All I Can Do Is Write About It

New blog.

2010-02-27T20:54:00.000-08:00

So, I'm starting a new blog. Here is the link to it...it's still a work in progress, so yeah.

2010-02-20T09:35:00.000-08:00

Well, it's official. I have no motivation today...it was good while it lasted.

I have to memorize the first ten lines of my scene for acting, somehow miraculously remember my scene partner's last name and email him the scene, read about 1/3 of my current book for my online class (and no, I'm not playing catch-up. That's what was assigned), take this online quiz for my orientation class, and keep myself from spending the day either on the internet or watching "Lost."

Sounds like today is going to be a challenge.

UPDATE: I did miraculously remember my scene partner's last name. Go me!

2010-02-11T13:12:00.000-08:00

My professor is trying to say that Will Ferrell's best performance was in "The Producers." Has she actually seen another movie that he's been in? Really? I'm seriously doubting her choices in things...

Chug, chug, chuggin' along.

2010-02-09T10:14:00.001-08:00

Disney Store, Shibuya (2008), originally uploaded by jpellgen.

So I have officially decided that I am going to apply to the Disney stores. There are three locations around ASU, so hopefully one of those will work out. I'm only thinking positive--I WILL get this job, I WILL work at the Disney store. Honestly, I can't think of a more perfect job for me at this point in my life. Also, a good thing about the Disney store is that it's all over the United States, and all over the world. So when (not if) I move, hopefully I'll always have somewhere to transfer.

In other exciting news, yesterday I signed the lease for the apartment down at ASU. August 16th, I will officially move in to my first apartment! I'm living in a 4-bedroom, 4-bath with three other roommates. I don't know who I'll be living with at this point, but I'll be getting that information towards the end of this semester. I am so excited! Vista del Sol is such an amazing apartment complex, and the people there seem so friendly. Plus, I'll finally be able to meet new people and hopefully make some friends (especially since a certain friend of mine is moving across the country). I can't really express how happy I am for this. I feel like I'm getting my life back into gear--I'm doing well in school, keeping up with things, my family situation is good, my mental health is good, and I'm mentally preparing myself for moving out into this great big world.

Life is good.

formspring.me

2010-02-06T10:16:00.001-08:00

What was your favorite toy to play with as a child?

Probably anything Barbie/Little Mermaid/Beauty and the Beast/Barney

Ask me anything

formspring.me

2010-02-05T21:28:00.001-08:00

If you could go back in time 10 years and tell your younger self something, what would it be?

Leonardo DiCaprio only gets hotter. You'll still be in love with boy bands. Life is good.

Ask me anything

formspring.me

2010-02-05T21:27:00.001-08:00

If you could have been the author of any book, what would it have been?

A Tale of Two Cities. It's probably the best-selling novel originally written in English, with between 100 million and 1 billion in print. Imagine having your words enter into that many people's lives...

Ask me anything

formspring.me

2010-02-05T21:23:00.001-08:00

What was the best concert you went to?

Honestly, Jonas Brothers. I don't think I've had so much fun in my entire life...Rob Thomas with two best friends is definitely a close second though.

Ask me anything

formspring.me

2010-02-05T21:22:00.001-08:00

What was your worst travel experience?

Greyhound bus trip from Arizona to Hollywood. It was...interesting to say the least. There was a man on the bus with a huge bong and a woman who thought windmills were alien communicators. Also, I'd have to say flying through a hurricane from Miami to Phoenix.

Ask me anything

formspring.me

2010-02-05T21:20:00.001-08:00

Have you ever wondered why the Chamber of Secrets is located in a girl's bathroom?

That's a good question! Hmm...you would think that with all the time girls spend in the bathroom (certainly a lot more than guys) someone would have found it sooner. Who knew?

Ask me anything

formspring.me

2010-02-05T12:47:00.001-08:00

Doooooo it! http://formspring.me/gwenc

delicious.

2010-02-04T17:07:00.001-08:00

miniature food en masse, originally uploaded by PetitPlat by sk_.

I'm pretty sure I could eat a small child right now. Supper time!

formspring.me

2010-02-04T16:53:00.001-08:00

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/gwenc

formspring.me

2010-02-03T21:01:00.001-08:00

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/gwenc

I think that's a record.

2010-02-03T11:44:00.001-08:00

yawn again!
Originally uploaded by jaimuima

So, last night around 15 til 7, my cousin Mandy and Abby and Alex left, after Nana and I babysat them for a few hours. I wasn't feel great towards the end of the evening, so after they left I sat down on the couch and closed my eyes. My mom and Nana were cleaning up the kitchen, and I guess about 15 minutes later they went into the living room to check on me. I was sound asleep. Out like a lightbulb, and this lightbulb wasn't ever coming back on. Eventually, my mom dragged me to my bedroom but all she could manage was to take my glasses off. Needless to say, I slept in the clothes I wore that day and didn't move at all during the night, except once to pull the covers over me. I didn't wake up until my alarm went off...at 7:30am.

I slept a total of 12 and a half hours. Honestly, I was worried at first that I was getting too much sleep. However, I woke up feeling awesome! It was the sleep I needed to catch up on, and I've been up and at 'em all day today. I was just shocked that I slept that much...crazy!

Also, I've been having dreams that's fueling this desire to have a bunny rabbit. I've always thought they were adorable, but they've been on my mind a lot lately. Weird.

2010-02-02T12:32:00.000-08:00

The other day my mom and I were talking about places we would like to run away to. Jamaica was definitely on the list.

I can't believe it's been over ten years since I've been to the islands in the Caribbean. I miss it so much, and I think a part of me has missed it since the day I left. The warm breeze on my face, the feeling of the lukewarm water, the bright white sandy beaches...I swear, every turn was an opportunity to see a real life postcard. I honestly love everything about the Caribbean.

I know that someday I'll return, and I know I will be at an age where I can appreciate it a little more. I was so young and so overwhelmed by sensory overload. Honestly, to get a good impression of the Caribbean you have to visit more than once. There's so much to see and feel and do.

I know I'll go back. Someday.

morning, sunshine.

2010-01-27T19:31:00.001-08:00

morning, sunshine.
Originally uploaded by Jenna Carver

The secret is here in the present. If you pay attention to the present, you can improve upon it. And, if you improve on the present, what comes later will also be better. Forget about the future, and live each day according to the teachings, confident that God loves his children. Each day, in itself, brings with it an eternity.

-The Alchemist

2010-01-26T20:23:00.000-08:00

Listening to "Darkening Sky" by Peter Bradley Adams. Such a beautiful song...reminds me of Nickel Creek, kind of. I haven't listened to them in awhile...hmm.

Interesting...

2010-01-23T12:56:00.001-08:00

So, my dear friend Kristyna asked me two intersting questions (you can click here to read her original post) yesterday.

Answer: the small details. As Kristyna said, the devil's in the details--but so is the big picture. The big picture is made up of small details, and without one you cannot have the other. Fact about myself: I have a photographic memory. Basically what this means to me is that I notice those small details and they stay in my brain for a really, really long time. I have found that I use these minute details as a frame of reference for big picture ideas. For example, honestly I can't remember much of my childhood, but when I recall these small details I've acquired over the years, it helps me remember my youth. Without those details, my past would be a blank slate.

Answer: no. I'm blessed. Many people say that luck and blessings are one in the same, but to me they aren't. Luck, in my eyes, sounds like something that any individual has control over. For example, "oh if I wear my lucky charm, my day will go better." Some people blame lack of rituals or luck-oriented traditions on things going wrong in their lives. However, a blessing or a blessed life means that things are beyond my control. There is a reason why they call it "giving" life or "giving" birth--life and all that it encompases is one giant gift. God gave me that gift because He loves me and sees that I have potential in the world. The roof over my head, the food on my table, and the other luxuries I have in my life were acquired by the blessing from God to be dedicated, hard-working and to have faith.

formspring.me

2010-01-23T09:23:00.001-08:00

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/gwenc

formspring.me

2010-01-22T10:42:00.001-08:00

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/gwenc

Rain, rain...

2010-01-21T15:20:00.000-08:00

It's definitely been a rainy day today. Makes me want to curl up and read a good book. Too bad the semester just started and I have to really try and keep up with things this semester. Boo.

november 26.

2009-08-31T23:42:00.001-07:00

Don't forget.

Track her down.

Tell her goodbye.

She's gone up a few notches...

2009-08-31T20:36:00.000-07:00

So, I've made my opinion clear on how I feel about Miley Cyrus. I don't need to go over it, because knowing me I'll just break out the way too long list of reasons why I think she needs to go away.

However, in the past few days she's earned a few points in my book. +1 for a catchy song--you may have pole-danced your way through the performance, Miley, but "Party in the U.S.A." is one earworm that I'm digging. It's different than your other stuff (thank God) and it's kind of surprising coming from her. Also, +1 for being a fan of Matchbox 20/Rob Thomas. I was surfing through her twitpics and I noticed a few of the pictures had song lyrics from both Matchbox 20 and Rob Thomas songs. Anyone that is a fan of them, ALWAYS gets a +1. Especially since it seems to me like his/their music goes unappriciated and unnoticed--which is a shame, because I personally believe that Rob Thomas is one of the most unique song writers of his time. Right up there in my book with Ryan Tedder (OneRepublic). Actually, they're tied.

crappy night.

2009-08-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

So last night I had two nightmares.

The first one was I saw this girl being chased by death, and I warned her about it. Because she knew death was coming, she kept trying to fight him off, but she tripped and fell. She broke her neck on a set of stairs, but wasn't completely dead yet. I tried to hold her head up straight, trying to keep her alive while yelling for someone to come over and help me. She had this really creepy grin on her face and said, "DADDY!" and then started convulsing rapidly...for some reason, most of my recent nightmares including incredibly rapid convulsing. Apparently that scares me.

I woke up and stayed up for a little while, trying to get my mind off of the nightmare. I finally fell back asleep, only to have another nightmare.

My family and I were on a dock over a lake, and Alex was leaning over the railing trying to look at the fish. He fell through the railing and slipped into the lake, and Mandy went in after him. But when he fell, he contracted something, and it spread to Abby. I was at home while they were at home, so I didn't get to see them after the lake. Abby contracted the thing that Alex had, but she died from it. My mom told me that she died, and I just couldn't cope. I tried to go out to meet someone, but I couldn't. I lied, and said I needed to take a shower, and I tried to cry while in the shower but I kept feeling claustrophobic. Then I woke up.

Honestly, my second dream was much, much scarier than the first.

Scary.

2009-08-23T21:42:00.000-07:00

So, I've been following this story about Ryan Jenkins, a former contestant on some sleezy Vh1 reality show, and the murder of his ex-wife. A little bit ago, Jasmine Fiore was found dead, stuffed into a suitcase with fingers and teeth missing. Jenkins went from being a person of interest to the main suspect.

Apparently, the d-bag fled on foot to Canada, but then he was just recently found dead--they haven't confirmed the cause of death, but things are pointing to suicide.

The thing that's freaky is that he was a contestant on Megan Wants a Millionaire. I know that Vh1 has lost any sense of class--so brilliantly exemplified by the nasty Flavor of Love, Rock of Love and any show involving "New York"--but allowing someone to be on national television that's capable of murder? Nay, not just capable, but actually commiting the crime. Have they ever heard of background checks? I'm sure someone that could commit such a horrendous crime probably already has a rap sheet. I guess that Vh1 is so desparate to appeal to the toothless, Springer-loving, Wal-Mart is considered high class demographic that they would allow anyone to be on their horrible shows. But seriously, Vh1, this is just wrong.

The whole story is scary, and I kind of feel bad for whoever this Megan chick is who wants a millionaire. And was Ryan Jenkins really a millionaire? I doubt it. I know money corrupts, but really...

There's hope!

2009-08-21T10:06:00.001-07:00

There's speculation that Miley Cyrus is dating her new costar from The Last Song, Liam Hemsworth. The Australian newcomer was spotted kissing Cyrus at the Tennessee airport before his departure.

He's pretty hot, but there's not much known about him. He's foreign and gorgeous, which is kind of enough for me--although, he's only 18. Which brings me to my headline:

There's actual hope for Miley's personal life! She's finally setting her sights (apparently) on someone her own age, which is a plus 1 for her. Also, hopefully this means she's retracted her hoe-claws out of poor little Nick Jonas and is possibly leaving the kid alone. Another plus 1 for the stripper-in-training. Also, gotta give her a plus 1 for (once again, apparently...none of this has been confirmed) getting rid of creeper Justin Gaston. The guy was cute, but just way too much. He was too old for a 16 year old, he was too obsessed with her after they broke up, and he was being way too obvious that he was banking on his relationship with her to start his own career. Nothing worse than coattail-riders.

In the end, Miley has earned a total of plus 3--which brings her grand total of -3582 in the game of life. Every fail is a minus, and trust that Miley has had many fails.

Granted, I have no idea how she is when you actually know her. She might be the sweetest person on earth and I'd want to thank my lucky stars for knowing her--but I don't know her. I just know the public image that she projects, and that public image is in the red right now. The risque pictures, the stripper pole dance at the TEEN Choice Awards, the relationship Justin Gaston...we've all been witness to her public-image fails. Also, I subtract points for her voice. I know the girl can't help it, but her voice just really rubs me the wrong way--she sounds like she's been smoking since she came out of the womb. It's just really obnoxious coming from her.

I've spent too much time on Miley now. But this just makes me happy because, most important to me, is that this means Nick is (hopefully) unattached! Granted, the boy is jailbait for me, but he's just too cute for words. His heart has obviously been broken quite of bit, and I bet some of that was due to Miley. I just think she's a horrible match for him...he needs someone better, that lives the way that he lives. He obviously is very concerned with his image and living clean, and that doesn't seem to be on the list of priorities for Miley.

"...stay focused for the love of art..."

2009-08-20T19:35:00.000-07:00

What exactly is Billy Ray Cyrus smoking? Whatever it is, he needs to lay off.

Cyrus responded to criticism over Miley's most recent striptease--I mean, "performance"--at the Teen Choice Awards, where the 16-year-old sang while hanging onto a pole on top of an ice cream truck. Basically, the man has no problem with his daughter acting way beyond her years, and he continues to tell his daughter to "love what you're doing and stay focused for the love of the art and not worry so much about opinion."

I ask again: what is this douche smoking!? I'm sorry, but hanging off a stripper pole while scantily dressed has nothing to do with the art of music...although she's beginning to show a promising career in being an adult performer. Also, he tells her to not worry so much about opinion--I believe his heart is in the right place, because I agree to an extent. You shouldn't try to be something you're not. The problem is, that's exactly what Miley is doing. She's trying to be an adult--which she is not.

I suddenly saw into the future, and Miley's light is dimming soon. It's sad that this girl will basically have the peak of her career before she's even legal, but I think she just needs to go away for awhile. If she's really serious about the business, then she'll go away, lay low for awhile, and come back as a true artist--not just an entertainer.

Although, Billy Ray Bumpkin says that "Miley loves entertaining people"--porn stars and strippers fall under the entertainer category, right?

someday...

2009-08-19T10:41:00.000-07:00

I would love to make post cards for every single secret I carry around with me and mail all of them in to PostSecret. I think the whole idea is beautiful...releasing secrets helps so many people, and not just the secret-carrier. Reading these postcards gives me the strength to release my own secrets, plus it shows me that I'm not the only one who feels the way I do, and that people have had it worse than me and still continue on. I'm sad that PostSecret doesn't get quite the love it deserves.

I wish I could go to an event, possibly meet the man who started it all. Maybe I'll just send in a secret telling him what I think.

American Idol just got so much better.

2009-08-18T19:40:00.000-07:00

So I know that Paula is no longer on American Idol (as of right now. My money is on a "reconciliation" between AI and Paula), some interesting guest judges have been brought on to fill her place.

Among them (and probably my favorite) is going to be none other than Joe Jonas! I cannot wait to see him on the show! I do feel sorry for the girls and guys who audition while Joe is sitting in, however. It's probably nerve-wrecking to sing in front of some of the highest paid people in the music industry, but adding someone that's world famous and gorgeous!? That would just be too much for me.

Click here to read the article.

Absolutely excited to see Joe on AI! Although, I'm excited to see him on anything to be honest.

New Everything.

2009-08-17T11:55:00.000-07:00

So it's been forever since I've updated...that's probably because most of the people who read this, I am now at home with so I don't necessarily have to keep a blog to keep them updated.

Which leads me to my whole point. Now, this blog will be MINE. I'm not going to keep it updated for my family, but I'll just post things, ideas, pictures, etc. that I want to post about. So yeah, like the heading says, new everything.

Also, there's a new layout. Major love for the JoBros, especially now. It's been nearly a week since the concert, but it still feels like it was yesterday. They gave such a great performance!

Hola!

2009-01-29T13:34:00.001-08:00

Another day, and it's a little warmer. It was snowing the other day, and classes got canceled (woot!). I've somehow managed to luck out, because before I got to Cottey they told me "Cottey hasn't had a snow day in over 25 years." Well, last year I had one, and this year I had another one. Global warming, anyone? I think so!

Not much is going on in this neighborhood. Just chillaxin' in my awesome new room. The man wall is still a work in progress (and will be for awhile, I fear). Once I get that up, however, I'll finish taking pictures of the room and post them up here.

So here's something interesting that I never thought I'd find myself thinking, let alone actually saying it out loud. I'm surprisingly enjoying my science class. It's one thing to sit in lecture for three days out of the week, writing word after word that's too freakin' long with six constants in a row and that barely look like words at all. It's a whole other thing to actually see the stuff we've been talking about under a microscope and seeing it all in action. That's the part I enjoy. It's like I don't really understand what all we're talking about until I do the lab...THEN I get it. Crazy though, right?

What else, what else...this weekend I'm going to Joplin with Laura, Ginny, Rachel (Laura's roommate), and Becky (mine and Rachel's friend, and my old suitemate). It'll be nice to get out of Nevada, even though we've only been here a few weeks. Trust me, a few weeks is a few weeks too many, sometimes. I don't think I'll be shopping for anything, but I do want to go to Target and just walk around. I want to go to Starbucks, and we might go to Panera Bread Company (it's kind of like a mixture between Paradise Bakery and Wildflower Bread Company...come to think of it, it might be like a sister-store to Wildflower). At some point this weekend, I'm going to see a movie with Stephanie (because we realized we haven't ever actually hung out with each other outside of class...crazy, right!? Although, she always seems to be working at the movie theatre when I'm there).

Um, nothing else new and exciting to update anyone on. I've been feeling really creative lately so I might make a new layout for the blog...although, I am very attached to the one now. RPatz (as my friends and I call him...aka Robert Pattinson) looks amazing in his pictures. Maybe I'll just make a new layout just using pictures of him. I'm not a creeper, I'm not a creeper...although, don't crazy people say they're not crazy? Okay...I AM a creeper, I AM a creeper...haha just kidding.

Room Update.

2009-01-22T23:57:00.000-08:00

Okay, so here's the situation with the room.

Cottey basically messed up. Big time. There's this girl, Victoria, who moved into this single room in Nebraska suite during the first semester because she got kicked out of her last suite. She wasn't going to come back to Cottey after semester, and so I requested that room for when she moved out. When I got back to Cottey, I got the approval from my hall director, saying that it was now officially my room. The only problem was she just had to move her stuff out.

So, I thought it might take a day or two...I realized I was early coming back from Winter break, so I knew I'd have to wait awhile. A couple of days passed, and I hadn't heard anything about my room. I asked the hall director, Megan, about what was going on and she just said that Victoria must not have been on campus to get her stuff. So I waited another week...while this girl's stuff was just sitting in my room. At this point, my phone number had been changed, and on the school-wide roster, I was officially in Nebraska suite, but all the while I was still living in my old room in Washington suite. I never unpacked because I didn't want to unpack everything and then have to move.

Anyways, a whole week passes and at this point I just want to get out of my suite and into my new room. I was frustrated that Cottey didn't step in and just remove her stuff FOR HER. That's how she got moved into that room to begin with--she wasn't even there for the move. Dean Phillips and Helen Lodge (dean of student life and the housing coordinator) had to move her stuff FOR HER. Anyways, I'm wondering why Cottey isn't forcing her out. She wasn't any longer enrolled in the college and she had officially been considered no longer a student. So, I decided to go to Megan, again, and ask her what the deal was. She said that at this point, things were changing and they didn't know what was going on with Victoria. That made me a little mad, because it's like they SHOULD know what's going on--either she's a student here or not. And if she's not, kick her out and force her to leave. So, another week passes, and I finally find out that Victoria had appealed her academic dismissal (the whole reason why she was leaving) and was accepted back into Cottey. I found this out, but I thought that they were going to move her somewhere else, because the room in Nebraska was still technically mine.

This is what Cottey did: they basically double-booked the room. They told me I could live there, but then they told Victoria that she could live there without ever telling ME that I couldn't live there, or vice versa. Another problem is that all this time, Helen Lodge had no idea any of this was going on. She thought I had already been living in that room in Nebraska since the beginning of the semester. So, Helen told me that I had a couple of options. I could either stay in the room I'm in now or I could move to the one other single room available in Reeves Hall, which is in California-Weller suite. I really didn't want to at the time, because the room in Nebraska was mine and Cottey should not have told Victoria that she could stay in that room even after they told me it was mine. So, inititally I was going to fight it and go to Dean Phillips.

But after sleeping on it and talking it over, I decided that living in Cal-Weller wasn't as bad...it was the lesser of the two evils. I cannot and will not stay in the suite I'm in now, so moving out anywhere is good with me. So, tonight I talked to Cal-Weller and got their approval to move in and I got the paper signed by Megan. I just need Helen Lodge's signature, suite chair signatures and I can move in! Also, I benefited because apparently the single that I'm moving into is the largest on campus...and it's huge! It's just a little bit smaller than my friend's double, so it's going to be really nice to have some more space...Lord knows I need it, because I have way too much stuff.

So at this point, all is well and I'm anxious to finally move and get into a new suite. I've already packed up my clothes, I just need to get everything else together...that's definitely NOT going to be fun...but it'll be worth it!

I'll post pictures of my new room once I'm moved in. Hopefully, by the end of this weekend I'll be up there and happy!

Loooong time, no update.

2009-01-20T22:10:00.000-08:00

I realize it's been forever since I've updated, but I figured I keep this up for people at home, and during break I was there with all of you so I didn't need to update!

Anywhos, it's the second week back and I'm doing pretty well. Busy, but not quite as busy it seems. I'll be changing my class schedule on the side of this blog, so everyone knows when I'll be in class and such...

So, I'm in limbo right now. I was told that I could move from Washington suite to Nebraska suite, but the girl that was living there before me apparently is refusing to move her stuff out...or at least, isn't moving. I don't know if she's necessarily attached to that particular room (and if she's not then my case gets better), but regardless I'm still stuck in Washington, even though I'm practically already a part of Nebraska. Half the suite in Washington treats me as if I'm not living there already, and apparently they don't know where I'm living. Nice to see they care, huh? Ugh...oh well. At some point and time, I will move, whether it's in that certain room or not. I'll find a way out, so maybe I can be happier with the living situation.

Let's see, what else...ugh, I have to do laundry tomorrow. I think I have about two loads worth of stuff, so it's not too bad. Not as bad as I've seen it in the past, haha. I have some reading homework to catch up on, and then I really need to do a deep cleaning of my room.

Speaking of homework, I've really lucked out with my classes. Most of them seem to only have reading as homework, which is always nice. I know I'll have papers due at some point for different classes, but it's not that big of a deal. I feel like it's a lot more managable this semester. I think part of it is because I don't have hardly any homework for my science class. We don't even have an actual textbook. We just have our lab manual and a suppliment reading, and that's it. We never have homework, except doing the labs and the suppliment stuff, but that's only like three chapters for a whole unit. Definitely not bad...not bad at all. I seem to be understanding most of everything that's going on in class, so far, so that's always a good sign. Although, this week we have our first actual lab, so we'll see how that goes. Laura is in the class with me, so at least I've got a study buddy!

My favorite class, hands down, is film. I'm so excited about the class. So far, we've watched good movies and I'm looking forward to the other movies we'll be watching. Part of my final for the class is to make a film, so this will be my first film ever! Script, actors, directing, editing...the whole 9 yards! Granted, I'm not doing it completely by myself...we can work in groups, which is good. I think I'd go crazy doing ALL of that all by my lonesome. I'm stoked about the writing, but I'm also interested in the editing process. I've never really done anything as far as that goes, so it'll be a new learning experience.

Well, I can't think of much else to say, and it's 12:25 am currently, so I should be off to bed!

Oh. My. Gaaah.

2008-12-15T19:45:00.000-08:00

Big Twilight news (I'm wondering if I should change this blog from one about my life to just about Twilight...although, they're kind of one in the same as of late).

TAYLOR LAUTNER IS OUT!

Okay, it hasn't been confirmed, but what HAS been confirmed is that the casting decision for Jacob Black is undecided...which, in code, means Lautner has been let go.

Also in casting news, apparently Ben Barnes (click here to see who he is) is campaigning for the role of Aro. I must say, at first I was kind of...eh, what!?! But the more I thought about it, the more I thought that would be bloody fantastic. I think he'd be brilliant for the part, and definitely a very wise route for the casting directors to take.

Anywhos, here are two links to the news:

MTV NEW MOON MOVIE CASTING NEWS

Perez Hilton

At first I wasn't sure about the supposed front-runner for Jacob Black's role, but just like Ben Barnes, the thought grew on me...I think he'd be good (at least physically. I think he definitely looks the part...we'll have to see acting-wise).

Hope everyone is doing well! I'm taking a break from studying for finals currently.

Tomorrow I have three finals: French 7:30-9:30; World Religions 10-12; and Western Civ. 3:30-5:30. I'm leaving early Wednesday morning for the drive out back to AZ, and we'll be stopping in Albuquerque for the night. One of the girls that is driving out with me is getting dropped off in Albuquerque, so we're going to stay with her family. That way we don't have to spend any money on a motel room!

Although, we'll definitely have to drive slower than originally anticipated. Ice is everywhere, but thankfully there's no snow. Nothing has been falling from the sky, so I guess that's always a good thing. Hopefully it'll clear up some by Wednesday...but don't worry (and that means you, Mom). I'll be a good, responsible driver and I know my limits. If I don't feel comfortable driving, we'll find a hotel to stay in and we'll just take our time.

Anyways, I'm about off work and I'm hungry. Don't really know what I'll eat...perhaps some chips and salsa. I guess I'll go back to studying some more (although I definitely don't WANT to...but who ever wants to study?). Hope everyone is doing well and feeling super! I'll be home soon! WOOT!

Exo-Politics

2008-12-13T23:15:00.000-08:00

It is 1:16 in the morning, and I thought I'd update...

Instead of replying to Mom in another comment from my last blog update, I thought I'd just post here instead. See, we're having a discussion over the choice for the New Moon director, Chris Weitz. I have a few bones to pick, but first I'll post the e-mail I received from Summit Entertainment:

Dear fans of Twilight, New Moon, Bella, Edward and Jacob,

In the past few days I have been involved in a whirlwind romance with Stephenie Meyers' extraordinary books.

And I am very grateful to have received her permission to protect New Moon in its translation from the page to the screen.

For fans of the books and of the film of Twilight, this may come as an unexpected twist. So I want to write briefly to try to put you at ease, and to give you reason to hope for and expect the best.

For the last decade of my career as a director, I have chosen to make adaptations of complex and involved works of literature. This has always begun with the love of a book and its characters, story, and theme; and it has always involved a respect of and responsiveness to the feelings of other people who loved those books.

When I saw the film of Twilight, I was alternately entranced and left hungry for more. I was also struck by the extraordinary passion for the characters, story and theme that was evident in the people sitting in the seats around me. My job is to live up to that devotion.

Like many of you, I am a fan of Catherine Hardwicke's work. I can't really say much about why she is not doing New Moon because I wasn't involved in those decisions. But I can say that I will devote myself to making the very best and most faithful version of New Moon that can be brought to the screen. To those who doubt that as a male director I can capture Bella's experience, I can only say that emotion is universal and that my work has often involved working with some of the most talented actresses in the world.

For the rest, the proof will have to be in the pudding. But I promise to remain responsive to your hopes and fears.

I thank you for this opportunity and for your faith.

Very best,

Chris Weitz

Here are my bones to pick.

First of all, he's a male. Yes I know he said in his letter "the emotions are universal." Um, when have men ever felt the way a woman feels? Men are the first to admit they don't know anything about how a female's emotions work. It's just how we're made...I don't think a guy would ever know how it feels to be in love with a drop dead (no pun intended) gorgeous vampire and feel completely insignificant; how it feels to think you're so insignificant that when this vampire says he's leaving you because you're not what he wants anymore, that you just accept it because you never understood why he loved you in the first place. Um, granted I've never been in love with a vampire (being that they don't exist and all) but I think I understand those emotions a lot better than a guy would.
Second of all, what are his real reasons for being added to the film? I haven't heard of this guy having any interest in this film until now...and it just so happens that he has friends in high places. Apparently, he's besties with some big-wig in Summit Entertainment, and that's why he was offered the film first. No director, regardless of talent, would be stupid enough to turn down the sequel to a movie that has THIS big of a fanbase. So of course the first person offered the director's job is going to take it...fancy that! This guy was given it first! Guess who's the director now! Weird how that works...
Third of all, I guess the one good thing that he has going for him is the fact that he's worked with adaptations of books to film before. Both The Golden Compass and About a Boy are adaptations. However, neither one of those had a movie preceeding it. There's a LOT to live up to at this point, which means there is a lot of room for disappointment. I'm tempted to read both The Golden Compass and About a Boy then watch the movies, just to see how he captures the books. Maybe I'll be surpised, and find that he does a good job. However, from what I've heard about The Golden Compass...it makes me a little nervous.
Fourth of all, two words: American Pie. Yes...this director is the same man that directed American Pie. Granted, he is uncredited for it, but he did it, nevertheless. Not only did he direct American Pie, but he produced all THREE in the horrendous series. Insert shudder here.

I will not, however, comment on his other credits. By any means, I'm not saying he's not a good writer or producer. He was, after all, nominated for an Oscar for his work on About a Boy, and I am a fan of the movie. But in this case, he's neither the writer or the producer. He's the director...which is odd, because that's the aspect he's had the least amount of experience in...interesting. Anyways, he's the director and it's the director's job to visually make the book come alive. I'm hoping he can do that...but let's just say, I'm going to be a lot more critical of him than I was of Catherine Hardwick. I knew from watching her previous movies that she would be an excellent choice, because she had a distinct directing style that translated very well for this type of movie. It's hard to say if Weitz has a distinct style...I don't believe I've seen enough of his work to tell. I'll get on it though...but like I said, I will be more critical this time around.

Arg. I'm still mad that they didn't choose a female director...that gave me so much hope. Now it's crushed. Blerg.

It's now 1:38 in the morning...just thought I'd add that.

Wow.

2008-12-07T18:09:00.000-08:00

Just read this online:

SUMMIT BEGINS SEARCH FOR NEW MOON DIRECTOR

Los Angeles, CA, December 7, 2008 – Summit Entertainment and director Catherine Hardwicke jointly announced today that the filmmaker will not be directing the next installment in the newly minted TWILIGHT film franchise. Summit's targeted end of 2009 or early 2010 release of the film, NEW MOON, does not work with Ms. Hardwicke's required prep time to bring her vision of the film to the big screen. Thus as has been done before with many successful film franchises, the studio will employ a new director for NEW MOON.

"I am sorry that due to timing I will not have the opportunity to direct NEW MOON," said Hardwicke. "Directing TWILIGHT has been one of the great experiences of my life, and I am grateful to the fans for their passionate support of the film. I wish everyone at Summit the best with the sequel-- it is a great story."

"Catherine did an incredible job in helping us to launch the TWILIGHT franchise and we thank her for all of her efforts and we very much hope to work with her on future Summit projects," said Erik Feig, Summit's President of Production. "We as a studio have a mandate to bring the next installment in the franchise to the big screen in a timely fashion so that fans can get more of Edward, Bella and all of the characters that Stephenie Meyer has created. We are able to pursue an aggressive time frame as we have the luxury of only adapting the novels into screenplays as opposed to having to create a storyline from scratch."

...I think that's code for: "we want to crank out this franchise as soon as possible, but this chick isn't workin' fast enough, so we're going to hire someone else."

On one hand, don't get me wrong I'd love to see New Moon come out soon. However, I want to see a GOOD New Moon, especially since with that book there's a lot of different ways you could screw it up. I think if they had let Catherine Hardwick direct it, she'd take her time and do a good job. I want a fan to direct...I want someone that's as excited and nervous to see the film as all the hardcore fans are, and Catherine Hardwick was exactly that. I don't want to see someone who's wanting to jump on to the "next big thing"...or just the "big thing," because Twilight is already huge. I hope that whoever the choose as the next director won't screw it up. Oh jeez...I'm getting flashes of like some big top-name director that they'll get. Just because they have a big name doesn't always mean they're good. Or the director will take the movie into a whole other direction. I mean Catherine Hardwick wanted to focus on the intensity and passion between the two main characters, and I hope they don't get a director that completely goes in the opposite direction.

Ugh, whatever. I feel sad that Catherine Hardwick isn't signing on to the project. I guess that HUGE step forward that was taken after the movie opened was useless, because this is two giant steps back.

Last night/this weekend

2008-12-06T08:32:00.001-08:00

Last night was so much fun!

So, all week Virginia and I have been plotting and scheming of different ways to cheer Laura up. I heard her mention that she wanted to see Twilight again, so being the attentive and obliging friend that I am, I thought "sure, we'll go take her to see the movie!" But there's no fun in just taking someone to the movie...so we thought we'd kidnap her and take her by force.

So last night Laura had to play the handbells for the chapel service. The movie didn't start until 9:30 and the chapel service started at 7 so there was some time in between. We stayed for the service, then we went around caroling and hanging the wreaths around campus (thus Hanging of the Greens). We ended up at the President's House, and stayed for some hot chocolate and cookies. It was pretty funny, because once we got there we were panicking a little bit because it was getting close to the time when we needed to be leaving. I made up some story about how I needed to call Mom but I could only call her from my phone in my room...I don't really remember what I said, to be honest. So we forced Laura out of the house while Virginia and I are tapping our feet and pacing because she's moving so slow (she really wasn't, but we were impatient). Then, Laura goes to P.E.O. to get Jenn (she's another girl that went with us to see the movie) while Virginia and I run up to Laura's suite and hide in the bathroom. We can hear when Laura and Jenn get in, and Jenn blindfolded Laura with a scarf. So, we walk her down two flights of stairs (blind, mind you) and out to my car (and being the idiots that we are, we forgot to grab Laura's coat). All the while, Laura is kind of panicking. It was actually pretty funny to be quite honest. We drive her to the movie theatre, but I was driving in a way that hopefully I got her confused as to where we were going (she wasn't confused...she pretty much knew right away I think. Which meant I drove like a drunk person for nothing). I ran inside to the theatre, bought the tickets and was like "Four tickets for Twilight. Yes, I'm bringing in a person blindfolded, but it's okay, she knows us!!"...most of the people in the lobby got a kick out of that.

So we lead her into the theatre and watch Twilight. Fun for all! Oh, and before we kidnapped her, we left little post it notes on her closet door that said "we just thought we missed your smile, so we did this for you" and other stickies that said stuff like "you're amazing" and "always remember to smile!"...at first we thought "hey, we'll do something nice for her, make her happy then kidnap her!" but that didn't work. She didn't even SEE the post-its until afterwards, and even then Virginia and I had to practically build a glowing, flashing sign around the door that said "READ THIS." I suddenly had a flashback to the time when Mom walked into the house and didn't see the Christmas tree...yeah, it was a little bit of that.

Anyways, that was my eventful evening. Today is Hanging of the Greens dinner, so I'll be busy with that probably. Um, Sunday...nothing is going on (finally!) but I'll probably work on some homework or something. I have three essays for Am. Lit. due on the 15th, an observation for World Rel. due the 12th, and then four finals (one of them is this coming Thursday, and the rest are on the 16th). Soooo I should probably study for those and work on the essays. Although, as I type this, I know very well that I probably won't. But whatever...maybe I will.

Anywhosits...OH! Just a little side note: I changed my music player and I put the whole Twilight Soundtrack on there, except for two of the bonus songs. They're just "La Traviata" and "Clair de Lune" and I didn't think anyone would listen to those songs (although, I do but I'm weird like that). So yeah...for those of you who don't have the soundtrack, enjoy!

It's been forever, I know.

2008-12-02T20:29:00.000-08:00

Yes, I realize it's been a long time since I've updated, but obviously I've been home with most of the people that are reading this, so I didn't think I needed to update the people on things that they were there to witness. That probably doesn't make any sense, but whatever.

Anywhos, I'm currently avoiding French homework. I have quite a bit more than normal, and I'm not understanding anything that I'm supposed to do. So instead of trying to figure it out, I'm on here. Writing about how I don't understanding anything. Yeah. Bleh.

So...first week of classes back at Cottey. My mind is already back in break mode...I don't think I ever got out of it from Thanksgiving. I kind of wish these two weeks weren't here...they should just disappear and we should all just skip from Thanksgiving to Christmas right away. Which is pretty bad, because I have finals and projects and all that jazz, so I shouldn't be in break-brain mode, but I am. Ugh.

But yeah, moral of the story, I don't want to do anything. I did finish my Salvador Dali project (snaps for me), but I didn't get to talk about all the things I wanted to talk about. I just had to cover a brief biography and go in depth with the piece of artwork I chose, whereas I wanted to talk more about his life. He was such a fascinating person...here, I'm going to post a funny picture of him.

How can you NOT find that hilarious!? Good times for all...

Anywhos, so I started writing this blog last night, and I'm finishing it today. So I went ahead and finished my French homework, and am now working on my essay for American Lit. It's about The Scarlet Letter, and I'm having a hard time deciding what aspect I want to talk about. The novel is riddled with symbolism, which I always love to talk about. But another prompt questions I was given was "Discuss Hawthorne's definition of Romance and its expression in his work." I love that prompt, because I think The Scarlet Letter has a much-overlooked deep rooted love story. I mean, Dimmesdale (the minister who had an affair with Hester, which resulted in a child) was SO torn up over not being able to confess to his sins that he developed a heart condition. Let's face it--yeah, he's a jerk because he didn't just come right out and say he was the father of Hester's child. He should have stepped up, bit the bullet, and put on his big boy pants and just confess to everything. But he didn't...okay, I get it, that was lame. However, it's not like he didn't want to. He knew he was a coward and he knew he was being a jerk. Honestly that's a lot more than most guys will admit to--normally, they'd just blow off the girl and deny the whole thing. At that day and time, it would have not been a surprise if Hester did try to say that Dimmesdale was the father and he say she was crazy and had her locked up. Instead, when they tried to take Pearl away from Hester, he fought to keep them together. And in the end, he did confess to everything and publicly acknowledged Pearl. But by that point it was too late--his guilt and self-punishment was so severe he died from heart problems. I think that says a lot about Dimmesdale...he was tragically romantic.

Well I have to go to class, but I'm not done with this blog. This is actually helping me work on my essay...who knew? I'll post my second half when I have time.

Awesomeness.

2008-11-23T07:24:00.001-08:00

Okay, now everyone I know that reads this has already seen Twilight. So...here it is: my ultimate movie review!

First of all, I love the opening sequence. Kristen Stewart sounds better as a voiceover than when she's acting. The hunting scene at the beginning was well thought out, especially at this point it establishes that whatever that "thing" is that's chasing this animal is bad. You see scenes of this helpless, fragile animal just minding its own business...suddenly, something unforeseen comes and interrupts this, ultimately killing the animal. I think this is a good representation of the message that Edward wanted to get across to Bella--Bella, in his eyes, represents the deer; something fragile and breakable, ultimately disturbed by this creature and could end up dead. Also, I couldn't help but love the scenes that were in Arizona (although they weren't actually filmed in AZ...but close enough! Desert is desert, right!?). I think they made a beautiful transition from AZ to Washington, to show that stark contrast between the two.

I must say, the human friends surprised me. Eric and Mike were hilarious, and I actually felt more sympathy for Jessica than I did in the books. Angela wasn't the meak, keep-to-herself kind of character in the movie like she was in the book, which I'm not sure how I feel about that...but she was still nice. One of my favorite characters now is definitely Charlie. I always felt like he was a little dumb and not observant at all (which is bad, being a sheriff and all), but in the movie there was something different about him. He was really funny, which was awesome, and he didn't seem unobservant, he just seemed like he was keeping all of his observances to himself. The scene where Bella is leaving at the end, almost brought me to tears, because Charlie looked so desparate to keep her there.

Okay, my first favorite scene was when Edward and Bella "go public." When Bella gets out of Edward's car (and he's rocking the Ray Bans), and everyone is looking around. The dialogue was hilarious ("Everyone's looking." "Not everyone. That guy isn't--oh wait, he just looked.") and when he puts his arm around Bella...insert swoon here. I loved it because it's such a natural, human embrace which is a huge step forward for their relationship...oh man, I loved that scene! I got all giggly and dazzled at that point haha.

Another favorite scene is the kiss scene (of course). Oh Lordy, Lordy...DID YOU SEE THAT KISS?!?!? I read in an interview one time that Robert Pattinson got so passionate during the scene, that he actually fell off the bed! I can see why! The chemistry between the two of them is so strong, that those few seconds it takes them to actually kiss I don't know if I want to faint from the heat or throw something at the screen for taking too long. And I love how once Bella started getting into it, Edward suddenly became a little rougher...that is until he flew off of her haha (oh, on a side note: I also saw a different interview with Robert, and he said he thinks he's a bad kisser. Um, note to Rob: if you want to practice that skill, call me up any time! I'm willing to work with you...). But it was just...oh, amazing. Perfection!

Favorite scene 3: I love the very end of the ballet scene when Bella thinks she's dying. The flashes and the montage of her life with Edward and before him...that whole part just took my breath away. I love the music in the background ("Let Me Sign"-Robert Pattinson) but my favorite thing about that scene was when Bella imagined Edward and her in the meadow while it was snowing. It was just so beautiful but heartbreaking at the same time. She was so willing to die because she knew that she protected the people she loved, and while she was dying all she could think about were those same people. She just wanted to be with Edward...I think it says a lot about love when you're dying and all you can think about is that other person. If I could watch that transition between the ballet studio scene and the hospital scene by itself and not know anything else about the movie or the books, I would be hooked. It was fantastic...snaps for Catherine Hardwick.

I love how they introduced the villians earlier in the story. That was one of my problems with the book: Edward and Bella are going along, no drama really...then BAM! Insert 3 vampires and all goes to Hell. If you think about it, the vampires don't show up until the very end, so it's hard to build enough tension in that time. I love how they introduced them earlier, because that way the audience knows they're coming...it's just a matter of when. Also, I like how they made the vampires more evil than they were in the books. If you think about it, at first James, Victoria and Laurent were living just like most other vampires--they were the normal ones. It was the Cullen family that were the odd vampires. And it's only because James liked Bella's scent that made them seem evil...however, in the movie they are more menacing. They kind of "play with their food" as Laurent put it, but the tease the humans they're going to eat...they don't just find their prey and kill it. Like I said, good job at vamping up the evil vampires!

I loved the music in the movie. Granted, I've had the soundtrack for a few weeks now and know it by heart, but I'm not gonna lie--hearing the music kind of made me a little weary. I didn't like some of the songs and thought they were too out-there for the movie. However, things worked wonderfully. My favorites would be: when they played "Full Moon" by the Black Ghosts during the scene when Bella leaves Arizona; "Spotlight" by Mute Math when Edward and Bella go public/their "getting to know each other" scenes; "Never Think" by Rob Pattinson during the dinner scene where Edward starts to reveal himself; "Supermassive Black Hole" during the baseball scene (this one I was nervous about. I love the song, but I was worried because if they used it at the wrong time, it could kind of come off as WAY too cheesy); and "Let Me Sign" by Rob during the transition from ballet studio scene to hospital scene. After seeing the movie, I have a new appreciation for the soundtrack, most definitely. Although I still hate "Go All the Way (Into the Twilight)" by Perry Farrell. It's just obnoxious and I don't think it fits the mood of the whole story (case in point: "you let me see (flash of my thigh)/ it was so smooth, sparkle and shine"...the song just sounds like a girl who wants to play games with a guy, and I don't think Edward and Bella's relationship is about games). Anyways, good job on the music.

Now for the things I didn't like: Jacob's wig, first of all. It made me want to punch it in the face. Ugh, it just bothered me so much. Second of all, I'd like more Cullen family, please! I thought Emmett was hilarious (Rosalie: Is she even Italian? Emmett: Well her name is Bella.) and Carlisle was the original Dr. McDreamy, but I'd like to see more of them. Jasper needs to lighten up...he looked like an angry deer in headlights the whole time. Rosalie didn't have that big of a part, but we all know her role will expand later on, as will Jasper's. Alice was good, but she could have been more...cheery I guess. I was sad that there was this one scene that was cut out from the original script, where Esme and Carlisle are watching Edward and Bella together and they talk about how they never thought Edward was ever going to find anyone...I just thought it'd be cool to see more of the Cullen family.

Anywhos, it's taken me like three days to finish the blog and post it haha. But I think I've had a good excuse...because I'M HOME!!!!!!!! Fun times for all!

Fun times.

2008-11-20T15:10:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd post this picture.

That's Tom, the lead singer of Plain White T's in the middle, and Laura is on the other side of him. Isn't he a cutie!? He's also really sweet...great guy, great friend, great times!

Also, I thought I'd post another picture. It's of Laura and Virginia...it's just so you get a name to a face of who I'm talking about. They went to this cave trip thingamajig and took this lovely photo!

Anywhos...

TWILIGHT MIDNIGHT SHOWING TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Be prepared for a review of the movie this weekend (I'll wait to post it until I know that everyone who reads this has already seen it). And I'll try to make my review as professional as I can...see how much I've learned in my film classes haha.

Love ya!

Randomness.

2008-11-20T09:03:00.000-08:00

So I was sitting in American Lit the other day, actually paying attention (we're reading Nathaniel Hawthorne and I enjoy his works) and I came across a passage I thought was really intersting.

If the imaginative faculty refused to act at such [a late] hour, it might well be deemed a hopless case. Moonlight, in a familiar room, falling so white upon the carpet, and showing all its figures so distinctly,--making every object so minutely visible, yet so unlike a morning or noontide visibility,--is a medium the most suitable for a romance-writer to get acquainted with his illusive guests. There is the little domestic scenery of the well-known apartment; the chairs, with each its separate individuality; the centre-table, sustaining a work-basket, a volume or two, and an extinguished lamp; the sofa; the book-case; the picture on the wall; all these details, so completely seen, they seem to lose their actual substance, and become things of intellect. Nothing is too small or too trifling to undergo this chang, and acquire dignity thereby.

[...]

Thus, therefore, the floor of our familiar room has become a neatural territory, somewhere between the real world and fairy-land, where the Actual and the Imaginary may meet, and each [ingrain] itself with the nature of the other. Ghosts might enter here, without affrightening us.

I think this is a beautiful passage and quite eloquent. He's talking about how romance is not simply a novel, but something else. It is a blending of reality and the imagined. The way he speaks of the moonlight...it's amazing. A writer must be surrounded by the surreal and almost mystical light of the moon to be able to properly write a real and believable romance.

Oy vay.

2008-11-18T20:58:00.000-08:00

I don't think Thanksgiving can come quick enough.

Man, I am just seriously feeling tension in the suite, and it's driving me crazy. I haven't been hanging out a lot in the suite, but when I am in there things just feel tense. There's this awkwardness, and I try to smooth things over, but it's like no matter what I do, things are just bad. On one hand, I feel like I need to spend time in the suite to make things better, but on the other hand I don't want to spend time in the suite because it's so bad. I don't feel happy there and I feel happier outside of the suite...I just think it's my responsibility to make sure I'm happy and my friends outside of the suite make me feel that way. But then there's the fact that I live with these people, and I can't just ignore them or cut them out of my life. I should make things better with them, but even when things are "good" (and I put those in quotes because when things are good in the suite, that doesn't necessarily mean they're actually good...) I'm still not happy.

I've considered moving into another suite next semester. There's a single that might be open in Nebraska suite and I really like the suite. If it's open and things are still bad (and I have a feeling they'll only get worse next semester with Diana coming back) then I might consider moving out. We'll see...

But don't worry (and that means you Mom.) I'm still having fun with my friends, and I'm just looking forward to going home and seeing all my favorite people! Love you all bunches!

Hey-o!

2008-11-17T17:57:00.000-08:00

Hello all!

Last night was the Plain White T's show, and let me tell you it was amazing! Unfortunately, because we were late we missed the first two performances, which kind of sucked. But, I did get to see The Cab and Plain White T's who were the ones I wanted to see the most. There wasn't hardly anyone at the show, so Laura and I were at the very front--there was only one guy standing between me and the barricade. I grabbed the hand of the lead singer of The Cab, which was awesome! Then during the Plain White T's, Laura grabbed the hand of the lead singer. We got to meet the lead singer, Tom, afterwards. He was awesome!! He was really nice, and made sure to take pictures and sign autographs for everyone that was there waiting. Laura and I were one of the last people to take pictures with him, but we got a picture and that's all that mattered! I'll be posting pictures from the show soon. I didn't take any pictures, but Laura did, and so I have to wait for her to post her pictures. I really need a new camera...I tried taking a couple of photos, and I will post those, but you can tell that they're bad quality. For as close as we were, I should have been able to take great pictures and they kind of looked bleh. But yeah...I'm definitely looking at getting a new camera.

What else...let me think...I feel like there's something I have to update everyone on. Um...TWILIGHT. THIS. WEEK.

OH. MY. GIDDY. AUNT.

I am super-duper excited! Oh, and I remembered something else. The Maine is going to be in Scottsdale the day after Christmas, and I am SO totally there! So yeah...if anyone wants to go with me, you're more than welcome to. I know that there aren't a lot of people at home that are into this kind of thing, but neither was I until this summer...trust me, it's so much fun, and you can't beat live music! Plus... The Maine=awesomeness. I mean, look at these guys:

Yeah...that's right. They're awesome.

Anyways...well, I should probably go, especially since I'm not on my computer. I'm borrowing Laura's currently, and I'm also currently watching Jane Eyre. It's kind of sucky, simply because Jane is not pretty at all, and Rochester (being played by William Hurt) is NOT attractive. Eh, oh well.

Love everyone bunches!!

It's about time...

2008-11-15T19:56:00.000-08:00

So, I finally made a new layout. It's simple, but I love LOVE the new pictures. They're outtakes from an upcoming issue of InStyle Magazine, and needless to say, I will definitely be owning that magazine. My favorite picture by far is this one:

The others are good, though, as well. I've noticed Rob Pattinson has gotten better at taking photos...in the beginning I didn't think he was very photogenic, but as more and more stuff comes out, he looks better and just more relaxed in photos.

Tomorrow I'm going to Kansas City! Woot! Let's see...today I cleaned my room, which was much needed. I'm finally allowing people to come into my room now, haha. My Twilight wall has been growing, with a few wonderful additions from the newest Entertainment Weekly, with two photos of Rob. Laura flipped over one picture because the shirt he's wearing has small polka-dots on it, and she's obsessed with polka-dots. I'll probably post some pictures soon of any new additions I've made to my room. Surprisingly enough, I haven't moved the furniture around yet...but I've been dying to. It's just so hard with a small room, but I feel like I want to do something different with it...I just don't know what yet.

Well, things have really been changing for me lately. I've made some really good friends outside of the suite, which means I've been spending less time there. I feel so much happier now, because spending all my time in the suite wasn't a good thing. My personality and the things I look for in friends...I just wasn't finding that in the suite. I was feeling tense all the time, and I just felt like there was something I was missing. I've become really good friends with Laura (a freshman who lives in Nebraska suite) and Virginia (freshman, Seaboard suite), and I've been hanging out with Taylor (Arizona freshman, Cal-Weller suite) a lot more. I feel so much better...they are the kind of friends I need.

With these girls, we hug each other, we high-five each other, we tickle each other...we're just genuine friends. By hanging out with only my suitemates for so long, whenever someone would give me a hug I kind of didn't know what to do at first. There's like no physical interaction between us, and our only verbal interaction is usually us making fun of each other. It kind of wears on the spirit, if that makes sense--you can only take so much teasing. I need that affectionate, loving interaction among my friends, and I most certainly was not getting that from my suitemates. Now, though, with Laura, Virginia and Taylor, I'm feeling like my old self again. And when I go back home and I get to spend time with the family and with Kristyna, I think I'll feel even better. But, yes, this was a new lesson I learned this semester: I need both emotional and physical affection from my friends. Without it, I'm just not myself and it tends to put me into a negative attitude. Affection = happiness for me, and luckily I have found friends at college that feel the same way. I think it's funny, however, that my good friends here at Cottey are all freshmen...and I was worried about losing all my friends after the seniors graduated!

Speaking of seniors, however, my senior from last year Katie visited! I was so excited to see her, I think I could have kissed her! I was laying down to take a nap, and my phone rang. This was the conversation:

Me: (groggily) Hello?

Katie: Whatchya doin'?

Me: Laying in bed.

Katie: Well, what are you doing that for!?

Me: Taking a nap...

Katie: I think you should get up.

Me: Eh...what?

Katie: Why are you in bed? You should get up!

(At this point I hear the suite door open, and I can hear Katie talking into her phone before I actually hear it over the phone)

Me: But I'm tired.

Katie: You should get up, Gwenie! Do it!

Me: (already out of bed and unlocking my door) KATIE!

Katie: You bum! Your door was locked...I was going to come in and wake you up!

Anywhos, I got a lovely surprise from Katie, and I can't believe how much I missed her. Granted, we texted and talked quite a bit over the summer and during this semester, but there's nothing like seeing someone you've missed in person. I gave her the biggest hug ever! It's kind of odd to think back to last year, and see how at the beginning I didn't really like her...well, actually, I didn't really know her, because she was never in the suite. But second semester the whole suite got really close, and by graduation I was sobbing at the idea of not seeing Katie everyday. But anyways, it was really amazing to see her! I'm taking her to Kansas City with Laura and I so she can get to her motel. She's staying the night up in KC, then flying out Monday.

Also, another surprise this weekend: I found out Diana, my suitemate from last year who didn't come back this year, is actually coming back at semester. I was...surprised, to say the least. To say the most, I was pretty upset. I mean, she didn't get along with any of us last year, so there's nothing really to make me believe it'll be different this year. Not only that, but this year there's a lot stronger personalities in the suite than last year...and I know for a fact that Diana will not like Marina and Tiffany. Tiffany is too loud for Diana, and Marina is too...bluntly honest. She says whatever she thinks or feels and doesn't really think of how her words affect others. Diana is a very--fragile person, I guess you could say, and sometimes in dealing with Diana you have to soften things, if that makes sense. Well, trust me, Marina does not soften things, and she hates it when others do. So, yeah, it's going to be very awkward next semester. I'm just glad that I've made friends outside of the suite...Laura kept saying that her extra bed (she has a double-single) is always open. I have a feeling I might be spending some quality time up there next semester.

Also, speaking of next semester (man, I'm on a roll!) I got my options for modules for the Italy trip. For those who don't know, modules are basically like little programs the faculty sets up, so there's some actual learning going on during our trip. We have to attend at least one module for each city (so one in Rome and one in Florence), and these are the ones I'm looking at:

Moda Italiana: The Politics and Influence of Fashion in Defining Glamour and Modernity (Florence, Italy)

Cost: $12

Summary: Italy, where unforms of the police are designed by Armani, has always played a moajor role in international fashion. It was the wedding of Italian born Catherine de Medici in 1533 whith the Duke of Orleans in France that brought high heels in vogue for women. It is rumored that Leonardo di Vinci invented the high heel. Historians and archaeologists suggest the bikini has been around since the beginning of the Roman Empire. How does fashion affect popular culture? What is the significance or meaning of fashion? What influence do male designers have on both fashion and perfumes? Does fashion itself affect body image, or does the media's protrayal of fashion have a separate influence? Does fashion define modernity? Is fashion too frivolous for feminists?

Walking Tour to include the following points of interest related to module materials:

Start at the Pitti Palace, and go to the Costume Museum (history of fashion in Italy), and the Silver and Porcelain Museums
Walk through part of the Bobuli Gardens, and go to Ponte Vecchio (1345 Bridge) which Corridorio Casariano designed to keep the wealthy Medici family from shopping with the masses. Observe leather goods such as purses, custom glovemakers.
Observe the trendy Ferragamo Hotels, a block from the Bridge: Hotel Lungarno featuring bellboys with pillbox hats, Gallery Hotel Art, designed by Christian Liaigre, and the Continentale-very 1950s white formica and Pucci-pink wools
Walk by the Museo Salvatore Ferragamo (1898-1960)-closed on Tuesdays but students may return Wednesday to tour
Go to the Palazzo Strozzi and walk around the free areas. They have a Centre for Contemporary Culture. It is another palace that has been transformed into a museum.
Proceed to Versace, Armani, Bulgari, Prada, Gucci stores on Via de' Tornabuoni, and to Louis Vuitton, and Dolce and Gabbana by Palazzo Strozzi
See the Officina Profumo Farmeceutia di Santa Maria Novella--oldest perfumery, originally by Dominican friars in the 13th century
End at the Mercato Centrale (1874)--large Italian outdoor market with Italian delicacies

And the module I'm looking at for Rome is the Coliseum. I really want to take a module that gives a walking tour of the Forum and Palatine Hill, and I want to do the Underground Rome tour, but those are both during the Coiseum session that I want to go on. I figured I'd better do the Coliseum with Cottey, because otherwise it might be quite difficult to get in to on my own.

Well, I didn't think this entry was going to be so long, but alas, it is. Oh well...y'all can deal with it! =] Kidding...

LOVE EVERYONE AND MISS YOU ALL! BIG HUGS!

Pictures!

2008-11-13T16:56:00.001-08:00

Okay, so there are only two pictures, but two sexy, sexy guys! The first one was from The Academy Is... concert. The guy is from Carolina Liar and by far the hottest in the band. I call him Sexy Swede because...well, he's hot and he's from Sweden! He was a really cool guy though, and right before the picture he just said "big hug!" which I thought was cute. Anywho...yeah.

This one was from the other night, and that's Garrett from The Maine. I took a picture with him over the summer, but this one is a lot clearer (mainly because the first one was taken with a cell phone). You can kind of tell we were both pretty tired haha.

So...yay for pictures! You know, I was talking to a friend of mine, and I realize I've done so many amazing things this year that I've never done before. Also, I've met some pretty cool people, both here at Cottey and outside. Going to shows and stuff...it's crazy, yeah, but I get to see people I don't think I would have ever seen if I stayed in my comfort zone all the time. I'm getting more and more comfortable going to shows like that, and it's getting easy for me to talk to people that I would have been too nervous to talk to before (yes, contrary to popular belief, I d0 get shy!). I can definitely see myself ending up with a musician, however...what can I say? A guy that can sing or play an instrument...that's hot. And, come to find out, they may be "rock stars" and such, but a lot of the ones I've met have been really nice and genuine. A lot of the people I've talked to just seem happy to be doing what they love to do, and I hope that I can experience that in my future.

Last Night, Part 2.

2008-11-12T20:56:00.000-08:00

Okay, so here's a more in depth account of last night.

Basically, I went to the show last night to see the Maine. Well, when we got there we got pretty far up front, but I pushed my way up even further so I was a few feet from the stage...which meant I was right in the mosh pit. That was an interesting experience. It was so packed and tight that no one could even jump. I'm pretty sure the girl next to me didn't even have her feet on the ground. But anyways, there was this crazy tall guy who was, in a word, stoic. He just never moved, which is quite an accomplishment in a mosh pit. I almost got knocked down a couple of times, but I kept getting thrown against this guy, which was nice because that meant no one was running into me on the side that he was in. Anyways, so I was moshing (me...moshing...crazy, right!?) and I was like two feet in front of the love of my life (aka Garrett) which was amazing. I was dancing and singing every word to their songs, but sadly they only played like 5 songs. They played more songs at the venue I saw them at over the summer in Phoenix and they were the opening opening band then...now they were just the opening band (does that make sense? There's two openers then two headliners, and they were the second opener). Anyways, so they didn't perform a lot.

Well, after the concert I really really really wanted to meet them again, so Kaeli and I hung around at the end. Eventually I saw Garrett standing there so I walked up to him and asked if I could take a picture. He said sure, then this conversation took place:

Me: Oh, by the way, we're from Arizona!

Garrett: Oh really? Where from?

Me: Mesa =]

Garrett: Oh cool, I'm from Gilbert.

Me: Ooh what part? (I asked this, thinking he'll say, you know "East Gilbert, North Gilbert," etc...just like I would say, when someone asked this, East Mesa)

Garrett: Warner and Cooper.

Me: (thinking: that was...very specific.) Oh cool. I'm pretty familiar with that area. So...picture?

Then we took the picture. And it was amazing! He's so cute, but last night he looked pretty tired. I guess they drove like 10 hours straight through snow and hail from Denver, so it was pretty rough.

But it was amazing, or should I say aMAINEzing! Yeah that wasn't mine, 'cause I totally stole that from Kaeli. I bought a t-shirt and met a really tall guy from Every Avenue. He was standing there, and this was the conversation:

Guy: Hey you want an Every Avenue CD?

Me: ...SURE!

Guy: They're $5.

Me: Uh, no more money. Sorry! I really wanted one too!

Guy: Oh, that's alright.

Me: You guys were really awesome tonight, though. To be honest, I hadn't heard you before but I'm a fan now!

Guy: Cool, that's always great to hear.

(Silence for a couple of seconds)

Me: Okay, so...you're really tall.

Guy: (laughs and looks down) Am I?

Me: Yeah. Really tall. Just thought I'd throw that out there.

Guy: Oh...cool, I guess.

Me: Sorry, that was really random, wasn't it?

Guy: Yeah, kind of was.

Me: Eh, oh well. Keeps things interesting.

Guy: (laughs) Oh shoot, I'm supposed to be somewhere, but I don't know where. (Stands there for a little bit)

Me: ...Do you think you should find that out?

Guy: Probably. Hey, see ya later!

Me: Yeah, you too! Have a good night.

Guy: (walks around...confused)

He was nice, and pretty cute but genuinely lost, that's for sure. In all fairness, it's pretty crazy outside after shows normally.

So that was my evening! Fun times! Sunday evening I'm going to see Plain White T's with Laura, and we're going to hang out in Kansas City before hand. There's this giant Barnes and Noble that I'm definitely attacking when I get there.

Just a quick post.

2008-11-12T13:24:00.000-08:00

Last night was...A. MAZ. ING.

Pretty much, basically yeah. Here are videos for the bands I saw.

Every Avenue- Where Were You

They were the least well known band and probably my least favorite. They were...okay, but the lead singer is pretty cute.

The Maine- I Wanna Love You (Akon Cover)

Okay so they didn't actually perform this song last night, which made me very sad. It's one of my favorites of theirs, but they didn't play many of their songs at all...only FIVE! I was so upset! The whole reason why I went last night was to see The Maine (who I saw over the summer). I love them so much (and their AZ boys!). Last night I got to see Garrett again (who I met at the last concert) and took another picture with him. I'll be posting that soon, I just have to get that from Kaeli. They were really good...I'll have another separate post describing my time during The Maine, because it was pretty crazy. P.S.: The guy from 1:08 to 1:16 is Garrett...whom I love! He's really cute and really nice as well. Like I said, I'll say more in my other post.

Mayday Parade- Jamie All Over

They were pretty good, but they didn't stick out at all in my mind. I thought it was interesting how they had two lead singers. Kaeli told me that when they got a record deal, they were still in their senior year of high school (and they're only a grade ahead of me) and they kind of never grew out of their high school mentality...I could tell, because in between songs they kind of had little boy humor. Whatever, they were good.

All Time Low- Six Feet Under the Stars

They were the headlining band and my second favorite. They had amazing energy and were really good! One of the guitarists in the band (who is Kaeli's future husband, according to her) was GORGEOUS. During the show, he took his shirt off, and let me tell you...he was built. Very nice, indeed.

Over all, I had so much fun! It was at the same venue as my other shows, but there were a LOT more people at this show than the other two. It was pretty insane at how crowded it was...but like I said, I'll post a little bit more, it's just I have class in 25 minutes, so I have to get my stuff together. But I had so much fun and it was amazing!

P.S.

2008-11-10T17:09:00.003-08:00

I forgot to mention this...

I hate this layout, so I'm in the process of making a new one...Twilight related, of course. TEN MORE FREAKING DAYS UNTIL THE MOVIE COMES OUT!!!!

Update!

2008-11-10T16:58:00.000-08:00

Sorry, I know it's been awhile since I've updated. Anywho...

This weekend was fantastic! I was so excited to see Mandy and Abby and Amanda and her kids...it was just great to get a break from Cottey and spend some time with people I love. It was unbelievably cold in Iowa...in fact, it was colder there than down in Missouri. I asked my suitemates if they had gotten any snow while I was gone and they hadn't...while Iowa was in the 30 degree range, it was still in the 50s here in Nevada. But besides the cold and a little bit a snow (you can hardly call it that), it was so much fun. I drove up Friday night and we went to Wal-Mart then to P.F. Chang's. I had never been there before, and it was actually really good! Then we finally made it back to the hotel and went to bed after awhile. The next day, we went to the mall and shopped around...we didn't get to do much Saturday, simply because I had to leave early enough to give myself time to get back to Cottey. I bought some clothes and a few magazines at Barnes and Noble. I said goodbye, then drove back down. When I got back, I really wanted s'mores again, but we were out of chocolate, so Becky, Tiffany and I drove to Wal-Mart to get some more. Then, we were bored so we played the Ouiji board game. Kind of lame...I'm still convinced that Tiffany was moving it around just to mess with us.

According to the board game, I'm going to marry someone named Larry, who's two years older than me, and I'll meet him in my mid-twenties. I'm going to live in a mansion in L.A. and I'll have 5 kids, all but 1 will be boys. I'm not going to be a screenwriter, but I'll be an author, and what I'm working on now will be what gets my career started. I'll be going to college in Florida (even though I'm not even applying to any schools in Florida, despite how much I love it there), and I'll die when I'm 90. Crazy, right? Yeah, I don't believe any of it either. There's no way on this green Earth that I'm pushing out FIVE kids and marrying a guy named LARRY. Just...no. But anyways, it was a fun game to play...it was interesting to see what kind of responses we got.

Let's see, what else has been going on...tomorrow, I have another show (Mandy knows what I'm talking about haha) and I get to see The Maine!! I'm so excited about that...they're the whole reason why I'm going in the first place. I was going to make a shirt for the concert, but I don't think I'll have time to...oh well. Hopefully, I get to meet the guys again! Fingers crossed! And this time I'll bring my camera for sure...every time I either forget the camera or I bring it and the batteries die...I just can't seem to win.

Anywhos...hope everyone is doing well! I miss everyone from back home, and I can't wait for Thanksgiving! Love you all bunches!

Why Kellan Lutz is amazing.

2008-11-04T07:45:00.001-08:00

So, today's Twilight Tuesday was an interview with Kellan Lutz, who is on the set of Hinder's new music video for "Without You." The interview covered everything from the difference between shooting music videos and feature films, to the fans that will be camped out on the sidewalks for the Twilight premiere.

Watching the interview (along with reading the article) I realized that his casting was probably the best one of them all. Kellan seems like an incredible guy, who's so enthusiastic about...well, everything. For being just an up-and-coming actor, he's taking this shove out into the spotlight very well. He seems very gracious for fans, and is probably handling everything better than some seasonsed actors out there. He takes this movie and his role as Emmett seriously, and I know that we'll get an amazing performance out of him.

Click here to read the article and watch the few video segments with Kellan.

Check it.

2008-11-03T17:53:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite Twilight tv spot that I've seen so far. Each one has its obvious focus, and this one is the relationship between Edward and Bella. There's a brief shot of Edward playing the piano, along with a nice sequence of the two of them at prom. Check it out.

Click here.

Hope everyone is doing well! About 22 days until I'm home! Woot!

Good gravy.

2008-11-02T10:56:00.000-08:00

I have absolutely NO self control. I was trying to be good and just bide my time and be surprised along with everyone else...but I couldn't. Nope, I just had to do it. It was sitting there, practically waiting for me to just give up.

What am I talking about, you might ask?

I'm talking about the fifteen (yes, FIFTEEN) whole minutes of the Twilight movie. Fifteen, glorious, uninterrupted (well uninterrupted by editing, not by fans), beautiful, whole minutes of the movie. I didn't want to ruin it for myself. I spoiled too much of Breaking Dawn, and I've seen so much of the movie already...but I just couldn't do it. So, I dug (and dug) and finally found a YouTube video of the fifteen minutes. Catherine Hardwick premiered the clip at the Rome Festival where she, along with Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, held a press conference about the movie. The clip was shot from a fan in the audience, so the quality isn't fantastic. A few times you can't hear a word because of all the screaming fans...but,

IT. WAS. FREAKING. AMAZING.

The clip is of when Edward takes Bella to meet his family for the first time. Not only do you get to see all of the Cullens in character, but you also get to see some special effects. It travels from Bella meeting the Cullens to Edward taking Bella out running. Well, in the movie he's not really running; he's more like...flying, really. It's kind of odd. I didn't like the fact that it looks like he's flying, but I like it when it shows him crawling up the trees. Most of the stuff in the 15-minute clip has been seen before, through the TV advertisements, trailers, and the sneak peek in Penelope. The newest stuff is the Cullen family, and at the end there's this beautiful sequence of Edward finally playing Bella her own personal lullaby. "Bella's Lullaby" is surprisingly haunting...it's nothing of what I expected. I guess it could hardly be called a lullaby, and in an interview I saw with Catherine Hardwick, I guess they call it their "Love Theme." It's sad but sweet, much like the relationship between Edward and Bella. There's the longing within the music--longing to be happier and softer, but yet the music stays its course. I think the composer, Carter Burwell (he did No Country for Old Men), did an excellent job at pegging the relationship between Edward and Bella. The final sequence of Edward at the piano is breath-taking, and probably my favorite piece of the movie I've seen so far.

Last night I watched Thirteen to get a better look at Catherine Hardwick's directing style, and I think it'll go well with the movie. She tends to shoot movies as if they're a documentary. There's a lot of hand-held camera shots rather than track shots, and the lighting she chooses is very unique. I think it'll go well with Twilight, because you can say a lot with hand-held camera shots. The Edward/Bella relationship is actually quite unstable, and Edward is always unsure of himself around her. There's a primitive aspect of the vampires, especially when hunting, and both these aspects can be demonstrated by the unstable, sometimes shaky direction of a documentary-styled filming process. I think, too, you get a nice little throwback to the fact that the books are all from Bella's perspective, and the hand-held camera makes it feel like you're seeing something out of someone else's vision, rather than a uninvolved third party. The lighting of the movie that I've seen so far is interesting. I think the first train of thought towards vampires, as far as coloring and lighting go, tends to be dark reds, black and dark gray. However, the lighting in the movie is very light. Very light blues, light gray, some green and white seem to have common reappearances. This to me makes more sense than reds and blacks. Vampires are technically dead, and death to me is associated with white (color leaving the face) and blue (ice; blood-drained). Also, the green aspect is very ironic to me. Green is associated with nature, and the whole problem that the Cullen family struggle with is the fact that they're so unnatural. They try to blend in, in an area that's full of natural things, but yet they can't--their dead white faces stand out against the alive, green trees of the Olympic Pennisula.

Remove the fact that I'm an obviously over-obsessed fan of Twilight. Looking at the 15-minute clip, combined with everything else I know and I have seen of the movie, there's definite intrigue. These people really planned everything out--they didn't just rush forward and say "let's crank out the next big franchise." Although the movie is already getting pimped-out, marketing-wise, I think there could be some interesting studying of the film. Hardwick is a fascinating director, the actors are all so varying and unique, and the music is so unexpected--you put that all together, and I have a feeling when you sit down and watch Twilight, chances are you'll probably see a movie you never expected to see. I know the books by heart now, pretty much, so I know how the story-line goes. I have a feeling, however, that it'll be as if I'm being told this story for the first time when I watch this movie.

I'm so excited for it, on so many different levels.

P.S. If you want to watch the clip, I'm not going to post the actual video right on my blog, for those of you who don't want it to be spoiled. However, I will tell you to click here if you do want to see it. Like I said earlier, it's bad quality and the fans are kind of annoying, but to me it was worth it.

Picture time!

2008-11-02T09:22:00.000-08:00

So, I'm adding a whole bunch of new pictures from this weekend. A batch of them are from Halloween, a few are from the past, and a few more are from late, late last night. Tiffany got insanely hyper and decided to build a fort out of our cushions and so we took pictures. It was a pretty sweet fort I might add...even sweeter since we made it at 3 in the morning...well, actually 2 in the morning because daylight savings is over now. Tiffany I guess has this tradition where she stays up for daylight savings so she can adjust her clock right away (remember, she's insanely OCD), but she was really tired last night and got pretty loopy...thus, the fort.

But anyways, yeah so I've updated pictures...you can click here or go to my main profile page and click "My Web Page."

So, this weekend has been really long. Yesterday I did absolutely nothing. I literally didn't move hardly at all. I went to Sonic then the library, and that was the most movement I did all day. Tiffany and I sat on the couch all day and watched four movies (Little Miss Sunshine, Thirteen, Hook, and Peter Pan) and I think I might have gotten up about four times from the couch. I didn't even get up for dinner--we just ordered pizza and Tiffany went out to get it when it was delievered. Yeah...crazy. But it was fun. I'm glad I just vegged all day and did nothing. Well, late at night Tiffany decided to build the fort, but that was the most activity for us. Today, I think I'll actually do my homework and possibly get ahead...who knows!?

Ooh, I decided to bite the bullet and pre-order the Twilight soundtrack. I wasn't going to at first, because I only liked the song by Paramore, but then last night someone had posted links to the (not-even-released-yet) songs and so I got to hear the soundtrack, and it's actually pretty good once all the songs are put together. My favorites are still "Decode" but also "Never Think" by...dun dun dun...Robert Pattinson! Yes, ladies and gents, he can sing--and well. I've heard him sing on YouTube, but trust me, those do not do him justice. He sounds so much better in the studio, where they can kind of clean it up a bit. But on the pre-order soundtrack, there's 3 bonus songs, and one of them is another song by Robert Pattinson, so I'm pretty excited about that. The Linkin Park song is growing on me...I'm not the biggest fan of them, but I think the song fits. I also love the Muse song, but I've had that song for awhile now.

Most of you can probably see I added a music player to my blog. Those are my four favorite songs as of right now (except I did want to add "Decode" by I couldn't find it because it's so new). But you should all take a listen to the songs...they're fun. I've been fortunate to see three of the four bands on the playlist, and I can say they're all amazing live.

Let's see...what else to update on...um, about 3 weeks until I'm home! Woot!! I'm super excited and I can't wait to be home in Arizona. Yesterday, when we were watching Little Miss Sunshine, I noticed how some of it takes place in Arizona and I think I was driving Tiffany crazy because I kept being like "ooh, look, that's I-10! Oh, Carefree highway! Look, Scottsdale! ARIZONA!" and I think she could have cared less. But oh well, seeing my home state in movies just makes me happy. But anyways, I'm going to be home soon!

Photo Updates.

2008-10-30T14:53:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I uploaded some pictures to my Flickr account. You can either click here to see the pictures, or you can go to my profile, and where it says "My Web Page" that's the permanent link to my Flickr account.

Anytime I want to post pictures, I'll post them here but I'll also post them to my Flickr so they don't get lost. So, bookmark that page if you want to stay up with my photos...just a thought.

Hope everyone is doing well today! I'm sleepy, but good.

Oh, and I'll be posting more pictures once I get them from the group of girls I was with last night.

The show last night.

2008-10-30T09:26:00.000-07:00

So, the show was amazing! Different type of music than from the show a week ago. A lot more mellow...but awesome, nevertheless. I'm posting a video of one song from each band.

The first band that opened, Hey Monday, is the newest of them all. They're pretty good, and one guy (the one in the yellow shirt in this video) is really cute.

Hey Monday- Homecoming

The second band, Carolina Liar, might be a little bit more recognizable. If you're a fan of Gossip Girl (Kristyna...) or a fan of The Hills (Nana...) then you might have heard this song before. They're an amazing group, and a bunch of really cool guys. They're from Sweden so they have cute foreign accents. Last night I got to meet them, and they're just all very sweet (and funny!).

Carolina Liar- I'm Not Over

The next band, We the Kings, was pretty awesome as well. I thought the lead singer was pretty funny. He told the crowd that he started a foundation to "Save the Redheads" and my friend, Miekel, was all excited about that (she's a natural redhead). So, I can't directly post the video, but if you click here you can watch the video for "Check Yes Juliet" which is probably their most famous song.

The last, and headlining, band was The Academy Is.... They were absolutely amazing! The lead singer is hot (that's always a bonus) but their music is fantastic. They were so energetic and they definitely kept me entertained. The lead singer, William, would play with the mic stand or swing the microphone around and it was always interesting to see what kind of tricks he'd do while singing. At one point he crawled on top of the speakers (which I happened to be standing right by) and start singing which was AWESOME. Anyways, here's their latest video:

The Academy Is...- About A Girl

(P.S. I love this video and think it's so cute!)

I'll be posting pictures as soon as I get them from the group of us that went. It was funny because originally just Kaeli and I were going, but then I found out a couple of my other friends, Miekel and Laura and a few other girls, were going too. We ended up following each other to the show and dancing together...fun times, fun times.

Rant.

2008-10-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I've had this discussion with my suitemates before and I feel like writing it down at the present moment.

With all the flooding of new Twilight stuff, many people are starting to become aware of Robert Pattinson. Many non-fans of Twilight don't really know much or care about him, but a lot of fans weren't too pleased with his casting. I, however, think he's perfect for the role.

Yes, Edward is supposed to be a beautiful creature. He's basically supposed to be the epitome of beauty, but no real human being is like that. Also, this "beauty" is all in the eye of Bella. There's nothing really saying that Edward was actually this drop-dead gorgeous person, but I'm betting Stephenie Meyer had a pretty hot guy in mind while creating the character. Anyways, this presents a challenge for the casting directors. See, it even says in the books that Edward was lanky, and boyish looking, and had messy hair. To me, it sounds like he's a quirky kind of hot. He's beautiful but not in the "magazine" way, if that makes sense.

That's why Robert Pattinson is perfect. He's handsome, but not in the typical way. He has odd features and his hair...well, his hair has a life of its own (which fits the Edward character). He's not too photogenic, but when I see him in actual clips from the movie I can see that he is Edward. I realize Edward is a fictional character, but the job of an actor is to transform a fictional character into a real person, and I think Robert is going to do a great job at that. I think he's an incredibly talented actor, and I think we're just seeing the beginning of him.

He should be Edward. He shares some personality traits with him (musical, enduringly handsome, crazy hair, and a weird way of viewing himself) and the chemistry that he brings with Kristin Stewart is amazing...it almost makes her seem less monotone (that girl needs to learn expressions...and voice fluctuation). The whole story is centered around their relationship and the need to make it believable, and I think Robert Pattinson was the only choice to make that happen.

Watch this.

2008-10-28T20:03:00.000-07:00

Has anyone heard of being rick rolled?

If not, click here.

Anywho, so I was on a rick roll mission (I'm trying to get my suitemate, Tiffany) and I found this hilarious video. Sen. John McCain gets "Barack Rolled"

(Just a little note: this didn't actually happen. Someone just pieced all this together...nevertheless, it's hilarious.)

Woot!

2008-10-28T18:38:00.000-07:00

These are from our s'mores-making adventure. Our marshmellows almost exploded. They were so huge, I wanted to take a picture of them in the microwave. Then the other picture is of Tiffany...we melted the chocolate too much and she could barely eat it and she got the stuff all over her face. She looked like a 3-year-old...

These pictures are from this weekend's GP tradition. GP stands for Great Pumpkin and it's where the seniors put together a haunted house for the freshmen. I was a crazy girl in a mental hospital that cut her wrists to paint with her blood. Creepy, right?

For the squeamish, I'm just posting the links to two of the pictures, instead of the actual pictures. It's NOT real, but it looks it.

Wrists 1

Wrists 2

So, this was on MSN today on the homepage. It made me pretty darn excited, I'm not gonna lie.

He looks mighty handsome! I saw another new TV advertisement that included a few snippets of Renee talking with Bella. I'd post the link but the quality is really bad so it's not really worth reposting as of right now.

There was something else I was going to post about on here, but now I can't remember. Hope everyone is doing well!

I'm kind of angry with my computer right now. For some reason, earlier today the internet just cut off unexpectedly and when I logged back in, all of the old settings were restored. It shows when I misspell a word (which is a lot...but still!), it doesn't highlight things in the color I had it set to...it's just obnoxious.

Um, anyways...nothing else to update on. Tomorrow night I have another show I'm going to. It's The Academy Is... and other groups that I've never heard of before. Ha, I'm just along for the ride!

I die.

2008-10-25T07:53:00.000-07:00

The official TV spot trailer for Twilight. Loving the new Port Angeles scene...and the "do you do this often?" and the awesomely gorgeous smile. Sigh. He's too hot for his own good.

Also, I'm dying to see Little Ashes, starring Robert Pattinson. It's about Salvador Dali. Can you say perfection? Dali + Pattinson = awesomeness. I read an interview with him about the role, and he said that during filming he became obsessed with Dali and was just fascinated by him. As am I, Mr. Pattinson, as am I. I think Dali was a genius, and so inventive. Plus, he rebelled against the fascist Spanish government and had a personality that was considered a crime to have at the time. Gosh, he was just so interesting. His quirky little mustache helped a little too.

Salvador Dali

Salvador Dali history

Little Ashes

Also, Robert Pattinson just won a Best Actor award at the Strasbourg International Film Festival for his movie, How to Be. I think the movie looks quirky and interesting, but I highly doubt it'll be released in the U.S. If it is, it'll probably only be in select cities...bummer.

Yeah.

2008-10-25T07:29:00.000-07:00

So, I got bored with my last layout...thus, the new one. Featuring Chuck and Blair from Gossip Girl...boy howdy, do I love those two. They were so meant to be together, it's ridiculous. They have great chemistry together and I think they should just go plotting and manipulating off into the sunset in their argyle and headbands...that'd be the ideal thing for them, for sure.

Also, just listen to this song. I'm ashamed to admit...*clears throat*...I, uh--I've become a *whispers* Jonas Brothers fan.

Yes, I know. I'm pretty sure the world stopped turning for a few seconds right there. But they're actually good, and they have a lot of catchy songs! And the cool thing is, they write their own music, which is huge for artists today...especially artists that are as young as they are. And they play their own instruments. I must admit, as much as I loved them, the Jonas Brothers definitely one-upped the Backstreet Boys and N*SYNC. But anyways, listen to this song, because it's probably one of my favorites on their album, A Little Bit Longer.

Interesting...

2008-10-23T16:15:00.000-07:00

So, I just got a mass email through Cottey about a new club: Cottey Twilight Club, or CTC. At first it sounds kind of lame: chapter by chapter discussions, Team Edward/Team Jacob, etc. etc...although, the girl starting it up as other interesting ideas for the club. She suggests going out to local elementary schools and help kids get "bitten by books" (click here to see what I mean). She has a lot of good ideas for the club, and I think I might join...sounds like it could be fun. I already spend way too much time talking about Twilight...might as well make a club so it's legit.

Just thought I'd share that. Hope everyone is doing well!

Add this to my Christmas List.

2008-10-22T15:10:00.000-07:00

I totally want to own this movie. It's such an unusual concept for a movie, and it's so surprising. Just watch the trailer...

Weekend Update...but not from SNL.

2008-10-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

Last night, Kaeli, me, and this girl Taylor went to a show in Kansas City and it was so much fun! The bands that played were Sing It Loud, Hit the Lights, Forever the Sickest Kids, and Cobra Starship. My favorite two were the most well-known bands, Forever the Sickest Kids and Cobra Starship. Cobra was the best out of them all. Their songs were so much fun to dance to and the crowd was incredible. It was kind of weird, because I had never been to that kind of show--there was moshing and crowd-surfing and that kind of stuff. It was in this really small venue, called the Beaumont Club, and even though it was incredibly cramped, it was nice to be able to be five feet from the bands. Anyways, I posted some links for my two favorite bands from the evening:

This song has a whole dance that goes with it...it was so much fun to just dance around in the crowd, everyone doing the same thing:

Cobra Starship- Guilty Pleasure

Warning: bad language, but it's a fun song. One of my favorites from the concert, for sure:

Cobra Starship- The City is at War

After the concert, Kaeli was talking to a guy she knows that's the guitar tech for this band, and the whole band was just hanging out with fans and stuff. It's just really cool seeing a band mingling with fans...anywhos, this is my favorite song from them:

Forever the Sickest Kids- Catastrophe

I have decided that I absolutely love Cobra Starship. The lead singer, Gabe, is really cute, but, well...let's just say he's not exactly the brightest crayon in the box. Actually, he dresses REALLY bright, so maybe that's not a good analogy. He's not the sharpest pencil in the box. Yeah, that'll work.

So, anyways, that was my Sunday. This weekend was "C" For Yourself and we had a perspective stay in the suite. She was from AZ as well and goes to Mountain View High School. I think there must be a strong P.E.O. connection to Mountain View, because there were a few perspectives from that high school to visit. She got here Friday night and left Sunday...but yeah, that was fun.

Saturday was Tiffany's birthday, and her birthday wish was to gain 40 pounds in one weekend. We went to Wal-Mart and literally bought pounds of candy...most of it is already gone. Unfortunately and fortunately, she didn't gain those 40 pounds. But we rented Sex and the City, Nim's Island, and Step Up 2. We've only watched the first one, so far though.

Anyways...um, let's see...not much else to update anyone on. I'm currently eating Jelly Bellies...yum. Yeah, that's the most recent update I can give, because I'm literally doing that as I type this.

Hope everyone is doing well! Miss and love you all!

Finally!

2008-10-13T13:51:00.001-07:00

Before I write anything, by request here's a picture:

(You can see my gigantic Edward poster in the background haha)

I need to take a shower and put my new batteries into my camera and then I will post more new pictures.

Wow, I have many things to blog about lately.

First, anyone like the new layout? I made the last layout myself, and I made this one myself as well. I found that picture on a site called deviant art and it's by a very talented artist. Also, the lyrics are from a song called "Decode" by Paramore! This is the first single off of the Twilight soundtrack, and I absolutely love the song! So yes...I know it's dark, but I thought it'd be a good fall layout.

Second, I know it's been awhile since I've updated on what's going on. This weekend, my senior from last year, Miranda, drove down to stay the weekend with us! I was so excited to see her, and I realized how much I miss that crazy kid. We had a blast, but I felt kind of bad--all we did were watch movies and hang out at AJ's Coffee Rush. But I guess that's all we EVER do here, so it wasn't too big of a deal. This weekend I saw a ton of movies:

The Goonies
Yours, Mine & Ours
Eagle Eye
Burn After Reading
Bridget Jones's Diary 2: The Edge of Reason
Nights in Rodanthe

The three new movies were all very good, but very different. Eagle Eye was very action-packed, but it kept me entertained. The only problem I had was the chemistry between the two leads, and the casting of the lead characters. It was a little awkward. Burn After Reading was funny...but I honestly couldn't tell you what happened. The weird thing was, none of the characters in the movie had any idea what was going on either, and I think that's what made it so funny. Brad Pitt was brilliant in it, although his character was definitely less than brilliant. He played a personal trainer in this gym, and man did he do a good job at that! I would suggest seeing the movie just to see a goofy Brad Pitt. Nights in Rodanthe was...well, I guess all I have to say is this: it's by the same guy that did A Walk to Remember and The Notebook. Nicholas Sparks is an evil, evil man. He gets a thrill out of making women (and some men) cry like a baby on the day it was born. I bawled...literally. I was hiccuping and there were snot bubbles...it was bad. The crying, not the movie. The movie was incredible, but very sad.

What else...ooh, today I had off. It was our one day that we get off other than the three major breaks. I did absolutely nothing today, but I'm okay with that. It's nice to have a break like that...although every weekend I do absolutely nothing. I guess it's because I'm so busy during the week, I just need the weekend to catch up on sleep and just getting some good rest in.

I've been working on my (gasp) novel. It feels weird saying I'm working on a novel, but I've gotten far enough in the writing that it feels like it's moved on from just being a "story" to a novel. When I'm done with the synopsis of the whole thing, I might be brave and send it to the family. This is the first thing that I've felt confident enough in to have other people read it. Most things I write, I keep to myself...which probably isn't a good thing, especially since I plan on making my career in writing. I have to get over that fear, and I feel like what I'm writing now will help me with that.

Things have been going...okay...in the suite. There's been some tension between Kaeli and I, and I really don't know why. I know I need to talk to her about it and not let it just fester, but it's like when I get the nerve to talk to her about it, things get a little better between us and then I feel like I don't need to talk to her. Then something will happen later on, and I feel the tension again. It's weird. But, I've decided I need to hang out with other people. I think I'll start in Ohio Suite...I'll just go up there when I'm bored and start hanging out with them. I know a few girls up there, so it'll be good. And I believe I'll hang out with Taylor some more (she's from Mesa too). We're already going to a concert together and she'll be driving back home with me, so it'll be cool to hang out with Taylor some more.

Speaking of driving home, so far I have two other passengers for the ride back to Arizona. Paige and Taylor both will be riding with me, however Paige won't be driving back with me until we get to New Mexico. I'd like to possibly find one more person perhaps, for at least some of the way...then I think we'll be good. I don't want to get the car too full, because it's a long drive and no one wants to be uncomfortable for 1200 miles.

Stupid Facebook is acting up with me. I keep trying to comment to Kristyna and it won't let me. Arg...oh, and I got another girl hooked on Twilight. I gave her the first book the night before last, and she's already pretty far into New Moon. I know I'm going to have a ginormous group going with me to the midnight showing, so that'll be exciting. It's always fun to go to those kinds of things with a big group of people. I wish that the movie theatre here in Nevada would show Twilight. If they did, I bet Cottey could set up a thing where they rent out a whole theatre...they'd need it with as many Cottey girls who are fans of the books. It's crazy at how many fans are here on campus...but that's good! It's always nice to see people excited about reading for a change.

Lastly, you need to watch this video. Seriously.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNW5A0HfzDM

Sorry!

2008-10-11T14:21:00.000-07:00

I realize it's been awhile since I've updated.

I'm just posting to say that I'll have a more in depth post later this evening. Right now, my senior from last year, Miranda, is visiting so I've been wanting to spend time with her until she leaves. Then I'll update the blog.

Just wanted to let you know! Oh, and I'll post a video and some pictures I want everyone to see. Happy days!

Week Update.

2008-10-03T18:27:00.000-07:00

So, I had a pretty busy week, basically.

I wish I could remember that busy week I had, but I just can't. Basically, it's more of the same...it just feels like a lot. October is going to be one crazy busy month, I know that's for sure! This weekend is Family Weekend, so that's going to be insane. Next weekend is our 3-day weekend (finally!) and my senior, Miranda, will be down here. It also happens to be my suitemate, Marina's, 21st birthday! I'm not quite sure how we're going to celebrate, but I know she wants to do something. Then, we have "C For Yourself" weekend the following weekend, and chances are we'll have a perspective, which means we'll have a girl or two stay with us in the suite for the whole weekend. Somewhere in there is another suitemate, Tiffany's birthday. The week after THAT is another suitemate, Arlette's birthday. On top of all of that, I have two concerts that I'm going to. PLUS, I have midterms, Halloween, club activities that I have to do, work stuff...oh, and did I mention school? Ha, yeah that's kinda important.

I wish I were home right about now. If I were, I know this month would be a lot less crazy, and I'd get to see the family (Tammy's birthday is coming up...seriously, is everyone's birthday in October!?) and I'd get to see the friends (Kristyna and I plan on having a Twilight day along with a veg-and-watch-cheesy-80s-movies day). Granted, my schedule would be busy at home as well, but it just wouldn't seem as crazy. Maybe that's because I'd have family and friends there to help me with things. Here, it's all on my shoulders. If I don't do something, it doesn't get done...and I guess that's just what happens when you have to become "mature" and "responsible." Who said being mature was a good thing? Could you imagine a world in which being immature and lazy would be the norm, and it would be seen as a bad thing to be responsible? I'm not saying I'd like that kind of world too much, but it would be interesting if everything were reversed.

Now I'm just rambling. I guess I have nothing to update everyone on, just the fact that I'm insanely busy...but that's not much of an update. Anywho, I miss everyone at home! Hope Arizona is treating everyone well...it's getting chilly here in Nevada. I wore a sweatshirt all day today...even during Ballroom dance!

Speaking of Ballroom dance, I kind of want to show everyone my new sweet dance moves when I get home. We learned the Swing, and now we're doing the Cha Cha. Pretty exciting stuff! I'm actually getting really into it, and I really love that class. I find myself looking forward to it quite a bit.

Weekend Recap.

2008-09-28T11:58:00.000-07:00

Well, I had a busy weekend. I guess I'll break it down by day.

Friday

Friday was kind of crazy because I had school but I also had a concert in Kansas City later that night. School went fine...didn't do much in classes. I had to get ready quickly for my concert and I had to pack for spending the night at Kelsi's house. Kaeli had offered a girl from Cottey a ride up to the airport (since we were already headed that way), so we drove the girl to the MCI airport, stopped at Chipolte for something to eat, then went to the Starlight Theatre to see Augustana, Counting Crows, and Maroon 5. We were kinda sad because we thought the concert had started at 7:30 but it started at 7. By the time we got there, Augustana had played all but 2 of their songs, so we missed out on that. Counting Crows were good, although I've only heard a few of their songs. Maroon 5 (the main reason why we went to the concert) was AMAZING. Absolutely fabulous! They sounded as good--if not better--as they do on their albums. Anyways, we didn't get out of the concert until 11:30 and we had to drive up to St. Joe to stay with Kelsi and her family. By the time we got there and got settled in it was 2:30am, so needless to say, we were pretty darn tired.

Saturday

We got up around 9ish, but didn't end up leaving Kelsi's house until 11:30 or so. It was so amazing to see her family again. Her mom and dad were there, along with her boyfriend, Adam. I was kind of sad that we didn't get to spend much time with them, but Kaeli wanted to leave early to go shopping in Kansas City, and since she was the driver, we left relatively early. We drove back down to Kansas City and went to Zona Rosa. First we went to get movie tickets (we saw Lakeview Terrace which was surprisingly really good!), then we went to this frozen custard place that was very yummy! After the movie, we walked around Zona Rosa shopping centers. Kaeli wanted to go to Forever 21, so we spent some time in there, and I wanted to go to Barnes and Noble. It was a really nice B&N...it was even two stories! I bought this book, but I haven't started reading it yet. I think it's an interesting story though, especially since it's a memoir. After B&N, we decided we were tired so we headed on back to Cottey. We didn't get back until 7:30ish, though. Once I got back, I hung out with Tiffany at work and we watched Big Trouble...man, I love that movie! After that we just hung out for awhile, then eventually I made my way over to bed.

Sunday

Woke up early because I had to be at work by 9am. Worked for an hour, then decided that I was still sleepy, so I went back to bed. I must have been really sleepy, because I didn't wake up again until noon. When I woke up a second time, I decided it was time for a change. So I did something crazy...

I know this isn't the best picture, and it's the only one I have so far but I'm sure more will come. Click here.

All I'm going to say is it's a big change but I love it! I'm so glad I finally did it...and more pictures will be coming!

Procrastinating.

2008-09-25T16:40:00.000-07:00

Procrastinating is never a good thing. It's not necessarily that I'm procrastinating right now, I just feel kind of behind in things. I wish I could get ahead instead of being barely caught up in the work for my classes. I know I have a lot going on...I just need to pace myself and balance things out. Eh...oh well.

So, I got a lovely letter in the mail today from Kristyna with some purdy pictures of Gossip Girl people. Speaking of Gossip Girl, I'm finally caught up on the show! I must say, the third episode was my favorite. I love Chuck Bass even though he's conniving and devious, I still love him. He's just one of those characters you hate to love. Also, I finally caught up on 90210. I love that show too, even though it's ridiculously cheesy. I can't believe Dylan is the father of Kelley's baby! I was definitely shocked when I saw that.

Anyways, not much going on in my life. I have a meeting tonight for CBS (Cottey Big Sisters) and then I have to work until 11. I'll probably get some reading in while I work...I just hate having a late meeting time THEN having to work right after. I guess I'll deal.

Tomorrow is the concert! Kaeli and I are going to see Maroon 5 then staying the night at Kelsi's house. We'll be driving back down to Kansas City and spend the day there. I'd like to look around at little shops instead of the big chain stores...you know, explore a different side of Kansas City. Also, we might go to a movie. I really want to see The Duchess with Kiera Knightley. It looks SO good, and the reviews for it haven't been bad at all. So, we'll see!

Fun times on YouTube.

2008-09-22T21:52:00.001-07:00

Haha good times...

So right now Tiffany, my freshmen, is recording random videos on YouTube. One of them is "Milkshake" by Kelis in operatic style...the other one, she's talking out "My Humps" by The Black Eyed Peas. I know it sounds lame, but it's quite funny watching her.

Anyways, tonight we had another tradition. VAC Hour...yeah, this is when the freshmen get their baby blues to wear during the traditions. Anywho, it was a lot of fun and it's awesome being a senior and you get to be in on all the traditions.

Ugh, this is awkward. My other freshmen, Marina, is talking to her boyfriend over the webcam, and the video is facing out into the whole suite so he can see all of us...it's just a little awkward. I don't really want him to see me right now, especially since I'm in my pajamas. Although, that's not much of difference from what I wear any other time of the day.

Wow, it's late. I guess I should be going to bed soon. Tomorrow, I have PEP, a meeting instead of work, class then class again. Basically, tomorrow is my busiest day.

Hope everyone is doing well, and I miss the family!

A Rush of Blood to the Head.

2008-09-19T22:18:00.000-07:00

Well, nothing to report. Monday I have a movement quiz in Ballroom Dance, which should be interesting. We've been learning the Swing dance, which is actually quite fun. Once you get into it, you find yourself adding "flair" to the dance moves...but yeah it's really fun. You'd be surprised at the kind of work out you can get from dancing. Every time I have that class, I come out sweating but feeling good...like I've accomplished something.

Anywhos, like I said nothing much is going on. Tonight, Kaeli and I went to see a movie, which was horrible. Probably, the biggest waste of time and money I've experienced in awhile. So note to everyone reading this: do not see My Best Friend's Girl, with Dane Cook and Kate Hudson. It was crude, disgusting, and degrating quite honestly. I usually love Kate Hudson, but she was a huge disappointment. And Dane Cook...well, I did see Good Luck, Chuck so I know how dirty he can be, but in this movie it was ridiculous. And he looked horrible...normally I think he's pretty handsome, but in this movie he looked horrible...and so did Kate Hudson, matter of fact. It was just bad. Very, very bad.

Ooh some Twilight news: Paramore will be on the soundtrack for the movie. Apparently, the lead singer, Haley Williams, is obsessed with the book series and was so excited when she found out they wanted Paramore to be on the soundtrack. I guess she wrote two songs for the movie, one called "Decode" and another one that is yet-to-be-titled. Also, "Supermassive Black Hole" by Muse will be on the soundtrack (I believe). I can't say for sure that's the exact song on the soundtrack, but I know Muse will definitely be on there in some form. Muse was a huge inspiration for Stephenie Meyer during the writing of the series, so it's no surprise they will be on the soundtrack. Also, two original songs by Robert Pattinson (yes...that's right...songs by Edward himself! Excited much!?) will be on there, and the composer for No Country for Old Men will be writing the official Bella's Lullaby. Originally, Robert Pattinson composed something on the spot and they were going to use that, but apparently he didn't like what he had composed and declined to let them use that. Anywho, I found a YouTube video of Robert Pattinson singing and I was shocked by his voice. It's kind of like a cross between Damien Rice and the guy from the movie Once. I suggest Googling both of those artists, then finding the YouTube video of Robert and comparing them (but I warn you: Robert is definitely an amateur and needs to clean up the vocals, but it's still good for a newbie.)

Wow, that was an awefully long Twilight update. Sorry about that...you know how I can get.

Woke up early today.

2008-09-18T07:32:00.000-07:00

Even though I don't have to be anywhere or do anything until 11, I decided to wake up at 9. This gives me time to mess around on the computer, take a shower, hang out...the usual. I could work on some homework, especially since I'm a little confused on something.

My Western Civ professor posted a link to an online quiz, but I have no idea of what it's over. We've been watching a movie in class for the last few class periods, and we already had a quiz over the stuff we were working on before the movie, so I don't know if it's a quiz over the movie or what. We haven't had any additional homework other than the movie, so I'm really confused. I can't just click on the link to the quiz, because you can only access it one time and it's timed, so once I open it, I have to take the quiz and I only have 15 minutes to do so. In short, I'm really confused. Also, I have to write an essay for the class that's due next Friday, and the subject was...convenient.

See, I talked with my Worlds Religion professor about an issue I was having over what I was learning in that class versus what I was learning in Western Civ. Both classes are focusing on relatively the same time period and the same civilization, but the information was somewhat contradicting each other, so I talked to Dr. Rouintree (Worlds Rel. professor) about it. Anyways, in our discussion, the Enuma Elish (the Babylonian Genisis) and the Hebrew Genisis came up and he was explaining how you compare the two, and even though their both similiar and they serve the same purpose and even though it's very possible the Hebrew Genisis was influenced by the Enuma Elish, the Hebrew Genisis in fact contradicts a lot of the Enuma Elish. Things can be influenced by outside sources, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're copies of whatever they were influenced by. The Hebrew Genisis takes much of what the Enuma Elish states and refutes it, thus making the Genisis and the Enuma Elish its own individual work.

Most of that probably doesn't make sense, but I thought it was ironic that an issue I was struggling with suddenly became a topic for an essay I have to write. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. It could be good, because I do have my own opinion that I feel I could write a lot about. It could be bad, however, because I was confused about the originial topic...that's what got me on the subject to begin with.

Eh...anyways, I have a little over a week to write it, so I should be okay. I'll probably work things out before then.

Today is Ashley's birthday, so if anyone is reading this, don't forget to call her and wish her Happy Birthday. I'll be doing the same. Laters.

Oh boy...

2008-09-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

This is not good.

Now a fourth suitemate of mine is sick...and it's not just "I have a cold, I don't feel good," it's a "I can't leave the bathroom because I'll puke everywhere" sick. Kaeli has had it for three or so days now, Marina has been sick for the last two days, and Tiffany just started getting sick early this morning. Arlette has had a different kind of sickness, but she's ill nevertheless.

Looks like it's Becky and me next. This can't be good. They should quarantine our suite...maybe I should go sleep in another suite until they all start feeling better. But if they're sick and it's spreading this fast, it looks like it'll probably spread around the school in no time. Oy vay.

Pictures!

2008-09-16T21:13:00.001-07:00

So, I finally took pictures of my room. Yes, it is messy. This is because:

I am a college student. By definition we are too busy to clean our rooms. Or we're in our rebellious phase, and are sticking it to the man. Depends on the person...
My room is small. Last year, I had a big room and I made sure it seemed smaller by filling it with junk. Now that junk must fit into a room that's less than half the size of my room from last year. Good thinkin' Lincoln, I say.
I'm always messy. This is no surprise, really. Actually, what is surprising is the fact that my bed is made. That's only because I sleep on top of the comforter, which saves me from having to make my bed everyday. Genius, I know.

Without futher ado...my room.

My bed, with my lovely collage above

My passdowns!

My door...it's a work in progress. Notice, Elton John in a duck costume, in the upper left hand corner. Pure genius.

My collage of black and white photography

The beginnings of my man wall. It'll be expanding all year.

What you see when you first walk in. I get a lot of compliments on my curtains...

My (made) bed.

The Twilight Wall...or section of wall, actually. It's a work in progress as well.

My desk where I don't really spend much time. I usually do my stuff out in the suite or on my bed.

My dresser, with the lovely Audrey Hepburn poster next to it. Notice, our family portrait on the wall...I take a look at it every morning while I'm getting ready, and wish everyone a good day =]

...TA DA!

I'm quite proud of my room actually. It's definitely mine, all mine, and I feel really good in it.

Finally...

2008-09-16T13:51:00.000-07:00

So, today is always my busiest day. I have a PEP Meeting from 11-12, I work from 12-1, I have class from 1-2:15 then another class from 2:30-3:45. Basically, between 11 and 3:45, I get a 15 minute break...like I said, busiest day.

I think something is going around, because two of my suitemates are sick. One is worse than the other, but still--suites are breeding grounds for all kinds of germs. In short, I'm steering very very clear from these two.

I should be posting pictures of my room shortly. Today I'm going to be going to Wal-Mart to pick up some 3M products so I can hang up the rest of my posters and such...and I need to clean up a little bit, but after that pictures will be coming soon.

Anyways, things are going decently. Not too much going on, just busy that's all. We're getting ready for some traditions, such as VAC Hour and GP (VAC = Virginia Alice Cottey Hour, which is when the freshmen get their Baby Blues; GP = Great Pumpkin, a really fun Halloween tradition which includes a haunted house!). GP is probably one of my all-time favorite traditions, so I cannot WAIT for that one. VAC was fun last year, simply because it was so unexpected. They make you believe that everyone will be spending an hour in their rooms privately, "studying" when in fact they interrupt and have a cool tradition in the parlor.

Well, I'm getting ready to take Arlette (my suitemate from Rwanda) to the pharmacy, so gotta run! Hope everyone is doing well!

Howdy Doody!

2008-09-15T18:45:00.000-07:00

Hello one and all.

So, I got this idea from a fellow friend of mine about making a blog. See, I realize that I'm far away from home, and people want to know what's going on with me. This year I'm crazy busy, which means I don't have a lot of time to call everyone or text everyone or email everyone about what's going on with me. So, I stole the idea of making a blog and sending out the links so everyone can read for themselves! I know...pure genius, right!

Anyways, I'll post as often as I can, and I'll be posting my school schedule so people know where I'll be at any given time. This also makes it easier for phone conversations, etc. And I'll be posting pictures as the year goes on, so stay tuned for that!