Books, books, books

1. Favorite childhood book?

Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

2. What are you reading right now?

Vikings In The Attic: In Search of Nordic America by Eric Dregni

3. What books do you have on request at the library?

None, I'm not one for going to the library for books.

4. Bad book habit?

I look ahead in books.

5. What do you currently have checked out at the library?

Perrine's Sound and Sense: An Introduction to Poetry (this is for AP English)

6. Do you have an e-reader?

Yes, a nook. One of the best things I ever invested in, give them a try guys!

7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once?

I can be reading a few books at the same time, like a book for school and then one I am reading on my own, but I usually will start a few and then really get into one and just read that one until I'm done and then start the other.
8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog?

A bit, not because of the blog, but more because I got into a weird rut this summer and I am slowly crawling out of the deep hole I fell into.

9. Least favorite book you read this year?

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins, the series just went down the drains.

10. Favorite book you’ve read this year?

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green ('nuff said)

11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone?

All the time.

12. What is your reading comfort zone?

I guess I really don't have a reading 'zone' that I would put myself in. I'll read almost anything that sparks my curiosity, but I draw the line at the paperback romance novels you can buy at CVS-Pharmacy.

13. Can you read on the bus?

Yes, I've done it a lot, but my butt tends to fall asleep quickly...(odd right?)

14. Favorite place to read?

Right now, in our new basement on the fold-out couch.

15. What is your policy on book lending?

I let anyone take any of my books and then I write down their name on a post-it note and stick it to the side of my bookcase. My reasoning? I spend much of my own money on these books and would like to get them back someday.

16. Do you ever dog-ear books?

I didn’t, but I started to when I was reading the Hunger Games trilogy. It kinda depends on how I feel about the book.

17. Do you ever write in the margins of your books?

For school I started to in AP English and I like being able to look back and see what I thought, but I can’t reread the book because of all the markings. If I really like a quote I might sometimes underline it.

18. Not even with text books?

I do in textbooks, and I also doodle.

19. What is your favorite language to read in?

I like being able to read Spanish, but I really don't know it that well to read a book in it.

20. What makes you love a book?

How the author writes, it can be a great story written by a horrible author and I won't like it.

21. What will inspire you to recommend a book?

If I have to sit and look into nothing after finishing the book and just collect my thoughts then I'll go out of my way to recommend the book.

22. Favorite genre?

Action/adventure

23. Genre you rarely read, but wish you did?

Steampunk (is that science fiction?)

24. Favorite biography?

Home: A Memoir of my Early Years by Julie Andrews

25. Have you ever read a self-help book?

Yes, I read He’s Just Not That Into You because I wanted to see the movie and I thought it was a work of fiction until I started reading it.

26. Favorite cookbook?

Thanks for the Hospitality by Carol McNaughton and Deb Cardwell. (ie; my Grandma and Aunt)

27. Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or nonfiction)?

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. He brings to your attention that everyone is capable of being evil when the environment is right. It inspired me to do the right thing because I don’t want to end up like the characters in his book.

28. Favorite reading snack?

M&M’s

29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience.

The Pursuit of Happyness by Chris Gardner, that dude doesn't deserve having a movie of his life made about him. He's a horrible person who is obsessed with sex.

30. How often do you agree with critics about a book?

Not very often. I don’t read book reviews often and I usually do when I like the book and then the critic will say something that I don’t like and thus not agree with.

31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?

It’s fine, there has to be bad books in order to have good books and some books are bad. I just want to tell people to not read them and not to waste their time on them.

32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you chose?

Norwegian, because I really like being able to speak it so being able to also read it would come in handy.

33. Most intimidating book you’ve ever read?

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad because my AP English teacher told my class that the first time she read it she didn’t get half of the stuff that was in it.

34. Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin?

Anything by William Shakespeare. I feel like I won’t understand the whole play unless I’m reading it in a class, but I really want to read them!
35. Favorite poet?

I don’t really read poetry.

36. How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time?

Two, at the most.

37. How often have you returned book to the library unread?

A few times.

38. Favorite fictional character?

Isabelle Lightwood (The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare)

39. Favorite fictional villain?

Jane (Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer)

40. Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation?

Anything on my nook now so that my suitcase ins’t bulging. Otherwise smaller paperback books. Some light reading.

41. The longest I’ve gone without reading.

This summer I got into this weird rut where I just couldn’t read. And I seriously didn’t for about two months. I think I was just fried from Junior year.

42. Name a book that you could/would not finish.

The Host by Stephanie Meyer

43. What distracts you easily when you’re reading?

Food, being hungry when food is being described.

44. Favorite film adaptation of a novel?

Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas or Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix because I hated both of the books and loved the movies.

45. Most disappointing film adaptation?

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. In the second movie they just kinda gave up ad squished them all together.
46. The most money I’ve ever spent in the bookstore at one time?

Maybe 100 dollars on a nook gift card so that I wouldn’t have to keep on going to Barns and Nobel to buy a gift card, ya know, have some money built up so I don’t have to worry about it.
47. How often do you skim a book before reading it?

All the time.

48. What would cause you to stop reading a book half-way through?

It’s taking me to long to get through it. I really don’t not finished a book though.

49. Do you like to keep your books organized?

Yes, kinda’ by genera.

50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them?

I keep them, it’s my new thing to not give away any books, which I made easier by my nook.

51. Are there any books you’ve been avoiding?

The Lord of The Rings trilogy, I just need to sit down and read them!

52. Name a book that made you angry.

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

53. A book you didn’t expect to like but did?

Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

54. A book that you expected to like but didn’t?

Little Bee by Chris Cleave

55. Favorite guilt-free, pleasure reading?

D'aulaire's Book of Greek Myths by Ingri and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire

Christina! You should do this!!!!

[Liz]

Perhaps only Christina will truly understand how awesome this is.

Reaction-more

I'm sure you all wanted another one.

This was my reaction not 20 minutes ago when I read Christina's post. I' glad you have a wing man you can count on.

(confession: I love doing these things...!)

Mr.Black and Mr.White

"Happiness depends upon ourselves." - Aristotle

I feel the quote above is a good reference to the theme of my letter (of sorts) to Christina.

Dearest Christina,
  Have you ever really truly loved someone? And I'm not talking family, or pets. I'm talking in terms of a person who you would give your life for, but at the same time would want to spend the rest of your entirety with? I don't think either of us can say we have, in fact I'll be the first to admit that. And I don't know if I really want to find that person. I don't know how I would handle those emotions, it would ruin everything, at least form my perspective. Perhaps when your in love you don't see things the same way. Being in love shouldn't be a bad thing, it should be a good thing.
  Obviously, well I hope, you're not in love with either of your 'paramours'. This is the cue for the Aristotle quote. You just need to do what you believe is the right thing FOR YOU. If there is anything I've learned about having anxiety is that sometimes you cannot please everyone and thus need to center on yourself and what is healthy for you. They can just deal. If dating is what you are interested in, why not do a little something with Mr.Hipster? Just spell it out that this whole grade difference will stop you guys from having a long relationship. Then you can hop over to Mr.Chest, if he gets into St.Olaf. (which seems like a sure thing according to you)
  Again, I would like to apologize about the awkwardness that ensued this morning. I had just closed my computer and was walking down the hallway when I came upon you two, and I was not strong enough to walk away from this juicy attraction right in front of me. I must admit, I KNEW he liked you the moment I read about the NPR outside by the car thing (having had a few similar late nights). It seems that night brings out confidence in boys. All dramatic things happen while the moon is out.
  Here are my two cents on the issue. Mr.Hipster needs to get his ass up off the couch and TALK to you, because nothing gets done without conversation. Thus, I might have to start bringing around a stress ball so I won't slap him in the face. Also, I never remember being introduced to him by (I'm not even sure who he said) so I'll just call him a LIAR, which is true if you were in the girlfriends shoes.
  Man, this letter started off so nice and formal, and now here we are. Perhaps I can salvage it?
  Yours,
        Elizabeth

A visual for those of you not there.

#HPforlife

Last week the world received amazing news. Joanna Rowling is to write again! Our lovely Harry Potter Queen is going to write a young adult novel. I know she can do it, and I just hope everyone else doesn't freak the hell out because it's not Harry Potter.

I herd directly from the Queen via her real twitter account.

Thus to calm Christina's nerves that this book might never happen it seems that she's at the point where she knows it will be out on shelves. That's extremely good news.

And here is some Harry Potter to delight your hearts.

 This is my iphone lock screen thing.

 I sang this to Nora last week when I found it, she was a bit slow on the uptake, or maybe it was my confusion as to how to sing the song halfway through the second column.

Albus Dumbledore is rolling over in his grave right now, and all Harry Potter fans are going to punch you.

I thought this was funny because how true is it? Come on, you have to admit how scary funny it is.

My TFIOS

This is my opinion on The Fault In Our Stars by John Green.

Now, I, in no way, disagree with Christina. It is an amazingly witty book, filled with humor that only the amazing John Green can come up with. (Though I have to say I laughed more in Paper Towns)

Saying that I want to touch upon something that everyone has been saying.

Crying?

I'm not saying it wasn't sad and in NO way am I making fun of them, but I didn't cry at all. In fact the chapter I loved the most (Chapter 22) was the one that Courtney said she hated the most, or well the one where she was balling her eyes out.

I was seriously laughing and smiling so much in that chapter and (according to Courtney, I was soundly sleeping right next to her) Courtney was just crying up a storm.

I loved the book, just because I didn't cry doesn't mean I didn't think it was a literary genius!

I so love that Jodi Picoult has a quote on the front of the book! So cool!

(note: I made the picture above! super cool right?)

So, St.Olaf

I, not being Christina, am now just blogging about my visit to St.Olaf. I saw her and it was awesome! I also saw Kim (mother) and Austin Sovell.

I guess I don't have to feel to bad because Christina is writing a hood-like essay for school. The only work she's done in a week for school, according to her. Personally I think she needs to just turn it in and deal with it.

So, St.Olaf, why I crawled out of my hole to blog about. I need some inspiration for blogging, any tips?

BAD Liz, yet again off topic! Okay, so the school was gorgeous! It also had the best free food, there were buffet tables all over the place, you literally walked into a room and there was a buffet table. No other school has done that. Though they did brag about their nationally ranked number one food. All according to Newsweek.

 What I really enjoyed was that the dean of the school talked at the beginning of the whole thing. It was nice to be welcomed like that, gave you the feeling of beine wanted as a person and not as another paying student.

 Ah, yes! A picture of the library. My favorite thing to see at colleges. Not the best (U of M is number one so far) but I can see myself doing homework in there. Plus the tall windows give off the feeling of  being in one of those older libraries.

Me having issues with my iphone camera

 What I wasn't a huge fan of was how far away everything was from each other. Reminded me of camp a bit where we walked all the time. It's not a bad thing, getting exercise, but in the winter running across campus (and in the windy rural area) will not be fun.

Another plus, all four years you live on campus. I really like that, a sense of community and such, cookies for St.Olaf.

I saw this door and just had to share it with ya'll

Edward and Bell, but with (I'm assuming) student faces with lab glasses on, go Bio!

And again, but now Jacob has joined the mix. I think the girl looks like a mouse, right?

Importance of wearing glasses, chemistry! (blerg!)

Reminds me of the houses in Count of Monte Christo

By far the best part was the gift shop where I got socks that say 'uff da' (so Norwegian) and there were Norwegian like things all over the place! Oh, how I love Norway! Plus, Harry Potter in NORWEGIAN! My favorite! I have the first one in English and Norwegian, but seeing the others in Norwegian totally made the trip. (I'm so studying it what ever collage I choose to go to)

It's Not All That Bad

The school hallways are always full of stragglers towards the end of the passing time. Before sixth hour I take as much time as I need, Mrs.Drew won't mind. Pulling at my backpack straps I walk up the steps to the second level. A figure walking by sparks me into transporting.

My books are in my hands as I make my way to my next class. The girl in yellow Hufflepuff robes ahead of me has more to deal with. A bag, instrument, and some quills and ink are weighing her down by the looks of it. Professor Binns floats through the wall a ways up, making the girl jump. Her face turns towards me for a split second and I realize I know her.


"Christina." I say as I race up to meet with her. She turns around and her eyes immediately turn down.


"hello" She answers. I follow her gaze to my Griffendor crest on my black robes.


Moving my books further up my chest I let out a breath. She needs cheering up. Suddenly I have an idea. 


"Do you remember when the sorting hat said 'I'll eat myself if you can find a smarter hat then me'?"


Christina meets my eyes, "I'm find." She says, but her body and eyes say she's not.


"The sorting hat knows everything, it looked into your mind and it knows what is best for you."


"Well, he can be wrong." She states matter-of-factly.


I furrow my brow, "Come on, you don't mean that. Just look at who's in Hufflepuff. Tonks an auror for the Ministry of Magic and a talented shape sifter, Cedric easily the hottest guy in Hogwarts." She eyes my werily. "Think about it this way. Luna is defiantly a bit off, we all love her, but she has her opinions. Am I right?" She nods her head. "Thinking how you do about Hufflepuff you would think people like Luna would be in your house." She nods again. "Luna is smart, thus Ravenclaw is suited for her. You too are smart, but do you know the difference between you two?"


I can see the gears working in her head, "What? She believes in Nargles?"


"No, she isn't creative." Christina starts to protest, but I hold up my one free hand. "Sure, she believes in things, but she just believes in what she is told by her dad or reads in the Quibbler. You have creativity that isn't cherished in Griffendor, Ravenclaw, and especially not Slytherin. Hufflepuff creates wondefully creative and talented people who better the world by doing amazing things. Like you and your music."


I can tell Christina has really been listening to me. "So, what do you say? Are you a Puff?" I say as I pat her back.


"A puff?" She says quietly. "Yea....a Puff..." Walking down the hallway she murmurs by to me.


I turn around and keep walking. I tired, I think. Then I hear the most wonderful thing.


"You might belong in Hufflepuff where they are just and loyal. Those patient Hufflepuffs are true and unafraid of toil." Christina sings, reciting the Sorting hats song, word for word.


"Hey Liz" I look to see Christina next to me. "And I guess bye now."

I look to see where she's pointing. The video classroom. Right. I head for the door, but back step to watch Christina walk down the hallway. She'll be just fine, I say to my self, just fine.

In Honor...

I think Christina will like this. (click to read bigger image)

In honor of the upcoming Harry Potter, don't worry there's more.

Yes, Yes It Does

I have been neglecting my blog for a long time now. First it was because I just had gotten a little sick of posting something everyday, the 100 movies (a movie a day) really got to me. Then I heard that Christina had started to be home schooled.

Nora said something in the hallway about how she was moved up in Orquestra because Christina had started to be home schooled because of some health reasons. Nora thought it was because she had a low immune system, but I knew right away what was up.

Now, I'm not super close with Christina, but I've been in classes together and hung out with her and some friends on Friday nights and now apparently we are tied together again. I have been suffering from depression and anxiety. For the past five(+) years I have been dealing with anxiety and the past year or so depression because of the anxiety.

It seems that Christina and I had at similar summer, laying in bed and worrying about things that really didn't need to be worried about. I would eat very little and it came down to me freaking out in a bathroom stall in the airport to make me realize that I needed help. I told Mom and Dad and I immediately started counseling sessions and and on my long quest for the right medicine.

It's been such a hard climb to where I've gotten (and by no means have I reached the top of the mountain) and thanks to the support of Ragan and Nora as well as my family and a few other select friends I have been able to keep on climbing.

It might seem weird, but I told Mom and Dad a few weeks ago that I thought Christina had anxiety, like me. And Dad took my word for it. He had told me during one of the late night crying sessions I had (when I just wanted to quit) that I would grow up and meet many other people who have what I have and I would be able to relate to them and possible help them.

I hope, if Christina wants to, she'll call me or just send me a little hello. (From one therapy patient to another)

Hold on to your ship Christina, it may seem like you'll capsize at any minute, but believe me gets better.

Love, Liz.

A La Meghan

So, any look good to you?

Por Favor?

Hey there Spanish speaking friends! I would be so very glad if you read over my soap opera review and just made sure I'm making sense. Now, I haven't really gone through this in detail, so there might be a few stupid mistakes! Lo siento!

Eva Luna (cap 2)

Personas importantes:

Eva Gonzáles: Alta, pelo muy largo y café. Ella es muy bonita y una buena persona.

Alicia Gonzáles: Hermana de Eva. Ella es bonita y comó Eva. Ella es muy emocional.

Daniel Villanveva: Una hombre muy guapo y rico. Daniel le gusta mucho Eva.

Leonardo Arismend: Amigo de Daniel. Es Guapo y rico, tambien le gusta mucho Eva. Leonardo no le gusta mucho Daniel. El es una muy mal persona.

Un Resumen:

Eva y su Papá fue a caminaron, el carro golpeó Papá. Papá muerto. Eva y Alicia eran muy triste durante el funeral. Eva prometaba venganza a la persona en el carro. 

Leonardo era la persona en el carro. Leonardo y Daniel coquetearon con Eva. Eva rechazó primero Leonardo y entonces Daniel. Daniel rescató a Eva cuando ella se cayó. Compartieron un intimo momento. Hay un problema, Daniel es comprometido a Victoria. (Victoria es una chica que gusta mucho dinero, no Daniel)

Leonardo vendó Daniel el carro. (el que mató a Papá). Leonardo contrata a Eva para limpiar y cocinar. Daniel y Eva reunirse de nuevo en la casa de Leonardo.

Opinion y Predicción:

Me gusta Eva Luna, hay mucho guapo hombres, pero no me gusta la musica. Yo creo que Eva y Daniel se enamora. Victoria y Leonardo no le gusta mucho. Eva verá el carro de Daniel. Se recordará el coche por Eva. Eva sacará a vengarse.

I hope there is some way I can put a picture of two on my 'blog post'. It kinda' looks like a sorry excuse for a blog.

DotA

This Saturday I might be going to my first ever concert. Yep, I'm 16 and have never been to a concert. Well, a real concert, I don't think Lori Line and her Christmas concerts count. The concert is for Basshunter (swedish singer of DotA and Boten Ann) and is at the Epic Event center downtown Minneapolis. Dad will be going with me (if he gives the okay to go), which won't really rain on my parade because it's Basshunter and that's all I'll be focusing on.

In other news, I need to talk with Sonia. What's up with the Harry Potter thing? I want to go and Mom says it's fine so I need details yo!

I heard Christina will soon be joining our ranks of bloggers. She want's Sonia to help her with starting it, but at this rate it won't be anytime soon. Get your rear in gear Sonia!

Blogging with no structure after the past 100 days of movies is a bit odd. It may take me a bit to get back into the grove, but I'll be back to my old self and posting every day.

Seems like a me and Meghan type of thing <3