With My Dad

This past year has been amazing, and trying all in one little bundle, but as midnight approaches (and as I sit here in the hotel room) I am ready to bring in the new year and set my 2010 'bundle' on the shelf of my life.

The wedding was lovely and Dad and I got to dance to 'Twist and Shout'. Afterwards people were influenced by our amazing moves and joined us on the dance floor.

Good Bye Doll

Today I visited Meghan with Courtney, she wasn't too happy to see me, but she sent me a very nice text after I had left to say thanks for stopping by.

Personally speaking, I think the lack of wisdom teeth has done nothing for her mood, but Samantha brought life into those [insert color] eyes.

Din' Din'

Tonight I cooked Dinner. We had broccoli, apples, and parmesan chicken. I had to fry the chicken, I was the bomb at it. Dad helped a little because I was washing my hands too much going in between the chicken and vegetables. I also got to chop with the big knife. I think I'll like making myself food when I leave the house.

On my ninth birthday I had a cooking birthday party. I invited people over and we made pizza. Everyone had a little piece of dough and got to create their own. I had a lot of fun, it was cool pretending to be a chef for a few minutes. I think being one would be awesome.

One of my day dreams is to move to France and buy a giant farm which grows fresh produce and grapes, with the bright, fresh, green grass as far as the eye can see. Then I'll become thirty pounds overweight and wear cooking clothes every where I go. In town I'll own a restaurant and I'll be on the food channel cooking in my own kitchen like the Barefoot Contessa.

But this is all a daydream, I couldn't become a chef. I decided a long time ago I wouldn't work in the food industry.

Lack Of Tears

This is a post in response to this post.

When the cousins arrived, I really didn't feel like Tekla was too cool and that I had to act too cool. Thanks to my companions in Math class, who told me to just be myself, I was able to calm down and just chill. This visit there was no breakdowns and I think Tekla was surprised by my actions, I wasn't envious of Gretchen, instead I felt bad for her. She tried a little to hard to be buddy-buddy with Tekla.

*note on picture above: we be cool....can you tell Dad caught us off guard?

Tooth Fairy

This little girl on the right (Evelyn) is my cousin once removed, I think. She's my cousins kid, so....if anyone out there understands what I'm trying to say... The other little girl (left) is named Emma, she's my cousin and recently stayed over with her sister at our house.

Her sister, above, lost her first tooth at our house last night. She's so cute! I can't believe I was ever that tiny!

Standard

What is the gift you receive the most from people that you hardly end up using?

If you're into sports maybe you get packets of gross protein bars.

If you are a math genius you get crappy two dollar calculators.

If you're a boy you get a gift card to Dick's Sporting Goods.

Or if you are a girl you get a diary....journal. Whatever....

Grandma gave me a journal for christmas, and I don't want to seem greedy, but I would have rather had money. To me that says, I really don't know what you want and I don't want to offend you by giving you something that makes a stereotype. That and I don't want to give you something you might all ready have.

I've gotten so many journal things over the years it seems like just when I get rid of them, they pop back up into my bedroom.

I Dreamed A Dream

Dad and I bought Inception (via apple tv last night) and that's all i've been able to think about.

Aside from having my two favorite actors (Leonardo Dicaprio and Joseph Gordon-Levitt) in the movie (as well as Ellen Paige) it's a really well filmed and written movie. It's just amazing. (click on picture below)

Plus, the ending. Wow! Super cool. And if you've seen it you know what i'm talking about. I googled it immediately after the credited started rolling and I like this interpretation of the ending the best. (HERE) You can't argue with logic.

The 'Issue'

I have been sick ever since we got out of school, so I have been doing what any sick person does when sick, I watch movies.

Thankfully, for me, I received many itunes gift cards for Christmas and itunes is doing a four dollars and under movie sale. This being said, I bought The September Issue for $3.99 and it reminded me why the idea of TOPIC (my magazine) was so alluring.

Plus, it's cool to get a glimpse of what *The Devil Wears Prada is based on and the real Anna Wintour.

*not one of my favorite movies, but I liked the whole idea and Meryl Streep was amazing, as always.

Ho Ho Ho

Today was my gift giving day.

I was so excited. I don't know what it is, but this season makes me feel wonderful! Everyone is dressed up and handing gifts to each other. I know some people aren't religious, but the idea that you give people gifts is a nice way to thank them for being there for you/loving you/dealing with you all year long.

Essentially it's Thanksgiving without the dead Native Americans.

Good-By Fingernails

I was informed today by Dad that Tekla, Chisana (Chooch), and Davy are going to be stopping in tomorrow and staying until the 23ed of December.

Clockwise starting with me, Gretchen, Tekla, Renae, and Chooch.

First I was super excited. Then the dread came.

I don't know what it is about Tekla, but I want to be her best friend and at the same time I want to prove I'm so much cooler then her. It's kinda sad, especially because she's a disgusting eater (imagine a baby times 10 then you have what Tekla's face looks like) and she's younger then me. Yet, she is one of those people who (as Meghan put it) radiate coolness.

Maybe this time will be different and I won't be so envious of how Gretchen acts so cool around her. I just have to be myself, right?

Do any of you guys have this problem?

Down In History

Tonight the vikings play.

I'm not even a fan, yet I know this.

Call Me Bones

Gretchen recently told me, during an episode of Bones, that I remind her of Bones. (the title character who is quite blunt and doesn't really care) I guess that's why it was so hard for me to not make fun of the crappy Holiday decorations today in JoAnn.

I normally would just rip on the completely fake sparkly bells (not balls, you sickos) but I was aware of the ladies standing in the aisle.

I could just imagine it going something like this.

"Wow, who in their right mind would buy this, it's so crappy. Come on, splurge for a real wreath!" I say then turn around to find myself looking at a peeved lady with the sparkly bell in her cart.

"Excuse me for not having enough money to buy a wreath! My husband lost his job and I work at Cub Foods part time." She then huffs off.

I then proceed to jump off a bridge on Christmas eve, yet no angle comes to save me.

*cookies to whoever knows the reference*

Secret Santa

So, I got my secret santa present today.

"One can never have enough socks," said Dumbledore. "Another Christmas has come and gone and I didn't get a single pair. People insist on giving me books."

The irony is that I, like Dumbledore, needed socks. In fact I had been talking about it with Mom just an hour before I walked into Spanish class to find a beautifully wrapped present in my seat. I have to say, I was quite surprised to find my present today, I thought I would get it on Wednesday, but this person was on top of things. Hum....makes me wonder.

Unlike Sonia I won't bluntly ask who my secret santa is. I think I have an idea.

*question: are we ever supposed to tell the person we are their 'santa'? Or is it something we bring to the grave?

It'll Make You Feel Better

"Maybe it's roadkill. Taste it."
[pause] 
"What is that about?""What?""My whole life, you've been trying to get me to taste blood. Every time I cut myself or scraped myself, it was, 'Oh, Shawn, taste it, lick it. It'll make you feel better.'"
"It does. Lick it"

Poor Courtney has been sick this week. I hope you feel better soon! Perhaps you'll take advice from Gus and lick it, what ever 'it' may be...

Epitome of Love

Out Of Da Loop

Over the weekend I organized my bookmarks and I'm still trying to get used to them. (via web browser) During my cleaning session I decided to delete all of the blog bookmarks because I can just go to blogger and see the 'news' feed because I follow all of you.

I'm still getting used to it and I recently missed an blog explosion of Meghan's. I just have one question. Do I know who Cock is? Because If I don't and if you don't this internet relationship is getting creepy....

Just putting in my two cents.

Fear And Cats

One of my greatest fears is that I'm going to turn into that 'cat lady' who ends up on national news because they hauled out over 100 dead cats from her house after a neighbor complained. I know I have a long ways to go before I get that far, but I have reason to believe that I'm moving up in the ranks of crazy cat ladies.

Recently I've found myself in a lot of book stores. Being the time of year it is, calanders are in high demand because people think that it's an appropriate gift. (oh...thanks for the socks = oh...thanks for the calendar) As I wait for whatever reason, I walk among the rows of plastic bound stacks of paper and find myself looking for the cat calendars!

Be it day by day, or by month I find them so adorable and then I seriously consider asking to get it! Oy vey!

As Expected

As expected, from everyone that is but me, I caved in and purchased (way better then got, am I right?) the Nook.

It is quite a sight, I'm super excited, but I'm having a few issues sinking it to my laptop....I'll have to ask Dad later tonight, or I'll resort to googling the answer, which is what i do for everything.

What's the mass of the Moon? What happened during the Russian Revolution? What's the conversion for cm to m? Jodi Picoult. Post Secret. Donny Osman. West Side Story. The Julie Andrews Show. How many times has Lindsey been to rehab?

What I google is kinda' scary when I think about it. What do you google that is not ordinary?

N or N?

My two families couldn't be completely different. The Monson's eat on ping-pong tables and the McNaughton's have three course meals, very Gilmore Friday night dinner like.

My McNaughton grandma asks for a christmas list every year. It's kinda' annoying because I always end up feeling bad after writing all of the stuff I want, much of which I don't really need. Then Gretchen makes fun of me for feeling bad because when she grows up she'll make a big heap of money that she can just swim in. She's just that way.

This year my big problem with the Christmas list is weather or not to ask for a Nook. (see this) I'm still not sure. I made my synthesis essay question about the Nook. I've done lots of research about the device. I have also played around with it, thanks to my aunt. I think it's time to resort to the good old fashion Pro-Con list.

Señora

My Spanish teacher it very nice.

I know, that really doesn't describe a person, but she is nice. Señora sat next to me as I waited for the nurse to come down after I had fainted. She didn't hold it against me and was truly concerned for my health afterwards.

Now, that being said.

She can....drag on. Her voice, especially during first hour, lulls me. I find I tune out way more then I ever have in a class. It's really sad because I enjoy Spanish a lot, but I'm just so tired.

Señora would be a perfect person to nominate for What Not To Wear. She has some good outfits, but they just don't quite fit her. I also think some of them might be maternity outfits, like that purple big shirt that she wears with leggings. That's another thing, she isn't really dressing her age. Either too old or too young.

I'll finish on a high note. Friday I had a nice conversation (in Spanish) with her about The Tenth Circle (the book I had with me) and Jodi Picoult. She seemed truly interested.

Blooming

I finished The Perks of Being A Wallflower about a week ago. It's really good and full of quotable quotes. If that's possible...

Finding the Monst-E Story

I have decided to make a fake trailer incorporating all of the Pixar movies to date, that have been released. I'm just in that mood.

lacking Toy Story 3 but it will be in the 'trailer'

Minnesota

Marley was dead: to begin with.  There is no doubt whatever about that.  The register of his burial was signed by the clergyman, the clerk, the undertaker, and the chief mourner.  Scrooge signed it: and Scrooge's name was good upon 'Change, for anything he chose to put his hand to.  Old Marley was as dead as a door-nail. - A Christmas Carol

God rest you merry, gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay, 

Remember Christ our Savior 

Was born on Christmas day, 

To save us all from Satan's pow'r 

When we were gone astray; 

O tidings of comfort and joy, 

Comfort and joy, 

O tidings of comfort and joy. 

(God Rest You Merry Gentlemen)

At one time most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed it fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found one Christmas that she could no longer hear its sweet sound. Though I've grown old the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe. - The Polar Express

As Trixie followed Jen out of the Long House, winter smacked her with an open hand. It wasn't just cold, the way it got in Maine in December. It was bone-deep cold, the kind that wrapped around your spine and turned your breath into tiny crystals, the kind that matted your eyelashes together with ice. Snow was piled on both sides of the walkway, and snow machines were parked at right angles in between a few rusted trucks. - The Tenth Circle

It's coming on Christmas
They're cutting down trees
They're putting up reindeer
And singing songs of joy and peace
Oh I wish I had a river 
I could skate away on
(River - Joni Mitchell)

Apple: The Fruit

This week I have been seeing a lot of apples at school. It's kinda' ironic. The whole 'give the teacher an apple' thing. What started that? Those poor teachers who received apples when they would much rather be eating fudge.

In other apple news, I brought in apples and carmel dip for my chemistry group's snack day. It was my Friday for snack duty. They loved them!

Jump On Him

I recently watched The Kids are All Right. Which, in a sense, started the whole 'long hair' thoughts and inspired me to blog. Recently, I know, the blogging has been halted. I really don't have a good excuse, aside for Sunday and Monday, do to the state wide internet outage for Comcast. So, now I'm back and posting again, no need to be worried.

The movie was really good. I talked about it with Shiela, and she was surprised that I enjoyed it. I told her the sex scenes weren't that comfortable, but I tend to look at uncomfortable scene like that in a directors mind. How in the world did they do that? And I pray that both of the actors brushed their teeth. If I was one, that would be the only thing I would think about. The ladies both did a wonderful job and the 'kids' were great actors. I have only seen the boy play more kid rolls, this one was more mature. I also agree with Meghan, he looks jumpable.

This made me think of movies I didn't put on the 100 movie list. I can't believe I forgot The Day After Tomorrow! Such a good movie. I have others, but I can't remember them right now.

The Second Story Window

Don't worry I'm alive.

This reminds me of a story. My grandpa lived in Roslyn, South Dakota for his entire life. He became good friends with Ed Nilson. Ed had a big old house that was the talk of the town. Mostly because no nobody had seen the inside since his mother's funeral. Any maybe because he didn't have any electricity and running water...anyway, Ed had given Nord (my grandpa) permission to use a ladder to climb into his house if anything would happen. A few months (or was it years) later Ed went missing. After a week, Nord set up the ladder and climbed up to a window.

To Ed's surprise he found himself starring at Nord's face looking at him through the window. He was just recuperating from a cold.

That ladder is still there.

Re: I Have So Much To Say

Meghan's comment on the post Me Pelo
I have so much to say:

1. i know what it's like to have difficult-to-manage hair. i feel for you. 
I know, we are alike when it comes to hair. My hair kinda' looks like yours, just with less volume. No offense.


2. i will miss your short bob-like hair cut (i really will! it looks sooo cute on you) but long hair can be gorgeous, so i wish you the best. 
Thank you! I like the bob haircut also, but I really want to grow my hair out again, so I'm doing it. I hope all goes well!


3. my hair is longer than my shoulders; is it gorgeous? JK. 
It is gorgeous, Meghan.


4. that is soooo cool --that thing about your cousin. i love that "hair as the soul" thing. quite deep, indeed.
Okay, I think I need to clear up something. My cousin has a girl in her class that can't cut her hair because of the soul thing. It's not my cousin. Sorry, that was a little confusing the way I wrote it. But yes, it's a very cool cultural thing.

10 Random Friends

Nora - Ragan - Courtney - Hannah - Meghan - Acacia - Sonia - Gretchen - Tessa - Janine

1. What musical instrument would Nora most likely play? Violin


2. If Janine and Hannah teamed up, what would they most likely accomplish? They could probably finnish a homework sheet if they really tried, but other then that, sitting there awkwardly.

3. What would you do if Ragan confessed love to you? Eh, probably go with it. Naw, for real I would tell her I wasn't Harrison and that she was just dreaming.

4. Would you love to read Tessa's very personal diary? Yes, but then I think I would feel uncomfortable because it's going to be a lot about wooho.

5. Who would win in a duel, Courtney or Acaica? And what kind of duel would they pick, anyway? Courtney would win, because Courtney wouldn't back down. It would be hand to hand combat.


6. If you could do anything with Gretchen, what would it be? Go shopping with her and an unlimited amount of money.

7. What's your fondest memory of Hannah? Probably something on the bus, Copper Boom, or when she got me to steal sunglasses and talk to the boy in lunch.

8. What would Sonia not be caught dead in? A prono.

9. What if you found out that Meghan was secretly an alien plotting to take over the world together with Nora? I don't doubt it, Meghan wouldn't be a really good actor, but Nora would be. She seems too nice.

10. Describe Acaica in five words. Brains, Beauty, Modest, Funny, and Calm.

Me Pelo

I had decided before school to grow my hair out. For normal people that would be growing her hair to her shoulders and then cutting it short again. Not for me. I don't do anything half way. I'm growing it all out! And if any of you remember my hair back in eighth grade then you'll have a mental picture for how long I want my hair to be before I even think of cutting it. Now, I'll be trimming it to keep the hair healthy, but no drastic hair cuts for a while.

I kept it a secret because I thought Mom would hate the idea. She hated it so much when I had it long last time, but I've learned to properly wash my hair since then. I know that sounds bad, but I have super thick hair that has to be washed twice in the shower and I have to flip my head over when rinsing the shampoo out, then hardly any conditioner. It's a process. It's either that or dousing my head in vinegar every other month and people don't react well when I smell like vinegar.

My little cousin, Renae, also thought it was a bad idea. This was when I announced it over Thanksgiving break. Apparently she has this girl in her sixth grade class that has stringy long hair that she doesn't take care of. She's also Hawaiian, which means, because of her religion, she can't cut her hair. Not even a trim. They look at hair as the soul. Quite deep.

I have been thinking about it a lot recently because I watched The Kids Are All Right and the teenage girl (bottom right) has long blond hair that I was mesmerized by the entire movie. Then I watched Grey's Anatomy via Hulu Plus on our new TV in the basement and this weird Pill commercial was on every time! I really didn't listen after the fifth time and I just concentrated on the girl's (top left) red hair trying to figure out if it was dyed or not. Then I thought of the other celebrities with long hair. Lisa Kudrow, Nicole Kidman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Beyoncé Knowles, and Joy Bryant (from Parenthood). I hope my hair will look as good.