2007: A Year in Review

Quite plainly, 2007 has been quite a year, in so many ways.

WORLD:

-The Chinese scare us all with their poison toys
-Virginia Tech has a mass shooting, leaving 31 dead
-Alberto Gonzales makes a complete fool out of himself
-Midwest doesn't merge; the cookies stay (thank god)
-UWMadison makes a huge break through in the world of stem cells
-A bridge collapses in Minneapolis, killing 13 and injuring many more
-Al Gore won't shut up about global warming, no one else will either for that matter
-Oil prices rise, fall, rise, fall, whatever
-The Presidential Election continues to heat up; the field is narrowed down a bit
-Primaries are moved up considerably
-A Writers Strike begins; no end in sight yet
-Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is released; initial US printing of 12 million; and US & UK first day sales reach 11 million
-Brown replaces Blair as PM
-Nancy Pelosi becomes the first female speaker of the house
-Larry Craig makes the phrase "wide stance" mainstream and launches a million jokes
-Karl Rove leaves the White House
-Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, Blackwater, and waterboarding are hot topics
-Pakistan's PM Benazair Bhutto is assassinated; ramifications yet to be seen
-Wildfires in Cali, what's new?
-Boris Yeltsin, Norman Mailer, Kurt Vonnegut, Evel Knieval, Ingmar Bergman, Lady Bird Johnson and several others die



PERSONAL:

-I turn 17.....and can watch R rated movies (17 isn't so exciting of a birthday)
-Take two more AP tests--get 5's on both (AP Lang & Comp, AP Euro)
-Cassie continues her 3rd year at Madison, becomes a bigger polisci nerd than I thought possible
-Jenny continues her Art History (note: there is no and between those two words)
-Jen, Cassie, Amy, and I go to Green Bay in August for the PPCC reception & scrimmage in August; eat lots of delicious cookies (and popsicles)
-I spend a week in Washington DC for Presidential Classroom and have an awesome time, getting to hear Colin Powell speak and spending a day in Philadelphia (which is also awesome)
-I have a lot of snowdays for school (3, I think)
-I successfully complete all of my New Years Resolutions
-I read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows; a little part of me dies inside; Jen, Cassie, and me were also first in line (What's that? We can't hear you from the number one spot.)
-Madison accepts me, and I am pumped
-I start my senior year of high school, love and hate every moment of it
-The Departed becomes my favorite film
-Internet Explorer introduces tabs, this makes me happy
-I went to prom, still love my dress
-Jenny decides to study abroad in London baby!
-I develop a personal vendetta against roosters
-I read 19 (almost 20) books
-My family sees The Nutcracker; my father also reveals some unknown dancing talents
-Rosemary potatoes--need I say more?

Let's hope 2008 is just as exciting of a year.

Happy Christmas

Happy Christmas (War is Over)

John Lennon

So this is Christmas

And what have you done

Another year over

And a new one just begun

And so this is Christmas

I hope you have fun

The near and the dear one

The old and the young

A very merry Christmas

And a happy New Year

Let's hope it's a good one

Without any fear

And so this is Christmas

For weak and for strong

For rich and the poor ones

The world is so wrong

And so happy Christmas

For black and for white

For yellow and red ones

Let's stop all the fight

A very merry Christmas

And a happy New Year

Let's hope it's a good one

Without any fear

And so this is Christmas

And what have we done

Another year over

And a new one just begun

And so happy Christmas

We hope you have fun

The near and the dear one

The old and the young

A very merry Christmas

And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one

Without any fear

War is over

If you want it

War is over now

Merry Christmas

Snow Day!

Haha! Another snow day for me! And on the perfect day, Harry Potter and the OotP came out on DVD. I bought new lights for my room (the others burned out) and now I get to watch Harry Potter with pretty new purplish/pink lights. I love snow days, but I love it even more that we don't have to make this one up. AND, tomorrow is only a half-day. This is awesome.

Dad's Favorite Commercial

This is Dad's favorite commercial. He was quite pumped when I found it online. Have to love that man.

Fairy Tales

"If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales."

-Albert Einstein

Free Rice

www.freerice.com

A highly addicting vocabulary game. At least for dorks like me. And, for a good cause.

The Fifth of November

Remember, remember, the Fifth of November, the gunpowder treason and plot. I know of no reason why the gunpowder treason should ever be forgot... But what of the man? I know his name was Guy Fawkes and I know, in 1605, he attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament. But who was he really? What was he like? We are told to remember the idea, not the man, because a man can fail. He can be caught, he can be killed and forgotten, but 400 years later, an idea can still change the world. I've witnessed first hand the power of ideas, I've seen people kill in the name of them, and die defending them... but you cannot kiss an idea, cannot touch it, or hold it... ideas do not bleed, they do not feel pain, they do not love...

You're Accepted!

Yay! I'm going to Madison! I'm in. I finally don't have to worry about it or think about it anymore. They must have seen me sitting in David T. Cannon's class yesterday...not falling asleep while he talked about interest groups. I was even wearing a Badger sweatshirt when I found out. See, I already have school spirit.
I'll see you soon Bucky!

Read this Article

You should read this article about global warming. It makes a lot of good points.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/uc/20071023/cm_uc_crpbux/op_334171;_ylt=AjqozWibMuXOu6KZz0oMW1r9wxIF

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

The Perks of Being a Wallflower-Stephen Chbosky

Published in 1999

213 pages

I love this book. I love it for every reason you can love a book. It's insightful, it's hilarious, it makes you think. I can't think of a single thing wrong with it. It's great when you read a book at just the right time in your life. The novel seems so simple, but it pulls you in and keeps you there till the very end. It is the perfect tale of growing up, catcher in the rye-esque at every turn, yet completely unique. I give it an A+

"We accept the love we think we deserve."

"Then I turned around and walked to my room and closed my door and put my head under my pillow and let the quiet put things where they are supposed to be."

"And I thought that all those little kids are going to grow up someday. And all of those little kids are going to do the things that we do. And they will all kiss someone someday. But for now, sledding is enough. I think it would be great if sledding were always enough, but it isn't."

Dogs are way better pets than squirrels

Glorious Autumn

Tis the time of Autumn. There is nothing quite like the crisp days of autumn for me. It is a time of change, time for a breath of fresh air. The cool wind awakens the body and mind to ideas of change. With my window thrown wide open, I can snuggle deep into my cozy blankets and fall into a peaceful doze. The bright red and orange leaves jump out to you against the clear blue sky. Scarfs and sweaters become standard wear. Hot chocolate warms the soul on cold nights. The sun blazes brightly but the wind is cool and crisp. Leaves crunch under foot, a sound unlike anything else. Autumn is the culmination of the year, the final result of all that has happened. One last explosion of color before the white sheet of winter. How I love thee.

Talk Like a Pirate Day

Ahoy me maties! Today ye shall talk like pirates. Avast! Here are some pirate things.

What's a pirates favorite type of DNA?..............arrrrRNA

In actuallity, there were many different types of pirate flags. Look here.

You can catch up on your pirate speak here. I enjoy Skuttle me Skippers.

And the best pirate of all...Captain Jack Sparrow.

So go enjoy ye day o pirates! Savvy??

Really, who comes up with these days???

Seventeen Things to Love

I hear it's someone's birthday!! In honour of Cassie entering her 3rd decade, her are 17 (the decided upon number) things to love about her! Happy Birthday Cassie!

1. She thinks we live in a weird time zone.

2. She introduced me to Madison and for this I cannot thank her enough.

3. What would summer be without the trip to Green Bay?

4. On that note, I now am graced with the knowledge of being able to recite the entire 1996 season tape..."Enjoy the journey, enjoy the road to get there. We work too hard, all of us, we work too hard..."

5. Cassie has taught me that books and knowledge is cool.

6. Cassie told me to read HP that fateful day so many years ago.

7. She really, really doesn't like marshmallows. And she seemed quite surprised by it.

8. The concept of drinking water from a mug was introduced by her, and I have never quite been the same since.

9. While she seems quite reserved and normal, she is actually quite the nutter.

10. She really seems to have a thing for red haired boys.

11. Most admirably, she puts up with my and Jenny's shenanigans.

12. House and Choixie is just about the best thing ever. What the hell is it?

13. Cassie is one of the few people who can keep up with my Friends references and this makes me happy.

14. She has a green pumpkin named Fitzgerald. Need I say more?

15. There is nothing quite like playing the countries game with Cassie. We have got to do that next time.

16. Her love of political science is quite endearing and her overall nerdness awesome.

17. She is simply adorable in everyway.

Fireworks at Lake Michigan

Today was a very nice Sunday. Jen, Cassie and I spent the day in Madison together and enjoyed each other's company. I even got to buy a nice planner. (I am way too excited about this.) And Cassie bought some awesome thank you cards that came in an even awesomer box. Techinally though, Jenny bought all of this. Odd.

Tomorrow is back to school, which is quite difficult this year due to the compliation of several factors. Hopefully it gets better.

Other than that, things are...what they are. I am quite enjoying this fall weather. I think it is truly my favorite time of year. It is just so gorgeous to me. I'll leave with a postsecret and a quote:

"No matter where you go and what you do, you live your entire life within the confines of your head."

Apples are more liberating than cocks

Is it really the second day of September? As in the month school starts, autumn appears, football, Cassie's birthday, all that jazz? I mean I realized that school starts, but somehow it escaped my mind that that meant September also began.

Summer is now over, and what a summer it has been. There is nothing I can really say to sum the summer up. It was just oc.

But now I look forward to my senior year and whatever is to come. Currently, I am eating a tomato. And yes, I am eating a tomato and a tomato only. Weird on several levels.

There isn't too much to really say. I have just been trying to adjust to life as it now is and how it will be. Change can be good.

The Hardest Part-Coldplay

And the hardest part

Was letting go not taking part

Was the hardest part

And the strangest thing

Was waiting for that bell to ring

It was the strangest start

I could feel it go down

Bittersweet I could taste in my mouth

Silver lining in the clouds

And I

I wish that I could work it out

And the hardest part

Was letting go not taking part

You really broke my heart

And I tried to sing

But I couldn't think of anything

And that was the hardest part

I could feel it go down

You left the sweetest taste in my mouth

You're a silver lining the clouds

Oh, and I

Oh, and I

I wonder what its all about

Everything I know is wrong

Everything I do it just comes undone

And everything is torn apart

Oh and that's the hardest part

That's the hardest part
Yeah, that's the hardest part

That's the hardest part

PostSecret

I thought this one was really sweet and cute.

Toffee-Nosed

So summer looks like it's about to come to a close. Cassie's back in Madison, hopefully she will have time to make her bed. After I got home from Madison, I was super productive. I cut the grass (no easy feat) and cleaned and rearranged my room. And here are the results:

I'm very happy with the new arrangements. It is very homey. I also hooked my computer up my printer, which will be useful. It feels good to have my room all spiffed up.

I also recently got my class schedule, and I am very happy with it. The only down side is no early release and Sager 8th hour will be hard sometimes. I am very excited for Western Civ and obtaining the knowledge that every citzen should have. I am very ready for school to start. But I can't believe it's really only one week until I'll be back in those halls again.

Even though you want to move forward in your life, you may have one foot on
the brakes. In order to be free, we must learn how to let go. Release the fear.
Refuse to entertain your old pain. The energy it takes to hang onto the past is
holding you back from a new life.

7 Random Things

St. Francis of Assisi (One of my favorite paintings)

And a link to my favorite blog for a post about HP that just makes me sad now.

House: I assume 'minimal at best' is your stiff upper lip British way of saying "no chance in hell."
Dr. Chase: Actually, I'm Australian.
House: You put the Queen on your money, you're British.



For more comedy, listen to a little Demetri Martin. Hilarious.






And a little postsecret:

Your Personality is Very Rare (INFP)

Your personality type is dreamy, romantic, elegant, and expressive. Only about 5% of all people have your personality, including 6% of all women and 4% of all menYou are Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving.

How Rare Is Your Personality?

And next Tuesday, Bravo will be having a Project Runway marathon (season 1). And I am excited. I miss my Tim Gunn.

July 18: Accio Deathly Hallows (no spoilers)

A Poem

"Death is Nothing At All"

Henry Scott Holland

--------

Death is nothing at all,

I have only slipped away

into the next room.

I am I,

and you are you;

whatever we were to each other,

that, we still are.

Call me by my old familiar name,

speak to me in the easy way

which you always used,

put no difference in your tone,

wear no forced air

of solemnity or sorrow.

Laugh as we always laughed

at the little jokes we shared together.

Let my name ever be

the household word that it always was,

Let it be spoken without effect,

without the trace of a shadow on it.

Life means all

that it ever meant.

It is the same as it ever was.

There is unbroken continuity.

Why should I be out of mind

because I am out of sight?

I am waiting for you,

for an interval,

somewhere very near,

just around the corner.

All is well.

(HP Spoiler Warning)

And then there were seven

So...once again, there are not really words that seem to fit my current state. It was an amazing ride though. I'm just trying to let it all sink in. I'm fairly certain that I love it, but I have to go back and actual read it and figure out the finer details. I'm sure I'll come up with more enlightening comments in future days, but for now all I can do is say wow...

There's no need to call me 'sir' professor

Words cannot fully convey how I feel right now. This is the end of a beautiful, mystical, breath-taking adventure that I fully embraced. I was in 5th grade when I read the first book, a mere 10 years old. Now I am 17, a wholly different person than 7 (interesting coincidence) years ago, but still every bit infatuated with this piece of history in the making. I am elated to be able to say that I am a loyal fan, appreciating everything the series is, and everything it stands for. I cannot wait for the day in many years when I can sit down my children and hand them the first book, and tell them of the magic it conjured. Jo, you have given me such much joy, happiness, and I think most importantly, knowledge. I came of age with these books, learning along with Harry that life is not perfect, to expect the unexpected, and the truly most magical belief that love conquers all. So I thank you Jo, for giving me the boy wizard who you invented so long ago on that train, and I thank you for giving the world a book that shows no age barrier, allowing the entire world to be infatuated. Thank you.

"Snow was swirling against the icy windows once more; Christmas was approaching fast. Hagrid had already single-handedly delivered the usual twelve Christmas trees for the Great Hall; garlands of holly and tinsel had been twisted around the banisters of the stairs; everlasting candles glowed from inside the helmets of suits of armor and great bunches of mistletoe had been hung at intervals along the corridors."

"His hand closed automatically around the fake Horcrux, but in spite of everything, in spite of the dark and twisting path he saw stretching ahead for himself, in spite of the final meeting with Voldemort he knew must come, whether in a month, in a year, or in ten, he felt his heart lift at the thought that there was still one last golden day of peace left to enjoy with Ron and Hermione."

Summer Breeze

It has been perfect out these past two days or so. It is just the right temperature, cool breeze, clear, blue skies. Oh so lovely. I have succeeded, no, excelled, at doing positively nothing today. I have eaten breakfast, watched TV in bed, read some HP, and now am here. It has been lovely. Of recent, I attended the midnight premiere of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, which was bloody brilliant. Of course that is what I think after every film, so I will have to wait and see before I make a real judgement. But I really did like it a lot. Otherwise, I have been busy rereading all six of the HP books in preparation for Deathly Hallows in (gulp!) eight days. I am so pumped for it. But I can't believe it is so soon. I also read both Bridget Jones's Diaries(reviews later) and loved them. But now, for HP quotes:

"Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure." -Luna Lovegood

"The Aurors are part of the Rotfang Conspiracy, I thought everyone knew that. They're working from within to bring down the Ministry of Magic using a combination of Dark magic and gum disease." -Luna Lovegood

Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a manner of
traveling.

I drink from a bubbler

Back from DC! I had a great time there, met lots of awesome people, saw cool (and sad) monuments, and had one uber-awesome speaker (COLIN POWELL!). I love that guy. He is so much more chill than most people probably think. I also like what he has to say.

I also went to Philadelphia while there, seeing National Constitution Center, Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. All very cool places, especially the National Constitution Center. I saw the Vietnam, Korean, Lincoln, and Jefferson memorials. In addition, I went to Arlington and I just have to say that the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are amazing. Their precision is insane.

Overall, I had a fabulous time (especially explaining to people what the hell a bubbler is). Presidential Classroom, DC and Philly are all awesome.

(Korean Memorial)

Oh, also awesome, the Capitol Steps. They are a political satire singing troupe. Love it.

Washington D.C. Time

In approximately 21 hours, I will be on a plane for Washington D.C.! I am pumped. Because then, all chaos breaks loose. Just a few days after I get back, the 5th movie will be released, and then it is TEN days until the book. HOLY CRAP. That's crazy. I still have to reread all of them! But until then, I will be in D.C., enjoying the nation's capital and all it has to offer.

"Silhouetted against the golden moon, and growing larger every moment, was a large, strangely lopsided creature, an it was flapping in Harry's direction. He stood quite still, watching it sink lower and lower. For a split second he hesitated, his hand on the window latch, wondering whether to slam it shut. But then the bizarre creature soared over one of the street lamps of Privet Drive, and Harry, realizing what it was, leapt aside. Through the window soared three owls, two of them holding up the third, which appeared to be unconscious. They landed with a flump on Harry's bed, and the middle owl, which was large and gray, keeled right over and lay motionless. There was a large package tied to its legs." (Owl Post)

"Ah," said Fudge, who looked thoroughly disconcerted. "Dumbledore. Yes. You, er, got our - er - message that the time and - er - place of the hearing had been changed, then?"

"I must have missed it," said Dumbledore cheerfully. "However, due to a lucky mistake I arrived at the Ministry three hours early, so no harm done."

"Yes - well - I suppose we'll need another chair - I - Weasley, could you--?"

"Not to worry, not to worry," said Dumbledore pleasantly; he took out his wand, gave it a little flick, and a squishy chintz armchair appeared out of nowhere next to Harry. Dumbledore sat down, put the tips of his long fingers together and surveyed Fudge over them with an expression of polite interest.

"The hats have gone," Hermione said happily. "Seems the house-elves do want freedom after all."

"I wouldn't bet on it," Ron told her cuttingly. "They might not count as clothes. They didn't look anything like hats to me, more like woolly bladders."

I can handle my cutlery

"Listen to me, Harry. It is too late, you understand me? You must see that Professor Snape's version of events is far more convincing than yours."
"He hates Sirius," Hermione said desperately. "All because of some stupid trick Sirius played on him--"
"Sirius had not acted like an innocent man. The attack on the Fat Lady--entering Gryffindor Tower with a knife--without Pettigrew, alive or dead, we have no chance of overturning Sirius's sentence."
"But you believe us."
"Yes, I do," said Dumbledore quietly. "But I have no power to make other men see the truth, or to overrule the Minister of Magic. . . .
Harry stared up into the grave face and felt as though the ground beneath him were falling sharply away. He had grown used to the idea that Dumbledore could solve anything. He had expected Dumbledore to pull some amazing solution out of the air. But no. . .their last hope was gone.
"What we need," said Dumbledore slowly, and his light blue eyes moved from Harry to Hermione, "is more time." (Hermione's Secret)

Two Modern Classic Book Reviews

Things Fall Apart

Chinua Achebe

Published in 1958

212 pages

I liked this novel a lot. It is a traditional African novel, following the life of a clansman and his triumphs and more often, turmoils. The main character, Okonkwo, is a strong, male figure, a model for the tribe. He and his three wives are a proper example of the community. However, as the titles suggests, things fall apart. Misfourtune occurs from the inside, along with some external factors that further complicate the lives of the characters. The book was emotional, intriguing, and informative in an informal way. I feel like a learned a little something about African tradition and culture. I would strongly recommend this book. Overall: A-

Catcher in the Rye
J.D. Salinger

Published in 1951

224 pages

Exponentially different than the previous novel, but equally intriguing. I loved it. Of course, that hardly comes as a surprise, but I just had to say it. Classic teen angst novel with plenty of humor and astute observations. I definetly think everyone should read this around 17 or 18 to get the most out of it. The narration was what really hit me. I loved how informal and chatty it was. There is really nothing bad I can say about it, other than the ending is a little open, but I think that is how it had to be. Overall: A

Goodbye Blair, Hello Brown

Nice alliteration PM's. In honor of this historic day, a fitting quote:

"He had been standing alone in this very office, savoring the triumph that was his after so many years of dreaming and scheming, when he had heard a cough behind him, just like tonight, and turned to find that ugly little portrait talking to him, announcing that the Minister of Magic was about to arrive and introduce himself. Naturally, he had thought that the long campaign and the strain of the election had caused him to go mad. He had been utterly terrified to find a portrait talking to him, though this had been nothing to how he felt when a self-proclaimed wizard had bounced out of the fireplace and shaken his hand. He had remained speechless throughout Fudge's kindly explanation that there were witches and wizards still living in secret all over the world and his reassurances that he was not to bother his head about them as the Ministry of Magic took responsibility for the whole wizarding community and prevented the non-magical population from getting wind of them." (The Other Minister)

"Not to worry," he had said, "it's odds-on you'll never see me again. I'll only bother you if there's something really serious going on our end, something that's likely to affect the Muggles -- the non-magical population, I should say. Otherwise it's live and let live. And I must say, you're taking it a lot better than your predecessor. He tried to throw me out the window, thought I was a hoax planned by the opposition." -Fudge (The Other Minister)

This was brilliantly British.

Striving not to go to grad school is hard work

"And do I look like the kind of man that can be intimidated?" barked Uncle Vernon.
"Well..." said Moody, pushing back his bowler hat to reveal his sinisterly revolving eye. Uncle Vernon lept backward in horror and collided painfully with a luggage trolley. "Yes, I'd have to say you do, Dursley."


"The thing about growing up with Fred and George," said Ginny thoughtfully, "is that you sort of start thinking anything's possible if you've got enough nerve." -Ginny Weasley

Gus the watering can

"Harry, Ron, Seamus, Dean, and Neville changed into their dress robes up in their dormitory, all of them looking very self-conscious, but none as much as Ron, who surveyed himself in the long mirror in the corner with an appalled look on his face. There was just no getting around the fact that his robes looked more like a dress than anything else. In a desperate attempt to make them look more manly, he used a Severing Charm on the ruff and cuffs. It worked fairly well; at least he was now lace-free, although he hadn't done a very neat job, and the edges still looked depressingly frayed as the boys set off downstairs." (The Yule Ball)

being cassie's sister is expensive

"The Weasleys and their guests were sitting in the living room, which Ginny had decorated so lavishly that it was rather like sitting in a paper-chain explosion. Fred, George, Harry, and Ron were the only ones who knew that the angel on top of the tree was actually a garden gnome that had bitten Fred on the ankle as he pulled up carrots for Christmas dinner. Stupefied, painted gold, stuffed into a miniature tutu and with small wings glued to its back, it glowered down at them all, the ugliest angel Harry had ever seen, with a large bald head like a potato and rather hairy feet." (A Very Frosty Christmas)

"Percy wouldn't recognise a joke if it danced naked in front of him wearing Dobby's tea-cosy."-Ron

Personal watermelon

"He took out his wand and gave a great sweeping wave with it; at once, all the candles except those inside the carved pumpkins were extinguished, plunging them into a state of semidarkness. The Goblet of Fire now shone more brightly than anything in the whole Hall, the sparkling bright, bluey-whiteness of the flames almost painful to the eye. Everyone watched, waiting...A few people kept checking their watches...
"Any second," Lee Jordan whispered, two seats away from Harry.
The flames inside the goblet turned suddenly red again. Sparks began to fly from it. Next moment, a tongue of flame shot into the air, a charred piece of parchment fluttered out of it -- the whole room gasped." (The Goblet of Fire)

Tell me what you read and I'll tell you who you are, but I'd know you better if you told me what you reread.

Morning Calls

"It was a magnificent mirror, as high as the ceiling, with an ornate gold frame, standing on two clawed feet. There was an inscription carved around the top: Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi." (The Mirror of Erised)

"Professor Flitwick, the charms teacher, was a tiny little wizard who had to stand on a pile of books to see over his desk. At the start of their first class he took the roll call, and when he reached Harry's name he gave an excited squeak and toppled out of sight." (The Potions Master)

To acquire the habit of reading is to construct for yourself a refuge from almost all the miseries of life.

Joey Likes to Scare the Duck

Happy monday to all! Here's the HP fix:

"The narrow path had opened suddenly onto the edge of a great black lake. Perched atop a high mountain on the other side, its windows sparkling in the starry sky, was a vast castle with many turrets and towers." (The Journey From Platform Nine and Three-Quarters)

"Nothing like this man had ever been seen on Privet Drive. He was tall, thin, and very old, judging by the silver of his hair and beard, which were both long enough to tuck into his belt. He was wearing long robes, a purple cloak that swept the ground, and high-heeled, buckled boots. His blue eyes were light, bright, and sparkling behind half-moon spectacles and his nose was very long and crooked, as though it had been broken at least twice. This man's name was Albus Dumbledore." (The Boy Who Lived)

And here is a tip for the day: Eat popsicles. They are so delicious.

A working class hero is something to be.
Keep you doped with religion and sex and TV,
And you think you're so clever and classless and free,
But you're still fucking peasents as far as I can see,
A working class hero is something to be,
A working class hero is something to be.
There's room at the top they are telling you still,
But first you must learn how to smile as you kill,
If you want to be like all the folks on the hill,
A working class hero is something to be.
A working class hero is something to be.
If you want to be a hero well just follow me,
If you want to be a hero well just follow me. (Green Day/John Lennon-"Working Class Hero")

The Azul Clause

Clause? E or no e? Quite a conundrum.

To copy Cassie, I too will start my Harry Potter countdown. I can't do it everyday (because I'm going to DC!!) but I'll do everyday once I'm back. Here's one of my favorites.

"Why were you lurking under our window?"
"Yes -- yes, good point, Petunia! What were you doing under our windows, boy?"
"Listening to the news," said Harry in a resigned voice.
His aunt and uncle exchanged looks of outrage."Listening to the news! Again?"
"Well, it changes every day, you see," said Harry.
(OotP)


Also in Potter news, they released the deluxe art and I really like it. It's the background I'm rocking right now. The description was a tad corny, but I love the art. It's gotten me really excited for the book.

There's an air of love and of happiness/And this is the Fresh Prince's definition of summer madness

Hello and good day to all! It has been a surprisingly pleasant day, filled with lots of happy times, but nothing really out of the ordinary. I went to work this morning, and although the Sunday shift usually drags on, today went really quickly and I didn't have any (exceptionally) annoying customers. After that, I went to The Limited to buy this white blazer I am in utter and desperate love with. I also tanned for a little bit (trying to get rid of lines from LAST year), played with my doggies, and then went for a run/walk that I enjoyed a lot. Soon I will go make this pineapple rice thing for dinner. Sounds good.



But other than today, I am officially on holiday. On a similar note, I am now also a senior (technically at least). The 07 class graduated yesterday, so that makes me a senior by default. Way bizarre. In three weeks I will be in Washington D.C. and I am pumped! I bought most of my clothes and I haven't started thinking about what I need to pack. It makes me so excited. And when I think about D.C., I get even more pumped because when I come back it will be HP galore! I cannot, absolutely cannot, believe the book will be out it a month and a few days. Insane.



Here's a thought for your Sunday night and week:

I went to the woods because I wanted to live deliberately, I wanted to live
deep and suck out all the marrow of life to put to rout all that was not life
and not when I had come to die discover that I had not lived. -Henry David
Thoreau (Also in an excellent movie Dead Poet's Society)

Don't hit me-These are my good pants!

Sometimes you just have to love grandparents.

I have lots to say. I haven't been here for a few weeks, so there is plenty to say. Firstly, book reviews.

-Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton: A quick, short read that I enjoyed. It is Great Gatsby-ish. I liked it a lot, but I didn't love it. It is very insightful though.

-The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama: Read it. He is running for president and this will give up a feel for his stances. Even if you are an ardent republican, read it. Open your mind. It does drag at points, but sometimes it is hard to stay focused on his foreign policy views when it is a bright, breezy summer day. Still though, I love the man even more after reading this.

-The Slightly True Story of Cedar B. Hartley by Martine Murray: It's a wonderful children's story that adults can still enjoy and get something out of. It tells the tale of 12 year old Cedar, a girl with a mom and a brother that ran away. It is a quirky, energetic tale of growing up, friendships, and understanding. Loved it.

Besides books, I have also saw The Queen. Soooooo good. See it. Buy it. You'll love it. Okay, maybe not. But I sure did. Helen Mirren is absolutely brilliant as well as all the other actors. The plot is so good. A must-see.

Some highlights of the past couple of weeks.

Cassie and I had our annual skip day. It was good as always. Breakfast, tennis, Spider-man 3 (alright, not great). Our family had a memorial day picnic, which was fun. I found out my cousin got engaged, so that was cool. Yesterday I shoveled two tons, count it, of rock. Not gravel or pebbles, rock. It was....fun? Not really sure what it was, besides the obvious of exhausting.

Now I am just waiting for the end of school. One more week. I only have two exams, economics and physics. Neither of which I am really worried about. I'll definitely study for physics, but econ will be a bit of a joke most likely.

After that, it is time for summer! Harry Potter, Washington DC, Green Bay, movie nights, reading galore, and lots of excitement.

And now, I leave you with this post-secret thought for the day:

Prom

By far, my favorite prom picture.

Besides some fun with toilet paper, prom was lots of fun. It's definitely less life-changing than people make it, but it was still a good night. Ours was at the Renaissance Place downtown and it was beautiful. Seriously it was gorgeous.

The food was amazing. I don't know who catered, but it was gooood. The stuffed tortellini in particular. The cheese, cracker, and fruit spread was also very nice. The night went by very fast, but it was fun. Although the music selection could have been better.

Post prom was also fun. Comedy sportz was hilarious. I was cracking up. Then I just hanged out with some friends. That was really fun. Surprisingly, I am not really tired. I just made an orange cake! Yummy.

More about prom though. I was really happy with my dress selection. It was very unique and pretty and caused none of the other issues the poofy dresses did. For instance, not being able to breathe or extreme hotness. I think my shoes were the favorite part of the ensemble. I really loved them. That may just be because I spent so many hours looking for them.

I also loved my corsage. Which I totally resisted taking a bit of. (heha) Thanks sises. It was perfect.

Overall, I would definitely do it again. But now, better things await (Cassie!).

Picture Friday: Childhood

First Favorite Movie: The Lion King

First Book I remember reading: Amelia Bedelia

First Music Video I Remember: One Sweet Day (Mariah Carey and Boys II Men)

First Favorite Group: Spice Girls

Favorite TV Show: Rugrats

Favorite Toy: American Girl Dolls

First Regretable Fashion: Jelly Shoes

Quote File: My Favorites

Here's just a smattering of my favorite quotes:

No one very said it would be easy, they said it would be worth it.

I'm a firm believer that sometimes it's right to do the wrong thing.

You can't cheat kids. If you cheat them when they're children, they'll make you pay when they're 16 or 17 by revolting against you or hating you or all those so called teenage problems. I think that's when they're strong enough to stand up to you and say,"What a hypocrite you've been all this time. You've never given me what I really wanted, which was you."

As we grow older it gets harder to believe. It's not that we don't want to, but too much has happened and we just can't.

We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, while others are bright, some have weird names. But they all learn how to live in the same box.

Don't ever be afraid to come to me and cry. Don't ever hesitate to look me in the eye, don't ever hide from how you really feel, cause we've gotta keep it real.

You aren't just the age you are. You are all the ages you have ever been.

Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

Reality leaves a lot to the imagination.

You're just left with yourself all the time, whatever you do. It's all down to you mate.

A person needs a little madness, or else they would never dare cut the rope and be free.

Somehow our devils are never quite what we expect when we meet them face to face.

The turning point in the process of growing up is when you discover the core of strength within you that survives all hurt.

No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.

I have heard with admiring submission the experience of a lady who declared that the sense of being perfectly well-dressed gives a feeling of inward tranquility which religion is powerless to bestow.

You've got a lot of choices. If getting out of the bed in the morning is a chore and you're not smiling on a regular basis, try another choice.

You are all geniuses and you are all beautiful. You don't need anyone to tell you who you are. You are what you are. Get out there and get peace, think peace, live peace, and breathe peace, and you'll get it as soon as you like.

What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance. They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life. And most importantly, cookies.

Something pretty

Just a little something pretty for the week. Lots happening this week, making me plenty excited and plenty nervous.

Here's some quotes to enjoy with your picture:

"Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better. What if they are a little coarse, and you get your coat soiled or torn? What if you do fail, and get fairly rolled in the dirt once or twice? Up again, you shall never be so afraid of a tumble."

And now for a moment from the Departed (and one extra pretty thing):

"When I was your age they used to say you could become cops or criminals. What I'm saying to you is this... When you're facing a loaded gun, what's the difference? "

Orange Sky

Orange Sky-Alexi Murdoch

Well I had a dream I stood beneath an orange sky
Yes I had a dream I stood beneath an orange sky
With my brother standing by
With my brother standing by
I said Brother, you know you know
It’s a long road we’ve been walking on
Brother you know it is you know it is
Such a long road we’ve been walking on

And I had a dream
I stood beneath an orange sky
With my sister standing by
With my sister standing by
I said Sister, here is what I know now
Here is what I know now
Goes like this...
In your love, my salvation lies
In your love, my salvation lies
In your love, my salvation lies
In your love, in your love, in your love

But sister you know I’m so weary
And you know sister
My hearts been broken
Sometimes, sometimes
My mind is too strong to carry on
Too strong to carry on

When I am alone
When I’ve thrown off the weight of this crazy stone
When I've lost all care for the things I own
That's when I miss you, that's when I miss you, that's when I miss you
You who are my home
You who are my home

And here is what I know now
Here is what I know now
Goes like this...
In your love, my salvation lies
In your love, my salvation lies
In your love, my salvation lies
In your love, my salvation lies
In your love, my salvation lies
In your love, my salvation lies
In your love, my salvation lies
In your love, in your love, in your love

Well I had a dream I stood beneath an orange sky
Yes I had a dream I stood beneath an orange sky
With my brother and my sister standing by
With my brother and my sister standing by
With my brother and my sister standing by

Birthday Fun

Yay! Today is my 17th birthday! It has been a great day filled with fun and laughs.

It started at 12:08 (am) when I awoke from my sleep to open Cassie's gift. And let's just say the gift was damn hot. heha. (I'm a lot more smitten then I realize). And the card. Oh the card. No words. Well, I guess I should thank her for wishing me a sharp-object free birthday. You know, some cards wish you luck and happiness. I get wishes that I don't poke myself in the eye. Take that for what it means.

And then I woke up per normal and did the regular, and then opened up a few cards. All very sweet and not quite as humorous as Cassie's. School was good. We got an extension on a paper, so that was good.

After school I opened the last of my cards and went to work. And it went by fast. Then I got Jenny's card. Oh the card. Timmy's in the well! Perfection. Pure perfection.

I just want to take this moment to congratulate Jenny and Cassie on mastering the art of card selection. Bravo.

So, now I go on to study (eww) and enjoy my birthday. Hope 17 is a good year. (It should be-it's a perfectly respectable odd number)

Target Return Policy Enforcer

So...I officially know the Target return policy than their employees. Just want to throw that out there.

Anyways, 13 days until Cassie is home, prom is over, APs are done with, my Isearch is turned in, and I can actually get some sleep at night. And about 31 days (I'm not exactly sure when I end) until the complete end of the school year! Almost there. I am very excited for this summer. There are going to be a lot of very fun things happening. Harry Potter, skip day, THREE movies to see (in theaters), Green Bay, and lots of other stuff. It will be fabulous.

This past week has been insane. Literally insane. I got a job, and quit. That's right. Just wasn't my style. I think the family motto should be "We can't work in food service." None of us have, and none of us ever will. We must be missing a gene or something.

The plan for this week can be summed up in one excruciating word: work. Working at my job, working on studying euro, working on my isearch. And it is really quite depressing because my birthday is Wednesday! I will be doing absolutely nothing special. Not this week at least. I want to actually be able to enjoy my birthday and not thinking about the hundreds of other things I have to do. Although I may buy myself one special item...secret face...heha.

And here are some sunday fun things for your amusement:
• The monarch (Queen Elizabeth II) is known for her horse racing, but she also races pigeons.

• Black garments always are packed, too, in case events suddenly call for mourning.

Check out this from Sunday's Postsecret...honestly, it wasn't me who sent it...heha

Just life

Well. It's getting interesting. And hard.

I have a lot to do. School can just go away any time now. I like learning, I really do, but not when I have six thousand things to do. My AP Euro History Exam is in 12 twelve days...that's really soon. My I-Search is due the exact same day as well. I still have a lot of work to do on that. Then I have my AP English Exam on the 16th. But before all of that, on the 9th, I'll have my birthday. Not that I will do anything because I will be crazy stressed and Cassie won't even be here.

Also exciting (and stressful) is a new job! I am now a hostess at IHOP. I have training this week four days (and possibly saturday) from 4-10. Yikes. That leaves very little time for homework. I also have to find a way to bring up my math grade. A lot. I have to exempt that class. Have to. I cannot imagine having to take that exam. That would just be gross.

But I'll find a way to do it all. I always do. So now I am off to work on the i-search and study history.

I'm torn and I'm tattered
Sick and tired living my life singing the same old song
Oh I, I feel a little battered
Looks like I'm living my life running a one-man show
Oh, I, I don't know where the feeling's gone
I'll survive, I'll stay alive, I'm gonna carry on
Tell me tell me, won't you tell me
Where's my mister man
Who will try to deny me now
Everything I plan to be

Order of the Phoenix International Trailer

The trailer is finally here! Yay! It looks awesome, as always. It looks very, very intense and dark, which is good, because that is how the book was. I can't wait to discuss it and find all the crazy little things. I'm glad to see that Fred and George leaving is in there. That is one of my all-time favorite book scenes. So exciting.

My Taurus Personality

This is an article about my zodiac sign (Taurus) and what Taurus's are usually like from here. I've notated where I think something is very true of kind of off.

Patience and reliability are the two most important traits of the Taurus person. Taureans need a stable, secure and material background. Emotional and material security is necessary for this warm-hearted and loving individual. Common sense is one of their stronger characteristics compounded with a persistent and determined nature.

The Taurean mind is methodical, careful and decisive. Once they have made a decision, it is rare they change their minds. This is very true. Not looking for short cuts, they make their way down the proven path.

With their natural charm, they endear others to them. Their soft voices give good advice to those who will listen. They seem to find people in need because those people usually seek the good Taurean out. And it could be because Taureans have such good shoulders to cry on.

Taurus needs someone with whom they can share their lives. They also seek calm in relationships. Emotional sanctuary is vital to them. Also very true. When there is tension in their home, they and those they love can expect a bumpy ride. Sudden flares of temper are not uncommon and they can put some oomph behind their temper when they have to.

When a Taurean loves, they love hard. This is unfortunately quite true. Relations with another are intense and passionate but they can also become complacent. One flaw in their personality may be that they tend to become possessive of the person they love. Woe unto that person or any other who tries to come between them and their chosen companion. At that point one might find out what it feels like to be charged by a thousand pound bull. This is perhaps one of their worst faults. Possession can lead to jealousy.

Under stable circumstances, Taureans are loving and kind. Eager to express love generously creates a situation which makes others want to be in their good graces. They open their lovely homes to others readily but just as readily want their homes back in order again without visitors. I agree with this. I like company, but at the end of the day, I want my own bed. A strong family life and tradition is very important to the Taurean. They love comfortable, secure home lives. It is a must for the reliable Taurean.

Loving routine, they may sometimes be considered boring, though they are not. They have become complacent instead.

As an infant, they generally smile at everyone and try to please their parents in the process. Caring for a Taurean infant is usually a pleasure. They learn in a thorough manner. Discipline is important for this child because they need a structured environment.

Taureans do not like to take risks. This is true to an extent financially. Other times not so true. They like a steady source of income but want the material success. Stress comes to them when they are not sure from where their next dollar will come. Because of this fact, many Taureans accept work they really don’t like. Their interest in money is not just practical but emotional as well. Careers in banking, insurance and the stock exchange are all good jobs for them. Yeah...I don't think you want me to be your broker... They have a naturally strong business sense. Agriculture, or anything to do with the outdoors, is good for them.

Needing a steady routine, they are not very good at change because it can be emotionally disturbing. This is definitely the least true of everything. I like change as long as it is in the right direction. This does not keep them from being good planners though and once they have a plan are eager to develop it.

Retirement is something a good Taurean looks forward to if they have enough money to live the good life. Even at this, they need something to keep them busy. I do like to have a final goal in mind.


Taurus Keywords: Possessive, Permanent, Patient, Reliable, Warm-hearted, Loving, Persistent, Determined, Placid, Security-loving, Jealous, Resentful, Inflexible, Self-indulgent, Greedy This are all mostly true. I don't think I am all that placid, inflexible, or jealous however. I know I am possessive, resentful and self-indulgent though.
Taurus Symbol: The bull
Taurus Ruling Planet: Venus
Taurus Part of the body it rules: The throat and neck and the thyroid gland Right...my thyroid is my ruling my body....that is cause for concern
Taurus Gemstone it rules: Emerald
Taurus Color it rules: Pink, Pale blue, Green, Pastel shades in general

Predictions

Here are my predictions. Some of the questions I like the middleground more though. I'll get more in detail when the book gets closer.