Baggage: Everyone has it.
For some people, baggage is an extension of self. You can dress it up however you want, but it is still there. These are people with shiny pink outfits and shiny pink shoes. They carry shiny pink purses and shiny pink laptop bags and shiny pink carry-on bags. They also have two or three shiny pink suitcases. They make everything look okay because it matches. They trick you into believing it belongs. But if you look at these people long enough, you see that these people fill their bags (and their lives) with crap. They can't even move without bumping into something or someone. They are constantly taking everything in and piling on more matching, shiny pink bags until they get so weighted down by baggage that they can't even move. They have to have someone come pick up the mess they have made and help them along. Their baggage becomes their handicap.
Other people don't have so much baggage. It is there, but only just. Maybe they have a simple black carry-on. This bag isn't something that will become a permanant fixture, but just a few things they have thrown together over time to make things more bearable: things from past friendships and relationships that were really screwed up that they are still learning from. These people still let their baggage get in their way occasionally, but it doesn't completely hold them down.
Unfortunately I hold onto things. I emotionally over-pack my baggage because it is easier to put certain people in certain categories than to actually sit down and sort through the good and the bad. It's too much for me to think about how I could have been better, it is too simple to blame everyone else for my problems. The thing is, now that I see the problem and acknowledge it, I am trying to fix it. I'm trying to downsize so I don't get weighed down. I'm trying to practice forgiveness because in the past I have been so full of hate. I am trying to hold fewer grudges because what does that help, really?
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
All Aboard the Hogwarts Express!
I bought my Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 tickets yesterday!
(enter screaming fangirl)
I'm talking about this now because if I get it all out of my system early, maybe I can avoid being freaky Harry Potter girl everywhere I go. I'm hoping to be able to carry on a normal conversation for the next 34 days without everything being about Harry. So please just put up with it.
My plans are pretty simple. Thursday, November 18th is line day. We are arriving at Harkins at 9am (when the doors open) with HP treats in hand. Then I have to leave to go to school from 10-1. :( I might try to get out of one class but I know I have to go to Geography... :(
I'm thinking of taking
Treacle Fudge---(aka regular fudge)
Pumpkin Pasties (if I can get the recipe figured out)
and maybe some other treats. I don't know.
Just so no one gets confused. These are the people going with our group.
1. Me
2. Ciara
3. Ashley
4. Mary
5. Michelle
6. John Paul
7. Jonathan
8.
9.
10.
Monday, September 20, 2010
An interesting view on Vampirism.
Sometimes the strangest things pop into my head. Today I was sitting at my house wondering if my birthday present from my dad (Vampire Diaries Season 1) had arrived yet. As I sad there I began thinking about how my mom rolls her eyes every time I find a nw show, book, movie, etc... that has a supernatural theme. I wished there was some redeeming quality to some of these shows and things I watch. The more I began to think, the more I found that Vampires are a lot like Christians. Here, in this post, I will discuss my odd ramblings and strange thoughts. I will be discussing why I decided to continue writing this essay instead of dismissing it as just another random thought, salvation, view of sin, reputatoins, the afterlife (and the after-afterlife), and ending with differences.
First, I must state that I know vampires are not real. Sill statement--I know--but I felt like it might be necessary. However, I do believe there are some seriously messed up, strange and misguided people in the world who do partake in the drinking of human blood but no matter what they believe, it does not give them any kind of supernatural talents. Also, I do not claim to know much about vampiresm their history, or their nature. Another thing I am not is a biblical scholar so bear with me a little. I know that sounds like a lot of excuses but all of this is to say: I am no expert nor do I preend to be one. These are simply my opinions.
In the bible while having the Last Supper Jesus instructs his disciples to eat of his flesh and drink of his blood. I know he says bread and wine and to do so as a symbol, but the question I sask is this: What is the beginning of "vampirism" is derived from someone who did not understand figurative speech. What if it was someone who misunderstood the scripture and took it a little bit too literally. What if this person actually believed Jesus was promoting the eating and drinking of flesh and blood as means to some kind of spiritual enlightenment. When I think about it--it almost makes sense. By watching and reading the Twilight Saga and Vampire Diaries Series I have had a change of heart on vampirism. I see them in a different light.
The first similarity between Christians and Vampires is the quest for everlasting life. Vampires and Christians alike have tasks they must accomplish ot obtain or achieve their goal. Much like Christians who seek everlasting life through baptism, vampires go through a similar transformation. They perform an act (the drinking of human blood) that will make them "reborn" as a vampire the way Christians believe that through baptism their sins will be washed away and they will be reborn as a saved soul.
Another similarity between Christians and Vampires is their views of their own sins. Both sets are intensely aware of the fact that they have sinned and will continue sinning until they die. They do what they can to right their wrongs and use personal experience to spread the word and evoke awareness in other people. Vampires like Stefan Salvatore from the Vampire Diaries and the Cullen Famiily in Twilight try to change th other Vampires from drinking Human Blood and to survive on the blood of animals. Christians use testimony to persuade other people to see the error in their ways by pointing out their own flaws and showing them that there is an alternative way of living. They use testimony to convince others to see the the light, turn, and repent.
This brings up another similarity. Both have been given a bad reputation. In these stories that I've read, there are "good vampires" and "bad vampires." The Cullens and Stefan Salvatore are forced to suppress who they really are because the "bad vampires" have the world living in fear, afraid of being eaten or sucked dry. Likewise, Christians get a bad reputation as well sometimes. There are those who lie, cheat, steal, curse, gossip and set a generally bad example (we all do some of those at some point--its part of being human) of what Christianity is really about. There are people in the world whose only exposure they have to Christians are the kind who take joy in shoving their beliefs down non believer's throats (which, by the way, is no way to reach out to people).
The afterlife is an interesting topic to think about. For Christians, we believe everyone will ultimately end up in either Heaven or Hell when all is said and done, but what do Vampires believe? I mean, technically speaking, this is their afterlife. They get neigher Heaven nor Hell, but what will happen to them in their after-afterlife? what will happen when they go out in the sun, when that wooden stake goes through their no longer beating heart? What will really happen when they are ripped apart and burned? I don't know what the typical answer is, but I know what Edward Cullen thinks. He believes he is doomed for Hell. However Carlisle, whose father was a minister, does not necessarily agree with Edward's spiritual views.
Now is the time I have set aside to discuss their differences. This isn't where I go into detail about the differences though. Afterall, the main point of this essay is to discuss eerie similarities. Obviously there are many differences. For starters, Vampires are fictional and Christians are actual. We live, they are undead. Their everlasting life is here on earth and ours is in Heaven with God.
Now I hope you have enjoyed this interesting point of view. I know this may go beyond the valley of the wierd for some of my readers, but for me this took some serious thought. I hope maybe I have helped some of you see that there are redeeming qualities in Vampire stories. Though they are just for fun, they can really make you think.
First, I must state that I know vampires are not real. Sill statement--I know--but I felt like it might be necessary. However, I do believe there are some seriously messed up, strange and misguided people in the world who do partake in the drinking of human blood but no matter what they believe, it does not give them any kind of supernatural talents. Also, I do not claim to know much about vampiresm their history, or their nature. Another thing I am not is a biblical scholar so bear with me a little. I know that sounds like a lot of excuses but all of this is to say: I am no expert nor do I preend to be one. These are simply my opinions.
In the bible while having the Last Supper Jesus instructs his disciples to eat of his flesh and drink of his blood. I know he says bread and wine and to do so as a symbol, but the question I sask is this: What is the beginning of "vampirism" is derived from someone who did not understand figurative speech. What if it was someone who misunderstood the scripture and took it a little bit too literally. What if this person actually believed Jesus was promoting the eating and drinking of flesh and blood as means to some kind of spiritual enlightenment. When I think about it--it almost makes sense. By watching and reading the Twilight Saga and Vampire Diaries Series I have had a change of heart on vampirism. I see them in a different light.
The first similarity between Christians and Vampires is the quest for everlasting life. Vampires and Christians alike have tasks they must accomplish ot obtain or achieve their goal. Much like Christians who seek everlasting life through baptism, vampires go through a similar transformation. They perform an act (the drinking of human blood) that will make them "reborn" as a vampire the way Christians believe that through baptism their sins will be washed away and they will be reborn as a saved soul.
Another similarity between Christians and Vampires is their views of their own sins. Both sets are intensely aware of the fact that they have sinned and will continue sinning until they die. They do what they can to right their wrongs and use personal experience to spread the word and evoke awareness in other people. Vampires like Stefan Salvatore from the Vampire Diaries and the Cullen Famiily in Twilight try to change th other Vampires from drinking Human Blood and to survive on the blood of animals. Christians use testimony to persuade other people to see the error in their ways by pointing out their own flaws and showing them that there is an alternative way of living. They use testimony to convince others to see the the light, turn, and repent.
This brings up another similarity. Both have been given a bad reputation. In these stories that I've read, there are "good vampires" and "bad vampires." The Cullens and Stefan Salvatore are forced to suppress who they really are because the "bad vampires" have the world living in fear, afraid of being eaten or sucked dry. Likewise, Christians get a bad reputation as well sometimes. There are those who lie, cheat, steal, curse, gossip and set a generally bad example (we all do some of those at some point--its part of being human) of what Christianity is really about. There are people in the world whose only exposure they have to Christians are the kind who take joy in shoving their beliefs down non believer's throats (which, by the way, is no way to reach out to people).
The afterlife is an interesting topic to think about. For Christians, we believe everyone will ultimately end up in either Heaven or Hell when all is said and done, but what do Vampires believe? I mean, technically speaking, this is their afterlife. They get neigher Heaven nor Hell, but what will happen to them in their after-afterlife? what will happen when they go out in the sun, when that wooden stake goes through their no longer beating heart? What will really happen when they are ripped apart and burned? I don't know what the typical answer is, but I know what Edward Cullen thinks. He believes he is doomed for Hell. However Carlisle, whose father was a minister, does not necessarily agree with Edward's spiritual views.
Now is the time I have set aside to discuss their differences. This isn't where I go into detail about the differences though. Afterall, the main point of this essay is to discuss eerie similarities. Obviously there are many differences. For starters, Vampires are fictional and Christians are actual. We live, they are undead. Their everlasting life is here on earth and ours is in Heaven with God.
Now I hope you have enjoyed this interesting point of view. I know this may go beyond the valley of the wierd for some of my readers, but for me this took some serious thought. I hope maybe I have helped some of you see that there are redeeming qualities in Vampire stories. Though they are just for fun, they can really make you think.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
The 22nd Birthweek!
Starting tomorrow I will be kicking off birthweek celebrations! This certainly is turning into a busy week rather quickly! First, I'm hoping tickets to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will go on sale this week sometime. (side note: anyone wanting to go with me needs to let me know ASAP if I am getting a ticket for you!) Also this week is one of the things on my fall five: the return of good television...NO MORE RERUNS!!!! I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am! Also this week is my birthday, obviously....that's on Thursday. Thursday is probably the busiest day of the week. I have a quiz, a test, and I'm going to an advanced screening of Easy A. I've been wanting and waiting to see that movie for about a month and *hopefully* my screening passes will work. Tomrrow and Wednesday I'll be working up at my church. Friday I am having a dinner with some friends to celebrate my 22nd at Olive Garden. Then Saturday my whole family (including the beautiful baby Harper)
is coming over to our house for fun, food, and of course...some Cowboy Football. I'm so excited! This is going to be an amazing week! I've got a great family and some seriously wonderful friends and I'm so blessed to be able to celebrate another year with them!
Last week we had some family come in town from Hemet, California. My great uncle, Wayne and his wife, Audrey made their annual voyage east from Californ-i-a. We had a big family dinner and spent a lot of time catching up. They asked when I will be by to visit them again soon so maybe, just maybe I will be able to plan a California Dreamin' Roadtrip for sometime soon. Wouldn't that be exciting? I feel like I've been using the word "excite" a lot in this post...maybe it is time I learned some new adjectives. Maybe I should buy a thesaurus...
Anyway, it's been about a month since my last post and I just thought I would post a little update about what is going on in my life. I know i'm a little boring and I appreciate everyone's responces. I love hearing from you guys! I hope you all have a good week! I'll try to update again soon!
-Mattie
ps. if you are still looking for a gift for me I have gift lists at www.target.com and www.bathandbeyond.com just search for me! Mattie Gordon.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Mattie's Movies
Howdy folks! I'm heading to the lake this week with my Sunday School class and I have directed all of them to my blog to see my list of movies that I own so they can tell me which ones they want me to bring! Please don't make fun of them...some of them really are rather embarassing. I got them when I was younger...some of them I don't care if they are dorky. I'm posting both MY list and my Parent's list. Also, if you are reading this and have borrowed one of the movies I've marked as MISSING, please let me know as soon as possible.
10 Things I Hate about You
13 Going on 30(MISSING)
17 Again
21
27 Dresses
101 Dalmations
Angels and Demons
Accepted(MISSING)
Baby Mama
Batman Begins
Batman Forever
Batman and Robin
Beauty and the Beast
Bedknobs and Broomsticks
Big Fat Liar
Billy Madison
Bring It On
Bruce Almighty
Bye, Bye Birdie
Cars
Catch Me If You Can
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Cheaper By the Dozen
Cheaper By the Dozen 2
Chicago
Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe(MISSING)
Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian(MISSING)
Cinderella
A Cinderella Story
Collateral(MISSING)
College Road Trip
Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen
The Covenant
The Dark Knight
DaVinci Code
Disturbia
Dodgeball
Double Jeopardy
Drumline
Dukes of Hazzard
Elf
Elizabethtown
Ella Enchanted(MISSING)
Enchanted(MISSING)
Evan Almighty
Ever After
Faculty Follies 2005
Fantastic Four
Father of the Bride
Father of the Bride Part II
Fever Pitch
Finding Nemo
Finding Neverland
The First Wives Club
Flashdance
Flight 29 Down: Vol. 1
Footloose
Friends: The Complete Series
Freaky Friday(MISSING)
Gossip Girl Season 1
Gossip Girl Season 2
Hairspray
Happy Gilmore
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Haunted Mansion
High School Musical
Hocus Pocus
Holes(MISSING)
The Holiday
Home Alone
Hook
The House Bunny
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
iMemories
The Incredibles
The Invisible
It's A Wonderful Life
Jingle All the Way
John Tucker Must Die
Josie and the Pussycats
Juno
Just Friends
Legally Blonde
Legally Blonde 2: Red, White, and Blonde
Little Black Book
The Little Mermaid
Little Women
The Longest Yard
Mean Girls(MISSING)
Meet the Fockers
Meet Joe Black
MIIB
Minority Report
M:I-2
Miss Congeniality
Mr. Deeds
Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Mulan
Mulan 2
Murder by Numbers
My Best Friend's Wedding
Nancy Drew(MISSING)
Nanny McPhee
Napoleon Dynamite
National Treasure
National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets
Never Been Kissed
Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist
Nim's Island
NSYNC: Live from Madison Square Gardens
Ocean's 11
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightening Thief
Peter Pan (animated)
Peter Pan (unanimated)
Pete's Dragon
Phonebooth
Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
Pocahontas
Princess Diaries
Princess Diaries 2: A Royal Engagement
The Proposal
Radio
Red Eye
Remember Me
The Replacements
Return to Neverland
The Ringer
Risky Business
The Rocker
The Runaway Bride
The Santa Clause
Save the Last Dance
A Series of Unfortunate Events
She's The Man
Shrek
Shrek 2
Shrek the Third
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2
Sky High
Sleeping Beauty
SNL: Best of Will Ferrell
SNL: Best of Will Ferrell Vol. 2
Spiderman
Spiderman 2
Starsky and Hutch
Step Up
Step Up 2: The Streets
The Stepford Wives
Stick It
Superman Returns
Superstar
Sydney White
Taken
Talladega Nights
That Thing You Do
Transformers
Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen
Troy
The Truman Show
Twilight
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Twister
Valentine's Day
Varsity Blues
A Walk to Remember
The Wedding Planner
That's my list. Now I'm going to post my Mom and Dad's List
12 Angry Men
40 Year Old Virgin
500 Days of Summer
The Abyss
Alfie
Alien
All About Eve
All Quiet on the Western Front
Amazing Grace
American Graffiti
The Andy Griffith Show
Angels with Dirty Faces
Angels in the Outfield
Anger Management
Annie
August Rush
Bad Santa
Baitshop
Balls of Fury
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Best in Show
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
Big
Black Beauty
Blast from the Past
The Blind Side
Boogeymen
The Book of Eli
The Brave One
Bruce Almighty
Bye, Bye Birdie
Captain's Courageous
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Christmas in Connecticut
A Christmas Story
Christmas Vacation
Cinderella Man
Citizen Kane
The Clearing
The Client
Coach Carter
Coma
Consenting Adults
Corpse Bride
The Count of Monte Cristo
Couples Retreat
Crazy Heart
Crimes of the Heart
Crossing Delancey
Crimes of the Heart
Dan in Real Live
Dave
Death to Smoochy
Deer Hunter
The Departed
Dial M for Murder
District 9
Disturbia
The Emperor's New Clothes
The End of the Spear
Enemy of the State
E.T.
Everybody Loves Raymond: The Complete Series
Facing the Giants
Family Man
Fargo
Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Fawlty Towers
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Fiddler on the Roof
Fight Club
The Firm
The Five People You Meet in Heaven
Flicka
The Forgotten
Foul Play
The French Connection
Fried Green Tomatoes
Friday Night Lights
Friendly Persuasion
The Fugitive
Garden State
Gettysburg
Ghostbusters
Ghostbusters 2
The Gift
Gladiator
The Godfather: The Coppola Restoration
Gods & Generals
Gone with the Wind
The Goonies
Gran Torino
Greece
Gross Pointe Blank
Guarding Tess
Hancock
The Hangover
He's Just Not That Into You
The Hiding Place
High Crimes
The Hitchock Collection
Home Alone
Hoosiers
Hope Floats
How the West Was Won
Hush...Hush Sweet Charolette
In Her Shoes
Independance Day
Indian in the Cupboard
Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Arc
Indiana Jones: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
The Informant
Inglourious Basterds
Inside Moves
Invincible
Iron Man
It Happened One Night
It's Complicated
The Story of Jacob and Joseph
Jaws
Jeff Foxworthy
Jeremiah Johnson
Jewel of the Nile
Jingle All the Way
Joyeux Noel
Julie & Julia
Kindergarted Cop
Kingdom of Heaven
Kiss the Girls
Kite Runner
A Knight's Tale
LA Confidential
Law Abiding Citizen
Leatherheads
Legends of the Fall
Les Miiserables
Life is Beautiful
Little Big Man
A Little Romance
Lonesome Dove
Lord of the Rings: Two Towers
Lord of the Rings: Return of the King
Love Actually
The Love Letter
The Lovely Bones
Mamma Mia
Man from Snowy River
Man on Fire
Marley and Me
Mary Poppins
The Matrix
The Matrix: Reloaded
The Matrix: Revolutions
Million Dollar Baby
Misery
Mr. Brooks
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Music and Lyrics
The Music Man
Mr. Mom
Murphy's Romance
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
My Fair Lady
My Utmost for His Highest
Narrow Margins
The Nativity Story
No Time for Sergeants
The Nutcracker
Oklahoma!
The Office Season 2
The Office Season 3
Old Yeller
Oliver!
On Golden Pond
Open Range
Parenthood
The Patriot
Pay It Forward
Pearl Harbor
The Pelican Briefs
Plain Truth
A Prairie Home Companion
Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire
The Princess Bride
Public Enemies
Pulp Fiction
The Rainmaker
Resevoir Dogs
Rocky I
Pretty Woman
The Quiet Man
Ratatouille
Rear Window
Rebecca
Remember the Titans
Return to Snowy River
Romancing the Stone
Roman Holiday
Rocky & Bullwinkle and Friends
The Rookie
Rudy
Rumor Has It...
RV
SNL Best of Chris Farley
School of Rock
Seinfeld Seasons 1&2
Seinfeld: Season 8
Star Trek
Shadrach
The Shawshank Redemption
Silverado
Simon Birch
The Sandlot
Seabiscuit
Sherlock Holmes
The Simpson's Movie
Sleeping With The Enemy
Slumdog Millionaire
Something's Gotta Give
The Sound of Music
South Pacific
Stand By Me
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
Star Wars Episode V: Empire Strikes Back
Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
State of Play
Steel Magnolias
Sunshine Cleaning
To Kill A Mockingbird
Tombstone
Tommy Boy
Tombstone
Tootsie
Toy Story
Toy Story 2
UHF
The Untouchables
UP(MISSING)
Valkyrie
The Vicar of Dibley
Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit
Welcome to Mooseport
What About Bob
Where the Heart Is
White Christmas
The Wizard of Oz
Working Girl
Zombieland
OKAY Sunday Schoolers- leave me comments that say 1. your name, 2. your movie requests. and remember I'm leaving earlyish on Wednesday so no later than Tuesday night! See you friday night!
10 Things I Hate about You
13 Going on 30(MISSING)
17 Again
21
27 Dresses
101 Dalmations
Angels and Demons
Accepted(MISSING)
Baby Mama
Batman Begins
Batman Forever
Batman and Robin
Beauty and the Beast
Bedknobs and Broomsticks
Big Fat Liar
Billy Madison
Bring It On
Bruce Almighty
Bye, Bye Birdie
Cars
Catch Me If You Can
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Cheaper By the Dozen
Cheaper By the Dozen 2
Chicago
Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe(MISSING)
Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian(MISSING)
Cinderella
A Cinderella Story
Collateral(MISSING)
College Road Trip
Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen
The Covenant
The Dark Knight
DaVinci Code
Disturbia
Dodgeball
Double Jeopardy
Drumline
Dukes of Hazzard
Elf
Elizabethtown
Ella Enchanted(MISSING)
Enchanted(MISSING)
Evan Almighty
Ever After
Faculty Follies 2005
Fantastic Four
Father of the Bride
Father of the Bride Part II
Fever Pitch
Finding Nemo
Finding Neverland
The First Wives Club
Flashdance
Flight 29 Down: Vol. 1
Footloose
Friends: The Complete Series
Freaky Friday(MISSING)
Gossip Girl Season 1
Gossip Girl Season 2
Hairspray
Happy Gilmore
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Haunted Mansion
High School Musical
Hocus Pocus
Holes(MISSING)
The Holiday
Home Alone
Hook
The House Bunny
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
iMemories
The Incredibles
The Invisible
It's A Wonderful Life
Jingle All the Way
John Tucker Must Die
Josie and the Pussycats
Juno
Just Friends
Legally Blonde
Legally Blonde 2: Red, White, and Blonde
Little Black Book
The Little Mermaid
Little Women
The Longest Yard
Mean Girls(MISSING)
Meet the Fockers
Meet Joe Black
MIIB
Minority Report
M:I-2
Miss Congeniality
Mr. Deeds
Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Mulan
Mulan 2
Murder by Numbers
My Best Friend's Wedding
Nancy Drew(MISSING)
Nanny McPhee
Napoleon Dynamite
National Treasure
National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets
Never Been Kissed
Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist
Nim's Island
NSYNC: Live from Madison Square Gardens
Ocean's 11
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightening Thief
Peter Pan (animated)
Peter Pan (unanimated)
Pete's Dragon
Phonebooth
Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
Pocahontas
Princess Diaries
Princess Diaries 2: A Royal Engagement
The Proposal
Radio
Red Eye
Remember Me
The Replacements
Return to Neverland
The Ringer
Risky Business
The Rocker
The Runaway Bride
The Santa Clause
Save the Last Dance
A Series of Unfortunate Events
She's The Man
Shrek
Shrek 2
Shrek the Third
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2
Sky High
Sleeping Beauty
SNL: Best of Will Ferrell
SNL: Best of Will Ferrell Vol. 2
Spiderman
Spiderman 2
Starsky and Hutch
Step Up
Step Up 2: The Streets
The Stepford Wives
Stick It
Superman Returns
Superstar
Sydney White
Taken
Talladega Nights
That Thing You Do
Transformers
Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen
Troy
The Truman Show
Twilight
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Twister
Valentine's Day
Varsity Blues
A Walk to Remember
The Wedding Planner
That's my list. Now I'm going to post my Mom and Dad's List
12 Angry Men
40 Year Old Virgin
500 Days of Summer
The Abyss
Alfie
Alien
All About Eve
All Quiet on the Western Front
Amazing Grace
American Graffiti
The Andy Griffith Show
Angels with Dirty Faces
Angels in the Outfield
Anger Management
Annie
August Rush
Bad Santa
Baitshop
Balls of Fury
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Best in Show
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
Big
Black Beauty
Blast from the Past
The Blind Side
Boogeymen
The Book of Eli
The Brave One
Bruce Almighty
Bye, Bye Birdie
Captain's Courageous
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Christmas in Connecticut
A Christmas Story
Christmas Vacation
Cinderella Man
Citizen Kane
The Clearing
The Client
Coach Carter
Coma
Consenting Adults
Corpse Bride
The Count of Monte Cristo
Couples Retreat
Crazy Heart
Crimes of the Heart
Crossing Delancey
Crimes of the Heart
Dan in Real Live
Dave
Death to Smoochy
Deer Hunter
The Departed
Dial M for Murder
District 9
Disturbia
The Emperor's New Clothes
The End of the Spear
Enemy of the State
E.T.
Everybody Loves Raymond: The Complete Series
Facing the Giants
Family Man
Fargo
Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Fawlty Towers
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Fiddler on the Roof
Fight Club
The Firm
The Five People You Meet in Heaven
Flicka
The Forgotten
Foul Play
The French Connection
Fried Green Tomatoes
Friday Night Lights
Friendly Persuasion
The Fugitive
Garden State
Gettysburg
Ghostbusters
Ghostbusters 2
The Gift
Gladiator
The Godfather: The Coppola Restoration
Gods & Generals
Gone with the Wind
The Goonies
Gran Torino
Greece
Gross Pointe Blank
Guarding Tess
Hancock
The Hangover
He's Just Not That Into You
The Hiding Place
High Crimes
The Hitchock Collection
Home Alone
Hoosiers
Hope Floats
How the West Was Won
Hush...Hush Sweet Charolette
In Her Shoes
Independance Day
Indian in the Cupboard
Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Arc
Indiana Jones: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
The Informant
Inglourious Basterds
Inside Moves
Invincible
Iron Man
It Happened One Night
It's Complicated
The Story of Jacob and Joseph
Jaws
Jeff Foxworthy
Jeremiah Johnson
Jewel of the Nile
Jingle All the Way
Joyeux Noel
Julie & Julia
Kindergarted Cop
Kingdom of Heaven
Kiss the Girls
Kite Runner
A Knight's Tale
LA Confidential
Law Abiding Citizen
Leatherheads
Legends of the Fall
Les Miiserables
Life is Beautiful
Little Big Man
A Little Romance
Lonesome Dove
Lord of the Rings: Two Towers
Lord of the Rings: Return of the King
Love Actually
The Love Letter
The Lovely Bones
Mamma Mia
Man from Snowy River
Man on Fire
Marley and Me
Mary Poppins
The Matrix
The Matrix: Reloaded
The Matrix: Revolutions
Million Dollar Baby
Misery
Mr. Brooks
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Music and Lyrics
The Music Man
Mr. Mom
Murphy's Romance
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
My Fair Lady
My Utmost for His Highest
Narrow Margins
The Nativity Story
No Time for Sergeants
The Nutcracker
Oklahoma!
The Office Season 2
The Office Season 3
Old Yeller
Oliver!
On Golden Pond
Open Range
Parenthood
The Patriot
Pay It Forward
Pearl Harbor
The Pelican Briefs
Plain Truth
A Prairie Home Companion
Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire
The Princess Bride
Public Enemies
Pulp Fiction
The Rainmaker
Resevoir Dogs
Rocky I
Pretty Woman
The Quiet Man
Ratatouille
Rear Window
Rebecca
Remember the Titans
Return to Snowy River
Romancing the Stone
Roman Holiday
Rocky & Bullwinkle and Friends
The Rookie
Rudy
Rumor Has It...
RV
SNL Best of Chris Farley
School of Rock
Seinfeld Seasons 1&2
Seinfeld: Season 8
Star Trek
Shadrach
The Shawshank Redemption
Silverado
Simon Birch
The Sandlot
Seabiscuit
Sherlock Holmes
The Simpson's Movie
Sleeping With The Enemy
Slumdog Millionaire
Something's Gotta Give
The Sound of Music
South Pacific
Stand By Me
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
Star Wars Episode V: Empire Strikes Back
Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
State of Play
Steel Magnolias
Sunshine Cleaning
To Kill A Mockingbird
Tombstone
Tommy Boy
Tombstone
Tootsie
Toy Story
Toy Story 2
UHF
The Untouchables
UP(MISSING)
Valkyrie
The Vicar of Dibley
Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit
Welcome to Mooseport
What About Bob
Where the Heart Is
White Christmas
The Wizard of Oz
Working Girl
Zombieland
OKAY Sunday Schoolers- leave me comments that say 1. your name, 2. your movie requests. and remember I'm leaving earlyish on Wednesday so no later than Tuesday night! See you friday night!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Happy Birthday to Me!
Okay! It's that time of year! People are asking me what I want for my birthday so I am posting on my blog everything I want! (And I would prefer people get ONLY what is on the list and don't try to get creative *mother*) So here goes.
I have made a few online registries and I would accept anything from any one of them.
-Target: I have 2 lists at target. 1. House Stuff 2. My Target Wish List
-Bed, Bath, and Beyond.
Then I also have places I wouldn't mind GIFT CARDS from.
-Jamba Juice
-Target
-Borders
-Barnes&Nobel
-Blockbuster
-Suncoast
-ULTA
-AMC
-Old Navy
-Best Buy
-iTunes
Then there are a couple things that are not on any registry that I would like to add.
PERFUME:
Nina by Nina Ricci
L by Gwen Stefani
MOVIES: (I prefer widescreen but it isn't a big deal--but if you were wondering...)
Butterfly Effect
Alladin
Casino Royale
Stardust
Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian
Snow White
When in Rome
Clash of the Titans (2010)
I Love You, Man
I Love You Beth Cooper
The Notebook
The Jungle Book
The Devil Wears Prada
Bride Wars
Date Night
Hocus Pocus
Halloweentown
Halloweentown 2: Kalabar's Revenge
Halloweentown High
Return to Halloweentown
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (we have all the others)
You've Got Mail
Titanic
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
License to Wed
The Mentalist (any season)
August Rush
Made of Honor
For the Love of the Game
The Game Plan
Sweet Home Alabama
National Lampoons Vacation
Vegas Vacation
A League of their Own
Signs
Lucas
A Little Princess
Charlie's Angels
Charlie's Angels 2
Pleasantville
V for Vendetta
Inkheart
No Reservations
Penelope
Speak
Field of Dreams
Undiscovered
Stepmom
Shanghi Knights
Romeo+Juliet
The Secret Garden
Hangman's Curse
The Stepfather
Cellular
Prom Night (2008)
Coyote Ugly
Whip It
How to Deal
50 First Dates
Big Daddy
Pride and Prejudice (1995 version with Colin Firth)
Clueless
The Golden Compass
There are more...but I think that is enough for this year's list. Sorry so long. I obviously really REALLY love movies.
OTHER:
Zac Brown Band Tickets-Zoo Ampitheater Sept. 16 (my actual bday)
Oklahoma City Museum of Art Membership (i don't qualify for student because I'm not full time--the cheapest one I qualify for is $50)
-Jacob Black Cardboard Cutout :)
I have made a few online registries and I would accept anything from any one of them.
-Target: I have 2 lists at target. 1. House Stuff 2. My Target Wish List
-Bed, Bath, and Beyond.
Then I also have places I wouldn't mind GIFT CARDS from.
-Jamba Juice
-Target
-Borders
-Barnes&Nobel
-Blockbuster
-Suncoast
-ULTA
-AMC
-Old Navy
-Best Buy
-iTunes
Then there are a couple things that are not on any registry that I would like to add.
PERFUME:
Nina by Nina Ricci
L by Gwen Stefani
MOVIES: (I prefer widescreen but it isn't a big deal--but if you were wondering...)
Butterfly Effect
Alladin
Casino Royale
Stardust
Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian
Snow White
When in Rome
Clash of the Titans (2010)
I Love You, Man
I Love You Beth Cooper
The Notebook
The Jungle Book
The Devil Wears Prada
Bride Wars
Date Night
Hocus Pocus
Halloweentown
Halloweentown 2: Kalabar's Revenge
Halloweentown High
Return to Halloweentown
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (we have all the others)
You've Got Mail
Titanic
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
License to Wed
The Mentalist (any season)
August Rush
Made of Honor
For the Love of the Game
The Game Plan
Sweet Home Alabama
National Lampoons Vacation
Vegas Vacation
A League of their Own
Signs
Lucas
A Little Princess
Charlie's Angels
Charlie's Angels 2
Pleasantville
V for Vendetta
Inkheart
No Reservations
Penelope
Speak
Field of Dreams
Undiscovered
Stepmom
Shanghi Knights
Romeo+Juliet
The Secret Garden
Hangman's Curse
The Stepfather
Cellular
Prom Night (2008)
Coyote Ugly
Whip It
How to Deal
50 First Dates
Big Daddy
Pride and Prejudice (1995 version with Colin Firth)
Clueless
The Golden Compass
There are more...but I think that is enough for this year's list. Sorry so long. I obviously really REALLY love movies.
OTHER:
Zac Brown Band Tickets-Zoo Ampitheater Sept. 16 (my actual bday)
Oklahoma City Museum of Art Membership (i don't qualify for student because I'm not full time--the cheapest one I qualify for is $50)
-Jacob Black Cardboard Cutout :)
Monday, August 2, 2010
The Fall Five: 2010 Edition
Every year I pick out the top 5 movies, books, events, whatever...that I am looking forward to in the fall. This year it was especially difficult to narrow things down because there is SO MUCH going on and its all so exciting! I think I have finally narrowed my list down and come up with a satisfactory final product. Remember: even if something isn't on the list, that doesn't mean I'm not excited about it.
BOOKS: I always look forward to a good read. I still have SEVERAL books in my "to-read" pile but I am slowly and surely inching my way along. My current project is to reread the last 3 Harry Potter books before the new movie comes out (don't worry...I'll talk about that later) Here are the newest additions to my "to-read" list. These haven't been released yet, but they will be before you or I know what hit us!
1. Vanished is the next novel out by my favorite writer, Kate Brian (aka Kieran Scott...look her up I'm should be connected to her blog on here!) This book comes out August 31 and let me tell you, after the shocking cliffhanger at the end of Scandal I can't wait to see what happens next! I've been holding my breath since the spring waiting for this novel! Kieran's books always make my list....at least once! Usually 2 or 3 spots are taken up by her books....and this year is no exception!
2. Book of Spells is another book by Kieran...It is another prequel to her best selling (and way awesome) series "Private." There has been one prequel already giving background on why one of the main characters goes crazy... This one is going to be even better because we finally get some questions answered that Scandal brought to my mind. What is Billings really about? Is the spirit of Billings still alive---(no not in a ghostly way...) Has the original intent of the Billings Society been manipulated and misinterpreted...and in what ways...Book of Spells is like a historical novel for Private readers....I'm really looking forward to seeing how Billings was started and why. What is the purpose of the specific rituals?
3. Duh. Of course Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows would be the #1 movie on my list. After all...I am a self-proclaimed Potter genius and I have no problem admitting I have an obsession. Harry Potter is my favorite everything. Book series. movie series. scene it game....I've named pets after characters from the books (my bird was Ronald Bilius Weasley Gordon). I have dressed up as characters for Halloween (Bellatrix Lestrange...complete with Dark Mark temp tattoo on my forearm.) I've flown to Minneapolis, Minnesota for an opening day showing, been to midnight movie showings and midnight book release parties. I've even taken part in a wizards duel! (using sparklers on 4th of july several years ago!) I have special edition DVD's and all the books in hardback, paperback, and audiobook format, and you can bet anytime there is a Harry Potter weekend on ABC Family, that I'll be watching. The seventh book in J.K. Rowling's best selling series, Deathly Hallows, has been divided into 2 movies (which they should have been doing all along) is hitting theaters November 19th. There is no way I won't be at a midnight showing. NO. FREAKING. WAY.
4. The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader-December 25. This series by C.S. Lewis is so great for everyone. Kids, teens, and adults alike can enjoy this series. Everyone on the planet should read it once before they die! I have all these books too...and the audiobooks. There are 7 books in all. Usually I would suggest reading books chronologically, but I am breaking my rule for this and suggest you do too. I would read 1. The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. 2. Prince Caspian 3. Voyage of the Dawn Treader. 4. The Silver Chair. 5. The Horse and His Boy 6. The Magician's Nephew. 7. The Last Battle. Magician's Nephew is written as a prequel to LWW but it really doesn't make much sense if you try to read it first. When I first read the series I tried starting with MN but spend the majority of the book asking lots questions and doing a lot of googling. So READ AS-WRITTEN...NOT CHRONOLOGICALLY!!!!!! Anywho, the new movie comes out on Christmas Day! My whole family loves Narnia (or Narnicle as my dad would call it) and we always try to watch a movie on Christmas so I would be willing to bet we end up voyaging out to see this flick (unless a freak storm ruins Christmas again)
BOOKS: I always look forward to a good read. I still have SEVERAL books in my "to-read" pile but I am slowly and surely inching my way along. My current project is to reread the last 3 Harry Potter books before the new movie comes out (don't worry...I'll talk about that later) Here are the newest additions to my "to-read" list. These haven't been released yet, but they will be before you or I know what hit us!
1. Vanished is the next novel out by my favorite writer, Kate Brian (aka Kieran Scott...look her up I'm should be connected to her blog on here!) This book comes out August 31 and let me tell you, after the shocking cliffhanger at the end of Scandal I can't wait to see what happens next! I've been holding my breath since the spring waiting for this novel! Kieran's books always make my list....at least once! Usually 2 or 3 spots are taken up by her books....and this year is no exception!
2. Book of Spells is another book by Kieran...It is another prequel to her best selling (and way awesome) series "Private." There has been one prequel already giving background on why one of the main characters goes crazy... This one is going to be even better because we finally get some questions answered that Scandal brought to my mind. What is Billings really about? Is the spirit of Billings still alive---(no not in a ghostly way...) Has the original intent of the Billings Society been manipulated and misinterpreted...and in what ways...Book of Spells is like a historical novel for Private readers....I'm really looking forward to seeing how Billings was started and why. What is the purpose of the specific rituals?MOVIES: AHHHH! My passion! Ask anyone and they will tell you , I am a true cinephile. I love anything and everything that has to do with movies. So of course, the newest releases are a staple on my Fall Five list. I am obsessed with film! I collect DVD's and spend way too much time and money at the movie theater...and I don't discriminate either! I'll go anywhere. AMC, B&B, Dickenson, Harkins, Silver Cinemas, Tinseltown, and hopefully one day soon I will have my very first "Warren Experience!" There are so many good movies coming out. This was the hardest section for me to Narrow....but alas, I had to choose my top 2 movies to put on the list. Here is what I have come up with.
3. Duh. Of course Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows would be the #1 movie on my list. After all...I am a self-proclaimed Potter genius and I have no problem admitting I have an obsession. Harry Potter is my favorite everything. Book series. movie series. scene it game....I've named pets after characters from the books (my bird was Ronald Bilius Weasley Gordon). I have dressed up as characters for Halloween (Bellatrix Lestrange...complete with Dark Mark temp tattoo on my forearm.) I've flown to Minneapolis, Minnesota for an opening day showing, been to midnight movie showings and midnight book release parties. I've even taken part in a wizards duel! (using sparklers on 4th of july several years ago!) I have special edition DVD's and all the books in hardback, paperback, and audiobook format, and you can bet anytime there is a Harry Potter weekend on ABC Family, that I'll be watching. The seventh book in J.K. Rowling's best selling series, Deathly Hallows, has been divided into 2 movies (which they should have been doing all along) is hitting theaters November 19th. There is no way I won't be at a midnight showing. NO. FREAKING. WAY.
4. The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader-December 25. This series by C.S. Lewis is so great for everyone. Kids, teens, and adults alike can enjoy this series. Everyone on the planet should read it once before they die! I have all these books too...and the audiobooks. There are 7 books in all. Usually I would suggest reading books chronologically, but I am breaking my rule for this and suggest you do too. I would read 1. The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. 2. Prince Caspian 3. Voyage of the Dawn Treader. 4. The Silver Chair. 5. The Horse and His Boy 6. The Magician's Nephew. 7. The Last Battle. Magician's Nephew is written as a prequel to LWW but it really doesn't make much sense if you try to read it first. When I first read the series I tried starting with MN but spend the majority of the book asking lots questions and doing a lot of googling. So READ AS-WRITTEN...NOT CHRONOLOGICALLY!!!!!! Anywho, the new movie comes out on Christmas Day! My whole family loves Narnia (or Narnicle as my dad would call it) and we always try to watch a movie on Christmas so I would be willing to bet we end up voyaging out to see this flick (unless a freak storm ruins Christmas again)TELEVISION: If you haven't heard by now, I watch A LOT of television. Thank God for DVR because I would never be able to watch everything if I couldn't fast forward through all those commercials....
5. The final thing I am excited about this fall is the return of "normal televison." I hate that all the good shows go on hiatus during the summer months and they leave me to choose between the re-runs I've seen time and time again, or trash TV reality shows like Big Brother (which I admit I have a love/hate relationship with...it is my guilty pleasure) I miss Gossip Girl the most though. I'm about to break out my DVD's and have a catch up Party. We are gonna watch seasons 1, 2, and 3! Then Season 4 starts September 13th! (3 Days before my birthday! Expect my full wishlist to pop up on this blog sometime this week!) Rumor has it that season 4 is going to be a lot better than season 3...thank goodness...it was beginning to get a little boring. Blair loves Chuck, Chuck loves Blair, no one know, fewer care, Dan is lost withough Serena, Bart Bass dies, why won't Georgina? Lily and Rufus can't figure things out. Nate is clueless...without a doubt. And then there's skanky "Little J" I wish she would move to Hudson and stay.
5. The final thing I am excited about this fall is the return of "normal televison." I hate that all the good shows go on hiatus during the summer months and they leave me to choose between the re-runs I've seen time and time again, or trash TV reality shows like Big Brother (which I admit I have a love/hate relationship with...it is my guilty pleasure) I miss Gossip Girl the most though. I'm about to break out my DVD's and have a catch up Party. We are gonna watch seasons 1, 2, and 3! Then Season 4 starts September 13th! (3 Days before my birthday! Expect my full wishlist to pop up on this blog sometime this week!) Rumor has it that season 4 is going to be a lot better than season 3...thank goodness...it was beginning to get a little boring. Blair loves Chuck, Chuck loves Blair, no one know, fewer care, Dan is lost withough Serena, Bart Bass dies, why won't Georgina? Lily and Rufus can't figure things out. Nate is clueless...without a doubt. And then there's skanky "Little J" I wish she would move to Hudson and stay.And thus concludes my annual "Fall Five" list. I hope you enjoyed my little Gossip Girl poem there at the end....no actually, I hope you enjoyed the entire post...not just the poem. That is a lot to read if you only came for the poem.
-Mattie.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Working Hard? Hardly Working.
Well..I guess technically I've been hardly working lately. But in my time without a job I have kept my mind busy. I've been working on a project I call my Me Book. My me book has all kinds of things about me in it. One page are cutouts and stickers of things about me. Words that describe me or my philosophies. Other pages have pictures of things I hope to own someday. I have everything from Rosetta Stone (so I can learn french!) to KitchenAid Standing Mixers to sights I want to see (Like Big Ben in London!) I've even got pictures of the 2 fish I hope to own someday, Francis and Wilhelm (pronounced Froncis and Vilhelm). The page I've been working on recently is my Bucket List page. There are lots of things I hope to accomplish. Right now there are 16 things on my list and only 1 of them have I accomplished. I need to get a move on! Here I have decided to share my list with you all today.
1. Befriend a Celebrity--not sure this will actually happen but with technology today, who knows, right? Maybe I will visit California again sometime soon and "accidentally" bump into one. Lol!
2. Be first in line for a midnight movie premiere.--On March 11, 2010 I was first in line to see Robert Pattinson's "Remember Me" completing this wish.
3. Be thanked at an awards show--again. Another unlikely one but who knows. Maybe I'll even win an award depending on how this next entry goes!
4. Publish on of my stories.--It has been a lifelong goal since I was about 12 so doing this would really mean a lot to me.
5. Visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.--I consider myself to be somewhat of a Harry Potter expert so going and existing in his world would be one of the highlights of my life. The books changed my life and set me on a path. I owe a lot to that fictional wiz kid.
6. Travel to London.--I have been talking about going to LondonTown for many many many years and to actually go and see anything and everything I have dreamed would probably kill me I would be so giddy.
7. Travel to Greece--I think it would be so amazing to visit a place like Greece. There is so much culture and history and beauty all in one place and I can't wait to go!
8. Visit the Lourve--there are no words.
9. Throw a fancy dinner party--I could do this at any time...but that would require I have more friends than I actually have, more money than I currently possess, and better cooking skills than I have aquired to date.
10. Watch the RedSox play at Fenway Park in Boston.--I love Boston. I love baseball. I love the BoSox. 'nuff said.
11. Visit New York City--The real-life Gotham is (as Jay-Z and Alicia Keys say) a "concrete jungle where dreams are made of." Every american should visit the city once in their life (so I hear) so naturally it is on my list.
12. Buy a new car. Preferably an Aston Martin or a Lamborghini....but I'll settle for anything new. I just want a car that has no history. I want to make history. Not be just another notch on the belt.
13. Take a convertible on a roadtrip--sure it will mess up my hair but I would gladly trade my 'do for a ponytail to drive cross country in a convertible. It just seems like "The Great American Roadtrip" should be done right, and by done right, I mean with you best friends and your GPS.
14. Go to the Coachella Music Festival.--Everyone who is anyone goes to Coachella. I know because I read that on twitter. So it seems like the perfect place for wannabe up-and-comer's like myself and future somebodies of America to rub elbows with society's elite. Plus you get to hang out and listen to some really great music!
15. Go to the South Beach Food and Wine Fesival--As you can tell, I like festivals...and I love food...so I felt it was only necessary that I attend one of the biggest food festivals around. I just heard about this festival yesterday on the food network. This is basically just a big party for all the food network stars to come and share their gifts. Duff Goldman. I want some of your cake.
16. Visit the Library of Congress--I like books a lot. And this is the biggest library around so you probably understand why this is on my list.
1. Befriend a Celebrity--not sure this will actually happen but with technology today, who knows, right? Maybe I will visit California again sometime soon and "accidentally" bump into one. Lol!
2. Be first in line for a midnight movie premiere.--On March 11, 2010 I was first in line to see Robert Pattinson's "Remember Me" completing this wish.
3. Be thanked at an awards show--again. Another unlikely one but who knows. Maybe I'll even win an award depending on how this next entry goes!
4. Publish on of my stories.--It has been a lifelong goal since I was about 12 so doing this would really mean a lot to me.
5. Visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.--I consider myself to be somewhat of a Harry Potter expert so going and existing in his world would be one of the highlights of my life. The books changed my life and set me on a path. I owe a lot to that fictional wiz kid.
6. Travel to London.--I have been talking about going to LondonTown for many many many years and to actually go and see anything and everything I have dreamed would probably kill me I would be so giddy.
7. Travel to Greece--I think it would be so amazing to visit a place like Greece. There is so much culture and history and beauty all in one place and I can't wait to go!
8. Visit the Lourve--there are no words.
9. Throw a fancy dinner party--I could do this at any time...but that would require I have more friends than I actually have, more money than I currently possess, and better cooking skills than I have aquired to date.
10. Watch the RedSox play at Fenway Park in Boston.--I love Boston. I love baseball. I love the BoSox. 'nuff said.
11. Visit New York City--The real-life Gotham is (as Jay-Z and Alicia Keys say) a "concrete jungle where dreams are made of." Every american should visit the city once in their life (so I hear) so naturally it is on my list.
12. Buy a new car. Preferably an Aston Martin or a Lamborghini....but I'll settle for anything new. I just want a car that has no history. I want to make history. Not be just another notch on the belt.
13. Take a convertible on a roadtrip--sure it will mess up my hair but I would gladly trade my 'do for a ponytail to drive cross country in a convertible. It just seems like "The Great American Roadtrip" should be done right, and by done right, I mean with you best friends and your GPS.
14. Go to the Coachella Music Festival.--Everyone who is anyone goes to Coachella. I know because I read that on twitter. So it seems like the perfect place for wannabe up-and-comer's like myself and future somebodies of America to rub elbows with society's elite. Plus you get to hang out and listen to some really great music!
15. Go to the South Beach Food and Wine Fesival--As you can tell, I like festivals...and I love food...so I felt it was only necessary that I attend one of the biggest food festivals around. I just heard about this festival yesterday on the food network. This is basically just a big party for all the food network stars to come and share their gifts. Duff Goldman. I want some of your cake.
16. Visit the Library of Congress--I like books a lot. And this is the biggest library around so you probably understand why this is on my list.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Its almost time.
As you can see, I have given my blog a much needed makeover. But that is not what I am blogging about today. I am blogging about how in exactly one week from this very moment I will be sitting in Harkins Theater in Bricktown watching Twilight, New Moon, and then the much anticipated latest installment, Eclipse. This is probably more for my benefit than anyone else...It is my game plan for the coming events leading up to, and including the midnight premier. So hold on to your britches... (and take time to abandon ship if you don't care to hear my plans)
TOMORROW, Wednesday June 23, 2010
-Ashley is coming over to my house and we are going to begin the tie-dying for our Twinprov/Team ________ shirts. (depending on the person....Mine, for example, will be Team Jacob)
Thursday, June 24, 2010
-this is most likely the day that I will get the lettering done for our tshirts. Final designs have yet to be written in stone.
Friday, June 25, 2010
-the list of needed food items will be completed. If you are coming with me, let me know what you are hoping I bring...and let me know if you are bringing stuff so I won't duplicate!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
-Shopping for *materials* (aka food from the list made friday, line entertainment, etc...)
Monday, June 28, 2010
-Every last bit of food preparation, cameras charging, gathering of line entertainment stuff, everything I will need to spend 9 hours in a hallway and 9 hours in a movie theater will be gathered and packed away for easy access the next day. This includes a possible change of clothes and makeup refresher kit... by the end of Monday, it will literally be too late to turn back from anything. No....by the beginning of monday it will be too late....oh who am I kidding...its already too late... But little detail has to be in order and ready by the time I go to bed monday night (which hopefully will be relatively early considering my hours the next day.)
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
The BIG day.
-7:30-8:45 am. Wake up. Get showered, dressed, and stoked (as if I won't be already) for a fun filled day with my fellow twi-hards.
-8:45 am. My chariot leaves. Details on the chauffer are yet to be determined...most likely my sidekick and fellow mastermind Ciara will be at the wheel as I am no good at what we call "Downtown Driving"...especially not in the AM.
-9:00 am. Arrive at Harkins Bricktown Theater, tickets in hand, and march to our post in line where we will sit and await our beloved Jacob and Edward fix.
-6:00 pm. Hopefully they will start letting us into the theater at 6! If not, it will be shortly after.
-7:00 pm. The Twilight Trilogy showing begins. First, Twilight, then New Moon.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
-12:01 am The Twilight Saga: Eclipse hits theaters everywhere and I'm gonna be one of the first!
-approx. 2:30-3:00 am. Twilight induced ecstacy/adrenaline rush....quickly followed by a crash coma.
-3:00pm "Where am I...What happened? What Day is it? Oh yeah! I SAW ECLIPSE LAST NIGHT! WOOOOHOOOOOO! Woah...Don't get too excited...you will fall off your bed again." begins to bubble in my brain.
-4:00 pm. begin making dinner. Life resumes to normal.
THE END!!!!
TOMORROW, Wednesday June 23, 2010
-Ashley is coming over to my house and we are going to begin the tie-dying for our Twinprov/Team ________ shirts. (depending on the person....Mine, for example, will be Team Jacob)
Thursday, June 24, 2010
-this is most likely the day that I will get the lettering done for our tshirts. Final designs have yet to be written in stone.
Friday, June 25, 2010
-the list of needed food items will be completed. If you are coming with me, let me know what you are hoping I bring...and let me know if you are bringing stuff so I won't duplicate!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
-Shopping for *materials* (aka food from the list made friday, line entertainment, etc...)
Monday, June 28, 2010
-Every last bit of food preparation, cameras charging, gathering of line entertainment stuff, everything I will need to spend 9 hours in a hallway and 9 hours in a movie theater will be gathered and packed away for easy access the next day. This includes a possible change of clothes and makeup refresher kit... by the end of Monday, it will literally be too late to turn back from anything. No....by the beginning of monday it will be too late....oh who am I kidding...its already too late... But little detail has to be in order and ready by the time I go to bed monday night (which hopefully will be relatively early considering my hours the next day.)
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
The BIG day.
-7:30-8:45 am. Wake up. Get showered, dressed, and stoked (as if I won't be already) for a fun filled day with my fellow twi-hards.
-8:45 am. My chariot leaves. Details on the chauffer are yet to be determined...most likely my sidekick and fellow mastermind Ciara will be at the wheel as I am no good at what we call "Downtown Driving"...especially not in the AM.
-9:00 am. Arrive at Harkins Bricktown Theater, tickets in hand, and march to our post in line where we will sit and await our beloved Jacob and Edward fix.
-6:00 pm. Hopefully they will start letting us into the theater at 6! If not, it will be shortly after.
-7:00 pm. The Twilight Trilogy showing begins. First, Twilight, then New Moon.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
-12:01 am The Twilight Saga: Eclipse hits theaters everywhere and I'm gonna be one of the first!
-approx. 2:30-3:00 am. Twilight induced ecstacy/adrenaline rush....quickly followed by a crash coma.
-3:00pm "Where am I...What happened? What Day is it? Oh yeah! I SAW ECLIPSE LAST NIGHT! WOOOOHOOOOOO! Woah...Don't get too excited...you will fall off your bed again." begins to bubble in my brain.
-4:00 pm. begin making dinner. Life resumes to normal.
THE END!!!!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
My Expirament of the Week!
Hello Readers! Welcome to June! (I know it is the 2nd) Yesterday I spent my entire day fixing a delicious meal (if I do say so myself) for my whole family! I have decided to share my menu with you and maybe you can join me next time I make it!
I started my day yesterday by sticking a box of sourdough bread in my bread machine. It isn't exactly homemade, but it is a lot easier and quicker and I know it tastes good!
After I got that going I gathered all the ingredients I needed to make my Aunt Susan's Lasagne. Let me just tell you now, this is a HUGE recipe. It will serve about 12-15 people!
Here is what you will need:
I started my day yesterday by sticking a box of sourdough bread in my bread machine. It isn't exactly homemade, but it is a lot easier and quicker and I know it tastes good!
After I got that going I gathered all the ingredients I needed to make my Aunt Susan's Lasagne. Let me just tell you now, this is a HUGE recipe. It will serve about 12-15 people!
Here is what you will need:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 lb. italian sausage (I used the kind with sweet basil)
- 1 T. minced garlic
- 24 oz. tomato sauce
- 1 T. sweet basil (fresh from my mother's garden!)
- 15 oz. ricotto cheese
- 17 oz. cottage cheese (the recipe says 16 ricotto and 16 cottage cheese but the ricotto comes in a 15 oz. package so I just made up for it in cottage cheese)
- 1/2 c. Parmesan (I prefer to use the kind in the green shaker)
- 2 T. Parsley flakes (also fresh from my mother's garden)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 lb. Mozarella cheese
- 6 Lasagne noodles, cooked
- 1 9x13 pan
Here's what you do:
Start out by cooking your noodles. Once they are cooked all the way through, set them aside in a bowl of water. (I made that rule up. I don't know if it hurts to go ahead and put it in the pan or not).
Now that your noodles are done, you can start making your cheese sauce mixture. In a large bowl, mix ricotto, cottage, and parmesan cheeses together. Add in the parsley and eggs. Mix all that up and then put it in the fridge.
Now onto the meat/tomato sauce. Brown the ground beef and the sausage together in a pan along with the minced garlic. Drain. After you drain, you can add the basil and tomato sauce. Let that simmer.
It is now time to throw everything all together. In your 9x13 pan, layer in lasagne noodles, cheese mix, mozarella cheese, and meat sauce in 2 layers. Bake at 325 degrees for 45-60 minutes. After the Lasagne comes out of the oven, let it set for 10-15 minutes before serving.
It is a fairly simple recipe, but I must say I was very nervous about making it. I had never made lasagne before and I was so worried I would mess up that I actually convinced myself that I had! But fear not, I made it through and everyone loved it!
All in all I ended up making 3 loaves of sourdough bread (served with my secret recipe blend of garlic butter), salad, lasagne, and cherry dump cake. The cake went the fastest. I still have leftovers of everything else but that darn cake just didn't last. Maybe someday I will share that recipe with you all! Hope you enjoy this recipe! I know we certainly did...do...are....whatever. Let me know if you use the recipe or if there is anything else you want me to write about. I'm am now currently taking requests! Lol! Hope everyone has a good morning, afternoon, and night!
-Mattie
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
It's A Twister!!!!
Ahhhhh! Tornado season is upon us here in Bethany, OK and tornado alley is alive with action! This is one of my favorite times of year. I know it sounds odd but I LOVE the feeling I get when I think a tornado is gonna head right for us. I don't really get scared. I panic a little but that only lasts a minute or so until I realize I know what to do and I've already taken precautions. Since I was 10 years old (or so) i've had a tornado kit that I keep packed year-round. It is filled with peanut butter, water bottles, whistles, radios, batteries, socks, coloring pages, crayons, and an old useless analog television (don't worry...I took that out yesterday). The only things I have to worry about are 1) my dog, Gundy, and 2) do I have enough time to get to one of my 4 safe places?
Unfortunately, every time I watch the news--which is frequently as my favorite show are often interrupted by Gary, Rick, or Mike--I get an urge to watch my digital copy of Twister on my laptop, iPhone, or my DVD of it on the TV. Twister is my favorite movie. I watch it ALL. THE. TIME. I'm watching it now as a matter of fact.
You know I'm a true okie because I really am one of those people who hears the sirens and goes outside for a peek. I'm always talking about leaving Oklahoma and living in Massachusetts. (I even picked out the house... www.realestatebook.com/homes/listing/101-3000373541/refer=yahoo ) but I would really miss this weather too much. I would have to come back for the entire month of May.
Here are some of the reasons I love this weather.
Aren't they beautiful... :)
Monday, May 10, 2010
These Days
So. Yesterday was Mother's Day. What did you do for your mother? Some of my presents didn't exactly get here on time....but we told her what we got and told her it would be here soon during the week. She did however get to open 2 real life presents. A book on tablescapes (her favorite thing to do in the entire world) and a game called "Things". We went to church, had lunch at my Aunt Jeanie's. Then we went to see an advanced screening of Letters to Juliet. Unfortunately we didn't get tickets, so we went to Iron Man instead. After the movie we came home and as a family we played the game and laughed and had a good time and at tacos from one of Joey's favorite restaurants. That was the Gordon's Mother's Day in a nutshell.
The new thing going on in my life is test monitoring. I've been volunteering up at Bethany High School. I go in every morning at 8:45 to set up the tests on the computers and write their "seal codes" on the board. Then after the tests are set up the kids come in and I pass out their papers that have their login id's and other information. I stay until the kids finish their test and I record their scores and alphabetize the papers before I leave for lunch. Then, I go to lunch, come back, and start all over again for the afternoon session. I re-launch the test program on all the computers, rewrite different seal codes, pass out papers, record scores, alphabetize and then when all the tests are turned in to me I go home. It doesn't sound like much but I'm actually having a pretty good time.
I have dubbed this week at the official "JM Barrie Week." in honor of Sir James Matthew Barrie, creator of a world where children never have to grow up. And there will always be a part of me that lives in Neverland. If you haven't already guessed (or didn't already know) Mr. Barrie is the author of "Peter Pan" the infamous tale of a boy who never grew up. This whole week I am celebrating him and his literary genius. All week I will be watching Peter Pan related movies in honor of him. This is my schedule for the week:
Monday: Finding Neverland
Tuesday: Peter Pan (animated)
Wednesday: Return to Neverland
Thursday: Hook
Friday: Peter Pan (2003)
"To live would be an awfully big adventure."
I will be starting my new "job" of staying with my Granny soon. I will be taking care of her and helping her out a little bit. Drive her around and fix her dinners and keep her company so my family will have a little bit more peace of mind where she is concerned. I'm also going to make a facebook for her. That will be a lot of fun (for me) and I have a feeling she is going to join my team for Gossip Girl trivia...(don't be fooled though...it's just me. She doesn't watch GG haha!)
The only other thing I have to report is that I've started sailing lessons! I've been to 2 so far, I have one tomorrow night, and after that I'll only have 2 more then I will be able to rent boats from the YMCA and sail out on Lake Hefner! I'm having such a good time learning all these different ways to tie knots and assemble my boat. I've learned about the mast, boom, sail, rope/line/sheet, centerboard, rudder, and the tiller. I've learned about the hull of the boat and the bow and port, the starboard, and stern. I even did figure 8's around booies (sp?) in the boat! Yeaaaahhhhhh!
All in all I'm having a good time right now. Things are good and I don't have a bunch of stuff to worry about. I'm feeling good! Have a good week!
I'll try to post again soon! I know there was a nice gap between postings last time...but I'll try to be better! Lol!
The new thing going on in my life is test monitoring. I've been volunteering up at Bethany High School. I go in every morning at 8:45 to set up the tests on the computers and write their "seal codes" on the board. Then after the tests are set up the kids come in and I pass out their papers that have their login id's and other information. I stay until the kids finish their test and I record their scores and alphabetize the papers before I leave for lunch. Then, I go to lunch, come back, and start all over again for the afternoon session. I re-launch the test program on all the computers, rewrite different seal codes, pass out papers, record scores, alphabetize and then when all the tests are turned in to me I go home. It doesn't sound like much but I'm actually having a pretty good time.
I have dubbed this week at the official "JM Barrie Week." in honor of Sir James Matthew Barrie, creator of a world where children never have to grow up. And there will always be a part of me that lives in Neverland. If you haven't already guessed (or didn't already know) Mr. Barrie is the author of "Peter Pan" the infamous tale of a boy who never grew up. This whole week I am celebrating him and his literary genius. All week I will be watching Peter Pan related movies in honor of him. This is my schedule for the week:
Monday: Finding Neverland
Tuesday: Peter Pan (animated)
Wednesday: Return to Neverland
Thursday: Hook
Friday: Peter Pan (2003)
"To live would be an awfully big adventure."
I will be starting my new "job" of staying with my Granny soon. I will be taking care of her and helping her out a little bit. Drive her around and fix her dinners and keep her company so my family will have a little bit more peace of mind where she is concerned. I'm also going to make a facebook for her. That will be a lot of fun (for me) and I have a feeling she is going to join my team for Gossip Girl trivia...(don't be fooled though...it's just me. She doesn't watch GG haha!)
The only other thing I have to report is that I've started sailing lessons! I've been to 2 so far, I have one tomorrow night, and after that I'll only have 2 more then I will be able to rent boats from the YMCA and sail out on Lake Hefner! I'm having such a good time learning all these different ways to tie knots and assemble my boat. I've learned about the mast, boom, sail, rope/line/sheet, centerboard, rudder, and the tiller. I've learned about the hull of the boat and the bow and port, the starboard, and stern. I even did figure 8's around booies (sp?) in the boat! Yeaaaahhhhhh!
All in all I'm having a good time right now. Things are good and I don't have a bunch of stuff to worry about. I'm feeling good! Have a good week!
I'll try to post again soon! I know there was a nice gap between postings last time...but I'll try to be better! Lol!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Some new poetry.
Here are some of the poems I've been working on.
The Journey:
Eyes like an abysmal sea
churning waves to comfort me
I drink them in like liquid suns
my heart beats fast, my fever runs.
My thoughts are quick--
my words too slow.
But you, my love, already know.
You hold me tight.
I breath you in.
Your touch is soft against my skin.
Your breath is warm upon my face
as you lean in for this embrace.
Now here we stand to start our life:
The Journey of husband and wife.
Swimming:
From the moment the water touches my skin I'm gone.
Nothing in this world is as thrilling as the rush of the ocean,
waves beating down, crashing over my body.
The sun pours down warmth on me and I smile.
Shall I swim? No. I think for now I will float.
Soon I will ask myself, "Will I drown if I go out too far?"
Probably, but who knows.
If I am to die today I will not be afraid.
The guiding light will bring me home.
I will finally feel the joy of swimming through clouds.
In Your Eyes:
When I look in your eyes
I see specks of light that
reflect in the sun. As shadows
pass, your inner light streams
from a face that I, your lover,
see as nothing short of a perfect face.
When I look in your eyes
I see a man struggling with
the fear of the unknown. He
sinks deeper into his feelings
of inadequacy. Seeking comfort
in the eyes of a stranger.
When I look in you eyes
I see desire. Always searching
for the one way to move forward
and make your dream a reality.
on to gain the upper hand.
When I look in your eyes
I see a future. Two children
playing in the yard, Happy,
free from all the evils of the world.
Smiling faces shining down on their
father who loves them so much
he would die for them and their
safety and happiness.
When I look in your eyes
I see love. I see a man who
is not afraid of going after
what he wants. No obstacle is
too great to stand in the way
of you accomplishing your goals.
When I look in your eyes
my eyes see no flaw, no
imperfection. Because when I
look in your eyes. I see the man
I love, The man I want to wake up
to in the morning tomorrow and the
rest of my life.
When I look in your eyes
i know peace.
The Journey:
Eyes like an abysmal sea
churning waves to comfort me
I drink them in like liquid suns
my heart beats fast, my fever runs.
My thoughts are quick--
my words too slow.
But you, my love, already know.
You hold me tight.
I breath you in.
Your touch is soft against my skin.
Your breath is warm upon my face
as you lean in for this embrace.
Now here we stand to start our life:
The Journey of husband and wife.
Swimming:
From the moment the water touches my skin I'm gone.
Nothing in this world is as thrilling as the rush of the ocean,
waves beating down, crashing over my body.
The sun pours down warmth on me and I smile.
Shall I swim? No. I think for now I will float.
Soon I will ask myself, "Will I drown if I go out too far?"
Probably, but who knows.
If I am to die today I will not be afraid.
The guiding light will bring me home.
I will finally feel the joy of swimming through clouds.
In Your Eyes:
When I look in your eyes
I see specks of light that
reflect in the sun. As shadows
pass, your inner light streams
from a face that I, your lover,
see as nothing short of a perfect face.
When I look in your eyes
I see a man struggling with
the fear of the unknown. He
sinks deeper into his feelings
of inadequacy. Seeking comfort
in the eyes of a stranger.
When I look in you eyes
I see desire. Always searching
for the one way to move forward
and make your dream a reality.
on to gain the upper hand.
When I look in your eyes
I see a future. Two children
playing in the yard, Happy,
free from all the evils of the world.
Smiling faces shining down on their
father who loves them so much
he would die for them and their
safety and happiness.
When I look in your eyes
I see love. I see a man who
is not afraid of going after
what he wants. No obstacle is
too great to stand in the way
of you accomplishing your goals.
When I look in your eyes
my eyes see no flaw, no
imperfection. Because when I
look in your eyes. I see the man
I love, The man I want to wake up
to in the morning tomorrow and the
rest of my life.
When I look in your eyes
i know peace.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Lately...
I hope everyone had a good Easter today! I know I did! My mom's side of the family all met at my cousin Dennis' house where we ate our fill (and everyone apparently watched me eat with my chopsticks). Afterwords my mom and I stayed late and watched The Blind Side with Dennis and his whole family. It was fun. Becky and Richard came down from Glenpool and brought Harper. She got to meet Joey (my brother), Uncle Danny, and everyone else!
This week my friend Ashley and I decided to take sailing lessons next month at YMCA at Lake Hefner! My mom has been trying to get me to take them for years because she took them and loved it! Now I am and I'm excited...but I'm super duper excited because I get to buy new shoes! See, when taking sailing lessons at Lake Hef. you have to wear water shoes, so I found these!
Other NEW(s)is I've finished some more books! Of my 10 in '10 list, I've already read 6 of them! Two aren't out yet and two I haven't been able to get out and buy yet but soon....I have finished The Lovely Bones, Fake Boyfriend, The Van Alen Legacy, and the entire Percy Jackson series! I've aslo read some other books! I read Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and I am currently reading 2 other books: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and A Voice In The Wind.
Well, I guess that is it for now. It's pretty late here and I should be heading off to bed instead of on twitter...or facebook....or blogspot....or www.mlb.com ...or looking at my shoes at vibramfivefingers.com or wherever else I am....watching Enchanged on USA network...
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Las Vegas: rest of day 3 and Day 4
Yesterday was uneventful. We didn't leave the hotel. Not once. I made it as far as the ice machine once...Ciara didn't make it past the threshold of our room. Fortunately we can see TONS from our window. We can see all the fireworks and fun stuff from Treasure Island (can't see the ship but we saw it today so that's okay)...We get to see the Volcano from the Mirage (our hotel) and tonight we are going to see the only other thing I have really wanted to see: the fountains at the Bellagio.
Today we ventured out into the world. First thing we did was we watched travel channel barbeque paradise as we got dressed so we had lunch at the BB King Blues Club and had some gooooooood barbeque pulled pork sandwiches. By the way, if you ever go there and if you like dil pickles, you have GOT to have the fried pickles. They were literally TO.DIE.FOR. After we ate we set out seeking the Stratosphere. It was a lot farther than I originally thought, but after a LONG time we finally made it. I kind of enjoyed the walk though because we literally got to see everything at the north end of the strip. I think I enjoyed it more than Ciara anyway.... We stood in line for a while and then we got to go up into the observation deck. We took lots of pictures to prove that we left the room. Tonight we are going to watch idol and then go see the fountains and then tomorrow we head home. We've been having such a good time just hanging out and doing the things we found interesting...even if that does mean sitting in our room watching Spice World with the blackout curtains shut in the middle of the day.
Well, I'll say goodbye for now. I'm gonna rest up and read for a little bit. I'm a little tired from all the excitement today. It doesn't sound like much but trust me, if you were here you might feel a little bit differently.
-Mattie
Today we ventured out into the world. First thing we did was we watched travel channel barbeque paradise as we got dressed so we had lunch at the BB King Blues Club and had some gooooooood barbeque pulled pork sandwiches. By the way, if you ever go there and if you like dil pickles, you have GOT to have the fried pickles. They were literally TO.DIE.FOR. After we ate we set out seeking the Stratosphere. It was a lot farther than I originally thought, but after a LONG time we finally made it. I kind of enjoyed the walk though because we literally got to see everything at the north end of the strip. I think I enjoyed it more than Ciara anyway.... We stood in line for a while and then we got to go up into the observation deck. We took lots of pictures to prove that we left the room. Tonight we are going to watch idol and then go see the fountains and then tomorrow we head home. We've been having such a good time just hanging out and doing the things we found interesting...even if that does mean sitting in our room watching Spice World with the blackout curtains shut in the middle of the day.
Well, I'll say goodbye for now. I'm gonna rest up and read for a little bit. I'm a little tired from all the excitement today. It doesn't sound like much but trust me, if you were here you might feel a little bit differently.
-Mattie
Monday, March 15, 2010
Private: Chapter 1
Okay. I know I'm always bugging you all to read this book. But here is a way to sample the first chapter of the first book without making you do any extra work. Here is the 1st chapter of the 1st book in the Private Series by Kate Brian. To view the PDF version, go to http://www.privatenovels.com/images/pdf/private_ch1.pdf
Where I come from everything is gray. The bland, square strip malls. The water in the lake at the center of town. Even the sunlight has amurky quality.We barely get spring and we never get autumn. The leaves fall off the sickly trees early each September before the even have a chance to change, tumbling down on the shingled roofs of the standard-issue houses, each one exactly the same as the last. If you want to see beauty in Croton, Pennsylvania, you’ve got to sit in your ten-by-ten bedroom in your boring split-level house and close your eyes. You have to use your imagination. Some girls see themselves walking red carpets with movie star boyfriends while flashbulbs pop. Others, I’m sure, go the princess route, conjuring up diamonds and tiaras and knights on white horses. All I imagined my entire ninth grade year was this: Easton Academy. How I found myself there, in the place of my daydreams, while the rest of my classmates were entering the dank dreariness of Croton High, I still am not totally sure. Something to do with my soccer and lacrosse skills, my grades, the stellar recommendation of outgoing Easton senior Felicia Reynolds (my brother Scott’s older, cooler ex), and I think a little bit of begging on my father’s part. But at this point, I didn’t care. I was there, and this place was everything I had dreamed it would be. As my dad drove our dented Subaru through the sunny streets of Easton, Connecticut, it was all I could do to keep from pressing my nose to the dog-slobbered window. The shops here had colorful cloth awnings and windows that gleamed. The streetlamps were the old-fashioned kind that were electric now, but had once been lit by a guy on a horse toting a pole and a flame. Potted plants hung from these lamps, bursting with bright red flowers, still dripping from a recent dousing with a garden hose. Even the sidewalks were pretty; neat and lined with brick, topped by towering oak trees. Beneath the shade of these trees, a pair of girls my age chatted their way out of a boutique called Sweet Nothings, swinging clear bags stacked with neatly folded sweaters and skirts. As out-of-place as I felt in my worn Lee jeans and my blue T-shirt, I had never wanted to live anywheremore than I wanted to live here, in Easton. I couldn’t believe that very soon I actually would. I felt something warminsidemy chest. Something I had felt less and less over the last few years since my mother’s accident. I recognized it dimly as hope. Easton Academy is accessible by a small two-lane road, which winds up from town into the hills above. A small wooden sign on a short stone base marks the entrance to the school. EASTON ACADEMY
ESTABLISHED 1858 it reads in faded letters. The sign is obscured by the low branch of a birch tree, as if to convey that if you belong here, you know where you were going and if you do not, they aren’t going to great lengths to help you find your way.
My father turned the car under the iron and brick archway and I was sucked in. Hard. Here were buildings of brick and stone, topped by shingled roofs and spires, tradition and pride oozing
from every dated cornerstone. Here were ancient, weathered, arched doorways, thick wooden doors on iron hinges, cobblestone walks lined by neat beds of flowers. Here were pristine playing
fields of bright green grass and gleaming white lines. Everything I saw was perfect. Nothing reminded me of home. “Reed, you’re the navigator. Where do I go?” my father asked.
Easton’s orientationmap had become a sweaty, crumpled ball in my hand. I flattened it overmy thigh as if I hadn’tmemorized it ten times over. “Make a right by the fountain,” I told him, trying to sound much calmer than I felt. “The sophomore girls’ dorm is the
last one on the circle.” We drove by a matching set of convertibleMercedes. A girl with
blond hair stood idly by while a man—her father? her butler?— unloaded a huge set of Louis Vuitton luggage onto the curb.My dad whistled. “These people sure know how to live,” he said, and I was instantly irritated by his awe, even though I felt it myself. He
ducked his head so he could see up to the top of the clock tower, which I knew from my many hours of paging through the Easton catalog marked the ancient library. What I wanted to say was, “Da-a-ad!”What I said was, “I know.” He would be gone soon, and if I snapped at him I would regret it later when I was alone in this strange, picture-book place. Besides,
I had a feeling that girls like the one we had just seen never said things like “Da-a-ad!” Outside the three imposing dorms that stood around the circle at themidpoint of the hill, families kissed and hugged and checked that everyone had everything they needed. Boys in khakis and white
shirts kicked arround a soccer ball, their blazers tossed aside, their cheeks blotched and ruddy. A pair of stern-looking teachers stood near the dry stone fountain, nodding as they spoke toward each other’s ears. Girls with shimmering hair compared schedules, laughing and pointing and whispering behind their hands. I stared at the girls, wondering if by tomorrow I would know
them. Wondering if any of them would be my friends. I had never had many girlfriends. Or any, actually. I was a loner by necessity—keeping people away from my house and my mother and therefore myself. Plus there was the fact that I wasn’t interested in the things most girls seemed to be interested in—clothes and gossip and Us Weekly. Back home I was always more comfortable around guys. Guys didn’t feel the need to ask questions, to check out your room and
your house and know all the intimate details of your life. So I mostly hung out with Scott and his friends, especially Adam Robinson, whom I had dated all summer and who would be a senior at Croton High this year. I guess the fact that I had broken up with him and come here, thereby not being the first sophomore girl ever to have a senior boyfriend driving her to school on the first day, would be just another thing that would mystify the girls in my grade.
Of course, they were easily mystified. I hoped it would be different here. It knew it would be. Look at it. How could it not be? My dad brought the car to a stop at the curb between a gold Land Rover and a black limousine. I stared up at the ivy-covered walls of Bradwell, the sophomore dormthat would bemy home for the next year. Some of the windows were already open, raining down music on the students and parents. Pink curtains hung in one room and inside a girl with jet-black curls moved back and forth, placing things, making it hers. “Well, here we are,” my dad said. There was a pause. “You sure about this, kiddo?” Suddenly, I couldn’t breathe. In all the months that my parents had argued aboutmy coming to Easton,my father was the only person in my entire family who had never expressed a moment of
doubt. Even Scott, whose idea it had been for me to follow Felicia here in the first place—she had come for her junior and senior years, finishing up last spring before heading off toDartmouth and, undoubtedly, glory—had balked when he saw the tremendous
tuition. But my dad had been on board fully from day one. He had sent in my lacrosse and soccer tapes. He had spent hours on the phone with the financial aid department. And all the while he had constantly reassured me that I was going to “knock ’em dead.” I looked into my dad’s eyes, exactly the same blue as my own, and I knew he didn’t doubt whether I couldmake it here.He doubted whether he could make it back home. Images of pill vials flashed in my mind. Little white and blue tablets spilled across a waterring stained night table. A bin full of empty liquor bottles and crumpled tissues. My mother, wiry and pale, grousing about her pain, about
how everything bad happened to her and none of us cared, tearing me down, tearing Scott down, telling us all we were worthless just to make us feel as miserable as she did. Scott had already made his escape—he had packed up and gone off to Penn State last week. Now it would be just Dad and my mother in that tiny little house. The thought depressed me. “I don’t have to go here,” I said, even though the very idea that he might agree with me made me physically ill. To see this place, feel what it was all about, and then have it all taken away within the
span of fiveminutes would be painful enough to killme, I was sure. “We can go home right now. Just say the word.” My dad’s face softened into a smile. “Yeah, right,” he said. “Like
I would really do that. But I appreciate the offer.” I grinned sadly. “No problem.” “I love you, kiddo,” he said. I already knew that. Gettingme into this school and out of that hellhole was about themost obvious display of love any parent could have produced. He was pretty much my hero. “Love you, too, Dad.” And then he huggedme and I cried and before I knew it, we were saying goodbye.
There you have it Folks. for more information you can go to www.privatenovels.com and again, to view the PDF verson go to http://www.privatenovels.com/images/pdf/private_ch1.pdf
Where I come from everything is gray. The bland, square strip malls. The water in the lake at the center of town. Even the sunlight has amurky quality.We barely get spring and we never get autumn. The leaves fall off the sickly trees early each September before the even have a chance to change, tumbling down on the shingled roofs of the standard-issue houses, each one exactly the same as the last. If you want to see beauty in Croton, Pennsylvania, you’ve got to sit in your ten-by-ten bedroom in your boring split-level house and close your eyes. You have to use your imagination. Some girls see themselves walking red carpets with movie star boyfriends while flashbulbs pop. Others, I’m sure, go the princess route, conjuring up diamonds and tiaras and knights on white horses. All I imagined my entire ninth grade year was this: Easton Academy. How I found myself there, in the place of my daydreams, while the rest of my classmates were entering the dank dreariness of Croton High, I still am not totally sure. Something to do with my soccer and lacrosse skills, my grades, the stellar recommendation of outgoing Easton senior Felicia Reynolds (my brother Scott’s older, cooler ex), and I think a little bit of begging on my father’s part. But at this point, I didn’t care. I was there, and this place was everything I had dreamed it would be. As my dad drove our dented Subaru through the sunny streets of Easton, Connecticut, it was all I could do to keep from pressing my nose to the dog-slobbered window. The shops here had colorful cloth awnings and windows that gleamed. The streetlamps were the old-fashioned kind that were electric now, but had once been lit by a guy on a horse toting a pole and a flame. Potted plants hung from these lamps, bursting with bright red flowers, still dripping from a recent dousing with a garden hose. Even the sidewalks were pretty; neat and lined with brick, topped by towering oak trees. Beneath the shade of these trees, a pair of girls my age chatted their way out of a boutique called Sweet Nothings, swinging clear bags stacked with neatly folded sweaters and skirts. As out-of-place as I felt in my worn Lee jeans and my blue T-shirt, I had never wanted to live anywheremore than I wanted to live here, in Easton. I couldn’t believe that very soon I actually would. I felt something warminsidemy chest. Something I had felt less and less over the last few years since my mother’s accident. I recognized it dimly as hope. Easton Academy is accessible by a small two-lane road, which winds up from town into the hills above. A small wooden sign on a short stone base marks the entrance to the school. EASTON ACADEMY
ESTABLISHED 1858 it reads in faded letters. The sign is obscured by the low branch of a birch tree, as if to convey that if you belong here, you know where you were going and if you do not, they aren’t going to great lengths to help you find your way.
My father turned the car under the iron and brick archway and I was sucked in. Hard. Here were buildings of brick and stone, topped by shingled roofs and spires, tradition and pride oozing
from every dated cornerstone. Here were ancient, weathered, arched doorways, thick wooden doors on iron hinges, cobblestone walks lined by neat beds of flowers. Here were pristine playing
fields of bright green grass and gleaming white lines. Everything I saw was perfect. Nothing reminded me of home. “Reed, you’re the navigator. Where do I go?” my father asked.
Easton’s orientationmap had become a sweaty, crumpled ball in my hand. I flattened it overmy thigh as if I hadn’tmemorized it ten times over. “Make a right by the fountain,” I told him, trying to sound much calmer than I felt. “The sophomore girls’ dorm is the
last one on the circle.” We drove by a matching set of convertibleMercedes. A girl with
blond hair stood idly by while a man—her father? her butler?— unloaded a huge set of Louis Vuitton luggage onto the curb.My dad whistled. “These people sure know how to live,” he said, and I was instantly irritated by his awe, even though I felt it myself. He
ducked his head so he could see up to the top of the clock tower, which I knew from my many hours of paging through the Easton catalog marked the ancient library. What I wanted to say was, “Da-a-ad!”What I said was, “I know.” He would be gone soon, and if I snapped at him I would regret it later when I was alone in this strange, picture-book place. Besides,
I had a feeling that girls like the one we had just seen never said things like “Da-a-ad!” Outside the three imposing dorms that stood around the circle at themidpoint of the hill, families kissed and hugged and checked that everyone had everything they needed. Boys in khakis and white
shirts kicked arround a soccer ball, their blazers tossed aside, their cheeks blotched and ruddy. A pair of stern-looking teachers stood near the dry stone fountain, nodding as they spoke toward each other’s ears. Girls with shimmering hair compared schedules, laughing and pointing and whispering behind their hands. I stared at the girls, wondering if by tomorrow I would know
them. Wondering if any of them would be my friends. I had never had many girlfriends. Or any, actually. I was a loner by necessity—keeping people away from my house and my mother and therefore myself. Plus there was the fact that I wasn’t interested in the things most girls seemed to be interested in—clothes and gossip and Us Weekly. Back home I was always more comfortable around guys. Guys didn’t feel the need to ask questions, to check out your room and
your house and know all the intimate details of your life. So I mostly hung out with Scott and his friends, especially Adam Robinson, whom I had dated all summer and who would be a senior at Croton High this year. I guess the fact that I had broken up with him and come here, thereby not being the first sophomore girl ever to have a senior boyfriend driving her to school on the first day, would be just another thing that would mystify the girls in my grade.
Of course, they were easily mystified. I hoped it would be different here. It knew it would be. Look at it. How could it not be? My dad brought the car to a stop at the curb between a gold Land Rover and a black limousine. I stared up at the ivy-covered walls of Bradwell, the sophomore dormthat would bemy home for the next year. Some of the windows were already open, raining down music on the students and parents. Pink curtains hung in one room and inside a girl with jet-black curls moved back and forth, placing things, making it hers. “Well, here we are,” my dad said. There was a pause. “You sure about this, kiddo?” Suddenly, I couldn’t breathe. In all the months that my parents had argued aboutmy coming to Easton,my father was the only person in my entire family who had never expressed a moment of
doubt. Even Scott, whose idea it had been for me to follow Felicia here in the first place—she had come for her junior and senior years, finishing up last spring before heading off toDartmouth and, undoubtedly, glory—had balked when he saw the tremendous
tuition. But my dad had been on board fully from day one. He had sent in my lacrosse and soccer tapes. He had spent hours on the phone with the financial aid department. And all the while he had constantly reassured me that I was going to “knock ’em dead.” I looked into my dad’s eyes, exactly the same blue as my own, and I knew he didn’t doubt whether I couldmake it here.He doubted whether he could make it back home. Images of pill vials flashed in my mind. Little white and blue tablets spilled across a waterring stained night table. A bin full of empty liquor bottles and crumpled tissues. My mother, wiry and pale, grousing about her pain, about
how everything bad happened to her and none of us cared, tearing me down, tearing Scott down, telling us all we were worthless just to make us feel as miserable as she did. Scott had already made his escape—he had packed up and gone off to Penn State last week. Now it would be just Dad and my mother in that tiny little house. The thought depressed me. “I don’t have to go here,” I said, even though the very idea that he might agree with me made me physically ill. To see this place, feel what it was all about, and then have it all taken away within the
span of fiveminutes would be painful enough to killme, I was sure. “We can go home right now. Just say the word.” My dad’s face softened into a smile. “Yeah, right,” he said. “Like
I would really do that. But I appreciate the offer.” I grinned sadly. “No problem.” “I love you, kiddo,” he said. I already knew that. Gettingme into this school and out of that hellhole was about themost obvious display of love any parent could have produced. He was pretty much my hero. “Love you, too, Dad.” And then he huggedme and I cried and before I knew it, we were saying goodbye.
There you have it Folks. for more information you can go to www.privatenovels.com and again, to view the PDF verson go to http://www.privatenovels.com/images/pdf/private_ch1.pdf
Las Vegas: Day 2 and part of day 3.
Yesterday was Day 2 of the Mattie/Ciara Road trip to Las Vegas. We had a short drive so we planned on sleeping in a little and hitting the road. However, time is a funny thing. See, it is daylight savings and I was in a different time zone..but Arizona doesn't do daylight savings...so somehow I ended up waking up at 7 am. I don't know what time that was to anyone else. All I know is my alarm clock said 7. But I got up anyway and took my shower and packed my bags. A little later, Ciara began to wake up and get ready. We should have left earlier than we did. We just sat around waiting because we decided not to leave until 10:30 so we watched crappy TV until then. If we had been smart we would have just left because we ended up in a 2-3 hour line of cars sitting still for 5 miles. There was a police checkpoint at the Hoover Dam. We think they were looking for a criminal because there were patrols going up and down the highway from I-40 to Hoover Dam, some were just driving around, others were on satellite things. Then there was the checkpoint. After the checkpoint was when we began to notice the helicopters going back and forth above our heads. Anywho...that was the only downside to yesterday. After that little adventure we sailed right into Las Vegas, checked into our hotel and haven't left yet. We decided to order food in last night and sleep in this morning. It is noon here now and we have both been awake and talking and watching TV. Now I'm tap tap tapping away on my computer writing this blog, writing conspiracy theories about the book I just finished (everyone needs to read the Private Series by Kate Brian if they are in to Y/A chick lit). I'm also trying to figure out what is going on with the next few books coming out, on facebook, texting several people and basically just driving myself crazy. Half the time I don't know what is going on or what site I am typing into so if an some point I start blabbering on about BLS or kidnapping, please realize I'm just crazy. Ciara fell back asleep. According to her "Vegas doesn't awaken until Dusk" so I guess that's what we are waiting for. I personally wouldn't mind if I never left the hotel. We have such a great view from our room I can see just about everything I need. I think I might watch a movie in just a bit..one of the ones on my laptop though, not one of the movies you pay an arm and a leg for on the hotel TV...if I wanted to spend $15 on a movie I would buy the digital copy from iTunes. I really wish I would have brought A/V cords with me though, because then I could hook up my laptop to the TV and watch movies that way... Oh well. Iguess I'll talk to you tomorrow....unless I get on here later to post stuff about my book! Keep coming back and leave me comments! I love hearing from everyone. Also, if you don't have a blogger account and post an anonymous comment, please please please leave your name so I'll know who all actually reads this thing!
Love, Mattie.
Love, Mattie.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Las Vegas: Day 1
Yesterday Ciara and I left Oklahoma. It was a long long long day in the car, but time passed more quickly than I expected it would. We took turns driving: 6 1/2 hours for each of us. We arrived at our final destination, Flagstaff, AZ at 9:00. That is when things started getting REALLY interesting. See, we got lost. And no matter what anyone tells you, sometimes a situation will present itself where iPhones aren't much help. Like when your dot on GPS doesn't move. But alas, we finally found our hotel. Unfortunately, the hotel we chose was creepy. Now I'm sure this is all in my head but 1st thing: we should have walked out the door when we heard the price was DOUBLE what it was quoted online. Really? But we didn't we went ahead and paid more money because we had already driven all over town trying to find the dang place. So, we go ahead and book the room. But the man at the front desk is majorly creepy. He looked at us funny and that was wierd. The room itself wasn't bad. Although, I have become accustomed to elevators. I didn't really enjoy lugging 3 tons of crap up the stairs. Then, once we got up the stairs and turned to walk down the hall, Ciara and I turned to each other and had the same thought. We both expected to see little twins at the end of the hall like from The Shining. I don't know what gave me that impression but it made us a little bit uneasy. We got to our room, ordered some pizza, got ice and soda and made camp for the evening. By the way. The hand-tossed pizza crust from Dominos Pizza was delicious. I got pepperoni and light sauce. We also ordered online (because no one wanted to suck it up and call). And it was so much fun. Maybe I'm just entertained easily (which is what Ciara keeps telling me) But I got to build my own pizza and track it's progress. Anywho...I really enjoyed it. We also got cheesy bread and it was good too! I highly recommend everyone tries it! I will be using Dominos online for future travel meals! Oh! I forgot to tell everyone the WORST part! As most of you know, I hate hate HATE cold weather. I'm super sensative. SO of course, last night as I was lost and frustrated and tired from driving all day and hungry, it started snowing. SNOWING. But we survived. Today we have a short 4 hour drive into Las Vegas. We are going to stop by the Hoover Dam and from there it should be smooth sailing for a couple of days. I hope to keep everyone posted on all of our adventures (and misadventures). But now it is time to pack up my bags and get the heck out of this town! I'm ready to be done with Arizona! It is messing me up! It is 11:15 at home in OK, 10:15 in Las Vegas, and what my phone says, and 9:15 here in Flagstaff because Arizona doesn't do daylight savings. It is starting to get confusing! Well, talk to you tomorrow!
-Mattie
-Mattie
Monday, January 18, 2010
A Very Book-y Blog.
If you haven't heard, there is a fun new challenge going around the chick-lit blogs called "10 in '10". The challenge is to read ten teen chicklit books within the year of 2010. So I have carefully considered all of my possibilities for the challenge and this is my conclusion. I will DEFINITELY be reading these 10 books.
1. The Lovely Bones-Alice Sebold-I just saw the movie on Friday (Jan. 15, 2010) and absolutely fell in love with the story. I just so happened to have the book at my house (thank you mom) so I have decided to give it a go.
2. Fake Boyfriend-Kate Brian-Kate (aka Kieran Scott) and I have come to be friends via myspace, facebook, twitter, etc... and yes, we actually do talk.
3. The Van Alen Legacy- Melissa De La Cruz- This is the 4th book in the Blue Bloods series. The Series is about young vampires living in New York City. Its pretty fun to read!
4. Percy Jackson and the Titan's Curse- Rick Riordan-book #3 in the Olympians Series.
5. Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth- Rick Riordan- #4 of the Olympians Series.
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6. Percy Jackson and the Last Olympian-The 5th and final book in the Olympian Series.
7. She's So Dead To Us-Kieran Scott- This is the only Kieran Scott book on the list, although she has written 3 other books on the list under the name Kate Brian.
8. Heartless-Sara Shepard- This is the 7th installment of the Pretty Little Liars Series. Its a good series, but It is definitely aimed for younger girls (middle school aged) So I'm not going to recommend it. I enjoy the books but then again, I'll read just about any Y/A Fiction/Chicklit book.
9. Scandal-Kate Brian-probably my all time favorite book series. I give these books to EVERYONE. This is the latest book in the Private Series. I can't even tell you what number in the series it is...I think it is book #12 but I'm not sure on that. I'm so excited!
10. Sweet Deciet-Kate Brian-The 4th Book in Kate's Privilege Series, which is a spinoff of the Private Series (mentioned above). She is an amazing writer. She has the perfect mix of teenage angst, relationships, mystery, and humor and I absolutely love the books!
So, there you have it! My top 10 books...BUT the list does keep going on. These next books are ones I hope to read this year, I probably won't get to most of them but I still feel like they needed mentioning...
1. The Lovely Bones-Alice Sebold-I just saw the movie on Friday (Jan. 15, 2010) and absolutely fell in love with the story. I just so happened to have the book at my house (thank you mom) so I have decided to give it a go.
2. Fake Boyfriend-Kate Brian-Kate (aka Kieran Scott) and I have come to be friends via myspace, facebook, twitter, etc... and yes, we actually do talk.
3. The Van Alen Legacy- Melissa De La Cruz- This is the 4th book in the Blue Bloods series. The Series is about young vampires living in New York City. Its pretty fun to read!
4. Percy Jackson and the Titan's Curse- Rick Riordan-book #3 in the Olympians Series.
5. Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth- Rick Riordan- #4 of the Olympians Series.
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6. Percy Jackson and the Last Olympian-The 5th and final book in the Olympian Series.
7. She's So Dead To Us-Kieran Scott- This is the only Kieran Scott book on the list, although she has written 3 other books on the list under the name Kate Brian.
8. Heartless-Sara Shepard- This is the 7th installment of the Pretty Little Liars Series. Its a good series, but It is definitely aimed for younger girls (middle school aged) So I'm not going to recommend it. I enjoy the books but then again, I'll read just about any Y/A Fiction/Chicklit book.
9. Scandal-Kate Brian-probably my all time favorite book series. I give these books to EVERYONE. This is the latest book in the Private Series. I can't even tell you what number in the series it is...I think it is book #12 but I'm not sure on that. I'm so excited!
10. Sweet Deciet-Kate Brian-The 4th Book in Kate's Privilege Series, which is a spinoff of the Private Series (mentioned above). She is an amazing writer. She has the perfect mix of teenage angst, relationships, mystery, and humor and I absolutely love the books!
So, there you have it! My top 10 books...BUT the list does keep going on. These next books are ones I hope to read this year, I probably won't get to most of them but I still feel like they needed mentioning...
- Red Carpet Suicide: A Guide to Keeping Up With the Hiltons-Perez Hilton- He is vulgar and rude and I honestly don't know why I started reading it, but I did...and now I need to finish it...someday.
- Wicked-Gregory Maguire-Loved the musical, loved the soundtrack, having trouble finishing the book. I've started it 3 times and the farthest I've gotten is half way. It is good, It just doesn't hold my attention well.
- Son of a Witch-Gregory Maguire-The Sequel to Wicked. And one book I haven't even started reading yet!
- Pretties-Scott Westerfeld-The follow up to Uglies (#2 in the Uglies Series). I enjoyed the first book, but then I lost my copy of Pretties....or maybe I had to return it to the library...I don't know but something hindered me from finishing the book. Apparently I have a problem finishing books...I think at the current moment I've got 4 or 5 books on the list that I just haven't finished yet...sheesh!
- Specials-Scott Westerfeld-#3 in the Uglies Series
- Extras-Scott Westerfeld-#4 in the Uglies Series
- Ink Exchange-Melissa Marr-Evil Faries! Probably one I wouldn't read had I not already finished the first book in the seires...(Wicked Lovely #2)
- The Hunger Games-Suzanne Collins-This book came highly recommended by SEVERAL people I know. I hear it is a very good book and I can't wait to read it! I struggled with not putting this on my top 10 list.
- Killing Mr. Griffin-Lois Lowry-I read this book several years ago when I was in 8th grade and I remember loving it! I'm really looking forward to reading it again and seeing if I still think it is a good book...I've read a lot since then! Lol!
- A Voice in the Wind-Francis Rivers
- An Echo in the Darkness-Francis Rivers
- As Sure As the Dawn-Francis Rivers-All 3 of these Francis Rivers books were recommended by 3 of my cousins and then given to me in a box set. They really want me to read these books so I put them on here. I think they look pretty good but I really don't know anything about them.
And that's it! (so far!)
If you are looking for recommendations, I've always got an opinion.
- 13 Reasons Why-Jay Asher-This is a great Story that teaches us that even the little things we say or do that maybe we don't think about, can have a major impact on the lives of other people.
- She's So Dead To Us- I always try to promote Kieran's stuff. She is amazing and this book comes out later this year!
- Megan Meade's Guide to the McGowan Boys-Kate Brian-If you are a teenage girl you will love this book. I'm not a teenager but I still love it. I was a teenager when I first read it!
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series-Rick Riordan-The movie for the first book (The Lightening Thief) comes out February 12 and I simply can't wait! This is a good book for Harry Potter fans. They are a lot alike and they are small books and an easy read but very entertaining!
- Angels and Demons-Dan Brown-This is the prequel to the DaVinci Code. It is sort of a mystery/thriller/psuedo-historical treasure hunt. It is so much fun and really twists your brain! This is my favorite of all the books!
- DaVinci Code-Dan Brown- This is the most famous of Dan Brown's novels. It is very controversial, all of Dan's books are. If you are wanting to read this I would read Angels and Demons first. He wrote DaVinci Code first, but chronologically, this is the second book. I tend to like reading chronologically opposed to as-written.
- The Lost Symbol-Dan Brown-This is the latest book in the Dan Brown series. It takes place on our home terf in Washington D.C. where Professor Robert Langdon is forced to decipher the American Secrets to find his friend and mentor Peter Solomon. This was my least favorite of the 3 but I still recommend it!
- Chronicles of Narnia Series-C.S. Lewis-Brilliantly written adn fun for all ages. This is definitely a must-read for everyone.
- Harry Potter series-J.K. Rowling-I wasn't going to put these books on the list because it is sort of implied that I would recommend Harry Potter. I just love those books. Simple and Pure entertainment.
If you aren't a book person--I'm sorry but you are going to have to put up with a bunch of posts about books I've just finished....or just started...or want to start.
Okay, well....that's all for now!
-Mattie
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