I know you are reading this. And I want you to know I am writing this for you. No one else will understand. No one else knows. They think that this is for them. But it’s not. I am writing this for you.
I want you to know, life…it’s hard. Every day can be a challenge. It can be a challenge to get up in the morning. To get yourself out of bed. To put on that smile. But I want you to know, that smile is what keeps me going some days. You need to remember, even through the tough times, you are amazing. You really are.
You should be happy. You are gorgeous.
I know that the weather might not be perfect. You might have to turn your back to the wind or feel the cold nipping at your nose. But you know what, at least you are there to feel it. At least you can enjoy the sun’s warm rays on your face. Or that cold February wind biting at your cheeks. You know what that means?
You are alive.
Everything will be okay.
I found this on lettersillneversend.com
So, thank you to whoever wrote it. I really needed to hear that.
Hey, all. Um...so my blogging track record hasn't been awesome lately. I should be better. I want to be. I WILL be. Right? Uh huh.
Anywho, this is just a short one. Wanted to pay homage to an INCREDIBLE book. Seriously. I love it so much, I have on more than one occasion considered making it legal. Make an honest book out of it. Or something... *looks around awkwardly*
So...yes. ANNA. It is greatness. Page after page after page. Awe. Some.
LOVE.
This is the story of a girl named Anna from Florida who, for her senior year of high school, is sent to Paris, France, by her father. And she DOESN'T want to go. Crazy, right? But she has a maybe, almost, could-have-been boy/friend and she has this awesome job working with said boy, and...yeah. Getting uprooted for the most important year of high school isn't easy. But she goes, she meets a boy. Etienne St. Clair. Not just any boy. An ENGLISH boy. Who is technically an American. Confusing...but AWESOME. But it's complicated. Of course. And it happens in the most romantic city in the world! And...yeah. I just can't even describe it right.
The writing is just so effortless. Stephanie Perkins has completely captured the teenager in all of us. The uncertainty, the dialog, the feelings...all of it. I seriously can't wait to read it again. And the rest of her upcoming books! She is amazing.
The Genius.
Not only is the book entertaining, but it's educational. Yup. Some vocabulary terms I learned.
Callipygian: having well-shaped buttocks
Meretricious: alluring by a show of flashy or vulgar attractions; tawdry
See? Very useful in everyday conversation. Especially when you can use the 1st covertly in...mixed company. ; )
And a few of my favorite quotes:
“His friendship alone has strengthened me in a way that no one
else’s ever has. He swept me from my room and showed
me independence. In other words, he was exactly what I needed.
I won’t forget it. And I certainly don’t want to lose it.”
“How many times can our emotions be tied to someone
else’s--be pulled and stretched and twisted--before they snap?
Before they can never be mended again?”
“Boys turn girls into such idiots.”
“I wish for the thing that is best for me.”
“Meretricious. Showily attractive but cheap or insincere.’
Yes. Amazingness. Really. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Seriously. Okay. Now go read it.
I found this piece of paper in a random place while packing up stuff to move a couple months ago. I have absolutely no idea where it came from, but it is freakishly accurate. Thought I'd share. : )
ANIKA
Temperament: Idealist
You are the quintessential dreamer- spending more time thinking about the possibilites that the world holds for you, rather than your reality. You don't settle for anything less than what you truly desire, and you work very hard. You tend to live in every place except the present- you are prone to daydreaming about the future and re-thinking the choices you made in the past. Sometimes you get overly caught up in your thoughts.
Interests: Simple
You are continually pursuing a simpler and less complicated life- and you don't allow yourself to fall victim to all of the "should do's" that society continually bombards you with. You are thoughtful about your life choices and think in terms of yourself, others and the world in which we live. You have a great sense that we are part of something much bigger and we must be good to others, if we want others and the world to be good to us.
Amusement: Thoughtful
You are easily stressed out and overwhelmed- and you need to take care of yourself first and foremost. Because you tend to be self-reflective, you know your limits quite well and must remember to not exceed those limits. When you overwhelm you life with obligations and responsibilities, you tend to shut down and go into yourself even further. Take some time to find your serenity and kick back your feet.
Passion: Traditional
Your notions about romance are viewed as unrealistic by many, but don't let that stop you. When you think of romance, you think of huge gestures of commitment, sacrifice and love like we see in the movies. Flowers, chocolate, and wine are just some of the ways to your heart. You want to feel loved and treasured by your partner and you expect to be courted, admired and hotly pursued. You long for old fashioned dating.
So...yeah. Like I said, I haven't the slightest clue where this came from, but it pretty much got me right on the nose. Freaky. Haha!
Hi, all. What's new? Hope you're well. What's that? Oh, my shoulder? It's okay. I've stopped wearing the sling because I would still use my left hand and end up bent over because of the sling. It still gets a little sore, but much improved. Estimated complete recovery is another 4 weeks. Sigh. But I'm sure it will pass quickly. *crosses fingers*
Anyhoo, I just wanted to talk a bit about one of my favorite movies EVER. "The Fall". Directed by Tarsem Singh, starring Lee Pace of "Pushing Daisies" (ahem. I LOVE THAT SHOW SO MUCH I CAN'T EVEN TELL YOU BUT IT WILL HAVE TO WAIT FOR ANOTHER POST).
So. The Fall.
I first heard about this show when I was looking up Lee Pace. I clicked on the link for this movie on imdb.com and started reading about it. The story really captured me and the movie stills I saw were incredible, so I looked for a way to watch it online and that's how I first saw it. I really researched it beforehand and struggled with the fact that I was aware of the its rating before I watched it.
It was rated R.
For some people, that's really not a big deal, which is fine. I mean, to each their own. I'm not gonna tell anyone what they can or cannot watch. But for me, it gave me pause. I've always been very "NO. NO RATED R MOVIES EVER." For pretty much my whole life.
Although in full disclosure, I have seen 2 Rated R movies. 3, including The Fall. The first I saw was "Billy Elliot" when I was, like 12. I had no idea what it was rated and I didn't find out til afterward. My mom even rented it for me. I'm pretty sure she's not aware of that, but I guess she is now. : ) I liked the movie, but it was British, so I didn't understand half the dialog. Which is a good thing because the reason it was Rated R was because of language. I think.
The second movie I saw I borrowed from a friend. He highly recommended it, so I watched it. The rating wasn't clearly displayed on the case, but I had my suspicions. Once again, for language. It was "The Blues Brothers" with John Belushi and Dan Akroyd. I had heard references to it for years and after seeing it, I finally understood the inside jokes and everything. I liked it. But I don't think I need to see it again.
This is a still from the opening scenes of the movie. Gorgeous.
So, The Fall was the first movie that I watched knowing full well that it was Rated R. Let me explain a bit why I did. On imdb, there's a link on the movie's site where you can see all the reasons for its rating. Language, nudity, drugs, violence, etc. I clicked on that for The Fall and saw that there was no nudity, no language, a small amount of violence, and a small drug reference to Morphine. That's all. And there's the subject matter as well, which I will also explain in a bit.
Now I'm not trying to rationalize my actions. I knew what I was doing. I'm just telling you that I was well-informed of the entire matter before I made my decision to watch it.
Our heroes meet the Mystic. Look at that sky! And the reflection in the lake! Love.
As for the violence? There are a couple people who are shot or stabbed. There's a bit of blood splatter and fisticuffs. But honestly? I've seen worse on CSI or Bones! Bones, seriously. There's an episode I watched last week where a woman's head completely exploded after being shot with a high-powered rifle. And you pretty much see the whole thing! And there's blood squirting out of her neck and stuff. It was seriously gross. I love that show, but I really can't watch it while eating. Ever. *gag* The Fall has nothing as bad as that!
Alexandria visits Roy. I love their dynamic.
And for the subject matter and drug reference...well, I'll just sort of tell you the storyline to explain.
It's the story of a 9-year-old girl named Alexandria with a broken arm who's stuck in a hospital while her arm heals. She befriends a man named Roy (Lee Pace) who is confined to a bed after falling from a horse and injuring his back while doing a stunt for a silent film. (I can't remember what the actual date period is, but I'm thinking the '30s?) So Roy starts telling her this elaborate story to keep her entertained and to also coerce the little girl into getting a full bottle of morphine for him to "help him sleep" (it is implied that it's to take his own life, but never actually said as suicide explicitly). That would be the "subject matter" that I guess contributed to the higher rating.
A mounted butterfly transitions into a sandy island surrounded by
a butterfly-shaped reef. One of my favorite visuals.
I don't want to give too much of the story away in case you choose to see the movie. It is truly one of the best movies I've seen. All of these pictures are from the movie. Amazing, aren't they? The entire film is just visually stunning and so moving. The performance by Lee Pace is incredible, and I don't know how they got that little girl to cry so much! She did a great job.
I was watching the Special Features on the DVD and I discovered that Lee Pace was actually in a wheel chair the entire time he was playing Roy. They didn't tell Catinca (who played Alexandria) that he could walk until after they filmed the last scene at the hospital. I find that amazing. I don't know if it was because Lee is a method actor, or just to make it easier and less confusing on the little girl. She also called him "Roy" the whole time, on and off set. I suppose so she wouldn't say the wrong name. Completely brilliant performance from both of them!
The surrounding figures are people twirling, which seems bizarre, but
somehow fits just perfectly in the scene.
Anyway, so I'm not saying that I'm all about Rated R movies now. I haven't seen one since. I do own "The Fall", but it's the only Rated R movie I have. I watched it just yesterday and it still makes my mind reel. I love it. And I'll see it again. And again and again.
This is a video of the opening scene of the film. Along with the visual brilliance there is also the music which just blows me away. They included my absolute favorite symphony, Beethoven's 7th, 2nd movement. I really love it. And if you never see the movie, at least watch this. The black and white with the music and slow motion? I can't even explain how great it is. Just watch:
The lovely Lee Pace, who also plays the Masked Bandit in
the story Roy tells. But I like him unmasked. ; )
And I thank the glorious Lee Pace for bringing it to my attention. *stares at the picture, drools*
Hm? What? Oh, right. Ahem. So, yeah. This is my little "controversial" blog post. Comment at your leisure. Remember, no judgments here. As long as you do me the same courtesy. : )
Hey, guys. Just a little note about my injury. This isn't MY actual x-ray. They sent a cd home with me that had my x-rays on it, but it doesn't like Vista. Which I have. So, I found this online an it's very similar to my fracture. Mine is a little closer the end and not as much slippage of the bone. Luckily.
So. The story.
I went snowboarding on Tuesday afternoon with my friend EmRee Pugmire, her 5-year-old-son Grant, and another lady from the ward, Gwen. We went to Arrowhead, which is actually where Gwen lives so we just met her there. First run was fine. A few stumbles, but no big ones. I'm still trying to get used to the whole speed thing.
We were about half way down the first run (which is long, by the way) and EmRee warned me that it's pretty flat near the end getting back to the chairlift, so I needed to pick up some speed. Well, I didn't do that great a job. I was too far to the left and using toe edge to turn more just slowed me down. I ended up popping off my board and walking a bit back to the lift. Annoying. I hate that, but one of the perils of boarding. No way to propel yourself forward, like with ski poles.
So, we headed up the lift again. I followed EmRee down a different run, a little more steep, but not too bad. After that run, it merges into the same run we came down the first time. I knew about the flat spot at the bottom, so I was determined NOT get stuck again. I got to a steep part and was tempted to slow down, but I knew I needed the speed. I guess it was more than I could handle, cause I must have caught my toe edge and tumbled down hill. I hit the outside of my left shoulder and the left side of my face on the snow. My goggles and hat bounced to the top of head and I laid on my back for a few seconds.
Bruise by my eye from my goggles hitting the snow.
Hard to see, but it was swollen. And sore.
I sat up and knew immediately that something wasn't right with my shoulder. But I had to get down to the bottom one way or another, so I got back up on my board and rode down. Luckily I had enough speed to get all the way to the lift. My friends were waiting for me and I just said that I had a bad fall and I was done for the day. I was leaning on my board and must have been swaying a little, so I sat down and had some water. I could hardly use my arm. I made it back to my car and called my dad on the way home. I didn't really know if I needed to go the the ER or anything. I have the mentality of "What are they going to do, put me in a sling? Give me some pain meds? Pff." I think I get that from my dad. ; )
But I finally did. My roommate told me about a clinic a few miles away, so I drove there and got some x-rays. The diagnosis? Fractured clavicle. Great. And yes, I got a sling. And a prescription for pain medication. But at least the pain was justified. I've never had a broken bone before. Gotta say I'm not a fan.
I called my boss that night and she totally understood that I couldn't work the next day. She's been really great about the whole thing. I ended up taking Tuesday and Wednesday off and then worked Friday, Saturday, and then Sunday night after church.
It sucks, being injured. Yeah, the pain sucks, but also the annoyance and frustration of being so...restricted. I can't do all the normal things I do, like dress myself, shower, or bake without pain.
Tomorrow will be a week since the accident, and I'm really hoping thing get A LOT better. And fast. Yeah, yeah, I know it takes time. But, still.
Oh, and I also discovered a lovely bruise on my hip.
Nice, huh?
So, yeah. That's the story. I'll try to keep you posted. I'm feeling pretty good right now. No work today or tomorrow, so just rest and healin' time. Yay!
Hey, all. So...I really love to read, right? Yeah. Shiny electronic things have been capturing my attentions more often, though. I'm trying to change that. It totally helps that there are SO many awesome books out. Case and point: The Wings Series by Aprilynne Pike.
Wings is not your usual supernatural series.
I love fantasy, but after a while...it all starts to sound
the same, you know? Honestly, I haven't read many faerie stories, so this
is new to begin with, and the story that unfolds is even more unique.
Laurel is a teenage girl who has been
home schooled for years, but after moving to a new town, her parents think it's time to enroll in a real high school. She makes new friends and, of course, a boy. But one day, she discovers a small bump in the middle of her back. It continues to grow until one morning...it blossoms. Into the most amazing flower. With the help of her friend David, and the mysterious boy she meets in the forest near her old house,
she discovers her true identity.
I won't give too much away, but I highly recommend it! The second in the series is "Spells".
I just finished it.
Laurel and David have a relatively quiet six months after the events that happen in "Wings", but when Laurel is summoned to the Academy in Avalon, she learns how much she doesn't know about herself and her past. A really good read. Can't wait for number three!! "Illusions".
Hi, guys. Still working on the post for Boston. It's becoming lengthy. And my memory sucks. Also, I tried to bring it up to work on it, and blogger...wouldn't. I'm trying not to panic. STOP PANICKING!!!
Ahem.
So, yeah. I moved. To Colorado. It all happened VERY quickly.
I had an interview by phone with the Pastry Chef at the Lodge at Vail on Monday, October 25. It went INCREDIBLY well. She kept saying she loved my resume. Always a good sign. We talked about 20 minutes and she said she would make her decision by Wednesday of that week. I would most likely hear from Human Resources by Friday. Eeep!!
Too bad I didn't. Hear from HR, anyway. I was going out of my MIND the whole weekend. Nothing on Monday, either. Finally called Tuesday. No answer. Left a message. Gah!!
Got a call Wednesday, November 3rd. They were out of the office the day before and had I received the job offer through email yet? Uh...NO. Well, they resent. I GOT THE JOB!!! YAAAYYYY!!!! Um, starting the 11th? Like, in a WEEK? No bueno. Start date changed, after deliberation, to the 18th of November. EEEEKKK!!!!!
Still hadn't sunken in. Surreal. Bizarre. Me? Colorado? Move? Wha...?
Oh, and Laura, the Pastry Chef, DID make her decision that Wednesday morning to hire me. Somehow, I didn't find out for a week. Clerical error my...butt. ; ) Gave my 2 weeks notice that day. With my current schedule at Snowbird, my last day was actually the 13th, so the move occurred the next day, November 14th. A Sunday.
My room. Mid-packing. Chaos.
Trailer, van, and my car all packed. I slept
on the floor that night.
Good bye, room!! *sniff*
I was accompanied on my move by my awesome dad and my two crazy/wonderful younger sisters. I'm so glad they could come and we were able to spend this time together!! I love you guys!!
Um, thanks? Weirdos.
My awesome dad was willing to haul the trailer.
Thank you daddio!!
I'm sooooo GLAD I didn't have to pull the trailer!! I had to return it, and let me tell you, it was crazy. And it was empty!! It almost hit my car while I was trying to back up. Um...don't ask.
Windmills!! Somewhere in Utah. Yay!
Ashleigh is SUPER EXCITED to be driving my car.
I needed a break. : )
My best friend, GPS, and Sven, my polar bear
from IKEA.
Alex. Stoked to be in the back seat. ; )
And her new Blackberry.
Um...what? And no services? WHY IS THAT TOWN THERE?!?
Man, these town names...
GASP!!
I felt welcomed. : )
Ironically, we saw a rabbit here. By the side
of the road. : (
Sweet dad still towing. : )
A VERY blue building.
Interesting mountains. Pretty!
TUNNEL!!
INSIDE TUNNEL!!
That's the West-bound lane above us.
Yeah. I-70 is crazy.
Getting closer!! Whoo!!
Almost there!!
ARRIVED!!! And yes, that's a Wendy's.
Hallelujah!! Haha. ; )
I work here now.
Work uniform.
But more about that later. Anyway, things are good. Feeling pretty much settled after a month.
I'll try to update more often, but you know how it is. Or at least how *I* am. Heh.
So, I'm having a bit a brain-fart when it comes to blogging. I'm trying to write about Boston, but I've forgotten some stuff and keep getting distracted and crap. Frustrating!! So...in the mean time, here's an easy post that hopefully won't bore you. Enjoy!
The Doors!! Love me some Classic Rock!! : )
The Hunger Games. Heck yeah!
More Classic Rock. Floyd, anyone?
Brings back good memories.
WIN!!
Not mine! My sister's, but AWESOME.
Good cause. Look it up.
Ah...good times. Mostly. ; )
Newest one!!
*chuckle*
Whoo!! Love it!!
Gotten many compliments on this one.
Super ladies UNITE!!
Classic.
And just...yes. ; )
Hope you enjoyed them!! My collecting shows no signs of stopping. They make me happy!! Hope they do the same for you.
