through luck and looks and just working hard. But, working hard doesn't make you extraordinary. In fact, I don't believe in extraordinary people. I believe in extraordinary accomplishments and creations. But people? Are just people. I mean, behind all our differences and individuality is an ordinary person with insecurities, emotions, hormones that go out of control sometimes. We're all very much the same.
Wow...I'm not having any success talking about happy things tonight. I'll try again later.
Review: The Murder of Bindy Mackenzie by Jaclyn Moriarty
Jaclyn Moriarty's books are always strange. But they're strange in the best way possible. Because they catch this emotion in you that is a cross between sadness and happiness. I don't know what to call it because you'll be reading a paragraph in the book and want to cry and laugh at the same time. I think the term I'm going to use is heartbreakingly funny. Seriously.
Basically, the book is about this girl named Bindy who is kind of what we like to call...a freak. She's a nerd, a know-it-all, a really big dork. And worse of all, she has NO IDEA that she comes off like that. She thinks that she's probably the best person around...until she finds out that not all her classmates like her very much. From then on, Bindy kind of spirals out of control. She loses interest in a lot of her classes and her schoolwork. She starts hallucinating, having strange dreams, throwing up. Also, she starts becoming OBSESSED with trying to make her fellow classmates like her again. But there's WAY more to the story than I'm telling you. Trust me, you're just going to have to read it to find out.
I didn't think that I'd be able to relate to Bindy at all. But, I think I learned from this book that no matter how different someone seems to be from you, you have to remember that they're still human. That they still have feelings. They're not indestructible and that they can break just as easily as you can. I ended up not only relating to Bindy throughout the course of the book, I became her cheerleader and rooted for her unconditionally and got mad at any character that tried to be mean to her. It was a crazy ride.
I finished this last night at, like, 3 AM. After you get through a certain point in this book, it's really hard to put it down. It has a little bit for everyone: romance, jokes, adventure, friendship, family, and larger more complex themes woven throughout the book. I think a lot of people can get something good out of this book. Go read it. Oh and it's set in Australia (did I not mention that?). But don't worry, I'm an American student and I related more to the school setup in this than anything I've read in those other silly high school books that are now abundant in YA lit.
In conclusion, I give it a: 5/5
Saturday, August 7, 2010
One of Those Annoying Vents
I don't understand how people can be so hypocritical. Especially parents. I know, I know...I've already complained about one of my parents in the last post. But now I'm here to completely bash my father. I'm like one of those nightmare kids who don't get along with their parents. But, maybe it's the parent's fault? I doubt anyone out there will believe that but I honestly think that despite teen's and young adult's so-called "bad attitudes" most of the times a bad parental relationship is caused by the parent. So, if you're a parent of a young person and you don't know how to make things better between you and your kids, here's a list of things you SHOULD NOT DO.
1. Yelling. It's pointless, it doesn't help, and it only makes things worse. If you yell very, very rarely then this could become a sort of weapon you can use if your kid has acted REALLY bad. But, usually, kids don't get "rowdy" and uncontrollable simply because they're bad at heart.I believe that when kids act out, they're usually in some sort of trouble or they're confused and hurt. So, yelling doesn't really help the situation. It doesn't scare them. It just makes them even angrier. And one thing you DON'T want is an angry teenager.
2. TELLING them what to do. Especially once they get above the age of 12. You can suggest things and help them with their problems and give them logical advice but don't DICTATE to them what they HAVE to do. This just makes you a dictator and nobody likes dictators.
3. Not admitting your mistakes. We know parents make mistakes. Seriously, we know grownups are not perfect. But what pisses us off the most is when parents try to act like they ARE perfect. What the hell? We know you're not. And acting like that mistake you made WASN'T a mistake is just going to make you look like an idiot. We'll respect you more if you actually admit when you're wrong and apologize.
These are just a couple of tips. Good parents probably already know all of them but my dad sure as hell doesn't. Not to say he's a BAD dad. He's provided for us, he isn't an alcoholic, he isn't abusive. He just does all the things I've listed that parents shouldn't do. And that makes him very hard to live with or get along with. But I wish the man the best. And I've learned to have a very thick skin when it comes to him. I just hate it when he yells and criticizes to death but doesn't have the decency to see his own glaring flaws.
Okay. Hideous vent over. Thanks for listening.
1. Yelling. It's pointless, it doesn't help, and it only makes things worse. If you yell very, very rarely then this could become a sort of weapon you can use if your kid has acted REALLY bad. But, usually, kids don't get "rowdy" and uncontrollable simply because they're bad at heart.I believe that when kids act out, they're usually in some sort of trouble or they're confused and hurt. So, yelling doesn't really help the situation. It doesn't scare them. It just makes them even angrier. And one thing you DON'T want is an angry teenager.
2. TELLING them what to do. Especially once they get above the age of 12. You can suggest things and help them with their problems and give them logical advice but don't DICTATE to them what they HAVE to do. This just makes you a dictator and nobody likes dictators.
3. Not admitting your mistakes. We know parents make mistakes. Seriously, we know grownups are not perfect. But what pisses us off the most is when parents try to act like they ARE perfect. What the hell? We know you're not. And acting like that mistake you made WASN'T a mistake is just going to make you look like an idiot. We'll respect you more if you actually admit when you're wrong and apologize.
These are just a couple of tips. Good parents probably already know all of them but my dad sure as hell doesn't. Not to say he's a BAD dad. He's provided for us, he isn't an alcoholic, he isn't abusive. He just does all the things I've listed that parents shouldn't do. And that makes him very hard to live with or get along with. But I wish the man the best. And I've learned to have a very thick skin when it comes to him. I just hate it when he yells and criticizes to death but doesn't have the decency to see his own glaring flaws.
Okay. Hideous vent over. Thanks for listening.
Friday, August 6, 2010
The Pros and Cons of Other People
What's this? I'm writing another blog post within a 24 hour time period? Why, yes, I believe I am. Also, I lied to you. I didn't have work today. Yeah, my 3 AM self is so much more stupid than my 3 PM self. But. That's to be expected, isn't it?
Anyway I just wanted to talk about some things. Some things like other people. Now, I'm a self-proclaimed loner, okay? Give me the option of staying at home alone, curled up with a good book and good food, instead of out and "partying" and "mingling" with aforementioned other people and I will gladly take it. Trust me. I'm definitely not big on the concept of sharing my time with "friends" (I put quotations around this word because I'm using the term loosely).
However. And I know this is a big jump. But, sometimes, the company of these others can be quite soothing. Sometimes, one just needs an ear to talk into, some eyes to look into, some souls to mingle with. It just lightens the load a little. It can be good for you. Bring you back to earth a little. So that you can realize that you're not the ONLY person who inhabits this tiny planet of ours. And that fact, when given at the right time, can be incredibly soothing.
Of course, there are many, many exceptions to what I just said. For example, some people, try as they might, can never be soothing and good for the soul. Talking to these people might just ruin your entire day. Like, my mother. And I know that's harsh. I shouldn't talk about my mother like that. She's the one who raised me. Fed me, clothed me, "guided" me (whatever that means). But, I'm sorry. She just doesn't know how to encourage someone. Making someone feel better is just not in her capabilities. I'm not bashing the woman (I love her very much) but I'm simply stating a fact. She only knows how to PUSH and PUSH and PUSH until her plans for you are carried out and seen through.
She's wanted me to be a doctor, right? I mean, she's REALLY wanted it. It's her DREAM. The biggest dream I think she's ever really gone after. Now, I believe in respecting your parents, and loving them, and obeying their wishes...but upto a certain extent. I don't think that me being a doctor is something that SHE has any right to go after. It's a dream that doesn't belong to her. But she doesn't understand that. She thinks that it's her responsibility as a parent to PUSH that dream on me. To tell me what to do. Therefore, whenever I talk to her she smashes me into pieces instead of encouraging.
Now, this summer, my mother is vacationing miles away from me. And I've never been so clear about what I want to do in life. That sounds horrible but it's completely true that, without her in the picture, I'm not held back by this stress to please her, to go after HER dream. However, she does call and talk to me from time to time, and while I like these phone calls, today she brought back this old topic of "You're throwing your life away" that got me in a foul mood for the rest of the day. And resulted in me curling up into a ball on my bed and not wanting to deal with anything.
So, I think the only temporary remedy to this situation is to find some other other people and take a load off from this feeling of suffocation. Any takers?
Anyway I just wanted to talk about some things. Some things like other people. Now, I'm a self-proclaimed loner, okay? Give me the option of staying at home alone, curled up with a good book and good food, instead of out and "partying" and "mingling" with aforementioned other people and I will gladly take it. Trust me. I'm definitely not big on the concept of sharing my time with "friends" (I put quotations around this word because I'm using the term loosely).
However. And I know this is a big jump. But, sometimes, the company of these others can be quite soothing. Sometimes, one just needs an ear to talk into, some eyes to look into, some souls to mingle with. It just lightens the load a little. It can be good for you. Bring you back to earth a little. So that you can realize that you're not the ONLY person who inhabits this tiny planet of ours. And that fact, when given at the right time, can be incredibly soothing.
Of course, there are many, many exceptions to what I just said. For example, some people, try as they might, can never be soothing and good for the soul. Talking to these people might just ruin your entire day. Like, my mother. And I know that's harsh. I shouldn't talk about my mother like that. She's the one who raised me. Fed me, clothed me, "guided" me (whatever that means). But, I'm sorry. She just doesn't know how to encourage someone. Making someone feel better is just not in her capabilities. I'm not bashing the woman (I love her very much) but I'm simply stating a fact. She only knows how to PUSH and PUSH and PUSH until her plans for you are carried out and seen through.
She's wanted me to be a doctor, right? I mean, she's REALLY wanted it. It's her DREAM. The biggest dream I think she's ever really gone after. Now, I believe in respecting your parents, and loving them, and obeying their wishes...but upto a certain extent. I don't think that me being a doctor is something that SHE has any right to go after. It's a dream that doesn't belong to her. But she doesn't understand that. She thinks that it's her responsibility as a parent to PUSH that dream on me. To tell me what to do. Therefore, whenever I talk to her she smashes me into pieces instead of encouraging.
Now, this summer, my mother is vacationing miles away from me. And I've never been so clear about what I want to do in life. That sounds horrible but it's completely true that, without her in the picture, I'm not held back by this stress to please her, to go after HER dream. However, she does call and talk to me from time to time, and while I like these phone calls, today she brought back this old topic of "You're throwing your life away" that got me in a foul mood for the rest of the day. And resulted in me curling up into a ball on my bed and not wanting to deal with anything.
So, I think the only temporary remedy to this situation is to find some other other people and take a load off from this feeling of suffocation. Any takers?
Why is 2 AM so popular?
Ever notice how almost every song/movie/show, whenever referencing some really late night hour, they almost always randomly say 2 AM? I don't know why. It's never 3 AM or 1 AM. It's always 2 AM. I guess it's just one of those weird things people do without even noticing that they're doing it.
I don't really have a plan for this particular blog post. Usually I try and think about a topic that I want to discuss before I actually start writing something. But right now, I'm just writing for the sake of writing. So...stick around, this could get interesting.
An update on what I'm reading? It's called The Murder of Bindy Mackenzie by Jaclyn Moriarty. I haven't gotten too far into it (about 70 pages) but it's pretty good so far. I just haven't gotten the time to read. I've been working. And when I'm not working, I'm usually at school. And if, by some miracle, I'm not doing EITHER of those things, I'm getting caught up on other chores/errands around the house. OR, when I get really lucky, I'm out with friends or my sister trying to enjoy the summer days before they end. I really need to move reading up on my list of priorities though--that is, if I still want to be a writer (which I do).
Let's see what else I can talk about...
Um....uh...I saw a frog today? Outside my house, when I came back from work. Let me set the scene: I'm opening the front door and I look down at my feet and there it is in all it's grossness. So, of course I jump about twelve feet in the air (not really) and quickly descend my steps and run back to my car (this part is true). And, as I'm sitting there, being kept outside of my own house by a two-inch frog, I contemplate the hilariousness of the situation. So, instead of kicking myself metaphorically for the absolute retardedness of my actions, I laugh at them. Which, I have to admit, is a MUCH better way of handling these kinds of things. Laugh and it'll be easier to let go later on. You won't be stuck sitting wide awake at 3 AM (AHA not 2 AM!) and wondering why you're such a wuss. Anyway, eventually my sister (my YOUNGER sister, I might add), got home from the movies and let me into the house and we (actually, SHE) shooed the frog away. Yeah, I needed to be saved by my sixteen year old sister. Life is funny, isn't it?
Also. Frogs are gross-looking. Just saying.
Hm...anything else? Nope. I should probably get to bed now since I have to be up for work tomorrow...and the cycle continues. :)
I don't really have a plan for this particular blog post. Usually I try and think about a topic that I want to discuss before I actually start writing something. But right now, I'm just writing for the sake of writing. So...stick around, this could get interesting.
An update on what I'm reading? It's called The Murder of Bindy Mackenzie by Jaclyn Moriarty. I haven't gotten too far into it (about 70 pages) but it's pretty good so far. I just haven't gotten the time to read. I've been working. And when I'm not working, I'm usually at school. And if, by some miracle, I'm not doing EITHER of those things, I'm getting caught up on other chores/errands around the house. OR, when I get really lucky, I'm out with friends or my sister trying to enjoy the summer days before they end. I really need to move reading up on my list of priorities though--that is, if I still want to be a writer (which I do).
Let's see what else I can talk about...
Um....uh...I saw a frog today? Outside my house, when I came back from work. Let me set the scene: I'm opening the front door and I look down at my feet and there it is in all it's grossness. So, of course I jump about twelve feet in the air (not really) and quickly descend my steps and run back to my car (this part is true). And, as I'm sitting there, being kept outside of my own house by a two-inch frog, I contemplate the hilariousness of the situation. So, instead of kicking myself metaphorically for the absolute retardedness of my actions, I laugh at them. Which, I have to admit, is a MUCH better way of handling these kinds of things. Laugh and it'll be easier to let go later on. You won't be stuck sitting wide awake at 3 AM (AHA not 2 AM!) and wondering why you're such a wuss. Anyway, eventually my sister (my YOUNGER sister, I might add), got home from the movies and let me into the house and we (actually, SHE) shooed the frog away. Yeah, I needed to be saved by my sixteen year old sister. Life is funny, isn't it?
Also. Frogs are gross-looking. Just saying.
Hm...anything else? Nope. I should probably get to bed now since I have to be up for work tomorrow...and the cycle continues. :)
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