Hi kittens! I must apologize for my lack of posts during the last three months. School took a turn for the challenging, and I needed all of my energy to be put into that. But now, thank goodness, it's summer and I'm in one piece and have time to post.
Some new obsessions: the Myers Briggs Personality Test: I'll be doing a post on this beautiful thing ASAP. It's so interesting and I love it.
The Fault in Our Stars: the movie is coming out and I have a few things to say before it hits the screen, inevitably disappointing the book fans.
All things Disney: this isn't a new one, but I have some new stuff to say.
Rock climbing: by this I mean climbing the rock walls and nets and wires at my local Y's ropes course. It's the only time the "how's the weather up there?" joke ever has been or ever will be funny to me.
How I Met Your Mother: also not a new one, but I haven't ranted about it on here yet.
Disenchantments: my home town: since coming home from college, my town is boring as ever. I love being surrounded by family and high school friends, but there are some major drawbacks to it.
Comedy and basically every movie I've seen lately: Victoria is not impressed. That is all.
Miscellaneous: I may have some stuff to say on religion, relationships, society, and just life in general. Buckle your seatbelts, kitties!
Anyway, to anyone still reading this, thanks. Hopefully there are some of you out there still.
Monday, May 26, 2014
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Long Distance and John Green
“Here’s to all the places we went. And all the places we’ll go. And here’s to me, whispering again and again and again and again: I love you.”--John Green, An Abundance of Katherines
The above quote may be typical melodramatic teenage girl of me, and for that I apologize, but I adore it so much. It is one of many John Green quotes which I carry in my heart. Read his books. All of them. I hope they melt your heart like they melt mine.
I've been in a very John Green mood as of late, likely due to my recent obsession with vlogbrothers and Mental Floss (look them up on YouTube. You won't regret it). His writing is amazing and as seen in his videos, he is a genuine, intelligent, down to earth guy, which is fantastic to see. So yeah. Check him out. He's amazing. To my fellow nerdfighters, DFTBA! (just watch the videos)
Okay. Now that my fangirling is over, let's talk. As previously discussed, I am a college freshman. I am dating my high school boyfriend, despite us going to separate colleges. We see each other about once a month, and while I understand that this might not seem like such a hardship to some, let me tell you something about long distance: it's not easy. And it never. Gets. Easier.
The Boyfriend is the first guy I've ever dated. We've been together just under a year, and it's been an amazing ride. We got together in February of our senior year of high school, and while I did have a few concerns about getting involved with someone so close to college, I decided to go for it. Throughout the remainder of the school year, people (classmates, family friends, etc.) constantly asked if we would continue the relationship in college. I never had an answer for those people, but we did end up continuing the relationship, and I am so thankful for the way it's worked out. Long distance is worth it.
When people found out The Boyfriend and I would be doing long distance, they were all overflowing with advice. Adults tended to give me the "remember, there are plenty of fish in the sea" line. My peers thought it was romantic. My grandma couldn't understand why I'd be willing to be tied to one boy. My mom seemed to have a little faith in the notion, but reminded me to be open minded. But in the never ending sea of advice, here's the thing everyone forgets to tell you about long distance: it's so freaking hard. And it never stops being hard. It never gets easier to drive away from The Boyfriend after a visit or watch him drive away. It never gets easier to say goodbye. I find myself clinging to him, not wanting to let go.
You can text constantly, talking about everything from class to bad puns to music. You can have a Skype date once a week. You can talk on the phone as you walk to your dorm from the gym at night. You can do all these things, but they will never make up for having that person there. Hearing their laugh through the phone is not the same as seeing them beside you, eyes crinkling and gasping for air as they struggle to gain control of their euphoria. Talking about a movie is not even close to watching the movie together, feeling the other person's warmth next to you. Being apart, no matter how hard you try to bridge the gap, will never be the same as having the person there.
If I'm being completely honest, taking a mature perspective on this issue, it's probably a good thing The Boyfriend and I aren't at the same school. We would spend too much time together, and we would never get anything done. We are both doing well in school, much better than we would have if we were together and constantly around each other. But long distance sucks. That's my not-so-eloquent, blunt conclusion. Long distance is awful. Sure, it allows you to explore and define yourself without the other person and see if they still fit you. It allows you to learn and grow and meet people. But nothing will ever compare to having that one person who knows you at your core with you.
To finish this post, I have one more John Green quote and the link to the Tedx talk he did.
“You can love someone so much...But you can never love people as much as you can miss them.”
And the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mUDw0sRZV0
The above quote may be typical melodramatic teenage girl of me, and for that I apologize, but I adore it so much. It is one of many John Green quotes which I carry in my heart. Read his books. All of them. I hope they melt your heart like they melt mine.
I've been in a very John Green mood as of late, likely due to my recent obsession with vlogbrothers and Mental Floss (look them up on YouTube. You won't regret it). His writing is amazing and as seen in his videos, he is a genuine, intelligent, down to earth guy, which is fantastic to see. So yeah. Check him out. He's amazing. To my fellow nerdfighters, DFTBA! (just watch the videos)
Okay. Now that my fangirling is over, let's talk. As previously discussed, I am a college freshman. I am dating my high school boyfriend, despite us going to separate colleges. We see each other about once a month, and while I understand that this might not seem like such a hardship to some, let me tell you something about long distance: it's not easy. And it never. Gets. Easier.
The Boyfriend is the first guy I've ever dated. We've been together just under a year, and it's been an amazing ride. We got together in February of our senior year of high school, and while I did have a few concerns about getting involved with someone so close to college, I decided to go for it. Throughout the remainder of the school year, people (classmates, family friends, etc.) constantly asked if we would continue the relationship in college. I never had an answer for those people, but we did end up continuing the relationship, and I am so thankful for the way it's worked out. Long distance is worth it.
When people found out The Boyfriend and I would be doing long distance, they were all overflowing with advice. Adults tended to give me the "remember, there are plenty of fish in the sea" line. My peers thought it was romantic. My grandma couldn't understand why I'd be willing to be tied to one boy. My mom seemed to have a little faith in the notion, but reminded me to be open minded. But in the never ending sea of advice, here's the thing everyone forgets to tell you about long distance: it's so freaking hard. And it never stops being hard. It never gets easier to drive away from The Boyfriend after a visit or watch him drive away. It never gets easier to say goodbye. I find myself clinging to him, not wanting to let go.
You can text constantly, talking about everything from class to bad puns to music. You can have a Skype date once a week. You can talk on the phone as you walk to your dorm from the gym at night. You can do all these things, but they will never make up for having that person there. Hearing their laugh through the phone is not the same as seeing them beside you, eyes crinkling and gasping for air as they struggle to gain control of their euphoria. Talking about a movie is not even close to watching the movie together, feeling the other person's warmth next to you. Being apart, no matter how hard you try to bridge the gap, will never be the same as having the person there.
If I'm being completely honest, taking a mature perspective on this issue, it's probably a good thing The Boyfriend and I aren't at the same school. We would spend too much time together, and we would never get anything done. We are both doing well in school, much better than we would have if we were together and constantly around each other. But long distance sucks. That's my not-so-eloquent, blunt conclusion. Long distance is awful. Sure, it allows you to explore and define yourself without the other person and see if they still fit you. It allows you to learn and grow and meet people. But nothing will ever compare to having that one person who knows you at your core with you.
To finish this post, I have one more John Green quote and the link to the Tedx talk he did.
“You can love someone so much...But you can never love people as much as you can miss them.”
And the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mUDw0sRZV0
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
New Year, New Beginning
It's New Year's Eve and the air is abuzz with resolutions, toasts to the 2013 that was, and cheers to the 2014 that will be. Everyone vows to change for the better somehow, being fitter, friendlier, and more frugal. People swear they'll live in the moment and love those around them. And while all of these vows are good and fine, people forget that the only thing which will be happening at midnight is a change on the calendar. You aren't suddenly going to get the motivation to go to the gym every day or the money to travel around the world. Life is not suddenly going to get better or easier tonight at midnight.
Resolutions themselves are not bad things. They remind us to focus on the things that are important, and that is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself. The problem arises when we forget that goals and resolutions require a little work every day, not just a promise on the first day of a new year. So, if it makes you happy, make resolutions. Make them attainable and measurable THEN WORK TOWARD THEM. All year, not just for a week or so.
This time of year, we also hear a lot of things along the lines of "2013 was great, but 2014 will be the best year yet!". Maybe. But here's the thing: if you're living your life to the fullest, every year will be the best year yet. Each year will bring new highs, making you happier than you ever thought to be possible. You will travel to new places, meet new people, make new friends. You will try new things, find new obsessions. You'll probably find a new favorite song, favorite movie, favorite book in the upcoming year. The new year will bring new victories and joys and excitements. You'll finish the year and think "wow, that was fun."
On the flip side, every year brings new lows. You'll probably cry in the next year. You'll be mad and confused and upset and lost to new degrees. But these experiences are so important to the year. These are the things that will make you stronger and will hopefully make you a better person. When you look back on the year, you'll remember the pain, but hopefully the joy will match it, if not eclipse it.
So, Happy New Year, everybody. I hope it's a great one.
Resolutions themselves are not bad things. They remind us to focus on the things that are important, and that is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself. The problem arises when we forget that goals and resolutions require a little work every day, not just a promise on the first day of a new year. So, if it makes you happy, make resolutions. Make them attainable and measurable THEN WORK TOWARD THEM. All year, not just for a week or so.
This time of year, we also hear a lot of things along the lines of "2013 was great, but 2014 will be the best year yet!". Maybe. But here's the thing: if you're living your life to the fullest, every year will be the best year yet. Each year will bring new highs, making you happier than you ever thought to be possible. You will travel to new places, meet new people, make new friends. You will try new things, find new obsessions. You'll probably find a new favorite song, favorite movie, favorite book in the upcoming year. The new year will bring new victories and joys and excitements. You'll finish the year and think "wow, that was fun."
On the flip side, every year brings new lows. You'll probably cry in the next year. You'll be mad and confused and upset and lost to new degrees. But these experiences are so important to the year. These are the things that will make you stronger and will hopefully make you a better person. When you look back on the year, you'll remember the pain, but hopefully the joy will match it, if not eclipse it.
So, Happy New Year, everybody. I hope it's a great one.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Running
Okay, to be clear, I don't intend to be so bad about neglecting my blog. It just kind of happens. But I have some great article ideas and I'm not sure where to start, so expect like four new articles in the space of four days. Yes, I am crazy. Let it go. We'll all be happier.
Anyway. I am, among many other things, a runner. I started running sporadically at fourteen when I decided that I wanted to run a marathon before turning sixteen. That didn't happen, but I did fall in love.
Nowadays, I run around three days a week, and I've logged miles with dogs, kids, my dad, my boyfriend, my suitemates, friends, and solo. Every mile may not be fast or fun, but the feeling I get from running cannot be matched.
I used to always run with either music or a buddy, and sometimes both, but in the last year or so I've ditched the music for a few reasons. There is, of course, the safety aspect: I often run at night or early in the morning, and as a girl it's safer to be able to hear everything around me. However, there is also an emotional, almost spiritual reason. Running in silence allows me to hear everything from my footfalls, to my breathing, to the world around me, and in many ways it allows me to hear my thoughts with more clarity. Running has become therapeutic for me. I'd expected that running in silence would provide me with more time to dwell on worries, overthinking my life unnecessarily, but instead it calms me like nothing else. My problems melt away, seeming much less important then before. I am able to evaluate them with a renewed strength of mind, and I finish my run feeling refreshed.
On a more abstract note, I used to look at running as if I was fleeing my problems and my life. To me, running felt like flying, and as an overemotional teenager I fell in love with the idea of flying away from everything. As I ran, I told myself that if I put in enough miles at a fast enough pace, my troubles would not be able to catch me. I now have a more positive outlook, viewing my miles as progress towards a goal. Sometimes that goal is simply to be healthier, fitter, and feeling sore the next morning. Other times the goal is a certain number of miles or a certain speed, or a race I'm training for. However, while all of these are excellent goals (I can't even describe how great it is to run farther than ever before), many of my favorite runs have been the days where I have no goal other than to feel better at the end of my run than I did at the start, or to catch up with the friends who have joined me for the day's run.
For me, running is something special. It's mine. I don't do it out of obligation to anyone or anything. I do it for me. And that's the most beautiful reason I can imagine.
Anyway. I am, among many other things, a runner. I started running sporadically at fourteen when I decided that I wanted to run a marathon before turning sixteen. That didn't happen, but I did fall in love.
Nowadays, I run around three days a week, and I've logged miles with dogs, kids, my dad, my boyfriend, my suitemates, friends, and solo. Every mile may not be fast or fun, but the feeling I get from running cannot be matched.
I used to always run with either music or a buddy, and sometimes both, but in the last year or so I've ditched the music for a few reasons. There is, of course, the safety aspect: I often run at night or early in the morning, and as a girl it's safer to be able to hear everything around me. However, there is also an emotional, almost spiritual reason. Running in silence allows me to hear everything from my footfalls, to my breathing, to the world around me, and in many ways it allows me to hear my thoughts with more clarity. Running has become therapeutic for me. I'd expected that running in silence would provide me with more time to dwell on worries, overthinking my life unnecessarily, but instead it calms me like nothing else. My problems melt away, seeming much less important then before. I am able to evaluate them with a renewed strength of mind, and I finish my run feeling refreshed.
On a more abstract note, I used to look at running as if I was fleeing my problems and my life. To me, running felt like flying, and as an overemotional teenager I fell in love with the idea of flying away from everything. As I ran, I told myself that if I put in enough miles at a fast enough pace, my troubles would not be able to catch me. I now have a more positive outlook, viewing my miles as progress towards a goal. Sometimes that goal is simply to be healthier, fitter, and feeling sore the next morning. Other times the goal is a certain number of miles or a certain speed, or a race I'm training for. However, while all of these are excellent goals (I can't even describe how great it is to run farther than ever before), many of my favorite runs have been the days where I have no goal other than to feel better at the end of my run than I did at the start, or to catch up with the friends who have joined me for the day's run.
For me, running is something special. It's mine. I don't do it out of obligation to anyone or anything. I do it for me. And that's the most beautiful reason I can imagine.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Okay, I Lied
This isn't a pithy article like I promised. It's another couple reviews. Sorry. The article will be here soon, I swear! But I thought these deserved reviews, and in all seriousness, if you look at the title of the blog, that is what it was initially intended for.
Review #1: Carrie (2013 remake)
(not mine)
I read Carrie when I was in 8th grade. It was the first Stephen King book I read. I was hooked. Carrie's story is one that many can relate to, though perhaps not on an extreme scale. However, everyone has felt bullied or hurt, and most have probably wished they could exact some form of revenge.
So, the movie. I liked it a lot. The cast was excellent. Chloe Moretz was awesome as Carrie, although I do love Sissy Spacek in the original. I thought that Julianne Moore was outstanding as Carrie's mother, somewhat better than Piper Laurie.
The plots of the two movies were essentially the same, with many scenes very closely mimicking scenes from the 1976 film. The only difference is the advanced special effects in the remake.
Overall, I was pleased.
Bottom Line: 4/5 stars.
Review #2: If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin
(not mine)
Wow. This book left me gasping. I read it in one day. I picked it up at the book store a few weeks ago because it looked interesting, but I didn't expect it to hit me as hard as it did.
This book tells a beautiful love story between two best friends, showing the way they grow up together, grow apart, and fall in love. The plot is flawless. The ending somehow shocked me, even though it is pretty much explained on the back cover.
This book pulled my heart in so many directions. The characters are wonderful. They have flaws and strengths like real people, and I truly cared about all of them. The narration is also great; it pulled me in immediately.
This one almost made me cry, guys. It was outstanding.
Bottom Line: 4.99/5 stars. (there are some grammatical errors that bothered me)
Monday, November 4, 2013
I Freaking Love Tim Burton
Yes, I know I promised a longer article with more content, but a friend showed me Corpse Bride last night and I kind of loved it, so I'm reviewing it today. The long article is still coming, I promise!
(not mine)
So anyway, I have always adored Tim Burton. Nightmare Before Christmas is one of my all time favorites, as is Edward Scissorhands. Something about Burton's dark, artsy style is absolutely beautiful to me, and Corpse Bride featured all of the things I love. To start with, the music was written by Danny Elfman, which is always fabulous, and there are also some excellent piano pieces in this movie. I have vowed to learn them as soon as I have access to a piano.
Also, there is the cast, featuring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter, two of my favorite actors. Even in voice acting, they are excellent.
The animation is beautiful, with the darkness of the land of the living contrasting with the colors of death. I liked the symbolism as well as the distinctive "Burton" elements seen throughout.
The story is also lovely; a sad dark love story that somehow left me smiling in the end.
Bottom Line: Watch it. 5/5 stars.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Some Album Reviews and an Apology
So, um, it's been awhile. Like a little over a month. Oops. With midterms and whatnot it's been hard to find time to write. But anyway, I'm sorry. Forgive me?
Today I'm just posting a couple quick album reviews, but I'll be posting a longer, pithier article ASAP, hopefully in the next few days. Anyway, don't forget me yet.
Today I'm just posting a couple quick album reviews, but I'll be posting a longer, pithier article ASAP, hopefully in the next few days. Anyway, don't forget me yet.
Album 1: "Monsters in the Closet" by Mayday Parade
(not mine, obviously)
Mayday Parade is one of my favorite bands and I wasn't disappointed with this album. Sure, there are a couple lackluster songs with simplistic lyrics and excessively poppy elements (I'm looking at you, "Ghosts"), but the overall awesomeness of the other songs more than compensate. My favorite is "Angels" with its amazingly lovely story. I'm not too sappy, but this song speaks to my soft side. Some other favorites are "Sorry Not Sorry" and "Even Robots Need Blankets". Mayday Parade is pop punk to the core and I greatly enjoy it.
Bottom Line: 4/5 stars.
Album 2: "Don't Panic: It's Longer Now!" by All Time Low
(also not mine)
All Time Low is another favorite of mine, and I have always adored "Don't Panic". The bonus tracks on this version are pretty good, although I'm not left speechless by any of them. If you're interested, check out "Me Without You (All I Ever Wanted)". In actuality, my favorite parts of this album are the acoustic versions of previously existing songs. "Backseat Serenade" and "Somewhere in Neverland" have always been among my favorites, and the acoustic versions are superb.
Bottom Line: 4/5 stars (if you're into bonus albums).
Album 3: "Ocean Avenue (Acoustic)" by Yellowcard
(not mine)
So, this album is just an acoustic remake of their album, "Ocean Avenue". However, if you're a fan of acoustic albums, as I am, I highly recommend this one. The violin plays a large role, and it's great. "Back Home", "Twenty Three" and "One Year Six Months" are my favorite. Check them out!
Bottom Line: 4.2/5 stars (if you like that sort of thing).
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