10 Most Played Songs

Posted in Music by

I thought I’d share my 10 most played songs, according to iTunes. 

1- No Way by Starkid Potter; 34 times; this is one of my favorite songs from both AVPM and AVPS.  It’s no surprise I’ve listened to it so many times,

2- Days of Summer by Starkid Potter; 26 times; also one of my favorite songs from AVPM and AVPS. 

3-Teenage Dream by Katy Perry; 21 times; I think it got played a lot during November, since it was one of the songs on my Turning Point playlist.  Plus, it’s kinda catchy.

4-Wildflower by The JaneDear Girls; 20 times; I was mildy surprised that I listened to this song so many times.  I really have no explanation for it.  But it is a pretty good song.

5-It Is What It Is by Lifehouse; 15 times; for some reason, this song reminds me of Broken (also by Lifehouse) and You Found Me (by The Fray).  For some reason, this song always makes me feel better.

6- Today Was A Fairytale by Taylor Swift; 15 times; it’s a really cute song, which is partly why I like it so much.  But I also like Taylor Swift, so…yeah. 

7- Love The Way You Lie by Eminem; 14 times; this song is really heart-breaking.  At least for me.  And haunting.

8- Obliviate from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 Soundtrack; 14 times; this song is also really haunting.  It’s easily the most recognizable from the soundtrack, and everytime I hear it, I think of Hermione erasing her parents memories of her. 

9- She Is Love (Full Band Version) by Parachute; 14 times; this song is really sweet. 

10- Jump Then Fall by Taylor Swift; 14 times; the 2nd Taylor Swift song on the list.  It’s also a very cute/sweet song.

Of Two Minds

Posted in Books by

I’ve read my 1st book for the 100-book challenge!

Title: Of Two Minds

Author: Carol Matas and Perry Nodelman

Pages: 200

What I Thought: It was a pretty quick read, and it took me about an hour or so.  I haven’t read it since 6th grade, so I was long overdue for a re-read.  Princess Lenora has the ability to make her imagination come to life, while Prince Coren has the ability to read minds.  For Lenora, the laws (not to mention her parents) prevent her from imagining things to reality; everyone can read Coren’s mind, which means his thoughts are rarely kept to himself.  The premise of the story is that Coren and Lenora are to be married, but during the wedding ceremony, Lenora imagines herself in a completely different world, and Coren is taken with her.  Together, they have to defeat Hevak, who’s an evil tyrant that can make people disappear.  Not have groups of people just disappeared, people have forgetten about them.  With Coren’s ability to read people’s minds, he can look for groups of people that have been made to disappear by Hevak (trolls, fairies and elves), and combined with Lenora’s ability to make them real, they are able to defeat Hevak. 

There were a few things that were interesting.  One, Hevak was trying to create a perfect world with no misfits.  I honestly have no idea if this was the authors intent (since the book is aimed at kids), but it did remind of me of Hitler.  Two, it turned out that Hevak was Lenora’s imagination!  Throughout the book (but mostly at the beginning), it was obvious that Lenora didn’t like the fact that no one used their ability, and all lived in the same boring world.  Hevak definitely was there to show Lenora what can happen when you mess with the balance of things.

Rating: On a scale of 1 to 5, I’d give it a 3.  It wasn’t good, but it wasn’t terrible either.  Just average.

Weird Dreams

Posted in General by

I know I have a lot of them, but unfortunately, I don’t remember a lot of them.  There was one I had (sometime during the night) where I was at Cosmos (cool coffee shop) and there was this girl doing ballet dressed up as a walrus and was trying to make it look like she was trying to fade into a picture of a whale. 

Found this one in my journal and copied word for word from it: back in march 2010, “a little girl went missing, and people are still looking for her, checking new technology.  I walked around the museum.  There was a filmmaker in communist Russia telling people that they could still leave, and that those in Communist Germany couldn’t.”

Apparently, there was no connection between, the little girl, me walking around the museum, and the filmmaker.  Apparently I was walking around the museum talking about shoes, according to the notes I had. 

And another dream: In April 2010 (nearly a month after the dream mentioned above), “I couldn’t find the keys for the north doors, and had to stay at the museum all night.  there was a camp-in.  all of the leads were there trying to figiure something out.  Another vsa was there too.  I tried locking the doors with a different key but I couldn’t.  People kept trying to come in and I kept telling them we were closed.  One man wanted to know why we closed at  and I just stared at him blankly.”

This one was also taken directly from my journal.  Honestly, I’ve had a lot of dreams about the museum, and most aren’t too weird.  Or at least, they weren’t weird enough for me to write down, apparently.  Of course, I’ve spent enough time there over the last 3-ish years to where dreams about the place weren’t unusual.  I guess it’s a byproduct of working at such a cool place.   

And another dream, date unknown, although I think it might be from June 2010, taken from…my random notes document: ”

I was at a birthday party when three people disappeared.  The one boy felt like his protection had disappeared because he was turning a certain age (unknown during the dream).  There was a neighborhood of creepy two-story houses.  The trio were trying to sell harry potter’s biography to get people to support their cause (also unknown).  They were traveling at night down a street that appeared to be H st.  They also traveled by plane with a Dumbledore-like man, so they could be protected.  The one boy went to this one house where he could only go up to a certain point.  There was a woman standing on the second floor balcony.  She later came up to the one boy and asked if she could have a copy of the book so that she could have information on harry potter.  The two boys went to this factory type place and it blew up.  There was wreckage, and the boys couldn’t get out because there were too many things in their way.  The things weren’t their earlier.” 

It’s some weird twist on Harry Potter!  I do believe it’s my 1st harry potter dream…one that I remember anyway.

I’d have to go through my old journals to see if I have any other weird dreams written down, because there aren’t many in this current one, which goes back about 3 years.  Only in the last month or so have I started to write in it more often.  Entries became more sporadic in 2009, it looks like. 

I didn’t have many weird dreams over the last 3 years.  Or if I did, I didn’t make an effort to write them down.  Because I feel like I did make the effort to do so at one point.  Dreams can definitely be a good inspiration for dreams  for writing, especially if they’re interesting enough.  I may need to write some of my dreams into my novels, since these aren’t enough to spark a novel.  Well, maybe the first one I talked about is…

Odds and Ends

Posted in General by

Yesterday afternoon, I spent a good hour or so trying to figure what books I’m going to read for the 100 book challenge I’m doing this year.  I have 49 books over at google books, just waiting for me to read- and the best part is that they’re all free!  Well, the ones I decided I wanted to read are free.  Plus, I have a bunch of books I haven’t read that are sitting on my bookshelf (and they’re feeling very sad that they’ve been sitting there so long).  And a bunch of books that I need to re-read and haven’t yet entered into goodreads.  I know I’ve read more than what I’ve entered, but I honestly can’t remember all of the books I’ve checked out from the library. 

The other day, I realized that I have a lot of stations over at pandora, and they’re all really different.  And random.  And speaking of music/stations, I’m really glad Jeff and Jer are going to back on the radio tomorrow!  It’s been a long year and a half without them!  Nothing against any of the other morning shows, but Jeff and Jer are, without a doubt, my favorites.  I’m even going to be up at 6 in the morning so I can listen to their first show since they’ve been off the air. 

It is pretty interesting looking at my favorites at stumble upon.  Apparently, I’m really into food/cooking, nature, photography, crafts, dance, ballet, writing, and history.  Well, of course, food/cooking would be the most popular, since the last few months, I’ve really been taken with cooking and baking.  Just from stumble upon, I’ll be busy cooking, and that’s not taking into account all of the food blogs I follow!  It amazes me that there’s so many cool things just floating around, and I never would have found it if it weren’t for stumble upon.   

I’m also excited because later, I’m going to extraordinary desserts in little italy.  Any place that has dessert in their name is a place that’s cool.  Plus, the lemon bar and blackberry (at least, I think it was blackberry) tea that I had from my 1st and only visit was pretty good.  Not extraordinary, but still pretty good.

Random note: If you want to see what I’ve read/am currently reading, what I’m listening to over at Pandora, and want to see my favorites at stumble upon, click on the purple, and it’ll take you to my pages.

Another random note: I managed to write an astounding 654 words yesterday morning!  Usually I manage 100-200 words, at most, but the words just kept coming, which makes me happy.  Turning Point is still the only one I’ve managed to continue adding to, even though I’ve had some of my other stuff open.  I just sit there, looking at it, and then I close it a couple minutes later.  So at least I’m working on something, even if I’m not working on everything that I had originally planned.

Stuff I’ve Made

Posted in Food, General by

Today, I thought I’d share some pictures of some of the stuff I’ve made.  Going through some of my favorites from Stumble Upon (one of the best things ever!), and from a bunch of food blogs I follow, I’ve realized I have a lot of potential food to make!  For the time being, I think it’ll be 2 or 3 things per month.

So, I made sugar cookies a couple days ago, and they’re already gone.  I’m not kidding when I say that these sugar cookies are some of the best that I’ve ever made.  I found the recipe over at Butter Sweet Melodie’s blog, if you want to check it out.

So, the above picture is a breakfast casserole, and it’s seriously one of the best things ever!  It has eggs, cheese, sausage, and the bottom layer is biscuits.  I found the recipe through stumble upon, and it’s buried deep in the 10 pages I have for food/cooking.  It’s pretty good as leftovers too.

And finally, taco soup, topped with sour cream and cheese!  Also very good; yet another recipe I found with stumble upon.  I have to say, I love the crockpot.  Seriously, you just throw everything in the crockpot, let it sit for most of the day, and then it’s ready!  I must find more crockpot recipes.

I already have 3 winners for November, and anything that goes in the crockpot is a winner in my book, just because in the few things I’ve made in the crockpot, there’s been minimal prep work.  Anything that’ll save time in November is a good thing.  Plus, with soup, I can make it in October and then take it out in November.  Cookies also freeze pretty well, so maybe this year, I’ll actually make stuff ahead of time, freeze it, and then I’ll have stuff pre-made for November.

Look After You

Posted in Look After You by

I read part of Look After You, one of my 2009 novels.  If you want to get technical, I read the attempted continuation that I did last May, but who cares about technicalities?  I thought I’d share some of the gems that I found.

  • That your independent and that your identity is dependent on me.” (this makes no sense- lindsay is independent, yet her identity depends on josh?)
  • I’m cute most of the time except for the times when I’m annoying.” (there’s nothing weird about this sentence, but I thought it was pretty funny)
  • “No one is offended the menu!” I exclaimed.  (my inner editor must hate me because of the wods words I tend to leave out; Updated 1/23, even with blog entries, my inner editor must hate me.  Leaving letters out can be just as funny/weird as leaving words out)
  • But it was the best food ever.  I kid you not.  Best fruit ever (*facepalm*)

Granted, that group isn’t that bad, because really, it could be worse.  A lot worse.  But considering I just…stopped after a week, it’s not a big surprise that it’s not nearly as funny as it could have been.  I couldn’t help but giggle, though, because there were parts that were just too cheezy.  It’s no wonder my inner editor hates me, and always wants me attention, with a lot of the stuff that just spews from my finger. 

I would also like to point out that a whole chapter was devoted to Lindsay hoping that her wedding would be a disaster.  And she talked about it while at her wedding.  She was pretty disappointed that she didn’t spill on herself, and that she only tripped once.  And I do believe there was something about needing to get drunk so something entertaining would happen.  Clearly, I wanted to have things wrong with Lindsay.  At least, I think I wanted something to be wrong with her, I really can’t remember now. 

I think I’m slowly re-reading everything, so who knows what I’ll find?

Fear of Death

Posted in Writing Prompts by

Today’s Prompt: Are you afraid of death?

Yes and no.  The actual thought of dying doesn’t scare me, because death is inevitable.  Unless a way to live forever comes along.  But how I die…that is what scares me.  I hope it’s not painful, and I don’t suffer.  I want it to be quick and painless.  With my luck, it’ll be painful and drawn out.  Or something stupid.  Although I have to say, I’d take stupid over painful and drawn out anyday. 

I don’t how accurate my answer really is, because I’ve never had any near-death experiences or anything (thankfully), although there was the one time when I had food poisoning and thought I was going to die.  Which was me being dramatic, but it was not a pleasant experience.  Anyway, I’m right in the middle, but my answer could change over time.

And Another Writing Prompt: What do you think about ghosts?

I definitely believe in ghosts.  I think it would be cool to see a ghost or have some other encounter with a ghost.  So a couple years ago, I went to the Whaley House in Old Town San Diego, and I have to say, it was pretty cool.  And there are some places you know have to have a lot of ghosts, like the Tower of London.  And you know the White House has to have a few ghosts running around.  I do like ghost stories.  And anything paranormal is interesting.  Perhaps I have another plot bunny on my hands.

Character Profile: Me

Posted in General by

I thought today I’d character profile myself. 

Hometown and Current City: San Diego!  (awesome weather the last few days!)

Siblings: Nope.  I’m an only child.

Favorite Color(s): Tie between pink, black, and purple.

Favorite Animal: Cats, Dolphins, and Butterflies

Favorite Soda: Dr. Pepper.  But I’m also partial to squirt and fresca.

Favorite Sports: Gymnastics, ice-skating, swimming, and baseball.  I will admit to watching the olympics 24/7 when it’s on, even the stuff I could care less about. 

Favorite subjects: english (which probably isn’t a big surprise) and history.  Or pretty much any social science.   

Favorite music:  it’s hard to say, but I think I have to go with country.

Favorite food: mexican and italian.  does dessert count?  because if it does, then it’s totally one of my favorites.

Favorite games: candyland; monopoly; mario kart; apples to apples 

Favorite tv shows: House, Grey’s Anatomy, Gilmore Girls and NCIS (why did I not start watching this show earlier?  I seriously need to catch up on it)

Fears: spiders, needles (although not as much as I used to be)

likes: the zoo; roller coasters; languages; swings; trampolines; baking!; coloring; board/card games

dislikes: ferris wheels (but I will go on them); bugs/insects; driving (there are some scary drivers out there!); wearing shoes

Majored in: sociology; almost double majored in sociolgy and social work, but then I ended up dropping social work as a major. 

When I was little I wanted to be: a teacher.  I think I said a nurse at one point.  But mostly a teacher.

If I were at Hogwarts, I’d be a: toss-up between Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw.  But I’m leaning more towards Hufflepuff. 

Favorite vegetables and fruit: watermelon, apples, carrots, brocoli, cauliflower, and tomatoes

Least favorite fruits and vegetables: brussel sprouts, asparagus, eggplant

favorite holiday: christmas and st patricks day

Least favorite holiday: valentines day and thanksgiving

Random Stuff:

  • I love coffee.  It’s my friend.
  • I went camping once, and it was fun. 
  • Disney movies are amazing (snow white is my all-time favorite)
  • i like fruit snacks
  • i love rachael ray
  • the last movie I was in theaters was Black Swan- it was good!  (but I’m still annoyed with the ending)
  • My grandma used to do arts and crafts, and I wished I had learned from her before she had her stroke. 
  • I’m 4’10- I’m just tall enough to go on roller coasters
  • I still sleep with a stuffed bear named Sammy.  I’ve had him for as long as I can remember.
  • I wear glasses.
  • I once sprained my ankle go-karting (and I still have no idea how I managed to do that)
  • I used to be a girl scout and I used to take ballet.
  • I also used to play softball

Country Music

Posted in Music by

It’s not funny how much I love country music.  Seriously, it’s totally awesome!  And it’s one of the very few genres I can listen to without changing the station every  seconds.  There’s a lot of story-telling in country music, which is part of the appeal.  Some of the songs are epicly funny (read: quite a few songs by Brad Paisley- Celebrity, Ticks, Alcohol), and some are OMG that song is my jam (Sideways by Dierks Bentley, Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy by Big and Rich, She’s Country by Jason Aldean).  And others are song that make me feel better (pretty much anything by Carrie Underwood and Kenny Chesney).

And of course, no blog post about country music is complete with mentioning Garth Brooks, Reba, and…Taylor Swift.  Mind you, I’m not putting Taylor Swift on the same level as Garth Brooks and Reba, because I’m not.  But country music is not country music without those three.  At least for me.

I definitely need to start listening to some of the older stuff…like Johnny Cash.  I’m partial to Willie Nelson.  But I’m definitely not up on most of the stuff before the 90’s…cuz the 90’s are my decade.    

Back to country music though, I love country music.  And it always makes me feel better.  Country music is completely amazing! 

I’ve mentioned a few of my favorites in country, but that is a very incomplete list.  Dixie Chicks, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, SheDaisy, Faith Hill, Trisha Yearwood, Tim McGraw, and Brooks and Dunn are also big favorites of mine.  Country music isn’t the same without them, at least in my book.