If I could get a wish granted from the Make a Wish Foundation I would totally reconstruct the chocolate room from Willie Wonka and the Chocolate factory. I love the flower tea cup he eats, the creamy mushroom things, the bouncy balls with jelly in the middle, and the chocolate river. Except I would make it the chocolate river from the new movie, because it doesn't look like blood.
Moving on, this week has been busy. He estado muy ocupada. But it's good to be busy, except that I can't possibly put forth my best efforts. I hate turning in papers that don't get my full attention. Work is great. The Elder's I teach are hilarious, but I try to keep them focussed. I just feel like I have no time for anything. Friday is supposed to be my day off, but I did have to go into work for a little bit. Then I went to a movie with some friends. A guy asked me out to go to the BYU game on Saturday, and I had to turn him down because I work on Saturday evenings. Sad! Last night we went to Rancheritos and that leftover chimichanga was great after church. Though it's having some interesting affects on my system, if you know what I mean.
We're doing a poetry section in my literary criticism class and I found a poem that I have read before, but this time I really liked it. I can't even tell you why for sure. Anyway, here is a poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson.
The Eagle
He clasps the crag with crooked hands;
Close to the sun in lonely lands,
Ringed with the azure world, he stands.
The wrinkled sea beneath him crawls;
He watches from his mountain walls,
And like a thunderbolt he falls.
Well, that's probably the most pointless, random post I've ever written. Hope you didn't fall asleep.
REVIEW~
Emily Bronte
Wuthering Heights
I got really into this book. I've heard people say that this is a harder read than Jane Eyre (written by her sister), but I don't agree with that. I didn't think it was that difficult. I thought it was disturbing and horrifying, and yet there's something about it I just love. If any of you have read this book, I would love to hear what you think about it. Either way, go Emily!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
I Bless the Rains Down in Africa
I love Toto, thus the title of this blog. I'm currently enjoying one of the best songs, I think, ever made. Haha. "It's going to take a lot to take me away from you, there's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do. I bless the rains down in Africa." Maybe I don't quite get that last line, but I still love it. I'm sure it's something profound. If you have any idea, enlighten me.
So my date went well. We went to his work barbecue and it was fun. There was a raffle and I won a $5 gift card to subway. YUM! And then we went to Bridal veil falls and hiked up to the falls and just talked by the mistiness. And then we went back to his apartment and he showed me some photography he's done. He had a flag football game to go to, so it ended early, but I appreciated that. I hate when guys feel like they have to drag out dates. When it's done, it's done. It doesn't have to go till midnight or later. So then I went to Kat's house and we chatted. And then I went to my old mission companions place and we hung out with some people. It was a ghetto-American party, that's what they called it. Basically we sat around talking about ghetto moments from our missions with rap playing in the background. But it was fun.
Today I had my first tennis experience. My roommate plays and she knows I like sports (even though I'm not very good at most of them) and so she wanted to teach me to play tennis. I thought, "Piece of CAKE. How hard can tennis be?" Boy was I humbled! It was a complete disaster. I kept wanting to hold the racket like a baseball bat. Anytime I tried to back swing it, on my left side, I missed it. Every time I hit with my right hand, I sent it flying. It was chaos. Anarchy. I was out of control. I sent two balls over a fence and we couldn't get them back. My poor roomie was so patient, but the whole time we played I just didn't improve. I had fun, I was laughing ridiculously the whole time. So my new goal is to keep playing and eventually be able to hit the ball with good tennis technique.
Scott Westerfeld
The Midnighters
The Peeps
I read The Uglies by Westerfeld and I really enjoyed it. So I decided to read some of his other books. I like the way he writes, but didn't particularly love these books. The Midnighters is a series and I only read the first book, and the fact that I'm not rushing out to find the sequels should tell you something. It was interesting and fun (I almost think every book is interesting and fun) but a little hard to believe in the world he created. The Peeps is a twisted vampire book, and I actually liked his take on it. However, it could get skanky and I didn't appreciate the language. When profanity enhances the characters of the book and helps me understand them better I can understand it, I don't like it, but I can handle it. But I felt the swearing, etc. of this book was just thrown in there for the sake of swearing, etc. Therefore, I didn't like it. I don't really recommend The Peeps, even though it is interesting.
So my date went well. We went to his work barbecue and it was fun. There was a raffle and I won a $5 gift card to subway. YUM! And then we went to Bridal veil falls and hiked up to the falls and just talked by the mistiness. And then we went back to his apartment and he showed me some photography he's done. He had a flag football game to go to, so it ended early, but I appreciated that. I hate when guys feel like they have to drag out dates. When it's done, it's done. It doesn't have to go till midnight or later. So then I went to Kat's house and we chatted. And then I went to my old mission companions place and we hung out with some people. It was a ghetto-American party, that's what they called it. Basically we sat around talking about ghetto moments from our missions with rap playing in the background. But it was fun.
Today I had my first tennis experience. My roommate plays and she knows I like sports (even though I'm not very good at most of them) and so she wanted to teach me to play tennis. I thought, "Piece of CAKE. How hard can tennis be?" Boy was I humbled! It was a complete disaster. I kept wanting to hold the racket like a baseball bat. Anytime I tried to back swing it, on my left side, I missed it. Every time I hit with my right hand, I sent it flying. It was chaos. Anarchy. I was out of control. I sent two balls over a fence and we couldn't get them back. My poor roomie was so patient, but the whole time we played I just didn't improve. I had fun, I was laughing ridiculously the whole time. So my new goal is to keep playing and eventually be able to hit the ball with good tennis technique.
Scott Westerfeld
The Midnighters
The Peeps
I read The Uglies by Westerfeld and I really enjoyed it. So I decided to read some of his other books. I like the way he writes, but didn't particularly love these books. The Midnighters is a series and I only read the first book, and the fact that I'm not rushing out to find the sequels should tell you something. It was interesting and fun (I almost think every book is interesting and fun) but a little hard to believe in the world he created. The Peeps is a twisted vampire book, and I actually liked his take on it. However, it could get skanky and I didn't appreciate the language. When profanity enhances the characters of the book and helps me understand them better I can understand it, I don't like it, but I can handle it. But I felt the swearing, etc. of this book was just thrown in there for the sake of swearing, etc. Therefore, I didn't like it. I don't really recommend The Peeps, even though it is interesting.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Dios contesta las oraciones!
Yesterday (Wednesday) was another hard day. I was tired the whole day and had three classes and then worked for a few hours. I love teaching, but sometimes those Elders act like exactly what they are, 19-year-old boys. Haha. Anyway, so I was exhausted and still had homework to do, and I felt overwhelmed with everything going on. So my roomies and I went and got frozen yogurt at a place called Spoon Me (hmm....) and then I had a much needed conversation with my parents. I was doing my Spanish homework when all of a sudden my roomie comes in and tells me I have a visitor. I go out and this guy from my ward randomly asks me out for Friday. He's pretty cute too. I was still in shock when I went to my room and finished my homework. Then I checked my email before I went to bed and saw the most glorious thing ever, an email from a stranger telling me she'd found my scriptures! Instead of my day going from bad to worse, it went from bad to better to amazing. God answers prayers, I know it! So today I'm going to get my scriptures and everything will be how it should be. For now. Haha.
Alison McGhee
Shadow Baby
I think one of my favorite people in the world thought this book was boring. Which disappointed me because when I love a book, I love to hear that other people love it. And I really value this person's opinion. I finally just had to come to terms with the fact that I may not always agree with this person. If you're reading this, you know who you are and you know I still love you! I really liked this book. It's contemporary and realistic fiction. I tried to read it before the mission and didn't get very far. But I buckled down and read it and I just really like the young female protagonist. She's very likable and reminds me a lot of Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird. I think it's a funny book with some interesting themes. I can't say it's one of my favorites, but I really liked it.
That's all folks. Oh, but to clarify above, I wasn't praying for a date. I was praying to find my scriptures -- that's how God answered my prayers. OK, that's all.
Alyson June
Alison McGhee
Shadow Baby
I think one of my favorite people in the world thought this book was boring. Which disappointed me because when I love a book, I love to hear that other people love it. And I really value this person's opinion. I finally just had to come to terms with the fact that I may not always agree with this person. If you're reading this, you know who you are and you know I still love you! I really liked this book. It's contemporary and realistic fiction. I tried to read it before the mission and didn't get very far. But I buckled down and read it and I just really like the young female protagonist. She's very likable and reminds me a lot of Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird. I think it's a funny book with some interesting themes. I can't say it's one of my favorites, but I really liked it.
That's all folks. Oh, but to clarify above, I wasn't praying for a date. I was praying to find my scriptures -- that's how God answered my prayers. OK, that's all.
Alyson June
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Lameness, etc.
I've been working at the MTC for a week now. I really enjoy it. I love working with missionaries. It's a dream come true for me. But Thursday was a rough day. Between school and work I was running around like crazy; I went from school to work three different times and didn't have to stop and eat or pee or breathe! At about eight o'clock I was finally going home. I put my scriptures on top of my car (because my hands were full) and opened the door and drove off. I got home and then realized I had left my scriptures on top of the car. I drove back to the MTC and searched around, but they were nowhere to be seen. I called the lost and found (and have done so for the past few days) without luck, and then I lost it. I sobbed. That quad is very important to me, it has a lot of memories from my mission. I feel like an idiot for having done that. Do me a favor, will you? Pray that I'll get those scriptures back. Someone grabbed them, so they have to be somewhere.
On another note, I just made green sauce and I loved it. I made a delicious pasta salad with fresh veggies and grilled chicken, on top of which I poured the amazing GREEN SAUCE!
For those of you interested in this tangy sauce that makes salads, pasta, veggies, and almost everything better, here is the recipe:
1C. oil (I like extra virgin, but it's more expensive and other kind will work fine), 1C Apple Cider Vinegar, 1Cup sugar, a bunch of chopped green onions (I'm not sure of the exact amount, I just guess, but it's about half of the bunch you would buy in the produce section at walmart) a pinch or two of salt, and a tablespoon of mustard. Blend it all together and be prepared to be amazed. Oh, and be prepared to have stinky breath.
I am going to change my blog name. This is just too boring. I'm thinking of East of Eureka or something. Because Provo is kind of east of the city of Eureka, also because I love East of Eden. Maybe something Spanish like, La Lechuga de mi Ensalada. JAJAJA! Anyway, I'm not sure. Maybe something to do with Shamu, because I love Sea World so much.
On yet another note, here's a book review.
Robyn Mckinley
Beauty
I think this is a cute take on Beauty and the Beast. This is the only book I've read by Mckinley, and I think I'll have to read more of her books in the future. Though fairly predictable (come on, we all know the story of Beauty and the Beast), the entire book is enchanting and the characters are really likable. I recommend this book to fairytale lovers like me.
Off to do my beloved homework. Adios!
On another note, I just made green sauce and I loved it. I made a delicious pasta salad with fresh veggies and grilled chicken, on top of which I poured the amazing GREEN SAUCE!
For those of you interested in this tangy sauce that makes salads, pasta, veggies, and almost everything better, here is the recipe:
1C. oil (I like extra virgin, but it's more expensive and other kind will work fine), 1C Apple Cider Vinegar, 1Cup sugar, a bunch of chopped green onions (I'm not sure of the exact amount, I just guess, but it's about half of the bunch you would buy in the produce section at walmart) a pinch or two of salt, and a tablespoon of mustard. Blend it all together and be prepared to be amazed. Oh, and be prepared to have stinky breath.
I am going to change my blog name. This is just too boring. I'm thinking of East of Eureka or something. Because Provo is kind of east of the city of Eureka, also because I love East of Eden. Maybe something Spanish like, La Lechuga de mi Ensalada. JAJAJA! Anyway, I'm not sure. Maybe something to do with Shamu, because I love Sea World so much.
On yet another note, here's a book review.
Robyn Mckinley
Beauty
I think this is a cute take on Beauty and the Beast. This is the only book I've read by Mckinley, and I think I'll have to read more of her books in the future. Though fairly predictable (come on, we all know the story of Beauty and the Beast), the entire book is enchanting and the characters are really likable. I recommend this book to fairytale lovers like me.
Off to do my beloved homework. Adios!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Brief Review
John Steinbeck
East of Eden
I've never been a huge fan of Steinbeck. I don't know why, but Grapes of Wrath just kind of turned me off. But my frister (friends/sister) Nina suggested I read it. So I did, and I absolutely loved it! Steinbeck still keeps with the detailed descriptions of the landscape and so on, but this book may be the best book I've ever read. For me, books are all about characters. Some may say East of Eden is slow, but the characters drive the book. The ending is very satisfying, and the repeating motif's make this an excellent read. I loved it! The content can be a little grown-up and there's some language, so I don't recommend it to everyone. But just know that I loved it and I'm not ashamed to say so. Thank you Nina for introducing me to this amazing book.
I also have to do a review for Slumdog Millionaire. I saw it on the BYU campus at International Cinema and it was AMAZING! I loved it. The soundtrack is amazing. Basically, it's all amazing!
East of Eden
I've never been a huge fan of Steinbeck. I don't know why, but Grapes of Wrath just kind of turned me off. But my frister (friends/sister) Nina suggested I read it. So I did, and I absolutely loved it! Steinbeck still keeps with the detailed descriptions of the landscape and so on, but this book may be the best book I've ever read. For me, books are all about characters. Some may say East of Eden is slow, but the characters drive the book. The ending is very satisfying, and the repeating motif's make this an excellent read. I loved it! The content can be a little grown-up and there's some language, so I don't recommend it to everyone. But just know that I loved it and I'm not ashamed to say so. Thank you Nina for introducing me to this amazing book.
I also have to do a review for Slumdog Millionaire. I saw it on the BYU campus at International Cinema and it was AMAZING! I loved it. The soundtrack is amazing. Basically, it's all amazing!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Stressful life
I know nobody is viewing my blog. But I'm going to continue updating it anyway. OK, so yeah, my life is stressful and it's only the second week of school. Each of my classes assigns homework every day, and it's a horrible feeling when it seems I'm already falling behind. On top of which, I got a job. I'm a Spanish teacher at the MTC. I'm very happy about this job, even though I have to work Saturday nights (bleh!), and it's basically a dream come true working with missionaries again. I interviewed for the third time on Friday, they called me Friday night to tell me I got the job, and then I was hired on Saturday. Monday and Tuesday were all about arranging my schedule for the semester, and I had a little bit of training, and then I was just thrown into it, not really knowing what to do. Yes, I was a missionary, but I still don't know what I'm doing -- there are tons of ins and outs, rules, etc. that I don't know and will basically just have to learn as I go. So today I received my first district of missionaries. They are all Elders and there are 11 of them! So the classroom is really full and squished and stuffy. And I'm trying to pretend like I know what I'm doing. I was way nervous, but it's going well, so far. I can't believe I served a mission, it seems like a dream. And I can't believe I'm being paid to teach missionaries. Wow!
Book REVIEW! YAY!
James Dashner
The Maze Runner
The 13th Reality: The Journal of Curious Letters
I have this thing where if I find a book I like, I look for other books by the same author and then read those -- most of the time, books from the same author become kind of blurred in my head because, while the stories are different, the voice and style are basically the same. However, it is not that way with these books. Both books are so different that I have to separate them to do them justice. The Maze Runner was great! I absolutely loved it. It took me by surprise because I was thinking something fantastical and predictable. But despite the fact that this book has created an alternative future, it was believable, which is what drew me in. I enjoyed the characters and the mystery of it all. The overall theme is dark, but it doesn't cross the line into disturbing. The futuristic feel puts this book in the category of Hunger Games, The Uglies, and (dare I say it?) Ender's Game. Basically I love post-apocalyptic books. You can throw The Giver in there as well. Some people may not agree on the literary merit of some of these books, but I loved them all.
On another note, 12-year-olds will love the 13th Reality book (which I believe has a sequel I haven't read yet). In attempting to put myself in the mind of a pre-teen, I also enjoyed the book. The only issue I have is that it's supposed to be science fiction, with all of the bizarre things having a scientific explanation, but I couldn't stop thinking of it on more of a fantasy level. All of the quantum physics explanations seemed dull and unrealistic. Although, admittedly, I know little of science to be able to validate my opinion. The story and characters would seem more real, to me, if it's genre was fantasy and not sci-fi. I can't explain further without spoiling something. Either way, it's fun. Yep.
Book REVIEW! YAY!
James Dashner
The Maze Runner
The 13th Reality: The Journal of Curious Letters
I have this thing where if I find a book I like, I look for other books by the same author and then read those -- most of the time, books from the same author become kind of blurred in my head because, while the stories are different, the voice and style are basically the same. However, it is not that way with these books. Both books are so different that I have to separate them to do them justice. The Maze Runner was great! I absolutely loved it. It took me by surprise because I was thinking something fantastical and predictable. But despite the fact that this book has created an alternative future, it was believable, which is what drew me in. I enjoyed the characters and the mystery of it all. The overall theme is dark, but it doesn't cross the line into disturbing. The futuristic feel puts this book in the category of Hunger Games, The Uglies, and (dare I say it?) Ender's Game. Basically I love post-apocalyptic books. You can throw The Giver in there as well. Some people may not agree on the literary merit of some of these books, but I loved them all.
On another note, 12-year-olds will love the 13th Reality book (which I believe has a sequel I haven't read yet). In attempting to put myself in the mind of a pre-teen, I also enjoyed the book. The only issue I have is that it's supposed to be science fiction, with all of the bizarre things having a scientific explanation, but I couldn't stop thinking of it on more of a fantasy level. All of the quantum physics explanations seemed dull and unrealistic. Although, admittedly, I know little of science to be able to validate my opinion. The story and characters would seem more real, to me, if it's genre was fantasy and not sci-fi. I can't explain further without spoiling something. Either way, it's fun. Yep.
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