Dear Friend

I didn't expect that when I woke up this morning

2012-01-26T22:45:00.000-05:00

Dear friend,
You could hardly expect me to let this particular date go by without any sort of post, now could you? Yes, once again, it's my birthday. So, once again, I'm posting a birthday post.
I did my usual sort of celebration, lunch with my dear mum, shopping and new Breyer horse model. There was, however, an unexpected event added to my day.
I live, pretty much, in the country and many of the people around here own either horses or cows. These aren't farms or ranches, just that the homeowners live on enough land that they can keep a few animals around. I'm very used to driving past a certain house on our street and seeing about half a dozen cows in a fenced in area. Just like normal today, we drove past this house and saw the cows. One thing was out of the ordinary, however, a calf was on the wrong side of the fence.
The rest of the cows, still safely standing inside the fence, were looking with what I could only assume was a mixture of concern and curiosity at this little creature who seemed to have no idea how to get back in to "mommy."
Since they were so close to the road, and it would be a terrible thing if the poor little calf got hit by a car, we pulled into the driveway, hoping to alert the owner of these cows that their calf had escaped. The little black thing walked slowly in front of the car, eventually moving over to the side of the driveway to let us past him.
No one was home.
This was a problem. I have no idea how to deal with cows. My mother has no idea how to deal with cows. We couldn't figure out how to get back down the driveway without "pushing" the calf back toward the road.
The cows still inside the fence walked up and down, following the calf for every step he took.
Mom decided to pray, and that seemed to push the little calf closer to the fence, and away from the road.
Just then, we noticed the very large hole in the fence that the calf must have gone through to make his escape. I decided to get out of the car and see if I could coax the calf back through the hole.
Standing outside the car, a few feet from the adorable, and obviously nervous, little calf I realized how very large his mother was.
I suddenly worried that this huge animal might think I was some sort of threat to her baby. The fence was already damaged, and this cow was staring at me, just a few feet away.
I decided to just go for it anyway, and moved a little closer to the calf. My mom had gotten out of the car now, and the calf had two choices, either walk closer to either of these two strange women, or jump through the hole in the fence.
Praise God, he chose the fence.
He immediately walked back to his mother, and the whole group of cows (I suppose they're called a herd?) walked away from the fence, surrounding the calf.
So, for my birthday, I saved a calf's life. How was your day?
It was a fun birthday. I must remember to call the neighbors and urge them to fix the fence...

Where have I been all this time?

2011-12-12T23:05:00.000-05:00

Dear Friend,
It seems to have been quite a long time since I last used this blog of mine. I haven't been particularly busy, I'm sad to say, so it isn't that I haven't had time to write. I have simply lacked either motivation or inclination.
I had truly intended to make 2011 a year of writing, writing and more writing. I started off pretty well at the beginning of the year. It seems, though, that much like what happens to my other self-improvement projects, my enthusiasm tapered off. I still love writing, I still have thoughts I like to explore through putting my views down on paper, or in a word processor, as it may be, but I seem to have been in a different phase lately.
I'm not making promises. I won't say, "Next year I'll write at least once a week." I just know that if I were to do that I'd disappoint myself, not to mention any readers this blog might still manage to get.
For now, I'd like to wish my readers a Merry Christmas, a Blessed New Year, and God's Grace to their lives. I'll figure out what I'm doing with this soon.

So that's what I'm supposed to do!

2011-09-13T22:32:00.000-04:00

Dear Friend,
I read the most recent blog entry by Adam Young, entitled How To Get Over It. At the end of the entry he says, "If you need me, I’ll be in my fuzzy turtleneck with a bowl of cereal staring out the kitchen window. I like the way the rain sounds against these old bay windows." It reminded me of the Relient K song "Jefferson Aero Plane" and got me wondering.
Apparently, friend, eating cereal and staring out of windows is a legitimate way of dealing with emotional problems. If this is true, why haven't I done so? I can't remember ever grabbing a bowl of cereal and staring out of the window, rainy day or not.
Usually, if I'm having cereal I will occupy myself by reading the box, either the back where they advertise whatever other product they wish to sell me or sing the praises of the product I'm already consuming, or I read the nutritional information.
Apparently, for all these years, I've been doing it all wrong. I need to eat cereal in a melancholy and introspective fashion, preferably in the cold, if all this talk of fuzzy sweaters and open windows is any indication.
Thank you, Owl City and Relient K, for showing me the error of my ways, and presenting me with a new way to handle my emotional dilemmas.

Late night music and thoughts

2011-07-22T00:22:00.000-04:00

Dear Friend,
Did you know that the voice of Jiminy Cricket in Disney's Pinocchio was Cliff Edwards aka Ukelele Ike? (It hurt me to spell Ukulele like that, just so you know.) I didn't find that out until a few days ago. That video is of his song "Night Owl" played over a clip of His Girl Friday, one of my favorite movies. I didn't realize that he was in His Girl Friday, either... I'm learning a lot lately. (Like Cliff was friends with Buster Keaton, who also played uke, useful facts like that.)

I play ukulele now. My skills are... not great, but every day I practice, and it's fun. The instrument is so happy and sunny that playing it can't ever be anything but fun. It's far easier than guitar (though I'm still trying with the guitar) and less strict than piano (or at least my way of learning piano).

My main problem with this lovely little instrument is my voice. I'm not comfortable singing, even without an audience. I've tried and tried to sing while playing, but my voice drops so low I can barely hear it. That's quite a feat, singing so that you can't hear your own voice. I don't think that I can't sing, I know that no one will be offering me a recording contract if they heard me, but stray cats won't howl at the sound of my voice, either. I can carry a tune, I just need to convince myself that, since I'm just having fun with it, I don't need to be astounding to sing. I can just be adequate.

So, enjoy some music folks, it's too fun not to.

I Quit

2011-07-12T23:23:00.000-04:00

Dear Friend,
I quit the Camp NaNoWriMo. Sorry, but the motivation just wasn't there. I still love the character I was writing about, and may someday try again to tell her early story. Or I might just leave it in flashbacks or my own head as I write other stories with her. Who knows, but there's still plenty of possibilities.

This experience has left me thinking about quitting, and when it's OK or not OK to give up. I don't like to quit. I guess hearing the phrase "Winners never quit and quitters never win" so many times in my life actually set the idea firmly in my brain. Even when I hate doing something I keep at it. Most of the time, anyway.

The biggest thing I ever quit was piano. I started piano lessons around age eight, and continued steadily until almost eighteen. I had a large range of teachers, from great to horrible. The worst of my teachers would change the fingering of pieces, making them harder to play, so that my fingers would look pretty. Even when she was telling me that I knew she was full of garbage, and I wasn't one of those kids who questioned my teachers.
My last teacher was a great teacher, and I learned a great deal from her. Most likely, if I hadn't moved while she was my teacher I would have kept learning from her for a long time. However, I did move, and when I thought about looking for a new teacher, even working on an audition piece, I was less than enthusiastic. I had learned a good deal from this teacher, but I hadn't had a lot of fun. She entered me into a lot of competitions, so a good deal of my practice time was preparing for those, and I never actually liked the compositions she chose for me to compete with.
That was when I realized, I had been playing songs I either didn't care about or outright didn't like for ten years! I loved that I knew how to play piano. I loved the sound of the instrument, I loved classical music. I didn't love playing only classical music. By the time I could play a song well I had analyzed and memorized and gone over the music so much that it didn't sound like music anymore. It sounded like an exercise. Music wasn't fun.

So I quit.

I've tried a few times in the ten years since to get back into piano, and am on a pretty good run right now. I can play and enjoy it. I've missed a lot of really important years of practice, and I've forgotten a lot of things that I should remember, but I like doing it now.
Don't get me wrong, it's still work, hard work, but I'm able to go at the pace I want, and play what I like. I'm considering going back to a teacher, but for now I'll enjoy making music. Not perfect music, just music.

Camp NaNo novel, chapter One

2011-07-01T01:05:00.003-04:00

Dear Friend,
I've decided to share with you my (unedited and just written, right now) first chapter of the novel I'm writing this summer.

Chapter One: Summer Road

A girl, about twelve years old, with long, light brown hair worn in braids, wearing a gingham print dress and carrying a bag of school books walked down the dusty dirt road past fields of growing corn in a decidedly dejected manner. Her head hung down so that she didn’t notice the bright sunshine, or the gentle and warm breeze blowing her long braids around her face and shoulders. She even walked past the tree with the bee’s hive without speeding up, and if she had noticed she would have then realized that they weren’t really out to kill her. No, despite the day’s beauty, Charlotte Chase was not happy.

As she walked down the road, determined to be as sad as she could be she suddenly heard a racket coming from behind her. Without turning around she knew exactly who was causing that racket, and the realization didn’t cheer her up at all. Running up the dirt road behind her, making dust fly up on the breeze, and singing a celebratory song came John and Paul Spencer.

She attempted to ignore them, hoping they would pass her by, missing her in their celebration of the end of the school year; but they didn’t. First Paul caught up with her, laughing and flicking one of her braids as he fell into step beside her. Christine grabbed at the long, light brown rope of hair possessively, holding it close to herself, though Paul hadn’t hurt her in any way. John caught up then, and began walking on her other side, smiling congenially at her, but Charlotte missed this while she scowled at Paul.

John and Paul were twins, just a few months older than Charlotte, and the sons of her family’s nearest neighbors. They weren’t identical twins, though they did look very similar, the main difference being that Paul had very dark hair, almost black, and John’s hair was light brown, very similar to Charlotte’s hair color.

“What’s wrong with you?” Paul asked cheerfully, “It’s summer now, remember, time for fun.”

Charlotte had no inclination to tell Paul what was “wrong with” her, as he so rudely put it, and probably would have walked on in offended silence if John hadn’t asked the question again, more politely.

“What’s wrong, Charlotte? Aren’t you happy to be out of school?”

Charlotte turned to answer John, and missed Paul making a face at his brother when her back was turned. “Yeah, I guess I’m glad to be out of school, but Meggie is going away for the summer, and it’s going to be boring around here without her.” Megan “Meggie” Harris was Charlotte’s best friend. Every year before for summer vacation Meggie’s cousins had come out to her family’s farm for vacation, but this year Meggie was going to visit them in the city.

Paul laughed, “Is that all? She’ll be back in a few weeks.”

“She’s going to be gone for two months.” Charlotte said, annoyed at his lack of sympathy.

“Maybe you could spend time with us this summer,” John said, and this time Paul didn’t just make a face at him, he reached behind Charlotte and hit his brother’s shoulder. This led to an impromptu scuffle between the boys, and Charlotte jumped ahead to avoid getting caught between them.

“Thanks, John,” she said, sarcastically, “but I think I’ll find some other way to fill my free time, so you can calm down, Paul.” They had reached the turn off on the road that led to Charlotte’s house, so she quickly sprinted away from the boys who were still roughhousing. She wasn’t even sure if they noticed that she was gone.

After the twins were out of sight behind the bend in the road Charlotte slowed to a leisurely walk, and tried to look on the bright side of things. After all, it was the beginning of summer, and that meant no more tests, or studying subjects she didn’t like, or anything like that. She could read as many novels as she wanted, and practice her piano for hours without needing to worry about whether her homework was done or not. She could spend time in her parents’ store, or help her Grandpa work around the house, or just stay home and enjoy the vacation. None of this sounded as interesting as going to the city, like Meggie was going to do, but it did sound fun.

As Charlotte walked up to her yard, and Pal, their friendly mutt of a dog, ran happily up to her, she decided that she was going to make the most of this summer. She wasn’t sure what exactly that meant, but she was determined.

Writing by the seat of my pants (again)

2011-06-30T22:58:00.000-04:00

Dear Friend,
The Office of Letters and Light is doing another writing event, like National Novel Writing Month, but instead of holding it in November they're doing it in the summer, for two months. It's called Camp NaNoWriMo! For at least the month of July (the beta testing month) I will participate by writing another 50,000 word novel in the course of one month. Depending on how that goes, I may decide to do it again in August. That's right, two novels in two months, then a break for two months to do it again in November. I could possibly write three books this year. Wow.

The most interesting part of this is, I haven't planned very much this time. I came up with my plot two days ago, and I haven't outlined any of it yet. I have only three characters thought out, too. What's weird is that I'm taking a character from my previous NaNovel (written last November) and going back in time and writing about her adolescence. In all of my writing about this character I've "known" that she grew up with two particular friends, so naturally you would think that those two characters would feature prominently in the story of her childhood, right? Wrong. I also knew that every summer those two friends would be gone, visiting family, leaving the main character alone. I'm setting this novel in the summer, so her friends are gone. Am I crazy? I've just made this much harder for me, but I'm looking forward to the challenge. Besides, in 50,000 words I can probably get back to the point where her friends have come back home. I've been able to think up two characters for my main character to interact with, though, and I think it will set up some interesting story telling ideas.

So, tonight, midnight, I'll start my crazy method of writing stories. I hope I last the whole month, for the third time.

New Owl City Album, you know I had to write about it, didn't you?

2011-06-18T00:25:00.000-04:00

Dear Friend,
Remember how I'm ~~obsessed with~~ a fan of Owl City? Well, this past Tuesday "All Things Bright and Beautiful" came out, and nothing was going to stop me from getting it. (Actually, I just downloaded it, like everything of Adam Young's, it all came from ITunes.)

~~Between bouts of listening to nothing but the Beatles~~ I've managed to play this new album almost enough times to memorize the lyrics, and I thought I'd just write down a few thoughts on it, track by track. (I'm getting the track order from Amazon, since downloading it after pre-ordering put the second version of Alligator Sky as a different album. If the order is wonky, don't blame me, blame Amazon.)

1. The Real World: Honestly, not the greatest opening for the CD, but good. Very typical of Adam; dreamy, electronic sound and sweet, surreal lyrics. "Reality is a lovely place/but I wouldn't want to live there" 3/5

2. Deer in the Headlights: I love the opening of this, especially since it made my Mom stop and say, "What sort of instrument is that?!" Lots of energy and catchy. The lyrics are also quite funny. 4.5/5

3. Angels: So far the odd numbered songs are leaving me a little cold. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad song, and I love singing along with it, but it's no "Fireflies." The highlight is the line "I believe there are beautiful things seen by the astronauts." 3/5

4. Dreams Don't Turn to Dust: I love it. I'm not sure I can get very eloquent about why, probably my usual reason for liking optimistic songs. Upbeat, idealistic, fun, and I love the percussion. 4/5

5. Honey and the Bee: Joined by Breanne Duren, this song is so sweet and lovely. I have always liked how Adam and Breanne sound together, her voice is so sweet and girly compared to his geeky boy sound. Guitar in this song is great, too. 4/5

6. Kamikaze: I LOVE this song, though I don't actually understand what he's singing. I know that sounds stupid, but it's true. His shouting in the chorus just energizes me, and I love the beat of the song, along with the sounds. 4.5/5

7. January 28, 1986: This really just works as an intro to "Galaxies", so I'll move on.

8. Galaxies: I've been waiting for this song for literally months. I loved it from the time he put the samples on his website. I love the energy, the Christian theme, they words, everything. I don't even mind that possibly half of the lyrics are "da, da, da, da." If this were the only song on the album I'd have thought it was worth the money. 5/5

9. Hospital Flowers: Back to the odd numbers not grabbing me. It's a slow song, and to me, depressing. I realize that the idea behind it is supposed to be optimistic "Happiness returned to me/Through a grave emergency" but it bums me out. It will probably be good for those blue days, though. 2.5/5

10. Alligator Sky (feat. Shawn Chrystopher): I've listened to this song so many times I don't know if I'll ever bother to listen to it again. It was the first single, and downloaded automatically when you pre-ordered the album. All I can say is Owl City and rap don't really play well together. I like the song, but often wished I could hear it without the rapping. Now that I have the album, I can. Hard to rate, though, I'll give it a 2/5

11. The Yacht Club: Joined by Lights. (I probably didn't capitalize her name properly, sorry) It's not a bad song, but really, the poor odd numbered songs. I don't really get the lyrics, and can't connect to it. I like the collaboration with Lights, and I'll definitely listen to this often. 3/5

12. Plant Life: I want to know how much of this song was Adam Young and how much was Matt Theissen. I can imagine Relient K doing this song (actually, I want to hear them do it.) I love this song to pieces and bits. I think I listened to it three times in a row last night. I adore the waltz tempo, the imagery, the accordion (?) just everything. I love everything about it. 5/5

13. How I Became the Sea: Um, wow, I feel like I'm dreaming a very bizarre dream whenever I hear this song. It's an amazing feeling, and I'm fascinated by the song, but in a way I can't tell if I actually like it, you know? (So much emotion that my sentences run on, apparently) 4/5

14: Alligator Sky: Ah, finally, the real "Alligator Sky." I love it. I feel like most of my comments are repeating themselves, so I won't elaborate, other than to say, Adam, please, no more rapping. 4.5/5

15. Lonely Lullaby: This isn't actually on the album. It's available through Owl City Galaxy, though. I've written about it before, but that was more of how the song made me feel. I'm over that now, by the way. It's still a lovely song, and I think he should have put it on the actual album instead of making it an online "club" type of exclusive. I hate that sort of thing. The song itself earns 4/5

There you go, my thoughts on Owl City's "All Things Bright and Beautiful." Check it out, you might like it.

End of May Random Thoughts

2011-05-31T22:21:00.001-04:00

Dear Friend,
It's that time again! Time for a random list entry here at Dear Friend! Isn't that exciting? Random thoughts commence in 3... 2... 1....

1. I bought a ukulele, and boy is she fun! I can play Yellow Submarine, though I can't really sing it.

2. Speaking of Yellow Submarine, I'm in a Beatles mood/mania the past few days. I blame Beatles Rock Band, because it's loads of fun and the music is great.

3. I can't pinpoint why, but I anticipate being in an Elvis mood/mania next. I don't know much about Elvis, and have seen a grand total of 1 movie that he's been in, but I'm getting interested.

4. Jem is now playing weekdays on the HUB network. It couldn't be more 80's in it's "outrageous" music, fashions, and to be honest, stupidity. I love it.

5. I'm glad to know that the next season of Chuck will be the final. The last two seasons were all right, but I don't like it as much as I did when it first started.

6. Psych will not be on this summer, since it's been delayed to the fall season. I don't think summer will feel like summer without Psych.

7. Eagerly awaiting the new season of Leverage. I don't remember if I wrote about it here in my blog, but last year I was scary obsessed with that show. It is such fun to watch.

8. Even numbered random thoughts are better than odd numbered, don't you think?

I love Exapno Mapcase!

2011-05-07T00:07:00.000-04:00

Dear Friend,
As I mentioned in my last entry I'm very much into comedy lately. When I want to laugh there aren't many sources of nonsense and merriment as reliable as the Marx Brothers. In watching so many Marx Brothers movies lately I got a little curious about them, especially Harpo. Harpo is my favorite of the brothers by a landslide, so I was pleasantly surprised to find that he had written a book, entitled Harpo Speaks.

After a friend pointed out to me that I could read part of the book at Amazon.com I decided I had to read this book. Fortunately one of the local library systems out here is wonderful at acquiring books if you put them on hold.

The first day I had the book checked out I read ten chapters. Did you read that? Ten chapters! These chapters weren't exactly small. But it was fascinating to read about his childhood. Reading about how he was consistently pushed out of the window of his second grade classroom every time the teacher left the room made me laugh and feel sorry for him at the same time. His descriptions of his daily life on the streets made me almost feel like I was right there with him. His life sounded hard, and lonely and fun and filled with family and just plain interesting. It was turning out to be an amazing book.

Then he met Alexander Woolcott. Don't get me wrong, obviously Harpo liked the guy, and had a lot of fun with him and his crowd, but... and I hate to put a "but" in there, I wasn't impressed. The things Harpo wrote about Aleck, and the Algonquin Round Table stuff didn't interest me. Sure, some of the stories he had to tell about that time in his life was funny, but most of it I breezed through, waiting for him to get back to talking about working with his brothers.

Eventually, though, the story moved on, thankfully. His description of his trip to the U.S.S.R. was a great read, and if you read it, you'll understand what the title of this entry means. My absolute favorite chapter of this book was the one in which he described meeting his wife, Susan. Everything after Susan came into his life was interesting to me. I loved to read about his family, and to see how obviously loved his kids. I guess I'm sappy that way.

My only real disappointment in the book was that there was so little written about his brothers. Most references were to Chico, especially stories about how the fact that they could pass for twins made trouble for Harpo when they were young. There were a few references to Gummo and Zeppo, but very little about Groucho. There also wasn't much said about making their films.

Still, this book was an interesting, funny and sometimes touching read. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who wanted to know more about Harpo. And, let's be honest, who doesn't want to know more about Harpo?

Stuff that makes me laugh lately: A Ramble

2011-04-16T00:30:00.000-04:00

Dear Friend,
It is Friday night, I am pumped full of caffeine and a strong desire to write. I cannot guarantee that what I am about to record will be entertaining or comprehensible. If you choose to read this entry anyway I will consider you a true friend... or really bored, but either one is fine.

I have been practically devouring comedy lately. It began with a whim to see some silent films. I chose to start off with Buster Keaton, and that was a success since I now adore the man. It branched into a little Harold Lloyd, whom I had never heard about before researching silent films trying to find which of Buster's films I would probably like best. I flatly refuse to watch Chaplin. I cannot quite explain why. There is a strange quality about the man that I find off-putting and repulsive. But Keaton and Lloyd films I will happily devour. What I like best about these silent slapstick comedies is the physicality and stunts involved in the jokes. I can't count how many times I've felt my jaw hanging open, making me look like an astonished fish when I see what these men were doing. The best part is the lack of special effects involved in most of the stunts. Honestly, I've grown tired of reading the rants of silent film fans who denounce the current method of using CGI to make most movie stunts these days, but they have a point. What movie makers and actors did before computers (and frankly, insurance companies) took over is impressive. But at the same time, it is incredible that these actors survived some of the shots they put themselves through.

Another great source of comedy for me lately is Drew Carey's Improv-A-Ganza on GSN. (Red squiggly lines under the last third of that sentence, it's a shame they won't show when I publish...) It is almost like a reunion of Whose Line is it Anyway, but not quite. It still makes me laugh, to the point of tears sometimes. It makes me so happy to see Ryan Stiles, Jeff Davis, Colin Mochrie, and Wayne Brady on TV again. Drew has improved at improv since Whose Line, too. (Aside note, I really, honestly like Drew Carey. He's the only reason I started watching the Price is Right again. I don't know why I like him so much... I don't think he's that great as a game show host, but he makes me laugh, and seems to enjoy himself doing it.)

A friend of mine has been talking a lot about the Marx Brothers lately. I love the Marx Brothers, myself, and hadn't seen any of their movies in a long time, so I put a couple in to watch this week. It made me realize that my favorite Marx brother is Harpo. He always has been, even when I was a kid. I usually feel like Groucho gets all the attention, and he's definitely funny, but I'll always adore Harpo.

Also, somewhat related to my Marx brothers "epiphany," Wakko is my favorite of the three Warners in Animaniacs. I thought Yakko was for the longest time, but it was always Wakko. After all, all those years ago when I was a rather rude "hostess" when a friend was over and I insisted that she watch Animaniacs with me when she wanted to watch X-Men it was because it was a Wakko-heavy episode, not Yakko.

Goodness, this has been a rambling and silly entry. If you made it this far, consider yourself hugged. I'll try to be more intellectual in my next letter.

Isn't that a little rude, though?

2011-04-06T20:48:00.000-04:00

Dear friend,
This past Sunday our family tried a new church. It was a nice service, the music was good, the people were friendly and the sermon encouraging. We met the pastor, and it was obvious that he was making an effort to remember us by name, in order either to recognize us if we came back or to pray for us, who knows. During the conversation he asked me a question that I hear far too often, "How old are you?"

I know that in my case people ask me this because they can't tell just from looking at me. I know that in a church there are groups separated by age. I know that he didn't intend to offend me or set off an angry switch in my soul. Because I know all of this I answered calmly and truthfully, but I made a decision.

I am not telling people how old I am anymore.

Part of this decision is because I'm definitely old enough to adopt the "lady-like" policy of keeping such information to myself. Part of it is because I don't feel my age. I haven't for years, and as they say, you're only as old as you feel.

So, from now on, I'm ageless.

It's a bitter world, I'd rather dream

2011-04-02T23:22:00.001-04:00

Dear Friend,
My affection for Adam Young, aka Owl City, is well documented. I've mentioned that in general I will get over a celebrity crush in about a month, but this guy is different. But I've noticed another difference besides longevity in this crush; it feels like having a crush on someone I know.

Obviously a crush on a "real life" guy is different than a crush on a "fake" celebrity. As far as I'm concerned a celebrity may as well be a fictional character. I like it that way. However, if I'm interested in a guy in real life it is to my benefit to know more about who they really are if there is any chance of getting involved with them. No one would argue that I have a good chance of having a personal relationship with someone famous, therefore the less I know about them, the better, and the easier it will be to move on when their moment in the spotlight of my affections is over.

But, something is weird about Adam. I think it may be his Blog. I love the way he writes. Reading a new entry of his blog (which I get to do, mostly every Monday, like clockwork) feels like having a casual conversation with him. He writes so well and so easily that you feel like you get to know him through his words despite the lack of precise details. He's funny and eloquent and manages to write about things that everyone can relate to.

The weird, personal feeling of this famous-person-crush came to its peak when I heard the song Lonely Lullaby. This song is an extra feature of the Owl City Galaxy app for Ipods or Iphones. It is a very personal song about a break-up, and it is lovely. I found out that the song isn't an abstract song about sadness in general, but specifically about his ex-girlfriend Anne Marie. One night, while I was listening to music and playing video games the song came on and I got that weird, jealous, sympathetic, frustrated feeling that you get when you listen to someone you like go on about how wonderful someone else is. No one enjoys that feeling. Let me tell you, it feels even worse when you realize that the feeling is completely unjustified and slightly stalker-like.
I eagerly await the day I can simply listen to the song, enjoy it, and move on when the track ends without feeling this bizarre slurry of emotions. Hopefully this written confession, a sort of emotional exorcism, will speed that day along.

I blame my Dad

2011-03-14T22:37:00.000-04:00

Dear Friend,

Would you believe that for awhile, particularly when I was in middle school and beginning high school, I was convinced that any movie made before I was born wasn't worth my time? And heaven forbid it wasn't in color! I'm sorry to admit that, yes, I was that foolish at one time. (I didn't even think about the fact that all those Disney movies I loved so much were made before I was even thought of, illogical thing that I was.)
My Dad has always been a fan of movies, old or new, and I think he probably prefers films to television. He was a big influence for me to give old movies a shot. Dad always has a copy of a fairly recent Leonard Maltin movie book. I've been known to just flip through those books at random, just to read a quick plot synopsis and on occasion a cast list. Dad's also got a pretty sizable collection of DVDs on hand (though not as big as mine...), being a fan of the $5 or $1 DVD bins in supermarkets. He sometimes finds some gems in there, amazingly enough. He introduced me to the Marx Brothers who I found hilarious, despite the lack of hue on the screen.
But I think the most encouraging part my Dad has played in my becoming a fan of classic films is that he's almost always willing to watch a movie with me. Sure, there are movies that are decidedly "Mom and Me" movies, like romantic comedies, but most of the other films I want to see whether an animated family film, exciting sci-fi, or critically acclaimed classic or more recently silent slapstick I know that if I want to watch with someone else, Dad will most likely be up for it.
So, now that I'm a hopeless fan of classic films, who literally turns on the Turner Classic Movies channel every single day, I can blame my Dad. Or should that be Thank my Dad?

Unexplainable Attraction

2011-03-12T00:25:00.000-05:00

Dear Friend,
Some people don't photograph well. This is, for the most part, an established fact. No matter who you ask, they will probably admit that some people are not done a justice with a simple picture. There have been theories that these people lose some of their visual appeal because unlike a normal human being with two eyes, cameras only have one "eye" or focal point, and therefore lose perspective and depth. This, therefore, is the missing "something" that renders a relatively attractive person plain or unattractive in a photograph.

I don't exactly agree with that theory. If that were the case, a video filmed by a camera with only one lens would also fail to capture their attraction.
I'm more inclined to say that part of what makes a person attractive is more than their mere looks. Movement and action combine with looks to make a person beautiful. Yes, there are some absolutely stunning and beautiful people who look amazing in a still photograph, there's no argument to that. Some people, though, are absolutely brilliant to see when they move and a still picture will never be able to capture that quality.

I've had this theory for years, but never took time to think about it until recently. I have three examples. The men I will write about in this entry are all very interesting to watch, but I don't think that photographs do them justice.

Example one is a young man by the name of Matt Smith.

I first saw a photo of Matt Smith when he was announced as the new star of the long-running sci-fi show Dr. Who. To be perfectly honest, my first thoughts were not favorable. He's... well, he's weird looking. I can't really water it down and be polite about it. He looks odd. However, I'm not one to simply write an actor off before seeing their work, so I gave the newest season of Dr. Who a shot. I'm glad I did, since he became my favorite incarnation of the Doctor, and it was the only season I watched every episode of.
He's interesting to watch because he gives so much energy to his performance. He's perfect to play the part of an alien because he is so odd himself, yet he's also likable. He's charming, and photos don't really show that.

Next is Benedict Cumberbatch.

He plays Sherlock Holmes in the BBC television show Sherlock. The first time I saw him I wondered why they would hire such a strange looking man to play Sherlock. I was amazed by reports of people who had seen the show when it aired in the UK (before I could see it here in the US) and raved about how attractive he was. I simply couldn't see what all the fuss was about.
Then, I saw the show for myself. He's stunning. The combination of his voice, his movement and his eyes just leaves me staring, amazed, at the screen whenever he's on it. He plays the role of the unique and calculating Sherlock Holmes to a T. I believe everything I see the character do, and in a way that you could easily picture the "real" Holmes in the book doing things.

Now, the last person I'm giving as an example is a little strange for me. If you had asked me six days ago if I thought this man was an attractive man I first would have looked at you as though you were completely out of your mind and then I'd have politely answered in the negative before swiftly changing the subject. It wasn't that I'd never seen him "in motion" because I had, and I didn't think he was that great to look at. That changed when I watched his film The General.
Yeah, it's Buster Keaton.

Something about how that man moved, and emoted without ever cracking a smile, is hypnotizing for me. He was funny, and graceful, and frankly, brilliant. I'm not sure I can even start to explain it. The character he played wasn't supposed to be strong, graceful or anything that he obviously was but it shows anyway.

One thing I've learned from the internet is that no matter who you are, or what you look like, someone is attracted to you. I'm not alone in finding something nice to see in these men (in fact, most of the fans of these men are so much more affected than I am that it is almost disturbing) but I still feel a little befuddled at my attraction to them. It's one of those reasons I rarely talk about who I find attractive in real life. While I'll occasionally write out a blog entry to say something like this, getting me to verbalize it in reality would be like pulling teeth. I guess I'm not so very much into conventional good looks. Give me an "interesting" face over a pretty one any day.

A little bit more?

2011-03-01T22:46:00.000-05:00

Dear Friend,
I've got the weirdest desire to write a screenplay. Not just any screenplay, either, no I have a desire to write a musical! Let's face it, if I'm going to write a screenplay, I may as well write something fun, ridiculous and altogether absurd. If there is any sort of scripted program more fun, ridiculous and absurd than a musical then I don't know what it is. The logic is sound!

I'm not the sort of writer who does "screenplays." I write stories, with description, proper (as far as I can get it) grammar, and I use quotation marks to denote speech. I don't even have any desire to anyone to produce a screenplay that I write. Mostly I want to do it because I want to be able to say that I have. I'd write it, never edit it and share it with friends.

The same people who run National Novel Writing Month each November also run Script Frenzy each April. While I have taken part in "NaNoWriMo" as they call it (won two years in a row, baby!) I haven't ever considered doing Script Frenzy before. It's possible that I was not able to come up with a plot idea for Script Frenzy so "soon" after concentrating on a novel length plot in November, but it's also possible that I just didn't want to write a script.

That all changed, however, when I realized that every song I love is pretty strongly associated with a story in my head. My mental music videos could easily all be meshed into a single plot-line with some creative thinking on my part. Combine this with my love for old movie musicals and an idea seed is planted in the fertile ground of my mind.

So, will I abandon all inhibitions and settle down to write 100 pages of screenplay next month? I can't decide yet. I've been having a rough time of it emotionally this past week, and honestly I was going to try to do something in my life other than sit down with my laptop, making clacking noises with my fingers on the keyboard. I just still don't really know how to do that. Still, when meeting new people they inevitably ask you what you do, and rather than staring blankly at them, making them very uncomfortable I could instead tell them I'm writing a movie script, and then let it drop into the conversation that I've written two novels. The sad thing is that the next question would be if I've had anything published, and the answer is decidedly no. But hey, I'm working on it, right? That's got to count for something.

Spring Cleaning?

2011-02-22T22:39:00.000-05:00

Dear Friend,

Despite the drop in temperature today, I feel that lovely feeling of Spring. I know it's still only February, and the weather can still throw us a few cold and uncomfortable days, I know that soon it will warm up, flowers will bloom and trees will be green again.

Unfortunately, that also means that bugs will return, crawling through the house and flying at the windows, driving me to distraction.

One thing I've never really "gotten" about this time of year is Spring Cleaning. Yes, I understand that it is generally a time that people can open windows and air out the house, change seasonal wardrobes and generally a good occasion for making things tidy, I get that. What I don't get is why Spring, exactly? No matter where you are, what the weather is like, the tradition is Spring Cleaning.

Spring Cleaning has never been my favorite task. I wouldn't call myself a slob, exactly, but I tend to be on the, let's say relaxed spectrum of cleaners. I keep my workspace very tidy, but otherwise I won't cringe at the sight of a little dust. The idea of going through my things and organizing them isn't palatable.

For this reason, I'm almost alarmed at my actions for the past week. I've been going through everything from my Netflix queue to my followed Twitter accounts and "pruning." I think every set of lists and links that I have has been significantly cut down this week. And the urge to minimize has not been satisfied yet. I imagine in the next few days I will resort to pulling out entire drawers and storage bins and chucking possessions willy-nilly.

This is not like me. I'm the woman who has toys that I can't bear to give up scattered about her room, to the extent that small children think I'm about twelve years old. I have shirts that I got when I was ten. (Very few, possibly two, and they were very large for me then) I have two dresser and two closets, for heaven's sake!

The only time that I've ever noticed people ridding themselves of possessions to this level has normally been before moving. I'm not moving, am I? I'm almost afraid that my spirit or subconscious are subtly telling me that something is about to change. I don't feel like anything is about to change, and in a way that worries me. Change always comes when you least expect it.

Does my wondering about change qualify as expecting it, therefore meaning that nothing will change? Hmm...

Blog title change, here's why

2011-02-09T23:12:00.000-05:00

Dear Friend,

If you are particularly observant, you may notice that the official name of this blog has changed from "Letter to You, My Friend" to simply "Dear Friend." I've been addressing my blog entries Dear Friend for years, and may not have given a thorough explanation of why I do. If you are, as I said before, particularly observant you probably noticed various references to You've Got Mail around the blog. I have, on the top right column of the page, a quote from that movie, and my tags list is under the heading "Fox Books" which was the book store owned by the character played by Tom Hanks. My links list may prove more difficult to understand, though, since it's not from You've Got Mail, it's from The Shop Around the Corner, the movie that inspired You've Got Mail. Also, instead of listing followers and friends I have "Box 237" which was the post office box number in In the Good Old Summertime.

Those movies are the reason that I begin my blog entries with "Dear Friend." A plot that despite being done three times over on film still touches my heart each and every time. In each of these movies two people begin corresponding, either through letters or e-mail, and feel a strong connection, building up to love, with each other; while at the same time, they work with or interact with each other in their everyday lives and don't get along. They don't know that the same person that lifts their spirits with their letters is the same person who drives them crazy.

The first film, The Shop Around the Corner with James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan, is set in Budapest Hungary and the main characters work in a leather goods shop. In the second, In the Good Old Summertime with Judy Garland and Van Johnson, is a period film and in a way a musical with the characters working in a music store. The third, You've Got Mail with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, is set in New York and instead of the characters working together, they are rivals in the book business. Each film has its own setting, feel and situation, but the plot, and heart, are the same.

One of the elements that is shared by each film is the fact that each letter sent is begun "Dear Friend." I love that touch. I am enchanted by the possibility that two people can get to know and love each other through letters. It almost seems like an idealistic fantasy, which could almost be a little of the point since the characters originally don't get along in person.

Another aspect of these films that I like is how these films illustrate that your impression of another person can be wrong. You can disagree with them but that shouldn't be the basis of how you think of them in every other aspect of their lives. Most of the time the characters met and initially liked each other, but somehow got on each others wrong side. It's nice to watch people take a second look at what they thought they knew and reevaluate it.

So there you have it, the reason I begin all of my notes to you with "Dear Friend." I've seen these movies so many times that it rubbed off on me. I can definitely recommend that you see each one of them. (My personal favorite of the trio is Shop Around the Corner)

The Art of Being Friendless

2011-02-06T00:10:00.000-05:00

Dear Friend,
I find it extremely ironic to begin a message about being without any friends with "Dear Friend," but that is how I begin all of my entries, so there it is.

I've been living in Virginia for over four years now, and I don't have a single friend here. I don't even have acquaintances. I realize it can only be my fault, that it takes a special sort of hermit-like person to go that long without forming any type of bond with another human being. The problem is I have no clue how one goes about making friends. I came to the realization one day that every friendship I ever had was practically placed in my lap. I've had to put in the effort to maintain certain friendships, but it has never been an effort to make them. That isn't normal, is it?

I keep in contact with people who I used to be friends with, but it never is quite the same, talking through e-mail or Facebook, as it was speaking face to face. Conversations always become shorter as time goes on, and each of our lives get a little farther apart, no matter how hard I try.

I'm not complaining, exactly, I'm an air force brat, I'm used to leaving friends behind. I'm an introvert, I prefer to spend a certain amount of time alone to recharge. I'm simply beginning to think... I've overdone it.

There is an art to being friendless. I think I've got a good handle on it. I'd like to try life the other way, though, for awhile.

That Voice!

2011-01-28T23:58:00.001-05:00

Dear friend,
It has been a very "Frankie" week for me. I'm not complaining at all.

I don't have a celebrity crush on Frank Sinatra, mind you. This isn't a case of "protesting too much," I just want to clear that up. A few years ago my Dad was under the impression that I had a crush on Cary Grant, when I didn't. This is the same sort of thing; I love them, but I don't love them. (I do have a silly, little crush on a member of the Rat Pack, but it isn't Frank, and I'm not telling you who it is, so don't ask)

Anyway, as I said, it's been a very Frankie sort of week for me. Turner Classic Movies aired a movie called the Kissing Bandit, which I just had to watch, since Frank was in it. I have a fondness for Frank's early movies, ones where he played a lovable dork who was so nervous around women that he had no idea what to do. He was such a little, skinny, silly looking dude that the roles fit him very well. In my opinion, the only thing this movie had going for it was Frank. It was silly, beyond the point of being able to be taken seriously. The costumes were ridiculous, so much so that I burst into laughter at the sight of some of them. Frank didn't sing nearly enough, either. Still, I enjoyed watching it.

A few other Frank movies were on but I, unfortunately, didn't catch all the way through. I did, as I mentioned at the end of my birthday post, watched Ocean's 11. I got it out of curiosity about the Rat Pack. I enjoyed the movie, enough to look past it's ridiculousness. (And like I said, I now have a crush on someone in the Rat Pack. Just for fun, use the process of elimination, it's not Dean or Sammy, either.)

The day after my birthday, I used some of my abundant supply of itunes money to buy a few "Essential" albums by Frank and Dean Martin. I love them both. I don't know why it had taken me so long to get actual CDs from either of these two amazing singers, instead of picking up a song by them here or there.

My brother and my sister-in-law sent me a few musicals on DVD as birthday presents. They sent me Singing in the Rain and Guys and Dolls. The smile on my face as I opened the package was considerable. I love both of these movies but had never gotten around to buying either one. As I write, I'm gleefully watching Guys and Dolls, enjoying the fact that Nathan Detroit, and so many others, aren't using contractions. Or should I say, are not using contractions.

I used to love those cartoons making fun of his screaming and swooning fans. They were really my first indication that Sinatra existed. Perhaps they were a strong influence on me, since I consider myself something of a Frank Sinatra fangirl. I was amused to learn that some of those screaming fans were actresses hired and paid to make him seem more popular.

I don't think I could ever get tired of hearing that man sing. It's been an enjoyable week.

Birthday? Today? Really?

2011-01-26T20:19:00.001-05:00

Dear Friend,
Twenty (something) years ago today I was born. That, apparently, is a reason to celebrate. As usual, the uncontrollable act of growing a year older has left me thinking over my past, present and future. Perhaps someday I will pass the twenty-sixth day of the year without becoming so pensive, though this year isn't the year that it will occur.

I actually celebrated on Monday, since the weather forecast for today was not compatible with a grand day out. My mum and I went shopping, to many of my favorite stores, and ate lunch at my favorite restaurant, Noodles and Company. It was a pleasant day, with a lot of laughs and resulted in my acquiring a new pair of boots.

As for today, it has been a lazy day, a rainy day, a calm and pleasant day. Thanks to Netflix I was able to try a new television series, The Murdoch Mysteries. It was fun to watch, fulfilling many of the little categories that indicate an interesting show for me; Canadian, period setting and solving mysteries.

It seems to be my parents have established a tradition for my birthday, buying me Breyer model horses. This year I received the models made for the World Equestrian games and the 60th Anniversary of Breyer. They're both very pretty, very dramatic sculptures that I think will compliment my extensive collection nicely.

Well, last year I wrote about feeling like I was on the edge of a big change. Considering I'm writing this entry in almost exactly the same circumstances as I was when I wrote that one, it would seem I was wrong. There are two ways to react to this, with frustration or with hope. I will choose the latter. Though I no longer feel that a big change is waiting just around the corner, I do know that God has a plan for me, and as long as I'm living my life for Him, I know I'm living for something.

I'm off to watch the original Ocean's 11, which I've never seen before.

Another birthday, I look forward to many more.

Downton Abbey pt. 2

2011-01-16T23:04:00.000-05:00

Dear Friend,
So, how about that episode of Downton? I (and there is a spoiler in this sentence, just to warn you) didn't know whether to gasp in shock or laugh hysterically when that guy died. He wasn't a nice man, but ... wow!

This episode wasn't as interesting, unfortunately, but I'm still curious to see where this series goes. I'm glad to see that the cousin (I'm horrible with names, I'm sorry) was able to see that his valet was much happier doing his job instead of being made to feel useless and superfluous. I can't figure out if the middle daughter likes this guy or if she just always wants what is meant for her older sister.

This episode had a lot of graphic, bloody things going on. I hate blood, so I spent a few scenes with my hands over my eyes and squealing until the shot changed.

More next week, I suppose.

Just Watched Downton Abbey pt. 1

2011-01-09T22:28:00.002-05:00

Dear Friend,
I did enjoy the first part of Downton Abbey. There was only one thing about it that I didn't really enjoy. I spent at least half an hour looking at a character saying, "You're gay, right? You're totally gay," and then found out that I was right. It took my out of the plot, and both parties involved were each wholly unlikable. As far as everything else went, I was interested in what was going on, and had the proper reaction to each of the characters. I often have trouble following plots with an abundance of characters, and I am slightly unclear on a few things, but overall I believe I know what's going on.
I'm slightly annoyed by the storyline that a certain character is unused to the lifestyle of a very rich person who has servants running around their house and feels that they are "better" than the rich person because they are self-reliant. I do appreciate that they showed the heir, the character who holds this view, offending his valet. He seemed to realize in that moment that even though he felt the man's job was silly, and he said so, it wasn't silly to the valet; it was all he knew in life, and very important to him. I'm interested to see how he adjusts to this life he'll most likely be saddled with.
The eldest daughter I'm not sure how I feel about. I can't tell if we're supposed to sympathize with her or think that she's a useless piece of vain baggage. Well, it's part one, so I'm sure the rest of the series will shed more light on her character.

There were many clever and quotable lines, though in classic "me" fashion, I've forgotten most of them already.

Possibly a new PBS Masterpiece series to love!

2011-01-09T20:04:00.002-05:00

Dear Friend,
Tonight on PBS they will begin airing the miniseries (?) Downton Abbey.

Online the buzz for this series has been pretty widespread. I've been curious about it for awhile, but I'll admit to not knowing much about it. I hope I enjoy it.

In other news, I've started a new blog, with a different purpose. If you're curious, you can find it here, but I shall warn you, as of now it's completely empty. There is an explanation of what it is, but no content yet.

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T00:24:00.001-05:00

Just to get the blog started on the right foot for 2011!

Happy New Year, my friend! May it be blessed, happy and awesome!

Here's to more regular posts this year! Love you!

A final post for 2010, Silly and Heartfelt all at the same time!

2010-12-31T17:29:00.007-05:00

Dear Friend,
A year ago today I decided to put some of my Itunes gift money to good use. I looked around and listened to various clips from assorted artists and releases that had caught my attention in the preceding months before settling on to Ocean Eyes by Owl City. I'd heard his single Fireflies (just like every other person on earth) and had enjoyed to sound of it. I figured it was gift money, so I may as well take a chance with it.

I didn't listen much that night, being rather busy with New Year's Eve traditions, but what I did hear I liked. Little did I know it would send me into one of my "obsessive" phases that I am inclined to suffer through from time to time.

Though, suffer is a horrible choice for the way to describe how I go through these phases. I enjoy every second of immersing myself into a pleasant activity. Otherwise, I wouldn't bother, now would I?

As I mentioned in my previous post about the soundtrack of my year, Adam Young took over my listening habits. I love his music. However, it isn't just that. I love him.

I often have what I call Celebrity Crushes, they're fun and meaningless and often get me to watch movies or shows or listen to music I wouldn't have known about if I hadn't taken a strong interest in whoever the latest "heart throb" is. These little episodes rarely last longer than a month, sometimes less, really strong crushes occasionally last two or three months, and when they're over I still look fondly at the person and enjoy their work. I just don't obsess like I had before.

I've been "in love" with Adam Young for a year now.

I don't know what exactly it is that I adore so much about him. I do know that I find him witty, funny, sweet and inspiring, though. I've been happily listening to his music and reading his twitter and his blog. He quotes some of my favorite movies, including You've Got Mail. He reads wonderful books, even getting me to finally read the original Bambi novel. He's a Christian, and did the best cover of In Christ Alone I've ever heard. I almost can't find anything wrong with him.

But, isn't that a little strange? He's human, just like the rest of us, so he must have some faults. Well, I mean, besides the fact that he's obviously into Blond girls and a vegetarian, but those aren't exactly faults, are they, they're just his opinion and choice.

I've come across people who are so obsessed with celebrities that they believe they're honestly in love with them, and frankly those people scare me. I am not that scary, stalker girl who can't talk about anything or anyone else.(Though, the fact that he's been mentioned in almost every blog entry I've made these past six months might contradict that statement, huh?) The one who sends letters and presents and is upset when she doesn't get any replies or thanks. I also am not the girl who loses sight of reality in the fantasy of some unobtainable "god." I'm just sitting back, enjoying his music and lyrics and thoughts that he chooses to share with his audience.

I've chosen one of his songs to be a sort inspiration for this upcoming year.
Sky Sailing's Steady as She Goes

The tide can bring in anything,
So Steady as she goes!

Happy New Year, and God bless you, my friend!

My 2010 Soundtrack

2010-12-17T14:46:00.004-05:00

Dear friend,
I got a lot of new music this year. Some of it really left a strong impression on me, so much so that it almost seems linked to all of the experiences I had this year. That has inspired me to compile a sort of soundtrack from the year.

For whatever songs I can, I'll embed a video from Youtube, so if you're reading this on facebook, and you don't see a video, go to my blogspot blog, there should be a link to click. If you don't you'll miss half the experience.

1. Fireflies by Owl City

2010 was practically the year of Adam Young for me. He somehow swooped in and took over my ipod, not just as Owl City, but also with his albums under the names Port Blue and Sky Sailing. I even bought some Swimming With Dolphins because of his involvement. This was the song that started it all, of course.

2. Terrified by Katherine McPhee feat. Zachary Levi

I got a complete and total celebrity crush on Zachary Levi this year, which is the only reason this song warrants exposure on this list... It's sweet though.

3. Galileo as sung by Josh Groban

I adore this song, I've played it to death, but I still adore it. It's silly and sweet and makes me smile each and every time I hear it.

4. End of May by Michael Buble

This song got me to like Michael Buble again after I had practically given up on him. I've got one hell of a melancholy streak in me, and this song speaks to it beautifully. It's another song I've played to death.

5. I'm Yours/ Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Straight No Chaser

I like this version better than Jason Mraz's which I would have thought was impossible. I love these guys, they are my favorite a cappela group (as though I have a lot of those groups to choose from...) They're amazing.

6. All My Heart by Stellar Kart

Theirs was the only Christian album I bought this year (*blush*) and this song just struck a chord with me. I'm not sure what other songs I've played this often on the album. (Honestly, last year's Barlow Girl CD Love and War is still heavy in my rotations, it was too awesome to overcome this year, I guess)

7. Rhythm of Love by the Plain White T's

Another song I've played to death. It makes me think of summer. Oddly enough, while I was writing my novel this November this song sort of became the main character's theme song. I can't explain that in any type of way, because it makes no sense. But it doesn't have to, it just works.

8. Bienvenue Dans Ma Vie by Nikki Yanofsky

Found Nikki on Itunes this year. I like her voice, and I love this song. Played to death, just like all the others on this list.

9. The Only Exception by Paramore

I'm not usually into Paramore. It seems like the sort of music I'd love, but somehow it just doesn't hit me. Until this song. I love it. Say it with me now: Played to death. LOL

10. Rainbow Veins by Owl City

I told you Adam Young took over my life this year. I adore this song, I think it's my favorite of his under Owl City.

11. Brielle by Sky Sailing

Adam Young again. This song will forever be the song that gave me the idea for my book that I wrote this year. If you listen, don't expect to know what my book is like, they couldn't be less alike. (I wrote a murder mystery, I can't explain how that came about) It's a beautiful song, and I love it.

12. Silhouettes by Swimming with Dolphins

Pretty, pretty song. I've got a story in my head because if this song. Maybe I'll write it someday.

13. Never Knew I Needed by Ne-Yo

The song from Princess and the Frog. I don't care very much for Ne-Yo, but I do like the song.

14. Voce Existe Em Mim by Josh Groban

It took me awhile to like this song, but once I did I loved it. I think it's because of all the drums. It's awesome.

15. Peppermint Winter by Owl City

Adam Young does Christmas! I so adore this song. I wish he'd make a proper Christmas album. The lyrics of this song are perfection!

I think that's enough. Hopefully all of those videos work and all this gathering and typing wasn't a complete waste of time! LOL

A new year is coming, you know what that means?

2010-12-15T12:02:00.002-05:00

Dear Friend,
2010 was not a year of blogging. I don't really know what happened, I just didn't feel like writing out what was going through my head most days. I've had ideas, but no motivation. I'm hoping to change that. I've got a few ideas for blog entries, even a few series, that I have to do a little research on. (Research, on a blog? Aren't blog entries supposed to be spontaneous? What?)

Just to let you know, the first series I want to write is about people who inspire me. I made a list of ten people who make me want to get up off my butt and do something, even if it isn't what that person does. Hopefully either next week or after the beginning of the year I'll get started on that.

I'm planning on editing my NaNo novel after the new year starts. I think that will be enough of a break from the story to let me look objectively at the story and change what needs to be changed. I'm not satisfied with the story as it stands, so I know that editing needs to be done.

Eliot comic strips are also in the planning stages. I'm out of practice drawing him, so I've been sketching him lately, before I try to combine the art with the plot lines.

Christmas baking is swiftly approaching. For once I have no plans to try any new recipes. I'm hoping for a quiet Christmas, since Thanksgiving was extremely busy.

What is it about the end of the year that makes me so ambitious?

Now that's terrifying

2010-10-31T18:41:00.002-04:00

Dear Friend,
I don't celebrate Halloween. Beyond spiritual reasons, I personally find a holiday in which children disguise themselves and then proceed to beg for candy by threatening to harm someone if they are not rewarded to be absolutely disgusting.
However, that doesn't mean that I don't find October 31 scary in its own right. It's scary because the very next day is the beginning of National Novel Writing Month! Each year, October 31 is the last day that I have to wonder if I'm really crazy enough to write a novel in a month. If you've never done it before, you don't know how both exciting and terrifying it is.

I have decided this year that the task of writing a 50,000 word story isn't enough for the month of November. I also have chosen to add an art project to the mix. Every day of November I will attempt to draw the one thing in this world I hate drawing: People. I will attempt various degrees of realism (mostly leaning to the cartoony spectrum) but they will all be people.

Also, I'm not planning on telling anyone that I'm doing it. When I say "anyone" I mean my parents. The idea this year is to write and draw in addition to my normal life. I don't want to use these projects as an excuse to slack off on my work and chores. (This will be extra interesting since we're having Thanksgiving company this year!)

November is a month of adventure! What are you going to do in it?

Fun days deserve blog entries

2010-07-13T23:53:00.003-04:00

Dear Friend,
Adam Young's (Owl City) other project, Sky Sailing, came out with a new album, exclusively to Itunes for two weeks, today. (I'll give you a chance to find your way through that sentence, now) I had it pre-ordered, and I love it. The album is very mellow, with a lot of guitar, and just right for dreaming.

Psych season 4 DVDs came out today, too. (Un)fortunately, the fifth season premieres tomorrow, so I can't watch all of the discs beforehand. The picture is much clearer than the previous season's which was really grainy for some reason. They look great on a blu-ray player.

I stopped in at Pier1 today, just to see if they had reed diffusers on sale (no such) and discovered that they had a few "fruity" bath products. These products included pineapple themed objects, like soap and bath gel and sponges. Obviously, I had to buy a pineapple shaped bath sponge. Simply adorable.

I watched the premiere of Covert Affairs tonight. It was all right. I'll give it at least one more try. It certainly isn't to the level of Psych, Leverage, Chuck, Burn Notice or Due South for me.

My mind rebels at stagnation

2010-05-22T23:01:00.004-04:00

Dear friend,
I've not been blogging, even though I've been doing things that I usually choose to write about, for example; seeing movies. I've seen at least Disney/Nature's Oceans (skip it, it sucks, though the footage is pretty), Sherlock Holmes (wow, that was fun! Why haven't I bought it yet?), Iron Man (fun again, but not something I'd buy), and Iron Man 2 (I had just as much fun with that as I did with the first. But I saw them on the same day, so they kind of melded into a single, extremely long movie in my head).

Really, I'm writing now because I noticed something about myself. I like mystery shows, books, and games though I suck at figuring out the solution. I think I know why, though. I care more about the characters than the mystery. I feel as though I am missing the point, but I don't care since I'm enjoying it anyway.
I noticed this when I was watching Sherlock Holmes. My Dad had ordered the movie on Pay per View, but didn't tell me, since he didn't know I wanted to see it. Since PPV is usually a 24 hour deal, in which time you can watch as many times as you like, I decided to watch the next evening. The film cut off just before the end. I wasn't torn up about not seeing the solution to the mystery at all. I wasn't too concerned about seeing the end because I knew (spoiler, I guess) Watson was still alive. (End of the fake, silly spoiler)
Some would look at that as a sign of a very poorly written mystery. Maybe it was, but I've almost never bothered to try to follow mystery plots anyway. A good deal of the shows I watch are either cop or detective shows. Psych and dueSouth especially, but even Chuck and Burn Notice have the same sort of elements. Most people who watch LOST are talking about the need to know answers by the time the finale airs tomorrow. I don't really care. I mostly want to know what's going to happen to these characters, rather than what occurred to make all these things happen.
In other words, I care more about the characters than the stories.

Having realized this, I am beginning to read a lot more mysteries. I even went out and bought a copy of the entire Sherlock Holmes. I've read most of the first novel already, and I'm loving it. All I'm focusing on are the characters of Holmes and Watson. I have tried reading Holmes before, and most of it just went over my head, and I didn't get the hype. I'm catching on now. I find it much easier to follow the story by focusing on why Holmes is doing what he's doing rather than focusing on what he's doing.

I hope all this enthusiastic ramble made sense. I'm just happy to figure out one of the ways my brain works. I don't want to focus on a problem; I want to focus on how the problem affects the person.

(That reads like a soundbite...)

Why I'm not a critic

2010-03-21T00:44:00.004-04:00

Dear friend,
I just had another session of reading negative reviews of products that I enjoy. That little hobby of mine might sound weird, and even frustrating, but I still do it. Sometimes it can be funny to see someone's vehement hatred of something silly and unimportant like a movie or CD. (In the sense that there are definitely more vital parts of our lives that the same energy could be used in pondering.)

In any case, friend, tonight I was reading reviews of Owl City's album Ocean Eyes. It seems to me that there are only two opinions to have about this album, either you think it sucks or you adore it. I am in the second camp. I cannot seem to get enough of this dude's music. The thing is, though, I'm able to understand those who hate it. When I step back and look at it rationally, the music isn't good. The singing, the lyrics, the style, etc. when looked at objectively aren't great. Yet somehow, put them all together, and it touches something in my heart or soul in a way that makes me feel warm and fuzzy.

And so, that is why I'm not a critic. I can't tell you what is of good quality and worth your time. I can only tell you what gives me a feeling of being wrapped in a comfy blanket.

Owl City isn't for everyone. In general I'd almost say that if you're not a romantic (hopelessly and classically so) don't bother. If you do give him a shot and hate him, don't say I didn't warn you (and what's wrong with you?)

Darn these two viewing minimum movies

2010-03-07T18:14:00.002-05:00

Dear Friend,
I saw Alice in Wonderland today.
All I can tell you is that I enjoyed it. I can also tell you that I can't tell you whether I recommend it or not yet.

My mind works in this weird way when I see certain films. One brilliant example would be Becoming Jane. I went to the theatre the first time to see that film and came out not sure whether I liked the movie or not. I went to see it a second time and decided that it was just ok, not that great. When it came out of DVD I rented it and decided that I disliked the movie. So, that movie was a three timer.

I came out of Alice thinking that I had been entertained. My Dad gave it a 3.5 out of five, and asked me if I would be buying it. I told him I probably wouldn't. This surprised him. I explained to him that it needed to stand up to a second viewing. (Prince Caspian didn't stand up to it's second viewing very well)

Most of the online reviews (given by people who are not professional film critics) are saying much the same thing: It's great visuals cover a so-so story. So, I won't say that. I'll instead list a few pros and cons.

PROS:
Costumes! Costumes! Costumes! (granted, it seems they want to see how many geeks they can get to dress up like Alice at ComicCon this year)
Visuals
Soundtrack by Danny Elfman
Not entirely boring
For some reason Mad Hatter was Scottish sometimes... like when reciting "Jabberwocky" (yes, that's a pro)

CONS:
The Eye stuff (would be a spoiler to explain)
That horrid dance (ditto)
The beginning and ending sequences were dull
There's something missing... I've heard it was edited and chopped a bit from the original screenplay. Maybe that something was left on the cutting room floor.

Actually, I enjoyed it, but I don't know if I will again. I'll have to give it at least one more try.

The Annual Birthday Post!

2010-01-26T23:11:00.003-05:00

Dear Friend,
Once again, it is my birthday. It seems to happen every year around this time. Usually it makes me feel both nostalgic and introspective. Not so much this year. This year, I'm more wondering about the future. Frankly, as far as I can tell I'm on the verge of something. It might be something big, it might be something small. I don't know yet. Either way, something has to change, it's inevitable, whether I want it or not. I can't say that I feel ready for it, but since when do life changes wait until you're ready?

It's been a fairly nice day. Amazing, it hasn't been, to speak a little like Yoda. What I've noticed in my life is that if I plan my birthday myself I end up disappointed, so I didn't try to plan much for the day. Having the pick of what to do with my day, I took my mom to see Princess and the Frog again. A good movie, still, but not as great as it could have been, entertaining though. Crush any expectations you might have of it being Disney's greatest film ever, because it isn't. Can you really expect that though? Make a decent movie and slap Disney's name on it and more people will see it, though. Someone brought this adorable little boy who laughed at one scene and asked "Isn't that funny, Daddy?" really loud in the theater, too and that was cute. Do have a nice day, friend, and I'll talk to you later.

Princess and the Frog

2009-12-15T23:19:00.004-05:00

Dear Friend,
I saw Princess and the Frog today. Now, let me preface this by saying I wasn't especially looking forward to this film. Frankly, I was torn. As an animation fan, and one who loves hand drawn animation in particular (though Pixar has won my heart even with it's computer animation) I was pleased to see Disney returning to it. (Whoever bought into the piece of garbage lie that "audiences only want to watch computer animation" was a moron.) But on the other hand, the film was set in New Orleans and was proving to be filled with Voodoo. I've got a big enough issue with generic "magic" in movies, but Voodoo is a little too real for me, you know? On top of that, there was the issue with making Tiana black, and all sorts of people complaining about whatever they could find to complain about there. But that's a long story I don't feel like going into.

Anyway, friend, I wasn't expecting much from this movie. On top of that, I had been in a very bad mood and that made me extremely cynical and critical when I sat down in the theater. In fact, I hated the previews before the movie, except for the Toy Story 3 preview (I'm so there!) and the Disney Nature Oceans preview. (Side note, this bad mood has affected me in a way that I am crying at the drop of a hat, so I teared up at both of those previews. At the beginning of the TS3 trailer, with the sad song, and at the "I am wonderful" song part of Oceans. I sometimes hate being weepy.)

So, most people know the premise of this story. A prince winds up being turned into a frog by some evil, magical person and needs a princess to kiss him and break the spell. Well, in this version, the prince in question, Prince Naveen, is actually a self-centered, cocky, good for nothing who winds up in the "clutches" of a Voodoo "magician" named Dr. Facilier. (I may have misspelled that, but look at the name, who wouldn't misspell it?) And the "Princess," Tiana, isn't a princess, but she's a waitress who wants to own her own restaurant. Through a slight mix up, Naveen gets Tiana to kiss him, trying to break the spell. Instead, they both end up as frogs.

There, you know the premise. As it's not my personal policy to give away spoilers in my reviews, that's all you get.
After all, I enjoyed the movie. It lifted my horrendous mood a little. I think it was all I needed. I do take slight issue with one of the "good guys" also did voodoo, but that's probably just another instance of Disney being politically correct or what not. I honestly expected the firefly character, Ray, to be something of an annoying stereotype that I would hate. Imagine my surprise to end up loving the character and finding him amazingly inspirational. Trying not to spoil anything, his storyline just about made me cry, and left a bigger impression on me than the A plot. Not to belittle the A plot, I did like Naveen and Tiana. Naveen may be one of my favorite Disney male leads. (Not that he has a heck of a lot of competition. I can think of Prince Phillip and Tramp... yeah, that's it.) Tiana is a good character, too, and surprisingly her spoiled, rich friend Charlotte is a great character. "Lottie" was one of the funniest parts of the movie.

As for the fact that the leads in the film are black, I was glad to see an animated girl with dark, curly hair. I never quite "got" what girls were talking about when they said they were glad to finally have a Disney Princess who looked like them. Probably because I can't imagine the day that they draw a Biracial princess. But sitting in the theater and just realizing that she had curly hair I felt like I liked her more. Silly? Maybe, but undeniably true. There was really only one moment in the film where Tiana's race was made an issue of, and it, apparently, is a blink and you'll miss it sort of thing. As for where Naveen's kingdom of "Maldonea" could possibly be, who knows.

I wasn't too impressed with the music, which isn't great for a Disney film. It wasn't bad music, but there wasn't an earworm in the bunch. I can't remember the tune for a single song from it right now. I did enjoy the song in the credits, though I don't know if I'd admit it out loud, just online.

I loved the look of the film, too. Especially in the song "Almost There." If they had made the whole film look like that I think I would have still liked it. Probably too stylized for an entire movie, though. I though there were a few breathtaking shots, I'll admit.

In the end, I enjoyed it. It wasn't Disney's greatest film, but it was certainly worth watching.

Day 3 of NaNo

2009-11-03T22:38:00.000-05:00

Dear Friend,
I've written 7,885 words in my novel as of today. Since in order to definitely finish 50,000 words in 30 days you need to do 1,667 words a day, I am ahead of schedule. Since I know I can't write every single day, especially when we visit my Mom's family at Thanksgiving, I wanted to do 3,000 words a day, and am therefore behind schedule. I didn't get to write as much during the day as I wanted to since I went out to vote and run errands today, and then after dinner the idea of writing more for a few hours was not appealing so I played Sims3.

As far as the storyline of the novel, it's kind of boring. I am enjoying it, but I can recognize that not much has happened. The strange thing is I've added two characters I had no intention of adding. I always thought that people who said that characters in their stories did things they didn't plan on them doing were strange. But now I know, they really do.
I came up with a character named Evan to simply fill in an empty "space" at a party, and so far not a day has gone by that I haven't written yet another scene with him. He's not even a nice character! He refuses to talk to my main character because he doesn't like her, but he keeps popping up. Weird.
On top of that, I added a character I had "edited out" during the planning phase. It complicates things because it now will end up seeming like three different men fall hopelessly for my main character and that's a little much even for me. It was supposed to be a love triangle, not a rectangle. Dang.

Saw one of my old students in the elementary school I voted in. He looks almost exactly the same, which is a little weird for a 5 or 6 year old I haven't seen since he was three. I guess he was a little taller, but that's it.

NaNo Day two word cloud

2009-11-02T20:15:00.002-05:00

I've made it to 6,276 words! Yipee!!!
This is the second day word cloud. I don't know if I'll do one every day, but it's fun so far, so have another.

My first day of NaNo looks like this in a Word Cloud

2009-11-02T12:21:00.002-05:00

My NaNoWriMo word cloud. This is just the text of Day 1. 3,227 words, condensed into a cloud.

And away we go

2009-10-31T23:11:00.002-04:00

Dear Friend,
As I announced on my facebook profile about two weeks ago, I'm doing National Novel Writing Month. Now, what that is, thousands of (lunatic) people are challenging themselves to write a 50,000 word novel in the month of November. You can start anytime after midnight November 1St and you need to finish before Midnight November 30Th. I can hear you thinking, "Do you win anything?" No, but you get a "novel" and a sense of accomplishment if you succeed. Again, you're asking, "Then why bother?" Because it's a challenge, that's why. And so many people have a goal to write a book that they're very likely to never get around to, and this is a way to just buckle down and do it! It's been going on for 10 years before now, and I'm joining in for year 11.
As I'm writing this, I have 45 minutes until midnight. I'm slightly concerned that as the clock strikes twelve I will feel all my ideas and plans rush out of my head, seemingly never to return. I have not outlined any of my plot. Frankly, all I have is a set of 4 characters (I need 6, so those other two better "show up" soon) and a few scenes that I'd like to write. I just need filler. I also need a title, but I suppose that will be easier to think up as the story goes along. At least, I hope it will.

If you want info, you can go to nanowrimo.org and check into all the madness.

Ha, last year I blogged about maybe joining in, but chickened out. This year I signed up before I could rethink it.

Many thing to review

2009-10-14T15:23:00.004-04:00

Dear friend,
I just bought four Cd's and watched a movie. So, of course I've got lots of opinions rattling around in my head, and have decided to write them out.

I'll start with the film, as that will be easiest to sum up. I watched The Brothers Bloom a few days ago. I saw the previews last spring during a summer movie preview show. It looked quirky and pretty, right up my alley. The plot revolves around two brothers who happen to be Con men. The younger brother wants to quit this line of work, but the older brother wants him for just one more job. So their last victim is an eccentric, sheltered heiress.
It was an interesting movie, sometimes it was funny, and it was visually stunning at times. I just... well, I wanted to like it much more than I actually ended up liking it. As far as I can tell, they didn't want a rating of PG so they added in pointless language and a bogglingly unnecessary scene on a train in a thunderstorm to bump up the rating. It may also have been too impressed by it's own clever ideas. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't as good as I wanted it to be. So I can't exactly recommend it. 2.5/5
It did, however, confirm to me that I think Adrien Brody is beautiful. Don't ask me to explain that, I don't get it, it doesn't make any sense, I just find him insanely attractive. (Also, dear brother of mine, who has a habit if bringing up strange topics I've blogged about in front of our parents, let's leave this one off the discussion table, ok? This would just be too weird to talk about with Mum and Pop)

Now, new music reviews. Lately I've purchased the newest offerings from Ayiesha Woods, Barlow Girl, Michael Buble, and Relient K. (Spell check loves all those names right now)

Ayiesha Woods, "Love Like This" is good. I wasn't expecting too much, but the Christian Book store had a coupon to buy two get one half off when I wanted to buy Barlow Girl and I enjoyed AW's first release so I went ahead and got it. It's pleasant and fun without inspiring any strong emotion in me at all. It's good background music, but not my newest worship experience music. 3/5

Barlow Girl "Love and War" is amazing. I was disappointed by their previous release. It did nothing to encourage me or lift my mood. In fact, the last Cd was depressing to me. They more than made up for it with this one. It's encouraging and great for leading me to look to God and see what amazing things He can do and has done. I love the sound of the music and their voices and feel a sort of Beatles kind of vibe from a lot of it. If, you know, the Beatles had been three women, or something. 4.5/5

Michael Buble's "Crazy Love" is pretty good. Same sort of thing from the Canadian Crooner. He's got a few new original songs, such as Just Haven't Met You Yet, which is awesome, but it's mostly covers. They're good, but not amazing. If you like Michael, you'll like the CD. 3/5

Relient K's "Forget and Not Slow Down" is great. Honestly I'd been worried about this release. It feels like RK and I are due for a dud. When I'd heard that this was essentially a CD full of breakup songs I was expecting to dislike it. I bought it anyway. I'm glad I did. Yeah, there are a few melancholy songs that you won't help to lift any mood, there are still great songs that you can listen to whenever you want, single or taken. The sound is great, though occasionally surreal and weird. It might be difficult to put these songs on playlists or in a shuffle since the intros and outtros are almost seamless despite being on different tracks. I still love the CD. 4/5

So, there are my reviews. Hope you enjoyed reading them!

Piece of Cake!

2009-09-01T23:30:00.002-04:00

Dear Friend,
Oh my! I didn't post at all in the month of August? Obviously I was too busy watching TCM's Summer Under the Stars programming. Perhaps, there will be more on that later, but not tonight.

I finished Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box tonight. I'm still smiling from the ending. I'm not usually the "tragic" romance type, but dang, that was sweet. Toward the second half of the story if I couldn't solve the puzzle within a few seconds I went looking for cheats because it was getting in the way of the freaking story! And I wanted my story NOW!!!!!! Yeah, I'm not sure if the story was even that good, but it was certainly intriguing tonight. That, and I loved "Anton's" voice. I didn't expect it, after seeing pictures of the character all through the game, but it was a great voice. And the movie parts were cool, I loved the animation.
Every time Luke finished a puzzle correctly and said "Piece of cake!" I wanted to run out and eat cake. He didn't say it like it was easy, he said it like he saw an actual piece of cake. So now, I believe I must bake a cake.

Speaking of cake; (nice segue, there, huh?) I've decided to make a cake that looks like a pineapple. It may or may not taste like pineapple, since I haven't decided on that yet. I'm completely new at making cakes that look like anything other than cakes, so this will be an adventure. Besides, I've owed myself Cookies on a Stick for a long time, so those may have to come first in the baking priority list. The Pocky is waiting and everything...

In other news... found a local school that has a program for what I was looking into, so I may be going to school soon. I just have to pray, work out how to pay for it and how to get there...
"Fun" she said with a sarcastic lack of enthusiasm.

Cabinets, diet, and Mr. Opportunity

2009-07-27T21:08:00.000-04:00

I'm helping my parents in the newest diy home improvement project: Refinishing the kitchen cabinets. I'm pretty accustomed to diy stuff, (especially painting, which is a big part of this new project). When we moved into this house I took over the removal of the (hideous, awful, atrocious, evil) wallpaper (from hell) in the master bathroom. In the various times that we've helped friends decorate their homes, I've been my Mummy's assistant decorator, measurement taker, wallpaper remover and ladder climber.
Today's activities got off to a late start, so all we could do was empty the pantry, remove that doors and shelves and finally remove the hardware from the doors. I'm pretty sure that if you give me a screwdriver I can disassemble anything.
We've got a lot of cabinets; upper, lower, island, pantry and wet bar. This will be a long project. I'm kind of looking forward to it.

It never fails that if I think to myself, "Ok, time to cut back on the sugar, stop drinking soda, and maybe loose a few pounds." my mother will buy a boat load of cookies and candy. She'll also load up the fridge with vanilla coke. I'd decided I wanted to drop five pounds, and we've got a fridge filled with sprite and vanilla coke, two types of oreos, cupcakes, inside out junior mints and hagen-dasz ice cream. Maybe I should try to gain five pounds instead. I never mention that I want to eat less sugar, since that would be, you know, too easy. And as the only person in the house who (usually) eats sweets, I fell slightly obligated to consume these goods. Besides, if it's freshly baked, you can't save it for too long before it goes bad, you know? *sigh*

I crossed our entire kitchen to hear the Mr. Opportunity radio commercial. I also left my dad looking confused the other night while we watched tv and Mr. O came on and I got really happy. My Dad just looked at me like I'd lost my mind. My Mom just said, "Rob Paulsen" and that was enough explanation for him, apparently. Really, he ought to have figured that out on his own. =)

The lightning scared the cat

2009-06-28T00:40:00.002-04:00

Dear Friend,
We had a thunderstorm last night. It seemed to pass directly over the house. I was looking out of my window at one in the morning, seeing the yard lit up like daylight. Only it wasn't the warm light of day, it was the cold, bluish light you only get from a storm. Just then I heard a scratch at my bedroom door. Apparently the thunder scared Zoe.
Which, frankly, scared the **** out of me!
I am very used to the idea of a pet being frightened by a storm. We had a dog who was afraid of thunder, in addition to hot-air balloons, trash bags and fly swatters. He hid during each storm that came within earshot. I also had a hamster that once gathered up every single piece of food in her cage and carried it in her cheeks until the rain had passed. So, I'm aware that animals can be concerned about the weather.
However, I've never had a cat freak out at some thunder. I've had house cats nearly my entire life. House cats don't worry about weather. They don't worry about anything. They're cats. Their job is to be fed, pet and loved. They've never been rained on, or felt strong wind. The environment is always kept at a comfortable temperature for them. So what would they care about a storm outside their oh so comfortable house?
I'm sure you've heard of those stories with animals acting strangely before disasters? Well, so have I, and coming up to my room at one in the morning is strange behavior for this little cat. Therefore, I was half convinced that we were going to have a tornado rip through the house or something. I spent the duration of the storm sitting up, reading and trying to take my mind off of my impending doom.

Turns out, the cat is a chicken who's freaked out by loud noises. And yes, the thunder was loud. There was very little delay between the flash and the boom. But still, I had a very short night's sleep for no real reason.

Grumbling ahead

2009-06-05T16:20:00.002-04:00

Dear Friend,
Have I complained about problems from my laptop enough yet? I thought so, but the darned thing just keeps giving me new things to gripe over. Something is wrong either with the power cord (not too expensive to fix) or the DC port (likely really expensive). As such, I'm using my parent's desktop today. I don't want to risk damaging the port even more if it is damaged.
I don't want to go into details, too much, but lately I feel like if something can go wrong, it will. That's a terrible way to feel; it's frustrating and scary and sad.
I'm the sort who will put on a brave front, but I'm getting tired of it. I want to talk to someone, I want to have somebody to confide in and get sympathy from for once. I know that if I didn't keep everything to myself all the time some people would willingly try to help or at least listen to me, but I don't like to burden others with my problems. See, right now, instead of finding someone to go talk to, I'm typing into a computer. I may even delete this paragraph before I publish. (I'm trying not to, though)
The most open and emotional post I've made lately was about LOST, and that's because I typed it up before I thought. I finished watching an episode and got online. Even the unsent letters post was spontaneous. I refused to name names or specify any of that, too, but it was emotional.

Gah, now I feel like I'm rambling. Another problem I have with being open.

I just... I don't know. It'll all be OK. No matter how self-pitying I get, I always know deep down it'll be OK. I just wish I felt OK right now.

Saw Up, and loved it

2009-05-29T15:52:00.003-04:00

Dear Friend,
My Dad and I went to see Pixar's Up this morning. I loved it.
Up is about Carl Fredricksen, and his house. The movie begins with Carl as a young boy, who idolizes an explorer named Charles Muntz. When Carl meets a young, adventurous girl who also admires Muntz, they become fast friends, and years later, marry. My favorite sequence in the movie is Carl and Ellie's marriage. The series of clips shows a loving, sweet relationship and quickly causes the audience to care about these two characters.
When Ellie is gone, Carl stays in his house, because it makes him feel close to her. But the outside world is getting too close, and all around the house major construction is going on. Through an unfortunate series of events, Carl is about to be forced to live in a retirement home. Carl remembers a promise he made to Ellie, to help her acquire her dream of moving the house to an amazing location in South America. When he's about to be taken away, he releases balloons out of his chimney and floats away.
What he didn't realize is that a young boy named Russel has been caught on his porch. Russel is a scout who needs just one more badge, Assisting the Elderly, and he's been trying to assist Carl, who isn't looking to be assisted.

That's essentially the premise. Honestly, you need to see the movie. The animation is beautiful, the story is entertaining, funny and sweet. I can't think of a single thing that detracted from the film. The characters are well depicted and acted. Carl and Ellie are one of the cutest couples I seen on film. Russel is adorable. Dug the dog is wonderfully and fully "dog." Even the bird, "Kevin," is lovable. As always, I loved Giacchino's score, as well.

I think Pixar hit another one out of the park.

Hey you, yeah, you

2009-05-19T20:35:00.003-04:00

Dear Friend,
This post is going to be composed of things I didn't say. They are for specific people, but I'm not going to say who. Some of the people will be able to see them, either in my blog, my facebook or my livejournal, and some of them probably will never know this exists. If you think one of the statements is about you, realize that I'm not mad at you, and I don't mean offense. If you really want to talk about it you can contact me, ok? Just please refrain from doing so in public comments.

Ok, disclaimer over: here we go!

Hey You!

I knew. I only acted surprised because you expected me to.

It sucks that you were only my friend because you had a crush on me.

I didn't expect you to come back. You know why? You were so insistent you wouldn't leave. You were trying to convince yourself, not me.

The first time you made me feel stupid I figured I was being a ditz. The second time you made me feel stupid I decided you were a jerk.

I wish we could actually be friends.

Stop saying that, you don't know what other people think of you (obviously).

Just because I have a crush on you doesn't mean I expect you to have one on me, too.

I didn't need a break, I wasn't busy. I was just tired of dealing with you and your garbage, and I'm surprised you don't seem to have caught on to that.

I'm sorry I was such a jerk. You just caught me off guard.

You know what, your opinion isn't fact. I know that must shock you.

Acting like everything is ok doesn't make it ok.

I told you. You didn't listen.

Everyone else talked about you for it. I said something to you about it. Of course you got ticked at me.

I'm tired of initiating the conversations.

I don't care how "important" you are, you're still a jerk and a bully.

Say that to me again, and you'll be picking yourself up off the floor.

Hhm

2009-05-12T14:46:00.000-04:00

"Are you out of your Vulcan mind?"

2009-05-08T17:47:00.003-04:00

Dear Friend,
I saw Star Trek today. I want to go see it again. It was that awesome.
I've never watched Star Trek before. I mean, my Dad has watched it for about as long as I can remember, and I've been in the room while it was on, but I've never watched, you know what I mean?
The movie was great. I liked the characters and the plot was interesting. Even though J.J. Abrams seems to be obsessed with time travel (LOST, anyone?) it was still good. Honestly, see this movie. Even if you don't usually watch things like this, watch it. It's worth it.

On the other hand, don't bother with Wolverine. I saw that last week, and didn't care about any of the characters and even the action scenes were boring. It's what I consider a failure of a movie.

Also, apparently I need a hobby, because I sat in the movie thinking, "That sounds like Giacchino. I think Giacchino scored this. Oh, right, of course he did, J.J. Abrams did this movie." and then later thought, "Gee, that sounds like the Others theme from LOST."

Yeah, I pay too much attention to movie music.

Why I won't get a tattoo

2009-05-01T23:44:00.001-04:00

Dear Friend,
There are many reasons for me not to get a tattoo. The biggest being that I can't imagine any image or words that I would want permanently inked into my flesh for the rest of my life. Another biggie is that my dear mum would disown me, which would be inconvenient as I still live with my parents. There's also the, what's the word, stigma? that goes along with tattoos, particularly around some religious people. Add to that, my major fear of needles and my skin remains unmarked.
But I like tattoos. I like the art, and the story or significance of tattoos.

True story, my dad, before he was married, planned to get a tattoo, but since he is also afraid of needles he got drunk beforehand and the shop refused to tattoo a drunk person.

There was an article on a Christian site I go to about making the decision about whether or not to get ink. Unfortunately, the article is split in two parts, and it won't be finished until next week. Personally, I don't think it's a sin, but I wouldn't recommend it.

There's a nearby town that I've seen at least three different tattoo shops in. Understandably there are a lot of people with ink around there. Most of the choices they've made seem really unfortunate in my eyes. I can't tell you how many different girls I've seen with words written across the backs of their necks. I think it's not pretty. I don't mind tattoos there, but words seem out of place. (No offense meant if you have words on your neck) I met a girl in Colorado who regretted her neck tattoo and always wore her hair in a loose, low bun to try and hide it.

I've seen, mostly in pictures online, tattoos where a necklace would fall on a persons chest. I can't fathom that.

If I ever were to get one, it probably wouldn't be where anyone could see; like my upper back. That would work, since I'm not in the habit of wearing halter tops or anything... yeah. Oh, you know what would be cute there? Little wings! Or would that be cheesy? Doesn't matter, it won't ever happen anyway.

Don't read this if you didn't see LOST on 4/29

2009-04-29T22:22:00.000-04:00

Dear LOST,
You already killed off my Charlie, remember that? Then you killed Charlotte, my favorite man's only chance at love, remember that? Now you kill off MY FAVORITE CHARACTER!!! Are you kidding me? Do you enjoy killing my soul? Do you take pleasure from causing me to mentally cuss, coming just short of dropping some vile language in the presence of my parents? Do you? Huh?
I go for weeks and weeks of wondering, "Where's Daniel? What happened to my Faraday? I miss my Danny boy." And then, I get so happy because, ta da, Daniel Faraday is back! Yay!
And then what do you do? You have his own mother shoot him in the back! The back! His horrendous mother, sent him to the stupid island to shoot him in the back! And she knew she would do it! Because she'd already done it! Are you kidding me????
Also, please stop having my favorite characters die absolutely stupid deaths! He walks into a group holding a gun and doesn't expect someone, anyone to try to take him down? That's just idiotic. And his idiocy killed him.

If I hadn't invested 5 years into following this show tonight would have been my last show, but it's like I can't quit now and for that I hate you.

Same time next week? Yeah, I thought so.

Two awesome things

2009-04-22T22:59:00.002-04:00

Dear friend,
I actually left the house intending to purchase something and ended up coming home with something. I can't remember the last time that happened. It probably was because this time the "something" was specific. It was Freakazoid season 2!
My brother bought me Freakazoid season 1 for my birthday, and the second season came out yesterday. This is the season with my best remembered episodes, such as the one with Norm Abrams, Dexter's date with Steff (and the amazing and mind blowing dance number with the Lobe), and a few others I won't describe just now. It's hilarious in the most ridiculous way, and so much fun.
I also bought Rhythm Heaven today. I had heard nothing but good things about this game. I heard it compared favorably to Elite Beat Agents, which I love, so I decided to give it a go. I love it! I, despite having lack-luster rhythm, love rhythm games. This game is challenging and fun. If you come and visit me, ask to play it, I think you'll like it, ok? Ok, cool.

Facebook, blogger, livejournal, DeviantArt, message boards.... highly overrated

2009-04-14T22:25:00.002-04:00

Dear Friend,
I did something amazingly therapeutic last night. I wrote in my pen and paper journal. I've sadly neglected that thing for far too long. I've gotten so caught up in writing things online. My writing changed from "this is what I think" into "I wonder what people will think of what I think?"
That has caused something of a strange blow to my self-esteem. I think I'll try writing just for me in the book more often. I don't know if that will cause my blogging to be more infrequent or not. I suppose it doesn't matter if it does, does it?
Love ya'll!

I don't actually like Fred Astaire, mind you

2009-04-12T19:19:00.002-04:00

Dear Friend,
It's Easter, and of course as far as television goes that means the usual movies. With TCM that includes Easter Parade with Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, and lots of songs for who knows what reason. I've yet to find a point to this movie (I said "point", not "plot" because the plot is quite clear. Fred's character is dropped by his dancing partner and he says he can take anyone and make her into just as good a dancer as his ex-partner, if not better) yet I watch it every few years. The weird thing is, I don't like Fred Astaire. Yeah, the man could dance, but I didn't like his singing or talking voice, and somehow he annoys me.
The man, however, could also play the drums. I've always been fascinated by drummers. I can play (or fake my way through) a few instruments, but they each only involve mostly my hands. Drums need hands and feet, all hitting a rhythm at different points. I can only keep a beat with extreme concentration. I admire drummers.
As such, I enjoy the dance number "Drum Crazy" in Easter Parade. I'm putting it here, so you can enjoy it, too.

(If you're reading this in Facebook and can't see the video, it should be on my wall)

How has no one heard of him?

2009-04-09T22:25:00.003-04:00

Dear Friend,
(This could be a long story, but I think it's worth reading, so, please, stick with me here.)

I've gotten a new "mania" and his name is Albert Campion. You've probably never heard of him. It's a pity, too. Somehow, despite the obsession with adapting mystery novels into TV shows or movies there's only been one series (two seasons long) with Campion in them. Agatha Christie is done to stinkin' death, but I'd never heard of Margery Allingham until I went nuts over Peter Davison. It all started with the TV series All Creatures Great and Small. I loved the books, and when I saw the show on DVD at the library I picked it up to try it. I liked it, just not as much as my parents, and the one week check out period quickly burned me out on watching it. I liked the characters, Christopher Timothy as James Herriot, Robert Hardy as Siegfried Farnon, and Peter Davison as Tristan Farnon. It was cute, but not that cute.

Frankly, the story would probably have ended here if it hadn't been for the move to Virginia. My family was stuck in an RV for months and we had no friends to visit and no cable to watch. Thankfully, Barnes and Noble had their usual "Buy two get one free" sale just about the time that we couldn't take watching two static filled channels anymore. Normally, I wouldn't look at B&N's DVD selection twice, since their so expensive, but this was appealing. Their shelves are filled with British television, and if there is one thing I love, it's British television! We could only find the first two seasons of ACGAS, but it was enough to get me to pay more attention.

Shortly after that we signed up for Netflix, and got the rest of the series. Looking around Netflix and typing in actors names to see what else they were in brought to my attention, Peter Davison was Dr. Who! I knew very little about Dr. Who, but I knew that was interesting if not impressive. One day, I was watching one of my many "British talkies" as my Dad calls them, and saw a preview for Campion. My Mom and I pointed at the TV and said in unison, "That's Tristan!" I hopped on over to Netflix and put the two seasons in my queue.

I also put the "Last Detective" series on, and love those, too, but I'm not crazy about them. I just mention it because for awhile there, Netflix told me, "You seem to like Peter Davison, why not try... (various Dr. Who discs)" whish I found amusing.

I just want to know why Campion isn't more popular! I realize that not too many fictional detectives achieve rock star status, but if I say Sherlock Holmes and Watson, you know who I'm talking about. You probably know who Hercule Poirot is, too. You may even know Lord Peter Whimsey! But I have yet to find anyone who knows Campion.
I can't even find the books! I went to the used book store that has a huge mystery section that practically smacks you in the face as you enter the front door, but no Campion. (Most mystery sections seem to start and end with "C" for Christie. Such a sad state of affairs.)

How has this happened? Shall I start a campaign for Campion? The world needs more owlish glasses and "people" who would write like this "The main thing to remember in autobiography, I have always thought, is not to let any damned modesty creep in to spoil the story. This adventure is mine, Albert Campion’s, and I am fairly certain that I was pretty near brilliant in it . .." about themselves.

We need more of him, I think, on TV.

"‘His name is Albert Campion,’ she said. ‘He came down in Anne Edgeware’s car, and the first thing he did when he was introduced to me was to show me a conjuring trick with a two-headed penny—he’s quite inoffensive, just a silly ass.’

Abbershaw nodded and stared covertly at the fresh-faced young man with the tow-coloured hair and the foolish, pale-blue eyes behind tortoiseshell—rimmed spectacles, and wondered where he had seen him before."

He doesn't even have a Facebook or Livejournal group, that's just wrong.

Edited to add:
After about an hour searching Youtube this is all I found that had Campion in it... sigh.

I've got young ears!

2009-04-05T19:20:00.001-04:00

Created by Train Horns

The test said that typically only people younger than 25 can hear it. It's a terrible sound, though, so I'm not so sure I'm pleased to hear it. Can you?

I made something!

2009-04-04T22:59:00.001-04:00

Dear Friend,
You know that song, Anything you can do I can do better? My version of it wouldn't say "better," it would probably just stop at the second "do."

I've looked at lots and lots of art and craft sites and things. For years, really. I've seen all these that other people make, draw, sew, knit, crochet, etc. etc. and just marvel at them.

My parents raised me to have this "I can do that!" attitude, or at least an "I can learn to do that!" attitude. (However, some quirk in my personality causes me to shrink back from asking anyone to teach me to do something. This leaves me trying to teach myself to do stuff.)

I improvised a doll today. I've been meaning to try my hand at making dolls and stuffed animals for about a year. Today, I took the plunge, drew an outline, steamed and pinned some fabric, took scissors to it, threw it on the sewing machine, poured plastic pellets into it, and hand sewed it shut. I completed a project in a few hours. That is what I'm most proud of. I finished something. The same day I started.

Yes, his head is lumpy, yes his neck won't support the weight of his head, yes he has no face. None of that matters, I made him. And right now, he smells like Bath and Body Works Warm Milk and Honey pillow spray.

I can't find my camera at the mo', but when I do, You'll see pictures.

Weird idea

2009-04-01T19:47:00.001-04:00

Dear Friend,
I was out shopping today, grocery shopping and the like, and caught a reflection of myself in one of the freezer case doors. I realized that my pants would make a perfect start to a Yakko costume! They're wide-leg khakis that require me to not only wear a belt to keep them up, but also require high heel shoes to keep them from dragging on the ground. I figure all I need is a black shirt and some white gloves. Can't be too hard to find, right? And if I really want to go for it, I could make some ears.
It might be awesome!
Should I do it?

Dreaming again

2009-03-29T18:16:00.001-04:00

I know I said I was leaving the computer, but I remembered a dream I had last night.

I was with Richard Hammond, from Top Gear. (He was still shorter than me, maybe about 5'3" like the last dream I had of him.) We were out in a very green field and he was filming some sort of segment for some show. I was walking with him, but some creature, about as big as a medium sized dog, starts to follow both of us. I glance back and it and get nervous, and try to speed up to get away, and it chases me. Richard grabs it and pulls it away from me, but it won't leave me alone. At one point it sticks it's nose in my back, close to my arm pit and Richard tells it "Keep off of my people." Then, he says to the camera "We'll just let it exhaust itself and then devour it."
The next thing I know in the dream, I'm walking through some trees and there are these small, bug like things dangling from them, on really thin strands that you can hardly see. I dodge them as well as I can, but one gets in my bangs. I turn around and see Richard, with a camera filming me walking. He beckons me back to him and takes the bug out of my hair.

Now, the weirdest part is that when I woke up, I felt this impression that the dream was God saying he was essentially protecting me from things. Sort of like I don't need to be so worked up about these problems because I have Someone to deal with them along with me.

How Richard "Hamster" Hammond works out to be God or Jesus, I have no idea. Maybe my interpretation was a reach, or I had that man on the brain. It happens. Sometimes.

"But most of all I wish that I was someone else but me"

2009-03-29T17:10:00.002-04:00

Dear Friend,
Don't take that title too seriously. I've been having a rough time. Friday, I had my laptop at the library for the free wi-fi (since downloading a large amount slows our home's Internet down to a crawl) and something went "boink." Yeah, first I lost all of my podcasts from itunes then when I tried to type everything was coming out backwards and when I tried to restart the blue screen of death came up, telling me it needed to check a disk or some other such. I didn't, because something seemed to go wrong with that. So when I finally got back to what I was doing, guess what! Every last thing in my itunes library was gone. Yes, GONE! My Dad and I were going through my backup files, since I'd saved them all to back up back in December when I had everything wiped out with a virus. We couldn't find them for a long time, and I ended up getting so frustrated I cried. Yeah, I was crying in the library, such fun.
Thank God, we finally found them. The not so good thing is that I need to organize them all into play lists again. I have something like 2,000 tracks to organize. I hated doing it last time, but I'll have to do it again.
I went out and bought an external hard drive, just so I wouldn't panic if this ever happened again, but as they say "Act in haste, repent at leisure." I hate the program this hard drive came with. I know I can get something else, but I'm a bit of a dunce at computers and I'm dead sick of asking my Dad to fix everything. I probably won't be online as much for a few days, just because I'm sick of working on this problem.

Hey, anyone know about this virus that's supposed to pop up on April 1st? I think if I have another problem on this laptop I may scream. I've been ready to just chuck Victoria (that's the laptop's name, remember) out of a window for the past 3 days. The only thing that stops me is the fact that I just bought a tablet that I love using, even if I am stumbling my way through it. If I have to deal with another virus I don't know what I'll do. I've run sweeps with Malware Bytes and Webroot, but I'm not sure if that would cover it.

I'm off, to pray and remind myself that this is just "stuff" and "things" and not the important parts of life.

"What's a sick day?" Art

2009-03-23T18:55:00.002-04:00

Here he is, finally. Eliot. Not the best picture of him. It looked better before I scanned and colored it. I need to learn how to actually digitally color, rather than just dumping color in spaces with the bucket tool. Well, I am still learning, and practice makes perfect or some such.

Do you hear me talking to you?

2009-03-20T23:20:00.003-04:00

Dear Friend,
I'm in mania about Muppets. Yeah, I've been watching all sorts of Muppet related stuff. It has led to the strangest thing, though, I read Labyrinth fan fiction. I don't remember ever watching the entire movie, but I read some fic. Nothing I'd recommend. I don't tend to find Jareth "dreamy," instead I find him quite creepy. Most fans of that film... well, they disagree with me.
I've tried before to get into fan fiction, but it just doesn't stick with me. Even the best written story eventually loses my interest. I'm beginning to wonder if I have a short attention span.
Anyway, the muppets. I just love the music they used on the Muppet show. It was all so weird and funny and sweet. I've had Jamboree stuck in my head for over a week, I think. Other favorites would be You and I and George and Cottleston Pie. I really enjoyed the Roger Miller episode, because that dude had some weird songs. I was also tickled to recognize the voice of Alan a'Dale from Disney's Robin Hood. I always loved that voice. I've always liked what I guess would be classed as novelty songs. The muppets had a good mix of "real" good music and just plain fun.
Did anyone else notice that the opening of the Muppet Show was on this week's LOST? I was pretty distracted by that. I don't remember what else was on the screens during that scene. I probably should have paid better attention.

I'm going to try to do something with my Livejournal account. I gave up the Deviant Art. I was far too needy for that. I'll find other ways to share my art that aren't as prone to popularity contest-ism. I don't need another way to get obsessed with who isn't talking to me. I've started using my Twitter a little more often. I've got that locked so the pervs can't read my oh-so silly thoughts.

I bought some super cool, too dang expensive art markers. I've used them a bit, but I'm still practicing. I'm glad I had a half-off coupon. Discounts rock.

A lonely dreamer

2009-03-10T22:32:00.005-04:00

Dear friend,
I had a Top Gear dream. Yeah, weird, I know. What happened in this dream was I found myself in a very large arena or something like that, which was beginning to be filled with people who were going to attend some function. I was there alone, and simply sat in an empty area and people watched. The place was very, very grey. It was rather industrial looking, wide and shallow. The seating was rather like very steep bleachers, but you couldn't see under the seats. As more people filter in, I look to my right and see Jeremy Clarkson, James May, Richard Hammond and the Stig. I immediately abandon my seat and walk over to them. I walk past Jeremy, because apparently even in my dreams I dislike the man, and I also bypass the Stig, though I don't know that I'd do that in real life. James May had just walked off to talk to someone else so I stopped in front of Richard Hammond. He, unfortunately, was talking to someone else, and I stood awkwardly nearby waiting for my chance. (I hate when I act in dreams the way I would in life, I hate standing nearby awkwardly, and if my brain is making up the scenario I'd prefer if I didn't do that) As soon as he saw me, Richard said hello, in a tone that was mildly surprised and annoyed at the same time. He still offered to shake my hand, though, and smiled at me. At this point in the dream I realized that I was taller than Richard Hammond. Now, I know the man is small, but I my subconscious must really think he's itty-bitty. I've been trying to find his height at a few sites today, but haven't found it yet. On with the dream, though, I don't remember my small talk with Richard, because I was so distracted by how small he was, but when we finished talking James walked back and shook my hand, too. James seemed tall, and poorly dressed, which is exactly what I expect him to be in real life.
One thing this dream made me realize is that I expect people who meet me to be rather annoyed at my presence. I go through phases like this, and they almost always result in dreams where I meet people and they don't give two figs about me. This brings me to the lonely part of my entry title. I miss making friends. I've lived here in VA long enough that I ought to have a local friend, but I don't. Maybe if I could have found a church I could have made friends, but I just haven't made that connection.
I probably shouldn't have made a deviant art account yesterday. In the mood I'm in, I'll end up turning into a "Love me, love my art, be my FRIEND!!!!" monster, but I'll refrain. *sigh*
I'll stop being so emo now.
OK I love you bye-bye!

P.S. Today's my cat Zoe's 6TH birthday, and tomorrow is Rob Paulsen's 53RD birthday. Sing the birthday song now!

Snowy snowy snow!

2009-03-01T20:46:00.002-05:00

Dear friend,
It's snowing and cold here in VA as I write this. It's snowing enough that it's covered the entire back yard. I stood at our guest room window and watched the snow fall and had a memory.
I remembered standing in the parking garage at Andrew Wommack Ministries, having been let off work early because of the snow. (That doesn't happen too often at AWM, or many other places in Colorado.) I stood near the garage door, looked up into the sky and watched the white flakes float across the grey sky. I remember thinking, "I'm leaving soon, I'm leaving Colorado, and might not see snow like this again. I'll miss it."
Well, friend, I just saw snow like that again. Maybe things will be all right after all.

Random statements from me

2009-02-20T15:07:00.003-05:00

Dear friend,
Every now and then I feel the need to make random remarks in this blog. This, apparently, is the first time since I've adopted the letter format to the blog. Here goes nothing.

I have a twitter account. I have no idea why, I just do.

I, as far as I can tell, am the only person who actually didn't watch what her mother told her not to watch when I was a child. As such, I still have never seen a horror movie, or an R rated movie.

Poptarts, before being heated, have no smell.

The St. Louis Arch, so I'm told, is as wide as it is tall.

Psych's and Monk's season finales are on tonight. I will miss Psych, despite the lackluster season it had.

I can't decide who my favorite is, between Yakko and Wakko. I used to say, quite decidedly that is was Wakko, but I'm not sure now.

I need to get my hands on some Krazy Kat, since it seems every comic strip writer I like credits it as one of the greatest. I've never even seen it though.

Yahtzee.

The Oscars are on Sunday, and despite the media telling me I should, I can't bring myself to care.

God is great, and greatly to be praised.

Easily distracted

2009-02-15T23:27:00.003-05:00

Dear Friend,
Every day, as I go about my life, I think of interesting topics to blog about. However, every day as soon as I turn on the computer my brain seems to say "Ooh, shiny!" and get lost in the glitter that is the Internet. I then, after having gone through my e-mail, facebook, various blogs and discussion forums will hit the New Post button on blogger and think, "Why am I here again?" Today, as you see, is no different.

I wish I could blog while riding in the car. I become especially creative while in the backseat of my Mother's car as we drive down the highway. Everything worth going to around here seems to be at least a half-hour drive away from us on the highway. My parent's have toyed with the idea of naming our property Cartegena since we love to use the quote "Angel, you are hell and gone from Cartegena!" from Romancing the Stone. And, truly, everything is hell and gone from our home. And so, when our little family decides to go do something I end up in the backseat, wishing I had my laptop or my sketch book. However, if I had either of those I'd end up feeling queasy and carsick. For some reason I started getting nauseated by windy roads at the age of 23, it was odd. I used to be able to read in the car. Maybe that's why I get so creative in the car now, I don't have anything to distract me from my oh so brilliant thoughts.

I wish I had more consistency in my drawing. I'm attempting to do something with Eliot, my little cat cartoon. I kind of want to make him a comic strip or some such, but I can't imagine a comic involving one solitary character. I would draw "My girl" (he calls his owner My girl, apparently because he can't be bothered with learning her name or something) but I truly and utterly fail at drawing people. I can draw animals, cartoony or otherwise, till the cows come home, but my people frighten small children. I am practicing, but it seems with little progress. I suppose I could draw other cats for him to interact with, but from my life experience cat's don't tend to get on well together. In any case, he's the first character I've drawn in years that seemed to come ready with a personality as soon as I drew him.

Weird, isn't it, that I could draw something myself, look at it and feel like I've just met an actual personality. Maybe I'm nuts. The strangest part of it was the fact that I could figure out what his voice sounded like, despite the fact that in my head most comic and book characters don't have voices, I just read them in my own voice. One of these days I'll work up the motivation to go down to the office and scan a few pictures of Eliot so that people know what the heck I'm babbling on about in my blog.

The Valentine's Day post

2009-02-14T21:04:00.002-05:00

Dear Friend,
I guess I need to do an obligatory Valentine's post.
I need to play Animal Crossing: City Folk, today. I need to see if my fake, animal neighbors love me. I'm still waiting for Bones to move into my town, I miss that dog. I've had him in the original and in Wild World, and he was my bestest friend each time. I need him back. Anyway...
I had an interesting V day. I was with my parents all day. I had lunch with them, went to the store with them and went to the Science museum with them. It doesn't feel like a holiday. I was amused by the sight of a mug in the shape of Darth Vader's helmet filled with Hershey's Kisses. If that doesn't scream Be Mine I don't know what does.
My DVD player isn't cooperating lately. It, thankfully, doesn't freeze while playing, but on the menus it sometimes refuses to do anything. It won't even turn off. It makes me move a shelf full of DVDs to get to the power outlet and unplug it. It seems to hate my double sided discs in particular so it's super annoying when I try to watch Avonlea or Freakaziod. (Spell check just loved those two titles)
I am so tired. There, I've made the holiday post. Have a happy everyone!

25 Things

2009-02-08T21:11:00.004-05:00

Dear friend,
My Brother has already done "25 Things" twice over. I found it interesting, both times, and pretty revealing, too. I thought I'd take a shot at it, and here we go.

1 I'm becoming increasingly interested in Name Meanings. My most recent fictional character went through approximately 5 names before I found one suitable: Eliot which means My God is Yahweh.

2 I was once told that I should go on Jeopardy merely because I knew the origin of the word "chortle."

3 I don't understand when people say they're mad at God. I don't know how they can forget that we live in a fallen world, and have an enemy who does everything he can to make our lives suck, and people have free will. I just don't get it.

4 I don't think I have any taste in music, good or bad. I've liked masterpieces and I've liked garbage. I'm well aware of the difference. I just like what I like.

5 I honestly believe that if I lived in a house without a cat in it some part of me would shrivel up and die. Cats are vital to my life.

6 Though I enjoy poetry, I don't like poems that don't rhyme. It may sound shallow, but I like clever wordplay with rhyme and rhythm.

7 I'm fascinated by points of view. It amazes me how siblings, raised by the same parents in the same home for years can see the exact same instance in completely different lights.

8 My favorite constellation is Orion because I remember the cold Michigan night I first noticed three stars in a row as I stood in our snowy driveway.

9 My sense of humor occasionally disturbs me. This for example shouldn't make me laugh, as it's quite morbid, in fact Mordecai (the black and white cat) shouldn't be my favorite character since he's a cold-blooded killer, but he is. Yet at other times I'm appalled at the horrible things others laugh at.

10 I make "Personal Celebrities" out of people that most others around me have never noticed. Real celebrities bore me, and show up on tabloids far too often.

11 I hate hearing cuss words. (I also refuse to call them swear words) Yet if you could read my thoughts, you would think my favorite word was sh*t.

12 Up until age 24 I hated Pineapple, and only tried it again because of Psych. I still can't eat it in large amounts, but I love the stuff now.

13 I never cheated on a test until I was home schooled. I got away with it once and was caught the second time. I never did it again.

14 I greatly dislike people who try to act like my buddy as soon as they meet me. Especially if they make stupid comments and act like I agree with them or if they are huggy or touchy right away. (Or ever, really)

15 I love birds, even the ugly turkey buzzards we've got around here, but I hate Canadian Geese. Those are just plain creepy.

16 I find accents interesting, American, English, Scottish, Australian, etc. Especially the regional aspects of them. It's fascinating that two people from opposite sides of a city can have different accents.

17 I sometimes get caught up in what happens "off camera" in a story. For example, I wonder about the news coverage of the "traffic" in Mr and Mrs Smith or what if some poor dope was walking outside when Kelly Clarkson decided to start chucking junk out of the apartment window in the "My Life Would Suck Without You" video.

18 I refuse to drive in a car with my mother. She makes me too nervous. I even was dreaming one morning that I refused to get in the drivers seat of a car she was in.

19 I adore the Geico Gecko. He's so cute.

20 I tend to be attracted to guys with what I call distinctive noses. The world at large would probably call them large noses. (Not all cute guys have big noses, though, just a lot of the ones I like looking at)

21 When I was little I wanted to go to Australia, when I was a teenager I wanted to go to Canada, now that I'm grown I want to go to the UK. The only thing these places have in common is that most of the people speak English. :-)

22 I love miniaturized things. I plan on having a dollhouse for my kids.

23 I'm amazed at how alike my Mom and Brother are, and how alike my Dad and I are. Yet, I'm also amazed at how alike my Mom and I are and how alike my Dad and brother are. Our dynamic is awesome.

24 It amazes me when people speak well of me. Not from some false sense of "modesty" or because I think I suck or something, I just figure I fly too low under the world's radar to be thought of.

25 My favorite word is Awesome, because, well, it's awesome!!!

"Oh no, she has another obsession!"

2009-02-01T20:26:00.004-05:00

Dear Friend,
I'm using the moments between Super Bowl commercials (you know, when actual football is happening) to post here in my blog. I've something I wish to share with you, whether you end up looking at it or not. If you do want to look at it, feel free to use the links in this entry.
So, I've started looking at DeviantArt again. There are some people that I like to check for new art on a somewhat regular basis. I've noticed a couple of these people had a certain artist's series in their listed favorites. I decided to check it out and that's how I became a fan of Lackadaisy. I mean, come on, Cats in Prohibition era Missouri running a Speakeasy? How was I not all over that from the beginning. I'm kidding, of course. The only thing in that last sentence that really got me to give this a second look was cats. I'm seriously mad about cats.
I decided to give it a go from the beginning. And the art kept me going until we got past plot development into character development. I am nothing if not "character driven."
Anyway, the first thing that grabbed me was Rocky. In typical fashion, I adore the enthusiastic wimp musician with the smart mouth and poetic phrases. When I started picking up on an unrequited love, I was sold. Oh, and he may be a bit of a pyromaniac? Or not, but he does to like his "Sweet Justice." Yeah, just about everyone in this strip has some mental and moral issues.
On the mental and moral issues note, I need to bring up Freckle. Don't let the baby faced adorable looks fool you, that kid is messed up. He derives far too much joy from discharging a weapon. That could be why he got kicked out of the Police academy. I love him, too. These two cousins are pretty much the main characters in this comic.
I love the character designs that the artist is using here. Her work is amazing to me. I enjoy her sense of humor, too. I am beginning to notice a trend in my entertainment; I love serious subject matter handled in a frivolous manner. For example, this (Organized crime and cats), Psych (Murder and humor), Chuck (spies and more humor), Pushing Daisies (death and quirkiness) and a few others. Anyway, I keep trying to decide who my favorite character is, but they're all so great. Just about all of them make me want to scratch them behind their ears, but with a lot of them you know if you tried you'd get shot or strangled (especially with Viktor and Mordecai, but they are so cute!).

So, check out this comic. You may be pleasantly surprised.

I can't believe it happened again!

2009-01-29T23:36:00.006-05:00

Dear friend,
I've just had a birthday and so I'm due for an introspective and retrospective spell. Well, you know what, I'm skipping it this year. I'm tired of looking back at who I was and worrying about who I will be. I do it every blessed year, and I refuse this time. So I've changed, so what! So have you, and everyone else around us. If you don't change in the course of a lifetime why bother living it?
Doesn't seem to matter anyway, I once again was charged the ages 9-12 price at Golden Corral today. Granted, the cashier thought I was 16 or so, and was being generous to my family, but for goodness sake I'm TWENTY-SOMETHING! I eat about as much as your average 12 year old, so I didn't make a fuss.
You know, I really do eat in child sized portions, but I'm a good, healthy (by that I mean not stick thin and not tubby fat) weight. It's all very weird, really. I wear size 8 at Old Navy to give you an idea of my size.
My wonderful brother got me the Freakazoid DVD set, and I'm making them last by watching only one episode a day. So far I've only watched 2. Wait for a boring day, I'll watch all the rest anyway. I watched 5 seasons of Gilmore Girls in less than the time it took ABCFamily to air season 2. I power through DVD sets most of the time.
I made a livejournal, finally. It has the most predictable name for me, so if you're interested in the one post I made there, look me up. I don't know what I'll do with the thing since I'm quite satisfied with my darling blog here. I've considered putting all the nonsense I'm loathe to write here; such as which celebrity guy I'm currently "luving" or random thoughts like "Is Des and Penny's son named Charles Pace Widmore Hume? What a long name for such a small child." or stuff like that. (Aside, spell check tells me Widmore isn't a word, but Hume is, weird.) We'll see if it lasts.
My fanaticism for Rob Paulsen has died down, slightly. I'll never stop luvin' that guy, but I'm no longer watching something involving him or searching him on You Tube everyday. I guess I'm too caught up in LOST right now. I luv Faraday so much. I love that he loves Charlotte, and that he's taking a sort of leading role in what's left of the survivors. By the way, is Sawyer the last living survivor on the island? I think everyone else from 815 that isn't an Other or aspiring to be is dead. Poor Sawyer.
I watched an episode of Top Gear that had two of the dragons (Theo and Peter, both completely rich and partly awesome) from Dragon's Den on and then compounded the awesomeness by giving me Richard Hammond on a gorgeous horse! Richard looked way too small to ride that horse, but still, it was a beautiful hunter. I luv Richard, too; if I didn't like him so much I'm not sure I'd watch that show. Yeah, the guys are all funny, but it's a car show. Most of the things they say about cars sound like "blah, blah, blah, engine, blah , blah, horsepower, blah." by the time my brain processes it. But then they do stupid things like light campers on fire, and drive old cars across Africa and make their own stretch limos and I laugh and laugh and laugh.
I guess I've rambled enough. Stay beautiful, you lovely people!

Issues

2009-01-20T22:58:00.003-05:00

Dear Friend,
I've been just shy of posting something self-pitying on almost every site, forum, board I am signed onto this past week. I don't know, life just seemed so unreasonably empty. I was dealing with personal issues in my head, and then people in my life decided to tell me the problems they had with me on top of it. The fact that I had been attempting to fix that myself didn't help the fact that it was out of left field to hear about it. I have two ways of dealing with this sort of thing: get really angry or cry. As usual, I cried. I was on the verge of tears for two days.
I'm over it.
I do still have one issue I am dealing with. I have finally restored my "trust" in Victoria (which, by the way, is what I named my computer. Yeah, she has a name now) but the internet isn't being very obliging. Before I had the stressful experience of needing to restore everything on my laptop due to a virus I used to spend hours online. I now don't needlessly stress about viruses, but the internet isn't as entertaining as I used to think it was. Seriously, Facebook, blogs, DeviantArt, message boards, Youtube, and even shopping has been so dull this time around.
Yeah, I guess I'm just asking too much.
I have found a new activity. I've discovered a character I can draw. He's a cat. I can tell from these drawings what his personality is like, but I haven't named him yet. Pretty soon I'll learn how to use the scanner and put up a picture of him on here. Maybe DevArt, but I doubt that one. He has just a little ball of a tail. The funniest thing is I know what his voice sounds like. Yeah, cats don't talk, but he's a cartoon cat. In a move that's quite typical of me, he sounds like a Rob Paulsen voice. I, however, can't think of a character Rob has done in this voice that I'm thinking of. Hmm, the research would involve lots of cartoon watching, poor me. I was being sarcastic, if you couldn't tell. Maybe I'll do a comic strip involving him in my spare time. Then again, maybe one day I'll forget all about him. I wonder if I should call him Max. Hmm, no that's not quite him.

I don't obsess, I think intensely

2009-01-14T18:54:00.004-05:00

Dear Friend,
Depending on your view of my... how shall I phrase it?... appreciation of a certain actor named Rob Paulsen my next statement could be awesome or sad. I found a Rob Paulsen fan forum! Yay, right? Hey, look at it this way, next time I talk to you I may already have worked the Rob talk out of my system.
Anyway, yeah, I found it through a new friend who had a Rob video on YouTube. I can't tell yet if this is increasing my mania or helping to burn some of my "hobby energy." (Yes, I call it hobby energy, because it's entirely separate from my "real life energy.")
To continue on this subject, I finally saw Three Musketeers with Mickey, Donald and Goofy, where Rob was the Troubadour Turtle. I found it all adorable. I love turtles (in cartoon form, anyway) I love cartoons adding lyrics to well known classic songs, I love goofy, phony french accents, and I love Rob's singing. OK, that's all the things I loved about Rob's character, but I enjoyed the story, too. It is a fairly recent Disney cartoon, but it was still cute. You know, as much as I enjoy Tress McNeile ( I fear I forgot how to spell her name, bad me, I'm a bad fan) I don't like her as Daisy Duck.
LOST is coming back, and I'm looking forward to it. I wasn't this enthusiastic for the 4Th season, since the 3rd season had kind of left me cold, but 4 blew me away. I hope that the show continues in it's awesome-ness like it did last year. I just really hope that Daniel can get back to the island, since being stranded in the middle of the ocean in a raft can't be fun, and I want to see him with Charlotte again. I am spoiler-free, so I don't have a clue what's coming up. In fact, I haven't read any of the messages on the LOST mailing list I belong to for the past month.
Remember when I wrote about my Computer's death? Apparently, I haven't been the only person to suffer from this particular virus/trojan garbage. I also am not the first to "catch" it from Deviant Art. I need, desperately, to figure out what sort of Virus protection to use. I think that this time I have it under control, but I wish I could get a professional to look at my laptop. If you've got a way to contact me, and you know any good programs, feel free to advise. I'll listen.

My Batman sounds like Kevin Conroy

2008-12-17T12:11:00.004-05:00

Dear Friend,
I think I may have written to you about Batman before. Perhaps around the time that a certain highly anticipated film came out this past summer, perhaps around the time that a certain animated show came out on a children's television block. All I know is, I talk about Batman from time to time.
The subject of this particular "super hero" came to my mind this time because my father turned on the TV and Batman was on. You may be familiar with this particular Batman, played by Micheal Keaton, against Nicholson's Joker. I was already familiar with this little film because my parents had it on VHS and one of those summer nights that my brother was home from college we watched it together.
I cannot say that if this had been my first exposure to this character I would have ever sought any more exposure to him. I can't quite put my finger on why I dislike this movie, casting or design or plot, but I know that I don't like it. At all.
Thankfully, "my Batman" came in the form of a Fox animated series, at just about the silver age of Warner Bros. animation. Back in 1992 I started watching Batman: The Animated Series. Now, if you do your math, that was when I was 9 years old. I'm not sure if many 9 year old girls were watching superhero cartoons back then, but I had an older brother and had been "sharing" his TV shows most of my life. (If you hear him tell it, though, we watched nothing but Rainbow Brite and My Little Pony.)
It certainly wasn't my first encounter with action/crime fighting cartoons, I had been obsessed with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles before this.
Anyway, it was a new cartoon, and being young me, I made sure to watch it. Little did I know that I would wind up a bat-fan for life. Even when the show switched from Fox to Kids WB and became the Batman/ Superman Adventures, and I had to tape it while my family was at church, I still watched. I even remember my shock at the episode "Over the Edge" when I thought everyone now knew that Bruce Wayne was Batman.
I even "followed" Bruce Wayne to Batman Beyond, which brought us Terry McGinnis in the batsuit. Of course, though old and "decrepit" Bruce was still my batman.
In between shows, of course there were the movies, with Val Kilmer and George Clooney, but these, in my opinion, all sucked. Frankly, for the longest the only batman I would say was worth anything was one that was drawn.
However, I had never, at a single point in my life read a Batman comic. Not a one. I'm not into comics.
Then came along Justice League on Cartoon Network. I however, never got into that, too many of those other people in tights running around (or flying as the case may be).
Fox, then, came up with The Batman, which is supposed to take place at the beginning of Bruce's career as Batman. I had several problems with this series, as you can see if you go way, way back in my blog. I disliked character designs and voices. I've heard that it improved greatly, but I still haven't given it a chance. I mean, come on, that design for the Joker is terrible, and the voice of Batman in the show will forever be the liar of two episodes of Due South to me, not Batman.
How pleased I was when Batman Begins came out. Finally, a live action adaptation that didn't make me roll my eyes until they were in the back of my head.
Then the sequel came along and I was rather disappointed, since it was so depressing and evil I couldn't in anyway enjoy it.
Now, Cartoon Network is starting the process again by bringing us Batman: The Brave and the Bold. I like it. I enjoy the fact that this show doesn't take it self as seriously as the recent films. Because, though tragic in storyline, and dark by design, Batman, if you step back and look, is very ridiculous. This show has a sense of humor, and lots of guest starring heroes. I think, even though the voice isn't Kevin Conroy, I will be watching this one.

Wow, that was long. Did you even finish it? Congrats if you did.

Well, that was painful

2008-12-04T22:04:00.003-05:00

Dear Friend,
So, on Nov. 30th something evil entered my laptop and rendered it essentially useless. I didn't get a chance to get it up and running again until today. I lost most of what I had on here, but at least was able to save my pictures. I still needed to load all the programs again, and as yet have no itunes on here.
Being without a time-waster for 4 days was pretty hard on me, but I think due mostly to the fact that it wasn't my fault. Something invaded my computer. I felt attacked and angry. I was really upset.
I'm deeply upset that the site I was on when it happened was one of my favorite to go to. I'd been going to DeviantArt for over a month, and now I'm afraid to go back. I have no idea why this happened, but if that site's to blame I never want it to have another chance. But, oh how I'll miss the art, especially certain artists.
Oh well, life goes on. And it's like I got a new laptop; it's not like some time away from the internet hurt me, anyway.

Insert witty title here

2008-10-31T23:51:00.002-04:00

Dear Friend,
I have been tossing around the idea of participating in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month, google it for fun) this year. However, I don't know that I can come up with an idea that justifies an entire novel, or dredge up that much dedication or an attention span that will last an entire month, or keep such an activity from pulling yet more time from activities I should be doing instead, i.e. laundry, cooking, dishes, vacuuming; you know the sort of things that keep a house livable for all involved. I've already got so many things that I want to do, creativity and artsy sort of things, that I don't know that attempting to write a novel in 30 short days is wise. I've got (at the moment I'm typing this up) 4 more minutes until the month begins. I suppose there's always next year, but we don't know that for sure do we? Suppose they do away with the concept in '09! Suppose Christ returns before then! Suppose, well, suppose anything you like. Is this the way I'll carpe the diem this year?

Probably not.

I've become somewhat hooked on Deviant Art. It's a great site for those inclined to wish they were frighteningly talented artists (which I wish I was) or those inclined to learn how to draw or paint by looking at what other people who do draw or paint do. (which is something I myself do, Wow!) Honestly, the best sort of "lessons" I ever got in drawing was by sitting next to and watching a very talented friend of mine during classes in college. You know, when I should have been listening to lessons. I think that's part of what I love about drawing though, you can draw while listening to someone talk. Kind of like Tetris, I love tetris because I can listen to music while I play and not feel like either the game or the music is slighted.
But anyway, DevArt. I don't have a scanner of my own, so I don't have an account there yet, but maybe someday. Seeing some "fan art" has gotten me to look at a few things differently, such as the Animaniacs and the Mad Hatter. (Spell check is loving me and my non-words tonight, I tell ya) Most of the people I follow closely are or were students in art school. I just don't want to go to art school, I like finding my own ways of drawing. Besides, unlike the Warner brothers, and sister, I don't like drawing naked people.

As you can probably tell by my randomness, (oh, my goodness, apparently, according to spellcheck, randomness is a real word, whereas spellcheck is not) and run-ons it's late, and I'm slightly giddy. If I decide to write a novel, I can start now.

Dear friend, sleep, like me, is your friend. I will now attempt to become better acquainted with it.

Random song lyrics, for a reason

2008-10-13T23:15:00.002-04:00

Dear Friend,
Here's a few lyrics that ring true to me lately. Enjoy.

I'm finally catching onto it
Yeah the past is just a conduit
And the light there at the end is where I'll be.
- Up and Up, Relient K (It's a journey)

Isn't it nice to know
That the lining is silver
Isn't it nice to know
That we're golden.
- The Lining is Silver, Relient K (Eternal optimist, that's what I am)

I know who I am
I am Yours
And Jesus you are mine!
- I Know Who I Am, Israel and New Breed (Need I say more?)

Listen to the music of the moment
Dance and sing
We're just one big family
And it's our God intended right to be loved
- I'm Yours, Jason Mraz (sometimes Mr.AZ gets it right)

As you push it up through the soil I'll shake your filthy hand
You may be dead to me but that don't mean we can't be friends
- Fallen Man, Relient K (slightly macabre, but I get it)

Life is Good
Eternal life is better
- Life is Good, Stellar Kart (simple, and to the point)

I'm in repair
I'm not together
But I'm getting there
- In Repair, John Mayer (love that dude's lyrics)

No it won't all go the way it should
But I know the heart of life is good.
- Heart of Life, John Mayer (there's that optimist streak again)

I want to start it over
I want to start again
I want a new beginning
One without and end.
- Something Beautiful, Newsboys (One of my favorite songs)

That's enough for tonight. *Mmwah!* Goodnight everybody! (and that is the influence of too much Animaniacs, gotta love Yakko)

Sum of the day

2008-09-29T23:46:00.002-04:00

Dear friend,
Just going to list a few of the days happenings. Perhaps I shall add a few comments or opinions, perhaps not. Let's see, shall we.

Woke up, fell asleep, woke up. Lather rinse repeat until about 8.

Got ready to go to the state fair.

Walked around fair with parents.

Ate fair food, including fried oreos, which were surprisingly good yet had a strange feeling of settling in a lump in my stomach. Probably won't have them again.

Walked around fair some more. Saw a team of Clydesdale and a wagon, pretty cool.

Avoided the urge to go off on some "Carney" who was whistling to get peoples' attention since it made me think we were all being reduced to the level of common canines. Yeah, I took that too seriously, but I did resist the urge.

Came home.

Cleaned my room.

Watched Chuck. Yay, still love it. Like Casey a little more. Am slightly sad that the Weinerlicious is gone.

Tried to watch Heroes, but left about 45 minutes in. Why is Hiro such a blithering idiot? I used to like him, he was just about the only thing keeping me watching, now I'm done. Hiro was the last straw.

Watched Life. I was really into this episode, then at the last commercial break all sound goes away. All of it, but then the background noises come back, but no dialogue. If Dad didn't know how to get closed-captioning, I'd have been miffed. More than miffed, actually, since I am currently miffed.

Came upstairs, went to Facebook to be generally disappointed, yet again. I apparently can't connect with people. Where do I sign up to be a hermit? Can hermits own cats? Can I be a cat lady/ hermit? That would be cool with me. Or not.

Do I sound bitter? I shouldn't, it wasn't a bad day. Now I'm watching Due South and summing up the day here, in a vaguely passive aggressive way.

I'd better stop.

God bless and keep you.

I threw my hands victoriously in the air at this result!

2008-09-22T23:05:00.000-04:00

Your result for The Classic Dames Test...

Rosalind Russell

You scored 21% grit, 52% wit, 24% flair, and 10% class!

You are one wise-cracking lady, always quick with a clever remark and easily able to keep up with the quips and puns that come along with the nutty situations you find yourself in. You're usually able to talk your way out of any jam, and even if you can't, you at least make it more interesting with your biting wit. You can match the smartest guy around line for line, and you've got an open mind that allows you to get what you want, even if you don't recognize it at first. Your leading men include Cary Grant and Clark Gable, men who can keep up with you.

Find out what kind of classic leading man you'd make by taking the
Classic Leading Man Test.

Take The Classic Dames Test at HelloQuizzy

High fructose corn syrup adverts! Really?

2008-09-20T00:16:00.002-04:00

Dear friend,
Strangest of things, I have nothing in particular to write about. I'm merely trying to stay awake until a show comes on, this late Friday night.
I finished watching the DVDs of the television show "Life" earlier tonight. I missed the entire first season because I was trying to sleep when it came on. I still find it strange that the prime time segment of television is one hour later on the eastern half of the country than it is in the western half. Who really stays up to watch the 11 o'clock news? Anyway, I enjoyed Life, but I don't think I could get engrossed in it like my other shows. I was certainly captivated by the story, but I don't think it's the sort of show I could watch over and over again.
OK, I just had the weirdest thought. It's natural to type as I think. I remember in school, when I had to learn how to type I thought I'd never be able to do it. What really made it natural for me was to go into chat rooms, usually talking about cartoons, and being the verbose and loquacious nerd that I am I had to learn how to type quickly to keep up with the other not so wordy participants. Now I can, and actually am doing so now, watch television and follow the dialogue and plot while I write out my thoughts. Though my tiyping still isn't perfect, it's an extreme difference from what was.
As you can tell, change intrigues me. Yet I can't take it calmly when it happens too quickly. Slow change, so subtle that you don't notice it, is pretty awesome to me.
I should probably stop writing, before I stop making any sense whatsoever.

If you like Batman, and don't hate animation, I've got a film for ya!

2008-09-06T21:40:00.003-04:00

Dear Friend,
I just finished watching, for the second time in a day, "Batman: Gotham Knight" which is a set of short, animated films set between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. Now, I didn't like The Dark Knight, but that has proven to be "above" my like or dislike. I felt it was too dark, and should have been rated R. (I consider TDK to be my first R rated movie, now, so there you go)
Gotham Knight, now is also rated PG-13, and I felt it came by it honestly (even if there is one shot of a guy being shot clean through the head, a very clear shot at that) and it was bloody. Not a lot of cussing, though I did get to hear Rob Paulsen say "Son of a *****"; quite a strange experience. (I almost felt like Mr. Opportunity was cussing at me. Ok, just kidding) But, quite seriously, though animated, this isn't meant for the kiddoes, ok?
Anyway, beyond content issues, There are 6 different shorts, written and directed by different people, and animated by different Japanese studios. It's anime inspired, so don't expect lip-sync. Do, however, expect interesting visuals, which change each story. Only the voice actors remain the same through the entire film. The shorts are loosely connected, but each could stand alone if it needed to.

The First, "Have I Got a Story for You" is much like the BTAS episode "Legends of the Dark Knight" and frankly I think the TV show one was better. I admit I was put off my the animation style. While the backgrounds were stunning, the people were grotesque and ugly. It did serve the story well, with the differing interpretations of three kids descriptions of their encounters with Batman earlier that day. It was a solid start.

Next, "Crossfire" was animated in a dark, shadowed, comic-book style. It showed two cops in the Major Crimes Unit, discussing Batman as they take a prisoner over the "Narrows" and then end up in a gang crossfire. The story was good. It was maybe my third favorite. Lots of gunfire, as well.

Then "Field Test", which despite a rather confusing story that caused me to wonder what was going on exactly, wound up being one of my favorite shorts on the disc. It was very "anime" style, and I liked the design of the batsuit. They even managed to make Bruce Wayne a decided "pretty boy" that you'd never expect to be Batman. (see icon stamp on this entry)

"In Darkness Dwells" was OK, to me. The sewer setting lent itself to a gritty, unattractive drawing style. There was a brief fight with Killer Croc, so brief you wonder if it was needed. It also had Scarecrow, yet it didn't seem to be like the same character from the live-action films. It was one of the more disappointing shorts in my opinion.

"Working Through the Pain" was my second favorite story here. I again like the style of drawing, and the backgrounds were beautiful. It was slightly bloody for my taste, and I had to look away a few times. My dad was disappointed by the end of the short, but I liked it's emotional nature. I do admit, it doesn't feel like much of a climax, though.

"Deadshot" ranked high in my opinion, too. It's style was interesting, and though it was violent I couldn't look away. The shot of the Ferris Wheel was gorgeous. I found the plot obvious, but maybe not everyone would.

I enjoyed this DVD, and would recommend it to Batman and animation fans alike. I liked hearing Kevin Conroy as Batman again. Watch it if you can.

Perception Personality Test - Really interesting

2008-08-19T15:55:00.000-04:00

Your result for The Perception Personality Image Test...

NFPS - The Guru

Nature, Foreground, Big Picture, and Shape

You perceive the world with particular attention to nature. You focus on what's in front of you (the foreground) and how that fits into the larger picture. You are also particularly drawn towards the shapes around you. Because of the value you place on nature, you tend to find comfort in more subdued settings and find energy in solitude. You like to deal directly with whatever comes your way without dealing with speculating possibilities or outcomes you can't control. You are in tune with all that is around you and understand your life as part of a larger whole. You prefer a structured environment within which to live and you like things to be predictable.

The Perception Personality Types:

Take The Perception Personality Image Test at HelloQuizzy

Was I really like that?

2008-08-10T20:58:00.003-04:00

Dear friend,
My brother is here for the week and decided that we should transfer home videos onto DVD while we can still use the VHS. It's a good idea, which of course means that we have ended up watching the videos as they transfer. And I can't believe that the little 6 year old that I just saw doing the most basic of gymnastics moves, and skipping back into place after each one, grew up to be me! I honestly don't remember being that enthusiastic about anything, let alone in public where every one's parents were nearby.
I do happen to remember being a "look at me, look at me!" sort of girl when a camera was involved.
It's also fun to see how many different ways my Mom did my hair when I was younger.
It's fun to see my brother, especially in 80's and 90's clothes. I'm certain that a certain pair of sneakers my brother was wearing at my 6Th birthday party are being sold again at Journeys.
It's odd to see your life in clips. I'm now quite sure I won't audition for any reality TV shows. Like I was considering it to begin with. (Haven't found a clip of me developing my sarcasm, but maybe it's there.)

There is absoluetly no reason for me to be blogging right now

2008-08-07T00:18:00.003-04:00

Dear friend,
Honestly, blogging without reason could get me into "trouble". I have the urge to communicate without any well-thought-out ideas. I've had nebulous clouds of thoughts running through my mind for so long, and I just have a strong desire to write something positive. I feel so surrounded by negative voices and people that if I don't think of something to make me smile I'll surrender to the pessimism.
Even if we do live in such a bad world, I have a good God, an awesome God, who can handle anything I throw at him; who loves me more than I can fathom; who cares for me.
That does make me feel better.
I've been remiss in not recommending a beautiful, touching, marvelous little independent film called Bella. I watched it quite awhile ago, before the summer film season. I heard of this little movie through a few different Christian contacts, one a personal acquaintance and another a ministry. I have to admit, I don't jump onto a film because some religious people say it's faith-affirming, or something like that. Truthfully, I tend to avoid films that Christian organizations rave about. Bella is totally different. I'm astonished that so few people have been talking about it, actually. It's such a good film that I'm afraid to praise it too much and cause excessive expectations from you, my friend. I went into the film without any expectations. I hardly knew the plot. I now think everyone should see this movie. I am refusing to tell you the plot because I don't want someone to think "Oh, that doesn't sound like my kind of movie." and blow it off. It is a good movie. That's all I can say, though I've taken up a paragraph to say it.

For a complete change of tone and topic: I miss having a crush on someone. It's a strange thing to miss, I admit. I don't miss having a job, I don't miss having friends, I don't miss quite a few things. I just miss having a guy that I'm attracted to. If you've been reading long enough, you remember that I was "dead gone" on a guy I referred to as "The Crush". It's been long enough that I don't think of him that often, even when all the little things that used to make me think of him just remind me of how I used to think of him. The thing about it is, I don't know anyone that I would even think of falling for. I haven't even seen anyone I thought was cute since I moved to VA over a year ago. It's strange. It's also why I figure when I find someone I'll know it's God's doing.

I'm weird... and I don't mind that.

That can't be legal

2008-07-29T23:21:00.003-04:00

Dear friend,
I can't be the only person who thinks that JCPenney commercial that copies the Breakfast Club is a complete tragedy, can I? I didn't think so.

The Dark Knight is a good movie

2008-07-21T17:03:00.004-04:00

Dear friend,
I suppose I've come to the end of my movie season. I've seen (almost) every movie I planned on seeing. I was going to blog a review, just as I did with the last few films I saw in theatres, but on my way home, I thought maybe I should give it a twist. That twist, ladies and gentlemen, is a comparison. Fair, isn't it? It is a sequel after all, why shouldn't it be compared to it's predecessor? Also, since this is my blog, I'm going to be very biased. I'll tell you right now, The Dark Knight is a good, superhero, action sort of movie, if you like that sort of thing. I'm beginning to think I don't like that sort of thing.
OK, I didn't like TDK as much as Batman Begins, to be referred to as BB from now on in this post. I wondered why that was, especially since everyone I've heard from is loving TDK and immediately declaring Heath Ledger to be deserving of an Oscar. I'm not saying I disagree with that entirely (go ahead, give him the Oscar, but I will never be convinced that he isn't awarded one because he died) I'm just saying that I didn't enjoy it very much. I know exactly why I didn't enjoy it that much, too! It's a fabulously shallow reason. There was too much ugly and not enough pretty.
Before I move on, a confession, even before this film I found the Joker completely, utterly and wonderfully creepy. I still shudder thinking of (of all things) the Laughing Fish episode of Batman: The animated Series. (I was young, it left a lasting, scarring impression, ok!) Most other Batman villians are a trifle silly, but a crazy dude who looks like the world's freakiest clown and randomly kills people is so frightening. Even the watered down Joker in the cartoons can be scary. So, imagine dismay at Heath Ledger's portrayal. I'm praying against nightmares tonight. Yet, it was good. That man committed to the role.
My mom says the movie was too dark. I agree. I'm a beauty seeker. I try to find it everywhere, and there wasn't much to see in this dark, violent, scary film. I cringed, often. Not helping matters that whenever things got suspenseful the soundtrack featured a long tone, slowly, oh so slowly rising in pitch until you felt like your head was going to explode.
I liked BB better, and how could I not, look at the cast: Christian Bale, Liam Neeson, Cilian Murphy; not a hard group to look at. This film gives me Heath Ledger in frightening make-up and scars and then what happens to Harvey Dent (no surprise if you know about that character) and I just don't have anything "comforting" to look at.

I'm sorry, it was a good movie but I'll never watch it again. I'll stick to BB for the rest of my live-action Batman needs. I hope I was coherent.

I am allowed to change my mind, no?

2008-07-16T23:19:00.004-04:00

Dear friend,
I know that I am recorded in this blog as being sick of the song "Bleeding Love" by Leona Lewis. I changed my mind. I've done this before, hated a song at first listen, and then (usually after everyone else is sick of it) I end up liking it. I think all I needed to like this song was a story to go with it. The music video seemed void of a story, and I didn't really get the story to the dance choreographed to it on So You Think You Can Dance, but this fan video for Psych's Lassiter and Juliet made a sweet story to me.
I'm so happy that Psych is returning this Friday. I decided to check out a few of the site's I frequent during the season and came across this gem. Enjoy it.

To be completely off-topic, the "Mr. Opportunity" ads for Honda are back and I am just pleased as punch to randomly hear Rob Paulsen again! I think he'll always be one of my favorite voice actors, if only for Yakko alone. Back to your lives!

Oboes aren't loud, they're expressive

2008-07-12T23:05:00.003-04:00

Dear friend,
I saw two movies today, neither of them high on my "Oh, let's go see that!" list. I went to the theatre with my whole family to see Hancock. It was an OK movie. I would give it 2.5 stars out of 5. The biggest problem for me was that it was like the studio had the beginning of one superhero movie and then end of another and decided to stick them together and call it a day. I liked the beginning. I didn't care for the end.
The other movie I watched was Cloverfield. I had read so many reviews saying it was good that I was just curious enough to see it. J.J. Abrams association with it, and the previews similarity to the first scene we hear the Monster on LOST didn't hurt either. They were right, it is a good movie, but it's hard to enjoy. I don't like being on the edge of my seat like that. Suspense isn't high on my list of favorite things. I couldn't quite tear my eyes away, though, excepting the really bloody parts, of course.
To counteract the freaky-ness that was Cloverfield, I'm watching the Fairy Tale Theatre DVD of The Three Little Pigs. That explains the title of this post. Buck Wolf is the greatest role Jeff Goldblum ever had. Well, in my opinion it is. I wonder what his opinion of that statement would be. "If you're lying to me I'll come back and chew on your face."

I want to people to be afraid of how much they love me

2008-07-09T23:42:00.003-04:00

Dear friend,
Do you remember that I mentioned I was becoming obsessed with the Office? I'm watching it right now, and wondering if maybe I'm a little too involved. I find certain episodes extraordinarily difficult to watch. The Christmas Party episode is one such episode. I find myself cringing and feeling terrible for Jim and Phyllis. It just feels so uncomfortable so many times while I watch this show that you'd think I was standing in the room with these people. That is probably the intention, but gah! it makes it hard to keep watching sometimes. Another episode I struggle through is Health Care. At the end of the episode, where everyone stops Michael outside his door, and he stalls trying so horribly to think of a "surprise" that will get him out of this mess just makes me want to leave the room. Pam's and Jim's facial expressions just do me in. It's probably not a good idea to watch this show while unemployed because it just reminds you that working sucks.
However, I still laugh more than I cringe most of the time. I adore Jim and Pam (yeah, I've never mentioned that before), and can't help wondering what the hell Michael will do next. I also just can't wait to see what Dwight is going to say or do, especially when Jim or Michael are involved.
I love this show.

"Beautiful word clouds"

2008-07-07T11:29:00.003-04:00

Dear friend,
If you read any other blogs then chances are you've seen this little trick before. If you haven't, then I'm glad to be able to share Wordle with you! I'd seen this on a couple of blogs before I tried it today. I was amused by my "big" words, "Think" "Pretty" "Also" "Beautiful" and "Just". Simply out of curiosity I ran my brother's blog and felt a little guilty that one of my big words wasn't God when one of his was.

Anyway, here's mine!
title="Wordle: Friend's letter">

Happy 4th of July! Did it rain for you too?

2008-07-04T22:16:00.003-04:00

Dear friend,
How was your holiday? Mine was low-key. I didn't go anywhere, didn't do anything and didn't mind it at all. It rained, great, grand thunderstorm which sent a few toads and turtles trekking across our yard. Honestly, I didn't miss not seeing fireworks. I can't really remember the last time I went to see fireworks. The last house we lived in all I had to do was stand on the front porch and I could see a few different shows from the city. Yes, the display was tiny, and silent, but I didn't mind that.
I'm in the middle of a marathon of The Office. I got the first disc of the 2nd season set from Netflix yesterday. I watched all of it last night. All of it; I mean that, episodes, commentary, deleted scenes; EVERYTHING! I didn't intend to. I wanted to make it last a few days. The show is so funny, the cast is great and it's hard to stop watching once you start. I just love Jim and Pam. And if you recall I'm oddly fascinated by Steve Carell. Michael Scott is cringeworthy, yet endearing. But mostly cringeworthy.
Right now I'm watching my season 1 DVD, which due to my favorite Barnes and Noble "Buy two get one free" sale I didn't pay a penny for, mainly because it's the only season that Steve does commentary for. Go back and make sure you can understand that sentence, it's like two in one, and I want to be sure I'm coherent.
I am also slowly going through a re-watch of LOST. I didn't remember season one being so stunningly beautiful. I love the cinematography and just filming on Hawaii has got to make it easy to make this show pretty. So, I guess all I like about LOST is the cinematography, the writing, the cast and the music. Yeah, not much really. OK, yes, that was a tad sarcastic.
Yeah, so to sum up, I've had a relaxed holiday and I'm obsessed with the office, plus LOST is awesome. Guess that covers it.

Ta-Da!

2008-06-27T22:45:00.004-04:00

Dear Friend,
So, you just knew I'd be blogging today, right? If anything, you thought I'd have blogged earlier, right? Yeah, I know. So, let's get down to it: Wall-E was great. That little robot was so adorable! This movie made me cry, dude!
I'll now attempt to look objectively at this film. There was a definite environmental and "green" feel to this movie, what with the world's population evacuating a trash-filled earth and such. There was also quite the message about getting up off your fat a- I mean butt- and observing the beauty of the natural world around you. I, as a bit of a tree-hugger (according to some) had no problem with that, but even if you think that environmental propaganda needs to go the way of the Dodo bird (how's that for irony) you have to admit that these messages should be heeded to some extent. I appreciate that this film didn't verbally attack you with repeated messages like "Reduce, reuse, recycle!!!!! or die!" It was also rather amused at the exaggeration that they used. While you know things would never get that extreme, you realize that, well, maybe in the worst-case scenario, they could.
What was truly great about the movie, though, was the character of Wall-E, and even Eve. You can actually believe that these robots, inanimate objects though they are, have personalities. Wall-E is one of the sweetest little characters I've seen in a Pixar film. He can barely say anything, not much more than his own name and Eve's (which he pronounces as "Eev-ah") and the occasional Ta-da! There isn't a lot of dialogue in the film, really, but it's good storytelling since you don't miss it much. I didn't miss it at all, to tell the truth.
I was pleasantly surprised by the use of live-action actors on screen, but it was done well. I loved the space scenes, as well.
I have no idea if that review was coherent. To sum up, I enjoyed the movie. I will be buying it when the DVD comes out, and expect Wall-E icons to accompany my posts in the future. As I blog I'm looking for icons in another window. Yes, I'm that talented.
I only wish I could have found the soundtrack in a store. I loved the use of music, especially La Vie En Rose with Louis Armstrong. And the two songs from Hello Dolly. Yeah, it was adorable. It was Wall-E's favorite movie, such a sweet little robot.
I re watched Napolean Dynamite tonight, as well. My brother had never seen it. I watched it right after it came out on DVD and found it rather stupid. I watched it again about a year later and smiled a bit. I watched it tonight, and cracked up. I think I just needed to realize that I was in this movie's world, where random rubbish occurs and you're just supposed to laugh at it. It worked tonight.

You know who was pretty? Grace Kelly

2008-06-25T22:19:00.004-04:00

Dear friend,
I've just endured some ribbing from my dearly loved brother about the fact that I don't really notice if girls are cute or not. I really don't. Unless someone is strikingly beautiful, I don't notice it. There is also the factor that I have a tendency to like odd looking faces, male or female, so I'm hesitant to call someone pretty. Pretty people aren't always the most interesting people to look at, in my weird opinion.
However, when I think of pretty or downright beautiful women, I think of Grace Kelly. Princess Grace to me was the embodiment of Hollywood beauty and glamour. She was one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen.
I also am a fan of Audrey Hepburn. I don't actually tend to think she was that beautiful, but she had very appealing looks. And the woman could wear clothes and make them look amazing. One of my favorite Hepburn moments is the Ascot scene in My Fair Lady. There's also an amazingly beautiful dress she wears in Sabrina.
Clothes tend to be, for some odd reason, a major factor in how attractive I consider women. Apparently if you can make custom clothes for some woman, I'll think she looks great. OK, possibly not to that extreme. Although, I definitely like looking at Susan from Chronicles of Narnia though I don't consider Anna Popplewell to be very attractive. So, maybe it is to that extreme.
The last woman I stopped and thought looked really pretty was Anne Hathaway in Get Smart. I also thought that Aishwarya Rai of Bride and Prejudice was extremely pretty. Actually, Bride and Prejudice had a lot of pretty cast members. Leona Lewis is pretty, even if I am sick of Bleeding Love. Halle Berry is pretty.
There are a lot of pretty women, I just don't tend to notice them. I think it may relate also to the fact that I don't tend to think people are that attractive at first sight. I relate behavior and demeanor very closely to beauty. To me, if you act ugly, you are ugly; therefore, I will wait to see who you are before I decide how you look.

New Layout, so why not post?

2008-06-23T17:23:00.004-04:00

Dear Friend,
I felt for a richer color scheme, and to get rid of any sort of media related images in my intro and title. So, what do you think? I love the rose picture, but am a bit concerned that it is, well, huge. We'll see how I take to it.
I also wanted to stop using the Robin Hood banners because, although the artist who made them made them really well, the show sucks. I haven't truly watched it for the past month. I've had the TV on, and looked up when something "interesting" happened (usually when Much or Gisborne were on screen) but even that has been getting to be too stupid. I have been told that Much tells Robin off in the finale, so I may keep trying, just to see if my favorite character finally gets a backbone.
I'm looking forward to seeing Wall-E this Friday. I'm hoping to see it before the "kiddy" crowd sees it, because though I love animated movies and kids, I'm none too fond of them put together. I also want to see Wanted with Angelina Jolie and James McAvoy. Now, there is a contrast. Strange thing is, I've not seen an R rated movie yet, and since the first PG-13 movie I saw sucked, I've held out on watching one until I had picked a great movie. I've decided that the Godfather will be the first R movie I watch. I just need to find the time to watch it. The problem really is, I'm a wimp. No, really, I watch the AFI countdowns and when they show clips of the Godfather they always show the same clip of people being shot in the head, and this one clip that obviously is deemed suitable to air on prime time TV sends me into shock! How I'll get through that entire film I don't know. Then, if I find that I can't make it through the Godfather, I doubt I'll make it through Wanted, rated R for "strong, bloody violence" throughout. Yeesh.
I'm actually slightly apprehensive about the next Batman film. I'm such a wimp.

Would you believe Chuck Norris with a BB gun?

2008-06-20T18:06:00.003-04:00

Dear Friend,
I have been seeing more movies this summer than is my usual wont. (I love that word, "wont" it's fun) I've just seen my third, and boy was it fun. Get Smart was really funny. It's a great waste of time, if you've got time to waste. I think it helps to be familiar with the old show, but not too fanatical about the old show. It also helps if you have a nearly unhealthy fascination with Steve Carell. *glances at icon "stamp"* What? I'm just saying... and I've been waiting to use that icon... anyway. Anne Hathaway was good in this, too. I like Hathaway, despite certain things I've heard about her. In cases such as these my policy of just plain not caring about actors personalities or lives works pretty well. If they entertain my on screen I don't care about who they really are.
OK, I am so rambling now. The movie was good, but to be honest I'm not sure it would stand up to a second viewing. In general I would recommend it to a friend, if I knew they liked stupid, yet not too stupid, comedy.
Ovation TV (arty channel, just my speed) has been having a week devoted to animation. Happy me, I've enjoyed nearly all the documentaries on the studios and animators and what-not. Ub Iwerks was a fascinating man, and the majority of people don't realize that he came up with Mickey Mouse, which saddens me. He drew the character and pretty much single-handedly animated his first cartoon. He was an amazing inventor, too. If you have any interest in animation, look that man up. He'll astound you.
I just realized a few minutes ago that my dear brother has a link to my blog on his blog. Isn't he just cool? I love that his entries have more depth than mine. I still have issues with letting myself get too serious in "public" and therefore my writings tend to be from the shallow end of the pool. My brother, however, all kinds of deep, and I love him for it.
The rest of my (planned) summer movies will include Wall-E, Wanted, the new Batman and possibly a few more. I'm not sure just now.
I'm considering a blog of reviews of my DVD collection. That would be quite a project considering the size of my media shelf. It would be more organized and eloquent than the "reviews" I write here. We'll see what develops.

Dreaming

2008-06-16T21:16:00.005-04:00

Dear friend,
I'd forgotten how very dull and low life is in the "in-between times". Those times when you don't have anything pressing to do can be as depressing as they are freeing. I don't know what to do with myself, despite an abundance of required tasks around me. I know this too will pass, but I'm living in the right now, dang it!
I had a sort of realization last night. I want to be in a "Roger and Anita Radcliffe" situation. One of my favorite movies is Disney's 101 Dalmatians. (If you have even a slight interest in animation that film is amazing. The Xerox machine changed animation forever! And the design is captivatingly attractive) The dog's owners were recently married and wonderful together. The moment that sticks into my mind is the scene in which Roger is composing the tune that would ultimately be "Cruella DeVille" and make him a load of money. At this moment in the film, though, he's just upstairs making music. As he comes downstairs the couple has cute banter about the song until the villain arrives at the door. Roger makes fun of the approaching visitor with his new song, as he makes his exit. After Cruella leaves he reemerges from his "studio" still teasing in song. The couple dances and as his song ends the two share a "married moment." You just know that these two love each other, even though they tease and joke, they each take such games as good-naturedly as it is meant. Somehow that animated, fictional couple rings true to my heart.
Another animated couple dear to my heart is "Jim Dear and Darling" from Lady and the Tramp, but I don't think I'll go into detail for that tonight.
In more real, right now news, I've got a Wii Fit. I'm rather dedicated to this little workout program. It has me doing (light) exercise every day for the past week. That's no small accomplishment for lazy little me. I rather like the hula hoop game.

Now that that's all out of my mind...
Goodnight, friend!

Cliffs are for climbing. That's why God gave us grappling hooks

2008-06-08T17:53:00.004-04:00

Dear Friend,
Tomorrow, if I play my cards right, could be my last day of work at the school. I've been thinking over what I'd like to do in the short amount of time that I plan on being between jobs. I have more hopes than time (I assume, since I don't actually know when my "break" will be over) but I like listing things. Here are a few things I'd like to accomplish this summer.

1. Pick up piano again
2. Learn to play guitar
3. Finish unpacking those boxes of stuff that belongs in my room.
4. Paint the ugly trim in my room
5. Learn to make amigurumi dolls
6. Make a felt "Much" doll, maybe
7. Make custom pillows for the daybed
8. Make a pineapple upside down cake
9. Acquire a few t-shirts and then make them into new, cool things
10. Try painting with watercolors
11. Make some clothes
12. Make it out to the new C28 store
13. Eat at the new Noodles n' Company restaurant near here
14. Lose a few inches around my tummy (can't think in lbs. since I don't know what I weigh
15. Cut a fringe (or bangs for people here in the US)
16. Read Frankenstein
17. Read Persuasion
18. Beat Mario Kart Wii
19. Acquire every character in Super Smash Bros. Brawl
20. Illustrate that book by my Dad's co-worker
21. Rearrange my cork board
22. Go to the Smithsonian
23. Decorate cake with Fondant
24. Re-watch the entire (so far) series of LOST
25. Go to Colorado for a visit (maybe)

I'll stop at 25 things, but I'm sure if I sat here and thought for long enough I'd come up with quite a few more.
Hoping that your summer is filled with relaxing and energizing plans!

I love these silly personality quizzes

2008-06-02T21:35:00.000-04:00

Your Ice Cream Personality:

You like to think of yourself as a fairly modest person. And it's true that you don't talk yourself up... but you're also pretty happy with who you are.

You are incredibly cautious. You rather miss out on something than make a mistake. No one would ever call you wild... but they would call you responsible.

You are a fairly open minded person with a wide range of tastes. You are quite accepting of unusual ideas and people.

You tend to have a one track mind. You prefer not to multitask.

You can be a big dramatic and over the top sometimes. You are bold in every way

The Ice Cream Personality Test

Catching up

2008-06-01T21:35:00.003-04:00

Dear Friend,
How've you been the last few days? I've been busy, but it's been the good sort of busy that leads up to a desired end. A very desired end. I can't wait for the end, really. This past Friday was the K3 Celebration at school, and now there are no more classes with the little dears. I'm half relieved and half sad to think that I won't have a hand in molding their young minds anymore. I won't miss the tantrums, the tattling, the yelling, or the crying. I will miss the smiles and laughs and discoveries that mark that age as well. I'll miss the hugs and "Hello Ms. S" and random stories they tell you about themselves. I didn't cry at the goodbyes, and almost feel like an unfeeling jerk because of it. I just don't think I'm cut out for being this sort of teacher, so I don't want to prolong the time.
Two more weeks at the school, I suppose. Then life finally moves on again.
In entertainment news... I'm becoming obsessed with the Itunes commercial for the exclusive song Viva la Vida by Coldplay. If I hear it come on TV I stop what I'm doing watch the commercial. I haven't decided if I'll buy it. I've never listened to Coldplay before. What? Don't look at me like that.
So, how about LOST. So glad that Des and Penny reunited. So sad that Dan and Charlotte said goodbye. Surprised to find that I prefer Kate with Sawyer to Kate and Jack. Dismayed to discover that most of my concern for this show revolves around the relationships. Ha, maybe not. I'm really wishing the next season was coming really, really soon so I can find out what happens to everyone. I wasn't shocked or awed by who was in the coffin. I almost didn't even care. I want to know what's up with Claire. I also want to know what happens to the people in the boat, do they move with the island or are they stranded in the middle of nowhere on the ocean? Otherwise, the finale did well with tying up loose ends of this season. BTW, Penny can't die. I'd cry for days. Or not, but I wouldn't be happy.
Watched Cranford (DVR'ed from PBS) today. It felt like it went on forever and wasn't about anything in particular. It was good, and sweet, but slightly boring. It was like real life, a bunch of small happenings to a large group of people. I won't buy it, or watch it again soon. I like Gaskell, usually, though I haven't read any of her books. Wives and Daughters was about Molly Gibson, North and South was about Margaret Hale and John Thornton, but Cranford was about everybody.

I guess that's it friend,
See you next time.

I still sound like I belong out there!

2008-05-31T17:02:00.002-04:00

What American accent do you have?
Created by Xavier on Memegen.net

Western. Like Midland, Western is another accent that people consider neutral. So, you might not actually be from the Western half of the country, but you definitely sound like it.

And if you're not from the West, you are probably one of the following:
(a) A Pittsburgher - the quiz can't tell the difference;
(b) Someone from Canada (probably southern Ontario) who doesn't have a Canadian accent;
(c) Someone from northern New England who doesn't have a New England accent; or
(d) Someone from Texas or the Heartland who was born after 1980.
You are definitely not from New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Detroit, the Deep South, etc.</font>

Take this quiz now - it's easy!

Coming to an end

2008-05-24T19:53:00.003-04:00

Dear friend,
As I'm sure you know the school year is almost over. I have only four more days to work with the children, and officially two weeks after that to clean the classroom. Then I am free, Free, FREE! I don't plan on taking a full two weeks to get out of there, but I don't know if the people in charge are as eager to be rid of me as I am to be rid of them. I can't imagine that I've been altogether pleasant an employee, but I have tried to be professional and up-front about what I thought was fair. This is the only "job" I've disliked. (Job is in quotes because it's only my second paying job, but I've worked at more than two places, and I've worked at a school before.) I remember that at the beginning of the year I told myself that once I was used to the work I'd love it, since that's how I usually am. It wasn't true with this place. Perhaps I'm naive, but I don't think you should work at a job that you don't like. I used to say I wouldn't work a job that I didn't love, but at this point love seems far out of reach of work. I do, however, want to wake up on some Monday mornings without a sense of impending doom and dread. I don't know (still) what's next for me, but I'm not too stressed about that. I wasn't expecting a real summer vacation, but maybe I'll take one anyway. I've got the rest of my life to be responsible and adult over the summer, you know.

In less heavy thinking, I was sick of the last layout and header the instant I put it up. I'm not actually that crazy about Guy of Gisborne, and though Richard Armitage was the only reason I started watching Robin Hood he really isn't enough to keep me watching it. Honestly, it's Much that I ended up adoring. It's maddeningly difficult to find out anything about Sam Troughton, the actor who portrays the lovable Much, but that's OK. What I have found out about him leads me to believe I wouldn't actually like him all that much. I do like his character very much though.
Also very airy and light in thought, I love how the English say "strawberry" and "squirrel".

Such awesome inner conflict

2008-05-16T22:08:00.002-04:00

Dear Friend,
Went to see Prince Caspian tonight and it's awfully awesome and awesomely awful. I hate that I love this film. Let me explain... no is too much, let me sum up. (OK, I'll stop quoting Princess Bride. Tonight anyway.) It's an entertaining, exciting and engaging movie. As an adaptation of Lewis's book, it's terrible.
I sat there watching moments in the film thinking, "This is wrong! This is so wrong, that never happened. Good heavens, that was AWESOME! But it shouldn't have happened." I decided to just watch it as a film. I can like both the book and the movie.
I do know that quite a few people will be up in arms about the "inaccuracies." All I have to say in response is, go read the book, and try to picture it all literally in a film. That is one short, weird film, dudes. You have to admit the format in the book isn't a good film. It's a good story, but it wouldn't work on the screen. I'm not saying I completely agree with all the changes they made, but it was a good movie.
I'll probably go see it with my Mum next weekend. She didn't come tonight.
OK, so, what I remember of my random thoughts in the movie: "Can I slap Peter, please? He needs it. I want Susan's wardrobe. Why can't Caspian act? I think I love Edmund, in a non-creepy way... anyway. I want to be Lucy. Reepicheep!!! much love for the mouse!"
OK, enough squee. Have a nice weekend.