Too Much Caffeine

I can relate to Stephan* here....

*Stephan Pastis is the author of this comic strip, Pearls Before Swine. He puts himself in the strip sometimes (as in the last panel) :). And for those who don't quite get it, the comic isn't normally that... shaky XD.

Failure, Driver's Tests, and Second Chances

    Even the smallest failures bug me. Failing to remember the name of a song, or stay within the lines on a coloring sheet (for school, or course ;), or spell something correctly… those things all bug me. More than they should. And I'm guessing it is because they remind me of the larger challenges in life; they remind me that I could fail at worse. The things I desire most-to graduate high school, get into a good college, have a great career, be in a loving healthy relationship with a man I trust-seem so out of reach. There are so many opportunities for failure! If I don't pass World History this coming year, I won't graduate on time. If I don't do a good job with my application essay, or my SAT scores aren't high enough, or I don't even apply on time, I might not get into a good college. Careers are unstable, as are relationships. So much could go wrong in the future!
   
    So, when I went to get my driver's license the other day, already an emotional hurricane because of something irrelevant and stupid, I failed. Yeah, you read right, I failed my driver's test. Which I hadn't gotten sooner because I'd 'failed' to make enough money for insurance. And it hit me hard. I knew I'd driven worse than I'd ever driven before. I deserved to fail. I was careless. But it didn't make it easier to accept it. What it brought home was my pent-up worries about the future. My tears after the fact had little to do with driving. A few people reminded me 'You can try again in a week', and while at first the comment bugged me (because I wasn't that upset about not getting my license), now those words mean a little more.
   
    Why? Because they're true. I CAN try again for my driver's license in a week. And you know what, if I don't pass World History this coming year, I can take it over the summer! If I get rejected by one college, I can always apply to others. If I'm not succeeding in one career, I have DECADES to find something that works. And people fall in and out of love all the time. I just have to have faith that with God's help and loved ones by me, I'll figure it out. Life is NOT pass or fail, and while there aren't always second chances, there are enough opportunities for there to be room for error. Those 'life goals' of mine may not be easy to achieve, and I may not achieve them on my first try, but they ARE possible. I'm not giving up, I'll just keep trying until I succeed :)

--
"But you see, it's not me, it's not my family.
In your head, in your head they are fighting,
With their tanks and their bombs,
And their bombs and their guns.
In your head, in your head, they are crying..."


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(¸.·´¸.·*´¨) *
  (¸.· Elizabeth *´¨)
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             (¸.·´*
        

My Life According to Muse

I got this tag from Guin, who got it from Jane, who got it from Facebook, so I don't know where it came from originally :)

Rules:
Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. You can't use the band I used. Try not to repeat a song title. It's a lot harder than you think! Repost as "My life according to (band name)."

As the title suggests, I chose Muse XD.

Are you a male or female?
"Assassin"

Describe yourself:
"Map Of The Problematique"

How do you feel:
"Feelin' Good"

Describe where you currently live:
"City of Delusion"

If you could go anywhere, where would you go:
"United States of Eurasia"

Your favorite form of transportation:
"Falling Away with You"

Your best friend is:
"Guiding Light"

What's the weather like:
"Butterflies and Hurricanes"

Favorite time of day:
"Starlight"

If your life was a TV show, what would it be called:
"Ruled By Secrecy"

What is life to you:
"Stockholm Syndrome"

Your favorite color is:
"Black Out"

Your fear:
"Apocalypse Please"

Your relationship:
"I Belong To You"

What is the best advice you have to give:
"Sing for Absolution"

Thought for the Day:
"Exo-Politics"

How I would like to die:
"Invincible"

My soul's present condition:
"Uprising"

My motto:
"Time is Running Out"

I tag everyone who reads my blog and cares to try this post :)! It was a lot of fun!

--
"But you see, it's not me, it's not my family.
In your head, in your head they are fighting,
With their tanks and their bombs,
And their bombs and their guns.
In your head, in your head, they are crying..."


     ´¨)
¸.·´¸.·*´¨)*´¨)
(¸.·´¸.·*´¨) *
  (¸.· Elizabeth *´¨)
             ¸.·´ ¸.·*´¨) *
             (¸.·´*
        

Summer Memories: Week 2

This week the theme is...

Family and Friends

Who helps you make those memories?
Family and friends both, but mostly family (I don't see my friends anywhere near as often). Great memories come from visits to my grandparents, and my aunt and uncle visiting here. And probably my favorites are when my older brother and his wife come over. He is married and lives elsewhere, so we don't see eachother often, but he is one of the people I love most in this world. And we see him more in summer than during the school year because we're all so busy then. Plus, hanging out by the pool, fishing, spending time with my mom and sister is awesome. So my biggest memory making helpers are my closest family members :)

What about you guys? Who helps you make your summer memories? Check out the Farmgirl Writes button in the sidebar to participate in the blog party and enter the giveaways :)

--
"But you see, it's not me, it's not my family.
In your head, in your head they are fighting,
With their tanks and their bombs,
And their bombs and their guns.
In your head, in your head, they are crying..."


´¨)
¸.·´¸.·*´¨)*´¨)
(¸.·´¸.·*´¨) *
(¸.· Elizabeth *´¨)
¸.·´ ¸.·*´¨) *
(¸.·´*

What you didn't know

I dance like a fool and don't care who sees.
I say what I think if I think it’s worth saying.
I write lyrics but can't write melodies.
I love to stare at the moon and hear wolves baying.
I would die for my friends in a heartbeat.
Music is the driving force that helps move me through life.
I have a white cat who doesn't like treats.
I always try to stay strong and power straight through strife.
Zombie is one of my all-time favorite songs.
I cannot stand people who don't think for themselves.
My mom thinks my hair's too short; I think it's too long.
Sammy Keyes and Elyon books are on my bookshelf.
Reading,
Writing,
Leading,
And fighting for what I believe.
These are just a few random things,
That you didn't know about me.

Four days ago, Bleah did this tag, which I forgot about until today. You can see it here. The basic idea was 'things you don't know about me'. She said to put your own spin on it, so that's what I did (even though it is crappy) :). I tag (if you have time)...

Olive Tree
JinnyD
Shaynie
and SammyxCasey

Hope you have fun with it! (and don't forget you can do it however you want!)

Summer Memories: Week 1

Hey everyone! Farmgirl Writes is having a giveaway, and you can click the button the right to learn more and enter :). This post is to talk about three of my fondest summer memories :)

1. I loved kayaking with my father, sister, aunt, and grandmother. It was the first time I'd kayaked, and doing it with family who I don't see often made it even more memorable. That and the fact that we went under a low tree and I got stung by a black wasp thing that wouldn't get off my arm. It was a ginormous red sausage after that... lol. But kayaking was SO MUCH FUN! :)

2. A girls trip to the beach with my mom, sister, and me. It was so relaxed and fun just the three of us, cutting up and hanging out by the pool, walking the beach and catching mole crabs... it was a wonderful time :)

3. A friends 18th birthday party was a lot of fun, and I can't help but smile looking back on it. We played with water guns and hit each other with water balloons that wouldn't pop and I played ultimate Frisbee for the first time. But mostly, just seeing my friend rocked. It had been too long :)

So what about you? What are three of your fondest summer memories?

"But you see, it's not me, it's not my family.
In your head, in your head they are fighting,
With their tanks and their bombs,
And their bombs and their guns.
In your head, in your head, they are crying..."


     ´¨)
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(¸.·´¸.·*´¨) *
  (¸.· Elizabeth *´¨)
             ¸.·´ ¸.·*´¨) *

             (¸.·´*

Tagged by Shaynie!

What is your favorite book? Way too hard… my top ones are The Hunger Games, Runaway, The Book Thief, and Sammy Keyes and the Art of Deception… and Mara: Daughter of the Nile (had that one for years)

When was the last time you read a book? I'm in the middle of a series now

Have you read any of Jane Austen's novels? I’ve only read Pride and Prejudice, but I’ve watched most of the BBC productions of her books.

What was the last book you read? The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch

If you were to write a book, what would the plot be? “I have written a book. The plot is sort of secret, because I don't want anyone from the internet to steal it. Sorry.” I’m with Shaynie (except mine is still in the works)

How many times have you read your favorite book? Wow… upper thirties… early forties? I’ve reread my favorites of the Sammy Keyes series at least that many times… (except for Hollywood Mummy and the Curse of Mustache Mary, which I had to travel to get from another library)

Which do you prefer: reading a book, or watching TV? I prefer to read when I’m mentally present, but sometimes I’m just too tired and brain dead and want to watch TV. I hate reading a book but not processing, then having to reread the same page. I’d rather enjoy it than get frustrated with myself… lol

What book are you currently reading? The Last Apprentice: Curse of the Bane

What was the first book you ever read? (besides little learning-to-read books.) I really don’t know. I learned to read really young, and can’t really remember a specific ‘first book I read’. The first substantial book I read was The Hobbit in third grade, but I know I was a fan of the Boxcar series before that, and Junie B. Jones, so it depends on what you count as ‘learning-to-read books’ I guess :-P

This tag is for anyone who goes the library at least once a week!

--
"But you see, it's not me, it's not my family.
In your head, in your head they are fighting,
With their tanks and their bombs,
And their bombs and their guns.
In your head, in your head, they are crying..."


     ´¨)
¸.·´¸.·*´¨)*´¨)
(¸.·´¸.·*´¨) *
  (¸.· Elizabeth *´¨)
             ¸.·´ ¸.·*´¨) *
             (¸.·´*

The Goblin Wood: A Book Review

Summary:
The Goblin Wood (by Hilari Bell)
"One terrible day, Makenna, a young hedgewitch, witnesses her mother's murder at the hands of their own neighbors. Stricken with grief and rage, Makenna flees the village that has been her home. In the wilds of the forest, she forms an unexpected alliance. Leading an army of clever goblins, Makenna skillfully attacks the humans, now their shared enemy.
What she doesn't realize is that the ruling Hierarchy is determined to rid the land of all magical creatures, and they believe Makenna is their ultimate threat-so they have sent a young knight named Tobin into the Goblin Wood to entrap her.
In this captivating fantasy adventure, the difference between Bright and Dark magic is as deceptive as our memories, hopes, and fears-and the light of loyalty and friendship has a magic all its own." (Taken from the book flap)
 
POV:
It was written in third-person limited omniscient, and title of the each chapter was the name of the character whose thoughts and surroundings were disclosed.
Plot:
For the most part, the plot of the book was well developed. The exact goals of the Hierarch weren't crystal clear at times, but the war on the border and the choices the Hierarch makes as a consequence are logical (though somewhat extreme).
Characters:
Both Makenna and Tobin are well crafted, realistic characters. Tobin's relationship with his family is complicated, as with real families, and both Tobin and Makenna have understandable reasons for their actions. Though their original motives are basic, they themselves have a great deal of depth. Also, the goblins were wonderful characters, each with unique personality! They were developed more than any character besides the main two, and the adults and children had realistic and comical relationships with each other. While Cogswhallop was the main goblin, Master Erebus was one of my favorites (a comical Bookerie, whose purpose in life is to collect knowledge and pass it on).
 
Overall:
This book was so much better than the description in the flap! The motives of the characters are simple at first: Makenna seeks to avenge her mother's death by fighting all humans who enter the Goblin Wood, while Tobin seeks to reclaim his honor and follow the Hierarch's orders. But when the two collide they both, slowly but surely, begin to experience doubt. They finally stop seeing things in black and white, and realize that their causes aren't worth losing their identities for. This story is about them growing as people, and seeing things from a different perspective. The Goblin society was well developed, their form of trade and 'exchange economy' if you will thoroughly explained. They provided so much heart and humor, that the goblins truly carried the spirit of the book (while the humans provided a great deal of action). My only complaint is the first three chapters were long (a sixth of the book) and dragged, and almost caused me to put the The Goblin Wood down. In the first chapter, Makenna is 11 and fueled solely by revenge, and the next two chapters covered about a year. I have other books in my reading list, and was wondering if reading a story about a twelve year old girl seeking revenge was worthwhile, but then the story jumps ahead five years and the direction changes completely, for the better. Also, the ending leaves a little to be desired, as it is a little rushed. I'd say my biggest problem with the book is the inconsistent pace, though the story itself was great.
 
I give this book 4 out of 5 shooting stars :)
--
"But you see, it's not me, it's not my family.
In your head, in your head they are fighting,
With their tanks and their bombs,
And their bombs and their guns.
In your head, in your head, they are crying..."


     ´¨)
¸.·´¸.·*´¨)*´¨)
(¸.·´¸.·*´¨) *
  (¸.· Elizabeth *´¨)
             ¸.·´ ¸.·*´¨) *
             (¸.·´*

You have my Playlist, my poll, and my thanks :)

Sorry I haven't posted in a few days, I've been working a lot and cleaning the entire house because family is coming over and... wow. Sounded too much like the dog ate my homework. Moving on!

I've added my Playlist.com playlist at the bottom of my page now, and it should start automatically. I'm a huge fan of the site, and if any of you use it as well and have a playlist you'd like to share, give me the link to your profile in a comment and I'll check it out! Also, let me know what you guys think of mine :)

I also added a poll in the sidebar asking what kind of content you want on my blog. I appreciate your opinions and want to make this the best blog it can be, with your help :)

And lastly (for now), I really wanted to thank you for the kind words and support, here and elsewhere! It is so encouraging to know that you appreciate my words, however few, and has made me even more excited about starting this blog :) I'll post a book review today or tomorrow, and try and pick up the pace asap! Thanks again,

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(¸.·´¸.·*´¨) *
(¸.· Elizabeth *´¨)
¸.·´ ¸.·*´¨) *
(¸.·´*

Inspiration: Olive Tree's Photography Contest

In the eighth grade I wrote a short story, about a beautiful garden inhabited by fairies, tended by a daughter and her mother. I did my share of research, looking up many different plants, and when I stumbled across the passion flower I fell in love. Since then, it has been my favorite flower, and I desperately wanted to see one in person, though for three rough years I hadn’t. I had almost forgotten the flower I loved, until this summer. Walking from the beach to our hotel, my mother yelled for me to come see something. So I went back, and tucked in undergrowth between a bush and a walkway was a passion flower. “Isn’t that that flower you said you liked?” she asked me, and I was overjoyed. I ended up hanging upside-down from the railing with her steadying my legs to get a better look and a decent picture, and I’m so glad I did (click to see larger image):

This picture inspires me, because I know not to give up on the little things. It reminded me to be patient when it comes to my dreams, big and small. It was a beautiful surprise, and helped to relight my fire, my passion, for photography. And for beauty, and for life.

Tagged by Shaynie!

1. What colour is your floor?
In my room, it is tan with some other colors kind of mixed in.
2. Look up. What's the first thing you see?
A Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center bag tacked to the wall ;)
3. What is your favourite subject?
I generally enjoy English and Writing classes, but Chemisty (and other sciences) are a little more interesting and challenging… so… it depends on the teacher :)
4. Where would you like to live? Somewhere else… I'm not sure where yet
5. What is the wackiest hairdo you've ever given a character? Living growing healing seaweed… (guess what genre THAT character was from :D)
6. Can you remember the last thing your sibling told you? Nope… LOL, right now my sibling is talking to my mom, and I don't think what I'm hearing as I eavesdrop really counts…
7. Describe the closest plant (or living green thing) to you. A palm tree kind of plant… here's a pic of it.





Now I'm supposed to make a story out of my answers... which should be difficult and entertaining...

Her slender graceful form walked across the lawn swiftly and directly. The hoodie she was waring served to hide her face, as well as her hair. She allowed herself a brief smile at the comfort; her wig always itched terribly. She stared ahead, not wishing to speak to anyone or be spoken to. It hadn't turned out well the last time she struck up a friendship... once her lies started piling up her world fell apart. No, it was better to be alone. She was here, at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, for an education, NOT romance. She wanted to learn how to heal with science, as well as with her natural magic. Not that anyone needed to know about that. She found her favorite place soon enough, a small gazebo in the sun by a pond. She loved the water, her true home. Pulling out her Chemistry and English books, she took in the familiar scene. The small bench on one side of the gazebo, facing the water, a palm like plant at each end of it. She sat down and began to take notes on homonuclear diatomics when suddenly a blond, tan, fit young man sat next to her. His eyes were dark and serious, his eyebrows knitted together. She stiffened. Why is he here? I thought after that fight he'd leave me alone!!!
"What are you hiding from me?" he asked gently.
"It's complicated. And we're done, so please accept it and let me be" she said coldly. I have to be cold, or else he'll never go. I can't show that I care as much as he does...
They faced each other. He looked into her eyes, searching for something he didn't understand. All he saw was a cold wall, and slightly deeper fear. Why can't she be honest with me? Then something distracted him, a clump of hair had slipped from her hoodie. He reached and began to tuck it behind her ear, when he realized that it wasn't hair at all. It was cold, damp, brownish green seaweed. She saw something click in his eyes, and panicked. NO, he can't know!!!. She stood and grabbed her books as fast as she could, but he caught her wrist firmly and as she turned, he grabbed the other. He moved both her hands into one of his, and jerked her hood away from her face. Her head was covered in seaweed and it was moving slightly, wiggling as if it wanted to go somewhere. He followed its movement with his eyes, and saw the pond. Looking at her face again, he saw she was crying. This explains so much... he thought. The water obsession, the way she always had to plan when I came over to hang out. How she panicked when I surprised her once... she was hiding her... is it even hair? Then another thought altogether came to him.
"Do you have healing abilities?" he said with an excited puzzlement.
"Yes, I do, but how on earth did you guess that!?"
"You think I didn't pay attention during clinicals? You made all those patients feel so much better, just by talking to them. I didn't understand it, but I noticed you touched each of their hands when you spoke... and I know how much you hate physical contact. If you don't mind me asking, what exactly are you?"
He said it with a slightly bewildered smile; he wasn't afraid of the creature she was, he wasn't angry at the deception, simply eager to know more about who she really was. She laughed aloud and wiped away her tears. Is he crazy?
"Well, if you really want to know..." she hesitantly began. And then they talked about mythology and how it neglected lesser races, and talked about how she was raised, and what it felt like for her to be out of the water. He admitted that he wished she hadn't lied to him, but that he understood. And being honest with him really wasn't that bad. Maybe I don't have to be alone, she thought with a smile.

WOW I got way too into that. Sorry it was rambling, but it was fun! And did the way I put in tan feel like cheating? LOL :) I tag...

SammyxCasey
Optimistic4ever and
xxCammyLoverxx

My First Post!

So, I've decided to start a blog. Just a place to post my thoughts in general, review music and books, and reflect. Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3! I'm analytical and a realist, but I also love poetry and art. I can be strong and argumentative and in complete control in a tense situation, then get tongue tied over absolutely nothing. I'm kind of a bundle of opposites, and can annoy myself sometimes, but at least I KNOW I'm not perfect :). Nice to meet you blogging community, hope you enjoy my musings. I may not post again for a bit, still trying to figure out how to format and add widgets and everything :) Thanks for reading (assuming some bored soul did... :)