As a I'mtotallyboredoutofmymind post I figured I could share some stuff. First up- music!
I heard this song a few weeks ago and loved it right away. It took me hours to find out the name of it so I could find the lyrics and a You Tube video.
I had this song stuck in my head for three days straight! It's a really cheesy video- but I love the song.
Books-
I know I just wrote two posts about books, but I read a lot. I found another author that I like. Her name is Melissa Marr. She wrote a book called Wicked Lovely, which is wicked awesome! It's about a girl named Ash who can see faeries. Though the ending seems rushed to me, I still really like how it turns out. Especially because there is a sequel! It's called Fragile Eternity. I am currently reading it in fact. I'm hoping to make it last me more than two days, which is why I'm not reading it right now. She also wrote another book called Ink Exchange. It's a companion novel to Wicked Lovely. She takes some of the secondary characters in Wicked Lovely and tells their stories. I haven't read it yet, but I can't wait to!
That's all for now. We're ordering pizza and I've got a friend coming over to hang out. Facebook is a great way to find something to do!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Life IS Good
Honestly I didn't mean to not blog for a week. That's just how it happened. I got caught up in life and either didn't have the time or the energy to come and write a post. I do have a couple of things I want to share with you at a later date, one of them being a cool online store.
A little update on my life- I went to take my driving test for the 3rd time today. Those who have been reading my blog for a while know how difficult it has been for me. I scheduled the appointment last weekend and didn't tell anyone except a few people who needed to know. This is mostly because I feel that the more people who know the more nervous I'll be about letting them down, the more people I would have to tell I failed again. My Aunt Jen took me since my dad really makes me nervous when I drive. I got there on time and waited in line for 20-30 minutes. I finally got to the front of the line and what does the lady tell me? "You're late, you'll have to reschedule your appointment." So I rescheduled it and she tells me "Make sure you're here 15 minutes early next time! And don't wait in line." WTF?! Don't wait in line? Sure, NOW you tell me that.
Yeah, I cried. Out of complete frustration. I felt so ready. I've been preparing myself mentally for three days. I perfected my parking. I drove all around Keene. Just to make sure I was completely ready. I'm sure that if I had been allowed to take the test today I would have passed it. I guess the DMV has the reputation they have for a reason. I won't say when my next appointment is, for the same reason as before. My Aunt will be taking me again, though.
After the whole DMV incident Aunt Jen and I went shopping. I bought the rest of the clothes I'll need for college, and about a million other things I'll need for my dorm life. I'm lucky I've saved so much money- this stuff isn't cheap!
I also treated myself to this cute bag (Like I needed another...) because I needed the reminder.
A little update on my life- I went to take my driving test for the 3rd time today. Those who have been reading my blog for a while know how difficult it has been for me. I scheduled the appointment last weekend and didn't tell anyone except a few people who needed to know. This is mostly because I feel that the more people who know the more nervous I'll be about letting them down, the more people I would have to tell I failed again. My Aunt Jen took me since my dad really makes me nervous when I drive. I got there on time and waited in line for 20-30 minutes. I finally got to the front of the line and what does the lady tell me? "You're late, you'll have to reschedule your appointment." So I rescheduled it and she tells me "Make sure you're here 15 minutes early next time! And don't wait in line." WTF?! Don't wait in line? Sure, NOW you tell me that.
Yeah, I cried. Out of complete frustration. I felt so ready. I've been preparing myself mentally for three days. I perfected my parking. I drove all around Keene. Just to make sure I was completely ready. I'm sure that if I had been allowed to take the test today I would have passed it. I guess the DMV has the reputation they have for a reason. I won't say when my next appointment is, for the same reason as before. My Aunt will be taking me again, though.
After the whole DMV incident Aunt Jen and I went shopping. I bought the rest of the clothes I'll need for college, and about a million other things I'll need for my dorm life. I'm lucky I've saved so much money- this stuff isn't cheap!
I also treated myself to this cute bag (Like I needed another...) because I needed the reminder.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
My List
I meant to write this yesterday. Then again I planned on doing a lot of stuff yesterday that didn't get done! Just like the stuff I wanted to do today probably won't get done. xD
I was both surprised and unsurprised by the fact that most people hadn't read or even heard of most of the books on that list. I know I don't plan on going out and buying them! I have only read one book on it. The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper. It's actually a whole series- and a good one! My aunt gave me the box set years ago. They are all really short, very easily read, but still entertaining books. I think they have a good point to them, but I'm scratching my head as to why they are on an adult book list.
Anyway, here's my book list.
Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley - a lot of you said this one as well, for good reason- it's great!
1984 by George Orwell- I first read this book in 9th grade, and oh my gods do I love it! I've read it over and over since then. I had to read and keep a journal of it last summer as a part of my AP English class.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley- this is the other book I had to read and keep a journal of last summer for my AP English class. It was my first time reading it, but it has also become a favorite. It is a lot like 1984.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis- we were first introduced to these books in elementary school through the most popular of the books The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. I think they are all worth reading, though. In order is best since you learn so much more about the characters that way! Even though we read it in 3rd grade I think they are totally appropriate for adults. Children are entertained by the story, adults can be entertained by that and understand the underlying allusions.
The Last of the Really Great Wangdoodles by Julie Andrews Edwards- Okay, it's another one I read in elementary school. My 5th grade teacher read it to the whole class, complete with voices for each character! We then proceeded to draw out the amazing world and characters we were hearing described. It was a lot of fun. Any adult should be able to appreciate the wonders of Wangdoodleland, though, and maybe connect with their inner child a bit while they're at it!
Authors:
Diane Mott Davidson- She writes a murder mystery series where the main character is a caterer. So not only does this series satisfy my love for murder mysteries, I get recipes out of it! Some of my favorite treats have come from her. I first picked up one of her books at the Salvation Army. I'm glad I did!
Kim Harrison- I love this author! Her Hollows series was introduced to me by my Aunt Jen. It's wicked awesome. Three words- witches, vampires, and werewolves. And it all takes place in Cincinnati. Kim Harrison also just wrote her first book for teens. Once Dead, Twice Shy. I'm glad she decided to continue writing these stories about Madison, because I'm hooked!
I'm going to stop here before I name every book in my book case. That's enough!
Okay time to edit- I knew I would end up adding more! I really have a soft spot for the classics. These are my two favorites that are must reads for me. (Some day at least!) =0)
I have been wanting to read The Complete Works of Shakespeare for a couple years now. I haven't even come close! I've only read a few of his better known plays. My copy of his works just sits there on my shelf taunting me saying "You'll never read me!" It may be slow going, but I know I want to read them all some day.
The Canterbury Tales. Chaucer is right up there with Shakespeare in awesomeness. It's also the same deal with the taunting book just sitting on my shelf. Wanting to read this was sparked in part by my English teacher giving me the Geoffry Chaucer award and practically making me cry as he stood on the stage and talked about my love for English and my future plans for owning a restaurant. I went out and bought the book because I remember reading excerpts of it in the British Literature class and liking it.
I guess what partly draws me to these two is the flow of their words. They really did basically just write long poems.
I was both surprised and unsurprised by the fact that most people hadn't read or even heard of most of the books on that list. I know I don't plan on going out and buying them! I have only read one book on it. The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper. It's actually a whole series- and a good one! My aunt gave me the box set years ago. They are all really short, very easily read, but still entertaining books. I think they have a good point to them, but I'm scratching my head as to why they are on an adult book list.
Anyway, here's my book list.
Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley - a lot of you said this one as well, for good reason- it's great!
1984 by George Orwell- I first read this book in 9th grade, and oh my gods do I love it! I've read it over and over since then. I had to read and keep a journal of it last summer as a part of my AP English class.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley- this is the other book I had to read and keep a journal of last summer for my AP English class. It was my first time reading it, but it has also become a favorite. It is a lot like 1984.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis- we were first introduced to these books in elementary school through the most popular of the books The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. I think they are all worth reading, though. In order is best since you learn so much more about the characters that way! Even though we read it in 3rd grade I think they are totally appropriate for adults. Children are entertained by the story, adults can be entertained by that and understand the underlying allusions.
The Last of the Really Great Wangdoodles by Julie Andrews Edwards- Okay, it's another one I read in elementary school. My 5th grade teacher read it to the whole class, complete with voices for each character! We then proceeded to draw out the amazing world and characters we were hearing described. It was a lot of fun. Any adult should be able to appreciate the wonders of Wangdoodleland, though, and maybe connect with their inner child a bit while they're at it!
Authors:
Diane Mott Davidson- She writes a murder mystery series where the main character is a caterer. So not only does this series satisfy my love for murder mysteries, I get recipes out of it! Some of my favorite treats have come from her. I first picked up one of her books at the Salvation Army. I'm glad I did!
Kim Harrison- I love this author! Her Hollows series was introduced to me by my Aunt Jen. It's wicked awesome. Three words- witches, vampires, and werewolves. And it all takes place in Cincinnati. Kim Harrison also just wrote her first book for teens. Once Dead, Twice Shy. I'm glad she decided to continue writing these stories about Madison, because I'm hooked!
I'm going to stop here before I name every book in my book case. That's enough!
Okay time to edit- I knew I would end up adding more! I really have a soft spot for the classics. These are my two favorites that are must reads for me. (Some day at least!) =0)
I have been wanting to read The Complete Works of Shakespeare for a couple years now. I haven't even come close! I've only read a few of his better known plays. My copy of his works just sits there on my shelf taunting me saying "You'll never read me!" It may be slow going, but I know I want to read them all some day.
The Canterbury Tales. Chaucer is right up there with Shakespeare in awesomeness. It's also the same deal with the taunting book just sitting on my shelf. Wanting to read this was sparked in part by my English teacher giving me the Geoffry Chaucer award and practically making me cry as he stood on the stage and talked about my love for English and my future plans for owning a restaurant. I went out and bought the book because I remember reading excerpts of it in the British Literature class and liking it.
I guess what partly draws me to these two is the flow of their words. They really did basically just write long poems.
Monday, July 13, 2009
50 Books
I love reading the news on the MSN homepage. There are always interesting articles about random things. Like this one I read a week or so ago called 50 Books for Our Times. In case you don't feel like checking it out (or can't), here's the intro.
I honestly have to wonder how they picked these books! I've only ever heard of a handful of them. And I've only read one of them. If you do decide to check out the list please tell me how many you've heard of and read. I'd like to know.
Despite being the books I 'should' be reading, most of them don't sound interesting to me and I don't plan on spending my time reading them when I have so many other books I'd rather read. I think I should make my own list of books. Actually, I think everyone should make their own list of books!
So- what books do you want to read, have read and think are wicked awesome, or even just think you should probably read at some point.
What to Read Now. And Why.
We know it's insane. We know people will ask why on earth we think that an 1875 British satirical novel is the book you need to read right now—or, for that matter, why it even made the cut. The fact is, no one needs another best-of list telling you how great The Great Gatsby is. What we do need, in a world with precious little time to read (and think), is to know which books—new or old, fiction or nonfiction—open a window on the times we live in, whether they deal directly with the issues of today or simply help us see ourselves in new and surprising ways. Which is why we'd like you to sit down with Anthony Trollope, and these 49 other remarkably trenchant voices.
I honestly have to wonder how they picked these books! I've only ever heard of a handful of them. And I've only read one of them. If you do decide to check out the list please tell me how many you've heard of and read. I'd like to know.
Despite being the books I 'should' be reading, most of them don't sound interesting to me and I don't plan on spending my time reading them when I have so many other books I'd rather read. I think I should make my own list of books. Actually, I think everyone should make their own list of books!
So- what books do you want to read, have read and think are wicked awesome, or even just think you should probably read at some point.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
I've Been Busy
Since my last post I've just been wicked busy. I made peanut butter cheesecake brownie babies, I made no bake cookies, and I made strawberry jam. All three are great!
The brownie babies you definitely need to use paper liners for like the recipe says. I didn't have any so I just sprayed the pan, but the bottoms stuck because the peanut butter and cream cheese 'filling' is so heavy. Instead of cool whip I used some heavy cream to make my own whipped cream.
Yesterday I wanted cookies, but we're actually experiencing warm weather so there was no way I was turning the oven on. Solution- no bakes! I added coconut and cut up almonds to them. And I think next time I'll cut back on the sugar because they are just way too sweet.
The jam turned out great. I used the recipe off the pectin box. My sister has already had a peanut butter and jam sandwich with it. She said it tastes just like it smells -awesome! I tried some on a sandwich but I've never been a huge fan of jam and jelly. When I want a sandwich I don't want a sweet one. My dad thinks I'm nuts because I spent hours making it and I bought all the stuff to make it, but I probably won't eat it. I wanted to make it because I wanted to make it. I'm giving half of it away. The batch made nine jars! I couldn't have been happier than when I found out that it had sealed correctly. I was so worried that I had done something wrong at first.
Last night my sister and I house sat for our Aunt Taunya. Basically we were just there to make sure the house didn't spontaneously combust or anything. They've lost two houses to fires. They have password protected wifi, so even though I brought my laptop with the intent of blogging, I couldn't. Have you ever been in a house where everything is so open that every noise sounds louder than it really is? Their house is like that so I didn't sleep well last night. I think I'm taking a nap this afternoon.
I'm going to go and enjoy this warm weather while we've got it!
The brownie babies you definitely need to use paper liners for like the recipe says. I didn't have any so I just sprayed the pan, but the bottoms stuck because the peanut butter and cream cheese 'filling' is so heavy. Instead of cool whip I used some heavy cream to make my own whipped cream.
Yesterday I wanted cookies, but we're actually experiencing warm weather so there was no way I was turning the oven on. Solution- no bakes! I added coconut and cut up almonds to them. And I think next time I'll cut back on the sugar because they are just way too sweet.
The jam turned out great. I used the recipe off the pectin box. My sister has already had a peanut butter and jam sandwich with it. She said it tastes just like it smells -awesome! I tried some on a sandwich but I've never been a huge fan of jam and jelly. When I want a sandwich I don't want a sweet one. My dad thinks I'm nuts because I spent hours making it and I bought all the stuff to make it, but I probably won't eat it. I wanted to make it because I wanted to make it. I'm giving half of it away. The batch made nine jars! I couldn't have been happier than when I found out that it had sealed correctly. I was so worried that I had done something wrong at first.
Last night my sister and I house sat for our Aunt Taunya. Basically we were just there to make sure the house didn't spontaneously combust or anything. They've lost two houses to fires. They have password protected wifi, so even though I brought my laptop with the intent of blogging, I couldn't. Have you ever been in a house where everything is so open that every noise sounds louder than it really is? Their house is like that so I didn't sleep well last night. I think I'm taking a nap this afternoon.
I'm going to go and enjoy this warm weather while we've got it!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Failed Strawberry Creations
So far the most successful thing I have done with those strawberries is put them in a big gallon size freezer bag and make a smoothie with some of them. Sunday I made the virgin strawberry bellinis. No one really liked them. I didn't think it tasted too bad, but the carbonation in the sparkling cider made me feel sick. (I don't drink carbonated drinks very often.) Even though I won't make it again maybe someone else will try it and like it. They were actually really easy to make!
Virgin Strawberry Bellinis
14 ounces fresh strawberries
6 ounces water
1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 ounces fresh lemon juice
3 ounces chilled sparkling apple cider
Directions
In a medium saucepan, bring to a boil 14 ounces of hulled fresh strawberries, 6 ounces of water and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Remove from the heat and let cool. Stir in 1 1/2 ounces of fresh lemon juice. Transfer the strawberry mixture to a food processor and blend until smooth; strain through a fine sieve. Pour 1 ounce of the strawberry puree into each of 5 flutes and top with 3 ounces of chilled sparkling apple cider.
We didn't use all the strawberry puree from the bellinis, so I decided to use it to try and make cookies. Instead of following the recipe for strawberry cookies that I had. Bad idea! I won't elaborate on that one.... I may try to make strawberry cookies some other day, following the recipe, if I do I'll post about it.
The next thing I have to do with the strawberries is try making jam with them! I need to borrow the canning equipment from my grandma.
Right now I'm just tired and hungry. One thing I know is I don't want strawberry anything. My mom is cooking Hamburger Helper- yum!
Virgin Strawberry Bellinis
14 ounces fresh strawberries
6 ounces water
1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 ounces fresh lemon juice
3 ounces chilled sparkling apple cider
Directions
In a medium saucepan, bring to a boil 14 ounces of hulled fresh strawberries, 6 ounces of water and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Remove from the heat and let cool. Stir in 1 1/2 ounces of fresh lemon juice. Transfer the strawberry mixture to a food processor and blend until smooth; strain through a fine sieve. Pour 1 ounce of the strawberry puree into each of 5 flutes and top with 3 ounces of chilled sparkling apple cider.
We didn't use all the strawberry puree from the bellinis, so I decided to use it to try and make cookies. Instead of following the recipe for strawberry cookies that I had. Bad idea! I won't elaborate on that one.... I may try to make strawberry cookies some other day, following the recipe, if I do I'll post about it.
The next thing I have to do with the strawberries is try making jam with them! I need to borrow the canning equipment from my grandma.
Right now I'm just tired and hungry. One thing I know is I don't want strawberry anything. My mom is cooking Hamburger Helper- yum!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Our Findings
I consider yesterday a very successful shopping trip! I found four shirts. The three in the first picture and the one I'm wearing in the second picture. I also found a black sweater that I didn't take a picture of. I found an awesome pair of cargo pants (I'm wearing them in the second picture) and six pairs of jeans. I bought all the jeans at the Salvation Army because I could not find any jeans at the mall. It was the most frustrating thing! I was not going to pay for jeans with giant rips in them just because they are "in style". I'm not very gentle with my jeans, so I need them to hold up. Then, some stores had weird sizes. One store would only have even numbers and another would only have odd numbers. I would always fall in between two numbers! I won't pay for pants that don't fit me right. Oh well. I saved money by going to the Salvation Army, and they already have that comfy feel to them.
I also found two books at the Salvation Army.
Then when we woke up this morning my mom and dad seemed to both be in bad moods so my mom and I went to a flea market to get out of the house. We found this! It holds our potatoes and onions. We were worried about finding a place for it, but it fits right next to the stove.
I also found this cool penny in a bottle.
Belated Happy 4th! Last night I made the non alcoholic version of Mrs. B's Sangria. It's good!
I also found two books at the Salvation Army.
Then when we woke up this morning my mom and dad seemed to both be in bad moods so my mom and I went to a flea market to get out of the house. We found this! It holds our potatoes and onions. We were worried about finding a place for it, but it fits right next to the stove.
I also found this cool penny in a bottle.
Belated Happy 4th! Last night I made the non alcoholic version of Mrs. B's Sangria. It's good!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Strawberries
Just over 8 pounds of strawberries there. (Or strawbabies as some of my family members affectionately call them.) We went and picked them this morning over at Dutton Farm. This is something we started doing last year and I'm glad we did. It's fun! Sure, I've picked strawberries off my aunt's bush before, but there are rows and rows of strawberries here!
The only problem was that today is the first day in about two weeks that it hasn't been raining. The rain destroyed a lot of the strawberries. It was difficult to pick through all the bad ones to find the good ones.
I've got plans for these strawbabies! I'm going to-
Make jam
Make cookies
Make virgin strawberry bellinis
And I'm going to freeze a bunch to use for smoothies!
I do not plan on sitting and eating any of them. I actually can't stand the texture of berries, so the only way I'll eat them is buy making something with them. There's plenty for my mom and sister to enjoy eating, though!
I'll post any recipes I use once I start making stuff. It needs to be soon, because I can't let these sit for too long.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Two Posts That Inspired Me
This morning I read two blog posts that inspired me. I rushed to work and forgot all about them, but then I came home and re-read them and was re-inspired by their awesomeness. The two posts are Brandi's Monday Mission, and Jamie's post about not being afraid to have your own style. I'm sitting here now trying to figure out if they can be connected in any way, but that's just that part of my brain talking. The part that needs to analyze everything and find connections. Instead of listening to that part of my brain I'm going to continue writing about why these posts inspired me so much!
First Brandi's doing it imperfectly. Could this have posted at any better time? I don't think so. I've got all these creative ideas flowing through my head, even as I type. The problem is I would most likely start them, and quickly decide I'm not doing it 'right'. This is why I stop doing so many things I love doing. Writing for one example. I criticize myself, and I can be brutal, so I just stop doing whatever it is. Well I'm going to write this quote down somewhere so I can see it next time I think of stopping in the middle of a project. "Anything worth doing is worth doing badly." - Julia Cameron
Now Jamie's fearless fashion sense. Fashion scares me. Where I live it's all jeans and t-shirts. There are exceptions, but the majority of people (all ages)wear jeans and t-shirts. That's what I wear, it's what I'm used to. And in my family we all wince at the thought of spending a lot of money on our clothes. Just looking at the price tags on the nicer clothes makes me want to die. $20 for a shirt? $50 for pants?! How can anyone spend that much? I guess I do have that negative view of fashion that Jamie talks about.
Anyway, for school in September I need to have white button up shirts and black dress pants. When I first realized this I had no clue what I was going to do. I still don't. I hate walking into stores where they sell these kinds of clothes. I feel so out of place. I own a few shirts now, but I'm stumped on the pants. I'm going to the mall this weekend, so I guess I'll look there. I also want to update my wardrobe. I've never really gone clothes shopping at the mall before, so this will definitely be interesting! I'll be wincing the entire time, but I swear I'm going to actually buy some nice clothes! Maybe I'll ask my cousin to come with us, she'll defend me when my mom tries to make me buy clothes I know I'll never wear.
Thank you Brandi and Jamie! This is why I love blogging, I know I'll always be inspired daily by wonderful people.
First Brandi's doing it imperfectly. Could this have posted at any better time? I don't think so. I've got all these creative ideas flowing through my head, even as I type. The problem is I would most likely start them, and quickly decide I'm not doing it 'right'. This is why I stop doing so many things I love doing. Writing for one example. I criticize myself, and I can be brutal, so I just stop doing whatever it is. Well I'm going to write this quote down somewhere so I can see it next time I think of stopping in the middle of a project. "Anything worth doing is worth doing badly." - Julia Cameron
Now Jamie's fearless fashion sense. Fashion scares me. Where I live it's all jeans and t-shirts. There are exceptions, but the majority of people (all ages)wear jeans and t-shirts. That's what I wear, it's what I'm used to. And in my family we all wince at the thought of spending a lot of money on our clothes. Just looking at the price tags on the nicer clothes makes me want to die. $20 for a shirt? $50 for pants?! How can anyone spend that much? I guess I do have that negative view of fashion that Jamie talks about.
Anyway, for school in September I need to have white button up shirts and black dress pants. When I first realized this I had no clue what I was going to do. I still don't. I hate walking into stores where they sell these kinds of clothes. I feel so out of place. I own a few shirts now, but I'm stumped on the pants. I'm going to the mall this weekend, so I guess I'll look there. I also want to update my wardrobe. I've never really gone clothes shopping at the mall before, so this will definitely be interesting! I'll be wincing the entire time, but I swear I'm going to actually buy some nice clothes! Maybe I'll ask my cousin to come with us, she'll defend me when my mom tries to make me buy clothes I know I'll never wear.
Thank you Brandi and Jamie! This is why I love blogging, I know I'll always be inspired daily by wonderful people.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Herbs and Flowers
We were shopping at Walmart this morning and what do I see sitting there? An herb garden kit! I've been wanting to try this again, (I had a similar kit years ago) I just hope they live. The box says "guaranteed to grow", but who knows with me?
Then I made my dad take me to Beadniks (gotta love that store!) so I could buy stuff, and I found that little egg shaped thing. It was called 'Fairies' Favorite Flower!' and said 'Believed To Attract Fairies!' I bought it without a second thought. Something as small as that is just wicked convenient, it fits right on my windowsill. It also says it's guaranteed to grow, but most of the seeds looked crushed.
Fingers crossed that I don't really have a black thumb! Have a good Sunday. <3
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