This is supposed to be 30 things about me. Rachel (Just a Girl For God) tagged anyone with something on their feet, and considering it is freezing in my bedroom, that would definitely be me. I have fuzzy red socks on! Ok...here we go!
1. I always pick up heads-up pennies.
2. I collect bouncy balls and decks of cards.
3. I color to feel better about life and to de-stress myself. That's why my mom bought me four new coloring books for my 18th birthday. Apparently, senior year can be a little stressful.
4. I'm obsessed with fairy tales.
5. I feel most at home when I am singing something, be it on a stage, in a choir, in the shower, or in a car. I just love making music.
6. I wish I was a Disney Princess. One of my ultimate goals for my college years is to work in Disney World, and if I am really lucky/talented, work as Belle in Disney World,
7. Belle is my favorite Disney Princess, but really, I love them all.
8. Reading is basically my passion. If I could be a professional reader for a career, I would definitely do it. I have my own mini-library.
9. I love Starbucks. I hate their prices.
10. Cherry Chocolate Kisses and Caramel Kisses are my favorite treats.
11. I have had a crush on Josh Groban for about six years.
12. I love staying up late, but I am also a morning person. This sometimes annoys my friends.
13. I feel very secure and in control when I have a camera in my hands. Photography comes pretty naturally to me.
14. A lot of people say I have OCD. That's probably true.
15. I am a writer. I preserve memories.
16. I love hugging people.
17. Little kids can make me smile even when I am having an absolutely horrible day.
18. I am pretty good with computers, but apparently, I am a really horrible teacher when it comes to computer-related things. Bonus Fact: I have patience issues.
19. I worry about pretty much everything in life. I've been trying to stop that. It's a work in progress, but I'm doing a lot better.
20. My friends and family make my life completely wonderful. I adore them.
21. I am one of the Yearbook Editors at my school. My best friend Abby is one of the other ones. We have the best time doing the book even though it totally stresses us out.
22. I hate change.
23. I am kind of a picky person. I hate fire and germs and feet and and hardcover books and spiders and cliffhangers and lots of things.
24. Most of the time, I actually enjoy following the rules. And I never lie to my parents. It seems I'm just not capable of it even if I wanted to.
25. I dance, and I love it! And my dance teacher is the coolest.
26. Someday, I would love to plan weddings.
27. I am very fond of Build-A-Bear Workshop. You're never too old for stuffed animals!
28. I love movies. I just love, love, love them. Movies are amazing, wonderful, incredible creations. Most of the time, though, I do not like when books are made into movies. There are only a few exceptions.
29. My favorite authors are Sarah Dessen and Jane Austen. They are both marvelous.
30. Jesus Christ is my Prince Charming. To him, I am loved and cherished and beautiful and unique. He has given me the ultimate love story. It's so much more than I deserve.
Now, I tag anyone who loves chocolate. Sorry, I'm a little hungry.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Masterpiece
Wow. I watched this video that The Skit Guys did (they are amazing, by the way), and it was incredible. I cried, of course, but out of happiness that I was not only accepted, but loved and cherished and absolutely beautifully made by God. You can watch the video here.
I just love the part where he says, "I let you down, God." God responds that we don't hold Him up in the first place. He holds us up, and I am so grateful that He does. What a relief to realize that we can't let God down.
I don't have a lot to say; just watch the video, and tell me what you think.
All I know is that I am so happy that I am God's original masterpiece. That will always be enough.
I just love the part where he says, "I let you down, God." God responds that we don't hold Him up in the first place. He holds us up, and I am so grateful that He does. What a relief to realize that we can't let God down.
I don't have a lot to say; just watch the video, and tell me what you think.
All I know is that I am so happy that I am God's original masterpiece. That will always be enough.
Ok, This Connects With The Last Post
I just watched the movie version of The Jane Austen Book Club, and it was amazing, too. Everyone should read the book (pleeeeeease read the book first!) and THEN, watch the movie. Tell me what you think if you do!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
For The Bibliophiles
I have decided to dedicate one post (at least) a month to different books I come across that I absolutely love.
The first one, for August (my favorite month!) is The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler.
This was a fantastic book! I loved it so much!
It was packed with Jane Austen everything. The ways we relate to her and her incredible novels, the different things that we hate about her books that make us feel disloyal even thinking about because, obviously, it's Austen, and the love/hate relationship we have with Jane Austen.
It seems really incredible to me that Austen wrote all of these detailed plots and characters, and that a couple hundred years later, we're thinking some of the same exact things about our relationships!
We're annoyed by the super cute guy who thinks he's too good for us, but secretly, he adores us (we wish and hope and dream and pray).
We want to date that one guy, but we think he's totally out of our social class. Example: the book nerd with the huge crush on the jock. Ugh. Been there. Visited multiple times. Bought property.
And it even applies to our family life - getting along with siblings, dealing with our parents and their extremely high hopes for us, and feeling totally left behind and out of the family loop, at times. Jane Austen, somehow, realized that things wouldn't change with the years. She's a genius.
However, that is not to say that I don't have some issues with some of her books. I felt guilty for years finding problems with them, though. Who am I to dislike Austen? After reading The Jane Austen Book Club, though, I felt so much more at ease with my opinions. Yes, I want Marianne to end up with Willoughby! Yes, I think Fanny Price is sometimes too perfect! And yes, I sometimes wonder what in the world Jane Austen was thinking while she wrote Northanger Abbey!
But, just like best friends, we look past the arguments and issues we have with Austen because we love and adore her work. It's that simple. She is romance.
It truly is a love/hate relationship between Austen and her avid readers. We love most of the romances in her books; we crave the dashing suitors that she created; we wait for the happily ever after in each of our relationships because that is what her books encourage. Have you noticed that are a limited number of men in her novels? It isn't like now; you didn't go on dates every week with a different boy, testing them out. You had one or two, and you were courted. And in the Austen books, a happily ever after was made. That's the issue. That's the one thing that I don't believe can span the gap of years between us and Austen. We don't get a happily ever after every time. It's just not realistic.
I really like this quote from The Jane Austen Book Club. Karen Joy Fowler writes:
"It wasn't Jane Austen's fault that love went bad. You couldn't even say she didn't warn you. Her heroines made out well enough, but there were always other characters in the book who didn't finish happily - Brandon's Eliza in Sense and Sensability; in Pride and Prejudice, Charlotte Lucas, Lydia Bennet; in Mansfield Park, Maria Bertram. These were the women to whom you should be paying attention, but you weren't."
I just really, really enjoyed this book. I might just go read it again to catch all of the things I missed. Or maybe just go watch the movie.
I highly suggest that you read it for yourself, especially if you have an extreme love of Jane Austen. One way to tell if you are a Jane Austen fanatic, by the way, is if you cry every time you watch Becoming Jane. I know I do! If you have yet to be pulled into the Jane Austen fan club, The Jane Austen Book Club is still an excellent read. Just trust me.
The first one, for August (my favorite month!) is The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler.
This was a fantastic book! I loved it so much!
It was packed with Jane Austen everything. The ways we relate to her and her incredible novels, the different things that we hate about her books that make us feel disloyal even thinking about because, obviously, it's Austen, and the love/hate relationship we have with Jane Austen.
It seems really incredible to me that Austen wrote all of these detailed plots and characters, and that a couple hundred years later, we're thinking some of the same exact things about our relationships!
We're annoyed by the super cute guy who thinks he's too good for us, but secretly, he adores us (we wish and hope and dream and pray).
We want to date that one guy, but we think he's totally out of our social class. Example: the book nerd with the huge crush on the jock. Ugh. Been there. Visited multiple times. Bought property.
And it even applies to our family life - getting along with siblings, dealing with our parents and their extremely high hopes for us, and feeling totally left behind and out of the family loop, at times. Jane Austen, somehow, realized that things wouldn't change with the years. She's a genius.
However, that is not to say that I don't have some issues with some of her books. I felt guilty for years finding problems with them, though. Who am I to dislike Austen? After reading The Jane Austen Book Club, though, I felt so much more at ease with my opinions. Yes, I want Marianne to end up with Willoughby! Yes, I think Fanny Price is sometimes too perfect! And yes, I sometimes wonder what in the world Jane Austen was thinking while she wrote Northanger Abbey!
But, just like best friends, we look past the arguments and issues we have with Austen because we love and adore her work. It's that simple. She is romance.
It truly is a love/hate relationship between Austen and her avid readers. We love most of the romances in her books; we crave the dashing suitors that she created; we wait for the happily ever after in each of our relationships because that is what her books encourage. Have you noticed that are a limited number of men in her novels? It isn't like now; you didn't go on dates every week with a different boy, testing them out. You had one or two, and you were courted. And in the Austen books, a happily ever after was made. That's the issue. That's the one thing that I don't believe can span the gap of years between us and Austen. We don't get a happily ever after every time. It's just not realistic.
I really like this quote from The Jane Austen Book Club. Karen Joy Fowler writes:
"It wasn't Jane Austen's fault that love went bad. You couldn't even say she didn't warn you. Her heroines made out well enough, but there were always other characters in the book who didn't finish happily - Brandon's Eliza in Sense and Sensability; in Pride and Prejudice, Charlotte Lucas, Lydia Bennet; in Mansfield Park, Maria Bertram. These were the women to whom you should be paying attention, but you weren't."
I just really, really enjoyed this book. I might just go read it again to catch all of the things I missed. Or maybe just go watch the movie.
I highly suggest that you read it for yourself, especially if you have an extreme love of Jane Austen. One way to tell if you are a Jane Austen fanatic, by the way, is if you cry every time you watch Becoming Jane. I know I do! If you have yet to be pulled into the Jane Austen fan club, The Jane Austen Book Club is still an excellent read. Just trust me.
Monday, August 24, 2009
18 Years! :)
So...God has blessed me with 18 years!
I hope that I have managed to live a life that pleases Him up to this point, and I will continue to work hard every day to live my life (however many more years He gives me) entirely dedicated to Him.
I'm so grateful for all of the amazing blessings in my life.
God is soooo good!
I hope that I have managed to live a life that pleases Him up to this point, and I will continue to work hard every day to live my life (however many more years He gives me) entirely dedicated to Him.
I'm so grateful for all of the amazing blessings in my life.
God is soooo good!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Strength
Lately, I have been feeling like life is really, really good. Yes, I have a few struggles here and there, but I've just been feeling really blessed and satisfied and content; however, my friends are going through some really tough stuff. It seems like with every good thing that happens to me, something bad happens to them. I feel like God is using this happiness and peace that I have so that I can be a complete wall of strength for my friends.
I've always been the kind of girl who really feels for other people when they are suffering just as if it was happening to me. When something sad happens to my friends, I cry even before they do. I hurt when they hurt; I smile when they smile. I need to be there for them. It's just a part of how God programmed me. But sometimes, when things are just going so bad, I don't even know what to say!
Tonight was one of those nights. It was rough. I have a friend who's suffering, and I'm clueless as to how to handle it. Once again, though, God cleared things up for me. He guided my hands to open my Bible to 1 Chronicles 16:11-12.
"Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced."
Wow. God is awesome.
I have to believe that God will take care of my friends better than I ever could. I have to believe that He is constantly there for them, and for me, and I have to believe that He can still do miracles. If I don't believe these things anymore, then I will have nothing left. He is everything.
I've always been the kind of girl who really feels for other people when they are suffering just as if it was happening to me. When something sad happens to my friends, I cry even before they do. I hurt when they hurt; I smile when they smile. I need to be there for them. It's just a part of how God programmed me. But sometimes, when things are just going so bad, I don't even know what to say!
Tonight was one of those nights. It was rough. I have a friend who's suffering, and I'm clueless as to how to handle it. Once again, though, God cleared things up for me. He guided my hands to open my Bible to 1 Chronicles 16:11-12.
"Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced."
Wow. God is awesome.
I have to believe that God will take care of my friends better than I ever could. I have to believe that He is constantly there for them, and for me, and I have to believe that He can still do miracles. If I don't believe these things anymore, then I will have nothing left. He is everything.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
College Talk (Again)
So I had another long college conversation with my mom today.
I find myself thinking more and more about how much I love spending time with kids, and how I'd love to make a difference in their lives and help them make smart choices and feel loved. I've always said that I'd never be a teacher. I've grown up with two teachers, and I've seen everything - the good, the bad, and the absolutely ugly. But ever since I can remember, kids have just kind of...gravitated towards me. And I love them! Maybe I should go into teaching. I just don't know.
There are so many choices! I feel like I have these voices bouncing around in my head:
"Do this!"
"No, no, not that career. How about this one? It's so much better."
"You're smart. Go into math and science. It's the way to go."
"You're really artsy. Go into the arts; you'll be happier."
"Don't forget about money! You want money, don't you?"
"Forget about college! Go work at McDonalds! This is too much stress!"
I don't know what to do! The only voice I want to hear in my head is God clearly stating which direction I should take for my life. I'm trying to be patient and wait to see what He has planned, but it's my senior year. It's here. It's starting. I need a plan. I need to solve things. I need, I need, I need...
I need to let go and let God.
Easier said than done, but it has to be done, or I will go crazy. I am a teeny, tiny little human, a small speck on earth, and God has my life totally under control. My life story is already finished. He's got it covered. Sometimes that's so hard to remember.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
I thank God that He has everything taken care of. I thank God that He is so brilliant, and He has patience with a very impatient little girl like me. I thank God that He is so big when I feel so small.
I find myself thinking more and more about how much I love spending time with kids, and how I'd love to make a difference in their lives and help them make smart choices and feel loved. I've always said that I'd never be a teacher. I've grown up with two teachers, and I've seen everything - the good, the bad, and the absolutely ugly. But ever since I can remember, kids have just kind of...gravitated towards me. And I love them! Maybe I should go into teaching. I just don't know.
There are so many choices! I feel like I have these voices bouncing around in my head:
"Do this!"
"No, no, not that career. How about this one? It's so much better."
"You're smart. Go into math and science. It's the way to go."
"You're really artsy. Go into the arts; you'll be happier."
"Don't forget about money! You want money, don't you?"
"Forget about college! Go work at McDonalds! This is too much stress!"
I don't know what to do! The only voice I want to hear in my head is God clearly stating which direction I should take for my life. I'm trying to be patient and wait to see what He has planned, but it's my senior year. It's here. It's starting. I need a plan. I need to solve things. I need, I need, I need...
I need to let go and let God.
Easier said than done, but it has to be done, or I will go crazy. I am a teeny, tiny little human, a small speck on earth, and God has my life totally under control. My life story is already finished. He's got it covered. Sometimes that's so hard to remember.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
I thank God that He has everything taken care of. I thank God that He is so brilliant, and He has patience with a very impatient little girl like me. I thank God that He is so big when I feel so small.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Fictionally Yours
Ok, so, I was reading the blog of Just a Girl 4 God today, and she had this tag that was basically about books. I can't fill out the tag myself because the questions are too hard - how I can I possibly pick my absolute favorite male and female character from fiction? But, I have decided to address the topic of:
Favorite Male Fictional Characters
I have many. I'll just talk about some of them. It will be like a therapy session. Oh, and I should probably say that this kind of contains spoilers for certain books. Not exactly, though. I wouldn't just flat out tell the ending of any book. That's a horrid thing to do. (Note: These are not in order. I'd feel guilty if I had to order them. They're all so near and dear to my heart.)
1) Prince Char from Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
He is marvelous! He's so dashing and caring and romantic. I love how he sees the real Ella - funny, clumsy, spicy, smart - and he not only accepts all of those quirky traits, but loves them.
2) Mr. Knightly from Emma by Jane Austen
Ok, he's super. I've always loved the idea of a "best friend's older brother" or "best guy friend" type falling for the girl. It makes so much sense! Those are the boys who see us at our absolute worse - no make-up, messy hair, sweatpants - and don't think we're absolutely hideous. They know our hearts, and they're used to our personalities. Someday, I'd like to fall for someone who is one of those types, be it "best friend's older brother" or "best guy friend." Anyway, Mr. Knightly is always giving Emma advice, and he's not afraid to totally knock her down a peg or two...or five. It's so refreshing.
3) Jehu from Boston Jane by Jennifer L. Holm
So Jane is fancy little city girl who has to go live in the wilderness. Who is the official "wilderness guru," the only person she can turn to for assistance? Jehu. It's one of those relationships where you get really, really mad at the guy because he sees you at all of your worst possible moments, so you hate him all of the time, but really, there's an underlying attraction that you simply cannot get rid of. Have you noticed how easily we fall for the guys who have those little secret smirks that we can't understand or the ones that seem to be making fun of us when we don't know what we're doing? Yeah. That's Jehu. I love him.
4) Owen from Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
In this list, there will be at least three Sarah Dessen characters. I ask that you please deal with it; I love Sarah Dessen's books. She is my favorite author besides Jane Austen. Anyway, moving on to Owen. Yes, in the book he has anger management issues (but he's in therapy)! But he never lies! And he's the type of guy who is constantly encouraging you to just be you. I'm not sure about you, but I want that! I want someone who sees the real me, and thinks, "Wow! She's amazing! Everyone should see exactly what I see when I look at her!" I have an enormous crush on Owen.
5) Michael Hosea from Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
This is probably one of the most incredible books of all time. I suggest that you read it. The story is based on the story of Hosea from the Bible, how he is married to a prostitute, and no matter how many times she runs away from him or lets him down, he still absolutely adores her. He never gives up waiting for her and loving her. It's an amazing story. It reflects the love story that we have with Jesus Christ. He is just waiting for us to accept him. He loves us unconditionally. Michael Hosea is the ideal guy to fall in love with.
6) Edward Cullen from Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
I know that half of you are probably cheering this choice on, while the other half are booing me (sorry, Ab, but you haven't read the books, so don't judge...lol). I don't really care. I am not ashamed to say that I love the Twilight series, and I love Edward. The way he loves Bella just makes me melt. He's so attentive and sweet and selfless and old-fashioned. How can you not help but like him? But there's also the other side of things...
7) Jacob Black from Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
Yes, I love Edward, but I also love Jacob. He fits into that "best guy friend" role perfectly. He picks up the messy pieces of Bella's broken heart and tries to put them back together. Sometimes he's childish and sometimes he's annoying, but he's honest and good and has the best intentions in the world - Bella's happiness. I know that the Edward and Bella story is epic and all, but sometimes, I just wonder what it'd be like if Jacob and Bella were together.
8)Wes from The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
I love Wes! I don't even completely know why. Maybe because he's real, and hunky, and charming without trying, and just completely incredible. I really wish I had a Wes of my own.
9) Robert Langdon from The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown
I know he's a little old for me, but he's so awesome! He's brilliant, for one thing, and I have a major soft spot for these type of adventure/history novels where a guy and a girl end up working together, and they fall in love. The DaVinci Code, Angels and Demons, The Historian - all brilliant novels in which the two main characters fall in love while desperately fighting time to save the world. Or a corner of the world. That's near perfection, right there.
10) Sam from Bassakwards and Bellyup by Elizabeth Craft and Sarah Fain
He's snarky and sarcastic and gorgeous and real, and he believes in her! What could be better? And, he is completely unafraid to knock her on her butt more than a couple times when she needs it. Ah, true love.
11) Dexter from This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen
He's such a cute little music nerd! I adore Dexter. The way he's messy and wanna-be debonair and so dedicated to making Remy fall in love with him is enough to make me swoon! Seriously, Sarah Dessen is a genius at creating the most likeable, wonderful, fictional boys out of thin air. She has a gift.
12) Zack from Jinx by Meg Cabot
I just had a huge crush on Zack from the very beginning of the book. He's attractive and smart and funny, and he helps Jinx skip gym class to eat ice cream. There are very few things that are better than that! He's just so great. I love Zack.
13) Justin from Ever After by Karen Kingsbury
I can't really discuss Justin or this book without crying. I suggest that you go read the first book in this series, Even Now, and then read Ever After. Once you're done drying your eyes, we'll talk.
14) Ian from The Host by Stephanie Meyer
Yay, Ian! He's so great! How do I even explain how wonderful he is without sounding like a freak? Basically, he loves this girl who isn't really a girl, but a small worm-like alien thing, but even when he sees the small worm-like alien form of her, he thinks she's beautiful! Yeah...I'm sorry. The book isn't as creepy or stupid or as science-fictiony as I just made it sound. You should just go read it. You'll love Ian as much as I do.
15) Frederick Wentworth from Persuasion by Jane Austen
All you have to do is read his incredible letter that he wrote to Anne. It's probably the most romantic letter in all of fiction. You can read it here. It's brilliant.
Ok, well...I would like to take this opportunity to apologize for this absolutely obnoxious post. It was very long, and I rambled quite a bit. If you actually read the whole thing...well, then, consider yourself thoroughly loved by me! This definitely is not a complete list of all of my fiction crushes; that list would take years and years to compile. It's a mere fraction of the wonderful men who have entered my life through books.
Please post your favorite male fiction characters, and tell me about them! Perhaps it will give me some new boys to crush on. :)
Favorite Male Fictional Characters
I have many. I'll just talk about some of them. It will be like a therapy session. Oh, and I should probably say that this kind of contains spoilers for certain books. Not exactly, though. I wouldn't just flat out tell the ending of any book. That's a horrid thing to do. (Note: These are not in order. I'd feel guilty if I had to order them. They're all so near and dear to my heart.)
1) Prince Char from Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
He is marvelous! He's so dashing and caring and romantic. I love how he sees the real Ella - funny, clumsy, spicy, smart - and he not only accepts all of those quirky traits, but loves them.
2) Mr. Knightly from Emma by Jane Austen
Ok, he's super. I've always loved the idea of a "best friend's older brother" or "best guy friend" type falling for the girl. It makes so much sense! Those are the boys who see us at our absolute worse - no make-up, messy hair, sweatpants - and don't think we're absolutely hideous. They know our hearts, and they're used to our personalities. Someday, I'd like to fall for someone who is one of those types, be it "best friend's older brother" or "best guy friend." Anyway, Mr. Knightly is always giving Emma advice, and he's not afraid to totally knock her down a peg or two...or five. It's so refreshing.
3) Jehu from Boston Jane by Jennifer L. Holm
So Jane is fancy little city girl who has to go live in the wilderness. Who is the official "wilderness guru," the only person she can turn to for assistance? Jehu. It's one of those relationships where you get really, really mad at the guy because he sees you at all of your worst possible moments, so you hate him all of the time, but really, there's an underlying attraction that you simply cannot get rid of. Have you noticed how easily we fall for the guys who have those little secret smirks that we can't understand or the ones that seem to be making fun of us when we don't know what we're doing? Yeah. That's Jehu. I love him.
4) Owen from Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
In this list, there will be at least three Sarah Dessen characters. I ask that you please deal with it; I love Sarah Dessen's books. She is my favorite author besides Jane Austen. Anyway, moving on to Owen. Yes, in the book he has anger management issues (but he's in therapy)! But he never lies! And he's the type of guy who is constantly encouraging you to just be you. I'm not sure about you, but I want that! I want someone who sees the real me, and thinks, "Wow! She's amazing! Everyone should see exactly what I see when I look at her!" I have an enormous crush on Owen.
5) Michael Hosea from Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
This is probably one of the most incredible books of all time. I suggest that you read it. The story is based on the story of Hosea from the Bible, how he is married to a prostitute, and no matter how many times she runs away from him or lets him down, he still absolutely adores her. He never gives up waiting for her and loving her. It's an amazing story. It reflects the love story that we have with Jesus Christ. He is just waiting for us to accept him. He loves us unconditionally. Michael Hosea is the ideal guy to fall in love with.
6) Edward Cullen from Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
I know that half of you are probably cheering this choice on, while the other half are booing me (sorry, Ab, but you haven't read the books, so don't judge...lol). I don't really care. I am not ashamed to say that I love the Twilight series, and I love Edward. The way he loves Bella just makes me melt. He's so attentive and sweet and selfless and old-fashioned. How can you not help but like him? But there's also the other side of things...
7) Jacob Black from Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
Yes, I love Edward, but I also love Jacob. He fits into that "best guy friend" role perfectly. He picks up the messy pieces of Bella's broken heart and tries to put them back together. Sometimes he's childish and sometimes he's annoying, but he's honest and good and has the best intentions in the world - Bella's happiness. I know that the Edward and Bella story is epic and all, but sometimes, I just wonder what it'd be like if Jacob and Bella were together.
8)Wes from The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
I love Wes! I don't even completely know why. Maybe because he's real, and hunky, and charming without trying, and just completely incredible. I really wish I had a Wes of my own.
9) Robert Langdon from The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown
I know he's a little old for me, but he's so awesome! He's brilliant, for one thing, and I have a major soft spot for these type of adventure/history novels where a guy and a girl end up working together, and they fall in love. The DaVinci Code, Angels and Demons, The Historian - all brilliant novels in which the two main characters fall in love while desperately fighting time to save the world. Or a corner of the world. That's near perfection, right there.
10) Sam from Bassakwards and Bellyup by Elizabeth Craft and Sarah Fain
He's snarky and sarcastic and gorgeous and real, and he believes in her! What could be better? And, he is completely unafraid to knock her on her butt more than a couple times when she needs it. Ah, true love.
11) Dexter from This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen
He's such a cute little music nerd! I adore Dexter. The way he's messy and wanna-be debonair and so dedicated to making Remy fall in love with him is enough to make me swoon! Seriously, Sarah Dessen is a genius at creating the most likeable, wonderful, fictional boys out of thin air. She has a gift.
12) Zack from Jinx by Meg Cabot
I just had a huge crush on Zack from the very beginning of the book. He's attractive and smart and funny, and he helps Jinx skip gym class to eat ice cream. There are very few things that are better than that! He's just so great. I love Zack.
13) Justin from Ever After by Karen Kingsbury
I can't really discuss Justin or this book without crying. I suggest that you go read the first book in this series, Even Now, and then read Ever After. Once you're done drying your eyes, we'll talk.
14) Ian from The Host by Stephanie Meyer
Yay, Ian! He's so great! How do I even explain how wonderful he is without sounding like a freak? Basically, he loves this girl who isn't really a girl, but a small worm-like alien thing, but even when he sees the small worm-like alien form of her, he thinks she's beautiful! Yeah...I'm sorry. The book isn't as creepy or stupid or as science-fictiony as I just made it sound. You should just go read it. You'll love Ian as much as I do.
15) Frederick Wentworth from Persuasion by Jane Austen
All you have to do is read his incredible letter that he wrote to Anne. It's probably the most romantic letter in all of fiction. You can read it here. It's brilliant.
Ok, well...I would like to take this opportunity to apologize for this absolutely obnoxious post. It was very long, and I rambled quite a bit. If you actually read the whole thing...well, then, consider yourself thoroughly loved by me! This definitely is not a complete list of all of my fiction crushes; that list would take years and years to compile. It's a mere fraction of the wonderful men who have entered my life through books.
Please post your favorite male fiction characters, and tell me about them! Perhaps it will give me some new boys to crush on. :)
Psalm 46
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Come and see the works of the Lord, the desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire.
Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."
Sometimes I just need to read these words over and over again. Sometimes I just need to rediscover how powerful and mighty and incredibly amazing God really is. And sometimes, I just need a reminder that God is within me. He is within me, and I will aboslutely not fall. Yes, I will stumble. But I will not fall.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Come and see the works of the Lord, the desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire.
Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."
Sometimes I just need to read these words over and over again. Sometimes I just need to rediscover how powerful and mighty and incredibly amazing God really is. And sometimes, I just need a reminder that God is within me. He is within me, and I will aboslutely not fall. Yes, I will stumble. But I will not fall.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Chapsticks, Cameras, and Crowns
Ok so...I've had a suggestion to explain what the title of my blog actually means. Some people who know me really well probably don't need an explanation, but for those of you who don't know a lot about me, here you go.
Chapstick - I never go anywhere without chapstick. Ever. I have to have it. One time, I was going to school, and I forgot my chapstick. Lucky for me, I have an awesome dad who stopped to get some for me at the gas station. I take a writing class during the school year at a local college, and in my writing class, our teacher asked us to write Six Word Memoirs. By the way - Six Word Memoirs are so fun! You basically just try to write your life story, or an explanation of your life, in six words. One that I came up with was "Must have chapstick in my pocket." What's your Six Word Memoir?
Cameras - I love taking pictures! I'm a member of the yearbook staff at my school (actually, my two friends and I are Editors!), and we have this really, really nice camera that only occasionally acts naughty and screws up pictures for us. I love using it. I was thinking this morning how awesome the invention of the camera was. How cool is it that we can take a picture and record practically anything that happens in our lives? How else would we be able to freeze our memories, except through writing? It's so cool. In my opinion, cameras are one of the best inventions of all time.
Crowns - I went through the normal childhood obsession with princesses just like most girls do at a young age. But then, when I was 15, the obsession resurfaced. For my 16th birthday, I had a Disney Princess party complete with the balloons, the ice cream cake with Disney Princess figurines, and too many Disney Princess cards and presents to even keep track of. At that birthday, I received over 2,000 Disney Princess stickers. Since age 15, I have had four crowns and one magic wand. Two of those four crowns have had light-up capabilities. Also, I am working on writing a book called Crowned which is basically about the connections between Disney Princesses and the way a Christian girl should live.
So there you are! Hopefully that explains the blog title and tells you a little more about me!
Chapstick - I never go anywhere without chapstick. Ever. I have to have it. One time, I was going to school, and I forgot my chapstick. Lucky for me, I have an awesome dad who stopped to get some for me at the gas station. I take a writing class during the school year at a local college, and in my writing class, our teacher asked us to write Six Word Memoirs. By the way - Six Word Memoirs are so fun! You basically just try to write your life story, or an explanation of your life, in six words. One that I came up with was "Must have chapstick in my pocket." What's your Six Word Memoir?
Cameras - I love taking pictures! I'm a member of the yearbook staff at my school (actually, my two friends and I are Editors!), and we have this really, really nice camera that only occasionally acts naughty and screws up pictures for us. I love using it. I was thinking this morning how awesome the invention of the camera was. How cool is it that we can take a picture and record practically anything that happens in our lives? How else would we be able to freeze our memories, except through writing? It's so cool. In my opinion, cameras are one of the best inventions of all time.
Crowns - I went through the normal childhood obsession with princesses just like most girls do at a young age. But then, when I was 15, the obsession resurfaced. For my 16th birthday, I had a Disney Princess party complete with the balloons, the ice cream cake with Disney Princess figurines, and too many Disney Princess cards and presents to even keep track of. At that birthday, I received over 2,000 Disney Princess stickers. Since age 15, I have had four crowns and one magic wand. Two of those four crowns have had light-up capabilities. Also, I am working on writing a book called Crowned which is basically about the connections between Disney Princesses and the way a Christian girl should live.
So there you are! Hopefully that explains the blog title and tells you a little more about me!
Monday, August 17, 2009
"I only culture you because I love you!"
I am forcing my bud Abby to watch Slumdog Millionaire. She:
A) Thought it was a musical (and she despises musicals) and
B) Hates Bollywood
But I think she might end up liking it.
I want to learn how to do a Bollywood dance! They're so exciting!
I went to a summer dance class tonight (at Movement Unlimited Dance Studio - best dance studio ever), and I was just thinking about how much dance has done for me in the past year.
At the beginning of last year, I was extremely shy in dance class. I was really self-conscious about dancing and moving in front of people. I didn't like to put myself out there when it came to any type of dancing, whether it was auditioning for a musical or even hanging out a school dance. I just basically refused to dance in front of people.
But now - I can step up in a dance class and just enjoy myself. I don't care as much what people think. I dance because it's so much fun.
I noticed how much I changed when I went on a trip with a club from school. There was a DJ and a "dance" going on, and I got right in there with everyone and danced! Then, I helped to lead a line dance! I learned to let go and just dance. I love it.
The next obstacle is to learn how to let go and just sing in front of people. It will definitely be a huge obstacle for me.
A) Thought it was a musical (and she despises musicals) and
B) Hates Bollywood
But I think she might end up liking it.
I want to learn how to do a Bollywood dance! They're so exciting!
I went to a summer dance class tonight (at Movement Unlimited Dance Studio - best dance studio ever), and I was just thinking about how much dance has done for me in the past year.
At the beginning of last year, I was extremely shy in dance class. I was really self-conscious about dancing and moving in front of people. I didn't like to put myself out there when it came to any type of dancing, whether it was auditioning for a musical or even hanging out a school dance. I just basically refused to dance in front of people.
But now - I can step up in a dance class and just enjoy myself. I don't care as much what people think. I dance because it's so much fun.
I noticed how much I changed when I went on a trip with a club from school. There was a DJ and a "dance" going on, and I got right in there with everyone and danced! Then, I helped to lead a line dance! I learned to let go and just dance. I love it.
The next obstacle is to learn how to let go and just sing in front of people. It will definitely be a huge obstacle for me.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
WALDAMEEEEER!!!
Yay! I finally went to the amusement park that has been 45 minutes away from me for about half of my life!
Never mind that I drank too much lemonade, it was suuuuper hot, I almost got ill, and I had a headache for FIVE HOURS...it was so much fun!
I have the greatest friends in the whole wide world. <3
Never mind that I drank too much lemonade, it was suuuuper hot, I almost got ill, and I had a headache for FIVE HOURS...it was so much fun!
I have the greatest friends in the whole wide world. <3
Friday, August 14, 2009
Time To Grow Up
I really surprised myself tonight. I mean, I know I'm a total sap, and I cry when milk spills, but seriously. I thought I was going to be ok with all of this.
When I was 15, I started writing in my diary about graduation. Not mine, but everyone around me. I had a countdown:
Age 15: Good Friend #1 Graduates
Age 16: Good Friend #2 plus his girlfriend (Good Friend #3) Graduate
Age 17: Good Friends #WAY TOO MANY Graduate
I have been preparing myself for this summer since forever. I knew that this summer would be the one where they all would grow up, and I would get more than a little left behind.
I thought I was going to be able to handle it. I've learned a lot about growing up and moving on this year, and I thought it was going to be ok.
But it's the night before a good friend leaves. It's the start of the week before many good friends leave. And I don't know if I can handle this.
I hate hate hate hate change.
And college.
But I'm so proud of my friends for moving on to this next stage in their lives. I just wish that we could all go together.
When I was 15, I started writing in my diary about graduation. Not mine, but everyone around me. I had a countdown:
Age 15: Good Friend #1 Graduates
Age 16: Good Friend #2 plus his girlfriend (Good Friend #3) Graduate
Age 17: Good Friends #WAY TOO MANY Graduate
I have been preparing myself for this summer since forever. I knew that this summer would be the one where they all would grow up, and I would get more than a little left behind.
I thought I was going to be able to handle it. I've learned a lot about growing up and moving on this year, and I thought it was going to be ok.
But it's the night before a good friend leaves. It's the start of the week before many good friends leave. And I don't know if I can handle this.
I hate hate hate hate change.
And college.
But I'm so proud of my friends for moving on to this next stage in their lives. I just wish that we could all go together.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Relying on Men
So I'm laying on the gym floor at Kamp 4 Kids. We got flooded out of our tents, and we had to sleep inside. I'm reading my nightly devotional, which is actually part of my quest to read the Bible the entire way through. Side note: I'm about 3/4 of the way through it. Anyway, as I'm reading, I come across a verse that I immediately share with my friends, Amber, Abby, and Tanya, who are in their sleeping bags around me. The verse says:
"It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes."
Psalm 118:8-9
Now, being the extremely single and only slightly bitter girl that I am, I point out, jokingly, that if you twist this verse around, it's basically saying that we shouldn't trust guys. We shouldn't trust the whole "Prince Charming" persona.
I actually don't believe that, just so you know. I was just having one of those "girls against boys when they make us mad" moments that seem to happen way too often in high school.
But then last night, I came across another verse. It said:
"Do not put your trust in princes,
in mortal men, who cannot save."
Psalm 146:3
It sounds a lot like the other verse. But this time, it meant something more to me than a joking excuse to stay away from guys. To me, this verse was saying that Jesus is my Prince Charming. It was saying that I don't have to sit around and wait to meet a guy, to be rescued and carried off into the sunset by a dashing man on a white horse. Prince Charming doesn't have to be a distance dream. It's real! He's real!
Jesus is my Prince Charming! He rescued me; He delighted in me. I am cherished by Him, and He adores me.
How's that for a love story?
"It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes."
Psalm 118:8-9
Now, being the extremely single and only slightly bitter girl that I am, I point out, jokingly, that if you twist this verse around, it's basically saying that we shouldn't trust guys. We shouldn't trust the whole "Prince Charming" persona.
I actually don't believe that, just so you know. I was just having one of those "girls against boys when they make us mad" moments that seem to happen way too often in high school.
But then last night, I came across another verse. It said:
"Do not put your trust in princes,
in mortal men, who cannot save."
Psalm 146:3
It sounds a lot like the other verse. But this time, it meant something more to me than a joking excuse to stay away from guys. To me, this verse was saying that Jesus is my Prince Charming. It was saying that I don't have to sit around and wait to meet a guy, to be rescued and carried off into the sunset by a dashing man on a white horse. Prince Charming doesn't have to be a distance dream. It's real! He's real!
Jesus is my Prince Charming! He rescued me; He delighted in me. I am cherished by Him, and He adores me.
How's that for a love story?
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Insecure
So preparing for college and for my real life to start really sucks.
How am I supposed to know at age 17 and 351 days what I will be good at for the rest of my life?
Yes, I like to sing. But I get nervous singing in front of people. My voice shakes, I forget words, and I forget that the only person I should really be singing for is God. To be a singer, you have to be confident. You have to own the stage. You have to want to be there. I love the stage, but I have my doubts of whether I could really let myself go up there completely.
And I love to take pictures. It's just something that happened naturally. I hate change, and I hate forgetting things, so what better way (besides writing) to capture a memory so that I can always remember every thing that happened? I love developing my signature photography style - close, emotional head shots. I love capturing what people are thinking and feeling at any given time. I love bringing out the most beautiful part in people so that when they look at their picture, they think, "Wow. I'm wonderful. I'm fabulous. I'm me, and I'm more than ok." Helping people believe in themselves is really an incredible feeling.
And then there's writing. It's second nature to me now. There are 14 diaries from about 9 years of my life on my bookshelf, and various ten cent notebooks galore. I'm used to walking into Barnes and Noble and looking at the journals so that I can write in something pretty and unique. Writing is like breathing. Recording what happens, telling my feelings, making sure that I remember what things sound and look and feel like - that's what I do. But can I really be that writer girl? Can I really be that person who lives the lonesome life in front of her laptop, BS-ing her way through a story just to make a deadline? Can I really write for a living? Am I a solid enough writer that I can support myself through a hobby?
I have no idea what I am supposed to do. Three years ago, I felt like I was having a calling from God. I felt like he wanted me to do something in a creative field, but still helping people and connecting with people.
I just wish I had a solid plan. There's so many options. I feel like I'll screw something up and pick the wrong thing.
Real life is super complicated.
How am I supposed to know at age 17 and 351 days what I will be good at for the rest of my life?
Yes, I like to sing. But I get nervous singing in front of people. My voice shakes, I forget words, and I forget that the only person I should really be singing for is God. To be a singer, you have to be confident. You have to own the stage. You have to want to be there. I love the stage, but I have my doubts of whether I could really let myself go up there completely.
And I love to take pictures. It's just something that happened naturally. I hate change, and I hate forgetting things, so what better way (besides writing) to capture a memory so that I can always remember every thing that happened? I love developing my signature photography style - close, emotional head shots. I love capturing what people are thinking and feeling at any given time. I love bringing out the most beautiful part in people so that when they look at their picture, they think, "Wow. I'm wonderful. I'm fabulous. I'm me, and I'm more than ok." Helping people believe in themselves is really an incredible feeling.
And then there's writing. It's second nature to me now. There are 14 diaries from about 9 years of my life on my bookshelf, and various ten cent notebooks galore. I'm used to walking into Barnes and Noble and looking at the journals so that I can write in something pretty and unique. Writing is like breathing. Recording what happens, telling my feelings, making sure that I remember what things sound and look and feel like - that's what I do. But can I really be that writer girl? Can I really be that person who lives the lonesome life in front of her laptop, BS-ing her way through a story just to make a deadline? Can I really write for a living? Am I a solid enough writer that I can support myself through a hobby?
I have no idea what I am supposed to do. Three years ago, I felt like I was having a calling from God. I felt like he wanted me to do something in a creative field, but still helping people and connecting with people.
I just wish I had a solid plan. There's so many options. I feel like I'll screw something up and pick the wrong thing.
Real life is super complicated.
Monday, August 3, 2009
I Can't Sleep
This will be a complete ramble of an entry simply because I cannot sleep, and there are just too many thoughts bouncing around in my head.
I know, I know...I should just stop thinking. But it's so hard!
It's not like what happened was a big deal. In retrospect, especially to about 99.99999% of the population, it was a small deal. A tiny, miniscule, unimportant detail. A speck of nothingness.
But to me, a girl who stays away from dating, especially in the casual sense, and who is waiting for an extraordinary guy to appear, it was a huge deal.
Falling for anyone is a big deal for me.
But falling as hard as I did in such a short time - colossal, massive, humongous deal.
I am proud to say, however, that I am getting over it. I am trying to forget, or at least not dwell upon, everything that happened.
Yes, I sometimes have to re-read a text message or two from him.
Yes, I sometimes have to write his name somewhere, only to furiously scratch it out two seconds later.
Yes, I sometimes have to bring his name up in my phone contacts, think about deleting it, but keep it there anyway.
And yes, I sometimes have to literally distract myself to stop thinking about him, but I'm getting so much better.
Really.
And the best part of this - the forgetting and the getting over it - is that I know for a fact that I am doing the right thing. I am completely sure of that.
It feels good to do something right.
I know, I know...I should just stop thinking. But it's so hard!
It's not like what happened was a big deal. In retrospect, especially to about 99.99999% of the population, it was a small deal. A tiny, miniscule, unimportant detail. A speck of nothingness.
But to me, a girl who stays away from dating, especially in the casual sense, and who is waiting for an extraordinary guy to appear, it was a huge deal.
Falling for anyone is a big deal for me.
But falling as hard as I did in such a short time - colossal, massive, humongous deal.
I am proud to say, however, that I am getting over it. I am trying to forget, or at least not dwell upon, everything that happened.
Yes, I sometimes have to re-read a text message or two from him.
Yes, I sometimes have to write his name somewhere, only to furiously scratch it out two seconds later.
Yes, I sometimes have to bring his name up in my phone contacts, think about deleting it, but keep it there anyway.
And yes, I sometimes have to literally distract myself to stop thinking about him, but I'm getting so much better.
Really.
And the best part of this - the forgetting and the getting over it - is that I know for a fact that I am doing the right thing. I am completely sure of that.
It feels good to do something right.
Life Left To Go
I absolutely adore Safetysuit.
Their lyrics pretty much perfectly sum up twelve billion parts of life that I've always wanted to have the words to describe.
I don't even care that the closest concert is 6 hours away and waaaay too expensive since they're only the opening act - I HAVE to go.
Their lyrics pretty much perfectly sum up twelve billion parts of life that I've always wanted to have the words to describe.
I don't even care that the closest concert is 6 hours away and waaaay too expensive since they're only the opening act - I HAVE to go.
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