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

Happy Valentines Day! (or late Valentines Day I suppose considering V-Day was yesterday) I hope everyone enjoying the Olympics! I sure am. I will say though, I greatly prefer the summer games. Speaking of summer, today I was at dinner with my mom and as I was eating I had a flashback to last summer. My brother and his girlfriend were at the house and my dad was outside cooking steaks. It was warm out, but there was a breeze so it wasn't too hot and I was sitting on the couch, the back door open to let the breeze in. My flash only lasted a few seconds but it made me realize how much I miss summer and how much I absolutely loathe the cold and snow. All I want is to be able to sit outside and be warm. I want to be in the sun and not all bundled up. I want to be able to sit on my porch with a book and read! I can't do that when everything is frozen and covered in ice! Anyway...I guess I'll just have to grin and bear it until the weather warms up again.

Quick change of subject. I finished one of my books today! I know I'm not setting record pace, but I think the fact that I started reading it yesterday is pretty good! I just finished reading "The Van Alen Legacy" by Melissa De La Cruz. It is book 4 in the Blue Bloods Series (I think). I really enjoyed the book. When I first started reading I was a little confused because I had sort of forgotten what was going on at the end of the last book. It had been awhile since I read any of the series, but I was quickly back on pace. I won't give anything away for those who might read the book in the future but I was more pleased with the outcome than I thought I would be. I don't know if this is the end of the series or if more will come later. It isn't one of those series that I keep completely up to date with. Next on my finish list (I have abandoned calling it my reading list because I'm pretty sure I've started every book on the list...I just let my ADD get the best of me and when I get bored, I put one book down and start another) is The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. I think it is the book I'm closest to finishing. I'm at the point in the book that is past where the movie ends, which surprises me that the movie ends in about the middle of the book. SO at this point I'm trying to stay focused because this isn't stuff that is in the movie. Then I will finish either Fake Boyfriend by Kate Brian or Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Titan's Curse.
Friday my good friend Ashley and I went to an afternoon showing of the newly released movie of Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightening Thief and for the first time in my life I was asked to fill out a survey based on my experience and opinions of the movie at the request of the producer. I really enjoyed that. I don't know why but as I was filling out the survey, I couldn't help but think of how cool it was! I know I know. I'm a dork. But I really did enjoy being able to give some feedback to the producers. I think Ashley had a good time as well. I've read the Lightening Thief so I had a different experience than she did. I knew what was going to happen so when we got out of the movie and the first thing she said to me was "Now I've GOT to read the books!" I was so excited! I can always count on Ashley to love all the same books and movies that I love!
Well, that's all I've got for now...oh...except for the adorable pictures of my new little cousin that I've been promising you all since January!

Now just try and tell me she isn't the cutest little girl ever!

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...

• 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

Harper Ann

Well. Today I went back to Glenpool to see the newest member of my family! Her name is Harper Ann Senn (emphasis on the "no E" part of Ann). after her great Grandmother Martha Ann Blackwood who died a year ago tomorrow. And people, let me tell you...she is the prettiest newborn EVER! Want proof? Here's the deal. They are stuck on my camera and I can't get them off yet so as for right now, I'm just going to give you the basics...but come back tomorrow and I promise her picture will be up! As for now, here are some basics.

8lbs 6oz. 20"
born 6:24 pm
full head of brown hair with blonde hilights
blue eyes


Today Harper "watched" her first OSU game...Basketball agains Baylor and OSU lost by 15 points...but never-the-less she kept her OSU bow on! She's already so smart! Lol!

She's So Dead To Us

Hey everyone. Been awhile since I've posed. I would expect another post later this week too! My cousin, Becky is having her baby today and as soon as I get home I'll post all the pictures up here! I can't wait to meet little baby Harper! But the baby-loving is for another post. This one is completely dedicated to a new book due out later this year called "She's So Dead to Us" !!! It is written by Kieran Scott, one of my favorite chick-lit writers, as well as a friend of mine! She is a really awesome woman! You should read everything of hers, including what she writes under her pen names! Check out this promo I made for her latest book!

I know the writing is small but I really hope you can read it! Check out Kieran's website at http://kieran-scott.blogspot.com/

It's HERE!

My Christmas Wish List has hit!
For those of you wondering what exactly I am itching to get my hands on this holiday season, here it is, My Wish List

Twilight Scene It (Board Game)

Airhead-Meg Cabot
Being Nikki-Meg Cabot
Paper Towns-John Green
Fragile Eternity-Melissa Marr
Geek Magnet-Kieran Scott
Plum Spooky-Janet Evanovich
Twelve Sharp-Janet Evanovich
Lean Mean Thirteen-Janet Evanovich
Fearless Fourteen-Janet Evanovich
Finger Lickin’ Fifteen-Janet Evanovich
Battle of the Labyrinth-Rick Riordan
The Last Olympian-Rick Riordan
101 Best Scenes Ever Written
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
True Bloggywood Stories-Perez Hilton
Mermaid Cookbook

ULTA
Borders
Best Buy
Target
Walmart
AMC
Old Navy
Blockbuster
Jamba Juice
Barnes and Noble
iTunes

Princess by Vera Wang
Rock Princess by Vera Wang
Flower Princess by Vera Wang
L.A.M.B by Gwen Stefani
Lola by Marc Jacobs

Tickets to Taylor Swift/Kellie Pickler at the Ford Center

Of course, I will always accept CASH.

Alladin
Angels and Demons
Butterfly Effect
Casino Royale
Cellular
Fantastic 4:Rise of the Silver Surfer
Friends Conplete series
Lion King
Meet the Parents
Mission Impossible
Mission Impossible III
Stardust
Transformers
Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen
The Fast and The Furious
2 Fast 2 Furious
Fast and Furious


Also, if you are still puzzled where to start, I will let you in on a little secret.
I have 2 separate registeries at Target.com just go to Target Lists and type in my name (Mattie Gordon) and the state (OK)! There is something for every price range! Either registery is for YOU!

Merry Chirstmas
Happy Holidays

Mattie

'Tis the Season

For New Moon:
As you may (or may not) have heard, I waited in line all afternoon and evening Thursday for the midnight release of New Moon, the second installment of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series. Heck, I even made the news! A camera man from News Channel 4 came in and filmed me and my frineds for awhile, interviewed all of us and a couple other people in line, and then, we were on the 6:00 news talking "Team Jacob" versus "Team Edward" (which Team Jacob DEFINITELY won) Then came the movie and OH. MY. GOODNESS. It was sooooo good. If you are a fan of the series, I strongly encourage you to go out and see it. It was 100x, no. 1000x, possibly even 1,000,000x better than twilight. The CGI is so much better. Chris Weitz is a genius, and let me just say, Thank you Jesus for Taylor Lautner. (PS. Beware of screaming fangirls.)

To Be Thankful:
This week is Thanksgiving so I can't miss my opportunity to get it all out here. This holiday season I am reminded of just how blessed I am to have the opportunity to grow up and live withing a commutity that is so supportive of everyone in the commutity. They have always been there to encourage me and lift me up when I'm down and they believe in me even when I don't. They stand behind me when I need support, beside me when I need a friend, and ahead of me when I need guidance.

To Remember:
A teacher, coach, and friend, Mr. John Griffis. You will be missed. I pray for the Griffis family every day. Tomorrow afternoon, we will be celebrating Mr. Griffis's life at Bethany First Church of the Nazerine at 2:00pm. If you had the blessing of knowing him, please come say goodbye and show his family your support. Also, tomorrow (monday) will also be Team Griffis day at Chick-Fil-A. Go in and tell them you are there for Coach Griffis and 15% of your purchase will go to their fund at Bethany First Church of the Nazerine, then Tuesday is Griffis Day at Papa Angelo's pizza in Bethany. But you have to tell them you are there for Coach Griffis to get the money into the fund!

To Forget:
Janet Jackson. And even though Michael was a good performer, I am sick of all the hype. Sorry.